Pre-Easter Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate Happenings

Both Sanibel and Captiva Island have been busy this week with traffic and even some traveling delays. A few cool days and nights kept many folks off the beach and the water; and instead on the roadways and bike paths. Even with some chilly weather, the bikers and joggers were out in their shorts and T-shirts, while the locals shivered in their sweaters and jackets.

Osprey 4

CPSC2

I had my heat on three nights – which I think is a first in March. It got down into the 40’s Tuesday, Wednesday, and last night. For several days, the highs were only in the 60’s. The good news is that temperatures in the 80’s are expected again starting tomorrow so that should make for a beautiful holiday weekend.

Sanibel & Captiva Association of Realtors® Caravan

realtor logoThere was a light turnout at the island Realtors® Caravan yesterday and only four East-end properties were on the real estate tour. That had attendees talking about inventory, i.e. how it is lower now that it has been in several years. Usually Easter week, there is a full tour sheet (which is 20 new listings). As I mentioned in earlier updates over the last few weeks, homes are hot! There are 67 on Sanibel that under contract now waiting to close. The chatter at my table was that none of us ever remember there being that many homes being under contract at the same time. With only 196 Sanibel homes currently available for sale, most Realtors® are out beating the bushes looking for residential lists. Us too! Our last home listing is under contract.

Sanibel condo inventory is even less, only 173 units for sale. But there are just 29 Sanibel condos under contract, so condos getting less than half of the sales action. There are 87 Sanibel lots for sale, with four under contract waiting to close.

bicycle_clip_artOne of the announcements at the Caravan Meeting was about a document recently produced by The Sanibel Bicycle Club. It is a bike safety guide and island map. Each attendee was provided with a copy and encouraged to provide them to their customers and clients. The Sanibel Bicycle Club was founded in 1994 with 30 members and today has more than 250. Some highlights from Florida’s bicyclist law include:

  • Cyclists are permitted to ride on the roads.
  • Drivers must give cyclists a safety cushion of at least three feet.
  • Cyclists under the age of 16 must wear a helmet.
  • Cyclists are prohibited from using earphones, headsets, etc.
  • Cyclists riding at night must have reflectors and lights on both the front and rear of their bikes.

To download a copy of the Sanibel Bicycle Club’s Shared Use Path Safety Guide, go to www.sanibelbicycleclub.org and click on “Sanibel Path Map”.

Sanibelbikeclub

Top 10 Islands in the US, According to TripAdvisor

FoxNews.com published the following article on Monday about TripAdvisor’s top ten islands in the United States. Half of the list is in Florida, with Sanibel holding the #6 position. (Thanks to Scott, for once again tipping me off on a great article to share.)

“While Spring may have not exactly “sprung” up yet across the nation, it’s never too early to get excited about surf and sun. Today TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, announced this year’s winners for the best islands in America. The surprise champion was a tiny string of islands off the coast of Seattle called the San Juan Islands. “We’re delighted that San Juan Island is honored as the top island in the U.S.,” said Deborah Hopkins, executive director for the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau. “We’d like to thank the travelers who have made this win possible, simply by sharing their love of the sparkling waters, abundant wildlife, outdoor recreation and vibrant arts scene that San Juan Island offers.”

“Whether you’re craving white sand beaches or rustic wild seascapes, this list will inspire the traveler in all of us.

San Juan Island, Washington – When envisioning an island vacation, probably the last place to cross your mind is the rainy, fog-laden coast of Washington State. Maybe that is why San Juan has been under the radar for so many years. While it’s not your typical tropical island retreat, San Juan provides vistas of breaching orca whales and the country’s largest lavender farms. This quaint island underdog has definitely earned its top spot. 

Kauai, Hawaii – Kauai is the least commercially developed of the Hawaiian islands. The island is known for its wide array of outdoor attractions. A trip to Kauai may include snorkeling, tide pooling, hiking the Kalalau Trail or swimming in waterfalls.

Marco Island, Florida – Marco Island what every vacationer hopes for, white sands and sparkling sea. While in Marco Island make sure to take a day off from beaching top explore the Everglades in a swamp buggy.

Anna Maria Island, Florida – The barrier island of Anna Maria is the perfect escape for the laid-back traveler. The island offers both golfing and fishing, but the best way to spend your time there may be just laying back in a beach chair, daiquiri in hand.

Maui, Hawaii – Maui is the island to visit if you want to watch the sunrise from atop a 10,000-foot volcano, or hike across ancient craters. If neither of those activities sound appealing, there’s always pristine beaches and windsurfing. 

w gulf dr sanibel beach with more peopleSanibel Island, Florida – Sanibel is the most family-friendly vacation destination on TripAdvisor’s list. The island has the relaxing atmosphere of a tropical paradise along with the added bonus of kid friendly hotels and vacation packages.

Chincoteague Island, Virginia – When the Rolling Stones crooned about never being dragged away by wild horses, they clearly had never been to Chincoteague Island. The small island is home to wild ponies. Every summer since 1925, ponies from nearby Assateague are rounded up for the world-famous annual Pony Swim over to Chincoteague. If it’s a unique island experience you are looking for, Chincoteague is a must-see.

Island of Hawaii, Hawaii – Best known for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, the Big Island is larger than all the other better-known Hawaiian islands combined. The Big Island is the perfect escape for adventurers and luxury travelers alike. 

Amelia Island, Florida – Amelia Island is the island for those who love to eat. The small Sea Island is known for its annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Of course, there’s plenty to do on Amelia Island all year round.

IMG_0868Key West, Florida – If you’re looking to let loose on an island, Key West is the right choice. The island had has great nightlife, even Ernest Hemingway was known to throw back a few at the island’s myriad of bars.”

Easter Weekend Events on Sanibel Island

Easter Basket No WordsEaster Egg Hunt at Sanibel Community Church, tomorrow, Saturday, March 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All families with preschoolers through 5th grade are invited to join in the food and fun. There will be a duckie pond, crafts, cupcake walk, balloon drop, hot dogs, storytelling, and thousands of eggs to find.

easter bunnyThe Annual Children’s Spring Festival at The Sanibel Community Park, across the street from SanibelSusan Realty Associates, also is tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., by The Children’s Education Center of the Islands.

Easter CrossSunrise Service on the Causeway, Easter Sunday at 6:30 a.m.

Farmers market

Sanibel Farmers Market at City Hall will be open normal hours on Easter Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (The market will be open every Sunday through April 28 when it closes until next fall.)

Sanibel Recreation Center at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road will be open on Easter from noon to 5 p.m., including weight room, tennis courts, gymnasium, water slide, features pool, splash pool, and lap pool. When accompanied by a Sanibel resident who purchases a daily, weekly, six-month or annual membership, their visitors qualify for a reduced member guest rate.

Why Does The City Have a Contractor Review Board?

Sanibelcityseal logoToday’s “Island Sun” contained the below article which is the first in a series of educational articles by City of Sanibel Building Department Official, R. Harold Law, Jr.:

“On May 18, 2004, the City of Sanibel adopted Ordinance 04-005 that established our local contractor licensing process and established the Contractor Review Board as mandated by Florida State Chapter 489. Since 2004, any contractor working on Sanibel NOT certified by the State of Florida is required to obtain a City of Sanibel Contractor Competency License to work within the municipality. The law establishes three different tiers of contractors to accommodate the different technical knowledge required by each trade.

“The Contractor Review Board has nine members: Three citizens at-large, an Architect, an Engineer, licensed contractors in Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical. The Board is responsible for reviewing all licensing requests and complaints of Building Code compliance by licensed contractors. All Board meetings are open to the public. The Board meets at 4 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Sanibel City Hall, 800 Dunlop Road.

“The Board evaluates the complaints for merit and severity of violation. The Board has the authority to levy fines and restrict permitting privileges. The Contractor Review Board does NOT have the authority to review civil matters between an owner and their contractor such as contract disputes, aesthetics or quality issues.

“You can find a list of contractors licensed to work on Sanibel at http://www.mysanibel.com/Departments/Building/Licensed-Contractors The City of Sanibel Building Department is always available to assist residents, property owners and contractors to answer questions regarding the Building Code, the permitting process and the Contractor Review Board. The Department can be reached at san.bld@mysanibel.com or 472-4555.”

Big Predictions for Housing for Next Two Years

inMan News logoToday the following article was posted on-line at “Daily Real Estate News”. It sources “Inman News” yesterday.  

“Home sales are projected to post some big gains in the next two years, according to Fannie Mae’s latest monthly economic outlook. Fannie Mae economists predict that existing-home sales will rise by 10.5% this year, and by 6.2% in 2014. The economists made even bolder projections for new single-family home sales — growing 15.1% this year and 44.1% in 2014. “We expect home prices to firm further amid a durable housing recovery, continuing to boost household net worth, gradually diminishing the population of underwater borrowers, and reducing incentive for strategic defaults,” according to Fannie Mae’s report.

Fannie Mae projects that mortgage rates will stay low by historical averages this year, but the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage will rise from an average of 3.5% during the first quarter to an average of 4% during the final three months of 2013. During the fourth quarter of 2014, mortgage rates are projected to tick up to a 4.5% average. Mortgage applications for purchases are projected to increase by 16.8% this year and by 17.1% in 2014. However, a decline in applications for refinancings will likely cause mortgage originations to be down 14.5% this year and by 31.4% in 2014, Fannie economists predict.

FGCU Eagles Take on the Florida Gators

FGCU EaglesSouthwest Florida has been in a twitter all week, ever since Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU) men’s basketball team advanced last Friday following two unexpected NCAA wins that pushed the team into the national spotlight. With a decisive 81-71 victory over San Diego State, FGCU’s Eagles became the lowest-seeded team in history to reach the March Madness semifinals. Tonight, they face No. 3, the University of Florida Gators, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game airs at 9:57 p.m. EST on TBS. This national exposure is a huge boost for the university which was founded in 1991 as Florida’s 10th state university.

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity March 22-29

Sanibel

CONDOS
6 new listings: Seashells #10 2/2 $310K, Sundial #B108 1/1 $335K, Blind Pass #E206 2/2.5 $498.5K (foreclosure), Sundial #E110 2/2 $750K, Shorewood #2B 3/3 $1.595M, Plantation Village #B231 3/3 $2.599M.
4 price changes: Captains Walk #E5 2/2 now $226K, Beach Rd Villas #106 2/2 now $284.9K, Compass Point #203 2/2 now $589K, Lighthouse Point #323 3/2 now $849K.
1 new sale: Tennisplace #E33 2/1.5 listed for $249.9K.
1 closed sale: Shell Island Beach Club #5B 2/2 $655K (our buyer).

HOMES
4 new listings: 1021 SandCastle Rd 2/2 $429K, 3168 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 $639K, 560 Boulder Dr 2/3 $659K, 501 Sea Walk Ct 3/2 $999K, 3869 West Gulf Dr 6/7/2 $8.9M.
14 price changes: 2011 Mitzi Ln 2/1.5 now $435K, 1364 Jamaica Dr 2/2 now $524.9K, 9307 Dimmick Dr 2/2 now $529K, 5650 SanCap Rd 2/2 now $549K, 9319 Kincaid Ct 3/2 now $549K, 1566 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 now $769K, 4279 Gulf Pines Dr 4/3 ow $799K, 916 Beach Rd 3/3 now $879K, 6123 Starling Way 3/2.5 now $949K, 1550 Angel Dr 3/2.5 now $995K, 479 Lagoon Dr 3/3 now 1.094M, 1826 Woodring Rd 3/2 now $1.449M (foreclosure), 1748 Jewel Box Dr 4/4 now $1.475M, 1249 Par View Dr 4/4.5 now $1.495M, 1266 Isabel Dr 3/3 now $2.239M.
7 new sales: 1609 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex listed for $415K, 1342 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed for $589K, 696 Durion Ct 3/2.5 listed for $635K, 1507 Angel Dr 3/2 listed for $699K, 743 Sand Dollar Dr 3/2 listed for $899K, 4207 Gulf Pines Dr 4/4.5 listed for $950K, 985 Oyster Ct 4/4 listed for $1.249M.
7 closed sales: 6457 Pine Ave 3/2 $390K, 2631 Sanibel Blvd 2/2 $685K, 780 Birdie View Pt 5/4.5 $1.36M, 413 Bella Vista Way E 4/4 $1.5M, 1878 Woodring Rd 3/2.5 $1.95M, 3615 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $2.3M, 5071 Joewood Dr 4/4.5 $3.64M.

LOTS
3 new listings: 6081 Henderson Rd $299K, 1837 Buckthorn Ln $419K, 3830 West Gulf Dr $600K.
2 price changes: 9426 Sage Ct now $249,555, 5407 Osprey Ct now $499,555.
2 new sales: 3005 Turtle Gait Ln listed for $249K, Lot 7, West Gulf Dr listed for $1.45M.
No closed sales.

Captiva
CONDOS
No new listings or price changes.
2 new sales: Marina Villas #803 2/2 listed for $578.5K, Captiva Hide-A-Way #1C 2/2 listed for $579K.
1 closed sale: Marina Villas #801 2/2 $500K.

HOMES
1 new listing: 15180 Wiles Dr 10/7/2 $10.5M.
1 price change: 15166 Wiles Dr 3/2.5 now $3.45M.
No new sales.
2 closed sale: 56 Sandpiper Ct 2/2.5 $630K, 16730 Captiva Dr $4.43M.

LOTS
Nothing to report.

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors or its Multiple Listing Service.  Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy.  Data maintained by the association or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.  The information provided represents the general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.  If your property currently is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing.

 Easter BasketHappy Easter, from Susan & The SanibelSusan Team, Dave, Elise, & Lisa

The Real Estate Action Continues into Spring on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

 

This guy was visiting the Edison National Bank this morning.

This guy was visiting the Edison National Bank this morning.

It’s another heavy traffic day on Sanibel Island, particularly on Periwinkle Way in front of SanibelSusan Realty Associates.

lionslogoToday and tomorrow The Sanibel Community House is featuring the annual local Lions Club Arts and Crafts Fair.

The islands again have been extra busy all week with spring/winter break vacationers. Another big turnover is expected tomorrow, followed by another big change-over the day before Easter. Many rental organizations and accommodations report that they are booked to capacity. Next week also is a break for local schools so heavier roadway traffic is expected.

I had another sale this week, one of the 14 new Sanibel sales (10 homes and four condos) reported in weekly activity report from the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service below. There also were 23 price reductions and just seven new listings (one home & six condos), so inventory is changing.

Yesterday, Dave, Lisa, and I viewed two new listings that were open for our weekly Thursday Realtor® Caravan. One was a magnificent large home on four acres on Captiva Island. With dock and views of Roosevelt Channel, the main house has seven bedrooms and seven baths. There also is a lighted tennis court and a two-bedroom guest cottage, plus deeded beach access. When I tell my staff that “the best way to always be prepared is to know the inventory”, I don’t think they thought I meant, even a house with nine bedrooms. They haven’t sold one of those yet, but now they are ready. Here is a photo taken from an upper bedroom. The home is called “Sea Oats” if you are a fan of the Captiva named homes.

