Kelly Reark Borza

Get to Know a Floridian! Read My Bio

2011-12-19T17:24:00.000-05:00

Kelly Borza is a native Floridian who moved to Boca in 2002 after graduation from the University of Miami (FL). Kelly has been a Realtor® with Gasparilla Properties since 2006. She was Rookie of the Year for the Englewood Area Board of REALTORS® and was a nominee for the International Rookie of the Year Award from Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate® and the Board of Regents®.

Kelly is a member of the local, state, and National Association of Realtors®. She has earned her e-PRO® certification, which recognizes her ability to provide high quality and innovative technology-geared real estate services. She was the Chairman of the 2009 Public Relations Committee for the Englewood Area Board of Realtors®; a committee on which she served for 2 years. Following that, Kelly created a local Young Professionals Network with the desire to help guide other young entrepreneur agents be successful in their real estate businesses. In 2010 and 2011, Kelly serves as the elected Secretary of the Englewood Area Board of REALTORS ®.

Kelly is an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) and as such, specializes in connecting luxury and island home buyers with property that fulfills their preferred lifestyle. In her free time, Kelly enjoys creating paintings of the local wildlife and people of Boca Grande. Learn more at www.WaterfrontKelly.com

Kelly Borza
Accredited Buyer's Representative
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande
www.waterfrontkelly.com

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for July 19, 2011

2011-07-19T15:40:00.004-04:00

Market Recap: Two weeks I said that "A common thought is that no one sells property during the summer, and I am here to attest to how false that is for Gasparilla Island". The reason I want to repeat that is because Gasparilla Properties is proud to say that we have set a record for July island sales with more than $16 million in pending contracts (so far).

What's New?
Well, nothing really.
At least in terms of new listings.
There have been just 3 new listings in all categories in the last 60 days, and one of those has already sold. Going back 90 days, 3 of the 11 properties listed have already sold. Just 157 listings are available on Gasparilla Island, which includes boat slips, condos, vacant land, commercial, and residential property - in ALL price points. This number of listed properties has steadily declined throughout the year. It's not rocket science to figure that when the inventory is going down, down, down that it shouldn't be long before sellers tighten their negotiations and drive the market up, up, up.

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
248 Pilot Street vacant lot (was $399,000) now $350,000 (-$49,000)
Boca Grande North 66 (was $435,000) now $425,000 (-$10,000)
798 Beach View (was $614,900 now $564,900 (-$50,000)
Boca Grande Club 73A (was $695,000) now $637,000 (-$58,000)
420 Gulf Boulevard, Sundown 16 (was $790,000) now $780,000 (-$10,000)
341 Palm Avenue (was $970,000) now $870,000 (-$10,000)

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
156 Blackwall Court (listed $950,000)
2225 22nd Street West (listed $695,000)
4805 Shore Lane (listed $4,500,000)
380 Gulf Boulevard, Seagrape 3 (listed $845,000)
739-2 South Harbor Drive (listed $1,150,000)
16150 Sunset Pines Circle (listed $2,750,000)
Boca Grande Club, Marina Village 06 (listed $225,000)
Boca Grande Club 33A (listed $699,000)
677 Boca Bay Drive (listed $9,995,000)
9801 NW Gasparilla Pass Boulevard (listed $1,235,000)
251 Gilchrist Avenue (listed $2,850,000)
250 Revels Court, vacant lot (listed $390,000)
4511 Shore Lane (listed $3,300,000)
370 Gasparilla Street (listed $1,225,000)

14 Pending Sales, totaling $30,809,000

Here are the most recent of the 72 Sold Properties on Gasparilla Island since January 1, 2011:
596 Gulf Boulevard (listed $4,500,000) sold 7/8 for $3,925,000
301 3rd Street West (listed $3,995,000) sold 7/8 for $3,600,000
Boca Grande Club Beach Manor 214 (listed $1,600,000) sold 7/12 for $1,460,000
16140 Sunset Pines Circle (listed $2,975,000) sold 7/15 for $2,500,000

72 Closed Transactions, totaling $88,120,000

Market Snap Shot
*MLS data only*
157 Active Listings (including all real estate listed: boat slips, vacant lots, commercial and residential)
124 of those Active are residential listings on MLS (condos, townhouses, villas, homes)
27 Vacant Lots are available
11 Sales are Pending
67 Sold Listings (MLS data to date in 2011 - excludes private sales), selling at an average of 90% of the listed price.

Call me with your "wish list" for an island property and I will send to you listings for review. I work with properties that are not publicly listed, so chances are good that I have a private listing that could be an option for you.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande
www.waterfrontkelly.com

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for July 5, 2011

2011-07-05T16:42:00.002-04:00

The heat is rising, and the tropical summer showers have begun. A common thought is that no one sells property during the summer, and I am here to attest to how false that is. Properties are continuing to go under contract, and I have been showing property frequently. Many of our clients with children or grandchildren wait to travel in the summer. Southern businesses often experience a slow-down in activity during the summer, making it the perfect time for execs to take vacations to look for property. Sellers that were on the market but did not sell during high season are now weighing their costs of carrying their property through the summer, and some very good deals can be made during this time.

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
798 Beach View (was $664,050) now $614,900 (-$49,150)
290 Gulf Blvd, Lighthouse #18 (was $895,000) now $825,000 (-$70,000)
Sea Oats #255-C (was $950,000) now $895,000 (-$55,000)
500 Gulf Blvd, Boca Grande Shores #12 (was $975,000) now $895,000 (-$80,000) *short sale
9891 NE Gasparilla Pass Blvd (was $1,325,000) now $1,175,000 (-$150,000)
16210 N Island Court (was $1,295,000) now $1,200,000 (-$95,000)
500 Gulf Blvd, Boca Grande Shores #10 (was $1,690,000) now $1,450,000 (-$240,000)
375 Night Heron (was $1,699,000) now $1,695,000 (-$4,000)
130 Palm Avenue (was $1,895,000) now $1,795,000 (-$100,000)
2280 East Railroad Avenue (was $2,995,000) now $2,500,000 (-$495,000)

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club Beach Manor 214 (listed $1,600,000)
596 Gulf Boulevard (listed $4,500,000)
156 Blackwall Court (listed $950,000)
2225 22nd Street West (listed $695,000)
4805 Shore Lane (listed $4,500,000)
380 Gulf Boulevard, Seagrape 3 (listed $845,000)
301 3rd Street West (listed $3,995,000)
739-2 South Harbor Drive (listed $1,150,000)
16140 Sunset Pines Circle (listed $2,975,000)
16150 Sunset Pines Circle (listed $2,750,000)
Boca Grande Club, Marina Village 06 (listed $225,000)
Boca Grande Club 33A (listed $699,000)

12 Pending Sales, totaling $24,884,000

68 Sold Properties on Gasparilla Island since January 1, 2011, totaling $76,635,000

Market Snap Shot
*MLS data only*
165 Active Listings (including all real estate listed: boat slips, vacant lots, commercial and residential)
131 of those Active are residential listings on MLS (condos, townhouses, villas, homes)
28 Vacant Lots are available
10 Sales are Pending
63 Sold Listings (MLS data to date in 2011 - excludes private sales)

Gasparilla Properties continues to be the leader in island sales, representing more than 50% of the total volume sold. Call me to learn more about why we continue to be the most recognized office on Gasparilla Island.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande
www.waterfrontkelly.com

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for June 9, 2011

2011-06-09T17:22:00.004-04:00

Market Recap: The total for 2011 so far is up to 59 sold properties, with an additional 17 pending. That is 76 listings less than what we started with at the beginning of the year, for an average of one sale every couple of days. So, would you like to continue to sit back and read about the properties selling, or have the 24 months of continual improvement in our marketplace been enough proof that Boca Grande property is a great investment that will remain resilient compared to the national real estate drama?

I should remind you that this is an island. It is less than a mile wide and seven miles long. The opportunity to build or buy here is finite, especially at the current values. Constantly I hear people saying "If I had only bought property here 20 years ago!" Those same people are buying now - and in another 10 years, the ones who don't will be saying the same thing!

With only 3 new listings to report, our inventory continues to shrink. We are down to 182 listings for Gasparilla Island, which includes boat slips, condos, vacant land, commercial, and residential property - in ALL price points. The dwindling selection for properties in your price bracket means that sellers are gaining leverage and eventually this will drive prices up again. The bottom line is, the longer you wait, the more it may cost you.

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
343 Gulf Boulevard, 100 x 163 vacant lot across from Gulf, $395,000
Boca Grande Club Beach Chalet 201, 1/1 Gulf front, second floor end unit, $420,000
Boca Grande Club 73A, stunning Gulf front 2/2, $695,000

Private Opportunity: Confidentially available and beautifully-appointed top floor Harborshore condominium. This Harborshore offers some of the grandest views on the island from a higher vantage point than most island properties. One of only 3 Harborshore condos available.
Offered at $1,595,000. Please call me for more information.

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
746 Beach View (was $790,000) now $749,000 (-$41,000)
782 South Bayou (was $875,000) now $825,000 (-$50,000)
981 9th Street East (was $3,900,000) now $3,750,000 (-$150,000)

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
For a detailed list of pending listings, contact me.
There are 17 Pending Sales, totaling $33,671,000.

Sold Properties on Gasparilla Island since January 1, 2011
I am happy to send you the complete list of sold properties.
There have been 59 Closed Transactions, totaling $64,806,500.

Market Snap Shot
*MLS data only*
182 Active Listings (including all real estate listed: boat slips, vacant lots, commercial and residential)
146 of those Active are residential listings on MLS (condos, townhouses, villas, homes)
30 Vacant Lots are available

I would like to send you details on Boca Grande properties to suit your lifestyle, so please contact me.
Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grandewww.waterfrontkelly.com

Boca Bay Property News

2011-05-24T15:23:00.003-04:00

In Beach View, the property located at 798 Beach View Drive has gone into foreclosure. The property, a three-bedroom, three-bath Kentia, is currently listed for sale at $664,050.

758 Beach View Drive had a price reduction from $849,000 to $825,000.

Also in Beach View, 808 South Harbor Drive SOLD on 5/11 for $867,500. This property sold within days of listing, and for more than the asking price.

In North Bay, 487 Coopers Hawk Drive, a vacant lot, SOLD on 4/19 for $1,150,000. This property was also sold within days of listing.

423 Green Teal, a North Bay key lot home, SOLD on 4/19 for $940,000.

In North Village, three properties sold. 164 Carrick Bend Lane SOLD on 5/2 for $1,025,000.

146 Carrick Bend Lane SOLD on 4/20 for $1,265,000.

134 Half Clove Court SOLD on 4/22 $1,320,000.

In Harborshore, 843-2 Harborshore Drive SOLD on 5/3 for $1,475,000.

This gives us a total of 9 closings for Boca Bay since January, with an additional 4 properties under contract to close by July.

What's more is that they have sold for an average of just 5% OFF the listed price.

Call me today for your appointment to see Boca Bay properties. Thank you.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande
www.waterfrontkelly.com

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for Cinco de Mayo, 2011

2011-05-05T14:22:00.003-04:00

Since January, with a total of 35 sales and an additional 23 pending sales, we have nearly met the annual total sales figure from last year (66). Sellers have been getting, on average, 92% of their asking price. Looking at where homes are listed, there are only a dozen 3-bedroom homes available between the range of $799,000 and $1 million. There are just three 3-bedroom properties below that range, and a few others that are 2-bedroom cottages. In the range of $1 million to $2 million, there less than 40 homes listed. These represent just 2% of residences on the entire island, and is our price bracket into which most listings fall.

Looking at the higher price brackets, the options are slimming down there as well. In the $4 million dollar bracket, you have only 7 homes to choose from. At $5 million, your choice is between just two properties. Only 3 listings on the island are above $6 million.

We have had an outstanding amount of activity so far this year. Please contact me soon so that I can provide you with information you will need to pursue a property in Boca Grande. Already, a few of the new listings I highlighted in my last newsletter as great values have sold. The window of opportunity on some of these listings is very narrow! To be sure you don't miss anything, sign up for my newsletter today by sending me an e-mail.

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
798 Beachview Drive, 3/2 Kentia, rare bank-owned listing, $699,000
307 Gasparilla Street, 3/2 furnished pool home, $819,000
Silver King 303, 3/2 waterfront condo with a boat slip, $849,000

Commercial Opportunity: 301 Park Avenue
This is a great opportunity to own income-producing property on Gasparilla Island. A bank and a contractor rent the two lower level office spaces, and the upstairs is an attractive in-town studio/loft. Offered at $1,350,000.

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
340 Palm Avenue (was $630,000) now $799,000 (+$169,000)*
758 Beachview Drive (was $849,000) now $825,000 (-24,000)
370 Gasparilla Street (was $1,295,000) now $1,225,000 (-$70,000)
1636 Jean LaFitte Drive (was $3,900,000) now $3,300,000 (-$600,000)

*This listing had a price increase due to the restoration in progress.

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club, Marina Manor 37 (listed $1,050,000)
808 South Harbor Drive (listed $865,000) *Only on the market 5 DAYS*
2610 Shore Lane (listed $3,400,000)
370 East Railroad Avenue #4 (listed $485,000)
460 Bradley Avenue (listed $890,000)
480 Gulf Boulevard, Turtleback 6 (listed $639,000)
320 Gulf Boulevard, Beach Club 1C (listed $445,000)
253 Waterways lot (listed $1,290,000)
Boca Grande Club, Marina Village #13 (listed $249,000)
Boca Grande Club 44A (listed $725,000)
811-2 Harborshore (listed $1,475,000)
Boca Grande Club 23B (listed $525,000)
739-2 South Harbor Drive (listed $1,150,000)
859-1 Harborshore (listed $1,175,000)
27 Grouper Hole (listed $1,995,000)
Boca Grande Club, Dunes Chalet 107 (listed $385,000)
859-2 Harborshore Drive (listed $1,650,000)
9850 NW Gasparilla Pass (listed $2,975,000)
1645 Jose Gaspar Drive (listed $3,975,000)
Boca Grande Club 73A (listed $695,000)
16140 Sunset Pines Circle (listed $2,975,000)

21 Pending Sales, totaling $29,013,900

Sold Properties on Gasparilla Island since January 1, 2011
Sea Oats 251 C (listed $735,000) sold 1/7 for $610,000
570 Gulf Boulevard, Island House #1 (listed $1,188,000) sold 1/31 for $1,075,000
181 Palm Avenue lot (listed $649,000) sold 1/31 for $500,000
221 Damficare (listed $1,100,000) sold 2/3 for $1,100,000
Boca Grande Club, Dunes Chalet 205 (listed $349,000) sold 2/14 for $314,000
290 Gulf Boulevard, Lighthouse #11 (listed $750,000) sold 2/17 for $675,000
391 Lee Avenue (listed $735,000) sold 2/17 for $675,000
361 Lee Avenue (listed $795,000) sold 2/24 for $735,000
371 Gulf Boulevard (listed $795,000) sold 2/25 for $550,000
4592 Shore Lane (listed $795,000) sold 2/25 for $750,000
871 8th Street E (listed $499,000) sold 2/28 for $386,000
174 Gulf Boulevard (listed $2,495,000) sold 3/3 for $1,850,000
570 Gulf Boulevard, Island House #7 (listed $2,200,000) sold 3/3 for $2,050,000
740 East Railroad Avenue (listed $1,275,000) sold 3/1 for $1,175,000
Boca Grande Club, Marina Village #17 (listed $499,000) sold 3/1 for $425,000
Boca Grande Club, Beach Manor 112 (listed $1,650,000) sold 3/4 for $1,550,000
Boca Grande Club, Village Home 19 (listed $390,000) sold 3/11 for $350,000
427 Green Teal Drive (listed $2,000,000) sold 3/18 for $2,000,000
341 Gilchrist (listed $6,000,000) sold 3/30 for $6,000,000
Silver King 123 (listed $795,000) sold 3/31 for $685,000
Boca Grande Club, Dunes Chalet 102 (listed $335,000) sold 4/1 for $283,000
320 Gulf Boulevard, Beach Club 5F (listed $630,000) *Only on the market 10 DAYS* sold 4/4 for $605,000
760 Beach View Drive (listed $849,000) sold 4/8 for $781,000
570 Gulf Boulevard, Island House 11 (listed $1,500,000) sold 4/11 for $1,305,000
Boca Grande Club 59B (listed $715,000) sold 4/14 for $645,000
423 Green Teal (listed $995,000) sold 4/19 for $940,000
487 Coopers Hawk Drive lot (listed $1,250,000) sold 4/19 for $1,150,000
146 Carrick Bend Lane (listed $1,295,000) sold 4/20 for $1,265,000
Boca Grande Club 30A (listed $649,000) sold 4/20 for $525,000
134 Half Clove Court (listed $1,395,000) sold 4/22 for $1,320,000
Boca Grande North #75 (listed $354,000) sold 4/25 for $340,000
Boca Grande Club, Beach Manor 312 (listed $1,625,000) sold 4/28 for $1,500,000
1604 Treasure Lane (listed $3,350,000) sold 4/28 for $3,200,000
164 Carrick Bend Lane (listed $1,195,000) sold 5/2 for $1,025,000
Boca Grande Club, Village Home 3 (listed $525,000) *Only on the market 19 DAYS* sold 5/2 for $499,000
843-2 Harborshore Drive (listed $1,495,000) sold 5/3 for $1,475,000
861 8th Street East (listed $1,575,000) sold 5/4 for $1,400,000

37 Closed Transactions, totaling $41,713,000

Market Snap Shot
*MLS data only*
193 Active Listings (including all real estate listed: boat slips, vacant lots, and residential)
156 of those Active are residential listings on MLS (condos, townhouses, villas, homes)
28 Vacant Lots are available
20 Sales are Pending
34 Sold Listings (to date in 2011)

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande
www.waterfrontkelly.com

New Listings in Boca Grande, April 19, 2011

2011-05-05T11:28:00.003-04:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island from April 1 - 19
164 1st Street East $895,000
1636 Gaspar Drive South $1,995,000

There were 13 price changes.
There were 8 new sales pending.
There was one closing.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande
www.waterfrontkelly.com

New Listings in Boca Grande as of April 1, 2011

2011-05-05T11:22:00.003-04:00

New Listings in Boca Grande
379 Boca Bay Drive $1,025,000
100 Carrick Bend Lane $1,275,000
870 East Railroad Avenue $1,295,000
301 Park Avenue (commercial) $1,350,000
4546 Shore Lane $2,795,000
1728 Jose Gaspar Drive $3,700,000

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande
www.waterfrontkelly.com

2011-03-08T16:09:00.001-05:00

Presenting the Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News
March 8, 2011

February Recap: With a very busy February, and an even busier outlook for March, you can expect our sales trends to continue. Since January, 15 residential properties have sold, and 11 are pending right now. There are only 8 homes with 3 bedrooms for sale under the million-dollar price point. Five homes in this price bracket have sold in the past two months. Are you looking to buy a home on Boca Grande for less than a million? The time is now.

New Listings on Gasparilla Island in the month of February
Boca Grande Club, Marina Village #6, short sale 1/1, $225,000
Boca Grande Club, Dunes Chalet #107, 1/1 with granite, stainless, $385,000
340 Gasparilla Street, vacant lot 100x153, $399,000
16090 Gulf Shores Drive, vacant lot 104 x 129, $399,000 (w/house 9801 NW Gasparilla Pass Blvd = $1,634,000)
5700 Gulf Shores Dr, Sea Oats #221, 2/2 just off the Gulf w/wide Gulf view, $610,000
5700 Gulf Shores Dr, Sea Oats #133, 2/2 with courtyard and Gulf view, $689,000
480 Gulf Blvd, Turtleback #5, 3/2 Gulf front killer view, $925,000
371 Lee Avenue, 2/2 renovated ultra-charming Historic District cottage w/lap pool, $925,000
9801 NW Gasparilla Pass Blvd, 3/3.5 spacious pool home w/lake view, $1,235,000
487 Coopers Hawk Dr, Boca Bay Harbor-front vacant lot 70 x 84, $1,250,000
250 Wheeler Road, 3/2.5 pool home south of town, $1,295,000
208 Waterways, 3/3 waterfront with quick access to ICW, $1,325,000
1840 18th Street W, 4/3 ground level Ranch at Journey's End, $1,775,000
240 Harbor Drive, 2/2 w/deep dockage for big boats, pool, Harbor view, $1,875,000
161 Damfino Street, 4/4 w/covered boat house, deep water, pool, handsome, $1,980,000
1689 Jose Gaspar Drive, 4/4.5 pool home built 2010, $4,685,000

New Listings on Gasparilla Island (to date) in the month of March
130 Half Clove Court, 4/5 Boca Bay handsome lakeside home, $1,875,000
1716 Jose Gaspar Drive, 3/4.5 Isles pool home, remarkable views, $3,325,000

Special Opportunity: Privately available top floor Harborshore condominium is priced below second floor units @ $1,650,000!

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island in the month of February
Boca Grande Club, Village Home 2 (was $595,000) now $549,000 (-$46,000)
Boca Grande Club 30A (was $699,000) now $649,000 (-$50,000)
746 Beach View Drive (was $825,000) now $790,000 (-$35,000)
164 Carrick Bend Lane (was $1,295,000) now $1,195,000 (-$100,000)
134 Half Clove Court (was $1,445,000) now $1,395,000 (-$50,000)
843-2 Harborshore Drive (was $1,595,000) now $1,495,000 (-$100,000)
165 1st Street East (was $1,650,000) now $1,595,000 (-$55,000)
813 & 815 Belcher Road (was $1,700,000) now $1,600,000 (-$100,000)
394 Gulf Blvd (was $2,750,000) now $2,400,000 (-$350,000)
2280 East Railroad Ave (was $3,950,000) now $2,995,000 (-$955,000)
1604 Treasure Lane (was $3,595,000) now $3,350,000 (-$245,000)
2610 Shore Lane (was $3,600,000) now $3,400,000 (-$200,000)
4805 Shore Lane (was $4,750,000) now $4,500,000 (-$250,000)

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island in the month of March
Boca Grande Club 23B (was $575,000) now $525,000 (-$50,000)
Boca Grande Club 44A (was $750,000) now $725,000 (-$25,000)
252 Waterways Ave (was $1,695,000) now $1,575,000 (-$120,000)
130 Palm Avenue (was $1,950,000) now $1,895,000 (-$55,000)
Boca Grande Club Manor House 47A (was $1,750,000) now $1,650,000 (-$100,000)

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club, Marina Village #13 (listed $249,000)
Boca Grande Club, Village Home 19 (listed $390,000)
Boca Grande Club, Village Home 3 (listed $525,000) *Only on the market 19 DAYS*
320 Gulf Boulevard 5F (listed $630,000) *Only on the market 10 DAYS*
Boca Grande Club 59B (listed $715,000)
Silver King #123 (listed $795,000)
760 Beach View Drive (listed $849,000)
3567 Gasparilla Road (listed $995,000)
423 Green Teal (listed $995,000)
859-1 Harborshore (listed $1,175,000)
570 Gulf Boulevard, Island House 11 (listed $1,500,000)

Sold Properties on Gasparilla Island since January 1, 2011
Boca Grande Club Dunes Chalet 205 (listed $349,000) sold 2/14 for $314,000
871 8th Street E (listed $499,000) sold 2/28 for $386,000
Boca Grande Club Marina Village #17 (listed $499,000) sold 3/1 for $425,000
181 Palm Avenue lot (listed $649,000) sold 1/31 for $500,000
Sea Oats 251 C (listed $735,000) sold 1/7 for $610,000
391 Lee Avenue (listed $735,000) sold 2/17 for $675,000
290 Gulf Boulevard, Lighthouse #11 (listed $750,000) sold 2/17 for $675,000
4592 Shore Lane (listed $795,000) sold 2/25 for $750,000
371 Gulf Boulevard (listed $795,000) sold 2/25 for $550,000
361 Lee Avenue (listed $795,000) sold 2/24 for $735,000
570 Gulf Boulevard, Island House #1 (listed $1,188,000) sold 1/31 for $1,075,000
740 East Railroad Avenue (listed $1,275,000) sold 3/1 for $1,175,000
Boca Grande Club Beach Manor 112 (listed $1,650,000) sold 3/4 for $1,550,000
570 Gulf Boulevard, Island House #7 (listed $2,200,000) sold 3/3 for $2,050,000
174 Gulf Boulevard (listed $2,495,000) sold 3/3 for $1,850,000

Market Snap Shot
(MLS data only)
205 Active Listings (including all real estate listed: boat slips, vacant lots, and residential)
199 of those Active are residential listings on MLS (condos, townhouses, villas, homes)
11 Sales are Pending
15 Sold Listings (to date in 2011)

For more information about real estate in Boca Grande (Gasparilla Island), please contact me.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande
www.waterfrontkelly.com

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for February 1, 2011

2011-02-01T16:54:00.004-05:00

The past month has been full of opportunity. As the District 13 Advisory Board representative for the Florida Young Professionals Network, I had the chance to speak about educating young agents and traded information with a great group of real estate professionals in Orlando. In January I also attended a full day seminar where I was motivated by speakers such as Laura Bush, Colin Powell, Lou Holtz, and Rudy Giuliani. It was a great way to kick off the year and prepare for the busy season ahead.

On the real estate front, our office has seen an increase in activity certain to result in a healthy first quarter sales sheet. I have shown property nearly every day for the past week, and am happy to report that you will see several sales pending on my list.

Mark Your Calendars
Taste of Boca - Monday, February 7 will be a delight to the palette. Tickets to the Taste of Boca are available at the Pass Club for $75 each.
Grand Opening at Caffe Boca - Wednesday, February 2 from 9 AM to 3 PM (964-1400)
Hudson's BBQ Afternoon - Sunday, February 13 from 10 AM to 2 PM, Hudson's Grocery is serving BBQ to raise money for the Relay For Life.
Amazing Shoes! Ruhama's Books in the Sand will host a trunk show February 17 - 19 for T. Georgiano's Shoe Salon (www.tgeorgianos.com)

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Uncle Henry's 30-foot boat slip #9 $105,000
5700 Gulf Shores Dr, Sea Oats #121, 2/2 with a courtyard and Gulf view $699,000
1861 18th Street East, LOT 150x125 with palms, walled on two sides, $795,000
758 Beach View Drive, 3/3 Kentia in Boca Bay with Gulf view, well kept, fenced, $865,000
970 9th Street East, 3/2 adorable and updated Historic District listing, $887,000
111 Damfiwill Street, LOT corner with 6 boat slips, $895,000
253 Waterways, LOT 90x167 waterfront, 50 ft. dock, $1,290,000
370 Gasparilla Street, 4/3 on 100x150 lot, quality finishes, pool, hot tub, $1,295,000

Special Opportunity: Privately available top floor Harborshore condominium is priced below second floor units!

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
421 Palm Avenue LOT (was $375,000) now $345,000 (-$30,000)
851 Belcher Road (was $735,000) now $650,000 (-$85,000)
5700 Gulf Shores Drive, Sea Oats #223A (was $750,000) now $700,000 (-$50,000)
380 Gulf Blvd, Seagrape #14 (was $975,000) now $895,000 (-$80,000)
Gulf Blvd, Lighthouse #18 (was $995,000) now $895,000 (-$100,000)
970 Palm Ave, Silver King #222 (was $908,000) now $890,000 (-$18,000)
460 Bradley Avenue (was $929,000) now $890,000 (-$39,000)
5800 Gulf Shores Drive, Dunes of Boca #32 (was $1,099,999) now $979,999 (-$120,000)
4510 45th Street West (was $1,275,000) now $1,075,000 (-$200,000)
9891 NE Gasparilla Pass Boulevard (was $1,395,000) now $1,325,000 (-$70,000)
540 Gulf Blvd, Woodwind #9 (was $1,750,000) now $1,650,000 (-$100,000)
Boca Grande Club 47A (was $1,850,000) now $1,750,000 (-$100,000)
375 Night Heron (was $1,975,000) now $1,875,000 (-$100,000)
589 Buttonwood Bay (was $2,100,000) now $1,895,000 (-$205,000)

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
871 8th Street E
4592 Shore Lane
570 Gulf Boulevard, Island House #7
174 Gulf Boulevard

Sold Properties on Gasparilla Island
570 Gulf Blvd, Island House #1 (listed for $1,188,000) sold 1/31 for $1,075,000

Market Snap Shot
(MLS data only)
211 Active Listings (including all real estate listed: boat slips, vacant lots, and residential)
171 of those Active are residential listings on MLS (condos, townhouses, villas, homes)
8 Sales are Pending
3 Sold Listings (to date in 2011)

Join my Facebook page! I add photos from around town as I am inspired each week. Try to guess where some of them were taken. It's a fun way to be here, even when you're not.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande
www.waterfrontkelly.com

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for January 12, 2011

2011-01-12T15:03:00.004-05:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande North E 58, 2/2 Gulf view condo, furnished, $375,000
4592 Shore Lane, 3/3 Sand Dollar Cottage with deeded beach access, $795,000
370 Gasparilla Street, 4/3 single level home on 100x153 lot, $1,295,000
1645 Jose Gaspar Drive, 4/4.5 colonial remodeled in 2010, $3,975,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club Dunes Chalet 102 (was $355,000) now $335,000 (-$20,000)
250 Revels Court, vacant lot, (was $395,000) now $390,000 (-$5,000)
851 Palm Ave, vacant lot, (was $699,000) now $575,000 (-$124,000)
Sea Oats 344 (was $649,000) now $629,000 (-$20,000)
782 South Bayou (was $899,000) now $875,000 (-$24,000)

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
Lighthouse #11
181 Palm Avenue (vacant lot)
174 Gulf Boulevard

Sold Properties on Gasparilla Island
1160 11th Street (listed for $550,000) sold 12/30 for $400,000
Sea Oats 251 C (listed for $735,000) sold 1/7 for $610,000

Market Snap Shot (MLS data only)
194 Active Listings (including all real estate listed: boat slips, vacant lots, and residential)
170 of those Active are residential listings on MLS (condos, townhouses, villas, homes)
8 Sales are Pending
1 Sold Listing (to date in 2011)

End of the Year RECAP is now available! E-mail me for this very interesting data that shows just how much better real estate on Gasparilla Island performed in 2010 vs. 2009! Gasparilla Properties continues to lead the pack in real estate sales. The data shows our Boca Grande market is stronger, with trends pointing toward more activity. Where will YOU be in regards to the market in 2011? Let's talk about it.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grandewww.waterfrontkelly.com

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for December 29, 2010

2010-12-29T17:16:00.003-05:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
16090 Gulf Shores Dr. lot 39, $399,000
Boca Grande Club 72A, 2/2 Tennis Villa, $830,000
9801 NW Gasparilla Pass, 3/2, $1,235,000
1689 Jose Gaspar Drive, brand new $4,485,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande North #27 (was $349,900) now $299,900 (-$50,000)
Boca Grande North #32 (was $395,000) now $299,000 (-$96,000)
Boca Grande North Slip 43 (was $189,000) now $75,000 (-$114,000)
Boca Grande Club Village Home 19 (was $415,000) now $390,000 (-$25,000)
320 Gulf Blvd, Beach Club 1C (was $485,000) now $445,000 (-$40,000)
471 Palm Ave (was $955,000) now $875,000 (-$80,000)
380 Gulf Blvd, Seagrape #3 (was $925,000) now $895,000 (-$30,000)
4120 Snail Island Court (was $7,900,000) now $6,900,000 (-$1,000,000)

Please make a note:
Village Home 19 is now listed for $390,000. There have been two sales of Village Homes this year, one at $500,000 and the other at $693,000. No Village Home has sold for this price since the 1990's!

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
Sea Oats #251

Sold Properties on Gasparilla Island
231 Seabreeze Court (listed for $695,000) sold 12/29 for $622,500

Market Snap Shot
(MLS data only)
194 Active Listings (including all real estate listed: boat slips, vacant lots, and residential)
167 of those Active are residential listings on MLS (condos, townhouses, villas, homes)
53 Sold Listings (63 total)

Join my new Facebook page! I am uploading photos from around town as I am inspired each week. It's a fun way to be here, even when you're not.

Happy New Year!
Until 2011,
Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for December 21, 2010

2010-12-23T15:16:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year, Happy Everything

How ever you choose to celebrate the Winter Solstice, may it bring you warmth, joy, prosperity, and love.

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
307 Baily Street, vacant corner lot, $399,000
300 Gasparilla Street, vacant corner lot, $499,000
343 Baily Street, 2/2 Golden Beach, $675,000
201 Pilot Street, 5/4 built in 1932, $1,000,000
Boca Grande Club Marina Manor 37, Harbor 2nd floor 3/3, $1,050,000
740 East Railroad Avenue, 2/2 complete remodel in 2010, $1,275,000
1021 10th Street West, 3/2, built in 1926, rebuilt 2003 $2,500,000
1800 18th Street, vacant lot at Journeys End (Gulf-front) $2,995,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande North #38 (was $389,000) now $299,000 (-$90,000)
Boca Grande Club Tennis Villa 59B (was $795,000) now $715,000 (-$80,000)

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club Beach Manor 112
Boca Grande Club Dunes Chalet 205
1160 11th Street East
231 Seabreeze Court
Island House #1

Sold Properties on Gasparilla Island
305 Barbarosa (vacant lot listed for $399,900) sold 12/17 $325,000
Boca Grande North #9 (listed for $450,000) sold 12/7 for $345,000

Market Snap Shot
(MLS data only)
192 Active Listings (including all real estate listed: boat slips, vacant lots, and residential)
165 of those Active are residential listings on MLS (condos, townhouses, villas, homes)
52 Sold Listings (62 total)

Join my new Facebook page! I am uploading photos from around town as I am inspired each week. It's a fun way to be here, even when you're not.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Insulated Boca Grande

2010-12-09T15:50:00.007-05:00

Boca Grande is a small township on Gasparilla Island. We are only 7 miles long and about a half mile wide. Building flourished here between the 1920's and 1970's with more pops of activity through the 90's and on into this decade.

Because the island has a finite amount of land available for building, and because we have limitations to the density and form of our structures, Gasparilla Island is running low on vacant land parcels.

This is good news.

While places like South Gulf Cove approach hundreds of vacant homes from overbuilding during the "boom time", our small island stands protected from vacancy. This is a second home destination for a majority of our owners, and across the island the homes remain occupied by renters when not in use by their owners. The island is easy to get to, yet quiet and private. It is an understated luxury lifestyle and an escape for many.

The uniqueness of this property draws people from around the world. It is this very concept that shelters Boca Grande from feeling the full force of deflating housing prices, and it is the reason that, as the rest of the economy gets revved up again, we will quickly regain our footing in the real estate market. Sales are already up more than 61% over last year's numbers and we are all anticipating a healthy and active 2011.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for December 7, 2010

2010-12-07T12:59:00.004-05:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club Dunes Chalet 206, upgraded 1/2 on the beach, $475,000
343 Baily Street, 2/2 South of town with deeded beach access, $675,000
851 Belcher Road, 2/2 southernmost beach cottage, $735,000
746 Beach View, 3/3 furnished townhome, $825,000
200 Pilot Street, 3/3 with a peek of the beach, $895,000
861 8th Street East, 3/3.5 single level, large lot, $1,575,000
4070 Loomis Avenue, 4/4.5 6000+ sq ft beauty, dock, pool, the works, $3,280,000
400 4th Street West, 1932 Historic 4/4.5 house & 1/1 guest on the Gulf, $5,985,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande North #75 (was $419,000) now $369,000 (-$50,000)
Boca Grande Club Village Home 19 (was $442,000) now $415,000 (-$27,000)
320 Gulf Blvd Beach Club 1C (was $495,000) now $485,000 (-$10,000)
Boca Grande Club 13B (was $699,000) now $597,500 (-$101,500)
160 Blackwall Court (was $1,125,000) now $995,000 (-$130,000)
321 Gasparilla Street (was $1,395,000) now $1,195,000 (-$200,000)
291 Pilot Point (was $2,975,000) now $2,495,000 (-$480,000)
Boca Grande Club Beach Manor 112 (was $1,600,000) now $1,650,000 (+$50,000)
Commercial: 7 Acres on Placida Road with 840 feet frontage (was $2,800,000) now $1,900,000 (-$900,000)

Sold Properties on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande North #75 (was $419,000) now $369,000 (-$50,000)

Market Snap Shot
194 Active Listings (including all real estate listed: boat slips, vacant lots, and residential)
166 of those Active are residential listings on MLS (condos, townhouses, villas, homes)
(+3 not on MLS)
60 Sold Listings

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for November 24, 2010

2010-11-24T15:26:00.005-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
I would like to thank each of you for using me as your resource and real estate guide to Gasparilla Island. I am thankful to be a part of this island, and a part of the Boca Grande community every day. Those of you that I saw at the Boca Bay Pass Club's party on Sunday share in my feeling that This is a truly special place. It has been my pleasure to work with you and I will continue to strive for excellence in the future.

Mariners Club
The Barton and Gray Mariners Club dock party is scheduled for Tuesday, December 7th, at 2:00 pm. We will have refreshments and a sign-up sheet for a demo cruise on TRUE BLUE. Demos will run from 2:00 pm, and reservations are suggested. Call or e-mail me to reserve a time.

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
250 Revels Court, vacant lot 90 x 135, $395,000
6021 Boca Grande Causeway, Boca Grande North G82, Gulf Side 2/2, $399,000 (lowest-priced 2/2 condo available)
431 Green Teal, 3/3.5 2,724 sq ft and gorgeous Harbor view, $2,495,000
4835 Shore Lane, 4/3 glass masterpiece on the Gulf, $4,750,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club Dunes Chalet 102 (was $375,000) now $355,000 (-$20,000)
Boca Grande Club Marina Village #17 (was $550,000) now $499,000 (-$51,000)
Boca Grande Club 23B (was $595,000) now $575,000 (-$20,000)
Boca Grande Club 15B (was $725,000) now $695,000 (-$30,000)
Sea Oats 355 (was $975,000) now $950,000 (-$25,000)
16270 North Island Court (was $1,950,000) now $1,595,000 (-$355,000)
Boca Grande Club Beach Manor 312 (was $1,775,000) now $1,695,000 (-$80,000)
483 Coopers Hawk Drive (was $1,950,000) now $1,845,000 (-$105,000)

Sign up for my newsletter! Why? Because you are missing out on valuable information! This week I told my subscribers about trunk show sales, new shops, and best of all - 3 new listings that are not on the public market! Send me an e-mail and get the details today.

Take the time this week to enjoy the things you are thankful for!
Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Good Things on the Horizon

2010-11-19T09:50:00.005-05:00

I heard some more positive news about the real estate market yesterday. Michael Saunders and I spoke and she said that Sarasota market is picking up quite a bit. They just signed a six million dollar-plus contract yesterday morning. History shows that when Sarasota gets going, we are soon to follow. Also, she was just at a Christie's Great Estates retreat and the buzz there was that all of our feeder markets have also picked up. Many of our buyers in the US come from Canada, then the UK, followed by Germany and all of those sectors are looking harder here right now because they have repeatedly heard about the great values in Florida property. The northeastern markets are also picking up, which is good news for us. John Brian Losh from Regents / Luxury Real Estate agrees with Michael that beginning with our season we will come to a turning point. All in all, the luxury market is looking at a comeback year in 2011 and many of the top brokers are very optimistic.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Dock Party Postponed

2010-11-17T15:32:00.002-05:00

Stay Tuned!
The Barton and Gray Mariners Club dock party that was scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, November 18th, has been postponed. There was a delay in the delivery of our TRUE BLUE Hinckley picnic boat to our Boca Grande mooring location.

I am the local representative for Barton and Gray Mariners Club, and if you have not yet heard of BGMC, let me introduce you to the Club and take you for a demo cruise on TRUE BLUE. You may learn more about BGMC at our website, www.BartonAndGray.com.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Gasparilla Island and Boca Grande News for November 17, 2010

2010-11-17T15:28:00.004-05:00

Just The Facts
Taking into account the sales from the beginning of the year through November 1, 2010, I am pleased to announce that Gasparilla Properties continues to be the leader in sales on Gasparilla Island. Our team has completed 33 sales, with 47 transaction sides. Our nearest competitor has completed 22 transactions. Total sales volume for the island is up nearly 46% from a year ago.

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club Dunes Chalet 105, 1/1, $450,000
Boca Grande Club Village Home #5, 3/3 on the tennis court, $599,000
Boca Grande Club 60A, 2/2 Tennis Villa, $695,000
423 Green Teal, Boca Bay harbor side 3/2, $995,000
184 Carrick Bend Lane, 3/3.5 on the lake, $1,160,000
Island House #11, furnished 3/3, $1,500,000 (great price for beach front living)
Island House #7, unique & expanded 3/3, $2,200,000
1190 11th Street East, 6/4 Boater's Paradise, $2,200,000
200 Banyan Street, 100x155 beachfront lot, $2,975,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club Marina Village #1 (was $287,000) now $274,000 (-$13,000)
16000 Gulf Shores Drive vacant lot (was $295,000) now $269,000 (-$26,000)
9901 NE Gasparilla Pass vacant lot (was $295,000) now $269,000 (-$26,000)
Boca Grande Club Dunes Chalet 205 (was $375,000) now $349,000 (-$26,000)
13180 Joseffa Ct vacant lot (was $549,000) now $449,000 (-$100,000)
160 Blackwall Ct (was $1,125,000) now $995,000 (-$130,000)
221 Waterways (was $1,950,000) now $1,795,000 (-$155,000)
1604 Treasure Lane (was $3,950,000) now $3,595,000 (-$355,000)

A typical market on Boca Grande sees each sales price exceed the one before it, and anticipated activity should have us back to this more typical scenario within the next 12 to 18 months. Sales data is already showing a big up-tic in the number of properties selling. Some of the best-priced and best-valued properties have already sold. Could it be the listing prices? Could it be the great interest rates, even on jumbo loans? Sellers are flexible. Walk-in traffic has increased. Investors are calling us. Don't make me say "I told you so" when the one you want sells before you make the offer.

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
859-1B Harborshore Drive
Boca Grande Club, Village Home 38

Closings on Gasparilla Island
Lighthouse #15 listed at $795,000 sold 11/15 (just 43 days on the market) for $790,000
920 Palm Avenue listed at $1,175,000 sold 11/15 for $860,000

Market Snap Shot
183 Active Listings (including all real estate listed: boat slips, vacant lots, and residential)
159 of those Active are residential listings (condos, townhouses, villas, homes)
59 Sold Listings (average sold price within 88% to 90% of listed price)

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Mark Your Calendars!

2010-11-10T12:19:00.003-05:00

Next Thursday, November 18th, from 1:00 - 5:00, you are invited to the Boca Grande Marina for a dock party!

I am the local representative for Barton and Gray Mariners Club, and I am hosting a dock party to showcase TRUE BLUE, our Hinckley picnic boat. This gorgeous boat will be moored in Boca Grande during season, and members of Barton and Gray Mariners Club (BGMC) will have access to her for day cruises. If you have not yet heard of BGMC, let me introduce you to the Club and take you for a demo cruise on TRUE BLUE on Thursday afternoon. Refreshments provided by Eagle Grille. Please e-mail or call me to RSVP.

You may learn more about BGMC at our website, www.BartonAndGray.com.

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This Saturday, November 13, 2010, I will be showcasing my art in the Palm Island Estates' "Art In The Palms" festival on Palm Island. If you are in town, please stop by my booth. There will be live music, crafts, fine art, a raffle, and more.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island Real Estate News

2010-11-10T12:18:00.006-05:00

Our seasonal residents are on their way back to Boca Grande, and we are seeing more and more of them every day. The overall feeling is that this is going to be a great season for real estate on the island, evident by several new listings entering the market each week. Check out the most recent changes below, and please don't hesitate to ask me questions. Now through April is the half of the year when the majority of our listings exchange. Don't miss out on the one you are interested in!

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club Marina Village 6, lovely 1/1, $289,000
Boca Grande Club Dunes Chalet 205, 1/1 short sale, $375,000
Boca Grande Club Beach Chalet 101, 1/1, $389,000
6021 Boca Grande Causeway, Boca Grande North #74, 2/2, $549,000
Boca Grande Club Village Home 29,3/3, $595,000
Boca Grande Club 30A, 2/2, $699,000
760 Beach View, 3/3 Gulf view, $849,000
156 Blackwall Ct, 3/2.5, $1,050,000
260 Revels Ct, wow 3/2 $1,100,000
16700 Grande Quay Drive, 3/2.5 on a unique lot, $1,300,000
240 Revels Ct, tasteful 3/3, $1,395,000
Boca Grande Club, Beach Manor 214, 3/3 first one in the Manor in a long time, $1,600,000
165 1st Street East, perfect 4/2.5, $1,650,000
263 Harbor Drive, 4/4 boat access, open view, $1,749,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
248 Pilot Street lot (was $399,000) now $350,000 (-$49,000)
Boca Grande Club Dunes Chalet 102 (was $385,000) now $375,000 (-$10,000)
Boca Grande Club Village Home 19 (was $469,900) now $442,000 (-$27,900)
Boca Grande Club 13B (was $699,000) now $597,500 (-$101,500)
5700 Gulf Shores North, Sea Oats 344 (was $699,000) now $649,000 (-$50,000)
1510 East Railroad Avenue "Gate House" (was $730,000) now $680,000 (-$50,000)
290 Gulf Blvd, Lighthouse #11 (was 899,000) now $750,000 (-$149,000)
Boca Grande Club 59B (was $869,000) now $795,000 (-$74,000)
799 Beach View Dr (was $885,000) now $799,000 (-$86,000)
290 Gulf Blvd, Lighthouse #18 (was $1,075,000) now $995,000 (-$80,000)
174 Gulf Blvd (was $2,595,000) now $2,495,000 (-$100,000)
1637 Treasure Lane (was $3,400,000) now $2,950,000 (-$450,000)

Commercial Opportunity
Anyone looking at commercial properties? There is a great new opportunity on Placida Road, very near to the Island. Completed construction, existing storefronts and leases, and a nice bottom line. Call or e-mail me for details. Confidentiality requested.

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
305 Barbarosa (vacant lot)

Closings on Gasparilla Island
2721 27th Street W (vacant lot) listed at $399,000 sold 11/5 for $330,000

Make sure you check out my new iPhone App! Search for listings and more while you are on the GO. Visit www.WaterfrontKelly.com for details.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Amendment 4: Something to think about.

2010-10-22T10:32:00.007-04:00

There has been a lot of talk about Amendment 4 here in Florida. Strong opinions from both sides campaigning, and both sides making valid points, may make it difficult to see the impact this legislature could have on every Florida resident.

This is one article that caught my eye. The article is based on an economic analysis by TaxWatch of what Amendment 4 could mean for Florida.

I can understand not wanting urban sprawl to get out of control, and I can understand not wanting to clog our coastlines with towers of condos. I am a native Floridian and I cherish my home state. I am an advocate for conservation.

However, the possibility of industries pulling out of the state, or never coming in the first place, because we have made it too difficult for them to be here is akin to a snowball at the top of a mountain. If there is little industry, then jobs are fewer, money does not enter our system, residents look elsewhere for employment, those left face higher taxes, and our economy gets worse.

Something to think about, to the sparkling tune of billions of dollars.
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=249079

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for October 20, 2010

2010-10-20T17:11:00.004-04:00

Announcement!
Much of the work is now complete on my newest real estate website!
Visit www.WaterfrontKelly.com to search for listings, area info, and more.

I have also updated the art website, www.KellyReark.com with new paintings and a new custom work section.

This Saturday, October 23, 2010, I will be showcasing my art in the Boca Grande Fall Festival. If you are in town, please stop by my booth. There will be live music, a BBQ cook-off contest, and more (visit the Boca Grande Chamber's website for more information). There is also a golf tournament on Monday!

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club Marina Village #13, glamorous 1/1 short sale $249,000
Boca Grande Club Village Home #2, 3/3 $595,000
460 Gulf Blvd, Gulf Dunes #6, renovated 2/2.5, $795,000
835-1B Harborshore Drive, fabulous 3/3, $1,195,000
2610 Shore Lane, new construction, open and impressive 4/4.5, $3,600,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club Dunes Chalet 102 (was $395,000) now $385,000 (- $10,000)
134 Half Clove Court (was $1,495,000) now $1,445,000 (- $50,000)

Off-island price changes are available as well. If you would like me to send you a specific neighborhood update, please e-mail me.

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
920 Palm Avenue

Closings on Gasparilla Island
375 Barbarosa Street (vacant lot) listed at $359,000 sold 10/14 for $340,000

Make sure you check out my new iPhone App! Search for listings and more while you are on the GO. Visit www.WaterfrontKelly.com to download the free app today!

Until next week,
Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

All You Can Eat Snow Crab

2010-10-12T11:34:00.004-04:00

Mark your calendars! Tuesdays and Thursdays are the days to go out and dine in our community!

Howard's Restaurant, located at 1400 Aqua View Lane (Just off of 776, near McDonalds and Beach Road), has an all-you-can-eat snow crab special running every Tuesday and Thursday. Their sign caught my eye, and we stopped in last Thursday. I had not been there and I am certain I will go again.

The crab was delicious. Not the kind you have to fight with to remove it from the shell. This was seasoned perfectly, and with little effort the large chunks of crab meat slid right out of the shells. Even the body meat came out clean and easily. We made a huge mess with the drawn butter, and it was well worth it.

The wine menu is decent, and so are the prices. Our meal came with a creamy florentine soup and a hearty salad bar. We expected to make an event out of our dining experience and spent about an hour and a half there. Our server was wonderful, did not rush us, and made sure we were happy.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Back Bay Fishing Tournament

2010-10-11T13:27:00.002-04:00

Whiddens Back Bay Tournament
November 7, 2010
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sisters will be catering lunch at 1:00
$300 for a team of 4 anglers
Call 941-964-2878 for more info!

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Real Estate News for Gasparilla Island

2010-10-05T16:50:00.005-04:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
500 Gulf Blvd, Boca Grande Shores #12, 3/2 and an excellent rental, $999,000
251 Wheeler Road, vacant lot (100 x 135) near the beach, $555,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Village Home 19 (was $499,000) now $469,900 (-$30,000)
231 Seabreeze Court (was $795,000) now $695,000 (-$100,000)
570 Gulf Blvd, Island House #1 (was $1,295,000) now $1,188,000 (-$107,000)
161 Damficare (was $2,225,000) now $1,895,000 (-$330,000)

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
290 Gulf Blvd, Lighthouse #15

Closings on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club 206 (listed $395,000) sold 9/30 for $373,750
Boca Grande Club 3A (listed $650,000) sold 10/1 for $575,000

Gasparilla Island Market Snapshot
To date in 2010, there have been 46 sales through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) on Gasparilla Island. These properties account for more than $61,850,000, with an average sale price of over 1.34 million. The high sale for the year was 4.2 million for a beachfront home. Properties that sold during season saw 90% or better of their asking price, on average, and those selling during the slower summer months averaged about 85% of the asking price. The majority (more than 60%) of properties were on the market for more than 120 days. Only 3 properties sold within 30 days. Because Boca Grande is highly seasonal, in most cases this just means that property is marketed for an average of two seasons. Gasparilla Properties continues to be the #1 choice for both buyers and sellers here on the island.

---Important Website Update---
Do you have an iPhone? My website now has a free iPhone App that allows you to search the MLS! Visit www.WaterfrontKelly.com for the details. Here you will find greater search capability than ever before. Learn about the island, see photos, and get listing details right at your fingertips.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

2011 Election

2010-10-01T16:11:00.002-04:00

I am proud to say that yesterday I was elected to serve my second term as the Englewood Area Board of Realtors' Secretary of the Board for 2011.

Thank you to those who voted. I look forward to continuing progress within our Board!

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

The Shadow Inventory

2010-09-21T13:31:00.005-04:00

Recently a reader asked me about the creepy shadow inventory that may be lurking in our local Cape Haze peninsula real estate market. They were waiting for property values to plummet again before making their purchase. I found that our property values have started to stabilize. Here's the logical explanation.

WASHINGTON – Sept. 20, 2010 – For the last year, the real estate industry has been talking about shadow inventory and the coming flood of distressed properties. Where are they?

Here’s what’s happening, according to a recent paper by Alan Mallach, a senior fellow the Brookings Institution:

• Some delinquencies have been resolved through loan modifications or people working out the problems on their own.

• Banks are getting better at managing short sales.

• Investors are aggressively buying up properties, sometimes in bulk, directly from the banks or at courthouse auctions so they don’t hit the market.

The likeliest outcome, Mallach predicts, is a steady flow of foreclosures over a long timeframe that will prevent another crash in home prices – but it will probably lead to low or no appreciation in home prices for a while.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Nick Timiaros (09/16/2010)

Gasparilla Island real estate is different. On Boca Grande, the average sale in 2009 was $1.37 million and in 2010 so far is $1.53 million. I am not suggesting that property values are going up just yet, but that more high end properties are selling and thus raising the averages. More properties are selling overall, so I do predict values to rise in the near future here.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

On The RISE!

2010-09-17T13:27:00.006-04:00

Mortgage rates have steadily inched up over the past two weeks. Curently 4.37%, they are still some of the lowest rates in history.

Great rates + low property prices = opportunity!
Don't miss out.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Quotes of the Day

2010-09-14T16:58:00.000-04:00

A constitution of government, once changed from freedom, can never be restored. Liberty once lost, is lost forever.
John Adams

When injustice becomes law, Resistance becomes DUTY.
T. Jefferson

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for September 8, 2010

2010-09-08T13:29:00.004-04:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Dunes Chalet 102, Boca Grande Club, 1/2, only beachfront Chalet, bright & clean, $395,000
Village Home #19, Boca Grande Club, 3/3, Gulf view, a rare REO LISTING $499,900
845 Belcher Road, 2/1 cottage, south end, no deed restrictions, $599,000
290 Gulf Boulevard, Lighthouse #15, 3/2 on the beach $795,000
164 Carrick Bend Lane, Boca Bay, 3/3.5 on the lake, expanded floor plan, $1,295,000
981 East 9th Street, 3/3.5 with 300 feet of shoreline, covered boat house, pool, $3,900,000

Photo: Village Home #19, Boca Grande Club

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club 23B (was $625,000) now $595,000 (-$30,000)
Village Home #38, BGC (was $995,000) now $899,000 (-$96,000)
4510 45th Street (was $1,450,000) now $1,275,000 (-$175,000)

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club 3A
375 Barbarosa Street

Closings on Gasparilla Island
Sea Oats #137 (listed $549,000) sold 8/28 for $549,000
851-3B Harborshore (listed $1,675,000) sold 8/23 for $1,550,000

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO REALTOR®
Gasparilla Properties, Boca Grande, FL 33921

National Association of REALTORS article

2010-08-20T17:04:00.003-04:00

Special Edition, Oil Spill Update

Recently, I was interviewed by Erica Christoffer of the National Association of REALTORS, Realtor Magazine. Here is the link to a series of articles on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

We have been blessed with clean waters here in Boca Grande. The Gulf is calm and crystal clear, as I sit at my laptop watching it as I type. I realize looking out at the water that the environmental impact might be felt for years, and I am thankful that we have yet to experience any oil first hand. What I have noticed is an increase in sightings of our larger pelagic wildlife. These critters (whale sharks, dorado / mahi mahi, and sailfish) are not our usual local swimmers. Most of them stay far, far off of the coast here in deeper water. Occasionally we spot a whale that has come in to take advantage of the rich food supply from the estuary, but it is not typical. Mote Marine has been tagging them to see if they can conclude why they are visiting us, and it could be that they are foraging this far in due to the northern Gulf spill.

I remain optimistic that nature will cleanse our precious Gulf. The important thing is to note that there is no oil here now, and there has not been any oil here. Since my interview, our rental department has only had one other vacation rental cancellation siting oil as their reason. Our company is offering a full refund to vacationers, should our waters and beaches be declared as unsafe. No such threat has occurred yet.

To date in 2010, Gasparilla Island residential sales have surpassed 2009 sales by about 150%. I expect sales to continue through the end of the year and predict that residential sales will double over last year's totals. Although still a buyer's market, properties are properly priced and some great opportunities exist out here.

Readers of the e-mail version to my real estate newsletter received several additional links to articles and the NAR website. Please don't hesitate to call or e-mail me with your inquiries, or if you would like to be added to the newsletter.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of August 19th

2010-08-19T15:07:00.004-04:00

Presenting the Gasparilla Island and Boca Grande Newsletter for August 19, 2010.

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club Tennis Villa 59B, 3/3 two-level condo, $869,000
5800 Gulf Shores Drive, Dunes of Boca #10, 3/3 town house, $1,175,000
Back on the Market: 315 Barbarosa, 2/2.5 $1,050,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club, Marina Village #7 (was $295,000) now $279,000 (-$16,000)
305 Barbarossa - vacant lot - (was $450,000) now $399,999 (-$50,001)
271 Revels Court - vacant lot - (was $425,000) now $399,000 (-$26,000)
320 East Railroad Avenue - commercial - (was $694,500) now $649,000 (-$45,500)

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club, Beach Chalet 206

Closings on Gasparilla Island
384 East Railroad Avenue (Boca Grande Bakery) sold for the asking price of $900,000 on 8/16/10

Our Florida Association of REALTORS and the Florida BAR Association just recently released new versions of the real estate contracts commonly used here on the Island (and across the State). Unless you have purchased a Florida property within the last few weeks, there are many changes that you are not aware of. Our basic four page contract is now eleven pages, and contains new protective language for buyers, sellers, and agents. Supplemental forms to this contract have all been changed and updated as well. I am making appointments now to go over the new contracts and answer questions. You may reserve an appointment by leaving a message on my phone or e-mail and I will confirm the time with you. Several appointment times are open for tomorrow (Friday, August 20) and also on the following two Tuesdays (August 24 and August 31). I would also be happy to send a blank contract to you for your attorney's review.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

ABR Announcement!

2010-08-13T17:33:00.004-04:00

Kelly Reark is THE ONLY ACCREDITED BUYER'S REPRESENTATIVE (ABR) on Gasparilla Island recognized by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR).

Kelly is the only agent on the Island to have achieved the ABR designation, which is awarded to those agents with a passion for working with buyers, who have demonstrated their ability by closing at least 5 transactions while working solely for the buyer, are current members of NAR and REBAC (the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council), and have completed education requirements. Many agents take up to six years to complete this designation, and Kelly was able to complete it in just over 2 years.

For more information on what the ABR designation entails, or the services Kelly offers, click HERE to visit the official REBAC.net website.

Kelly would love to hear from you! E-mail or call her today for more information on the unique and unparallelled services she provides.

Kelly Reark, ABR, TRC, e-PRO
Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Record Sale!

2010-08-11T15:33:00.003-04:00

Dean Gardens, an elaborate Atlanta, Georgia estate, has just recently sold. This estate encompasses 32,000 square feet and sits on 58 acres! Within the acerage, the new owners will enjoy over 1,200 feet along the Chattahoochee River, an 18-hole golf course, grass tennis court, croquet lawn, amphitheatre, and Oriental, French, and Italian formal gardens. The listing price was $13.9 million.

Sales price, seller, and buyer are not disclosed.

It's amazing what you can get for the money! Compare this to the top three listed homes on Gasparilla Island at $12 million, $9.995 million, and $7.9 million. If you don't know which three these are, call me and I will tell you about each of them!

Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida

Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

www.rebac.net/kellyreark

2010-08-04T18:15:00.002-04:00

Check out my profile on the REBAC website!

www.rebac.net/kellyreark

Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Boca Grande Real Estate News for August 2

2010-08-04T15:48:00.004-04:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
3561 Gasparilla Road, vacant LOT 14, $295,000
2225 22nd Street West, 2/2 with deeded beach access, $735,000
361 Lee Avenue, 2/2 Historic District cottage, $795,000
739-2 South Harbor Drive, 3/2.5 condo, custom finishes and Harbor view, $1,150,000
252 Waterways Avenue, 3/3 pool, dock/lift, single story, $1,875,000
1684 Jose Gaspar Drive, 4/4.5 (4,200 sq ft) with a pool on Hole in the Wall Bay, $2,695,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
6021 Boca Grande North #75 (was $439,000) now $419,000 (-$20,000)
Sea Oats 344 (was $749,000) now $699,000 (-$50,000)
Sea Oats 251 (was $765,000) now $735,000 (-$30,000)
1510 East Railroad Avenue (was $795,000) now $730,000 (-$65,000)
460 Bradley Avenue (was $949,000) now $929,000 (-$20,000)
Seagrape 14 (was $1,050,000) now $975,000 (-$75,000)

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
851-3B Harborshore Drive, Boca Bay

Closings on Gasparilla Island
280 Seabreeze Court lot (listed $395,000) sold 7/30 for $375,000
1651 Jose Gaspar Drive (listed $3,950,000) sold 7/27 for $3,500,000
Boca Grande Club 29A (listed $649,000) sold 8/3 for $525,000

Members of the e-mail version of my Boca Grande Real Estate News are frequently updated with confidential real estate information. This week, they just learned of a pocket listing that I cannot discuss on my blog! To get the listing information that you are missing, sign up for my e-news by sending me an e-mail. You can do this by clicking below.

Subscribe Now!

Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Record Low!

2010-07-23T15:36:00.003-04:00

The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell to 4.56% this week. That's the fourth record low in five weeks.

Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for July 22, 2010

2010-07-22T15:25:00.007-04:00

Sales in local shops
Fresh Produce is having a 30% off sale on all swimwear.
Ltl. Ariel is having a 30% off sale, storewide.
Sea Squirts, Aqua is having a 50% off sale, and 40% off Aqua clothing and select gifts.
James Griffith Salon offers a $60 Spa Pedicure for only $45 (mention “Ballyhoo”) until the end of July.

Mark Your Calendars
October 23 – 25, 2010: Boca Grande Fall Festival and Boca Grande Fall Scramble
October 23 kicks off the family-friendly event with a BBQ competition, music, fine arts fair, games, educational booths, and fireworks. On October 25, the Fall Scramble is an opportunity for golfers to experience the Gasparilla Inn’s famous members-only golf course. This once-a-year event breaks the membership exclusivity rule, so make sure you sign up early.

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Boat Slip #49, Uncle Henry’s $160,000
5700 Gulf Shores Drive, Sea Oats 223A, 2/2 clean and beachy, $750,000
791 Beach View Drive, Boca Bay Kentia on the Lake, lovely, $875,000
405 Luke Street, 3/2 with just a peek of the Gulf, $950,000
3567 Gasparilla Road, 3/3 with deeded beach access, $1,100,000
1812 Jack Point Lane, Boca Grande Isles, 5/5, dock/lift, pool, art studio, $2,950,000

Photos: 1812 Jack Point Lane, Boca Grande Isles

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club 23B (was $635,000) now $625,000 (-$10,000)
Boca Grande Club 38B (was $850,000) now $750,000 (-$100,000)
Sea Oats 135 (was $750,000) now $735,000 (-$15,000)
Sea Oats 316 (was $795,000) now $749,000 (-$46,000)
320 East Railroad Avenue (was $799,000) now $694,500 (-$104,500)
9850 NW Gasparilla Pass (was $3,400,000) now $2,975,000 (-$425,000)

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club 29A

Closings on Gasparilla Island
415 Rock Dove Drive (listed $1,795,000) sold 7/14 for $1,650,000
1820 Jack Point Lane (listed $2,500,000) sold 7/13 for $2,350,000

Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida

Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Model A Team Tours Naples

2010-07-16T10:34:00.026-04:00

Thursday we spent the day in Naples touring luxury neighborhoods and properties.

From Bay Colony to Pelican Bay to Historic and Downtown Naples, to Port Royal, we viewed exquisite listings and amenity-rich communities. The density is not as crowded as one might think, either. The county has set aside large green spaces and protected the estuaries from over construction. Residents of Naples are very community-conscientious and all give back to their community, which is what makes Collier County one of the wealthiest and most enriched counties in Florida.

Naples sports some of the best deep-water property on the southwestern Florida Gulf coast that has the benefit of both beach access and mooring capacity for 100+ foot yachts. One Bay Colony tower has on-call concierge service presented by the Ritz-Carlton of Naples. Historic downtown has an incredible fine arts and cultural center, and Naples is one of the hottest destinations for fine art displays and shows. The shopping is also fantastic, with some of the highest-grossing boutique stores in the country including Saks, Cartier, Tommy Bahama, and oh, the list goes ON! Shopaholics, hide your credit cards.

For those that prefer some rustic entertainment, there's a zoo and State Parks to enjoy with kayaking and hiking. The beaches are always a favorite, and yachting clubs cater to a little outdoor luxury downtime. Care to explore history? Try the Palm Cottage historic site or one of three Collier County Museums.

The vast array of architectural style is impressive in Naples. Styles are endless from Key West to French Provencial to Colonial to Mediterranean Influence to Contemporary and Modern. Old Florida block homes, set back on large manicured city lots contrasted with grand estate compounds and completely renovated and modernized historic retreats. Entire neighborhoods of fairly new construction made obvious the construction trend towards large and eloquent homes. Most older buildings have had an interior and exterior face lift, giving the entire coastal portion of the city a brand new shine and elegance, making this city a preferred destination for wealthy socialites.

Only about an hour and 45 minutes from Boca Grande, Naples has much to offer. When comparing the real estate, Naples has homes similar to what you find out here on Gasparilla Island, just on a larger scale. With such a vast area compared to our small island, there is much more to choose from. My agent for Naples tells me that she often finds people with sticker shock when she begins to share property information with possible new residents. Boca Grande homes can look like a bargain compared to what is listed there.

The type of home owner in Naples is looking for a city lifestyle, where every service is at your disposal. They tend to prefer a more outward expression of their wealth and enjoy exposure in the social scene. Naples residents are extremely philanthrophic. Fundraisers in Naples have been known to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in just a few short hours.

Naples contrasts to Boca Grande in many ways, and I understand that my Gasparilla Island lifestyle may not be right for all of you. If you find that you are thinking about a home or condo in Naples, please let me know. I have an amazing and accomplished associate broker who I would love to put you in touch with.

Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida

Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

It drives me nuts when...

2010-07-16T09:22:00.010-04:00

Dear Friends,

It drives me nuts when you call me a "part-timer". I may only spend part of my time sitting in my chair behind the desk in my office, but I am FAR from being a part-timer. I work more than you know. In fact, I am NOT doing my job properly if all I am doing is sitting in a chair behind my desk in the office.

In a typical week, I spend a day with other agents from other companies and locations, networking and expanding the level of service I provide to you. I am participating in educational courses and community panel meetings. I am a member of the Board of Directors for our local board of REALTORS(R). I am involved with the arts in our community. I am working on a new painting, whose subject matter is that of the community I love. I take that inspiration and share it with prospective buyers. I am founding a new chapter of the Young Professionals Network to help those new to the business learn and expand their horizons. I am showing property and surveying properties on the market. I am making follow-up calls to prospective buyers or sellers. I am sending hundreds of e-mails to customers that have interest in Boca Grande. I am exercising and taking care of my health so that I have less down-time. I am writing contracts and following up with lenders and inspectors. I am publishing my websites. I am writing posts for the National Association of REALTORS(R) blog and my own. I am being interviewed by local newspapers and national magazines. I am...

In short, I AM BUSY BEING A REALTOR(R)! So the next time that you pop in, unexpected, and are shocked to not see me at my desk, be thankful. I am working to be a better agent for You. Make an appointment with me to see properties or just to have lunch. I always have time for you, dear friends.

Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

FHA Loans and YOU

2010-07-13T14:56:00.011-04:00

I want to point out some things about FHA loans that you may not know. With interest rates lower than they have been since 1971, I just can't resist showing you how much money you can save!

FHA loans are not just for low-income borrowers. There is no need to substantiate income and there is no income restriction for getting an FHA loan. Even Bill Gates and Warren Buffet can get one.

FHA loans are not just for first-time buyers. As long as you are purchasing a primary residence, you can look into FHA loans as an option.

FHA loans can be large loans. In fact, the loan limit was raised to nearly $800,000. The original cap was just over $360,000, but the government raised that limit as a means to help stabilize the market. This amount varies from county to county (in Charlotte it is $296,250 and in Lee it is $356,250).

FHA loans have nothing to do with low-income subsidized housing. Both are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That is where the association stops.

FHA loans are more affordable than other loans. While they usually have about the same interest rates as other loans, they require as little as 3.5% down payment.

FHA loans are assumable. This means that if you go with an FHA loan now, when you want to sell your home years down the road, you will be able to offer the same low interest rate that you saved money on as an enticement to buy your home. This could be a key negotiating point as interest rates rise because you can show that buying your home and assuming your mortgage could literally save a buyer tens of thousands of dollars! This gives you leverage to stick to your asking price or maybe achieve even a little more. But that's another story...

Here's an example that I encourage you to follow:
In 2009, I sent to you an MLS listing. The home of your dreams had just come to the market for $500,000. Interest rates were at 5.6%, which at the time sounded like a very enticing rate. You put your offer in of $450,000 and they turned you down. So you decided to wait. The home did not sell and was recently reduced to $479,000. Ah, but now interest rates have come down to 4.6%. You lucky dog.

At 5.6%, your $356,250 loan (maximum amount in Lee county) would've cost you more than $380,000 in interest. With a full point lower interest rate you're looking at saving around $78,785 over the life of your loan! So you excitedly put in your offer, and this time they gladly accept.

Win-Win.

Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande
Some information supplied by RIS Media.

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for July 9, 2010

2010-07-09T17:43:00.007-04:00

Great News! NOAA just released a study confirming that there is a minimal likelihood of oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill impacting the beaches here on our Gulf coast. The Boca Beacon reported, Click here for more.

More Great News! Fannie Mae has been tracking interest rates since 1971, and rates are currently at a historic and unprecedented low of just 4.57% on a 30-year fixed mortgage. At these rates, it doesn’t make sense not to finance!

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club Beach Chalet 206, 1/2 with hurricane protection, furnished $395,000
Featured Deal: 320 Gulf Boulevard, Boca Grande Beach Club 1C, rarely available beachfront 2/2 ground level furnished condo in a small complex, low quarterly fees, great rental potential, cute as a button and fully updated $549,000 (this is the one I have been telling you about) – I can send you photos, just ask!
420 Gulf Boulevard, Sundown #16, 2/2 beachfront $790,000
380 Gulf Boulevard, Seagrape #3, 3/2 beachfront $925,000
9891 NE Gasparilla Pass Boulevard, 3/3.5 built in 2002, Brazilian Cherry and tumbled marble, views $1,395,000
1635 Jean Lafitte, exquisite 4-5 bedroom/4.5 bath pool home built in 2004 with a dock $2,780,000

Photo: Boca Grande Beach Club, 1C

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
10001 NE Gasparilla Pass Boulevard (was $350,000) now $299,900 (-$50,100)
Boca Grande Club 44A (was $799,750) now $799,950 (+$200)
311 Palm, a commercial space and residence, (was $899,000) now $849,000 (-$50,000)
2280 East Railroad Avenue (was $4,250,000) now $3,950,000 (-$300,000)

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
851-3 Harborshore Drive

Closings on Gasparilla Island
370 East Railroad #5 (listed $150,000) sold 6/11 for $150,000
1820 18th Street West (listed $875,000) sold 6/29 for $800,000
748 Seaboard Line Lane (listed $890,000) sold 6/30 for $820,000
250 Harbor Drive (listed $1,995,000) sold 6/28 for $1,770,000

The Independence Day Celebration at the Royal Palm Marina was great! Zeke’s Bayside Bar & Grill served up food and beverages while three different local bands played all day and into the night. Diane Davidson won the seawall art competition with her Zeke’s crab. The fireworks were advertised as one of the largest displays in South Florida, and they were right! Soon, the Marina’s website will feature an artist’s page with bios on all of us.

Stay safe and hydrated in the heat of summer!
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Millionaire's Club

2010-07-06T15:02:00.002-04:00

According to the latest World Wealth Report, the United States has the highest concentration of millionaires. There are 3.1 million in the US and only about 10 million worldwide with a total net worth of $39 trillion USD.

Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-02T14:03:00.003-04:00

Wishing everyone a happy and safe 4th of July!

Enjoy the fireworks and reflect on what a glorious country we live in, and those who have made our way of life possible. Thank you, to all those who are or were soldiers for our great Nation.

Kelly Reark, e-PRO, TRC

Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida

Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of June 23

2010-06-24T17:43:00.003-04:00

Presenting the Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for June 23, 2010:

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
1160 11th Street East, 2/2 stilt home $550,000
Silver King 123, waterfront 3/2 condo with boat slip $795,000
341 Palm Avenue, 3/2 Historic District cottage $970,000
Vacant lot: 5040 Grouper Hole Court, +/- Acre with a dock $999,000
Boca Grande Club Beach Manor #112, 3/3 spacious single-level beachfront condo $1,600,000

Photo: 5040 Grouper Hole, buildable waterfront lot

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club Dunes Chalet 202 (was $450,000) now $425,000 (-$25,000)
Boca Grande Club 29A (was $699,000) now $649,000 (-$50,000) “One of my Top 10”
1510 East Railroad Avenue “The Gate House” (was $825,000) now $795,000 (-$30,000)

No new Pending Sales or Closings to report this week.

I cordially invite all of you to the Royal Palm Marina for the July 4th festivities! There are 18 local artists (me included) who have been working hard to paint seven-foot sections of the seawall. Each of us has our own unique style of painting, and scenes vary from a giant blue crab with a cocktail, to dolphin, to whimsical mermaids, to the Redneck Yacht Club, and even an aquarium view of tarpon. The official reveal will be in the afternoon of July 4th, amidst live music and patriotic marina patrons. Zeke’s Bayside Bar & Grill will be open (as it is daily) and serving great food and cold adult-beverages. The fireworks barge will be anchored near the marina, so all those who attend will have front-row seats to the fireworks. I can’t wait to see you there!

Thank you,
Kelly Reark, TRC, e-PRO REALTOR®
2010 Secretary, Englewood Area Board of REALTORS®
US 941.268.7876 toll free 877.462.2622

Gator Hunting in August and September: http://www.saltycrackercharters.com/

Call me and I’ll send you a free copy of the Boca Beacon and the Tarpon Times.

U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Blow Against Beachfront Property Owners' Rights

2010-06-18T12:34:00.004-04:00

The following was e-mailed to me on 6/18/2010 by David Levin, Esq:

"The U.S. Supreme Court has just released its long-awaited decision in a landmark Florida case concerning ownership rights along Florida’s beaches. The decision styled Stop The Beach Renourishment, Inc. v. Florida Department of Environmental Protection upholds a determination by the Florida Supreme Court that when a state authorized beach renourishment project adds sand waterward of privately owned uplands, the newly created beach is publically owned, and the upland property owner is not entitled to damages as a consequence of its loss of some common law riparian rights due to the separation of the upland property from the waters’ edge.

This case could have devastating consequences for private property owners who own property along renourished beaches which are impacted by the Deep Water Horizon oil spill. The damages to beaches that are likely to occur from the spill may not be considered as damages to the upland owner if such damage takes place waterward of the recorded Erosion Control Line. It may be difficult for a private upland property owner to prove a loss of property value due to damages to beach area which the owner no longer owns due to the beach renourishment project.

For a more detailed description of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision and a link to the written opinion, click on the following link to [David's] website: www.FLwaterfront.com/newsletter.htm"

To reach David:
David Levin, Esq., Icard/Merrill
110 Sullivan Street, Suite 112, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 833-9244
2033 Main Street, Suite 600, Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 366-8100
dlevin@icardmerrill.com
http://www.flwaterfront.com/

Kelly Reark, Gasparilla Properties, Inc.

Landscaping Boca Grande Bike Path

2010-06-18T10:34:00.004-04:00

Miles of Bike Path on Gasparilla Island are getting landscaping upgrades! For two weeks, new palm trees, cabbage palms, shrubbery, soil, and mulch have been arranged along the path. Several types of palm have been planted, along with other native trees and sea grapes. Work continues, and several loads of mulch were delivered today. This is sure to make the path more enjoyable for your morning exercise or leisurely golf cart ride.

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com

Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida

Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

2010-06-15T16:05:00.003-04:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club #15B, 2/2 beachfront condo w/loft, furnished $725,000
3561 Shore Lane, 6/7 and 1 Estate Home $12,000,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club Marina Village #7 (was $300,000) now $295,000 (-$5,000)
Sundown #4 (was $875,000) now $865,000 (-$10,000)
135 Damfiwill Street (was $975,000) now $875,000 (-$100,000)
355 Barbarosa Street (was $995,000) now $895,000 (-$100,000)
Boca Grande Shores #5 (was 1,495,000) now $1,445,000 (-$50,000)

Pending Sales on Gasparilla Island
1820 Jack Point Lane (list $2,500,000)
1651 Jose Gaspar Drive (list $3,950,000)

Closings on Gasparilla Island
1621 Jean Lafitte Drive (listed $1,995,000) sold 5/28 for $1,725,000
1400 East Railroad Avenue (listed $2,300,000) sold 6/8 for $1,850,000

The Ladies Night Out – Howl at the Moon tarpon tournament was a blast with tons of cash and prizes. Teams of 4 lady anglers filled the Pass; 20 boats in all. Our boat, The Salty Cracker, was beat out of any placement positions, but we had a fantastic time. The Boca Blue won the tournament with the captain’s wife catching the first fish of the night. Read all about it in this week’s Boca Beacon on Friday.

Have you caught tarpon fever yet? If you have never come to visit Boca Grande during this crazy time of year, I highly recommend it. Once a giant Silver King pulls your line down like you just hooked a Volkswagen, you’ll be a devoted angler during season each year. I should know – I have been for the last 10 years – and my father has been a captain here for about 30 years!

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Oil Spill Update

2010-06-15T10:06:00.009-04:00

According to the Boca Grande Fire Department and reports they have received, there is a 10 percent or less chance of oil coming on shore here. The closest slick water is 150 miles northwest of here. Even so, Lee County has set aside 27,000 feet of boom for Boca Grande Pass and Charlotte Harbor. The thought is to have booms across Boca Grande Pass (2,000 feet wide) and Little Gasparilla Pass (about 1,500 feet wide). Beaches would be left for cleanup crews because it is "easier" to clean up tar from the beach than to try to prevent it from getting there. Authorities say that any oil that does come here would be in the form of tar balls or patties. Booms will have trouble keeping that type of oil debris out of the Harbor and our precious estuaries.

We are all on stand-by, hoping for BP to do the right thing and stop the oil that still flows from the broken vent. BP continues to cover up the facts. BP continues to run all operations while our government complains that they aren't working fast enough, when our government has the authority to light a fire under their asses if they choose to use it. BP has always had the means to bury the oil-gusher and yet they won't. Money and politics trump what should be a "no-brainer" decision to remedy this ecological disaster with utmost urgency.

Maybe it's best to not get me started on this one...

Our Boca Grande Fire Department is our "Oil Question Hotline" for residents in both Lee and Charlotte County. 941-964-2908

Send an e-mail to "Waterfront Kelly at gmail dot com"
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Cape Haze Peninsula Interesting Statistics

2010-06-08T12:54:00.012-04:00

On the first of June, I searched for short sales and REO listings on our MLS for the Cape Haze Peninsula. What I found was quite interesting to me. I just ran the numbers again and here they are:

As of June 8, there are over 1,640 listings for the Cape Haze Peninsula on the MLS. Of those, ONLY 179 listed are Short Sales.

That's only about 10% of all listed properties. Not the "tsunami" you expected?

Ok, so 179 listed Short Sales AND 165 Pending Contracts on Short Sales! Since January 1, 2010, there have been 110 SOLD Short Sales.

Focus on the fact that there are 165 Pendings (that is, 165 contracts in the works and headed toward closing). Let's be modest and assume only 80% of those close. Take the 110 that have already Closed this year and add the 80% of those Pending (132) and you're looking at 242 so far in 2010. Compare that to 2009 figures, when 162 Short Sales closed during the ENTIRE YEAR.

Wow.

"And what about REO's," you ask?

Right now there are only 73 Listed REO properties in the entire Cape Haze Peninsula. There are 41 Pending REO properties. Since January 1, 2010, there have been 134 SOLD REO listings. That's 134 in 6 months. In 2009, there were 230 total Sold REO properties.

The absorption rate for these REO listings is extremely fast right now. There is a dwindling supply of them, and investors know it. If your plans involved finding a cheap investment property, you better get movin' because this bandwagon is picking up speed.

Remember, working with Short Sales and REO properties is to be approached with caution and certainly something you wouldn't attempt without a licensed real estate professional trained to manage and work through this sometimes long and difficult process. Choosing the right REALTOR to represent you is the key to a successful transaction.

Call me and we'll talk about your real estate goals. 941-268-7876

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Boca Grande News for the Week (5/20 - 6/4) 2010

2010-06-08T12:49:00.005-04:00

Presenting the Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for May 20 to June 4, 2010:

Let’s start this Newsletter with an update on the oil spill. There is NO oil here now.

On Monday, a class of 24 (the maximum allowed) completed a 4-hour training session to be a part of the clean-up efforts should the oil come here. Plans are in the works for another class (at a cost of $1,000 per class). This class is mandatory to be a part of the clean-up crew.

There will be an informational community meeting this afternoon at 4:00. This meeting will discuss the current position of oil in the Gulf, as well as community contingency plans.
The website, www.DeepWaterHorizonResponse.com, has a massive amount of information that I cannot attempt to cover here. I recommend that you view this site for its frequent updates on the disaster.

As of today, we have had two rental cancellations naming the oil spill as reason to not come here. I want to emphasize that there is no oil here now, and I encourage you to call and discuss your travel plans with our rental department.

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Silver King #222, 3/3 condo with a boat slip $908,000
Woodwind #3, 3/2 on the beach $1,650,000
1625 Gaspar Drive, 3/3 with 125’ seawall/dock/lift $1,895,000
1021 10th Street, 3/2 Mediterranean, completely remodeled in 2008 $2,500,000
2731 Shore Lane, large 8,800 sq ft Key West home $4,395,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
BGC 3A (was $699,000) now $650,000 (-$49,000)
BGC 29A (was $750,000) now $699,000 (-$51,000)
Sea Oats 344 (was $795,000) now $749,000 (-$46,000)
782 South Bayou Drive (was $925,000) now $899,000 (-$26,000)
384 East Railroad (was $1,100,000) now $900,000 (-$200,000)
16150 Sunset Pines (was $3,300,000) now $2,900,000 (-$400,000)

Pending Sales on Gasparilla Island
Sea Oats #137
843-3 Harborshore
250 Harbor Drive

Closings on Gasparilla Island
BGC 12B (listed $715,000) sold 6/1 for $640,000
361 3rd Street (listed $795,000) sold 5/28 for $700,000

Have you considered Don Pedro Island? The island has only 10 Gulf-front lots and is mainly a State Park. Using the Palm Island ferry, you can only access Don Pedro by golf cart because there are no wide roads through the Park. Boat access is also an option.
I have a Gulf-front lot with 100 beachfront feet available for a limited time for only $675,000. Similar lots are on the market for over a million. Call me for an aerial photo and comparable property information.

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of May 20, 2010

2010-05-21T16:25:00.006-04:00

Noticing an interesting trend when it comes to price changes and sales figures…

Call me and we’ll talk about it.

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande North Boat Slip for a 24-foot boat w/lift $129,000
Boca Grande Shores #1, 3/2 adorable beach house $1,600,000
2925 Shore Lane, 3/3 Gulf Front, Contemporary with a pool $4,650,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
BGN #38 (was $435,000) now $389,000 (-$46,000)
BGN #75 (was $499,000) now $439,000 (-$10,000)
391 Lee Avenue (was $735,000) now $775,000 (+$40,000)
Woodwind #9 (was $1,650,000) now $1,750,000 (+$100,000)

Pending Sales on Gasparilla Island
415 Rock Dove Drive

Closings on Gasparilla Island
747-2 South Harbor Drive (listed $1,050,000) sold 5/14 for $995,000
241 Waterways (listed $1,345,000) sold 5/17 for $1,275,000
241 Damficare (listed $2,825,000) sold 5/14 for $2,825,000

Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of May 10, 2010

2010-05-12T18:40:00.008-04:00

The Luxury Real Estate Spring Retreat was educational and informative. The top brokers from around the country shared optimism for their local markets. Overall, all reported an increase in sales volume and demand for luxury property. All sectors of the housing market have come through a reset period.

That is the word that you should most focus on: reset. The unsustainable, double-digit value increases of the boom years contributed to housing bubbles across the globe. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, you are encountering a reset to the natural flux of pre-boom years.

The facts for Gasparilla Island point to a three-fold increase in dollar volume for the first quarter of 2010 over the same quarter last year. In fact, there have been more sales so far in 2010 than in ALL of last year! The market is much the same in other luxury areas of the USA. Foreign buyers are coming to the States to take advantage of lower pricing. Investors are getting back in the game. With activity on the increase, pricing deflated from bubble years, and inventory turning over in each neighborhood out here on the Island, I think we are primed for a great year in real estate. Do you think that’s possible? One article from the Miami Herald confirms. Another article highlights Florida sales trends as increasing for the 7th consecutive quarter. I could pull articles from agents in the Bahamas, Italy, Canada, and across the states that will confirm similar findings (e-mail me for your copy). Whether you like him or not, Warren Buffet always says to buy when everyone else is selling, and he hasn’t done half-bad. What will you do?

Call me and we’ll talk about it.

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande North #38, 2/2 waterfront condo $435,000
BGC 29A, 2/2 condo nearly 1400 sq. ft, wood floor and updates $750,000
Sea Oats A-221, 2/2 offered furnished, Gulf view, $765,000
160 Blackwall Court, 3/3.5, 2500 sq. ft, ½ duplex $1,125,000
375 Night Heron, North Bay, 3/3, over 3200 sq. ft, lovely $1,975,000
291 Pilot Point Lane, 3/3, over 3400 sq. ft, remodeled in 2005, $2,975,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
BGC Marina Village #1 (was $297,000) now $287,000 (-$10,000)
Boca Grande North #68 (was $450,000) now $399,000 (-$51,000)
701 South Harbor Drive (was $995,000) now $985,000 (-$10,000)
Marina Manor 35 (was $1,495,000) now $1,295,000 (-$200,000)
859-1 Harborshore Drive (was $1,245,000) now $1,175,000 (-$70,000)
843-2 Harborshore Drive (was $1,625,000) now $1,595,000 (-$30,000)
521 Buttonwood Bay (was $2,395,000) now $2,195,000 (-$200,000)

Pending Sales on Gasparilla Island
136 Half Clove Court

Closings on Gasparilla Island
BGC Village Home 54 (listed $595,000) sold 5/3 for $500,000
1821-23 18th Street (listed $1,100,000) sold 5/5 for $1,000,000
839-2 Harborshore (listed $1,435,000) sold 5/4 for $1,325,000

If you want my newsletter e-mailed directly to your in-box, please let me know.

