Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Sunny Sanibel

Posted on March 17, 2017 by SanibelSusan

This week, while northern states dealt with snowy Storm Stella, Sanibel and Captiva had a little brush of winter weather too – island style. After a couple of short, though much-needed, showers, yesterday and Wednesday were chilly, with daytime temperatures not getting out of the 60’s. Today, temperatures are inching toward the low to mid-70’s, with more of the same nice weather expected over the weekend and into next week.

Below is a photo taken this afternoon from the beach in front of Sanbel’s West Wind Inn where it is just another beautiful though breezy beach day. Below it are a few news items, followed by the action posted this week in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service.

West Wind Beach 03-17-17

March Membership Meeting – Sanibel/Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Yesterday, the March membership meeting of the local Association of Realtors® was well attended. In addition to general announcements, including 20-some price changes, several island Realtors® were recognized at the state level for achieving Florida Realtors® Honor Society status. It was nice to have some new recipients this year. Year #18 for me, dating back to 1998 when I was appointed to my first state committee. Lots of great networking and business opportunities have come from that involvement. VIP’s Jim Hall, who was my broker then, encouraged that work and has made Florida Realtors® Honor Society for more than 20 years. Congratulations to all recipients.

Community Outreach

Also, a big thank you to my local Association Communication & Public Relations Committee members who met early Tuesday morning for our 3^rd meeting of the year. Volunteering time “in season” always is appreciated. It is easy to be a committee chair when you have willing cooperative colleagues. Between now and April 28, the committee is spearheading a gently-used clothing drive. Items collected will be donated to charities that provide the clothing FREE to those in need of a hand-up. All types of clean Florida-type clothing are needed – womens, mens, and childrens.

If you have items to donate, they are being accepted at the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® office at 2353 Periwinkle Way, Suite 201 from Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (That is the shopping center behind Wings, 2^nd floor over Finnimore’s Cycle Shop.) My team will pick up donations or you can drop them off at SanibelSusan Realty too – but no later than April 28 – in time for spring cleaning.

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Happenings

If you are here this weekend and looking for something to do, here are a few suggestions:

Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club Arts & Crafts Fair – today and tomorrow (Sat 3/18) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Community House, right across the street from our office.

Doc Ford’s St. Paddy’s Day Bash – tonight from 5 to 10 p.m. at their new location on Island Inn Rd.

Sanibel Island Farmers’ Market – Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on City Hall Grounds.

Outdoor Island Jazz Concert – from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Boler Garden at BIG ARTS, free but BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair)

Check the “events” link above for more events.

Dredging Blind Pass While Renourishing Sanibel’s Beaches

santiva chronicle The below article posted on-line Wednesday by the “Santiva-Chronicle” provides an update of the ongoing dredging of Blind Pass. On my way to show property on Tuesday, I took photos of the wave action at nearby Turner Beach which illustrate their remarks. Here’s one:

Turner Beach 03-14-17.jpg

Here’s the “Santiva-Chronicle” report:

“Recent heavy winds delayed the current phase of dredging Blind Pass by about a week and will likely delay completion of the project until mid-May, according to Kathy Rooker, administrator of the Captiva Erosion Prevention District. But, as anyone who has driven over the Blind Pass Bridge separating Captiva and Sanibel can’t help but notice, the project to clear the pass and use its sand to renourish Sanibel beaches is well under way.

“Nearly 3,500 feet of massive black piping stretches from a pump on a barge at the Roosevelt Channel entrance to a Blind Pass east of the bridge to a second huge pump located past the Gulf entrance to the Pass near Pine Avenue. That second giant pump pushes the sand about 500 feet south to Sanibel beaches in need of renourishment.

“Decades ago, when the current bridge was built connecting the two islands, the natural path of Blind Pass was considerably altered. Consequently, the pass periodically fills up with sand. Keeping the pass open and flushed is vital to water quality around both islands.

“In 2009, about 148,000 cubic yards of sand was dredged to reopen the pass, which had completely closed.

That dredging was followed by maintenance projects at the pass removing 63,300 cubic yards of sand in 2012 and 37,600 cubic yards of sand in 2013. Blind Pass almost completely closed in the spring of 2015, but storms cleared much of that sand.

“Prior to this current dredging project, designed to remove 120,000 cubic yards of sand, bathers and anglers could virtually walk across Blind Pass in spots. It also was largely blocked to boaters.

“Although portions of the beach will be closed for up to 500 feet near where active dredging equipment is being used and four parking places at Blind Pass Beach Park have been closed, the piping and heavy equipment have not greatly curbed use of the beach by bathers, shellers or anglers. Fishing from the bridge may intermittently be restricted during the project, and traffic is briefly halted when heavy equipment is being moved to and from a Santiva area beach near Pine Avenue. Beachgoers are urged to respect project signs and boundaries for their own safety and the safety of the crews.

“A major beneficiary of the dredging process is Sanibel, whose eroded Gulf beaches from Blind Pass to the northern edge of Bowman’s Beach are receiving sand removed from the pass.

“Half of the $1 million project is being funded by a grant obtained by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, with the remainder coming from Lee County tourist-tax revenues.

“Lee County, Sanibel and Captiva officials are looking for a more lasting solution to keep the pass open and have commissioned a Blind Pass Inlet Management Study – a science-based study of the mechanics of the Pass.

“At a recent Captiva Community Panel, Rooker urged residents to attend a public meeting at 10 a.m. March 24 in the Pelican Room of the Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, for an update of the Inlet Management Study by engineers who have completed their data collection of model calibration phases of the Pass. “You will hear about different alternatives for keeping the Pass open,” she said, “and the public’s input will be important.” More information about the study can be found at: http://www.leegov.com/naturalresources/blind-pass-2016-inlet-management-plan-study”

Irrigation Regulations

A good reminder in the Spring 2017 “IWA Pipeline” about the irrigation regulations that have been in effect since March 2010. Are you watering only on your days to water?

“The South Florida Water Management District manages water resources and sets the irrigation regulations for the 16-county region that stretches from Orlando to the Florida Keys. Homeowners on Sanibel are limited to watering three times per week and Captiva residents are limited to watering two times per week.

“Residents and businesses on Sanibel with an odd number address may water lawns and landscaping on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Saturdays between midnight and 10 a.m. and/or between 4 p.m. and midnight. Residents and businesses with an even address, no address, or those who water both even and odd addresses within the same zones may water Tuesdays, Thursdays, and/or Sundays between midnight and 10 a.m. and/or between 4 p.m. and midnight.

“Captiva residents and businesses are bound by the regulations for unincorporated Lee County and are restricted to watering two days per week. Residents and businesses with an odd address may water lawns and landscaping on Wednesdays and/or Saturdays between midnight and 9 a.m. and/or between 5 p.m. and midnight. Residents and businesses with an even address, no address, or those who water both even and odd addresses within the same zones may water on Thursdays and/or Sundays between midnight and 9 a.m. and/or between 5 p.m. and midnight.

‘There are some exceptions to the above regulations. Watering may be done at any time of using reclaimed water and hand watering is permitted any time if using a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle. Additional watering up to 60 days is permitted for watering new landscaping.

“For additional information on irrigation times and water conservation you can visit the South Florida Water Management District website at https://www.sfwmd.gov. These irrigation times are also posted on our website at http://www.islandwater.com.

“One more note regarding irrigation. All new irrigation systems are required to have a rain sensor installed, which shuts off the sprinklers if rain is detected. If you have an older system that does not have a rain sensor, it would be wise to have one installed. Not only would you be conserving a precious resource by not sprinkling an already wet yard, you will also save money on your monthly water bill. Remember, in our tiered rate schedule, the more water you use per month, the higher the charge per thousand gallons of water.”

