It’s another happy Friday with SanibelSusan again reporting a busy week for The Sanibel Susan Team. Who said “season is over?”

This week, our company had good action with listings shown, new listings and new offers received, new sales negotiated, and we been out showing property too.

Below, after a couple of news items, is the activity posted in the Sanibel and Captiva Multiple Listing Service over the last seven days.

What A Difference a Year Makes

Though plenty of “under contract” listings remain on the books with many expected to close in May, it is interesting to take a snapshot of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service statistics now compared to the same time last year.

Below are the closed sales from the first of the year until today. What a difference a year makes!

SANIBEL SALES from January 1 to April 24

                2015                        2014

Type       #      Average $        #     Average $

Condos   59   $718,979          52   $679,516

Homes    87    $860,546         68   $787,446

Lots        16     $283,150        10    $510,356

CAPTIVA SALES from January 1 to April 24

                2015                      2014

Type        #       Average $     #     Average $

Condos  13      $1,212,538    6     $443,667

Homes   8        $3,060,312   11  $2,732,045

Lots        2        $2,847,500      0     N/A

Wondering how many properties are available and remaining to be sold? Or how many are under contract awaiting closing?

SANIBEL UNDER CONTRACT: 29 condos, 64 homes, and 10 lots.

CAPTIVA UNDER CONTRACT: 6 condos, 3 homes, and 2 lots.

FOR SALE ON SANIBEL: 106 condos, 131 homes, and 77 lots

FOR SALE ON CAPTIVA: 41 condos, 47 homes, and 3 lots.

Yes, the market is on the upswing and The SanibelSusan Team is looking for listings!

April Membership Meeting – Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Yesterday, at our local Realtors® April Membership Meeting guest speakers were SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) Director of Natural Resources, Rae Ann Wessel, and two Sanibel City Councilmen – the newest member Chauncey Goss and long-standing member Jim Jennings.

With discussion focused around water quality and how it affects all of us including real estate values, the speakers were complimentary about the report recently finalized by Florida Realtors® titled “The Impact of Water Quality on Florida’s Home Values” (Here’s a link: valueshttp://www.floridarealtors.org/ResearchAndStatistics/Other-Research-Reports/upload/FR_WaterQuality_Final_Mar2015.pdf). The persistent hard work by many local Realtors® was the impetus behind this report which is now a tool available for and used by our speakers and other officials in proving their point about the effects of water quality on businesses and property here.

Rae Ann advised that this summer with El Nino effects expected, the rainy season may be much like it was in 2013 and 2005 when there were high water releases from Lake “O” which resulted in fresh water being pushed down the Caloosahatchee River and some miles out into the gulf.

Florida voters – 75% of them – spoke loud and clear in support of protecting the state’s natural resources when Amendment 1 was approved. Now, we also must assure that the funding (estimated at more than $700M this year alone) is spent for the projects and purposes identified in the amendment. If you haven’t yet voiced your support, please to go SCCF’s web site to learn more. The end of a 2015 Land Purchase Option is coming up so it is important that projects to both improve water flow and store water remain in the minds of our state and federal leaders. http://www.sccf.org/content/292/Amendment-1—-Protect-Our-Voter-Mandate.aspx

Councilmen also spoke of the City’s recent work toward policies that will help in redevelopment, particularly of old commercial spaces. The need to come up with solutions to island “high season” traffic problems was discussed too. They expect we will hear more on that subject in the upcoming months.

During the Caravan portion of the meeting, only three properties were announced as being on tour, so beginning May 1 these Thursday morning weekly meetings will transition to the summer schedule of every other week. That schedule will continue until listing inventory increases significantly, usually November.

Time Is Running Out

As follow-up to my mention of the need to contact legislative leaders about using the funds to support Amendment 1, I noticed the following message yesterday on “Ding on the Wing” online:

 

“Only a very short time remains until the Florida legislature and Governor Scott decide on the use of Amendment 1 money.  The EAA Reservoir Project is an essential element in the restoration of the Everglades and, as a result, will help dramatically reduce the summer flow of contaminated water from Lake Okeechobee into the Caloosahatchee and hence the  Refuge watershed.  Funding must be secured by April to make this happen. Buy the Land to Start the Plan. This is an investment in our community, our economy and our future.  Thanks for taking action today!

“Even if you have contacted Governor Scott before, please do so again  Click Here.  Even if you are not a Florida resident, but come to Southwest Florida or own a second home, your voice matters.  Drinking water and wildlife will be negatively impacted, as well as the economy.   Please contact the governor TODAY.”

