Greetings from Shadow Wood!

As of December 1, 2025, there are 33 active listings in our area multiple listing service (MLS) in Shadow Wood. That is 4 more than last month.

For comparison, last year on Dec. 1, there were 17 listings in Shadow Wood.

There are 13 single-family homes on the market, listed from $730,000 to $3,649,000. The average list price is $1,539,531. The average days on the market is 89 days; the average total days on the market is 90 days.

In the condo market, there are 20 active listings ranging from $465,000 to $935,000. The average list price is $642,395. The average days on the market is 110 days; the average total days on the market is 113 days.

A reminder, you have access to the most comprehensive website devoted to Shadow Wood, www.ShadowWoodRealty.com. I’ve included maps, floor plans, photos, and descriptions of each neighborhood within this desirable community.

Please contact me for all your real estate needs in Shadow Wood. As a long time resident in Shadow Wood with close to 40 years of helping buyers and sellers in SWFL, my experience will be invaluable in this ever changing market.

Your Shadow Wood REALTOR®,

Ed Gongola

If you are considering selling your Shadow Wood home, here are some statistics that may help you decide to place your home on the market.

SHADOW WOOD CONDOs

• Within the last 12 months, there were 28 sales; the average sales price was $598,164; and, these condos were on the market an average of 79 days; combined days on the market is 147.

• During the 12 months previous, there were 24 sales; the average sales price was $690,354; and, these homes were on the market an average of 49 days; combined days on the market is 117.

SINGLE-FAMILY SHADOW WOOD HOMES

• During the last 12 months, there were 54 sales; the average sales price was $1,582,644; and, these homes were on the market an average of 41 days; combined days on the market is 106.

• During the 12 months previous, there were 52 sales; the average sales price was $1,687,077 and, these homes were on the market an average of 55 days; combined days on the market is 112.

For a list of SHADOW WOOD homes sold in the last 12 months, click here.

For a list SHADOW WOOD homes that are pending at the moment, click here.

Meet Ed Gongola and discover how he can help you with his concierge-style of service when buying or selling your home.

DOWNING-FRYE: STRONG INVENTORY A POSTIVE FOR BUYERS

“November was a month where pending sales and closings were better than the previous November,” said Mike Hughes, General Manager for Downing-Frye Realty, Inc. “One surprise was the high-end pending sales contracts. In November 2024, we had 91 pending sales contracts and of that number 33 were sales contracts above $1 million. In November 2025, we had 112 pending sales contracts but only had 20 pending sales above $1 million. We’ll see if that number bounces back in December. The good news is that it was a very mild hurricane season with no hurricanes hitting the United States. That is welcome news for the Southwest Florida real estate market.

One final note: inventory of listings looks pretty good as we head into our busy winter season. Buyers coming down this winter will have a lot of choices available to them in both single-family homes and condos.

The holidays in Southwest Florida are pretty special. We have a lot going on locally with boat parades, street parades and numerous other holiday events. Enjoy the holidays!”

BONITA / ESTERO: OCTOBER ACTIVITY

The Bonita Springs-Estero Realtors reported October 2025 figures as compared to October 2024 for Southwest Florida. For single-family homes: new listings were up 23.99%, pending sales were up 43.71% and closed sales were up 20.18%. The single- family median sales price was $445,000, an increase of 1.14%. For condos: new listings were up 56.30%, pending sales were up 53.54% and closed sales were up 23.85%. The median sales price for condos was $350,000, down 5.15% from October 2024. There was a 7.2-month supply of single-family homes and 10.8-month supply of condos for sale in October 2025.

NAPLES AREA: IMPROVED AFFORDABILITY

The Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®) reported October 2025 figures as compared to October 2024: Total closed sales were up by 10.7% and pending sales were up by 21.1%. New listings were down by 11.5%, but total active listings were up by 3%. Single- family listings totaled 2,345 and condominium listings totaled 2,459. Single- family closed sales were up by 11.8% and had a median closed sales price of $715,000, down 1.4%. Condominium closed sales were up by 9.3% and had a median closed sales price of $410,000, down 8.9% from October 2024. The overall median closed price in October increased .9% to $575,000 from $570,000 in October 2024. Cash sales were 58% of all sales in October.

MARCO ISLAND AREA: SALES UP 8%

The Marco Island Area Assoc. of Realtors® reported October 2025 figures as compared to October 2024: Inventory was down 3%; the number of properties sold was up by 8%; the average days on market was down by 26%; and the dollar volume sold was $76M, up 20% from the year before. In October, the median sales price for homes was $1.8M, for condos was $748K and for lots was $395K.

FLORIDA: SUPPLY, UP; PRICES EASE

Florida’s housing market in October reported more closed sales, an uptick in inventory (active listings) and median prices that continue to ease. October’s closed sales of existing single-family homes statewide totaled 21,191, up 13.8% year-over-year, while existing condo-townhouse sales totaled 7,223, up 11.1% over October 2024. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in October was $411,105, down 0.9% compared to a year ago, while the statewide median price for condo-townhouse units was $300,000, down 4.8% from October 2024. Single-family existing homes were at a 5.1-months’ supply in October, while condo-townhouse properties were at a 9.3-months’ supply.

USA: PENDING SALES INCREASE

Pending home sales in October increased by 1.9% from the prior month and fell 0.4% year over year. Year-over-year pending home sales increased in the Midwest and South and decreased in the Northeast and West. “The Midwest shined above other regions due to better affordability, while contract signings retreated in the more expensive West region,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Days on the market typically lengthen from November through February, providing better negotiating power to buyers during the holiday season.”

Sources: The Bonita Springs-Estero REALTORS®/SWFLMLS, Naples Area Board of REALTORS®, Marco Island Area Assoc. of REALTORS. If your property is currently listed with another broker, this is not a solicitation of that listing. National Assoc. of REALTORS®, Florida REALTORS® ©2009 Design by Downing-Frye-Marketing, powered by Naples Media Group, Inc.

3483 Gulf Shore Blvd. N #401

Naples, FL 34103

ST. CROIX CLUB | MOORINGS

Bedrooms: 2 | Full Baths: 2 | Living Space: 1,783 sq. ft.

$1,595,000

Call me for information: (239) 770-0561.

Tips for Selling During the Holidays

By Laura Couchanour

Buyers are still searching during the holidays. Simple decor, warm touches, good lighting, smart scheduling and strategic pricing can help your home stand out.

The holiday season is a special time of year, filled with family gatherings, festive traditions and a little extra warmth in the community. But for homeowners planning to sell, the holidays can also raise concerns. Will there be enough buyers looking? Should decorations be scaled back? How do you balance showings with celebrations?

The good news is that the holiday season can actually be a strategic time to sell. Buyers who are looking this time of year tend to be serious and motivated. With the right preparation, sellers can create a welcoming and memorable atmosphere that helps their home stand out. Here are some helpful tips to make the most of listing your home during the holidays.

1. Keep decorations simple and tasteful

Holiday décor can add charm, but too much can distract buyers or make spaces feel cluttered. Keep decorations subtle and neutral. Think warm white lights, a fresh wreath or a simple centerpiece. Choose pieces that enhance your home’s natural features rather than overwhelm them. If a Christmas tree is part of your tradition, opt for one that fits the space without making the room feel smaller.

2. Highlight warmth and comfort

Buyers appreciate a home that feels inviting during cooler months. A few cozy touches can create a welcoming atmosphere:

• Soft throw blankets
• A lightly scented candle or simmer pot (vanilla, pine, or cinnamon work well)
• Warm interior lighting instead of harsh overhead lights

These touches help buyers feel the comfort of the home, not just see it.

3. Keep the exterior clean and well-lit

With shorter days, outdoor lighting becomes especially important. Ensure your walkway, porch and entry are well-lit and safe. Remove leaves, debris and any cords or décor that could be a tripping hazard. A simple seasonal wreath and tidy front porch go a long way in creating strong curb appeal.

4. Be mindful of scheduling showings

The holidays are full of events, travel and gatherings. Work with your agent to set realistic showing windows that minimize disruption. You don’t have to open your home at all hours – serious buyers will schedule. Consider offering virtual tours, 3D walkthroughs or video showings to reduce foot traffic when needed.

5. Price strategically and stay market-aware

Inventory can be lower during the holidays, which can benefit sellers. However, buyers are still watching the market closely. Pricing correctly from the start ensures you remain competitive and attract active buyers. Your real estate agent can provide a local pricing analysis to guide your decision.

6. Lean into the emotional side of home

The holidays are about creating memories. A warm, inviting home can spark that emotional connection buyers are looking for. When a buyer can imagine their own holiday traditions in the space, the home becomes more than property – it becomes possibility.

Selling during the holidays may feel different, but with thoughtful preparation and the right guidance, it can be a successful and rewarding experience. A cozy, well-presented home stands out – and motivated buyers are ready to see it.

© Copyright 2025 The Wickenburg Sun.

2026 Market: A More Balanced Outlook

Realtor.com’s 2026 forecast points to a steadier market as easing mortgage rates, rising incomes and growing inventory offer affordability gains and more buyer choice.t.

Realtor.com released its 2026 Housing Forecast, which predicts a market steadying – carefully, after several years defined by affordability strain, limited inventory and a sharp slowdown in activity. Buyer conditions will improve gradually as mortgage rates ease, incomes rise, and more homes continue to come onto the market. Still, the recovery is expected to be slow, with existing-home sales remaining well below normal and broader political dynamics and economic risks leaving the outlook somewhat fragile. See table below for individual metro sales and price forecasts.

Realtor.com forecasts that the average 30-year mortgage rate will hold near 6.3% in 2026, down slightly from 2025’s 6.6% average. That rate relief, paired with steady income growth, should help ease the affordability crunch and bring the typical mortgage payment share of income down to 29.3% – the first time since 2022 that this key measure drops below the 30% affordability threshold. Moreover, rent prices will continue their decline rounding out 2026 at -1%.

Home prices are expected to rise 2.2%, adding to the 2.0% gain seen in 2025. But because inflation is projected to rise at a faster pace, real (inflation-adjusted) home prices will decline for the second consecutive year, offering additional breathing room for buyers even if nominal prices continue inching higher.

“After a challenging period for buyers, sellers and renters, 2026 should offer a welcome, if modest, step toward a healthier housing market,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com®. “Incomes climbing faster than inflation as mortgage rates steady at a lower level create space for affordability to improve. Declining rental prices will continue to give renters more relief from pandemic highs. It’s not a dramatic reset, but it’s a meaningful shift that moves the market back toward balance.”

Realtor.com forecasts what buyers and sellers can expect in 2026:

• Average 30-year mortgage rates of 6.3%, after higher than expected interest rates in most of 2025, mortgage rates finally relaxed in the second half of the year. We expect mortgage rates to remain roughly in this range throughout 2026 as slowing economic growth and the end of the Fed’s quantitative tightening offset rising U.S. government debt and inflationary pressure that’s expected to be temporary.
• Home prices will grow by 2.2%; however, real (inflation-adjusted) home prices will decline slightly for a second consecutive year.
• Rents will drop slightly, by -1.0% nationally. Rents in the South and West could see larger declines.
• An 8.9% increase in existing home inventory continuing the trend from the past two years.
• Single-family new home starts will grow by 3.1%, reaching 1.0 million homes, a slight increase from 2025 actuals.
• Home sales will grow 1.7% year over year to 4.13 million.
• Affordability improves modestly as the monthly payment to buy the typical home is expected to slip to 29.3% of median income, its first year under the 30% affordability threshold since 2022. This also marks the first decline in monthly payments on average across the year since 2020.
• A balanced market: The national housing market will remain in balanced territory in 2026, averaging 4.6 months of supply across the year.

Inventory recovery extends into a third year

The number of homes for sale will continue to expand in 2026, with active listings rising 8.9% year over year, marking the third consecutive year of inventory gains. The recovery is slowing as the market approaches more typical levels, but progress continues. By the end of 2026, for-sale inventory is expected to sit about 12% below pre-2020 norms, a significant improvement from the 19% gap in 2025 and the nearly 30% deficit seen in 2024.

With supply growing faster than sales, the national housing market will average 4.6 months of supply, keeping the market in balanced territory throughout 2026 even as it inches towards the 6 months supply threshold that marks the beginning of a buyer’s market. Negotiating power is expected to tilt slightly toward buyers as more homes come online and affordability improves – though younger and first-time buyers will continue to face financial hurdles.

Home prices climb, but not in real terms

Home prices are expected to continue to climb in 2026, adding 2.2% for the typical home sold. These gains come on top of the 2.0% increase registered in 2025. However, inflation is expected to outpace these gains, with consumer prices likely growing more than 3%. That means real (inflation-adjusted) home prices will decline slightly for a second consecutive year.

Affordability improves modestly but meaningfully

Rising incomes, easing mortgage rates, and slower price growth are expected to deliver some of the first notable improvements in overall affordability since 2022. The typical monthly mortgage payment for a median-priced home is projected to fall 1.3% year over year, and the payment share of median income is expected to dip to 29.3% – below the 30% threshold for the first time in four years. Additionally, this marks the first decline in monthly payments on average across the year since 2020.

“The path back toward historic levels of affordability will be gradual, but 2026 takes a solid step in the right direction,” Hale said. “For many buyers who have spent years navigating limited options and steep competition, a balanced market with more choices and slightly lower cost burdens can be a game-changer, even if conditions remain far from easy.”

Softer rents, especially in the South and West

Renters are also poised to see continued relief. Realtor.com expects rents to decline 1.0% nationally in 2026 as robust multifamily construction feeds new supply into the market. Vacancy rates are likely to approach or exceed the long-term average of 7.2% by year’s end, further easing conditions.

The South and West will see the largest benefits from rent softening, driven by significant new construction and already-moderating prices. In high-density, high-cost metros such as New York City, however, rents will remain elevated and affordability will continue to pose challenges despite broader national relief.

Modest improvement in home sales, but lock-in effect persists

Existing-home sales are projected to rise 1.7% in 2026 to 4.13 million, a small but notable gain after a nearly flat 2025 and one of the slowest sales periods in nearly 30 years. Even so, sales will remain historically low. High prices and elevated mortgage rates continue to weigh on demand, and the market is still grappling with an entrenched lock-in effect.

Recent data show that four out of five mortgage-holding homeowners have a rate below 6%, giving many little incentive to move unless life changes – such as a new job, family needs, or downsizing – force their hand. That trend is expected to continue into 2026, keeping turnover subdued even as conditions gradually improve.

Economic and policy risks persist

While the base forecast calls for a modestly improving housing environment, several risks could shift the outlook:

• Policy uncertainty related to fiscal and trade measures could influence inflation dynamics and consumer sentiment.
• Federal Reserve policy remains a major wildcard; tightening or easing too quickly could disrupt progress.
• A softening labor market could slow consumer spending, weakening housing demand.
• Inflation pressures – driven by tariffs, energy costs, or supply chain shifts – could impact both mortgage rates and household budgets.

Although a recession is not the base case, the economy remains in a sensitive period of adjustment. A policy misstep or shift in consumer sentiment could create a temporary setback with implications for housing.

Methodology

Realtor.com’s model-based forecast uses data on the housing market and overall economy to estimate values for these variables for the year ahead. The forecast result is a projection for annual total home sales increase (total 2026 existing-home sales vs. 2025) and annual median home sales price increase (2026 median existing-home sales price vs. 2025).

L I S T I N G      U P D A T E S

LISTED BY ED GONGOLA

IN CYPRESS HAMMOCK

CYPRESS HAMMOCK

9533 Cypress Hammock Circle #102

3 Bedrooms | 2 Full Baths | 1 Half-Bath

2,060 Sq. Ft. of Living Area

$575,000

SOLD BY ED GONGOLA

IN MAGNOLIA BEND

10032 Magnolia Bend

4 Bedrooms+Den | 4 Full Baths | 1 Half-Bath

5,331 Sq. Ft. of Living Area

$3,100,000

A balanced housing market occurs when the supply of homes for sale meets the demand from buyers, resulting in stable prices and a fair negotiating environment for both parties. Signs of improved consumer confidence in October were obvious in the 27.2 percent increase in new listings to 1,566 new listings from 1,231 new listings in

October 2024, as well as the 48.5 percent increase in pending sales (homes under contract) to 790 pending sales from 532 pending sales in October 2024.

“It has taken some time, but sellers are becoming more realistic with pricing, which is helping to motivate today’s buyers,” said Sherry Stein, CRB, Managing Broker, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty. “Good agents are effectively counseling their sellers on appropriate, market-supported pricing. As a result, we’re seeing fewer sellers who believe they can achieve the prices seen two or three years ago.

While those days have passed, recent reports continue to show that home values remain stable.” The overall median closed price in October increased .9 percent to $575,000 from $570,000 in October 2024. In comparison, the median closed price in October 2019 (pre-pandemic) was $329,790. However, there were 1,161 price decreases in October, which shows a continued cooling trend by sellers.

Affordable Luxury

According to Jeff Jones, Broker at Keller Williams Naples, “Home affordability is improving because interest rates have dropped a full point this year and we had no hurricanes so there was some respite from insurers. People who were on the fence last year are having a much easier time carrying the cost of home-ownership this year.”

According to the report, 58 percent of all sales in October were made in cash. “Whether we can sustain this sales pace and values hold like they are is uncertain,” said Budge Huskey, CEO, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. “If Naples was a self-contained market, we wouldn’t be able to sustain current trendson sales and values. However, Naples has garnered attention from around the country and world leading to significant capital investment.”

As pending sales continue to rise, so does overall closed sales, which increased in October 33.4 percent to 663 closed sales from 497 closed sales. The report showed 8.1 months of inventory, which is well below the 12 months our analysts consider to be a balanced market for our area. Overall inventory increased 6.7 percent to 5,386 properties from 5,046 properties in October 2024.

Broker analyst Molly Lane, Senior Vice President at William Raveis Real Estate, said, “Buyers are still concerned that prices are too high. There is some aspirational pricing still out there, but it really depends on the condition of the home and its location. In some cases, however, we are starting to see multiple offer situations, so pricing is not always out of line.”

“The data suggests people are happy with what our market has to offer,” said Huskey. “Quality homes and new construction luxury products are selling at a premium. But Naples defies economic principles because our pace of sales is about 50 percent of what it was at the peak, but the average price is up almost 90 percent.”

“There was good absorption of spec homes in October too,” said Adam Vellano, Managing Director of South and Southwest Florida at Compass Florida. “As people leave the area they seem to be replaced by even wealthier buyers.”

The NABOR® October 2025 Market Report provides comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. NABOR® sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings for 2025:

Selective Advantages

“October’s report was a reminder of what weather can do to the real estate market,” said Mike Hughes, Vice President and General Manager for Downing-Frye Realty, Inc. “Even though two hurricanes didn’t hit us last October, the threat of them suppressed closings in Naples. Incredibly, we had a year with no hurricanes, so buyers and sellers were not reminded of the threat of mother nature.”

The surge in overall new listings came primarily from the condominium market, which increased 42.3 percent in October to 864 new condominium listings from 607 new condominium listings in October 2024. Hughes remarked that many properties that were pulled from the market earlier this year are now, most likely, showing up as rentals. The median closed price of single family homes decreased 2.8 percent

to $700,000 from $720,000 in October 2024.

Lane remarked that “Florida has a lot to offer. Many people who live in high income taxed states are finding Florida a better, more affordable place to call home.”