What a week – with real estate, summer weather, pickleball, spaghetti, shells, bathtubs, & more…

Posted on February 23, 2018 by SanibelSusan

Mariner Pointe #1061, with this lanai, a fantastic interior remodel, 2 community pools, tennis, boat dockage, private fishing pier, bbq areas, plus deeded gulf beach access

SanibelSusan here, reporting more terrific summer-like weather. The island was packed with people last weekend. With the long holiday weekend, the causeway islands were jammed from Saturday through Tuesday. (Local schools were out both Monday and Tuesday). Periwinkle Way was especially slow going during the Saturday/Sunday Arts & Crafts Fair, while the on-off-island traffic in early morning, midday, and late afternoon continues to be challenging. Lotsa folks are here enjoying the wonderful weather and all the islands offer.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Yesterday, there was just an average turn-out for the islands Thursday Realtor® Caravan Meeting. It was a west-end Caravan which means properties from west of Tarpon Bay Road to Captiva. Only six properties where on the tour list, including an east-end canal-front home, so teammate Dave held our Lighthouse Way listing open at the same time hoping to attract some of the same lookers.

569 Lighthouse Way

Caravan rules permit properties on the other end of the island to be on the schedule, only where there are not enough properties signed up to fill the 15-unit maximum. Next week is East-End.

The details the action posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service are after a few news items below. Check out the huge number of price reductions. As season winds down, it’s a great time to buy!

Island Events

Pickleball courts at Sundial Beach Resort

Inaugural CAN AM Super Slam – today through Sunday, Feb 23-25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., pickleball tournament for seniors at Sundial Beach Resort & sanctioned by both the USA Pickleball Association and the Super Senior International Pickleball Association (SSIPA), free & open to the public. Because it is a SSIPA tournament, all players are 60 or older and already USAPA ranked. Competition features five age categories: 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 to 74, 75 to 79, and 80 plus, with each event broken down by “skill” or the points the players have. Based on a bracket-type of play, every event is a double-elimination round. For more info contact pickleballcip@gmail.com or call 231-676-9681. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America!
38^th Annual Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner – tomorrow night, Saturday, Feb 24, at The Community House, dinner served 4 to 8 p.m. followed by raffles, silent & live auctions, music, & fun. All to benefit island youth. Can’t beat the all-you-can-eat price – $11 at the door, kiddos 9 and under free.
81^st Sanibel Shell Festival – next week, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, Mar 1, 2, and 3 at The Community house. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Saturday when it’s over at 4 p.m.
Octifest on The Beach – Sunday, Mar 11 at 6:30 p.m. on Causeway Island A, annual Sanibel Sea School fundraiser to purchase equipment and support outreach programs for landlocked kids. Tickets at www.octifest.org or call 239-472-8585.

New Sanibel Sea School Offering

As announced in the “Island Sun” this week, Sanibel Sea School has added seasonal classes for 4- to 6-year olds to the organization’s schedule of field-based marine science learning opportunities. The program will be called Sea Squirts, and will be offered through mid-April. Like the nonprofit’s classes for 6- to 13-year olds, Sea Squirts Day Camps will cover a different topic each week, and activities including crabbing, rock flipping, mud walks, and more… each class will be two hours long. More info and registration at www.sanibelseaschool.org or call 239-472-8585.

Just How Important Is a Bathtub for Resale?

From “Realtor®Mag” February 2018: “It’s long been believed that every home needs at least one bathtub to attract the widest group of buyers. But with increased interest in big, well equipped, walk-in showers, does a tub really matter that much?

“Bathrooms reflect trends as much as any room in a house does. Back in the 1980s and ’90s, whirlpool tubs with multiple water jets were all the rage. They fell out of favor as many homeowners found they just didn’t use them as much as they expected to. Other users were frustrated by the time deeper tubs took to fill. Some tubs even posed health concerns due to piping that was tough to keep clean.

“The basic rectangular tub returned, although it was soon eclipsed by the oversized, deluxe shower, big enough for two and with multiple controls and rainfall heads offering a personalized experience.

“So where does this leave the bathtub? Many buyers still think they need one. But is this must-have really more akin to the desire for a separate dining room, in an era where families congregate, cook, and eat in their kitchens every day?

What About Walk-Ins?

“For the aging boomer population, the walk-in tub market continues to expand with more manufacturers offering new designs to serve their needs. The big challenge for this style is to remove the stigma of being a geriatric product, says Joe Pilato, vice president of sales and marketing for Hydro Dimensions, which helped to start the walk-in tub niche back in 2000. They offer 15 different models—most with built-in seats, easy-to-open doors, and a low threshold at the bottom—along with custom designs. “Buyers should make quality a high priority since they vary greatly from company to company,” Pilato says. He estimates fully installed designs range from $6,000 to $14,000 and says those who plan to age in place should also ensure they have a wide enough doorway to enter the bathroom using a wheelchair or walker. For real estate pros showing a listing with such a tub to younger buyers, Pilato suggests marketing it as a step-in spa.

The Must-Have POV

“Home appraiser Jonathan J. Miller, president of New York–based Miller Samuel, which tracks trends in 30 housing markets throughout the country, considers at least one bathtub a must. “The tub falls into the category of another commodity in a house. Sellers who have the most commodities—or amenities—win because their houses appeal to the widest audience and you’re always trying to expand the buyer pie,” he says.

“Los Angeles interior designer Erica Islas of EMI Interior Designs agrees, and says her clients want at least one tub or a tub-shower combination. “Some even add a bathtub before selling to improve the odds of resale,” she says. Kristie Barnett, a designer who founded The Decorologist and is a professional stager in Nashville, Tenn., is even more adamant about a tub’s importance. “There absolutely has to be at least one bathtub in any condo or home. When you sell, you’re also selling a lifestyle and having no tub will hinder a sale to most buyers,” she says.

“Research backs up the anecdotal evidence. Third-party market research firm Vital Findings, based in Culver City, Calif., found in a study commissioned by Jacuzzi Luxury Bath that 38% of U.S. residents bathe weekly and half of them are men.

“The need for at least one tub is most common among two specific homeowner groups. The first is young families with small children, since many parents consider a traditional tub safer than a shower, says Stephanie Mallios, a sales rep with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Short Hills, N.J. The second group is luxury home owners whose houses usually have multiple bathrooms….”

Here on the islands, unless the property is a 1-bedroom condo, a tub or tub/shower combo is a must. Big showers may be the rage, but where children and grandchildren are plentiful, and the beach is part of the lifestyle, a tub is an important and desired property feature.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 16-23, 2018

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Sundial #Q404 2/2 $975K.

3 price changes: Mariner Pointe #1061 2/2 now $555.5K (our listing), Gulfside Place #222 2/2 now $1.15M, Compass Point #192 2/2 now $1.175M.

6 new sales: Blind Pass #D101 2/2 listed at $439K, Loggerhead Cay #332 2/2 listed at $474.5K, Sand Pointe #215 2/2 listed at $719K, Loggerhead Cay #134 2/2 listed at $995K, Sanibel Seaview #C2 3/3 listed at $1.15M, High Tide #B102 2/2 listed at $1.795M.

2 closed sales: Spanish Cay #A4 2/2 $360K, Blind Pass #D105 2/2 $407K.

HOMES

15 new listings: 317 East Gulf Dr 3/2 half-duplex $575K, 236 Hurricane Ln 2/3 $699K, 4439 Gulf Pines Dr 3/2 $725K, 978 Black Skimmer Way 3/2 $725K, 2073 Wild Lime Dr 4/3 $779K, 678 East Rocks Dr 3/2 $829K, 950 Cabbage Palm Ct 3/2 $848K, 3320 St. Kilda Rd 4/2.5 $1.049M, 852 Lindgren Blvd 4/3 $1.195M, 3832 Coquina Dr 3/4 $1.25M, 1743 Venus Dr 4/3.5 $1.67M, 2263 Starfish Ln 5/4.5 $1.699M, 4809 Tradewinds Dr 3/3.5 $2.395M, 1083 Bird Ln 4/2/1 $3.999M, 3767 West Gulf Dr 3/4.5 $7.995M.

23 price changes: 1438 Sandpiper Cir 3/2.5 half-duplex now $399.9K, 4542 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 now $460K, 972 Fitzhugh St 3/2 now $454.9K, 5299 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2.5 now $519K, 9477 Peaceful Dr 3/2 now $527K, 4542 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 now $530K, 5306 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2 now $539.9K, 984 Black Skimmer Way 3/2 now $575K, 1410 Sand Castle Rd 2/2 now $609K, 1190 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $635K, 1008 Demere Ln 2/2 now $615K, 753 Cardium St 3/2 now $655K, 585 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 now $699K, 1183 Kittiwake Cir 3/2 now $769.9K, 1043 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $799K, 5739 Pine Tree Dr 3/3 now $829K, 2490 Coconut Dr 3/3.5 now $848K, 5313 Punta Caloosa Ct 4/3 now $985K, 534 N Yachtsman Dr 3/2 now $1.3M, 2462 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 now $1.75M, 2984 Wulfert Rd 3/3 now $1.8M, 6021 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 4/3/2 now $2.499M, 1561 San Carlos Bay Dr 3/4 now $2.5M.

7 new sales: 1806 Ibis Ln 3/2 listed at $679K, 1342 Junonia St 3/3 listed at $679K, 1245 Anhinga Ln 3/2 listed at $799K, 924 Beach Rd 3/2 listed at $895K, 6047 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/2.5 listed at $1.295M, 1475 Angel Dr 3/4.5 listed at $1.549M, 900 Snowberry Ln 4/3 listed at $2.995M.

3 closed sales: 1743 Jewel Box Dr 3/3.5 $1.2M, 900 Snowberry Ln 4/3 $2.9M, 4641 Belle Mer 3/2.5 $3.255M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 1226 Isabel Dr $1.995M.

3 price changes: 1550 Centre St now $199K, 1770 Dixie Beach Blvd now $694K, 6000 White Heron Ln now $795K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Sunset Captiva #204 2/2 now $1.195M.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings

2 price changes: 11509 Chapin Ln 4/4 now $1,999,999; 16163 Captiva Dr 3/2 now $2.495M.

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.

Until next Friday, hope you have enjoyable weather too! & pickleball, spaghetti, shells, & bath tubs! For island real estate, give SanibelSusan a call!

Susan Andrews

It’s a Summer-Like Sanibel February

Posted on February 16, 2018 by SanibelSusan

12-28-15 Scott 7 White pelican It’s SanibelSusan reporting that all’s well on another sunny Sanibel Friday. I won’t mention the traffic which is worse than I ever remember it pre-weekend. It’s been a constant stream of cars tying up Periwinkle, coming onto the island until midday, when it changes to heavy traffic in both directions. From mid-afternoon on, as usual there is extra traffic heading off-island. Last night it cleared up by 6:30 p.m.

So, we grit our teeth, plan our days differently, don’t turn right, and remember that we are sharing fabulous weather with extra snowbirds and vacationers. It makes it a challenge when we are driving with prospective buyers. Those new to the island have a hard time believing that it’s like this for just a few weeks each year.

They sure love the weather though. It really has been amazing for February – bright blue skies with a few occasional clouds, daytime temperatures ranging from the low 80’s into the 90’s (record setting numbers), and sparkling water surrounding the island.

Beach

At SanibelSusan Realty Associates

SanibelSusan Realty from Periwinkle Way We had good action with our listing this week, with several more showings scheduled tomorrow during turn-over in some of the vacation rentals. With the big annual Arts and Crafts Fair across the street from the office both tomorrow and Sunday, we hope for some walk-in business.

If you have a three-day weekend, we hope you enjoy it. If you are here, we hope you drop in.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Monthly Membership Meeting – Yesterday was the February monthly Membership Breakfast Meeting and Caravan for the local Association of Realtors®. Guest speaker was Julie LePore with FIRPTA Solutions, Inc. FIRPTA is the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 and it covers the disposition of U.S. real property interest by a foreign person. I’ve covered it in my updates before, but she mentioned a couple of points many Sellers don’t realize.

FIRPTA – If you are selling real estate in the U.S. and are NOT a foreign Seller, there still is a form required by FIRPTA. These Sellers must sign a Certificate of Non-Foreign Status which indicates that FIRPTA withholding is not required. So, don’t be surprised if the title company handling your closing asks you to sign a form that includes your social security number or tax identification number.

Alternatively, in the case where the Seller is foreign, more questions apply. If the Buyer does not have definite plans to reside at the property at least 50% of the time that the property is in use, the Buyer is required to withhold 15% of the sale proceeds. Yes, that is a requirement of the Buyer. Usually Buyers don’t know this. Here, the title company handles this withholding. If the Buyer will reside the property being purchased, depending on the price, there could be change in the amount needing to be withheld. Best to consult with an expert if you are a Buyer and the Seller is foreign. FIRPTA Solution is a good resource at www.firptasolutions.com.

Caravan Announcements – We weren’t lucky enough to get another sale this week, but plenty were announced at the Caravan meeting. One colleague who just listed a $2+M property announced that it went under contract in hours for full-price, cash, quick close. Just an example of what can happen in a situation where a buyer is waiting for an property in a specific location or of a certain size or condition.

What’s Happening With the Sanibel Real Estate Market?

Using info from the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service as described in the disclosure below, here are some summaries.

Number of Sanibel Price Reductions in last 30 days: 105 (71 homes, 7 lots, 28 condos)

Considering that there are just 362 Sanibel properties for sale, that’s a lot of price reductions.

How Many Properties Are Selling Compared to the Competition?

	# Available	# Sold/Closed 2018	# Under Contract
*SANIBEL CONDOS*
Income-Producing	75	4	8
With 3 Bedrooms	12	4	5
Under $500K	23	3	13
Over $1M	21	5	4
*SANIBEL HOMES*
Canal-front	39	4	8
Near-beach	87	16	15
Gulf-front	12	5	3
Under $500K	9	5	2
Over $1M	91	18	19

No Rate Increase for 8^th Year in a Row

LCEC (Lee County Electric Coop) posted this info in their February “LCEC News”. With most prices increasing, it’s great to hear that LCEC’s electric rates have remained the same. “Rates actually have decreased over the past four years…Even after spending more than $30 million on Hurricane Irma restoration, rates will remain the same for 2018. As a cooperative, LCEC is eligible for partial FEMA reimbursement for disaster recovery….”

Upcoming Events

Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club’s 35^th Art & Craft Fair – with over 100 artists & food court – tomorrow & Sunday, Feb 17 & 18 at The Community House and Sanibel City Park across the street from SanibelSusan Realty Associations. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Annual Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner – an island favorite for nearly 40 years, Saturday Feb 24 from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Community House. Funds raised go to island youth education and recreation activities including scholarships. (If you are on-island and need a ticket, give me a call, I know who delivers… just got my ticket today.)
Annual Peek at the Unique – annual fundraiser tours of four unique island residences, hosted by The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva on Saturday Mar 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Transportation by air-conditioned buses. Tickets required. More info at zontasancap.com, tickets at Eventbrite or www.zontasancap.com/events/peek
SCCF’s 7th Annual Beer in the Bushes – Saturday Mar 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. on the grounds of SCCF’s (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) Nature Center. Attendees are encouraged to dress in “soul train” attire of the 70’s. Purchase tickets at http://www.sccfbeer.eventbrite.com

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 9-16, 2018

Sanibel

CONDOS

7 new listings: Sanibel Moorings #212 1/1 $425K, Sanibel Moorings #141 1/1 $475K, Kings Crown #312 2/2 $799K, White Sands #13 2/2 $949K, Sundial West #E104 2/2 $995K, Blue Gulf #101 3/2 $1.42M, High Tide #B102 2/2 $1.795M.

2 price changes: Beach Road Villa #104 2/2 now $455K, Sundial West #F201 2/2 now $799K.

8 new sales: Tennisplace #D21 1/1 listed at $239.8K, Captains Walk #D5 2/1 listed at $299.5K, Seashells #40 2/2 listed at $349.9K, Sundial West #J307 2/2 listed at $759K, Sundial West #F201 2/2 listed at $799K, Nutmeg Village #201 2/2 listed at $999K, Pine Cove #102 3/2 listed at $1.25M, Seascape #202 3/3.5 listed at $2.195M.

3 closed sales: Colonnades #C3 1/1 $225K; Lighthouse Point #220 2/2 $435K; White Sands #32 2/2.5 $978,625.

HOMES

8 new listings: 9408 Moonlight Dr 3/2 $599K, 1806 Ibis Ln 3/2 $679K, 5885 Pine Tree Dr 3/2 $699K, 617 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $839K, 9027 Mockingbird Dr 4/3 $869K, 2629 Coconut Dr 2/3 $1.198M, 735 Sand Dollar Dr 3/3 $1.339M, 519 Kinzie Island Ct 2/2.5 $1.35M.

21 price changes: 6143 Henderson Rd 4/3 now $444.9K, 1040 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $549K, 958 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $619K, 474 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 now $679.9K, 749 Cardium St 3/2 now $749K, 5430 Osprey Ct 3/3 now $774K, 5410 Osprey Ct 3/2.5 now $799K, 9446 Beverly Ln 3/3.5 now $819K, 924 Beach Rd 3/2 now $895K, 3239 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 now $899K, 2480 Library Way 3/2.5 now $899K, 1265 Par View Dr 3/2.5 now $899K, 3941 Coquina Dr 3/2 now $979K, 5402 Osprey Ct 4/3 now $995K, 1426 Causey Ct 3/2.5 now $1.195M, 805 Sand Dollar Dr 4/3 now $1.295M, 1995 My Tern Ct 4/2 now $1.349M, 4992 Joewood Dr 3/3.5 now $1.465M, 1525 Sand Carlos Bay Dr 3/2 now $1.575M, 514 Kinzie Island Ct 4/5 now $1.895M, 4166 Dingman Dr 4/4 now $2.599M.

8 new sales: 667 Spartina Ct 3/2 listed at $619,555; 563 Hideaway Ct 3/2 listed at $699K, 3980 Coquina Dr 3/2 listed at $799K; 5657 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/2 listed at $895K, 925 Lindgren Blvd 3/2 listed at $995K; 1152 Buttonwood Ln 3/3.5 listed at $1.379M; 1271 Isabel Dr 4/4.5 listed at $3.299M, 1077 Bird Ln 4/4/2 listed at $5.995M.

6 closed sales: 9292 Kincaid Ct 3/2 $480K, 1613 Sand Castle 3/2.5 half-duplex $499K, 1717 Sand Pebble Way 3/2 $610K, 900 Almas Ct 3/3.5 $1.015M, 1313 Eagle Run Dr 3/3 $1.35M, 3945 West Gulf Dr 3/3 $3M.

LOTS

No new listings.

2 price changes: 412 Tiree Cir now $329,555; 2401 Blue Crab Ct now $679K.

No new sales:

1 closed sale: 2626 Coconut Dr $329K.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Bayside Villas #5144 1 /2 $385K.

1 price change: Beach Homes #25 3/2 now $2.095M.

No new sales or closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 11531 Paige Ct 4/3.5 listed at $3.45M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Enjoy your weekend & Presidents Day!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Fall Weather Is Here – on Sunny Sanibel

Posted on November 17, 2017 by SanibelSusan

Sanibelsusan Logo

Yippee, SanibelSusan is happy to report that fall weather really has arrived on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The high yesterday was only in the low 70’s. Temperatures from now through Thanksgiving are forecast to be in the 60’s at night, topping out in the mid- to high-70’s during the days – perfect weather for the holiday and enjoying the islands.

SanibelSusan Realty Associates

We had another flurry of office activity this week – more listings opened for showing, more open houses, more inquiries. Most years, real estate sales are slow during the holidays – from Thanksgiving until the 1^st week in January. Maybe this year will be the different. The island already is filling up with Thanksgiving week visitors and vacationers.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Yesterday was the Association’s November general membership meeting, held following an 8 a.m. breakfast at The Sanctuary Clubhouse. Sponsor was Simmons Law Firm. Speaker was Rae Ann Wessel, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) Natural Resource Policy Director.

These breakfast meetings always have a big turn-out and yesterday was no exception. President Joel Goodman announced that the “Fall Into Christmas” fundraiser for Friends Who Care was a big success. By the end of the meeting, additional cash donations for that charity had jumped to almost $3,800.

With “season” here, many new listings were announced, not many sales, but 19 properties were open for the morning caravan that followed the meeting. I viewed a stunning one overlooking Clam Bayou with amazing water and sunset views. (If you are here “in season”, you can usually plan on seeing new listings open Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. until noon. Because of increased winter traffic, the schedule rotates from east-end to west end. With Thanksgiving being next week, the next event is Nov 30 – east end when our new listings on Anchor Drive and at Mariner Pointe will be open.

The activity posted in the Sanibel/Captiva Multiple Listing Service since last Friday follows a few news items below.

Sanctuary Scoop

Sanctuary Club General Manager & COO, Ken Kouril gave attendees an update on membership. As he said, “if you build it, they will come”.

The Sanctuary is a member-owned club, offering a golf course, racquet sports, fitness, wellness, and an elegant clubhouse with dining and social activities. Club members need not be residents of The Sanctuary neighborhood. Ken advised that last “season” they expected to sell 20 memberships, but sold 32. This year, just two months into season another 17 are gone. It’s definitely a popular spot!

Their premiere offering, the Equity Membership privileges include access to all Club facilities (which were refreshed, remodeled, and renovated summer 2016), a par-72 Championship Arthur Hills-designed golf course, driving range, short game area, putting green, chipping area, golf lessons, priority tee times, and tournament play, a 50,000-sq.ft. clubhouse, world-class dining, four Har Tru tennis courts, four Pickleball courts, and a 5,000-sq.ft. Wellness Center with a sports pool. The Wellness Center includes an 1,800-sq.ft. equipment room housing state-of-the-art cardio and strength training equipment, a dedicated stretching room, a 900-sq.ft. group exercise room for Pilates, yoga, and similar activities, comfortable well-appointed rooms for massage therapy, and a locker room area. Equity members have voting and redemption rights and hold an Equity position in the Club.

SCCF & Water Quality Update

Rae Ann’s slide presentation included a progress report of the status of the EAA (Everglades Agricultural Area) reservoir which works with the CEP (Central Everglades Project). The project was approved by voters in 2000, but now 17 years later, it still has not been built. She noted an earlier FloridaRealtors® study on how water quality affects real estate values, not just within the Caloosahatchee Estuary area, but also inland.

The huge amount of water Florida received this summer, mostly thanks to Hurricane Irma, surpassed all records since those first recorded in 1947. The dark excess freshwater observed near the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River, particularly in the bay, resulting from Irma, illustrates how badly alternative outlets and additional water storage areas are needed.

Here’s a little history about Lake Okeechobee and its surrounding dike (thanks to Wikipedia): In the 1910’s the Herbert Hoover Dike was constructed around Lake O. Originally, it was just a small earthen dike. The containment was breached by a storm surge from the Great Miami Hurricane in 1926 and the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane, killing thousands. After those disasters, Florida State Legislation created the Okeechobee Flood Control District which was authorized to cooperate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in flood control.

After a personal inspection by President Herbert Hoover, the Corps drafted a new plan which provided for the construction of floodway channels, control gates, and major levees along Lake Okeechobee’s shores. A long-term system was designed for flood control, water conservation, prevention of saltwater intrusion, and preservation of fish and wildlife.

In the 1930’s a larger system of levees was built around the lake. Following heavy rain and flooding from two hurricanes in 1947 (the last time as much rain hit Florida as this year), the dike again was expanded. That expansion in the 1960’s created the current Herbert Hoover Dike. The dike almost completely encloses the lake. The dike now is about 30 feet high on average, but is falling into disrepair.

As SCCF reports, progress is being made on Everglades restoration projects critical to opening the southern end of the Everglades to move water south. Passage of the bill to establish the EAA reservoir will work in tandem with these projects to add water storage capacity south of Lake O to feed needed water to the Everglades and Florida Bay currently dumped to the estuaries.

While the EAA Reservoir does not solve all the problems, it is a major step forward and initial planning for the project has begun. Committee work for the next Florida legislative session also already has begun with the session opening on January 9 (two months earlier than normal because of the upcoming election year). SCCF has a legislation tracker at http://www.sccf.org/our-work/natural-resource-policy/sccfs-2018-legislative-session-tracker. Please follow the legislation and whenever a “call to action” is requested, please act. We all need to stay involved in Florida’s water.

Upcoming Events

Annual Sanibel Thanksgiving Celebration – You-know-who is singing with the BIG ARTS Community Chorus. Hope to see you there. Sunday, Nov 19, at 6:45 p.m. at The Community House with music and song. Sanibel School’s Seahorse Chorale also is singing. Free admission, but please bring a donation for FISH of San-Cap.

Fit-4-Life 10-Year Celebration – Monday, Dec 4 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Sanibel Rec Center, with music, dancing, photo booth, bounce house, drawings, facility tours, cupcakes, and video.

Holiday Tips from LCEC

Four important tips to keep your spirits bright!

Before you plug in lights, check for frayed wires, damaged sockets, & insulation gaps. Toss & replace any that are damaged.
Consider LED lights which are cooler & more energy efficient.
Don’t overload outlets or extension cords.
Turn off all lighting before leaving the property or going to bed.

Top 10 Airlines Serving Southwest Florida

Here’s a little info about the top ten airlines serving Southwest Florida (from the Oct/Nov 2017 “Gulfshore Business” magazine). All of the airlines mentioned below fly out of Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), except Allegiant (Punta Gorda Airport). Their number of passengers to Southwest Florida and their headquarters, follow their name.

Delta, 1.9 million, Atlanta
Southwest, 1.8 million, Dallas
American, 1.23 million, Ft Worth, TX
Allegiant, 992,990, Las Vegas
JetBlue, 981,000, New York
United, 725,000, Chicago
Spirit, 600,000, Ft Lauderdale
Frontier. 383,000, Denver
Air Canada, 164,000, Montreal
Sun Country, 132,000, Minneapolis

2018 Sanibel Beach Parking Permits Available Now

parking-on-sanibel

On Wed, the 2018 Sanibel Beach Parking Permits became available at the Sanibel Recreation Center. To qualify for one, bring a valid vehicle registration for each vehicle AND a valid government-issued identification. A driver’s license showing a Sanibel address or proof of Sanibel property ownership is required to buy a resident/property owner “A” sticker.

2018 Parking Permit Decals & Fees (permits valid through 11/30/2018) include:

“A” resident/property owner permit $12 (resident &/or Sanibel ad valorem taxpayer property owner

“B” non-resident permit $124 (non-Sanibel ad valorem taxpayer property owner)

“C” restricted permit $90 (resident & non-resident)

“A/C” resident/property owner permit $102

“B/C” non-resident permit $248

Decal transfer or reissue fee $3 (residential & restricted)

General parking meter rate $5 per hour or any fraction

General parking at $5 per hour or “C” permit required for parking at Gulfside City Park (Algier’s) & the Sanibel Boat Ramp

“A” permit parking only at Beach Access Lots 1 through 7 on West Gulf Dr.

More details on www.mySanibel.com. (The Rec Center is open Mon through Thur 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m; Friday 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Rec Center memberships are available too – daily, weekly, semi-annual, and annual.

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity November 10-17, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

7 new listings: Mariner Pointe #122 1/1 $410K, Mariner Pointe #533 2/2 $499K, Mariner Pointe #1061 2/2 $599.9K (our listing), Lighthouse Point #321 2/2 $699K, Pointe Santo #D6 2/2 $699.9K, Sand Pointe #111 2/2 $715K, High Tide #C201 2/2 $1.045M.

Mariner Pointe #1061 lanai

3 price changes: Breakers West #A5 2/2 now $498K, Compass Point #192 2/2 now $1.195M, Bandy Beach #A101 3/2 now $1.299M.

1 new sales: Sanibel Arms West #G8 2/2 listed at $499K.

1 closed sale: Tarpon Beach #A102 2/2 $730K.

HOMES

12 new listings: 1394 Middle Gulf Dr 3/2 half-duplex $524.9K, 1342 Junonia Sr 3/3 $699K, 3358 Saint Kilda Rd 3/3 $979K, 1195 Par View Dr 3/2.5 $1.095M, 205 Hurricane Ln 3/2 $1.195M, 478 Sea Oats Dr 3/3 $1.295M, 1277 Par View Dr 4/3.5 $1.299M, 534 N. Yachtsman Dr 3/2 $1.395M, 805 Sand Dollar Dr 4/3 $1.449M, 2984 Wulfert Rd 3/3 $1.9M, 6021 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 4/3/2 $2.75M, 5615 Baltusrol Ct 4/6/3 $3.695M.

9 price changes: 1040 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $578K, 5306 Umbrella Pool Rd 4/3 now $799K, 1114 Captains Walk St 3/3 now $949K, 2313 Wulfert Rd 3/3 now $995K, 932 Whelk Dr 3/3 now $1.249M, 2190 Starfish Ln 3/3 now $1.395M, 1525 San Carlos Bay Dr 3/2 now $1.695M, 6192 Henderson Rd 4/4 now $1.949M, 4649 Rue Belle Mer 3/2.5 now $2.595M.

3 new sales: 545 Piedmont Rd 3/2 listed at $595.9K; 673 East Rocks Dr 3/2 listed at $688,888; 1312 Par View Dr 3/2 listed at $695K.

No closed sales:

LOTS

1 new listing: 4565 Bowen Bayou Rd $229,555.

No price changes, new sales, or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

3 new listings: Captiva Shores #4B 3/2.5 $1.495M, Beach Homes #6 3/3 $2.499M, Sunset Captiva #302 4/3 $3.275M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Beach Homes #7 2/2 listed at $1.795M.

No closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 11506 Wightman Ln 3/3 $1.45M.

1 price change: 1121 Schefflera Ct 4/4.5 now $5.6M.

2 new sales: 11461 Old Lodge Ln 2/2 listed at $1.025M, 11500 Gore Ln 3/2 listed at $1.295M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

November Sanibel-Captiva Scoop

Posted on November 3, 2017 by SanibelSusan

It’s Susan reporting another beautiful Friday on the island – sunny 80 degrees. Our fall weather was short lived, but we don’t mind a bit. We had nice visits from several returning clients this week and the roadways/bike paths are indicating “they’re back!”.

More and more new events are being posted, so if you want to check the “Island Events” tab on our website (www.SanibelSusan.com), I updated it this week to include many of the upcoming fun things to do.

This week was the 2^nd rehearsal of the BIG ARTS Community Chorus with the group already tuning up for the Thanksgiving Celebration (Nov 19), Sanibel Luminary (Dec 1), and our Holiday Concert (Dec 14).

At the Sanibel & Captiva Island Association of Realtors®

Yesterday was the start of the again-weekly Thursday 8:30 a.m. Realtor® Caravan meetings. During this fall/winter/spring schedule, the Caravans are limited to 15 properties and, because of the traffic, rotate property locations, with east-end properties one week, and west-end, the next. West end is from Rabbit Road to the tip of Captiva. East-end is Rabbit Road to the lighthouse.

Surprisingly, yesterday’s meeting was lightly attended, but those on-hand were receptive to our last Association benefit of the year, “Fall Into Christmas”, planned for next Wed (Nov 8) after-hours, when we kick-off the holiday season and collect unwrapped toys, gift cards, and donations for “Friends Who Care”.

Caloosahatchee and Everglades Update Post Hurricane Irma

the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and the Everglades Foundation on Tuesday, Nov 14 at 7 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House for The Caloosahatchee and Everglades: In the Eye of the Storm. This program and community conversation will focus on water quality issues and restoration following Hurricane Irma.

Progress is being made on Everglades restoration projects critical to opening up the southern end of the Everglades to move water south. The passage of the bill to establish the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) reservoir will work in tandem with these projects to add water storage capacity south of Lake Okeechobee to feed needed water to the Everglades and Florida Bay currently dumped to the estuaries. The dark, excess freshwater resulting from Hurricane Irma illustrates how badly alternative outlets and additional storage are needed. On November 14, SCCF and the Everglades Foundation will highlight issues ranging from water conditions to restoration progress and how you can participate in the coming state legislative process and a Federal Action Day in Washington, DC. in May 2018.

While the EAA Reservoir does not solve all of the problems, it’s a major step forward and initial planning for the project has begun. There will be time for audience questions and you can find out how you can help. Community support and action will be vital in advancing the projects and funding needed — as Hurricane Irma’s statewide impacts will also require funding from the state. Committee work for the next Florida legislative session has already begun and the session will open on January 9 (two months earlier than normal).

The program is free and open to the public. No reservations required. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov 14 at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way. Refreshments will be available. Program starts at 7 p.m. Call SCCF at 472-2329 with questions.

Weekend Events

esperanza-casting Tomorrow, Nov 4

Esperanza Woodring Memorial Cast Net Rodeo, annual Bait Box tradition beginning at 8:30 a.m., 1410 Periwinkle Way
Island Seniors Annual Trash & Treasures Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center 4 Life building (corner of Palm Ridge Rd and Library Way).
Songwriter Saturday at ‘Tween Waters Resort & Spa pool from 1 to 5 p.m. (featuring Nashville singer-songwriters). Make a reservation at 239-472-5161.

Sunday, Nov 5

2^nd Sanibel Blues and Jazz Fest, at Bailey’s backyard (behind the store). Performances from noon to 7 p.m. Tickets available at Bailey’s General Store, at the festival, and on-line at sanibelbluesandjazzfest.org. 2017_SanibelBluesJazzFest

Tax Reform Hits Homeowners

One of my favorite economists, Lawrence Yun, posted a good article in the November/December 2017 Realtor® magazine. Though following this topic is like following a moving train, his advice applies regardless of the political outcome.

“Renters will come out ahead, albeit temporarily, if the “Big 6” tax reform framework is passed in its current form. They stand to get about $500 in tax cuts each year. The plan was released at the end of September by the Trump administration and Republican leadership in Congress.

“Because there is no free lunch, who then will foot the bill? Homeowners. Particularly families with children. While it’s unlikely lawmakers intended to hurt them, that will be the result.

“Tax reform is a laudable goal. Lower tax rates are what people want. And Americans are fed up with the many hours it takes to comply with today’s complex code.

