Fort Myers, with its enviable weather, beautiful beaches and resort-quality lifestyle, is attracting the attention of homebuyers and investors around the country. While much of the country's real estate market continues to struggle, Fort Myers real estate appears to be on the rebound. There are several indicators helping to fuel optimism, and investors already appear to be taking advantage of buying opportunities.

According to a recent report by Realtor.com, the Fort Myers area is one of the most searched real estate markets in the country. This indicates that homebuyers are actively looking for real estate in Fort Myers, either as investment property, as a second home or perhaps as a place to relocate for year-round living.

In addition to the increased number of homebuyers searching the Fort Myers area, the median home sales price for Fort Myers homes is also on the rise. Compared to a year ago, as of September 2011, the median home price increased 27.4%. This shows that the area is certainly on the rebound, and definitely bears looking at for investment. With prices well above what they were a year ago, smart buyers are looking at homes for sale in Fort Myers now, before the prices go up even higher.

Another encouraging sign about the Fort Myers real estate market is that the active sale inventory has decreased slightly compared to last year. That means that with less inventory, and prices on the rise, it signals that the area is poised for greater real estate growth.

Real estate experts and researchers have found other encouraging signs in the region. Realtor Magazine placed Fort as the number two market in the nation poised for recovery and price rebound—only Miami ranked higher.

The University of Florida's Survey of Emerging Market Conditions, released at the end of 2010, revealed optimism increasing slowly but steadily. The survey is the most extensive of Florida professional real estate analysts and investors conducted on an ongoing basis. The investment outlook rose in a majority of the property types, and the statewide outlook was the highest since the survey's inception in 2006According to the university researchers, survey respondents' expectations for investment in residential development increased for both single-family homes and condominiums. Overall, the market appears to be improving and will continue to improve throughout 2011.

All the indicators suggest that Fort Myers houses for sale are a great investment opportunity. But beyond just the numbers, it's the lifestyle and sunshine that continue to draw prospective homeowners to this area. With terrific golf courses, wonderful restaurants and shopping centers, lively festivals, concerts and sporting events, plus a charming and quaint historic downtown, Fort Myers is a great city to invest in and to live in. For more information about real estate opportunities in Fort Myers, visit Paseo-FtMyers.com.