The most expensive home to sell in Lee County, Florida during January 2012 was a Sanibel single-family home located in the prestigious Gulf Shores community.  This 2,742 SF gulf front home is located at 4449 Waters Edge Lane, Sanibel, FL and features 3 BR / 3 BA.  The selling price was $3.55M / $1,295 SF, which was 91% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Cynthia Sitton of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty for closing this transaction.

Honorable mention for 2nd most expensive Lee County residential property sold in January 2012 was a single-family home located in Bonita Springs at Bonita Bay.  This 10,505 SF home located at 26091 Mandevilla Drive Bonita Springs, FL features 8 BR / 9.5 BA .  The selling price was $3,148,414/ $300 SF, which was 86% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Douglas Brunner of Premiere Plus Realty for closing this transaction.

In January 2012 there were 14 residential transactions in Lee County with a selling price of $1M or greater, up from nine in December 2011, ten in November,  seven in October and 10 in September 2011.

Here is a resource if you are interested in learning more about Fort Myers luxury homes that are currently listed for sale.

Fort Myers River District High-rise condos  continue to be one of the most active segments of our real estate market.  In 2011, 117 units sold in the six riverfront high-rise developments per data compiled from the Greater Fort Myers and the Beach MLS.

The highest priced unit sold was a 2,230 SF unit located on the 32nd floor of High Point Place which sold for $476,120 / $214 SF.  High Point Place is our pick for the top Fort Myers high-rise as it continues to lead the River District market in both quantity of transactions and selling price per square foot.  Buyers are attracted to the high-end finishes in High Point Place units and also welcome the urban amenities including a Publix that are available right outside the front door.

Here is a summary of Fort Myers River District condos sales activity for 2011:

At an average selling price of $120/SF, Fort Myers riverfront high-rise condos are still a great deal vs. similar condos that are available in other Florida markets.  Here is a resource to view Fort Myers River District real estate listings.  If you are interested in a Fort Myers riverfront high-rise condo, our team is available to provide low-pressure, information-rich assistance.

$2.9M - Cape Coral's highest-priced home sale in 2011

The highest priced home to sell in Cape Coral in 2011 was a riverfront home located on Riverside Drive in the Yacht Club section of the Cape.  This 10,500 Sq. Ft. home sold for $2,900,000.  In 2011, there were 12 residential home sales in the Cape over a $1m and all were single-family homes.  All of these homes were located in a waterfront setting and were located either south of Cape Coral Parkway or east of Del Prado Boulevard in Cape Coral gulf access neighborhoods.            

             Price                  Address                       Neighborhood   BR    BA    Sq Ft

1. $2,900,000      5649 Riverside Dr                  Yacht Club             6        9       10,500
2. $2,625,000      5845 Armada Ct                      Cape Harbour       5         7       6,690
3. $2,500,000      6054 Tarpon Estates Blvd    Tarpon Point         4         4       4,368
4. $1,300,000      5656 Yardarm Ct                     Cape Harbour       4         4       4,336
5. $1,300,000      5824 Harbour Preserve Cir   Cape Harbour       4         4       4,135
6. $1,250,000       1637 Edith Esplanade            Yacht Club             4         4        5,379
7. $1,250,000      4402 SE 20th Ave                    Gold Coast             5         8        5,006
8. $1,175,000       510 SW 52nd St                        Gold Coast             3         4        3,803
9. $1,135,000       1641 Edith Esplanade             Yacht Club             4          5        4,262
10. $1,125,000        1511 Hermitage Ln                 Hermitage              4         6        3,422

The most expensive home to sell in Lee County, Florida during November 2011 was a Fort Myers single-family home located in the prestigious Miromar Lakes community.  This 8,388 SF home is located at 10421 Via Lombardia Ct, Fort Myers, FL and features 5 BR / 8 BA.  The selling price was $3.7M / $464 SF, which was 74% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Anthony Turco of Prudential Florida Realty for closing this transaction.