“But a reform at the expense of homeowners is misdirected. Homeowners already pay 80 to 90% of all federal income tax in any given year.

“The plan to double the standard deduction (from about $12,000 to $24,000 for a family) means far fewer homeowners will use the mortgage interest deduction. Some homeowners may come out ahead while others will lose out. But larger families will be faced with a particularly difficult challenge, because the personal exemption and the exemptions for dependents which are both $4,050 per individual, would go away.

“For renters, who don’t take the mortgage deduction, the higher standard deduction will likely make most of them better off. Historical data has shown that renters do not accumulate wealth over the long haul. The latest Federal Reserve data show the typical wealth of a renting household has fallen from $5,900 to $5,100 since 2010, while homeowning households have seen their wealth jump from $192,800 to $231,400.

“Congress needs to thoroughly review the tax code with an eye toward simplifying it and reducing the tax burden on Americans, particularly middle-income households who today pay a disproportionate share of our nation’s taxes. Reduced payments in a simplified system could even boost long-term GDP growth. But Congress must never forget, sustainable and successful homeownership should be encouraged.”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity October 27- November 3, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

6 new listings: Coquina Beach #5B 2/2 $399K, Kimball Lodge #303 1/2 $620K, Nutmeg Village #1092/2 $689K, Sanibel Inn #3522 2/2 $709K, Poinciana #3C 3/2 $1.75M, White Pelican #133 3/3 $2.195M.

4 price changes: Lake Palms #6 2/2.5 now $349K, Loggerhead Cay #332 2/2 now $469.5K, Lighthouse Point #217 3/2 now $485K, Sanibel Moorings #1221 3/2.5 now $1.095M.

3 new sales: Seashells #11 2/2 listed at $350K, Sundial West #C306 1/1 listed at $435K, Sanibel Moorings #612 2/2 listed at $565K.

4 closed sales: Ibis at The Sanctuary #B302 2/2 $460K, Tarpon Beach #103 2/2 $725K, Sundial East #O405 2/2 $1.01325M, Sanddollar #A303 3/2 $1.275M.

HOMES

8 new listings: 984 Black Skimmer Way 3/2 $585K; 667 Spartina Ct 3/2 $629,555; 2030 Sunrise Cir

3/3 $649K; 1307 Par View Dr 3/3 $1.1M; 701 Anchor Dr 3/3.5 $1.295M; 1126 Harbour Cottage Ct

3/2 $1.295M; 5757 Baltusrol Ct 3/3 $1.497M; 1561 San Carlos Bay Dr 3/4 $2.75M.

4 price changes: 9225 Belding Dr 3/2 now $490K, 958 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $639K, 932 Whelk Dr 3/3 now $1.274M, 900 Snowberry Ln 4/3 now $3.295M.

2 new sales: 1390 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 half-duplex listed at $499K, 1743 Jewel Box Dr 3/3.5 listed at $1.2M.

5 closed sales: 976 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 half-duplex 3/3 $470K, 5305 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 $559K, 655 Anchor Dr 3/3 $605K, 485 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $970K, 984 Oyster Ct 3/3.5 $1.625M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 2515 Wulfert Rd $259K.

No price changes, new sales, or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Bayside Villas #5202 1/2 $375K.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

HOMES

3 new listings: 15154 Wiles Dr 4/3 $1.495M, 15631 Captiva Dr 5/4 $3.995M, 15138 Wiles Dr

6/5.5 $7.599M.

1 price change: 14865 Mango Ct 2/2 now $929K.

No new sales or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Here is a cute sign from the Sanibel Café.

Friday the 13th on Sunny Sanibel

Posted on October 13, 2017 by SanibelSusan

Shells It’s SanibelSusan, reporting another week of progress on sunny Sanibel Island. More storm debris piles have disappeared, more cars are on the roadways, many of the establishments closed in September have reopened, and the shelling continues to be fantastic.

Several of our listings had inquiries this week. Both teammate Dave and I have been out showing property, while teammate Elise’s report below of the action posted in the Sanibel/Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service show that the only two Sanibel condo sales this week were at SanibelSusan Realty. You know we are thankful for that! Otherwise a slow week. The other island sales include two Sanibel homes and a single Captiva condo. Friday 13th

The island is experiencing periodic outages of both internet and phone service this afternoon, so this weekly update is short.

(Maybe related to Friday the 13th?).

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors\

At the Thursday morning Caravan meeting yesterday at the islands’ Association of Realtors®, there were just a handful of new listings announced, but attendance was up with many affiliates and agents there.

Everyone is ready for “season” to begin.

Upcoming Events & Re-Openings

“Ding” Darling Days – Beginning on Sunday, Oct 15, with “Free Family Fun-Day” including live wildlife presentations, a traveling learning lab, butterfly house, wildlife arts and crafts, free Wildlife Drive admission and tram tours, plus hot dogs. During all of next week, there are birding, biking, paddling, and boating tours, plus special daily programs. It wraps up next Saturday, Oct 21, with “Free Conservation Art Day” where attendees can meet Federal duck stamp artists and enjoy cartooning, nature photography, wood-carving demo. Free Wildlife Drive admission that day too. See full calendar of events at www.dingdarlingdays.com.

Sanibel Historical Village and Museum – Reopens Tuesday, Oct 17, and will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours are at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Water Quality Presentation – On Tuesday, Oct 24, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. hosted by the Environmental Awareness Committee of the Captiva Island Yacht Club. Panel presentation and discussion called “Sanibel-Captiva Current Beach Water Quality Issues”.

Panelists include James Evans, Director of City of Sanibel’s Department of Natural Resources; Dr. Eric Milbrandt, Director of the Marine Lab at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation; and Dr. Erhard Jones, an environmental engineer and professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin.

Hallo’Tween 2017 – Twice the fun this year at ‘Tween Waters Inn with two parties in one night: Outdoors on the Captiva House Patio, with a DJ and indoors at the Crow’s Nest with dancing to the country and rock sounds of the Gatlins. Hallo Tween 2017

Annual costume contest at midnight with a $1,000 grand price, plus more cash prizes, and lots of ‘Tween Waters Inn gifts.

$10 admission at the door.

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity October 6-13, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Tennisplace #E33 2/1.5 $320K, Beach Road Villa #104 2/2 $473K, Sanibel Arms #F2 1/1 $499.9K, Loggerhead Cay #153 2/2 $919.9K.

No price changes:

2 new sales: Ibis at The Sanctuary #B102 2/2 listed at $449.9K (our Listing), Cottage Colony West #138 1/1 listed at $575K (our Buyer).

Ibis at The Sanctuary Building B

Cottage Colony West at Casa Ybel Resort

3 closed sales: Ibis at The Sanctuary #B201 2/2 $470K, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #6-2 2/2.5 $627K, Lighthouse Point #327 3/2 $815K.

HOMES

8 new listings: 915 Palm St 3/2 $475K, 5292 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 $569K, 1550 Centre St 4/3 $715K, 9446 Beverly Ln 3/3.5 $899K, 5690 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/3 $996K, 1304 Eagle Run Dr 3/3 $1.2M, 529 Lighthouse Way 3/3 $1.295M, 1255 Isabel Dr $1.795M.

4 price change: 1710 Sand Pebble Way 3/2 now $659K, 1350 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 half-duplex now $899.9K, 1743 Venus Dr 4/3.5 now $1.67M, 2167 Starfish Ln 4/4.5 now $2.195M.

2 new sales: 981 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 listed at $499K, 5305 Umbrella Pool Rd listed at $579K.

3 closed sales: 1311 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $750K, 931 S Yachtsman Dr 4/3.5 $800K, 732 Windlass Way 4/3.5 $1.05M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 1028 Bayview Dr $2.195M.

2 price changes: Lot 27, Leisure Acres now $79.9K, 667 Birdie View Pt now $345K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 6159 Starling Way $610K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Bayside Villas #5228 1/2 now $419.5K.

1 new sale: Beach Homes #8 3/2 listed at $2.625M.

2 closed sales: Tennis Villas #3118 1/1 $250K, Beach Villas #2517 1/1 $475K.

HOMES

1 new listing: 38 Sea Hibiscus Ct 2/2 $1.049M.

No price changes or new sales.

1 closed sale: 11500 Chapin Ln 4/4.5 $1.65M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Happy weekend to all…

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Amost Mother’s Day 2017 on Sunny Sanibel

Posted on May 12, 2017 by SanibelSusan

It’s Susan reporting another week of wonderful summerlike island weather, but no rain or at least not yet. Possible morning thunderstorms are forecast for Mother’s Day, otherwise more of the same sunny days are expected. Rain is needed though and May typically is when rainy season begins.

SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Sanibelsusan Logo Teamwork was the name of our game this week. Our 7000+piece annual inventory mailing arrived from the printer, so we have spent every spare minute stuffing envelopes. About half went out today, the rest will go out early next week. If you are not on our “snail” mail list and would like a copy of the “Sanibel & Captiva Islands Inventory & Sales History” updated May 6, please let us know. We are happy to send it by snail or email.

Only a handful of our listings had showings this week, but we happily received a new condo listing on Saturday, which we put under contract yesterday. Sales don’t often happen that quickly, so it was a nice surprise.

Teammate Elise’s report with the action posted since last Friday in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service follows a couple of news items below.

Surprise Closing

Plenty of islanders were shocked Monday to read that Bennett’s Fresh Roast Sanibel shop closed unexpectedly. Their web site says that unused coupons, gift cards and certificates will be honored in their Fort Myers Store. The rumor mill says that it sold. Stay tuned.

Island Coyotes on City Council Agenda

(From mySanibel.com) First coyote documented on Sanibel, observed in the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Erwin Kraus, March 2011

From the May 10, 2017 “Islander” “…Holly Milbrandt, an environmental biologist with the City, provided a coyote update at last week’s City Council meeting, which was a follow-up from a presentation two years ago. Coyotes are not accounted for in all 67 counties of Florida. On the island images of them have been captured at the Community Park (across the street from our office), Gulfside City Park (off Casa Ybel Road), Pond Apple Park (off Periwinkle Way), and Sanibel Gardens (off Tarpon Bay Road). Most sightings occurring between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m….

“At the end of her presentation, she said the working group has recommended that they continue to monitor coyote impact on sea turtles, as well as implement sea turtle next protection measures; expand wildlife camera monitoring efforts; continue public education and track sightings; investigate methods and funding opportunities for additional protection of sea turtle and shorebird nests and evaluate feasibility and funding options to conduct trapping and GPS collaring of coyotes on the island.”

Realtor® Political Action

rpac Each May, our local Association of Realtors® hosts an event long-know by some old-timers as the “Over-the-Hump Party”. It is a fundraising event for the RPAC (Realtor® Political Action Committee) as well as celebration that we again made it through high season.

Always blooming at The Sanctuary clubhouse entrance!

Held Wednesday night at The Sanctuary, this year it included a golf scramble, followed by silent auction, and then live auction.

Lobsters 2017 SanibelSusan’s lobster dinner donation again raised close to $1K and of course I did my share of buying too.

The final tally raised has not yet been reported, but the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® has a tradition of winning state and national RPAC awards for our participation – raised mostly because we have seen those RPAC funds work.

Congratulations to the many Realtors®, business partners, and staff members that made our 2017 event another success. Photo below is of the island’s hardworking 2017 RPAC Committee who organized the event. Committee co-chairs are VIP Realtor Tina DiCharia (center in black) & Affiliate business partner Dave Arter (2nd from right) with Private Client Insurance Services.

RPAC Committee

The below graphic is a recap of the Florida Legislative Session that just ended. A good representation of how those RPAC dollars can make an impact. The graphic appeared on-line this week on “SPB – SaintPetersBlog” which is one of Florida’s most-read political sites.

7 Common Home-Selling Mistakes

Below is another good graphic, compiled for sharing through FloridaRealtors®

7 Common HomeSelling Mistakes_May17.jpg

Sanibel & Captiva Island Multiple Listing Service Activity May 5-12, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Lake Palms #6 2/2.5 $359K, Loggerhead Cay #342 2/2 $599K, Cottage Colony West #132 1/1 $675K.

2 price changes: Nutmeg VIllage #211 2/2 now $699.9K, Atrium #201 3/3 now $1.495M.

2 new sales: Spanish Cay #D1 2/2 listed at $369K (our listing & sale) photos below, Sundial West #D403 1/1 listed at $435K.

4 closed sales: Sanibel Moorings #842 2/2 $475K, Loggerhead Cay #174 2/2 $770K, Sundial East #T306 3/2 $1.2875M, Tigua Cay #487 3/3.5 $1.6M.

HOMES

2 new listings: 1004 Spanish Laurel Ln 2/2 $619K, 5056 Joewood Dr 3/2 $759K.

11 price changes: 9292 Kincaid Ct 3/2 now $539K, 9455 Beverly Ln 2/2 now $546K, 1212 Par View Dr 2/2 now $548K, 799 Casa Ybel Rd 5/3 duplex now $565K, 644 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 now $625K, 958 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $649K, 471 Las Tiendas Ln 3/2 now $744K, 655 Anchor Dr 3/3 now $899K, 5240 Caloosa End Ln 3/3 now $924.9K, 1743 Venus Dr 4/3.5 now $1.695M, 1525 San Carlos Bay Dr 3/2 now $1.795M.

7 new sales: 9446 Yucca Ct 3/2 listed at $589K, 4452 Gulf Pines Dr 3/2 listed at $599K, 545 Piedmont Rd 3/2 listed at $629K, 1114 Sabal St 2/2 listed at $675K, 1315 Par View Dr 3/2 listed at $689K, 687 Anchor Dr 4/3 listed at $1.495M, 2507 Blind Pass Ct 3/3 listed at $1.495M.

7 closed sales: 1651 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex $470K, 4694 Rue Bayou 3/3 $615K, 1772 Serenity Ln 3/2 $620K, 5305 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2 $660K, 1182 Kittiwake Cir 3/3 $675K, 1035 Kings Crown Dr 3/2 $910K, 5838 Pine Tree Dr 3/3 $1.09M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 4995 Joewood Dr $2.695M.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Bayside Villas #4102 1/2 $348.5K.

1 price change: Bayside Villas #4118 1/2 now $375K.

2 new sales: Sunset Beach Villas #2325 2/2 listed at $579K, Gulf Beach Villas #2004 2/2 listed at $619K.

2 closed sales: Bayside Villas #5320 3/3 $578K, Marina Villas #909 2/2 $749K.

HOMES

1 new listing: 952 South Seas Plantation Rd 6/5.5 $1.35M.

2 price changes: 43 Oster Ct 2/2.5 now $829K, 11535 Wightman Ln 4/4 now $2.099M.

No new sales.

2 closed sales: 11411 Old Lodge Ln 4/3 $1.62M, 15161 Captiva Dr 4/4.5 $1.85M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

(This representation is based, in whole, or in part, on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® or its 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 general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.)

A Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Sanibel/Captiva Real Estate on Cinco de Mayo

Posted on May 5, 2017 by SanibelSusan

cinco de mayo Sanibel & Captiva Islands had another week of good weather and little traffic – or at least until late yesterday when a boat slid off a trailer coming out of Sanibel Harbour onto Summerlin Road just after the toll booth going off island.

That little roadway snafu kept vehicles leaving the islands at a slow crawl until close to 7 p.m. Silly me then, doing some off-island chores after work.

The weather this week included the first major shower of the rainy season. Boy, was the rain needed when it arrived late Monday night/early Tuesday morning. Though off-island teammates Dave and Elise saw only a few drops and heard some thunder rumbles where they live, they noticed causeway flooding as they came onto the island. There were huge puddles from the east-end to Captiva. Most now have disappeared, with “greening” up already noticeable. I heard a Lee County Mosquito Control plane buzzing the east-end early morning yesterday, yet another sign that we got rain and it’s May.

The change in island occupancy is evident even to the lunch crowd. No waiting at Doc Ford’s on Tuesday when my lunch friends and I snagged a nice breezy outside table. They later sent me the below photo and said I could share it. Thank you, Susanna and Yves-Pascal, for a great visit and terrific picture too!

Version 3

First Off-Season Caravan Meeting

Attendance was light at yesterday’s Thursday morning local Association of Realtors® Caravan meeting which had just two homes (one bank-owned) and a single condo on tour. That’s another indication that “high season” is over. Here forward, until late fall when business picks up, Caravan’s will be held every other week and open to any new listings in any location on either island.

Water Quality Update – During the Committee Reports, Realtor® David Schuldrenfrei for the Government & Environmental Committee reported that SB #10, regarding Everglades restoration and water storage, passed in the Florida Legislature with the House of Representatives following the lead of the Senate. This bill has been decades in the making and provides $800 million in funding to create a dynamic reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, in the Everglades Agricultural Area. The reservoir is needed to provide freshwater to Florida Bay and to alleviate discharges to the Caloosahatchee and St Lucie Rivers. The bill now is on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature. Local Realtors®, City officials, and others have spent nearly 20 years working toward this milestone. David offered a big thank you to all involved for their continued persistence. A further update is below, on other issues in the forefront of Florida’s legislative session which wraps up today.
Working Together to Make a Difference – For the Communications and Public Relations Committee, I announced that Realtors® Bob and Diane Stocks joined me Monday morning in transporting to Catholic Charities of SW Florida, the gently-used clothing collected over the last two months by Association Members. That delivery was a humbling experience. Charity workers were very thankful for the carloads of goods delivered saying they are particularly in need of donations for Clewiston farm worker families, those who lost belongings in Florida’s fires, recent rescues human trafficking, as well as those down on their luck hoping and looking for jobs, to become more self-sufficient. This month, the Committee is spearheading a new campaign, collecting pillows, bed linens, and diapers which will be donated on June 1 to ACT (Abuse Counseling Treatment Center) in Fort Myers. Their needs increase in the “off season” too.
Real Estate Announcements – Under new and old business, a couple of old sales were announced. Listing agents are careful these days to wait until after inspection/cancellation periods are over – or contingencies are removed – to make an announcement.

Also, a “back-on-the-market” was reported where a property did not close because the buyer couldn’t get financing. That doesn’t happen here too often, but it could be because the home was found to have aluminum wiring, which can make a property difficult to insure. The listing agent announced that the wiring is being replaced and it again is available for sale.

I announced the price reduction at our Seagull Estates listing. A couple of upcoming new listings were announced too. There usually are not many new offerings this time of the year. These were the result of winter residents heading home and moving elsewhere. The details of the activity posted since last Friday in the Sanibel/Captiva Multiple Listing Service follows some other news items below.

While I was at the Thursday caravan meeting, Dave was at a property inspection. I hope he wasn’t on the roof when this picture was taken, but here is his photo showing how few were on Beachcomber’s east-end stretch of beach then. The gulf waters are beautiful!

Roof 05-04-17 Cropped.jpg

Update on Florida Legislative Session

As Florida’s legislative session comes to a close, Florida Realtors® Vice President of Public Policy, Carrie O’Rourke, emailed the members of FloridaRealtors® Think Tank (yes, I am one of those) a summary of what she said is “is shaping up to be one of our most successful sessions in recent memory.” Here are some excerpts:

“Business Rent Tax Reduction – We are closer to success than ever before! After years of fighting for a reduction to the business rent tax we were finally able to overcome the obstacles and there is a strong chance we will come out with a win for business owners, commercial Realtors®, and ultimately, Florida’s economy. Under the current proposal, which was just passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee, the business rent tax would be reduced 0.2%, moving from 6% to a permanent 5.8%. While this may at first seem like a very modest cut, there are two things to consider

First, this cut represents more than $60 million fiscal impact to the state, and comprises the vast majority of the small amount of funding that was available for tax cut purposes.
Second, this cut represents a big step for a legislative body that has been reluctant to even open the door on a cut to this revenue source.
The bill now travels to the full Florida Senate for a vote, and will also need to pass the House before the legislature adjourns on Friday, the scheduled conclusion of the Legislature’s 60-day session.
“10% Non-Homestead Property Tax Cap – Success! The joint resolution has passed both legislative chambers and will not be heading to voters during the 2018 general election. This is a significant victory for Florida Realtors® as it gives us the time we need to conduct a comprehensive, direct-to-voter campaign that will help voters understand why they need to make this important tax break permanent.
“Estoppel Certificate Fee Reform – …For three years, we have been advocating for caps on unreasonable estoppel certificate fees and all that hard work has paid off with the passage of SB 398. This legislature caps the fees that community association management companies can charge for estoppel certificates at $250 for unit owners who are current in their assessments. An additional $100 can be charged for “expedited” estoppel certificates (delivered within three business days), and another $150 can be charged for owners who are delinquent in their assessments. This is a maximum of $500 for an expedited, delinquent estoppel certificate. Gone are the days of certificate fees that cost $1,000 or more….
“Vacation Rentals – It took about 4 hours of debate and a close vote for HB 425… to make it out of the House. This is the bill that essentially stops local governments from targeting vacation rental homes with restrictive ordinances. In other words, if a local government passes an ordinance targeted at vacation rental homes, it has to apply to all residential homes in the area; vacation rentals cannot be singled out. The original bill has been amended several times and has a tough road ahead of it in the Senate.
“Increase to the Non-School Homestead Exemption – The Senate passed a priority issue of the House concerning a proposed increase to the non-school homestead exemption by $25,000. Currently homeowners receive a tax exemption on the first $25,000 in the value of their properties. They pay taxes on the value between $25,000 and $50,000 and then receive an exemption on the portion from $50,000 to $75,000. The House ended up adopting the Senate’s version of the joint resolution which would apply the exemption to the portion of values between $100,000 and $125,000. This passage will place a constitutional amendment on the 2017 general election ballot.”

First Sea Turtle Nest

Turtle hatching 07-01-16 As follow-up to last week’s posting about sea turtle nesting season beginning, the first nest of the season was found Saturday, April 29, near Gulfside Place condos. The nest has been staked off by volunteers from SCCF’s (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. Reports say that this year’s first nest is early, but not as early as last year when the first one was found on April 20 on Captiva.

Sea turtles on Sanibel/Captiva are coming off back-to-back record years. A new record was set in 2015 with more than 600 nests. Last season that record was beat by a mile when the two islands had a combined total of 826 nests.

SCCF volunteers patrol the beaches early every morning during nesting season, recording new nests and false crawls (when a female comes ashore but doesn’t lay eggs). The volunteers take measurements and stake the nests. In recent years, they also have covered nests with mesh to prevent coyotes from getting to them.

Southwest Florida By The Numbers

As a numbers kinda gal, I enjoyed reading the statistics in the “Gulfshore Business Source Book 2017” that arrived in the mail this week. Below is a sampling, showing Lee County compared to neighboring Collier and Charlotte, the state, and the nation.

“Demographics Lee Collier Charlotte Florida United States

2016 population 680,539 350,202 170,450 20.612 million 323.127 million

Projected by 2025 839,497 409,899 187,862 22.799 million 357.452 million

Median age (2016) 46.9 46.5 54.5 39.4 35.9

Percentage over 65 25 27.8 36.2 18.8 12.4

Cost of Living

Median home price $246,900 $450,000 $195,000 $226,000 $233,500

Labor

Unemployment rate 4.4% 4.5% 5.2% 5.0% 4.7%

(Feb 2017)

Median annual wage $31,548 $32,946 $29,526 $32,789 $36,764

(2016)”

Further along in the article, it provided details on the major communities within the counties.

Here is their info for Sanibel:

“Population (2016) – 6,591

Per capita income (2015) – $79,354

Median household income (2015) – $98,818

Median home value – $664,500”

Wondering the largest employers in Southwest Florida? Here are the top ten with their number of employees:

“Lee Health (12,600)
Lee County School District (11,098)
Publix Super Markets (8,533)
Collier County Public Schools (7,000)
NCH Healthcare System – Naples Community Hospital (4,200)
Wal-Mart (3,792)
Chico’s FAS Inc. (2,900)
Arthrex Inc. (2,510)
Lee County Government (2,362)
Lipman Produce (2,300)…”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity April 28-May 5, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Sundial West #D403 1/1 $435K, Island Beach Club #P1A 2/2 $659K, Cottage Colony West #116 1/1 $659K, Tarpon Beach #102 2/2 $749K, Sanibel Seaview #B2 3/3 $1.489M.

5 price changes: Seashells #38 2/2 now $349K, Seashells #11 2/2 now $365K, Donax Village #3 2/2 now $438.5K, Loggerhead Cay #332 2/2 now $485K, By-The-Sea #C302 2/2 now $1.495M.

6 new sales: Mariner Pointe #712 2/2.5 listed at $463.5K, Ibis at The Sanctuary #B201 2/2 listed at $475K (our buyer), Sanctuary Golf Villages I #3-3 listed at $699K, Kings Crown #208 2/2 listed at $749K, Pointe Santo #B25 2/2 listed at $749K, Sanibel Surfside #225 2/2 listed at $774.9K.

5 closed sales: Sandy Bend #5 2/2 $705K, Sundial West #E304 2/2 $790K, Sundial East #Q404 2/2 $865K, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #3-6 $910K, Wedgewood #202 3/3.5 $2.38M.

HOMES

2 new listings: 981 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 $575K, 315 East Gulf Dr 2/2 half-duplex $649K.

15 price changes: 5308 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 now $578K, 1426 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $599K, 376 Lake Murex Blvd 3/2 now $584.9K, 1040 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $599.9K, 752/754 Cardium St 4/2 duplex now $614K, 545 Piedmont Rd 3/2 now $629K, 601 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 now $675K, 1717 Sand Peble Way 3/2 now $679K, 673 East Rocks 3/2 now $798.8K, 239 Daniel Dr 3/2 now $1.069M, 1126 Harbour Cottage Ct 3/2 now $1.395M, 513 Lighthouse Way 3/3 now $1.595M, 750 Periwinkle Way 5/4 now $ 1.85M, 6192 Henderson Rd 4/4 now $1.995M, 3728 West Gulf Dr 5/5 now $2.499M.

4 new sales: 770 Donax St 2/2 listed at $495K, 4239 Gulf Pines Dr 3/2 listed at $549K, 1426 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed at $599K, 4117 West Gulf Dr 5/6 listed at $5.799M.

3 closed sales: 970 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $500K, 537 Lake Murex Cir 3/3 $850K (our seller), 2302 Wulfert Rd 4/5 $1.475M.

LOTS

4 new listings: 644 Sea Oats Dr $295K, 223 Robinwood Cir $295K, 540 Birdsong Pl $390K, 3354 Barra Cir $425K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 434 Lake Murex Cir listed at $275K.

2 closed sales: 255 Hurricane Ln $310K, 1301 Sand Castle Rd $360K.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Marina Villas #901 2/2 $785K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Beach Homes #29 4/4 listed at $2.3M.

No closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings.

2 price changes: 43 Oster Ct 2/2.5 now $839K, 14980 Binder Dr 4/3 now $1.198M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

I’m in the office tomorrow, if you want to list or sell on seis de mayo! Enjoy your weekend, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Good Friday 2017 on Sunny Sanibel Island

Posted on April 14, 2017 by SanibelSusan

It’s Susan and The SanibelSusan Team reporting a fun week on the island with continuing reports of “where is the Vice President now” and beaches, bike paths, and roadways often busy with vacationing visitors and families.

Sanibel Captiva Association of Realtors®

The local Association of Realtors® Caravan meeting yesterday was well attended. Not many sales were announced, but a few more price reductions, and new listings. With high season wrapping up, more sales closed this week, so below is another update based on today’s Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service data. A report on the activity posted this week follows a few news items.

Sanibel Year-to-Date (1/1-4/14/17):

Condos – 41 sold/closed, 23 under contract, 108 for sale (average days-on-market = 209)

Homes – 64 sold/closed, 48 under contract, 186 for sale (average days-on-market = 180)

Lots – 12 sold/closed, 8 under contract, 64 for sale (average days-on-market = 390)

SanibelSusan Realty Associates

SanibelSusan Realty from Periwinkle Way With the island busy, I put a condo under contract, accompanied a showing, was out showing homes two days, and have fielded many requests for listing info. Also, spent time negotiating a couple of offers – no official news yet to report – just that things are in the works.

Teammate Dave held Open Houses for three days at vacant condos. Attendance was sporadic, probably related to the wonderful weather here all week.

Where is Vice President Pence?

Spottings of Vice President Pence and his family vacationing this week were frequent and sometimes humorous. Our travel wasn’t affected much by their visit and we hope they had a terrific vacation. Here is SanibelSusan’s version of the week’s events.

Saturday, when I left the island late afternoon to do a little shopping just off island, I noticed multiple sheriff vehicles at every intersection from Harbour Cottages to Kelly Greens. All were quietly waiting, except the unmarked vehicle with lights flashing at the McGregor Blvd/Summerlin Rd intersection. I also saw a few spectators in lawn chairs near the entrance to Mariner Pointe, so it appeared the Vice President was arriving soon.

He arrived by motorcade – about 20 vehicles – just after 5 p.m. The quiet motorcade turned up Dixie Beach Blvd which had the island abuzz about “where is he staying?”. Turns out, we later heard that he has been vacationing here for many years. This trip he stayed in a bayside home on San Carlos Bay Dr. Those living in the neighborhood confirmed Secret Service sightings and some of their boats and vehicles being searched – all very quietly and professionally.

Sunday, he and his wife attended the 8 a.m. service at Sanibel Community Church. Another parishioner who usually also attends that early service, said they must have known they were coming, as the choir performed and usually they are at the later services. Later Sunday, the Vice President and Mrs. Pence were spotted walking on the beach. That night, there were more sightings when they dined at The Timbers. You-know-who got his picture taken with him and word is that the photo was framed and on the wall that evening. A client, there at the same time, dining with family said the Secret Service agents were very nice.

Monday, Vice President Pence left the island early for a quick trip to DC for the swearing in of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. When I came back on island early Monday evening after another quick run overseas, I passed a large group of 15-20 Lee County sheriff motorcycles and cars leaving the island. I found out later that they had just been part of the VP’s escort back on island.

Tuesday dinner, photos were posted of them at Matzaluna Restaurant. (I wonder if Matt got another photo?)

Wednesday, while teammate Dave was holding an Open House at Lighthouse Point, he reported in that he spotted a group of what looked like Secret Service vehicles and bikers. Also on Wednesday, the Vice President was spotted walking on the beach and had his picture taken with a fisherman who had just spent 10₊hours reeling in what he thought was a small shark, but turned out to be a rare huge saw-tooth fish, which was tagged and released. The below photos were taken by Dr. Paul & Lynn Collins. They didn’t get the Vice President, but they sure got some good shots of the action during the catch.

Sawtooth fish 04-13-17 sawtooth 04-13-17

Thursday, the motorcade was on the move again with reports of Mrs. Pence getting a manicure at Sanibel Beauty Salon and the Vice President getting a haircut. They were photographed later at dinner at The Mucky Duck. Rumor has it that the VP played golf and did a little fishing while here too.

They were to leave the island today and as Dave headed to the office this morning, he saw a group of bikers, then marked cars and sheriff vehicles at the intersections of Donax and Dixie Beach. The “Santiva Chronicle” just posted that they left the island just after 3 p.m. Good that it was today, as tomorrow, the day before Easter, is traditionally the busiest day of the year on the island.

With more families and visitors arriving tomorrow and children’s Easter events from Sanibel City Park to the Sanibel Community Church and then Island Inn, traffic may be challenging. A good day to watch the Sanibel traffic cameras at http://www.mysanibel.us/traffic/ or go to the App Store and get the free app.

Good News About Florida Senate Bill 10

It was great to hear on Wednesday that the Florida Senate took action to protect Florida’s unique waterways by passing SB 10. This legislation will accelerate the process of building a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee. Scientists have determined that increased storage, treatment and conveyance of water south of Lake O are essential to stop the damaging discharges to the coastal estuaries.

The passage of this bill is a huge step, but the fight is far from over. Next stop is the Florida House of Representatives. If you want to stay attuned to what is happening in Tallahassee follow the news at www.NowOrNeverglades.com or at the 2017 Legislative Session Tracker at www.sccf.org

Happy Easter

Since I posted details of the holiday happenings in last week’s blog, I won’t include them again, but send best wishes to you from all of us on The SanibelSusan Team for a great weekend.

More summer-like weather is expected here (mid-80’s in temperatures), with sparkling Gulf water too.

sanibel beach

Here is another photo taken this week by the Collins, this time at “Ding” Darling. The brilliant pink makes me think of spring and Easter! Thanks again for sharing, Paul and Lynn!

Paul collins roseate 04-13-14

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity April 7-14, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Seashells #6 2/2 $395K, Pointe Santo #B26 2/2 $759.9K.

8 price changes: Tennisplace #C21 2/1.5 now $339,555; Seashells #3 2/2 now $399.4K; Blind Pass #F106 2/2 now $409K; Donax Village #3 2/2 now $448K; Lighthouse Point #217 3/2 now $510K; Sunset South #2A 2/2 now $699K; Sanctuary Golf Villages I #5 2/2.5 now $699K; Royale Tern #103 3/3.5 now $1.75M.

3 new sales: Ibis at The Sanctuary #B302 2/2 listed at $498.5K (our buyer), Sanctuary Golf Villages I #6 3/3 listed at $939K, Tamarind #A102 2/2 listed at $1.595M.

6 closed sales: Sundial West #C406 1/1 $416K, Villa Sanibel #3D 2/2 $599K, Heron at The Sanctuary #1B 3/2.5 $610K, Compass Point #222 2/2 $650K, Bayview Village #1A 3/3 $782.8K, Sanddollar #B204 2/2 $859K.

HOMES

8 new listings: 9292 Kincaid Ct 3/2 $549K, 241 Violet Dr 3/2.5 $775K, Moonshadows #F2 3/3 $919K, 655 Anchor Dr 3/3 $950K, 5402 Osprey Ct 4/3 $1.095M, 1340 Eagle Run Dr 3/3 $1.1M, 3832 Coquina Dr 3/4 $1.299M, 1137 Golden Olive Ct 5/3.5 $1.9M.

11 price changes: 1747 Serenity Ln 3/2 now $494K, 5305 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 now $579K, 5105 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 4/3 now $624.9K, 1429 Jamaica Dr 3/3 now $664.9K, 998 Fish Crow Rd 3/2 now $679K, 1183 Kittiwake Cir 3/2 now $849K, 698 Spartina Ct 3/2 now $849.9K, 2628 San Carlos Bay Dr 3/2 now $1.839M, 1238 Isabel Dr 5/3/2 now $3.399M, 3547 West Gulf Dr 4/4 now $4.495M.

7 new sales: 1862 Farm Trl 3/2 listed at $675K, 3152 Twin Lakes Ln 3/3 listed at $697K, 5126 Joewood Dr 3/2 listed at $735K, 408 Bella Vista Way 4/4 listed at $1.595M, 1757 Venus Dr 4/2.5 listed at $1.899M, 4117 West Gulf Dr 5/6 listed at $5.799M, 3577 West Gulf Dr 4/4/2 listed at $7.595M.

5 closed sales: 1073 Fish Crow Rd 3/2.5 $685K, 743 Elinor Way 3/2 $685K, 2459 Harbour Ln 3/3.5 $777K, 935 Lindgren Blvd 3/2 $969K, 6129 Starling Way 3/2.5 $1.225M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 2307 Wulfert Rd $259K.

3 price changes: 540 East Lake Rd now $179K, 6519 Pine Ave now $829K, 6505 Pine Ave now $829K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 1329 Par View Dr $307.5K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: Beach Villas #2422 1/1 listed at $519K.

1 closed sale: Sunset Beach Villas #2333 3/2 $755K.

HOMES

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

1 closed sale: 11539 Wightman Ln 2/2 $1.4995M.

LOTS

Nothing to report

Happy Easter! from Susan Andrews (aka SanibelSusan)

Almost April & the islands are busy

Posted on March 31, 2017 by SanibelSusan

It’s SanibelSusan and team reporting that the island is hopping with lots more families/spring breakers here this week. It was sunny and summer-like right through yesterday with temperatures into the low-80’s.

The below photos were taken yesterday by local fishing guide, Paul Primeaux. To see these gorgeous turquoise waters yourself and probably catch a few fish too, contact him directly at www.captivaguide.com.

water paul primeau 03-30-17

water Paul 03-30-17

Today is overcast with a few showers expected – so far, just a few sprinkles.

Teammate Dave had a few lookers during another Open House on Wednesday. I have been out showing property at The Sanctuary and will be again later this afternoon. Earlier in the week, Dave and Lisa finalized an off-island sale which came from an island referral. We love those.

Association of Realtors® Thursday Caravan

It was another quick, but busy meeting at the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® weekly caravan meeting yesterday. I was happy to be one of the sale announcements (our condo listing at Coquina Beach). Also, we already have had good results from announcing a price reduction at Beachcomber #A102. Can’t beat that gulf-front location for $1.445M (photos below)

Again, lots of price reductions were announced: 18 Sanibel homes and four condos. A report of the week’s status changes in the Sanibel-Captiva Multiple Listing Service follows a few news items below.

Sanibel Public Library – Year in Review

I bet the Sanibel Library won’t mind if I repeat a few tidbits that I enjoyed from their last mail-out. Always good to get a reminder about what is offered here. It also is a great place to park Sunday mornings for Farmers’ Market.

Library cards are available to all residents of Sanibel and Lee County, FL, at no charge.

Visitor cards are available for a $10 fee and are good for one year.

Here are the Sanibel Library’s state rankings:

#1 for Material Available Per Capita (books, movies, music, magazines)
#2 for Circulation Per Borrower
#2 for Program Attendance Per Capita
#2 for Public Computers Available Per 1,000
#3 for Library Visits Per Capita.

Sanibel Public Library also was awarded Trip Advisor “Certificate of Excellence” awards for 2014, 2015, 2016 and Library Journal’s national “Star Library” award in 2010, 2011, 2016.

In addition to books, the Library has more than 8,000 DVD’s, 200 different magazine and newspaper subscriptions, more than 50 eMagazine subscriptions are available for download with the Zinio app.

Since eShelf inception in 2010, 43,000 eBooks have been downloaded via OverDrive including 9,000 audiobooks. Thousands of 3Books, movies, audiobooks, and TV shows, as well as music, are available via the Hoopla app.

Rising Rates, Rising Sales

Good article by Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist, in the March/April 2017 issue of “Realtor®” magazine:

“Interest rates are rising, but there’s no need to panic. In the past, for each 10-basis-point increase in mortgage rates, home sales declined by around 35,000 on a national basis. Since the presidential election, mortgage interest rates have risen by 70 basis points, from an average of 3.5% to 4.2%.

“If rising interest rates are accompanied by a strengthening labor market with higher wages, the economy will be fine. At least 2 million net new jobs are forecast for this year, and that is the reason we anticipate home sales will squeak out a modest gain over 2016. If mortgage underwriting standards normalize even modestly from the excessively stringent conditions of the past few years, such as through reduced FHA insurance premiums or lower guarantee fees on loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, then sales could be even better.

“Some analysis might say higher interest rates are not due to improved long-term economic prospects but to a steep increase in future budget deficits as tax revenue falls and spending increases. If that’s the case, the economic boost will be short-lived, harming home sales in the future.

“Which will it be? The task for us is to see how federal policies affect the dynamism in the economy. Fewer regulations will likely encourage entrepreneurs to introduce new products and services. However, if the government instead emphasizes protection of exiting companies, then economic growth could suffer.

“NAR’s survey of commercial members fortunately indicates that openings of small businesses have surpassed closings in recent months. That is a good sign, and some of those small businesses could well become the next Apple, Facebook, or Google. Let the economy work it’s magic.”

Upcoming Events

Sunset Sing Cruise – The Sanibel BIG ARTS Ensemble (30 members) is singing aboard Captiva Cruises sunset cruise on Sunday, April 2. This alto is part of the entertainment. A few tickets still are available (call 472-5100 or online at www.captivacruises.com.)

SCCF’s Beer in the Bushes – Saturday, April 15, 6 to 10 p.m. Beer in the Bushes has become the unofficial End-of-Season Party. Guests will enjoy a fun evening on the grounds of SCCF’s Nature Center in support of SCCF’s mission of conserving local coastal habitats and aquatic resources. This event is 21+, rain or shine. It includes new craft beer tastings, great food, world-class music, and just a chance to catch up with fellow islanders. This is the first time the event has had a Gold Record Award-wining group performing. The headliner is “G. Love & Special Sauce” which is known for their unique and laid-back music covering classical R&B and hip-hop sounds. More info at www.sccf.org or tickets online at www.sccfbeer.eventbrite.com.

Pine Island Sound Cruise – On the cusp of Earth Day, Friday April 21, SCCF is teaming up with Captiva Cruises and author Denege Patterson for a cruise through the islands of Pine Island Sound. Climbing aboard Captiva Cruises regularly scheduled lunch trip to Cabbage Key and Useppa, guests hear a narration by Denege who has spent over five years studying the geology and archeology of over 20 islands. (See above for ticket info.)

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity March 24-31, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Sanctuary Golf Villages I #3-3 2/2.5 $699K, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #6 3/3 $939K.

4 price changes: Tennisplace #C21 2/1.5 now $349,555; Kings Crown #106 2/2 now $849K; Pine Cove #102 3/2 now $1.347M; Beachcomber #A102 2/2 now $1.445M (our listing).

4 new sales: Coquina Beach #3G 2/2 listed at $499K (our listing), Kings Crown #106 2/2 listed at $849K, Loggerhead Cay #152 2/2 listed at $899K, Somerset #E202 3/2.5 listed at $1.649M.

4 closed sales: Sundial West #G307 1/1 $400K, Sundial West #I303 1/1 $445K, Sanibel Moorings #841 2/2 $449K, Heron at The Sanctuary III #1B 3/2.5 $600K.

HOMES

5 new listings: 1747 Serenity Ln 3/2 $499K, 471 Las Tiendas Ln 3/2 $749K, 1183 Kittiwake Cir 3/2 $889K, 673 East Rocks Dr 3/2 $898K, 1426 Causey Ct 3/2.5 $1.399M.

18 price changes: 1029 Dixie Beach Blvd 2/2 now $439.9K, 3021 Singing Wind Dr 3/2 now $518K, 1585 Serenity Ln 3/3 now $520K, 1212 Par View Dr 2/2 now $589K, 9446 Yucca Ct 3/2 now $589K, 1426 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $615K, 1020 White Ibis Dr 3/3 now $719K, 1315 Par View Dr 3/2 now $729K, 5126 Joewood Dr 3/2 now $735K, 1425 Causey Ct 4/3 now $779K, 5240 Caloosa End Ln 3/3 now $949.9K, 1114 Captains Walk St 3/3 now $955K, 1126 Harbour Cottage Ct 3/2 now $1.445M, 687 Anchor Dr 4/3 now $1.495M, 1743 Venus Dr 4/3.5 now $1.699M, 4190 Dingman Dr 4/3.5 now $1.995M, 1149 Paper Fig Ct 4/3 now $2.439M, 4731 Rue Belle Mer 3/3 now $2.5M.

12 new sales: 6471 Pine Ave 2/2 listed at $529K, 4619 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2 listed at $549.9K, 1895 Farm Trl 3/2 listed at $615K, 1114 Sabal St 2/2 listed at $675K, 1210 Par View Dr 4/2 listed at $695K, 3359 Barra Cir 3/3 listed at $789K, 276 Ferry Landing Dr 4/3 listed at $899.9K, 1030 Kings Crown Dr 2/2 listed at $929K, 863 Lindgren Blvd 3/2 listed at $979K, 1035 Kings Crown Dr 3/2 listed at $1.15M, 5838 Pine Tree Dr 3/3 listed at $1.295M, 615 Lighthouse Way 3/3.5 listed at $2.345M.

3 closed sales: 1746 Windward Way 3/2 $530K, 671 Rabbit Rd 3/2 $620K, 2920 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $910K.

LOTS

2 new listings: 667 Birdie View Pt $349.9K, 2987 Wulfert Rd $450K.

No price changes.

2 new sales: 5121 Sanibel-Captiva Rd listed at $197,555; 5687 Baltusrol Ct listed at $315K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

2 price changes: Beach Villas #2422 1/1 now $519K, Lands End Village #1665 2/2 now $1.015M.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 16596 Captiva Dr 6/5/2 $8.25M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 1119 Schefflera Ct 4/3.5 listed at $4.695M.

1 closed sale: 13500 Palmflower Ln 4/4 $1.82M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, don’t be fooled tomorrow… it’s already spring!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Best Weather – Here on Sanibel Island

Posted on March 24, 2017 by SanibelSusan

It’s SanibelSusan wondering where March has gone? The last high season days are flying by, as the islands remain busy, with the bike paths and beaches as active as the restaurants, shops, and roadways.

Teammate Dave and I have both been out showing this week and he also hosted two busy Open Houses. Below are a few news items, followed by the activity posted since last Friday in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service.

First here’s a photo taken from the Sanibel Harbour Princess last Sunday night during their sunset dinner cruise of the Sanibel Lighthouse and fishing pier.

sanibel lighthouse 03-19-17

Island Weather – We Need Rain

Forecast 03-24-17 Recent summer-like weather, makes for happy visitors/vacationers. More sunny days with temperatures in the high 70’s forecast through next week (screen shot from my cell phone last night at right).

There may be no prescribed burns on Sanibel this year. Since last fall, when Southwest Florida typically receives 10 to 11 inches of rain, only two have been recorded.

An article in this week’s “Islander” quoted the area’s Fire Zone Management Officer as saying, “We already are at a deficit since the beginning of November. We haven’t been this dry since 1958. This year is kind of lining up right now like it did in ’98 when Florida was on fire from one end to the other… If we find an opportunity when we can conduct a burn like this (a controlled burn) we will get it taken care of, but at the same time we are not going to make any decision to risk safety of our firefighters or the community just to get it done.”

Yesterday, right after I typed the above paragraph, the lightning alarm went off at Sanibel Community Park across the street from the office and a short afternoon shower followed. It probably was not enough to change what was reported above, but it was interesting today to read the “Island Sun” where it says “Four Locations Targeted for Prescribed Burns”. It further describes that ‘given the excessively dry conditions, …the prescribed burns for 2017 may never happen.”

This is a topic worth following. The good news is plenty of notice is given before a prescribed burn (which is a method for reducing the likelihood of catastrophic wildfires and to help preserve the natural ecology of an area). The four areas identified for the possible burns this year are listed below. They were looking to start the week after Easter, but that will be revaluated based on conditions.

Botanical Site (in J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge)
Frannie’s Preserve/Johnson Tract (SCCF)
Sanibel Gardens Preserve (City of Sanibel/SCCF)
North Center Tract (SCCF).

Thursday Caravan Meeting – Sanibel/Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

It was another heavily attended Caravan Meeting yesterday at the local Association of Realtors®. A little surprising that not more sales were announced. Also, unusual that many new listings continue to come on the market. That is not the norm this time of the year. Many are related to owners making life changes – some to retirement communities, others scaling-up or scaling-down – some snowbirds enjoying their last winter here.

Here is a quick inventory summary. Don’t let anyone tell you inventory is down. It continually fluctuates and is up again, with better than a year’s worth of inventory in most property types.

SANIBEL

Condos – 110 for sale – 26 under contract – 25 sold/closed in 2017 thru 3/24 – 143 sold/closed last year

Homes – 196 for sale – 39 under contract – 49 sold/closed in 2017 thru 3/24 – 181 sold/closed last year

Lots – 66 for sale – 7 under contract – 10 sold/closed in 2017 thru 3/24 – 25 sold/closed last year

CAPTIVA

Condos – 33 for sale – 6 under contract – 7 sold/closed in 2017 thru 3/24 – 22 sold/closed last year

Homes – 38 for sale – 8 under contract – 5 sold/closed in 2017 thru 3/24– 27 sold/closed last year

Lots – 1 for sale – 1 under contract – 1 sold/closed in 2017 thru 3/24 – 2 sold/closed last year

Upcoming Events

Sanibel Fire Dept Open House – Tomorrow, Sat, March 25 – from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Station #171, 2351 Palm Ridge Rd. Free station and equipment tours, plus games and food. Also participating are: Lee County EMS, Lee County Sheriff Office, “Ding” Darling, CROW, Sanibel Serats, U.S. Coast Guard, Lee Flight, and a special appearance from Star Wars R2D2. Parking available at the Center 4 Life.

Seahorse Festival – Tomorrow, Sat, March 25 – from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Sanibel School. This annual PTA fundraiser will feature inflatable rides, rock climbing wall, bungee jump, games, face painting, entertainment by students, silent auction, plus food and beverages.

BIG ARTS Community Chorus Spring Concerts – Tues and Thurs, March 28 and 30 at 7 p.m. at Schein Performance Hall. The Community Chorus is celebrating 10 years of leadership under the direction of Steve Cramer who is retiring this year. The concert includes a collection of excerpts from favorite pieces and a few new numbers too.

SanibelSusan sings with the altos in the general chorus and in the smaller ensemble too. Concerts usually sell-out, so be sure to get tickets in advance at the BIG ARTS Box Office open Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or on-line at www.bigarts.org .

Historical Village Twilight Talk – Sanibel Heritage Trail – Mon, April 3 at 7 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House. This event will reveal details about the new Sanibel Heritage Trail which is expected to be completed this spring. It will have 21 outdoor reader panels along the mixed-use path, a free map-guide, a web page, and a cell phone app. (See map showing trail at right.) The evening program will include a presentation by the Sanibel Planning Department, followed by the Heritage Trail Coordinator, then a panel of long-time islanders will share their personal behind-the-scenes experiences from decades of living Sanibel’s history. Make reservations by calling the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village at 472-4648 or email info@sanibelmuseum.com.

Commissioners Approve $1.4M for Wulfert Land Purchase

Wulfert Property Adjacent to refuge As reported today in the “Santiva-Chronicle”:

“By unanimous vote, Lee County Commissioners on Tuesday, March 21, gave final approval to funding $1.4 million toward the purchase of 8.15 acres on Wulfert Road, a crucial wildlife corridor for the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.

“As part of a unique partnership and collaboration, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge raised the remaining $600,000 of the $2 million needed to purchase the parcel, which lies between Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) land and the refuge.

“The refuge, by agreement with the county, will maintain the property, which provides habitat for 80 different land and marine species that live or feed on or near this property. The county funding comes from its Conservation 20/20 program, which voters helped create to preserve sensitive environmental lands locally.

“… If not preserved by the refuge, the land could have been developed with as many as five dwellings and one major boat dock with direct access into Pine Island Sound, as already approved by the City of Sanibel.

Species that would have been seriously threatened by development of the uplands, mangrove, and estuarine habitat include the gopher tortoise, American Oystercatcher, Black Skimmer, Little Blue Heron, Reddish Egret, Mangrove Cuckoo, Florida Manatee, Small-tooth Sawfish, and Green and Loggerhead sea turtles.

“In 2013, DDWS successfully completed a $1.4 million land acquisition campaign for the historical Woodring Homestead, which protected the water entrance to the Refuge on Tarpon Bay. In late 2015, it accepted a land donation of 9.1 acres near Clam Bayou…” To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit dingdarlingsociety.org.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 17-24, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Lighthouse Point #220 2/2 $495K, Mariner Pointe #811 2/2 $499K, Sunset South #10C 2/2 $789K, Shell Island Beach Club #7B 2/2 $820K, Sundial East #T202 2/2 $849K.

9 price changes: Sunset South #1C 2/2 now $699K; Pointe Santo #B6 2/2 now $720K; Sundial West #A308 2/2 now $794K; Surfside 12 #A4 3/2 now $819K; Island Beach Club #220E 2/2 now $999,999; Signal Inn #19 3/2 now $1.149M; By-The-Sea #C302 2/2 now $1.595M; High Tide #A102 3/2.5 now $1.595M; Royal Tern #103 3/3.5 now $1.995M.

4 new sales: Sundial West #C406 1/1 listed at $424.9K, Loggerhead Cay #252 2/2 listed at $569K, Loggerhead Cay #174 2/2 listed at $790K, Tigua Cay #487 3/3.5 listed at $1.695M.

4 closed sales: Seawind #A108 2/2.5 $485K, Sunset South #4A 2/2 $759K, Sundial East #S404 3/2 $850K, Sundial East #O407 2/2 $1.16M.

HOMES

8 new listings: 1596 Bunting Ln 2/2 $499K, 6471 Pine Ave 2/2 $529K, 1114 Sabal St 2/2 $675K, 625 Lake Murex Cir 3/2.5 $699K (our listing, a few photos below), 1030 Kings Crown Dr 2/2 $929K, 1470 Angel Dr 3/2 $1.149M, 2388 Wulfert Rd 3/4 $1.299M, 390 Old Trail Rd 4/4.5 $2.195M.

DCIM102MEDIADJI_0185.JPG

12 price changes: 1602 Serenity Ln 4/2 now $477K, 376 Lake Murex Blvd 3/2 now $579K, 1040 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $609K, 644 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 now $679K, 215 Palm Lake Dr 3/2 now $769.9K, 1396 Tahiti Dr 4/3 now $899K, 3354 Barra Cir 3/2 now $975K, 1195 Par View Dr 3/2.5 now $1.145M, 6101 Starling Way 3/4 now $1.249M, 518 N Yachtsman Dr 3/3 now $1.345M, 615 Lighthouse Way 3/3.5 now $2.345M, 3547 West Gulf Dr 4/4 now $4.75M.

7 new sales: 1954 Roseate Ln 3/2 listed at $534K, 1772 Serenity Ln 3/2 listed at $649K, 186 Southwinds Dr 2/2 listed at $699K, 1807 Buckthorn Ln 3/2.5 listed at $699K, 1028 Demere Ln 3/2 listed at $899K. Without contingencies: 970 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed at $537K, 243 Southwinds Dr 3/2.5 listed at $855K.

5 closed sales: 1631 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex $495K, 1714 Bunting Ln 3/2 $480K, 1410 Albatross Rd 3/3 $733K, 525 N Yachtsman Dr 3/2 $685K, 407 Bella Vista Way 4/4 $2.7M.

LOTS

No new listings.

2 price changes: 2401 Blue Crab Ct now $774K, 5251 Indian Ct now $774K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Tennis Villas #3125 1/1.5 $299K.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

HOMES

4 new listings: 11535 Wightman Ln 5/4 $2.149M, 16171 Captiva Dr 4/4.5 $2.22M, 16163 Captiva Dr 3/2 $2.695M, 15867 Captiva Dr 3/3.5 $4.995M.

1 price change: 11520 Murmond Ln 5/5 now $1,999,999.

1 new sales: 11411 Old Lodge Ln 4/3 listed at $1.775M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday – enjoy the weather – wherever you are! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Lighthouse bay beach 03-19-17

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Island Events

New Sanibel Sea School Offering

Just How Important Is a Bathtub for Resale?

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 16-23, 2018

Until next Friday, hope you have enjoyable weather too! & pickleball, spaghetti, shells, & bath tubs! For island real estate, give SanibelSusan a call!

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At SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

What’s Happening With the Sanibel Real Estate Market?

No Rate Increase for 8th Year in a Row

Upcoming Events

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 9-16, 2018

Enjoy your weekend & Presidents Day!

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SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Upcoming Events

Holiday Tips from LCEC

Top 10 Airlines Serving Southwest Florida

2018 Sanibel Beach Parking Permits Available Now

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity November 10-17, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving!

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At the Sanibel & Captiva Island Association of Realtors®

Caloosahatchee and Everglades Update Post Hurricane Irma

Weekend Events

Tax Reform Hits Homeowners

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity October 27- November 3, 2017

Here is a cute sign from the Sanibel Café.

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Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors\

Upcoming Events & Re-Openings

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity October 6-13, 2017

Happy weekend to all…

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SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Surprise Closing

Island Coyotes on City Council Agenda

Realtor® Political Action

7 Common Home-Selling Mistakes

Sanibel & Captiva Island Multiple Listing Service Activity May 5-12, 2017

A Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms!

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First Off-Season Caravan Meeting

Update on Florida Legislative Session

First Sea Turtle Nest

Southwest Florida By The Numbers

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity April 28-May 5, 2017

I’m in the office tomorrow, if you want to list or sell on seis de mayo! Enjoy your weekend, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

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Sanibel Captiva Association of Realtors®

SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Where is Vice President Pence?

Good News About Florida Senate Bill 10

Happy Easter

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity April 7-14, 2017

Happy Easter! from Susan Andrews (aka SanibelSusan)

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Association of Realtors® Thursday Caravan

Sanibel Public Library – Year in Review

Rising Rates, Rising Sales

Upcoming Events

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity March 24-31, 2017

Until next Friday, don’t be fooled tomorrow… it’s already spring!

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Island Weather – We Need Rain

Thursday Caravan Meeting – Sanibel/Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Upcoming Events

Commissioners Approve $1.4M for Wulfert Land Purchase

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 17-24, 2017

No Rate Increase for 8^th Year in a Row