Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Naples, Florida Real Estate – Mortage Rates dip lower this week

Monday, January 9th, 2012

In its weekly mortgage survey, Freddie Mac just reported that mortgage rates took another dip this week, matching at or near the all-time record lows. For the fifth consecutive week, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have averaged below 4 percent, which was unheard of until a few months ago. 

“Fixed mortgage rates started the year a little lower this week just as recent data reports indicate the housing market and manufacturing industry are showing signs of improvement,” Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, said in a statement.

Pending home sales for existing-homes soared 7.3 percent in November — its strongest pace since April 2010, the National Association of REALTORS® recently reported.  Construction spending also increased in November by 1.2 percent — all serving as positive signs that housing is on the rebound.

Here’s a closer look at rates for the week ending Jan. 5: 

  • 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.91 percent, with an average 0.8 point, matching its previous record low that it set a few weeks ago. Last week, 30-year rates averaged 3.95 percent and a year ago at this time, 30-year rates averaged 4.77 percent. 
  • 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.23 percent, with an average 0.8 point, dropping from last week’s 3.24 percent average. Last year at this time, 15-year mortgages averaged 4.13 percent.
     
  • 5-year adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 2.86 percent, with an average 0.7 point, dropping from last week’s 2.88 percent average. Last year at this time, 5-year ARMs averaged 3.75 percent. 
  • 1-year ARMs: averaged 2.80 percent this week, with an average 0.6 point, inching up slightly from last week’s 2.78 percent average. A year ago, 1-year ARMs averaged 3.24 percent. 

To find a mortgage lender, talk to your John R. Wood Agent today – just click HERE!

To search homes for sale in Naples, Estero, Bonita Springs and Marco Island, click HERE!

John R. Wood Realtors – The Symbol for Local Knowledge

Source: Freddie Mac






Naples, Florida – November 2011 Real Estate Market Report is now available

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

John R Wood Realtors just released its November 2011 Market and Neighborhood Snapshot Reports!

Closed Sales

  • Closings year-to-date are the highest since 2005 and the second highest on record
  • Total volume of closed sales is up 8% over 2010, indicative of the increased activity in the price range above $1,000,000.
  • Closed sales between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000 are up 13% through November and show a 3.7% increase in median price.

 Pended SA LES

  • Year-to-date pended sales remain strong, showing less than a 3% decline for the period from 2010.
  • In the month of November, the number of pended sales above $500,000 posted a 21% increase over 2010. The price segments of $500,000 – $750,000  and $1 – $2 million were the most improved, each with a 25% increase over November 2010.
  • Four sales priced above $5,000,000 were pended in November, up from one in November 2010.

 NEW LISTINGS

  • The number of properties placed on the market in November is the lowest for the month since November 2004.
  • Active inventory on December 1, 2011, stands at 8,028 units (4,352 condominiums and 3,676 single family homes. This represents a 23% decline from December 1, 2010.
  • Price segments showing the largest decreases in supply are condominiums priced between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000 – down 41% and single family homes priced under $250,000 – down 47% from a year ago..

Click HERE for the full market Report!

Click HERE for the full Neighborhood Snapshot Report!

John R. Wood Realtors- The Symbol for Local Knowledge






Naples, Florida real estate – homebuyers from other states?

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

Just a few days ago on our blog, we looked the an increase in home sales across the country for The National Association of Realtors’  2011 3rd Quarter Housing ReportFlorida stood at a 10.6% increase.

Interestingly enough, many of the top homebuyers that buy property in Florida, especially in Naples, are from the following states.

  • Ohio
  • Wisconsin
  • Indiana
  • Michigan
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Kentucky
  • Illinois

 The average % of increase in homesales for these combined states is 19.23%. It is interesting to ponder if some of those sales by residents of these states may be Florida properties. 

To search for properties for sale in Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida, click HERE.

John R. Wood – The Symbol of Local Knowledge






Naples, Florida named “Beverly Hills of the East” by Washington Post

Friday, November 18th, 2011

In a feature by the Washington post, Naples, Florida is named the “Beverly Hills of the East” by the Washington Post for its affluent lifestyle.

“Although the area lost thousands of job during the recession, the residents in the highest income bracket have weathered the storm quite well. Housing sales in Naples rose 10% last year, the first annual increase in five years”

See the video and article HERE:






How important is loan pre-approval?

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

 If you’re looking to buy real estate in Southwest Florida, you’re going to find a nice inventory of luxury homes and condominiums right now at great prices.  However, if you’re following our market reports and late-breaking news, you know that inventory here, especially in Naples, is decreasing.  Combine that fact with our winter season being just around the corner and you may find yourself still without a deal come next spring if you procrastinate.  NOW is the time to start getting prepared for your search!

