Susan here, reporting that The SanibelSusan Team is beating the bushes looking for listings. With island sales brisk, it is a first for us to only have two available properties in February. Our other listings are all under contract as we work through the sale milestones associated with those purchase contracts.

If you know anyone looking to sell, please tell them that the market is in their favor and the SanibelSusan Team would be happy to help them.

Below is an update of the island sales stats. The number of sales in 2020 was higher than in decades, but the year-to-date sales are even more remarkable. Remember, The Sanibel Susan Team updates our island-wide inventory lists every weekend. If you would like a new one, they easily are e-mailed or snail mailed, just let us know.

# of Properties	For Sale 2/19/2021	Under Contract 2/19/2021	Sold/Closed 2021 to 2/19	Sold/Closed 2020	Sold/Closed 2019
SANIBEL
Condos	67	57	27	192	127
Homes	53	73	46	288	211
Lots	31	30	8	23	15
CAPTIVA
Condos	14	14	5	47	29
Homes	22	15	7	27	17
Lots	3	0	0	4	1

The action posted since last Friday in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service follows a couple of news items below.

At SanibelSusan Realty

I was out showing property again over the weekend. One showing was at a home new to the market which already had an offer and four showings lined up. Another property the prospects wanted to view was seller occupied and they would not allow a showing until after the holiday weekend. That can be tough when a buyer is flying home before they will let them in. Too bad, they would have been a good candidate for that property.

There are challenges even in a hot market. Buyers needing financing find their island competition tough, since so many buyers write “cash” offers. Some buyers will not buy sight-unseen, though they often compete with offers where buyers do not need to personally view a property. Couple that with offices often closed on weekends, it pays to have built strong relationships with colleagues. Thankfully, we work hard to keep our relationships positive.

Before showing property, it always makes sense to thoroughly discuss with the prospect how the sale process works here. It is not only the Florida sales contracts that are different. But on-island, deposits are much higher than on the mainland. The basic contract most often used also is not the norm. Add to that the extra time needed in a “hot market” to accomplish inspections, appraisals, and surveys. These also are opportunities where it pays to have strong vendor relationships. The “golden rule” goes a long way in this real estate business.

At The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® Monthly Membership Meeting

Yesterday was the local Realtor® Association February membership meeting. Meeting via Zoom sure ain’t like in person, but the monthly meeting is when we have a speaker, so always interesting.

SCCF – This month’s speaker was Ryan Orgera, CEO of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) with an update on what is happening there. One phrase he used that I thought was particularly apropos to Sanibel’s mission statement, The Sanibel Plan, and SCCF’s mission is “balance over unfettered development”.

A couple of changes at SCCF is their new logo which was recently launched, illustrating their evolution and based on the three elements inspired by their work to protect land, water, and wildlife. The logo features sawgrass which is an iconic wetland plant, water (representing water quality, marine life, and sea-level rise), and a royal tern representing shorebirds and the monitoring and research SCCF performs with various species of wildlife.

Another SCCF change is their new magazine called “Connecting You to Nature” which will be published three times a year. The first issue is arriving now in mailboxes. It reflects on SCCF’s progress since 1967, including projects completed, underway, and in planning.

One project just announced is SCCF’s Periwinkle Wetlands Campaign which a 12+acre parcel at the corner of Periwinkle Way and Purdy Drive. It includes 525’ along the Periwinkle Way shared-use path between Purdy and Martha’s Lane. It extends inland 1,800’ back into the wetlands toward the Sanibel Slough. With a campaign goal to raise $2.4M before October 31, 2021, the acquisition of these lands for conservation protects them from development. Pending City approval, the nearly two acres along the roadway are earmarked as community green space with native landscaping, a shell trail, and educational area sharing everyone’s role in protecting and nurturing SW Florida’s coastal ecosystems.

Some other SCCF projects that Ryan mentioned included their help in the relocation of 300 Florida box turtles discovered from a nearby poaching ring. It was a surprise to hear that 40% of China families have a pet turtle because of the animal’s religious significance in Buddhism. He asked that everyone report to the police any suspicious activity with any wildlife – not just turtles. He also mentioned that poachers often are involved in other serious crimes, like human and drug smuggling. Who knew?

At the SCCF Marine Lab and Research Lab, Ryan mentioned their work through an EPA grant. While oyster restoration of 25 acres in the sound is another project underway. These oyster bed areas were disturbed/destroyed when the causeway islands were created.

Following up on the Sanibel Sea School, it became wholly part of SCCF in January 2020. One of their new endeavors is a scholarship program called “Girls in Science” (with Florida Gulf Coast University) whereby girls interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education may take advantage of SCCF’s program which brings them to the island. He mentioned girls living within five miles of Sanibel that have never been here to experience the water, wildlife, environment.

Concerning Florida’s legislative session which begins March 2 (same day as our City Council election), Ryan encouraged everyone to pay particular attention to the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area. He said the full weight of the community may be needed to push this project forward with full funding. Watch SCCF’s alerts for action and please support them.

He also encouraged members to attend Coastal Watch Focus 2021 which is an annual Everglades update. To tune in, go to SCCF’s website (SCCF.org) on Wednesday, February 24, from 6-8 p.m.

RPAC Awards – The Association of Realtors® RPAC Committee again thanked members for their continued contributions to RPAC. In 2020, The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association won four state awards and two national awards, including the Triple Crown. Local RPAC contributions placed our association within the top 15 in the nation.

Easter Donations for F.I.S.H. – The Association’s Communication & Public Relations Committee is spearheading efforts to provide donations to F.I.S.H. for Easter. Between now and March 19, members and the public are asked to drop of contributions at the Association Office. Items needed for children’s Easter baskets and holiday dinners include the baskets themselves and basket filler, plus children’s books, toys, candy, plastic eggs, etc. and such canned/packaged food items as corn, peas, mashed potatoes, pasta, etc.

Recent Commercial Sales

Jensen’s Twin-Palm Cottages & Marina – Posted this week in the local MLS was the sale of Jensen’s on Captiva. Including both business and real estate, the sale included over an acre on the bayside of Captiva with 14 historic rental cottages, 35 marina slips, fuel dock, boat fleet, ship store, and offices. On the market off-&-on since late 2017, the sale price of $11M was significantly less than the original ask ($19,850,000). Purchaser was Roberts Development Corp.

The Green Flash – Another recent sale was this Captiva restaurant. The new owners are Captiva Hospitality Restaurant Group (owned by Tim and Julie McGowan). The sale included both the real estate and restaurant. The McGowan’s have already expanded the outdoor patio seating and initiated dinner service to the dockside tables at The Green Flash, which has 15 dock slips so diners may arrive by boat.

Sanibel – COVID-19

The City declared State of Emergency, issued in response to COVID-19, has been extended by Mayor Mick Denham until February 23, 2021, unless further extended. Per State Statute, the maximum duration for a Mayoral Declaration of Emergency is seven (7) days and thus must be updated weekly as long as the emergency conditions are present.

Additionally, the City of Sanibel face covering mandate is reaffirmed to be consistent with the Governor’s Order 20-244 and shall remain in force and effect through the duration of the 7-day state of local emergency. Social distancing encouraged and group gatherings are to be avoided.

From Florida Department of Health, Sanibel’s total accumulative number of COVID-19 cases since March 26 through February 17 is 226 cases. This is the number of cases for zip code residents. It does not include Captiva and the many workers and visitors that come and go.

Timing for number of cases reported included 134 cases last year (with 50 being in December). January was the highest month with 69 cases. The first 17 days in February, 23 cases were reported. PLEASE CONTINUE TO STAY VIGILANT.

Annual Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner Canceled

Understandable with COVID concerns, but still disappointing, to hear that this Kiwanis event is canceled this year. Realtor® pal Mary Lou Bailey and I have attended the spaghetti dinner for many years, though not quite for the three-plus decades that this February dinner has been enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors. It is an island tradition and the longest-running community event.

As one of the club’s major fundraisers, the annual Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner supports scholarships for local youths and grants to island non-profits for youth recreation and educational activities. We still can support the scholarships and activities by participating in their Silent Auction and Raffle which will be in a virtual format online with details coming soon.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 12-19, 2021

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sundial #D408 1/1 $529.9K, Sanibel Surfside #234 2/2 $819K, Sanibel Arms West #D6 2/2 $955K, Tarpon Beach #109 2/2 $1.1M.

2 price changes: Loggerhead Cay #261 2/2 now $714.5K, Sanibel Inn #3512 2/2 now $724.5K.

11 new sales: Captains Walk #B3 1/1 listed at $299.9K, Captains Walk #B5 2/1 listed at $392K, Sanibel Arms West #C5 2/2 listed at $450K, Sundial #F307 1/1 listed at $479K, Sandalfoot #2C2 2/2 listed at $657K, Lighthouse Point #221 3/2 listed at $719K, Sand Pointe #113 2/2 listed at $789K, Sanibel Arms West #F1 2/2 listed at $949K, Surfside 12 #B1 3/2 listed at $999.5K, Gulfside Place #301 3/3 listed at $1.95M, Sandpiper West #1 3/3 listed at $2.15M.

6 closed sales: Sanibel Arms #C7 1/1 $343K, Sundial #G406 1/1 $490K, Sandy Bend #6 2/2 $979K, Atrium #103 2/2 $1.095M, Sundial #P402 2/2 $1.15M, Somerset #D302 3/2.5 $1.63M.

HOMES

4 new listings: 1940 Periwinkle Way 3/2 half-duplex $569K, 649 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 $759K, 1683 Bunting Ln 3/3 $895K, 1421 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $949K.

4 price changes: 490 Sawgrass Pl 3/2.5 now $1.435M, 1283 Isabel Dr 3/2 now $1.895M, 513 Lighthouse Way 3/3 now $1.99M, 1306 Seaspray Ln 4/4 now $4.395M.

13 new sales: 3085 Poinciana Cir 2/2 listed at $599K, 9211 Dimmick Dr 3/2 listed at $699K, 1753 Bunting Ln 3/2 listed at $725K, 888 Rabbit Rd 3/2 listed at $749.9K, 649 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 listed at $759K, 1683 Bunting Ln 3/3 listed at $895K, 1050 White Ibis Dr 4/3.5 listed at $935K, 567 N. Yachtsman Dr 3/3 listed at $1.049M, 685 Sea Oats Dr 3/2/2 listed at $1.089M, 2843 Wulfert Rd 4/5 listed at $1.295M, 5076 Joewood Dr 3/2 listed at $1.329M, 5439 Osprey Ct 4/3 listed at $1.644M, 1206 Bay Dr 4/5.5 listed at $3.399M.

8 closed sales: 1684 Bunting Ln 2/2 $487K, 1029 Dixie Beach Blvd 2/2 $570K, 1850 Farm Trl 3/2 $649K, 9277 Dimmick Dr 3/2 $675K, 4661 Rue Bayou 2/2 $700K, 1039 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 $980K, 1345 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 $1.049M, 418 Bella Vista Way 4/4 $1.7M.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 255 Hurricane Ln now $368K.

6 new sales: 1820 Ardsley Way listed at $179.9K; 355 Cowry Ct listed at $295K, 3308 Saint Kilda Rd listed at $469,555; 217 Violet Dr listed at $549K; 5749 Sanibel-Captiva Rd listed at $629K; 1028 Bayview Dr listed at $2.195M.

1 closed sale: 1313 Par View Dr $310K.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Tennis Villas #3118 1/1 $350K.

2 price changes: Beach Homes #25 3/2 now $2.095M, Lands End Village #1634 3/3 now $2.32M.

1 new sale: Captiva Cove #2A 3/2 listed at $1.295M.

No closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings or price changes.

4 new sales: 11541 Laika Ln 4/4 listed at $2.15M, 15146 Wiles Dr 2/2 listed at $2.389M, 11522 Andy Rosse Ln 4/4.5 listed at $2.495M, 16447 Captiva Dr 7/6/2 listed at $2.79M.

No 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.

Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”.

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan