The Florida housing market reports for October higher median prices, fewer days on market and a constrained inventory of homes for sale in October, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes rose last month with a total of 22,147, an increase of 1.2 percent over October 2014. "October marked the 47th consecutive month that statewide median sales prices increased year-over-year for both single-family homes and … [Read more...]
Archives for 2015
Holiday Splendor – Events for the Whole Family
Here are some area events to get you in the Holiday Spirit. Live performance, boat parades and spectacular events to ring in the New Year. Happy Holidays and warm wishes for a Bright New Year! Holiday Splendor on Florida's Southwest Coast A Christmas Story Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers December 1 - 20 Perfect for the whole family! A Christmas Story is a hilarious and touching coming-of-age story of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s! Audiences will follow … [Read more...]
Record Breaking Florida Tourism 2015
Florida Tourism - The Sunshine State welcomed an estimated 79.1 million visitors during the first nine months of 2015, the most of any such period in Florida's history. The nine-month count was a 5.5 percent increase when compared with the same period in 2014. Gov. Rick Scott has set a goal of drawing more than 100 million tourists to Florida this year, and that now seems within fairly easy reach. VISIT FLORIDA estimates that 22.1 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in the third … [Read more...]
Home Prices – Steady Growth Third Quarter
Home Prices An encouraging lift-off in existing-home sales amidst ongoing inventory shortages kept home prices rising in most of the country during the third quarter, but overall price appreciation slowed to a healthier pace, according to the latest quarterly report by the National Association of Realtors®(NAR). The median existing single-family home price increased in 87 percent of measured markets, with 154 out of 178 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) showing gains based on closings in … [Read more...]
Americans Believe Buying a Home is a Sound Investment
The American Dream A vast majority of Americans believe that buying a home is a solid financial decision, and most believe they could sell their home for at least its initial purchase price, according to a new survey from the National Association of Realtors®. The 2015 National Housing Pulse Survey also found that a preponderance of Americans think that now is a good time to buy a home. The survey, which measures consumers' attitudes and concerns about housing issues in the nation's 50 … [Read more...]
Out and About – Area Adventures
Looking for entertainment and area adventures? Here’s some great options to help you discover hidden Florida gems, get a taste of history, watch sandcastle masters at work, take-in a show, or maybe a great area festival -- lots of activities, both day and night. Discover Matlacha Island Through Apr 02, 2016 Join Pure Florida on a journey to discover one of southwest Florida's hidden gems, the island of Matlacha! Guests will experience the simplicity of the Caloosahatchee River, the flare of … [Read more...]
Southwest Florida Buyers Paying Cash
Home buyers in Southwest Florida are still paying with cash at one of the fastest rates in the nation. Of the 10 metro areas with the highest share of cash purchases in the first quarter of 2015, more than half were in Florida, according to real estate analyst Zillow. Florida Buyers Paying Cash "In Florida, cash is king," Zillow said. "At the end of the first quarter, seven of the top 10 metros with the highest share of home purchases made in cash were in Florida, up from six at … [Read more...]
Awesome Ideas for a Rainy Day on Useppa Island
A Rainy Day on Useppa Island Even when it's wet and dreary outdoors, there's plenty of activity and amusement available on Useppa Island. Our friendly community offers a game of pool or poker, a specialty drink at the bar or under a private deck. A rainy day on Useppa is better than any day at the Office. YOU MAY WANT TO... Play Scrabble with near-champion players who are always ready for a challenge. Play a game of Pool at the Tarpon Inn or better yet, find the people … [Read more...]
Life on a Private Island
Ever wonder what it would be like to escape to a Private Island? … [Read more...]
Gasparilla Inn – Part 2 of the Boat for Food Blog Series
Dubbed “the Preppiest Place on Earth” in a touristy article about Old Florida, by Sara Clemence, in the Wall Street Journal last year, Boca Grande is frequented by Useppans' for its many dining opportunities. Not for the Preppy part (well, maybe a few of us) because we are coming from the anti-preppy but truly Olde Florida Useppa Island. But, we will go anywhere for food. Not that we are short of very good and sometimes great dining at the Collier Inn on Useppa, but … [Read more...]