Marco Island Real Estate Statistics for April 2009

Numbers were up from last year. However, the sales remain sluggish. Single Family seems to be the place where most are growth is happening; posting a 12% increase in sales. Lots had a good month. While condos suffered a dip in sales.

For more information, go to Marco Island Real Estate Statistics for April 2009

Marco Island Real Estate Stats Q1-2009

After a weak January results, real estate sales have shown signs of recovery. Although, we still trailed Q1 of last year, we saw some positive growth in single family homes in the month of March, up 55% in pending sales and 50% for closed sales as compared to the March of 2008.

Click the link for all Marco Island Real Estate Stats Q1-2009

For more information about Marco Island Homes for Sale, contact:
Joseph A. Bartos, P.A.
Assist 2 Sell Buyers & Sellers Real Estate
(239) 404-5068
mailto:info@bartosgroup.com
Let us assist you in buying or selling a property in the Marco Island area.

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics for March 2008

March overall sales were dead even with last year. Single Family Homes led the way with a 50% increase in sales over last year and nearly 70% increase from February 2009. Furthermore, pending sales for homes was up 60% from last March.

To view the statistics, click Marco Island Real Estate Statistics for March 2008

For more information about Marco Island Homes for Sale, contact:
Joseph A. Bartos, P.A.
Assist 2 Sell Buyers & Sellers Real Estate
(239) 404-5068
mailto:info@bartosgroup.com
Let us assist you in buying or selling a property in the Marco Island area.

Get up to $8000 Tax Credit for First-Time Homebuyers

In an effort to stimulate home sales, the government has passed a new law that could put up to $8,000 in your pocket via a first-time homebuyer tax credit that does not have to be repaid.

So, how do you know if you qualify?

1. You need to be a "first-time homebuyer". The law defines "first-time homebuyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.
2. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen who files taxes
3. There is an adjusted gross income limit of $75,000 a year for individuals and $150,000 a year for joint filers. Those who make more may qualify for a partial credit.
4. You must buy a home between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1 of 2009 and close escrow during these dates.
5. The property you are purchasing must be your primary residence.

To apply for the credit, you would need to use IRS Tax Form 5450 to claim the first-time homebuyer tax credit. If you would like to purchase a home and take advantage of this tax credit, contact me at (239) 404-5068 for a free consultation.

Fannie Mae Eases Guidelines for Investors

On February 6, 2009, Fannie Mae released Announcement 09-02, detailing the new rules for real estate investors who own multiple properties.

Fannie Mae previously only allow for four properties loans. Announcement 09-02 allows investor and second home borrowers to qualify for Fannie Mae-backed loans for up to 10 properties. However, investors must meet strict underwriting and delivery requirements outlined in the announcement.

“Fannie Mae is committed to providing financing opportunities for high-credit quality, bona fide investors,” said Fannie,“Experienced investors play a key role in the housing recovery and Fannie Mae’s continued support for investor borrowers is consistent with its mission to provide stability, liquidity and affordability to the nation's housing system.”

This move will open up many opportunities for investors who were ready to jump on the current foreclosure/short sale market but had maxed out on properties.

Marco Island Real Estate Stats - February 2009

Things are starting to heat up again on Marco Island after the island went into a couple of month lull. Pending sales are starting to rise as well as month to month sales growth. One category really shined out. Single family homes sales increased 39+% as compared to last year and an incredible 78% growth from the last month. All in all, we are seeing more buyer activity which will eventually turn into more buying.

For the statistics, go to Marco Island Real Estate Statistics February 2009
For more information about Marco Island Homes for Sale, contact:
Joseph A. Bartos, P.A.
Assist 2 Sell Buyers & Sellers Real Estate
(239) 404-5068
mailto:info@bartosgroup.com
Let us assist you in buying or selling a property in the Marco Island area.

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics for Dec 2008 & Jan 2009

Well, it's been a while since I've posted the statistics on my blog. So, you are going to get a bunch. Here are the statistics for December 2008, January 2009 and Q4 of 2008. Sorry sellers, the data is not good but I'm beginning to see a silver lining for buyers. There are plenty of opportunities on the horizon for you bargain hunters. If you have the finances, now is the time to take advantage of the opportunity.

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics for December 2008

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics for Q4 2008

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics for January 2009

For more information about Marco Island Homes for Sale, contact:
Joseph A. Bartos, P.A.
Assist 2 Sell Buyers & Sellers Real Estate
(239) 404-5068
mailto:info@bartosgroup.com
Let us assist you in buying or selling a property in the Marco Island area.

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics - November 2008

Well, did we expect it to last forever? For the first time this year, overall sales volume was down as compared to last year. With the stock market on a rollercoaster ride and the financial markets going crazy, it's not surprising that the media is perpetuating negative sentiment.

Did you ever think that if we all paid no attention to the media that our world would be a better place?

Yes, it's good to be informed but too much information creates paranoia, paranoia creates fear and fear cripples a nation. Thankfully, the way we react to the situation will determine our fate. There is opportunity for anyone that can change their mindset and turn a negative into a positive. In this time when others clutch in fear, a few will seize the moment to reap great rewards.

To see the statistics, click Marco Island Real Estate Statistics for November 2008

For more information about Marco Island Homes for Sale, contact:
Joseph A. Bartos, P.A.
Assist 2 Sell Buyers & Sellers Real Estate
(239) 404-5068
mailto:info@bartosgroup.com
Let us assist you in buying or selling a property in the Marco Island area.

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics for October 2008

Sales keep rolling on! Overall sales registered over 26% increase over October 2007. As well, new pending sales were up 50% with Single Family Homes notching a whopping 133+% increase over last October. Expect further growth as we move towards season.

For more information, go to Marco Island Real Estate Statistics for October 2008

Why The Rich Get Richer!

As we have seen in recent months, negative media reporting on economic conditions, housing market and the likes has highly affected mass America's state of mind. However, the affluent investor uses the media circus as a barometer to position themselves for future profits.

Author, speaker and financial expert, John A. Palumbo stated in a recent article in AgentDirectNews.com, "The affluent consumers in this country have always utilized the uncertainty of the mass consumer to take advantage of unmet consumer wants and needs. " The affluent have amassed fortunes by implementing a few simple principles. When prices are down and the masses are having to sell, the affluent investor is buying. Adversely, when buying activity is high causing prices to escalate sharply, the affluent are ready to sell.

These BUY LOW/SELL HIGH principles transcend all investing. However, as the stock market struggles, expect the savvy investors, as well as those price out of the market during the recent property boom, to continue to come back to the real estate marketplace in southwest Florida to take advantage of the great opportunity that is to be had. Case in point, we've seen an increase in sales volume over last year for three consecutive quarters.

So, the question is, are you swimming with the masses or against them?

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics for Sept & Q3 2008

Marco Island's real estate market continues to show positive growth in properties going under contract and sales volume over the last 3 months. That makes it 3 quarters of positive sales volume in a row. If that is not an indicator that Marco Island real estate is starting to move again, I don't know what is. In particular, September was an outstanding month as compared to the previous September.

September 2008 Marco Island Real Estate Statistics

Q3 2008 Marco Island Real Estate Statistics

It remains to be seen what the effects of the current financial crisis will bring. However, if investors are pulling their money out of the stock market, they will adventially have to put it somewhere.

Why not real estate? Considering that we have, for the most part, erased the gains that we saw in 2004-2005, there are a lot of great values available.

For more information about Marco Island Homes for Sale, contact:
Joseph A. Bartos, P.A.
Assist 2 Sell Buyers & Sellers Real Estate
(239) 404-5068
mailto:info@bartosgroup.com
Let us assist you in buying or selling a property in the Marco Island area.

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics for July & August 2008

It seems that I have been slacking on publishing the monthly statistics. So to catch up, I have provided the links to both the July and August 2008 Marco Island real estate statistics.

July was a better than average month with nearly a 35% growth in overall sales over July 2007 while August sales where slightly down by 15%. Considering the economic turmoil that the country has been in, these are relatively good numbers.

July 2008 Marco Island Real Estate Statistics

August 2008 Marco Island Real Estate Statistics

With just about a week left in September, we should have a decent month and I anticipate that October will be a good month.

For more information about Marco Island Homes for Sale, contact:
Joseph A. Bartos, P.A.
Assist 2 Sell Buyers & Sellers Real Estate
(239) 404-5068
mailto:info@bartosgroup.com
Let us assist you in buying or selling a property in the Marco Island area.

Vulture funds may lift real-estate market in South Florida - 09/21/2008 - MiamiHerald.com

I've consistently said that when the stock market is struggling that it wouldn't be long before we see the Southwest Florida real estate market pick up. With the bailouts of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and AIG, rest assured that some of the money that is in the stock market starts to show up in our real estate market.

As you can see from the graph, we are above average in sales for this year with an upward trend in sales growth. As we finish with our slow season, I would anticipate that we will see more buyers come in October-November to snatch up the pre-season values.

In the article, Victor Lopez, a former Hyatt development executive and current commercial agent, said .''The bottom fishers, if you will, have been standing around the sidelines,'' 'A lot of people out there are saying: `This is our time to get in.' ''

If he's right, it would be one of the clearest signs yet that South Florida's beleaguered real-estate market had bottomed, bringing the region closer to a recovery. If vulture investors are buying, the view goes, it's safer for others to start buying as well.

For the rest of the story, go to
Vulture funds may lift real-estate market in South Florida - 09/21/2008 - MiamiHerald.com

How to stage your home to sell fast | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Life/Travel

If you are considering sell your home, here are a few good tips on preparing your home. In this market, you need every advantage you can get over competing homes.

Your home should look as much like a model as it can possibly look. Remember, not everyone can see beyond the accessories.

How to stage your home to sell fast News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News Life/Travel

Priced Reduced to $250,000 on 685 Barfield Drive

PRICE REDUCED:685 North Barfield Drive, Marco Island

Reduced to $250,000

All Written Offers Considered


You have to see this one! Updated in 2005, this 2BD/2-1/2 BA home looks like a model inside and could easily be converted to a 3 bedroom. Gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry& granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, Jacuzzi tub, central A/C including duct work, crown moldings, home office, enclosed Florida room with glass slidersopening out to a spacious back yard with plenty of room for a pool. On sewer.

MLS #: 273010, 2 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths almost 2000 Sq. Ft. Under Air

Joseph A. Bartos P.A. Realtor®

Assist 2 Sell Buyers & Sellers Real Estate

Direct: (239) 404-5068