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

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Mariner Pointe #122 1/1 $410K.

6 price changes: Sundial West #C406 1/1 now $424.9K, Mariner Pointe #712 2/2.5 now $469K, Donax Village #1 2/2 now $515K, Snug Harbor #312 3/2 now $699.9K, Pointe Santo #B6 2/2 now $720K, Sanibel Surfside #225 2/2 now $774.9K.

4 new sales: Lake Palms #8 2/2.5 listed at $345.5K, Coquina Beach #5A 2/2 listed at $380K, Loggerhead Cay #592 2/2 listed at $635K, Wedgewood #202 3/3.5 listed at $2.475M.

1 closed sale: Sanibel Arms #B1 1/1 $345K.

HOMES

6 new listings: 1918 Ibis Ln 3/3 $642K, 1315 Par View Dr 3/2 $789.5K, 1425 Causey Ct 3/3 $799K, 1028 Demere Ln $899K, 2379 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 $1.695M, 1757 Venus Dr 4/2.5 $1.899M.

14 price changes: 1429 Jamaica Dr 3/3 now $694.9K, 1807 Buckthorn Ln 3/2.5 now $699K, 1295 Par View Dr 3/2 now $699K, 3364 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 now $724K, 6081 Henderson Rd 3/2 now $799.9K, 698 Spartina Ct 3/2 now $865K, 1114 Captains Walk St 3/3 now $975K, 1525 San Carlos Bay Dr 3/2 now $1.895M, 267 Ferry Landing Dr 3/2 now $1.995M, 1237 Isabel Dr 5/6.5 now $2.18M, 1552 San Carlos Bay Dr 4/5.5 now $2.5M, 4995 Joewood Dr 4/3 now $2.795M, 1206 Bay Dr 4/4.5 now $3.845M, 3547 West Gulf Dr 4/4 now $4.75M.

6 new sales: 4694 Rue Bayou 3/3 listed at $629K, 5305 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2 listed at $695K, 1182 Kittiwake Cir 3/3 listed at $729K, 3918 Coquina Dr 3/2.5 listed at $899K, 2459 Harbour Ln 3/3.5 listed at $899K, 1326 Seaspray Ln 4/4.5 listed at $1.995M.

7 closed sales: 174 Southwinds Dr 2/2 half-duplex $639,025; 2010 Sunrise Cir 5/3 $775K (our listing); 5757 Pine Tree Dr 3/2.5 $799K; 660 Durion Ct 3/2 $862.5K; 2118 Starfish Ln 4/5 $1.675M; 4449 Waters Edge Ln 3/3 $4M; 3557 West Gulf Dr 3/3.5 $4.1M.

LOTS

2 new listings: 1912 Ibis Ln $225K, 3013 Poinciana Cir $269.9K.

1 price change: 1299 Par View Dr now $249K.

2 new sales: 0 Island Inn Rd listed at $189,555; 6411 Pine Ave listed at $363.5K.

3 closed sales: 2502/2504 Wulfert Rd $207.5K, 5830 Sanibel-Captiva Rd $350K, 602 Boulder Dr $425K.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Tennis Villas #3127 1/1 $260K.

1 price change: Beach Homes #29 4/4 now $2.3M.

1 new sale: Bayside Villas #5204 1/2 listed at $315K.

1 closed sale: Tennis Villas #3237 2/2 $415K.

HOMES

No new listings.

2 price changes: 11521 Andy Rosse Ln 7/7/5 now $2.899M, 16464 Captiva Dr 8/8.5 now $6.245M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 16455 Captiva Dr 4/4.5 $2.25M.

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.)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Happy-St_-Patricks-Day-Poems-with-Images-Pictures-Graphics-2

Island – Fun, Real Estate, & Just Stuff

Posted on March 10, 2017 by SanibelSusan

It’s SanibelSusan reporting another week of “mores” – more great weather and more good showing activity.

Yesterday’s Association of Realtors® West-End Caravan Meeting was well attended. Again this week, price reductions were the predominate announcements. There were a few new listings announced too. We are looking for some of those, as for the first time in many months, we are down to just eight listings. True to form… February and March are the busiest with sales.

Below are a few island and real-estate related news items, followed by the action posted in the Sanibel/Captiva Multiple Listing Service since last Friday.

Many island events are scheduled between now and the end of season. Here are a few.

Upcoming Island Events

San Cap Art League March Sale – tomorrow, March 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Bailey’s Shopping Center Veranda.

Life in the Dark – March 15^th Wed from 5 to 8 p.m. This is an adult class offered by Sanibel Sea School. For more info visit www.sanibelschool.org/sanibel-adult-programs.

34^th Annual Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club Fine Arts & Crafts Fair – March 17^th & 18^th – next Fri & Sat from 9 a..m. to 5 p.m. at The Sanibel Community House – with over 100 exhibitors, over 100 silent auction items, raffle, food & beverages.

Last Chris Coile Concert of the Season – March 21^st – Tues from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at George & Wendy’s Seafood Grille to benefit FISH of SanCap. With special tributes to The Beatles, Roy Oribison, and Elvis. No cover. All donations to FISH are voluntary. 100% of Coile’s CD sales go to FISH too.

Spring Concerts Celebrating 10 Years with Director Steve Cramer – BIG ARTS Community Chorus spring concerts – March 28^th & 30^th – Tues & Thurs at 7 p.m. at Schein Performance Hall at BIG ARTS. Tickets on sale at the BIG ARTS box office and on-line at www.BIGARTS.org. This Realtor® sings in the alto section and also with the group Ensemble.

ChorusPoster_2017-02-22

23^rd Annual Spring Festival – April 15^th – Sat, the day before Easter –- from 9 to 11 a.m. at Sanibel City Park, across the street from SanibelSusan Realty and presented by the Children’s Education Center of the Islands. The Festival begins at 9 a.m. with a free Easter Egg Hunt by age group. Games, arts and crafts, and contests follow and include pony and unicorn rides, a bounce house, grand slide, face painting, & more. The Easter Bunny makes an appearance at 10:15 and will be available for free photos. The Festival also includes a silent auction with over 60 gift baskets. A $10 armband will allow each child unlimited fun to participate in all activities. The Children’s Education Center of the Islands is a non-profit school run by a parent board. Proceeds from the Festival will benefit the center’s scholarship fund and capital improvements. All residents and visitors welcome. Here are a few photos from past events.

New Rest Area Approved

Tuesday, Sanibel City Council unanimously approved a new shared use path rest area near the intersection of Casa Ybel Road and Middle Gulf Drive. It is expected to contain a pair of 5’ benches, a 5’ bicycle rack, and a water fountain, all on a pentagon-shaped tract surrounded by a strangler fig, sabal palm, and a cluster of seagrapes.

Key Points About Flood Insurance

The March issue of “FloridaRealtor®” magazine contains good info about flood insurance.

“Under the federal National Flood Insurance Program, homes and businesses in high-risk areas, such as waterfront or low-lying communities, are required to have flood insurance to receive a mortgage loan from federally regulated or insured lenders. However, there are three issues that significantly impact owners’ ability to protect their property:

The NFIP is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2017, unless Congress reauthorizes it. This could lead to substantial rate increases.
At this point, residential and commercial property owners have limited choices when looking for coverage (though Congress is now considering a bipartisan bill to open up the flood insurance market to private companies).
Many buyers are not even sure what coverage they need because reading flood maps remains complex and confusing.

“Key Points About Flood Insurance

Buyers may purchase flood insurance only through an insurance agent, not directly from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Rates do not differ from company to company, or agent to agent.
Rates depend on several factors, including whether the building is residential or commercial, when it was constructed and the elevation of the property as compared to the base flood elevation.
A property’s location on the NFIP flood map may determine whether a lender requires coverage.
Buyers may purchase a policy, regardless of where their home is, since flood damage can occur in moderate- and low-risk zones.
The contents of a home are not typically covered by flood insurance.
In most cases, there’s a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase until the policy goes into effect.
In some instances, a buyer will be able to assume the sellers’ flood insurance policy.”

“Flood zones are determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which prepares detailed maps indicating the likelihood of flooding during the period of a 30-year mortgage. Those maps, which are updated on an ongoing basis, form the basis for flood insurance coverage requirements and premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program.

“There are three general categories that cover the state:

“High-risk zones, also known as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). These begin with the letters “A” and “V”. In high-risk areas, there is at least a 25% change of flooding during the life of a 30-year mortgage.

“Moderate- to low-risk zones, known as Non-Special Flood Hazard Areas (NSFHAs), which begin with the letters “X”, “B”, or “C”. These areas submit more than 20% of the National Flood Insurance Program claims.

“Unknown-risk zones, where the flood hazard is undetermined, are labeled as Zone “D”. Flood insurance rates reflect the uncertainty of the flood risk.

“To determine the flood zone location of a property, go to the FEMA site, https://msc.fema.gov/portal – (enter the address, place or geographic coordinates). To learn more about flood maps and insurance requirements, go to www.floodsmart.gov, the official site of the National Flood Insurance Program.”

How Long Will Things in Your Home Last?

The same March issue of “FloridaRealtor®” magazine, has this cute info-graphic showing a part-by-part guide to the life expectancy of the pieces and systems in your home. The good news is that it says a toilet can last a lifetime. Other long-lasting components include wood or stone floors that can last 100 years. With low expectancy, carpet may last just 8-10 years, and a dishwasher and microwave, just nine.

howlongwillyourhouselast-2

Island Water Summer Upgrade Planned

The spring issue if the Island Water Association’s “IWA Pipeline” newsletter advises: “Three streets east of the causeway will have their main pipes upgraded this summer. The streets are the last 1,000’ of Limpet Dr., all of Paper Fig Ct., and all of Golden Olive Ct. Decades old thin-walled pipe will be replace with heavy-walled C-900 PVC pipe…The project will begin after season, most likely in May, and last through the summer. All affected homeowners will be notified well in advance….”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity March 3-10, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Nutmeg Village #211 2/2 $710K, Kings Crown #106 2/2 $899K.

8 price changes: Mariner Pointe #1412 1/1 now $344.9K, Captains Walk #A8 2/2 now $362K, Sundial West #C406 1/1 now $449K, Loggerhead Cay #252 2/2 now $569K, Loggerhead Cay #592 2/2 now $635K, Pointe Santo #B23 2/2 now $799K, Sandy Bend #6 2/2 now $939K, Royale Tern #103 3/3.5 now $2.095M.

6 new sales: Sundial West #I303 1/1 listed at $475K, Heron at The Sanctuary #1B 3/2.5 listed at $620K, Kings Crown #211 3/2 listed at $849.9K, Sundial West #K403 2/2 listed at $899K, Loggerhead Cay #103 2/2 listed at $999K, Pine Cove #104 3/2 listed at $1.395M.

2 closed sales: Sundial #F103 2/2 $452.45K, Coquina Beach #2C 2/2 $545K.

HOMES

7 new listings: 9455 Beverly Ln 2/2 $549K; 799 Casa Ybel Rd 5/3 duplex $570K; 1839 Farm Trl 3/3 $645K; 1210 Par View Dr 4/2 $7227K, 921 Strangler Fig Ln 3/3.5 $995K; 5206 Punta Caloosa Ct 3/2 $999,999; 4117 West Gulf Dr 5/6 $5.799M.

18 price changes: 998 Greenwood Ct 3/2.5 half-duplex now $415K; 1585 Serenity Ln 3/3 now $525K; 3021 Singing Wind Dr 3/2 now $529K; 1954 Roseate Ln 3/2 now $534K; 340 East Gulf Dr 2/2 now $569K; 4694 Rue Bayou 3/3 now $629K; 3364 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 now $745K; 1943 Sanibel Bayou Rd 3/3 now $749K; 563 Hideaway Ct 3/2 now $774K; 5126 Joewood Dr 3/2 now $785K; 4775 Rue Helene 4/3 now $815K; 276 Ferry Landing Dr 4/3 now $899.9K; 4428 Waters Edge Ln 3/2.5 now $1,149,999; 932 Whelk Dr 3/3 now $1.399M; 513 Lighthouse Way 3/3 now $1.695M; 1743 Venus Dr 4/3.5 now $1.729M; 750 Periwinkle Way 5/4 now $1.898M; 984 Oyster Ct 3/3.5 now $1.899M.

12 new sales: 998 Greenwood Ct 3/2.5 half-duplex listed at $415K, 1651 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex listed at $477.5K, 1746 Windward Way 3/2 listed at $535K, 2154 Egret Cir 3/2 listed at $539K, 3043 Poinciana Cir 4/2 listed at $579K, 9436 Yucca Ct 3/2 listed at $619K, 601 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 listed at $689K, 1807 Buckthorn Ln 3/2.5 listed at $749K, 1314 Par View Dr 4/3 listed at $899K, 9019 Mockingbird Ln 4/4 listed at $1.199M, 2981 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 listed at $1.695M, 407 Bella Vista Way 4/4 listed at $2.999M.

3 closed sales: 1232 Par View Dr 3/2.5 $900K, 785 Birdie View Pt 3/2.5 $1.15M, 598 Kinzie Island Ct 3/3.5 $1.510M.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 5121 Sanibel-Captiva Rd now $197,555.

2 new sales: 2626 Coconut Dr listed at $275K, 1329 Par View Dr listed at $349K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

5 new listings: Tennis Villas #3220 1/1 $298K, Bayside Villas #4118 1/2 $395K, Sunset Beach Villas #2212 1/1 $519K, Ventura Captiva #2A 3/3 $975K, Lands End Village #1614 3/3 $2.575M.

1 price change: Sunset Beach Villas #2324 2/2 now $625K.

4 new sales: Tennis Villas #3237 2/2 listed at $440K; Bayside Villas #5320 3/3 listed at $650K; Marina Villas #908 2/2 listed at $799K; Sunset Beach Villas #2333 3/2 listed at $799,999.

No closed sales.

HOMES

2 new listings: 11500 Gore Ln 3/2 $1.295M, 11520 Wightman Ln 3/2 $2.495M.

5 price changes: 14980 Binder Dr 4/3 now $1.298M, 16181 Captiva Dr 5/5 now $2.495M, 16177 Captiva Dr 2/2 now $2.995M, 16464 Captiva Dr 8/8.5 now $6.245M, 15735 Captiva Dr 4/5 now $7.895M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 16237 Captiva Dr 5/5.5 $3.5M.

LOTS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

1 closed sale: 956 South Seas Plantation Rd $1.925M.

Best wishes to all for a great weekend! It is expected to be sunny & in the high 70’s low 80’s here… Next cold front isn’t expected until Wed when it is forecast to go all the way down to 70 degrees!

