Having been active in the Southwest Florida real estate market for almost 10 years, it’s been interesting to experience this roller coaster ride that we’ve all been on.  Yes, it has been quite painful at times, but I think we are all better served for having gone through it.  We have stronger mindsets and are more cautious in what we buy and why we buy it.  Markets constantly change; that’s a simple fact. To think it will always be bad or always be good is not the way to make intelligent investing decisions.  There is real data supporting an upward trend in the market fundamentals improving for our local housing recovery.  Being active in our market, I cannot believe how much new construction is being built and sold right now!  Long term, I think this is a very good thing for our market : to have brand new homes on the market to fill our shrinking inventory will do good things to appease the buyers coming to our market place.

As a Realtor member of The Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), I’m fortunate to have access to the extensive market research they do.  The full report can be seen at naplesarea.com and today I thought I’d share some highlights.  It’s very positive to see these remarkable numbers coming in!

• Overall Pending Sales increased 6% in the 12-month period ending January 2013
• Closed Sales increased 31% in the $500K-$1M category in the 12-month period ending January 2013
• Median Closed Price increased 16% overall in the 12-month period ending January 2013
• Inventory decreased 13% overall in the 12-month period ending January 2013
• Average days on market decreased 7% overall from January 2012 to January 2013
• Naples Beach Area Pending and Closed Sales increased 16% in the 12-month period ending January 2013

As you can see, pending sales are up, closed sales are up, prices are up, days on the market are down and inventory is down.  All of these factors indicate a strong market for us in 2013.  It’s exciting to have positive news to report about our market and to know that sellers are in a better position to sell their homes today than the last couple of years.  I am currently seeing a lot of foreign investors and retirees coming to our market and driving sales.  As long as that continues, I think our market will remain in very good shape.

Gabe Mellein was voted a Top Real Estate Agent – Exceptional in Service and Overall Satisfaction by Gulfshore Life Magazine in 2012 and 2013.  He is the broker of Gulf Pointe Properties, Inc and has over 9 years experience in the SW Florida Real Estate Market.  He is a member of The Naples Area Board of Realtors, Bonita Springs – Estero Association of Realtors, Realtor Association of Greater Fort Myers and the Beach, The Florida Association of Realtors, The National Association of Realtors, and is nationally certified in Feng Shui for Real Estate.  Need real estate help?  Please contact Gabe at:  239.825.2234, Gabe@GulfPointeProperties.com  or www.GulfPointeProperties.com