Naples, Florida, Realtors say the Gulf Coast destination is still red hot with home sales.

"Naples continues to be a destination for tourists, retirement, and investment," says Realtor Dan Buckley. "Gorgeous sunsets, fine dining on 5th Ave South, the arts, golf, boating and beaches. Did I leave anything out? Experts continue to predict, 'The end is here, and the real estate bubble is about to burst.' Well, they have been writing and reporting that for the last 10 years or more. Sure, they will eventually get the downturn in the real estate market right somewhere in the country and say, 'I told you so!' But, southwest Florida relies on people that are looking for a vacation home, retirement home, or an investment property that they will rent and use themselves when they are ready for retirement."

Buckley explains, "We are now half way through 2005 and the real estate market in southwest Florida continues to be a seller's market. I do see a slow down in listings and a few price reductions, but for this time of year that is the norm. Many properties are resales from deals of a year or two ago and are now being sold. These properties are still a good value for the next owner even though the appreciation rate may not be as rapid as in the past two years."

Realtor Audrey Pullos says, "The city of Naples offers some of the finest homes in the world and lifestyles to match! Naples boasts of magnificent high-rises, quaint Old Florida cottages, and modern Mediterranean villas. Since Naples has been bestowed with the honors of being voted one the "Best Beaches" in 2005 to vacation and Naples Gulf & Beach Resort has been voted the number one place to vacation, people have been flocking to our shores. Hence our popularity is rising again, which in effect increases the demand for housing. Whether it is the baby boomers, seniors, or families purchasing a second vacation home, real estate is still a very hot and expensive in Naples.

She advises, "In fact, the latest numbers are in from the Florida's Realtor Boards/Associations for single-family existing home sales from March 2005. Naples has already seen a 19 percent change in their median sales price! Current single-family homes on the market today range anywhere from $500,000 to well over $22,000,000 depending on your location and lifestyle choices. A recent search on our multiple listing service also shows that condos and attached villas that are now available for sale range anywhere from the $170,000's to well over $11,000,000. Amazing! Also, with the low interest rates, and the savvy buyers who know how to purchase real estate with their self directed IRA's the purchase power and money is there and sales keep escalating."

"Naples has many things to offer people from all walks of life," Pullos adds. "You can enjoy the arts, culture, entertainment, the zoo, waterside dining and unique shopping & dining experiences along 5th Avenue and Third Street. Discover the "7" pristine beaches along with the "14" beautiful parks. In Naples, golf is a particular favorite with over 60 courses. Naples has the highest ratio of golf courses to golfers in the United States. Naples also has a progressive medical community featuring excellent healthcare facilities.Our schools are top notch in the community and many of our local sport teams win top awards. Once you come to Naples and enjoy the lifestyle you are hooked!"

Agrees Realtor Carol Wilsey, "This little southwest corner of Florida was known by only a fortunate few for a long time ... now, because of our closeness to the warm Gulf waters, constant balmy breezes, and multitude of wonderful golf course communities, the rest of the world has discovered us! Come see for yourself."

"Amazingly, even though "season" is coming to a close, the prices on all types of properties have not showed any sign of impending reductions," advises Wilsey. "And, there is still a tremendous shortage of available inventory to sell. This creates an almost frenzied atmosphere when a new property is listed at current market value. This past year, single family home prices have risen a whopping 28 percent in Naples, and between 15 and 20 percent in neighboring Bonita Springs and Estero. Now we are seeing even bigger jumps in prices. We all know that the market will need to slow down a bit, but when?"

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Published: August 1, 2005

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