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Many visitors come to Naples and Marco Island to enjoy the beauty and lifestyle our area affords them. In the winter months, visitors from other parts of the U.S. transform themselves from winter jackets into outfits for golfing, tennis, boating and the beach. This lifestyle makes our area one of the “Highest Incidences of Wealthy Households,” according to the U.S. Census, 2006 American Community Survey.

In addition to its ranking as an area of affluence, Gulfshore Business magazine recognizes the following “accolades” for Collier County:

The Naples-Marco Island area came in at No. 3 among the 200 metropolitan areas on Milken Institute’s list of Best Performing Small Cities;

No. 13 on Forbes’ list of Best Places for Business and Careers;

No. 6 on Inc. magazine’s 2007 list of “Boomtowns.”

Not only has the ratings for affluence, growth, and desirability given our area high ranks, but the praise has also been felt with its long term price appreciation. In 2000, the average sales price on Marco Island was $292,188; whereas, today the average sale price is $702,741. The long term appreciation can be seen in two recent sales. First, a tip lot home in the Tigertail area built in 1982. This home recently sold for $2,350,000. The home previously sold in 1995 for $345,000. Second, a home built in 1974, in the Marco River area, sold in the fall of 2006 for $1,900,000. The same home sold in 1996 for $390,000.

As inventories start to decline, a Buyer’s purchasing power and selection diminishes. Don’t miss your chance to purchase your dream property in paradise.

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Natalie Kirstein, MBA, Realtor, works for Premier Properties of Southwest Florida Inc., office 642-2222, toll-free (800) 260-9081, e-mail NatalieK@premiermail.net. Office located in The Esplanade, 760 North Collier Blvd., Ste. 101, Marco Island. To receive a copy of this column delivered to your inbox, please send an e-mail to NatalieK@premiermail.net, with Real Estate Article in the subject line, or call Natalie Kirstein at 642-2222.