SeaOatsHouseCaptiva_03-21-13

The other home also has a nice view, though not as many bedrooms. It’s on Sanibel Island, near the end of the Ladyfinger Lake cul-de-sac in Sanibel Bayous. Here’s the view from the back porch. So peaceful…

LadyfingerLakeView_03-21-13

Emmy-Winning Producer Begins Local Project

Island Sun logoToday, I enjoyed reading this article in the “Island Sun” and I thought you might like it too:

 “A seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer who lives on Sanibel full-time has announced that he has begun producing a film titled The Top 20 Things To Do On Sanibel-Captiva.

David E. Carter, whose most recent film was honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, began shooting on the new project last week, spending time in the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, at the Sanibel Lighthouse and on the Sanibel bicycle paths.

“Carter is actively soliciting suggestions for the “Top 20” list. The website www.TheSanibelDVD.com lets people email their suggestions for attractions for the film and also get frequent updates on the project. In addition, a Facebook page has been set up and linked to the website.

“Carter’s Emmy-winning work includes four documentaries that ran on PBS stations around the country. His most-viewed work, however, was numerous comedy sketches that he produced for The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. The best of that work also appeared on one of Carson’s prime-time anniversary shows.

“A documentary he produced for CROW wildlife clinic in 2008, narrated by Nick Clooney (American Movie Classics host and father of George) was nominated for an Emmy Award.

“He expects to have the Sanibel-Captiva Top 20 video completed by early summer.”

Want to Attract Birds & Butterflies to Your Property?

SanibelCityHallThe City of Sanibel Vegetation Committee offers guided native vegetation and landscaping tours of City Hall grounds, which have been planted solely with native plants. There is a tour tomorrow, Saturday, March 23, 2013, beginning promptly at 10:00 a.m. The tour includes ideas for planting native vegetation that requires no fertilizer and how you can plant a garden that reseeds itself with very little maintenance, is good for the environment and will attract birds and butterflies. Vegetation Committee members will provide information on proper planting and care of native vegetation. The City of Sanibel encourages planting of vegetation that is indigenous to the area as it requires very little maintenance NO fertilizer and NO supplemental irrigation. Registration for the tour is not required. Attendees will meet at the main entrance to City Hall, 800 Dunlop Road, in front of the main staircase. The City of Sanibel is a “walkable and bikeable” community and features one of the most extensive shared use paths in the State of Florida. Attendees to these special events are encouraged to enjoy our good nature, bicycle to these events and stay FIT-4-LIFE!

Sanibel BIG ARTS Community Chorus

EntireChorus_03-20-13 Cropped SmallOur community chorus has put away its music for the summer after a busy week of performances. Sunday saw us at IrishFest 2013, Monday at the Minnesota Twins/Florida Marlins game (I missed that one due to real estate commitments), and Wednesday/Thursday sold-out Spring Concert performances. As one of the original chorus members in the early 90’s, it has been great fun as the group has grown to its 80-some members. In early years our spring concerts were performed with the Sanibel Band; but both groups have such large followings that we now have separate concerts. The band concert is tonight. This year was the first time that Chorus performed their spring concert twice, filling Schein Performance Hall each time.

Here are a couple of concert photos taken by my photographer and real estate pal, Roberta Schuldenfrei, whose work is often featured on the cover of the Sanibel/Captiva Real Estate Guide. (Can you find SanibelSusan in the 1st photo?) The other two photos are our soloists performing Master of the House from Les Miserables. They were terrific!

Altos_Basses_Tenors_03-20-13

Mike_03-20-13

Lillian_03-20-13

If you enjoy singing, no auditions are required for the general chorus. Rehearsals begin again in the fall, starting October 22, in the evening at BIG ARTS. Our next concert is the holiday event on December 10.

Florida’s Housing Market Continues Positive Trends in February

FLRealtors_newlogoYesterday, Florida Realtors® posted the following article on-line. I have inserted some statistics (in parentheses) as the real estate market relates to Sanibel and Captiva Island.

“Florida’s housing market reported more closed sales, rising median prices, increased pending sales, more new listings and a reduced inventory of homes for sale in February, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.

““Each month brings more positive signs for the state’s housing market,” says 2013 Florida Realtors® President Dean Asher, broker-owner with Don Asher & Associates Inc. in Orlando. “For example, February is the 14th month in a row that statewide median sales prices for both single-family homes and for townhouse-condo units increased year-over-year, according to Florida Realtors’ data. Properties are selling more quickly statewide, especially at certain price points – the median days a home is on the market dropped about 15% for single-family homes and 10% for townhouse-condo units in February. Plus, sellers are receiving more than 92% of their original listing price in both the single-family home and townhouse-condo markets.” (on Sanibel 93% for both homes and condos)

“Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 15,666 (16 on Sanibel) in February, up 10.3% (up 9.4% on Sanibel) compared to the year-ago figure, according to data from Florida Realtors® Industry Data and Analysis department in partnership with local Realtor® boards/associations. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written. Meanwhile, pending sales – contracts that are signed but not yet completed or closed – for existing single-family homes last month rose 26.7% over the previous February. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes last month was $150,000 ($712,000 on Sanibel), up 12.8% (up 22% on Sanibel) from the previous year.

“According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the national median sales price for existing single-family homes in January 2013 was $174,100 ($712,000 on Sanibel), up 12.6% (up 22% on Sanibel) from the previous year. In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in January was $337,040; in Massachusetts, it was $282,500; in Maryland, it was $223,469; and in New York, it was $220,000. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. Housing industry analysts note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes.

“Looking at Florida’s year-to-year comparison for sales of townhouse-condos, a total of 8,028 units sold statewide (9 on Sanibel) last month, up 7% (down 8% on Sanibel) compared to February 2012. Meanwhile, pending sales for townhouse-condos in February increased 14.3% compared to the year-ago figure. The statewide median for townhouse-condo properties was $115,000 ($479,000 on Sanibel), up 21.1% (down 7% on Sanibel) over the previous year. NAR reported that the national median existing condo price in January 2013 was $169,600 ($579,000 on Sanibel). The inventory for single-family homes stood at a 5.5-months’ supply in February; inventory for townhouse-condos was at a 6.1-months’ supply, according to Florida Realtors®.

““Several things are particularly striking about the February data,” said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo. “First, we note the continuing growth of cash sales, which are now half of existing single-family closed sales statewide and more than three-quarters of townhouse-condo closed sales. Second, we’re seeing more new listings and that trend is turning positive. This is the first sign that low inventories are convincing sellers to come to the market. Third, and related to the last point, the lowest price tiers (for home listings) are just about wiped out and are moving in a direction counter to the state trend,” Tuccillo noted. “The biggest movements in listings as well as the other metrics are in the $300,000-$500,000 price tier.”

“According to Freddie Mac, the interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.53% in February 2013, down from the 3.89% average during the same month a year earlier.”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity March 15-22

Sanibel
CONDOS
6 new listings: Lake Palms #10 2/2.5 $259K (short sale); Sundial #G205 1/1 $325K; Blind Pass #E201 2/2 $399K; Compass Point #212 2/2 $599K; Kings Crown #111 3/2 $669,966; Gulfside Place #103 2/2 $939K.
9 price changes: Tennisplace #E33 2/1.5 now $249.9K, Mariner Pointe #1083 2/2 now $399K, Kimball Lodge #263 1/1.5 now $399K, Sundial #G201 2/2 now $449K, Sealoft Village #106 2/2 now $499K, Sundial #L202 2/2 now $526.8K (short sale), Sunset South #3B 2/2 now $595K, Nutmeg Village #202 2/2 now $599K, Sundial #E108 2/2 now $825K.
4 new sales: Tennisplace #B32 2/1 listed for $249K, Coquina Beach #2E 2/2 listed for $649K, Sundial #K203 2/2 listed for $744.9K, Compass Point #183 2/2 listed for $1.095M.
5 closed sales: Captains Walk #C4 2/2 $180K, Sundial #D305 1/1 $245K, Loggerhead Cay #581 2/2 $515K, Pointe Santo #B44 2/2 $647K, Compass Point #181 2/3 $875K.