Southwest Florida International Airport

Our friends at Oceans Reach posted the following info on their Facebook page this week. Good scoop about how the local Southwest Florida airport continues to expand their service, making it easier than ever to get to your favorite beach destination!

“Here is the latest air service news from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. The following airlines are adding new or additional routes:

“Air Canada Air Canada will operate up to four weekly flights to Toronto (YYZ) this summer, compared to two flights during the same period last year. Flights can be booked at www.aircanada.com.

“Frontier Airlines Frontier will inaugurate daily nonstop service to Cincinnati (CVG) on April 30. Frontier recently started weekly nonstop service to Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Cleveland (CLE), Milwaukee (MKE), St. Louis (STL) and Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD). This will complement their existing service to Denver (DEN) and Trenton (TTN). Flights can be booked at www.flyfrontier.com.

“Southwest Airlines Southwest will inaugurate weekly nonstop service to Houston-Hobby (HOU) on April 11, 2015. Southwest recently resumed seasonal daily nonstop service to Kansas City (MCI); Saturday-only service to Albany (ALB), Boston (BOS), Cleveland (CLE), Denver (DEN), Islip (ISP) and Minneapolis (MSP). Flights can be booked at www.southwest.com.

“Spirit Airlines Spirit will inaugurate daily nonstop service to Atlanta (ATL) on Sept. 10, 2015. Spirit recently started weekly nonstop service to Cleveland (CLE) and Latrobe/Pittsburgh’s Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE). Flights can be booked at www.spirit.com.

“Sun Country Sun Country will inaugurate weekly nonstop service to San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) on May 3. The flights will operate on Thursdays and Sundays through Aug. 23, 2015. This will complement Sun Country’s daily nonstop service to Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP). Flights can be booked at www.suncountry.com.

“WestJet WestJet will operate up to five weekly flights to Toronto (YYZ) this summer, compared to four flights during this same period last year. Flights can be booked at www.westjet.com.

“For additional details and the full list of nonstop destinations serviced from RSW, please click here.”

Upcoming Prescribed Burns on Sanibel

As reported in today’s “Island Sun”, “on Monday, a public information meeting was held at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Visitors & Education Center with refuge personnel, city and conservation staff and officials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service discussing the plan for prescribed burn location on Sanibel this spring and summer.

“Currently, six locations on the island are being targeted for burns this year. They include”

• The refuge’s Botanical Site, located south of Sanibel-Captiva Road across from The Sanibel School.
• SCCF’s Center Tract, located between Sanibel-Captiva Road and Lake Murex Circle.
• The Postell Tract, located between Rabbit Road and the Lake Murex subdivision.
• Sanibel Gardens Preserve, located off Island Inn Road.
• Frannie’s Preserve, located off Tarpon Bay Road.
• Gulfside City Park, located between Algiers Lane and Casa Ybel Road.

“These spots include not just what we’re planning this spring and summer, but what our partners are planning to do,” Refuge Manager Paul Tritaik told the crowd. “What we want to have is a safe and effective burn for us and for the local wildlife.”

“Fire is a natural part of Florida’s ecosystem, historically set by lightning. Because of this history of periodic fires, many of Florida’s natural communities are adapted to burning. “Many plants and animals depend on and benefit from fire. Without fire, native plants and animals have a much harder time surviving in these habitats,” said Tritaik.”

“…Carefully planning and conducting managed burns can prevent the likelihood of catastrophic wildfires and help preserve the natural ecology of the area. Fire managers evaluate environmental conditions – including temperature, relative humidity, recent rainfalls, wind speed and direction and soil moisture – in order to determine the type of burn that can be conducted.

“…Prescribed fire burn plans have been approved by regional fire experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and authorization will be obtained from the state of Florida immediately prior to conducting prescribed burns. The refuge will implement prescribed burning as soon as the property conditions are present. USFWS firefighters from the Southern Florida/Caribbean Fire District and other agency partners including the National Park Service and Florida Forest Service – will be conducting the burns along with assistance from local agencies, which include the Sanibel Police Department, Sanibel Fire & Rescue District, the City of Sanibel and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.

“…”We’re not going to be burning more than one location at a time,” Tritaik assured residents attending the meeting.

“Prescribe burns have been conducted for many years at J.N. “Ding” Carling National Wildlife Refuge and have demonstrated to be a cost-effective tool for reducing the risk of serious wildfires. Due to difficulties in predicting weather, the refuge is not able to notify the public of the exact day the prescribed burn will be conducted. However, landowners adjacent to the burn areas and local fire departments will be notified as soon as conditions warrant the scheduling of a burn (usually 24 to 48 hours advanced notice).

“According to Supervisory Refuge Manager Toni Westland, burn managers and partners will staff an information booth at The Sanibel Recreation Center to answer questions before and during a prescribed burn….”

“Reducing The Risk of Wildfires – As a homeowner, there are many things that you can do to reduce the wildfire risk around your home. Suggestions include:

• Trimming dead palm fronds from trees.
• Trimming any tall grasses near the home.
• Pruning large, leafy hardwood trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet high.
• Removing combustible materials such as gasoline containers, firewood and building supplies from being stored underneath or around the home.
• Keeping mulch and other landscaping material well watered.”

“Health Matters – What Should You Do? – On the day of a prescribed burn, people who may be negatively affected by health issues triggered by smoke should consider doing the following:

• Stay indoors
• Close your windows and turn on your air conditioning unit
• Make sure you have all of your medications on hand (i.e., asthma inhalers, oxygen tanks, pills, etc.)
• Bring your pets indoors
• If possible, leave the island for the duration of the prescribed burn.”

The Sanibel School Seahorse Festival 2015

The Sanibel School Seahorse Festival 2015 is coming up on Saturday, May 2 from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club. Open to the public, adults are free, children $10, parking $5.

Come out and support the island’s blue ribbon school.

Family fun for a great cause. www.SanibelSchool.org

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity April 17-24 

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Spanish Cay #F2 1/1 $274.9K (our listing), Captains Walk #F6 2/2 $319.9K, Ibis at The Sanctuary #A301 2/2 $463K, Sundial #O201 2/2 $699K (our listing).

1 price change: West Shore #3 3/3 now $1.749M.

8 new sales: Spanish Cay #A7 1/1 listed for $249.9K (our listing), Coquina Beach #4B 2/2 listed for $449K, Loggerhead Cay #353 2/2 listed for $499K (our listing), Mariner Pointe #421 2/2.5 townhome listed for $599K, Nutmeg Village #304 2/2 listed for $649.9K, Pelicans Roost #101 2/2 listed for $775K (our sale), Seascape #105 3/3 listed for $1.825M, Seascape #205 3/3 listed for $1.849M.

4 closed sales: Sundial #I301 1/1 $365K, Sanibel Siesta #105 2/2 $398K, Kings Crown #216 2/2 $899.5K, Kings Crown #101 2/2 $1.05M.

HOMES

5 new listings: 1065 Fish Crow Rd 2/2 $799K, 9470 Balsa Ct 3/3 $825K, 1041 Blue Heron Dr 3/2.5 $839K, 932 Whelk Dr 3/3 $1.55M, 1126 Harbour Cottage Ct 3/2 $1.695M.

4 price changes: 9012 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 now $579K, 1024 S Yachtsman Dr 3/2 duplex now $599.9K, 1710 Sand Pebble Way 3/2 now $679K, 1490 Middle Gulf Dr 3/4.5 now $1.695M.

5 new sales: 4109 Sanibel Captiva Rd 2/1 listed for $389K, 741 Nerita St 3/2 listed for $639.9K, 1842 Woodring Rd 3/3.5 listed for $1.998M, 4627 Rue Belle Mer 3/2.5 listed for $2.995M, 1204 Isabel Dr 3/3.5 listed for $3.795M.

5 closed sales: 581 East Rocks Dr 3/2 $378K (short sale), 1825 Ardsley Way 3/2 $480K, 728 Windlass Way 3/2 $615K, 1209 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 $730K, 401 Lagoon Dr 4/4 $845K, 3744 West Gulf Dr 4/4 $1.5M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 6411 Pine Ave $379.5K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 643 East Rocks Dr listed for $335K.

2 closed sales: 1301 Par View Dr $207K, 9426 Sage Ct $212.5K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Sunset Beach Villas #2337 2/2 now $710K.

1 new sale: Bayside Villas #5318 3/3 listed for $625K.

1 closed sale: Bayside Villas #5222 1/2 $312K.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 15009 Binder Dr 4/5.5 now $2.595M.

No price changes or new sales.

1 closed sale: 11491 Dickey Ln 4/4 $1.58M.

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 general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.

BEST WEEKEND WISHES TO ALL!