Page 16 www.marcoreview.com Summer 2011 It's only been a couple of months since my last article and I mentioned in March our local real estate market is PERCOLATING! Some real estate colleagues have recently reported substantial increased fi gures of pend-ing and sold properties. I believe our buyers are fi nally jumping off the fence to buy in their desired areas: condominiums, homes, lots, commercial land and businesses. Most of these categories have been selling excep-tionally well this season. When you compare these sales and pending fi gures this year so far, to the same period one year ago, I think you will agree that the tide is turning. The increased percentages range between 13% - 27%. Remarkable! Hurry buyers! The fantastic deals are disappearing! Downing Frye Realtors is known to be the largest producing real estate brokerage in the Naples area. Their Broker, Mike Hughes, re-cently reported that their last 5 months of real estate sales was the best ever in the company's history! (excluding the two bubble years of '04 and '05). Mike went on to say that May 2011 is almost as good as May of '04 and '05.Going upWhat goes up must come down. And yes, after almost six years in a down market, what goes down will go back up, especially in cyclical real estate markets. History really does repeat itself. This is the third real estate cycle I have witnessed on Marco, in the past 28 years and each recovery gained the most momen-tum in the summer months after a fantastic season like we just experienced. The tourists that vacationed here in paradise these last six months are returning this summer because they have realized that prices are not going down much further.Don't wait until next timeThe weak dollar and the very desirable ex-change rates have motivated many foreigners. The Canadian snowbirds lead the way this season. And the Europeans can't wait to get here this summer. If you are thinking of purchasing some real estate on Marco, don't think too long, since I fi rmly believe that the remaining 6 months of 2011 will be your last opportunity for the really great buys of Marco Island real estate. Folks, you can always fi nd an excuse not to buy - so why not now? But? But? But? Don't be that reluctant investor who doesn't follow his gut feeling and all the buy - buy - buy in-dicators. Don't say, I will wait till next year or next time I come to Marco. Don't sit on the sidelines and pass up this golden opportunity. If you plan on making the Marco area your future home and lifestyle, NOW is the time to reinvest in your retirement/inheritance for your kids and grandkids.SUMMER SIZZLE!Continued on page 106REALTY REVIEW