RSW Airport's $1 Billion Expansion: A Boost for Southwest Florida Real Estate
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is embarking on a massive $1 billion expansion, marking a major milestone for the region’s air travel and economic future. The project, called Terminal E, will introduce 14 new passenger gates, expanded terminal facilities, a new TSA checkpoint, upgraded baggage handling, additional retail spaces, and improvements to taxiways and terminal roadways. This major infrastructure upgrade will enhance the airport’s capacity and passenger experience for years to come.
Project Overview The expansion, set to break ground on October 15, 2024, is expected to take three years to complete. It’s funded by a combination of $900 million in airport revenue bonds, federal grants from the FAA, and support from the Florida Department of Transportation, with no impact on Lee County property taxes.
Impact on Real Estate and Buyers in Southwest F! ...

Naples, Fla. (September 27, 2024) – The median home price in Naples held steady at $600,000 in August, consistent with both July 2024 and August 2023 figures. According to the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®) August 2024 Market Report, which covers home listings and sales in Collier County (excluding Marco Island), there were 1,096 price reductions last month. While this is the lowest number of price drops so far in 2024, it suggests that sellers are still adjusting to current market conditions. Although inventory levels have increased by 40.3% compared to August 2023, they have been decreasing for the past five months. However, broker analysts believe this trend may only be temporary.
The Pitfalls of Trying to Time the Market
“There have been 1,861 properties withdrawn from the MLS over the past 120 days,” said Mike Shoaff, Realtor at REMAX Hallmark Downtown Naples. “This happens every year as sellers pull their listings, hoping to secure ...

Which is the Finest City to Reside in Florida?
According to U.S. News & World Report, Naples tops the list as the best place to live in Florida.
“Naples, Florida, takes the top spot due to its strong desirability, job market scores, and a moderately high quality-of-life rating,” states the U.S. News analysis.
However, the survey also highlights a challenge for Naples— the growing influx of residents, particularly snowbirds, which is driving up housing costs.
“Proximity to the beach, abundant sunshine, and no state income tax all come with a downside. The continuous growth and development have worsened the shortage of affordable housing,” explains an article by Lianna Norman of the Herald-Tribune.
Traffic can also become congested in the winter months, though it remains more manageable compared to larger Florida metro areas.

What is the Average Home Cost in Naples, Florida?
Naples’ cost of living depends largely on location, with housin. ...

Collier County: A Top Retirement Destination in Florida

As a long-time REMAX agent in Naples, Florida, I’m not surprised that Collier County continues to rank among the best places to retire in the Sunshine State. With its breathtaking Gulf Coast beaches, vibrant communities, and endless recreational opportunities, it’s easy to see why so many retirees choose to call this part of Southwest Florida home.

In a recent survey conducted by SmartAsset, Collier County earned the sixth spot on the list of top retirement destinations in Florida. This recognition further highlights the area’s appeal for those looking to enjoy their golden years in paradise.

What Makes Collier County a Great Place to Retire?

Several factors contribute to Collier County’s high ranking, including:

• Low tax burden
• Top-notch medical care
• Abundant recreational opportunities
• A wide range of active retirement communities

These elements combine! ...

The real estate industry is undergoing significant transformations following a groundbreaking settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and major brokerages. This settlement, which resulted in a payment exceeding $950 million, aims to bring more transparency to how brokers and agents are compensated. However, these changes have sparked debates and concerns about their potential impact on market dynamics and relationships between buyers, sellers, and agents—especially in hot markets like Naples, Florida.

Key Changes Impacting the Real Estate Market
• Removal of Commission Listings on MLS: One of the major shifts is that offers of compensation can no longer be listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Now, sellers must independently decide whether and how much to compensate a buyer’s broker. While this information can no longer be published on the MLS, it can still be communicated informally via phone calls or social media.

• Man. ...