Marco Island Real Estate Blog

December 7, 2012 is a day that will live in imfamy. No,not really.  It's just another beautiful day here in paradise - blue skies and about 80 degrees.  Today, though, I wanted to talk about a listing that is getting a lot of attention on our website, BuyMarco.com. Our "Hot Listing of the Week" is this condo in San Marco Villas II.  It's a two bedroom, one-and-a-half bath unit with some luxurious upgrades and it's priced at only $149,900.

San Marco Villas is located just off San Marco Road right in the middle of the island.  It was built in 1985 and makes for a great first or second home or investment property.  The monthly maintenance fee is very reasonable at only $365 and taxes last year on this unit were only $1342.  The property is convenient to

There were 5 new water direct listings that came on the market in the last week.  Two were in Riverside, the rest were in Anglers Cove, Smokehouse Harbour and Marco Inn Villas.

Riverside had two listings priced at $179,900 and $199,500.  The lower priced listing is in Building C, Apt. 409 and features 1BR/1BA and 800 square feet.  This unit has great views of the Jolley Bridge and Marco River.  The amenities included are two large pools with spas, three lighted tennis courts and a marina.  Boat docks can be leased for only $200/month.  Building E, Apt. 410 is also a 1BR/1BA with 800 square feet and has been nicely updated.  Enjoy the great sunsets from this 4th floor unit.

Unit A-201 in Anglers Cove is an awesome corner unit with a completely

BREAKING NEWS!  The Remax franchise on Marco Island has been purchased!  We are now Remax Affinity Plus.  This change is not only exciting for all of the agents but it means great things for all of our customers. We are now part of a large group of Remax offices from Port Charlotte south through Naples and now Marco.

Our new owners are absolute rock stars of Florida real estate.  Remax Anchor of Charlotte County and Remax Affinity of Naples and Bonita Springs have combined forces and purchased the Marco Island franchise.  Remax Anchor won top honors in the Remax system worldwide in 2009.  Success like this relies a philosophy of customer service that is top-knotch.

For current sellers that were listed with the old Remax, your listings will

This week's most popular listing on BuyMarco.com is in one of the original beach condos on Marco Island - Sunset House North.  Sunset House and its sister to its north were built 1969.  The Mackle brothers built Emerald Beach and then moved onto these.  In fact, they designated a penthouse in Sunset House for none other than President Richard Nixon.  Ultimately, he took one they had built on Key Biscayne instead.

Even though Sunset House is now beyond its 40th birthday, you would never know it by looking at its condition.  Like most Marco Island beach condos, these are meticulously maintained from top to bottom.  The mature landscaping is stunning and the views are second to none.

The unit that has topped the list this week is a one bedroom / one

When Marco Islanders think of The Estates, they think "luxury" and "the most expensive area on Marco Island".  We thought we'd show you how little you can spend and still live in The Estates. Let's start with the least expensive home currently for sale there:

811 Scott Dr. is priced at only $315,000  Situated on a hill with a huge lot, this 3BR/2BA home with 1420 square feet also features a 2 car garage and workshop.  Yes, it needs some updates but for the price, it's hard to go wrong.  Next we have 1621 Copeland.  This house has 5BR/2BA and 2894 square feet all for only $449,000 in the middle of The Estates.  Featuring Waters Bay views, a large, private yard and surrounded by more expensive homes, this home looks like a steal to us.  It's only been

The most popular listing this week on BuyMarco.com is also the least expensive condo available on the island right now. Can you imagine owning a condo on Marco Island for less than $40,000. Well, now you can. This one bedroom / one bath condo located in Marco Manor is a steal! It is a short sale that was just listed a few days ago and it won't last long.

Marco Manor is located on Hartley Avenue in the heart of Marco Island, Florida.  It is within walking distance to fine shops and restaurants.  There is a big, oval swimming pool out back.  It really is a fantastic bargain at $39,900.  The monthly mainteance fee is $220 and covers insurance, pest control, lawn and landscaping maintenance and trash removal.

Only one other 1 bedroom unit has sold in

There were 6 beachfront condos listed in the last week.  They range in price from $339,900-$1,995,000.

Let's start with a look at the two just listed at Admiralty House.  The least expensive listing of the week at $339,900 is Unit 906.  This unit has not been updated but has great views and all of the great amenities that come with owning at Admiralty House.  These include a heated pool on the beach, tennis courts, a library and extra storage.  It also has 2BR/2BA and 893 square feet.  The other new listing at Admiralty House is Unit 403, priced at $379,900.  It features 2BR/2BA and and 844 square feet.  This is a beachfront unit and has some updates.

There are two new listings at Chalet as well.  Priced at $589,000, Unit 1105 features 2BR/2.5BA

A skydiving friend of ours was paralyzed in an accident almost ten years ago.  His name is Chris Colwell.  He is paralyzed from the chest down and has very little arm function. Well, his power wheelchair has just about reached the end of its life.  The tilt functions have failed and are no longer repairable.  Electric tilt allows a quadriplegic to regulate blood pressure which fluctuates wildly all day long.  It also helps prevent pressure sores which heal very slowly.

The main reason I'm writing this post is to help Google find and "index" Chris' donation site with a couple of links.  If, however, you've happened upon this while searching for Marco Island Real Estate, feel free to visit Chris' page and donate.  You'll be helping out one of the good

Admiralty House on Marco Beach got a facelift a few months ago and looks fantastic!  This condo is one of the classic favorites on Marco Island.  Its familiar vertical blue stripes can be seen for miles. With the recent improvements, it's a great time to buy or sell.  Buyers can enjoy the upgrades and sellers can compete better in the market.

Built in 1972 by the Mackle brothers, the Admiralty House looks brand new now thanks to a complete remodelling of the lobby and all of the hallways.  The lobby received a new stone tile floor that is stunning.  The color scheme was changed to what I would describe as "sophisticated tropical."  The sliding entry door was replaced.  The walls were repainted throughout and the hallways received new carpet.

The luxury condo market on Marco Island is warming up.  Sales were brisk all summer and now we're seeing prices climb, too.  For buyers, this means that the bottom of the market is likely behind us but prices are still cheap historically.  For sellers, it means they aren't facing so many low-ball offers these days. 

Occaisionally, it seems like some condominiums enjoy a temporary spike in popularity.  Lately, condos in Cape Marco like Cozumel and Belize have been getting a lot of attention from buyers.  Sales have been zipping along despite prices starting at a million bucks and going up substantially from there.  There are other properties that haven't gotten the same attention but whose time to shine has come.  Summit House, located right in the