A Rising Tide Raises All Ships

I talked last week about the real estate wave and the stage we are in now. The tide is still rising, but the waves are receding right now. Jerry Starkey of WCI reported in the News Press today that traffic in his sales centers is down 49% from one year ago. (Article here) Sales, however, have been steady and he still expects a very healthy year. Since last year the number of projects that have opened sale centers has more than tripled. Heck, we study the market and it is even difficult for us to keep up with all the new communities. Flipper investors are rightfully taking a cautious approach or have left the market. There are more condos than buyers and it will take some time for the rising tide of buyers coming here from the north to absorb the high inventory of products. In short, there are deals out there now and it is a great time to buy.
My suggestions are to get out and take the time to tour existing projects - even ones that may not be exactly what you are looking for. Learn what is being built today. Look at all your alternatives. Look at the bricks and mortar so you can better understand printed plans and promises.
(Note: Last weeks column went out via new software and many of you did not get it. (Click here of you didn't and want to see it). I am going back to my old software; it's slower, but hopefully more reliable. There also seems to be some sort of global email problem this past week. Many of my emails during the business week also did not get to their recipients.)
Gail and I had the opportunity to attend the Symphony fund raiser at Riva Del Lago this last Thursday night. John and Lucy Armenia of The Armenia Group ( The Developer of Riva) and Kevin and Terri Manning of BBL ( The Builder of Riva) took Gail and I on a tour of this truly World Class project. If there was ever a case of "you gotta see it to appreciate it" Riva Del Lago is one case. If you would like to arrange a tour, please email Tatiana or call 239-425-0771. We will arrange to have one of our agents get you in. Another one you MUST see is Paramount at The Shores in Gulf Harbour. Email Kathy for a tour of Paramount. You will have to wear one of our nifty hard hats, but it will be worth it. Paramount will be completed in a few months.
Today ( Saturday February 11, 2006) Gail and I and many of our team will be at Grand Isle in Burnt Store Marina for a Grand Opening and tour of about thirty condos. Please come up and visit with us. Gail and I will be in Grande Isle II 602 which we are offering for sale. This tour will give you an opportunity to see and compare a large array of condos and price ranges. Burnt Store Marina is Southwest Florida's largest deep water marina - and Realmark has recently purchased the amenities in the complex from WCI. I believe this will have a very positive effect on prices and the quality of the community. (Realmark Presentation here)

What's new?
Paradise Preserve struggles for approval. (Article Here) The 158 condo midrise has hit a snag.
Cyperlin - We have added an eighth floor amenities level that will make this office center seem more like a luxury home than an office. The penthouse will house a 5000 square foot lifestyles center with library and board room, a fitness center with showers and lockers, and a living/dining area for lunches and relaxing breaks from the office. We are now taking reservations for condos here, starting at $2,000,000. Completion in late 2007.
I expect a new project just the other side of the Cape Coral bridge. Midrise residential condos, with slips. The property is being entitled now and we should be hearing something about the details by summer.
Like marina communities? I also expect at least one more large project up river from town. 225 condos with 125 deep water slips. We will be first to have info on the project when we are given clearance to release.
Please check our communities page for other new projects. Tatiana and Holly update info daily, so come often.
Thanks for your emails and Comments.