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The Naples Area Board Of Realtors September 2019 Market Report

Home Showings Lead to Increased Sales

Naples, Fla. (October 25, 2019) – The Naples area housing market enjoyed another 7 percent increase in overall closed home sales for the third month in a row. This trend leads broker analyst Adam Vellano, West Coast Sales Manager, BEX Realty – Florida, to suggest that the consistent uptick in summer home sales illustrates that Collier County is becoming less seasonal.

According to the September 2019 Market Report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island), showings in September 2019 were up 31 percent over September 2018. This translated into a 13.7 percent increase in pending sales (written contracts) or 823 pending sales in September 2019 compared to 724 pending sales in September 2018. Strong showing activity during the summer resulted in 698 closed sales during September 2019.

“With an average of 17.4 showings per listing, agents stayed busy this summer,” said Jeff Jones, Broker at Keller Williams Naples, which, according to Vellano, means “inventory was coming to the buyer.” Jones noted that 28 percent of the available inventory experienced a price decrease in September.

Broker analysts warn consumers that this market behavior won’t last long as they anticipate inventory to increase before the end of the year. “Decreases in inventory are customary this time of year,” said Phil Wood, President & CEO of John R. Wood Properties. “And increases in inventory preceding winter season are customary too. But the low inventory is not because there was a deficit of buyers. This is apparent in the consistently high number of showings during the summer and better closed sales numbers compared to last year.”

The September report showed median closed prices remained stable during the third quarter (July, August & September). In July, the median closed price was $326,400. By September, the median closed price had dropped slightly to $325,000, which is only a .7 percent decrease from September 2018, which reported a median closed price of $327,408. Interestingly, the median closed price in January 2019 was $325,000.

With over 500 listings pulled from the MLS in September, it is no surprise that overall inventory for the month fell. However, even though it decreased 17.8 percent to 4,989 homes compared to 6,070 homes in September 2018, inventory for September was higher than August by 72 homes.

The NABOR® September 2019 Market Reports provide comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. NABOR® sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings:

CATEGORIES	SEPT 2018	SEPT 2019	CHANGE
Total closed sales (month/month)	651	698	+7.2%
Median closed price (month/month)	$327,408	$325,000	-0.7%
Total active listings (inventory)	6,070	4,989	-17.8%
Average days on market	93	102	+9.7%
Single-family closed sales (month/month)	321	359	+11.8%
Single-family median closed price (month/month)	$395,000	$405,000	+2.5%
Single-family inventory	3,208	2,567	-20.0%
Condominium closed sales (month/month)	330	339	+2.7%
Condominium median closed price (month/month)	$242,250	$245,000	+1.1%
Condominium inventory	2,862	2,422	-15.4%

As noted by brokers reviewing the housing data, September had a 6-month supply of inventory. “Inventory levels are always low in September,” said Bill Coffey, Broker Manager of Amerivest Realty Naples. “You’re going to see those homes that were pulled off the MLS on the market again in the next few months. But it’s too bad because buyers who don’t have options in the resale market in Naples now are not waiting for more homes to come onto the market, but instead are buying resale homes in Lee County or even further north.”

Geographically, condominiums in South Naples (34112, 34113) saw a 22.1 percent spike in its median closed prices to $213,000 in September 2019 from $174,500 in September 2018. Alternately, condominiums in North Naples saw a 16.4 percent decrease in median closed prices to $242,500 in September 2019 from $290,000 in September 2018.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Naples, contact The Wakelin Team as we have the experience and knowledge to provide an accurate market comparison or negotiate a sale. We can ensure your next purchase or sale in the Naples area is a success.

The Naples Area Board of Realtors August 2019 Market Report

August Home Sales Strong as Prices Hold Steady

Naples, Fla. (September 20, 2019) – Closed sales of homes in Collier County increased 7.4 percent in August, but overall inventory fell 17.8 percent to 4,917 properties compared to 5,980 in August 2018, according to the August 2019 Market Report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island). This reduction in inventory – which included 616 homes that were either terminated, expired or withdrawn from the Southwest Florida MLS in August – resulted in a six-month supply of inventory for Collier County at the end of August.

“We know that traditionally, inventory will begin to creep up in September, October and November as many sellers try to get a jump on the competition that might list their properties closer to our winter season,” said Mike Hughes, Vice President and General Manager for Downing-Frye Realty, Inc. “But the pre-season months (September through November) can be a great time for buyers as well. Buyers will find less competition [from other buyers] in the pre-season months. They will also get an early peek at properties that will probably sell during season.”

The August ShowingTime report indicated that local REALTORS® scheduled 16,878 appointments during August. This is an increase of 16 percent compared to showings in August 2018. On average, a home in the Naples area is shown 16 times before it secures a contract.

Broker analysts reviewing the August Report are leery of sales activity next year as sellers will face market uncertainty brought on by a presidential election. In the third quarter of 2016 – right before the last presidential election – overall closed sales in Collier County decreased 14 percent compared to closed sales during the third quarter of 2015.

Budge Huskey, President of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty added, “The overall market is very healthy today based on the average person’s financial position continuing to improve in tandem with the economy. Yet in the luxury and upscale second homes markets, which are often elective, buyers tend to have a longer-term horizon and base investment decisions on where they believe the economy and markets will be a year or more out in the future. Accordingly, there are mixed signals and sentiment.”

Incidentally, the $300,000 to $500,000 price category led closed sales in August with a 10.1 percent increase followed by closed sales of properties under $300,000, which increased 6.5 percent. Closed sales of homes between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000 decreased 5.7 percent.

