I have been writing about Marco Island for some time.  The topics are varied and at times it is hard to find topics that might interest you. To make it easier, here is a list of Topics of Interest on the Marco Island Real Estate-Homes and Condos on Marco Island:Angler's Cove Art League of Marco IslandBarron Collier Beachesbeachfront condosBill MossBingoBLOG Action Dayboat anchoringboating condoburrowing owlsCanastaCape MarcoCapt. Brien's Seafood and Raw BarCaxambas BridgeCaxambas ParkChicago TribuneCity ResourcesCollier CountyConcrete FloorsCondo hotelDale GlonDeltona Corporationdensity rightsEnterprise ConstructionFishingFlooring TrendsFlorida Home gratitudegulf of mexicoHideaway BeachHistoryHome EntertainmentHome SearchHurricaneInsuranceIsland ParadiseJob HuntingKey MarcoLotsMackle Pa... 12/01/2007

Background of Key MarcoRich history from the Calusa Indian civilization with the 15 shell mounds that remain on the Island to the pirates and entrepreneurs who settled the area. The island was originally named after Captain John F. Horr who used the area as his vacation home and pineapple plantation in the late 1800's. The island has 546 acres with 134 home sites and 375 acres set aside as preserve. Just minutes from all the amenities of the city of Marco Island.Community Fetures:Attended gatehouse Outdoor veranda with grill and kitchen Tennis courts 3.5 miles of biking, hiking, jogging, and strolling paths Old Florida Dockmaster's ClubhouseKey Marco's location for fishing, sailing in the Gulf of Mexico, and backwater exploration of Ten Thousand Islands is amazing. The Dockmaster facili... 11/18/2007

Shipps Landing  Shipp's Landing is a community at the Southeastern tip of Marco Island affording wonderful views of the 10,000 Islands. This community was built in three stages I, II & IIII consists of 54 units and was built in 1979. II consists of 48 units on seven floors and was completed in 1980. III is a 10 story building that was completed in 1983. All three sections allow for monthly rentals and amentities include: activities room BBQ, Fitness Center, Pool, Spa, Tennis, game room and fishing docks. 11/18/2007

I got a very interesting Google Alert this morning about Marco Island entitled The memory, it gets fuzzy in the heat reported by John Kass of the Chicago Tribune. It caught my attention with the reference to a Penthouse on Marco Island, so I had to click and read. Then I read the article and thought, now this is an interesting tale of corruption. Better than some of the intrigue we see on TV these days. And all around the latest jewel in the Marco Island crown -- The Madeira. This is an interesting reading for Marco Island residents...For those of you not familiar with The Madeira, on Marco Island it was completed in October 2006. Situated in the center of Marco Island's Crescent Beach of sugar sand as you can see from this Aerial View of the Madeira. This European designed condo has 10... 11/10/2007

Thanks for reading my blog.  Things here on Marco Island have been brought to incredible lows and equally incredible highs.  We had our highest sale ever on Marco Island.  What a ride!I would like to hear from you. Sharon 11/08/2007

 City of Marco Island Parks and Recreation Department will present the movie "Transformers" on Friday, November 9th to continue the ‘Movies in the Park' Fall series at Mackle Park.Transformers is a 2007 live action film directed by Michael Bay and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, based on the Transformers franchise. The Cast includes:Shia LaBeouf ... Sam WitwickyMegan Fox ... Mikaela BanesJosh Duhamel ... Captain LennoxTyrese Gibson ... USAF Tech Sergeant EppsRachael Taylor ... Maggie MadsenAnthony Anderson ... Glen WhitmannJon Voight ... Defense Secretary John KellerJohn Turturro ... Agent SimmonsKevin Dunn ... Ron Witwicky Make it a movie in the park with the family on Friday night, bring your lawn chairs. Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase. Remember that no alco... 11/06/2007

I just read an editorial from the Naples News - City should manage asset in taxpayers' best interest. Interesting question brought to light, it has been four years since Marco Island purchased that property from Dale Glon for $10 Million. The seven acre site was set aside for a park and community space - Veteran's Park. Not development. At the time of purchase the City presented grand ideas for the property. I remember seeing the drawings and thinking that the City really got it right. People clearly want to have the development of Marco Island slowed down. Many are not happy with what is happening. There doesn't seem to be any movement towards building a park. The space has been used as a staging ground for all the road construction on Marco Island.  Not exactly what we thought it woul... 11/05/2007