Gotta love Florida!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

beach

Heading into 2017 at SanibelSusan Realty

Posted on December 30, 2016 by SanibelSusan

It’s SanibelSusan with another report of a busy island, but not a lot of real estate activity. A nice bright, though chilly and breezy, day today with temperatures expected to remain in the 60’s. Back to 70-degree weather tomorrow and for the upcoming week. Here are a few photos taken at the Nerita Street beach access at 1:30 p.m. today.

nerita-3 nerita-4

This week was the first since “high season” last year with gridlock on Periwinkle Way (from about 3 to 7 p.m.).

Tuesday night, I attempted to get home from the office by driving my usual route straight down Periwinkle Way. This is a 2.9-mile ride which usually takes 10-12 minutes. Not, so that night, it took 45 minutes.

Wednesday night, when the traffic in front of the office again was “all stop”, I decided to go the “back way”. Mind you, the normal “back way” is to take Periwinkle west to Tarpon Bay Road south to West Gulf Drive to Middle Gulf Drive to East Gulf Drive to the end, and then Periwinkle west. That didn’t work as Tarpon Bay Road was backed up, so I instead drove all the way to Rabbit Road to get to Sanibel’s east end. Even so, that long route was quicker. I left the office at 6 p.m. and was home in 30 minutes. Only back-up was on East Gulf where it was a crawl from Nerita St to Lindgren Blvd.

So, last night when the traffic in front of the office looked light at 5 p.m., I decided to go home on time and again try the direct Periwinkle route. Not a smart move – 90 minutes later I had crawled from Sanibel Square to Donax Street. It took better than 2 hours to go the 2.9-mile stretch.

So, “season is here” and we again share the roadways, beaches, bike paths, and restaurants with snowbirds, visitors, and vacationers. We grit out teeth and hope they all came to buy real estate.

By the way, an astounding number of bikers, including many small children, were traveling at night with no lights, wearing dark clothing, and crossing roadways without stopping or even looking for traffic. Cautious thoughtful driving is a must and a friendly thanks to the folks directing traffic goes a long way.

Now for the rest of the news…

At SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Sanibelsusan Logo The team and I are happy to report another closing this week as well as a new luxury condo listing. We received an offer on a listing too, still in negotiations.

Teammate Dave held a couple of open houses this week, trying to capitalize on the traffic. He had positive comments and good interest. Lisa will be in the office tomorrow, while I’m covering Sunday and Monday, which is a holiday for the team. We are ready to make a New Year’s sale!

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® Caravan Meeting

Yesterday, attendance was light at the local Association of Realtors’® Thursday morning Caravan meeting. A handful of new listings were announced (including our new lot listing at Sanibel Center and condo listing at Beachcomber). Only a few new sales were announced. After some more news items below is the activity posted in the Sanibel and Captiva Multiple Listing Service since last Friday.

Island Taxi

Many returning for season don’t know that there is a new taxi service on Sanibel.

With a fleet of 15 sedans and vans, Island Taxi is in the shopping center at 975 Rabbit Rd.

More info at www.islandtaxi.com.

17^th Annual Polar Bear Plunge

It is hardly considered polar bear weather here, but on Sunday (Jan 1), the Sanibel-Captiva Chapter of the National Polar Bear Club will hold its 17^th annual meeting at noon at Tarpon Bay Beach (gulf-end of Tarpon Bay Rd). All participants receive a free membership card and certificate (for framing). Sign-in and song sheet distribution begins at 11 a.m. It’s fun, it’s free, and singing of the traditional polar bear anthem kicks off the event after which participants enter the chilly gulf waters. (It could be chilly too, as a cool front arrived today.)

New Programs Offered at SCCF

As new events are scheduled and announced, I continue to update the “Upcoming Events” tab above.

Check it out for the days/times for new January offerings at the Conservation Foundation.

Included are programs on Florida panthers and conservation photography.

Randy Wayne White Fans

sanibel-flats-book-cover Best-selling local author and father of the Doc Ford’s novels, Randy Wayne White, will be sharing his experiences from the 70’s and 80’s as fishing guide at Tarpon Bay Marina during a free presentation at the Captiva Civic Center, Tuesday, Jan 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Limited seating, first-come first-seated.

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity December 23-30, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Tennisplace #A31 2/1 $349K, Loggerhead Cay #253 2/2 $559K, Beachcomber #A102 2/2 $1.495M (our listing) (see slideshow below).

5 price changes: Kings Crown #211 3/2 now $875K, Loggerhead Cay #152 2/2 now $949K, Loggerhead Cay #103 2/2 now $999K, Gulfside Place #123 2/2 now $1.298M, Pine Cove #104 3/2 now $1.395M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: Cottage Colony West #136 1/1 $600K (our listing).

HOMES

6 new listings: 1357 Jamaica Dr 2/2 duplex $595K, 5305 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2 $695K, 785 Birdie View Pt 3/2.5 $1.149M, 5403 Shearwater Dr 4/3 $1.349M, 5639 Baltusrol Ct 4/4.5 $1.695M, 1237 Isabel Dr 5/6.5 $2.28M.

7 price changes: 1817 Atlanta Plaza Dr 3/2 now $499K, 1714 Bunting Ln 3/2 now $559K, 340 East Gulf Dr 2/2 now $579K, 5308 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 now $594K, 5292 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 now $649K, 186 Southwinds Dr 2/2 now $699K, 4760 Rue Helene 3/2 now $999K.

4 new sales: 9209 Kincaid Ct 3/2 listed at $479K, 1709 Sand Pebble Way 5/3 triplex listed at $510K, 1232 Par View Dr 3/2.5 listed at $929K, 1842 Woodring Rd 3/3.5 listed at $1.95M.

4 closed sales: 1150 Schooner Pl 2/2 $580K, 5279 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 $600K, 1245 Anhinga Ln 3/2 $639K, 2405 Blue Crab Ct 4/4.5 $2.515M.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 2486 Wulfert Rd now $179K.

2 new sales: 2462 Wulfert Rd $219.5K, 255 Hurricane Ln listed at $339K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings & price changes.

2 new sales: without contingencies: Bayside Villas #4214 1/2 listed at $317.5K, Bayside Villas #5316 3/3 listed at $599K.

1 closed sale: Tennis Villas #3238 2/2 $410K.

HOMES & 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 activiislty in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.)

Happy New Year from all of us at The SanibelSusan Team,

Susan Andrews, David Anderson, Elise Carnes, & Lisa Murty

Pre-Christmas at SanibelSusan Realty

Posted on December 23, 2016 by SanibelSusan

merry-christmas-from-sanibel It is quiet at SanibelSusan Realty Associates this afternoon. The team is now off for the holiday weekend, so you-know-who is manning the fort. The last few days, the island slowly has filled up with visitors. Those from the north particularly are loving that Southwest Florida set records this week for highest temperatures ever recorded here in December (91 degrees F).

Wednesday morning – on the 1^st day of winter – as teammates Dave, Elise and I were powwowing about listings and showings, I remarked that the rare overcast sky looked like it sometimes does up north, just before it snows. That’s when a vacationer ran by our back door dressed in just shorts. Gave us all a giggle since that was after the temperature had dropped to a cool 68 degrees. We hope the warm weather brings more buyers!

We had no weekly Realtor® caravan meeting yesterday because of the holiday and though the roadways and bike paths are busy, Dave only one couple visit his Open House midweek.

Below, after a few news items, is the activity posted this week in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service.

Sanibel Openings/Re-Openings

Totally Baked – now open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2407 Periwinkle Way. Serving homemade cakes, doughnuts, cupcakes, cookies, candies, biscuits, freshly baked bread, plus breakfast & lunch menu.
Sanibel Sea School Winter Camp – Has a different theme each week this year. This week the theme is “Polynesian Ocean Traditions; Dec 26 through 30 “Ocean Tribe Traditions”, and Jan 2 through 6 “Japanese Ocean Traditions”. Camps are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sanibel Farmers Market – will be closed Sunday for Christmas, but will have a make-up day on Monday, December 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then through May 28, including on New Year’s Day, the market will be open every Sunday during the same hours. (at City Hall)
Sanibel Café Re-opening – Wednesday, December 28, after renovations following their fire in late September. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Community House – Construction is nearing completion, with landscaping going in now. Opening in January.

87^th Master Gardener Lecture Series

Free, open to the public, but limited seating, at Sanibel Library on Thursday January 5 at 10 a.m. Speaker is Rick Joyce, nationally-recognized expert on pruning of landscape plants, especially trees.

Captiva Beach Tilling Starts January 9

captiva-beach-tilling An article and this photo posted on-line Wednesday at “Santiva-Chronicle” says:

“The Captiva Erosion Prevention District will till the sand placed in the 2013-14 re-nourishment project starting in January.

“The staging area for the contractor is the Alison Hagerup parking lot. The work is being performed by Perry’s Beach Service of Fort Myers.

“Tilling is scheduled to begin the morning of Jan. 9 and proceed north to Redfish Pass. After completing this segment, work will continue south of Hagerup Beach to Blind Pass. All work is estimated to be completed by the end of the day, Jan. 13, weather permitting. All operations will occur during daylight hours.

“Tilling is permit-required to lessen the impact of compacted sand on sea turtle nesting and hatching activities. The turtles prefer soft sand for digging their nests and laying their eggs. The work is scheduled so that it will not interfere with piping plover nesting, which begins Feb. 1, and sea turtle nesting, which begins May 1.

“The project includes tilling and dressing the sand and leveling any escarpment that exceeds 18 inches in height and is more than 100 feet long.

“A tractor pulling a rake with tines will till the approximately 25,600 linear feet of re-nourished beach to a minimum depth of 36 inches. The use of horns, whistles, and signals will be kept to a minimum to ensure a quiet operation while maintaining job site safety. There will be minimal disruption to traffic on roads adjacent to the beach.

“Residents, beachgoers, and businesses are required to remove all obstructions, including umbrellas, chairs, and canopies, between the dunes and high tide lines, that might interfere with the work. Beachgoers are asked to avoid the area where tilling is being done until the tractor is a safe distance away and to heed all signs and instructions from tilling personnel.

“Questions should be directed to CEPD by calling 239-472-2472, or by kathleen@mycepd.com.”

Fire at Blind Pass Condo

Last Sunday afternoon, a fire at a condo at Blind Pass condominium (#G201) was quickly extinguished, but it burned out the vacationing family of seven. City Manager Judie Zimomra commended the Sanibel Fire District, Sanibel Police, and neighboring fire districts for their quick response. I heard that the fire was caused by a charging electronic device. This upstairs unit was destroyed and the unit below had significant water damage. The family – father, mother, and five children – had its belongings wiped out. The City coordinated with F.I.S.H. (Friends in Service Here) and the Tourism Development Council to provide relief.

“Here Comes Santa Claus”

santa Fellow BIG ARTS Chorister, Mike Bugler, penned the following words to a new song he calls “We Love Sanibel”. Sung it to the tune of “Here Comes Santa Claus”, it’s pretty cute.

“We’re on Sanibel, we’re on Sanibel

We just got here by plane

Escaped the snow and the bitter cold

Snowbird is my name

—

“Seashell bringin’, ocean swimmin’

The sun is always real bright

So let’s give a thought to our friends up north

While we’re having fun tonight

—

“We love Sanibel, we love Sanibel

Warmer down here than Maine

Deck chairs set out on the beach

More sunshine here than rain

—

“Sip that cocktail, spray that suntan

All here just seems so right

We’re-not-going-north for another-few-months

So let’s all have fun tonight”

Sanibel YouTube Video

If you need a little Sanibel pick-me-up. Here is a link to a video I saw posted on Facebook this morning. It’s terrific.

SANIBEL CSN 2016

SANIBEL TRIP, ALTERNATE EDIT. MUSIC BY CROSBY, STILLS, NASH AND YOUNG.

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity December 16-23, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Loggerhead Cay #234 2/2 $579K, Sundial East #O401 2/2 $729K, Sundial East #O407 2/2 $1.199M.

2 price changes: Lighthouse Point #129 3/2 now $599K (our listing), Shorewood #1C 3/2 now $889K.

2 new sales: Seawind #103 2/2.5 listed at $564K, Cottage Colony West #137 1/1 listed at $649K.

6 closed sales: Kimball Lodge #263 1/1.5 $395K, Sundial West #C310 1/1 $429.5K, Sundial East #P401 2/2 $852K (our listing), Surfside 12 #B3 3/2 $899.75K, Sunset South #15B 2/2 $950K, Kings Crown #105 3/2 $1.19M.

HOMES

11 new listings: 1709 Sand Pebble Way 3/3 triplex $510K, 5299 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/3 $749K, 5406 Osprey Ct 3/2 $889K, 1073 Fish Crow Rd 3/2.5 $899K, 1396 Tahiti Dr 4/2/3 $989K, 5313 Punta Caloosa Ct 3/2 $998K, 1511 Angel Dr 3/3 $1.25M, 924 Pecten Ct 4/4 $1.965M, 5606 Baltusrol Ct 4/6 $2.995M, 2964 Wulfert Rd 4/5.5 $3.495M, 1206 Bay Dr 4/4.5 $3.99999M.

4 price changes: 1585 Serenity Ln 3/3 now $549K, 465 Lake Murex Cir 2/2.5 now $599K, 1212 Par View Dr 2/2 now $629K, 5105 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 4/3 now $649K.

No new sales.

4 closed sales: 4215 Old Banyan Way 3/3 $690K, 400 Rabbit Rd 4/3 $757K, 232 Robinwood Cir 4/3 $1.1125M, 626 Kinzie Island Ct 3/2.5 $1.635M.

LOTS

2 new listings: 1550 Centre St $199K (our listing) $199K, 1026 Fish Crow Rd $430K.

2 price changes: 644 Sea Oats Dr now $325K, 2401 Blue Crab Ct now $789K.

No new sales.

2 closed sales: 9211 Dimmick Dr $139.5K, 9426 Sage Ct $250K.

Captiva

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sunset Beach Villas #2324 2/2 $645K, Captiva Shores #8A 3/2.5 $1.795M, Beach Homes #7 2/2 $1.795M, Beach Homes #8 3/2 $2.7M.

No price changes, new sales, or closed sales.

HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

Merry Christmas from all of us!

The SanibelSusan Team – Dave, Elise, Lisa, & Susan

Post-Thanksgiving Sanibel/Captiva Real Estate Scoop

Posted on November 25, 2016 by SanibelSusan

2016-tree It is SanibelSusan running SanibelSusan Realty solo today while the team gets an extra day off.

Our listings had a few showings earlier in the week, but the phone has rung only a couple of times today. Prospects must be out shopping, enjoying family time or just the beautiful weather. It is a bright sunny 81 degrees here this afternoon.

Teammate Elise’s daughter Payton joined us in the office on Wed. She and Elise got our Christmas decorations up. We have to do that early here, as the first Christmas events begin tonight.

With the Thursday holiday yesterday, we had no Realtor Caravan, but the activity posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service since last Friday, follows a few news items.

Purchase Contracts: Is A Deposit Required to Seal The Deal?

Here are excerpts from a good article by friend and FloridaRealtors® Vice President and General Counsel Margy Grant. It was posted Monday at FloridaRealtors® on-line.

“It’s a question we often get on the Florida Realtors® Legal Hotline: Is earnest money required to make a contract legal and binding. The answer: no.

“Deposits are often provided as evidence of a buyer’s commitment to the purchase, but they are not required by law. A binding contract to purchase real estate only requires consideration. Consideration is defined as something of value offered for something else of value.

“According to the Florida Bar, “The formation of a contract is accomplished when there is an offer and acceptance between the contracting parties of the exchange of ‘consideration’ (that is, something of value). This offer and acceptance are sometimes referred to as a ‘meeting of the minds.’ If the parties have not reached a meeting of the minds, then there is no agreement.” In the case of a real estate purchase contract, the consideration the buyer is offering is the purchase price in exchange for the deed to the property.

“Most purchase contracts contain a section to indicate the amount of an escrow deposit and when it’s due. Purchase contracts also usually contain a liquidated damages clause that entitles the seller to keep the deposit if the buyer defaults. Liquidated damages are common in real estate purchase contracts, even though the parties are agreeing what the remedy is for the other side in the event the buyer defaults.

“If you as the listing broker receive a contract that is either cash or 100% financing with a deposit amount of “0,” you must present it to the seller. This contract is valid despite the lack of an earnest money deposit. You may explain to the seller that because there’s no deposit, there is nothing for the seller to keep as liquidated damages if the buyer defaults. Buyers and sellers can negotiate these terms just like all other terms of the agreement.

“Some sellers look at a lack of deposit as unfair. Why, they ask, would they remove their house from the market if the buyer is not serious enough to put down a deposit? A seller certainly may insist on a deposit before agreeing to the contract; this is allowable if the buyer agrees. However, it is not legally required. In addition to a deposit, sellers will also sometimes ask for other requirements like proof of funds or a prequalification letter.

“Transactions come in all shapes and sizes. Realtors® do well to understand some components of contract law to assist them in working with buyers and sellers. All parties should review purchase contracts carefully, preferably with an attorney, to understand their rights under the agreement in the event the other party does not perform as promised.”

Now SanibelSusan’s 2-cents worth:

Here on the islands where Buyers and Sellers may be vacationing and “here today, gone tomorrow”, not only do Sellers want to see deposits, but they usually want them to be significant ones. Sometimes visiting Buyers don’t have their check books with them, so it is not unusual for a deposit to be provided within 3 days of contract acceptance, often by wire, after the Buyer has returned home.

For a typical island sale, the deposit is 10% of the purchase price. Sometimes it is provided in two parts, a smaller initial deposit within 3 days of the contract Effective Date and then a later second deposit bringing the total deposit up to 10%. With the “as is” contract, that second deposit often is related to the end of the inspection/cancellation period, when the contract usually becomes solid.

As the saying goes, “in the perfect world, Sellers want offers to be full price, cash, close tomorrow.” Since the “close tomorrow” part rarely can happen, it makes sense for Buyers to make strong deposits so Sellers give their offers serious consideration.

Upcoming Island Events

Today & Tomorrow – Nov 25 & 26 – 25^th Sanibel Masters Art Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sanibel Community Park (across the street from SanibelSusan Realty).

BIG ARTS Community Chorus is singing two holiday sets tomorrow morning (Sat) beginning at 10 a.m.

Tonight – Nov 25 – ‘Tween Waters Inn Fireworks Show & Tree Lighting kick off the holiday season at sunset, with music, the lightening of the tree overlooking the gulf, and colorful fireworks display.

Tomorrow morning – Nov 26 – 5^th Annual “Ding” Darling Kids Fishing Derby at Sanibel Causeway Islands Park (Island A, closest to Sanibel). Kids able to hold their own fishing pole may participate. Registration is FREE and begins at 8:30 a.m. Ages 15 & younger start fishing at 9 a.m & finish at 11 a.m. Awards ceremony at 11:30. Participants should bring fishing poles, but the refuge will provide a limited number of loaner poles. Bait will be provided. J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society – Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) cosponsor the event as part of this year’s Smithsonian Waterways exhibit at the refuge (Oct 28 – Dec 8), with support from The Historic Bait Box, Trophy Case of Fort Myers, Sanibel Island Fishing Club, and Lee County Parks & Recreation.

2016tree_lighting_for_app_and_website Tomorrow night – Nov 26 – South Seas Tree Lighting Ceremony from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. BIG ARTS Community Chorus singers will be performing again.

Also tomorrow night – Nov 26 – Sunset Arias on the Beach at ’Tween Waters Inn. Bring a blanket, sit back and enjoy beautiful operatic voices while the sun dips into the Gulf of Mexico.

Dec 2 – Next Friday – 32^nd Annual Sanibel Luminary Holiday Stroll

Sanibel Historical Museum & Village luminary event from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. will showcase displays from the 50’s, including a replica of a former ferry’s wheelhouse. There will be music too, including some holiday tunes performed by the Sanibel Ensemble which is a small group of singers from the BIG ARTS Community Chorus. (It’s good practice for our upcoming holiday concert. Photo above from 2014 at the Museum/Village.)
Rumor has it that there will be another flash mob inside Bailey’s General Store 5 to 5:30-ish (more of those chorus singers). Then 5:30 to 9 p.m., lit paths will lead the way to merry landmarks from one end of Periwinkle Way to the other, where festival goers can enjoy assorted activities, snacks and refreshments. No trolleys this year, it really will be a stroll.
Mid-island, thousands of lights will adorn the campus of Sanibel Community Church where beginning at 5:30 p.m. there will be food, drink, live music, a petting zoo and kid’s tent, plus a presentation of “A Walk Through Bethlehem”.
Mid-island, Santa will be at Jerry’s Center with free photos from 5:30-7:30 p.m. There also will be wine, food tastings, Girl Scouts serving soda and hot dogs, plus live sax music.
At the East end, Sanibel Sea School and the San-Cap chapter of Solutions to Avoid Red Tide will partner to host luminary fun at the school’s flagship campus. The school parking lot will be converted into a festive patio, where attendees can sip mulled wine and beer, munch on snacks, including Ralph Woodring’s famous grilled mullet, and listen to music. There also will be family-friendly games and activities, and a raffle featuring prizes from both organizations.

Former Captiva Luminary Dec 3 – Next Sat – 32^nd Annual Captiva Luminary Holiday Stroll from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Captiva luminary spans Captiva Drive and Andy Rosse Lane with plenty of special treats at various businesses and a variety of bands performing live music throughout the Village.

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity November 18-25, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

7 new listings: Coquina Beach #5A 2/2 $380K, Ibis at The Sanctuary #B302 3/3 $498.5K, Mariner Pointe #842 2/2 $499K, Sundial West #D305 1/1 $545K, Sand Pointe #215 2/2 $759K, Sundial West #A308 2/2 $809.9K, Sundial East #T306 3/2 $1.475M.

1 price change: Blind Pass #G203 2/2 now $455K.

1 new sale: Sundial West #C310 1/1 listed at $439K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

10 new listings: 998 Greenwood Ct 3/2.5 half-duplex $459K; 770 Donax St 2/2 $525K; 5305 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 $619,916; 671 Rabbit Rd 3/2 $649K; 5100 Sea Bell Rd 4/2.5 $739K; 186 Southwinds Dr 2/2 $749K; 608 Boulder Dr 2/2.5 $869K; 1126 Harbour Ct 3/2 $1.495M; 518 N Yachtsman Dr 3/3 $1.495M; 2474 Wulfert Rd 3/3.5.5 $1.495M.