“Sales of single-family homes were up almost 10 percent this August,” said Huskey. “Despite the reduced inventory overall, new listings coming on the market were up 4 percent in August and builder inventory is up as well.”

The median closed price in August decreased just 0.2 percent to $317,918, which is only $582 lower than the median closed price in August 2018 ($318,500). In fact, price increases have only been reported in two of the last 12 months (October 2018, 3.7%; and April 2019, 3.4%).

“We don’t know how changes in the political climate will affect the housing market in 2020,” said Wes Kunkle, President and Managing Broker at Kunkle International Realty. The August Report showed median closed prices for homes below $300,000 and homes between $1 million and $2 million decreased 4 percent in August, while homes between $300,000 and $1 million showed no change in median closed prices.

The NABOR® August 2019 Market Reports provide comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. NABOR® sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings:

CATEGORIES	AUG 2018	AUG 2019	CHANGE
Total closed sales (month/month)	741	796	+7.4%
Median closed price (month/month)	$318,500	$317,918	-0.2%
Total active listings (inventory)	5,980	4,917	-17.8%
Average days on market	99	103	+4.0%
Single-family closed sales (month/month)	356	417	+17.1%
Single-family median closed price (month/month)	$405,000	$399,000	-1.5%
Single-family inventory	3,147	2,523	-19.8%
Condominium closed sales (month/month)	385	379	-1.6%
Condominium median closed price (month/month)	$250,000	$245,000	-2.0%
Condominium inventory	2,833	2,394	-15.5%

Kunkle added, “We have an entire generation of first-time homebuyers who have never seen interest rates over 6 percent. With the recent quarter percentage point cut in interest rates, there isn’t been a better time to lock in and buy than now!”

Geographically, closed sales of single-family homes in the East Naples are (34114, 34117, 34120, 34137) increased the most in August by 35.6 percent followed by closed sales of single-family homes in North Naples (34109, 34110, 34119), which increased 15.6 percent.

Jeff Jones, NABOR® President and Broker at Keller Williams Naples, added, “There were 1,443 price reductions made during August [29 percent of the total homes listed], which is important for buyers as this is an indication that many sellers are eager to sell!”

The Naples Area Board of Realtors July 2019 Market Report

Spike in July Home Sales, a Sign of Heightened Buyer Interest

Naples, Fla. (August 23, 2019) – Heightened showing activity in June led to a spike in July’s closed sales, which increased 7.1 percent to 829 closed sales compared to 774 closed sales during July 2018. And despite a 14.8 percent reduction in overall inventory compared to last July, overall median closed prices have not increased, according to the July 2019 Market Report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).

“Twenty-six percent of the homes on the market during July had price reductions,” said Jeff Jones, NABOR® President and Broker at Keller Williams Naples. “The number-one reason a home lingers on the market is that it is priced too high. Those price reductions seemed to bring more buyers into the market.”

The July 2019 ShowingTime report, a monthly supplemental report that’s now being run alongside the monthly Market Reports, indicated that local REALTORS scheduled over 17,000 appointments to show a range of properties during July. On average, the report shows that a home for sale in Collier County is shown 17 times before it sells. Broker analysts believe the less inventory people have available to view, the more properties they want to see. This is why they believe now is a good time for sellers to enter the market so they have the opportunity to capture buyers who are looking at homes now.

“The late summer and early fall are a good time for a seller to list a home because there is a lot of interest from eager buyers – 17 showings per listing in July compared to 13 in January – and values are not decreasing,” said Mike Hughes, Vice President and General Manager for Downing-Frye Realty, Inc.

Sellers added 935 new listings to July’s inventory, but this increase in inventory failed to keep up with the buyers entering the market. At the end of July, there were 5,200 homes on the market compared to 6,100 in July 2018.

“We have about a 6-months supply of homes, which is lower than we like during this time of year,” said Jones.

According to Coco Amar, a managing broker at John R. Wood Properties, the report showed one category where sellers seemed more open to negotiate home prices. “In the $1 million to $2 million price category for condominiums, there was a 10 percent decrease in the median closed price during July. This decrease in median price might have been precipitated by soft sales for condos in this price category as its sales decreased the most during July [-17%] compared to all other price and home type categories as compared to July 2018.”

Since January, median closed prices have decreased 2.9 percent to $335,000 from $345,000. But compared to last July, prices have held steady. July’s median closed price was $326,200 compared to $326,500 for July 2018. However, based on a rolling 12-month analysis, only condominiums priced above $2 million have seen a substantial increase in their prices, i.e., 13 percent.

The NABOR® July 2019 Market Reports provide comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. NABOR® sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings:

CATEGORIES	JULY 2018	JULY 2019	CHANGE
Total closed sales (month/month)	774	829	+7.1%
Median closed price (month/month)	$326,500	$326,200	-0.1%
Total active listings (inventory)	6,100	5,200	-14.8%
Average days on market	94	103	+9.6%
Single-family closed sales (month/month)	380	435	+14.5%
Single-family median closed price (month/month)	$423,500	$409,500	-3.3%
Single-family inventory	3,175	2,668	-16.0%
Condominium closed sales (month/month)	394	394	0%
Condominium median closed price (month/month)	$254,500	$240,000	-5.7%
Condominium inventory	2,925	2,532	-13.4%

Geographically, closed sales activity was the highest in the Naples Beach area (34102, 34103, 34108), which saw a 25 percent increase in overall closed sales and a 40 percent increase in single-family home closed sales compared to July 2018. Interestingly, the median closed price for condominiums in the Naples Beach increased 27.1 percent to $632,500 from $497,000 in July 2018.

“Land values are high right now,” said Amar, “which will make homes for sale in the resale market more attractive this fall.”

The Naples Area Board of Realtors May 2019 Market Report

Home Sales in May Shifted to the East

Naples, Fla. (June 21, 2019) – In tempo with a recent shift in sales from high-end homes near the beach to homes under $500,000 in areas east of the beach, overall closed sales during May in the Naples area increased 9.8 percent to 1,165 closed sales compared to 1,061 closed sales in May 2018. Closed sales were highest in East Naples (34114, 34117, 34120, 34137), which reported a remarkable 21.7 percent increase.

While inventory levels decreased 13 percent to 5,905 homes in May 2019 from 6,785 homes in May 2018, over 2,000 homeowners reduced prices during May according to the May 2019 Market Report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).

“Nearly 30 percent of active listings had a price decrease in May,” said Coco Amar, a managing broker at John R. Wood Properties. “This was most apparent in the City of Naples [34102], which reported a 24.9 percent decrease in its overall median closed prices.”

Broker analysts reviewing the May report noticed a shift in sales from the traditional high-end market to homes under $500,000 earlier this year. The trend continued to be reflected in the May report, which showed closed sales for homes between $1 million and $2 million decreased 8.9 percent in May, while closed sales of homes between $300,000 and $500,000 increased 10.8 percent. Incidentally, closed sales increased in every price category reported except the $1 million to $2 million price category.

The May 2019 report showed closed sales of single-family homes up 12.8 percent compared to a 7 percent increase in closed sales for the condominium market. Interestingly, the decrease in closed sales for the $1 million to $2 million price category appeared in its condominium market, which saw a 23.1 percent decrease, while its single-family homes closed sales actually increased 3.6 percent. In comparison, the $300,000 to $500,000 price category reported a 12.6 percent increase in sales of condominiums and a 9.6 percent increase in sales of single-family homes.

“Despite a shift in buyer interest, sales of properties over $2 million continue to perform well,” said Jeff Jones, NABOR® President. This is reflected in a 1.2 percent increase in closed sales during May for homes over $2 million.

While the median closed price for May 2019 increased 6.9 percent to $355,000 from $332,000 in May 2018, Amar pointed out that the median closed price for single family homes in May 2019 actually decreased 3.5 percent to $415,000 from $430,000 in May 2018.

The NABOR® May 2019 Market Reports provide comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. NABOR® sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings:

CATEGORIES	MAY 2018	MAY 2019	CHANGE
Total closed sales (month/month)	1,061	1,165	+9.8%
Median closed price (month/month)	$332,000	$355,000	+6.9%
Total active listings (inventory)	6,785	5,905	-13.0%
Average days on market	98	107	+9.2%
Single-family closed sales (month/month)	515	581	+12.8%
Single-family median closed price (month/month)	$430,000	$415,000	-3.5%
Single-family inventory	3,355	2,986	-11.0%
Condominium closed sales (month/month)	546	584	+7.0%
Condominium median closed price (month/month)	$268,000	$269,500	+0.6%
Condominium inventory	3,430	2,919	-14.9%

Geographically, closed sales in East Naples (34114, 34117, 34120, 34137) continued to expand as development in the Collier Boulevard and U.S. 41 corridor continues to grow. According to Wes Kunkle, President and Managing Broker at Kunkle International Realty, commercial interest is high in all areas off the east trail (i.e., property on U.S. 41 heading east from Naples to Everglades City). “This is an ‘Opportunity Zone’ area and its commercial footprint is getting bigger each year.”

An Opportunity Zone provides businesses with permanent exclusion from taxable income of capital gains from the sale or exchange of an investment if it’s held for at least 10 years. There are currently five Opportunity Zones in Collier County: three are located in Immokalee; one in the Naples Manor community west of Collier Boulevard, north of U.S. 41 East and south of Rattlesnake Hammock Road; and another is identified as land in Golden Gate, west of Collier Boulevard, south of Golden Gate Parkway and east of Santa Barbara Boulevard.

“I kind of see East Naples and South Naples as the last growth frontier for the Naples area,” said Mike Hughes, Vice President and General Manager of Downing-Frye Realty, Inc. “A lot of our future growth will be in these two areas. It should be noted that the zip code 34114 saw a 56.2 percent increase in closed sales in May 2019 compared to the previous May.”

Upon reviewing the report, Bill Coffey, Broker Manager of Amerivest Realty Naples, added that there were “over 4,000 more showings this May compared to showings in May 2018!” Not surprising, and according to the report, this represented an average of 641 showings each day during May.

The Naples Area Board of Realtors April 2019 Market Report

April Report Shows Market Resurgence Continues

Naples, Fla. (May 24, 2019) – Closed sales during April in the Naples housing market increased 12.8 percent to 1,158 properties in April 2019 from 1,027 properties in April 2018. Broker analysts reviewing the April 2019 Market Report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island), reported that April was a solid month with strong sales activity in both the single-family and condominium markets.

“I believe we have reason to be optimistic going into the summer,” said Bill Coffey, Broker Manager of Amerivest Realty Naples who added, “The report showed overall sales were up 17 percent in April over March, and March’s sales were higher than February.”

