Coldwell Banker's Southwest Florida market leads international sales

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate announced the Southwest Florida market led international sales with more than $49 million in closed sales volume as of Dec. 31.

Comprised of 19 offices and nearly 1,000 sales associates in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties, the Southwest Florida area represents 58 percent of Coldwell Banker international sales across the state.

Thirteen of Coldwell Banker's international sales in Florida sold for $1 million or more. The Sarasota market outperformed historically strong luxury property sales in Miami- Dade County with six of the multi-million dollar sales closing in the Sarasota area. The top sales price of $6,214,000 belonged to a property in Sarasota, followed by the second highest sales price in the state of $4,625,000 in Boca Raton. The third highest sales price for Florida was in Longboat Key at $3,300,000. Three of the top sales in the Southwest Florida area include Cape Coral (at $1,825,000), Marco Island (at $1,250,000) and Naples (at $1,100,000). The international buyers are from Canada, the U.K. and India.

"We are seeing buyers from Canada, the U.K, France, Germany, India, Denmark and Egypt buying property in our area. International home buyers are attracted to Southwest Florida real estate for many reasons," said Sue Wolverton, regional senior vice president, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Southwest Florida. "Mortgage interest rates are low, the favorable exchange rate of the Euro enables many to buy more for their money here, and baby boomers want to maximize their return on investment properties."

Buyers from Canada account for 66 percent of sales, followed by buyers from the United Kingdom (11 percent), France (4 percent), Denmark, Egypt and India (2 percent each).

Based on National Association of Realtor statistics, Florida leads the nation in attracting international homebuyers with 26 percent of all foreign home sales.

"International buyers currently account for 15 percent of total home sales statewide," said Ms. Wolverton. "As one of the world's most well-known and respected real estate brands, Coldwell Banker is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of the international homebuyer."

Consumers from 145 countries on six continents visited www.floridamoves.com in December.