Gotta Love Sanibel Snowmen – It’s Breezy & 76 Degrees F at 3 p.m.

Posted on January 10, 2020 by SanibelSusan

Following a big exodus over the weekend when many holiday visitors headed back home, this week, the islands settled into a more routine “season” traffic pattern. That was except for an accident on the causeway late Monday afternoon that resulted in a huge backup. I was meeting friends for dinner at Traders at 6:30 so left the office at 5:30 thinking that would give plenty of time. By then, Sanibel’s traffic webcams and social media postings indicated that the damaged vehicles had been removed, so since Periwinkle in front of the office wasn’t moving, I headed toward Tarpon Bay Rd. Clear sailing on Tarpon Bay Rd to Middle Gulf Dr. I made it just past Casa Ybel Resort when I got stuck. From there, it took 50 minutes to get to Traders, a mere 1.1 miles (normally 2 minutes) away.

So, if you are on the islands in the winter, please remember that it doesn’t take much to disrupt travel plans. As Realtors®, we plan our showing routes from east to west – or west to east – depending on the time of day. It’s good to plan right-hand turns too. If you get stuck, check the web cams at http://www.mysanibel.com/Live-Street-Cams. But, when using your phone, be aware of the new Florida law. (More info about that in one of the news items below.)

After that news is the island activity this week posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service. Next Thursday is our local Association of Realtors® membership breakfast at The Sanctuary, followed by annual awards and the installation of 2020 officers.

2020 Change in Jumbo Loan Baseline

At our Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® Caravan Meeting yesterday, local lender Dan Krispinsky of Lake Michigan Credit Union announced a change in the baseline loan limit for a jumbo loan.

In 2020, the baseline loan limit for most counties across the U.S. will be $510,400, an increase from the 2019 cap of $484,350. More expensive markets, such as New York City and San Francisco, have conforming loan limits as high as $765,600. Anything above these maximum amounts would be considered a “jumbo” mortgage.

2020 Brings Remote Notaries, Lower Taxes, Texting Bans

Posted this week on-line by FloridaRealtors®: “It’s now easier and more convenient to close deals between distant buyers and sellers thanks to new remote notary laws, and the business rent tax cut will save businesses an estimated $65 million in 2020. However, it’s now illegal statewide to text while driving.

“TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A handful of laws went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, that will positively impact the real estate industry – and one law that affects Realtors who try to accomplish texting business while driving.

“Online remote notaries – State law caught up with technology on Jan. 1, 2020, with the approval of online remote notaries. Many states already allow the use of online remote notaries in real estate transactions, and the change will make it notably easier, faster and more convenient to close real estate transactions when the buyer and seller can’t be in the same room. The new law stems from HB 409, which the Florida Legislature passed last year.

“Business rent tax – Florida Realtors has advocated for cuts to the state’s business rent tax for many years, and another cut became effective on Jan. 1 – 0.2% this time. Businesses throughout Florida will save more than $65 million each year. The new state tax rate on commercial leases is now 5.5%, down from 5.7% in 2018 and 6% in 2017. Other parts of the business-rent-tax bill passed in 2019, HB 7123, have already taken effect, including the August 2019 sales tax holiday on hurricane preparedness supplies. Florida economists projected shoppers saved about $41.7 million during the sales-tax holiday.

“Texting while driving – It’s been illegal to text while driving in Florida since July 1 – but on Jan. 1, 2020, officers will stop writing warnings and start writing tickets. A first offense is $30; a second is $60 ($158.18 with court costs) if it happens within five years. While texting was a secondary offense in the past, officers can now stop a driver who is otherwise obeying traffic laws if they’re seen texting. In addition, motorists can’t use phones for texting or any reason, including hand-held talking, when driving in school and work zones. While hands-free talking is allowed in cars equipped with the skill, officers can stop drivers if they see a phone in a motorists’ hand.”

Recycle Drop-Off for Electronics

As posted in today’s “Island Sun”: “The Green Team of Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ’s is holding an electronic recycling drop-off on Saturday, January 18 at 1 p.m. This is part of the Green Team’s ongoing efforts to address environmental concerns not only on Sanibel but beyond. This is open to the public and there is no cost.

“The drop-off will take place in the parking lot of the church, located at 2050 Periwinkle Way, across from Periwinkle Place. Computer Medics of Southwest Florida will be at the church to collect these items.

“Bring items in small cardboard boxes, placing in separate boxes things that work and things that don’t. Mike Peterson of Computer Medics of Southwest Florida will destroy all personal and business data on any drives. Afterwards, he will donate any working computers to Komputers for Kids, and all non-working items will be appropriately recycled.

“Items that can be recycled included: electric wire, mouse and keyboards, laptops, notebooks, computer towers, battery backups, hard drives, flat panel monitors, lithium batteries, automotive batteries, cell phones, medical test and monitoring equipment, gaming devices, florescent light ballasts, circuit breakers and panels, and starters and alternators.

“The only electronics that cannot be accepted are glass-screen CRT televisions and monitors, LED and LCD televisions, printers and copiers. For a complete list of what can and cannot be recycled, visit the church’s website at http://www.sanibelucc.org or call the office at 472-0497 for a list to be emailed to you.

“In the U.S. alone, we throw away over 400 million electronic items, and that number is growing two or three times faster than other municipal waste. Harmful chemicals released from incinerators and leached from landfills can contaminate air and groundwater. Typically, most electronic waste goes either into landfills, or is sent to developing countries where due to little or no regulation, workers are at health risks as well as face safety issues posed by their improper recycling and disposal methods.

“Computer Medics of Southwest Florida’s recycler, Brian Slager of eScrap Recycling, does not send anything to other countries, to prisons, or to landfills. He reuses everything he takes, and his recycling service complies with all local, state and federal regulations.”

BIG ARTS Happenings

I drove by the new building at BIG ARTS yesterday and it is getting close to be finished. The Community Chorus had their first rehearsal of the year Tuesday night (those are at Strauss Theater until construction is complete at the BIG ARTS campus). It is not too early to mark your calendars for our spring Community Chorus Concerts which will be in the new performance hall on two nights, April 1 and 2, at 7 p.m.

Singers also are looking forward to the BIG ARTS Open House on Saturday afternoon, January 25, from noon to 4 p.m. when the public is invited to tour the new facility. The Open House is free and will feature live music by both Island Jazz and the BIG ARTS Community Bands, and the Community Chorus. Guests will be able to tour the garden area, art gallery, and experience the new state-of-the-art performance hall.

Island Jazz will perform in the garden. The gallery will be featuring the first fine arts exhibit of the year, “Time for Joy” by renowned artist Mally Khorasantchi. From 1 to 2 p.m. in the performance hall, the Community Chorus will perform, while the finale is the BIG ARTS Concert Band at 3 p.m.

Throughout the afternoon, guests will be able to move freely around the facility and enjoy BBQ chicken and pork sliders, potato salad and coleslaw as they take in the sights and sounds of the day. To learn more about the new home of BIG ARTS and the “2020 Dream Season” visit www.BIGARTS.org or call 239-395-0900.

The night before is BIG ARTS gala grand-opening fundraiser to complete the final phase of the building fund. Tickets are limited for this Friday night event which includes a gourmet dinner and music by The Temptations. Reservations for the fundraiser are needed and by phone only at 239-395-0900.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity January 3-10, 2020

Sanibel

CONDOS

7 new listings: Captains Walk #C3 1/1 $279K; Blind Pass #B205 2/2.5 $469K; Sundial #C301 1/1 $469.9K; Sundial #F108 1/1 $475K; Lighthouse Point #120 3/2 $625K; Villa Sanibel #2H 2/2 $727,007; Tantara #203 3/2 $1.289M.

12 price changes: Sanibel Arms #C7 1/1 now $376K; Sandpebble #1A 2/2 now $439K; Seawind #A107 2/2.5 now $570,007; Sunset South #A11 2/2 now $599K; Loggerhead Cay #222 2/2 now $637K; Kings Crown #112 2/2 now $679K; Signal Inn #14 2/2 now $719K; Oceans Reach 4C1 2/2 now $869K; Oceans Reach #4D1 2/2 now $875K; Sanibel Surfside #132 2/2 now $899K, Gulfside Place #222 2/2 now $1.297M (our listing), La Playa #1B 3/2 now $1.299M.

3 new sales: Mariner Pointe #1051 2/2 listed at $499K, Mariner Pointe #721 2/2 listed at $534K, Surfside 12 #A1 3/2 listed at $734K.

1 closed sale: Loggerhead Cay #134 2/2 $960K.

HOMES

9 new listings: 1851 Farm Trl 3/2 $$559K; 9307 Dimmick Dr 3/2 $720K; 1085 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $725K; 5834 Pine Tree Dr 799,555; 1220 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $849K; 1606 Sabal Sands Rd 3/2 $899.9K; 250 Hurricane Ln 3/2.5 $1.049M; 355 East Gulf Dr 3/2 $1.149M; 1349 Bay Dr 4/4 $8.125M.

13 price changes: 1856 Ardsley Way 3/2 now $515K, 1890 Farm Trl 3/2 now $560.4K, 730 Cardium St 2/2 now $574K, 1954 Roseate Ln 3/2 now $585.9K, 610 Hideaway Ct 3/2.5 now $609K, 1925 Roseate Ln 2/2 now $639K, 701 Nerita St 3/2 now $734K, 1567 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 now $799K, 911 Almas Ct 3/2.5 now $1.25M, 4954 Joewood Dr 3/2 now $1.35M, 4630 Rue Bayou 4/4.5 now $1.389M, 1898 Woodring Rd 2/2 now $2.65M, 4709 Rue Belle Mer 3/2 now $2.999M.

5 new sales: 325 East Gulf Dr 1/1 listed at $509K, 513 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 listed at $688K, 592 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 listed at $989.5K, 526 N Yachtsman Dr 3/2 listed at $995K, 1717 Venus Dr 3/2.5 listed at $1.199M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 1246 Seagrape Ln now $2.789M.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Lands End #1634 3/3 $2.395M.

2 price changes: Tennis Villas #3120 1/1 now $318K, Lands End Village #1667 2/2 now $1.194M.

1 new sale: Tennis Villas #3137 2/2 listed at $474K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 16727 Captiva Dr 5/4 $1,999,999.

1 price change: 16525 Captiva Dr 3/4 now $1.459M.

3 new sales: 11501 Laika Ln 3/3 listed at $1.275M, 15831 Captiva Dr 2/2.5 listed at $3.7M, 15819 Captiva Dr 5/5 listed at $9.1M.

1 closed sale: 14980 Binder Dr 4/4 $2.368M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 925 South Seas Plantation Rd $5.899M.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

This representation is based in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the association or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. The information provided represents the general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.

Until next Friday, hope to see you at the beach!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

2020 Already Lookin’ Good on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Posted on January 3, 2020 by SanibelSusan

The SanibelSusan Team and I hope that you all had happy healthy holidays. It has been hard to remember what day of the week it is with all these mid-week holidays, but our 2020 has started out with a bang.

It’s a white pelican convention!

The islands typically are their busiest the week between Christmas and New Year’s with traffic at its heaviest, particularly midday coming on island and late afternoon leaving. I showed a couple of condos on Saturday and don’t ever remember it being so busy on the beach in front of Pointe Santo, while further up West Gulf Dr at The Atrium, there was hardly anyone.

Sunday traffic was heavy and by Monday, Periwinkle Way was gridlock. Tuesday through yesterday morning were better, until VP Pence arrived about noon which added a few security and news vehicles to the mix. He is here until Sunday. Can’t blame him, the weather is wonderful – including mostly sunny warm days with temperatures from the mid 70’s into the 80’s.

The next cold front is due to arrive this weekend with Sunday temps not expected to get out of the 60’s. If that’s winter, we’ll take it!

Kite boarder heaven when a cool front arrives & it’s windy!

With the island busy, there was plenty of real estate action here this week too. The SanibelSusan Team had one of the last sales in 2019, both our listing and sale. Then New Year’s, after showing just one home, our first deal of 2020 got done too! Now, to keep that string going!

After a couple of news items below is a report of the all action since last Friday in the Multiple Listing Service.