According to Kathy Zorn, broker/owner, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Pristine, who analyzed April’s Market Report and showing activity provided by ShowingTime, a REALTOR® resource that tracks agent listing appointments with potential buyers, it took an average of 15 showings for a property to secure a contract in April.

“The uptick in showings during the last few months are a positive indicator of continued buyer interest in our area,” said Zorn. And while April’s overall median closed price decreased 5.6 percent to $340,000 in April 2019 from $360,000 in April 2018, April 2019’s median closed price was higher than both January and February’s median closed prices.

The Report also showed nearly 1,000 properties went from active to either terminated, expired, or withdrawn in the Southwest Florida MLS during April, which directly impacted April’s ending inventory level as seen in an 11.1 percent decrease to 6,435 properties in April 2019 from 7,239 properties in April 2018. But Zorn also pointed out that April saw the number of new condominium listings increase by 9.2 percent; whereas there was a decrease of 3.2 percent for new listings in the single-family homes market.

“Despite old-fashioned beliefs that our area is predominately seasonal, the last few years of home sales activity after Easter are proof that this is just not the case anymore,” said Mike Hughes, Vice President and General Manager for Downing-Frye Realty, Inc.

In agreement, Brenda Fioretti, Managing Broker at John R. Wood Properties Florida Realty, added that “April and May have always been our strongest months for closings historically. But unlike last year, April’s Report this year shows signs of a possible new trend: more closed sales for homes on the lower end of the price spectrum versus last year which had more closed sales in higher price points.”

The Report supports Fioretti’s theory as closed sales of single-family homes in April 2019 increased 4.4 percent, but closed sales of condominiums increased 20.1 percent in April 2019 compared to April 2018 market statistics. Further, the trend toward more sales of lower priced properties Fioretti mentioned is also visible in activity tracked over the last 12 months where there was a 4.3 percent increase or 2,727 closed sales of condominiums in the under $300,000 price category compared to a .8 percent decrease in this same price category for single-family homes (1,037 closed sales). The increase in condominium inventory Zorn mentioned is also a contributing factor to this new trend.

The NABOR® April 2019 Market Reports provide comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. NABOR® sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings:

CATEGORIES	APR 2018	APR 2019	CHANGE
Total closed sales (month/month)	1,027	1,158	+12.8%
Median closed price (month/month)	$360,000	$340,000	-5.6%
Total active listings (inventory)	7,239	6,435	-11.1%
Average days on market	94	98	+4.3%
Single-family closed sales (month/month)	481	502	+4.4%
Single-family median closed price (month/month)	$445,000	$469,000	+5.4%
Single-family inventory	3,554	3,228	-9.2%
Condominium closed sales (month/month)	546	656	+20.1%
Condominium median closed price (month/month)	$269,750	$272,250	+.9%
Condominium inventory	3,685	3,207	-13%

Geographically, closed sales skyrocketed in April for the Naples Beach area (34102, 34103, 34108), which had a 44.6 percent increase in closed sales for its single-family homes market and a 12.5 percent increase in closed sales for its condominium market. Also remarkable, the Central Naples area (34104, 34105, 34116) had a 22 percent increase in closed sales of condominiums while the East Naples area had a 36.4 percent increase in condominium sales and the South Naples area (34112, 34113) topped them all with an impressive 49 percent increase in closed sales of condominiums during April.

Hughes added that – from a buyer’s perspective – “the late spring and summer months are a great time to buy because there has always been a good selection of homes in all price ranges.”

One trend that continues to be applauded by broker analysts is the adoption by sellers to price their homes appropriately – based on actual comparisons of recently sold homes – in order to gauge their home’s estimated value rather than pricing their homes based on unvalidated values.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Naples, contact a Naples The Wakelin Team as we have the experience and knowledge to provide an accurate market comparison or negotiate a sale. We can ensure your next purchase or sale in the Naples area is a success.

The Naples Area Board of Realtors March 2019 Market Report

Realistic Home Values Led to Strong Sales in March

Naples, Fla. (April 18, 2019) – According to the March 2019 Market Report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island), the median closed price of homes decreased 5.6 percent to $340,000 in March 2019 from $360,000 in March 2018. Broker analysts reviewing the report clarified that the median closed price decrease was due, in part, to an increase in the number of closed sales of homes priced under $500,000 during the last year.

Another reason for the decrease in median home price is due to sellers pricing their homes appropriately – based on actual comparisons of recently sold homes – to gauge their home’s estimated value rather than pricing their homes based on unvalidated values.

The March 2019 Market Report showed overall closed sales decreased 1.7 percent to 973 in March 2019 compared to 990 in March 2018. This decrease was isolated to the single-family home market, whose sales in March 2019 fell by just 17 total sales compared to March 2018. The condominium market in March ended with 499 closed sales, the same number reported in March 2018.

However, as Bill Coffey, Broker Manager of Amerivest Realty Naples pointed out, the report also showed closed sales in March increased 64 percent compared to February 2019, which reported 595 closed sales; and it increased 65 percent compared to January 2019, which reported 588 closed sales.

“Sales activity in the first two months of the quarter was down compared to last year, but the March report showed a sales resurgence which I think will continue into April,” said Budge Huskey, President, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. “Once a seller finds their realistic list price, the home tends to sell. The proof is in the report, which showed that sellers received 95.3 percent of the final list price in March.”

Many brokers have reported an increase in contracts (pending sales) during March, which they feel contributed to the 10 percent decrease in overall inventory for March. It is important to remember that inventory during the first quarter of 2018 included many homes that were put back on the market after having been taken off the market for repairs following Hurricane Irma during the last quarter of 2017. As such, the report showed 8.7 months of inventory for March 2019, down 11 percent compared to March 2018.

“When inventory was tight, there was more urgency to buy,” said Wes Kunkle, President and Managing Broker at Kunkle International Realty. “But so far this year buyers have been spending time looking around more and at new construction too.” Kunkle added that the Southwest Florida MLS showed “about 19 percent of the single-family closed sales in March were new construction.”

The NABOR® March 2019 Market Reports provide comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. NABOR® sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings:

CATEGORIES	MAR 2018	MAR 2019	CHANGE
Total closed sales (month/month)	990	973	-1.7%
Median closed price (month/month)	$360,000	$340,000	-5.6%
Total active listings (inventory)	7,593	6,829	-10.1%
Average days on market	96	107	+11.5%
Single-family closed sales (month/month)	491	474	-3.5%
Single-family median closed price (month/month)	$450,000	$415,000	-7.8%
Single-family inventory	3,701	3,507	-5.2%
Condominium closed sales (month/month)	499	499	0%
Condominium median closed price (month/month)	$287,000	$280,000	-2.4%
Condominium inventory	3,892	3,322	-14.6%

Geographically, the median closed price for condominiums in the Naples Beach area (34102, 34103, 34108) increased 13 percent to $805,0000 in March 2019 compared to $711,500 in March 2018, the highest increase of all areas reported. The median closed price for single-family homes increased the most in South Naples (34112, 34113) by 2.6 percent to $410,000 in March 2019 compared to $400,000 in March 2018. Inventory during March increased in only one segment and place: single-family homes in the Naples Beach area. This area’s inventory increased by 4.1 percent and is where a large majority of “spec” home building is taking place.

Brokers reviewing the March report also discussed their concern about how water quality issues and short-term rental limits might impact the Naples housing market moving forward. Adam Vellano, West Coast Sales Manager, BEX Realty – Florida, and a member of the NABOR® Water Quality Task Force, remarked that actions by the new Governor to fast-track many delayed water-quality projects, appoint a new South Florida Water Management Board, and request the Army Corps of Engineers modify Lake Okeechobee’s scheduled releases so there are fewer in the summer, is already being met with positive response.

“If the county puts limits on rentals we may see a spike in inventory,” said Mike Hughes, Vice President and General Manager for Downing-Frye Realty, Inc., who added that a limit would be bad news for a good portion of our seasonal residents and the homeowners and investors who benefit from a healthy rental market. Huskey responded that “a move to restrict rental lengths to the term suggested could significantly impact sales in some areas of unincorporated Collier County.” As it stands, his company already has an 85 percent rental reservation rate for next season which shows confidence in the market.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Naples, contact The Wakelin Team as we have the experience and knowledge to provide an accurate market comparison or negotiate a sale. We REALTOR® can ensure your next purchase or sale in the Naples area is a success.

The Naples Area Board of Realtors February 2019 Market Report

February Market Report Shows Many Options for Buyers

Naples, Fla. (March 26, 2019) – Home buyers had many more options to choose from in February as housing market inventory increased 7 percent to 7,442 homes in February 2019 compared to 6,912 in February 2018. In addition to 1,498 new listings added to the Southwest Florida MLS in February, the February 2019 Market Report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island), also reflected a 4 percent decrease in the overall median closed price to $335,000 in February 2019 compared to $350,000 in February 2018.

“This is typically the time of year when we see inventory jump,” said Wes Kunkle, President and Managing Broker at Kunkle International Realty. “New listings increased 34 percent in the single-family home market and 7 percent in the condominium market [based on a comparison of February statistics]. That’s a lot of great new options for buyers!”

The February Market Report showed inventory for each home type was about even in February with 3,801 single-family homes available (a 10 percent increase compared to February 2018) and 3,641 condominiums available (a 4 percent increase compared to February 2018).

While there were 100 fewer closed sales in February 2019 compared to closed sales in February 2018 (a 14 percent decrease), the added inventory has broker analysts like Dominic Pallini, Broker at Vanderbilt Realty, convinced that buyers are not rushing into a sale like many did when inventory levels were much lower; and instead, are meticulously evaluating all their options that include new and existing homes.

“The average days on the market increased in February, which tells me that buyers are looking at more homes before they make an offer,” said Pallini. “Plus, there is a lot more new construction this year than a year ago. Agents were rarely in the office in February because showings really increased dramatically.”

Unlike many Florida markets, sales of homes in Naples are very geographically influenced. Historically, the closer a property was to the beach, the faster it would sell. But that’s not always the case anymore. Days on market were the lowest in the South Naples area (34112, 34113) in February; yet prices for single-family homes in this geographic area decreased 25 percent to $420,000 in February 2019 from $560,000 in February 2018.

“Our statistics show that the closed prices of properties that were sold in February averaged 95 to 96 percent of the current list price,” Brenda Fioretti, Managing Broker at John R. Wood Properties Florida Realty. “This shows that once a property is priced to attract buyers, the seller can realize a final closing price within 4 to 5 percent of asking price.”

Fioretti added that “many of the current listed properties are priced in excess of the range that is attracting buyers so sellers often have to reduce their asking price to the point where buyers are interested, looking and ready to make an offer. Pricing a home appropriately from the start helps the seller realize a much shorter marketing time and makes for a smoother transaction.”

