Naples, Fla. (November 21, 2014) – As buyers seek an opportunity to own a home in Naples, condominiums continue to be an affordable option. Condominium median closed prices increased only 9 percent from $198,000 to $215,000, which is below the overall median closed price of $265,000 in the 12-months ending October 2014. In comparison, single family homes experienced a 21 percent increase in the median closed price from $280,000 to $340,000 in the same time period according to an October 2014 report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).

Most of the sales activity in the Naples condominium market is in the $0-$300,000 category with 3,483 closed sales recorded in the 12-months ending October 2014. Compared to the sales activity for the single family home market, which had 1,986 closed sales recorded in the same $0-$300,000 category in the 12-months ending October 2014, condominium sales in Naples are stronger.

“In October 2013 the difference between the median closed price of condos and single family homes was $82,000 compared to October 2014 when the difference was $125,000,” said Phil Wood, President & CEO of John R. Wood Properties.

Mr. Wood’s comparison shows median closed prices for condominiums did not increase as fast as median closed prices for single family homes. Yet inventory for both types of homes in the $0-$300,000 category continued to deplete in October 2014 with a 22 percent decrease in single family homes and 27 percent decrease in condominiums compared to October 2013.

The report also indicated cash sales remained strong with cash sales growing to 67 percent of overall home sale transactions in October, as noted by Kathy Zorn, Broker/Owner, Florida Home Realty, who believes is due, in part, to the tightening of mortgage requirements. “Nationally, the cash sales rate is at about 33 percent”, she said, “Cash offers in our area put buyers in a stronger position than buyers using conventional financing.”

As for the short sale or foreclosure market, the October report showed only 18 short sale transactions and 73 foreclosed property sales taking place in October 2014.

“Traditional sales accounted for 87 percent of all reported transactions in October 2014, which is an indicator of a strong housing market in the Naples area,” said Carmen Isbely Vasquez, Owner/Broker of US Prime Realty.

The NABOR® October 2014 Report provides comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The NABOR® October 2014 sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings:

• Overall median closed price increased 13 percent from $235,000 in the 12-months ending October 2013 to $265,000 in the 12-months ending October 2014.
• Overall pending sales increased 9 percent from 839 in October 2013 compared to 911 in October 2014.
• Pending sales for condominiums in the $1 million-$2 million category increased 211 percent from 9 in October 2013 compared to 28 in October 2014.
• Overall closed sales decreased 2 percent from 9,912 in the 12-months ending 2013 to 9,667 in the 12-months ending 2014.
• Closed sales for single family homes in the $2 million and above category increased 31 percent from 210 in the 12-months ending October 2013 to 275 in the 12-month ending 2014.
• Median closed price increased 13 percent from $235,000 in the 12-months ending October 2013 to $265,000 in the 12-months ending October 2014.
• Overall median closed price for homes in the $1 million-$2 million and $2 million and above categories both decreased 3 percent.
• Overall inventory decreased 10 percent from 4,376 homes in October 2013 compared to 3,939 homes in October 2014.
• Average days on market for October is at 73.

The October reports showed signs our winter residents and visitors returned early this year: Overall pending sales rose 10 percent from September 2014 (829) to October 2014 (911), and inventory also increased from 3,702 units available in September 2014 to 3,929 units available in October 2014. Pending sales are driving the market into what is anticipated to be a strong fourth quarter according to NABOR®.

“We’re seeing the demand for homes in the Naples beach area start to rise again too,” said Steve Barker, Advising Broker for Equity Realty, who added that the report showed pending sales for both condominiums and single family homes rose over 40% in this geographic area for October 2014 compared to October 2013.

Several broker analysts agreed with incoming NABOR® President Mike Hughes, Vice President and General Manager of Downing-Frye Realty, who remarked that Naples is now an exclusive luxury destination similar to Aspen and Hilton Head, and predicts the area is poised to see more price appreciation, especially in the luxury single family home market.

With the majority of inventory in the $0-$300,000 category located in the condominium market, buyers looking to own a piece of paradise are encouraged to seek guidance from a local REALTOR®, who can help them navigate through the 1,800 available condominiums for sale-of which half are priced under $300,000-and find a perfect fit.

Nicola Wakelin has been awarded the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) designation from the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI). The CNE is earned by real estate professionals after successfully completing formal negotiation training over two days. Agents who receive this certification are among the top agents in the country in negotiation skills.

With professional negotiation skills, agents are able to help clients obtain better results in the sale or purchase of their home. CNE agents have a higher skill level which enables them to 1) communicate more effectively to uncover desired information, 2) help clients understand their options, 3) work collaboratively with others, and 4) resolve deadlocks. CNE agents have a thorough understanding of how to negotiate effectively to help achieve their client’s goals.

The Real Estate Negotiation Institute is the leading negotiation training and coaching company in the real estate industry. Collectively, the Real Estate Negotiation Institute’s instructors have over 300 years of real estate and negotiation experience. Tom Hayman, the CEO and Co-Founder of the Real Estate Negotiation Institute, asserts: “Any Buyer or Seller who hires a CNE agent can feel confident they have one of the best trained negotiators in real estate. They should achieve superior results and have better resolution of all issues when represented by a CNE agent.”

 

 3rd Quarter Inventory Remains Tight

 

Naples, Fla. (October 17, 2014) – Limited inventory continues to be the story of the Naples area real estate market, according to the third quarter report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®). Inventory of existing homes decreased 9 percent from 4,080 homes available in the 3rd quarter of 2013 to 3,702 homes in the 3rd quarter of 2014. This tight inventory affected sales activity as demonstrated by a 10 percent decrease in pending sales from 2,548 in 3rd quarter 2013 to 2,304 pending sales in 3rd quarter 2014; and an 11 percent decrease in closed sales from 2,339 in 3rd quarter 2013 to 2,093 closed sales in 3rd quarter 2014.

 

Contrary to the reduction of pending and closed sales in the 3rd quarter of 2014, real estate agents across Collier County reported being very busy keeping up with the growing demand. This anomaly, as confirmed by a panel of brokers analyzing the NABOR® 3rd Quarter 2014 Naples area market statistics, is likely a result of the market experiencing an influx of new home construction that, while not reported in the Southwest Florida MLS, has replenished the void resulting from a decreased inventory in the resale market.

 

“I don’t think the market need has changed,” said Steve Barker, Advising Broker for Equity Realty. “Agents are showing homes every day because the new construction market has finally caught up to the demand. But the resale market is still desirable as location continues to be a factor for many new home buyers and the new construction market can’t be everywhere.”

 

Pat Pitocchi, NABOR® president and corporate trainer at Downing-Frye Realty said, “The market report does a good job at showing us a big picture view of how the resale market in Collier is behaving in general. However, it does not report all new homes sales, which appears to be a considerable segment of the current market activity according to reports from local brokers.”

 

Wes Kunkle, a commercial broker at Kunkle Realty, pointed out that the 21 percent decrease in overall pending sales in the $300,000 and below market drove the overall 10 percent decrease. “Overall pending sales in every price segment over $300,000 increased in the third quarter 2014. Overall closed sales increased in two of the five price segments, $300,000 to $500,000 and $1 million to $2 million, as well.”

 

The NABOR® 3rd Quarter 2014 Report provides comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The NABOR® 3rd Quarter 2014 sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings:

 

• Pending sales of single family homes over $2 million increased 26 percent from 43 in 3rd quarter 2013 to 54 3rd quarter 2014.
• Pending sales of condominiums between $1 million and $2 million increased 29 percent from 38 in 3rd quarter 2013 to 49 in 3rd quarter 2014.
• Overall closed sales in the $300,000 to $500,000 category increased 13 percent from 398 in 3rd quarter 2013 to 451 in 3rd quarter 2014.
• Overall closed sales in the $1 million to $2 million category increased 14 percent from 91 in 3rd quarter 2013 to 104 in 3rd quarter 2014.
• Overall median closed price increased 13 percent from $234,000 in 3rd quarter 2013 to $265,000 in 3rd quarter 2014.
• Overall median home price of homes over $300,000 decreased 7 percent from $530,000 in 3rd quarter 2013 to $493,000 in 3rd quarter 2014.
• Overall inventory decreased 9 percent from 4,080 homes in 3rd quarter 2013 to 3,702 homes in the 3rd quarter of 2014.
• Overall inventory of single family homes in the $300,000 to $500,000 market increased 15 percent from 422 in 3rd quarter 2013 to 487 in 3rd quarter 2014.

According to Kathy Zorn, broker/owner at Florida Home Realty, “Homes priced under $300,000 may make up over 60 percent of our market but this is not our entire market. In fact, the 3rd quarter report showed an increase in inventory of single family homes in the combined price categories above $300,000, which accounts for 1,564 homes or 42% of the overall 3rd quarter inventory.

 

NABOR® also released its September 2014 Market Report, which revealed the following:

• Overall pending sales increased 2 percent from 810 in September 2013 to 829 pending in September 2014.
• Overall closed sales decreased 3 percent from 9,919 in the 12-months ending September 2013 to 9,585 closed sales in the 12-months ending September 2014.
• Overall median closed price increased 14 percent from $230,000 in the 12-months ending September 2013 to $262,000 in the 12-months ending September 2014.
• Overall inventory decreased 9 percent from 4,080 in September 2013 to 3,702 in September 2014.

Broker analysts agree that new construction within the last year is a welcome addition to the Collier County housing market.

 

With guidance from a local REALTOR®, buyers can discover opportunities and ensure their sale or purchase is a success within both the new home and resale markets.

No Summer Vacation for REALTORS®: Median Closed Price Increases $35,000

Naples, Fla. (August 22, 2014) – “Stable” continues to be the adjective real estate experts use to describe the Naples area housing market after analyzing a recent report tracking July activity released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island). Overall pending and closed sales for July increased in all price categories except the $300,000 and under market. The overall median closed price in July increased 16 percent from $225,000 to $260,000; with a 12 percent increase in the $300,000 and under market, from $155,000 to $174,000,driving the overall price increase.

“Due to demand in the under $300,000 market, which resulted in a 25 percent decrease in that segment’s inventory, the market’s total inventory in July fell 13 percent,” said Phil Wood, President & CEO of John R. Wood Realtors. “However, it’s important to note that 15 percent of the total inventory available included 539 newly constructed homes. Our report tracks some new construction activity, typically ‘spec’ homes, however, it does not include new home inventory being added from the 30 new communities currently under development in the area.”

“The report shows us clear inventory decline in the $300,000 and below market,” said Wes Kunkle, a commercial broker at Kunkle Realty. “The fact is: we’re running out of homes to sell in this price category.”

Kunkle continued, the trend can be seen in the statistics, as pending sales for homes under $300,000 decreased at almost the same rate as its inventory. The report also shows new summer trends by neighborhood. In July 2014, the only increase in pending sales of single family homes was in the Naples Beach and South Naples areas. Interestingly, the only area to experience a positive increase in inventory was East Naples.

“Appreciation is one key factor driving prices in the lower end of the market,” said Dr. Shelton Weeks, Department Chair of Economics & Finance, Lucas Professor of Real Estate and director of the Lucas Institute for Real Estate Development & Finance at Florida Gulf Coast University. “These homes are in demand and quick to sell.”

Brenda Fioretti, Managing Broker at John R. Wood Properties Florida Realty, noticed another interesting trend in the July report, “Overall pending sales in the $2 million and above price segment increased 47 percent from 19 homes pending in July 2013 to 28 homes pending in July 2014. For single family homes in this segment and timeframe, pending sales increased 100 percent from 11 to 22; yet pending sales for condominiums in this price segment decreased 25 percent from 8 to 6.”

The NABOR® July 2014 Report provides comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The NABOR® July 2014 sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings:

• Overall pending sales decreased 13 percent from 975 homes in July 2013 to 845 homes in July 2014.
• Overall closed sales had no change from 12-months ending July 2013 to 12-months ending July 2014.
• The overall median closed price increased 16 percent from $225,000 in 12-months ending July 2013 to $260,000 in the 12-months ending July 2014.
• Overall inventory decreased 13 percent from 4,086 in July 2013 to 3,562 in July 2014.
• Average days on market were 77 for July 2014.

• Pending sales for single family homes decreased 10 percent from 505 in July 2013 to 453 in July 2014. In the $2 million and above category, pending sales increased 100 percent from 11 in July 2013 to 22 in July 2014.
• Closed sales for single family homes decreased 1 percent for 12-months ending July 2014. However, closed sales increased in all price categories except the under $300,000, which saw a 20 percent decrease.
• The median closed price for single family homes increased 25 percent for the 12-months ending July 2014. However, all price categories above $500,000 saw a decrease in median closed price.
• Inventory for single family homes increased 1 percent. The largest increase was in the $300,000 – $500,000 price category, which saw a 14 percent increase.
• Average days on market for a home in the $300,000 and under category was 50 days in July 2014.

• Pending sales for condominiums decreased 17 percent for 12-months ending July 2014.
• Closed sales for condominiums increased 1 percent for the 12-months ending July 2014. Activity in this area was most impressive in the $1-$2 million price category which had a 25 percent increase, and in the $2 million and above price category which had a 35 percent increase.
• The median closed price for condominiums increased 12 percent for the 12-months ending July 2014.
• Inventory for condominiums decreased 19 percent with all price categories experiencing a drop.
• Average days on market for a condominium in the $300,000 and under category was 56 days in July 2014.
• Average days on market for a condominium in the $2 million and above category was 95 days in July 2014.

“Traditional sales dominate the market. In July 2014, they increased 35% from 345 in July 2009 to 603 in July 2014,” said Carmen Vasquez, owner/broker of US Prime Realty. “There were 330 non-traditional [short sale or foreclosed] home sales in July 2009. In July 2014 there were only 102, a significant reduction.”

There were also more closed sales recorded in the first seven months of 2014 (5,952) than there are available in our current inventory (3,563), which NABOR® experts believe is an encouraging message to consumers looking to sell or buy.

Housing Activity Confirms Stable Market

  

Naples, Fla. (July 18, 2014) – Positive activity within various pockets of Naples area real estate contributes to a stable market overall in the second quarter of 2014 as indicated in a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).

“The statistics show key indicators of a stable real estate market in the Naples area with no real significant gains or losses overall in the Second Quarter 2014 compared to the Second Quarter 2013,” said NABOR® president and corporate trainer at Downing-Frye Realty Pat Pitocchi. Our statistics, comparing the second quarter 2013 to the second quarter 2014, show that:

• Overall Pending Sales are down 8 percent from 3,197 to 2,949;
• Overall Closed Sales are down 4 percent from 3,165 to 3,054;
• Overall Median Closed Price is up 10 percent from $249,000 to $273,000;
• Overall Inventory is down 9 percent from 4,086 to 3,723.

This has been a good, strong quarter.”

Overall, the luxury segment of the market improved with 156 closed sales over $2 million in the second quarter, up 42 percent from the same time last year. Single-family homes in the $2 million and above market rose 44 percent from 68 to 98 closed sales quarter over quarter and condos in the $2 million and above market rose 38 percent from 42 to 58 closed sales, same time period. Confidence in the market combined with appealing inventory has increased the number of high-end buyers.

Another key indicator of a stable housing market is that conventional financing is making a comeback. According to the report, in June 2014, 37.5 percent of homes sales were financed with conventional mortgages vs. cash in June 2014. That’s up 10 percent compared to January 2013 when conventional financing was 27 percent of the market.

“We appear to be in a more agreeable lending environment now,” said Mike Hughes, Vice President and General Manager of Downing-Frye Realty, who added that, “‘boomerang buyers,’ or consumers that were hit by foreclosures and short sales, are now able to re-enter the market because they can qualify for financing again. And to an investor, their perception is that investing in real estate has a real steady upside versus increasing their investment in the stock market since analysts predict a major correction by the mid-term election. In all, people feel more confident investing in real estate and, with rates still low, reinvesting and keeping it longer.”

The NABOR® Second Quarter 2014 Report provides comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The NABOR® Second Quarter 2014 sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings:

• Overall pending sales decreased 8 percent from 3,197 in the Second Quarter 2013 to 2,949 in the Second Quarter 2014. A 14 percent decrease in the $300,000 and under price category and 6 percent decrease in the $1 to $2 million price category weighted this figure.
• Pending sales for condominiums decreased 7 percent from 1,626 in Second Quarter 2013 to 1,510 in Second Quarter 2014, with reductions reported in all price categories.
• Overall closed sales increased 11 percent for homes priced above $500,000.
• Overall closed sales for homes in the $2 million and above market increased 42 percent from 110 in the Second Quarter 2013 to 156 in the Second Quarter 2014.
• Closed sales for single family homes $300,000 and under decreased 23 percent from 677 in the Second Quarter 2013 to 521 in the Second Quarter 2014.
• The overall median closed price increased 10 percent from $249,000 in Second Quarter 2013 to $273,000 in Second Quarter 2014.
• The overall median closed price decreased 4 percent for homes $1 million to $2 million from $1,387,000 in Second Quarter 2013 to $1,325,000 Second Quarter 2014
• The median closed price for single-family homes in the $2 million and above category decreased 15 percent from $3,225,000 in Second Quarter 2013 to $2,750,000 in Second Quarter 2014.
• Overall inventory decreased 9 percent from 4,086 homes in Second Quarter 2013 to 3,723 homes Second Quarter 2014.
• Inventory in the single family home market increased 4 percent from 1,896 in Second Quarter 2013 to 1,964 in Second Quarter 2014.
• Inventory of condominiums decreased 20 percent from 2,190 condominiums in Second Quarter 2013 to 1,759 condominiums in Second Quarter 2013.
• The overall average days on market are at 94 for Second Quarter 2014.

“There is an influx of new construction, which is adding to the inventory,” said Brenda Fioretti, Managing Broker at John R. Wood Properties Florida Realty. “It should be said, however, the Southwest Florida MLS does not report activity in the new home construction market.”

Analysts at NABOR® explain that market stabilization is further evident as reflected in the Second Quarter 2014 Market Report wherein only 9 percent of all closed sales in June 2014 were non-traditional (short sale or foreclosed). Comparatively, in July 2009, when NABOR® began collecting this data, 49 percent of sales were non traditional.

Gerald Murphy, District Manager and Managing Broker of Coldwell Banker, added, “Another trend we are starting to see that’s helping to stabilize the market is migration by retiring baby boomers who are purchasing homes in that midmarket price range coupled with year round demand.”

To understand where to buy or when to sell in this changing real estate market, consult a Naples REALTOR® who has the local knowledge and expertise to guide you through your real estate transaction.

May Real Estate Market Stays a Steady Course

Naples, Fla. (June 20, 2014) – The housing market momentum continues to remain strong heading into summer.  NABOR® leaders cite four key indicators: 1) Pending sales are up; 2) Closed sales are up; 3) Median closed prices are up; and 4) Days on the market have decreased. Activity for the 12-months ending May 31st reflects consumer confidence in the Naples area real estate market.

In a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island), overall pending sales increased 2 percent year-over-year from 10,723 to 10,905 pending sales in the 12-months ending May 2014, overall closed sales increased 3 percent year-over-year from 9,447 properties to 9,739 properties in the 12-months ending May 2014, and the overall median closed price rose a comfortable 15 percent overall year-over-year from $220,000 to $253,000 in the 12-months ending May 2014. This slow and steady growth trend contributes to the stability factor in our local real estate market.

“May is what Realtors consider a transitional month,” said Mike Hughes, Vice President and General Manager of Downing-Frye Realty. “Seasonal residents are leaving town and the international visitors haven’t arrived yet. It’s not surprising that overall pending and closed sales were down compared to last May due to restricted inventory this year. But over a thousand sales took place in May which is still quite significant.”

“An inventory shortage usually drives down pending home sales,” said Glenn Ginsberg, Broker/Owner of A Delta Realty of Naples, Inc. “For May, a 2 percent increase in overall pending sales is very good considering inventory decreased 8 percent.”

According to the report, May’s inventory was the lowest it’s been since NABOR® started tracking activity in 2007. But the decrease is mainly in the condominium market where inventory decreased 19 percent from 2,294 units in May 2013 to 1,850 units in May 2014. Inventory in the single family home market actually increased 5 percent from 1,968 in May 2013 to 2,069 in May 2014. New home construction is helping to relieve the inventory pressure and moderate price gains, according to NABOR® analysts.

“Brokerages are seeing a significant increase in new construction,” said Brenda Fioretti, Managing Broker at John R. Wood Properties Florida Realty. “And Realtors are involved in new construction sales. Agents have access to all new properties and can present a comparative and objective view to homebuyers.”

Another positive indicator that the Naples area real estate market is balanced was pointed out by Dr. Lawrence Yun, PhD, Chief Economist National Association of Realtors® (NAR®), at NABOR®’s annual Economic Summit in April 2014, where he stated that a market becomes stable when its non-traditional (short-sale or foreclosed homes) sales activity remains under 10 percent. For the second month in a row, non-traditional closed sales in the Naples area are 9 percent of the total closed sales.

The NABOR® May 2014 Report provides comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The NABOR® May 2014 sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings:

• Closed sales for single-family homes in the $2 million and above market increased 73 percent from 22 in May 2013 to 38 in May 2014.
• Closed sales for condominiums in the $2 million and above market increased 123 percent from 13 in May 2013 to 29 in May 2014.
• The overall median closed price of homes $300,000 and under increased 13 percent from $150,000 in the 12-months ending May 2013 to $170,000 in the 12-months ending May 2014.
• The median closed price for condominiums in the $2 million and above market increased 5 percent from $2,770,000 in the 12-months ending May 2013 to $2,900,000 in the 12-months ending May 2014.
• The overall average days on market are at 96 for May 2014.
• Overall pending sales increased 34 percent for homes $2 million and above from 41 contracts in May 2013 to 55 contracts in May of 2014.
• Overall inventory decreased 8 percent from 4,262 units in May 2013 to 3,919 units in May 2014.
• Overall inventory for properties under $300,000 decreased 18 percent from 1,761 units in May 2013 to 1,448 units in May 2014.
• Inventory of single family homes in the $300,000 – $500,000 price segment increased 15 percent from 438 homes in May 2013 to 502 homes in May 2014.

Analysts at NABOR® explain that the ongoing activity in the high-end of the market every month is in part a result of continued stock market gains which, coupled with continued low mortgage interest rates, is boosting consumer confidence in investing in the housing marketing and allows a good climate for diversification in real estate investment.

According to Pat Pitocchi, NABOR® president and corporate trainer at Downing-Frye Realty, “This is a great time to buy or sell a home in Naples. The influx of new construction is finally helping the market fill a void where demand is outpacing inventory. But even with nearly 30 new communities being developed in our area, the average days on market in May was at 96 days. So homeowners looking to sell are still at an advantage.”

“Real estate agents have access to all homes for sale,” says Steve Barker, Advising Broker for Equity Realty. “In fact, a large percentage of the newly constructed homes in those 30 developments are being sold by independent Realtors.”

Working with a REALTOR® can benefit both buyers and sellers. While anyone can search the local housing market online, only a REALTOR® has the experience to know whether a specific property is overpriced or underpriced. REALTORS® also provide objective insight into factors that affect the contractual process including things like repairs, appraisals, fees, negotiations, and financing.

Naples is the birthplace of one of the most unusual sports in motor racing history – swamp buggy racing.

Local historians credit a Naples resident, Ed Frank, as the “father” and inventor of the first swamp buggy. He developed his original “Skeeter” between 1918 and 1920 for hunting in Southwest Florida’s boggy forests and prairies, using parts from junked Model T Ford and an orange crate for a seat. As time went on, Frank perfected his design and added an extra transmission, tire chains, and upside down axles to give more clearance for driving over tree stumps.

The first swamp buggies, mud buggies, hunting wagons and woods buggies were used for everything from a Sunday afternoon outing with the family, to hunting trips into the Everglades and Big Cypress Swamp. The sport grew in popularity in Collier County after World War II, when huge airplane and tractor tires became readily available.

On November 12, 1949 Naples hosted its first official Swamp Buggy Day Parade and Celebration. In the mid-1950s, cash prizes replaced the turkeys and shotguns that were awarded to winners in the past. Today, drivers compete for thousands of dollars in prize money and race three times each year, in October, March and May.