The Bonita Springs-based developer of luxury residential communities reports contract values on the new orders is up 33% over the same month in 2000. In light of increased concern about the health of the homebuilding industry, the company opted to issue a monthly status report, in addition to its regularly quarterly reports.

Jerry Starkey, WCI Communities' president, says the increase in contract value is consistent with a company strategy to raise prices and fill more price points in its traditional and tower development business.

"While total traffic was off as much as 50% in September, it has rebounded to a point where we are now off only 15%, and we continue to see traffic strengthen at most of our communities," Starkey says in a prepared statement. "We are encouraged by these trends and believe the strong increase in contract values demonstrate the resilience of the markets we serve."