Greg Snow - Southwest Florida Real Estate Expert provides real estate services to Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva Islands

10,326 single-family homes were listed for sale in the Greater Fort Myers area during the month of December, with an estimated 8.8 month supply of inventory - this is in sharp contrast to a year ago when the inventory supply was nearly 23 months. Sales activity remained steady at year end with 8,768 single family homes sold in 2008, an increase of 86% versus the prior year.

Lee County sales are up 100 % for Jan 09 versus Jan 08. Prices are way down, but affordability is key to making our market regain energy. Keep an eye on some of the banks realizing they could lose alot less if they reduce the outstaning balance owed to what today's values are, and avoid throwing the property in with the  backlog of REO'S.