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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate News

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

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

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

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

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

Sanibel

CONDOS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

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

HOMES

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

No price changes.

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

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

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Captiva

CONDOS

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

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

No new or closed sales.

HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

 Enjoy your weekend, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

A few more showers watered the islands this week, while a mini-cool front yesterday brought humidity down a bit. During peak storm season, we all more carefully watch the weather.

In fact, the National Hurricane Center now is monitoring the northwest Caribbean and southern Gulf for tropical development. Some forecasters say there is a 40% chance a storm could form near this region next week. Details on its possible future track and strength are uncertain, but those on the Gulf Coast should stay tuned.

Why Is Florida Such a Retirement Hot Spot?

A recent article by WalletHub reposted by Florida Realtors® says: “Of course, Florida offers 1,350 miles of coastline, warm, sunny weather (233 sunny days per year on average) and an array of recreation and entertainment options, but the state also has no income tax, no estate tax and no inheritance tax – leading the Tax Foundation to rank Florida among the top five best states as part of its 2024 State Business Tax Climate Index, while California, New York and New Jersey rank among the worst.

“Just before Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ home state of Washington enacted a new state capital gains tax in 2022, Bezos sold about $15.7 billion worth of Amazon stock – sidestepping approximately $1.1 billion in taxes that would have been due under the new tax.

“He then purchased two opulent estates in Miami’s Indian Creek Village, commonly referred to as “Billionaire Bunker” where Florida’s tax laws offer Bezos another advantage: His heirs are now insulated from Washington’s estate tax, which stands as the highest in the nation at a top rate of 20%.

“Bezos later purchased a third, $90 million property on the island to temporarily reside there as the demolition of the other houses he acquired on the island proceeds.

“According to WalletHub, around 68% of workers are somewhat confident that they will have enough money to retire comfortably, but only 21% are very confident. As a result, more than half of people expect to retire at age 65 or later – and three-quarters expect to do some work even after retiring.

“It’s important to choose wisely when picking where to retire, as many retirees are on a fixed income,” WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo, said. “As a result, the best cities for retired people are those that minimize taxes and expenses, as well as have good opportunities for retirees to continue paid work for extra income, if they choose to do so. In addition, the top cities provide high-quality health care and offer plenty of enjoyable activities for retirees.”

The WalletHub article ranked the best states by comparing “retirement friendliness” of more than 180 U.S. cities across 45 key metrics ranging from cost of living and tax laws to the availability of activities and the quality of health care. Orlando, Florida claimed the top spot overall, followed by Miami in second place. Minneapolis, Minnesota came in third, followed by Florida’s own Tampa and Fort Lauderdale in fourth and fifth respectively. And out of the top 10, another Florida city, St. Petersburg came in eighth place.

A New Sanibel Opening & Another Condo Re-Opening

The Bel Bagels & Deli is opening soon at 359 Periwinkle Way (former location of East End Deli). I spotted their new signage when I was out on my travels yesterday.

Pelicans Roost at 605 Donax St has reopened and is accepting reservations with 20% discount between now and Dec 13. Their social media post said all units have new kitchens, baths, appliances, and furnishings, while updated community amenities include refurbished pool, boardwalk to beach, and BBQ grills.

As far as other complexes go, some continue to have huge construction crews on-site daily. Saw many yesterday at Coquina Beach, Sanibel Surfside, and Shell Island Beach Club. Also a big deliver of new landscaping material today at Sand Pebble.

By the looks, many complexes won’t be ready for the upcoming winter season, but when they are ready they certainly will be new and improved.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors

The local Association of Realtors® did not meet this week, but next Thursday is our September membership meeting, followed by Caravan.

Monday, many members watched a webinar by Florida Realtors® (FR) Vice President pf Law and Policy and General Counsel, Juana Walkins on revisions to Florida’s residential contract for sale and purchase. She had another presentation this morning on “Changes to the Law for Flood Disclosure & Condos” which take effect Oct 1.

At SanibelSusan Realty

Between national and state changes in both real estate disclosure requirements and laws, this business has become a new world as far as paperwork is concerned. Rest assured that The SanibelSusan Team is up on it. As Florida Realtors® legal counsel says, “there’s a form for that” and we know when to use them.

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

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Sep 13-20:

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Tennisplace #D31 1/1 $395K, Sundial #A303 1/1 $740K, Tamarind B201 2/2 $1.995M.

No price changes.

