Florida Realtors® Mid-Winter Business Meetings
Today it is a chilly but occasionally sunny day in Orlando where Florida Realtors® meetings are in full swing.
Yesterday a whopping nine Audition Panels met (a total of 49 panelists) to evaluate nearly 90 prospective instructors looking to teach state-approved classes. That is the most ever processed in a single day. We began at 7:30 a.m., but finished by 5 p.m., in time to hustle to a 6 p.m. event.
I know I’ve mentioned it before, but since the pandemic, with so many buyers flocking to Florida, the Realtor® population likewise has exploded, often requiring more instructors throughout the state to teach classes for license renewals, designations, and advancement. The process to be approved to teach requires training, experience, interviews, and this final step – being recommended by a state Audition Panel. That approval is needed to teach each individual class, so subjects vary, with new instructors trying out as well as seasoned ones looking to expand their class schedules. Auditions are offered every Jan at these Mid-Winter Meetings and in Aug during the Annual Meeting/Convention.
My panel heard nine auditions. Each takes 45 minutes. Evaluations are based on communication and podium presence, presentation, subject knowledge, plus time and class management. A bonus benefit as a panelist is learning new things, as classes change with technology, state and national laws, etc. I enjoy doing it and always come away with new knowledge.
Pals from all corners of Florida have complained about the unusual extended cold-fronts and overcast days in their area. Yesterday a Realtor auditioning said it was 23 degrees F when she left the Panhandle. Another, an Orlando gal, told me this morning that she doesn’t ever remember this many continual overcast days.
Though I’ve been in the hotel since Wed, today the outdoor temperature at sunup was a sunny 43 degrees F and hit 75 this afternoon while dreary and overcast. What a swing! The hotel pool was emptied as a precaution as even colder weather is expected over the weekend.
Last night, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors was a 4-time winner at the annual RPAC Award Event. The same five awards are given based on association membership size, i.e. small, medium, large, and mega boards. Of course, Sanibel and Captiva Islands are a small board.
Sanibel & Captiva 2023 RPAC Committee Co-chairs Dave Arter & Brendan Albright.
We set some new state records, showing that even with a hurricane, island Realtors® are pro-RPAC. Included was a Triple Crown award from national!
This morning was the Program Development Subcommittee meeting where I am one of 25 members. Tonight is the state Inaugural banquet followed by final committee meetings tomorrow. My last meeting is tomorrow (Professional Development Committee) followed by the Legal and Professional Standards Update.
It’s great to be back at these meetings in person, renewing friendships and networking. We often share common problems and solutions. Changes in the expanding short-term rental market remains a hot topic.
Lighthouse Beach News
A Sanibel City notice was issued this morning advising that Lighthouse Beach parking lots will be temporarily closed Mon Jan 22 through Fri Jan 26 for beach re-nourishment work and lighthouse repairs. It said contractors will be replacing the temporary wooden support at the lighthouse with a permanent cast-iron replica of the original support column with repairs also to be made to the ladder and window stops.
Regarding the ongoing beach re-nourishment project, contractors are expected to complete work near the Tradewinds neighborhood ahead of schedule and moving operations from the west end to Lighthouse Beach on Tues Jan 23.
Though I haven’t been on the island for a couple of days, I have heard that traffic exiting the island has again been backed up with long delays. This is probably to be expected now that more owners are back, “season” is here, and so many contractors are working on restorations. I must say again though that the sand trucks traveling to and from the island for the re-nourishment project are doing an amazing job. I often follow them on Sanibel roads but also followed five all the way to LaBelle on Wed. They are well organized, keep moving and have never caused a delay in any of my travels. Great to hear they are also ahead of schedule. If you haven’t checked out the beaches where the gullies have been filled you will be happy to see them. Those beaches are bigger and better than ever.
Sanibel & Captiva Real Estate News
The local Association of Realtors® did not have a caravan this week, but have one planned for next Thurs Jan 25 which also is our monthly membership meeting.