New Title Company In Town – Knight Barry Title

Many of you know that Barrier Island Title sold a few years ago to Fidelity National Title. As 20+year fans of the Barrier team, SanibelSusan Realty’s business continued with them until Fidelity closed their doors on Sanibel at the end of the year.

The good news is that Heidi Koch, island title and closing industry veteran, and her two closer colleagues, Michelle Landl and Jackie Martin, all formerly with Barrier, have moved right across the hall in the same building and now work for Knight Barry Title.

This week, Knight Barry Title opened their new office at 1456 Periwinkle Way, Suite C, to serve Sanibel and Captiva. Knight Barry Title is an independent family-owned company in the business for over 40 years and now with its 5^th office in the Sunshine State. Other locations are in Destin, Crestview, Panama City Beach, and Pensacola. In addition to Florida, Knight Barry has 60 offices that service many small towns across the Midwest in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota.

Congratulations, Heidi, Jackie, and Michelle! We brought them our first 2020 sale and hope to bring them plenty more.

Condominium & HOA Boards, Beware of Holding “Executive Sessions”

Posted on-line, Dec 16, 2019 by Amanda Barritt, real estate attorney with Henderson-Franklin, Attorneys at Law, in Ft Myers:

“I am often asked by association boards if the board can meet in “executive session” to discuss a sensitive topic, such as a personnel matter or dispute with an owner or neighborhood association, without members present.

“Florida homeowners’ and condominium associations are subject to what many refer to as association “sunshine laws” (which are different than the sunshine laws the Florida government must follow). Under Florida Statutes Chapter 720, for HOA’s, and Chapter 718, for condominiums, Association board meetings are deemed to occur when a quorum of the board gathers to conduct association business. All board meetings must be properly noticed and open to the members, with the only exceptions being:

Meetings between the board and its attorney with respect to proposed or pending litigation, or
Meetings of the board to discuss personnel matters.

“Such “closed” meetings must still be properly noticed to the membership in accordance with the association bylaws.

“Take-Away – Boards should consult with their legal counsel prior to holding a closed meeting to confirm whether the particular meeting may legally be held behind closed doors and whether the Board has complied with the proper notice requirements.”

Why Do Some Water-Related Projects Take So Long?

ding darling Good article in the Dec 26, 2019, ““Ding” on The Wing”, News from the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, written by fellow Realtor® Sarah Ashton and her husband Jim Metzler who are DDWS Advocacy Committee Co-Chairs:

“Not long after the 2018 outbreaks of blue-green algae and red tide subsided, a newly elected Governor DeSantis issued an executive order that promised rapid improvement in the quality and quantity of Florida’s water. Soon thereafter, Governor DeSantis began overhauling the board of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) with the goal of making the board more responsive to south Florida’s water-related challenges. Given the urgency of eliminating future algae outbreaks combined with all the public statements that help is on the way, many members of the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society have questioned why the projects to address our water-related issues are taking so long to implement.

“This report will provide insight into that question by discussing two such projects: controlling Florida red tide and building the C-43 reservoir.

“Controlling Florida Red Tide – Because red tide is a worldwide phenomenon, it’s reasonable to think that Florida can leverage the red tide research being done elsewhere to significantly shorten the time it takes to develop techniques to control red tide in Florida. Unfortunately, only in Florida is red tide caused by the species of phytoplankton called Karenia brevis, and because of that uniqueness, our version of red tide is often referred to as Florida red tide. Because Florida red tide has a unique cause, techniques that effectively control red tide somewhere else may not be effective here. As a result, we are not likely to be able to take any significant short cuts on the research that must be done to find solutions to control Florida red tide.

“A previous newsletter mentioned that in 1957, Florida tried to mitigate a red tide outbreak by using crop-dusting planes to drop copper sulfate on the bloom. That action did kill some of the red tide, but it also led to the release of toxins that killed marine life. The likely path forward for scientists is that once a solution is shown to work in a lab environment, it gets tried in a small body of water such as a pond. If that trial is successful, it gets repeated in increasingly larger bodies of water until the state feels comfortable that it can safely and effectively use the solution in the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, to avoid implementing a solution whose unintended consequences are more harmful than the Florida red tide it is intended to control, this path is inherently lengthy.

“Building the C-43 Reservoir – The C-43 reservoir is being built on 10,700 acres of former farmland in Hendry County, Florida, slightly west of Labelle and just south of Route 80. The SFWMD has identified the following as the goals and benefits of the reservoir:

Capture and store stormwater runoff from the Caloosahatchee River basin, reducing excess water flow to the Caloosahatchee Estuary.
Capture and store water that is released from Lake Okeechobee, reducing the discharges to the coastal estuaries.
Improve the salinity balance for the Caloosahatchee estuary by controlling peak flows during the wet season and providing essential flows during the dry season.

“The reservoir was first envisioned in the early 2000s, but its construction was delayed in part by the economic downturn that occurred in the late 2000s. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) began construction in 2015, and the expected completion date is December 2023. To get a sense of the scale of the reservoir, assume that a person in good physical health goes for a two-hour walk without stopping. That person would have walked one side of the C-43 reservoir which when completed will measure 6×3 miles. The water level will range from 15 feet to 25 feet and, as a result, the reservoir will hold approximately 170,000 acre-feet, or 55 billion gallons of water.

“In addition to storing water, the previously mentioned executive order signed by Governor DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to work with the SFWMD to add a stormwater treatment component to the C-43 reservoir. The goal of this component is to provide additional treatment and improve the quality of water leaving the reservoir. This initiative is being implemented through the C-43 reservoir Water Quality Feasibility Study.

One of the reasons that building the C-43 reservoir will take years is the massive scale of the reservoir and hence the huge amount of work that must be coordinated… However, the scale of the reservoir is not the only reason causing a lengthy construction process. To both ensure that they settle properly and to minimize the seepage of water out of the reservoir, as part of the construction process the dirt berms that surround the reservoir must sit in place for 16 to 18 months and nothing can be done to shorten that time frame.

“Not Every Project is Inherently Lengthy – As discussed in this report, many water-related projects are inherently lengthy. However, that is not true of all such projects. In the recommendations that they made to the Governor and to the Florida legislature, the Blue Green Algae task force stated that agricultural operations are one of the primary causes of increased nutrients flowing into Florida’s water bodies. The runoff from agricultural operations is supposed to be minimized by the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs). However, the effectiveness of these BMPs is often criticized because compliance with the BMPs is largely voluntary.

“Strengthening the BMPs to the point that they achieve the stated goal of reducing the nutrients that flow into Florida’s water bodies would have a significant impact on the quality of those water bodies. In contrast to projects such as controlling Florida red tide and building the C-43 reservoir, strengthening BMPs can happen in a relatively short period of time. Several organizations, including the SFWMD, have indicated their desire to move in that direction.

“In Case You Missed It: A recent article in Field & Stream documents some of the progress that has been made in the battle to improve water quality in Florida.”

2020 Ongoing Programs

The recent merger with Sanibel Sea School and Coastal Watch with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation results in some continued popular activities:

Weeds & Seeds – Mondays at 8:40 a.m., Native Plant Field Trip at SCCF Nature Center, 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Rd.
Making the Land Work Walking Tours – Mondays 10-11 a.m. & Thursdays 2-3 p.m. at Bailey Homestead Preserve, 1300 Periwinkle Way
Bowman’s Beach Walk – Wednesdays 9-11 a.m., meet SCCF guide at bridge at 1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd.
Interior Wetlands Trail Walks – Starts Jan 14 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 11 a.m.-noon at SCCF Nature Center, 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Rd.
After-School Survival Skills – Tuesdays, January 14, 21, 28 & February 4, 3:30-5:30 p.m., register at SanibelSeaSchool.org
Discover Beachcombing – Thursdays 9-10:30 a.m., register at SanibelSeaSchool.org.
New Moon Meditations – Thursday January 23 5:30 p.m. at Alison Hagerup Beach Park, 14790 Captiva Dr., info@AmbuYoga.com
Community Bonfires on the Beach – Saturdays January 11 & 25, 5:30 p.m., RSVP to Nicole@SanibelSeaSchool.org.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity December 27-January 3, 2020

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Island Beach Club #220B 2/2 $725K, Heron at The Sanctuary II #3A 3/2.5 $850K, Sundial #K103 2/2 $889K, Gulfside Place #121 2/2 $1.198M, Tigua Cay #485 3/3.5 $2.295M.

3 price changes: Blind Pass #F204 2/2.5 now $445K, Sanibel Arms West #B2 2/2 now $549.9K, Sand Pointe #137 2/2 now $1.149M.

4 new sales: Sundial #H210 1/1 listed at $379K, Sundial #F408 1/1 listed at $499K, Mariner Pointe #321 3/2 listed at $569K, Snug Harbor #312 3/2 listed at $619K.

3 closed sales: Tennisplace #A33 2/1.5 $315K, Sanibel Arms West #M1 2/2 $494K, Mariner Pointe #842 2/2 $555K.

HOMES

7 new listings: 1085 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $725K, 1236 Par View Dr 3/2.5 $845K, 1414 Causey Ct 3/2 $850K, 1348 Eagle Run Dr 3/3 $998K, 1358 Sand Castle Rd 4/3.5 $1.1M, 5773 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 2/2 $1.19M, 1490 Angel Dr 4/3.5 $1.695M.

4 price changes: 513 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 now $688K, 1307 Par View Dr 3/3 now $1.099M, 550 N Yachtsman Dr 3/3 now $1.295M, 3757 West Gulf Dr 4/4 now $6.499M.

8 new sales: 1611 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex listed at $479K, 1558 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed at $599K (our listing & sale), 749 Cardium St 3/2 listed at $689K; 218 Daniel Dr 3/2.5 listed at $745K (our buyer); 238 Daniel Dr 3/2 listed at $777,126; 1414 Causey Ct 3/2 listed at $850K; 932 Whelk Dr 3/3 listed at $1.065M; 1730 Jewel Box Dr 4/3 listed at $1.499M.

Aerial of The Dunes showing causeway & 1558 Sand Castle Rd

2 closed sales: 632 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $697K, 1269 Par View Dr 3/2.5 $975K.

LOTS

1 new listing: 978 Main St $169.9K.

1 price change: 9056 Mockingbird Dr now $380K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Bayside Villas #5304 3/3 $649K.

1 price change: Tennis Villas #3220 1/1 now $329.9K.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 11501 Laika Ln 3/3 now $1.275M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 17041 Captiva Dr 2/2 $1.6M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, enjoy you weekend! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Almost 2020 On Sunny Sanibel

Posted on December 27, 2019 by SanibelSusan

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are busy with lots of holiday vacationers. The weather certainly has been wonderful for them with mostly sunny days and temperatures in the mid- to high-70’s, while down into the 60’s at night. Restaurants are reporting waits – so if you are here, be sure to make dinner reservations.

The team advised that yesterday was their first winter 1-hour trek getting off-island at 5 p.m. “Yes, they take the back way.” It’s that time of the year when we plan our travel … by turning right … and allowing plenty of time.

More visitors are expected to arrive tomorrow during Saturday arrivals at weekly rental properties. I will be out during turn-overs showing a few 3-bedroom condos. We had multiple requests for big condos this week. Though, there are 130 Sanibel condos currently for sale, larger units are hard to come by. Those looking for gulf-front 3 bedrooms, there are six available in residential complexes and another seven in complexes that rent weekly. If you want a condo in a particular complex, let us know and we’ll do our best to snoop one out.

Island Sales Stats

With it almost the end of the year, below is a snapshot of the Sanibel and Captiva market today. There is plenty of inventory, but we are looking for new listings so please keep us in mind if you know someone thinking of selling.