Phil Wood, President & CEO of John R. Wood Properties, added that REALTORS® help buyers find the right homes at the right price in the right area faster because they understand how each geographic area and the neighborhoods within them are different. “For example, closed sales of single-family homes near the beach decreased in February compared to a year ago while its median closed price increased; but closed sales of single-family homes increased in the South Naples area during February and its median closed price fell.”

The NABOR® February 2019 Market Reports provide comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. NABOR® sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings:

CATEGORIES	FEB 2018	FEB 2019	CHANGE
Total closed sales (month/month)	695	595	-14%
Median closed price (month/month)	$350,000	$335,000	-4%
Total active listings (inventory)	6,912	7,442	+7%
Average days on market	95	102	+7%
Single-family closed sales (month/month)	315	291	-7%
Single-family median closed price (month/month)	$439,000	$405,000	-8%
Single-family inventory	3,427	3,664	+7%
Condominium closed sales (month/month)	381	304	-20%
Condominium median closed price (month/month)	$275,000	$265,000	-4%
Condominium inventory	3,485	3,641	+4%

“The high-end market continues to do very well in our area,” said Mike Hughes, Vice President and General Manager for Downing-Frye Realty, Inc., who added that those high-end sales are usually made by very astute buyers and if the economy was bad or on a path to becoming bad, then they wouldn’t be buying as they are currently.

“You can’t look at our market with only one lens,” Hughes added. “A lot can change in a quarter mile. Sellers are best served when they work with a REALTOR®, whose job is to offer home buyers and sellers a good understanding of neighborhood market trends and comparative pricing strategies. This is very important during high season, and especially today, when buyers have more housing options.”

Just Released…The Naples Area Board of Realtors January 2019 Market Report:

January Housing Market Shows Signs of Opportunity

Naples, Fla. (March 8, 2019) – The year is off to a good start for homebuyers. Beyond escaping frigid temperatures up north, visitors looking to purchase a home in the Naples area during January were pleasantly surprised with their options as inventory levels increased 7 percent to 8,154 homes for sale in January 2019 from 7,605 homes for sale in January 2018. The good news didn’t stop there for new homebuyers in January as median home prices increased by only 1 percent to $325,000 in January 2019 from $322,500 in January 2018, according to the January 2019 Market Report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island). A new statistical reporting system with enhanced formats and data capture features was adopted by NABOR®. The January 2019 Market Report was prepared using the new system.

Broker analysts reviewing the new report were quick to point out that a rare occurrence in January 2018 contributed to a reduction in overall closed sales reported in January 2019. Namely, that a developer added 79 newly constructed high-end condominium closed sales to the MLS during the month of January 2018. To further clarify, the actual “sales” were made over a three-year period, but the sales data for all 79 units was input into the MLS over a three-week period in January 2018. Consequently, this data is reflected in the monthly statistics as a 160 percent decrease in overall closed sales for homes in the $1 million to $2 million price category. It is for this reason that the January 2019 Market Report has been clarified to also reflect the removal of these anomalous sales in order to show a truer comparative analysis of the data.

Many broker analysts reviewing the January 2019 Market Report felt the stock market tumble in late December may have contributed to potential homebuyers delaying purchasing decisions in January. This may be why there was a 6 percent decrease in overall closed sales reported for January 2019 compared to overall closed sales in January 2018. However, high-end homes increased 21 percent in the single-family home market and 18 percent in the condominium market in January 2019 compared to January 2018.

According to Cindy Carroll, SRA, of Carroll & Carroll Appraisers & Consultants, LLC, new home construction is tempering price increases in many areas of the resale market. “More builders are using the MLS and reaching out to brokers and REALTORS® with purchase incentives, which will make it necessary for homeowners to price their homes more competitively.”

The monthly statistics only capture a fraction of new construction product. NABOR® is working to engage more builders and encourage their use of the MLS. As such, it anticipates the ability to report broader data – like new construction, pending sales and list-to-closed sales – in future months with the new system.

“Fee heavy condominiums are hurting,” said Adam Vellano, West Coast Sales Manager, BEX Realty – Florida. Even though inventory rose 6 percent in the under $300,000 condominium market in January, closed sales for this product in January dropped 25 percent.

“The good news is that prices have remained relatively flat in both the single-family and condominium markets over the last 12 months despite the increase in inventory, so this factor along with an increase in inventory means there are some very good deals out there. This is a positive for homebuyers,” said Vellano.

“The housing market, while not markedly busy in January, remains healthy. The big news in January was inventory,” said Jeff Jones, NABOR® President and Managing Broker for Engel & Völkers Naples and Bonita Springs offices, “especially in the single-family home market where inventory for single-family homes under $300,000 grew 8 percent, and inventory for single-family homes between $300,000 to $500,000 grew 12 percent. “We expect the supply of homes for sale to increase, giving buyers more homes to buy, but not so many that will negatively affect overall home prices.”

Overall, there were 549 more homes for sale in January 2019 than in January 2018. The Naples area has seen its resale market inventory climb over the last few months. As such, there was 8.4 months of inventory in January 2019, typically indicating a buyer’s market, up from 6.3 months of inventory in January 2018.

The NABOR® January 2019 Market Reports provide comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. NABOR® sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings:

CATEGORIES	JAN 2018	JAN 2019	CHANGE
Total closed sales (month/month)	625	588	-6%
Median closed price (month/month)	$322,500	$325,000	+1%
Total active listings (inventory)	7,605	8,154	+7%
Average days on market	97	97	0%
Single-family closed sales (month/month)	295	314	+6%
Single-family median closed price (month/month)	$422,000	$380,500	-11%
Single-family inventory	3,757	4,124	+9%
Condominium closed sales (month/month)	330	274	-20%
Condominium median closed price (month/month)	$251,000	$260,000	+3%
Condominium inventory	3,848	4,030	+5%

Prices are expected to remain stable over the next 12 months according to Carroll, who also noted that some pockets of the market may begin to see value erosion while others continue to increase due to location and demand.

