Bonita Bay reports sales up 38 percent over last year

The number of new home sales in Bonita Bay Group communities was 38 percent higher during the first three quarters of 2008 than during the same period of 2007. Residential sales in Mediterra and TwinEagles in Naples, Sandoval in Cape Coral, Verandah along the Orange River in Fort Myers, and The High-Rises at Bonita Bay in Bonita Springs totaled 306 for the first nine months of 2008.

"Traffic remains steady, and the percentage of qualified buyers is higher," said Vice President Gary Dumas. "Sales incentives, which included club memberships and master homeowner association fees, had a positive influence on purchasing decisions, and our builders have worked hard to make home prices a good value."

Kelli Eastman, director of sales for Verandah, Mediterra and TwinEagles, said she's seen a shift in purchase patterns.

"Buyers seem to be more serious and are making decisions more quickly," she said. "Fifty-four percent bought within a month of their first visit to a community. In the past, it often took months and several visits before buyers signed contracts."

Bonita Bay Group continues to offer buyer incentives on homes and homesites in its communities.

"Our residents always have appreciated the recreational amenities and environmental sensitivity of our communities, as well as our longevity in the market," said Mr. Dumas. "Now, more than ever, they also recognize the value of homeownership in a Bonita Bay Group community."

Bonita Bay Group is in its 25th year in Southwest Florida as a diversified company involved in the planning, development, sales and management of master planned communities, free-standing recreational amenities and commercial facilities. Additional information about the company is available at www.Bonita- BayGroup.com.