the island who will work with you to fi nd
the right property for you when it becomes
available. If you are considering selling,
the timing is right to explore your options
and meet with a local Realtor® to get a free
evaluation. You may be surprised to learn
what your property is worth today.”
Mark Spurgeon is
a Broker and Owner
of Boca Grande Real
Estate. His view of
the current real estate
market is that there
is a collection of low
inventories, coupled
with strong demand.
That equals a seller’s
market.
“There is a gaping hole in the market
because of the COVID shutdown, and
strong demand with limited inventory,”
he said. “The primary factors driving the
differences are that people have realized
that they can live and work in relative
seclusion, because of connectivity.”
His outlook for 2021 predicts fewer
transactions based on inventory, frustrated
buyers and real estate agents trying to
fi nd the right property for their clients
when none is available. He advises anyone
looking right now to choose their agent
wisely and be prepared to make an offer
when a property is presented.
Jeremy Jones is a
Broker and Owner of
Tall Pines Realty. He
feels that the current
state of the real estate
market is very strong
and, locally, a strong
seller’s market.
“The inventory of
active listings is very
low, down 35 percent
from last year, with new listings somewhat
hard to come by,” he said. “Pending listings
are 27 percent higher than this time last
year, with about 17 percent more properties
sold, based on our local MLS data from
one year ago. We have several variables
pushing this market – low interest rates, a
64 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE • January/February • 2021
strong economy, growth, and of course, the
pandemic. An increase in home values has
promoted upgrades in currently-owned
homes, while record low interest rates have
benefi ted families and homeowners by
providing additional opportunities to either
refi nance or upgrade to a more valuable
home.”
Jones knows the primary factors driving
this fl ux are the fact that we live in an
“outdoor friendly” area with an easy means
to fi nd socially distanced activities.
“I believe it will continue to be a desirable
area for prospective residents to relocate
to from otherwise more populated areas;
especially during these unprecedented
times,” he said. “As more families adapt
to this new reality, they are staying home
to work remotely or to homeschool their
children. In many cases this creates a
situation where they need more space,
and that encourages them to inquire about
upgrading to a larger home. The greater
Englewood area continues to be a popular
destination for both permanent and
seasonal retirees, which in turn continues to
promote new construction and growth.”
Jones said the western area of Charlotte
County has more new homes being
permitted than anywhere else in the county.
With these above-average permit numbers,
more new homes are being built. This
equates to an economy providing more
higher-paying jobs, benefi cial competition
for workers and laborers, and a thriving
Charlotte County for residents.
“As a broker who has been through the
ups and downs, I do not see any downturn
with this market in the near future,” he
said. “From a local real estate perspective,
what we are witnessing does not point
to a looming fi nancial crisis. Most of our
buyers are out of state and/or upgrading
(not investors), and many buyers are paying
cash. I am an optimist, and if I had a crystal
ball, I would see a very strong future for our
local economy and area.”
His advice for someone looking to buy
or rent is to reach out to an agent about six
months prior to needing a residence.
“We manage more than 100 properties,”