Just returned from a trip ...

Naples is gearing up for a big celebration this weekend! The annual 4th of July parade begins at 10:00 A.M. Saturday at Third Street South and Broad Avenue, continues to 5th Avenue South, and ends at Cambier Park on 8th Street South.

The fireworks display at Naples Pier traditionally draws tens of thousands to the beach from Lowdermilk Park south to Gordon Pass.  Many boaters enjoy the spectacular pyrotechnics from their vessels in the Gulf. In case of inclement weather, the display will be held on Sunday.


For extensive information on Naples Florida, visit:
www.4NaplesRealEstate.com

Posted by:  Linda C. Loomis, Realtor
John R. Wood Realtors
Naples FL

CLOSED SALES:

• April closed sales units are up 6% over April 2008
• Year-to-date April closed units are up 19% over YTD April 2008.  Volume is down 25%
• 64% of units closed in April are under $ 250,000
• Median sales price YTD April is down 37% from the same period in 2008.
• Median sales price has remained constant since January.

PENDED SALES:

• Pended sales units in April are up 55% over April 2008 and highest April numbers since 2005.
• Pended sales units YTD April are up 68% over the same period in 2008.
• 66% of pended units year-to-date are under $ 250,000.

NEW LISTINGS:

• Number of new listings taken YTD April is down 11% over prior year period, and the lowest for the period since 2005.
• Number of new listings taken during the month of April 2009 is the lowest for the month since 2005.
• Active listing inventory on May 1, 2009 was 12,910 (6498 condominiums and 6412 single family). This represents a decrease of 13% from May 1, 2008.

NOTES:

• Sustained median sales price ($190,000) since January may indicate bottom for pricing.
• Largest decrease in inventory year-to-date are condominiums priced between $250,000-$500,000 (down 25%) and single family homes priced from $500,000-$750,000 (down 35%).
• This report represents the combined Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero market.  Numbers may vary among various areas, so be sure to contact me for research on individual market segments.

Disclaimer:  All information from Sunshine MLS. Accuracy is deemed correct, but not warranted.

To view the complete report, click:   http://www.myjrw.com/documents/Forms/MarketReportApril2009.pdf

To learn more about the unique lifestyle that Naples offers, scroll to the bottom of this page and
click "older entries."

For extensive information on Naples Florida, visit www.4NaplesRealEstate.com
Posted by: Linda Loomis, Realtor
John R. Wood Realtors
Naples Fl 

Once again in 2009 American Style Magazine ranked Naples among the "Top 25 Arts Destinations for Small Cities and Towns." Residents of Naples have traditionally provided generous support for a multitude of art galleries and museums.

One of the finest examples is the Naples Museum of Art, which recently brought to town a phenomenal exhibit by Fernando Botero, the most famous Latin American artist alive today.  It was the first major Botero exhibition in the U.S. in almost 30 years.

On the last day it was open to the public, I rushed to the box office an hour before it was to close.  There were others in line behind me.  The attendant dutifully explained to each of us that we had only an hour for viewing.  No one complained because everyone was well aware of the cultural treat we were about to experience.

It was a real delight to view 100 Botero masterpieces, including enormous oil paintings, intricate sketches and massive bronze sculptures - placed by cranes at the entrance and in the museum's courtyard.  As Neapolitans, we are so very fortunate to have such opportunities.

To learn more about the unique lifestyle that Naples offers, scroll to the bottom of this page and
click "older entries."

For extensive information on Naples, Florida, visit www.4NaplesRealEstate.com

Posted by:
Linda Loomis, Realtor
John R. Wood Realtors, Naples Fl