In the first half of 2009, the Cape Coral and Ft. Myers area took the number two spot in the nation for foreclosure related filings. Naples faired a little better, coming in at number twelve. Total filings were 25,926 for Cape Coral-Ft. Myers and 6,990 for Naples. The rankings were based on default notices, auction sales and bank repossessions.

Tags: foreclosures, real estate, sales, SW Florida

The January thru June Bonita Springs real estate market 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 Real Estate Sales Data

Bonita Springs Homes Sales January-June 2009*:

• 434 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $348,404
• Median Sales Price - $260,000
• Average Days on Market - 146
• Average Sales Price/Square Ft. - $143.44

Tags: real estate, sales, SW Florida

For the second month in a row, Florida existing home and condominium sales rose on a year over year basis in October. Thirteen of Florida’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased sales of existing homes; nine also showed gains in condo sales, marking the fourth month in a row that a large number of markets have noted higher sales activity. Pending sales were also up again in many markets indicating stabilization continues to take hold in many areas.

Statewide, sales of existing single-family homes totaled 10,443, up 15% year over year. Existing condominium sales in October totaled 2,956 statewide and were up 5% from a year ago. Falling property prices continue to be the impetus for the increase in sales. The median home price fell 24% to $169,700 and the median condo price fell 23% to $147,600. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.

Tags: Florida, real estate, sales

The January thru September Bonita Bay real estate market statistics for both homes 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.

Bonita Bay Sales Data

Bonita Bay Home Sales January-September 2008*:

• 50 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $1,255,190
• Median Sales Price - $940,000
• Average Days on Market - 208
• Average Sales Price Price/Square Foot - $336.34

Tags: real estate, sales

The January thru September Naples real estate market statistics for both home and condominium sales are listed below. Naples, known as the “Crown Jewel” of SW Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a truly cosmopolitan, quaint, and cultural city that has transformed itself into a dynamic international and world renown destination.

Naples is also the jumping off point to the Everglades, Ten Thousand Islands and the Big Cypress National Preserve, all of which are perfect places for photography, bird watching, and where alligators roam, and ghost orchids hide. This is where you can enjoy outstanding outdoor sports, such as fishing, trekking or canoeing. And don’t forget, Naples’ famed beaches offer miles upon miles of white sandy havens where you can spend hours doing nothing more than just relaxing.

Tags: real estate, sales, SW Florida

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is using advancements in digital mapping technology to redefine the country’s flood zones. As a result, many homeowners are being required to buy flood insurance for the first time, while others who have had coverage for years are being cleared to drop their flood policies altogether.

The changes are occurring as part of a multiyear plan by FEMA to digitize its Flood Insurance Rate Maps to make them more accurate. The process began in 2003 and FEMA is projecting that 65% of the land in the country (92% of the population) will be covered by the new high-tech maps by 2010. According to FEMA officials, the accuracy of the new mapping technology has vastly improved and allows for more precise information to be used in determining special flood-hazard areas.

Tags: FEMA, homeowner insurance, mortgages, real estate

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released its annual consumer survey for home buyers and home sellers today. The results were generated from 10,053 usable responses NAR received from a national sample of 133,000 home buyers and sellers who purchased their homes between July 2007 and June 2008. (BenjaminDona.gooruze.com)

Here are what we consider to be some important highlights from the results:

Home Buyers

• The number of first-time buyers continues to rise. They made 41% of the transactions, up from 39% in 2007 and 36% in 2006. Their median age was 30 and their median income was $60,600. The typical first-time buyer purchased a home costing $165,000 and plans to stay in that home for 10 years. Their median home down payment was 4% and 92% chose to use a fixed rate mortgage home loan to finance their purchase.

Tags: real estate