Gulf Coast Associates' Blog: Local SW Florida

The January thru September real estate market statistics for both Pelican Landing home and condominium sales are listed below. Pelican Landing is an upscale gated golf community with excellent amenities that is considered one of Bonita Springs' premier communities.

Pelican Landing Home Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

•  32 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $749,028
• Average Days on Market - 185
• Price/Sq. Foot - $288.27

Pelican Landing Condominium Sales Jan-Sept 2007:

• 25 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $361,812
• Average Days on Market - 124
• Price/Sq. Foot - $194.28

In comparison with 2006 sales data, for this same time period, we've seen a 18% decrease in the average price for homes and a 15% decrease in the average…

I first met Dean-O Hicks when I moved to Bonita Springs in 1998. He was running Master Bait and Tackle shop at the time and more than a few old timers said he was the man to see for anyone wanting to learn about fishing here in Southwest Florida. Being from the Midwest, I was well versed in fresh water angling techniques but had no idea what to do when it came to fishing in salt water.

All I can say about Dean is that he didn't know me from the next guy, but he never hesitated when I asked if he could help. Over the course of about a month he spent quite a few hours of his own time teaching me the ropes. He was patient, funny and kind. What struck me most about him, other than his wealth of knowledge, was his passion for the sport and his willingness to…

The mid year city of Ft. Myers Beach real estate sales statistics for both homes and condominiums are listed below. Ft. Myers Beach is located on Estero Island and is the "happening" locale on Southwest Florida's Lee Island Coast. Crossing the Sky Bridge from Ft. Myers lands you smack in the middle of Times Square amid the gaily painted storefronts, beach shops, and outdoor dining - it's where everyone meets and all the action happens.

Ft. Myers Beach offers every amenity you can imagine- from seven miles of wide sandy beaches, golf, boating, fishing and more than anything else - relaxing. The Beach, as its known, is eclectic and diverse. It draws visitors from all over the world and you'll find all sorts of folks from generations of families to Easter…

The mid year real estate market statistics for Bonita Bay home and condominium sales are listed below. Bonita Bay is Bonita Springs premier gated community and is a highly sought after place to live. Encompassing 2,400 acres, Bonita Bay is also the flagship community of the Bonita Bay Group here in Southwest Florida. More than half the community is devoted to open space, including three Arthur Hills-designed golf courses and 12 miles of biking and walking paths. Golf club members also have access to two Tom Fazio courses at Bonita Bay Club East. Located on more than 1,000 acres of Cypress wetlands, there will be no residences permitted at Club East and these courses are enclosed by natural Florida surroundings providing a pure golfing experience.

In…

The next six weeks are one of our favorite times of the year here in Southwest Florida. Tourist season is winding down, kids are back in school, and winter residents won't start flocking in until October. The down time from all the hustle and bustle is always welcome. And, we have the Labor Day weekend to enjoy too.

Like most people who live in Florida, we are avid outdoor enthusiasts. Boating, fishing, trekking. You name it and we jump at the chance to enjoy the beauty of our area. We usually head up to St. Petersburg for the last big weekend of the summer. There's always something happening at Vinoy Park downtown by the Pier and we invariably take a day and head out to Ft. De Soto. It is the largest park in Pinellas County and consists of five…

The mid year real estate market statistics for both Lely Resort home and condominium sales are listed below. Lely Resort is one of Naples' premier gated communities. Encompassing 3,000 acres of lakes and preserves, it is truly a sought after place to live by those seeking a respite from the stress of everyday life.

Lely Resort is an amenity rich, sophisticated and luxurious style of living conveniently located near Naples’ beaches, 5th Avenue shopping, and exquisite dining experiences. The development offers a variety of single family homes, villas and condos, most with stunning golf and water views.

The community also offers 54 holes of truly championship golf designed by Robert Trent Jones, Lee Trevino and Gary Player and features the completely…

We had a loan application appointment this last weekend with a nice couple out in Golden Gate Estates. Knowing their location (east of Naples) was close to the Fakahatchee Strand State Park, I decided to tag along as getting out into the Everglades is one of my favorite things to do. It was an early morning appointment, so I had a chance to enjoy the beauty of the place before it got too hot. On the drive back, we noticed the signs for Ave Maria and decided it was about time for us to check out Southwest Florida's newest town.

Ave Maria is the brain child of Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino's Pizza and the Chancellor of Ave Maria University. His conception of having the first Catholic University built since Sacred Heart in 1963 has finally come to…

The mid year Bonita Springs real estate sales statistics for both homes and condominiums are listed below. Bonita Springs, known as the "Gateway to the Gulf" is one of Southwest Florida's fastest growing coastal cities. Lifestyle options are endless and its central location between Ft. Myers and Naples make it a most desirable destination. While its growth has been prolific, the city still has that small town charm with an exceptional quality of life.

Bonita Springs Home Sales Jan-Jun 2007:

• 280 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $725,099
• Average Days on Market - 182
• Price/Sq. Foot - $273.25

Bonita Springs Condominium Sales Jan-Jun 2007:

• 267 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $435,647
• Average Days on Market - 191
…