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We often boast to our friends and family about our beautiful beaches, subtropical climate, and active lifestyle in the Naples and Marco Island area. Those accolades are now being heard at a national level. Naples and Marco Island received much deserved attention as one of the top ten “healthiest hometowns for robust living and retirement,” by AARP.

A comment heard by returning visitors is the noticeable decrease in the number of “for sale” signs on Marco Island. One returning visitor said, “two years ago it seemed that everything was for sale — what happened to all of the signs?”

Marco Island has experienced a decrease of over 11 percent in inventory since July 2007. Overall, inventory remains higher than the norm. As the most desirable properties are removed from the marketplace, buyers interested in some beachfront and direct waterfront properties find their selection dwindling and, in some cases, price appreciation.

In the summer, Marco Island has traditionally been considered a slow selling season. Today, many Realtors are still showing property, sellers are receiving reports from their Realtors on the status of their showings, and buyer inquiries are increasing. At the end of July 2008, pending and closed sales showed Marco’s continued movement into a positive sales trend.

-- Closed sales increased by 22 percent with 56 closed sales in July 2008 and 46 in July 2007.

-- Pending sales increased by 23 percent with 37 pending sales in July 2008 and 30 in July 2007.

* These percentages were based upon figures from July 31, 2008. Delayed reporting should drive these figures up by a small percentage.

The largest jump in sales was felt in May 2008 when sales reaches the same levels as May 2005, or the same sales levels as three years ago. Consider the recent sales reports for Naples and Marco Island:

Marco Island in May 2008: Sales increased by 53 percent over May 2007.

Marco Island in June 2008: Sales increased by 16 percent over 2007.

One of the highest sales level in 3 years.

Naples in June 2008: Fifth consecutive month of sales growth.

Pending sales (under contract) for single family homes grew by over 60 percent.

Pending sales for condos increased by 43 percent.

Some of the foremost investment minds are making advances in real estate utilizing the theory ”Buy Low, Sell High.” Furthermore, many investors have decided to take advantage of significant change in the stock market by moving their securities, which are dwindling in value, into real estate where they can actually enjoy a piece of paradise. Consider that investors saw advances in the Dow Jones to over 14,000 in October 2007; whereas, today, investors cautiously watch the Dow Jones at the 11,400 level. In just nine months, some investors have seen their investment decrease by over 17 percent.

Marco Island offers its buyers a limited number of beachfront and waterfront properties that will not be replenished with new inventory. As that inventory comes off of the market, a replacement won’t be available for purchase. Buyers should consider the choice of watching their investments in concern or enjoy the rich lifestyle of our area while inventory is still available. As the market continues its trend in a positive direction, what is here today may be gone tomorrow.

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Natalie Kirstein, MBA, Realtor, works for Premier Properties of Southwest Florida Inc at The Esplanade. She can be contacted at NatalieK@premiermail.net or 642-2222.