Marco Island and Naples News

Bringing you news and information about the Marco Island and Naples Florida area.

"Pure beauty on the Edge of the Gulf of Mexico"

Aug. 15, 2016

BELIZE AT CAPE MARCO

BELIZE AT CAPE MARCO REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE

 

RE/Max Affinity Plus 559 S Collier Blvd # 306 Marco Island, FL 34145

COMPLIMENTS OF JOE CONTARINO

"BELIZE AT CAPE MARCO SPECIALIST"

My understanding of market trends in Marco Island

can sell your home quickly and at top dollar!

 

What are the current real estate trends in Marco Island? What are the latest prices, and what’s the pace of sales compared with last year? As a homeowner, you may have heard many different answers regarding these questions in the past. In any form of business, it can be a difficult task to find a tried and true professional who gives you the straight answers. I want you to know I am here to provide you with a real estate experience unmatched by comparison.

I possess a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of market trends in Marco to help you make the most informed decisions about the sale of your home or condo. With a thorough analysis of active, pending, and recent sales in your neighborhood and nearby communities which are truly comparable, I can properly price your home for top dollar AND a quick sale.

If you'd like to learn more about how I can sell your home quickly and for the best price, I welcome your call for a private consultation. I assure you complete confidentiality, and promise you total objectivity. Most importantly, I WILL ALWAYS LISTEN CAREFULLY to your goals and priorities. I will provide an aggressive marketing plan outlining the entire procedure for home preparation, marketing, advertising, negotiating offers, and the escrow process.

Prices have risen dramatically, interest rates are still low and It is a great time to sell your home! Let me put my 35 year’s experience and $500 Million in sales to work for you.

Best Wishes,

 

Joe Contarino

Broker/Associate 

 

SUMMARY OF HOMES SOLD BETWEEN 8/1/2015 AND 7/31/2016 & COMPARISON TO LAST YEAR

 

Homes Sold

Annual Turnover

Avg Sale Price

Avg Price per Sq Ft

8/1/2015 to 7/31/2016

3

2.0%

$2,148,333

$530.20

8/1/2014 to 7/31/2015

10

6.8%

$1,995,900

$501.75

Difference (+/-)

-7

-4.8%

+$152,433

+$28.45

 

 

DETAILS ON MOST RECENTLY SOLD HOMES THROUGH 7/31/2016

Address

Year Built

Living Area (Sq Ft)

Sold Price

Price per Sq Ft

Date Sold

970 Cape Marco Dr 2403

2004

5,913

$2,445,000

$413.50

6/1/2016

970 Cape Marco Dr 1004

2004

3,104

$1,500,000

$483.25

10/26/2015

970 Cape Marco Dr 2105

2004

3,603

$2,500,000

$693.87

8/24/2015

July 26, 2016

The Somerset of Marco Island

Somerset Marco IslandReal Estate sales on the Island in January were slower than predicted because of a volatile stock market, the local weather conditions and the increased value of the US dollar.  This created concern with sellers as they adjusted prices to the market.  The good news is the Real Estate market has rebounded and sales in April and May were very strong. We are anticipating a very good market for summer.

After 50 years Marco is still one of the most desirable communities in Southwest Florida and the new growth will create a great time to buy on Marco.  If you are curious about the value or about selling your condo, I would be happy to provide you with some information.  Please contact me for your free market of your Condo.

As of 6/1/16, the Somerset has 5 units for sale and there has been 2 closed units in the past 6 months.  As an owner of a unit in the Somerset, I know the condos and how to market them to alleviate the stress of selling your property and making it a smooth transition.

Your condo is one of your most important assets.  Like any other investment, you should know everything you can about its value and marketability.  I am happy to talk Marco Island real estate with you.  I will provide to you unparalleled honesty, service, and market knowledge.  If you or a friend require the services of a Real Estate professional, please call me for a confidential consultation.  Let me put my 35 years of Real Estate experience and 500 million dollars is sales to work for you.  How can I help you?

All Current Somerset Condos For Sale

Joe Contarino

July 2, 2015

Living on Marco Island – Fourth of July Celebrations

4th of July Marco Island

 

Living on Marco Island – Fourth of July Celebrations

Celebrate our country's independence with Fourth of July celebrations on Marco Island and in Naples on Saturday, July 4th.

There are plenty of festivities planned throughout Southwest Florida communities to keep everyone busy during the holiday weekend.

Once again this year, the Marco Island Civic Association presents Uncle Sam's Sand Jam on Residents' Beach starting at noon.  Enjoy food, games and music throughout the day followed by the City of Marco Island's annual fireworks display at 9p.  You will need a Residents' Beach ID card to gain entrance into the Sand Jam though the fireworks can be seen from nearly everywhere along the Marco Island beach.

If you don't want to spend your Fourth of July on the beach, head to Napes for their annual parade which starts at 10a.  The parade route will be from Broad Avenue South to Third Street South proceeding north to 5th Avenue South, east on 5th Avenue South, and South on 8th Street South past City Hall, ending at 8th Avenue South and 8th Street South.

The City of Naples also hosts their own fireworks show which starts at 9p at the Naples Pier.  The presentation will feature a twenty minute display with special effects musically choreographed to patriotic selections that will be simulcast on radio station WAVV 101.1 FM. Naples residents are invited to bring chairs or blankets to viewing spots in town, as the fireworks can be seen all along the Naples beach.

Please celebrate this year's Fourth of July responsibly.  Happy Independence Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Marco Island
June 26, 2015

Living on Marco Island – Center for the Arts

Marco Island Center for the Arts

Living on Marco Island – Center for the Arts

There are so many great things about living on Marco Island.  Some say it's remote without feeling isolated.  Others rave about the near-private beach which was designed for the owners and residents of Marco Island.  The economy is strong and the real estate market has been in the midst of a powerful recovery.

Another attribute is the Marco Island Center for the Arts.  Founded in 1969, their mission is to promote education and appreciation of the arts.  Their guiding principles are to be an essential and sustaining part of the culture of Marco Island and the preeminent advocate and center for the arts.

They provide open and economically viable access to art, programs, quality educational opportunities and functions to all people of the Marco Island area while serving as a venue for all the arts.

Some upcoming events at the Marco Island Center for the Arts include...

June 27th

Family Workshop: Treasure Trays Darling Dishes

This program is open to 10 children aged 7-12(each child must be accompanied by one adult). It's a great way for kids and their parent to spend some creative time together. 

You'll get to create three decorative dishes or trays from clay which will then be fired and glazed by the instructors and will make perfect gifts for parents or grandparents.

You can also enter the work you create in the Young People's Art Show in July.

July 15th-17th, 1p-4p

Digital Photography Basics

Kids between 10 and 15 can learn about digital camera operation, downloading and uploading images.  You'll also learn about color versus black & white, composition as well as different forms of photography including portraits, landscapes and more.  There will also be a discussion about what's proper when uploading photos on social media.

July 21st-22nd

Kites in Flight

Children 9-12 years old will make a kite that truly is a work of art in this two day class with instructor Linda Kropp. 

To learn more about these and other upcoming classes, please click here (install link to

http://www.marcoislandart.org/ here) to visit the Marco Island Center for the Arts website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Marco Island
June 17, 2015

Sea Winds of Marco Market Update

SUMMARY OF HOMES SOLD BETWEEN 6/1/2014 AND 5/31/2015 & COMPARISON TO LAST YEAR
  Homes Sold
Annual Turnover Avg Sale Price Avg Price per Sq Ft
6/1/2014 to 5/31/2015  4  4.1%  $635,750  $683.52
6/1/2013 to 5/31/2014  2  2.1%  $456,250  $576.07
Difference (+/-)  +2  +2.0%  +$179,500  +$107.45
         

 

DETAILS ON MOST RECENTLY SOLD HOMES THROUGH 5/31/2015
 Address Year Built Living Area (Sq Ft) Sold Price Price per Sq Ft Date Sold
890 S. Collier Blvd 901 1983 992  $733,000  $738.91  2/27/2015
 890 S. Collier Blvd 703 1983 792  $670,000  $845.96  11/20/2014
 890 S. Collier Blvd 201  1983  992  $590,000  $594.76  10/22/2014
890 S. Collier Blvd 406  1983  992  $550,000  $554.44  6/19/2014
           
           

 

Sea Winds Market Info

 

 

Based on information from the Collier Property Appraiser. This information may or may not include all properties sold in Sea Winds of Marco during the reporting period. The accuracy of
information in this report is dependent upon the aforementioned source, and is not guaranteed. If your property is presently listed with another broker, this is not a solicitation of that listing.

June 15, 2015

Merida Market Update

SUMMARY OF HOMES SOLD BETWEEN 6/1/2014 AND 5/31/2015 & COMPARISON TO LAST YEAR
  Homes Sold
Annual Turnover Avg Sale Price Avg Price per Sq Ft
6/1/2014 to 5/31/2015  5  5.5%  $647,800  $478.29
6/1/2013 to 5/31/2014  3  3.3%  $751,667  $464.87
Difference (+/-)  +2  +2.2%  -103,867  +$13.42
         

 

DETAILS ON MOST RECENTLY SOLD HOMES THROUGH 5/31/2015
 Address Year Built Living Area (Sq Ft) Sold Price Price per Sq Ft Date Sold
990 Cape Marco Dr 706 1992  1,316  $634,000  $481.76  4/15/2015
 990 Cape Marco Dr 902 1992  1,316  $645,000  $490.12  2/17/2015
 990 Cape Marco Dr 703  1992  1,316  $625,000  $474.92  9/11/2014
 990 Cape Marco Dr 1004  1992  1,510  $715,000  $473.51  9/4/2015
 990 Cape Marco Dr 1007  1992  1,316  $620,000  $471.12  8/25/2014
           

 Merida Real Estate Market Update

June 13, 2015

Marco is still considered one of the best Real Estate investments in Florida

Marco is still considered one of the best Real Estate investments in Florida

The demand for Marco Island Real Estate remains very strong and is getting stronger with the construction activity
on the island. High demand, low inventory and my proven marketing plan creates a perfect time to buy or sell.
As of 5/30/15, the Veracruz has 8 units for sale. As an owner of 2 units in Cape Marco, I know the Veracruz
Condos and how to market them to get results.

I will provide to you unparalleled honesty, service & market knowledge. Let me put my 35 years of Real Estate
experience and 500 Million Dollars in sales to work for you.

Contact me for updates for the Smokehouse Bay Bridge project, the Marriott Hotel project and Marco Island's new
and very controversial rental ordinance. Speaking of questions???

There has been a lot a statistics recently regarding Marco Island real estate, in particular, the average sale of condos
versus medium sale of condos and new listings to the market versus total number of condos on the market. The
statistics have been confusing and misleading for some of my clients.


If you have any questions regarding the MLS statistics, please contact me so I can give you factual information. If
you or a friend require the services of a Real Estate professional, please allow me to outline my marketing
approach. How can I help you?

 

Joe

May 28, 2015

Marco Island Real Estate is Sizzling!


Marco Island Real Beachfront Real EstateMarco Island real estate is sizzling as we enter the hot summer months!  Recent statistics released by the Multiple Listing Service show that the average sale price for single-family homes have surged over 62 percent and condo prices are up over 10 percent.  Add this to first quarter sales volume that is up over 24 percent and you've got a real estate market that is on fire.

Looking back on the first quarter we see that 2015 sales totaled nearly $220 million which is up from just $177 million in 2014.  That's a 24 percent increase!

April Marco Island real estate numbers show no sign of slowing down with the average sales price up nearly 20 percent for all property types.  In April, the average sale price was nearly $740K compared with $617K a year ago.

While April showed a big increase in average sales price, the overall volume sold was flat and the number of single-family homes on the market actually decreased by 21 percent.  But the average sale price for those homes increased 62 percent.  Additionally total dollar volume sold for single-family homes surged by over 26 percent from just under $39 million to just over $49 million in April.

Moving on to Marco Island condos, the market showed that the number of condo listings increased over 17 percent in April though the total number of Marco Island condos on the market decreased 22 percent.  Good news with the average sales price as there was a nearly 11 percent increase. 

