NAPLES, FL - Based on activity continuing since April, John R. Wood Properties is predicting that this summer’s real estate market activity will reach levels almost comparable to a typical winter season.
“Our prediction is based on factors resulting from the severe winter in northern cities like Boston, New York and Cleveland,” said Dottie Babcock, vice president of operations at John R. Wood. “In these areas, the residential real estate industry was virtually on hold as buyers couldn’t shop, sellers weren’t able to show their properties, even support businesses (banks, law offices, title companies) were closed indeterminately due to impassable roads.”
Even as far ‘south’ as Cincinnati, Realtors like Rob Sibcy, CEO and owner of Sibcy Cline Realtors, experienced the standstill. “Temperatures were 11 degrees colder than average and our snowfalls were intense in January and February,” said Sibcy, “both of which made getting work done nearly impossible. However the spring months have been very active in Ohio; April was a record month for our firm.”
There is another factor Babcock cites. “The cost of living in many northern cities has made retirement there impractical for many residents. Higher taxes, decreasing public services, deteriorating infrastructure have all combined to drive buyers to us.”
Already, John R. Wood is seeing the signs. Babcock said, “One of our agents said they have been showing properties to one or more buyers every day for the last two weeks. That’s incredible for this time of year.”
About John R. Wood Properties
Founded in 1958, John R. Wood Properties is Southwest Florida’s oldest and largest real estate firm representing over 2,000 clients annually through its 300 agents and 100 staff in 12 offices from Marco Island to Sanibel/Captiva. John R. Wood Properties is routinely ranked as one of the highest sales per agent companies in the nation.