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