Below, with data from the islands MLS are summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.
| SANIBEL
RESIDENTIAL |
CONDOS | HOMES | LOTS | ||||||
| # | Avg Price | DOM | # | Avg Price | DOM | # | Avg Price | DOM | |
| For sale: | 81 | 1,076,655 | 158 | 147 | 1,825,272 | 85 | 45 | 1,061,464 | 159 |
| Under contract | 9 | 820,855 | 80 | 20 | 1,695,095 | 70 | 1 | 1,500,000 | 275 |
| Sold 2024 to 1/19 | 1 | 865,000 | 181 | 4 | 1,571,260 | 98 | 0 | N/A | N/A |
| 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 | 28 | 1,556,875 | 134 | 17 | 6,954,588 | 157 | 3 | 9,998,333 | 90 |
| Under contract | 4 | 1,118,250 | 71 | 1 | 4,750,000 | 18 | 0 | N/A | N/A |
| Sold 2024 to 1/19 | 0 | N/A | N/A | 1 | 3,275,000 | 207 | 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 Jan 12-19
Sanibel
CONDOS
6 new listings: Beach Rd Villas #104 2/2 $610K, Sanibel Arms #F2 1/1 $659K, Sanibel Moorings #1342 2/2 $929K, Mariner Pointe #321 3/2 $999K, LaPlaya #2A 3/2 $1.095M, Sanibel Moorings #121 2/2 $1.1M.
1 price change: Kings Crown #217 2/2 now $1.6M.
2 new sales: Sanibel Arms #E3 1/1 listed at $419.9K, Oceans Reach #2A2 2/2 listed at $850K.
No closed sales.
HOMES
12 new listings; 749 Martha’s Ln 3/2 $759K, 1719 Serenity Ln 3/2 $829K, 3343 Saint Kilda 3/2 $1.175M, 2441 Shop Rd 4/3.5 $1.249M, 1018 S Yachtsman Dr 3/3 $1.349M, 1112 Skiff Pl 3/2 $1.35M, 3822 Coquina Dr 4/3.5 $1.595M, 2239 Starfish 3/3 $1.75M, 479 Lagoon Dr 4/3 $2.3M, 2402 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 $2.348M, 837 Sanddollar Dr 4/3.5 $3.15M, 2960 Wulfert Rd 5/5.5 $3.975M.
2 back on market: 1105 Skiff Pl 3/2 $749K, 2058 Wild Lime Dr 3/2 $985K.
8 price changes: 9428 Moonlight Dr 3/2 now $879,999; 465 Lake Murex Cir 2/2.5 now $1.129M, 1011 S Yachtsman Dr 5/2.5 now $1.325M, 1428 Albatross Rd 3/2.5 now $1.799M, 836 Birdie View Pt 3/3.5 now $2.25M, 1318 Seaspray Ln 5/3.5 now $2.695M, 2287 Starfish Ln 4/4 now $2,799,999; 2255 Troon Ct 4/5.5.5 now $2.94M.
3 new sales: 2066 Wild Lime Dr 2/1 listed at $699.9K, 998 Greenwood Ct N 3/2.5 listed at $719K, 9393 Peaceful Dr 3/2 listed at $1.25M.
2 closed sales: 1835 Ardsley Way 2/2 $370K, 1603 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 $765K.
LOTS
No new listings.
2 price changes: 2761 West Gulf Dr now $1.795M, 4171 West Gulf Dr now $3.895M.
No new or closed sales.
Captiva
CONDOS
2 new listings: Gulf Beach Villas #2126 2/2 $1.395M, Captiva Beach Villas #1-B 3/2.5 $3.295M.
No price changes, new. or closed sales.
HOMES
No new listings.
2 price changes: 57 Sandpiper Ct 3/2 now $1.595M, 16321 Captiva Dr 5/4 now $3.495M.
No new or closed sales.
LOTS
No new listings.
1 price change: 15819 Captiva Dr now $15.5M.
No new or closed sales.
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
Resorts – Sanibel Moorings ribbon-cutting Tues was well attended, followed by coverage on Fox4,com which says; “The Moorings Resort, a condominium-style resort, is the first of its kind to resume operations on Sanibel Island. Kari Cordisco, the General Manager of the resort, shared her views on the reopening. “It’s an amazing feeling,” Cordisco remarked, underlining the efforts taken to reach this stage. The resort, which combines individual ownership with hotel-like amenities, has been able to make 62 of its 122 rooms available for booking. The path to the reopening involved significant financial investment, as Cordisco noted, “The recovery and the rebuild, we’re looking at more than $20 million.”
“Just down the road, Sundial, the island’s largest resort, is also progressing toward reopening. They’ve begun accepting reservations for the month of August. General Manager Becky Miller highlighted all the upgrades this time around. “It’s going to be everything new, gorgeous, with new swimming pools, and all nw amenities,” Miller said. The resort plans to reopen part of its facilities within four months, including five restaurants, tennis, pickleball courts, and a fitness center. The restaurants will be open to the public. Despite these positive developments, the overall recovery of Sanibel Island’s hospitality industry is ongoing. According to the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce, currently, only about 13% of the island’s rooms are available for guests. The expectation is that this number will double throughout the year and eventually reach 75% by 2026.”
Sunshine Island Inn – at 642 East Gulf Dr announced their reopening Wed with the arrival of their first guests. Their website 
Chico’s – had their reopening yesterday at their original location in Periwinkle Place. Many remember when Chico’s began there in 1983, founded by islanders, the Gralnicks. Even before moving here, I always looked forward to shopping there and later enjoyed watching them expand nationally, then internationally. Last week it announced it sold to Sycamore Partners for about a billion dollars! The sale included their sister companies White House Black Market, and Soma. Sycamore Partners is a private equity firm that also owns retailers Loft Ann Taylor, Talbots, Belk, Hot Topic, and Lane Bryant.
Island newcomers are encouraged to join one of the conservation foundation’s (SCCF’s) two day-long workshops introducing new residents, business owners, and employees to coastal ecosystems. To be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mon, Jan 22, and Mon, Mar 4. Only 28 spots are available for each day. (Reservations on 
The local Association of Realtors® did not have a caravan this week, but Tues our Professional Development Committee met to organize educational offerings for the year. A full calendar will be announced at our Installation and Awards Gala on Jan 31.
Enjoy your weekend & stay warm – wherever you are!
I saw a post this week by Wink Weatherman Matt Devitt. His message said: “How crazy is this? Just 100 miles was a difference in seven feet of rainfall this year between Naples (30.48”) and Fort Lauderdale (113.61”). A simple drive along Alligator Alley separated the #1 driest year on record and the #1 wettest year on record.”
Causeway travel since just before Christmas has continued to be a breeze. The middle of the week there were noticeably more construction crews back to work. That results in a bit of a delay when those vehicles come on island in the morning and leave late afternoon. I easily traveled both off and back this morning. Saw the most workers close to the toll booths as their finish work continues. Plenty of big trucks are moving material so it still pays to plan ahead and watch carefully.
or just stop to view them. Contact Scot Congress for more info, scot@scongress.com.
Sundial West – Announced that Sundial West (which is Bldgs A-K) will be closed for eight weeks from Jan 7 to Mar 4. Their new roofs are on, but there is major restoration work underway so only their contractors will be allowed on-site during that time. No showings then.
The in-person state meetings begin Jan 18 at a new location, the Hyatt Regency Orlando. This year, I will serve again on the Audition Panel for Florida Realtors® instructors. Nine panel groups will meet during this all-day event, each evaluating 8-10 prospective teachers. The next day during subcommittee meetings, I am on the Program Development Subcommittee. Then Jan 20, the Professional Development Committee meets where recommendations are forwarded to the Board of Directors. These in-person efforts all foster Realtor education, including cooperation between statewide educational programs, planning/coordinating the Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) and similar programs, and assisting/supporting local board educational offerings. It is always great to network with colleagues from around the state.
Yesterday was the islands’ Association of Realtors® first Caravan Meeting of the year. Held at The Community House, it was also our first midday meeting and well attended. Many new listings and a few sales were announced, followed by 12 Open Houses, all Sanibel homes. That is the most properties we have had on tour since the hurricane.
Dec 29-Jan 5
Enjoy your weekend,
Just a reminder with the sign from the “J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge”.
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa – will begin taking reservations on Mon Jan 8 for stays beginning Aug 3. Their pickleball and tennis courts are already open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with day passes and memberships available. Their restaurants have not yet reopened, but their website says they are accepting wedding, event, and group bookings for 2024. More info at 
As islanders and others continue to rebound from recent storms, this week got me thinking as I prepared some year-end documents. What should I expect in 2024? How will the time that is usually high season (mid-Jan until Easter) be, compared to past years?
Members look forward to our next Realtor® Caravan Meeting on Thurs, Jan 4 This will be the first midday one followed by afternoon Open Houses.
It has been another chilly week on the islands, good for the holiday spirit, but already more days with the heat on for me than all last winter. Weather is expected to remain partly cloudy with temps in the mid to low 70’s during the day through the weekend and Christmas,
But the forecast is calling for rain beginning Tues, followed by colder weather. Fingers crossed that changes.
Causeway – Jennifer began her presentation with a summary of the work so far, beginning with how quickly the road was made passable for utility workers and first responders (just six days after Hurricane Ian), and then open to the public within 15 days.
roadway look much like it did before the storm, but stronger. The recent four weekends of lane closures helped in the process which includes excavating the old, adding two layers of rebar, filling with high early-strength concrete, and adding finished slabs.
onto the island was required because the concrete was drying when vehicles were stuck in traffic.
is fully open.
By next week, all roadways will be smoother. The Punta Rassa boat ramp is being used to transport the stone via barge to its destination. It will need significant restoration,
Beach Re-nourishment – Holly introduced new Sanibel Information Officer Eric Jackson and described how the published zone map shows the areas being re-nourished and their entry spots. (North Sanibel is the Blind Pass area.)
Tues, 93 truckloads of sand were delivered with 5K to 7K tons of sand expected to arrive daily. The first trucks arrive before dawn and are staggered through the workday. The City website has added a button for the project, making it easy to check progress: 
Recently, the Lee County Board of Commissioners voted to approve changes to the Lee Plan with strong assurances that the provisions would not affect density. Last week, Timbers Resorts, owner of South Seas Island Resort, released its plan to add hundreds of hotel rooms and condominiums and increase building heights to 64 feet.
More news was out this week on the movie being filmed on the islands. Local news advises that after three weeks, filming wrapped up Wed. Titled “Written in the Sand”, the film was shot at several locations including RC Otters and Boops by The Bubble Room on Captiva, and Doc Ford’s and MudBugs Cajun Kitchen on Sanibel. They also filmed for two days at “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Described by the supervisory producer as a “feel-good love story”, it takes place on Sanibel with the main location being Sundial Resort where the main character works as general manager. The movie is expected to debut in fall/winter 2024. Several residents were extras. Stay tuned!
Yesterday, I attended a Florida Realtors® Zoom meeting for Brokers which announced a new benefit to our Realtors® beginning the first of the year – a subscription to Forewarn. Forewarn is an identity identification and risk assessment app giving its users valuable intel in advance of face-to-face engagements and correspondence. By merely entering a name or phone number, the app provides instant identify info, criminal history, financial risk, and more. Aside from the safety precaution this software provides, it also generates red flags on scammers, and provides info that will help us serve prospects more effectively and efficiently. The SanibelSusan Team will be users.
This afternoon, I received notification that Florida Realtors® just learned they won NAR’s Triple Crown award! In addition to raising the most PAC money out of any other Realtor association in the country, they increased PAC participation at all investment levels. (SanibelSusan is a major investor.) This is a huge accomplishment, and it will go a long way in helping our Realtors® continue to defend private property rights and ensure our communities have what they need to grow and prosper.
The local island Association of Realtors® did not meet this week but posted a notice that for the month of Jan, our Realtor Caravan Meetings have been changed from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to better accommodate those coming on-island when traffic is busiest with dayworker vehicles. The meetings will be Thurs Jan 4 and 25 at The Community House. Open House Caravan will follow the meetings with new listings available for viewings from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
The team and I wish you a very Merry Christmas,
Many businesses continue their restorations, while others are planning early 2024 re-openings.
This morning, the City of Sanibel posted the following update from the Florida Department of Transportation regarding the completion of the roadwork on the causeway:
Yesterday, the City posted the following notice: Contractors are mobilizing equipment and preparing for the first truckloads of sand to begin arriving on Monday morning, Dec 18. Gulfside City Park beach parking lot will be closed temporarily beginning Monday for approximately one week.
The island rumor mill was rampant midweek when a film crew was on the islands preparing for what some said would become a Hallmark movie (no confirmation on that). It may be about a single gal who fell in love with her contractor after the hurricane (that’s also gossip).
The Captiva Community Carol Sing is Sun Dec 17 at 6 p.m. at Chapel by the Sea. This is the 12th year of this special, open to the public, free event. It addition to group sing-alongs, it will include performances by the Sanibel School Choir and a small ensemble from the BIG ARTS Community Chorus.
Five sweater contest winners received gift cards, while breakfast was sponsored by David Arter with Private Client Insurance Services and Carol McCarley with Noak & Company (FIRPTA Specialists & CPA’s). Carol reminded attendees that both foreign buyers and sellers should contact her early in their transaction process so they are aware of the paperwork required, timeframes involved, and tax implications.
the U.S. Department of Education, the Sanibel School recently received its state rankings. It is the #5 Middle School in the state of Florida, and the #10 Elementary School. The individual grade rankings on various subjects (math, reading, etc.) showed that the Sanibel School percentiles doubled those of other students in Lee County at nearly every grade level. Pupils don’t need to live on the island to attend the Sanibel School. With 252 students ranging from pre-school to eighth grade and with a student to teacher ratio of 14:1, the learning experiences here are exceptional. The school is looking to increase enrollment, details on their website.
Below, with data from the islands MLS are summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.
Enjoy your weekend, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan
As the holiday season unfolds, the islands had more chilly weather this week. That is expected to continue with daytime highs in the 70’s, nights in the 60’s. With the forecast calling for a 50% chance of rain Sunday, our coldest morning yet could be early next week.
Sanibel Luminaries – Today, Fri Dec 8:
Captiva Community Carol Sing – Sun Dec 17 at 6 p.m. at Chapel by the Sea. This is the 12th year of this special event. It did not occur last year following the hurricane. Again, this year, SanibelSusan will be part of the ensemble singing. There will also be performances by the Sanibel School Choir.
Wed, after dozens of speakers testified, the Lee County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve changes to the county comprehensive plan removing longstanding building-height limits on Captiva. The vote to approve was despite near-unanimous opposition by both Captiva and Sanibel communities, citing increased density and intensity of development, strains on infrastructure and natural resources, and no real-need related to restoration.
At SanibelSusan Realty, teammate Dave and I continue to talk and meet with both buyers and sellers. Buyers often are surprised at the high prices of single-family homes, while condo owners thinking of selling are recognizing those sales can be challenging unless complexes are ready for occupancy. We are also thankful for another closing this week.
Mon and Tues afternoons, SanibelSusan attended the 5th annual Florida Realtors® Broker Summit. Moderated by Naples broker, Mike Hughes, first-day sessions covered national issues.
The Tues sessions were state-specific with Dr. Brad O’Connor, Florida Realtors® Chief Economist, touting the real estate advantages here: Domestic in-migration is slowing but still high. Florida is an ideal location for untethered remote workers. Retirees with existing home equity are not as fazed by high interest rates, while housing remains affordable and more spacious here relative to the Northeast and West Coast.
Below, with data from the islands MLS are summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.
Enjoy your weekend, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan
U.S. News and World Report recently released their rankings for the 2024 Best Elementary and Middle Schools in the United States. The Sanibel School, which educates students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, earned Top 10 spots for both elementary and middle school rankings in Florida!
City Manager Souza – said the City is financially in good shape. Though Ian caused a 34% loss in property values (75% in condos), the millage rate jumped to just 2.5 which is the highest Sanibel has ever had. It jumped to that after Hurricane Charley, dropped back down, and now is back to that. The City has received a 15.1M bridge loan which can be used only to run the City. Revenue also was lost on the sewer side ($2M). He commented on the huge relief it was when the state took over the cost of debris management (over $200M) and the City has had no cost for FEMA expenses. Another $28M loan is in the works to be used for upcoming projects.
Under rebuilding since Nov 7, 2022, he said a total of 7,508 permits have been issued (compared to ~2K in a typical year). Of that total, 180 are for demolition, 758 electrical, 1,762 emergency building repair, 795 mechanical, 1,960 roofing. Also since Nov 7, 2022, over 12K building code reviews have been performed. These numbers are staggering.
As Dave and I continue to work with both buyers and sellers, Lisa keeps our inventory list updated which I email to many island lovers. We haven’t bulk mailed those out in some time, so if you’d like to get an updated email version, just let me know at 
Sanibel Café – reopened today for the first time since Ian. Serving breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. (closed Tues & Wed).
Deck The Shore – at Sanibel Historical Museum & Village on today Dec 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. with caroling, refreshments, and tree lighting.
F.I.S.H. Annual 5K/10K Races – tomorrow Dec 1 with some rod closures from 7 to 10:30 a.m. There will be delays along the route (West Gulf/Tarpon Bay Rd/Periwinkle/Casa Ybel)
Captiva Civic Assoc Inaugural Holiday Bazaar – Mon Dec 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. & Tues Dec 5 from 10 to 4 p.m. at the Captiva Civic Center.
Enjoy your weekend, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan
SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) posted the following notice this week:
Holiday Events & Re-openings
Sanibel Masters Art Festival – is indoors at The Community House next Fri & Sat, Nov 24 & 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Though the Association of Realtors® didn’t meet this week, The SanibelSusan Team was busy as were many colleagues. I met clients Mon. teammate Dave and I both showed property Tues, while Wed was an inspection day. Yesterday, between more showings, we both fielded buyer and seller calls. Tomorrow, we both will be showing again. It is nice to be busy, but ole Hurricane Ian sure continues to create new challenges.
Sanibel
Enjoy your weekend & best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving,