It was a quiet but sunny Thanksgiving week on Sanibel with daytime temperatures mostly in the low to mid-70 degrees F, My car registered 79 mid-day both yesterday and today when traveling the Gulf Drives. I also noticed more bikers than vehicles on the roadways. There still are very few gulf-front properties ready for occupancy so the islands continue to be very quiet except when contractors are working. The one building the home next door to me, even worked yesterday.

Today I snapped a couple of pix at the pond (former site of By-the-Sea condos) when I spotted a roseate spoonbill amid a huge flock of white birds. A little unusual to see one there.

SanibelSusan News

On the home-front, though it continues to be a relief to be back living in mine, my hot water heater quit last weekend. Seems that even those can be hurricane casualties. This year may be a test to see how many challenges one can overcome. After two storms, losing my car, electric meter and appliances at home, replacing a hot water heater is easy. Aztec Plumbing came to my rescue and a new one was installed quickly. Don’t ask the price.

That hiccup meant I wasn’t prepared to cook Thanksgiving dinner so out we went. Though it was a nice treat not to spend hours preparing the meal, when my dinner plate arrived with the cranberry sauce being the warmest item on it, it made me rethink going back to cooking. Thankful I am, just the same, to be residing and working on Sanibel Island where the community spirit thrives, island leaders tackle challenges, and the laid-back lifestyle is like no other.

Last weekend, I had dinner with a couple of long-time friends, fellow altos from the BIG ARTS Community Chorus. Between the pandemic and hurricanes, we haven’t been singing or together in several years, so it was great fun catching up. Unlike the restaurant yesterday, Traders continues to serve consistently wonderful meals – and their lobster bisque is still terrific.

Speaking of friends, the announcement about the Celebration of Life for my pal Realtor Mary Lou Bailey was in “The Islander” this week. Many know that we were friends for decades. Competing sometimes in business, we had a lot of respect for each other, often kibitzed about real estate, and usually attended two annual events together – the Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner and the Association of Realtors RPAC Auction. We went to the Kiwanis event in February and then in early March, went on our first girls’ trip, a cruise to celebrate her 80^th birthday. Though it was a successful voyage, a couple of weeks after returning, Mary Lou had a massive stroke that caused her to become bedridden and eventually led to her death earlier this month. She did not deserve the eight months she spent trying to recover. She was a special gal, putting clients ahead of herself, and honest to a fault. She will be missed. Her Celebration of Life will be at The Community House on Saturday, Dec 21 at 10 a.m.

Upcoming Island Events

Is it just me, or does it seem like every year Christmas decorations start going up sooner? Some even before the Halloween pumpkins are put away. Even after spending 31 Decembers here, it’s still special to see twinkling lights on palm trees. Get ready to see those this week! The inflatables are already up at Jerry’s and some of the best events of the year are coming up.

Captiva Tree Lighting Celebration – is tonight from 5 to 9 p.m. at Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa.

Sanibel Tree Lighting Celebration – is tomorrow night, Saturday, Nov 30 at 5 p.m. at Sanibel Community Park next to The Community House with sing-along followed by celebration inside The Community House until 8 p.m. with more music, food, ice cream, holiday activity tables, and photo ops.

Luminary Festival – The islands’ Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 36^th annual Luminary Festival next weekend, Friday, Dec 6 on Sanibel and Saturday, Dec 7 on Captiva. The Luminary Strolls (from 5:30 to 9 p.m.) are island-wide holiday events that bring together residents, visitors, businesses, and organizations promoting goodwill and community spirit. As you stroll the luminary trails, look for many fun places to stop and enjoy. There are music and activities for the entire family, including a live nativity and photo opportunities.

Sanibel & Captiva Real Estate Scoop

The Association of Realtors did not meet this week, but next Thursday, Dec 5 is another Caravan Meeting, followed by a caravan of new listings open for viewing (from noon to 3 p.m.) Dave and I will be at our new listing at 5309 Umbrella Pool Rd.

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

Just two new sales were posted this week, a Sanibel condo and a Captiva home. Just two closed sales were posted too, also a Sanibel condo and a Captiva Home.

With more new listings and price reductions, it doesn’t take much analysis to see that there now are years of inventory. Between now and mid-January usually are not busy times for sales, but I sold a home once on Christmas Day so remain optimistic. There are some excellent offerings for those looking to buy.

SANIBEL RESIDENTIAL	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale:	93	973,854	141	142	2,087,365	100	31	1,020,929	242
Under contract	9	1,014,666	85	5	1,281,600	88	2	2,095,000	301
Sold to 11/29/24	69	820,087	125	159	1,480,345	115	13	1,319,461	175
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:	33	1,128,681	151	18	7,097,111	264	1	12M	456
Under contract	0	N/A	N/A	2	5,499,999	158	0	N/A	N/A
Sold to 11/29/24	13	1,728,846	185	7	4,203,214	185	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 Nov 22-29:

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Mariner Pointe #1062 2/2 $539K, Sandalfoot #5B2 1/1 $695K, Heron at The Sanctuary #III-2B 3/2.5 $1.091M.

4 back-on-market: Captains Walk #A4 2/2 $379K, Blind Pass #G102 2/2 $739K, Sandpiper Beach #502 2/2 $865K, Nutmeg Village #104 2/2 $1.1M.

2 price changes: Mariner Pointe #733 2/2 now $549K, Nutmeg Village #211 now $1.075M.

1 new sale: Sanibel Siesta #804 2/2 listed at $749K.

1 closed sale: Heron at The Sanctuary #1-3B 3/2.5 $1.398M.

HOMES

12 new listings: 969 Fish Crow Rd 3/2 $649K, 1322 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $749K, 1436 Jamaica Dr 2/2 $769K, 653 Oliva St 3/2 $874,950; 1426 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $1.095M, 436 Glory Cir 3/3 $1.22M, 761 Nerita St 3/2 $1.279M, 1255 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 $1.7959M, 5250 Caloosa End Ln 3/2.5 $1.995M, 788 Birdie View Pt 3/3 $1,999,999; 6211 Starling Way 4/4.5 $3.75M, 3577 West Gulf Dr 4/4.5.5 $10.5M.

6 price changes: 2604 Coconut Dr 3/2 now $800K, 1625 Serenity Ln 3/2 nor $945K, 497 Lake Murex Cir 4/3 now $979K, 3784 Coquina Dr 3/3 now $989K, 1428 Albatross Rd 3/2.5 now $1.585M, 888 Limpet Dr 3/2 now $1.7749M.

No new & no closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

CAPTIVA

CONDOS

1 new listing: Bayside Villas #5114 1/2 $525K.

1 price change: Captiva Beach Villas #3E 5/4.5 now $3.989M.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 11527 Wightman Ln 3/2 listed at $999,999.

1 closed sale: 11517 Wightman Ln 4/3 $2.7M.

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