Curb Appeal Matters Now More Than Ever, Say Realtors®

For the second year in a row, Realtors® report that exterior remodeling projects return the most money as a percentage of cost, as detailed in the 2008 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report.

On a national level, wood deck additions and all types of siding replacements – upscale fiber cement, midrange vinyl, and upscale foam-backed vinyl – returned more than 80 percent of project costs upon resale. Of these, the most profitable project was upscale fiber cement siding, which recouped 86.7 percent of costs, followed by wood decks at 81.8 percent, midrange vinyl siding at 80.7 percent, and upscale foam-backed vinyl siding at 80.4 percent.

“Because today’s buyers have much more to choose from in the way of inventory, any home for sale must make a positive first impression,” said National Association of Realtors® President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth. “As a trusted source for real estate information, Realtors® understand what attracts and motivates their buyer clients, which is why the results of this year’s Cost vs. Value report underscore the importance of curb appeal in the buyer’s eye.”

In addition to wood decks and siding, window replacements and kitchen remodels also returned a relatively high percentage of remodeling costs on a national basis. All types of window replacements – upscale and midrange wood and upscale and midscale vinyl – returned more than 76 percent of costs. A major midrange kitchen remodel returned 76.0 percent of project costs, while a minor midrange kitchen remodel returned 79.5 percent of costs.

On a national level, bathroom remodels, while still a relatively good investment, do not return as high a percentage as in previous years. A midrange bathroom remodel was estimated to return 74.4 percent on resale, comparable to a midrange attic-to-bedroom conversion, at 73.6 percent of costs recouped, and a midrange basement remodel, at 72.7 percent of costs recouped.

As in last year’s report, the least profitable remodeling projects in terms of resale value were home office remodels, sunroom additions, and back-up power generators, returning only 54.4 percent, 56.6 percent, and 57.1 percent, respectively, of project costs.

McMillan explained that the resale value of any given remodeling project depends on a variety of factors. “A home’s overall condition, availability and condition of surrounding properties, location, and regional economic climate are all factors that will influence the value of any remodeling project,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to consult with professionals like Realtors® in your area when you want to enhance the value of your home. Realtors® see hundreds, if not thousands, of homes every year with their buyer clients and can provide valuable insight into what projects and improvements will make a difference with buyers in your area.”
Source: realtor.org

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Naples Heritage Community Closed Sales

Naples Heritage Golf Course Homes November 2008, Closed Sale information
42 Active
1 Pending

Source: SunshineMLS, Inc.
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NABOR report shows prices over $300,000 have stabilized

Over the past 12 months, the median sold price for properties over $300,000 has increased and the upward trend continues, according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of Realtors, which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).
"In the category of homes valued over $300,000, the median sold price increased 1 percent in the past 12 months, indicating that prices have stabilized in that category. In the under-$300,000 category, foreclosures and short sales continue to influence home prices as the median sold price decreased 17 percent," according to Phil Wood, managing broker of John R. Wood Realtors. For the 12 months ending October 2008, the median sold price for properties over $300,000 increased 1 percent to $566,000, compared to $558,000 for the 12 months ending October 2007.
The report shows the average days a property is on the market has decreased for single-family homes and condominiums.
The report provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condo sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges and geographic segmentation. It also includes an overall market summary. Source: Florida Weekly

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Naples Heritage Real Estate - October Closed Sales

Naples Heritage Golf Course Homes October 2008, Closed Sale information
39 Active
1 Pending

Source: SunshineMLS, Inc.
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Sales of existing homes across U.S. up in September

Sales of existing homes rose by the largest amount in more than five years in September, a real estate trade group said Friday. The data is a possible glimmer of hope that the housing slump could be starting to bottom out.

The National Association of Realtors said Friday that sales of existing homes rose by 5.5 percent in September compared to August, the best showing since a 5.6 percent increase in July 2003, during the five-year housing boom.

Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the Realtors, said a sales turnaround first seen in California was beginning to broaden to other regions of the country including Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Rhode Island.

The rise in September sales pushed activity to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.18 million units last month. Sales were up 9.6 percent on a year-over-year basis before adjusting for seasonal changes.

By region of the country, sales soared by 16.8 percent in the West and rose a more moderate 4.4 percent in the Midwest and 2.2 percent in the South. The only region of the country which saw a decline was the Northeast, where sales fell by 1.1 percent.
Source: naplesnews.com

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Naples Heritage Real Estate - September Closed Sales

Naples Heritage Golf Course Homes September 2008, Closed Sale information
36 Active

Source: SunshineMLS, Inc.
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CNN Money Ranks Collier County the 4th Best Place for a Long Life!

#4 Collier County, FLTowns include: Golden Gate, Naples -Life expectancy at birth: 80.97 years.
Collier County, which includes the city of Naples, is the picture of Florida leisure.
By land area, Collier is the largest county in the state, and 80 percent of it is devoted to parks and nature preserves. Any kind of water-related recreation or exercise you can think of is readily available. Naples has long been a destination for artists: Take a class at the Von Liebig Center or just work your way through the county's 100-plus art galleries.You can also take in a show-or star in one-with the Naples Players, which is recognized as one of the nation's top community theaters.
source: cnnmoney.com

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