In a recent television interview, Donald Trump stated that now, and the next 6 months, is the best time to buy real estate.  The interviewer asked Donald Trump if he was practicing what he preached and he stated he was doing just that - buying real estate.  Another advocate that states that this is the right time to buy is Dr. Yun, NAR Vice President of Research.  Dr. Yun believes that there is huge pent-up demand and homebuyers are sitting on the fence.  Dr. Yun states the following: "once Buyers look past the headlines, they'll see that this is actually a very good time to buy. Inventories are flush, so there are lots of homes to choose from; pricing are moderating; and interest rates remain historically low.  Once the psychology catches up to our real market conditions, that pent-up ... 10/29/2007

You don't want to be caught by surprise the realities of owning a Second Home on Marco Island. There are the costs involved, then there are the realities of owning a second home. Especially if you have to travel any distance to get to your Second Home on Marco Island. Owning a second home is a great dream of many. But is it for you?                                        Read More at Should we purchase a Second Home on Marco Island?  Florida has long been a winter haven for people from the "North".   The definition of North has expanded quite noticeably recently beyond the typical Chicago, New England, & New York retiree to include people looking to Florida for proximity to the beach and the tropical warm weather that we get year round.  Now the people "wintering" in Florida include Can... 10/26/2007

Enterprise Construction files for Chapter 11 This was announced on Monday and who on Marco Island is really surprised? The controversy has been around for some time. No I have never really been a fan of their homes, and yes there is a lot of controversy on the subject. Just read the comments over at the Marco Island Eagle Article!"And it opens a new chapter for the company, according to a press release issued by Dan Dufault Sr., the CEO of RE/MAX Results and Enterprise Construction. Enterprise Construction, the contracting entity of RE/MAX Results Realty on Marco, announced it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Monday."Interestingly enough the bulk of the people in the on-line poll believe it has nothing to do with monies owed by customers or the downturn of the Marco Island Real Estate Ma... 10/19/2007

Ok, why is a Realtor from Celebration Florida writing about Marco Island?  Because I used to work and live on Marco Island and I still have ties to the community!    This week I posted a few articles about Marco Island and as a regular feature David Podgursky posted too!The Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites and Marco Beach Ocean Resort are two Condo Hotels on Marco Island.Rising in popularity is an alternative to timeshares - Condo Hotels. Condo Hotel are rising in popularity, especially in areas like ours!  Read more at Marco Island | What is a Condo Hotel?  Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) are not very unpopular right now thanks to the media bashing them.  To make things worse, they currently (August 31, 2007) have higher rates than Fixed Rate Mortgages.   Read more at Florida Mortgage | ... 09/07/2007

 FLORIDA CONDOMINIUMS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN SELLING!  Florida condominiums come in all sizes from the multi story high rise to the two story walk up.  They can be located inland, on a golf course or on the beach.  It does not matter where they are located or what they look like a condominium is a form of ownership giving the owner the exclusive use of their unit plus an undivided share of the common elements along with other unit owners.  Florida leads the world in the number of condominiums and has over 50% of the condominiums in the United States. When listing a condominium for sale in Florida there is a number of items to remember:State your total assessment fees accurately (i.e. maintenance fees, condo fees or association fees)Fees change annually, not necessarily on January ... 09/01/2007

Snook Season Opens in Soutwest Florida Saturday, September 1 marks the opening of Snook Season! Many Marco Anglers will be out trying to catch this fish this holiday weekend.   Ok -- what is a Snook?  Let's Go to the Beach on Marco Island    Florida Mortgage | Subprime Loan - Are you worried? Subprime Loans are not inherently wrought with risk and problems. They are still binding contracts that cannot be changed on a whim. Subprime Loans are just loans that were sold to people who might have been a higher risk to the investor that was giving the loan so the terms and rates will reflect that risk.Is Your Marco Island Getaway Insured? You have an Island getway here on Marco Island. You decide not to rent it when you are not here, you are here for several weeks a year, but for the most par... 09/01/2007

 Marco Island is the gateway to the 10,000 Islands and wilfelife surrounds us...  Some of the wildlife you might see include: Alligators - Florida has one of only two species of alligators left in the world, the American alligator. Today, alligators have recovered from near extinction.Brown Pelicans - The pelican flock to docks to eat cleaned fillets and even hooked fish - often with deadly results.Burrowing Owls - These tiny, nine-inch tall birds of prey are underground dwellers. If abandoned holes aren't available, they will excavate their own homes in grassy fields and vacant lots. Unlike most owls, burrowing owls forage for insects, mice, snakes and other pests.Dolphins - These wonderful creatures can be found swimming all around Marco Island, sometimes you can even see them in the ... 08/18/2007

 Who doesn't love Pizza?  Those that live on Marco Island have several options for pizza!  My personal favorite is Five Brother's Pizza!   But everyone has their own opinion.   When you are on Marco Island and want pizza, there are a few choices for you.  Here are a few option on Marco Island to have it created for you:Tide Beach Bar at The Apollo - (239) 389-0509900 S. Collier Blvd. Marco Island FL 34145Five Brother's Pizza - (239) 394-5100599 S. Collier Blvd. Marco Island FL 34145Joey's Pizza - (239) 389-2433257 N. Collier Blvd. Marco Island FL 34145Churp's (Champion) Pizza - (239) 642-5662912 N. Collier Blvd. Marco Island FL 34145Little Caesars Pizza - (239) 394-4422911 N. Collier Blvd. Marco Island FL 34145 Call the Orlando Avenue Top Team today for more information!________________... 08/18/2007

The high-end condo, beachfront market continues to show signs of movement in the mid-summer market, a traditionally slower selling season.  The high-end, beachfront condo market experienced a surge in activity at the end of season and post-Easter.  We continue to see some activity in the high-end condo market with the recent addition of a pending sale in Cozumel.What is a pending sale?  A pending sale represents a property that is under contract or pre-closing process.  During the pending process, Buyers perform all tasks necessary for the closing such as home inspections, appraisals, title searches (by selected title company), attorney review, 1031 paperwork, and financing/cash. I have included some additional information for your review in this market update - the list price range and... 07/09/2007

As a second generation Realtor on the west coast of Florida, my life has revolved around discussions about real estate.  Real estate has evolved tremendously over the past 40 years.  Gone are the days of searching through handwritten pages of listings to find a property for your buyer. We now exchange information via the internet and search properties online through consolidated databases (multiple listings).  As technology has increased the speed and accuracy of the property search process, the information exchange also continues to demonstrate the cyclical nature of the real estate market.  It wasn't so long ago that we saw 18% interest rates send the market into a downward spiral.  That trend was followed by changes in the beachfront property market where developers wanted to build h... 07/09/2007

Buyers are scooping up properties on the beautiful beaches of Marco Island.  They range from foreigners enjoying favorable exchange rates to baby boomers entering or nearing retirement and investors who believe Marco Island is shifting out of Buyers Market conditions. Positive changes in the market are evident in several areas.  Consider the changes in our advertising.  Ads once headlined with "Price Reduced" now include the words "Pending" and "Sold" with increasing frequency.  Highly desirable beachfront and best value properties continue to sell.   We continue to see the promise of long term price appreciation in light of a shift from the extraordinarily high sales activity of 2004-2005 to today's more traditional market.Luxury beachfront and waterfront properties in a beautiful para... 07/09/2007

If Marco Island is an indicator for Southwest Florida and Southwest Florida is an indicator for the rest of Florida then it looks like we are starting to turn the ship back in the right direction. I've posted some interesting figures on Pending Sales Remain Strong at MarcoRealtyBuzz.com that indicate that the buyers may be coming back to Florida.For more information about Marco Island Real Estate, contact:Joseph A. Bartos, P.A.(239) 404-5068mailto:info@bartosgroup.com Let us assist you in buying or selling a property in the Marco Island area. 05/22/2007

The high-end market continues to pick up steam in the post-Easter buying season.  In the past week, we have seen three high-end properties go pending, one in Madeira and two in Vera Cruz.  Showings continue to occur in this traditionally slow season with foreign and domestic buyers returning for post-season purchases. Vera CruzVera Cruz has four pending sales at this time and five closed sales since October 1, 2006. Condo Name Apt.BedroomFull BathRear ViewFurnishedLiving AreaList Price  * PendingVERA CRUZ190344WU3830$2,500,000   * PendingVERA CRUZ210433WU3264$2,095,000    * PendingVERA CRUZ100244WU3846$1,999,000   * PendingVERA CRUZ240643WU4228$3,699,999    MadeiraCurrently, there are a total of five pending sales.  Madeira has eleven closed sales since October 1, 2006.  The closed sale... 05/21/2007