Collier, Lee home sales soar in April

High season in Naples culminated in strong home sales and the busiest month this year for area Realtors, according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of Realtors, which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).

"We are thrilled to report positive numbers for April in both the singlefamily home and condo markets," said Arlene Carozza, NABOR president and Realtor. "Lower-priced properties continue to comprise the majority of transactions, but we are now starting to see sales increase in the higher-priced categories, which is indicative of overall market improvement."

Mike Timmerman, a senior associate with Fishkind & Associates, agreed with the reports findings.

"The passing of Amendment 1 has helped to motivate buyers and spur sales, including the high-end market," said Timmerman. "In addition, dropped prices have made people contemplating a purchase decide that now is the time to buy."

The Realtor Association of Greater Fort Myers and the Beach, Inc. reported last week that 684 existing single-family houses were sold in April.

That's a 32 percent increase in the number of single family houses sold compared to last April.

The Collier report, which provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condo sales (via the Sunshine Multiple Listing Service), price ranges and geographic segmentation, also includes an overall market summary. The report said:

• Overall pending home sales in the greater Naples Area, which includes Naples Beach, North Naples, Central Naples, South Naples, East Naples, Immokalee and Ave Maria, increased 25 percent, with 616 in April 2008 compared to 494 in April 2007.

• Overall pending home sales for properties priced between $300,000 - $500,000 increased 18 percent year-todate.

• Overall homes sales were 472 in April 2008 compared to 445 in April 2007, a six percent increase; overall homes sales less than $300,000 increased 62 percent with 238 in April 2008 compared to 147 the same month 2007.

• Overall condo sales decreased one percent, with 270 sales in April 2008 versus 273 sales in April 2007; however, pending condo sales increased six percent with 291 in April 2008 compared to 275 in April 2007.

"These numbers confirm the momentum that has been building throughout 2008," said John Steinwand of Naples Realty Services. "We are now seeing double and triple offers on properties, which means the tide is turning."

Mike Hughes of Downing-Frye Realty agreed.

"Sellers are getting realistic about pricing and buyers are realizing now is the perfect time to buy."

To view the entire April report, go to www.NaplesArea.com