With these recent numbers, now is a great time to sell in Marco Island while the real estate market is going strong.

Posted in Marco Island
May 11, 2015

South Seas Resort and Towers

South Seas Resort and Towers

Click here to view all available listings in South Seas Resort and Towers

The luxurious South Seas Resort and Towers are located in the Gulf Shore of Marco Island in southwest Florida.  The South Seas Club features unique beachfront living and is the only private gated community on the island that features both bay and beach access. 

 The South Seas Towers were built in the early 1980's and feature four matching high-rises that can be seen as you approach the island on the S.S. Jolley Bridge. 

South Seas West are made up of Towers 1 and 2 while South Seas Northwest consist of Towers 3 and 4.  South Seas West feature 430 total amazing beachfront condos.  The white sandy beach is just a few steps away from the West Towers and a large heated outdoor pool is nestled between Towers 1 and 2.  Towers 3 and 4 share a pool between them as well. 

The South Seas Club also feature garden apartments, low-rise and mid-rise condos built along Clam Bay that are lined with boat docks.  

In addition to the beach and outdoor pools, the resort also includes a number of amenities sure to fill your days and nights.  You can enjoy their tennis courts, water sports, boat rentals, fishing, fully-equipped fitness center and more.  There are also a number of golf courses within driving distance from the resort.

Best of all, The South Seas Towers is close to national parks, reserves, the Everglades and more.  The South Seas resort in Marco Island truly is an amazing tropical home and the perfect place to vacation or relocate.

If your goal is ample rest and relaxation, the South Seas Resort and Towers at Marco Island are definitely for you!

Click here to view all available listings in South Seas Resort and Towers

 

April 13, 2015

Learn To Burn

Year round swim suit season is daunting. While the sun may be shining we’re just like the folks that endure those wretched winters. We over-indulge through the holidays and throw on an extra layer or two to cover the fluff. Well, it’s time to lose the bulge! We’re not talking  boot camp, just reminding everyday activities that will shed a few pounds.

Spring Cleaning: Vacuuming, dusting, and rearranging that closet can burn up to 150 calories in just thirty minutes. Even more if you like to groove while you clean. Oh, and letting the laundry pile up makes for an even better workout. Yeah, that’s why we did that. Load up your basket, hold it in front of your body, and turn at the waist for optimal calorie burning.

Gourmet Cooking: We already know that pouring dinner out of a box isn’t healthy. Not only do you consume more preservatives eating it you burn less calories preparing it. If you spend just 30 minutes in your kitchen chopping veggies you can unload at least 75 calories. Bonus points for using a whisk instead of a mixer. That’s just the prep work. Putting a little elbow grease into washing the pots and pans will burn another 75 calories.

Go Shopping: Whether you’re looking for new sweatpants or groceries, shopping means walking! Instead of circling the lot ten times to get a “rockstar” spot try parking as far away from the entrance as possible. Regular old walking can shed up to 120 calories in less than thirty minutes. Pick up the pace and take the stairs to optimize your burn.

Hit The Beach: Be it on pavement or a treadmill running is super hard on your joints. However, with a simple stroll on the beach you can score a pedicure and burn more calories than pounding the pavement. You’ll tone your calves quicker too! Just remember, a walk on the beach should be relaxing so bend over and pick up a shell or two. Bonus points for the stretching.

H2O Is The Way To Go: Swimming is by far the best form of exercise. A steady pace burns more calories than stairs, running, or cardio and it’s easy on the joints. You don’t need to be in the water to make the most of it though. Kayaking is both cathartic and beneficial. It works your inner core, back and shoulder muscles, and helps to tone your arms. Kayaks are pretty lightweight but lugging the equipment around will help you burn some extra calories.

Gardening: For some it’s a hobby, for others torture, but gardening is a calorie burner for everyone. An hour of yard work can vanquish up to 400 calories!

Take advantage of your every day and don’t wait for visitors to make the most of your backyard. No matter your activity remember to hydrate. We know when you’re doing something you enjoy it’s easy to forget that you’re exercising too. Before you know it you’ll be shopping for a new suit!

Posted in Florida Tips