Deal or No Deal

ANNIVERSARY EDITION

State of the Island Real Estate Report DEAL OR NO DEAL PART V PRESENTED BY JIM PRANGE AND NIKKI PRANGE-CARROLL DA D A N D DAUG H T E R

Letter from the authors Our first “Deal or No Deal” real estate report

The purpose of this report is to give the visitor

originated back in 2007 when our real estate

or the island veteran the opportunity to see

market had just crashed and burned from the

what is really happening with the real estate

1998-2005 “Disney World” days. Prices and

market. We have broken down the number

sales dropped 50%! I can remember convers-

of sales and averages over a ten-year period

ing with a fellow REALTOR® who had been

for homes, lots and condominiums on Marco

in the business here for a couple years (the

Island. This is the most comprehensive guide

good years) and was now extremely frustrat-

available for Marco Island investors. We regular-

ed, depressed and couldn’t understand why

ly update our numbers and can set up a seller

anyone would want to buy real estate then. In

or buyer to receive a customized, automatic

that moment, I couldn’t have felt more opposite

market update based on their particular wants

than him. He would bring up a negative, I would

and needs. We hope you enjoy our market re-

counter with a positive. I reminded him that

port and find it to be a helpful tool for real estate

many of the major wealths of the world were

here on Marco Island.

created through real estate and that the time to buy was not when the market was good, but when the market was bad. The way to make money in this business is to be accommodating, you buy when people want to sell and sell when people want to buy. I believe strongly in Marco Island, in our future, and specifically, the real estate market. After this conversation with my colleague, I realized that my argument was the one that everyone needed to hear and “Deal or No Deal” was born. This special anniversary edition is our fifth publication since its inception. The success of this report has resulted in Nikki and I being featured speakers for the Luxury Home Institute and the 2010 National Association of

All the best,

REALTORS® Convention in New Orleans.

Jim and Nikki

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Deal or No Deal: A Pulse on the Current Market You don’t have to travel far on Marco Island to hear people talking about real estate. The main question, “How’s the real estate market?” The best answer, “UNBELIEVABLE!” I have been selling real estate fulltime on Marco since 1981 and have seen several cycles.

I have seen the market unbelievably bad and I have seen it unbelievably good. In the last few years, it has been unbelievably hard to explain. As you continue with this report you will get a better understanding as to what is and isn’t happening with our current market.

In the last few years, we have seen some unusually high, record-breaking sales prices, and yet there have also been some properties priced less than that for which they were sold from the developer in the ‘80s. There are certain pockets and price points of our market that have seen very little or zero activity. This is why now, more than ever, you need to be working with an experienced, local real estate agent that intimately knows our real estate market here on Marco Island. When you purchase real estate, you do your due diligence on that property.

When you select your REALTOR®, you should be doing the same.

Please note that the majority of the research and writing for this report was completed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent national elections… so there is much to be anticipated about future trends. However, what we can tell you is that since March 2020, the island real estate market has been on fire. The impacts of the pandemic on our local market are detailed in a later section of this report.

We’ve concluded that barring a crystal ball, the period we are in right now may offer some of the FINAL reasonable buying opportunities EVER! When you look at the recognition this island has received in just the last five years, along with the interest rates, low inventories,

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lack of future opportunity, desire for the Southwest Florida lifestyle, and the expansion and rebirth of the island and its surrounding areas (i.e. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa, Marriott’s Crystal Shores, Marco Island Executive Airport)... it is last call!

STATE OF THE ISLAND 2020 | 3

Marco Island Closings MONTH/YEAR COMPARISONS JAN.

FEB.

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG.

SEPT.

OCT.

NOV.

DEC.

