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        <title>Marco Island Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.buymarco.com/blog/2012-09/</link>
        <description>Your resource for Marco Island real estate news. This Marco Island blog is updated regularly with homes for sale, recently sold homes and condos, market conditions and other useful information.</description>
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    <guid>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/seawinds-condos-for-sale.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/seawinds-condos-for-sale.html</link>
        <author>sue@buymarco.com (Sue Boyle)</author>
        <title>Seawinds Condos Are a Great Option</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 

Seawinds is a beachfront condiminium located on the south side of Marco Island.  Amenities include a pool, jacuzzi, tennis courts, exercise room and additional storage.  This 16 floor complex houses 96 units and was built in 1982.  It is one of the only complexes on Marco Island that allows weekly rentals. There are currently four units for sale that range in price from $399,000-$539,000. 


The least expensive unit for sale at $399,000 has been recently renovated and features granite countertops throughout and is located on the 1st floor.  This could be considered a benefit to some and a negative to others.  The next unit is priced at $449,999 and is on the second floor.  No upgrades are mentioned so for the price difference, the lower priced condo seems like the better deal.  Next is one for $479,000 with similar features to the last one I described.  It's also located on the 2nd floor.  The most expensive unit is located on the 15th floor with 2BR/2.5BA and 1136 square feet.  This unit is definitely the largest of all the others, located on the highest floor and has the best views.


There is one unit currently under contract.  Priced at $498,000, it's a Penthouse unit on the 17th floor that's been beautifully painted and decorated. 


Recent sales at Seawinds were priced from $395,000-$440,000.  The least expensive unit was located on the 6th floor and featured a remodeled kitchen and tropical decor.  The most expensive at $440,000 featured great views and was located on the 14th floor.


Seawinds is a great complex with lots of great features  Contact us anytime for a tour or with any of your questions.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 28 Sep 2012 07:30:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/current-esplanade-listings.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/current-esplanade-listings.html</link>
        <author>dan@buymarco.com (Dan Boyle)</author>
        <title>Current Esplanade Listings</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 

If you know Marco Island, you know the Esplanade.  This colorful Mediteranean-styled property is home to not only some of the nicest waterfront condos on the island but also some of Marco's best restaurants.  Overlooking Smokehouse Bay, the condos have the views you've been dreaming of - long bay views past the marina that is always full of beautiful yachts and fishing vessels.


If you live at the Esplanade, you are only steps from your boat, a fantastic waterfront dinner, a cup of coffee at Starbuck's or a manny-pedi (whatever that is).  It's true.  You may not have to get in your car for weeks since the Winn-Dixie is just across Collier Blvd. 


Currently, there are 13 condos listed in the condominium ranging in price from $399,000 for a two bedroom up to $1,250,000 for a professionally decorated 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath stunner.  While these are the two extremes, the bulk of the 3 bedroom condos are priced in the $700s and the two bedrooms are in the low $400s.


The Esplanade is located within walking distance to great restaurants and shops.  Best of all, your Remax agent is just across the street.


Browse All of the current Espalnade Listings HERE.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 10:12:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/south-seas-towers-condos-for-sale.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/south-seas-towers-condos-for-sale.html</link>
        <author>sue@buymarco.com (Sue Boyle)</author>
        <title>South Seas Towers - Great Deals</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 

There are currently 41 condos for sale in the four Towers located at South Seas.  While the South Seas complex of condiminiums includes South Seas West (Towers 1 and 2), South Seas Northwest (Towers 3 and 4) South Seas North and South Seas East, our focus today will be on the four Towers.  All four Towers are beachfront.  Towers 1 and 2 share a pool and Towers 3 and 4 share a pool.  The amenities include a fitness club, tennis courts and walking trails.  The main difference between the two Towers is that Tower 1 and 2 allow renters for a maximum of one month whereas Towers 3 and 4 allow weekly rentals.  This can be a huge advantage to investors interested in keeping their unit rented as much as possible since South Seas Towers 3 and 4 are two of the only condos on Marco Island that allow weekly rentals.


The current units for sale range in price from $249,900-$749,000.  The least expensive unit is located on the second floor which may explain its lower price.  It has almost no updates with only a little bit of new carpeting and tile.  Even at the lowest price of all the Towers, it has been on the market for 392 days.  In contrast, there is one priced at $440,000 that is the same size on the 15th floor that has been completely updated.  It's only been on the market 89 days.  The unit priced at $749,000 is larger and a front end unit.  End units are highly desirable with their wrap around views and the fact that this one if front facing means it has amazing Gulf and beach views.  It has also been completely updated to include a new kitchen with corrian countertops, new tile and new appliances.  The baths are also all new with tile showers. 


There are currently two units under contract as well.  One is listed at $319,000 and is one of the larger units at 1131 square feet.  The other unit is priced at $329,000 and has 1070 square feet.  It's located on the top floor and features some updates.  Both offer great views of Tigertail Beach. 


The South Seas Towers offer great views and immediate beach access and are one of Marco Island's landmarks.  If you'd like more information on current units for sale, please contact us anytime
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:55:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/august-single-family-home-stats.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/august-single-family-home-stats.html</link>
        <author>dan@buymarco.com (Dan Boyle)</author>
        <title>August Single Family Home Stats</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
August was a good month in the Single Family Home (SFH) market on Marco Island.  Sales were brisk.  Listings are up.  Smiles are up. 


In August, New listings were up 15 over July and up a whopping 44 over August of last year.  Sold listings in August were up 12 over July and up 31 over August of 2011.  Pendings are following the same trend.The only cloud on this sunny day are August prices.  The August median SFH price is down about 2 when compared to August of last year.  Don't worry to much about that, though.  The year-to-date median price which is a much better barometer of price trends is up - 3.4.  Not to shabby.


From an anecdotal perspective, our customers these days are not wasting time choosing a property to buy.  The general sentiment is that everything is a good deal right now and these deals aren't likely to exist in the future.  We are still getting the occasion buyer who is willing to buy sight-unseen.  This tells me, we are still over-sold and should see a bounce in prices if only intermittently.  Remember, the &quot;shadow&quot; foreclosure inventory is predicted to hold prices down for a few more years.  My advice is for sellers to take advantage of the little spikes.  If you're a buyer, I would suggest buying a quality house now.  It will never be this cheap again.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 13:46:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/september-25-most-popular-listing.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/september-25-most-popular-listing.html</link>
        <author>dan@buymarco.com (Dan Boyle)</author>
        <title>September 25 - Most Popular Listing</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The most visited listing this week on BuyMarco.com is this one on Greenview Street.  It is a short sale that has just come back on the market after being listed as pending for some time.  It has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1275 square feet under air.  The swimming pool is icing on the cake.  If you have kids, you'll like the fact that it is located close to the elementary and middle schools.


Short sales can be tricky to get to closing.  There are many pitfalls along the way and banks don't seem to act reasonably or rationally when confronted with one.  If you decide to pursue a short sale in the interest of getting a good deal, beware.  While you wait, sometimes months, for the transaction to close you may miss other opportunities.  In fact, you must prepare yourself for the possibility that the contract will never close.  If it doesn't, you're back at square one.


This home priced at $189,900, is a rare find on Marco Island these days.  The days of finding a detached home on Marco under $200k are certainly numbered.  For more information about this home or any other Marco Island property, just give us a call or email.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:45:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/choosing-a-real-estate-company.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/choosing-a-real-estate-company.html</link>
        <author>dan@buymarco.com (Dan Boyle)</author>
        <title>Choosing a Real Estate Company </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
As the season approaches here on Marco Island, many home owners thinking of selling have a dilemma.  There are so many real estate companies on the island, it can be difficult to choose the best one to sell your home.  Of course, I'm biased.  I think Remax is the best and I'll explain why in a minute but there are literally dozens of companies right here on Marco that will take your listing.


Some companies boast that they specialize in luxury homes, others brag about their newspaper advertisement budgets and others talk about how long they've been in business.  While these are all good arguments, it can be difficult to extrapolate how these various features will benefit you specifically.  What set of attributes will get the job done FOR YOU?


It's been said, &quot;There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.&quot;  Let's face it.  Numbers are convincing.  They give credibility to vague statements like, &quot;we are the best.&quot;   As the seller of a home on Marco Island, you will be subjected to some very creatively compiled statistics.  With a little creative omission and maybe a little exaggeration, less scrupulous agents deceive sellers and ultimately harm them.


We're Remax.  What does this name mean to you?  For decades now, it has come to mean expertise in real estate worldwide.  Not only have we built a reputation for serving sellers to the highest standard but buyers seek us out specifically to help them find their dream homes.  What does this add up to statistically?  It's simple.  On Marco Island, Remax agents sell almost double the homes per agent as our nearest competitor.  If you're serious about selling your home with a focus on YOUR bottom-line, contact us today.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:38:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/inside-information-on-marco-island-property.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/inside-information-on-marco-island-property.html</link>
        <author>dan@buymarco.com (Dan Boyle)</author>
        <title>Inside Information on Marco Island Property</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Do you think you it would be valuable to know what is about to come onto the Marco Island real estate market in the coming weeks?  Of course it would.  The more information you can get, the better, right?  You need to know that you have had every opportunity to see the relevant inventory.


Selling real estate effectively means keeping your ear to the ground.  The most desirable properties go fast.  Sometimes, they sell before they even get listed.  How do you get to see these properties?  Well, your agent has to be paying attention.  They say that 90 of life is showing up.  Well, 90 of real estate sales is &quot;product knowledge&quot; and that means knowing as much about what will be coming to market as possible.


As your agents, it is our responsibility to know the market and know the best opportunities that are available to you.  Your satisfaction depends on it.  The Boyle Team takes this responsibility seriously.  If you'd like to know what opportunities exist for you on Marco Island, give us a call.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 18 Sep 2012 12:40:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/tactics-for-a-quick-sale.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/tactics-for-a-quick-sale.html</link>
        <author>sue@buymarco.com (Sue Boyle)</author>
        <title>Tactics for a Quick Sale</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



When trying to sell your home, keep in mind that you are in a competition with other sellers in your area.  As with any race, you have to strategize and execute if you want to win.  Follow some of the tips below to get your home in top form and insure you beat out the competition.




Check out your competition.  Drive through the neighborhood and look for homes that are for sale.  Keep an eye out for open houses and go to them whenever possible.  Make a mental note of the condition of the homes and how they're priced.  You will probably start to notice a trend: the homes that are in the best shape and priced the most competitively sell the fastest and for the most money. 


Put your plan of attack together.  With the help of your Realtor , you can compile a list of items that should be repaired, updated or cleaned to insure your home looks its best come showing time.  You might even what to spring for a Professional Stager.  They are expert at making a home look professionally decorated and uncluttered.


Clear out the clutter.  One of the things a Realtor or Professional Stager is going to suggest is that you remove anything that adds to a cluttered look.  This includes large furniture or too much furniture, pictures, knick-knacks, etc.  You'll be amazed at how open and clean your home will look when these things are gone.


Clean, clean, clean  I don't think I can emphasize enough how important cleaning the house is.  This is not your typical weekly house cleaning.  This is probably going to be the most thorough cleaning you've ever done if you're doing it right.  Since the first impression is so important, you want to make the buyer feel like they could move right in without having to even touch a mop or sponge.  Don't forget the outside, basement and garage too. 


Make sure every little detail is pristine.  This list includes mailboxes, shutters, trim, flooring and walls.  If you've got marks all over the walls, chips in your trim and a cock-eyed shutter, the buyer is going to wonder what other maintenance you've left undone. 


Be honest with yourself.  Everyone thinks their home is the best one in the neighborhood but we all know that can't be true right?  Check out those open houses, even if they're not in your neighborhood, and really compare the homes interior and exterior to yours.  Have you done everything you can to insure you get the maximum price for your home?  If you leave out some of these steps, you could be sitting on your home for months and when it does eventually sell, it will bring a lot less money.


Hire the right agent.  Make sure you hire an agent that knows what's going on in your neighborhood, has a great track record and maximizes your marketing.  Your job is to prepare the house to sell, their job is to market and sell it.  With the right agent on your side, your team is bound to win




The Boyle Team with Keller Williams are experts in Marco Island real estate and have the best marketing program in the area.  Contact us for more information even if you're in the early stages.  We can mail or email you any information you might need.  We're also happy to drop it by your home; just let us know what's convenient for you.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 11 Sep 2012 09:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/september-10th-most-popular-listing-of-the-week.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/september-10th-most-popular-listing-of-the-week.html</link>
        <author>dan@buymarco.com (Dan Boyle)</author>
        <title>September 10th - Most Popular Listing of the Week</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Lately, the most popular listing each week on BuyMarco.com has been a condo.  Finally, a house takes top honors.  This week's winner is an inland home on Bluebird listed at only $149,000.  It's a 2 bedroom / 2 bath home with just under 1300 square feet of living area.  It is located in a nice area and is convenient to shopping, dining, resident's beach and the Jolley Bridge.  The roof is newer and the exterior has been updated nicely.


Zillow says this home was worth $476,000 at the peak of the market and it's value hasn't been below $200,000 in the last ten years.  Any way you slice it, $149,000 is a no-brainer price.  It currently has a renter in place so it's perfect for an investor looking for some positive cash flow.


Like we've been telling you for months now, the low end on Marco Island is disappearing.  If you want something in this price range you have to move quick.


Because this home is listed as a potential short sale, the buying process is a little bit different.  If you have any questions about this home or any other on Marco Island, don't hesitate to contact us.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 10 Sep 2012 08:23:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/september-on-marco-island.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.buymarco.com/blog/september-on-marco-island.html</link>
        <author>dan@buymarco.com (Dan Boyle)</author>
        <title>September on Marco Island</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 

September is a quiet month on Marco Island.  Of course, the summer is considered the slow season but it gets the slowest in September.  With the kids back in school and the snowbirds quite happy to stay up north for another month or so, the atmosphere on Marco is quite peaceful.  OK, it's dead, actually. 


Marco is always peaceful and quiet when you compare it to most other coastal Florida towns.  Now, though, you can probably get away with crossing the street without looking both ways.  You can probably even go get the newspaper naked without anybody noticing. 


Many of us like this quiet atmosphere in September.  It's surreal to have the grocery store to yourself or get a haircut appointment for &quot;right now.&quot;  The only negative is the fact that some businesses close for part of the month or the entire month.  You might want to call ahead to see if your favorite restaurant is open before you head out.


For us at Remax, all this pease and quiet is a nice respite.  The summer has been busier than it has in years.  The season, which normally winds down in April seemed to continue straight through to Labor Day, as far as real estate sales are concerned.  Soon, as September ends, it will all begin again.


If you've been thinking about putting your Marco Island property on the market, September is a great month to do it.  Remember, buyers use the internet these days.  The buyers that will be visiting during our busy season are already surfing our website now.  Get your home or condo in front of them now, while inventory is low.  You'll be glad you did.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 07 Sep 2012 09:49:00 -0400</pubDate>
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