Honorable mention for 2nd most expensive Lee County residential property sold in November 2011 was a single-family riverfront equestrian estate located in East Fort Myers.  This 4,273 SF home located at 14310 Bigelow Road, Fort Myers, FL features 3 BR / 5 BA and is sited on 9 acres.  The selling price was $2.1M/ $492 SF, which was 117% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Michael McMurray of VIP Realty Group for closing this transaction.

In November 2011 there were 10 residential transactions in Lee County with a selling price of $1M or greater, up from seven in October on par with 10 in September up from six in August.

Here is a resource if you are interested in learning more about Fort Myers luxury homes that are currently listed for sale.

Miromar Lakes is one of the finest communities in Southwest Florida and offers lifestyle choices for a wide range of tastes and interests.  Mirror Lakes was recognized in 2011 as the Community of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders, the first winner in Florida in 30 years!  Experience the luxury amenities of a five-star resort combined with a tropical climate and convenience of Southwest Florida.

With over 700-acres of freshwater lakes, Miromar Lakes is a dream come true for water enthusiasts who enjoy water skiing, sailing and fishing.  Golfers treasure the Arthur Hill designed “signature” championship course which features Bermuda greens and is playable on a year-round basis.   Residents treasure the communities Beach Clubhouse which offers a dining room or al fresco dining at the water’s edge.

After a day on the water, golf course or tennis courts, relax in the Miromar Lakes spa or get a work out in at the fitness center.  Miromar’s professional concierge service can handle the routine household issues of the day so that you can focus on enjoying life!

Housing options at Miromar Lakes range from luxury waterfront estate homes to waterfront villas and condos along the golf course.  Here is a resource to view active Miromar Lakes real estate.

Gulf Harbour is a master-planned, gated community located on historic McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers, Florida.  Comprised of 18 distinct neighborhoods in a 547-acre waterfront setting, Gulf Harbour offers upscale living in a convenient location close to the beaches and Downtown Fort Myers.

Boaters, golfers and tennis enthusiasts can enjoy the world-class facilitates of this much-beloved community.  Gulf Harbour offers a wide range of housing options from the exclusive riverfront Edgewater neighborhood of single-family homes to luxury high rise condos at Palmas Del Sol and The Paramount to coach home enclaves…..there is an option for every lifestyle choice.

2011 has been a busy year for real estate within the gates of the Gulf Harbour community.  So far this year, 95 properties have changed hands at Gulf Harbour.  Prices range from a low of $77,500 for a 2 BR / 2 BA / 1,172 foreclosed condo in Rivers Edge to a high of $3.25M for a 5 BR / 6 BA / 7,256 SF riverfront home in Edgewater Estates.

Here is a resource to view active Gulf Harbour real estate listings.  Our team is very active in this community and can be helpful in narrowing and expediting your search for a new Gulf Harbour home.

The most expensive home to sell in Lee County, Florida during October 2011 was a Fort Myers single-family home located on the prestigious waterfront community of Palmetto Point.  This 6,683 SF home is located at 4841 Conover Ct, Fort Myers, FL and features 5 BR / 5.5 BA.  The selling price was $3.1M / $464 SF, which was 78% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Melissa D. Farmer  of Christiano Realty for closing this transaction.

Honorable mention for 2nd most expensive Lee County residential property sold in October 2011 was a single-family gulf-front home located on Bonita Beach.  This 4,384 SF home located at 26444 Hickory Boulevard, Bonita Springs, FL features 5 BR / 5.5 BA.  The selling price was $2.55M/ $582 SF, which was 91% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Renee L. Moore of Keller Williams Elite Realty for closing this transaction.

In October 2011 there were seven residential transactions in Lee County with a selling price over $1M, down from 10 in September up from six in August and down from 13 in July.

Here is a resource if you are interested in learning more about Fort Myers luxury homes that are currently listed for sale.

