Home sales in Mediterra still strong

COURTESY PHOTO Gulfshore Homes Montserrat model in the Bonita Bay Group's Mediterra development. Mediterra bucked national and local real estate trends in 2007, reporting more home sales than the previous year. The 1,697-acre North Naples community reported 45 sales in 2007 - up three units compared to 2006.

The sales, totaling nearly $62.2 million, included coach homes, single-family detached villas and single-family homes. Six models sold for almost $24.7 million.

The numbers reflect Mediterra's unique position in the real estate market, said Bonita Bay Group President and CEO Kitty Green.

"While there was a general real estate slowdown in Southwest Florida in 2007, Mediterra was able to beat 2006 sales," she said. "These numbers show that buyers will continue to come to Florida for the sunshine, and to Mediterra for its lifestyle."

That was exactly the objective of Michigan residents Dave and Pat Gibbons, who purchased Gulfshore Homes' Montserrat model last fall.

"We wanted to be warm this winter," said Dave Gibbons. "I was retiring Nov. 1, and our goal was to buy an existing home and move to Florida for the winter. We bought the home last August and moved in Oct. 15."

Mediterra, he said, will become the couple's primary residence. The fully furnished model's ample square footage will accommodate visiting children and grandchildren.

Most of Mediterra's sales were co-brokered by independent real estate professionals, said Green.

Mediterra's sales in 2007 included 22 coach homes, nine luxury villas, eight single family homesites, as well as the six models. Membership sales for The Club at Mediterra were also stronger in 2007, compared to 2006, said Kristin Cavella, membership director.

"We added 74 new members in 2007," she said. "A lot of other high-end clubs only added 15 to 20 new members last year."

One-third of Mediterra's new homeowners and members, she said, were referrals from existing members. Cavella said 80 percent of Mediterra's homeowners are golf or sports club members.

Bonita Bay Group is developing Mediterra with the same commitment to meticulous planning, environmental stewardship, integrity and attention to detail that is evident at its flagship community, Bonita Bay.