Realtors upbeat about Marco housing rebound

The Marco Island Area Association of Realtors wants homebuyers to know the island’s real estate industry is improving.

The association’s president and executive director visited Noontime Rotary of Marco Island on July 9 and spoke about recently released home value numbers.

Neal hopes to change people’s perceptions about the island.

“We are finally getting close to the bottom for us,” said Charlie Neal, president of the association representing Realtors. “We are seeing a lot of activity on the island and that’s a good sign.”

Neal points to increases in pending home sales, closed-on homes and even condos.
Lots, on the other hand, are “just down,” he said.

“Canadians and Europeans are still coming down here so we are still seeing a shift,” said Neal, adding that the island’s continued improvement can be attributed to visitors who came during season and have returned to purchase homes on the island. “Right now, there are great buys out there.”

According to Neal, people think of good buys as foreclosures and short sales, but there are plenty of homes on the market that are a steal.

“First-time home buyers are getting a great deal if they take the $8,000 tax credit and look into new aid (programs) that are available,” said Shirley English, executive vice president of the association. “This has helped in getting the housing industry back on track.”

Courtesy of Marco Island Florida