If you’re not paying cash for your new home in Naples, Florida, you must begin the the loan pre-approval process. We recommend you get pre-approved before starting your search.  Getting pre-approved requires that a lender verify your financial information, and it serves as their commitment to lend a specified amount based on that information. It will give you a number of advantages:

  • First – When you do find a property, sellers will take your offer more seriously because you have a lender that is committed to backing your offer. This is especially important when buying luxury real estate in Naples Florida
  • Second – It does give the assurance that you’re looking at homes you can confidently afford to finance. Your efforts will be focused on properties that match your purchasing ability.
  • Third – You’ll have a significant edge over the other buyers who aren’t pre-approved. In situations where there are multiple offers on a property, this can be the difference between having your offer accepted or losing the property to another buyer. With rapidly decreasing inventory, this is a likely scenario.

We’re eager to help you get pre-approved either through us or any other lender. If you’re interested, we can begin immediately, just click HERE.

Let John R. Wood help you navigate this process, so you can begin your search for your new home in Naples,Florida!






Condos for sale in Naples, Florida – Featured Listing

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

Considered to be the ultimate choice in luxury living!  Your private elevator welcomes you into this beautifully upgraded, sunny and bright home in the premier 01 stack of Sancerre, located right on Gulfshore Blvd.  Recent renovations have opened the floor plan to give you unobstructed, picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico and the beach.  Sancerre’s proximity to 5th Ave and all that Olde Naples has to offer makes this location one of the most desired addresses.

For more information and photos of this pristine property, click HERE!

To search for more real estate for sale in Naples, Florida, click HERE!






Naples, Bonita Springs & Estero Real Estate Market Report – August 2011

Thursday, September 15th, 2011

John R. Wood Realtors  has just released its Real Estate Market Report for August 2011.

The number of closed sales in August remains approximately the same as August 2010 and is the third highest for the month in 11 years.  The year-to-date closed sales are up approximately 5% and volume is up 6.5%.  Sales of properties priced above $1,000,000 are up 11% through August (545 in 2011 vs. 489 in 2010).  Pended sales remained approximately the same in August as July.  Although pended sales for August are among the lowest for the month, a rolling 12 month comparison (8/1/10 – 7/31/11) ranks them among the highest on record for this period.  The number of properties placed in inventory during August is 12% lower than August 2010.  Available inventory in the Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero markets stands at 7,263 units (3,913 condominiums and 3,350 single family homes). This represents a 26% decrease from August 2010.  Overall inventory represents approximately an eight month supply based on the number of closed sales during the past 12 months.

Click HERE to see the full JRW August 2011 Market Report!

Click HERE to see the JRW August 2011 Neighborhood Snapshot!

To see all available real estate for sale in Naples, Bonita Springs or Estero, FL, click HERE!






Estate homes in Naples – Pine Ridge

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011

Another John R. Wood luxury estate home listing sold in Pine Ridge.

This elegant Pine Ridge Estates home, located approximately 1.5 miles from Vanderbilt Beach, is across the road from Mercato where shopping & fine dining is plentiful. Situated on one acre & 97 feet of lakefront on Warbler Lake, this home faces west with front row view of Naples sunsets. The estate features a grand gated entry & a welcoming courtyard pool area. The main residence 2760 sq ft features 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, a great room  enhanced by 17 ft ceilings & fine Drexel Heritage Custom made cabinetry. The fine wood craftsmanship continues into the main gourmet open kitchen with granite countertops, wet center island & cooktop overlooking the courtyard pool. The separate guest house 1017 sq ft with garage features great room, gourmet kitchen, &  large bedroom & bath. Adding to the landscape are fruit trees providing a bounty of key limes, meyer lemons, mineola tangelos & mangoes.

The closing price was $975,000

Click here to view more homes for sale in Southwest Florida






Luxury Condos in Naples Florida – another sold in Park Shore

Friday, July 29th, 2011

Another John R. Wood luxury condo listing sold!

Stunning Southwest end unit offering wide water views of Venetian Bay.  This recently renovated 2+ Den, 2 Bath unit has a new kitchen with granite counter tops, bamboo flooring, stainless appliances and a wet bar.  Extra features include pre-wired surround sound and a water purification system.  Two parking spaces, one directly adjacent to entry stairwell.  Large sun deck just steps away from your front door.  Private beach access is available through Park Shore Beach Association and boat dock included.

The closing price was $595,000.

Click here to view more homes for sale in Southwest Florida






Luxury homes in Naples, Florida – another sold

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

Another John R. Wood listing sold in Crown Colony!

A fantastic lake view.  No detail is overlooked in this opulent Crown Colony home.  With more than 3,000 square feel of living space that includes a great room floor plan, 4 spacious bedrooms and three full baths.  This residence embodies gracious living on the grandest scale.  Filled with every conceivable luxury from the large outdoor living area featuring a beautiful pool with spa, to the gourmet kitchen and more. 

The closing price was $570,000.

Click here to view more homes for sale in Southwest Florida