Local Realtors say Fort Myers real estate, particularly waterfront properties, are a good value -- they are appreciating greatly and they are still priced below many other Florida gulf, lakeside or oceanside areas.

"Ft. Myers is known as the center of the Southwest Florida coastline," says Realtor Beverly Moyer. "Most travelers fly into the Ft. Myers airport to reach the coastal cities and beaches. If you haven't found Marco Island yet, it is a true island paradise ... drive over the bridge and you will never think of Florida the same way again!"

About the housing market, Realtors Brett S. and Mike Ellis say, "Home sales are up 19 percent February 2004 over February 2003 and prices are up 31 percent for the same period.

"We're seeing strong demand from home buyers plus new development is enabling our market to set new records," says the Ellis family. "We are selling homes faster than we can list them, which means sellers who are priced correctly and marketed properly are enjoying strong price gains and in many cases multiple offers on their properties. We just don't see anything on the immediate horizon that should change this picture."

Realtor Ruth Ann Mcbride says, "Located in South Fort Myers on US 41 South of Alico Road is The Harborage, a gated fresh water lake skiing community with access to the Gulf of Mexico."

She suggests, "Relax at the close of the day and enjoy beautiful sunsets over the two fresh water, aquifer-fed lakes. Whether you enjoy fishing, jet sking or water skiing, life at The Harborage will not disappoint you. Each lake is approximately 30 feet deep and a total of 104 acres combined. The Harborage is connected to the Estero Bay and Gulf of Mexico by the Park Road Canal, Ten Mile Canal, and Mullock Creek. Amenities include two lighted tennis courts, a volleyball court, basketball, swimming pool, gazebo, and complete picnic facilities. A path for jogging, walking and bicycles circles the 167-acre property. For those who like to enjoy playing elsewhere from time to time, there are numerous golf courses, tennis and fitness clubs located within just a few miles to choose from. Also available to its residents, The Harborage offers a private, secure boat storage area complete with boat launch to the canal. Located within 20 minutes from pristine white sandy beaches, The Harborage is one of SW Florida's most desirable waterfront communities."

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Published: April 7, 2004

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Blanche is a renowned author of five real estate books. Her newest, Bubbles, Booms and Busts: Make Money In Any Real Estate Market, McGraw-Hill, was rave-reviewed by The New York Times. She was also selected from hundreds of real estate experts to contribute to Donald Trump's book, Trump: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received: 100 Top Experts Share Their Strategies, Rutledge Hill Press, and is featured on page 68. Order Now Review - Honors In 2006, Blanche was selected among scores of candidates to author two consumer real estate guidebooks for the National Association of Realtors: The NAR Guide to Home Buying, and The NAR Guide to Home Selling, Wiley & Sons. She is currently planning two new books for the NAR and its members.       Known for her keen insight into real estate industry issues and for her ability to make complex subjects easy to understand, Blanche is a sought-after keynote and continuing education speaker. Real estate organizations from MLSs, to brokerages, to franchisors, to associations hire her to provide up-to-the-minute analysis of real estate industry news and advice on how to improve revenues. Her passionate delivery, peppered with stinging wit, is a huge hit with audiences and fans. Don Klein, CEO Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, Blanche Evans, Richard Courtney, president 2007, GRAR "The GNAR membership meeting last week featured Blanche Evans as the keynote speaker. Her comments and insights resonated extremely well with those in attendance and we have had many requests for copies of her PowerPoint Presentation. She was a terrific part of the membership meeting and convention program!" - Don Klein, CEO Greater Nashville Association of Realtors Coverage from WSMV, Nashville - 8-14-2007 That Interview Guy - Get Inside The Head Of Today's Generation 2007 AE Institute Session - To purchase 2006 AE Institute Session - Parts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 HouseValues Mastermind call - Parts 1 2 Blanche's fireside chat with Jeremy Conaway, HAR - Click here. For more articles by Blanche, click here.