Posts tagged Single family homes

NOVEMBER 2011 Real Estate Newsletter Anna Maria Island, FL. ALAN GALLETTO, Realtor

NOVEMBER 2011 NewsLetter

Sales for October 2011 were 21 (SF-14, Con-3, Dup-3 & Lot-1) equal to October 2010 at 21 (SF-10, Con-8, Dup-1 & Lot-2).  Sales for October 31, 2011 Y-T-D were 299 (SF-151, Con-113, Dup-12 & Lot-23) up 17% over October 31, 2010 Y-T-D at 256 (SF-151, Con-73, Dup-20 & Lot-12).  Of the October 2011   Y-T-D sales 15% were distressed (Bank owned or short sales) compared to October 2010 Y-T-D sales in which 30% were distressed.  Pended properties (properties under contract) are currently at 44 (SF-23, Con-17, Dup-2 & Lot-2) five lower than last month but still above average.  Inventory on the island bumped up 24 over last month but is still below average (450-500) at 440 (SF-200, Con-156, Dup-32 & Lot-52) which is 81 below the same time last year.  Of the 440 properties currently for sale on the island only 5% or 22 (SF-10, Con-10, Dup-2 & Lot-0) are distressed the same percentage of the inventory as last month.  Of the 10 single family distressed properties 8 are short sales, 2 are bank owned and 3 of the 10 are in Bradenton Beach.  Of the 10 distressed condos 6 are short sales, 4 are bank owned and 8 of the 10 are in Bradenton Beach.
Another one of Frank, Larry and Al’s Great Buy’s has gone under contract this month.  The property at 116 52nd St went under contract two weeks ago and should be a great rental for the buyer.  But don’t worry there are still some good opportunities left.  One, a nonconforming duplex at 5505 Gulf Drive is a little sleeper.  It’s a 2/2 & 1/1 duplex that is bank owned, it’s listed at $414,900 and very close to the beach.  This is a potential remodel into a 3 bedroom/3 bath single family with a pool.  Also this month I’ve included three new listings in three different price categories.  First 126 Hammock Road, listed at $749,000, a 3 bedroom/3 bath, 2399 sq ft canal home in the north end of Ann Maria.  With plenty of room for a pool it’s close enough to the beach to be a very good rental while at the same time you can keep your boat docked behind your house.  The second one is a cute bright beach cottage at 5704 Holmes Blvd, listed at $459,000 NOW $419,000, this 2 bedroom/2 bath with a den, 1.5 blocks to the beach has plenty of room for a pool.  Third is a condo at Sunbow Bay 3705 East Bay, listed at $234,900 it’s a recently remodeled 2 bedroom/2 bath very nice unit.  This would be a great starter unit for someone looking to buy a second home on the island.  Last but not least don’t forget the units at Island Garden Villas 5607 Gulf Drive.  These one and two bedroom units ranging in price from $299,000 to $479,000 already have a great rental track record.
To summarize, sales continue to be strong for the 2011 with sales up 17% over last year and with only two months left in the year it looks like we will beat 2010.  Inventory, although it bumped up a little this month, still is below average at 440.  Pended properties (properties under contract) continue to remain above average at 44 continuing a healthy pipeline for the next couple month’s sales.  The number of distressed properties (short sales & bank owned) at 22 are the lowest they have been since the market started dropping in 2006 and remain at 5% of the inventory.  Looking at the chart on average and median sales price by property type from 2005 to 2011, you can see that single family, condo and land prices are moving upward while duplex prices have stayed relatively flat since the peak of 2006.
Rentals continue to be very good on the island, so good that it has caused some problems for some of the neighborhoods in Holmes Beach.  You may have seen mention of it in the local newspapers.  The major source of the problem is the large 6-8 bedroom land condo’s recently built as rental machines.  This has caused parking problems and excessive noise issues in the neighborhoods that they are in.  Island Real Estate has a few of these and we have been at the forefront of putting in place practices that minimize the effects of these rentals on the surrounding properties.  The island has always had a good relationship between tourists and locals and we want to make sure that doesn’t change.  If you have any questions regarding this issue please don’t hesitate to call Larry Chatt or myself.

Call  Realtor ALAN GALLETTO  941.232.2216 of Island Real Estate.

www.Alangalletto.com

APRIL 2011 -Real Estate Newsletter ALAN GALLETTO, Anna Maria Island, FL Realtor

Sales for  March 2011 exceeded last year with 40 properties sold (SF-15, Con-17, Dup-4 & Lot-4) compared to March 2010 at (SF-22, Con-5, Dup-5 & Lot-3) considering 2010 was the best year in sales on the island since 2005 the peak year for sales.  Sales for the first quarter 2011 were 78 (SF-33, Con-34, Dup-5 & Lot-6) versus first quarter 2010 at 76 (SF-44, Con-19, Dup-8 & Lot-5) again exceeding the pace of sale for 2010.  Of the 40 sales in March 2011 15% (6) were distressed properties versus March 2010 29% (10) were distressed properties.  As you can see below of the 78 sales for March 31, 2011 Y-T-D 14% (11) were distressed compared to the 76 sales for March 31, 2010 Y-T-D 29% (22) were distressed.  Sales continue to look strong into the future with pended sales at 80 (SF-45, Con-32, Dup-1 & Lot-2) which is almost double the normal number of pended sales at any point in time.  Of the pended sales 29% are distressed properties (23).  We have reached another milestone with inventory for the first time in over 6 years falling below 500.  Current inventory is at 496 (SF-245, Con-167, Dup-35 & Lot-49) and of that 7% is distressed inventory (SF-12, Con-16, Dup-4 & Lot-1).  If you look at sales over the last 12 months at 322 and compare it to sale for the same 12 months a year ago which were 269 it demonstrates the strong sales we have been seeing.  It looks like the strong sales will continue for 2011, well above the average of 250.  The other thing we’re seeing is because of the strong sales the number of exceptional properties for sale are much smaller than in the past year.  Properties that are in good locations and therefore great rentals are much smaller in number.
 From  last month’s Frank and Al’s Great Buy’s three more properties went under contract.  The short sale, 100-B 52nd St, a two unit condo with gulf views ( 100-A 52nd St is still available), 3103 Avenue E a new construction land condo with gulf views and 111 Oak Avenue, the classic beach cottage circa 1926 west of gulf drive.   All three went under contract within 5% of the asking price.  We have two new listings on the list for this month, 458 63rd St. a 2bedroom 2 bath on Watson’s bayou with great open water views and 4001 5th Avenue a new Tuscan style home with 3 bedrooms 3 baths and very close to the beach with  peaks of the gulf.  The sleeper no one has figured out yet is 2916 Avenue E a 4 bedroom, 2 bath, totally remodeled with a pool,  4 houses to the beach that has a purchase price to yearly gross rental revenue (PP/YGRR)  ratio of 10.  Most properties on the island have a ratio of 14-16 (lower is better in this ratio) and there aren’t many properties that have a 10 ratio (10 years of gross rental revenue equals the purchase price).  Another good buy are the 3 land condo’s left next to 3103 Avenue E that just went under contract.  They are close to the beach with some gulf views and have the potential to have a purchase price to gross yearly rental revenue ratio of 10 because of their location.  Also you should be looking at 100-A 52nd St next to the B unit that just went under contract.  This is also a great rental with a current PP/YGRR of 11.5 and with cosmetic changes could be a 10 easily.  Those of you seriously looking for a property should make a move now.
 There was a very good article in the Herald Tribune Business Weekly ( Anna Maria Island has Antidote to Recession) about tourism and the economy on the barrier islands which points out how much better Anna Maria Island is doing than all the other barrier islands on the west coast.  It describes how tourism is critical to the region’s economic recovery and how Anna Maria “gets it” and the rest of the region has been slow to catch on.  Read the full article at:   www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110418/article/110419652/2413/business  
 T summarize sales in March were strong as were sales for March, 31 2011 Y-T-D.  Te inventory has dropped to the lowest level in 6 years at 496 into the normal range of 450-500 properties for sale.  Pended properties are at a 6 year high of 80 which supports a continued record pace of sales for 2011. Prices seem to be down to a level that is spurring record demand and that is good for the island market.

MARCH 2011 Real Estate Newsletter ALAN GALLETTO, Realtor; Anna Maria Island, FL.

                                         MARCH  NEWSLETTER   2011    
 
 Sales for February were a little behind last year at 22 (SF-10, Con-11, Dup-0 & Lot-1) versus 2010 which were 27 (SF-14, Con-9, Dup-3 & Lot-1) but still a respectable number of sales.  Of the 22 properties sold in February only 4 were distressed properties (SF-3, Con-1) versus 2010 where 10 of the 27 sold were distressed (SF-5, Con-4, Dup-1).  Year-to-Date Sales through Feb 28, 2011 are at 38 (SF-18, Con-17, Dup-1 & Lot-2) compared to the same period in 2010 at 41 (SF-22, Con-14, Dup-3 & Lot-2).  Sales continue to look strong with pended properties (properties under contract) at 60 (SF-28, Con-25, Dup-4 & Lot-3).  Pended properties have been in the 50-65 range for the past nine months which is why we’re seeing such strong sales.  The inventory has been lingering at just over 500 with current inventory at 518 (SF-258, Con-182, Dup-31 & Lot-47).  Of the current inventory 33 are distressed properties (SF-16, Con-25, Dup-4 & Lot-3) or about 6% of the inventory.  If you look at sales for the last 12 months at 319 versus the previous 12 months at 251 it demonstrates how strong the sales have been in the past year compared to past years (2010-317, 2009-233, 2008-211, 2007-199, 2006-138 and the peak year 2005-438).  You can see how the number of sales has been building since 2005.  As I mentioned in past newsletters the average number of yearly sales on the island is about 250. 
 It was another good month for Frank and Al’s Great Buy’sFrom last month’s list I put two properties under contract 787 Jacaranda and 2915 Avenue E, both great buys and both great rentals.  Also a short sale, 100-A 52nd St was on last month’s list and although it did not go under contract I did put 100-B 52nd St. under contract.  If you want another chance than 100-A 52nd St. is still available.  This month’s list has some excellent buys.  3103 Avenue E, listed at $669K, is a new land condo with gulf views and five houses from the beach and is an excellent buy and would be an excellent rental.  If you’re looking for west of gulf drive in the city of Anna Maria, 111 Oak listed at $699K is a circa 1926 classic historical cottage with a lot of charm and by adding a pool and some cosmetic updates would also be a great rental.  With building costs still at historical lows (you can build for $150/sq ft what cost at peak $350/sq ft)  the two lots at Banyan Tree Estates, three properties from the beach listed at $699K, allows you to build your dream home in a great location.  Now is the time to build if you are considering it because it looks like material costs are going to rise in the future.  Email or call me for more information on these or any other properties.
 Any of you who have been on the island in the last couple months know firsthand that this year has been a great year for rentals.  We were up about 6% in the winter months, mainly due to increased rental rates because demand is always high, but the summer months are up 50%.  That increase is due primarily to increased demand and that demand caused many renters not to get there first choices last summer and are booking earlier this year.  The standardized linen service is off and running and is going relatively well.  Most of the initial comments have been positive and we’re working out the few glitches we have stumbled upon.  One thing it has done is move some responsibility regarding linens from the owners to Island Real Estate which should make it much easier on the owners.
 To summarize, sales into February continue to be strong and with inventory at traditional levels and pended properties strong, it seems that it will continue into the near future.  Island Real Estate sales have been strong as well with 5 closings in February and 22 properties put under contract.  Since we are only two months into the year there is not enough data to change the trend charts.  Most of the graphs use quarterly or yearly data so by next month when we have a full quarter of data then we can get a better picture of the current trends.

Ask Alan -THE Realtor for other great real estate on Anna Maria Island, FL.

Call Realtor ALAN GALLETTO 941.232.2216 of Island Real Estate.

www.Alangalletto.com

SEPTEMBER 2010 Real Estate Newsletter ALAN GALLETTO, Realtor; Anna Maria Island, FL.

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER 2010 

Sales for the month of August continue to be strong up 26% from last year with 29 (SF-16, Con-10, Dup-2 & Lot-1) properties sold compared to 23 (SF-15, Con-6, Dup-0 & Lot-2) in 2009. Year-to-date sales through August 31, 2010 also continue to be strong up 36% at 198 (SF-119, Con-56, Dup-15 & Lot-8) compared to August 31, 2009 Year-to date at 146 (SF-78, Con-53, Dup-6 & Lot-9). As you can see from the numbers, sales of single family homes and duplex’s are up significantly over last year where as condos and lots are about the same. Sales this year have significantly exceeded 2009 almost every month. If we only matched 2009 sales for the remaining months of the year, total sales for 2010 would come in at 286 well above the average total sales on the island of 250. Based on where we are and the continued strong number of pended sales of 66 (SF-33, Con-21, Dup-8 & Lot-4), I believe total sales for 2010 will come in very close to 300. If that’s the case it will be a very strong sales year with the most sales since 2005. Remembering that 2003 to 2005 were the peak sales years on the island, total sales from 2003 to 2009 were 2003-325, 2004-378, 2005-438, 2006-138, 2007-199, 2008-211, & 2009-234. In August Island Real Estate put 8 properties under contract and closed 5 properties.

Inventory dropped a little from last month’s 544 to 540 (SF-262, Con-186, Dup-36, Lot-56). Again, when the inventory level gets below 500 then we should see a significant rise in average and median property values. Distressed properties (bank owned & short sales) have dropped down from July’s 53 to 44 in August (SF-19, Con-18, Dup-4 & Lot-3). Distressed property sales year-to-date has been about 25% (SF-28, Con-15, Dup-7 & Lot-1 = 51) of the total sales year-to-date (198) on the island.

Two of Frank & Al’s Great Buy’s have been reduced from last month which make them even better buy’s. 787 Jacaranda a 3 bedroom/2 bath elevated, totally remodeled home only steps to the beach has been reduced to $599,000. The North Point Harbor canal lot at 718 Key Royale Drive has been reduced to $379,000. A great buy that just came on the market is 3302 6th Ave, a 4-plex with four 2 bedroom/2 bath units’ only steps to the beach. This property has plenty of room for a pool and with a pool and 30% down the revenue it could produce would cover all operating expenses and debt service and produce positive cash flow. This would be a great investment property for someone. There are not many 4-plex’s on the island and even less that are close enough to the beach to cash flow.

Interest rates are at their lowest in 40 years with rates as low as 4.4% for a 30 year fixed for a first or second home mortgage up to $417,000. Financing for condos in stable associations, which include most of the condo associations on the island, is available with 25% down. Jumbo mortgages ( above $417,000) are readily available at 1.5– 2 points above the regular first or second home rate.  If your planning on buying, now’s the time.

For those of you who have a rental property or are considering buying one, this year has again been very good for rentals. By this time of year 80%-90% of the rental income is in and the last quarter is pretty quite except for the holiday weekends. This is the time of the year that the locals enjoy because it is a little quieter. If you plan to visit the island this fall the rental rates this time of the year are the lowest so call my rental girls to book.

Projected assessments for 2010 came out last month and it looks like in general taxes will come down a just a little more this year. Assessments now are currently pretty close to market value and unless budgets increase will stay pretty close to market value going forward.

In summary, sales on the island continue to be strong and still on track to be significantly higher than last year. Sales continue to be skewed to the low end with 90% less than $700K which is underestimating a little the average and median sales price compared to past years.

 


Ask Alan -THE Realtor for other great real estate on Anna Maria Island, FL.   

Call Realtor ALAN GALLETTO 941.232.2216 of Island Real Estate.



www.Alangalletto.com


August 2010 Real Estate Newsletter ALAN GALLETTO, Realtor; Anna Maria Island, FL.

 

Sales continue to run above average with sales for July at 18 (SF-11, Con-4, Dup-2 & Lot-1) up from last year’s 16 (SF-9, Con-6, Dup-0 & Lot-1). July 2010 Y-T-D sales are up 39% at 169 (SF-103, Con-46, Dup-13 & Lot-7) over July 2009 Y-T-D at 123 (SF-63, Con-47, Dup-6 & Lot-7). As you can see from the numbers the main reason for the big increase in sales this year is the increase in single family sales. The other three types of properties sales are running about even with last year. The sales numbers are still on track to exceed the average of 250 this year as demonstrated by the sales for the last 12 months at 280 and the continued strong pending sales (properties under contract) at 63 (SF-33, Con-20, Dup-7 & Lot-3). In July Island Real Estate put 4 properties under contract and closed 5 properties.

Inventory has remained stable, in the mid 500’s, since the first of the year and is currently at 544 (SF-266, Con-189, Dup-38 & Lot-51). Again the normal inventory level on the island is between 450 and 500 properties for sale so we continue to hover just above the norm. When the inventory drops below 500 and stays in that range or lower than I believe we will begin to see a significant increase in average and median sales prices on the island. Distressed properties (bank owned & short sales) have bumped up a little over last month and are currently at 53 (SF-19, Con-25, Dup-5 & Lot-4). The increase was due primarily to the increase in condos from 17 to 25. The mainland, in comparison, is still in the 30% plus range of inventory of distressed properties. The number of sales on the mainland are up about 13% over the same period last year but median sale prices are continuing to drop, down 12% over last year.

Well two more of Frank & Al

The Gulf oil spill seems to be plugged so that’s good news for the whole Gulf region. We here in southwest Florida have not seen any oil and don’t expect to see any. The beaches are still there normal white sugar sand texture and the waters blue/green clear.

In summary, the number of sales on the island continue to be strong up significantly over last year and look to continue in that direction based on the continued strong number of pended sales. The distribution of sales continues to be skewed to the low end with 90% of sales less than $700,000 and 5% over $1 million. Average and median sales prices have not increased significantly and probably won’t until the inventory drops below 500. There are still some very good deals out there on properties in good locations that would be great rentals for second home buyers but they are becoming less every day. With 30 year fixed interest rates at 4.74% down from 5.42% last year the numbers aren’t going to work any better than right now. If you’re planning on buying a property in the next year now is the time to buy something while there still are good buys in great locations.

 


Canal Front Lot :: $379,000 was $399K:: 718 Key Royale in North Point Harbor, HOLMES BEACH, FL – ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Anna Maria Island Canal front lot

 One of the few vacant Canal Front lots available in Key Royale located within the North Point Harbor Community.  Community Pool, Tennis Court and Club House available to owners and their guests.  Dock is already in place.  Plans are available for this site or bring your plans and build your dream house, plenty of room for a private pool too!

Dock View

 

 

Ask Alan -THE Realtor for other great real estate on Anna Maria Island, FL.

Call Realtor ALAN GALLETTO 941.232.2216 of Island Real Estate.

JUNE 2010 Real Estate Newsletter ALAN GALLETTO, Realtor; Anna Maria Island, FL.

May continues the strong sales performance we have been seeing since mid 2009. There were 28 properties sold in May (SF-20, Con- 6, Dup- 1 & Lot- 1) compared to 23 (SF- 11, Con- 10, Dup- 2 & Lot- 0) in 2009. Island Real Estate sales continue to be strong in May with 12 properties put under contract and 12 closings in May (10 of them on the island 36% of the island sales for May). As you can see from the charts below Y-T-D through May 31, 2010 sales are up 64% over the same period in 2009. Average and median sales prices are still trending up for single family and multi-family properties and condos are still down due mostly to the skew of sales so far this year to the low end. The number of properties sold in the last 12 months is up again to 282 which reflects the strong sales in the second half of 2009 and continuing into the first half of 2010. If this continues we will do well over the average of 250 sales per year on the island. Pending sales (properties under contract) continue to be strong with 66 properties ( SF-38, Con- 20, Dup- 4 & Lot- 4) currently pended.

Inventory which was at 543 last month has stayed flat at 549 (SF- 261, Con- 192, Dup- 44 & Lot- 52). Over the past 10 months it has fluctuated between 498 and 575. The continued strong pended sales will put downward pressure on the inventory. Distressed properties (short sales and bank owned) are currently at 47, about the same as this time last month. Distressed sales continue to be about 8% of the inventory and 20% of the sales.

There continues to be some great opportunities out there for some great buys. The special email that I sent out a few weeks ago on a short sale at Starfish Beach condo (a 4 unit condo complex like Palm Isle Village) we have already put under contract this week. Those good buys go fast. There are some great opportunities on Frank & Al’s Great Buys this month. For those looking to build a new canal home 718 Key Royale Dr. is a terrific buy at $399,000. This is the lowest price water front lot for sale on the island. There is also a set of plans for a 3,300 sq ft home that goes along with it. With building cost down to $100-$125/sq ft (compared to $300/sq ft at the peak) now is the time to build that custom canal home. For those of you looking for a 2bedroom/2 bath condo close to the beach, 3702 6th Ave unit 4 is a great buy at $259,000. It’s a block to the beach and with a new kitchen, two large porches you can’t buy anything this close to the beach at this price. On the luxury end 108 36th St the new condo unit at Palm Gables listed at $1,490,000 was custom built for this owner and has never been rented. This unit has great panoramic gulf views and would be a terrific rental. Last but not least 200 & 202 38th St., which is a short sale, is a good buy at the list price but who knows what the bank will accept. I think a good offer to the bank for both units would be $1.2million to 1.3million which at $1.3 million would be a steal ($650K a unit) for these 3,100 & 2,500 square foot units. They currently do $55K and $65K in rentals and with a little “fluffing” and “buffing” (spending under $10K) they could easily do $70K and $80K. Palm Isle Village is still the best buy on the island for one and two bedroom condos close to the beach. With 25% down, they just about break even after tax, and there is nothing else on the island that matches this investment.

As I stated last month, the number of sales transactions are significantly up but the distribution of sales are skewed to the low end with 90% of the sales under $700K. In spite of this the average and median sales prices are trending up. The sales by quarter chart will not be updated until the end of June but with 56 properties sold in April and May, the Q2-2010 trend will be significantly up. In summary the number of sales on the island is significantly up while sales prices are down about 35% from the peak in 2006. Inventory is settling down to historical norms and distressed properties are stable and low. Sales for May were up 22% from last year and Y-T-D sales through May of this year were up 55% over last year.

May 2010 Real Estate Newsletter ALAN GALLETTO, Realtor Anna Maria Island, FL.

April sales continues the strong sales performance for 2010 and the sales activity remains very strong here on Anna MAria Island, FL.  There were 28 properties sold in April (SF-16, Con-11, Dup-1 & Lots-0) compared to 21 (SF-10,Con-9,Dup-1 & Lot-1) in 2009. Island Real Estate sales continue to be strong with 10 properties put under contract and 9 closings in April (32% of the closing on the island). Since January 1st I, Alan Galletto, have personally closed over $6,000,000 worth of property. From the charts below Y-T-D through April 30, 2010 sales are up 66% over the same period in 2009. If you look at the Year end 2009 average & median sales prices and compare them to the previous 12 months and April 30, 2010 average & median sales prices you can see that single family homes, duplex’s & lots are trending up and condos have leveled off. If this trend continues we will see some appreciation in properties by the end of the year. Again, this month the properties sold in the last 12 months are up to 275 compared to the previous 12 months of 267. This is also a very good trend and shows sales on Anna Maria Island, FL. continuing to increase. Another good sign in the market is pending sales (properties under contract) is very strong at 71 (SF-46, Con-18, Dup-3 & Lot-4).  Last month at this time there were 63 properties pended. Inventory, which last month had bumped up to 567, has dropped down to 543. Over the last 9 months it has been fluctuating between 498 and 575.  As I said above, sales look to continue to be strong over the next several months which will continue to pull the inventory down. Distressed properties (short sales & bank owned) last month dropped to 33 and this month bumped up to 43. Distressed properties on Anna Maria Island, FL continue to be low at 6%-8% of the inventory compared to 26% on the mainland.

For another consecutive month one of Frank Davis & Alan Galletto’s Great Buys has gone under contract.  The canal home at 521 69th St. Holmes Beach on Anna MAria FL. went under contract and is due to close the end of June.  This month we still have 5806 Imperiore, Holmes BEach on Anna Maria, FL. listed at $389,000 a 2 bedroom/2 bath totally remodeled and turnkey furnished. For those of you looking for an entry level condo 100 yards to the beach check out 3702 6th Ave. #4 Holmeas Beach, Anna Maria FL. now listed at $259,000.  You can’t get this close to the beach for this price.  We still have our luxury picks 108 36th St. Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, FL. a beautifully appointed condo in Palm Gables listed at $1,490,000. You have to see this property to appreciate it. Also please check out 200/202 38th St. Holmes BEach on Anna Maria Island, FL. ($895K & $775K) a two unit gulf view condo well under market for units with Gulf Views.

Check my web site www.AlanGalletto.com  to look at the average and median sales prices at the end of 2009 and compare them to the last 12– 75% of the total sales were months sales and the 2010 year-to-date sales you can see that all four types of properties average & median sales prices are trending up.  That, along with a continued increase in sales volume, are all good signs for the island market.  What is also interesting is that the average & median sales prices as well as sales volume are up and at the same time high end sales are only a small fraction of the total sales. In 2006 – 56% of the total sales were under $700K.  In 2007- 78% of the total sales were under $700K. In 2008 under $700K.  In 2009 – 90% of the total sales were under $700K.  In 2010 Y-T-D through April – 92% of the total sales were under $700K.  You can see that although the number of sales are up, a smaller proportion of the total sales are over $700K than in previous years.  That would understate the increase in average and median sales prices.  The sales by quarter chart shows just the first quarter of 2010 until we get the full 2nd quarter numbers but based on Aprils sales and the strong pended contracts I would expect the sales to continue trending up.

Next month begins hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) so I’ve included an updated map of all the US hurricane landfalls from 1950 – 2009 which shows that the Florida west coast is less vulnerable than most of the US coastline.


Keep those calls and e-mails coming!  We love hearing from you……Alan & Frank

Ask Alan -THE Realtor for other great real estate on Anna Maria Island, FL.

Call Realtor ALAN GALLETTO 941.232.2216 of Island Real Estate.

www.Alangalletto.com

April 2010 Real Estate Newsletter ALAN GALLETTO, Realtor Anna Maria Island, FL.

Sales continue to boom on Anna Maria Island with 34 properties sold in March (SF-21, Con-5, Dup-5 & Lot-3) versus 17 (SF-10, Con-5, Dup-1 & Lot-1) in 2009. After lower than normal sales (less than 20 per month) in the first half of 2009, sales went to higher than normal (over 20 per month) in the last half of 2009 and continued right into the first quarter of 2010. As you can see from the charts below sales for the first quarter of 2010 were 74 properties versus 41 for the first quarter of 2009, an 80% increase. Sales continue to look strong over the next couple months as well with pending sales at 63 (SF-33, Con-23, Dup-4 & Lot-3). Island Real Estate continues to show strong sales with 14 new contracts and 14 closings in March. I have sold 12 properties in the last six months totaling $10,391,000 in sales. As you can see from the historical graphs, single family and multi-Family transactions are trending significantly up. Average sale prices for single family, Multi-family & condos also are trending up. In the last 12 months there were 267 properties sold as compared to the previous 12 months of 250 which again reflects very positive sales growth. Based on these trends I feel we will see sales for 2010 of over 250 properties on the island.

Inventory has bumped up about 5% this month to 567 (SF-277, Con-200, Dup-45 & Lot-45). The increase was primarily in single family homes and because of the strong sales over the last 9 months I think the inventory will flatten out to below 500 in the next few months. Still the inventory is at a two year low. Distressed (short sales, foreclosures & bank owned) properties have dropped from 45 last month to 33 this month or 6% of the inventory. Of the 267 properties sold in the last 12 months about 20% of them were distressed properties 56 (SF-22, Con-25, Dup-7 & Lot-2) versus 50% of the sales on the mainland in Manatee County.

Another one of Frank & Al’s Great buy’s from last month went under contract. A cute little island cottage, 2305 Ave B listed at $339,000, is under contract and is due to close by the end of April. For those of you who feel they missed out and are looking for something similar, check out this month’s recommended entry level single family home 5806 Imperiore listed at $389,000 a 2 bedroom/2bath totally remodeled island cottage 2 blocks from the beach. For a great condo buy don’t forget Palm Isle Village, the 11 unit 1 and 2 bedroom condos across the street from the beach. There are 7 units left for sale and the Cost of Ownership on these are the lowest on the island. You can own one of these units for $57/month to $343 per month. The single family home at 4002 6th Ave. listed at $400K that I said was the best buy for single family homes last month went under contract….you have to move fast. The best new condo buy, by far, on the island is 108 36th St Palm Gables listed at $1,490,000. This 3 bedroom/2.5 bath unit is exquisitely decorated and furnished. The quality of this direct gulf front unit is surpassed only by Vista Grande who’s only two units that were for sale closed last month.

If you look at the sales by quarter chart you can see that from the peak (Q2-2005) quarterly sales on the island has only popped up above the average for two quarters until Q2-2009. Since Q2-2009 it has been consistently above the average quarterly sales. This is consistent with the fact that we have had strong sales from mid 2009 right into the first quarter of 2010. I personally have sold 12 properties in the last six months which adds up to $10,391,000 so you can see things are very healthy. The good deals on the island for people willing to do major renovation are becoming fewer and fewer but there are still great buys across the board because of the current market pricing. Of the 267 properties sold in the last 12 months Island Real Estate sold over 20% of them and half of those we had both sides of the sale. Another mile stone was that our website had over 100,000 hits per month in February and March. That means somewhere around 75-80% of the people searching the island are hitting our website. The market is good in Paradise….hurray and get a piece.

Keep in touch, we love to hear from you……….Alan & Frank

MARCH 2010 Real Estate Newsletter ALAN Galletto, Realtor Anna Maria Island, FL.

 


 

Sales for February were much stronger than last year with 26 properties sold on the island (SF-13,Con-9, Dup-3 & Lot-1) versus 9 (SF-5, Con-3, Dup-0 & Lot-1) in 2009. February sales of 26 are the highest in the last 20 months except for December which were 28. As you can see from the charts below, property sales on the island thru February this year are 40 versus 24 in 2009. As I said in last months newsletter, pending sales continue to be strong (in the 50‘s and 60’s) which bodes well for continued strong sales numbers. Current pending sales are 57 (SF-33, Con-18, Dup-2 & Lot-4). Island Real Estate continues to show a strong number of contracts (Nov-9, Dec-9, Jan-12 & Feb-12). If you look at the last 12 months sales in the chart below, both the average sale price and the median sale price are trending up as is the total number of sales in the last 12 months. We ended 2009 with 224 properties sold for that 12 month period and you can see that in the last 12 months there were 250 properties sold.

Inventory has bumped up about 10% over the last 2 months and is currently at 541 (SF-261, Con-193, Dup-43 & Lot-44). The Inventory hit a five year low in January at 498 and two thirds of the increase since then has been in single family homes and the other third in condos. The number of Distressed (short sales, foreclosures & bank owned) properties continue to remain at 8% of the inventory and about 18% of the sold properties over the last 12 months. This again shows that buyers are still grabbing the best deals first. Compared to distressed sales in Manatee County, which are 50% of the sales, the numbers on the island are in line with the percent of the inventory that is distressed.

Frank and Al’s Great Buy’s are going like hot cakes. Last month’s luxury pick 5622 Gulf Drive condo (Vista Grande #2) went under contract for very close to the list price of $1,799,000 and will close by the end of March. Vista #1 closed in February for $1,650,000 and that makes all four of the units in Vista Grande sold. Palm island Village condo’s are still the best buys on the island with the ratio of list price to rental income in the 8,9 & 10 range (lower is better on this ratio) which is much lower than anything on the island. These units will just about break even with a 30% down payment. Last month we closed another unit at Palm Isle Village unit 3203 Gulf Dr. (2bedroom/2bath) for $439,000. If you want a new ground level condo, in a great location that will cover all operating expenses and a 70% mortgage, Palm Isle Village is the place to buy. The next best buy on the island is 4002 6th Avenue a 1,500 sq ft home built in 2000 3 bedrooms/3 baths a block to the beach listed at $400,000. It was just reduced to $400,000 so I don’t think it will last long (see Frank & Al’s Best Buys). If you’re looking for a canal home the two best buys are first 610 Hampshire Lane which fronts on the golf course and has the big canal in the back. It’s 1,911 sq ft 3 bedroom/2.5 baths and needs to be updated but it has great bones and in a great location and listed at $559,000. If you want to be in Key Royale and have a view of the canal but not be on it then 678 Key Royale Drive is a great buy. It has been updated with new tile, new kitchen, new A/C and new windows and has 3 bedrooms/ 2 baths and is 2,160 sq ft with a large back yard with plenty of room for a pool. It is listed at $355,000. Call me for more information on these properties.

This month we have a new graph, for those of you interested, of the quarterly sales of all types of property on the island from the first quarter of 2005 to the current quarter. Since the peak in Q2-2005 and the precipitous drop in transactions in 2006 you can see the steady trend up in transactions as the prices came down compared to the historical average of 60 properties sold per quarter.

Tourism on the island continues to remain strong. Island Real Estate continues to lead with marketing efforts on the World Wide Web for both real estate sales and vacation rental searches. It is Island’s strong marketing campaigns that generate above average income levels for our rental owners. Driving around Anna Maria Island I saw a lot of competitor vacation homes empty in the month of February. If your investment rental is not with Island Real Estate and you think we might be able to help please give me a call. I can help get the right personnel to answer any questions you may have about our property management services.