The below data from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service is as of today, 12/27/19. The activity posted for the last two weeks in the MLS follows a couple of news items:

SANIBEL	Condos		Homes		Lots
SANIBEL	No.	Avg Price $	No.	Avg Price $	No.	Avg Price $
For sale	130	806,859	195	1,380,871	72	717,724
Under contract	18	821,555	20	913,575	2	1,672,450
Closed this year	123	701,250	207	954,957	15	372,200
Closed in 2018	155	720,617	218	1,112,748	21	602,095
Closed in 2017	140	728,793	186	1,004,237	32	327,229

CAPTIVA	Condos		Homes		Lots
CAPTIVA	No.	Avg Price $	No.	Avg Price $	No.	Avg Price $
For sale	39	1,140,478	43	3,220,111	4	3,397,250
Under contract	2	514,450	5	3,518,599	0	N/A
Closed this year	29	1,037,077	16	2,808,597	1	1,375,000
Closed in 2018	27	797,532	25	2,127,352	0	N/A
Closed in 2017	34	671,551	22	2,457,023	2	2,312,500

New Year Events

New Year’s Eve Shellebration at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa with island-style buffet, stilt walker, fire dancer show, games, pie-eating contest, DJ & live entertainment, face painting, fire pit s’mores, free throw contest, WII dance, wishing tree, corn hole, countdown toast. Reservations needed 800-838-3006.

20^th Annual Polar Bear Plunge at noon Jan 1 at Tarpon Bay Beach at 111 Tarpon Bay Rd. Sign in and song sheets available at 11 a.m. Wear a bathing suit and bring a towel, chairs and coolers optional.

Study: Lots of Listings Coming as Baby Boomers Age

From FloridaRealtors®: “Boomers own about 1/3 of all U.S. properties and 27% of them will sell their home within the next 20 years – but some metros will feel the impact more than others.

“SEATTLE – Builders have struggled to overcome land scarcity and rising labor costs and materials. But a flood of homes will come on the market over the next 20 years as baby boomers age – enough to affect local economies in traditional retirement areas.

“Northerners are struggling. They love winter sunshine and low taxes, but a decision to move 1,000 miles to Fla. isn’t easy. Will homesickness set in? How much does a trip “back home” to see family cost? And how much tax savings are we talking about?

“The boomer generation, once 76 million strong in the U.S., dwarfed the 55 million Gen-Xers and 62 million millennials it preceded. Today, the 60-and-older generation owns about a third of America’s homes, and a new analysis by Zillow attempts to show how their aging will impact the housing market.

“The study predicts that a “Silver Tsunami” of sellers will build slowly as the number of adults aged 60 or older pass away each year. However, a rise is expected in the 2020s and 2030s.

“In the decade from 2007 to 2017, roughly 730,000 U.S. homes were released into the market each year by seniors aged 60 or older. From 2017 to 2027 and from 2027 to 2037, that number is set to rise to 920,000 and 1.17 million per year, respectively. This means more than 27% of today’s owner-occupied homes will become available by 2037.

“While virtually all areas will feel the effects to some degree – between one-fifth and one-third of the current owner-occupied housing stock was impacted in every metro analyzed – the wave won’t hit all at once and won’t strike all markets equally.

“Retirement hubs like Florida and Arizona are likely to feel the sharpest impact. If demand erodes because fewer people choose to retire there in the coming years, those areas might end up with excess housing. Also heavily impacted will be regions like the Rust Belt, which saw younger people move away in recent decades, leaving older generations to make up a larger share of the population.

“Some regions will be far less affected. These include Salt Lake City, where a much smaller share of homeowners are in their golden years, as well as Atlanta, Austin, Dallas and Houston – all of which are vibrant but relatively inexpensive places that tend to attract younger residents looking for an affordable alternative to expensive coastal cities.

“Still, the differences in the share of homes released by seniors among metros are small compared to the differences within them. Palm Springs, for example, will see 45% of its owner-occupied homes vacated by 2037, compared with 23.8% of the combined L.A.-Riverside metro area overall. El Mirage and Sun City figure to see nearly two-third of their homes available, compared with 28.2% of the Phoenix area at-large.

“Housing released by the Silver Tsunami – upwards of 20 million homes hitting the market through the mid-2030s – will provide a substantial and sustained boost to supply, comparable to the fluctuations that new home construction experienced in the 2000s boom-bust cycle. Whether this housing is appropriately located, priced and styled to meet future demand, however, will be an important factor in how it pairs with new construction to alleviate today’s housing shortage.

“It seems likely, however, that the construction industry will, over the next 20 years, start to put a greater emphasis on updating existing properties rather than building from the ground up.” © 2019 Florida Realtors®

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity December 13-20, 2019

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Captains Walk #B3 1/1 $239.9K, Sandpebble #4E 2/2 $489K, Cottage Colony West #134 1/1 $614.5K, Blue Gulf #201 3/2 $1.398M.

5 price changes: Sanibel Arms #B1 1/1 now $449.9K; Seawind #A107 2/2.5 now $574,777; Mariner Pointe #421 2/2.5 now $639K; Heron at The Sanctuary #3B 3/2.5 now $818K; Sanctuary Golf Villages #1-4 3/3 now $838.5K.

3 new sales: Sundial #H211 1/1 listed at $395K, Sundial #C204 1/1 listed at $480K, Loggerhead Cay #134 2/2 listed at $995K.

3 closed sales: Seashells #15 2/2 $425K; Sanctuary Golf Villages #5-1 2/2.5 $736,750; White Pelican #114 2/2 $830K.

HOMES

9 new listings: 569 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $499.5K; 1845 Ardsley Way 3/3 $599,555; 2065 Wild Lime Dr 3/2.5 $639K; 9418 Moonlight Dr 3/2 $699K; 238 Daniel Dr 3/2 $777,126; 215 Robinwood Cir 4/3 $884,488; 2417 Wulfert Rd 3/3 $1.089M; 707 Anchor Dr 3/2.5 $1.175M; 5618 Baltusrol Ct 4/4/2 $2.195M.

10 price changes: 1954 Roseate Ln 3/2 now $594K, 513 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 now $709K, 405 Tiree Cir 3/2 now $735K, 1351 Middle Gulf Dr #1F (Moonshadows) 3/3 half-duplex now $765K, 1410 Sanderling Cir 3/2 now $835K, 5422 Shearwater Dr 3/2.5 now $899K, 1345 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 now $1.049M, 1560 Royal Poinciana Cir 3/2 now $1.05M, 1283 Isabel Dr 3/2 now $1.1M, 500 Sawgrass Pl 8/8/3 now $2.85M.

4 new sales: 257 Daniel Dr 3/2 listed at $750K, 245 Christofer Ct 3/2 listed at $799K, 982 Whelk Dr 3/2.5 listed at $1.15M, 707 Anchor Dr 3/2.5 listed at $1.175M.

5 closed sales: 706 Nerita St 3/2 $774K, 9436 Yucca Ct 3/2 $839K (our buyer, available as a seasonal rental with Sanibel Holiday, called Annabel’s Cottage), 1243 Sand Castle Rd 4/4 $980K, 758 Sand Dollar Dr 3/3 $1.285M, 5723 Baltusrol Ct 4/4.5 $1.8M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 255 Hurricane Ln $399K.

1 price change: 1292 Par View Dr now $349K.

1 new sale: 1800 Woodring Rd listed at $2.595M.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Gulf Beach Villas #2112 1/1 now $510.9K.

1 new sale: Bayside Villas #4212 1/2 listed at $368.9K.

1 closed sale: Ventura Captiva #2B 3/3 $875K.

HOMES

No new listings.

2 price changes: 11540 Laika Ln 3/2.5 now $1.299M, 11504 Wightman Ln 4/3.5 now $1.5999M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity December 20-27, 2019

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Mariner Pointe #1051 2/2 $499K, Oceans Reach #4D1 2/2 $898.5K.

1 price change: Cottage Colony West #101 1/1 now $595K.

2 new sales: Sandpiper Beach #203 2/2 listed at $699K, Sanibel Moorings #1111 2/2 listed at $ 947K.

3 closed sales: Seashells #37 2/2 $405K, Sanibel Siesta #108 2/2 $570K, Kings Crown #213 2/2 $755K.

HOMES

4 new listings: 970 Black Skimmer Way 2/2 $636K, 930 Kings Crown Dr 3/2 $1.295M, 912 Kings Crown Dr 3/3.5 $1.445M, 1480 Middle Gulf Dr 4/4/2 $1.65M.

4 price changes: 9448 Begonia Ct 3/2.5 now $549K (our listing), 1717 Sand Pebble way 3/2 now $635K, 1567 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 now $849K, 2391 Shop Rd 3/2.5 now $1.875M.

9448 Begonia Ct in Gumbo Limbo

3 new sales: 569 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 listed at $499.5K, 1269 Par View Dr 3/2.5 listed at $1.099M, 1525 San Carlos Bay Dr 3/2 listed at $1.4695M.

6 closed sales: 1805 Ibis Ln 2/2 $515K, 1585 Bunting Ln 3/2 $545K, 6447 Pine Ave 3/2.5 $552.5K, 1418 Sanderling Cir 3/3 $599.5K, 9440 Cotten Ct 3/2 $617.5K, 707 Cardium St 3/2 $685K.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 2510 Coconut Dr listed at $749.9K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: Bayside Villas #5316 3/3 listed at $660K.

1 closed sale: Captiva Hide-a-Way #2D 2/2 $835K.

HOMES

3 new listings: 11521 Laika Ln 3/3 $1.385M, 15843 Captiva Dr 3/3 $7.489M, 16500 Captiva Dr 6/6/2 $7.989M.

2 price changes: 11525 Wightman Ln 3/2 now $1.225M, 11504 Wightman Ln 4/3.5 now $1.5999M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Granddog, Bella, checking out the office Christmas tree!

Best wishes for a wonderful New Year!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Sanibel Scoop & Captiva Chatter

Posted on December 13, 2019 by SanibelSusan

The SanibelSusan Team has been busy this week preparing for a 7,000-piece mailing that will be going out next week. If you are not already on our mailing list and want to receive an island inventory list, be sure and let us know.

Below are a couple of news items, followed by week’s action in the islands’ Multiple Listing Service.

BIG ARTS Performance Hall Update

Reported in the “Island Sun” this week:

”BIG ARTS has been a Sanibel-Captiva treasure for decades. It began as a dream in 1972 inspired by a small band of artists who felt the community needed a special place for arts and enrichment on the barrier islands. That dream is stronger than ever and 2020 is a landmark year: the creation of a new home for BIG ARTS. The building is nearing completion, and its opening will be heralded with a grand gala, A Dream Come True, on Friday, January 24 and a free public open house on Saturday, January 25.”

Santa Run

Also in the “Island Sun” this week,

“Once again this year, Santa will be making a visit to Sanibel homes on Monday, December 23 before he heads out for his worldwide route. Santa’s Santa Run is organized and assisted by the local Kiwanis Club, and those young and old will remember the experience for years to come. If you would like to have Santa visit your home while he’s in town, Kiwanis will be happy to oblige.

“Any adult who would like Santa to deliver gifts to their household can arrange a Santa visit. To do this, you should secure an appropriate gift for each recipient (young or old), wrap and address each gift, then place the gifts into one sack for each household, along with your address information and any special instructions for each gift recipient. Then deliver the sack to the main Sanibel Fire and Rescue District, 2361 Palm Ridge Rd no later than 5pm on Monday, December 23. Santa and his elves will leave the fire station around 5:30pm and make deliveries between 6-8pm.

“The Santa Run is still going strong and has grown considerably. Kiwanis now recruits six Santas, each with a helper elf and driver/navigator. In the course of the night, each of the Santa teams makes about 125 stops! If you have questions contact Muench at 472-2812.”

Island Store Construction Update

Here’s an article from the “Islander” this week:

“Renovations at The Island Store are ongoing, with an undetermined completion date, as issues with the building’s structural components were discovered by the contractors when they started the project.

“With coordinated help from the Lee County Historic Preservation Board and RLR Investments – the building’s owner- Bailey’s has been working to rebuild and renovate the exterior and interior to the business from its former operator and signed a new lease with the building’s owner.

““After beginning construction, the contractors found significant deterioration of the building’s structural components,” Calli Johnson, whose family owns Baileys, reported last week. “Structural engineers are currently drafting the plans to ensure the structural integrity of the building, in order to safely welcome shoppers upon reopening and for future generations to come.”

““Unfortunately, due to the age of the building and the significant structural issues, a timeline on completion is impossible to predict,” she added.

“At two Captiva Community Panel meetings this year, Bailey’s held presentations for the group. They explained the project would entail renovating the store’s interior and exterior, while maintaining Captiva’s architectural standards for historic buildings like it.