HOMES
1 new listing: 2200 Camino Del Mar 4/4 $899K.
13 price changes: 3316 Saint Kilda Rd 2/1 now $429K; 9263 Kincaid Ct 3/2 now $439K; 630 Hideaway Ct 2/2 now $499K; 564 Hideaway Ct 3/2 now $589,555; 617 East Rocks Dr 3/2 now $615K; 1511 Angel Dr 2/2 now $634K; 4570 Bowen Bayou Rd 2/2 now $649K; 9459 Begonia Ct 3/4 now $669K; 1339 Par View Dr 3/2 now $674.9K; 919 Almas Ct 3/2.5 now $1.049M; 261 Ferry Landing Dr 2/2 half-duplex 2/2 now $1.095M; 5115 Joewood Dr 4/3 now $1.45M; 1950 Woodring Rd 4/3.5 now $2.65M.
10 new sales: 1415 Sandpiper Cir 2/2 half-duplex listed for $339K, 2079 Wild Lime Dr 3/2 listed for $440K, 2560 Coconut Dr 3/3 listed for $495K, 1605 Bunting Ln 2/2 listed for $574.9K (our buyer), 4960 Joewood Dr 4/3 listed for $699K, 941 Cormorant Cir 4/2 listed for $725K, 4496 Waters Edge Ln 3/2 listed for $825K, 940 Victoria Way 3/3 listed for $999K, 985 Oyster Ct 4/4 listed for $1.249M, 3517 West Gulf Dr 4/5.5 listed for $5.495M.
2 closed sales: 5296 Umbrella Pool Rd 4/4 $530K, 3840 West Gulf Dr 3/2.5 $710K.

LOTS
No new listings.
1 price change: 3037 Poinciana Cir now $199,555.
No new or closed sales.

Captiva
CONDOS
1 new listing: Lands End Village #1616 3/3 $1.99M.
No price changes.
3 new sales: Marina Villas #802 2/2 listed for $549K, Bayside Villas #5344 3/3 listed for $645K, Captiva Cove #2B 3/2 listed for $1.299M.
No closed sales.

HOMES
No new listings or price changes.
2 new sales: 17 Urchin Ct 2/2.5 listed for $779K, 16730 Captiva Dr 5/4.5 listed for $4.695M.
No closed sales.

LOTS
1 new listing: 956 South Seas Plantation Rd $1.975M.
No price changes, new or closed sales.

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors or its Multiple Listing Service.  Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy.  Data maintained by the association or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.  The information provided represents the general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.  If your property currently is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing.

Wondering about the 5-day forecast for Sanibel? High of 77 degrees today, 82 expected tomorrow, 81 on Sunday. Cool front arrives on Monday. High only expected to be 72 degrees then, 70 on Tuesday, then back to 72 on Wednesday.

w gulf dr sanibel beach with other people

It’s a PURRRRFECT way to kick off Spring! Happy weekend from The SanibelSusan Team, Susan, Dave, Elise, & Lisa

Real Estate Happenings & The Upcoming Irish Weekend on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

It was another busy week for both Realtors® and visitors on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Families are here enjoying winter/spring vacations and the snowbirds are out in full force.

EllieOsprey03-10-13

The photo above was emailed to me from a client. Taken from the balcony of her east-end condo, it is of a nearby osprey nest. The baby bird’s eyes are more reddish orange and change to a more golden color as they grow. Their feathers are darker when they are young too. (Thanks for sharing, Ellie.)

Sanibel & Captiva Island Real Estate

It's all paradise here. Photo courtesy of JMA photography.

It’s all paradise here. Photo courtesy of JMA photography.

SanibelSusan put another condo under contract this week, so my sales string continues. Below is a snapshot of Sanibel’s current inventory, compared to sales this year, versus 2012. Homes continue to be the top sellers, but condos are creeping up. By the time we get through high season, prices will have stabilized and there will be viable comps for future new sales. Meanwhile, getting satisfactory appraisals continues to be tough. My discussions with colleagues over the last few days yield the same consensus: “We are spending more time holding deals together than we are putting them together.”

When considering the competition, it may be of interest that the condos for sale today have been on the market an average of 435 days, 308 days for homes, and 833 days for lots. Total days-on-market stats are going down, but slowing. Average asking prices continue to decline too. Those buyers on-the-fence better jump off soon or all the good deals will be gone.

                         Condos                         Homes                          Lots

                                    Average                        Average                       Average

                        #          Price $              #          Price $              #          Price $

 Available           172       718,688       207       1,233,460          88         543,944

Sale pending     29         590,559       57         1,094,561          2          594,500

Closed in:

  2013 so far      23         486,974       29         840,797           4          650,938

  2012               151       551,244       183       823,598            33         487,687

Sanibel Happenings Saint Patrick’s Day Week

Seahorse Festival at The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club is Saturday, 3/16, from 4 to 8 p.m. This annual event supports the Sanibel School PTA and the Sanibel School Fund. It includes live music, food, silent and live auctions, as well as several children’s activities.

Billy Kirkland from Billy's Bikes & Rentals is often dressed for the occasion

Billy Kirkland from Billy’s Bikes & Rentals usually is dressed for the occasion

IrishFest2013 at Bailey’s Center is Sunday, 3/17, from 3 to 6 p.m. It will feature traditional Irish food, green beer, music, entertainment, and family activities. There will be 33 dancers from the Kellyn Celtic Arts Irish Dance academy performing, followed by Irish tunes by the BIG ARTS Community Chorus, then a DJ. Rumor has it that Zebra Frozen Yogurt’s color of the day will be “green”.

BIG ARTS Community Chorus Spring Concerts at Schein Performance Hall are Wednesday, 3/20, at 2 p.m. and Thursday, 3/21 at 7 p.m. This is the first year of a matinée as well as evening performance. Good thing, as the evening performance already is sold out. If you haven’t heard us sing yet and are in town, it is an event worth catching. We are 80-some strong and after 20 years of growth, this is guaranteed to be our best program ever. Songs range from Ave Maria to The Best of the Beach Boys and selections from Les Miserables; while the singing is in languages ranging from Latin, Italian, Swahili, and Armenian to English.

Casa Ybel Resort Gets New Reception Area

CasaYbel view

Last week Casa Ybel Resort’s blog (www.CasaYbel.wordpress.com) posted that The Lubner Group, the hospitality division of Clive Daniel Home in Naples has recently completed the total renovation of the front desk and reception area of the iconic resort.

CasaYbel lobbyIn the coming months, they will also be completing a “makeover” of the Thistle Lodge upper outside deck, adding new seating and transforming it into a relaxing lounge area seating, perfect for more social gatherings. Lubner Group also completed the total renovation of the 40 individually owned one-bedroom beachfront condominiums at the resort in 2012.

In addition to the 40 condos, there are also 74 two-bedroom timeshare villas on the 23-acre gulf-front property, a massive pool area, six tennis courts and legendary Thistle Lodge restaurant. The condominiums are managed by Casa Hospitality Services, a division of Casa Ybel Resort Partnership. The fixed-week timeshare units are managed by Hilton Grand Vacations. The resort is located on the site of Sanibel Island’s very first resort, built around 1890. During Casa Ybel’s first decade, the Thistle Lodge became the favored gathering spot for celebrities and statesmen, including Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. By the 1920s, the Casa Ybel Hotel had become a full-service resort.

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa Update

Sundial BeachToday, I chatted with one of the on-site sales reps at Sundial Resort. It sounds like the finish date for the new reception area and restaurants has been bumped from the end of March to May 1. Work at the main pool area will be next, but it may be postponed until late summer/early fall so as not to disrupt the summer vacation business.

New Pond Plantings at Oceans Reach

Oceans Reach Pond 03-2013Ocean’s Reach just posted that their pond’s east end was just excavated and leveled to allow for additional nature walks and wildlife viewing.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation aided them in recommending and planting three levels of littoral plants. The littoral zone is the part of the pond that is closest to shore.

Fed’s Duke Says Recovery Is Sustainable and Will Strengthen

Federal Reserve logoAn article posted on-line Monday at DSNews.com says: “The evidence is clear that the recovery in housing is finally under way, but the question that remains open is whether the positive trends in housing are sustainable, said Federal Reserve Board Governor Elizabeth A. Duke in a speech at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Mid-Winter Housing Finance Conference.

“In her view, the recovery does appear to be sustainable. “When I look at the factors driving recent improvement and those that have inhibited housing recovery through the downturn, I conclude that recent gains in the housing market will continue and perhaps even strengthen,” Duke stated. According to Duke, home price gains in 2012 were achieved in an environment with “historically unusual factors” such as a large number of underwater homeowners, a high share of foreclosure sales, and strong demand from investors.

“Moving forward, Duke believes those factors won’t hinder the home price recovery as some analysts have projected. “I do not believe that a flood of houses on the market from households that are currently underwater or from bank REO is likely to materialize or to be sufficient to outpace growing demand,” she said. According to Duke, home price increases of 10% or less would be enough to bring about 40% of underwater homeowners out of negative equity, which could lead to more homeowners listing their properties during a time when available homes for sale has fallen to the lowest level in a decade.

“According to CoreLogic’s most recent estimate, about 10.7 million mortgages are underwater, and as of the third quarter of 2012, 1.4 million homes have risen out of negative equity. Even if most of the “newly above-water” homeowners decide to sell their home, it is likely that they will also contribute to new demand by seeking to purchase a home in the same market, thus creating supply and demand, Duke explained.

As for shadow inventory, Duke says its impact on prices will depend on the speed at which those loans are resolved. Duke noted the buildup is more concentrated in judicial states, where prices have “drifted lower” as inventory accumulated, whereas in non-judicial states, prices have recovered as inventory has cleared.

While investor activity is harder to predict, Duke believes rising prices will cause investor activity to wane as profitably decreases. Although rising prices could cause a decline in purchase activity, some investors may decide to sell their investment. Duke also believes investor activity in the REO-to-rental sector has built enough traction and will continue in some form.

“Though, in order for the housing recovery to “gain true momentum,” Duke said “demand for housing among owner-occupiers must increase.” While Duke expects to see demand from newly formed households, she also expressed concern when considering the current lending environment.

“I also recognize that these households may be the very population that faces especially tight credit conditions,” she said.”

The 10 Priciest Real Estate Markets in the World

Monaco8

Overlooking Monaco

On Monday “Daily Real Estate News” posted: “New York is the lone U.S. city to land in the top 10 most expensive residential real estate markets in the world, according to a new report from Knight Frank. 

“But with luxury homes in New York costing anywhere from $2,030 to $2,240 per square foot, it’s only about half as expensive as the most expensive housing market in the world: Monaco. There, luxury homes can cost $5,350 to $5,920 per square foot. The following are the top 10 priciest housing markets in the world and the average cost per square foot in U.S. dollars, according to the report:

Monaco:            $5,350 to $5,920

Hong Kong:       $4,570 to $5,050

London:             $3,890 to $4,300

Geneva:            $2,720 to $3,010

Paris:                $2,350 to $2,600

Singapore:         $2,340 to $2,580

Moscow:           $2,040 to $2,260

New York:         $2,030 to $2,240

Sydney:            $2,020 to $2,230

Shanghai:          $1,820 to $2,020

“Other U.S. cities rounding out the top 20 list were Miami at number 13 (priced between $1,300 to $1,440 per square foot) and Los Angeles at number 15 (priced between $1,210 to $1,340 per square foot).”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity March 8-15

Sanibel
CONDOS
4 new listings: Sundial #G105 1/1 $339K, Loggerhead Cay #311 2/2 $509K, Cottage Colony West #128 1/1 $549K, Plantation Village #212 3/2 $1.085M.
8 price changes: Sundial #C201 1/1 now $225K (short sale), Beach Road Villa #106 2/2 now $289K, Sundial #I103 1/1 now $385K, Sunset South #1B 2/2 now $539K, Sunset South #3B 2/2 now $599K, Nutmeg Village #202 2/2 now $619K, Shell Island Beach Club #7A 2/2 now $675K, Tamarind #B301 2/2 now $1.829M.
4 new sales: Loggerhead Cay #581 2/2 listed for $545K, Island Beach Club #P1E 2/2 listed for $649K, Shell Island Beach Club #5B 2/2 listed for $689K (our Buyer), Sundial #K205 2/2 listed for $775K.
2 closed sales: Loggerhead Cay #261 2/2 $525K, Pointe Santo #D35 2/2 $630K.

HOMES
4 new listings: 1076 Captains Walk St 2/2 $575K, 5307 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/3 $649.9K, 9024 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 $695K, 203 Daniel Dr 3/3 $1.2M.
19 price changes: 1401 Sandpiper Cir 3/2.5 half-duplex now $375K; 3316 Saint Kilda Rd 2/1 now $439K; 220 Palm Lake Dr 3/3 now $524K; 600 East Rocks 3/2 now $549,999; 5650 SanCap Rd 2/2 now $574K; 1705 Serenity Ln 3/2.5 now $574.5K; 977 Black Skimmer Way 3/2 now $629K; 9459 Begonia 3/4 now $694K; 941 Cormorant Cir 4/2 now $725K; 1555 San Carlos Bay Dr 3/2.5 now $899K; 786 Conch Ct 3/2 now $995K; 1130 Seagrape Ln 4/3 now $995K; 293 Ferry Landing Dr 3/3 half-duplex now $1.175M; 985 Oyster Ct 4/4 now $1.249M; 1826 Woodring Rd 3/2 now $1.495M (foreclosure); 4781 Tradewinds Dr 3/2 now $1.629M; 2981 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 now $1.85M; 2964 Wulfert Rd 5/5.5 now $2.364M; 2969 Wulfert Rd 6/6/2 now $2.495M.  
9 new sales: 1415 Sandpiper Cir 2/2 half-duplex listed for $339K, 9418 Moonlight Dr 3/2 listed for $499,994; 9203 Dimmick Dr 3/3 listed for $619K; 9470 Balsa Ct 3/2 listed for $699K; 4996 Joewood Dr 3/3 listed for $760K; 5431 Shearwater Dr 3/3 half-duplex listed for $825K; 2963 Wulfert Rd 4/6.5 listed for $2.85M, 3507 West Gulf Dr 3/2 listed for $3.295M; 4461 Waters Edge Ln 5/5.5 listed for $4.995M.
1 closed sale: 4629 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2 $465K.

LOTS
No new listings.
1 price change: 5618 Baltusrol Ct now $339K.
No new sales.
1 closed sale: 1450 Tahiti Dr $150K.

Captiva
CONDOS
3 new listings: Tennis Villas #3234 2/2 $429K, Marina Villas #802 2/2 $549K, Gulf Beach Villas #2008 2/2 $649K.
No price changes, new or closed sales.

HOMES
1 new listing: 16623 Captiva Dr $4.895M.
1 price change: 16838 Captiva Dr 6/7.5 now $5.2M.
1 new sale: 59 Sandpiper Ct 3/2 listed for $795K.
No closed sales.

LOTS
Nothing to report.

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors or its Multiple Listing Service.  Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy.  Data maintained by the association or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.  The information provided represents the general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.  If your property currently is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing.

Irish or notHappy Saint Patrick’s Day!

Good Luck to All!

from SanibelSusan & The SanibelSusan Team (Dave, Elise, & Lisa)

Real Estate Happenings on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

It is SanibelSusan, once again posting the The SanibelSusan Team weekly report of the real estate activity on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. First here are a few photos taken by teammate, Dave, while he and Lisa were off viewing properties on Realtor® Caravan yesterday. They were taken from Beach Access #7 on West Gulf Drive.

w gulf dr sanibel beach path

w gulf dr sanibel beach with people

w gulf dr sanibel beach with more people

High season seems to be flying by. At our weekly Realtor® Meeting yesterday another flurry of sales were announced. Again, they were mostly Sanibel homes. (See below for the details.) I was out showing homes and condos again last weekend and put another condo under contract as a result.

In the real estate business, particularly in a resort/vacation home environment like Sanibel and Captiva Islands, it is not unusual to year-after-year show property to the same prospective buyers, before they eventually make a purchase. 2013 for me, so far has been the exception. Hooray for that!

Four weekends of showings have resulted in sales every weekend, some weekends more than one! Sure wish I had some lookers for this weekend too – or my streak may end. Teammate Dave was out looking for buyers Wednesday when he held an Open House at our canal-front listing on Beach Road in Shell Harbor (photo below). He had good traffic.

FrontCloser3

Just four weeks of high season remain, also illustrated by the number of price reductions posted in our local Multiple Listing Service this week (also in the report below). It is typical for us to see more price reductions as “season” winds down.

Tooting Our Own Horn

SANSLogoWhat a wonderful surprise this week to receive a letter from an island client who just completed his family’s fifth real estate transaction with me and The SanibelSusan Team. As a long-time broker himself in another state, it was especially meaningful to me for him to write:

“Seldom, if ever, have I experienced the level of professionalism, trust, and confidence that I have in you and your staff. Your knowledge of Sanibel real estate and the current market is unsurpassed. The dedication you provide to your clients is absolutely the pinnacle in the real estate industry…There is a specific set of core values that your firm demonstrates that is very comforting to clients such as ourselves…We also appreciate how your “team” is working so well together.”

Dave, Elise, Lisa, and I certainly appreciate his kindness. The letter definitely brightened our day. We are grateful for our clients. When they are happy, it makes us happy too!

76th Annual Sanibel Shell Festival

1stPrizeShellFairThe Sanibel Community House across the street and adjacent to SanibelSusan Realty Associates has been a beehive of activity this week, preparing for the 76th Annual Sanibel Shell Fair which began yesterday. Again this year, SanibelSusan sponsored the “Best Flower Exhibit” in the Professional Artistic Division.

If you are in town now, the festival runs through 4 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) with the exhibits available for viewing. It’s a terrific annual event, but be warned, traffic is heavy.

News from the “Sanctuary Sound”

The Sanctuary Sign2July08The March issue of The Sanctuary Golf Club newsletter says: “The Board of Governors of The Sanctuary Golf Club has approved an increase in the price of the Equity Membership to $110,000, effective July 1, 2013. If you join now as an Introductory Member and pay the $10,000 membership fee and annual dues, the advantages are plenty. The $100,000 membership fee will be locked in. You will have full access to the Club and its facilities, and save $10,000. If you were planning on joining The Sanctuary next fall, and will not be using the Club until then, considering paying the $10,000 Introductory fee now to lock in the $100,000 Equity membership price. Your membership will start on Oct 1, 2013. (There are a limited number of Equity and Social Memberships.)”

2013 ChorusAtFISHThis photo above was taken last week at the entrance to The Sanctuary Clubhouse. These are two of my pals from the BIG ARTS Community Chorus singers who performed at the F.I.S.H. (Friends in Service Here) Annual Membership Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. Love those orchids! Chorus got kudos for singing too!

Watch for Fake Cashier’s Checks

FLRealtors_newlogoThis is not the type of article I enjoy reading, but it has good info, nonetheless. It is from the March issue of “FloridaRealtor®”:

“A rash of fake cashier’s checks has closing agents now requiring closing funds to be paid by wire transfer or other “collected” funds. In the past, cashier’s checks carried limited risk, so a closing agent typically disbursed funds at closing based on receipt of a cashier’s check – even when the closing agent had not verified that the funds had been collected. Things have changed. Counterfeiters can now create excellent cashier’s checks, and these counterfeit checks are being presented for payment nationwide and internationally in connection with a variety of real estate scams.

“Recent frauds in Florida have involved fraudsters using the names of real doctors or other professionals living in the United Kingdom and other foreign countries. These fraudsters, posing as the professionals, contacted real estate brokers asking for assistance in buying properties. Then they entered into sale and purchase contracts and asked the brokers to put them in touch with real estate attorneys to assist with the transactions. The real estate brokers, who were not involved in the scam, put these “buyers” together with attorneys with whom they already had relationships. The fraudsters then sent larger-than-necessary sums via counterfeit checks and requested the excess funds be wired to a third party for contrived reasons, such as the purchase of furniture.

“Although attorneys were targeted, these types of scams result in real estate licensee’s wasting their time and energy on transactions that won’t close. What can you do? When dealing with an unknown foreign buyer, verify that the person with whom you are working is actually the person he or she claims to be.”

Fraud has happened on Sanibel too. Some months ago, I had a buyer for a vacant residential parcel that was listed for sale in our local Multiple Listing Service. The German Seller’s listing documents and my Buyer’s offer to purchase were all delivered and signed via e-mail through the listing company. Having recently heard of a listing scam with another foreign owner, I asked the title company, processing the closing, to call the European Seller. When they did, they found out that he had no intention of selling. It seems that the listing and sale documents were all signed by a fraud with a bogus e-mail address (that was surprisingly similar to the Seller’s name). If that call to the “real” Seller had not been made, my Buyer’s funds could have been wired to a scammer. Sometimes, intuition pays off. Through further investigation, I learned that this has happened often in Florida.

Finding Homeownership Tax Deductions

realtor logoFloridaRealtors® on-line posted the following on Wednesday:

“Tax season is underway, and homeowners gearing up to meet the April 15 filing deadline can find the tax tips and insights they need at HouseLogic.com, a consumer website created by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). An overview of the tax benefits of homeownership, HouseLogic’s Homeowner’s Guide to Taxes helps filers get a general understanding and avoid common home-related tax mistakes.

““From the mortgage interest deduction to energy tax credits, many homeowners can take advantage of a variety of tax strategies that can lower their tax bill,” says Pamela Kabati, NAR senior vice president of communications and HouseLogic spokesperson. “For example, a family who bought a home last year with a $200,000, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, assuming an interest rate of 4.5 percent, could save nearly $3,500 in federal taxes when they file this year.”

“HouseLogic also offers tips to avoid unnecessary tax mistakes in 9 Easy Mistakes Home Owners Make on Their Taxes, which identifies common errors, such as deducting the wrong year for property taxes, confusing the escrow amount for actual property taxes paid and neglecting to take the private mortgage insurance (PMI) deduction.

“Other possible deductions: Homeowners who make certain energy-efficient home improvements may be eligible for tax credits. Also, owners who had a portion of their mortgage forgiven as part of a workout plan, short sale or foreclosure don’t have to pay income tax on the forgiven debt, provided the mortgage was secured by a principal residence and the total amount of the outstanding debt is not more than the original purchase price plus improvements.

“Other HouseLogic articles:
How to Deduct PMI
How to Deduct Mortgage Interest and Equity Loan Costs
How to Amend Your Tax Return
How to Claim Your 2012 Energy Tax Credits

“Homeowners should consult a tax professional for specific advice about their own transactions or circumstances. Information on HouseLogic should not be relied on as tax or legal advice.”

Ivanka Trump

Ivanka Trump

I got a chuckle from this quote, also from the March “FloridaRealtor®” magazine. It is by American businesswoman and daughter of real estate mogul Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump.

She said, “Real estate is my life. It is my day job, if you will. But it consumes my nights and weekends, too.”

We know the feeling, Ivanka; but it’s all good!

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity March 1-8

Sanibel
CONDOS
2 new listings: Sanibel Arms West #G7 2/2 $499K, White Pelican #112 2/2 $850K.
7 price changes: Casa Blanca #6 1/1 now $264.9K, Sundial #L202 2/2 now $499K (short sale), Sanddollar #B104 2/2 now $889K, White Pelican #111 2/2 now $899K, High Tide #A101 2/2 now $1.225M, Pine Cove #104 3/2 now $1.25M, Seascape #104 3/3 now $2.595M.
5 new sales: Lake Palms #2 2/2.5 listed for $259K (our sale), Villa Sanibel #2H 2/2 listed for $520K, Sundial #J207 2/2 listed for $529K, Seascape #302 3/3.5 listed for $1.324M, Golden Beach #2 3/2.5 listed for $1.395M.
2 closed sales: Heron at The Sanctuary #1A 2/2.5 $465K, Sunset South #6B 2/2 $425K.

HOMES
6 new listings: 1609 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex $415K, 1290 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $449K, 9484 Peaceful Dr 3/3.5 $639K, 4279 Gulf Pines Dr 4/3 $835K, 657 Birdie View Pt 3/3 $989K, 1444 Causey Ct 4/4 $1.199M, 1748 Jewel Box Dr 4/4 $1.55M.
12 price changes: 1639 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 now $399K, 945 Main St 3/3 now $435K (short sale), 2027 Sunrise Cir 4/4 duplex now $474.9K, 1667 Sabal Sands Rd 3/3 now $499K, 398 Old Trail Rd 3/3 now $549K, 9470 Balsa Ct 3/2 now $699K, 701 Heather Ln 4/3.5 now $750K, 1694 Dixie Beach Blvd 3/2 now $1.095M, 789 Pyrula Ave 4/2.5 now $1.165M, 1520 San Carlos Bay Dr 4/3.5 now $2.25M, 4949 Joewood Dr 5/5 now $2.649M, 1310 Seaspray Ln 5/4.5 now $3.195M.
10 new sales: 1394 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 half-duplex listed for $449K, 1414 Causey Ct 3/2 listed for $499K, 9224 Dimmick Dr 4/2 listed for $699K, 1066 Bailey Rd 3/3 listed for $824.5K (short sale), 1662 Dixie Beach Blvd 3/2 listed for $839K, 1141 Paper Fig Ct 3/3.5 listed for $1.495M, 413 Bella Vista Way E 4/4 listed for $1.849M, 3615 West Gulf Dr 3/2 listed for $2.495M, 5071 Joewood Dr 4/4.5 listed for $3.99M.
7 closed sales: 3344 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 $490K, 1807 Serenity Ln 3/2 $532.5K, 3311 Twin Lakes Ln 3/3 $540K, 6138 Castaways Ln 3/2.5 $600K, 1031 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 $625K, 1323 Seaspray Ln 4/4.5 $2.2M, 5035 Joewood Dr 4/4.5 $3,322,625.

LOTS
No new listings.
1 price change: 708 Durion Ct now $349K.
2 new sales: 1450 Tahiti Dr listed for $199,555; 6401 Pine Ave listed for $699K.
No closed sales.

Captiva
CONDOS
No new listings.
3 price changes: Tennis Villas #3139 2/2 now $385K, Bayside Villas #4302 3/3 now $625K, Sunset Beach Villas #2338 3/3 now $850K.
No new sales.
1 closed sale: Lands End Village #1609 2/2 $1.175M.

HOMES
Nothing to report.

LOTS
Nothing to report.

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors or its Multiple Listing Service.  Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy.  Data maintained by the association or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.  The information provided represents the general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.  If your property currently is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing.

Happy Weekend, all.

If you are coming to Sanibel & Captiva Islands soon & are wondering about our March weather. High today is 77 degrees, with more of the same over the next five days (highs of 82 forecast for Monday & Tuesday). Sure beats snow & ice!

Real Estate Continues to Move on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Happy Friday from SanibelSusan! Sanibel and Captiva Islands remain busy. The real estate activity here this week resulted in several new sales as described in the report from the local Multiple Listing Service at the end of this posting.

View east from our new listing at Mariner Pointe

View east from our new listing at Mariner Pointe

My showings last weekend brought SanibelSusan Realty another home sale on Monday. With two closings this week, as well as a terrific new bay-front condo listing, it was a good few days for me and my team. I will be out with more lookers this weekend – the fourth weekend in a row – all different buyers. The last three weekends brought sales. I hope this one does too!

One of my favorite photos by our pal, Jim Anderson. These are yellow-crowned night herons.

One of my favorite photos by our pal, Jim Anderson. These are yellow-crowned night herons.

There have been a few complaints the last few days about the weather and the beach. Another cool front is just arriving which has meant a few cloudy days in Southwest Florida. The retail establishments and restaurants are packed on overcast days though, so there are smiles here even when the sun is not out.

Sanibel & Captiva Island Sales Year-to-Date

Sunset-cropped

Sanibel home sales continue to be the hot item, with 68 already sold or under contract this year, compared to 43 condos, and three lots.

Captiva’s numbers are:  seven homes, eight condos, and one lot. With just another few weeks until Easter, local Realtors® are busy and hopeful that the buyers stay active beyond “high season”.

Island Happenings in March

Clients often ask, what is happening while I am in town this week? The below events are scheduled over the next two weeks. Many days there are several special event choices.

Notes:

BIG ARTS = Barrier Island Group for the Arts, www.bigarts.org

CROW = Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, www.crowclinic.org

“Ding” Darling = J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, www.dingdarlingsociety.org

FISH = “Friends in Service Here” of Sanibel, www.fishofsanibel.com

SCA = Sanibel Community Association at Sanibel Community House, www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net

SCCF = Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, www.sccf.org

1st     “Why Wild Animals Come to CROW”, CROW; Butterflies of Florida, SCCF;         Lecture: “The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America” by authors Don & Lillian Stokes, “Ding” Darling

1st to 23rd “The Marvelous Wonderettes”, BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater

2nd    “Florida Felines”, CROW; “Trio Cavatina”, www.SanibelMusicFestival.org

3rd & 10th “Charles Lindbergh: The Lone Eagle”, BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater

3rd     Island Jazz at Boler Garden, BIG ARTS; The Forum Lecture: Rami George Khouri, Schein Performance Hall, BIG ARTS

4th     “Diamondback Terrapin in Pine Island Sound“, SCCF; BIG ARTS Sanibel Oscar Night

5th     “Something Special”, CROW; Beach Walk at The Island Inn, SCCF; “Tank Talk”, SCCF; “Gould Trio with Robert Plane, Clarinet, www.SanibelMusicFestival.org

6th     “Rescues & Releases of CROW’s Patients”, CROW; “Coyote & Bear Tales”, SCCF; “The City That Almost Wasn’t & The Sanibel Plan”, SCCF

7th     “Clinic Rounds”, CROW; “Turtle Tracks”, SCCF; “Goat Dairy & Hydroponic Farm Field Trip”, SCCF

7th to 9th 76th Annual Sanibel Shell Fair & Show, SCA

8th     “Why Wild Animals Come to CROW”, CROW; “The Engangered Eastern Indigo Snake”, SCCF; Lecture: “How to Read a Florida Gulf Coast Beach” by author Tonya Clayton, “Ding” Darling; Fred Hersch Trio, BIG ARTS

9th     “Sanibel Shorebirds”, CROW; “The Arabesque Winds with Cherry Tsang, Piano”, www.SanibelMusicFestival.org

