Another Friday! There is island progress – though probably not as quickly as most desire. The mountains of debris from Hurricane Ian seem to be getting higher, though more removal vehicles and staging areas were reported during the City progress briefing Tuesday night. The City contractor handling the removal said that within the next two weeks, every City road will have their first removal pass. Periwinkle Way has already had multiple passes and the Gulf Drives also have had some.

The City briefing scheduled for last night was cancelled because of the Tropical Storm Nicole forecast, but it turned out to be a non-event here. A soaking of the hurricane dust was appreciated though. Next City progress briefing is scheduled at 5 p.m. Tuesday 11/15.

The rumor mill has been rampant with reports about various condominium complexes. Many are just now being evaluated by their insurance adjusters and remediation contractors. My advice is to “stay calm”, it never pays to make hasty decisions without confirming facts.

The new City Building Director and Deputy began work this week and their new on-line expedited permitting system is “up and running”.

Many property owners have inquired about contractors and appraisers. I also have received several inquiries from owners wanting to know the value of their property before the storm, compared to now. (Thinking ahead to their 2022 taxes, I guess.)  As I told them, a Realtor® opinion of value is not like a certified real estate appraisal. Sure, I can provide what I think a property was worth just before Ian, but I don’t think we will know the repercussions of the storm on actual sale prices for a few more weeks/months.

Based on the new listings that popped on the market this week, those looking to sell for the most part are owners of ground-level homes that were destroyed inside from the flooding and either they don’t want to go through the aggravation of restoration – or they have found they can’t without elevating the property.

After a couple of news items below, are those changes since last Friday posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service.

Our office finally is close to empty. Teammate Dave has worked tirelessly both there and at my home, fighting the mold and emptying the contents. Still no word on when the office remediation will begin, but we are working remotely, easily dealing with inquiries. Thank goodness for the internet!

The contractor at my home has begun work, and today I selected my new cabinetry and countertops. Will be interesting to see how long the whole process takes. I’ve rented another Ft Myers apartment that I move into before Thanksgiving. Thankfully, it’s one where I can stay as long as needed.

The complex that the local Association of Realtors® owns at 2353 Periwinkle Way also had damage, but Finnimores Cycle Shop, our downstairs tenant, reopened this week. Today, I also saw a crowd of workers emptying inventory at Winds Surf Shop.

Hopefully at our annual Association of Realtors® meeting next week (at their temporary off-island location), we will get an update on when our island facility will reopen.

Like last week, most of these new listings had damage with those listing agents providing details in the “agent notes” that sales are to be “as is”, with no warranty on condition, and “cash”. The islands remain limited to access by those with re-entry permits, i.e., residents, their contractors, insurance personnel, and first responders (including debris removal and utility vehicles).

Curious lookie-loos are not allowed on-island while debris removal & utility restoration are underway. Police continue to monitor everyone entering and tow trucks leaving the island. You still must have a re-entry pass or local driver’s license with island address to get on.

CONDOS

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

HOMES

7 new listings: 1129 Sabal St 2/2 $649K, 695 Durion Ct 3/2 $695K, 2186 Egret Cir 3/2 $840K, 1565 Bunting Ln 3/2 $950K, 775 Sand Dollar Dr 3/2 $995K, 9015 Mockingbird Ln 4/3.5 $995K, 888 Limpet Dr 3/2 $1.65M.

3 back on market: 921 Strangler Fig Ct 3/2.5 $800K, 1031 Bird Watch Way 3/2 $925K, 749 Cardium St 3/2 $1.179M.

2 price changes: 747 Birdie View Pt 3/3 now $1.1M, 6126 Henderson Rd 3/2 now $1.3M.

6 new sales: 1403 Sandpiper Cir (1/2 duplex) 3/2.5 listed at $449K; 677 Durion Ct 3/2 listed at $775K, 952 Kings Crown Dr 4/3 listed at $799,222; 780 Beach Rd 3/2 listed at $985K, 3845 West Gulf Dr 5/6.5 listed at $12M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

2 new listings. 809 Pyrula Ave $699K, 4717 Rue Belle Mer $3.75M.

No price changes, new sales, or closed sales.

CONDOS, HOMES, & 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,

Happy Veterans Day!

Enjoy your weekend!