It’s SanibelSusan reporting that it is great to be back from Orlando to the warmth of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. How spoiled one becomes, especially in the winter, living in this tropical paradise. Like in past years, the Florida Realtors® Mid-Winter Business Meetings ended with an uptick in real estate action at home.

With the arrival of February visitors this weekend, there is expected to be a big turnover tomorrow of not just vacation condos but also Sanibel seasonal-rental homes. Rental managers and hotels report few, if any vacancies, next month, so we also expect busy weeks ahead. A report of all that happened this week in the islands Multiple Listing Service follows a couple of news items below.

Lee County County Commissioner Approve Funding for Santiva Beach Erosion Project

At its January 21 Lee County Board of County Commissioners meeting, following recommendation from the Lee County Tourist Development Council, commissioners voted to approve funds for the entire cost of Sanibel’s emergency shore protection project along the north end of Sanibel-Captiva Road. The nearly $1.4 million funding request will use money from Tourist Development Tax reserve funds to protect against continued erosion south of Blind Pass in a critical erosion area.

Temporary protective measures were approved by Sanibel City Council in December and already are in place and working. This new permanent project went out for bid in early January, with this work expected to begin in early March and be completed by the start of turtle nesting season, May 1.

Two Florida Destinations Were Named on the 50 Most Beautiful Places in The World List

Posted on January 28 on www.OnlyInYourState.com in an article by Marisa Roman:

“Florida sure does have some breathtaking natural beauty. While it’s true that many visitors to Florida come for the magic of Orlando, or the sunny beaches of Miami, there are a few other hidden pockets of beauty that are a must-see. Recently, U.S. News Travel revealed their list of the 50 Most Beautiful Places In The World, and it’s no surprise that Florida has not one, but TWO islands that made the cut.

“According to U.S. News Travel, both Sanibel Island and Captiva Island made the list as two of the 50 most beautiful places in the world, and we couldn’t agree more. The two stunning islands are right off the coast of Florida but taking a trip to these gems can end up being the perfect tropical vacation.

“Together, Sanibel and Captiva have around 15 miles of stunning sandy beaches, plus there are no stoplights which makes any visit feel more like a secluded paradise. There are so many different ways to enjoy these islands, from collecting seashells to snorkeling to walking the shoreline with family. Sanibel Island is known for having the best seashell beach in America, with a variety of seashells in all different shapes, sizes, and color.

While Captiva has been known to have some crisp, clear views of the Milky Way from time-to-time.

“While the two islands in Florida may look like they are one giant area, each island has its own set of restaurants, beaches, and activities to partake in. But regardless of which island you choose to visit, you are likely going to get stunning sunsets and tropical vibes no matter what. Visit Sanibel Island & Captiva Island in Florida and see for yourself why they made the list for most beautiful places in the world.

“Have you ever been to either of these islands in Florida before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more reason as to why Sanibel Island is an absolute must-visit, then check out why it’s the best place in America to hunt for seashells.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® Multiple Listing Service

Though attendance was average at the Association’s weekly caravan meeting yesterday, only a few new sales were announced. Earlier in the week, our MLS Director posted the below graphics of the islands’ 4^th quarter 2019 sales statistics.

Island inventory today is plentiful. On Sanibel, there are more condos for sale than sold last year and about a year’s worth of home inventory. Though build-out is looming, there are 75 residential lots for sale on Sanibel, compared to 15 sales last year.

On Captiva, 40 condos, 43 homes, and 5 lots are for sale. Those numbers compare to 29 condos, 17 homes, and just 1 lot sold in all of 2019.

So, for prudent buyers there are plenty of choices. Our hope is that election year politics and water quality worries don’t prevent winter prospects from purchasing. Today, the water remains beautiful with no red tide reported anywhere in Florida. (Photo below taken yesterday (January 30, 2020) by Jim Szabo with SanCap Aerial Photography.)

Some ‘Luxury’ Home Features Becoming ‘Standard’

Posted this week on-line at FloridaRealtors®:

“Builders say some the home elements that were considered upgrades only a few years ago are a standard element of most new home construction today – items such as laundry rooms, walk-in master closets and low-emissivity (low-e) windows.

“LAS VEGAS – First-time and repeat buyers say they’d rather have a smaller home with high-quality amenities than a bigger property with fewer such features, according to a survey the National Association of Home Builders released during the International Builders’ Show last week in Las Vegas.

“NAHB’s report, titled “What Home Buyers Really Want,” identified the following features as being most desired by both segments of buyers.

• Laundry rooms
• Energy Star–rated windows
• Hardwood flooring
• Walk-in pantries
• Patios
• Ceiling fans
• Kitchen double sink

“Builders report that designers are including flexible spaces that add greater functionality to laundry rooms. They’re also creating more outdoor spaces to seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor living. The survey also uncovered the most likely features that single-family homebuilders say is becoming standard in most new homes built today, including

• walk-in master closets
• low-emissivity (low-e) window
• laundry rooms

“Builders say they’re also more likely to add energy efficient features, such as lighting, programmable thermostats and Energy Star-rated appliances.

“The open design concept, along with great rooms and 9-plus-foot ceilings on the first floor, is also becoming common in newly built homes, the survey finds.”

Source: National Association of Home Builders

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity January 24-31, 2020

Sanibel

CONDOS

7 new listings: Sanibel Arms West #A3 2/2 $548.5K, Sanibel Arms West #H6 2/2 $549K, Sanibel Arms West #B4 2/2 $559K, Lighthouse Point #111 2/2 $645K, Pointe Santo #C2 2/2 $765K, Gulfside Place #214 2/2 $1.32M, High Tide #B302 3/2 $2.495M.

7 price changes: Spanish Cay #F8 2/2 now $379K, Sanibel Arms West #M2 2/2 now $548.5K, Loggerhead Cay #324 2/2 now $569K, Mariner Pointe #642 2/2 now $570K, Compass Point #222 2/2 now $669K, Island Beach Club #220B 2/2 now $700K, Sundial #K402 2/2 now $1.1699M.

4 new sales: Mariner Pointe #731 2/2 listed at $539K (our buyer), Lighthouse Point #114 3/2 listed at $679K, Signal Inn #18 3/2 listed at $1.175M, La Playa #B1 3/2 listed at $1.299M.

2 closed sales: Sundial #C204 1/1 $460K, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #2-5 2/2.5 $683K.

HOMES

9 new listings: 499 Peachtree Rd 2/2 $474K, 970 Palm St 3/2 $569K, 500 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 $759.9K, 9421 Moonlight Dr 3/2 $799K, 1199 Par View Dr 3/2.5 $999K, 9019 Mockingbird Dr 4/4 $1.325M, 3851 Coquina Dr 3/2.5 $1.389M, 769 Pyrula Ave 3/3.5 $1.395M, 418 Bella Vista Way 4/4 $2.195M.

13 price changes: 9195 Dimmick Dr 2/2 now $419K, 1356 Jamaica Dr 2/1.5 now $549K, 730 Cardium St 2/2 now $564K, 743 Windlass Way 3/2 now $599K, 433 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 now $599K, 1717 Sand Pebble way 3/2 now $619K, 1978 Roseate Ln 3/2 now $732.5K, 1740 Middle Gulf Dr 4/3 now $799K, 1285 Par View Dr 4/2.5 now $849.5K, 1747 Jewel Box Dr 3/2 now $975K, 641 Lake Murex Cir 4/3 now $997.5K, 842 Limpet Dr 3/3.5 now $1.995M (our listing), 1237 Isabel Dr 5/6.5 now $2.749M.

8 new sales: 5745 Pine Tree Dr 2/1 listed at $498K, 1925 Roseate Ln 2/2 listed at $639K, 5672 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/2 listed at $715K, 335 Cowry Ct 4/3.5 listed at $799.9K, 1056 S.Yachtsman Dr 3/2 listed at $879K, 911 S.Yachtsman Dr 3/3 listed at $1.195M, 2857 Wulfert Rd 4/5 listed at $1.199M, 3757 West Gulf Dr 4/4 listed at $6.499M.

2 closed sales: 1611 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex $469K, 982 Whelk Dr 3/2.5 $1M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 9042 Mockingbird Dr $395K.

1 price change: 2372 Wulfert Rd now $148K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 2510 Coconut Dr $668,666.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

3 price changes: Tennis Villas #3119 1/1 now $294K, Lands End Village #1667 2/2 now $1.184M, Beach Homes #25 3/2 now $1.995M.

1 new sale: Beach Cottages #1404 2/2 listed at $1.245M.

1 closed sale: Bayside Villas #5316 3/3 $630K.

HOMES

No new listings.

3 price changes: 41 Oster Ct 2/2.5 now $998K, 11523 Andy Rosse Ln 5/5.5 now $2.189M, 1124 Longifolia Ct 4/5 now $2.988M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

This representation is based in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® 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.

Until next Friday, may your Superbowl favorite be a winner, & your February bright!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan