Charlotte County, A Century in the Making

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May 17, 2021

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For More Information on the Author Paul Andrews, ERA Advantage Reality, CLICK HERE!


This month Charlotte County will celebrate its centennial anniversary. What a difference a century makes!Southwest Florida has been inhabited for thousands of years, first by indigenous people and Seminole Indians, and later by European explorers, fisherman, pioneers, homesteaders and cattlemen. Still, it wasnt until the early 1900s that modern development began.
The Boom Years
Charlotte County itself was created in 1921 when it was carved out of Desoto County. Real estate developers began to attract people from the North during the brief land boom of the 1920s. Railroads helped develop industry and tourism, and by mid-century vacationers flocked to our area to enjoy fishing, boating and nature. Ultimately, air conditioning changed life dramatically in Florida, and the thriving Charlotte County we know today began to take shape.
Charlotte County Today
Todays homebuyers share the same dream as many of Charlotte Countys early settlers: natural beauty, economic opportunity, and a refuge from cold, overcrowded city life. Sadly, $6,000 wont buy a single-family home the way it did in 1921, but the dream of home ownership is still within reach if you have the right guide.
Todays medium home price is $275,000, but its lack of inventory that is driving the local market. As potential sellers ride out the pandemic, inventory has plunged to a scant 1.3-month supply, down 67.5% year-over-year. Fewer options continue to drive higher prices and quick sales for those who decide to downsize or cash out. If you have a house or property that you been thinking about selling, now is the time. Give me a call!
For buyers, preparation and decisiveness are key. Buyers need to be pre-approved, know what they want and be prepared to make a quick offer when they find it. The good news is that interest rates remain historically low in the 3% range. New construction in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte also promises to bring fresh options to a constricted market.
Looking Forward
Southwest Florida isnt the rugged outpost it was a century ago, but much of its wild beauty remains in pristine beaches, coastal marshes and inland waterways, attracting a throng of new inhabitants to our little slice of paradise.
As a longtime Charlotte County resident, Ive witnessed much growth and change over the years and join my fellow citizens in honoring its centennial celebration.
The dream of homeownership is as palpable as it was 100 years ago. If your housing needs have changed and youre ready for anewhappily ever after, it would be my honor to help make your dream a reality.

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