Major price reductions at Tarpon Landings have drawn buyers like steel to a magnet to this Cape Coral luxury waterfront high-rise project.  Buyers are attracted to the large floor plans which are a minimum of 2,888 SF and the wonderful waterfront views.

Currently, Tarpon Landings II (6061 Silver King Blvd) has an inventory of eight units still available out of the 70 total units.  Prices for available units start at $340,000 for a 2nd floor Bonaire (2,970 SF) model.  The penthouse, 12th and 11th floor units are gone at Tarpon landings II, but there still are two units left on the 10th floor.  At present over 30 units are still available at the Tarpon Landings III (6021 Silver King Blvd) high-rise tower.

Our team is available to assist in your search for a Tarpon Landings condo unit and we offer the following resource to view active Tarpon Landings real estate listings.  Additionally, here is a resource to view Tarpon Landings floor plans.

North Star has desireable large floor-plan waterfront condos with either 2 BR + Den or 3 BR configurations. Unit finishes include 9 ft ceilings, generous balconies, GE Profile Appliances, granite and over-sized tiling,

The North Star community is anchored by a marina with deep-water slips that can accommodate vessels up to 55 ft. Amenities include a club house, fitness center, pool and spa, pool-side cabanas, tennis, putting green volleyball, sandy beach and a marina boardwalk.

Year-to-date in 2011, 19 condos have sold at the North Star Yacht Club ranging in price from $215,000 – $478,900 with an .average selling price of $146 Sq. Ft. Here is a chart detailing 19 sales during 2011 YTD at the North Star Yacht Club:

Here is a resource to view the active North Star Yacht Club listings. Our team has sold several condos at the North Star Yacht Club and is available to assist if you are interested in making an investment in this or other Fort Myers high-rise developments.

The most expensive home to sell in Lee County, Florida during September 2011 was a Sanibel single-family home located on the 17th fairway of the Sanctuary.  This 5,634 SF home is located at 2596/2598 Wulfert Road Sanibel, FL and features 5 BR / 4.5 BA.  The selling price was $2.225M / $394 SF, which was 89% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor W. Toby Tolp  of VIP Realty Group, Inc. for closing this transaction.

Honorable mention for 2nd most expensive Lee County residential property sold in September 2011 was a single-family bayfront home located within the Sanibel Estates neighborhood.  This 4,595 SF home located at 536 Lighthouse Way Sanibel, FL features 4 BR / 4.5 BA.  The selling price was $2.15M/ $468 SF, which was 86% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Michael McMurray of VIP Realty Group, Inc. for closing this transaction.

In September 2011 there were ten residential transactions in Lee County with a selling price over $1M, up from six in August, but down from 13 in July, 22 in June and 16 in May.

Here is a resource if you are interested in learning more about Fort Myers luxury homes that are currently listed for sale.

This has been a busy year for High Point Place with 25 high-rise units selling in 2011.  With a total of 255 tower condos, just under 10% of High Points 255 tower units have changed owners.  The low sale of $252,000 was for a bank-owned unit on the 18th floor and the high sale of $476,120 was for a new developer-owned unit on the 32nd floor.

The average selling price per Sq. Ft. at High Point Place in 2011 in $156.  Here is a chart which details the 25 tower transactions at High Point Place:

2011 ytd High Point Place tower sales

Here is a resource to view active High Point Place real estate listings.  Our team has sold many condos at High Point Place and is available to assist if you are interested in looking at options in this development.

The most expensive home to sell in Lee County, Florida during August 2011 was a Fort Myers riverfront estate home located within Gulf Harbour.  This 7,256 SF home is located at 11350 Longwater Chase Court, Fort Myers, FL and features 5 BR / 6 BA.  The selling price was $3.25M / $448 SF, which was 81% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Gary F McNear of McNear Real Estate for closing this transaction.

