From the Editor

Coldwell banker realtor beth brown has lived in

Naples for 29 years, and she says she's never seen such an ideal buyers' market. She says it's even better than when the market was hot in 2005. "There are lots of choices and people are more willing to negotiate," she says. "I don't remember a time that's been so good for buyers."

Even in such an optimal environment, purchasing in Southwest Florida takes diligence and an understanding of what's going on in our unique market with all the deals, the steals and the added costs of owning in paradise.

In Fort Myers alone, 13,000 single-family homes are for sale, says John R. Wood realtor Linda Mansfield, and there are likely just as many condos on the market, too. That's a lot of product for sale, and "it's going to take some time for that to be absorbed," Mansfield says. In the meantime, you'll find lots of good incentives from builders with new construction, and more wiggle room with anxious sellers. "The market is adjusting now," Mansfield says. "The buyers will be here, but they will see that sellers aren't giving things away."

Brown says the abundance of inventory has caused some prices to drop 20 to 30 percent, and with interest rates staying historically low for the moment, now's the time to act rather than waiting for prices to drop further.

"If interest rates rise one point and you multiply that over 30 years, is it worth seeing if the market is going to go down another 5 percent?" she says. "You're going to lose more in the long run if you wait."

Once your numbers jibe, it's time to get smart about homeowner's insurance in Florida. Reaching what some have called a crisis level, policies have jumped threefold for some, and others have been cancelled or not issued in the first place. In the past, insurance may have been a simple add on at the closing table, but Mansfield says it's better to go in knowing what you're up against. "Your No. 1 priority should be your insurance, so you're not surprised. Plain and simple, it's one of the biggest challenges in making a purchase."

A local group, Fighting Against Insurance Rates (FAIR), is getting face time with legislators in efforts to reform the state's insurance system. To check out their efforts, visit www.fairforcollier.wordpress.com.

Now that you're serious about starting your new-home search, be sure to use the best resources. This magazine offers an in-depth look at the neighborhoods from Everglades City to North Fort Myers (starting on p. 24). Plus, you'll find a comprehensive list of new communities (starting on

p. 106). Also, check out our Web site, www.florida-homebuyer.com, where you'll find our sister publications in Tampa Bay, Sarasota, Orlando and Jacksonville, with exclusive information on new communities, schools, local builders and much more.

-Shellie Benson