10th   Caloosahatchee Oxbow & Riverlore Cruise, SCCF; “Charles Lindbergh: The Lone Eagle”, BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater; The Forum Lecture: Frank Verrastro, Schein Performance Hall, BIG ARTS; Island Jazz at Boler Garden, BIG ARTS

11th   Birding at the Preserves (Sanibel Gardens), SCCF; Bike Club Meeting, SCA;        Film Night, Schein Performance Hall, BIG ARTS

12th   Garden Club Meeting, SCA; Fishing Club Meeting, SCA; “CROW’s Aquatic Patients: Fresh Water & Sea Turtles”, CROW; “Ariet Quartet”, www.SanibelMusicFestival.org

13th   “Rescues & Releases of CROW’s Patients”, CROW; Film: “America’s Darling: The Story of Jay N. “Ding” Darling, “Ding” Darling; Concert: Southwest Florida Symphony, Schein Performance Hall, BIG ARTS

14th   Art League Pot Luck, SCA; “The Alien Invasion”, SCCF; “Clinic Rounds”, CROW; “Snowy Plovers”, SCCF; “Sunset, Moonlight, & Wading Birds Cruise”, SCCF        Community Collaborations: Spring Writers Read, Schein Performance Hall, BIG ARTS

15th   “Meet Animal Ambassador, Trouper Lee”, CROW; “Photos: Candids by Bill Heyd”, SCCF; Lectures: “Bringing Environmental Education to Russia: by supervisory refuge manager Toni Westland & “Mission to China” by refuge manager Paul Tritaik, “Ding” Darling; Swamp House Party at The Sanibel Community House, SCA; Cinema Toast, BIG ARTS

What’s Happening With Real Estate in the United Kingdom

TRC LOGOAs a Transnational Referral Certified (TRC) Realtor®, SanibelSusan closely follows the real estate markets in the countries that often bring buyers to Sanibel and Captiva too. I read an interesting post this week from a UK colleague who said, “TRC’s interested in the UK market will be happy to hear 2013 has started on a good note with the number of house hunters rising in January to its highest level in 5 years, according to NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents).”

UK flagNAEA is the UK’s leading professional body for estate agency personnel, being part of a group representing 13,000 members who practice across all aspects of property services both in the UK and overseas. These include residential and commercial sales and lettings, property management, business transfer, auctioneering and land.

Florida, including Sanibel and Captiva Islands, has always had many vacation-home buyers from the UK. With their recession changing too, the trend should continue.

Osprey Cam

The osprey cam at Ocean’s Reach condominiums on Sanibel’s Camino del Mar Drive, in partnership with the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, is focused now on a mama osprey hatching three eggs.

The eggs were laid several days apart in early February and take about 35 days to hatch. Fun to watch the progress at http://www.oceansreach.com/osprey-cam.cfm

Island Wildlife Last Week

Another fun posting each week by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society is a list of the wildlife sighted in the Refuge on Wildlife Drive and on The Bailey Tract (off Tarpon Bay Road).

Bailey Tract

Bailey Tract

The list for the week ending Tues, February 23, 2013 includes many varieties:  71 different birds, 7 different butterflies, 6 different snakes, 3 different frogs, 3 different turtles, 3 different crabs, 2 different lizards, American alligators, 9-banded armadillos, bobcats, coyotes, Virginia opossums, river otters, marsh rabbits, diamond-backed terrapins, gopher tortoises, and Southern five-lined skinks. The full list is posted at   http://www.dingdarlingsociety.org/

Another JMA Photography photo

Another JMA Photography photo

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity February 22-March 1

Sanibel
CONDOS
6 new listings: Sundial #H102 2/2 $498K, Mariner Pointe #631 2/2 $549K (our listing), Pointe Santo #C26 2/2 $669K, Nutmeg Village #101 2/2 $919K, Gulfside Place #209 2/2 $955K, Sedgemoor #105 3/3.5 $2.425M.
7 price changes: Seawind #A102 2/2.5 now $424.9K, Kings Crown #313 2/2 now $610K, Sunset South #3B 2/2 now $639K, Sanddollar #B104 2/2 now $891K, Seascape #302 3/3.5 now $1.329M, Lantana #102 4/3.5 now $1.495M, Sedgemoor #202 3/3.5 now $2.22M.
4 new sales: Colonnades #C18 1/1 listed for $129K, Captains Walk #E5 2/2 listed for $224.5K, Sundial #Q301 2/2 listed for $595K. La Playa #3B 3/2 listed for $1.45M.
3 closed sales: Sundial #G106 1/1 $270K, Sanibel Moorings #1042 2/2 $383K, Gulf Beach #205 2/2 $685K.

HOMES
5 new listings: 4563 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/3 $760K; 1291 Sand Castle Rd 4/3.5 $849K; 1329 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 $989K; 1001 Kings Crown Dr 3/2.5 $1.159M; 2507 Blind Pass Ct 4/3 $1,225,555.
13 price changes: 1125 Captains Walk St 2/2 now $499.9K, 9446 Yucca Ct 3/2 now $519K, 1667 Sabal Sands Rd 3/3 now $539K, 9319 Kincaid Ct 3/2 now $574.9K, 9203 Dimmick Dr 3/3 now $619K, 696 Durion Ct 3/2.5 now $635K, 9224 Dimmick Dr 4/2 now $699K, 6009 Clam Bayou Ln 4/3 now $836K, 804 Birdie View Pt 3/3 now $1.089M, 5403 Shearwater Dr 4/3 now $1.145M, 6440 Pine Ave 3/2.5 now $1.631M, 3615 West Gulf Dr 3/2 now $2.495M, 2980 Wulfert Rd 5/5 now $3.495M. 
6 new sales: 9106 Mockingbird Dr 2/2 listed for $479K, 1271 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 listed for $589K, 2631 SanCap Rd 2/2 listed for $699K, 1216 Par View Dr 3/2 listed for $699K, 4518 Bowen Bayou Rd 4/4 listed for $725K (our sale), 214 Palm Lake Dr 3/2.5 listed for $749K, 4164 West Gulf Dr 4/4 listed for $1.995M, 3635 West Gulf Dr 4/4.5 listed for $4.199M.
8 closed sales: 4057 Coquina Dr 2/2 $301K (foreclosure), 3311 Twin Lakes Ln 3/3 $540K, 1449 Tahiti Dr 3/3 $550K, 525 N Yachtsman Dr 3/2 $550K, 928 Pepper Tree Place 2/2 $600K, 1441 Causey Ct 3/2 $671K, 569 Lighthouse Way 3/3 $785K (our buyer), 1660 Bunting Ln 4/3.5 $910K (our buyer).

LOTS
1 new listing: 860 Birdie View Pt $389K.
1 price changes: 708 Durion Ct now $359K.
No new or closed sales.

Captiva
CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.
1 new sale: Bayside Villas #5308 3/3 listed for $560K.
No closed sales.
HOMES
1 new listing: 1129 Longifolia Ct 4/5 $5.995M.
4 price changes: 11490 Dickey Ln 3/2 now $879K, 11525 Chapin Ln 4/4 now $1.549M, 15127 Captiva Dr 8/6.5 duplex now $2.025M (short sale), 16428 Captiva Dr 7/8/2 now $12.2M.
1 new sale: 56 Sandpiper Ct 2/2.5 listed for $669K.
1 closed sale: 11551 Paige Ct 5/6/2 $4.735M.

LOTS
Nothing to report.

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors or its Multiple Listing Service.  Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy.  Data maintained by the association or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.  The information provided represents the general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.  If your property currently is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing.

 

Best wishes for another great week!

 SanibelSusan & The SanibelSusan Team – Dave, Elise, & Lisa