2016

64

74

77

98

104

118

89

66

72

51

64

95

2017

65

83

124

121

120

108

79

66

40

67

49

85

2018

114

71

110

115

114

103

74

62

75

66

63

64

2019

57

59

94

125

125

78

82

91

60

67

68

103

2020

73

83

149

92

61

92

107

131

147

168

152

215

2021

159

*Please note that sales typically happen 30-60 days in advance of the actual closings

The chart above represents the total number of Marco Island closings per month as reported to the Marco Island Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is made up of over 50 individual real estate companies and over 500 agents.

We compile this data to further analyze the market by identifying overlying positive and negative trends. The local market has most recently been implicated by the BP oil spill, the 2016 presidential election, Hurricane Irma and will be impacted by that which will come from the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent presidential election.

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Current Marco Island

MARKET STATISTICS As Of 02.02.2021

Active

Pending Sales

Closed for 2021

HOMES

94

107

50

CONDOS

188

131

85

LOTS

94

59

24

over a third of the island’s listed inventory had been on the market for years, was not priced properly, was a major project, or was an inferior location. It is important to remember that most of the island’s properties represent the owner’s second home. It is similar to a collector car housed in a garage... the owner is not necessarily looking to sell, but may consider an offer if someone is willing to pay their price.

With over 500 REALTORS® on the island, someone will take the listing.

There have been several recent challenges that some of our sellers are facing with today’s buyers, particularly since Hurricane Irma. Due to the enormity of this storm, the entire state was in-demand for construction supplies and services, which created a climate of accelerated costs, extended timelines for completion, and hesitation and distrust between buyer and builder/contractors, especially when the homeowner had to oversee the project from a distance.

Therefore, newly constructed or renovated properties are in high demand, while properties that aren’t updated and do not have a new roof or impact-resistant windows and doors are being overlooked and discounted.

As you review the chart above, please note that the numbers don’t tell the whole story. When there is a slow-down or a reduction of sales on Marco Island, it’s not always related to the national economy. It is sometimes due to a lack of inventory, overpriced listings, and stale inventory. We are lacking new product; there has not been a brand-new condominium offered since 2006 and that represented the last building opportunity on the beach.

A normal market reflects one year’s worth of inventory. As you can see from the numbers above, we are falling below that mark in all areas. However, I warn you to be wary of what I refer to as “false inventory.” Prior to the pandemic,

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The other major objection or turn-off is the Tuscan/ Mediterranean look with the barrel-tile roof. For years, that was the most desired style. Today, we are seeing those sellers having to make dramatic discounts or renovations in order to sell. Today’s buyer is attracted to coastal contemporary/West Indies architecture; light, bright, clean lines with a preference for sleek, flat-tiled or metal roofing.

It has been amazing to see people walk away from properties at much more desirable locations solely based on the home’s style or construction year. For those that have the vision and ability to consider renovations or upgrades, there are some amazing, undervalued opportunities currently available.

STATE OF THE ISLAND 2020 | 5

Homes

New construction is in!

Because of that, there are some extremely great values out there in homes that are only fifteen years old. The original Deltona-built homes of the ‘60s and ‘70s are being renovated or are coming down and being replaced by homes double in size. Today, there are still some amazing values on Marco Island. For example, there are waterfront homes with Gulf access that are less than five miles from the beach for under $900,000. The inventory is extremely limited, and the lower-end properties are starting to disappear. In the last six years, we have seen an increase in both our average and median prices.

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YEAR

# OF SALES

MEDIAN PRICE AVERAGE PRICE

2010

317

$479,700

$623,716

2011

350

$510,000

$666,701

2012

390

$541,950

$681,165

2013

399

$574,000

$762,769

2014

439

$630,000

$770,396

2015

392

$695,000

$914,277

2016

364

$727,500

$946,712

2017

385

$755,000

$949,423

2018

360

$794,450

$1,007,458

2019

406

$775,000

$998,819

2020

568

$841,638

$1,114,854

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Condominiums

Last call!