Honorable mention for 2nd most expensive Lee County residential property sold in August 2011 was a single-family waterfront home located within Captiva’s Tween Waters neighborhood.  This 3,500 SF home located at 15557 Captiva Drive, Captiva, FL features 4 BR / 4.5 BA.  The selling price was $2.1M/ $600 SF, which was 70% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Phaidra A. McDermott of John R. Wood Island Real Estate for closing this transaction.

In August 2011 there were six residential transactions in Lee County with a selling price over $1M, down from 13 in July, 22 in June and 16 in May.

Here is a resource if you are interested in learning more about Fort Myers luxury homes that are currently listed for sale.

Its fascinating to imagine the Fort Myers that Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone experienced back in the early 1900s.  No RSW, I-75 or air conditioning.  There was no Daniels Boulevard, Gulf Harbour, Sanibel Bridge or Estero.  Cape Coral was known as Redfish Point, uninhabited and dominated by stands of mangroves.  What did exist 100 years ago was iconic Mcgregor Boulevard, where both Edison and Ford elected to build their Fort Myers getaways.

With the wide Caloosahatchee River as a backdrop, McGregor Boulevard runs from Cleveland Avenue in the north to the Sanibel Causeway in the South.  Passing through historic Old Fort Myers, McGregor Boulevard is lined with majestic royal palms and stately riverfront homes.  McGregor traverses several of Fort Myers’ early neighborhoods including Allen Park; Burtwood; Edison Park; Riverside Park; Seminole Park and Valencia Terrace.   Many of the Mediterranean revival homes in these venerable neighborhoods have been meticulously restored to their early 20th-century grandeur by their owners.

With many Americans now favoring urban walkable neighborhoods over distant exurbs, the McGregor Boulevard corridor is an area in Fort Myers that supports this lifestyle.  Restaurants, parks, museums and Downtown entertainment venues and office buildings are walkable from McGregor Boulevard.

Housing options along McGregor Boulevard are available in a wide range of architectural styles and price ranges.  Several riverfront estates are currently available including 2474 McGregor Boulevard, which is located four houses away from the Edison Estate and features 4 BR / 5.5 BA and 5,572 SF of living space.  The negative edge pool and waterfall at this home was constructed by the contractor who built the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyworld.

Here is a resource to view available McGregor Boulevard real estate listings.

Following a foreclosure proceeding, condos at the luxurious Tarpon Landings high-rise development in Cape Coral are back on the market at significantly reduced price points.  Tarpon Point, where the Tarpon Landings high-rises are located, offers a resort-style atmosphere with a marina, three restaurants, pool, tennis, day spa and resort.

Differing from much of the waterfront high-rise product in Southwest Florida, Tarpon Landings units are truly over-sized and allow for spacious condo living.  Units feature 3 BR / 3.5 BA and range in size from 2,888 SF – 3,048 SF.  As an added bonus, every unit features its own private enclosed two or three car garage.

Prices have been dramatically reduced at Tarpon Landings and now start at under $300,000 for new units.  Here is a resource to view active Tarpon Landings real estate listings.  Please inquire if you would like assistance in getting the best possible deal on a Tarpon Landings high-rise condo.

Additional information about Tarpon Landings is available from  this NBC-2 video:

The most expensive home to sell in Lee County, Florida during May 2011 was a Captiva single-family, waterfront home located within South Seas Resort.  This 3,455 SF home is located at 945 South Seas Plantation Road, Captiva, FL and features 5 BR / 4.5 BA.  The selling price was $4.5M / $1,302 SF, which was 90% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtors Fred G. Newman and Vicki Panico of Royal Shell Real Estate for closing this transaction.

Honorable mention for 2nd most expensive Lee County residential property sold in May 2011 was a single-family waterfront home located within the Sanibel beachfront Seaspray neighborhood.  This 4,192 SF home located at 1320 Seaspray Lane, Sanibel, FL 33957 features 4 BR / 4.5 BA.  The selling price was $2.5M/ $596 SF, which was 89% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Jim D. Hall of VIP Realty Group, Inc. for closing this transaction.

In May 2011 there were sixteen residential transactions in Lee County with a selling price over $1M, down from 18 in April, on par with 16 in March, down slightly from 17 in February and up from seven in January. In May 2011, the Fort Myers area luxury market had a fourth consecutive very active month.

Here is a resource if you are interested in learning more about Fort Myers luxury homes that are currently listed for sale.

The compression in pricing for Southwest Florida real estate has impacted all sectors including upscale communities like Miromar Lakes.  Recognized as one of the most luxurious and unique developments in the region, Miromar Lakes features 700-acres of freshwater lakes lined with three miles of sandy beaches.  Rounding out the appeal of the Miromar Lakes development are resort-style amenities including dining, fitness, spa, championship golf and concierge services.

Currently, there are opportunities for buyers to acquire a home or condo in Miromar Lakes for under $300,000. Active listings at Miromar Lakes which have asking prices below $300,000 include two Valencia coach homes featuring 2 BR / 2BA with 1,654 SF listed for  $220,000 and $262,300 and a San Marino coach home featuring 3 BR / 3 BA and 2,687 SF listed for $295,000.

Here is a resource to learn more about this community and view active Miromar Lakes real estate listings.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Michael Dillard of John R. Wood Realtors for closing the most expensive residential property in March 2011.

Honorable mention for 2nd most expensive Lee County residential property sold in March 2011 was a Fort Myers single-family waterfront home located within the Sorrento neighborhood of Miromar Lakes.  This 6,139 SF home located at 11720 Via Sorrento Court, Fort Myers, FL features 4 BR / 7 BA.  This home was on the market for 606 days.  The selling price was $2.6M/ $424 SF, which was 87% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Gariann Small of Prudential SW Florida for closing this transaction.

In March 2011 there were sixteen residential transactions in Lee County with a selling price over $1M, down slightly from 17 in February, up from seven in January, 11 in December 2010, five in November 2010 and seven in October 2010.  In March, the Fort Myers luxury market had a second consecutive very active month.

Here is a resource if you are interested in learning more about Fort Myers luxury homes that are currently listed for sale.

The two developer model units at Jasmine Bay within Estero’s West Bay Club are now available for sale.  Both of these units are decked out to the nines with designer appointments and are sure to evoke a WOW when you walk through the door!  The views of the Bay, Gulf of Mexico and West Bay golf course are stunning from both of these 18th floor units.

Unit 1805 is located in the South Tower at Jasmine Bay and features 3 BR / 3 BA with 1,766 SF. It showcases a Nuhouse Design Associates interior that creates a classic yet modern feel.  The designer paired dark furniture with light fabrics to provide a striking, dramatic contrast that embraces West Bay’s casual and comfortable lifestyle.  This unit is offered at $775,900.

Unit 1806 is also located in the South Tower at Jasmine Bay and features 3 BR / 3.5 BA with 2,342 SF.  It was decorated by Chad Renfro Designs and features a British West Indies inspired design.  Light furniture and bold blue stripes are utilized to bring comfort and elegance to this palace in the sky.  This unit is offered at $895,000.

Our team is available to provide low-pressure information-rich assistance if you are interested in viewing these designer models.  Here is a resource to view all available property at the West Bay Club.

As posted last week, February 2011 was a very strong month for luxury property sales in Lee County, Florida with seventeen $1M+ transactions.  This is the highest number of $1m+ transactions since May 2010.  Based on customer activity levels that we are seeing right now in the market, March ’11 should also come in strong for $1M+ sales.

CNN/Money reports that a key contributor to this luxury revival is a renewed sense of confidence for wealthy buyers.  Stock market values have nearly doubled from their March 2009 lows.  Many prospective clients that I speak with are considering an asset allocation shift out of the stock market that they consider frothy and into a home in Southwest Florida whose value has been pounded down for several years.

Upscale luxury developments like Gulf Harbour, Miromar Lakes and Bonita Bay that may have been untouchable for many during the real estate boom, are now within the reach of many  more buyers.  Please let us know if you would like an information-rich, low-pressure partner to help source a Fort Myers luxury home or a Bonita Springs luxury home.

The most expensive home to sell in Lee County, Florida during February 2011 was a Cape Coral single-family waterfront estate home located within the Harbour Preserve neighborhood of Cape Harbour.  This 6,690 SF is located at 5845 Armada Court, Cape Coral, FL and features 5 BR / 7 BA.  The home was on the market for 100 days.  The selling price was $2.625M / $392 SF, which was 80% of asking price.

Congratulation to selling Realtor Jim Peterson of Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group for closing the most expensive residential property in February 2011.

Honorable mention for 2nd most expensive Lee County residential property sold in February 2011 was a Fort Myers Beach single-family homes located directly on the Gulf of Mexico in the McPhie Park neighborhood.  This 4,164 SF home located at 5820 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL features 5 BR / 4 BA.  This home was on the market for 1198 days.  The selling price was $2M / $480 SF, which was 154% of asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Jeff G. Tyson of Sellstate Landmark Properties for closing this transaction.

In February 2011, there were seventeen residential transactions in Lee County with a selling price over $1M, up from seven in January, 11 in December 2010, five in November 2010 and seven in October 2010.  The Fort Myers luxury market was up considerably last month.

Here is a resource if you are interested in learning more about Fort Myers luxury homes that are currently listed for sale.

West Bay Club is running a promotion offering discounts on Premier Equity Memberships through March 18, 2011.  During this time frame, equity memberships are available with the purchase of any new home for $15,000.  This represents a $20,000 savings vs. the regular non-discounted rate for an equity membership of $35,000.

West Bay Club in Estero, Florida features a Pete and P.B. Dye designed 18-hole, 7,878 yard championship golf course.   The 868-acre West Bay Club is surrounded by natural beauty including the Estero River to the North, Halfway Creek to the East and Estero Bay to the West.  Playing a round at West Bay encompassed by pristine flora and fauna on an Audubon Signature Sanctuary designated course  is a treasured experience.

Our team is ready to assist in your search for a home at West Bay Club or any other Southwest Florida community.  Here is a resource to view active West Bay Club real estate listings.

Miromar Lakes has opened five new waterfront neighborhoods on the Peninsula, the newest section of this waterfront resort-style community.  The new communities are as follows:

• Sorrento – Estate homes on large waterfront homesites with private docks
• Murano – Estate homes with water views and optional private docks
• Costa Amalfi – Single-family homes with private beach and neighborhood boat docks
• Portofino – Single-family homes with water views
• Ravenna -  Luxury waterfront condos with private boat houses

Miromar Lakes was recently recognized as the Community of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders.  Here is a resource to view available Miromar Lakes real estate offerings.

The most expensive home to sell in Lee County, Florida during January 2011 was a Fort Myers single-family riverfront estate located just south of the Edison Estate.  This 4,400 SF home is located at 2600 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL and features 4 BR / 5 BA.  This home was on the market for 319 days.  The selling price was $2.7M / $614 SF, which was 77% of asking price.

Congratulation to selling Realtor Chris Cardi of Jones & Co Realty for closing the most expensive residential property in January 2011.

Honorable mention for 2nd most expensive Lee County residential property sold in January 2011 was a Sanibel condo located directly on the Gulf of Mexico at Chelsea Place.  This 3,610 SF condo located at 1715 Middle Gulf Drive #2, Sanibel, FL features 4 BR / 5 BA.  This condo was on the market for 247 days.  The selling price was $2,648,630 / $734 SF, which was 76% of asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Mary Lou Bailey of VIP Realty Group, Inc. for closing this transaction.

In January 2011, there were seven residential transactions in Lee County with a selling price over $1M, down from 11 in December 2010, up from five in November 2010 and on par with seven in October 2010.

Here is a resource if you are interested in learning more about Fort Myers luxury homes that are currently listed for sale.

Canadian Investment Group Lofton Island Holdings, LLLP has acquired 224 developer-owned units in the Oasis Tower II condo project from Oasis Associates, LLC.  The purchase price for the 224 units was $36.7M ($163K/unit).  Lofton Island plans to continue the leasing program in this tower.

Based on current selling prices in River District high-rise projects, this average cost per unit of $163K is a bit closer to retail than I was anticipating for a bulk transaction.  Shifting this block of 224 units out of unsold inventory and into a rental portfolio is a very positive event for the Fort Myers high-rise market.  Buyers will have more comfort purchasing the remaining units in Oasis Tower I without the huge unsold inventory of Tower II hanging over the project like a black cloud.

The Related Group spin doctors must have burned the midnight oil crafting their press release for this transaction with the title “Oasis Dominated River District Luxury Condo Market Sales.”  Related Group head huckster Jorge M. Perez further pats himself on the back by proclaiming “Reaching this record number of sales in this short period of time is a significant milestone for the Oasis buyers and residents, as well as the project’s owner; it reaffirms the fact that Oasis is a best-in-class product offering the best value in the marketplace.” That is a good one…..where you have you been the last four years Jorge?

Lofton Island Holdings has experience in the Florida market with assets including The Place at Channelside in Tampa, The Sage in St Petersburg and Downtown Dadeland in Miami.  A new owner with true operating experience is a very positive step for this troubled project.  Welcome to Fort Myers Lofton Island, it will be exciting to see your team pump some new ideas, energy and excitement into the Oasis project.

Spectacular views of Estero Bay coupled with high-end finishes position Jasmine Bay at West Bay Club high-rises at the top of the charts in Southwest Florida.  These towers stack up favorably with other luxury high-rise developments in Southwest Florida including Mastique, High Point Place and Palmas Del Sol.

Jasmine Bay luxury appointments include private balconies, high ceilings, architectural ceilings, Italian raised-panel cabinetry, marble bath countertops, soaking tubs and over-sized showers.  Jasmine Bay residents enjoy private elevator lobbies to each residence.

Both new construction and resale options are currently available at Jasmine Bay starting in the $300,000s.  Here is a resource to view active Jasmine Bay listings.

Per our MLS over the past 12 months, 63 homes sold in Gulf Harbour.  These sales have ranged in price from a low of $115,000 for a detached villa in Rivers Edge II to $1.3M for an Edgewater single-family home. The MLS data does not reflect the $5.12M sale of Casa Del Rio by of a former Ambassador to Portugal Al Hoffman to AC/DC guitarist Cliff Williams.

Distressed property transactions (8 short sales & 3 foreclosures) represented 18% of total number of transactions at Gulf Harbour last year. This figure is significantly lower than the overall market in Fort Myers where more than half of our transactions were distressed sales.

With 174 active listings, just over 10% of the homes at Gulf Harbour are listed for sale.  At current consumption levels, the Gulf Harbour inventory represents a 33 month supply of homes listed for sale.  Most real estate experts agree that inventory levels above six months represent a buyers market, which is what we have today at Gulf Harbour.

We have reviewed the current market at Gulf Harbour, now it is time to identify some buying opportunities at Gulf Harbour.  At the lower end of the price range, Rivers Edge with current asking prices in the low $100,000s offers a value-option at Gulf Harbour.  The coach home communities of Grande Cay and Tamarind Cay both have interesting options starting in the mid $100,000s.  High-rise condos at The Shores start in the $500,000s and offer amazing views out over the Caloosahatchee River/intracoastal waterway. For single-family homes, the Edgewater neighborhood currently has 26 homes for sale with many aggressively-priced options.

The National Association of Home Builders recognized Miromar Lakes as the community of the year for 2011.  This prestigious honor as the #1 community in the country is a major coupe for Southwest Florida and Miromar Lakes.

Located between Naples and Fort Myers, Miromar Lakes offers a luxurious waterfront living experience in a tropical resort setting.  This master-planned community features 700-acres of sparkling freshwater lakes that residents can enjoy year-round in Southwest Florida’s tropical climate.  Miromar Lakes features award-winning amenities including an Arthur Hills designed signature championship golf course, waterfront clubhouse and Manhattan-style concierge services.

Housing options at Miromar Lakes include waterfront luxury estates, single-family homes, condos and coach homes located in 22 distinct neighborhoods.  Here is a resource to view active Miromar Lakes real estate.

The most expensive home to sell in Lee County, Florida during December 2010 was a Sanibel condo located at Tantara Condos.  Tantara is an eight-unit, luxury condo development located directly on the Gulf of Mexico.  This 2,270 SF penthouse condo located at 3049 West Gulf Drive #301 Sanibel Florida features 3 BR and 3 BA.  This condo was on the market for 65 days.  The selling price  was $2.0875M / $920 SF, which was 84% of the asking price.

Congratulation to selling Realtor Steven Fisher of RE/MAX of  The Islands for closing the most expensive residential property in December 2010.

Honorable mention for 2nd most expensive Lee County residential property sold in December was a Bonita Beach gulf-front home.  This 3,576 SF single-family home located at 27400 Hickory Boulevard, Bonita Springs features 5 BR / 4 BA.  This home was on the market for 696 days.  The selling price was $1.8M / $503 SF, which was 95% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Krifting Swan of RE/MAX Island Harbour for closing this transaction.

In December 2010, there were eleven residential sales in Lee County with a selling price over $1M, up from five in November, seven in October, three in September 2010, six in August 2010 and two in July 2010.

Here is a resource if you are interested in learning more about Fort Myers luxury homes that are currently listed for sale.

Areas of the club that have been improved include the fitness center and spa, tennis courts, clubhouse and golf course.  The improvements included both aesthetic and maintenance related items.

Bonita Bay is a world-class, master-planned community located along Estero Bay in Bonita Springs Florida.  Nearly 60% of this 2,400-acre community is dedicated to natural open space including lakes and nature preserves.

Here is a resource to view Bonita Bay real estate.  Other exclusive communities in Southwest Florida include Pelican Landing, The Brooks and Miromar Lakes.

The most expensive home to sell in Lee County, Florida during November 2010 was a Cape Coral waterfront home located in the luxury Hermitage community.  The Hermitage neighborhood, veiwed by many as the finest in Cape Coral, offers direct sailboat access to the Gulf of Mexico. This 3,253 SF home located at 1506 Hermitage Lane Cape Coral, Florida features 3 BR / 3.5 BA.  The home was on the market for 399 days.  The selling price was $1.3M / $400 SF, which was 87% of the asking price.

Congratulation to selling Realtor Maggie Van Pelt of LocateHomes for closing the most expensive residential property in November 2010.

Honorable mention for 2nd most expensive Lee County residential property sold in November was a Fort Myers home located in The Enclave at Fiddlesticks Country Club.  This 4,069 SF single-family home located at 15881 Grey Friars Court Fort Myers, Florida features 4 BR / 3.5 BA.  This home was on the market for 1 day.  The selling price was $1.232M / $303 SF which was 100% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Ernie Horvath of RE/MAX Realty Group for closing this transaction.

In November 2010, there were five residential sales in Lee County with a selling price over $1M, down from seven in October, up from three in September 2010, six $1M+ transactions August 2010, two in July 2010, twelve in June 2010, seventeen in May 2010 and thirteen in April 2010.

Here is a resource if you are interested in learning more about Fort Myers luxury homes that are currently listed for sale.