Geographically, inventory increased the most in Eastern Collier (10 percent) and Ave Maria (18 percent).

The Naples Area Board of Realtors 2018 Market Report

5 Positive Trends for Buyers & 5 Positive Trends for Sellers in 2019

NABOR® Year End 2018 Market Report was Good for All!

Naples, Fla. (January 18, 2019) – The Naples area housing market ended 2018 with impressive annual activity statistics in all areas of the residential real estate market including an 11 percent increase in total closed sales and a 14 percent increase in inventory compared to 2017. Sales of homes over $1 million continued to drive the market in 2018, especially in the condominium market where closed sales of condominiums over $1 million increased 37 percent! According to the Year End 2018 Market Report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island), inventory at the end of 2018 was the highest on record in six years.

“Prices held steady in 2018 with just a 3 percent increase in median closed price,” said Brenda Fioretti, Managing Broker at John R. Wood Properties Florida Realty. “However, for homes over $300,000, the median closed price actually decreased 1 percent.”

Upon reviewing the YE 2018 Market Report, Fioretti concluded that there are many positive trends for both home buyers and sellers in 2019. The top 5 positive trends for home buyers and sellers are:

5 POSITIVE TRENDS FOR SELLERS

5 POSITIVE TRENDS FOR BUYERS

Colder winters up north are bringing more visitors to the Naples area
Naples area homes are selling faster (average days on market decreased 9 percent from list to closing)
Buyers interest in the Naples market is on the rise as a result of aggressive builder advertising in northern markets
More comparable home prices are available with the increase in inventory
Location, location, location continues to appeal to home buyers

Inventory is increasing which translates to more options for home buyers
There are as many condos for sale as there are single family homes which expands overall opportunities for home buyers (Total: 6,261)
The stability of the overall median closed price builds buyer confidence in the market
Mortgage interest rates are currently low (< 5%) spurring home buying decisions
Location, location, location continues to offer appeal!

Single-family homes in the Naples Beach area (34102, 34103, 34108) reported the highest median closed price increase (14 percent) in 2018 compared to 2017. But that’s most likely due to closed sales of a few multimillion homes that took place last year including a $48.8 million transaction in June for a home in Port Royal.

The median closed prices listed on NABOR®’s market reports do not reflect average sales prices. Rather, the median closed price demonstrates a rate wherein half the closed sales were purchased for amounts below the figure (median) and half the sales were purchased for prices above it. As such, of the 662 single-family homes located in the Naples Beach area that sold in 2018, the median closed price was $1,268,000 in 2018 compared to the 652 single-family homes that sold in 2017 where the median closed price was $1,117,000. Incidentally, closed sales in this area increased only 2 percent.

Conversely, closed sales of single-family homes in the Ave Maria/Immokalee area increased 233 percent to 143 homes in 2018 compared to 43 single-family homes in 2017. Median closed prices for single-family homes in the Ave Maria/Immokalee area decreased 4 percent to $245,000 in 2018 compared to $255,000 in 2017.

According to Kathy Zorn, broker/owner, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Pristine, many small builders are listing their newly constructed homes on the Southwest Florida MLS (multiple listing service), which is reflected in the increased inventory statistics in all price points and in all geographic locations. “Inventory for single-family homes under $500,000 increased the most in 2018, which is good news for buyers who don’t necessarily require a home within walking distance of the beach. In fact, the highest increase in inventory for 2018 was 34 percent, and it appeared in the under $300,000 single-family homes category.”

While the Ave Maria/Immokalee area also reported the highest increase in single-family inventory (40 percent) among all geographic areas tracked, the single-family home inventory in Central Naples (34104, 34105, 34116) increased 38 percent to 391 homes in 2018 from 283 homes in 2017.

As pointed out by NABOR® President Jeff Jones, Managing Broker for Engel & VölkersNaples and Bonita Springs offices, the 3 percent increase in overall pending sales for 2018 concerned him at first as it looked too low compared to activity in other areas of the report. However, after much discussion with several broker analysts also reviewing the annual market report including Mike Hughes, Vice President and General Manager for Downing-Frye Realty, Inc., it was determined that, according to Hughes, “the smaller-than-expected increase was because many closings for a large percentage of homes under contract in the 4th quarter of 2017 were delayed while repairs from Hurricane Irma damage took place.”

The NABOR® Year End, 4th Quarter and December 2018 Market Reports provide comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. NABOR® sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall Year Ending 2018 (single-family and condominium) findings:

CATEGORIES	YE 2017	YE 2018	CHANGE
Total homes under contract (pending sales) (year/year)	9,121	9,365	+3%
Total closed sales (year/year)	8,815	9,771	+11%
Median closed price (year/year)	$330,000	$339,000	+3%
Median closed price >$300K (year/year)	$514,000	$510,000	-1%
Total active listings (inventory)	5,491	6,261	+14%
Average days on market	104	95	-9%
Single-family closed sales (year/year)	4,347	4,768	+10%
Single-family median closed price (year/year)	$418,000	$425,000	+2%
Single-family inventory	2,685	3,131	+17%
Condominium closed sales (year/year)	4,468	5,003	+12%
Condominium median closed price (year/year)	$263,000	$265,000	+1%
Condominium inventory	2,806	3,130	+12%

Even though the Southwest Florida MLS system is not as widely used by REALTORS® working in commercial real estate in Naples, the data collected does help agents gauge this sector of the market. According to Wes Kunkle, President and Managing Broker at Kunkle International Realty, “Vacancy rates for commercial properties are low right now. I’m seeing most vacancy rates well under 5 percent.”

Historically, commercial real estate activity is directly affected by the residential real estate market. When nearly 1,000 more homes are sold annually compared to a previous year, as was the case between 2017 and 2018, it is realistic to expect the number of businesses will increase to meet the needs of those new consumers.

Dozens of new commercial properties are in various stages of development across Collier County, many of which have large grocery store anchors.

The Naples Area Board of Realtors November 2018 Market Report

November Housing Market Report Shows Activity Heating Up

Naples, Fla. (December 21, 2018) – Home sales in November increased by double digits across every price category resulting in an overall increase of 24 percent compared to November 2017. Median closed prices decreased for homes under $1 million in November and inventory rose 12 percent to 5,971 homes, according to the November 2018 Market Report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).

“The November report shows greater balance in the market which is propelling strong performance,” said Budge Huskey, President, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, who added that the 24 percent increase in overall closed sales for November is “significant because it reflects our recovery from the hurricane last year.”

The $0 to $300,000 single-family home market had the most impressive activity in November where inventory rose 38 percent and closed sales increased 30 percent compared to November 2017. This section of the market also saw its median closed price hold steady at $250,000.

“New home construction in the lower price tiers is rushing to meet the needs of buyers and it’s building our inventory in much needed areas within eastern Collier,” said Mike Hughes, Vice President and General Manager for Downing-Frye Realty, Inc. The November market report supports Hughes’ claim as the East Naples area (34114, 34117, 34120 and 34137) saw the highest number of closed sales for single-family homes – 105 – with another 121 sales pending.

According to Cindy Carroll, SRA, of Carroll & Carroll Appraisers & Consultants, LLC, activity in the $0 to $300,000 price category is rallying in Collier. “Inventory under $300,000 consumes over half of the available condominium inventory. It had the highest inventory increase [38 percent] in the single-family home market too. The November report shows our inventory levels are just about even between condos and single-family homes now.”

“We haven’t seen this level of inventory going into season in six years,” said NABOR® President Jeff Jones, Managing Broker for Engel & VölkersNaples and Bonita Springs offices. “Plus, days on market is cascading downward which is a sign of better pricing. The trend to price homes to sell is clearly taking hold and it’s definitely making a difference in overall sales numbers. Visitors will be impressed at the choices and stable prices this season.”

The NABOR® November 2018 Market Reports provide 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 November 2018 NABOR® sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall 3Q (single-family and condominium) findings:

CATEGORIES	Nov 2017	Nov 2018	CHANGE
Total homes under contract (pending sales) (month/month)	728	700	-4%
Total closed sales (month/month)	521	645	+24%
Median closed price (month/month)	$330,000	$334,000	+1%
Median closed price >$300K (month/month)	$482,000	$485,000	+1%
Total active listings (inventory)	5,322	5,971	+12%
Average days on market	101	95	-6%
Single-family closed sales (month/month)	271	327	+21%
Single-family median closed price (month/month)	$433,000	$420,000	-3%
Single-family inventory	2,606	3,033	+16%
Condominium closed sales (month/month)	250	318	+27%
Condominium median closed price (month/month)	$250,000	$255,000	+2%
Condominium inventory	2,716	2,938	+8%

Broken down geographically, Collier’s housing market in November had some interesting pockets of activity. For example, median closed prices decreased 19 percent in the Naples Beach area (34102, 34103, 34108); but increased 12 percent in the North Naples area (34109, 34110, 34119). There was a 90 percent increase in closed sales of condominiums in East Naples (34114, 34117, 34120, 34137), which brokers attribute to an increase in new construction of townhome developments east of Collier Boulevard. And single-family homes in Central Naples (34104, 34105, 34116) sold the fastest with an average 66 days on the market from listing to closing.

If you are looking to sell a home in Naples, contact The Wakelin Team as we have the experience and knowledge to provide an accurate market comparison so you can determine the right asking price. We can also ensure your next purchase in the Naples area is a success.

CATEGORIES

MAR 2018

MAR 2019

CHANGE

Total closed sales (month/month)

990

973

-1.7%

Median closed price (month/month)

$360,000

$340,000

-5.6%

Total active listings (inventory)

7,593

6,829

-10.1%

Average days on market

96

107

+11.5%

Single-family closed sales (month/month)

491

474

-3.5%

Single-family median closed price (month/month)

$450,000

$415,000

-7.8%

Single-family inventory

3,701

3,507

-5.2%

Condominium closed sales (month/month)

499

499

0%

Condominium median closed price (month/month)

$287,000

$280,000

-2.4%

Condominium inventory

3,892

3,322

-14.6%

CATEGORIES

FEB 2018

FEB 2019

CHANGE

Total closed sales (month/month)

695

595

-14%

Median closed price (month/month)

$350,000

$335,000

-4%

Total active listings (inventory)

6,912

7,442

+7%

Average days on market

95

102

+7%

Single-family closed sales (month/month)

315

291

-7%

Single-family median closed price (month/month)

$439,000

$405,000

-8%

Single-family inventory

3,427

3,664

+7%

Condominium closed sales (month/month)

381

304

-20%