JANUARY 2010 Newsletter As we entered “Season” we experienced the longest stretch of cold temperatures, which had been seen in over 50 years. However, it did not affect the real estate market, as sales continued to rise and exceed prior year’s figures. For all of Naples, pending sales increased 71% over 2008 with closed sales up 68%. On the other side, active inventory declined steadily during the year with percentages of 9 to 25 depending on the price range of the units. Marco Island showed an increase of 9% in sales over 2008 and a 12% decline in inventory. For Naples Lakes CC the number of closed sales paralleled 2008, as did pending sales. Yet inventory declined 57% (from 72 units in January to 41 in December.). Pending sales are a good indication of a healthy market, with Naples up 50%, Marco up 48% and Naples Lakes Country Club up 53% over 2008.     Real Estate Prognosis    The results of 2009 support the Fed Chairman who indicated, “The recession is over which means the downturn has ended”. Chairman Bernake stated “interest rates will stay low for an extended period” – now holding at 4.99%, and predicted an economy on the mend with consumers and businesses spending again, housing being stabilized, manufacturing growing and layoffs moderating. Reports indicate that foreign investors remain committed to the U.S. as their preferred real estate investment opportunity. The results show that 51% identified the U. S. for investment (37% in ’08 and 26% in ‘07). Additionally 66% plan to increase their investment in 2010.     The Florida Consumer Index was unchanged at year-end due to the increased pessimism about personal finances offset by an improved outlook about the US economy over the next 5 years. The economy still looks to the $8,000 rebate for first-time buyers and the $6,500 rebate available to current homeowners to buy a new home to stimulate sales. TWO BEAUTIFUL VILLA LISTINGS Saranac – 3 bedrooms, den, 2.5 baths Former model-lots of upgrades Great Buys!! St. Lawrence –3 bedrooms, 3 baths Great Water View     Our Website    Click on (www.naplesgolf-marcobeach.com) to view all the great Naples Lakes properties. We currently have an array of multi-family and single family homes available in every price range. In addition to reflecting our listings on Marco and in Naples, local websites and Realtor.com expanded listings, we just added another 31 sites to gain even more exposure. The Naples Lakes Country Club listings are updated every Sunday morning, and we have revamped the website to make it more user- friendly in locating the information you desire – be it Real Estate or Rentals. The Home page now lists all categories of interest for easy access. Check it out. REMEMBER…If you need assistance or have questions about your investment in Paradise or any other property in the area, please give us a call at 239-793-6493. We will be happy to provide any information you may need when making a Real Estate decision. And don’t forget to visit – and make part of your favorites – our website at www.naplesgolf-marcobeach.com where you can find not only Naples Lakes listings, but access our nationwide Multiple Listing Service as well.     Other Items of Interest    The Hurricane Center in Miami predicted 13 storms this season (we had 6), 8 hurricanes (we had 3 with 2 major to hit the east coast) Fortunately, we totally escaped the hurricanes in 2009. Make www.nhc.noaa.gov a part of your favorites to see a hurricane map of the area, giving coordinate updates every three-four hours as well as a five-day projection. It can display information for either the Atlantic or Pacific regions Marco Island is to begin the building of the second bridge to the Island in February. The new bridge will be located to the west of the existing span and carry southbound traffic to the Island. Education Week’s annual report shows Florida schools ranked eighth nationwide in 6 areas of policy and performance. Best tap water in the US is in Arlington, TX. Boston, Honolulu, and Charleston, with the worst in Las Vegas, Houston, and San Diego. Check these websites: www.lov2xlr8.no/broch1.html (original brochures for American cars) and ID a city and read today’s front page at www.newseum.org/todayfront pages/flash.