Realtors in the Port Charlotte, Florida area say that after last year's hurricanes, home and land values are rising fast, and they all look forward to a brisk spring market.

"Sunshine, sandy white beaches and sky blue waters, world-class fishing and boating," say Realtors Dick Gray and Judy Daddona. "are the reasons property in the Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda area has long been under valued. Even before Hurricanes Charley, Francis, and Jean, home and land values were climbing fast because of demand. After the hurricanes, because of all the damage, inventory of homes was at an all-time low while demand was at an all-time high. This has driven the prices on homes even higher. In addition to our normal demand, our friends from the north are making their way to southwest Florida as they usually do this time of year. If you are looking to sell, now is a good time. If you are buying, buy now because the price of homes is expected to increase as much as 20 percent in the next year."

Says Realtor F.E. Currier, "Although there is still much evidence of damage from the recent hurricanes, there doesn't seem to be any downturn in demand for property in Port Charlotte. Rebuilding continues and will continue for several years as older damaged properties give way to newer and stronger constructed structures. With renewal and growth, the property values will most likely exceed the strong growth in values we have today."

Currier describes, "Port Charlotte lies along the coastline of Charlotte Harbor and the eastern shore of the Myakka River. North Port and Venice are to the north, and Punta Gorda, Cape Coral and Fort Myers are to the South. Growth and change are evident all over the Port Charlotte area. New homes and developments are springing up and rebuilding, the recent hurricanes continue to change the landscape in a very positive manner. Like all areas of the Southwest Gulf Coast, the property values continue on a steady rise, as demand from relocating northerners, developers, and investors continues to be strong."

"As we move through the new year, 2005 is looking to be very promising for our area and growth," says Realtor Becky Borci. "The hurricanes have done nothing but make our market even stronger. New construction is popping up everywhere -- literally, and existing home sales are brisk. The area is quickly rebuilding and going to be even better and newer, folks are enthusiastic for the change and moving forward. We still have the normal amount of people leaving the area, downsizing, or wanting larger for whatever reason -- so they're looking to sell their existing property. All that being said, we still have many local and out of state buyers wanting to move here, especially as the snow falls around the country."

Borci adds, "Both Charlotte and Sarasota County are hot markets with listings selling as fast as they go on the market. Existing home prices have risen substantially with vacant lots having doubled and tripled in some cases. We are a vibrant growing area with constant changes and improvements being done in virtually all locations, especially with all the rebuilding going on around us -- it will be an even better place to live. This area is a very desirable place with the climate being one of the biggest factors in the decision making process."

Published: February 23, 2005

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