““With the same charm shoppers have enjoyed since ‘Ding’ Darling opened it as a general store in the early 1900’s,” Johnson said.

“Registered as a historic site and building, it once served as a boarding school, as well.

“At the panel meetings, Bailey’s also explained that the planned project would retain the building’s “look”, but use modern materials built to last longer. The store’s footprint will stay the same.

““All involved in the project are working to reopen the business as quickly as possible,” Johnson reported. “The operators of The Island Store understand this leaves a significant gap in the amenity offerings on Captiva. Fortunately, they are prepared to serve you form Bailey’s General Store.”

“She explained the Sanibel store provides delivery services throughout Captiva.

““And can even stock your home or rental before you arrive,” Johnson added.

“Bailey’s and RLR Investments thanked the public for its patience.

““The same folks that welcome you to Bailey’s General Store on Sanibel have enjoyed serving you over the past year on Captiva at The Island Store,” she reported. “Upon completion, the store will reopen as the same quaint Island Store that shoppers have come to know, love and count on, year after year.”

The Island Store is at 1500 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity December 6-13, 2019

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Coquina Beach #5A 2/2 $468K, Sandalfoot #2D2 2/2 $699K (our listing), Pointe Santo #C23 3/2 $1.15M.

1 price change: Sandpiper Beach #205 2/2 now $860K.

7 new sales: Donax Village #10 1/2 listed at $358K, Blind Pass #E207 2/2.5 listed at $399K, Ibis at The Sanctuary #B102 2/2 listed at $489K, Loggerhead Cay #581 2/2 listed at $689K, Sanctuary Golf Villages #2-5 2/2 listed at $714K, Golden Beach #3 3/2.5 listed at $1.499M, Angler’s Key #202 3/3 listed at $2.195M.

3 closed sales: Surfside 12 #A3 3/2 listed at $700K, Tarpon Beach #104 2/2 $1.07M, Wedgewood #203 3/3.5 $2.4475M.

HOMES

8 new listings: 1695 Serenity Ln 3/2 $569K; 1076 Sand Castle Rd 2/2 $699,555; 1014 S Yachtsman Dr 3/2 $749K; 5089 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/2 $749,999; 792 Birdie View Pt 3/3.5 $1.047M; 532 Sea Oats Dr 3/4 $1.275M; 1564 Middle Gulf Dr 3/2.5 $1.295M; 2411 Blue Crab CT 4/4.5 $2.495M.

7 price changes: 1027 Sand Castle Rd 2/2 now $479K, 836 Donax St 3/2 now $549K, 5659 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 2/2 now $825K, 401 Lagoon Dr 4/4 now $970K, 550 N Yachtsman Dr 3/3 now $1.325M, 1230 Bay Dr 3/2 now $1.649M, 5075 Joewood Dr 4/4.5 now $2.9M.

5 new sales: 9446 Beverly Ln 3/3.5 listed at $620K, 1396 Tahiti Dr 4/3 listed at $779K, 668 Anchor Dr 3/2 listed at $958.5K, 2569 Coconut Dr 3/2 listed at $989K, 1333 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 listed at $1.095M.

3 closed sales: 198 Southwinds Dr 3/2 $675K, 256 Daniel Dr 3/2 $740K, 747 Windlass Way 4/3.5 $2.4M.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 3308 St Kilda Rd now $475K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Lands End Village #1602 3/3 $2.015M.

No price changes, new sales, or closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 16221/16217 Captiva Dr 5/5.5 $4.389M.

1 price change: 11505 Gore Ln 5/5 now $1.695M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Woohoo, Tonight Is Sanibel Luminary

Posted on December 6, 2019 by SanibelSusan

It is another happy Friday with holiday news from SanibelSusan. Tonight, being Sanibel Luminary, the island already is sparkling with lights and trimmings. With daytime temperatures this week in the 60’s and 70’s, perhaps it will be cool enough tonight to wear Christmas sweaters. It is always fun to see the luminary trail filled with folks in those, and shorts with flip flops. The luminary trail will be lit from 5:30 to 9 p.m., from one end of Periwinkle Way to the other.

Midweek, across the street from SanibelSusan Realty, at Sanibel’s Community Park, we watched as City employees finalized decorations on the bike path there. The display begins with an archway at the playground entrance next to the Community House. Guarded by a nutcracker soldier, the delightful display continues through a tunnel of lights, ending with a “photo op” banner and bench which will be staffed tonight by City lifeguards and Recreation Department staff.

When I told the team that I thought they were installing life-size mechanical snowmen, teammates Dave and Elise corrected me saying these snowmen had faces and were really bending over and moving. Then, later when City Manager Judie Zimomra posted on social media about this upcoming photo op event and I shared my snowman story, she also corrected me – saying they really are snow-women.

Yesterday afternoon the display expanded when an igloo appeared – made by teens in the City’s Rec Center after school program – and using empty water jugs. According to a City post, it contains 422 1-gallon plastic jugs, 24 half-gallon jugs. It took a month to collect the jugs and about 18 hours to construct with 285 glue sticks. It’s 5’2” high and weights just over 42 pounds. Thanks to our City Manager for sharing her photos!

If you are in the neighborhood tonight, stop in and get your picture taken with the igloo which is framed by two blow-up snowmen. It and the live Sanibel snow-gals will be at the bench at the tunnel’s end until 9 p.m.

Looking for other holiday festivities? Info about a few more posted below, followed by some other island news and our weekly reports of the action with our listings and as posted since last Friday in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service.

Holiday Festivities, Shopping, & Helpers

35^th Annual Sanibel Holiday Luminary Stroll – From one end of Periwinkle to the other, tonight until 9 p.m. At 6 p.m. SanibelSusan and other BIG ARTS Chorus pals will be singing Christmas carols inside Bailey’s General Store. Come and join us! Sanibel Luminary Update from the City’s website: (mySanibel.com): This year there will be designated “Walk Your Bike” zones in the traditionally high traffic portions of the Shared Use Path. ALL path users, pedestrians and cyclists, are reminded that all users should wear bright, reflective clothing and carry a light such as a flashlight at Luminary. Please use caution and common sense at the event, including only crossing the road at designated crosswalks and carefully following all instructions of on-site law enforcement. The Sanibel Chief of Police reminds all cyclists that Florida’s bicycle law requires any bicycle in use between sunset and sunrise be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500’ to the front and a lamp and reflector on the rear each exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 600’ to the rear.
Sanibel-Captiva Lions Christmas Tree Sale – next to Island Cinema at the Bailey’s Center, Wed through Sun, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., selling Michigan Fraser firs from 5’-10’, wreaths, & stands.
10^th Annual Golf Cart Parade Followed by 35^th Annual Captiva Holiday Luminary Stroll – tomorrow, Saturday, 12/7. Golf cart parade beginning at 2 p.m. near the entrance of South Seas Island Resort. Judging at 2:30 p.m., then parade begins at 3:30 p.m., followed by luminary from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
South Seas Holiday Stroll – at the resort’s Yacht Harbour Marina & north end, Fri & Sat nights, 12/6 & 7, 12/13 & 14, 12/20 & 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. featuring “ice” skating, entertainment, arts & crafts, treats, & more. Complimentary to resort guests, public entry with $10 donation to benefit Captains for Clean Water, children under 12 free. More info at SouthSeas.com
BIG ARTS Community Chorus Holiday Concert – Tues, 12/10 at 7 p.m. at the Sanibel Community Church as the new BIG ARTS performance hall is under construction. Tickets ($12, with children under 12 free) at the door or on-line at BIGARTS.org.
Art Under the Stars – Thur, 12/12 from 5 p.m. a collaboration between Hirdie-Girdie Gallery (2490 Library Way), Tower Gallery (751 Tarpon Bay Rd) & Suncatcher’s Dream (630 Tarpon Bay Rd, #2)
Captiva’s First Ever Blues on the Beach – Sat, 12/14 at 15951 Captiva Dr from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets on-line ($15) at Tween-Waters.com/shop or at the door ($20).
Friends Who Care – Remember last month when island Realtors® collected toys and gift cards at their annual “Fall Into Christmas” event? These donations go to Friends Who Care who coordinates the annual Santa Run which delivers the gifts to needy island children and seniors on Dec 23. If you are available to help sort and wrap the many donations, sorting day is at The Community House on Wed 12/18 at 2 p.m., followed by wrapping on Thu 12/19 at 9 a.m. Adult volunteers are needed, please bring your own scissors on wrapping day.

Real Estate Happenings

Usually the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas are busy with holiday preparations, but it also can be a good time for real estate. Just ten new listings were open for Realtor® Caravan yesterday morning, but Dave and Lisa were both out showing Captiva property yesterday afternoon and I have a full line-up of Sanibel homes and condos to show on Saturday. I always remind myself about the time I sold a house on Christmas Day. Sometimes the hype of the season helps spark the sale.

Sanibel Scoop

New Location for Center-4-Life – At their Tuesday meeting, Sanibel City Council voted to purchase the commercial property at 2475 Library Way (currently Sanibel-Captiva Community Bank). It will be the future home of the City’s new Center-4-Life facility. More and updated space is needed for the expanded Island Seniors membership, programs, and activities. The sale is expected to finalize before the end of the year.
SCCF & Sanibel Sea School Join Forces – Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and Sanibel Sea School will begin 2020 as a united force to better conserve the coastal ecosystems. As announced this week, starting January 1, the Sanibel Sea School will become SCCF’s education department. The two organizations will become a single nonprofit with Dr. Bruce Neill of the Sea School becoming SCCF’s director of education. SCCF currently is renovating its former Nature Center on Sanibel-Captiva Rd into an education hub with an auditorium that will feature presentations and displays on SCCF’s varied programs. Coastal Watch, an island-based advocacy arm of the Sanibel Sea School, also will become part of SCCF. Dr Neill summed it up nicely, saying, “We can best support nature and serve our community with a single unified voice, broadcast across multiple wavelengths, to promote nature resources conservation.”

Changes at Island Eats

Cielo – was remodeled and renamed this summer (formerly Il Cielo). It reopened this week at 1244 Periwinkle Way with a new bar room featuring small plates and exotic drinks. More info at https://cielo-sanibel.com .
Sanibel Chocolate Shop & Patisserie – in the former location of Pinocchio’s at 362 Periwinkle Way, open daily 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., serving artisan sandwiches & fresh baked pastries, muffins, crumb cake, croissants, and quiche. Also, Norman Love confections and homemade ice cream.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity November 29-December 6, 2019

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Sanibel Moorings #311 2/2 $599K, Loggerhead Cay #222 2/2 $649K, Lighthouse Point #114 3/2 $679K, Loggerhead Cay #134 2/2 $995K, Sunward of Sanibel #201 3/2 $1.35M.

3 price changes: Mariner Pointe #642 2/2 now $585K, Loggerhead Cay #553 2/2 now $679K, Cottage Colony West #102 1/1 now $609,906.

1 new sale: Sanctuary Golf Villages I #5-1 2/2.5 listed at $754.5K.

3 closed sales: Sundial #H307 1/1 $412.5K, Breakers West #A5 2/2 $489K, Wedgewood #305 3/3.5 $1.425M.

HOMES

7 new listings: 965 Beach Rd 3/2 half-duplex $499K, 433 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $665K, 2010 Wild Lime Dr 3/3 $729K, 1056 S Yachtsman Dr 3/2 $879K, 1271 Par View Dr 3/3 $949K, 2569 Coconut Dr 3/2 $989K, 5855 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/2 $995K.

10 price changes: 1684 Bunting Ln 2/2 now $491.5K; 1356 Jamaica Dr 2/1.5 now $575K; 1536 Bunting Ln 3/2 now $589,995; 4619 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2 now $595K; 280 Southwinds Dr 3/3.5 now $699K; 218 Daniel Dr 3/2.5 now $745K; 1031 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 now $799K; 5835 Pine Tree Dr 3/2 now $844.5K; 5186 Sea Bell Rd 3/3 now $875K; 1285 Par View Dr 4/2.5 now $879K.

5 new sale: 401 Raintree Pl 3/1.5 listed at $475K; 1805 Ibis Ln 2/2 listed at $519K, 707 Cardium St 3/2 listed at $729K; 632 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 listed at $719,007; 247 Christofer Ct 3/2 listed at $799K

1 closed sale: 2414 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 $1M.

LOTS

3 new listings: 2002 Wild Lime Dr $319K; 0 Dixie Beach Blvd $525,555; 6419 Pine Ave $889K.

2 price changes: 2279 Wulfert Rd now $318K, 3945 West Gulf Dr now $3.495M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 898 Rabbit Rd $160K (our listing & sale).

Captiva

CONDOS

2 new listings: Tennis Villas #3137 2/2 $474K, Beach Cottages #1404 2/2 $1.245M.

1 price change: Beach Villas #2417 1/1 now $505K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: Beach Homes #11 4/3 $2.285M.

HOMES

1 new listing: 53 Sandpiper Ct 2/2.5 $889K.

4 price changes: 11501 Laika Ln 3/3 now $1.3M, 11547 Laika Ln 4/4 now $1.995M, 11528 Andy Rosse Ln 1/2.5 now $2.6M, 15147 Captiva Dr 6/5.5 now $4.595M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 11525 Murmound Ln now $795K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 13470 Palmflower Ln $1.375M.

Until next Friday, may your holiday festivities also be fun!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

It May Be Warm & Sunny, But The Islands Are Transitioning From Thanksgiving to Christmas

Posted on November 29, 2019 by SanibelSusan

Here’s hoping your Thanksgiving holiday is continuing right through the weekend. On Sanibel, the island has quickly flipped into Christmas mode. Teammate Elise had our office decorated before she headed out Wednesday.

Many other businesses have done the same. This year, with Thanksgiving so late, it makes sense to hurry and get ready. Island luminary celebrations are next weekend and Christmas is in just 26 days!

Below are some upcoming local events and news items, followed by the weekly report of the action posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service.

Upcoming Events

Sanibel Masters Art Festival– today & tomorrow, 11/29 & 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Community House & Community Park (across the street from SanibelSusan Realty)
35^th Annual Sanibel Holiday Luminary Stroll – next Friday, 12/6 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
35^th Annual Captiva Holiday Luminary Stroll – next Saturday, 12/7 from 5:30 to 9 p.m., the annual Golf Cart parade from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. precedes the holiday stroll
BIG ARTS Community Chorus Holiday Concert – Tues, 12/10 at 7 p.m. at the Sanibel Community Church. (We thank them for the use of their sanctuary while the new performance hall is under construction on the BIG ARTS campus.) Tickets are just $12, children free. Get them at the door or on-line at www.BIGARTS.org.

Real Estate Happenings

Because of the holiday, the local Association of Realtors® had no Caravan meeting yesterday. However, below is a summary of 2019 Sanibel sales stats. Overall, sales continue to lag last year, while in our office our sales this year are better than 2018.

The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® has 245 board and MLS members. With these statistics showing just 320 closed sales this year, there unfortunately are members with no sales. Many years, SanibelSusan has ranked 9^th in number of sales but this year, so far, I’m in 8^th, with 20 sides closed. Being top dog is not my goal, but this year’s number of closed transactions is a good indication that our business is improving. When teammates Dave and Lisa are not in the office supporting our listings, they also are selling. So far, they have two sales on-island and one in town.

Sanibel	Condos			Homes			Lots
Status as of 11/29	#	Avg Price	Avg DOM	#	Avg Price	Avg DOM	#	Avg Price	Avg DOM
Available	127	810,576	173	182	1,428,182	142	74	755,033	433
Under contract	16	757,278	77	15	1,037,560	99	1	170,000	239
Sold/closed 2019	112	683,554	156	194	952,490	168	14	387,357	715
Sold/closed 2018	155	720,617	178	218	1,112,747	164	21	602,095	240

Weather Update

Being the time of the year when we are especially thankful for Florida’s weather, shellers today are posting about the hundreds of sand dollars covering the flats at low tide. Bright blue skies and sunshine with temperatures in the 70’s have made for continued wonderful days, while clear night skies have made evening star watchers happy too. Daytime temperatures in the high 70’s are expected until Tuesday when the next cold front arrives and a high of just 64 is forecast.

One of the best postings that I saw this week was on Wednesday by SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) which says “The coast looks clear for a beautiful beginning to Thanksgiving weekend on our beaches based on one forecasting tool. For the first time since the launch of #HABscope last month. The respiratory irritation forecast due to red tide is very low to none on Sanibel beaches today through tomorrow night. Scientists at our Marine Lab provide testing of water samples three times a week from Bowman’s Beach and Tarpon Bay Beach. Sanibel Sea School does sampling at Lighthouse Beach for this Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System – GCOOS tool….”

That post coincides with what happy beach-goers and boaters have been saying – gulf waters are clear, with no red tide evident. Let’s hope it stays that way!

Study: Lots of Listings Coming as Baby Boomers Age

Posted on-line this week from Florida Realtors®: “Boomers own about 1/3 of all U.S. properties and 27% of them will sell their home within the next 20 years – but some metros will feel the impact more than others.

“The study predicts that a “Silver Tsunami” of sellers will build slowly as the number of adults aged 60 or older pass away each year. However, a rise is expected in the 2020s and 2030s.

“It seems likely, however, that the construction industry will, over the next 20 years, start to put a greater emphasis on updating existing properties rather than building from the ground up.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity November 22-29, 2019

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Sanibel Arms West #B2 2/2 $569.9K, Loggerhead Cay #324 2/2 $589K, Sanibel Sunset #301 3/2 $2.15M.

3 price changes: Blind Pass #E202 2/2 now $429K, Sunset South #2C 2/2 now $599K, Atrium #103 2/2 now $1.2999M.

2 new sales: Seashells #37 2/2 listed at $429K, Surfside 12 #A3 3/2 listed at $749K.

2 closed sales: Sanibel Arms West #E2 2/2 $825K (our listing), Villas of Sanibel #A102 3/3 1.15M.

HOMES

10 new listings: 1856 Ardsley Way 3/2 $525K, 3947 Coquina Dr 2/2 $595K, 550 Leather Fern Pl 3/2 $639K, 3570 Bunny Ln 3/3 $739K, 934 Cormorant Cir 3/2 $749K, 668 Anchor Dr 3/2 $958.5K, 6101 Starling Way 3/3.5 $1.189M, 1671 Hibiscus Dr 5/3 $1.299M, 228 Violet Dr 4/2 $1.749M, 1018 Dixie Beach Blvd 4/5 $2.449M.

4 price changes: 760 Cardium St 3/2 now $649K, 1223 Par View Dr 3/2 now $760K, 919 Pecten Ct 3/3/2 now $1.19M, 1898 Woodring Rd 2/2 now $2.5M.

1 new sale: 747 Windlass Way 4/3.5 listed at $2.45M.

4 closed sales: 1731 Serenity Ln 4/3 $583K, 6492 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 2/1 $842K, 788 Nerita St 3/3 $865K, 1345 Tahiti Dr 3/2.5 $1.075M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 638 Lake Murex Cir $565K.

No price changes, new sales, or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

2 new listings: Bayside Villas #4216 1/2 $374.9K, Bayside Villas #5104 1/2 $410K.

2 price changes: Bayside Villas #5228 1/2 now $399K, Bayside Villas #5136 1/2 now $399K.

1 new sale: Ventura Captiva #2B 3/3 listed at $915K.

1 closed sale: Gulf Beach Villas #2008 2/2 $631,750.

HOMES

No new listings or price changes.

2 new sales: with contingencies: 11509 Chapin Ln 4/4 listed at $1,799,999; 11559 Laika Ln 2/2/2 listed at $4.9M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Best wishes for a continued & wonderful holiday season!

Til next Friday!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

It’s Another Sunny Friday at SanibelSusan Realty

Posted on November 22, 2019 by SanibelSusan

It’s another happy Friday, time for SanibelSusan’s weekly island report. After an overcast chilly weekend, those who complained that summer weather dragged on too long this year, were suddenly surprised with a day that didn’t get out of the 60’s (that was Sunday). Thankfully, the sun came out Monday morning as it warmed up to 71. Daytime temperatures stayed in the 70’s much of the week, which is below the islands’ November average which is 80 degrees F. Temperatures are expected to be back to the norm next week for the holiday, with Thanksgiving Day currently forecast to be a sunny 82 degrees F.

When the sun is out, the roads and bike paths continue to fill up with visitors. For those asking about upcoming holiday events and where they can get their Thanksgiving dinner, below is that info, followed by a couple of news items and a report of the action since last Friday in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service.

The SanibelSusan Team wishes you a wonderful Thanksgiving! Business is good. We are thankful for that and also ready for anyone looking for real estate here next week. The only day the office is officially closed is Thursday.

Upcoming Events

18^th Annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration – Sunday, Nov 24 at 6:30 p.m. at The Community House, with island-wide representation. Open to all, with food and monetary donations to benefit. F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva. Program participants will include representatives from local churches, City government, and BIG ARTS Community Chorus singers. See you there!
‘Tween Waters Annual Tree Lighting Celebration – next Friday, Nov 29, from noon until 8 p.m.

Where On-Island to Dine or Get Fixin’s on Thanksgiving Day

The Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce posts a list of establishments that are open and closed on Thanksgiving Day. Rather than provide the long list including those closed, below is their list abbreviated with just those open on Thanksgiving.

BUSINESS	OPEN/CLOSED	COMMENTS	PHONE
Bailey’s General Store	7 am -12 pm		(239) 472 1516
Bleu Rendez Vous French Bistro	5 – 8 pm	Reservations only	(239) 565 1608
Bubble Room	11:30 am – 3 pm & 4:30 pm – 8 pm	Recommend Reservations	(239) 472 5558
Captiva House	12 – 8 pm	Buffet, reservations only	(239) 472 5161 (#4)
Crow’s Nest	4 – 8 pm		(239) 472 5161 (#4)
Dairy Queen	11 am – 8 pm		(239) 472 1170
Dante’s Pizza	5 – 10 pm		(239) 558 4429
Doc Ford’s – Captiva	11 am -10 pm		(239) 312 4275
George & Wendy’s Seafood Grille	5 – 10 pm		(239) 395 1263
Geppetto’s	8 am -10 pm		(239) 472 6566
Gramma Dot’s	11:15 am – 8 pm		(239) 472 8138
Huxter’s Market & Deli	6:30 am – 10 pm		(239) 472 6988
Island Cow	7 am – 8 pm		(239) 472 0606
Jerry’s Food Store	6 am – 3 pm		(239) 472 9300
Jerry’s Restaurant	6 am – 12 pm		(239) 472 9300
Keylime Bistro	8 am – 10 pm		(239) 395 4000
Lighthouse Cafe	7 am – 2 pm		(239) 472 0303
Normandie (West Wind Inn)	8 am – 2:30 pm & 4:30 pm – 7 pm		(239) 472 1541
Pecking Order	Order pick up til noon		(239) 472 2534
Pinocchio’s Ice Cream	8 am – 10 pm		(239) 472 6566
RC Otter’s	8 am – 6 pm		(239) 395 1142
Sand Dollar	8 – 11 am & 5 – 10 pm	Buffet 8-11, Dinner 5-10	(239) 395 4101
Sanibel Cafe	7 am – 2 pm		(239) 472 5323
Sanibel Grill	4 – 10 pm		(239) 472 3128
Schnapper’s	11 am – 4 pm		(239) 472 8686
Sea Breeze Cafe	7 – 11 am		(239) 395 6017
Sunshine Seafood Cafe	4 – 9 pm		(239) 472 6200
Thistle Lodge	11 am – 7 pm	Buffet, Reservations	(239) 472 9200
Timbers	4 – 8 pm		(239) 472 3128
Traditions (Island Inn)	4 – 9 pm		(239) 472 4559

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® November Membership Meeting

At the local Association of Realtors® monthly breakfast meeting yesterday, breakfast sponsor, J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, Executive Director Birgie Miller told us about the recent National Fish and Wildlife Foundation award of a $5.309-million grant to the Refuge for restoring their newly-acquired 68-acre Wulfert Bayous area. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society – Friends of the Refuge partnered with them for a grant from the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund to restore bird population affected by the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Grant monies will enhance this wetland habitat for roosting and nesting birds to attract species impacted by the spill, including roseate spoonbills, white ibises, brown pelicans, wood storks, and many egret/heron species.

Event speaker was Phillip G. Flood, Jr, Principal Regional Representative at the South Florida Water Management District. He updated us on the many water restoration projects underway in an area known as one of the world’s largest water management systems. It spans 16 counties, 18,000 square miles, with 8.1 million residents, 2,100 miles of canals, 2,100 miles of levees and berms, 600 water control structures, 625 project culverts, 70 pump stations, and 3,500 hydrological monitoring stations. With 23 multi-year projects underway, it may be several years before significant results are noticed here. The C-43 storage reservoir project is one of the projects closest to the islands. It is spread over 10,500 acres and divided into two reservoir cells and two pump stations. Though he complimented Sanibel for being proactive with its efforts to prevent pollution and overdevelopment, he acknowledged that the rest of the state needs to follow suit.

During the Caravan announcement segment of the meeting, only a handful of new sales and price reductions were mentioned. It’s the time of the year when the norm is more new listings. Our new listing at Lighthouse Point #211 was open for the Open House caravan that followed. (Some Lighthouse Point photos below.)

Gene’s Books

A couple of years ago, when Gene, from Gene’s Books was looking for a spot for a second store, it was teammate Dave that helped make it happen. Now both of Gene’s stores are open, the original at 2365 Periwinkle opposite Palm Ridge Rd and the new one, up and across the street at 2422 Periwinkle Way (formerly a shell shop). Book aficionados love Gene and his stores. Many a client has said, “if you need a book, Gene will find it.” Nice to see him recognized in the below article posted last week, Nov 13, 2019, at “Forbes” on-line by Travel Contributor Wendy Altschuler:

“Here Are The Best Bookshops In America For Bibliophiles – If you’ve ever lost track of the sunlight, because you were fused to a cushioned chair with a titillating title in your hand, then raise your proverbial glass in the air and celebrate the hospitable bookshop that allowed you to read for hours on end, uninterrupted. Spending time in bookstores is especially easy when the environment is welcoming, and the space is unique. Take one step inside Shakespeare and Company in Paris, Livaria Lello in Portugal, or Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice to understand the sentiment.

“America also has some pretty impressive bookstores, guilty of housing bookish fugitives. Read on to discover the most unique havens for bibliophiles because, after all, isn’t holding the binding of an actual book, where you can smell the pages and let the hardcover rest on your chest when you pause to ponder, better than the digital alternative?

“Chicago: Women and Children First – Feminist bookstores in America are few and far between and Chicago’s Women and Children First is one of the largest feminist bookstores around, housing more than 30,000 titles by and about women. Visiting authors, book groups, and story time for children events have made this bookseller a staple in the Andersonville neighborhood.

“Seattle: Secret Garden Books – It’s not easy to keep an independent bookstore up and running, especially with heavy competition online, however there are a number of booksellers that have managed to thrive for many years in The Emerald City. University Book Store, Eagle Harbor Book Co., and Island Books are community stalwarts. Secret Garden Books is also a standout because for over forty years, they have been dedicated to promoting literacy for children. After all, getting younger generations to develop a love of reading contributes to the success of an independent bookstore, decade after decade

“Denver: Tattered Cover Book Store –Tattered Cover has been around since 1971 and even though it’s a relatively large independent book store, it still maintains that cozy lose-yourself-in-a-chair feel that bookworms crave. Chances are, if you have a favorite author on a book tour, you’ll be able to get your book signed and hear them read here. You can relish the experience at four different locations, including one inside of Union Station, and if you must go online, check out their Indie Next List for new titles.

“San Francisco: City Lights Booksellers and Publishers – San Francisco is such a lovely walkable city, full of sensory delights, and a trip to City Lights Booksellers and Publishers, a landmark located on the edge of China Town, will not disappoint book lovers. Political and poetry books have long been the bread and butter of City Lights and the publishing arm still produces titles to this day. Beatniks, free thinkers, and artists were the clientele of the 50’s and it would appear that little has changed even to this day. City Lights co-founder and poet, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, who turned 100 in March 2019, made headlines for publishing Allen Ginsberg’s Howl and Other Poems in 1956, which was part of an obscenity trial. He faced jail time and a fine in order to endorse free speech. This bookshop is all about creating an indelible space for open minded readers, thinkers, and speakers.

“Gene’s Books, Florida – There’s something about seeing stacks of books everywhere, lining the walls, topping each surface, stored in every nook and cranny, that creates a lived-in feel. Gene’s Books on Periwinkle Way in Sanibel, Florida, is such a place. The popularity of this gem has created a need for expansion—there’s a second building across the street. Both locations have a large selection of Florida-specific titles and visitors can often get discounts or receive free books.

“Visiting independent bookstores, anywhere across America, gives us the opportunity to learn about diverse communities and local vibes. Ask the bookseller for a recommendation, kick up your feet on a lounger—preferably with a cup of coffee in hand, and stay awhile. A book purchased and enjoyed from a special destination is one of the best mementos you can have.”

Florida’s Sunshine & Tax Benefits Beckon Billionaires

Article from the 11/11/19 “Wall Street Journal”: “While the president is the most famous rich person moving to Fla., he’s not alone. But it’s too soon to determine the impact of tax migrations on states’ budgets.

“NEW YORK – In addition to President Donald Trump, a number of high-profile financiers have ditched northeastern states for Florida’s warmer climate and lower taxes. David Tepper, Paul Tudor Jones and Barry Sternlicht are among prominent transplants who pulled up roots in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut and headed for the Sunshine State – and Carl Icahn says he’s moving his company from New York to Miami next year.

“The exodus of billionaires can put a damper on their previous states’ budgets, though New Jersey and Connecticut tax officials said it is too early for state revenue data to show whether the 2017 tax law imposing a $10,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions has caused high earners to flee.

“The most recent tax data available covers 2017, and the SALT cap went into effect in 2018. Both Connecticut and New York have been losing residents; Connecticut’s population of 3.57 million in 2018 was down 22,000 since its last peak in 2013, according to Census figures, and New York’s population slipped to 19.54 million in 2018, a loss of about 119,000 from its last peak in 2015.

“Some of the reasons ultra-wealthy individuals give as reasons for moving to Florida include the 2017 tax law change, the high costs in New York compared with the greater purchasing power of a dollar in the Sunshine State, and the warmer weather. For many, it’s not a completely new beginning. Many of the transplants already owned vacation homes in Florida.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity November 5 – 22, 2019

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Sandpebble #2F 2/2 $449K, Loggerhead Cay #532 2/2 $689K, Sand Pointe #131 2/2 $729K, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #4-3 3/3 $914.5K, Pointe Santo #C3 3/2 $1.195M.

5 price changes: Sanibel Arms #C7 1/1 now $385K, Sanibel Arms #F2 1/1 now $549K, Loggerhead Cay #351 2/2 now $579K, Surfside 12 #A1 3/2 now $734K, Seawind II #2 2/2.5 now $849K.

3 new sales: Kimball Lodge #223 1/1.5 listed at $395K, Sanibel Arms West #M1 2/2 listed at $511K, Kings Crown #213 2/2 $799K.

3 closed sales: Yacht Haven #4 3/2 $650K, Island Beach Club #210B 2/2 $720K, Pointe Santo #A46 2/2 $1.05M.

HOMES

9 new listings: 1476 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $695K, 5304 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/3 $785K, 1724 Bunting Ln 3/3.5 $949.5K, 6176 Henderson Rd 3/2 $1.189M, 911 S Yachtsman Dr 3/3 $1.195M, 599 Lake Murex Cir 4/3.5 $1.299M, 751 Windlass Way 5/5 $1.595M, 2460 Harbour Ln 3/3 $2.1M, 5075 Joewood Dr 4/4.5 $2.99M.

8 price changes: 325 East Gulf Dr 1/1 now $509K, 731 Durion Ct 3/2 now $775K, 5186 Sea Bell Rd 3/3 now $888.5K, 5842 Pine Tree Dr 3/2 now $995K, 938 Pecten Ct 3/2.5 now $995K, 1010 Kings Crown Dr 3/3 now $1.035M, 550 N Yachtsman Dr 3/3 now $1.335M, 6071 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 5/4.5 now $1.75M.

5 new sales: 1585 Bunting Ln 3/2 listed at $575K, 6447 Pine Ave 3/2.5 listed at $595K, 9052 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 listed at $615K, 9440 Cotten Ct 3/2 listed at $650K, 5402 Osprey Ct 4/3 listed at $975K.

6 closed sales: 9401 Beverly Ln 3/3 $625K, 1800 Ardsley Way 3/2 $650K, 1677 Sabal Sands Rd 3/2 $675K, 823 Birdie View Pt 4/3 $777.5K, 9094 Mockingbird Dr 4/3.5 $855K, 836 Sand Dollar Dr 3/2/2 $1.25M.

LOTS

3 new listings: 5116 Sea Bell Rd $229K, 667 Birdie View Pt $339K, 3941 West Gulf Dr $3.695M.

No price changes, new sales, or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Ventura Captiva #2B 3/3 $915K.

2 price changes: Bayside Villas #4112 1/2 now $375K, Lands End Village #1651 2/2 now $1.199M.

1 new sale: Captiva Hide-A-Way #2D listed at $900K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 16151 Captiva Dr 4/3 $3.995M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 16447 Captiva Dr 7/6/2 listed at $2.99M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, enjoy your Thanksgiving! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Sanibel’s White Pelicans, Warm Weather, Special Shells, Real Estate, & Veterans

Posted on November 8, 2019 by SanibelSusan

Happy Friday, FB friends. It was another busy week at SanibelSusan Realty with more listing inquiries, more showings, more open houses, more follow-up on upcoming closings, a nice new listing, and another in the works. As the November snowbirds started arriving, there was a noticeable boost in local traffic too. Speaking of birds, the white pelicans are back! Hundreds have been photographed on-island this week – many in the waters of the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge and Clam Bayou. Those are always an indication of a change in the seasons.

There also was a little drop in temperatures with daytimes now in the 80’s. The forecast for the end of next week has even cooler daytime weather coming. Cooler here, meaning in the 70’s – perfect weather for shoveling beach sand and shells. With good shelling reports including two junonias pictured in today’s “Island Sun”, it is a great time to be in Florida.

Below are a couple of news items, followed by the action posted this week in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service. Not many new sales were announced at our East-end Realtor Caravan meeting yesterday, but business is picking up.

At the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®, the Christmas tree is up in preparation for our annual “Fall Into Christmas” fundraiser for Friends Who Care which is next Thursday after work. Our members will be donating toys and gift cards for those in need. The Association’s food drive for the F.I.S.H. San-Cap food pantry also is underway and continues until the end of the year.

Weekend Happenings

Island Seniors’ Annual Trash & Treasures Sale – tomorrow, Saturday, Nov 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center-4-Life on Library Way.

38^th Taste of the Islands – benefitting CROW (Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife) on Sunday, Nov 10 from noon to 5 p.m. at Sanibel Community Park (across the street from SanibelSusan Realty). Music by Private Stock Bank, food samples from 14 island establishments, plus silent auction items and CROW ambassadors inside the Community House. Entry fee is $7/person with children under 12 free.

Annual Sanibel Veterans Day Ceremony – Around the flagpole at City Hall at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov 11. Hosted by the City of Sanibel and Lee Coast Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, featuring music and guest speakers. The City proudly has 24 veterans among their workforce.

Protecting Florida Together

For those near and far, following Florida’s water quality reports is challenging. There are many on-line postings, particularly on social media, that are outdated and inaccurate. On Tuesday, during a conference at Lovers Key State Park on Fort Myers Beach, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the creation of a new website that focuses on state water quality. The website, called Protecting Florida Together, allows members of the public to check water quality status in three bodies of water: the Caloosahatchee River, Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie River. The Governor said that by next year, users also will be able to get info on water in other bodies of water in Florida. With 66 million state visitors during the first half of this year, the website is meant to get meaningful information out to Floridians, their families, and those coming here. The site also offers ways users can volunteer to help improve water quality. There also is a timeline of action the state has taken to improve water quality.

Sanibel to Install Red Tide Signs

In another effort to combat misinformation, James Evans, Sanibel’s Director of Natural Resources announced at Tuesday’s City Council meeting that the City is getting ready to install signs on island public beaches. The signage will include red tide info with a description of where there is a red tide bloom, what health symptoms are associated with red tide, and websites/phone numbers to get additional info (via the Florida Dept of Health website). The signs also will have an explanation of the differences between a red tide caution and an alert. Evans described the current red tide status as a “patchy bloom” and that “It’s all about being transparent, but it’s also about providing correct information.”

Who’s Buying Rental Vacation Property?

From the Nov/Dec 2019 issue of “Florida Realtor”: “Some 75% of prospective vacation rental buyers have a combined family income of less than $150,000 per year. Over a quarter of prospective vacation rental buyers are in their 20’s and 30’s. This new generation of investors is looking to cash in on the sharing economy-driven vacation rental boom.” Source – Vacasa 2019 Vacation Rental Buyers Profile (FYI, with 5,000+ employees, Vacasa managers 23,000+vacation properties in 17 countries.)

Closing Checklist for Sellers

Good scoop here from homelight.com, the balance.com, Florida Realtors:

“You may already have gathered all the paperwork you need for closing day, but there are a few other tasks to handle before you get to the closing table.

Clean the entire house, including inside drawers & cabinets.
Close utility accounts & have them shut off or transfer accounts on the day of closing.
Place all keys (house, mailbox, pool, etc.), garage remotes, alarm & gate codes, etc. in one place, such as a drawer closest to the refrigerator.
Create a packet of appliance manuals, service contracts, written warranties, etc. & place them in the same drawer.
Visit usps.com/manage/forward.htm to direct the post office to forward your mail. Also, consider leaving a large stamped envelope that’s addressed to your new home so the buyers can forward any important mail that ends up at your former home.
Cancel newspaper subscriptions, if any.
Do a final sweep of every drawer, cabinet, & surface to make sure you haven’t left anything behind.
Lock up the house, turn off the lights, & close the blinds on the way out.
Make a note to cancel homeowner’s insurance after the closing is complete & the title has been transferred or the deed recorded.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity November 1 – 8, 2019

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sundial #F408 1/1 $499K, Sanibel Arm West #A1 2/2 $534K, Lighthouse Point #211 2/2 $599K (our listing), Oceans Reach #4C1 2/2 $899K.

Lighthouse Point aerial looking toward San Carlos Bay & the causeway

3 price changes: Mariner Pointe #842 2/2 now $579K, Sand Pointe #111 2/2 now $699K, Kings Crown #102 2/2 now $975K.

2 new sales: Sanibel Siesta #108 2/2 listed at $579K, Tarpon Beach #104 2/2 listed at $1,149,555.

2 closed sales: Sundial #J201 1/1 $542K, Sanibel Moorings #1341 2/2 $670K.

HOMES

7 new listings: 1458 Sandpiper Cir 3/2.5 half-duplex $489.9K, 5297 Punta Caloosa Ct 2/3 $789K, 1410 Sanderling Cir 3/2 $875K, 966 Kings Crown Dr 3/2 $1.06M, 1333 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 $1.095M, 2477 Wulfert Rd 3/4 $1.375M, 5044 Joewood Dr 4/4.5 $2.15M.

7 price changes: 730 Cardium St 2/2 now $579K, 1418 Sanderling Cir 3/3 now $599.5K, 743 Windlass Way 3/2 now $649K, 1410 Albatross Rd 3/3 now $779K, 5422 Shearwater Dr 3/2.5 now $975K, 2857 Wulfert Rd 4/5 now $1.298M, 5250 Caloosa End Ln 3/2.5 now $1.389M.

2 new sales: 706 Nerita St 3/2 listed at $774K, 1243 Sand Castle Rd 4/4 listed at $1.05M.

2 closed sales: 1324 Seaspray Ln 3/3 $1.05M, 725 Donax St 6/6 $1.22M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 4334 West Gulf Dr $989K.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings

2 price changes: Bayside Villas #4212 1/1 now $368.9K, Lands End Village #1608 3/3 now $2.149M.

1 new sale: Beach Homes #11 4/3 listed at $2.35M.

1 closed sale: Gulf Beach Villas #2004 2/2 $627.5K.

HOMES

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 16596 Captiva Dr 6/8.5 listed at $6.499M.

1 closed sale: 15161 Wiles Dr 5/5.5 $2.2M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 16151/16155 Captiva Dr $7.9M.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

Enjoy your weekend & don’t forget to honor Veterans on Monday (& every day). If you are on-island, keep an eye out for one of these shells. Painted by Amy Cloud & posted on “Sanibel Shells” Facebook page, Amy created these in honor of her Dad who is a WWII veteran & celebrating his 97th birthday. She said the Sanibel Shell fairies will be sprinkling them here. To all veterans, thank you for your service, & a special birthday thank you to Amy’s Dad. Also thanks to Amy for sharing her photo!

Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan

Happy November Has Begun on Sunny Sanibel

Posted on November 1, 2019 by SanibelSusan

Though November is here, it was sunny summer weather again this week on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The bright blue skies are great, but it would be wonderful to be rid of record-breaking high temperatures. Looking ahead, the island forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-80’s for the next ten days. If we get lucky, some evenings may go down into the high 60’s.

At SanibelSusan Realty

At the office, I was out showing property two days which resulted in a home sale today, while teammate Dave also showed property and opened listings for showings, plus accompanied home inspectors, contractors, and held some Open Houses. Business is picking up and the roadways are busier too. The report of the week’s action posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service follows a couple of news items below.

Red Tide Update

This week, evidence and reports of red tide have varied day-to-day and hour-to-hour with changes in wind direction, tides, and weather. The latest red tide sampling map posted by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission shows high concentrations at Blind Pass, just off the Captiva beach, and in Pine Island Sound. Medium concentrations are noted at beach at end of Tarpon Bay Rd and at Lighthouse Beach. Concentrations also are high on Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Beaches, and Naples. A cool snap sure might help.

Ground Breaking for C-43 Reservoir

One water quality solution is the new Caloosahatchee (C-43) West Basin Storage Reservoir which will intercept and store water released from Lake Okeechobee and stormwater runoff. It will reduce discharges from the lake into the Caloosahatchee Estuary during the rainy season and will allow water managers to deliver freshwater to the river and the estuary during the dry season when it is needed.

Last Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visited the C-43 site to break ground on the embankments and canals. “This is a big step forward in expediting one of our most important Everglades restoration projects,” DeSantis said. “Once complete, the C-43 Reservoir will store approximately 55 million gallons of water, with 19 miles of embankments and 15 miles of canals to reduce harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee and help bring the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary back to health. I thank our partners at the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the Department of Environmental Projection who I know will work hard to see this project through.”

Islanders continue to also sing the praises of Sanibel resident Chauncey Goss, SFWMD Governing Board Chairman. The SFWMD is working to build the embankments and perimeter canals, allowing the two-cell reservoir to hold 170,000 acre-feet of water. Fourteen water control structures and public recreational features also will be incorporated into the site which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Island Happenings

There were lots of island Halloween events yesterday for both children and grown-ups, including a costume contest at the Association of Realtor® Caravan Meeting. Those Thursday morning meetings where we announce new listings, new sales, and price reductions will continue right through “season”. SanibelSusan’s fortune-teller costume lost out to Willy Nelson and another called “Condo Rider”, but my prediction stands for strong healthy real estate sales this winter.

Sunday, Nov 3 – Fourth Annual Sanibel Blues & Jazz Fest – from noon to 7 p.m. at Bailey’s Backyard behind Bailey’s Shopping Center. Bring your own chair, food & beverages available for purchase. $20 general admission at the event entrance. Funds raised aid the Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club charities.

Roadways & Construction

Here are a few areas where you may experience road delays next week. Info from http://www.mySanibel.com.

Periodic Lane Closures Coming on Island – The project to install new overhead signs approaching the island, on McGregor Blvd (Summerlin between Shell Point and the toll both) has been extended through next Fri, Nov 8.

Inspection of 3 Bridges – by Florida Department of Transportation will occur on the causeway bridges between Nov 5 and 7. The first two days most of the work will be done from barges below, but on Thursday, there may be roadway lane shifts.

Vegetation Trimming – on south side of San-Cap Rd from Blind Pass to Tarpon Bay Rd through next Friday, Nov 8.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity October 25 – November 1, 2019

Sanibel

CONDOS

8 new listings: Spanish Cay #F8 2/2 $399K, Sundial #H307 1/1 $419K, Sundial #C210 1/1 $485K, Mariner Pointe #721 2/2 $534K, Sanibel Siesta #108 2/2 $579K, Compass Point #222 2/2 $695K, Kings Crown #213 2/2 $799K, Sanctuary Golf Villages #4-1 3/3 $925K.

4 price changes: Cottage Colony West #102 1/1 now $589K, Island Beach Club #P1A 2/2 now $619K, Loggerhead Cay #192 2/2 now $745K, Sanibel Moorings #1111 2/2 now $947K.

4 new sales: Yacht Haven #4 3/2 listed at $869K, Compass Point #181 2/3 listed at $1.195M, Villas of Sanibel #A102 3/3 listed at $1.295M, Gulfside Place #326 2/2 listed at $1.449M.

No closed sales.

HOMES

5 new listings: 5303 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2 $679K, 3256 Twin Lakes Ln 3/3 $724.9K, 706 Nerita St 3/2 $774K, 1031 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 $820K, 938 Pecten Ct 3/2.5 $1.039M.

5 price changes: 430 Old Trail Rd 3/2.5 now $579K, 4245 Gulf Pines Dr 3/2 now $700K, 1717 Venus Dr 3/2.5 now $1.199M, 872 Limpet Dr 3/3 now $1.495M, 1238 Isabel Dr 4/4.5 now $3.595M (our listing).

The home is just as stunning as the view at 1238 Isabel Dr in Sanibel Harbours!

4 new sales: 256 Daniel Dr 3/2 listed at $747K, 9436 Yucca Ct 3/2 listed at $839K (our buyer), 788 Nerita St 3/3 listed at $887K, 5615 Baltusrol Ct 4/6/3 listed at $2,999,999.

3 closed sales: 1060 White Ibis Dr 3/2 $735K, 1305 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 $925K, 772 Birdie View Pt 3/3.5 $1.1M.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 1303 Par View Dr now $319K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

2 closed sales: Sunset Beach Villas #2216 1/1 $483.5K, Beach Villas #2426 1/1 $512.5K.

HOMES

1 new listing: 14865 Mango Ct 2/2 $1.295M.

1 price change: 15879 Captiva Dr 3/3 now $2.489M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, here’s to a new month and more fall fun!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Pre-Halloween Happenings & Good Real Estate Action at SanibelSusan Realty

Posted on October 25, 2019 by SanibelSusan

It’s SanibelSusan with another report about island real estate and happenings. Another sunny blue-sky Friday it is with local temperatures again expected to be record setting (low 90’s). The calendar says fall, but it still sure feels like summer.

Upcoming Events

As the roadways continue to fill up, the island events calendar also is in full swing. Below are some happenings scheduled this weekend, but first a photo taken this morning at Sanibel’s Pond Apple Park. Thanks to Yves-Pascal and Susanna for sharing. Look closely, they said they saw about 12 baby gators. They are cute when they are this size!

Island Paw’s 15^th Annual Howl-O-Ween – Today from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Over Easy Café Patio with pet costume contest & fundraiser to benefit Flying Fur Animal Rescue.

11^th Annual F.I.S.H. 10K Race – tomorrow, Saturday, Oct 26, race starts at 7:30 a.m. & finishes at The Community House. Sign-ups begin at 6:30 a.m. (SanibelSusan again is the volunteer guard for any vehicles entering/exiting Sanibel Square. Other Realtors® & Rotary volunteers will be on safety patrol at other driveway intersections along the route.) During the 10K Road Race, a Kids Race (up to age 10) will take place at the Sanibel Community Park (across the street from our office). The Kids Race is just for fun with all participating children to receive a ribbon and treat from Joey’s Custard.

34^th Annual Bailey Fest – Sunday, Oct 27 from noon until 4 p.m. at Bailey’s Center. Free & open to the public, this is the Center’s annual thank you to their patrons. Festivities include parade featuring the king and queen from the Sanibel School (winners of the essay contest, “What Sanibel Means To Me”) & stage performances by the school’s steel drum band & elementary choir performing. Free food, pony rides, water slide, giveaways, games, & more.

Red Tide Update

The red tide reported in last week’s blog was short-lived, thank goodness. When I received two offers Sunday afternoon about the same time that social media was posting reports of bad smells and photos of fish washing up on the beach, I thought we might be in trouble. But, by Monday the worst of it was gone and most beaches were back to normal. Those darn red tide occurrences can be as unpredictable as shelling. Whenever there is a change in the weather or wind direction, it can affect what comes ashore. Some of what came ashore last week was red drift algae which as mentioned in earlier updates, is not the same as red tide. Last week’s red tide event was likely from an upwelling of nutrients from the ocean floor from recent gulf storms that triggered the algae blooms – a natural event that sometimes comes at the most inopportune time.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission website posts the last eight days of their test results on their on-line map. Yesterday, that map showed just three spots of high red tide readings in Florida. Those were in the middle of Pine Island Sound between Captiva/North Captiva and St. James City. Today, Lighthouse Beach was also tagged as an area with high readings. Some medium readings were shown sporadically in a few areas from North Captiva to Marco Island Beach. Most Florida areas showed low to no evidence.

At West Wind Inn

This afternoon, I stopped at West Wind Inn’s Normandie Seaside Café for a quick lunch and to check the beach there. Though the wind was blowing on shore, I did not notice any smell or have any eye or throat irritation. The gulf was a little stirred up from the breeze, but there were swimmers in the water and pelicans diving.

West Wind’s café and bar manager, Kim who faithfully posts the best pictures from the Upper Deck poolside was working inside the restaurant, training up a new employee. Got smiles out of them both. West Wind is a long-time favorite of both locals and visitors. Music most nights at the Upper Deck for sunset and consistent reasonable meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Photo below by Kim at the Upper Deck on Wednesday.

Smiling gals at Normandie Seaside Café. Kim on right, with new employee Marlaina on left.

Lee County Property Fraud Alert Service

It sure is scary to hear about the fraud occurring these days. The below article was posted on-line in August by attorney Kaylee Tuck with Henderson-Franklin.

“Did you know that liens can be filed on your real property without your knowledge or consent, even if they’re not valid? Did you know those liens can affect title to your property? Did you also know someone can create a fraudulent deed that gives your real property to someone else? It’s all very scary and, unfortunately, happens frequently. That’s why the Lee County Clerk of Courts recently launched a new Property Fraud Alert program.

“The Property Fraud Alert program is completely free and allows subscribers to register their name (or any name) into the fraud alert system, and the system will alert registered users within 48 hours if a document has been recorded with the name of a registered user. This system will allow early detection of potentially fraudulent activity, which allows property owners to act fast and avoid issues down the road.

“Why is the system so important? Property owners will never know if an official record has been recorded in their name or on their property if they are not consistently monitoring Lee County’s official records. The Property Fraud Alert system does the work for you. If you are a registered user, the system will email you if a document has been recorded with your name on it. The email will also give you a link to review the recorded document. If the document is fraudulent or a mistake has been made, you have the opportunity to take immediate action to fix the potentially fraudulent activity

“Are you ready to subscribe yet? If so, just go to this link: https://or.leeclerk.org/LandMarkWeb/FraudAlert.

Enter the name of the person or business you want to monitor and the email address where you would like to receive the alerts. You can monitor as many names as you wish.

“Tips for subscribing: Use a personal email address that you check regularly. This system can’t help if alerts aren’t received. Register your name as follows:

First and Last
First, Middle, and Last
First, Middle Initial, and Last

“The system will only notify the registered user if the name on the recorded document exactly matches the registered name. Make sure to register multiple variations of your name.

“Register yourself and other family members. There is no limit for how many names you choose to monitor, so keep an eye on yourself and your family.

“If you think you are a victim of a fraudulently recorded document, contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office fraud line at 239-258-3292 or by email at fraudline@sheriffleefl.org. You may also wish to contact an attorney to determine whether you should take legal action to undo the fraudulent recording.”

Sanibel’s Leaders Working for All of Us

Yesterday, City councilor and friend Holly Smith returned from her trip this week to the Capitol. She was there as part of the Florida League of Cities for an event called FAST (Federal Action Strike Team) Federal Fly-in to Washington DC. Sanibel’s City leaders sure work hard for us. Thank you, Holly!

Below is some info from her Facebook post:

Port St Lucie Councilor Jolien Caraballo Congressman Brian Mast

Florida water warriors. East coast & west coast working together. Holly on the right, with Port St Lucie Councilor Jolien Caraballo & Florida Congressman Brian Mast in the center.

“I am part of the FAST Committee for the Florida League of Cities. About 55 Elected Officials from around the State work together in unified and diverse voices – we don’t wear our political affiliations on our sleeves -speaking to our outlined 2020 legislative priorities. This is a non-partisan advocacy trip to meet with various White House Departments, FL Congresswomen, FL Congressmen and our esteemed FL Senators Rubio and Scott to discuss and bring to attention these vital Federally-regulated issues.”

In addition to Holly, other Lee County municipally-elected officials participating included City of Fort Myers Councilwoman Teresa Watkins Brown, Village of Estero Mayor Bill Ribble, and Bonita Springs Councilman Fred Forbes, joined by a group of elected advocates. Here posting continued with:

“Our 2020 priorities (not in particular order) included:

“1. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) – We Floridians basically pay 3:1 or 4:1 Nationally. You all see your premiums increase. The Citizens of Florida should not bear the financial weight of National disasters. Our Ask – A long-term reauthorization NFIP package which provides affordability for existing and future policy holders, accurate flood mapping, resiliency incentives.

“2. Cyber Security – We have all seen the number of municipalities and private sector hit by Cyberattacks and held for ransom. This can and has been crippling and/or expensive to those compromised. We support Federal funding for technical assistance, threat assessments, employee training, infrastructure improvements and data protection to help cities be better prepared for the next cyberattack.

“3. ADA Compliance for Municipal Websites – I was the spokesperson to this issue for my group. There is a cottage industry of litigation throughout Florida stemming from unclear accessibility standards for Website ADA Compliance. I can speak from personal experience to this matter. Public and private sector entity websites across the state have seen a steady increase in legal claims. It’s a racket – settle for a specified amount – then no follow up. We need the DOJ to clarify the rules on Website Accessibility Standards. It was initiated – then halted. Let’s get this vague language eliminated and have rules of specificity we can all comply with. Also allow for a period to cure rather than awarding these unscrupulous attorneys to benefit unjustly. Some municipalities have literally had to shut down their public websites as they are unable to afford the cost of litigation

“4. Investing in Infrastructure, Water Supply and Water Quality – through grants, low-interest loans and technical Assistance. An estimated 48.71 Billion is needed over the next 30 years to meet the needs for drinking water, wastewater, flood control, nutrient pollution, Everglades Restoration and beach/inlet erosion. I don’t have to tell you how proactive Sanibel is in this priority. Mayor Kevin Ruane, Director James Evans, and I return to DC on Sunday to directly advocate for our Cities priorities.

“Other priorities included transportation infrastructure, broadband infrastructure funding opportunities, federal preemption of small wireless infrastructure deployment (meaning providers can now put up a structure in local rights of way without much, if any restrictions- so not right), advance refunding on municipal bonds, and Risk Rating 2.0 (urging FEMA to provide more details to better comprehend the impacts to Floridians).

“We also can claim victory as President Trump just approved one of our priorities: To approve a Category B reimbursement to offset the costs to local Governments incurred for emergency protective measures!

“Very grateful to all of our Federal Partners and Federal Elected Officials who were generous with their time and look forward to their efforts in helping us move these priorities forward. STAY TUNED!”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity October 18-25, 2019

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Sundial #F205 1/1 $429K, Loggerhead Cay #332 2/2 $549K, Loggerhead Cay #263 2/2 $665K, Villa Sanibel #3A 2/2 $689K, Sand Pointe #212 2/2 $739K.

3 price changes: Sanibel Arms #D7 1/1 now $389K, Mariner Pointe #1052 2/2 now $519.9K, Cyprina Beach #1 3/3 now $1.395M.

2 new sales: Sanibel Arms West #E2 2/2 listed at $849K (our listing), White Pelican #114 2/2 listed at $850K.

3 closed sales: Sanibel Arms West #I1 2/2 $529K, Sunset South #6B 2/2 $538.6K, Gulfside Place #305 2/2 $1.15M.

HOMES

5 new listings: 1027 Sand Castle Rd 2/2 $499K, 1925 Roseate Ln 2/2 $669K, 5672 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/2 $715K, 979 Whelk Dr 3/2.5 $995K, 2268 Wulfert Rd 4/5.5 $1.995M.

11 price changes: 1401 Sandpiper Cir 3/2.5 half-duplex now $499.9K; 1585 Bunting Ln 3/2 now $575K; 707 Cardium St 3/2 now $729K; 788 Nerita St 3/3 now $887K; 1244 Par View Dr 4/3 now $899K; 829 Birdie View Pt 4/3.5 now $1.08M; 815 Limpet Dr 3/3 now $1.699M; 4809 Tradewinds Dr 3/3.5 now $1.875M; 2391 Shop Rd 3/2.5 now $1.997M; 5615 Baltusrol Ct 4/6/3 now $2,999,999; 4709 Rue belle Mer 3/2 now $3.225M.

1 new sale: 572 Kinzie Island Ct 5/5 listed at $2.15M.

3 closed sales: 1695 Serenity Ln 3/2 $485K, 1119 Seagrape Ln 2/1 $689K, 4080 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $955K (our buyer).

LOTS

1 new listing: 6008 White Heron Ln $899K.

No price change or new sales.

1 closed sale: 5737 Baltusrol Ct $280K (our listing).

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listing.

1 price change: Tennis Villas #3220 1/1 now $335K.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

Happy Halloween next week! SanibelSusan still is trying to come up with an outfit for the Realtors® Thursday Morning Caravan Meeting (& costume contest). Wish me luck!

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

2020 Change in Jumbo Loan Baseline

2020 Brings Remote Notaries, Lower Taxes, Texting Bans

Recycle Drop-Off for Electronics

BIG ARTS Happenings

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity January 3-10, 2020

Share this:

Like this:

New Title Company In Town – Knight Barry Title

Condominium & HOA Boards, Beware of Holding “Executive Sessions”

Why Do Some Water-Related Projects Take So Long?

2020 Ongoing Programs

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity December 27-January 3, 2020

Share this:

Like this:

Island Sales Stats

New Year Events

Study: Lots of Listings Coming as Baby Boomers Age

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity December 13-20, 2019

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity December 20-27, 2019

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Holiday Festivities, Shopping, & Helpers

Real Estate Happenings

Sanibel Scoop

Changes at Island Eats

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity November 29-December 6, 2019

Share this:

Like this:

Upcoming Events

Real Estate Happenings

Weather Update

Study: Lots of Listings Coming as Baby Boomers Age

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity November 22-29, 2019

Share this:

Like this:

Upcoming Events

Where On-Island to Dine or Get Fixin’s on Thanksgiving Day

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® November Membership Meeting

Gene’s Books

Florida’s Sunshine & Tax Benefits Beckon Billionaires

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity November 5 – 22, 2019

Share this:

Like this:

Protecting Florida Together

Sanibel to Install Red Tide Signs

Who’s Buying Rental Vacation Property?

Closing Checklist for Sellers

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity November 1 – 8, 2019

Share this:

Like this:

At SanibelSusan Realty

Red Tide Update

Ground Breaking for C-43 Reservoir

Island Happenings

Roadways & Construction

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity October 25 – November 1, 2019

Share this:

Like this:

Upcoming Events

Red Tide Update

At West Wind Inn

Lee County Property Fraud Alert Service

Sanibel’s Leaders Working for All of Us

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity October 18-25, 2019

Share this:

Like this: