There appears to be "glimmers of good news,î said Rick Goodwin, Publisher of Unique Homes magazine at a Coldwell Banker PreviewsÆ networking event. ìAre you ready for the rebound in real estate?"

Timing couldnít be better.

In Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estateís Southwest Region, the upper-end market has remained active in the off season months in Naples with 15 sales over $1 million in October alone. The Sarasota real estate market ó typically trended behind Naples ó is now showing progress on the luxury front. Roger Pettingell recorded sales totaling $8 million in volume. Lynne Koy had four sales in excess of $5 million in October. Barbara Ackerman recently listed an incredible $12 million home on the much sought after Gulf of Mexico in Longboat Key.

The market is on the move and now is the time to buy luxury. Affluent buyers are upgrading their homes taking advantage of deals before prices start escalating. Many local buyers are selling and moving up to a home of their dreams.

"When inventory was at historic highs in 2006, there was always another home to consider," said Sue Wolverton, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Regional Senior Vice President of Southwest Florida. "The same is no longer true with some homes receiving multiple offers. It is exciting to see the recent improvement in upscale homes.î

Coldwell Banker Previews InternationalÆ property specialists are keeping in step with the latest trends concerning affluent buyers and the luxury real estate market. In October, industry experts Goodwin and Chris Ramey, Chairman of The Luxury Marketing Council Florida, presented to the specialists in Sarasota and Naples. Ramey shared statistics, 10 lifestyles characterizing the affluent (www.bloginsightcb.com) and their shopping habits, saying, ìAbout 80 percent of US wealth is new wealth. The total number of multi-millionaires in the US is just under a million."

• 84% of affluent buyers describe themselves as ìmiddle classî at heart
• 82% believe in ìstealth wealthî (privately indulging)
• 61% are still on the front lines of business

(Source: Harrison Group)

Goodwin shares 10 luxury trends on www.bloginsightcb.com.

The collaboration of a luxury marketing program, Coldwell Banker Previews InternationalÆ and industry experts helps strengthen associates skills and knowledge to continue to sell luxury properties in todayís real estate market.