Send an e-mail to "Waterfront Kelly at gmail dot com"
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of April 30, 2010

2010-05-01T16:47:00.003-04:00

To wrap up the month, I am happy to present this segment of new listings on Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island. There are some very nicely refurbished homes and condos now available! Also note that several more properties are either closed or under contract.

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
BGC 54B, 3/3 Furnished, with wood flooring $895,000
760 Beach View, 3/3 Furnished Kentia w/GULF views $949,000
221 Waterways, 4336 sq ft 3/3 home with deep-water dock. Very nice at $1,950,000
Now Public: 843-3 Harborshore 4/3.5 top floor condo $1,550,000
Now Public: 851-3 Harborshore 4/3.5 south side condo $1,675,000 (Rumored at $1,845,000)

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
BGC Dunes Chalet 102 (was $435,000) now $415,000 (-$20,000)
BGC 22A (was $599,000) now $569,000 (-$30,000)
758 Beach View (was $985,000) now $899,000 (-$86,000)

Pending Sales on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club 12B
871 8th Street East
1820 18th Street West
1400 East Railroad Avenue
1621 Jean Lafitte Drive

Closings on Gasparilla Island
739-1 South Harbor Drive (listed $995,000) sold 4/28 for $927,500
569 Buttonwood Bay (listed $ 1,700,000) sold 4/26 for $1,700,000 (an amazing deal at full price)
371 Night Heron (listed $1,995,000) sold 4/30 for $1,900,000

Whew… another busy month flew by!

I will be attending the 8th Annual Luxury Real Estate Spring Retreat conference in Miami Beach all next week. As part of the conference, I will be touring premiere luxury properties in Naples and Miami and also attending several sessions on the state of luxury real estate from a global perspective. Speakers include CEO and Publisher of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, John Brian Losh, and also the CEO of duPont Registry, Steve Chapman. This is a great opportunity to forge new relationships with luxury brokers in other parts of the US and around the globe (with more than 60 countries represented), and also to rekindle existing relationships within my referral network.

During the breaks, I will check my messages, so please do contact me to set up a time to view the listings you are interested in.

Send an e-mail to Waterfront Kelly AT gmail dot com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of April 26, 2010

2010-04-27T15:06:00.003-04:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
BGC 10A, 2/2 on the beach with updates and tile $575,000
BGC Beach Manor 312, 3/3 Top floor, original beach-front manor $1,775,000
16764 Grande Quay, 3/4 custom waterfront home/dock $2,195,000
221 Waterways Avenue, 3/3 with pool and deepwater dock $1,950,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
BGC Marina Village 17 (was $575,000) now $550,000 (-$25,000)
BGC 23B (was $625,000) now $635,000 (+$10,000)
391 Lee Ave (was 775,000) now $735,000 (-$40,000)
Sundown #3 (420 Gulf Blvd) (was $849,000) now $829,000 (-$20,000)
381 Palm Avenue (was $1,200,000) now $1,100,000 (-$100,000)
920 Palm Avenue (was $1,395,000) now $1,175,000 (-$220,000)
553 Buttonwood Bay (was $2,595,000) now $2,450,000 (-$145,000)
1651 Jose Gaspar Drive (was $4,395,000) now $3,950,000 (-$445,000)

Pending Sales on Gasparilla Island
460 Bradley Avenue
136 Half Clove Court

April was as busy as March in terms of activity and property showings.
Our office has just shy of $37 million in pending and closed properties since January 1, 2010.

If you have been following our market and are waiting for the right time, I suggest that you act soon.
There’s a chance that your preferred property will no longer be available.
Call me to set up a time to view the listings you are interested in.

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Statistics

2010-04-22T16:08:00.004-04:00

The numbers don't lie, folks!

In the first quarter of 2009, Gasparilla Properties had a couple of on-island sales and total sales for the first quarter were $1,850,000.

In the first quarter of 2010, Gasparilla Properties has had 80% of our sales in on-island properties, with a total of $15,497,000. That's more than a seven fold gain year-over-year.

Looking at Gasparilla Island as a whole, total island sales for the first quarter of 2009 were only about $9.7 million. This year, total island sales are right at $30 million (Gasparilla Properties' production is one-half of the island total).

These numbers are based on CLOSED sales, not sales pending. Look for the second quarter results in June.

As a member of Luxury Real Estate, I am happy to present the April figures to you:

Luxury Real Estate members come from 64 countries and of the 156,164 members there are 71,058 agents in 5,588 offices. The website generates over 3.5 million page views per month, with 7,219 daily visitor sessions on average. These visitors are logging in to look at the 64,253 active listings with an average list price of over $2.3 million.

The current total dollar volume of listed properties on Luxury Real Estate is $144,561,719,317. And yes, that's Billion, with a "B".

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

SOLD! 350 Tarpon Avenue, Boca Grande

2010-04-17T15:03:00.001-04:00

350 Tarpon Avenue (listed $695,000) sold 4/14 for $535,000

I was working for the buyer on this sale. The current average sale price for island listings is only 10% off the asking price. This most recent sale skews the average with a 23% gap between the asking price and sales price. By thoroughly researching the property and providing an explanation of the market value, I was able to justify our price. My ability to negotiate such a price demonstrates what I am capable of when working in your corner, and also points out that there are variances in every market which create opportunity. I hope to provide you with the same success in your next transaction.

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of April 16, 2010

2010-04-17T14:23:00.007-04:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
BGC Marina Village #10, 1/1 top floor handsome condo, completely renovated $325,000
Sea Oats 221, 2/2 with beach access, $765,000
164 Carrick Bend Lane, 3/3.5 in Boca Bay $1,295,000
811-2 Harborshore Drive, 4/4 2nd floor condo in Boca Bay, $1,475,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande North 27 (was $399,000) now $349,000 (-$50,000)
BGC Marina Village 17 (was $575,000) now $550,000 (-$25,000)
758 Beach View Drive (was $985,000) now $899,000 (-$86,000)
111 Damfiwill Street (was $1,100,000) now $985,000 (-$115,000)
384 East Railroad Ave (was $1,400,000) now $1,100,000 (-$300,000)

Pending Sales on Gasparilla Island
739-1 South Harbor Drive
280 Seabreeze Court
748 Seaboard Line Lane
415 Rock Dove Drive

(That brings us to a current total of 11 homes pending and 16 closings since January 1st)

Closings on Gasparilla Island
350 Tarpon Avenue (listed $695,000) sold 4/14 for $535,000

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of April 10, 2010

2010-04-13T13:24:00.006-04:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
BGC Marina Village #28, 2/2, $625,000
Turtleback #14 (480 Gulf Blvd), 3/2 direct beachfront, $1,025,000
589 Buttonwood Bay Drive, 3/3.5 private dock, $2,100,000
161 Damficare Street, 3/4 pool and dock, $2,225,000

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
839-2 Harborshore Drive (second floor)
1821 18th Street West
361 3rd Street East
250 Harbor Drive

Note: Off-Island I have noted a run on Cape Haze Resort units – 5 are pending and 2 closed this week.

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
BGC Marina Village #13 (was $399,000) now $290,000 (-$109,000)
BGC 22A (was $669,000) now $599,000 (-$70,000)
391 Lee Avenue (was $775,000) now $735,000 (-$40,000)
920 Palm Avenue (was $1,395,000) now $1,175,000 (-$220,000)
384 East Railroad Ave (was $1,700,000) now $1,400,000 (-$300,000)
371 Night Heron Drive (was $2,175,000) now $1,995,000 (-$180,000)
553 Buttonwood Bay Drive (was $2,595,000) now $2,450,000 (-$145,000)

Off-island price changes are available as well. If you would like me to send you a specific neighborhood update, please e-mail me.

Closings on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club Marina Village #8 (listed $325,000) sold 4/9 for $319,000

Local Happenings: Jimmy May consumed 15 hard boiled eggs in 3 minutes.

The Big Red Bus will be at the Gasparilla Inn on Thursday, April 15 from 10:00 - 3:00 if you would like to donate blood (and not to Uncle Sam).

Boca Bargains $5 Bag Sale (and last day until next season) is April 17.

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Amendment 4

2010-04-13T12:25:00.004-04:00

Sun News Article

The Realtor Political Action Committee and the Florida Association of Realtors agrees that this amendment could be a costly impediment for the economy.

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of April 2, 2010

2010-04-07T09:44:00.010-04:00

Just a few new Boca Grande listings to report this week. Now is a perfect time to visit the island. Many of the flowering shrubs and trees are in fragrant bloom, and the sunny low-80-degree weather couldn't be more perfect for visiting the white sugar sand beach. The water is hundreds of clear shades of aqua and navy, and there is not a cloud in the sky right now.

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Vacant Lot #59, 9901 NE Gasparilla Pass, $295,000
Boca Grande Club (BGC) #23B, 2/2 with a loft, in a GREAT location, $635,000 (this one is on my "top ten" list)
BGC Marina Village #28, 2/2, $625,000
Island House #1, 3/3.5, $1,295,000

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
569 Buttonwood Bay (I told you at this price it wouldn't last long!)

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
384 East Railroad Avenue (was $1,700,000) now $1,400,000 (-$300,000)
Boca Grande Shores #10 (was $1,850,000) now $1,799,500 (-$50,500)

Closings on Gasparilla Island
Island House #2 (listed for $2,495,000) sold 3/31 for $2,000,000
Note that several concessions were made on this sale (for example, allowing the sellers to use the home for several months until their new home is completed) and should be taken into account with the sale price.

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Gasparilla Island Wide List of Properties

2010-03-31T08:47:00.002-04:00

Would you like to receive an island-wide list of homes and properties for sale in Boca Grande and all of Gasparilla Island? This list may include properties not actively listed on the MLS. E-mail me, kreark@gasparillaproperties.com, for your copy.

Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of March 26

2010-03-30T15:50:00.004-04:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
16000 Gulf Shores Drive, vacant lot 6, $295,000
843-3 Harborshore Drive, 3/3.5 top floor condo in Boca Bay $1,550,000
1635 Jean LaFitte, 4/4.5 in the Isles $2,750,000
2731 Shore Lane, 8/8 with 100’ frontage right on the beach, $4,395,000

New Off-Island Listings of Interest
9970 Eagle Preserve, vacant golf course lot 47 $237,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
340 Palm Avenue (was $635,000) now $630,000 (-$5,000)
1510 East Railroad Ave (was $875,000) now $825,000 (-$50,000)
4510 45th Street W (was $1,500,000) now $1,450,000 (-$50,000)
BGC Marina Manor #35 (was 1,600,000) now $1,495,000 (-$105,000)

Closings on Gasparilla Island
143/151 Damfiwill Street (listed for $950,000) sold 3/22 for $750,000
4011 40th Street (listed for $1,375,000) sold 3/22 for $1,275,000
BGC Beach Manor 121 (listed for $1,650,000) sold 3/22 for $1,500,000
217 Waterways Avenue (listed for $1,995,000) sold 3/24 for $1,600,000

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of March 20, 2010

2010-03-20T14:29:00.003-04:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
10008 Gasparilla Pass Boulevard, LOT 43, $520,000
Boca Grande North #66, 2/2 Furnished Beach side condo, $435,000

New Off-Island Listings of Interest
290 Coral Creek Drive, 3/2, $599,900
420 Coral Creek Drive, 3/3, $699,000
Placida Harbour Club #2602, 2/2.5 $850,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Boca Grande Club #33 (was $799,000) now $699,000
361 3rd Street, now listed on MLS (was $825,000) now $795,000

Closings on Gasparilla Island
1617 Jean Lafitte Drive (listed for $3,250,000) sold 3/16 for $3,000,000

See you tonight at the Tarpon Ball!

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Taking a look at the numbers... again...

2010-03-19T10:17:00.011-04:00

I avidly keep an eye on statistical data in the real estate industry, and the National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun just published some new information that I think is astounding. Check it out:

In February, payroll job cuts totaled about 36,000. Sounds like a lot, I know. But compared to the last TWO years when job losses averaged about 400,000 PER MONTH, this new slim figure is more comforting. He said that the abnormally snowy weather likely held back about 100,000 new jobs and if it had been a milder winter we might have actually gained some ground in the job sector.

Annually, the US averages 4 million live births, 2 million deaths, and 1 million new immigrants. Counting the 2 million weddings and 1 million divorces, the average move every 7-10 years, and renters searching for their own place, the net gain in the US is about 1 million new households per year. Yun tells us that we can expect 50 to 70 million home sales over the next 10 years.

Let your mind boggle those numbers a bit as you check out my other blog posts. Have a Happy Friday!

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Tarpon Ball on March 20

2010-03-16T18:11:00.006-04:00

The Island School's Tarpon Ball is March 20.
There are 6 painted tarpon around Boca Grande.
Here are photos of a few of them.

Patti Middleton

Kelly Reark

Jonathan Hatch

Guy Harvey

News for the Week of March 12, 2010

2010-03-16T17:59:00.006-04:00

Presenting the Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for the Week of March 12, 2010

As a member of Regents, my listings are benefited by inclusion on www.LuxuryRealEstate.com.
There are only 5,400 real estate offices (almost 70,000 agents) worldwide with this distinct membership.
Currently there are over 60,000 luxury properties listed on the website from 62 countries. The average listing price is over 2.4 million.
The global impact that this distinctive listing site provides is staggering.
The Luxury Real Estate website gets over 120,000 page views per day (over 3.36 million per month), and has nearly 8,000 daily sessions from registered visitors.
That’s 8,000 daily visitors who are actively searching the luxury real estate market!

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
5000 Grouper Hole Court, vacant lot #5 $495,000
1820 18th Street, 4/3 Historic, 1600 sq ft, $875,000
471 Palm Avenue, 2/2 ground level in Historic, 1610 sq ft, $955,000
34 Seawatch, 3/3, 2948 sq ft, $1,295,000
BGC Beach Manor 112, 3/3 beachfront condo, 2514 sq ft, $1,695,000
Duplex: 813/815 Belcher Road, 2/2 each side, awesome views, to be sold together $1,700,000
569 Buttonwood (back on market) $1,700,000
4805 Shore Lane, 4/4.5, 4284 sq ft, $4,750,000
596 Gulf Boulevard, 4/5.5, 3672 sq ft, $5,250,000

Off-Island Listings of Interest
285 Coral Creek Drive, 3/2, $345,000
555 Coral Creek Drive, 4/2, $479,000

Price Changes for Gasparilla Island
843-3 Harborshore Drive (was $1,675,000) now $1,550,000 (-$125,000)
1190 11th Street (was $3,250,000) now $2,900,000 (-$350,000)

Sales Pending for Gasparilla Island
241 Waterways
271 Night Heron Drive

Gasparilla Island Closing
241 Revels Court (listed for $1,395,000) sold 3/9/2010 for $1,125,000

Smart Studio in downtown Boca Grande is having a 10% – 50% off sale March 17 – 19!
Wini Smart has been painting the scenes of Boca Grande for many years, and her work can be found in many of the island’s fine homes.
Don’t miss it! Call 941-964-0519 or visit www.smart-studio-fl.com

I had lunch at Sisters restaurant the other day and the black and bleu salad is worth a special trip! Delicious!
Call for take-out or reservations 941-964-2002 – they are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

There’s so much going on this week! If you will be in town, pick up a Boca Beacon for all the local happenings.

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Go Town Around!

2010-03-11T15:28:00.003-05:00

A long-time friend of mine, Mike Vasher, just recently launched a really cool new website at www.GoTownAround.com. His idea is to get people out and "clowning around town" and enjoying this fabulous and fun place we live in. The website will feature community events, the hottest happenings, restaurant reviews, and more. In addition to things to do, also check out local services, shops, and sign up for the newsletter. As more people link to the site, it is sure to grow into "THE" go-to place for locals and visitors alike.

So when summer hits, and you are looking for something to do, just Go Town Around!

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of March 5th, 2010

2010-03-05T19:20:00.003-05:00

Presenting the Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News for the Week of March 5, 2010

The Boca Beacon published an article this week that you might find interesting about real estate in Boca Grande. Click this link: http://www.bocabeacon.com/?p=3665

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
BGN Boat Slip #10, $115,000
280 Seabreeze Court, vacant lot #10, $395,000
BGN #82, 2/2, $470,000
330 Gasparilla Street, 3/2, 2040 sq ft, $725,000
Silver King 201, 3/2, $895,000
BGC #72A, 2/2 on the beach, great built-ins, $930,000
241 Waterways Avenue, 3/2, $1,345,000
250 Harbor Drive, 3/2, $1,995,000 (You may remember that this property was listed previously for $2,395,000)
225 Waterways Avenue, 3/4, pool, dock, new kitchen $2,195,000

Off-Island Listings of Interest
10230 Creekside Drive, 3/2, $995,000
Placida Harbour Club #2803, 3/3.5, $1,050,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
BGC Marina Village #7 (was $319,000) now $300,000 (-$19,000)
BGC Dunes Chalet #102 (was $450,000) now $435,000 (-$15,000)
BGN 9 (was $475,000) now $450,000 (-$25,000)
BGN 65 (was $499,000) now $440,000 (-59,000)
891 Palm Avenue / vacant land (was $695,000) now $550,000 (-$145,000)
BGC Village Home 5 (was $724,900) now $679,000 (-$45,900)
423 Green Teal (was $1,095,000) now $995,000 (-$100,000)
843-3 Harborshore Drive (was $1,785,000) now $1,675,000 (-$110,000)
217 Waterways (was $2,100,000) now $1,995,000 (-$105,000)
569 Buttonwood Bay (was $2,150,000) now $1,700,000 (-$450,000)
1651 Jose Gaspar Drive (was $4,985,000) now $4,395,000 (-$590,000)
2949 Shore Lane (was $5,950,000) now $5,500,000 (-$450,000)
3561 Shore Lane (was $14 million) now $12 million (-$2 million)

Sales Pending, Gasparilla Island
BGC Marina Village #8
BGC Village Home 54
350 Tarpon Avenue

Gasparilla Island Closings
BGC 15A (listed for $695,000) sold 3/5 for $650,000
16734 Grande Quay Drive (listed for $995,000) sold 2/25 for $975,000
1632 Jean Lafitte Drive (listed for $1,975,000) sold 3/5 for $1,650,000

The Strawberry Festival is this weekend!
Saturday from 10:00 – 3:00 at the Crowninshield Community House.
Strawberry baked goods, lunch, silent and live auctions, and MORE!
Proceeds to benefit a list of charities and missions requesting help.

Don’t miss Harm DeBlij’s China lecture, scheduled for March 10th.
Come to the Boca Grande Community Center for his 10:30 lecture.
Cost is $30, and tickets usually sell out. Call 941-964-0827 to reserve your seat.

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Boca Beacon Article

2010-03-05T12:47:00.003-05:00

Now everyone knows what I have to say!
(click the sentence to view today's Boca Beacon article on the real estate upswing)

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Strawberry Festival This Weekend

2010-03-05T12:37:00.006-05:00

Mark your calendars for Boca Grande's Strawberry Festival!
This Saturday, March 6th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Community House. Live and Silent Auctions, Island Flea Market, gift items, furniture, and more! Brats, hot dogs, and more for lunch. Plus a Bake Sale with Strawberry Goodies for all ages.

Don't miss out! Proceeds go to a long list of needy charities and missions. Check the Boca Beacon for more details!

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

SOLD! 16734 Grande Quay, Boca Grande, FL

2010-02-26T10:34:00.015-05:00

Yesterday I closed on 16734 Grande Quay Drive. My happy buyers will be down to Florida soon and I'd like to welcome them as your newest residents to Gasparilla Island and Boca Grande.

How do you know it is the right time to buy in Boca Grande?

When you can get an immaculately maintained, two-story, three-bedroom home in a small community with a deeded deep-water boat slip (no bridges to the ICW) for $975,000.

This property went from "just listed" to "sold" after only about 2 months on the market. This is a prime example of what happens when a listing is properly priced, well maintained and modern, and negotiations bring the parties to a win-win arrangement. It was a pleasure to work with Kristin O'Connor (Beachfront Properties) on this closing.

"Thank you" to all that were involved!

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of February 19, 2010

2010-02-23T12:08:00.005-05:00

Presenting New Listings on Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island
6021 Boca Grande Causeway, BGN #82, Gulf Side 2/2 condo $470,000
Silver King #201, 3/2, 1874 sq ft, $895,000
Sundown #20, 2/2.5 $928,000
739-1 South Harbor Drive, 3/2.5 $995,000
241 Waterways Ave, 3/2 w/boat lift, elevator $1,345,000
Dunes of Boca #25, lovely 3/3, 1928 sq ft, $1,595,000
Seawatch #25, 3/2.5, 3,647 sq ft, Front Row $1,875,000

Don’t forget – Uncle Henry’s Marina has 58 slips available from 25’ – 65’, starting at $100,000. The marina features fuel, a boat ramp, laundry facility, and men’s and women’s showers.

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
305 Barbarosa (was $499,900) now $450,000 (-$49,900)
569 Buttonwood Bay (was $2,150,000) now $1,700,000 (-$450,000)

Sales Pending, Gasparilla Island
241 Damficare

Gasparilla Island Closings
BGC Marina Village #23 (listed for $650,000) sold 2/18 for $625,000
BGC #70B (listed for $995,000) sold 2/15 for $890,000
2961 Shore Lane (listed for $3,200,000) sold 2/17 for $3,000,000

Little Gasparilla Island Closing
9168 Grand Avenue (listed for $989,000) sold 2/18 for $925,000

Don’t miss the Art on Banyan exhibit THIS Weekend!
Friday and Saturday from 10:00 – 5:00, and Sunday from 11:00 – 4:00
Presented by the Boca Grande Art Alliance http://www.bocagrandeartalliance.org/

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Image: "Boca Grande Lady", (C) Kelly Reark.

News for the Week of February 12, 2010

2010-02-16T16:38:00.009-05:00

We are only in Week #7 of the New Year, and already our Boca Grande office has contracted on over $23,000,000 in real estate! In 2009, our total sales were just short of $26,000,000, which means 2010 is building up to be one heck of a comeback year for sales here on the island. While it is still a buyer's market, many of the “best deals” have already gone under contract. There are 137 active listings on the MLS for Gasparilla Island, which is up from an average of 126 last year. Seems the island has noticed the uptick in sales and more sellers are entering the market. Make sure to call or e-mail me for your appointment to view listings before the one your eye has been focused on is locked up by someone else.

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
230 Seabreeze, vacant lot near town, $425,000
350 Tarpon Avenue, 4/3 Historic District, $695,000
BGC 13B, 2/2 beachfront condo with loft, $699,000
BGC 12B, 2/2 beachfront condo with loft, $715,000
361 3rd Street, 3/2 on a corner lot, $825,000
Sundown #3, 2/2.5 on the beach, $849,000 Furnished
Sundown #4, 2/2.5 on the beach, $875,000
799 Beach View, 3/3 lakefront Kentia, $885,000
BGC #31A, 2/2 with wood floors on the beach, $950,000
Turtleback #1, 3/3 on the beach, $1,145,000
Dunes of Boca #13, 3/3 beachfront townhome, $1,195,000
Boca Grande Shores #5, 3/2 on the beach, $1,495,000
4510 45th Street, 3/2 on the lake with deeded beach access, $1,500,000
BGC 47A, Manor House – rarely available 3/3 beachfront condo, $1,850,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
Boat Slip #43, a 55-foot deep water slip (was $250,000) now $189,000 (-$61,000)
BGC Dunes Chalet 205 (was $435,000) now $429,000 (-$6,000)
798 Beach View, Kentia townhome (was $699,000) now $735,000 (price raised due to short sale approval)
231 Seabreeze, 3/2 (was $895,000) now $795,000 (-$100,000)
BGC 30A (was $850,000) now $799,999 (-$50,001)
1510 East Railroad Ave, carriage home (was $895,000) now $875,000 (-$20,000)
290 Gulf Blvd Lighthouse #11, 3/2 (was $950,000) now $899,000 (-$51,000)
569 Buttonwood Bay (was $2,375,000) now $2,150,000 (-$225,000)
371 Night Heron, 4/3.5 in Boca Bay (was $2,295,000) now $2,175,000 (-$120,000)
394 Gulf Blvd, Gulf-front home (was $2,750,000) now $2,400,000 (-$350,000)
1756 Jose Gaspar Drive, 4/4 in the Isles (was $3,995,000) now $3,695,000 (-$300,000)

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island
Island House #2
BGC Beach Manor 212
BGC #70B
BGC #15A
16734 Grande Quay Drive
1632 Jean Lafitte
1617 Jean Lafitte
240 Revels Court
143/151 Damfiwill Street
2961 Shore Lane

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Boca Grande Condo FOR SALE

2010-02-03T10:56:00.000-05:00

For Sale: 3BR/2+1BA Condo in Boca Grande, FL, $1,095,000

Don't forget to check out the blog post below for the Maximized Living seminar! It's free and well worth your time. Dr. Bolen gives great advice and eye-opening facts about everything that can effect your health from stress to commercial medicine. Click this link to view Dr. Bolen's website.

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of 1/29/2010

2010-01-29T17:09:00.003-05:00

Presenting the Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island News of the Week for January 29, 2010

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
BGC #75B, 2/2, $895,000
Sea Oats #256C, 2/2, $825,000
Sea Oats #316A, 2/2, $795,000
BGC Marina Manor 38, 3/3, $1,349,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
BGN #79 (was $527,000) now $475,000 (-$52,000)
BGC 22A (was $699,000) now $669,000 (-$30,000)
BGC 44A (was $875,000) now $799,950 (-$72,050)
BGC 33A (was $975,000) now $799,000 (-$176,000)
BGC 30A (was $875,000) now $850,000 (-$25,000)
371 Night Heron (was $2,150,000) now $2,295,000 (+$145,000)
4511 Shore Lane (was $3,900,000) now $3,300,000 (-$600,000)

Sales Pending, Gasparilla Island
16734 Grande Quay
BGC Marina Village 23

Gasparilla Island Closings
451 Palm Avenue (list $895,000) sold 1/27/10 for $872,500
4525 Shore Lane, (list $4,900,000) sold 1/22/10 for $4,000,000

New Listings in Cape Haze
30 Spaniards Road, 3/2, $289,000
4364 Arlington Drive, 3/2, $449,000

Featured Property of the Week
743-1 South Harbor Drive is a beautiful and stylish condo in the lovely Boca Bay community. Lifestyle within the club focuses on amusement and relaxation: Four pools, tennis, fitness center, croquet, Gulf beaches and more, plus a built-in social schedule if you are interested in getting to know your neighbors.

I encourage you to pass along my contact information to friends and family who are considering relocation. I have a network of agent associates locally and across the globe who are here to assist you. Thank you!

Mark Your Calendars!

2010-01-28T13:44:00.012-05:00

Mark Your Calendars!
One Day Only - FREE Event
Saturday, February 6th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
RSVP required 941-497-7424

New Maximized Living Makeover:
CRUISE SHIP or NURSING HOME?

Where will you spend your retirement? You must decide now. Join Dr. Gary Bolen and in just 4 life-changing hours, discover keys to maximizing your life! Get tips on these topics:

"Lose 10 pounds, fast"
"Release all the stress in your life"
"Eliminate the poisons & toxins in your body"
"Look 10 years younger"
"Stop pain in your life and experience the joy"

Plus, learn The 5 Essentials for Healthy Longevity
Did you know that ONLY 1 in 1,000 people are healthy, pain-free, and living the life they were meant to live after 60? Become part of the 0.001%!

-Remove the toxins that prevent you from losing weight
-Attack the hidden causes of disease before it's too late
-Gain ten times more energy and zest
-Get in the best shape of your life in only twelve minutes
-Overcome diseases of the new millennium such as fibromyalgia, auto immune diseases, ADD, and ADHD
-Take action against the Toxic Top 5 that are making the inside of your house much more polluted than outside the house

One Day Only - FREE Event
Saturday, February 6th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Limited Seating! RSVP required 941-497-7424
At the Venice Village Family Chiropractic office,
4140 Woodmere Park Blvd. Suite #2, Venice, FL 34293

Visit Dr. Gary Bolen's website! http://www.maximizedlivingdrbolen.com/

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of 01/22/2010

2010-01-28T13:07:00.004-05:00

Whew - the 2010 Orlando REALTORS convention was a fountain of new information. Between showing property and 4 days of solid catch-up work, I think I am just about back to my "normal" schedule.

So... today I present the "News from Last Week".

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
4061 Shore Lane, 3/3.5, 2,710 square feet on the Beach, $4,900,000
981 9th Street, 3/3.5, pool, 0.5+- Acre, $3,900,000
200 Banyan Street, 3/3.5, 5,000 square feet, $2,975,000
483 Coopers Hawk Drive, 3/3.5 Bayfront home, $1,950,000
391 Lee Ave, 3/2, in Historic District $775,000
871 8th Street East, 3/2, $499,000
Boat Slip #43 at Uncle Henrys $250,000 (55 foot slip)

Price Changes for Gasparilla Island
Sea Oats #137 (was $650,000) now $549,000 (-$101,000)
BGC #22B (was $699,000) now $669,000 (-$30,000)
BGC #44A (was $875,000) now $799,750 (-75,250)
415 Rock Dove Drive (was $1,950,000) now $1,795,000 (-$155,000)

Sold Properties on Gasparilla Island
220 Banyan Street sold 1/20/10 for $1,600,000

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

First Boca Bay Update of 2010

2010-01-18T09:45:00.008-05:00

My first Boca Bay Update of 2010 just went out today!
This community-specific newsletter focuses on market trends and news within Boca Bay on the southern end of Boca Grande. I send links for photos and video of the newest properties on the market, plus sales information and statistics. Do you think Boca Bay is right for you? Please sign up for my newsletter to find out. You can unsubscribe at any time, and there is no cost or obligation. Just a way to get the latest news to you faster!

Included in today's release, is the launch of a new three minute photo tour of 743-1 South Harbor Drive. This listing was on the market briefly last season and is again available. Handsome furnishings, bright trim work, newly painted interior, and cherry hardwood floors compliment the gorgeous Charlotte Harbor view. Offered at $1,095,000.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaIBJRXWFGs

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of 01/15/10

2010-01-15T16:27:00.008-05:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Marina Manor #35, large 3/3 elegant bayside north end condo, $1,600,000
839-2 Harborside Drive, 3/3.5 spacious bayside south end condo, $1,435,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
4511 Shore Lane (was $3,900,000) now $3,300,000 (-$600,000)
421 Palm Avenue (was $449,000) now $375,000 (-$74,000)
851 Palm Avenue (was $750,000) now $699,000 (-$51,000)

Sales Pending, Gasparilla Island
BGC Beach Manor #212

Gasparilla Island Closings
4811 Shore Lane (listed for $5,100,000) sold for $4,200,000 on 01/11/10

New Listings Off-Island
11 Coral Creek Place, 3/2.5, $629,000
10061 Eagle Preserve, vacant lot 18, $475,000

Featured Property of the Week
839-2 Harborside Drive is a 2,700 square foot condo in the lovely Boca Bay community. Lifestyle within the club focuses on amusement and relaxation: Four pools, tennis, fitness center, croquet, Gulf beaches and more, plus a built-in social schedule if you are interested in getting to know your neighbors. www.gasparillasteve.com/839-2

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Coral Creek Club Quarterly Update

2010-01-15T11:48:00.005-05:00

Hot off the press, my Quarterly Update from Coral Creek Club arrived this week. The beauty of this golf course is breathtaking every time I have the opportunity to see it. Did I mention that I am not a golfer? I aspire to be one.
If it has been awhile since you visited the website, you must see the new DVD "The Coral Creek Story". www.CoralCreekClub.com

Mark your calendars: The 2010 Sportsman Challenge date is set for May 14th and 15th.

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Luxury Real Estate Website Redesign

2010-01-13T20:26:00.007-05:00

Exciting news! LuxuryRealEstate.com is getting an updated design. The improved website will feature better search capability and a better user experience than ever before.

What is LuxuryRealEstate.com?

LuxuryRealEstate.com, a 2009 Webby Award Honoree, has been voted ‘Best of the Web’ by Forbes magazine multiple times, praised by the International Herald Tribune, Town & Country, the Wall Street Journal and has been ranked ‘Best Website’ by consumers according to surveys by the Luxury Institute. Since its debut in 1995, LuxuryRealEstate.com has remained the #1 portal for luxury properties on the internet, consistently driving more traffic to member websites and generating more qualified inquiries than any other website. LuxuryRealEstate.com has several times more $1,000,000+ content of any near-peer.

Also known in the industry as the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network, a global collection of the finest luxury real estate brokers in the world, this group of more than 1000 brokerage firms and 95,000 professionals in more than 65 countries collectively sells in excess of $190 billion of real estate annually, with an average sale price of $2,450,000. Members sell homes for record prices and handle transactions of incredible complexity and magnitude with complete discretion. Every member is carefully selected by CEO/Publisher John Brian Losh, one of REALTOR Magazine’s 25 Most Influential People in Real Estate and broker of fine properties and estates through his Seattle-based brokerage firm, Ewing & Clark, Inc.

I am a proud member of Regents, the Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate network, and LuxuryRealEstate.com. Visit http://www.luxuryrealestate.com/ to view the world's finest properties.

Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Warming Up!

2010-01-13T11:27:00.003-05:00

The warming trend continues...

Finally, our weathermen have come to an agreement that by Friday, we should be in a "Normal Florida Winter" pattern. Ring the bells! Thank goodness, I need to thaw out.

How do you cope with all that cold in the frozen north? Truly, it is beautiful to see a new snow fall and the trees decorated by nature. I appreciate it. Ice skating is a blast. I love to take the tube down a hill (with all the elementary-aged kids). However, there is a place for that sort of thing, and it is not in Florida!

In Florida it's all about warmth, sun, and spending time outdoors. As soon as I defrost my toes, I'm going fishing.

Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of 01/09/2010

2010-01-09T15:44:00.005-05:00

New and Back on the Market Listings On-Island
16220 North Island Court, $895,000
677 Boca Bay Drive, 5/5/1, $9,995,000

Price Changes
Marina Village #1 (was $299,000) now $297,000 (-$2,000)
16211 Sunset Pines Circle (was $995,000) now $795,000 (-$200,000)

Sales Pending
451 Palm Avenue
2961 Shore Lane

Mark Your Calendars
Geographer Harm de Blij will be giving a lecture at 10:30 a.m. at the Boca Grande Community Center Auditorium. “Between the I’s: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Future of South Asia” is sure to be a very interesting talk. Admission is $30 and proceeds benefit our Suncoast Humane Society. Get yours when you visit the Humane Society on San Casa or at the door on January 21.

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of 12/31/09

2010-01-04T11:31:00.007-05:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
Sea Oats #255, 2/2, $975,000
BGC Village Home #38, 2/2, $995,000
340 Palm Ave, 2/1, $635,000
16150 Sunset Pines Circle, 4/3, $3,300,000

Price Change
16210 N Island Court (was $1,595,000) now $1,295,000 (-$300,000)

Sales Closed
16710 Grande Quay sold on 12/30/09 for $925,000

Featured Listing of the Week
Sea Oats #255
All dressed up and right on the beach!
www.sothebysbocagrande.com/sbg/255seaoats
(courtesy of Sotheby's)

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Waterfront deal that's NOT a foreclosure!

2009-12-31T13:02:00.005-05:00

Quite simply, this waterfront lot is priced to sell. The comparable properties have been weighed and recent sales and sales pending noted to come up with the best price for this seawalled waterfront lot in Section 93 in South Gulf Cove.

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of 12/18/2009

2009-12-28T10:21:00.008-05:00

13030 Garfield Court, $1,595,000
Custom bay front home with a dock, lift, and pool.
2,787 square feet of air-conditioned space with 3 bedrooms and 2 and a half baths.

Sit on your dock on the bay and watch the sunset nightly.

Check out the tour at http://www.gasparillasteve.com/13030

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

(Listing information courtesy of MLS)

Taste of Boca Grande

2009-12-28T10:03:00.004-05:00

Mark your calendars for the 8th Annual Taste of Boca Grande, February 1st at the Boca Bay Pass Club. From 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. you will enjoy food prepared by local restaurants on the grounds of the elegant Gulf front Pass Club. Mingle with the island's finest! The best part? This is a fundraiser for the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida. Over the past 7 years, this event has raised over $100,000 for the Food Bank. Each dollar raised through this program contributes 9 dollars worth of food!

Call the Boca Bay Pass Club Office at 941-964-0769 for tickets ($75 each).

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

News for the Week of 12/18/09

2009-12-22T10:18:00.004-05:00

Boca Grande (Gasparilla Island) as a whole is looking to entice buyers with a set of new price adjustments this week. Sales have picked up speed, and there are some great deals in each neighborhood. E-mail me for photos on any of Boca Grande's great listings.

New Listings on Gasparilla Island
BGC Marina Village #7, 1/1, $319,000
981 9th Street is back on the market for $3,900,000

Sales Pending
16040 Gulf Shores Drive
4811 Shore Lane

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
2961 Shore Lane (was $3,775,000) now $3,200,000. -$575,000
161 Damficare Street (was $2,150,000) now $1,995,000. -$155,000
Village Home 29 (was $649,000) now $595,000. -$54,000
320 East Railroad Ave. (was $699,000) now $799,000. +$100,000
BGN #65 (was $575,000) now $499,000. -$76,000
BGN Boat Slip #5 (was $198,000) now $175,000. -$23,000
BGN Boat Slip #43 (was $250,000) now $145,000. -$105,000
16700 Grande Quay (was $1,495,000) now $1,350,000. -$145,000
1604 Treasure Lane (was $4,500,000) now $3,950,000. -$550,000

Closed Sales
Dunes of Boca #24 (list price $1,075,000) sold 12/15/09 for $1,000,000

Off-Island Notable Properties
New Listing: 13030 Garfield Ct., 3/2.5, $1,595,000

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

New Business in Boca Grande

2009-12-18T11:46:00.002-05:00

Wild Goose Chase
Decorate your space with items from this new furniture, accessory, and gift store located in the Railroad Plaza. Instead of going on a wild goose chase for a special item, just stop at the store! You will find unique and one-of-a-kind decor, lamps, rugs, furniture and much more. Sure to be an island hot spot.

Wild Goose Chase home furnishing store is open from 10:00 - 4:00, Monday - Saturday.

Send an e-mail to kreark@gasparillaproperties.com
Kelly Reark, Licensed REALTOR in the State of Florida
Gasparilla Properties, Inc., Boca Grande

Italy in Boca Grande

2009-12-18T10:40:00.005-05:00

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Sun Porch (941-964-2567) in Railroad Plaza is hosting a Trunk Show called Replica Collection Italy.

Attention Gentlemen! Last minute holiday gifts?

The Replica Collection Italy is a colorful collection of jewelry featuring cut stones as well as enameled and gold works. This is a collection of works inspired by the Italian designers. They will showcase necklaces, bracelets and earrings for the lovely lady in your life.

Food and Wine Weekend

2009-12-17T10:39:00.004-05:00

Less than a month from today, The Gasparilla Inn and Club is hosting the Fourth Annual Food and Wine Weekend, beginning on Friday, January 15th, with events trough Sunday morning, January 17th.

Gourmet preparations by Executive Chef Peter Timmins and hand-picked wine selections will delight your senses. Learn to prepare fabulous dishes at the culinary demonstrations throughout the day on Saturday. The Master Chef's Dinner will be a multi-course affair with each dish paired to a wine selection.

For more information, and to make your reservation (highly recommended), click here.

Are you considering a purchase in Boca Grande? While you are in town for the weekend, make your appointment with me to view real estate throughout Gasparilla Island. I'd love to send additional information to you. Please call me to chat 1-800-GO-2-BOCA.

News for the Week of 12/11/2009

2009-12-14T15:53:00.004-05:00

New Listings on Gasparilla Island:
BGC Marina Village #13, 1/1, $399,000
16140 Sunset Pines Circle, 4/4, $2,975,000

Sales Pending on Gasparilla Island:
16170 Grande Quay
220 Banyan
201 Harbor Drive
1617 Jean LaFitte

Price Changes:
Lighthouse #18 $1,075,000 (was $1,099,000) -$24,000
451 Palm Avenue $895,000 (was $995,000) -$100,000
9901 NE Gasparilla Pass Blvd $375,000 (was $495,000) -$120,000
1600 Gulf Shores Drive $350,000 (was $495,000) -$145,000

Closings on the Island:
BGC 8B $699,000, sold for $610,000 on 12/7/09
Village Home 7 $765,000, sold for $650,000 on 12/8/09
261 Wheeler Road (FSBO), sold for $710,000 on 11/23/09

The new Boca Grande listing 16140 Sunset Pines Circle can be talked about with just one word - WOW. It's got Gulf and Bay views, a pool, dock, 4 car garage, 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, in a lovely setting. Click here for a virtual tour. Call me at 941-268-7876 for additional information.

Courtesy of the National Association of Realtors

2009-12-09T16:30:00.003-05:00

The U.S. dollar has dropped 9 to 11 percent since June against foreign currencies like the Japanese yen, the European euro and the Canadian dollar.

This means foreign investors are going to be looking to make deals on US real estate! Lending remains tight, but those with cash are already in our marketplace.

One BIG Update!

2009-12-09T13:20:00.004-05:00

WOW! Time flies these last two months of each year. I hope everyone had a great Turkey Day, shared with friends and family.

Since my last update, I have had the pleasure of being inducted into the 2010 Englewood Area Board of Realtors® as the Secretary of the Board. I look forward to serving my fellow agents and community as a representative for our nearly 575 registered local real estate agents. Thank you to those of you who have helped me to achieve election.

In addition to the Secretary, I will also be creating a chapter of what we call the YPN. It is a “Young Professionals Network” that is open to our agents and affiliates of all ages. This is an opportunity for us to network, share ideas, and help each other with the challenging and ever-changing face of real estate. We will network with other YPN chapters throughout the United States and share in our experiences to benefit the customers we work with each day.

Thank you to those of you that came out to support me at the Englewood Fine Arts Festival this past weekend on Dearborn Street. The weather was not ideal, yet the show was a lot of fun. Thank you, also, Farlow’s on the Water (http://www.farlowsonthewater.com/), for purchasing my wreath from the Festival of Trees. The Englewood on the Gulf Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors put on another fabulous event! Donations, wreaths, and trees all brought in money for educational programs and the Englewood Helping Hand charity and food bank (http://www.englewoodhelpinghand.org/).

And now, “down to business”. The Island has been fairly quiet, although not as quiet as in past weeks. Our office has seen a marked increase in offers on listed property and also an up-tick in property showings. It’s nice to feel the stress of negotiation! Here's the breakdown of new listings, pending listings, sold listings and a few price changes. You might recognize some of these "new" listings that were off the market during the slower summer months:

New Listings of Homes on Gasparilla Island
208 Pilot Street, 5/4, upgraded home, $895,000
16734 Grande Quay, 3/2.5, waterfront with deep water boat slip, $995,000
1821-23 18th Street West, 3/3, Journey's End cottages, $1,100,000
16100 Sunset Pines Circle, 3/3, lake view home, $1,295,000
134 Half Clove Court, 3/2, updated lakefront pool home in Boca Bay, $1,495,000
110 Damfino Street, 3/3.5, deep waterfront pool home on 2 lots, 5 boat slips, $1,990,000
130 Palm Avenue, 3/3, waterfront with dock and infiniti edge pool built in 2001, $2,125,000
1400 East Railroad Avenue, 4/4.5, waterfront in historic district $2,300,000
553 Buttonwood Bay, 4/4.5, Jasmine floor plan with private pool, dock, $2,595,000
251 Gilchrist Avenue, 8/8.5, Historic home of 5600 sq ft, $2,850,000
1617 Jean Lafitte, 5/4, 2-story home on 2 waterfront lots, $3,250,000
9850 NW Gasparilla Pass, 3/3.5, half acre waterfront with dock/lifts, $3,400,000
1636 Jean Lafitte, 4/4.5, contemporary pool home on the Bay, $3,900,000
400 4th Street West, 5/4.5, Historic Gulf front pool home, $6,150,000

New Listings of Townhomes and Condos on the Island
748 Seaboard Line Lane, 3/3, Lakeside Kentia townhome, $890,000
Village Home 25, 3/2.5, fully furnished in the Boca Grande Club, $625,000
Village Home 29, 3/3, also in the Boca Grande Club, $649,000
Village Home 5, 3/3, Gulf Views in the Club, $724,900
BGC Marina Village #1, 1/1, furnished, end unit on the water, $299,000
BGC Beach Chalet 101, 1/1, ground level condo directly beachfront, $445,000
BGC Dunes Chalet 202, 1/1, second floor condo directly beachfront, $450,000
BGC 3A, 2/2, condo with open sun deck addition, directly on the beach, $699,000
BGC 54A, 2/2, Tennis Villa condo directly on the beach $749,000
759-2 South Harbor Drive, 3/2.5, renovated condo on Charlotte Harbor, $1,225,000

New Listings of lots on Gasparilla Island
5040 Grouper Hole Court, waterfront +/- acre with dock, $999,000
1800 18th Street West, "Journeys End" 100 ft beach frontage, $2,995,000

Price Changes on Gasparilla Island
181 Palm Ave (lot) was $750,000, now $649,000
16710 Grande Quay was $1,050,000, now $970,000
217 Waterways was $2,295,000, now $2,100,000
1684 Jose Gaspar Drive was $2,795,000, now $2,695,000
241 Damficare was $3,700,000, now $2,825,000
2581 Shore Lane was $3,999,000, now $3,999,500
4120 Snail Island Court was $8,500,000, now $7,900,000

Pending and Sold Listings on Gasparilla Island
4525 Shore Lane
798 Beach View
Village Home 7
Dunes of Boca 24
1st Street canal lot
171 Park Avenue - SOLD 10/23 $1,200,000
Beach Chalet 201 - SOLD 11/5/09 $386,250
BGC 57B - SOLD 11/30 $753,000
261 Wheeler Road - SOLD 12/7 $710,000

Kelly Reark, TRC, e-PRO REALTOR®
PR Chairman, Englewood Area Board of REALTORS®
US 941.268.7876 toll free 877.462.2622
Search the MLS Real Estate News Bio e-mail

I encourage you to pass along my contact information to friends and family who are considering relocation. I have a network of agent associates locally and across the globe who are here to assist you. Thank you!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

2009-12-02T15:16:00.003-05:00

Florida Realtors offers a total of $28,000 in scholarship awards!
ORLANDO, Fla. – Dec. 2, 2009 –

Spread the word to clients, friends and neighbors:
Florida Realtors® is offering Florida high school seniors a chance to win up to $6,000 in scholarship funding through its 2009-10 Scholarship/Essay Contest.

Entering the contest is easy. Students write a typed, double-spaced essay – 500 words or less – on the topic, “How Does a Realtor Professional Benefit the Community?” This topic allows students the freedom to write about the wide range of Realtor professionals who work in a variety of fields, including residential brokerage, commercial brokerage, industrial and office brokerage, farm and land brokerage, real estate appraising, property management, land development and real estate counseling, to name just a few of the general specialties. Or essays may address such points as the benefits of homeownership to society, or to families on a personal level, or how the selling of commercial real estate encourages economic growth.

“This year marks a milestone for Florida Realtors’ scholarship/essay contest – for 10 years now, we have helped deserving young people realize their dreams of a college education,” says 2010 Florida Realtors® President Wendell Davis, a broker and regional vice president with Watson Realty Corp. in Jacksonville. “Our successful scholarship program is just one way that Florida Realtors give back to their communities. It is a privilege to make a difference in the lives of our youth by investing in their future. After all, a better future for our children is a better future for all of us.”

Florida Realtors’ scholarship program benefits students from across the state, with first-place winners honored in each of the association’s 13 districts in the state. Students turning in the top district-winning essays will each receive a $1,000 scholarship award. The 13 district-winning essays will go on to compete to win three $5,000 Florida Realtors scholarships on the statewide level, for a total of $28,000 in scholarship awards. All essays, along with an official Essay Cover Form, must be postmarked before or on Feb. 8, 2010, and mailed to the Florida Realtors, 7025 Augusta National Drive, P.O. Box 725025, Orlando, FL 32872-5025.

Check with the high school guidance office to obtain an application kit and essay cover form for Florida Realtors’ 2009-2010 Scholarship/Essay Contest for High School Seniors. Or go to Florida Realtors’ Media Center website, (http://media.floridarealtors.org) to download all of the scholarship/essay contest materials. Florida Realtors’ statewide scholarship awards program is open only to high school seniors who reside in the state of Florida and plan on continuing their education at a college, university, technical school or other institution of higher learning. The college or institution of higher learning does not have to be located within the state of Florida. Children whose parents are licensed real estate practitioners are not eligible for contest entry; nor are children whose parents are employed by any local Realtor board/association or by the Florida Realtors. (© 2009 Florida Realtors)

If your high school senior is planning to write an essay for the scholarship, have him/her call me with any questions or to interview me. I look forward to talking to each of you! Kelly Reark 941-268-7876

Hello My Pretties

2009-11-18T16:47:00.003-05:00

The Wizard of Oz just came out on Blu-ray at the end of September, and Blu-ray.com has a 45% off special going on the collectors edition.

Boca Grande doesn't have the flying monkeys or a green-hued woman that melts if she gets wet, but I bet if you ask a local it is just as enchanting of a place to call home. When was your last visit to this isle of white sand and sunshine? It's almost that time of year again so grab a flight and come on down to see some old friends.

The real estate on the market is to the advantage of savvy buyers, so if the time is right for you to buy, then now is truly a fantastic time to get into the market on Gasparilla Island.

News for the Week of 10/2/2009

2009-10-07T14:29:00.007-04:00

New listings on Gasparilla Island:
BGC 57B 3/3 $850,000 (beachfront in Boca Grande Club)
BGC 22A 2/2 $699,000 (Updated, cute beachfront condo)
Sea Oats 344 2/2 $795,000 (3rd floor, courtyard location)
3561 Shore Lane 7/7+ $14m (information available by inquiry only)

New listings on the Cape Haze Peninsula:
10120 Creekside Drive 4/4.5 $1,295,000 (luxe, waterfront home)
virtual tour: http://www.gasparillasteve.com/10120CC
535 Coral Creek Drive, lot 386 $179,000

Price Changes:
BGN #74 From $589,900 To $584,900 (-$5,000)
225 Capstan Drive (Cape Haze) From $589,000 To $399,000 (-$190,000)
Anglers Club #128 From $1,184,000 To $449,000 (-$735,000)

These price changes are not typos! Contact me for more information.

SOLD! Listings:
Silver King 302 (list price $835,000) sold 10/01/09 for $725,000

Living Healthy in Florida

2009-09-30T14:02:00.004-04:00

Florida, ahhhh... tropical, humid, sunny Florida.

There are so many reasons we choose to live in Florida. Our warm climate draws visitors and new residents each year! It is the perfect place for tropical plants, fauna, and at times... mosquitoes... to flourish. So here is a short list of topics to consider or explore if you plan on becoming a Florida resident or at least a resident a few months of the year.

1. The water table and elevation, especially in our coastal areas, for homes served by well water. (Ask about flood insurance too).

2. Did you know that our local beaches are monitored weekly for clean water as part of the Florida Healthy Beaches Program?

3. Got kids? There's a childhood immunization schedule and requirements for entering the Florida school system.

4. The flu. It's not just for icy, snowy, cold climates. Find out how to protect yourself.

5. I know Florida has some cute critters, but don't feed them! Rabies carriers include raccoons, foxes, bats and can also be domestic pets bitten by a rabid animal.

6. What's all the fuss about red tide? If there is a bloom, you'll want to know. It's irritating to the lungs and throat, especially if you have asthma.

7. Governor Charlie Crist's initiatives concerning health care.

8. The infamous "imported" drywall. What to look for and why.

9. Our state's first State Surgeon General, Ana M. Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H., and her campaign of prevention, preparedness and personal responsibility.

10. Facts on what it takes to be GREEN: A growing number of citizens are finding ways to help take care of the environment in which we live and care so much about. See what you can do inside, outside, and in your community.

The State's Department of Health website contains a wealth of information, including links to all of these topics. Resources right here at your fingertips! You might want to bookmark this site. http://www.doh.state.fl.us/

Kelly Reark
TRC, e-PRO Realtor
*Article originally published by Kelly Reark on her Trulia.com blog.