It has been a week of anxious anticipation, followed by relief, as Hurricane Helene finally passed 160 miles offshore mid-afternoon yesterday. The photo below was taken at the marina Tuesday evening when I was out picking up real estate signs.

At my home in Sanibel Estates where a few weeks ago there was huge flooding when Tropical Storm Debbie was further out in the gulf, this time there was more water from Helene.

With sunshine peeking in and out often during the day yesterday, Helene brought very little rain, but plenty of high winds. My dock was covered with water during the morning high tide, but there was no yard or street accumulation until about 5 p.m. That is when heavy rain began, wind picked up, and my power went out.

Between then and about 6:15 p.m. water filled Anchor Dr, surrounded my home, eventually rushing into the garage and under the sliders. Before long, I had 4” of dirty water inside. It seemingly happened in minutes. By dark, the water began to subside and by this morning, my floors were just wet with sludge.

Thankfully this afternoon when the entry to the island was reopened, son Dave came to my rescue. Power was finally restored with his help, and my floors are now drier and significantly cleaner.

He took a break long enough to try to access our listings, but as described below some roads remain impassable. He also ran into some of Sanibel’s finest at the end of my street, trying to identify some loose boats stuck under the Periwinkle bridge.

 The good news is that islanders rally when disaster strikes. A nice update was provided below by our friends at “Ding”.

“Ding on the Wing” Reports on Post Hurricane Helene Update

Posted this afternoon from Ding Darling Wildlife Society newsletter: “Early reports from the city of Sanibel and individuals remaining on the island during the storm, are about flooding in areas of the islands. The Sanibel Causeway was closed while work was done to remove debris from the roads. The City has announced that the Causeway is now open to those who need to access the island. While hurricane reentry passes are not required, people are asked not to come unless absolutely necessary. All beach parks are closed.

“The J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, and Tarpon Bay Explorers will begin the assessment of any damage to the Refuge caused by surge and wind from Hurricane Helene.  All staff and interns are safe and accounted for. Similar to past storms, they are also working with their island partners when needed, including SCCF, the San-Cap Chamber, CROW, FISH, CHR, and others.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate News

As one might expect during a week full of storm distractions, there was little real estate action.

Also due to the forecast, the local Association of Realtors® postponed their Realtor.com class on Wednesday, Thursday Membership Meeting and Caravan, and Lunch and Learn scheduled today.

The extra time gave me an opportunity to break down the 2024 island sales by geographic area. With so few island sales, average prices can be deceiving, so below is a breakdown by location. Those areas on Sanibel are gulf, bay, canal, bayou, near beach, golf course, lake, and inland. On Captiva, they are gulf, bay, Roosevelt Channel, and near beach.

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

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Sep 20-27:

Sanibel

CONDOS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

1 closed sale: Sundial #C310 1/1 $560K.

HOMES

3 new listings: 1610 Sabal Sands Rd 3/2 $1.068M, 1563 Sand Castle Rd 4/4.5 $1.59M, 5071 Joewood Dr 4/5.5.5 $5.95M.

No price changes.

2 new sales: 1251 Par View Dr 3/2.5 listed at $790K, 2474 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 listed at $2.298M.

4 closed sales: 490 & 460 Old Tr 3/2.5 $585K, 9126 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 $775K, 9114 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 $830K, 547 Chert Ct 3/2.5 $889K.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Tennis Villas #3124 1/1 $450K.

1 price change: Tennis Villas #3120 1/1 now $450K.

No new or closed sales.

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.

 Enjoy your weekend, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan