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 News-Press reports that the city of Cape Coral is considering the interconnection of the Rubicon Canal with the Bimini Basin.  This would involve extending the Rubicon Canal across both SE 47th Terrace and Cape Coral Parkway.  Interconnection methodologies under consideration include a fixed bridge, draw bridge or a tunnel.

This interconnection would be a major boon to the all the homes and condos located along the Rubicon Canal and all the canals that feed into it.  Access to the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf would be significantly shortened for residents of the Rubicon area.  This change is expected to increase the desirability for boaters to purchase in this area, resulting in higher valuations and ultimately increased property tax revenues.  The City of Cape Coral is currently evaluating how much these potential revenue increases might be and the feasibility of issuing a bond to fund this project.

This proposed Rubicon-Bimini interconnection is one of those ideas that just seems to make sense.  The canal system in the Cape is one of the City’s biggest assets and the opportunity to significantly improve the desirability of the Bimini neighborhood is a powerful idea.  If you are curious about real estate in this part of Cape Coral, here is a resource to view active Rubicon Canal condo listings.

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.

The cosmopolitan design and finishes of the Oasis are truly attracting global buyer interest.   In 2011, Oasis buyers have come from six international countries including Austria, Bolivia, Canada, China, Singapore and Switzerland.

The Oasis development has a total of 440 units which range in size from 779 Sq. Ft. to 1,674 Sq. Ft.  Finishes are high-end and include Italian cabinetry, stainless appliances, granite, glass railing balconies and floor-ceiling windows.  Development amenities include riverfront swimming pools, fitness center, long, billiards room and sauna.

Year-to-date in 2011, 35 units at Oasis have been sold per the Lee County Property Appraiser records.  The prices ranges from $145,000 – $285,000 with an average selling price of $165 Sq. Ft.  Here is a chart detailing 35 sales during 2011 YTD at the Oasis:

Oasis YTD 2011 Sales

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

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.

Average annual temperatures in the mid 80s, hundreds of miles of canals and rock-bottom real estate prices have propelled Cape Coral to the top of CNN Money’s top retirement destinations.  The real estate downturn significantly impacted Cape Coral and now median home prices are under $100,000.  Today’s prices are more than 60% below peak 2006 pre-bubble home prices.

Cape Coral is home to over 150,000 residents who enjoy the casual laid-back life-style in this Southwest Florida Gulf Coast community.  Boaters are attracted to Cape Coral’s 400 miles of man-made canals, many of which provide access to the Gulf of Mexico.  Cape Coral has easy access to the RSW International Airport, located across the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers.

Both second-home owners and investors are drawn to the value-priced real estate currently available in Cape Coral.  The large majority of our housing stock is not in gated communities and free from monthly HOA fees.  Many buyers are finding great deals on Cape Coral foreclosure and Cape Coral short sale homes that are currently available in the market.

Here is a resource to learn more about the Cape Coral real estate market and expedite your search for the perfect home in Cape Coral.

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.

Pop Quiz:  What is the hottest real estate deal right now in Southwest Florida?

Answer: Tarpon Landings in Cape Coral!

Significantly reduced waterfront high-rise condos at Tarpon Landings are literally flying off the shelves this summer.  Buyers are impressed with the voluminous size of the Tarpon Landings units which have 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths and start at 2,880 SF……these places are bigger than most of the single-family homes in the greater Fort Myers area!  Another deal clinching feature for many buyers is the totally enclosed, private 2-car garage that comes with each unit.  Plenty of room for the weekend vintage Corvette, his and her Harley’s or all the stuff that you can’t bear to part with.

In addition to the visitor accommodating floor plans, Tarpon Landings has a great set of resort-style amenities.  Extended families can stay at the adjacent Resort at Marina Village, which offers luxury hotel accommodations. The pool and clubhouse are right up there with any four-star hotel and will keep your visitors entertained for hours.  The 175-slip marina offers deepwater access to the Gulf of Mexico.

Our team is available to assist buyers in evaluating Tarpon Landings buyers in evaluating the various Southwest Florida high-rise alternatives.  Here is a resource to begin your search for a new Tarpon Landings condo.

The reality of our market right now is that homes are selling for significantly more than assessed values.  Properties are assessed once a year using the prior year’s sales data, so while prices are trending upwards, the assessed values have not caught up with this trend.

We had a client this week who wanted to drill down further on selling price to assessed values for single-family waterfront homes in Cape Coral.  We analyzed selling price to assessed values for the last 10 transactions in Unit 64 (Southwest) and Unit 11 (Savona).

The bottom line is that the last 10 waterfront homes to sell in Cape Coral Unit 64 sold for an average of 137% of assessed value and the last 10 waterfront homes in Cape Coral Unit 11 sold for 123% of assessed value.  If you are an analytical buyer looking for an information rich, low pressure experience, the Greater Fort Myers Team is ready to assist with your search.

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 list of great waterways in Cape Coral is lengthy and includes classics such as the South Spreader, the Bimini Canal, Eight Lakes and the Rubicon Canal.  Homes and condos on these grand waterways are among the most sought after in Cape Coral.  Tucked away on the east bank of the Rubicon Canal is a boutique waterfront condo development called the Grand Rubicon.

The Grand Rubicon delivers an upscale waterfront experience in an intimate casual setting. The finishes at the Grand Rubicon are superior and include high ceilings, 8-foot doors, stainless appliances, 18-inch tile, custom tiling and designer faucets.  The west facing balconies of the Grand Rubicon provide the daily enjoyment of a Southwest Florida sunset that is second to none.  Grand Rubicon amenities include private gulf access boat docks, private garages, dedicated storage space and a pool.

Boaters will truly appreciate the quick access from the Grand Rubicon to the Gulf via the Rubicon and Plato Canals which lead to the Caloosahatchee River though Cape Coral’s Gold Coast.  Cape Coral’s CRA District with shopping, dining and entertainment is just a few blocks and very walkable from the Grand Rubicon.

Currently four units at the Grand Rubicon are listed for sale with prices starting at $319,900.  Here is a resource to view available listings at the Grand Rubicon.

The North Star Yacht Club passed the 50% occupancy rate with 42 closed transactions in 2010.    North Star features twin 12-story luxury high-rise towers located on the Caloosahatchee River in North Fort Myers, Florida.

North Star units overlook the Intracoastal Waterway offer and offer a panoramic view of Downtown Fort Myers.  North Star offers the largest, most livable waterfront high-rise floor plan in Fort Myers.

Amenities at North Star include a clubhouse, pool, cabanas, fitness center, movie theater, tennis and marina.  North Star is located off Hancock Bridge Parkway in North Fort Myers.

Here is a resource to view active North Star Yacht 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.

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.

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.

The most expensive home to sell in Lee County, Florida during October 2010 was a Captiva waterfront home located in Captiva Landings.  The home is located on Roosevelt Channel and includes deeded beach access across the street.  This 2,704 SF home located at 16465 Captiva Drive, Captiva Florida features 4 BR / 3.5 BA.  The home was on the market for 62 days.  The selling price was $1.5M / $555 SF, which was 64% of the asking price.

Congratulation to selling Realtor Chuck Bergstrom of RE/MAX of the Islands for closing the most expensive residential property in October 2010.

Honorable mention for 2nd most expensive Lee County residential property sold in October was a Bonita Springs home located in The Colony.  This 4,060 SF single-family home located at 4640 Via Cappello, Bonita Springs, Florida features 4 BR / 4.5 BA.  This home was on the market for 19 days.  The selling price was $1.2875M / $317 SF which was 95% of the asking price.

Congratulations to selling Realtor Sandra Malone of John R. Wood Realtors for closing this transaction.

In October 2010, there were seven residential sales in Lee County with a selling price over $1M, up from three in September 2010, six $1M+ transactions August 2010, two in July 2010, down from twelve in June 2010, seventeen in May 2010 and thirteen in April 2010. The luxury market here is Southwest Florida experienced a bit of an uptick in October.

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