Presidents Weekend 2023 on Sunny Sanibel Island

Posted on February 17, 2023 by SanibelSusan

It’s already another Friday with plenty more action with island real estate this week. After a few news items below is the activity posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service.

Sanibel Update

With debris clean-up, piles were disappearing and amounts lessening until the City reminded everyone that the last day it may go onto the right-of-way for pick-up by contractor Crowder Gulf is Monday, Presidents’ Day. That sure lit a fire under many, as today there noticeably was more debris lining the roadways. Only three more days, islanders!

There was no City post-Ian update this week, but recovery is progressing with noticeably more people returning to live and visit the islands. More businesses also are reopening. (Doc Ford’s Sanibel opened today.)

The temporary Post Office trailers are up-and-running. Literally, with postal employees running to get your mail. It is amazing how quickly those workers got that facility back into operation. It applies here, like everywhere, “teamwork makes the dream work.” They have worked through some unbelievable conditions and obstacles.

At SanibelSusan Realty

At SanibelSusan Realty, the team and I are thankful for another week with a nice closing plus new listing. Dave and I continue to cover the island every day while Lisa helps behind the scenes.

As a reminder, please let us know if your association has made any announcements of fee changes, special assessments, occupancy, completion schedules, etc. Please do not assume that your association coverage will be like any other. Not all associations, management companies, insurance policies, restoration/remediation companies, contractors, permits, etc. are the same. The rumor mill continues to generate ‘rumors”.

The most frequently asked questions by prospective purchasers are when can the property be occupied? How much of the work is my responsibility? What will it cost? Where is the 2023 association budget/reserve schedule? In a condo, what will the master insurance policies cover inside my unit?

Also please let us know of any other changes with your property, i.e. insurance costs. We have already heard of a deal falling through because the quote for new policies was astronomical. Many flood policies are assumable (meaning the buyer can buy out the months remaining on your policy). That doesn’t provide a long-term discount, but at least gets them initially covered more reasonably. You also may have other service policies that are assumable, like for annual termite inspection/treatment, maintenance on appliances &/or HVAC, etc. Those also are nice perks for us to know about and appreciated by most buyers.

At Home

Things are looking up. Dave/Lisa’s roofer will be back to continue their repairs on Monday. At my home, paint and more door hardware have been delivered. Fingers crossed that remaining interior work continues after the holiday. Yesterday, my new-in-2021 aluminum standing-seam roof was examined, as a precaution, by Crowther and found “perfect”. I now have another good contact at that company if anyone is in need. My pool and yard service also have resumed, while Dave continues to watch over things and work on my landscaping. We also keep an eye on work progressing on several properties owned by absentee clients. Steps forward every week are slow, but steady.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors

Still no return-to-the-island date for the Association of Realtors office as they continue operations out of the Midland Trust building just off-island. Unfortunately, the Association offices on Sanibel are awaiting contractor work and power, like so many others.

Thanks to the internet, the inner workings of the Association continue, as Tuesday, we had a Professional Development Committee meeting where classes were scheduled and speakers suggested for the first few general membership meetings of the year. Next Thursday at our February breakfast meeting, at Midland, speakers will be panel of insurance/attorney experts answering post-Ian questions. Betcha I get good info to share from that.

Wednesday, I attended the Association 3-hoour mandatory Zoom session presented by Florida Realtors Associate General Counsel, Joel Maxson. The leadership team of the local Association including their Board of Directors and members of the Professional Standards, Grievance, and Ombudsman Committees are required to attend these training sessions annually. These Realtors are the groups that act on any Ethics or Arbitration complaints. Luckily, there are few of those as our brokers and the Association provide excellent education and oversight, over members that, for the most part, are conscientious, sharing, and cooperative.

Island Real Estate

Below is another update of island inventory today from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service. Homes continue to be the hot commodity.

SANIBEL	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
SANIBEL	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	51	1,027,586	56	96	1,636,763	48	16	1,023,125	66
Under contract	11	739,354	17	66	1,310,535	38	3	564,330	107
Sold 2023 to 2/17	21	1,125,333	40	35	915,322	39	4	1,318,500	80
Sold 2022	123	1,136,199	44	184	1,597,868	52	26	779,528	223
Sold 2021	287	875,127	113	355	1,341,881	89	69	698,862	442

CAPTIVA	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
CAPTIVA	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	6	1,127,333	194	8	6,867,631	169	1	15,500,000	328
Under contract	3	1,038,000	89	2	1,824,500	9	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2023 to 2/17	0	N/A	N/A	4	3,612,500	58	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 Feb 10‑17

Sanibel

CONDOS

8 new listings: Seashells #33 2/2 $435K, Tennisplace #B22 2/2.5 $489K, Sandpiper Beach #206 2/2 $799K (SanibelSusan listing), Sunset South #3C 2/2 $819K, Loggerhead Cay #212 2/2 $885K, Tantara #202 2/2 $1.049M, Atrium #202 2/2 $1.249M, Gulfside Place #204 2/2 $1.375M.

Sandpiper Beach #206 View Pre-Ian

1 price change: Gulfside Place #318 2/2 now $1.495M (SanibelSusan listing).

Gulfside Place Post-Ian

2 new sales: Seashells #21 2/2 listed at $449K, Sundial #H209 1/1 listed at $649K.

4 closed sales: Seashells #42 2/2 $350K, Sundial #D301 2/2 $975K, Pelicans Roost #302 2/2 $1.149M, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #4-PH5 3/3 $1.425M.

HOMES

7 new listings: 1122 Captains Walk St 3/2.5 $798,897; 560 Boulder Dr 3/2 $849K, 1242 Par View Dr 3/2 $965K, 1720 Middle Gulf Dr 3/2 $990K, 1402 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 $1.679M, 826 Lindgren Blvd 3/2 $1.695M, 2564 Wulfert Rd 4/5.5 $3.595M.

8 price changes: 9438 Moonlight Dr 3/2 now $724K, 4753 Rue Helene 2/2 now $749K, 4052 Coquina Dr 3/2 now $760K, 1524 Wilton Ln 3/2 now $989K, 1121 Sabal St 3/2.5 now $1.45M, 979 Whelk Dr 3/3 now $1.494M, 2294 Wulfert Rd 4/4 now $1.65M, 1320 Seaspray Ln 3/4.5 now $3.7

3 back on market: 3025 Poinciana Cir 3/2 $899K, 557 East Rocks Dr 4/3 $999K, 1318 Seaspray Ln 5/3.5 $3.75M.

14 new sales: 2623 Tamarind Rd 2/2 listed at $375K; 671 Rabbit Rd 3/2 listed at $699K; 1230 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed at $779K; 1834 Long Point Ln 3/2.5 listed at $799,999; 1031 Birdwatch Way 3/2 listed at $875K; 3711 Agate Ct 3/2.5 listed at $900K, 562 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 listed at $999K; 617 East Rocks Dr 3/2 listed at $1.1M; 253 Daniel Dr 2/2.5 listed at $1,197,555; 1290 Par View Dr 4/2 listed at $1.199: 918 Kings Crown Dr 3/2.5 listed at $1.449M, 698 Anchor Dr 5/5.5 listed at $1.695M; 1208 Bay Dr 3/2 listed at $1.7M; 5395 Shearwater Dr 3/3.5 listed at $2.495M.

8 closed sales: 1977 Roseate Ln 2/2 $500K, 686 Spartina Ct 3/2 $651K, 3285 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2.5 $669K (SanibelSusan listing), 3354 St Kilda Rd 3/2 $760K, 702 Durion Ct 3/2 $830K, 740 Windlass Way 2/2 $845K, 2402 Wulfert Rd 4/3.5 $1.3M, 1008 Demere Ln 3/2 $1.3M.

LOTS

2 new listings – 1872 Middle Gulf Dr $799K, 1874 Middle Gulf Dr $1.599M.

No price change, new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings, price changes or closed sales.

1 new sale: Tennis Villas #3227 1/1 listed at $515K.

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, enjoy the long weekend! We’ll be working!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Weeks Are Whizzing By…

Posted on February 10, 2023 by SanibelSusan

My lawn & bougainvillea aren’t doing well, but the pink hibiscus & my neighbor’s tree are coming back nicely!

Another week has whizzed by with lots of Sanibel real estate activity and progress at teammates homes too. I also heard from our landlord at Sanibel Square. Engineers have determined our building is structurally sound and the City has visited the center. No ETA on when repairs will begin or when it will be ready for us to move back in, so I’m betting my home will be ready first. Now in addition to new drywall and electric, it has new trim and doors. Slow… but sure.

There was noticeably more traffic on the island this week, maybe related to the extended sunshine and 70/80-degree F weather that make us happy even as clean-up continues – but the number of construction vehicles is what has increased.

Sanibel Update

The City post-Ian Facebook Live update was part of the Sanibel City Council meeting on Tuesday. Those meetings still are being held at BIG ARTS Performance Hall while City Council Chambers (MacKenzie Hall) restoration continues. Unfortunately, there were several signal interruptions where I missed some of the dialogue but the City should be posting their Power Point soon. Here are some highlights:

City Manager Souza asked for Council direction on several items. With input from Chief Dalton, it was decided to end the curfew, but keep the police blotter.
To aid in business recovery, businesses will be allowed temporary signs, advertising they are “open”.
Regarding temporary storage units, Planning allows them to be on a property for 30 days, Council recommended extending to 180 days (from Feb 7) for consistency with other emergency timeframes.
According to code on swimming pools, for safety, emergency fencing must be at least chain link or mesh. Orange construction fencing is not adequate.
Residents/businesses were reminded that Feb 20 is the last day to put storm debris in the right-of-way for pickup by Crowder Gulf.
During Florida legislature Special Session SB 4-A Disaster Relief: Added an additional $100M from general revenue to statewide beach program for counties impacted by Hurricane Ian or Nicole. Approximately $12M award for Sanibel beach renourishment and recovery. During same session, created restoration reimbursement grant program with $50M from general revenue intended for sand placement and coastal armoring as a dollar for dollar reimbursement for construction up to $150K per grant. Grants are available for single-family residences and condos with priority given to low- and moderate-income applicants. Application portal opened Feb 1 at https://floridadep.gov/hurricane.
Building Dept advised that as of Feb 3, 2,052 permits are in the system with 1,175 issued. This compares to ~2,400 issued in all of last year.

Public beaches with parking at Tarpon Bay Rd and Blind Pass are open. Paid parking is by app. Other beaches will open as their parking areas and access paths are repaired and safe. Meanwhile, a few other openings include:

Timbers Restaurant – will be reopening on Valentines’ Day.
Sanibel School – Reopened on Sanibel Wednesday.

