It’s another sunny Sanibel Friday following another week of that same wonderful weather. Rainy season is just around the corner and sea turtle nesting season has begun, so we know summer is not far behind. I was reminded of that when I saw this message on social media yesterday: “Today is the last SW FL sunset before 8 p.m. until August.”

Sanibel Lighthouse Update

The protective cloak around the lighthouse is now down, A good sign that beach re-nourishment work wrapped up there, just in time for nesting season. The project finished up midweek and both gulf and bayside parking lots are now open.

There were plenty of empty parking spots this afternoon when I snapped these few East-end blog photos. It’s always special to see gulf waters a brilliant teal which they often are this time of the year, or until summer showers begin, the sand gets stirred up, and more water is released from Lake O.

Vacation Accommodations

Many island vacationers, anxious to return, are asking which gulf-front condos are ready for rent. Unfortunately, the answer is “not many.” Since we drive the gulf drives often, it has been surprising to see how long it is taking most to be restored.

Several communities have units ready for owner occupancy, but amenities are not yet completely repaired or landscaping not replaced. Others are still in permitting or working through insurance and financial issues. Some are close and now getting their beach access boardwalks installed.

Several are rental-ready for those wanting to come and support the island during recovery. The Chamber of Commerce continues to update their website with news on the nightly accommodations available, while local rental organizations add units to their website inventories as they are ready. A couple of complexes with on-site rental offices (Sanibel Moorings & Sanibel Siesta) are open.

If I was looking for accommodations of a certain type and for a certain timeframe, I would search the internet often. Just also be aware of what is happening at neighboring complexes as some could be under construction.

One of the furthest along in restoration is Loggerhead Cay which recently has posted several units for rent. Their most recent restoration are the new tennis/pickleball courts.

Most condo complexes remain fenced off with no entry signs posted. Some have yet to begin teardown or restoration, but many are progressing with some of those not expected to be ready until next year. The good news is many will be brand-new.

Island businesses are so ready for more visitors. It has been positive to see many cars at the newly-opened restaurants. There again are plenty of Sanibel breakfast choices: Over Easy Café. Lighthouse Café, Jerry’s Café, Sanibel Café, Rosalita’s (just Sunday brunch 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.), and Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant.

The beaches are beautiful, and shopkeepers have the red carpet out. All and all, more businesses are open and more inventory is available for those wanting to buy a piece of paradise. Traffic also is light, so it’s a great time to come for a visit.

Real Estate News

At the islands Association of Realtors®, it was great on Tuesday to finally attend another in-person meeting of the Professional Standards Committee. Our 2024 education calendar is filling up.

Yesterday was a Caravan meeting but just two homes were open for viewing, one on Captiva and one on Sanibel. The next Caravan meeting is May 16, followed by membership meeting and Caravan on May 30.

Next week our top leaders will be in Washington DC for the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) 2024 Legislative Meetings. This is when they meet with Capitol Hill representatives and actively advance the real estate market through public policy. Realtors® continually work with policymakers and regulators to advocate for a pro-consumer real estate industry that is essential to advancing national and local economies.

Below, with data from the islands Multiple Listing Service (MLS) are summary tables of the island residential sales statistics, followed by the Sanibel/Captiva MLS action reported this week.

It was another quiet real estate week, no sales on Captiva. On Sanibel, one condo and three homes went under contract. Again, the popular listing activity is price adjustments.

SANIBEL RESIDENTIAL	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale:	100	1,079,645	147	161	2,239,125	115	40	749,372	207
Under contract	10	972,000	137	19	1,334,994	84	2	972,500	244
Sold 2024 to 5/3	33	862,743	127	78	1,487,538	94	6	2,195,833	146
Sold 2023	98	955,261	65	263	1,267,390	73	24	920,645	76
Sold 2022	123	1,136,199	44	185	1,602,745	52	26	779,528	223
Sold 2021	287	875,127	113	355	1,341,881	89	69	698,862	442

CAPTIVA RESIDENTIAL	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	29	1,551,793	168	19	6,864,263	209	2	13,750,000	176
Under contract	2	2,272,500	318	0	N/A	N/A	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2024 to 5/3	8	1,828,125	117	4	5,368,125	132	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2023	17	834,176	98	17	2,716,647	70	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2022	28	1,458,983	52	22	5,636,386	133	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2021	64	1,150,373	145	44	2,988,520	261	2	2,950,000	731

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity April 26­‑May 3

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: 502 Sandpiper Beach 2/2 $880K, Sundial #D401 2/2 $1.175M.

2 price changes: Mariner Pointe #1023 2/2 now $569K, Heron at The Sanctuary II #1-2A 3/2.5 now $899K.

1 new sale: Tennisplace #C34 2/1.5 listed at $499K.

5 closed sales: Oceans Reach #3D1 2/2 $839K, Loggerhead Cay #324 2/2 $870K, Sundial #N203 2/2 $887.5K, Nutmeg Village #206 2/2 $1.3125M, Pointe Santo #A27 3/2 $1.535M.

HOMES

2 new listings: 251 Southwinds Dr 4/3 $1.22M, 2604 Coconut Dr 3/2 $1.25M.

8 price changes: 1196 Sand Castle Rd 2/2 now $775K, 199 Southwinds Dr 3/3 now $799K, 1586 Century Ct 3/2.5 now $937K, 248 Christofer Ct 2/2.5 now $1.094M, 3343 St Kilda Rd 3/2 now $1.115M, 1720 Dixie Beach Blvd 3/3 now $1.549M, 922 S Yachtsman Dr 3/3 now $1.95M, 1025 S Yachtsman Dr 4/3 now $2.825M.

1 back-on-market: 235 Daniel Dr 3/3 $1.495M.

3 new sales: 3025 Poinciana Cir 3/2 listed at $849K, 5827 Pine Tree Dr 3/2 listed at $1.15M, 228 Violet Dr 3/2.5.5 listed at $2.5M.

6 closed sales: 2166 Egret Cir 3/2 $775K, 1501 Lagoon Dr 2/2 $1.15M, 1321 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 $1.255M, 1396 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $1.3M, 696 Durion Ct 3/2.5 $1.335M, 1662 Dixie Beach Blvd 3/2.5 $2.249M.

LOTS

No new listings.

2 price changes: 1757 Windward Way now $369K, 5398 Osprey Ct now $400K.

No new or closed sales,

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Lands End #1656 3/3 now $2.6M.

No new sales.

2 closed sales: Bayside Villas #4220 1/2 $600K, Beach Homes #16 4/4 $5.25M.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 11550 Paige Ct 5/5.5.5 now $6.8M.

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.