Florida real estate sales continued to show strength throughout the state in July. In fact, for the first time in two years, statewide single family existing home sales increased year over year in July.

The numbers are quite amazing considering most of the national media pundits would have you believe the State’s housing market has fallen off a cliff. The reality is anything but gloom and doom. Savvy retirees, bargain hunters and international buyers are all recognizing that their opportunity to grab an affordable slice of the Florida lifestyle is happening right now.

Here’s a review of some of the numbers:

• July’s existing single family home sales grew by 80% year over year in the Ft. Myers - Cape Coral area. Condos sales grew by 35%. The median single family home price dropped 13% to $154,900 and the condo median price dropped 9% to $210,400.
• Naples area home sales of properties less than $300,000 accounted for nearly half of all the transactions and were up 15% year over year. Overall sales grew 31% in July and the single family median home price fell to $275,000, down $110,000 in the last six months.
• Punta Gorda saw an 8% rise in year over year sales in July. Median home prices dropped 21% to $141,800 from July 2007.
• The St. Petersburg and Clearwater area saw a 5% increase in sales in July and the median home price dropped to $176,500.
• Bonita Springs existing homes sales grew 85% in July. Condo sales grew by 44%. The median home price fell to $367,500 and the condo median dropped to $297,500.
• The Sarasota and Bradenton area was the only major market that saw a decline in sales. Single family home sales declined 8% year over year in July. The median home price fell to $230,100.

In addition to the increased sales numbers, inventories also are starting to decline. In many cases, it is becoming harder to find the number and variety of properties that where available just a few months ago.

So, if you’re looking for that dream vacation home or condo you’ve always wanted now is the time to take advantage of what Southwest Florida has to offer. The bottom line is simple, the Southwest Florida real estate market is moving quite nicely once again.

Tags: Florida, real estate, sales