At SanibelSusan Realty

The island rumor mill has been swirling this week as property owners and their community associations work through the post-hurricane maze. We urge you to remember that an event like this has not happened here before, so please be patient, consult with experts, and don’t believe everything you hear. The SanibelSusan Team like you is working through new territory but remain happy to help you if we can. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The activity this week from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service is posted after a few news items below. We had a nice closing today, with another coming up next week. Big thanks to Chelsea, Amanda, and Dustyn at Superior Title of Sanibel who expedited these settlements for buyers who wanted to close early.

Teammate Lisa updated our island inventory list yesterday. If you’d like it emailed to you, just send me a message.

Island Real Estate

Below is another update of island inventory today from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service. Homes continue to be the hot commodity.

SANIBEL	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
SANIBEL	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	47	1,075,082	56	100	1,589,143	42	14	769,500	67
Under contract	13	921,300	16	63	1,267,312	34	3	564,330	101
Sold 2023 to 2/10	16	1,101,906	43	27	932,640	42	4	1,318,500	80
Sold 2022	123	1,136,199	44	184	1,597,868	52	26	779,528	223
Sold 2021	287	875,127	113	355	1,341,881	89	69	698,862	442

CAPTIVA	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
CAPTIVA	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	7	1,039,857	161	8	6,867,631	161	1	15,500,000	320
Under contract	2	1,299,500	127	2	1,824,500	9	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2023 to 2/10	0	N/A	N/A	4	3,612,500	58	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

NAR Statement on White House Tenant-Centered Action Plan

WASHINGTON (January 25, 2023) – National Association of Realtors® President Kenny Parcell issued the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s tenant-centered action plan:

“Rents are rising, driven by inflation and exacerbated by the housing supply shortage. We encourage the Administration to look more deeply at how it can address the root causes of rental affordability—namely, affordable housing supply.

“To immediately address the lack of housing affordability, NAR encourages the Administration and Congress to examine providing rental assistance through a range of channels, including grants, state and local fiscal recovery funding, and a variety of HUD programs that can be better funded and improved.

“NAR supported rental assistance throughout the pandemic, which was vital for struggling tenants and mom-and-pop housing providers. These small investors provide more than 40 percent of all rental housing in America and are essential to growing the nation’s affordable housing supply.

“Consumers may benefit from the Federal government raising awareness about existing protections within their lease agreements and through state and local laws. NAR has committed to creating resources for Realtors® that highlight ways to incorporate resident-center property management practices in their businesses. These resources include advertising to prospective residents that Housing Choice Vouchers are accepted at their property, providing information about rental assistance, and using alternative credit scores for applicants without a detailed credit history.

“Rental housing policy is heavily regulated at the state and local level. Federally enacted policies can potentially drive housing providers out of the market, which will have an immediate and long-term impact of making rental housing even more competitive and, therefore, more expensive for renters. Expanding the Federal Government’s role in rental policy also places an even greater undue burden on mom-and-pop housing providers. We will continue to advocate for common sense solutions that do not negatively impact small housing providers and address affordability by increasing the housing supply.”

The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Feb 3‑10

Sanibel

CONDOS

7 new listings: Seashells #26 2/2 $449K, Seashells #21 2/2 $449K, Sundial #H209 1/1 $649K, Island Beach Club #340B 2/2 $750K, Loggerhead Cay #314 2/2 $925K, Sandpiper Beach #504 2/2 $1.069M, Snug Harbor #221 2/2 $1.199M.

2 price changes: Loggerhead Cay #323 2/2 now $869K, Seascape #106 3/3 now $3.475M.

3 back on market: Beach Road Villas #101 2/2 $624K, Lighthouse Point #217 2/2 $699K, Island Beach Club #220F 2/2 $795K.

3 new sales: Sanibel Arms #B6 1/1 listed at $375K, Mariner Pointe #642 2/2 listed at $795K, Heron at the Sanctuary III #2A 3/3.5 listed at $1.148M.

4 closed sales: Sundial #G406 1/1 $590K, Nutmeg Village #101 2/2 $1.142M, Gulfside Place #121 2/2 $1.25M, Gulfside Place #102 3/2 $2.1M (SanibelSusan buyer).

Gulfside Place

HOMES

20 new listings: 1966 Ibis Ln 2/2 $584K, 1073 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $699K, 562 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $999K, 1160 Buttonwood Ln 3/2 $1.095M, 1018 S. Yachtsman 3/3 $1.1M, 2479 Blind Pass Ct 3/2 $1.15M, 1813 Long Point Ln 3/2.5 $1.175M, 1290 Par View Dr 4/2 $1.199M, 960 Cabbage Palm Ct 3/2 $1.389M, 9484 Peaceful Dr 3/3 $1.415M, 918 Kings Crow Dr 3/2.5 $1.449M, 1163 Kittiwake Cir 3/3 $1.495M, 5294 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2.5 $1.498M, 698 Anchor Dr 5/5.5 $1.695M, 845 Birdie View Pt 3/3 $1.895M, 915 Limpet Dr 5/3 $2,295M, 5395 Shearwater Dr 3/3.5 $2.495M, 1157 Bird Ln 3/3.5 $4.395M, 4697 Rue Belle Mer 4/5 $4.9M, 4689 Rue Belle Mer 5/6.5 $9.25M.

12 price changes: 1754 Windward Way 2/2 now $619K, 1811 Ibis Ln 2/2 now $650K, 1526 Bunting Ln 5/3 now $750K, 1230 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $779K, 3760 West Gulf Dr 3/2 now $839K, 1986 Wild Lime Dr 3/2 now $874K, 1022 Lindgren Blvd 3/2 now $899K, 1332 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $990K, 9248 Kincaid Ct 3/2 now $999K, 241 Violet Dr 3/2.5 now $1.225M, 9027 Mockingbird Dr 4/3 now $1.495M, 3191 Twin Lakes Ln 4/2.5 now $1.749M.

2 back on market: 671 Rabbit Rd 3/2 $699K, 617 East Rocks Dr 3/2 $1.1M.

19 new sales: 1440 Sandpiper Ct 3/2.5 listed at $639K, 4437 Gulf Pines Dr 3/2.5 listed at $675K, 3181 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 listed at $679.9K, 1057 Blue Heron Dr 3/3 listed at $699K, 1585 Bunting Ln 3/2 listed at $699K, 1700 Dixie Beach Blvd 3/2 listed at $749K, 9106 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 listed at $769K, 3941 Coquina Dr 3/2 listed at $850K, 1835 Farm Tr 2/3 listed at $875K, 4733 Rue Belle Mer 3/3 listed at $895K, 3025 Poinciana Cir 3/2 listed at $899K, 428 Lighthouse Way 3/2.5 listed at $899K, 3711 Agate Ct 3/3.5 listed at $900K, 1002 Kings Crown Dr 3/2 listed at $1.1M, 1443 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed at $1.299M, 664 Gopher Walk 4/2.5 listed at $1.699M, 4781 Tradewinds Dr 3/2 listed at $2M, 466 Sea Oats Dr 4/4 listed at $2.339M, 519 Kinzie Island 4/3.5 listed at $2.5M.

4 closed sales: 153 Shell Basket Ln 3/2 $550K, 1429 Jamaica Dr 4/3 $700K, 4747 Rue Belle Mer 4/4 $925K, 729 Sand Dollar 3/2.5 $1.2M.

LOTS

2 new listings – 1872 Middle Gulf Dr $799K, 1874 Middle Gulf Dr $1.599M.

No price change, new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

Nothing to report.

HOMES

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

1 back on market: Sunset Captiva 1 2/2.5 $3.9M.

1 closed sale: 1106 Tallow Tree 3/3 $1.5M.

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, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Already Wrapping Up January 2023 Post-Ian

Posted on January 27, 2023 by SanibelSusan

I apologize for this arriving so late tonight. The SanibelSusan Team has been busy including today when I worked with buyers making their first visit to the island. That turned into a long day, visiting essentially every community and covering what I call my geography tour of Sanibel. Of course, that includes info about lifestyle, utilities, amenities, shopping, health, insurance, living costs, etc.

I was worried not having driven buyers around for some time – with that not happening much during the pandemic – coupled with the island being in such a state of devastation. There was no need to worry, these folks knew about hurricanes and were wonderful. They have not yet decided between homes and condos, plus like many couples, they have some different preferences.

My day began with an early delivery to Superior Title with a closing checklist and contract for a new listing that sold quickly. After that began the geography tour which didn’t finish until dark (6:30-ish, now that the days are getting longer). My spiel on island weather including how most days are warm with bright blue sky sure didn’t fit the forecast today as it was overcast most of the day, barely getting in the 60’s. (I had to wear a jacket with my winter flip flops. That’s twice this winter.)

We stopped at Trader’s for lunch, where it was like old home week. Former Sanibel Mayor & Doc Ford’s owner, Marty Harrity, gave me a thumbs up and a pitch to these folks on how wonderful life is here. One of my BIG ARTs singing pals with her husband and family were at a nearby table and offered info on how great the fishing has been this week. Turns out they also cheer for the same football teams. Then at the table behind us was another Realtor pal who worked on the island for decades before moving north to be closer to grandchildren. It sure was a plus for these prospects to experience how warm and welcoming islanders are. Our small-town appeals to them!

At SanibelSusan Realty

Still no action on our office rebuild, but at my home, son Dave reported that drywall went up today. You can bet that I will be there checking it tomorrow. Hopefully progress will be quicker from here forward, as I moved into what I hope is my last Fort Myers rental this week. Please let it be the last stop before I am back living on island.

Dave spent time yesterday and today with appraisers and inspectors, while I put a condo under contract (in record time) on Tuesday, then on Wednesday posted the home in MLS, that sold Thursday. Those details are after a couple of news items below, plus the action since last Friday in the islands Multiple Listing Service.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Our 2023 local association Installation and Awards Event yesterday included a luncheon at Cielo. It was great to see so many smiling Realtors® again, including leaders from other Associations in our district, including Bonita and Naples. SanibelSusan earned Honor Society status for the 30^th year and though I don’t want to admit to being old, I was the most senior Past President (1999) in the line-up when we performed the “passing of the gavel” ceremony to the 2023 President.

Congratulations to Amanda Curran, owner at Superior Title of Sanibel. (Her company holds our escrow deposits and handles most of our closings.) They are excited to be back on the island in their office in Tree Tops Shopping Center. She received the Association 2022 Affiliate of the Year award.

