Daily Real Estate News | Friday, September 23, 2011

Prices are rising in Florida: Florida cities have had the largest year-over-year increases in average list prices, according to the latest real estate data from Realtor.com. Florida cities make up 9 of the top 10 places for highest year-over-year list price spikes, based off of August data of 2.2 million listings in 146 markets.  Nationwide, the average list price is $320,325, up 2.36 percent year-over-year.

Here are the top 15 cities boasting the highest percentage of year-over-year increases in average list prices.

1. Miami
Average list price: $640,332
Year-over-year increase: 27.4%

2. Fort Myers-Cape Coral, Fla.
Average list price: $443,570
Year-over-year increase: 26.27%

3. Central-Fla.-RSA
Average list price: $405,809
Year-over-year increase: 19.41%

4. Punta Gorda, Fla.
Average list price: $267,066
Year-over-year increase: 16.37%

5. Macon, Ga.
Average list price: $193,520
Year-over-year increase: 15.98%

6. Sarasota-Bradenton, Fla.
Average list price: $466,785
Year-over-year increase: 15.86%

7. Naples, Fla.
Average list price: $713,087
Year-over-year increase: 15.13%

8. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla.
Average list price: $591,895
Year-over-year increase: 14.68%

9. Ocala, Fla.
Average list price: $193,360
Year-over-year increase: 12.07%

10. Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.
Average list price: $181,409
Year-over-year increase: 11.48%

11. Oralndo, Fla.
Average list price: $319,419
Year-over-year increase: 10.56%

12. Portland-Vancouver, Ore.-Wash.
Average list price: $314,537
Year-over-year increase: 10.52%

13. Boise City, Idaho
Average list price: $212,588
Year-over-year increase: 10.43%

14. Springfield, Illinois
Average list price: $174,537
Year-over-year increase: 9.12%

15. Shreveport-Bossier City, La.
Average list price: $211,414
Year-over-year increase: 8.34%

G.T. Bray Santa

If you have never visited Anna Maria Island around Christmas you need to give it a try, Why?

There are a ton of Christmas activities all around the area. Santa comes in on a helicopter at G.T. Bray Park. Downtown Bradenton brings in snow to go sledding. Holmes Beach plaza on Marina Drive has a Christmas bash where shops serve free appetizers and the children of Anna Maria Island dance under a snow machine.

Not enough? Vacation rental accommodations in early December are more than 50% off compared to high season rates. The weather is sunny and beautiful. The only white we have is the sand on our gorgeous beaches. While I write this the entire East coast is in a blizzard that will average one foot of snow fall!

Lastly, who does not like a good parade? Every year the Anna Maria Island privateers put on a Christmas parade. Beads, candy and party favors are all thrown during the parade. It is fabulous fun for all!

So what are you doing? Call Island Real Estate today and book next year’s holiday season. Island Real Estate has more than 175 hand picked rentals with more than 25 high luxury vacation rentals. More than anyone on Anna Maria Island!

Have a great winter and a wonderful holiday season! Thanks to Michael for the great video below.