2 new sales: Sandalfoot #5C2 2/2 listed at $745K, Loggerhead Cay #212 2/2 listed at $875K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

3 new listings: 4775 Rue Helene 4/3 $1.695M, 746 Nerita St 4/2 $1.749M, 526 N Yachtsman Dr 3/2 $1.895M.

2 price changes: 1242 Par View Dr 3/2 now $999K, 1018 S Yachtsman Dr 3/3 now $1.1M.

3 new sales: 586 Boulder Dr 3/2 listed at $599K, 9448 Begonia Ct 3/2.5 listed at $1.05M, 3180 Twin Lakes Ln 3/3 listed at $1.095M.

3 closed sales: 2479 Blind Pass Ct 3/2 $850K, 3822 Coquina Dr 4/3.5 $942K, 1021 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 $1.29M.

LOTS

2 new listings: 2453 Wulfert Rd $525K, 842 Limpet Dr $2.595M.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Lands End #1659 2/2 now $1.435M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: Beach Homes #25 3/2 $2.075M.

HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

There was nice weather on the islands again this week. Not much more rain, but a City update on the accumulation is below. The forecast calls for only a little rain next week also.

Captiva

Last Saturday, I took some friends around to see the progress on the islands since Hurricane Ian. When we ventured out to Captiva, I was surprised at South Seas Resort to see little change since my last visit there, several weeks ago. Lands End overlooking Redfish Pass now is blocked from entry and only one boat was docked at the marina. Overall, at the Resort, we saw few vehicles and even fewer people. Later, I heard they are only 7% occupied.

Jensen’s cottages 09-13-2024

My travels this morning included another curiosity drive to Captiva where the beach is inviting and gulf waters sparkling. There were not many cars at either of the public beach parking areas, probably typical for a September Friday. They were both packed last weekend.

Also on Captiva, it looks like a major new project is underway at Jensen’s Marina & Cottages. The cottages had looked earlier like they were almost ready for occupancy.

The construction there now may be replacement of their septic, as the central area between the cottages is under huge excavation.

Performance of Stormwater System Amidst Record Rainfall

Tuesday the City posted: “Sanibel has experienced a record-breaking 58.55” of rain so far this year. At this point, we’ve had the highest amount of rainfall on Sanibel in 20 years. Even with just 8 more inches over the next four months, we’ll set a 10-year record for the year. The City is actively working to manage the impacts of this unprecedented rainfall.

“City staff are closely monitoring water levels in the Sanibel Slough and stormwater infrastructure across the island to ensure optimal performance. Due to storm surge events and record rainfall, tidal overflows have been limited, leading to fully saturated stormwater storage areas (lakes, ponds, and swales) and prolonged standing water.

“If you notice standing water persisting for more than 72 hours, please email the Public Works Department to investigate. City staff are working tirelessly to manage the stormwater system during this exceptional rainy season.

“Additionally, in the incoming months, the City is planning to update its Stormwater Master Plan and will be requesting public input throughout the process.”

Update on Temporary Pre-Season Closures & Re-Openings

·        Congress Jewelers announced their Sanibel store in Periwinkle Place will reopen Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving).

·        Lighthouse Café has reopened but is closed Mondays and Tuesdays through Sep. Back to regular hours beginning Wednesday Oct 2.

·        Mud Bugs Cajun Kitchen reopens for dinner today at 3 p.m. Friday Sep 13.

·        Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop provided an update that they cannot yet accept donations for their reopening which also has been delayed beyond Oct 1.

·        Over Easy Café is closed through Sep 19. Reopening Sep 20.

·        Sanibel Historical Village & Museum is closed through Oct 14.

·        Tarpon Bay Explorers is closed all of Sep.

·        Tutti Pazzi is closed though Sep 19. Reopening Sep 20.

Sanibel City Council Meeting

Monday, I listened in during the Sanibel City Council Meeting and again am grateful for the long hours and careful thought by our island leadership team. Beginning at 9 a.m. and not ending until late afternoon before reconvening at 5:30 p.m. for the First Budget Meeting, the agenda covered a wide range of subjects ranging from traffic, e-bikes, parking, ordinances re: post-Ian recovery/restoration, stormwater, and more.

What is especially productive with our five City councilors is how they take an issue where they may not initially agree on a solution but work together to fine-tune a way to move forward with our City Manager and staff providing the legwork needed to get to good results. When a vote is unanimous, it shows their spirit of cooperation. Go to MySanibel.com to link to listen to any of the City meetings. Betcha you also will be impressed.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

This week the local Association of Realtors® offered the classwork required by the state for license renewals. Tuesday, I attended the Core Law class taught by friend Pat Pitocchi from Naples.

Core Law class 09-10-2024

The Monday class with Chuck Bonamer was on Fair Housing, while another Tuesday class with Pat covered Ethics. Wednesday was an all-day event with the Conservation Foundation covering Considerations of Coastal Living. Captiva Cruises and Sanibel Sea School staff also participated. Offering these classes locally won our Association a state education award. Our members love learning things they can share, while the trickledown effect benefits conservation. The networking from them also is a plus.

At Thursday Caravan Meeting only one new sale and two price reductions were announced. Two Beachcomber condos were open for viewing after the meeting.

At SanibelSusan Realty

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

At the current rate of sales, there now is about nine months of condo inventory on Sanibel, more than two years on Captiva. Sanibel homes continue to be the popular commodity. There are just four months of inventory now, but that will increase in the last quarter. With just six closed home sales year-to-date on Captiva, that market is more specialized, with two years of inventory available.

We look forward to what we hope is a better fall/winter selling season than last year, though the upcoming election uncertainty may delay some from buying until after Nov 6.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Sep 6-13:

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Mariner Pointe #811 2/2 $650K.

1 price change: Mariner Pointe #312 2/2 now $548K (SanibelSusan listing).

View from Mariner Pointe #312

2 new sales: Sanibel Arms #D2 1/1 listed at $350K, Blind Pass #G-102 2/2 listed at $739K.

3 closed sales: Tennisplace #B32 2/1.5 $402K, Sanibel Moorings #1411 1/1 $524K, Sundial #H303 2/2 $650K.

HOMES

1 new listing: 2441 Shop Rd 4/3.5 $1.099M.

3 price changes: 421 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 now $1.095M, 517 Lake Murex Cir 4/3 now $1.569M, 2255 Troon Ct 4/5.5.5 now $2.25M.

2 new sales: 4577 Waters Edge Ln 4/4 listed at $4.895M, 4461 Waters Edge Ln 3/3.5 listed at $5.85M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 1653 Bunting Ln listed at $445K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Tennis Villas #B-407 1/1 $495K.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

HOMES

2 new listings: 15153 Captiva Dr 3/3 $6.2M, 941 South Seas Plantation Dr 3/3.5 $10.995M.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

Wishing you good luck on Friday the 13^th, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Florida Realtors® 2024 Annual Meetings & Convention

Today’s Friday report is coming to you from Orlando where Florida Realtors® 2024 Convention & Annual Meetings are wrapping up. I have been here since driving up Monday to be in time for orientation for Florida Faculty Audition Panels which began very early Tuesday. Next, I sat on one of ten panels that spent the entire day vetting instructors looking to be approved to teach state classes. Those classes are required for Realtor license renewals, continuing education, Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) curriculum, plus some recently developed to cover new mandated national changes.

Prospective instructors complete a rigorous program just to get to the audition stage including specialized training, application approval, and phone interviews. Some are looking to join the faculty and approval for their first class, others are looking to add a class to those they already are approved to teach.

Panels are made up of a non-bias mix of brokers, agents, committee chairs/vice chairs, education directors, other faculty members, and Association Executives. My panel had seven members plus a Florida Faculty employee who acts as timekeeper and collects our evaluations. Each panelist provides a written evaluation on each applicant. They are rated numerically on presentation ability, platform skills, subject knowledge, podium presence, and understanding of adult learning theory.

Each audition is 45 minutes which results in a long but rewarding day, not only for the work performed but for the new friendships made. My panel rated nine presenters. Those determined ready for Faculty approval are recommended by motion to the Program Development Subcommittee which met this morning. Our subcommittee motion then moves forward to the Professional Development Committee which meets tomorrow.

The Convention/Trade Expo were Wednesday and Thursday with Erin and Ben Napier, stars of HGTV’s Home Town, at the General Session the first day. The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association had good representation at the many classes offered during the multi-day event. At the Awards Luncheon yesterday, we had in 14 attendance, and I corralled them all for a picture with Florida Realtors 2024 President Gia Gavin.

Sanibel Captiva Realtors with 2024 FR President Gia Arvin

At the Awards Luncheon with our 2024 Prez Brendan Albright & President-Elect Becky Mulka

It is always special at these events to see so many colleagues that we don’t get to see otherwise throughout the year. I was especially thankful to also see some of them surprised with state awards: Susie Lewis from Hollandale Beach was recognized as 2024 Education Volunteer of the Year; Christel Silver from Delray Beach is 2024 Educator of the Year, while our 2023 FR President Mike McGraw is 2024 Realtor of the Year. Congratulations to all award winners!

Sanibel and Captiva also had excellent island representation at the Closing Session yesterday afternoon where Florida Realtors attorneys provided a legal update and our Chief Economist provided a market outlook. Our state leadership team works hard to ensure that we have the tools needed to perform our work correctly and the future continues to look good for our industry in the sunshine state.

This morning, I participated in the Program Development Subcommittee, followed by the Capital Club Luncheon which is for PAC investors. Tomorrow morning, after the Professional Development Committee Meeting, I drive back to home-sweet-home.

SanibelSusan Realty

Next Thursday is our local association August membership meeting with guest speaker, John Talmage, Director of Lee County Economic Development Office, with an Open House caravan of new listings following the meeting.

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

There were no Captiva sales again this week, also no Sanibel condo or lot sales, but three Sanibel homes went under contract.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity August 16-23:

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Captains Walk #F2 2/1.5 $439K.

1 price change: Mariner Pointe #733 2/2 now $579K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: Sanibel Arms #C1 2/2 $365K.

HOMES

3 new listings: 1684 Bunting Ln 2/2 $995K, 431 Rabbit Rd 3/2.5 $1.05M, 1155 Seagrape Ln (multi-family) 4/2 $1.1M.

3 price changes: 586 Boulder Dr 3/2 now $599K, 235 Palm Lake Dr 3/2 now $949K, 673 East Rocks Dr 3/2 now $1.549M.

3 new sales: 1719 Serenity Ln 3/2 listed at $79K, 9126 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 listed at $829K, 994 Whelk Dr 3/2 listed at $1.495M.

1 closed sale: 836 Birdie View Pt 3/3.5 $1,837,500.

LOTS

Nothing to report,

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Beach Homes #4 3/3 $5.3M.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings.

3 price changes: 1072 South Seas Plantation Rd 3/3.5 now $6.55M, 11550 Paige Ct 5/5.5.5 now $6.65M, 11521 Paige Ct 4/3.5 now $9.5M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

Enjoy your weekend! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

 As Lee County children went back to school this week, they had nice mostly sun-shiny weather with only occasional sprinkles. Daytime temperatures remain in the high 80’s/low 90’s (degrees F). fairly typical for this time of the year. (Often much warmer inland.)

There are few visitors here now, but reservations should pick up as northerners start thinking of winter weather. The SanibelSusan Team is ready for more business as we look forward to continued recovery progress and occupancy improvement. Below are some news items from this week:

Sanibel Scoop

Blind Pass condos bridge damaged by Ian – soon to be rebuilt

Bridge Over Clam Bayou – Blind Pass Condominiums posted on social media that they have approval to start rebuilding their bridge over Clam Bayou that was destroyed in Ian. They hope construction begins in September, finishing in October.

Jerry’s Market – Next week, from Sunday August 18 at 5 p.m. through Saturday, August 24 at 7 a.m., Jerry will close to upgrade electrical equipment.

 Public Beach Parking – The City announced mid-week that all the last public beach parking lots (including Turner Beach) had reopened following cleanup from the sand/flooding caused when Tropical Storm Debby passed by on August 3 and 4. Island-wide, some roadway swales still have some water, but many receded significantly. I took a ride through the Lighthouse Beach lots Wednesday, noticing many empty parking spots, probably indicative of kiddos being back in school.

SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) – posted good news Monday: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have signed a decision for the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM). This completes the final step in the approval process for LOSOM. This new water management plan will lower the number of damaging discharges to the Caloosahatchee River and Gulf of Mexico, providing greater operational flexibility to water managers and ultimately sending more water south to the Everglades and Florida Bay.

 Florida Realtors Think Tanks®

Last Thursday and Friday were the state Think Tank legislative meetings which preface the in-person business meetings and convention next week. The Think Tanks were held by Zoom again this year, During the Resort and Second-Home Specialist Breakout Group meeting, where I am a panelist, Denis Hanks, Executive Director of Florida Alliance for Vacation Rentals (FAVR) provided an update on the vacation rental market. Here are a few tidbits he shared:

·       Top Destinations: Kissimmee, Panama City Beach, Destin, Davenport, Anna Marie Island.

·       Fastest Growing Areas: Kissimmee, Davenport, Destin, Tampa, Jacksonville.

·       The number of short-term Florida rentals has increased to 389,805.

·       Comparing rentals to hotel rooms, there are over 1M today compared to 706,000 bedrooms.

·       Overall occupancy has dropped, but revenues are up.

DBPR (Division of Business & Professional Regulation) provides a lot of info for Vacation Rental license holders, but FAVR is pushing for even more education, not just for operators but also in developing industry relationships, better governance, and more proficient operators.  Their goal is to resolve top statewide complaints through comprehensive education for owners, property managers, government, tourism industry, public safety, and communities. With a county-by-county education initiative, they help local governments and operators with compliance, considering partnerships to be part of the solution. That education includes local rules and regulations (registrations, noise, parking, trash), state compliance, safety, taxation, insurance, general operations, and legal.

FAVR also offers a free certification (Mandatory Human Trafficking Awareness Training) which is required annually of all front-line employees in hospitality. They too offer 4-hour Safety Program training.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Upcoming Meetings – There was no local Caravan meeting this week. Also, none is scheduled next week when the leadership team is in Orlando at the 2024 Florida Realtors® business meetings and convention. The following week, on August 29, is a monthly membership meeting with guest speaker, John Talmage, Director of Lee County Economic Development Office. An Open House caravan of new listings will follow that meeting.

Changes Required by NAR Settlement – Today is the day that the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®, in accordance with National Association of Realtors® (NAR) settlement, removed any reference to compensation (commissions) from their Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This resulted in some new/updated report formats and requires that active listings be modified.

SanibelSusan Realty

Listing Modifications – SanibelSusan Realty listing agreement modifications went out yesterday for electronic signature(s) through Florida Realtors® Form Simplicity Program.

The modification form itself is used for a variety of agreement changes, but in most cases does not change any terms of the original agreement except to add that “commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable” and that commissions will not be posted in the Multiple Listing Service. (Any questions, please give me a call.) All other terms of the basic listing agreement do not change and still apply. New listing agreements from here forward will have updated language.

What Do These Changes Mean? – In my opinion, these mandated changes do not affect island sales much. Real estate commissions have always been and continue to be negotiable. Since our local Association does not use electronic lockboxes, our Realtors® already communicate with each other to schedule showings and discuss property details. Relaying the commission that is offered to a Buyer brokerage is an easy addition to those conversations.

Regarding the forms that NAR now requires for Buyer representation: Florida for years has required that agency disclosure forms convey relationships, fiduciary responsibilities, and be signed by a Buyer. Florida also, for many years, has used Transaction Brokerage in those instances where a company facilitates a transaction for both Seller and Buyer. That language already is included in our listing agreements and will continue.

(FYI, not all states are the same. Florida real estate contracts have improved so much in the 32+years that I have worked here. Ahead of many states, I think.)

At our last monthly local Realtor® membership meeting, I announced that SanibelSusan Realty welcomes all Realtors® to show our listings and that we will continue to offer compensation to Buyer Brokers. Realtors® may have more forms to complete now, but we encourage Buyer Brokers to work with us, to the benefit of both Buyers and Sellers.

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

Again, it was a slow week for sales, much like late summer most years. September also can be a slow month, with October usually when we start to see business perk up.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity August 9‑16:

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Oceans Reach #3B2 1/1 $650K, Mariner Pointe #941 3/2 $999K.

4 price changes: Sanibel Arms #D2 1/1 $350K, Sanibel Moorings #1422 2/2 now $789K, Sanibel Siesta #103 2/2 now $875K, Loggerhead Cay #212 2/2 now $875K.

2 new sales: Sundial #C310 1/1 listed at $625K, Sundial #H303 2/2 listed at $745K.

1 closed sale: Sundial #D401 2/2 $975K.

HOMES

2 new listings: 4752 Rue Helene 2/2 $1.47M, 829 Pyrula Ave 3/3 $1.8M.

2 price changes: 1719 Serenity Ln 3/2 now $759K, 1242 Par View Dr 3/2 now $1.079M.

No new sales.

3 closed sales: 1016 Fish Crow Rd 3/2 $550K, 938 Pecten Ct 3/2.5 $1.495M, 911 S Yachtsman Dr 3/3 $1.5M.

LOTS

Captiva

CONDOS

2 new listings: Tennis Villas #3135 1/1 $465K, Bayside Villas #4220 1/2 $659K.

2 price changes: Gulf Beach Villas #2011 1/1 now $730K, Captiva Shores #3B 3/2.5 now $1.395M.

No new or closed sales.

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

 Enjoy your weekend! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Another Friday has arrived with the island drying out from Tropical Storm Debby and shellers hauling in plenty of beautiful empty specimens. There was not much sales activity posted in the island Multiple Listing Service (MLS) this week, but our listings had some action. Below are some observations on the effects of the tropical storm and real estate happenings,

Overlooking San Carlos Bay at end of Dixie Beach Blvd Tues 08-06-2024

Post Tropical Storm Debby

When forecasters said that the right side of a tropical storm/hurricane is the dirty-side, I looked up that definition. They said Tropical Storm Debby was going to be “dirty” at ~425 miles off the coast of Florida, out in the gulf when it passed Sanibel and Captiva last weekend. The “dirty-side” means where there will be the highest winds and storm surge, and greatest tornado threat.

SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) reports that data recorded by their Marine Lab through the River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network (RECON) shows that the Debby 2-foot storm surge exceed the one from Hurricane Idalia which passed the islands off-shore, last August. With Debby coming earlier than other recent storms (Ian and Idalia), there were more than 500 sea turtle nests still incubating on Sanibel and Captiva beaches when the Debbie bad-weather bands arrived. SCCF biologists are still assessing nest damage.

From inside my little home on Anchor Dr, I can confirm that Debbie produced more winds and rain than I have ever experienced during a storm. A moat formed around my home with as much, if not more, water remaining than what was here when I viewed it after my Hurricane Charley evacuation in 2004.

During high tide, early Saturday afternoon, my dock was well under water with the canal creeping into my backyard. Thankfully, it did not reach the home or pool, but it took several days for the roadway water to subside enough that I dared drive through it. Dave and Lisa parked up the street and waded in on Sunday to check on things.

Tuesday, I ventured to the Post Office and tried to go down West Gulf Dr but turned around before the entrance to East Rocks. Swales were full everywhere and water was over the road and deep in several spots. Water was under the buildings (in the covered parking areas) at Kings Crown and remains there today. Also at Pointe Santo, the new tennis courts and much of Bldg C parking lot were under water.

From Casa Ybel east there did not seem to be as much standing water on the roadsides and I enjoyed seeing a gopher turtle trotting along Middle Gulf Dr. Special always to see those.

On Sunday, the City temporarily closed the public beach parking lots due to flooding. Social media pix of Lighthouse Beach gulf-side showed that much of the beach renourishment sand added just a few short months ago was in the parking lot. Only the top of a bike rack was visible in one photo.

By Monday afternoon, the City reopened Bowman’s Beach lot. Then by Wednesday, the lots at Blind Pass and Tarpon Bay Rd also reopened. The boat ramp too.

Wednesday and yesterday, I again tried driving into East Rocks, but no dice. That community entrance is still was too deep for my car.

When I swung through Seagull Estates/Daniel Dr, it was good to see that the home so heavily damaged by Ian has been demolished/removed. Their community lake was over the banks but receding.

In various areas, I also noticed several downed gumbo limbo trees which I heard started to fail after salt water intrusion from Ian. I had one fall over a month ago at my house. Also saw quite a few tall palms leaning in new directions, so more trees are struggling. The bends in the resprouting Norfolk pines at the corner of Lindgren and East Gulf also are interesting to see. Those trees are tough!

08-09-2024 East Gulf & Lindgren

I heard from another Realtor® that the newly-restored office at Oceans Reach flooded and will need to be redone again. There may be more reports of that happening in ground-level properties where gulf water breached the dunes.

This morning, the City announced that the gulf-side Lighthouse Beach parking lot and Gulfside City Park lot have reopened. Only the Lighthouse bayside lot and Turner Beach lot remain closed.

During my morning rounds today, I noticed new landscaping at both Hurricane House and Villas of Sanibel. Also looks like the new tennis/pickleball courts are done at Compass Point and a new sign is up at Sanibel Sea School.

On another positive note, post-Ian reconstruction and restoration continues. SW FL is lucky that Debby was not closer. Fingers crossed that is it for 2024 storms, but we know to heed the forecasts during hurricane season – or through November.

Florida Realtors®

Monday afternoon, shortly after the Florida Realtors® Zoom class on Listing Agreement modifications began, my cable/internet service went out again. Though my electricity only flickered during the storm, Xfinity also was out for more than 24 hours over the weekend.

Florida Realtors®, like other states, is hurrying to get their new and revised forms done before the August 17 deadline for compliance with NAR-mandated changes. The changes require that all reference to Realtor compensation be removed from Multiple Listing Services and that existing listing agreements be modified disclosing that to Sellers and adding the phrase “Brokerage commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable.”

Florida Realtors® Annual Business Meetings began yesterday with the state Think Tanks which meet via Zoom. These Think Tank events set the stage for items that will be covered during the in-person meetings in Orlando that begin August 19. There are Think Tanks for:

·        Appraisal Legislative

·        Attainable/Workforce Housing Legislative

·        Legislative & Regulatory Business Issues

·        HOA/Condominium Legislative

·        Land Use, Property Rights and Sustainable Development Legislative

·        Insurance Legislative

·        Property Management Legislative

·        Legislative and Regulatory Research

·        Resort and Second Home Specialist Legislative

·        State and Local Taxation Legislative.

I am a panelist on the Resort and Second-Home Specialist Breakout Group that is meeting this afternoon from 2 to 3 p.m. I also will be in Orlando for the upcoming business meetings and convention (Aug 19-24), but I will always have my phone in hand.

Teammate Dave and Lisa are accustomed to me being in Orlando for these meetings. Technology now makes our work so much easier than when I began serving on the state leadership team over 27 years ago. That networking has resulted in gaining some wonderful pals all over the state and nationally. I never ask for a referral when passing business on to one of them but am always happy to recommend someone if you ever need a real estate expert elsewhere. They know SanibelSusan as the gal who always wears flip flops and wants clients to get the best service.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

 At our island Realtor® Association Professional Development Committee Meeting Tuesday, we finalized educational and speaker events through October. There also was a Caravan meeting yesterday but no new listings were open up for viewing.

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

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity August 2-9:

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Blind Pass #G102 2/2 $739K, Sundial #N301 2/2 $1.45M.

3 price changes: Donax Village #10 2/2 now $525K, Sandalfoot #4D3 2/2 $735K, Sandalfoot #5C2 2/2 now $745K.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings.

2 price changes: 815 Birdie View Pt 3/3 now $1.845M, 2255 Troon Ct 4/5.5.5 now $2.299M.

2 new sales: 1504 Wilton Ln 3/2 listed at $899K, 3822 Coquina Dr 4/3.5 listed at $999,999.

4 closed sales: 1011 S Yachtsman Dr 5/2.5 $1M, 4573 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 $1.3M, 1402 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 $1,313,250; 4731 Rue Belle Mer 5/5.5 $7.5M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 6492 San-Cap Rd $975K.

1 back-on-market: 1801 Olde Middle Gulf Dr (former site of Clam Shell condos) $6.999M

No price changes, new or closed sales.

Captiva

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

Enjoy your weekend! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Restoration Amps Up

As island restoration continues, contractor work seems to have amped up, with owners and businesses looking forward to an improved upcoming “high season”. I noticed the new sign up this week at the Olde Sanibel Shops (where Periwinkle and Tarpon Bay Rd intersect). Be sure and stop in at Over Easy Café for a yummy cinnamon roll.

I also saw that the blue tarps that have been covering much of Sanibel Surfside for weeks have come down and work on the building exterior is underway.

At my home on the private end of Anchor Dr where it usually is quiet as a mouse in the summer, workers are busy from sunup to sundown, usually six days a week.

The new home going up next door (where the former one burned down) has been pouring pilings and now beginning construction on the raised living level. The home on the other side of me, that sold in March for a whopping $2.6M, is already getting a new metal roof, solar, and Hardie board exterior; while, across the street from that one, a new roof is going on a recently-restored ground-level home.

There also is plenty of activity on the public end of Anchor Dr with another new “big” home going up and several others getting new roofs, gutters, interior/exterior renovations, landscaping and dock work. You need patience just to drive up/down the street, but the community will be stronger and more resilient when all this work is done.

Weather

Summer weather can be challenging for contractors. Showers may arrive quickly, be accompanied by serious lightning, and interrupt schedules. Teammate Dave encountered a whopper early Tuesday afternoon when he was checking a couple of properties for clients. Those fast heavy rains also often result in temporary roadway flooding. I saw plenty of that when I drove down Periwinkle later that day. The “water over roadway” signage remains up. Perhaps in preparation for the tropical disturbance, that forecasters and all of us are watching carefully.

Late yesterday, Florida Governor DeSantis issued an Executive Order, issuing a state of emergency for Charlotte, Collier, and Lee Counties in SW FL as Invest 97-L moves toward the state.

 Florida Realtors®

Both Monday and Tuesday this week, I attended the “Let’s Talk Buyer Broker Agreements” webinars by Florida Realtors® Vice President of Law/Policy and General Counsel, Juana Watkins. The first class was for brokers and the second for sales associates. Not only are there now additional forms when working with buyers, but also more forms are in the pipeline to clarify the listing requirements from the NAR-settlement. I also registered for a Florida Realtors® class Monday August 5 with Juana, regarding Listing Agreement modifications.

Sanibel City Council

Also Tuesday, I attended the 3-hour special City Council Meeting where several items were covered including passing a resolution establishing that temporary-use permits may be issued to resorts and hotels for beach club day passes.

This relates to Sundial Resort looking sell passes now that some of their central restaurants and amenities are ready, but resort condos are not open for occupancy. This day-pass opportunity is temporary and only available to the few licensed lodgings in the resort district where nightly rentals are allowed but lodging rooms are not ready. (Sundial’s ribbon-cutting at the central resort area was yesterday. Their new sushi bar Shima, Turtle’s Tiki Bar, and Sea Breeze Café are now open.)

The lengthier agenda item was a presentation on new software being implemented by the City. Called OpenGov, this is the first year that it also will aid in the upcoming budget process. This meeting was the first City workshop to discuss the 2025 City budget and included input by Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Steve Chaipel with comments by commissioners, City staff, and the public. The next budget meetings are in late August and September.

Every time I attend one of these meetings, I am awed at the amount of work that our City government and these council members continually do for island citizens. I hope they know how much they are appreciated.

Quantum Fiber

The City posted a notice this week that they received the following info from Lumen Technologies regarding the installation of new fiber lines throughout the island. It says:

“What: Construction of Quantum Fiber’s blazing-fast fiber internet is underway and progressing on Sanibel Island. Beginning August 1^st, Lumen Technologies and their construction partners will start at the east end of the island and work west. Expected completion date, including sod restoration, is around mid-January 2025… Work may look like path creation, excavation, and/or pulling fiber or conduit.

Where:  Construction is underway in areas of Sanibel, including Periwinkle (approximately from Seagrape to Kings Crown)….”

I can confirm that this afternoon there were two crews working on East Gulf Dr, one on Periwinkle Way just west of the End End shops, and two on Anchor Dr. Many large work vehicles, single-lame traffic, and sign-holders were directing traffic at each of these areas.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

The local Realtor® Association did not have a Caravan meeting this week, but they hosted presentations of the two Florida Realtors® webinars for members who had not personally registered. There is a Caravan meeting scheduled for next Thursday (August 8). I will participate too on Tuesday at the Professional Development Committee Meeting.

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

We are thankful to have had a condo closing this week. It is the first time in my 35 years as a Realtor® that I have sold a property in a building with no roof. Thanks to teammate Dave for gaining access to that construction area, performing a walk-through, and taking pictures to email to the appreciative Buyer. The pix may show the missing roof and an empty interior with stud walls, but the view is fabulous. (Hurricane Ian sure resulted in some unusual new experiences.)

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity July 26‑August 2:

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Oceans Reach #3X3 1/1 $779K.

1 price change: Lake Palms #5 2/2.5 now $559K.

3 new sales: Tennisplace #B32 2/1.5 listed at $449K, Sanibel Moorings #1411 1/1 listed at $599K, Oceans Reach #1D3 2/2 listed at $979K.

View from Sunset South #15B 07-30-2024

2 closed sales: Sunset South #15B 2/2 $1M (SanibelSusan Buyer), White Pelican #111 3/2 $1.45M.

HOMES

4 new listings: 1001 Lindgren Blvd 3/2 $1.25M, 2313 Wulfert Rd 4/3 $1.699M, 3361 Saint Kilda Rd 3/2 listed at $1.925M, 1321 Eagle Run Dr 3/3.5 $2.349M.

6 price changes: 248 Christofer St 2/2.5 now $994K, 3314 Saint Kilda Rd 3/2 now $1.2M, 1112 Skiff Pl 3/2 now $1.24M, 1341 Junonia St 4/3 now $1.299M, 954 Whelk Dr 3/2 now $1.495M, 2255 Troon Ct 4/5.5.5 now $2.35M.

4 new sales: 4049 Coquina Dr 3/2 listed at $499K, 1016 Fish Crow Rd 3/2 listed at $689K, 1021 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 listed at $1.299M, 836 Birdie View Pt 3/3.5 listed at $1.949M.

4 closed sales: 1454 Sandpiper Cir 4/3 (1/2 duplex) $650K, 5305 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2 $875K, 3343 Saint Kilda Rd 3/2 $1.01M, 6425 Pine Ave 4/3 $1.58M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 4037 Coquina Dr $1.15M.

No price changes or new sales.

1 closed sale: 1757 Windward Way $350K.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Gulf Beach Villas #2011 1/1 $735K.

2 price changes: Bayside Villas #5112 1/2 now $445K, Bayside Villas #5208 1/2 now $550K.

No new or closed sales.

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

Enjoy your weekend,

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan