Stefan Andreev
From the Editor
More Options Than Ever
During the past month, our fax machine at Gulfshore Life’s Homebuyer got more action than it’s seen in a while. Day after day, the little facsimile engine would wind itself up as scores of updates to our community listings for Lee and Collier counties came rolling off its printer. Don’t be fooled by the market slowdown everyone is chattering about—sales might be down, but the building continues. The truth is, while there are more options than ever out there, this publication—along with our newly redesigned Web site—has the most comprehensive list of up-to-date information about new and soon-to-be-built communities.
Sifting through these updates, we get a sneak peek at what’s coming on the market, such as the handful of mixed-use properties that combine commercial, retail and residential (like The Strada at Mercato in north Naples and First Street Village in Fort Myers’ River District), new waterfront residences (check out Aqua next to Pelican Isle Yacht Club) and entire new towns with mid-point home prices (see Ave Maria in east Collier County).
And developers are pulling out all the stops when it comes to amenities. Rooftop gardens, WiFi coffee shops, massage rooms, private theaters, guest suites, celebrity-designed golf courses and concierge services are just some of the add-ons you can find in many communities.
It is nearly impossible not to notice the most marked change to our community listings: the prices. If you’ve heard that they’re dropping, you’ve heard right. During production of our Winter 2007 issue, I noticed sporadic dips in home prices; but this time around, many developers lowered the starting figures, especially for homes in the $300,000 to $500,000 range. You’ll find single-family homes in Lehigh Acres starting $20,000 lower, condos in Estero that have dropped $50,000 and country club homes in Naples offered at $100,000 less.
At this time last year, you couldn’t find a home for less than $300,000. Now there are several communities offering homes starting in the high $100,000s and low $200,000s. However, the higher-end of the price range in many communities crept up a bit for the larger lots, more square footage and top-of-the-line amenities.
If you’re in the market for an existing resale home, you’re in luck there, too. I’ve had my eye on a Naples Park 2003 three-bedroom single-family home listed with Amerivest’s Eydie Heller and Bob Chapman. The listing, which they’ve had for eight months, started at $524,000 and has dropped in increments over the months. At press time it was priced at $399,990.
“She’s a super motivated seller,” Chapman says. “It is absolutely a buyer’s market; all the ingredients are there, and you can get a great deal.”
So whether you’re looking for the first home for your young family or your tropical winter retreat, you’re sure to find a price range and lifestyle to meet your needs. Be sure to take along our new pull-out map on p. 97 when you’re searching for your new home, and check out our Web site, www.florida-homebuyer.com, for continually updated information on local communities.
Sifting through these updates, we get a sneak peek at what’s coming on the market, such as the handful of mixed-use properties that combine commercial, retail and residential (like The Strada at Mercato in north Naples and First Street Village in Fort Myers’ River District), new waterfront residences (check out Aqua next to Pelican Isle Yacht Club) and entire new towns with mid-point home prices (see Ave Maria in east Collier County).
And developers are pulling out all the stops when it comes to amenities. Rooftop gardens, WiFi coffee shops, massage rooms, private theaters, guest suites, celebrity-designed golf courses and concierge services are just some of the add-ons you can find in many communities.
It is nearly impossible not to notice the most marked change to our community listings: the prices. If you’ve heard that they’re dropping, you’ve heard right. During production of our Winter 2007 issue, I noticed sporadic dips in home prices; but this time around, many developers lowered the starting figures, especially for homes in the $300,000 to $500,000 range. You’ll find single-family homes in Lehigh Acres starting $20,000 lower, condos in Estero that have dropped $50,000 and country club homes in Naples offered at $100,000 less.
At this time last year, you couldn’t find a home for less than $300,000. Now there are several communities offering homes starting in the high $100,000s and low $200,000s. However, the higher-end of the price range in many communities crept up a bit for the larger lots, more square footage and top-of-the-line amenities.
If you’re in the market for an existing resale home, you’re in luck there, too. I’ve had my eye on a Naples Park 2003 three-bedroom single-family home listed with Amerivest’s Eydie Heller and Bob Chapman. The listing, which they’ve had for eight months, started at $524,000 and has dropped in increments over the months. At press time it was priced at $399,990.
“She’s a super motivated seller,” Chapman says. “It is absolutely a buyer’s market; all the ingredients are there, and you can get a great deal.”
So whether you’re looking for the first home for your young family or your tropical winter retreat, you’re sure to find a price range and lifestyle to meet your needs. Be sure to take along our new pull-out map on p. 97 when you’re searching for your new home, and check out our Web site, www.florida-homebuyer.com, for continually updated information on local communities.
—Shellie Benson