Photo Credit: BAREFOOT BEACH PROPERTIES℠
Cynthia Joannou is a Broker/Associate and Co-Founder of Barefoot Beach Properties, Naples, Florida, luxury property consultants specializing in coastal residences. Joannou has been a Naples resident since 1998, after living in New York and Germany, and is fluent in German and French. She also has an extensive sales and marketing background, as well as 20 years’ experience as a Naples area REALTOR. Her international background, together with her ability to listen to and understand her clients’ needs, has attracted both buyers and sellers based in the U.S. as well as from Canada, Europe, Asia. Haute Residence caught up with Joannou to discuss Barefoot Beach and her predictions for the real estate market in 2020
What are some predictions you have for the market in 2020?
Photo Credit: BAREFOOT BEACH PROPERTIES℠
2019 was another fantastic year for Barefoot Beach, Bonita Beach and the Naples, Florida, real estate market in general. Pricing has consistently increased year over year, and it has really been a “sellers’ market” since 2016, mainly due to the relatively low inventory levels of properties held for sale. A very strong economy and stock market have continued to fuel demand for luxury properties in our market area, as have the demographics of the baby boomer generation as well as state tax considerations. We expect all of these trends to continue well into 2020, and to more than offset any uncertainties related to the election, and therefore predict that pricing will continue to rise, albeit at a sustainable pace.
How has Barefoot Beach, Bonita Beach and Bonita Springs changed over the last 5 years?
Photo Credit: BAREFOOT BEACH PROPERTIES℠
The visuals of southwest Florida’s Barefoot Beach and Bonita Beach have really changed over the last 5 years. What used to be small wooden beach cottages lining Hickory Blvd. and Barefoot Beach Blvd., are now being torn down to make room for four-level vacation dream-homes with every luxury amenity imaginable. These new “tower” homes often span over 9,000 sqft in total area, have elevated infinity pools and offer magnificent 180 degree Gulf of Mexico views spanning from Sanibel Island lighthouse to the north to the skyline of Naples’ posh Park Shore Beach to the south, all within steps of the powdery white sand and the soothing surf of the Gulf beaches.