Sanibel Update

There was no City post-Ian update meeting this week, but Mayor Smith is great about posting news on Facebook. Thanks to her hard work regarding Sanibel mail, two mobile units were transported to the Post Office parking lot midweek. It will take some time for them to become operational, but that delivery in itself is progress in the right direction.

Another City post-Ian progress update is scheduled for Tuesday at 5 p.m. at BIG ARTS Performance Hall. I will follow it on Facebook Live and post recaps on my Facebook pages, as usual.

Food

This week it was announced that Island Pizza is teaming up with Sweet Melissa’s chef for special meals on Thursdays and Fridays beginning next week Feb 2. Sweet Melissa’s Café building, next door to Island Pizza was taken down last week and will eventually be rebuilt.

Bleu Rendezvous French Bistro also announced yesterday that they hope to reopen in 30 days in a new location, at 751 Tarpon Bay Rd, adjacent to Tower Gallery. Their post said they will be open for lunch and dinner starting at noon, with non-stop Happy Hour, on Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Out on Captiva, Mucky Duck has reopened, while on Sanibel the Steeler’s flag is a wavin’ at The Great White Grill which also is open.

Island Real Estate

Below is another update of island inventory today from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service. There were 23 homes listed on Sanibel this week, several including our listing in Lake Murex already are under contract. During the same time five homes came back on the market, and five had price reductions, with some of those selling too. Seventeen Sanibel homes sold and seven home closings occurred.

SANIBEL	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
SANIBEL	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	33	1,112,633	63	100	1,470,398	47	14	666,928	81
Under contract	20	1,142,115	31	43	1,005,079	23	1	145,000	6
Sold 2023 to 1/27	5	1,068,000	46	17	969,441	47	4	1,318,500	80
Sold 2022	123	1,136,199	44	184	1,597,868	52	26	779,528	223
Sold 2021	287	875,127	113	355	1,341,881	89	69	698,862	442

CAPTIVA	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
CAPTIVA	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	6	1,127,333	174	7	7,279,007	149	1	15,500,000	307
Under contract	2	1,299,500	127	5	2,139,800	8	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2023 to 1/27	0	N/A	N/A	2	5,700,000	59	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 20‑27

Sanibel

CONDOS

12 new listings: Seashells #42 2/2 $374K, Sanibel Arms #B7 1/1 $399K, Donax Village #10 2/2 $499K, Sundial #C206 1/1 $599K, Lighthouse Point #217 2/2 $699K, Sunset South #1A 2/2 $714K, Island Beach Club #220F 2/2 $795K, Mariner Pointe #642 2/2 $795K, Sanibel Surfside #122 2/2 $995K, Heron at The Sanctuary III-2A 3/3.5 $1.149M, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #4-1 3/3 $1.369M, Seascape #106 3/3 $2.975M.

2 price changes: Beach Road Villas #101 2/2 now $624K, Tigua Cay #487 3/3.5 now $2.75M.

5 new sales: Sunset South #10B 2/2 listed at $650K, Sunset South #3D 2/2 listed at $749.9K, Her on The Sanctuary #III-2A 3/3.5 listed at $1.148M, Gulfside Place #121 2/2 listed at $1.425M, Gulfside Place #102 3/3 listed at $2.198M (our sale).

3 closed sales: Lake Palms #3 2/2.5 $525K, Pointe Santo #D3 2/2 $675K, Pine Cove #A 2/2 $1.06M.

HOMES

16 new listings: 3181 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 $679.9K, 1859 Farm Trail 3/2 $719.9K, 4752 Rue Helene 2/2 $799K, 1341 Par View Dr 3/2 $799K, 526 Bunting Ln 5/3 $800K, 4052 Coquina Dr 3/2 $800K, 591 Boulder Dr 4/3 $879K, 1145 Sabal St 3/4 $995K, 9248 Kincaid Ct 3/2 $1.025M, 1043 Blue Heron Dr 3/3 $1.195M, 1578 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $1.199M, 1018 Demere Ln 4/3 $1.295M, 4628 Rue Belle Mer 3/3 $1.695M, 5271 Indian Ct 4/4 $2.599M, 3615 West Gulf Dr 4/4.5 $4.25M, 3941 West Gulf Dr 4/4.5 $4.25M.

3 price changes: 2623 Tamarind Rd 2/2 now $375K, 1679 Serenity Ln 3/2 now $847K, 1224 Buttonwood Ln 3/2.5 now $1.45M.

5 back on market: Moonshadows #1A 3/3 $949K, 557 East Rocks Dr 4/3 $999K, 241 Violet Dr 3/2.5 $1.295M, 2885 Wulfert Rd 7/6 $2.499M, 3699 West Gulf Dr 6/4.5.5 $5.695M.

17 new sales: 1413 Sandpiper Cir 2/2 1/2-duplex listed at $649K, 9126 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 listed at $650K, 3285 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2.5 listed at $699K (our listing), 458 Casa Ybel Rd 1/1.5 listed at $799K, 702 Durion Ct 3/2 listed at $829K, 4208 West Gulf Dr 2/2 listed at $849K, 214 Palm Lake Dr 3/2.5 listed at $849K, 1230 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed at $859K, 720 Durion Ct 4/3 listed at $899K, 1040 Kings Crown Dr 3/2 listed at $995K, 747 Birdie View Pt 3/3 listed at $999K, 729 Sand Dollar Dr 3/2 listed at $999,999, 1002 Kings Crown Dr 3/2 listed at $1.1M, 4775 Rue Helene 4/3 listed at $1.125M, 454 Surf Sound Ct 3/2 listed at $1.289M, 1120 Olga Ave 3/2 listed at $1.395M, 2450 Wulfert Rd 3/3 listed at $1.65M.

7 closed sales: 860 Rabbit Rd 2/1 $375K, 1282 Tahiti Dr 3/2 $559K, 4214 Old Banyan Way 3/2.5 $595K, 293 Palm Lake Dr 3/2 $662.5K, 954 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 $700K, 921 Strangler Fig Ln 3/2.5 $750K, 9094 Mockingbird Dr 4/3.5 $850K.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 new sale: Beach Villas #2235 4/3 listed at $1.899M.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Yippee, Island Temps Are Back to Mid-70’s

Posted on January 20, 2023 by SanibelSusan

It’s another sunny Friday afternoon on Sanibel with more real estate activity as recovery progresses. Single-family homes continue to be where there is the most action, again with many condominium complexes still sorting out work required by their associations and what their insurance covers.

At SanibelSusan Realty

Our listings had more action this week as David and I work with owners thinking of selling and buyers looking to take advantage of more listings becoming available. It can be difficult making those who have not been back understand that the island is not going to be like it was any time soon, maybe never. Every trip around the island, it is encouraging to see more positive changes, but the amount of devastation and repairs will take years.

It makes it challenging when prospective buyers want to come and view property, but the communities are not allowing showings and/or don’t yet know what their costs will be. In most condos, but not all, unit owners are responsible from the wallboard-in, while the Association handles from the walls-out.

Reading those condo documents is an important part of the due diligence with a Florida sales contract, as is reviewing the financials. Another Sanibel condo was listed this week in MLS where the unit special assessment per unit owner (or new buyer) is $325K (yes, that says $325,000). In this situation, estimates to restore the buildings by the Association are complete and insurance settlement known. The Association will bring back the buildings and grounds, with owners/buyers then restoring their unit interiors. All of this is taking time which we know can be frustrating for owners and prospective purchasers.

On a more positive note, on my travels yesterday, it was great to see many of the big debris piles gone at the Periwinkle/Purdy collection area. Earlier in the week, I saw a neighborhood of volunteers removing debris along Causeway Rd across from the Chamber. It is great to see this cooperation.

Dave and I continue to track repairs and permits on the properties we have under contract, plus the progress at the Associations where we have listings. After a couple of news items below is the action since last Friday in the island Multiple Listing Service.

Florida Realtors® Mid-Winter Business Meetings

I missed going to Orlando this week for the Florida Realtors® Mid-Winter business meetings. I started attending those in the mid-90’s before I became our Association President and have benefitted from the connections made and lessons learned. Thanks to technology, I could follow along during the event, but it sure isn’t the same as being with those colleagues in person.

Last night was the installation of our 2023 state officers and today was the Professional Development Committee meeting.

Earlier in the week, I also missed, serving on the day-long state Audition Panel for new instructors. My friends at state headquarters understand what we are dealing with here in hurricane land, so hopefully I will be asked to serve again at the annual meeting in August. Meanwhile, congratulations to Mike McGraw our new President and Gia Arvin President-Elect.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Our similar, not so fancy, local association Installation and Awards Event, delayed thanks to the storm, will include a luncheon next week at Cielo. Incoming President Greg Demaras asked me to give the invocation and pledge, so that is where I will be Thursday. It will be great to see more local colleagues in person again and congratulate our new officers.

Sanibel Update

I again followed the Tuesday Sanibel Post-Ian 110-day Progress Update which was part of the City Council meeting. My full recap is posted on my personal and business Facebook pages or you can listen to the entire City Council meeting on www.MySanibel.com. A few highlights from that meeting are:

Sanibel curfew – changed to from midnight to 6 a.m.

Debris – get it to the curb by February 20.

Pool Fencing – if your pool cage was destroyed, for safety, storm fencing needs to go up.

Mail – 2 mobile units are coming to Sanibel (same location as Post Office), hopefully by end of month per latest message from Mayor Smith. One will operate as post office, other as retail. Home delivery will take longer to restart.

Food

Slowly, but surely, more restaurants are opening, most with limited hours and offerings, but progress. Here’s the latest line-up:

Sanibel: Blue Giraffe food truck (at Periwinkle Place), Cielo, Gramma Dot’s food truck, Huxter’s food truck, Island Pizza, Jerry’s Café, Mud Bugs, Sanibel Deli, Sanibel Grill, The Shack, Traders, Tutti Pazzi.

Captiva: Cantina Captiva, Captiva Island Pizza, The Green Flash, Old Captiva House.

Island Real Estate

Below is an update of island inventory today from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service. Then is the action posted this week in the MLS.

SANIBEL	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
SANIBEL	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	25	1,190,016	79	93	1,458,172	48	12	677,249	86
Under contract	18	1,060,433	39	36	1,018,591	24	2	272,000	5
Sold 2023 to 1/20	2	1,540,000	27	10	1,198,900	29	3	1,635,000	103
Sold 2022	123	1,136,199	44	184	1,597,868	52	26	779,528	223
Sold 2021	287	875,127	113	355	1,341,881	89	69	698,862	442

CAPTIVA	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
CAPTIVA	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	7	1,237,571	177	7	7,279,007	142	1	15,500,000	300
Under contract	1	700,000	7	5	2,139,800	8	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2023 to 1/20	0	N/A	N/A	2	5,700,000	59	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 13 – 20

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sunset South #3D 2/2 $749.5K, Sanctuary Golf Village #1-1 2/2.5 $1.095M. By-the-Sea #B101 3/2 $1.299M, Atrium #106 2/2 $1.749M

1 price change: Pelicans Roost #302 2/2 now $1.149M.

2 back on market: Sunset South #10B 2/2 $650K, Gulfside Place #121 2/2 $1.425M.

2 new sales: Heron at The Sanctuary I #3-B 3/2.5 listed at $995K, Sealoft Village #107 2/2 listed at $999K (our listing).

1 closed sale: Royale Tern #303 3/3.5 $2.495M.

HOMES

16 new listings: 1672 Atlanta Plaza Dr 2/1 $520K, 1754 Windlass Way 2/2 $629.9K, 1948 Roseate Ln 2/2 $635K, 671 Rabbit Rd 3/2 $699K, 3941 Coquina Dr 3/2 $850K, 440 Lighthouse Way 3/3 $899.9K, 1447 Albatross Rd 3/2 $919K, 4144 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $1.095M, 1442 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $1.299M, 1120 Olga Ave 3/2 $1.495M, 2294 Wulfert Rd 4/4 $1.55M, 645 Donax St 4/3 $1.577M, 999 East Gulf Dr #101 3/2.5 $1.54M, 566 N Yachtsman 3/2 $1.595M, 5235 Indian Ct 4/4 $2.495M, 3699 West Gulf Dr 6/4.5.5 $5.695M.

10 price changes: 214 Hurricane Ln 3/2 now $659K; 1314 Tahiti Dr 3/2 now $749K; 214 Palm Lake Dr 3/2.5 now $849K; 1031 Bird Watch Way 3/2 now $875K; 3060 West Gulf Dr 3/2 now $899K; 1986 Wild Lime Dr 3/2 now $899K; 4775 Rue Helene 4/3 now $1.125M; 1027 Kings Crown Dr 4/3 now $1,495,555; 664 Gopher Walk Way 4/3.5 now $1.699M; 851 Angel Wing Dr 5/4 now $1.795M.

1 back on market: 4208 West Gulf Dr 2/2 $849K.

7 new sales: 4733 Rue Belle Mr 3/3 listed at $895K, 4747 Rue Belle Mer 4/4 listed at $950K, 775 Pen Shell Dr 3/2 listed at $999K, 557 East Rocks Dr 4/3 listed at $999.9K, 241 Violet Dr 3/2.5 listed at $1.295M, 1008 Demere Ln 3/2 listed at $1.395M, 869 Limpet Dr 5/4 listed at $2.875M.

6 closed sales: 3008 Singing Wind Dr 2/2 $450K, 2499 Harbour Ln 3/3 $1.35M, 954 Whelk Dr 3/3 $1.5M, 791 Limpet Dr 4/4.5 $1.75M, 1543 San Carlos Bay Dr 4/4 $1.;76M, 1152 Golden Olive Ct 4/2 $1.85M

LOTS

1 new listing: 845 Pyrula Ave $650K.

No price changes or new sales.

1 closed sale: 2998 Singing Wind Cir $300K.

Captiva

CONDOS

Nothing to report.

HOMES

1 new listing:11516 Wightman Ln 5/4.5 $3.999M.

No price changes or new sales.

1 closed sale: 11523 Andy Rosse Ln 5/5.5 $4.45M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

SanbelSusan Has Winter Flip Flops Ready

Posted on January 13, 2023 by SanibelSusan

It’s Susan again with another weekly update. Here it is Friday the 13^thwith a cool front arriving in Florida. Before today, sunny Sanibel recovery continued with wonderful winter weather – dry, with bright blue skies, temperatures mostly 70’s. The cool front arrived following a big shower this morning – providing a much-needed dousing for our vegetation and wildlife. Forecasters say we likely with have more rare opportunities to wear jackets, from now through the long weekend, with daytime temperatures not expected to get out of the 60’s.

The nice weather certainly has made it more comfortable for the many remediation workers. With the causeway now open, traffic flows smoothly most of the time. Bridge work continues. It is encouraging to watch the progress and see the return of birds and dolphins during those overseas travels.

It was another “ouch” for me this week when another client reminded me that before they bought their property a couple of years ago, they asked about insurance. Most buyers do. Part of my answer was that the islands completely flooded back in the 1920’s and with them being in the 100-year major storm zone, time could be up for it to happen again. They followed up with “you were right.” Sometimes you don’t wanna be right.

Meanwhile on the home front, on Sanibel my house had more electrical work completed, while at teammate Dave’s, his new roof is being installed. Still awaiting word that the apartment I was to move into in late December is ready. Seems that many properties are just now discovering storm-related damage that took time to surface. We both continue to be on island every day and working from home too. I sure am looking forward to being permanently full-time back on Sanibel though. It won’t be soon enough!

Sanibel Update

City Update – The Sanibel Post-Ian 104-day Progress Update was a live Zoom from MacKenzie Hall on City grounds Tuesday night. As usual, I followed it and posted a recap on our business and my personal Facebook pages. It was excellent news to hear that opening the causeway for travel to anyone (except during curfew) has not caused problems, but rather has provided easier access for more contractors, owners, family, and volunteers.

Debris Pickup – Debris removal is expected to continue into February, but City Manager Souza reminded that this won’t go on forever. He thought it might end sometime next month.

Mail – The City has been working hard to get mail service back on the island. When USPS announced last week that it may be late summer before it returns to Sanibel (Captiva Post Office is open), a flurry of emails, letters, and calls followed. Mayor Smith advised that temporary locations on-island had been offered. She hoped to hear better news soon and last night posted the following Facebook message:

“Sanibelians- USPS Update for the 33957- MAIL IS COMING HOME – (But keep being loud!) Today I received a call from Richard Fermo USPS District Manager informing me that the City of Sanibel will have 2 mobile units (MRU) on island within 30 days for our citizens and business mail pick up. These will be located at the post office location on Tarpon Bay Road. USPS staff was on site yesterday to reevaluate the site. Senator Rick Scott has been instrumental in moving the dial with his direct and persistent communication with Postmaster General DeJoy. The Senator and his staff have been in direct communication with me daily. Congressman Byron Donalds penned a letter to the Postmaster General. Thank you, Byron and Jesse. Additionally, Senator Rubio’s office has contacted the PM General’s office with our needs.

“It was unacceptable to consider no mail service til late Summer 2023. I will continue to update as we all want to see this as action not words. Be assured we have been working on this. I appreciate the federal relationships and partnerships which are aiding in our mail service back where it belongs… In the 33957. I will be asking for daily updates from the USPS. Much work to be done. We are and will continue to make progress as our Sanibel community rebuilds. Please PM me with any questions.

“Thanks, Dave Elias, for making the trek to Jetport loop to help elevate our citizens voices …

“To our USPS Staff located WAY OUT there East. We are working to get you home. Sanibel Mayor Holly D. Smith”

She suggests that we keep the emails, letters, and calls going to USPS, Congressmen, and all who could assist – until this is finalized. In the meantime, it always is great to see our smiling familiar island postal workers at Jetport Loop. How they keep their spirits up in those working conditions is amazing. We look forward to having them back on island.

Farmers Market – On another positive note, the Sanibel Farmers Market is returning. This is its 15^th season. It will be a smaller footprint, but a welcome addition to the return to normalcy. It will be Sundays, beginning this weekend, through May from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the parking lot in front of Jerry’s.

Other Openings – A little more news is that two more restaurants are reopening:

Gulfshore Business reported yesterday that Captiva’s Mucky Duck will open soon with some limitations.
On Sanibel, Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen is reopening Jan 15. It will be open from Wed thru Mon from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Closed Tuesdays)

Next City Progress Briefing – It is on the agenda as part of the upcoming City Council meeting on Tuesday Jan 17 at 9 a.m. at BIG ARTS Performance Hall. Live feed posted on MySanibel.com and The City of Sanibel Facebook page.

Sanibel Building Permits

It was announced during the Tuesday briefing that the City Building and Planning Departments are working from rented spaces in Ft Myers. Good news to also hear that they are keeping up with demand. I have complaints from owners that their projects are being held up because of permits or inspections. That may be what their contractors are telling them, but when I told them how to go on-line themselves to see where their projects stand, they found different answers.

To check on property record, go to www.MySanibel.com, click on the first round button “Sanibel Online”. On the resulting menu on the right-hand side, click on the first item: “On-line Permitting, Licenses, & Business Taxes”. On the next screen, is a red link that says, “Click Here”.

When you do, you are brought to the City on-line system for searching public records, applying for a permit, inspection, etc. Click on “Search Public Records” where you can search for your own address or any address and your can specify the type of record or select “All”. Items are displayed in ascending order, so if your property has had a lot of permits, you may want to change the search to descending so you see the latest one on the top. From that record, you can see the entire permit progress and status- when the application was submitted, issued, all the documents with it, inspections ordered, status of the inspections including resubmission requirements, completion.

Follow up on the every permit regarding your property. It sure will help to avoid a hold-up if you decide to sell and don’t discover until then that there is an open permit.

Governor Signs Ambitious Water Quality Order

Posted Tues by SCCF: “On Jan. 10, Gov. DeSantis signed the sweeping Executive Order 23-06 in support of improving water quality within Florida. The order directs the state to spend $3.5 billion over the next four years on Everglades restoration and water quality improvements. “Today’s order is an ambitious ask from the governor and seeks to improve our water quality around the state and our resiliency into the future,” said SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis. “As more funding is directed toward Everglades restoration, we expect to see fewer damaging discharges to the Caloosahatchee and improved water quality.”

‘Today’s order marks an increase of $1 billion from the executive order that was signed four years ago. It also directs additional funding to work to restore the Indian River Lagoon with $100 million earmarked for the creation of a protection program with enhanced water quality monitoring.

‘Beyond allocating funding, the order directs the agencies within Florida to continue their efforts to support water quality. The order directs the South Florida Water Management District to expedite Everglades restoration projects and focus on sending more clean water south to the Everglades.

‘It also directs the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to work with the Florida Legislature to expand the wastewater grant program to address impacts from non-point source pollution. Non-point source pollutants originate from agriculture runoff, stormwater, leaky septic systems, and similar sources and are major drivers of the nutrient pollution in our waterways.

‘“SCCF is excited to work with our partners and the DEP to tackle the issues of non-point source pollution, algal blooms, and resiliency and improve Florida’s waters for everyone,” said DePaolis. Additionally, the order provides guidance to the DEP to work with the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services to strengthen Basin Management Action Plans for our waterways and to improve best management practices for agriculture. “If enacted properly, this could result in less nutrient pollution entering our waters,” he added.

‘The order also seeks to reduce harmful algal blooms within the state. It creates grant funding to work on mitigating blue-green algal blooms. Finally, the order seeks to increase resiliency around the state and will create a coral reef restoration and recovery initiative to help with coral growth and storm surge protections. “The order is a good step on the path to restoration and resiliency, and it will be important to monitor that funds are directed to projects that will have the largest impact on the quality and quantity of our water,” said DePaolis.”

Island Real Estate

As Dave and I continue to assist owners thinking of selling vs restoring, we often are asked what is the market doing? On Sanibel, more and more homes are coming on the market every day. I told someone just this week that when I spoke to them in early December, there were only 21 homes for sale. Today, there are 83.

The properties are in various condition. Some say they had “no or little” damage. Others are emptied, remediated, with drywall down, mold treated, and power restored. Some have been repaired somewhat or have pools cleaned and operational. Others have not been touched. Some listings say the properties are livable but with no warranty or assurance of structural integrity. Many of those that are non-conforming (or ground-level) properties are situations where it is questionable whether they can be restored, complying with the 50% rule. So buyers need to do their homework.

Sellers also need to recognize that not everyone will want to restore a property like it was pre-Ian. There will be teardowns. There already are many. There will be new builds and there are new owners that may want to raise a home or pop-it-up.

Just driving through the island, changes are happening every day. Still heartbreaking for many just returning to see things for the first time. It was amazing Wednesday to see how quickly the Sweet Melissa’s restaurant building disappeared – taken down in minutes. (Their social media says they are rebuilding.)

Below is an update of island inventory today from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service. It again is moving. Many changes daily. Then after a couple of news items is the action posted this week in the local MLS.

SANIBEL	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
SANIBEL	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	21	1,182,328	86	83	1,484,436	52	11	679,706	86
Under contract	19	1,140,200	38	37	1,076,710	21	3	281,000	3
Sold 2023 to 1/12	1	585,000	33	4	832,250	26	2	2,087,500	155
Sold 2022	123	1,136,199	44	184	1,597,868	52	26	779,528	223
Sold 2021	287	875,127	113	355	1,341,881	89	69	698,862	442

CAPTIVA	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
CAPTIVA	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	7	1,237,571	169	7	7,350,578	141	1	15,500,000	292
Under contract	6	700,000	7	6	2,583,000	24	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2023 to 1/12	0	N/A	N/A	1	6,950,000	14	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 6-13, 2023

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sundial #H111 1/1 $369K, Beach Road Villas #101 2/2 $649K, Heron at The Sanctuary II #3B 3/2.5 $995K, Tamarind #B302 3/2 $2.875M.

No price changes.

5 new sales: Sunset South #10B 2/2 $650K, Pointe Santo #D3 2/2 listed at $725K, Sunset South #4C 2/2 listed at $849K, Sundial #D302 2/2 listed at $975K, By-the-Sea #A102 3/2 listed at $1.325M.

No closed sales.

HOMES

13 new listings: 1932 Roseate Ln 3/2 $625K, 450 Birdsong 2/2 $649K, 3760 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $849K, 1679 Serenity Ln 3/2 $849K, 3025 Poinciana Cir 3/2 $975K, 557 East Rocks Dr 4/3 $999K, 1667 Sabal Sands Rd 3/3 $1.089M, 1332 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $1.095M, 9027 Mockingbird Dr 4/3 $1.595M, 2276 Wulfert Rd 4/5.5 $1.7M, 851 Angel Wing Dr 5/4 $1.995M, 4781 Tradewinds Dr 3/2 $2M, 682 Pyrula Ave 5/4.5 $2.395M.

6 price changes: 2623 Tamarind R 2/2 now $400K, 9106 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 now $769K, 1230 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $859K, 1022 Lindgren Blvd 3/2 now $899.9K, 1002 Kings Crown Dr 3/2 now $1.1M, 526 N Yachtsman Dr 3/2 now $1.495M,

8 new sales: 4044 Coquina Dr 2/2 listed at $525K, 1382 Tahiti Dr 3/2 listed at $599K, 1811 Ibis Ln 2/2 listed at $625K, 1153 Shell Basket Ln 3/2 listed at $625K, 1429 Jamaica Dr 4/2 listed at $739K, 4208 West Gulf Dr 2/2 listed at $849K, Moonshadows #1A 3/3 listed at $949K, 728 Sand Dollar Dr 3/2.5 listed at $1.295M.

4 closed sales: 4738 Rue Belle Mer 3/3 $700K, 1221 Par View 3/2 $830K, 3860 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $899K, 440 Glory Cir 3/3 $900K.

LOTS

3 new listings: 5116 Sea Belle Rd $350K, 355 Cowry Ct $690K, 1119 Seagrape Ln $1,199,992.

No price changes or new sales.

2 closed sales: 971 Main St $325K, West Gulf Dr #1 $4.25M.

Captiva

CONDOS

Nothing to report.

HOMES

1 new listing:16163 Captiva Dr 3/2 $3.995M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 11510 Chapin Ln 2/2 listed at $1.25M.

1 closed sale: 16778 Captiva Dr 4/4 $6.95M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan,

the one always wearing flipflops

A Delightful 72 Degrees F on Sunny Sanibel 01-06-2023

Posted on January 6, 2023 by SanibelSusan

It’s another Friday. Hard to believe that Hurricane Ian was here over three months ago. Now that the holidays are over, more owners are arriving for the first time. Very sad for many to see in person the level of devastation. Others say it’s not as bad as expected.

Teammate Dave and I continue to meet with them to discuss plans for restoration &/or selling. We have new listings in the works, while we also continue to work with buyers looking to take advantage of the unique situation the post-storm market presents.

On a personal note, I finally got a new main breaker box at my home this week. Fingers crossed that power is restored soon so that my new pool subpanel and pump are installed next. Dave keeps telling me that reconstruction will move more quickly once the electric is on. Meanwhile, he continues to work there plus assist with others needing help. While this weekend I will move for the 6^th time since evacuation. Believe it when I say I now have more patience than pre-storm. It’s the only way!

The below photo was sent to me by blog follower Terry Dempsey from NH. His e-mail said, “We were saddened by what happened during the hurricane and pray for Sanibel to bounce back soon. We have wanted to visit but know with nothing open, we don’t want to get in the way… On New Year’s Eve, we enjoyed the sunset from Bunche Beach, being able to at least enjoy Sanibel Lighthouse from a distance. I wanted to send you these photos to share however you like. I thought it was fitting on the last night of such a tumultuous year, the sun set over the Lighthouse which still stands tall.” (Thank you for sharing, Terry.)

Sanibel Update

Causeway Travel – The causeway opened this week with the islands assessable to anyone, except during curfew which remains 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Travel on/off island during those hours requires resident driver’s license or evidence of the need to be there.

Social media has been loaded with comments from visitors not knowing if they should come and help, either physically or financially to dine/shop, or to stay away and give the islands time to recover. As much as businesses need support, I believe that City leadership provides the best advice. Their Post-Ian Progress Update scheduled for Tuesday night again was canceled. One is scheduled next week, Tuesday Jan 10 at 5 p.m. Meanwhile, no public parking areas and only a handful of restaurants are opened.

Mail – Also the City announced yesterday that the Sanibel Post Office will not be operational until late summer, with pick-up to be continued indefinitely at Jetport Loop which certainly is a long trek for those back living on Sanibel. The Captiva Post Office is open, so an alternative for those folks is to open a post office box there and have their mail forwarded.

Recovery – Debris removal continues, but at a slower pace now. There still are mountains that need to go. Also noticeable is that more condo complexes are getting their grounds cleaned and buildings remediated.

Restaurant News – Saw a notice this week that The Pecking Order Fried Chicken & Pies will reopen this spring in a new location (former home of Rosie’s at 2330 Palm Ridge Rd).

BIG ARTS Community Chorus Resumes – Also received an email this afternoon that our Community Chorus will begin rehearsing next week. This is a non-auditioned choral class open to all singers of all ages and abilities. They will practice Thursday afternoons through Mar 30 with performances at the BIG ARTS Open House on March 15 and on April 4 at the Spring Sing with the Sanibel School. Let me know if you want to join us.

Want to Help With Cleanup?

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge – Refuge Cleanup with a Ranger takes place every Wednesday at 9 a.m. Meet at the Visitor & Education Center parking lot for a safety brief before traveling to the cleanup site of the week.

Participation is limited; preregister on Eventbrite. Video

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Conservation Foundation – SCCF is holding more beach cleanups this month in conjunction with the The City of Sanibel, Florida! Two-hour shifts will be held between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Jan. 10, 11, 17, and 18. Learn more and volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/…/10c0d4dabae2ea7fac43…

SanibelSusan Realty Associates

I checked in with our landlord at Sanibel Square today and he still does not have a timetable for reconstruction and occupancy.

We continue to make our daily treks to the island and didn’t notice a big increase in traffic, until yesterday when the City announced that the Florida DOT contractor constructing the new bridges needed to limit traffic to one-lane from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. I tried going about mid-morning thinking workers already had crossed, but waited in backup that stretched past the outlet malls, up McGregor. Dave was smarter and took his boat. Hopefully these delays will only be occasional, as there is lots of work to be done with material and contractor traffic expected to increase as more reconstruction begins.

Some island rental managers advise that many condo complexes won’t be ready for occupancy until late 2024. It won’t be surprising to see some buildings taken down and others rebuilt to current code. Some owners have asked, what happens to our investment if our building is destroyed? Good question.

We eventually expect to see a wave of condo owners looking to sell, like what is happening now with homeowners, particularly those that are in damaged non-conforming properties.

Below is an update of island inventory today from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service. Then after a couple of news items is the action posted in the MLS since last Friday.

SANIBEL	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
SANIBEL	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	22	1,084,495	79	79	1,445,973	52	8	654,625	110
Under contract	13	1,290,061	49	32	1,115,196	15	4	1,459,500	72
Sold 2023 to 1/6	1	585,000	33	0	N/A	N/A	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2022	123	1,136,199	44	184	1,597,868	52	26	779,528	223
Sold 2021	287	875,127	113	355	1,341,881	89	69	698,862	442

CAPTIVA	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
CAPTIVA	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	7	1,237,571	162	7	7,369,150	165	1	15,500,000	285
Under contract	1	700,000	7	6	3,533,000	26	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2023 to 1/6	0	N/A	N/A	0	N/A	N/A	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

Five Trends That Will Shape Luxury Real Estate in 2023

Getting out of the hurricane mode for a minute to share this article by Melissa Dittman Tracey from the Jan 3, 2023 issue of REALTOR® Magazine:

“The luxury housing market, like most other real estate sectors, is adjusting to a slowdown. Affordability and home size are every bit as much on wealthy buyers’ minds as other consumers. “The reality is we are coming out of one of the best real estate markets in history,” Gary Gold, a luxury property specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty in Beverly Hills, Calif., notes in the latest Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Trends Report. “But that level of demand and price appreciation wasn’t sustainable.” Nearly 90% of respondents to the Coldwell Banker survey say they believe the real estate market will be better than or the same as 2022 for property investment. The following emerging trends were noted in the report.

“Smaller Homes Offer Greater Appeal – The pandemic-era trend of supersizing a home may be shrinking in popularity. Affluent buyers are embracing smaller properties for their 2nd- or investment-home purchases. Smaller luxury single-family homes between 2,500 and 3,5000 square feet sold nearly 19% faster than larger ones, according to the report. “Now that the pandemic has loosened its grip on lifestyle decisions, the big house may not be as much of a necessity as it was during 2020 and 2021,” the report notes. “Some affluent buyers may not need or want to work from home anymore. Schools are open again, and kids don’t need extra spaces for at-home learning and play. Others may be looking to return to city life, where smaller footprints prevail.” Further, higher home prices may prompt more downsizing, too. Many luxury buyers also tend to purchase in cash, so smaller homes may be appealing for their lower upfront costs.

“Buyer’s Remorse Grows – In the previous homebuying frenzy of the last two years, many buyers had to make hasty purchase decisions to beat the fierce competition. They now may regret their choice: About a quarter of survey respondents who purchased a home in the last two years say they are not satisfied with their property, citing lifestyle changes, property size, remote location, lack of neighborhood amenities or a return to full-time office work. This may prompt more luxury buyers to move. After all, more than two-thirds of survey respondents say current market advantages, like less competition and slowing growth in home prices, may change their minds about buying in the near future. However, some discontented affluent buyers may decide to keep their home and fold it into their real estate portfolio.

“Global Buyers Return – International real estate transactions are back on the rise as foreign buyers eye U.S. housing—and Americans target destinations overseas. About 92% of U.S.-based respondents say they’re considering purchasing a property abroad. A strong U.S. dollar, the rising cost of living and surging home prices are among the top reasons driving interest in real estate overseas. Americans are showing the most desire for properties in Central America, Canada, Mexico, and parts of Asia. (Note: As of Jan. 1, a new Canadian law essentially bans foreign buyers from buying residential properties as investments for two years, with exceptions.) Also, the top international buyers in the U.S. (by dollar volume) are from China ($6.1 billion), Canada ($5.5 billion), India ($3.6 billion) and Mexico ($2.9 billion). Top U.S. destinations for foreign buyers in the U.S. are Florida, California, and Texas….

“Faith in Investments – Over a third of survey respondents believe real estate is the safest long-term investment, ranking higher than stocks and bonds, cryptocurrency, and pensions. They believe real estate as an investment can diversify a portfolio, offer long-term investment, provide financial gains from rental income and serve as an inheritance for their children, according to the survey. “Increasing numbers of the affluent appear to be gravitating toward real estate to create financial, emotional and psychological stability,” the Coldwell Banker report notes. They’re also showing greater optimism about returning to traditional luxury epicenters that have held long-term value (e.g. New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston). Further, the report shows, they’re targeting areas that are less likely to be affected by climate change. In the search for greater stability within their portfolios, luxury home buyers are showing demand for second and third homes in multiple locations, eyeing the diversity as a hedge against inflation.

“More Cash Deals – Higher interest rates over the last few months have promoted buyers to seek alternative financing methods. The wealthy are leveraging more cash in real estate transactions. “I think buyers don’t mind taking some money out of the stock market right now and putting it into something more tangible like luxury real estate,” Roger Pettingell of Coldwell Banker Realty in Sarasota and Longboat Key, Fla., writes in the report. Cash transactions are expected to continue increasing. All-cash sales comprised 26% of transactions in November 2022, up from 24% a year earlier, according to NAR data. Besides cash, wealthy buyers are using margin or stock portfolio loans and private bank loans, the report notes.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Dec 30 ‑ Jan 6

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sunset South #4C 2/2 $849K, Kings Crown #208 2/2 $889K, Loggerhead Cay #133 2/2 $999K, By-the-Sea #A102 3/2 $1.325M.

No price changes.

5 new sales: Lighthouse Point #119 2/2 listed at $589K, Sealoft Village #105 2/2 listed at $939K, Gulfside Place #121 2/2 $1.425M, Atrium #104 2/2 listed at $1.75M, Royale Tern #303 3/3.5 listed at $2.495M.

1 closed sale: Sundial #D403 1/1 $585K.

HOMES

11 new listings: 1314 Tahiti Dr 3/2 $779K, 719 Durion Ct 3/2 $789K, 4208 West Gulf Dr 2/2 $849K, 460 & 490 Old Trail 3/2.5 $875K, 214 Palm Lake Dr 3/2.5 $889K, 720 Durion Ct 4/3 $949K, 728 Sand Dollar Dr 3/2.5 $1.295M, 4775 Rue Helene 4/3 $1.295M, 241 Violet Dr 3/2.5 $1.295M, 2450 Wulfert Rd 3/3 $1.65M, 3191 Twin Lakes Ln 4/2.5 $1.793M.

3 back on market: 1925 Roseate Ln 2/2 $599K, 1585 Bunting Ln 3/2 $699K, 1206 Par View Dr 3/2 $995K.

8 price changes: 1044 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $699K, 9126 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 now $700K, 9094 Mockingbird Dr 4/3.5 now $895K, 1022 Lindgren Blvd 3/2 now $939.9K, 1283 Par View Dr 2/2 now $999K, 979 Whelk Dr 3/3 now $1.499M, 2543 Coconut Dr 3/2 now $1.695M, 2969 Wulfert Rd 6/6.5.5 now $3.595M,

5 new sales: 3384 St Kilda Rd 3/2 listed at $699K, 996 Greenwood Ct N (1/2 duplex) 3/3 listed at $779K, 9094 Mockingbird Dr 4/3.5 listed at $895K, 2402 Wulfert Rd 4/3.5 listed at $1.1M, 1034 Fish Crow Rd 3/2 listed at $1.349M.

1 closed sale: 749 Cardium St 3/2 $1.1M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 0 Gulf Pines Dr $749K.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing (under contract below).

No price changes.

1 new sale: Beach Villas #2617 1/1 listed at $700K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings, price changes or closed sales.

1 new sale: 11523 Andy Rosse Ln 5/5.5 listed at $4.799M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, fingers crossed that recover speeds up!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

It’s Gonna Be a Sunny Warm New Year on Sanibel Island

Posted on December 30, 2022 by SanibelSusan

Another Friday is here and though it now takes longer to make the trek to and from the island and Jetloop to get mail, it has been a sunny couple of days since midweek when SW Florida got back to favored winter temperatures, mid-70- to mid-80-degrees F.

Wearing a sweater and having the heat blasting on Christmas Day was a first in many years. Today, it is back to air conditioning and great to again drive with the sunroof open while checking out restoration progress and seeing summer-like vegetation coming back.

By the way, if like me you think it inconvenient for us to make the hour-long trek to 14080 Jetport Loop for mail, wait until next week, when we also must pay the causeway toll to get back on island. I drive by the Sanibel Post Office every day and have seen no action there in weeks. Let’s email the Postmaster General (Louis.DeJoy@usps.gov) or call (202-268-2550). If Captiva can have their Post Office open, why can’t Sanibel at least have a temporary one? Our wonderful island postal workers undoubtedly also are anxious to be back “on island”. Meanwhile, their smiling faces greet us at Jetport Loop. (This pix taken earlier today.)

Sanibel Update

The City did not have a post-Ian progress update this week, but another is scheduled on Facebook Live Tuesday Jan 3 at 5 p.m.

It sure has been different over the last week not seeing many debris-removal and construction vehicles. Many workers had not been home to see their families in weeks, so it was a much-deserved holiday break for them.

More progress is expected when the causeway reopens on Monday. There still is plenty of debris, with more pushed to the curb as more buildings are demolished. It was sad to see Beachview and Castaways cottages coming down. Often a surprise to pass a lot that now is empty, thinking back to the cute property that was there just days ago.

On the business front, Mudbugs Cajun Kitchen opened this week. I also heard that a couple of other restaurants that lost their locations have found new digs. More on that in the days to come.

At SanibelSusan Realty

At Sanibel Square, debris from other tenants has been brought roadside for removal. Like my home, no start to rebuilding has begun, but we remain hopeful that it will be soon. Meanwhile, new roof installation has begun at many homes. Based on the continual vision of blue tarps, new roofs are coming to many SW Florida properties.

Below is a summary of inventory in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service, followed by the details on activity since last Friday.

SANIBEL	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
SANIBEL	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	25	1,142,756	75	70	1,527,198	59	10	728,600	114
Under contract	9	1.133,077	56	32	1,084,853	19	4	1,459,500	72
Sold 2022 To-Date	123	1,136,199	44	183	1,600,589	51	26	779,528	223
Sold 2021	287	875,127	113	355	1,341,881	89	69	698,862	442

CAPTIVA	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
CAPTIVA	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	7	1,237,571	156	7	7,369,150	158	1	15,500,000	279
Under contract	1	700,000	7	6	3,533,000	19	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2022 To-Date	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 December 23-30, 2022

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Gulfside Place #201 2/2 $1.425M.

1 price change: Sunset South #10B 2/2 now $650K.

2 new sales: Sundial #G406 ½ listed at $624.9K, Sanctuary Golf Villages #3-PH5 2/2.5 listed at $1.299M.

1 closed sale: Sanctuary Golf Villages #1-4 3/3 $1.45M.

HOMES

6 new listings:3354 Saint Kilda Rd 3/2 $699K, 996 Greenwood Ct N 3/3 $779K, 1834 Long Point Ln 3/2 $799,999; 2402 Wulfert Rd 4/3.5 $1.1M, 1121 Sabal St 3/2.5 $1.5M, 915 Pecten Ct 6/5 $2.595M.

3 price changes: 1153 Shell Basket Ln 3/2 now $625K, 747 Birdie View Pt 3/3 now $999K, 526 N Yachtsman Dr 3/2 now $1.595M.

6 new sales: 860 Rabbit Rd 2/1 listed at $375K, 2623 Tamarind Rd 2/1 listed at $379K, 1977 Roseate Ln 2/2 listed at $549K, 1925 Roseate Ln 2/2 listed at $599K, 1206 Par View Dr 3/2 listed at $995K, 844 Lindgren Blvd 3/3 listed at $1.349M.

3 closed sales: 677 Durion Ct 3/2 $600K, 1129 Sabal St 2/2 $625K, 1028 Demere Ln 4/2 $929K.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing (under contract below).

No price changes.

1 new sale: Beach Villas #2617 1/1 listed at $700K.

No closed sales.

HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, wishing you a Happy New Year!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Counting Down to Christmas on Almost-Chilly Sanibel

Posted on December 23, 2022 by SanibelSusan

Time sure is flying on Sanibel where even here it is expected to be a chilly Christmas. Yesterday, following my second trip to the island, it was a surprise to find the causeway fogged in at 5 p.m. During the preceding hour, the temperature dropped from 80 degrees F to 70. Today, the day again began sunny with blue skies mid-70’s. It’s down to mid-60’s now. My phone weather app says it will be only 41 by 8 a.m. tomorrow with chilly weather continuing through Monday. It should be back to mid-70’s by the middle of the week.

I am just back from the island this afternoon and noticed fewer workers today, probably many are taking a long holiday weekend. Recovery progress, however, is evident everywhere. Debris piles are getting fewer/smaller. Earlier in the week, I saw many Comcast/Xfinity trucks about. (Residents who have moved back and rely on the internet advise that isn’t going well.)

I also tried to get my annual pre-Christmas lighthouse photo this afternoon. Roadways there still are closed and it was raining, so I didn’t venture out on the beach. Here is a photo from a couple of Christmases ago, followed by picture from today (it shows new green growth).

Sanibel Update

This week on our island travels, the team and I saw more roofers and construction workers. The weekly post-Ian progress update was part of the Tuesday City Council Meeting. Then, this afternoon the following press release was issued:

“Hurricane Ian Recovery Update

December 23, 2022

STORM RECOVERY INFORMATION

Sanibel Causeway – Eliminating Requirement for Reentry Passes. By consensus, the Sanibel City Council supported the decision to end the requirement for reentry passes on January 2, 2023. The Police checkpoint that has been in place since the causeway reopened to traffic will be deactivated early that morning. However, the City’s curfew will remain in effect between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am daily and the Police checkpoint will be in place during the curfew hours.

The City of Sanibel asks that non-residents respect and understand the fact that Sanibel is still actively working to recover from Hurricane Ian. While the requirement for reentry passes will no longer be necessary on January 2, 2023, we are discouraging visitors at this time and look forward to welcoming back visitors later in our recovery.

Please note the following:

· Beaches and beach parks, including the Sanibel Lighthouse, remain closed – Sanibel is not open to beach visitors and the Mayoral Proclamation, extending Sanibel’s State of Emergency, prohibits non-residents from being on the beach.

· Fishing Pier and Boat Ramp are closed.

· The City’s shared use path (bike path) still has stacked debris waiting for pickup in many places. Nails from debris, that could cause flat tires may exist on the bike path and the City is discouraging people from using it.

· Debris collection from individual lots and the City’s rights-of-way is still ongoing. Trucks collecting debris will interrupt traffic flow at times and may cause travel delays.

· Most businesses are closed.

· There is nothing to see or do – yet.

· Residents/contractors with reentry passes should continue displaying their reentry passes at all times on their vehicle’s dashboard to assist Police.

· During the hours the curfew is in place, vehicles with the following credentials will be allowed through the island checkpoint:

· Sanibel and Captiva residents with a resident reentry pass and a valid driver’s license. The name on the driver’s license must match the name of the person that the reentry pass was issued to.

· Guests of Sanibel and Captiva resorts with a printed reservation confirmation where the name on the reservation matches the name on the person’s driver’s license.

· People driving on Sanibel Island between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am should expect to be stopped by Police patrols to verify residency or resort guest status. All persons leaving the island after 9 pm should expect to be stopped by Police at the causeway checkpoint.

· Residents and business owners who observe any suspicious activity at any time on the island, should report this activity to the Sanibel Police Department immediately by calling 911.

Below is the press release that the City issued earlier, summarizing the Tuesday special City Council meeting. Links to the referenced documents are available at MySanibel.com. Some of this info is a repeat of the above update.

“Summary of Sanibel City Council

Special Meeting – December 20, 2022

The decision to eliminate the reentry pass requirement was made to assist residents, business owners, and the community recover from Hurricane Ian as the following benchmarks established by the City early in the recovery effort have been met:

· ROW Debris – 80% of the debris placed in the City’s right of way has been collected.

· The E. Periwinkle Way Bridge is now open to traffic.

· LCEC has completed pole replacement on main roadways.

· Any increase in traffic will not interfere with FDOT’s causeway construction project.

· Police security is sufficient on the island as other communities continue to send police officers from other jurisdictions to assist Sanibel and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office continues to assist Sanibel by assigning Sheriff Deputies to patrol the island.

The City of Sanibel reminds the general public that Sanibel is still actively working to recover from Hurricane Ian. While the requirement for reentry passes will no longer be necessary on January 2, 2023, we are discouraging visitors. Please note the following:

· Beaches and beach parks, including the Sanibel Lighthouse, remain closed – Sanibel is not open to beach visitors and the Mayoral Proclamation, extending Sanibel’s Local State of Emergency, prohibits non-residents from being on the beach.

· Fishing Pier and Boat Ramp are closed.

· Most businesses are closed.

· There is nothing to see or do – yet.

· Residents/contractors with reentry passes should continue displaying their reentry passes on dashboard to assist Police.

Hurricane Reentry Passes – Ending Distribution on December 23^rd. The City of Sanibel will stop distributing reentry passes tomorrow, December 23, 2022. Residents, contractors, and business owners who may need a reentry pass issued for use during the last week of December (2022) should visit the Fort Myers Regional Library Meeting Rooms located at 1651 Lee St, Ft. Myers, FL 33901, between the hours of 8 am – 1 pm on Friday, December 23, 2022. Residents who have extenuating circumstances that prevented them from obtaining a reentry pass by December 23rd should call 239-472-3700 for assistance.

City Offices and Phone Lines Closed December 26^th and January 2^nd – Sanibel offices, including the Hurricane Reentry Pass distribution center, and phone lines (except for 911 and Police Non-Emergency calls 239-472-3111) will be closed on December 26, 2022, and January 2, 2023, in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Building Fees. The City Council advanced an Ordinance (22-013) relating to Building Fee discounts for residents and contractors using private provider services for building inspections to a Public Hearing and Second Reading at the January 17, 2023, City Council meeting. The Ordinance also adds a provision that allows the waiver of Building Fees by resolution following a natural or man-made disaster….

Temporary Use Fees. The City Council advanced an Ordinance (22-015) relating to Temporary Use Fee discounts for residents and contractors using private provider services for building inspections to a Public Hearing and Second Reading at the January 17, 2023, City Council meeting. The Ordinance also adds a provision that allows the waiver of Temporary Use Fees for the placement of a recreation vehicle or park trailer on a residential lot by Mayoral Proclamation or City Council Resolution following a natural or man-made disaster….

Development Regulations in the Resort Housing District – The City Council advanced an Ordinance (22-017) to update the Resort Housing Development Regulations to a Public Hearing and Second Reading at the January 17, 2023, City Council meeting….

Off-Street Parking Requirements and Land Use Regulations in the Resort Housing District – The City Council advanced an Ordinance (22-019) to amend the Off-Street Parking Requirement and Land Use Regulations in the Resort Housing District to a Public Hearing and Second Reading at the January 17, 2023, City Council meeting….

Finance Department Reports – The City Council received the following quarterly reports from the Finance Department. The Finance Department reports include:

1. General Fund quarterly financial report for 2022 fiscal year to date as of September 30, 2022.

2. Recreation Fund quarterly financial report for 2022 fiscal year to date as of September 30, 2022.

3. Sewer Fund quarterly financial report for 2022 fiscal year to date as of September 30, 2022.

4. Beach Parking Fund quarterly financial report for 2022 fiscal year to date as of September 30, 2022.

5. City of Sanibel fiscal year 2022 quarterly investment report as of September 30, 2022….

Referred Review of Section 126-87 – Combined Residential and Commercial Development, of the Land Development Code to the Planning Commission for Review. City Councilman Mike Miller asked the City Council to refer Section 126-87 – Combined Residential and Commercial Development, of the Land Development Code to the Planning Commission for Review. Councilman Miller believes that Section 126-87(5) should be reviewed to ensure the code does not create a disincentive to develop affordable or below market rate housing units in mixed-use development projects. The City Council approved Councilman Miller’s request.

Dwelling Rental License Renewals – The City Council authorized the Finance Department to prorate Dwelling Rental License renewal fees for 2023 only to assist owners of short-term rental properties in recovering from Hurricane Ian.

Special Event Approvals – The City Council authorized the City Manager to approve Special Events for 2023 only to assist special event organizers in planning and scheduling special events on an expedited time frame due to Hurricane Ian.

Legislative Priorities. The City Council approved the legislative priorities presented by City Manager Souza. The Legislative Priorities presented to the City Council on December 6^th were ranked in order of priority at the request of Sanibel’s Legislative Delegation members….

FUTURE MEETING DATES:

· Monday, January 9, 2023 – Planning Commission – 9:00am at BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd., Sanibel

· Tuesday, January 17, 2023 – City Council Regular Meeting – 9:00am at BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd., Sanibel”

At SanibelSusan Realty

Still no construction started inside our office at Sanibel Square, but Dave and I continue work on island every day. Construction is underway at my home though, so we may have space to work there first.

Below is the listing activity posted since last Friday on the Sanibel & Captiva Islands MLS. I chatted with several colleagues who like us, are getting mostly calls from owners trying to decide if they are going to sell or restore. Some with property already undergoing remediation and repairs, but many still waiting for adjuster reports, contractor estimates, insurance checks, and/or permits.

It will be interesting to see how activity changes – if it does – in January when reentry passes are no longer needed. Meanwhile, damaged homes continue to dominate the market, while more and more condo complexes are being locked up as their restoration contractors work their way through build-back.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity December 16-23, 2022

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sundial #G406 1/1 $624.9K, Sundial #A303 1/1 $845K, Kings Crown #208 2/2 $889K, Royale Tern #204 3/3.5 $2.695M.

No price changes.

2 new sales: Pine Cove #A 2/2 listed at $990K, Sanctuary Golf Villages #4-5 3/3 listed at $1.395M.

3 closed sales: Sanctuary Golf Villages #2-1 2/2.5 $995K, Gulfside Place #205 2/2 $1.245M, Royale Tern #304 3/3.5 $2.745M.

HOMES

16 new listings (3 included in new sales below): 2623 Tamarind Rd 2/1 $379K, 1811 Ibis Ln 2/2 4625K, 775 Pen Shell Dr 3/2 $999K, 1304 Par View Dr 3/3 $890K, 4733 Rue Belle Mer 3/3 $895K, 1284 Par View Dr 2/2 $899K, 969 Fish Crow Rd 3/2 $899K, 1230 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $899K,1040 Kings Crown Dr 3/2 $995K, 3060 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $999K, 844 Lindgren Blvd 3/3 $1.349M, 1036 Whisperwood Way 3/3 $1.749M, 1027 Kings Crown Dr 3/3 $1.895M.

7 price changes: 1382 Tahiti Dr 3/2 now $599K, 0126 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 now $750K, 1835 Farm Trail 3/2 now $875K, 9094 Mockingbird Dr 4/3.5 now $895K, 4565 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 now $1.229M, 750 Sand Dollar Dr 3/2 now $1.298M. 869 Limpet Dr 5/4 now $2.895M.

7 new sales: 3008 Singing Wind Dr 2/2 listed at $499K, 1585 Bunting Ln 3/2 listed at $699K, 577 Boulder Dr 3/2 listed at $724.5K, 740 Windlass Way 2/2 listed at $899.9K, 760 Windlass Way 3/3 listed at $1.2M, 1153 Golden Olive Ct 4/2 listed at $1.995M, 791 Limpet Dr 4/4.5 listed at $2.6M.

13 closed sales: 1403 Sandpiper Cir 3/2.5 $449K, 2551 Sanibel Blvd 3/2 $575K, 1585 Serenity Ln 3/2 $610K, 486 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $635K, 596 Boulder Dr 3/2 $685K, 2186 Egret Cir 3/2 $850K, 1339 Par View Dr 3/2.5 $850K, 520 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 $975K, 2474 Wulfert Rd 3/3.5.5 $995K, 5435 Osprey Ct 4/3.5 $1.1M, 4172 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $1.125M, 4670 Rue Bayou 5/4 $1.249M, 888 Limpet Dr 3/2 $1.55M

LOTS

1 new listing (included in new sales below).

No price changes.

2 new sales: 2998 Singing Wind Dr listed at $299K, 9232 Dimmick Dr listed at $399K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Lands End Village #1650 3/3 $2.59M.

No price changes, new sales, or closings.

HOMES

1 new listing (under contract below).

No price changes.

2 new sales: 1106 Tallow Tree Ct 3/3 listed at $1.6M, 11460 Old Lodge Ln 4/3 listed at $2.399M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, wishing you safe peaceful happy holidays & a very Merry Christmas!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Sunny Sanibel Recovering from Hurricane Ian

Posted on December 9, 2022 by SanibelSusan

Another Friday already has arrived. Sure seems that these final weeks of the year are passing quickly. I’m again a little delayed in sending this as when I got back from my daily island trip, I found the apartment building where I am renting is without water. This is the 2^nd day in a row. Ugh!

It has been slow going this week on the island, first with FL DOT causeway work sometimes limiting traffic to one lane and often with more debris-removal vehicles on East Gulf Dr which is a heavily traveled route since the Periwinkle bridge still is out. It’s all progress though, so staying patient is key!

With many of you in locations that are snowy, I also must note that although the islands still are in serious recovery-mode, the weather here has been fantastic. High 70’s, low 80’s, bright blue skies all week, with plenty of sunshine. Below is a picture of the Christmas tree that just appeared in front of Lighthouse Café. I think the shell fairies are keeping it stocked with painted shells, if you look carefully, you might see them.

Island Comradery

The Reimagined Sanibel/Captiva Luminary event last Friday night at Bell Tower in Ft Myers was under clear skies and very well attended. Our little group of BIG ARTS Chorus singers were on stage following Mayor Holly Smith’s welcome, so we had a great vantage point to look out into the crowd and see many familiar island faces. The entire evening was a great opportunity for many to reconnect for the first time since the hurricane and to support island businesses.

Sanibel Update

On Tuesday, the City Post-Ian progress update was part of the City Council Meeting held at BIG ARTS, They have offered their performance hall for City meetings while City Hall continues their restoration. A recap of that update is posted on both my business and personal Facebook pages.

I also followed the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and FDEM (Florida Department of Emergency Management) Town Hall also held last night at BIG ARTS last night. It was almost three hours long.

There are mixed feelings on the City decision to open the island to non-entry-pass-holders on January 2. The County previously had announced that causeway tolls would restart on January 1. Some think more debris removal and utility work needs to be complete before the island is reopened. Some are worried about security with many homes not able to be secured yet because of storm damage. May properties have swollen door, damaged locks and garage doors. But, some businesses and Captiva owners are anxious to get back.

With contractor work ramping up and more businesses reopening, the City Manager advises that he continues to confer with the Police Chief and others to monitor the situation. It was announced at the FEMA/FDEM meeting last night that the Governor already has approved extending the time the state will provide mutual-aid officers from other jurisdictions until the end of Jan. (That could be extended further.) I saw new police vehicles on the island today, from Panama City.

Residents are encouraged to call the Police if you see or hear of any suspicious activity. “If you see something, say something.” The 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew remains in effect until further notice

Mortgage Rates

The following “instant reaction” was posted Thurs by Nadia Evancelou, NAR (National Association of Realtors®) Senior Economist & Director of Forecasting:

“Mortgage rates continue to move down. According to Freddie Mac, the rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage dropped to 6.33% from 6.59% the previous week. Housing affordability rose about 8% in the last 4 weeks as mortgage rates moved closer to 6%. If inflation continues to slow down, mortgage rates may stabilize near 6% in 2023.

“With a 6% mortgage rate, housing will become more affordable to many buyers. While the typical family cannot currently afford to buy a median-priced home as the qualifying income exceeds earned income, housing will become affordable again for Americans if rates hover near 6%. In this scenario, the typical family will earn about $1,000 more than the income needed to purchase a mid-priced home.

“With more buyers back in the market, the housing market may turn around at the beginning of next year.”

At SanibelSusan Realty

Teammate Dave continues to arrive on the island at daybreak nearly every day, while I often don’t get there until late morning. Again this week, we viewed properties for buyers thinking of purchasing and owners considering selling, rather than rebuilding.

On the east-end, the Periwinkle Way bridge did not open Wed as was rescheduled. When I left the island this afternoon, crews were still working, and it was not mentioned at the Town Hall Meeting tonight. It looks to be close to completion though.

It has been encouraging to see more debris being picked up on the Gulf Drives. Crowder Gulf, the City’s hired removal contractor, advises they still expect to have 80% of the debris removed before Christmas. The downside of the removal is now one views the damaged properties themselves. But there is obvious progress every day… just a lot of restoration work to yet come. Rumors are rampant about what may or may not be rebuilt or restored. If you have questions, call us. We certainly are not building experts, but have good resources if you need more help.

I also ran into Paul Zimmerman this afternoon. Paul worked for Sanibel Accommodations decades ago when my husband and I used to rent on the island. He opened his own company back in the mid-90’s, Gulf Beach Properties, where he handles mostly annual rentals, but basically any that are longer than 6 months (or when owners are not required to collect tourism taxes). He said, “If you have anyone thinking of renting, have them call me.”

Below is the week’s action from the island MLS. More damaged homes come on the market daily, many going under contract quickly to investor/developers willing to accept them “as is” with no additional repairs.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Dec 2 – 9, 2022

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sunset South #10B 2/2 $690K, Pelicans Roost #302 2/2 $1.199M, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #4-5 3/3 $1.395M, Royal Tern #303 3/3.5 $2.495M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Oceans Reach #4B1 1/1 listed at $480K.

1 closed sale: Heron at The Sanctuary Bldg 2 #3A 2/2.5 $900K.

HOMES

11 new listings (4 included in new sales below): 799 Casa Ybel Rd 5/3 (duplex) $698K, 1153 Shell Basket Ln 3/2 $729K, Moonshadows #1A 3/3 $949K, 1224 Buttonwood Ln 3/2 $1.6M, 854 Whelk Dr 3/3 $1.65M, 791 Limpet Dr 4/4.5 $2.6M, 869 Limpet Dr 5/4.5 $3.185M.

2 price changes: 1031 Bird Watch Way 3/2 now $895K, 1270 Par View Dr 3/2 now $1.2M.

10 new sales: 486 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 listed at $675K, 4738 Rue Belle Mer 3/3 listed at $750K, 1429 Jamaica Dr 4/3 listed at $859K, 4747 Rue Belle Mer 4/4 listed at $995K, 440 Glory Cir 3/3 listed at $999K, 520 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 listed at $1.1M, 4172 West Gulf Dr 3/2 listed at $1.2M, 4565 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 listed at $1.259M, 852 Lindgren Blvd 3/3 listed at $1.349M, 2499 Harbour Ln 3/3 listed at $1.529M, 1543 San Carlos Bay Dr 4/4 listed at $1.995M.

5 closed sales: 1874 Ibis Ln 3/2 $485K, 895 Durion Ct 3/2 $600K, 303 Palm Lake Dr 3/2 $625K, 952 Kings Crown Dr 4/3 $799,222; 9015 Mockingbird Dr 4/3.5 $970K.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Captiva

CONDOS

Nothing to report.

HOMES

2 new listings (1 included in new sales below): 11460 Old Lodge Ln 4/3 $2.399M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 11539 Wightman Ln 2/2 listed at $1.55M, 16778 Captiva Dr 4/4 listed at $6.95M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

This afternoon, I saw the below display while checking a couple of new listings on Limpet Dr. These blow-ups made me think of the island. On one-hand trying to cheerfully celebrate the upcoming holiday and on the other hand kinda tipped over. We’ll be upright soon!.

Until next Friday! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

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