Unlike our neighboring communities over the bridge, we’re about tapped out. We are down to about an 8-month inventory with no new product projected. Our beachfront is fully developed and there are very few opportunities (all low density) for future development. Presently, there are just over 200 condominiums for sale on Marco and less than 100 on the beach. Typically, over 450 condominiums are sold each year, highlighting the deficiency of the current sales inventory.

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YEAR

# OF SALES

MEDIAN PRICE AVERAGE PRICE

2010

332

$330,000

$439,929

2011

430

$298,000

$433,564

2012

526

$319,000

$431,609

2013

557

$329,010

$463,525

2014

569

$360,000

$477,767

2015

590

$400,000

$551,335

2016

480

$403,750

$521,789

2017

469

$425,000

$544,783

2018

485

$425,000

$598,919

2019

462

$401,250

$526,053

2020

617

$435,000

$570,474

STATE OF THE ISLAND 2020 | 7

Lots YEAR

# OF SALES

2010

81

$240,000

$267,820

2011

107

$205,000

$287,140

2012

186

$222,500

$275,468

2013

178

$250,000

$387,448

2014

148

$260,000

$398,618

2015

179

$315,000

$417,579

2016

113

$330,000

$532,967

2017

140

$343,750

$524,110

2018

106

$350,000

$480,807

2019

120

$302,500

$425,381

2020

272

$377,500

$542,434

MEDIAN PRICE AVERAGE PRICE

As of January 22, 2021 there are just over 100 lots (total) for sale on Marco, less than 50 of these lots are waterfront properties. Lot sales can be more difficult to follow because of the number of teardowns. Many times, investors purchase a “teardown” home, bulldoze the property and keep it as a vacant homesite since there are lower maintenance and costs associated. If you are going to have real estate in your portfolio, what better place than Marco Island? In recent years, both Hideaway Beach and Key Marco, the only gated residential communities on the island, inventory has dropped to just a dozen properties in each development. Just since the pandemic, lot prices have tripled and lot inventory has dropped to just nine properties in each development. As of today, lot prices in Key Marco start at $75,000 and include the possibility of a direct-access boat slip. In March 2020, we sold a lot in Hideaway for $70,000... by midAugust, the least expensive Hideaway lot was listed at $399,000. They are not developing any more islands; this is it!

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Homesite Selection Center

Simplify your search for vacant lots on Marco Island through our Homesite Selection Center. The Homesite Selection Center features every lot that is currently for sale in the Marco Island Area Multiple Listing Service (MLS). You can go to any given area of the island and see what’s priced realistically and what’s not. The Homesite Selection Center is located at our office, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty in the Esplanade at 760 North Collier Boulevard, Suite 101.

If you want to take the guesswork out of your next drive around the island or already own property and are trying to get an idea of value, please stop by and ask for someone in the Prange office.

Luxury Market Right now, there is a void of “premier” luxury properties on the market. In January 2020, we were the listing and selling agents for a beachfront lot in Hideaway Beach. It sold for $3,350,000, which was the highest lot sale since 2017. Since then, colleagues from within our company broke the island’s record for the highest lot sale in June 2020 when they closed on another beachfront lot in Hideaway Beach at $5,500,000.

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We really feel there is a strong desire for new, qualitylocation homes as evidenced by our recent (February 2020) record sale for 475 Gate House Court, which sold and closed in 26 days for $10,500,000. This represented the highest home sale ever on Marco Island and was the first mega-home built and offered for sale upon completion in 15 years. Marco is starved for new, high-end product.

STATE OF THE ISLAND 2020 | 9

H I STO R I C

Marco

COURTESY OF THE MARCO ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

10 | STATE OF THE ISLAND 2020

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PRESENT

P R E S E N T D AY

Marco

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STATE OF THE ISLAND 2020 | 11

Purchasing “On vs. Off The Rock”...

Some Things to Consider One of the reasons Marco Island became a city was that there was concern about off-islanders taking advantage of our resources that we, as island and property owners, were supporting. Most off-island developments feature our beaches and boating in their brochures and on their websites. Therefore, with roughly 20,000 units within 15 minutes of our bridge, we will see an even greater influx of off-island residents coming to our community to utilize the island’s amenities. Marco Island is dramatically undervalued and I feel we are going to see beach and waterfront properties under $1,000,000 disappear within the next 10 years.

Recently, we have noticed a trend among buyers who are looking to relocate to Marco Island from one of the off-island communities. The competitive values available in these developments and their proximity to our island have enticed many to purchase “off the Rock.” However, a few years into their investment, many realize that access to our A-rated schools, pristine beaches, grocery stores, businesses,

restaurants and other recreational activities are not so conveniently located. When these individuals make the decision to sell their off-island property in order to purchase on-island, they are finding it difficult to sell their property as they are competing with new construction, many times within their same development. Furthermore, when these properties do sell, they often do not yield the anticipated or desired return on investment.

For years, visitors going to Sanibel and Captiva islands have paid over $6 to access the bridge daily. It is my personal opinion that Marco Island would benefit from following suit, with free access provided to island residents and property owners. That money could then be invested into the maintenance and enhancement of our island. We all pay a premium to live here and the demand for access to our beautiful beaches and marinas is high and will only increase as the years go on.

Tour of The Island When was the last time you took a tour of the island? Many of our visitors never make it off the main roads. Did you know that the highest elevation in South Florida is found on Marco Island, or that there was a clam factory and pineapple plantation here? Have you ever toured Hideaway Beach or Key Marco with someone who can give you a detailed history or presentation of the community? A tour of the island can take from 45 minutes to two hours, no selling but is a great way to learn about the rich history of our small island community.

To schedule a tour, please contact Jim and Nikki at 239.642.1133.

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Marco Island’s Gated Communities Two of the best kept secrets on Marco Island are Hideaway Beach and Key Marco. I sat as the director of sales for Hideaway Beach (1984-85) and worked on-site sales for Key Marco (1992-93). I am proud to say that I am the all-time sales leader for both areas. These communities boast some of the highest building standards on the island. We encourage you to let us take you on a tour of either or both developments, as it is only with a knowledgeable professional that you will be able to fully appreciate and understand the depth of value for these properties.

Please call 239.642.1133 for more information or to schedule a tour.

Hideaway Beach Hideaway Beach was originally owned by the Ruppert family (owners of the New York Yankees in the Ruth-Gehrig days). It was purchased by Ray Smela and a group from Toronto in the late 70s. It is Marco Island’s only private residential beachfront community located on 300 acres of the northern tip of the island. This community features two miles of beach; a nine-hole golf course; tennis and pickleball courts; kayak, canoe and paddleboard storage; a health and fitness center; a community pool and spa; and a gorgeous, newly renovated beach club with multiple dining facilities and lounge. The only beachfront homes on Marco Island are located in Hideaway Beach.

Key Marco Key Marco is a historic, 550-acre gated island community. There are only 134 homesites ranging from a half-acre to 1.75 acres. The community amenities include 105 direct-access boat slips, a community center with fitness facility and tennis courts. Key Marco’s unique landscape features an incredible topography with elevations up to 43 feet above sea level. Despite having some of Marco Island’s mega mansions, prices remain affordable in contrast to comparable properties elsewhere on the island.

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STATE OF THE ISLAND 2020 | 13

The Irma Effect On September 10, 2017, Marco Island experienced a direct hit by Category 3 Hurricane Irma at 3:35 p.m.

For hours, the island experienced a deluge of rain and was battered by heavy winds of up to 130 miles per hour. The most ominous threat to the area was the forecasted storm surge. As anticipated, the storm surge came, but fortunately, it was only 3 to 4 feet, compared to the projected 20+ feet, and quickly subsided. Although the City of Marco Island issued a mandatory evacuation on September 8, many residents chose to ride out the storm due to gasoline shortages throughout the state, crowded evacuation routes and hotels, and the enormity of the storm.

There was a sense that one was safer to batten down the hatches at home rather than weather the storm in the unknown. In true islander fashion, the community rallied together, creating groups like the Marco Island Patriots, to keep tabs on their neighbors’ safety and well-being throughout the storm and in its aftermath.

dollars in damages across Florida, you’d be hard-pressed to find any evidence of the storm on tiny Marco Island.”

A benefit of living in this area is that the local construction is built to withstand such storms.

Contrary to what we often see in the news in the wake of various natural disasters, our area did not experience the flattening of homes and vast devastation common in many other areas. We have witnessed a positive change in the market in the wake of Irma, as new construction continued, renovations and upgrades were instigated, and our strong, quick recovery quieted any possible reservations that may have prevented investment in our island paradise.

Our small community’s ability to rally in the face of this disastrous storm spoke volumes of the character of our residents, local leadership and emergency responders.

By September 13, 60% of the island’s electricity was restored. Within a week from the storm’s landfall, the boil water notice was lifted for the majority of the island and the local curfew was removed with no reports of looting on the island. On September 19, the boil water notice was lifted for all residents and 85% of the island had power. A Tampa Bay Times headline from September 10, 2018 read, “Few signs of Irma left on Marco Island one year later.” The article marveled that, “Almost a year after Hurricane Irma caused billions of

14 | STATE OF THE ISLAND 2020

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COVID-19 2020 Pandemic

Truth be told, we have been working on this report since 2015. A blessing from quarantine was that this unexpected halt in life and business as usual finally afforded us the opportunity to complete this project.

Since I began my career in 1976, I have dealt with tornadoes, hurricanes, 18% interest rates, stock market crashes, and the BP oil spill along with the natural ebb and flow of business. However, the COVID-19 pandemic combined with the recent presidential election, has created a climate of uncertainty unlike anything previously experienced.

I have always been an eternal optimist and during this time of pause, I have been able to reflect on all of the blessings I have in my life and how thankful I am to live on this beautiful island that I get to call home. Quarantine began in the middle of season and we were therefore forced to slow down during what was typically our busiest time of year. Initially, I was able to spend more time with my family and enjoy the beautiful weather outside.

However, as the dust settled from the initial coronavirus chaos and confusion, real estate activity and interest on the island skyrocketed and is unlike anything we’ve ever seen and this is without the normal investments from our Canadian and European friends.

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The current market boom differs from those of the past. Whereas the market activity was highly driven by real estate investors and speculators from 1986-1989, 1996-1999, and again from 2003-2005, a new buyer has flooded our local market. As distance working and learning are becoming the new normal, many are reevaluating their priorities along with the locations of their home offices. This newfound freedom has allowed many to entertain the dream of replacing their current surroundings with those of our tropical paradise. The purchase of an Island property is no longer strictly for investment purposes, but we are finding an increasing number of people relocating to the island just since the start of the pandemic. There is no better place to social distance than among the Ten Thousand Islands!

While we don’t yet know the lasting impact of COVID-19 on the real estate market, we do know that “this too shall pass.” We live in a resort destination area with incredible weather, amazing opportunities and a tremendous lifestyle. If trends continue as they have over the last five to six months, then our predicted shortage of inventory and opportunities will be realized sooner than anticipated.

The time to act is now!

STATE OF THE ISLAND 2020 | 15

In the 1960s

In the 1970s

In the 1980s

In 1981

In 1985

there was a missile tracking station located at Cape Marco.

you could drive your car on the beach.

I-75 stopped at Immokalee Road.

there was one stoplight on the island.

The YMCA was a single-wide trailer with a basketball hoop.

In 2008 we sold the house on that lot for $7,800,000.

Marco Island Trivia Prior to 1988,

there was no beach, only seawall, that ran from the Gulfview Club to the South Seas Towers and you could waterski between Tigertail Beach and Sand Dollar Island.

In 1998

I sold a beachfront lot in Hideaway for $150,000.

Did you know?

the Marco Island Charter Middle School was established and in 2011, Marco Island Academy, a public charter high school, opened its doors. Prior to that, Marco Island middle and high school students had to commute to Naples.

Notable, Recent Island Improvements The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort was officially unveiled on January 1, 2017, capping off an 18-month, $320 million transformation from the beloved Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort.

The Marco Island Executive Airport is completing an approximately $15 million expansion and improvement project, which includes a new general aviation terminal.

Numerous improvements have been made to the city of Marco Island’s Mackle Park and the Marco Island YMCA facilities.

Marriott’s Crystal Shores added 148 transient residences.

Rose Marina underwent a near complete transformation.

The Marco Island Hilton underwent a $60 million renovation and transformation.

Sewer conversion was completed on all of Marco Island.

All three Marco Island public schools

16 | STATE OF THE ISLAND 2020

Tommie Barfield Elementary School Marco Island Charter Middle School and Marco Island Academy (high school)

have consistently received A-ratings from the Florida Department of Education.

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Marco Island and Naples Area Recognition

2019 May 2019 - The Florida Department of Education has

2020

recognized Marco Island Academy (high school) as a School of Excellence and High-Performing Charter School each year since 2016.

October 2020 - Condé Nast - Marco Island was recog-

May 2019 - Since 2017, Marco Island Academy (high school) has consistently ranked as one of America’s most challenging high schools according to the Jay Mathews High School Challenge Index.

nized as one of the best islands in the U.S.

August 2020 - USA Today - Marco Island recognized in the Top Ten Best Island Escapes You Can Drive to in the USA.

June 2020 WalletHub- Naples #1 Best Beach Town to Live in

March 2019 - Gallup-Healthways - The Naples/Marco Island metro area ranked No. 1 for the fourth year in a row for overall well-being as the happiest and healthiest city in America.

February 2020 - Alarms.org - Naples and Marco Island are ranked in the top list of the Safest Cities in Florida.

February 2020 - SmartAsset.com - Naples is recognized as the best place to retire in the United States.

January 2020 - Parade magazine - Naples ranked No. 4 out of 8 (only Florida city) to live a long and healthy life.

January 2020 - Matador Network - JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort was recognized as one of the Top 25 Most Spectacular Hotels to Visit in 2020.

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2018 August 2018 - Vacasa - Marco Island was in the Top 25 Markets for Buying a Vacation Rental.

January 2018 - The Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island metro area — or Collier County — ranked No. 18 this year on the Milken Institute’s Best-Performing Cities Index in the nation.

STATE OF THE ISLAND 2020 | 17

Marco Island and Naples Area Recognition

2017 October 2017 - Niche - Marco Island Charter Middle School ranked No. 4 among 240 charter middle schools in Florida.

2016 December 2016 - Marco Island was ranked as the No. 3 safest city in Florida. Previously ranked No. 1 and is consistently in the top 10.

December 2016 - 24/7 Wall St. - Life expectancy in Naples ranked the highest in the country.

August 2017 - Thrillist - Kane at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort was ranked as one of the Top 21 Beach Bars in America.

May 2016 - Livestrong.com - Marco Island was recog-

July 2017 - WalletHub - Ranked the Naples area as one of the 2017 Best Beach Towns to Live in.

April 2016 - Marco Island was again ranked in the 2016

nized as the No. 1 destination for active and adventurous vacations.

May 2017 - Jetsetter - JW Marriott Marco Island Beach

Travelers’ Choice Top 10 Islands in the U.S. per Tripadvisor. *Previously ranked No. 1 Best U.S. Island and No. 4 International Island in 2014.

Resort was ranked No. 1 for the 10 Best Beach Resorts in Florida.

February 2016 - Gallup-Healthways - The Naples/Marco

May 2017 - Oyster.com - Marco Island ranked No. 3 in the

Island area was ranked as the No. 1 happiest and healthiest city in America.

9 Amazing Islands to Visit in Florida (not in the Keys).

March 2017 - Wine Spectator magazine - Naples Winter Wine Festival was ranked No. 1 (again) for the highest-earning charity wine auction in the country.

February 2017 - Realtor.com - Naples topped the list as the least-polluted city in America.

February 2017 - 24/7 Wall St. - Marco Island/Naples area ranked No. 20 in the fastest growing cities in America list.

February 2016 - Fodor’s Travel ranked Marco Island in the Top 10 U.S. Islands Where You Can Beat the Winter Blues.

2015 December 2015 - USA Today- 10Best Readers’ Choice voted Naples No. 1 for the Best Destination for Luxury Travelers.

October 2015 - CNN - Ranked Marco Island as one of the Top 10 Places That Can Change Your Child’s Life.

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It’s A Wonderful Life... Here December 31, 2020, I celebrated the 40th anniversary of my move to Marco Island, and with an emotional 2019 in my rearview mirror, I made a point to reflect on how incredibly blessed I have been. I moved to Marco from my Midwest hometown of Crown Point, Indiana at the age of 23. Armed with a high school education, a lot of energy, and just enough money to cover our security deposit along with first and last month’s rent, we set out on this new adventure.

Although I was a third-generation REALTOR® and licensed in two states for five years, I feel like my education truly started once I began my career here.

With a change in building codes, the early 1980s was primetime for beachfront development on Marco and the company for which I worked represented most of these projects. To many of my colleagues, the state of the market was unappealing, but for a REALTOR® from Gary, Indiana, the market couldn’t have been more attractive. Perspective is a powerful tool. I was excited, hungry, and living in paradise… life was good.

My first couple of years were spent in the sales trailers of the various beachfront building sites. When I wasn’t meeting with customers and prospective buyers, I was studying floor plans and creating my signature “Tour of the Island.” At the age of 25, I was given the opportunity to be the sales director at Hideaway Beach.

The following year, six friends and I partnered to open Marco Island’s first 100% commission-based company.

Over the span of my 40-year career, I have been blessed to work every facet of this market and thrive off working directly with each of my customers.

Marco Island is a 4.5-mile-by-6-mile gem. Our home attracts people from all walks of life with one common goal, to live a wonderful life. By default, this community attracts those who get involved and give back — in both good times and bad. It is a place where friends become family. Over the years, I have had the honor

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and privilege of working with some of the most downto-earth, heart of America people. Furthermore, my small-town Indiana worldview was drastically expanded and enriched by serving the influential and impressive international clientele Marco Island has attracted over the course of my career.

Get your slice of paradise and join us in living out your wonderful life.

What is your definition of a wonderful life? What are your life’s values and priorities? Is it important for you to live in a close-knit community that celebrates local traditions and special events? Are you looking to raise your family in a community with top-rated public schools and high-quality parks and recreation opportunities? Do you want to spend your days walking the beach at sunset, playing golf with friends, or hitting the tennis or pickleball courts? Would you rather spend your time fishing the backwaters, kayaking or paddle boarding the Ten Thousand Islands, or boating out into the Gulf of Mexico? It’s no mistake that Marco Island has consistently ranked among the top islands and happiest and healthiest cities in the United States.

STATE OF THE ISLAND 2020 | 19

J I M A N D N I K K I .C O M jimp@premiersir.com | nikki.prange@premiersir.com 2 3 9.6 4 2 . 1 1 3 3 | 239.393.67 12

Experience Isn’t Expensive…It’s Priceless

DON’T LET THE SUN SET ON YOUR DREAMS

Jim Prange & Nikki Prange-Carroll Dad and Daughter

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Photography courtesy of Anderson Photography. Cover photography and additional interior photography courtesy of Joey Waves Photography.