6 price changes: 174 Southwinds Dr 2/2 half-duplex now $659K, 545 Piedmont Rd 3/2 now $659K, 1772 Serenity Ln 3/2 now $670K, 1429 Jamaica Dr 3/3 now $724.9K, 1048 Fish Crow Rd 3/2 now $849K, 918 Lindgren Blvd 3/3.5 now $1.199M.

3 new sales: 1411 Sandpiper Cir 2/2 listed at $439K, 400 Rabbit Rd 4/3 listed at $785K, 2405 Blue Crab Ct 4/4.5 listed at $2.695M.

3 closed sales: 1333 Par View Dr 3/2 $825K, 615 Hideaway Ct 3/2.5 $1.16M, 584 Kinzie Island Ct 3/4 $1.6M.

LOTS

2 new listings: 1344 Eagle Run Dr $279K, 5687 Baltusrol Ct $325K.

4 price changes: 4566 Buck Key Rd now $179K, 5633 Baltusrol Ct now $359K, 5830 Sanibel-Captiva Rd now $385K, 1305 Seaspray Ln now $729K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: Tennis Villas #3238 2/2 listed at $435K.

1 closed sale: Bayside Villas #4206 1/2 $277.5K.

HOMES

No new listings.

2 price changes: 14980 Binder Dr 4/3 now $1,377,977; 14860 Mango Ct 5/4 now $2,343,967.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Here’s hoping the weather is wonderful wherever you are!

Happy Friday! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

thankfull for flip flops.jpg

More Real Estate Action This Week at SanibelSusan Realty!

Posted on November 11, 2016 by SanibelSusan

Sanibelsusan Logo Woohoo…it has been another good week at SanibelSusan Realty Associates. The fall island weather is delightful. Snowbird flocks are increasing which has added a few minutes to our travel times, but since that goes hand in hand with more business, we see it as a plus. Holiday decorations are going up in so many places that we know it will be 2017 before we know it. We wait all year for the busy “season” to begin. It has!

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Yesterday morning the Association of Realtors® East-End Caravan Meeting was well attended. SanibelSusan was pleased to report two new listings, a price reduction, and a sale during the announcement segment. Then from 9 a.m. until shortly after noon, teammates Elise and David both had good turn-outs and excellent feedback at Open Houses at our new listings at Pointe Santo and Gulf Beach.

The activity posted since last Friday in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service follows a couple of news items below.

Upcoming Island Events

Nov 12 – Tomorrow – Trash & Treasures Sale – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Center 4 Life, 2401 Library Way.

Nov 12 – Tomorrow – Arts on the Veranda – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bailey’s Center – First show of the season, with art by SanCap Art League.

Nov 13 – Sunday – CROW’s 35^th “Taste of the Islands” 12 to 5 p.m. at Sanibel Community Park (across the street from SanibelSusan Realty). SanibelSusan will be in the office with the front door open (to hear the music and hopefully snag a few prospective buyers).

give-thanks Nov 20 – Sunday – Sanibel Annual Thanksgiving Celebration beginning at 6:30 p.m. at BIG ARTS Schein Performance Hall. Free non-denominational celebration of Thanksgiving. (SanibelSusan and fellow BIG ARTS chorus members will be singing, as will a new children’s chorus from The Sanibel School.)

Nov 24 – Thanksgiving Day – Turkey Bowl from 9 to 11 a.m. – 2-hand touch football at Sanibel Community Park, open to all ages.

Ways To Take Title of Florida Real Estate

This week, the Buyers of a listing that is under contract prepared a Contract Addendum to change the name of the Buyer. That happens sometimes after an offer is negotiated and agreed, when the Buyers get back home and discuss their purchase with their financial advisor or attorney.

Most Realtors working with Buyers check the block on the sales contract under Assignability that says: “Buyer may assign but not be released from liability under this Contract.” This allows the purchasers to change the Buyer name, but does not diminish their requirement to proceed with the contract terms.

Sometimes, it is not until after a closing, that new owners want to change how they took title to a property, perhaps by adding a family member or spouse, or by transferring the property to a corporation or trust.

Buyer should beware that transfers after-the-fact likely would create unintended tax liabilities, not to mention a 2^nd set of closing costs. The best time to consider how to take title to property is before entering into the sales contract, and if not then, definitely before the closing so that there is enough time for the title company to prepare and process closing documents.

Below is an article that was posted this week on Florida Realtors® on-line (November 7, 2016). It discusses the various ways to take title here:

“There are a number of ways to take title to Florida real estate, and each has potential advantages and limitations. Here are common options:

Sole Ownership. Unmarried people, those who are legally divorced and married people who wish to hold the property in their own names may use this form of ownership. However, if a married person takes title in his or her own name and the property benefits from a homestead exemption, Florida homestead laws require the other spouse to sign the deed for the transfer or otherwise formally relinquish rights to the property.
Joint ownership as Tenants in Common. Any number of individuals can hold title under Joint ownership as Tenants in Common with the share of the property, depending on the person’s contributions. Also, in this form of ownership, each owner has the right to sell, lease or bequeath (give away at death) interest in the property to his or her legal heirs.
Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship. Under this type of ownership, all joint tenants have equal rights to their share in the property. In addition, due to the right of survivorship, which is not present for Tenants in Common, when a joint tenant dies, his or her share is automatically distributed among the remaining joint tenants. There are no restrictions on the number of persons that can be joint tenants under a Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship.
Tenancy by the Entirety. This option is available only to married couples and allows the couple to hold title in the name of both spouses. Both the husband and wife have equal possession rights to the property. When one spouse dies, his or her share is automatically distributed to the surviving spouse. There are several advantages to Tenancy by the Entirety. First, it protects the asset if, for example, a creditor is pursuing a judgment against one spouse. Second, it offers control over how the property is disposed of. Unlike Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship, Tenancy by the Entirety requires both parties to sign a deed transferring any interest in the property. One spouse cannot sell, dispose of or mortgage the other’s one-half interest without consent/signature. Third, one spouse cannot gift his or her interest in the real estate without the consent/signature of the other spouse. This protects the other spouse from unknowingly losing an interest in the property.
Ownership through an entity. Rather than own a property as people, owners may choose to acquire it through a separate legal entity, such as a corporation or a limited liability company. Corporations and limited liability companies can have any number of shareholders or members, but rights to the property of individual shareholders or members will be limited to the face value of the shares or membership interests each person holds. Title to Florida property also may be held in the name of a partnership of two or more persons. Partners would have equal right to possession of their respective share in the property.
Ownership through land trust. Finally, title may be held in the name of a Florida Land Trust, in which the legal title of the property is transferred to a trustee for the benefit of the named beneficiaries. This form of title offers privacy because the deed does not state who the owner is or the amount of the purchase price.”

12 Real Estate Trends

A good article in FloridaRealtor® Nov/Dec 2016 magazine offered the following info, I have extracted the segments most pertaining to our market.

“Next year should be filled with promise for Florida Realtors®, though there are a few warning signs as well, say state and national economists and analysts.

“Barring unexpected postelection federal policy changes, the state’s residential and commercial markets should remain steady in 2017, thanks to the continued inflow of job seekers and retirees.

“”Florida is also a top state for job creation, with a favorable tax climate,” says Dr. Brad O’Connor, chief economist for Florida Realtors. “Tourism has increased, and the retail, healthcare and construction sectors of our economy remain strong.”

“Still, the rapid increase in home prices continues to hamper millennials who may want to transition from renting. And the strong U.S. dollar may result in low demand from international investors and second-home buyers.

“Here are the experts’ thoughts on 12 trends that will drive our real estate market in the coming year.

Rising Home Prices & Affordability – The U.S. homeownership rate fell to 62.9% in mid-2016, the lowest since 1965, according to a recent Census Bureau report. Tight credit, a shift toward renting and a limited supply of listings were among the reasons….

Florida’s Population Growth – In 2017, Florida should add 200,000 to 300,000 residents, including a strong inflow of retirees, says O’Connor…IMPACT: More people equal more homeowners.

Self-Storage May Be The Hidden Gem…

Brexit – While Great Britain’s vote to exit the European Union could hurt all categories of real estate in the United Kingdom, “Surprisingly anticipated effects on the United States and world economics after the dust settles are minimal or nil,” says Ed Miller, managing director, principal with Colliers International in Tampa. IMPACT:…”Many investors who have been waiting to buy commercial property assets may look to Florida as a safe and stable market. We might expect some acquisitions and dispositions over the next few years, thanks to the Brexit shakeup.”

Retirees Still Coming – Florida remains a leading state for Boomer retirees. In fact, Orlando Tampa, and Miami ranked No. 1, No. 2, and No.4 respectively, in a recent poll for best cities to retire to, nationwide, according to the personal financial website WalletHub…..

Canadian Buyers Returning – While Canada traditionally has been Florida’s largest cross-border market, the strong dollar has caused some buyers to delay their vacation home purchases. But that could change in 2017, says Alain Forget, VP, head of sales and business development for RBC Bank, Miami/Fort Lauderdale area. “As the Canadian dollar stabilizes around 80 cents to the dollar, the historical average, more of the 11 million boomers in Canada will realize it’s time to buy,” he predicts….

South American and European Buyers May Pause – To the south, Brazil and Venezuela are having serious economic problems…That weakness has a significant impact on the Florida housing market, reducing foreign demand….”The strong dollar also affects demand from Europe.”

Land Cost Limits New Construction – Single-family and multifamily construction are rising, but the level will be well below the boom years of a decade ago. In Florida, a tight land supply greatly limits new-home development in desirable Southern, Central, and West Coast markets….

High Demand for Distribution Space….

Growth in The Condo Market – Demand for moderately priced condominiums is much stronger than current sales indicate…There is substantial pent-up demand, which has been curtailed by the unwillingness of many lenders to re-enter this market…Buyers are also keenly interested in townhomes as a lower-maintenance alternative to single-family detached homes. However, luxury condominium sales may slow in 2017, particularly with project that target international buyers, “The softest markets could be Miami, which has such a large exposure to Latin American buyers, and Naples, which is seeing a little softness in sales to high-end retirees….

Decline in Investors – The state’s backlog of foreclosures and short sale properties has dropped dramatically, thanks largely to individual and institutional investors…distressed property sales now constitute only about 10% of the market, and continue to fall…

Rail Investments – …While new development along rail lines will increase, it may not be the boom once predicted by experts…”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity November 4-11, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Sanibel Surfside #223 2/2 $799K, Sundial East #P401 2/2 $899K (our listing, photos below, professional photos being filmed 11/16).

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1 price change: Sand Pointe #122 2/2 now $724K (our listing).

3 new sale: with contingencies: Loggerhead Cay #452 2/2 listed at $549K, Sunset South #15B 2/2 listed at $999K. Without contingencies: Loggerhead Cay #574 2/2 listed at $569K.

1 closed sale: Sanibel Surfside #123 2/2 $825K (our listing).

HOMES

13 new listings: 2134 Egret Cir 3/2 half-duplex $579K, 400 Rabbit Rd 4/3 $785K, 225 Daniel Dr 3/2 $849K, 660 Durion Ct 3/2 $910K, 698 Spartina Ct 3/2 $924.9K, 1314 Par View Dr 4/3 $929K, 1146 Buttonwood Ln 3/3 $975K, 1170 Buttonwood Ln $999K, 485 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $1.069M, 800 Sand Dollar Dr 3/3.5 $1.695M, 1475 Angel Dr 3/4.5 $1.749M, 514 Kinzie Island Ct 3/4 $2.35M, 615 Lighthouse Way 3/3.5 $2.495M.

11 price changes: 810 Elinor Way 3/2 now $599K, 1426 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $649.9K, 1772 Serenity Ln 3/2 now $675K, 2549 Harbour Ln 3/2 $749.5K, 1295 Par View Dr 3/2 now $799K, 243 Southwinds Dr 4/2.5 now $979K, 1501 Sand Castle Rd 5/3.5 now $999K, 4428 Waters Edge Ln 3/2.5 now $1.249M, 598 Kinzie Island Ct 3/3.5 now $1.649M, 3402 West Gulf Dr 3/2 now $1.65M, 1842 Woodring Rd 3/3.5 now $2.195M.

8 new sales: with contingencies: 1722 Serenity Ln 3/3 listed at $525K, 533 Rabbit Rd 3/2 listed at $548K (our listing), 1076 Sand Castle Rd 2/2 listed at $589K, 3118 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 listed at $599.9K, 1245 Anhinga Ln 3/2 listed at $649K, 3941 Coquina Dr 3/2 listed at $699K. Without contingencies: 743 Elinor Way 3/2 listed at $695K, 626 Kinzie Island Ct 3/2.5 listed at $1.799M.

4 closed sales: 1364 Jamaica Dr 2/2 $605K, 1133 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $617.5K, 1121 Sabal St 3/2.5 $650K, 3850 Coquina Dr 3/3 $825K.

LOTS

1 new listing: 9211 Dimmick Dr $149.9K (our listing).

No price changes.

2 new sales: with contingencies: 9426 Sage Ct listed at $269K, 690 Birdie View Pt listed at $389K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

2 new listings: Tennis Villas #3125 1/1.5 $254K, Bayside Villas #5228 1/2 $335K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: with contingencies: Bayside Villas #4214 1/2 listed at $317.5K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

2 new listings: 43 Oster Ct 2/2.5 $929K, 17041 Captiva Dr 2/3 $1.685M.

2 price changes: 14980 Binder Dr 4/3 now $1,377,984; 14860 Mango Ct 5/4 now $2,343,974.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 16897 Captiva Dr 5/5.5 $2.94M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

March Membership Meeting – Sanibel/Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Community Outreach

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Happenings

Dredging Blind Pass While Renourishing Sanibel’s Beaches

Irrigation Regulations

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

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

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Upcoming Island Events

New Rest Area Approved

Key Points About Flood Insurance

How Long Will Things in Your Home Last?

Island Water Summer Upgrade Planned

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity March 3-10, 2017

Best wishes to all for a great weekend! It is expected to be sunny & in the high 70’s low 80’s here… Next cold front isn’t expected until Wed when it is forecast to go all the way down to 70 degrees!

Gotta love Florida!

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At SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® Caravan Meeting

Island Taxi

17th Annual Polar Bear Plunge

New Programs Offered at SCCF

Randy Wayne White Fans

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity December 23-30, 2016

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Sanibel Openings/Re-Openings

87th Master Gardener Lecture Series

Captiva Beach Tilling Starts January 9

Fire at Blind Pass Condo

“Here Comes Santa Claus”

Sanibel YouTube Video

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity December 16-23, 2016

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Purchase Contracts: Is A Deposit Required to Seal The Deal?

Upcoming Island Events

Here’s hoping the weather is wonderful wherever you are!

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Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Upcoming Island Events

Ways To Take Title of Florida Real Estate

12 Real Estate Trends

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity November 4-11, 2016

Happy Friday to all…& a big thank you to veterans!

Susan Andrews, aka Sanibel Susan

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17^th Annual Polar Bear Plunge

87^th Master Gardener Lecture Series