Hi, everyone. It’s been another lonely week at SanibelSusan Realty. The team remains mostly at their homes while I’ve been in the office for a few hours most days trying to stay productive and get more interest in our listings.

To illustrate how quiet it is, I also came in late Sunday to send the Monday morning payroll. When I drove home about 7 p.m. the only other moving vehicles on Periwinkle between the office and my east-end home were two cars and a one lone biker. Granted it was Easter, but that sure was eerie – particularly when Easter usually is one of the busiest weeks of the year here.

As far as the number of virus cases on the islands, the Florida Department of Health report, as if 10 a.m. this morning, shows no change since last week, with Sanibel still 6 and Captiva 1. Here’s hoping that means businesses can reopen and folks can get back to work soon.

While at my desk, I have chatted with a few colleagues, commiserated with other brokers, and responded to a couple of listing inquiries. Also, we thankfully had a nice closing yesterday!

This afternoon, I posted a new listing at Mariner Pointe. It is in excellent condition and with wonderful view of bay (and canal from private open front deck). Great value too – is the lowest-priced 2-bedroom unit available there. It’s nicely updated and fully equipped as a vacation rental, with or without future bookings (buyer’s choice).

The action posted this week in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service is after a couple of news items below. There was just one new sale on both islands, a Sand Pointe condo went under contract.

Island Chamber Launches Campaign “#ParadiseCanWait”

The islands’ Chamber of Commerce has launched a social media campaign aimed at promoting social responsibility, while supporting island businesses during COVID-19. As part of #ParadiseCanWait, visitors are asked not to outright cancel their plans, but to postpone or reschedule them for a later date when it’s again safe to travel. Below is the message posted on to their website at www.sanibel-captiva.org.

“While our beaches aren’t going anywhere at this time, neither should you. We understand that this is a difficult and uncertain time. We encourage everyone to stay at home in order to keep yourself, and others, healthy. At this time all Sanibel hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals are closed through April 24, 2020. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to sunshine and seashells soon.”

The next component of the campaign will roll out when the islands are ready to relaunch and reopen – when it’s safe. We all look forward to the Chamber’s “Paradise Is Ready” announcements and videos.

Sanibel, Best Small Town in Florida

Or so said the website “Far and Wide” in their on-line posting on April 10:

“We know travel plans are impacted right now. But to fulfill your wanderlust, we’ll continue to share stories that can inspire your next adventure.

“Big cities like New York and Los Angeles may get most of the attention, but America is filled with small towns and communities that have long formed the backbone of the nation. These towns are filled with their own history, museums and cultural attractions, but also come with the added appeal of home-spun charm and hometown heroes.

“While millions spend big dollars to pack themselves like lemmings into big-city attractions, America’s wonderful small towns offer a carefree getaway at a fraction of the cost.

“Turning to the likes of U.S. News & World Report, Reader’s Digest, Architectural Digest, The Travel Channel and House Beautiful magazine, here is a look at the best small town in every U.S. state.”

The states are listed alphabetically with a photo and write-up about each town represented. (Check the total article yourself at

https://www.farandwide.com/s/best-small-town-by-state-81e39983579047d3

Here’s what it posted about Florida: “Sanibel Island

“Population: 7,402

“A Favorite Of: U.S. News & World Report

“Florida is so much more than an amusement-park destination or the home of a certain Latin-inspired Art Deco mega-city. You’ll also find amiable small towns up and down the peninsula state’s coastline, including one of the top 20 small towns according to U.S. News: Sanibel Island.

“Just 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, Sanibel features shell-covered beaches and wildlife refuges for a truly off-the-beaten-path Floridian getaway.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity April 10-17, 2020

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Mariner Pointe #522 2/2 $499K (our listing), Sundial T301 2/2 $845K.

1 price change:  Colonnades #3 1/1 now $269K.

1 new sale: Sand Pointe #132 2/2 asking $709K.

4 closed sales: Seashells #3 2/2 $451,400; Sundial #C210 1/1 $460K; Sanibel Arms West #I-7 $560K, Gulfside Place #222 2/2 $1.175M (our listing/sale).

HOMES

1 new listing: 528 Kinzie Island Ct 4/4 $1,995M.

2 price changes: 1401 Sandpiper Cir 3/2.5 now $485K, 345 Cowry Ct 3/4.5 now $875K,

No new sales.

8 closed sales: 760 Cardium St 3/2 $575K, 5303 Ladyfinger Rd 3/2 $660K, 1676 Middle Gulf Dr 3/2 $760K, 1501 Sand Castle Rd 5/3.5 $825K, 911 Almas Ct 3/2.5 $1.180M, 3851 Coquina Dr 3/2.5 $1.2M, 637 Lighthouse Way 3/4 $1.2799M, 1018 Dixie Beach Blvd 4/5 $2M.

LOTS

No new listings, price changes, new sales, or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS, HOMES, & LOTS

No new listings, price changes, new or closed sales.

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.

Here is our ad from today’s issue of the “Island Sun”. (The Editor called after receiving it and said she likes my forecast. I hope you like it too.)

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend – or as good as it can be given today’s circumstances. (I’m still taking time to smell the “gardenia” and they sure smell great.)

Stay well.

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan