With the fall equinox and first day of autumn arriving tomorrow, islanders look forward to cooler temperatures. This week most days again were warm, filled with blue skies and sunshine with occasional quick mid-to-late afternoon or evening showers. The welcomed rain continues to green up vegetation and wash away lingering storm yuck.
Crossing the causeway just a few minutes ago, the bridge crews were working hard. Lane patterns change frequently as more roadways are elevated, while concrete trucks continue to make it slow going in the morning. Here’s a picture showing how high the sheet piles are on the way up the big bridge. Amazing!
Teammate Dave and I showed homes a couple of days this week. Always fun to introduce prospective buyers to the hidden treasures here.
Over the course of their multiple visits, we have lunched at Traders, Doc Fords, Mucky Duck, and Mudbugs. All the meals were top-notch. The best view, of course, was at the duck when we sat at the window-side table next to the wall with this art and many law-enforcement patches.
The laid-back vibe everywhere and friendly encounters with both people and critters add to the fun. Fingers crossed that they get the home they want!
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors
Our local Association of Realtors held their September breakfast membership meeting yesterday at The Community House. Our CEO, Bill Robinson, updated attendees on three issues that recently have come to the forefront nationally: workplace sexual harassment, compensation to buyer agents, and real estate fraud. It is amazing how many recent cases there have been, even here, where scammers have tried to sell property they don’t own. On both Sanibel and Captiva there has been an uptick in these. Bill alerted us of some red flags.
Following the meeting, only one home was scheduled to be on the Open House Caravan, but it went under contract so the open house was canceled. Home sales remain brisk, while condos and their restorations lag.
Association of Realtors accomplishments over the last month include completion of the annual 14-hour Continuing Education sessions required for license renewals and member participation in the International Coastal Cleanup last weekend. Restoration work at the Association of Realtors office building continues with no word yet on move-in, but it is getting closer.
Upcoming Association events include the 12-module SCIS (Sanibel & Captiva Islands Specialist) designation classes which begin next week and finish the following week. Those are also offered annually. Modules must be completed in two years. Renewal is also required with three modules needed for designation renewal. (I have already collected some props for the module I teach on the Resort and Second-Home Market. Those always make for a fun quiz photo op.) (Watch for our new logo too, this is the old one!)
October 11 is our 26th Annual RPAC (Realtor Political Action Committee) Golf Tournament and Auction at The Sanctuary. SanibelSusan Realty is a sponsor and again is contributing an auction item – this year, a gift certificate for seafood from The Lobster Net in Brewer, ME. Their fresh lobster and seafood dinners are always a hit.
Events & Re-openings
We had more calls this week from anxious winter visitors unable to find rentals. Our advice is to continually watch for new availability at local vacation management organizations. Most of those belong to the Sanibel Captiva Vacation Rental Managers Association. Their website is www.SCVRMA.org. The Chamber of Commerce also keeps a list of what is open. www.Sanibel-Captiva.org.
Below is info on a few other re-openings/events announced this week:
Gramma Dot’s – I noticed this week that their food truck is gone, but I heard the restaurant is opening Oct 1. The marina ship’s store, fuel dock, boat rentals, and boat tours remain closed, but their service department is open Mon-Fri from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hurricane Ian Community Events – The City’s Manager’s office sent an open invitation to attend any of the multiple events being held to acknowledge community resiliency over the past year and to commemorate the landfall of Hurricane Ian. Those include:
- City of Sanibel Hurricane Ian Sunrise Remembrance at Lighthouse Beach gulf side Thurs Sep 28 at 7 a.m.
- St Michael’s Community Service of Hope at The Gathering Place at St Michael’s (entrance off Dunlop Rd) Thurs Sep 28 at 3 p.m. (interfaith service of music, reflections by city leaders, prayers, hopeful images, and gratitude. Commemorative buttons will be distributed. Reception will follow.
- Sanibel Community Church Hurricane Anniversary Service at 1740 Periwinkle Way Thurs Sep 28 at 6 to 7 p.m.
- “Community Reunited” at Sanibel Community House Sat Sep 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. with ice cream social, cookie baking contest, live music by Sanibel School Steel Band, Eagle Scout project reveal, and fun community art project.
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest – begins today on Captiva. This event features 10 days of music across four locations: Captiva (Sep 22-24), Cape Coral (Sep 25 & 26), Downtown Fort Myers (Sep 27 & 28), Fort Myers Beach (Sep 29-Oct 1). In support of this event, causeway tolls here are waived both Sat & Sun. Many free performances are scheduled in multiple Captiva locations (Tween Waters, The Green Flash, Mucky Duck, Key Lime Bistro, RC Otters, and South Seas Resort). Below are the events at Tween Waters. Check the full schedule at www.island-hopperfest.visitfortmyers.com.
Sanibel Moorings – at 845 East Gulf Dr is accepting reservations for next summer (for stays beginning April 22, 2024). As the resort gets closer to completion, they also expect to open earlier times with their goal to be ready in January. www.SanibelMoorings.com
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate
With data from the islands MLS (Multiple Listing Service), below are updated summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.
| SANIBEL
RESIDENTIAL |
CONDOS | HOMES | LOTS | ||||||
| # | Avg Price | DOM | # | Avg Price | DOM | # | Avg Price | DOM | |
| For sale | 55 | 1,091,030 | 147 | 73 | 1,593,719 | 111 | 30 | 931,280 | 153 |
| Under contract | 7 | 1,003,700 | 79 | 20 | 1,155,150 | 75 | 2 | 345,000 | 148 |
| Sold 2023 to 9/22 | 77 | 910,390 | 62 | 222 | 1,260,665 | 69 | 22 | 958,431 | 68 |
| Sold 2022 | 123 | 1,136,199 | 44 | 185 | 1,602,745 | 52 | 26 | 779,528 | 223 |
| Sold 2021 | 287 | 875,127 | 113 | 355 | 1,341,881 | 89 | 69 | 698,862 | 442 |
| CAPTIVA
RESIDENTIAL |
CONDOS | HOMES | LOTS | ||||||
| # | Avg Price | DOM | # | Avg Price | DOM | # | Avg Price | DOM | |
| For sale | 23 | 1,543,413 | 95 | 9 | 7,597,555 | 146 | 2 | 7,247,500 | 15 |
| Under contract | 1 | 1,700,000 | 4 | 0 | N/A | N/A | 0 | N/A | N/A |
| Sold 2023 to 9/22 | 11 | 848,363 | 108 | 17 | 2,716,647 | 70 | 0 | N/A | N/A |
| Sold 2022 | 28 | 1,458,983 | 52 | 22 | 5,636,386 | 133 | 0 | N/A | N/A |
| Sold 2021 | 64 | 1,150,373 | 145 | 44 | 2,988,520 | 261 | 2 | 2,950,000 | 731 |
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity September 15‑22
Sanibel
CONDOS
1 new listing: Sand Pointe #122 2/2 $849K.
1 price change: Sundial #A303 1/1 now $719K.
No new sales.
1 closed sale: Seashells #33 2/2 $435K.
HOMES
3 new listings: 1090 My Tern Ct 3/2 $925K, 3990 Coquina Dr 3/2 $1.2M, 557 Lake Murex Cir 3/2.5 $1.75M.
2 price changes: 1586 Century Ct 3/2.5 now $978K, 1297 Par View Dr 3/2 now $1.05M.
1 back on market: 1388 Tahiti Dr 3/2 $1.199M.
7 new sales: 1605 Bunting Ln 3/2 listed at $899K, 9428 Moonlight Dr 3/2 listed at $899K, 1667 Sabal Sands Rd 3/3 listed at $982K, 3302 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2.5 listed at $1.299M, 721 Cardium St 3/2.5 listed at $1.4M, 567 N. Yachtsman Dr 3/3 listed at $1.495M, 896 Limpet Dr 3/3 listed at $1.7M.
3 closed sales: 1399 Albatross Rd 3/2 $650K, 1558 & 1545 San Carlos Bay Dr 3/3.5 $3.9M, 6401 Pine Ave 4/3.5 $4.069M.
LOTS
No new listings or price changes.
1 back on market: 4501 Waters Edge Ln $2.995M.
No new or closed sales.
Captiva
CONDOS
Nothing to report.
HOMES
1 new listing: 33 Urchin Ct 3/3 $2M.
No price changes, new or closed sales.
LOTS
Nothing to report.
This representation is based in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the association, or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. The information provided represents the general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.
Enjoy your weekend!
’til next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan
We continue to get calls from owners thinking of selling and we welcome new listings, With some new challenges encountered after Hurricane Ian, there are some important things for sellers to consider.
Bleu Rendezvous French Bistro – following their summer vacation, Bleu Rendezvous French Bistro reopens for their 9th season on Friday Oct 6 at 751 Tarpon Bay Rd
Sanibel Island Beach Resort – at 1231 Middle Gulf Dr (formerly Holiday Inn) has been under renovation and recently announced that they are opening on Sept 20 and accepting on-line reservations at 
Sanibel Siesta – at 1246 Fulgur St posted on social media that they are now accepting on-line reservations beginning Mar 2024. As the year winds down, they plan to announce it they also will have availability in Jan and Feb. 
Sunday Sep 17 at their same location in Tahitian Gardens, 1999 Periwinkle Way.
Tuttles – Seahorse Shell Shop has reopened, moving back inside their shop at 362 Periwinkle Way.
With data from the islands MLS (Multiple Listing Service), below are updated summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.
Sanibel
Enjoy your weekend! Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan
Lighthouse Beach reopened on Wednesday with shellers out collecting the bounty brought in by Hurricane Idalia. Photos of more than one junonia have been posted on social media. (I’m still looking.)
Following up on the flamingo sightings here, I read that after Idalia they were sighted in many unusual locations from Texas to Ohio. One report quoted Jerry Lorenz, the state director of research for Audubon Florida as saying that since that hurricane blew through, they had gotten reports of flamingos from all around Florida, as well as Georgia, the Carolinas, Texas, Kentucky, and others. He speculates that the birds were flying between Cuba and the Yucatan and got diverted by the storm.
With our Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors building still under repair, the biweekly caravan meeting yesterday was held at The Community House. Though not heavily attended since traffic was delayed coming onto the island, many of those lucky enough to be back living on-island were there and enjoyed seeing a donation from our 50/50 
drawings go to CHR (Community Housing & Resources). CHR’s new Executive Assistant Savana Miller Berg was on hand to accept the donation and update attendees on the status of CHR’s affordable housing.
After a quick stop at the post office, it was also terrific to finally see progress at the Association of Realtors building at 2353 Periwinkle Way. Hooray, the new roof is dried in.
Tuesday, I listened to the live stream of the long County Commissioners meeting where all commissioners except former Sanibel Mayor (now Commissioner) Kevin Ruane voted to approve Land Development Code changes that increase building height on Captiva and provide a pathway for South Seas Island Resort to request rezoning that could lead to increased density and higher buildings at the resort. With thousands of recorded and emailed objections to these changes plus hours of public comment in opposition, it was disappointing that the Commissioners voted to approve the changes.
Those worried about values going down, only need to look at their recent TRIM notices from the County Property Appraiser. Actual sale prices may reflect restoration costs needed for properties to again be habitable, but it is safe to say that Sanibel and Captiva continue to be in demand. Year-to-date, Sanibel homes and lots lead the market in desirability.
Like the extra patience needed when crossing the causeway, awaiting contractors and supplies, and the like, sometimes more is required to get to a successful closing. Post-hurricane complications continue to affect some closings, particularly when contractors record liens. They can make providing clear title and title insurance challenging for closing companies, community associations, and the parties involved. Kudos again this week to Superior Title Services of Sanibel. They have found a solution to what will be our next closing.
The local Association of Realtors did not meet this week, but with data from the islands MLS (Multiple Listing Service), below are updated summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.
Enjoy your long weekend! Happy Labor Day!
As nice as it was to get away last week, learn new things, and renew friendships with colleagues at the Florida Realtors 2023 Convention and business meetings, it is always great to drive across the causeway and settle back in at “home sweet home”.
Yesterday at the August membership meeting of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors, sponsors were “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society and LMCU (Lake Michigan Credit Union).
Things to Do at “Ding” – AnnMarie Wildman with Wildlife Society promoted the Refuge describing the many upcoming events there including “Art in the Wild” Oct 21 and 22, Holiday Shopping Night Nov 29, Ice Cream Social Dec 13, Estate Planning Seminar Jan 30, Lecture Series Jan-Apr 2024, Sounds of the Sand Mar 23 and 24, Solar Eclipse Viewing Apr 8, and Tarpon Tournament May 9 and 10. Every week the refuge, Visitor and Education Center, Nature Store, and America’s Best Restroom are open six days a week (closed Fridays). Residents and visitors are encouraged to bike, drive, and walk on Wildlife Drive, Indigo Trail, and Bailey Tract.
LMCU Financing – Dan Krispinsky with Lake Michigan Credit Union assured attendees that they are financing island properties including some damaged non-warrantable condos. LMCU offers both conventional and jumbo construction mortgages, and renovation/repair loans.
This week, teammate Dave continued working with buyers looking to take advantage of reduced condo prices, while we both have viewed properties for owners not wanting to wait for restoration to complete. We are thankful to have a couple of closings coming up and a new listing this week.
Sanibel
As I finish up the week in Orlando, Florida Realtors 2023 Convention and Trade Expo are complete. Tim Tebow speaking on “Mission Possible” at the General Session Wednesday was awesome. What an inspiring man he is.
The Florida Realtors leadership team is now holding their annual committee and business meetings. Those finish when the Board of Directors meets on Sunday. Tomorrow the state Professional Development Committee hopefully will approve the instructors recommended by our Audition Panels. This year the panels processed a record number of 64 live auditions and 15 written in a single day. It was special to sit on a panel again and see many colleagues for the first time in several years (that darn pandemic). The networking done during these events is also worthwhile.
Beach Sand Coming – A message issued yesterday by Sanibel’s Natural Resources Director says “Trucks will begin hauling sand to northwest Sanibel on Monday, Aug 21 to replace sand lost to erosion due to Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole last year. The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted in January to accept grant funds of $5 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for Hurricane Ian and Nicole Emergency Recovery to replace sand on Lee County beaches. The sand on Sanibel will reinforce the shoreline south of Blind Pass and reduce the vulnerability of Sanibel-Captiva Road, an evacuation route. Engineering estimates from the City of Sanibel determined that approximately 70,000 tons of sand are needed. About 25 trucks will deliver sand each day which means fewer trucks on the road compared with other recent sand hauling operations in Southwest Florida. Sand will be obtained from the Stewart mine in Immokalee. The sand is approved as beach compatible by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The trucking route will be from Immokalee to Sanibel avoiding Corkscrew Road between Alico Road and Interstate 75. The work is expected to be complete in about 90 days. Public access at Blind Pass Beach Park and Turner Beach Park will remain open. Work hours will be from dawn to dusk on weekdays. The city and county ask that motorists and beach goers be aware and abide by all signs and instructions provided by traffic control personnel in the area….”
Community United Event Sep 30 – The Community House is hosting a social event on Sat Sep 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. celebrating coming together a year after the storm. It will feature free ice cream, cookie baking contest, live music by the Sanibel School steel drum band, an Eagle Scout project reveal, and a fun community art project.
Below with data from the islands MLS (Multiple Listing Service) are updated summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.
The local Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors did not meet this week, but the Florida Realtors annual committee meetings have begun. I will head to Orlando soon for many of those events. This afternoon was the Zoom meeting of the Resort and Second-Home Specialist breakout group which is part of the Legislative Think Tank. It is always interesting to hear how other similar areas problem solve and compare to Sanibel and Captiva. For example, Marco Island is currently working to resolve four lawsuits, including one from Florida Realtors, about their new vacation rentals ordinance.
Another tidbit from the state Resort & Second-Home Specialist breakout group meeting this afternoon is that there has been a huge increase in Florida visitors and vacation rentals. According to Visit Florida, in 2022 over 137.4 million tourists came to Florida. That is 12.8% growth over 2021. Just in the first quarter of 2023, 37.9 million international visitors came here. For the fiscal year that just ended in June, Florida vacation rentals produced over $35 billion in taxable revenue. That’s a $13.3 billion increase over 2022, a 161% increase, a record-breaking year! Guests are staying longer, spending more, and the trend is expected to continue.
Next week, before I head to Orlando for the state in-person meetings, is the Sanibel-Captiva Association’s Professional Development Committee. More on that next Friday.
American Legion Post 123 – The only American Legion post on the islands (4249 San-Cap Rd) is reopening its Tiki Bar tomorrow and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. offering burgers, hotdogs, and pulled pork. Serving both veterans and the public, it offers a casual setting to socialize. See more info on their Facebook page.
Free Sunday Causeway Tolls – Tuesday, Lee County Commissioners announced that in efforts to increase weekend island business and in support of “Save Our Shores” campaign, the causeway tools are waived coming onto the island for the next six Sundays (from August 6 to September 10).
Heart of the Island Shops – This shopping center which covers 1614-1628 Periwinkle Way, is the new home of Sanibel Art & Frame. It is the only store open there so far and I have become a regular as I slowly empty my garage of hurricane damaged art and photos. They do an amazing job! Today when picking up a piece, I heard that two other long-time island businesses have signed leases there and will be moving in. So, when you are looking for a former favorite shop, be aware that they may have or are moving. Stay tuned for more details when the shops have made their own announcements.
Lighthouse Café – posted on social media that they have signed a lease to occupy the former Sanibel Fresh building at 1020 Periwinkle Way, between Dairy Queen and Lazy Flamingo. They are sad to leave the Seahorse Shopping Center, but certainly will have more space in their new location. No opening date announced yet.
Sanibel Community House – The Sanibel Community Association announced that the renovation of The Community House is going well. Target for completion is September 30. They encourage users to book now as spaces are filling up for the 2023/2024 season.
Sanibel Rec Center – Was closed this week for maintenance which involved scheduling several repairs and improvements during the same timeframe to minimize disruption. Those include repaving of the parking lot, installation of new weight equipment, and acid washing of pools. They reopen Monday morning, August 7.
Wednesday night, I attended the county-sponsored public meeting at BIG ARTS as the local community continues to oppose changes to building height and density on Captiva. These changes include removing height restrictions and allowing South Seas Resort to request increased density, changes that island-lovers unanimously oppose because they would harm the character, environment, and resiliency of both Sanibel and Captiva.
Below with data from the islands MLS (Multiple Listing Service) are updated summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.
Enjoy your weekend!
Please remember to turn off beachfront lights after 9 p.m., fill in holes, level sandcastles, pick up trash and furniture, and respect posted nesting areas. SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline is 978-728-3663.
Many have asked if the islands will be having their annual Luminary events this year which usually occur on the first Friday in December on Sanibel, and the first Saturday on Captiva. The short answer is “no”, but In partnership with the City and other island organizations, the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead in planning a 13-month celebration of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary. That anniversary is November 5, 2024.
With hurricane recovery efforts still underway, many businesses often open for Luminary events may not be ready this year.
After hearing about the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rates moving closer to 7%. I quizzed David Wright, Senior Vice President of Residential Mortgage Lending at the Sanibel & Captiva Community Bank. He was at our Association of Realtors membership meeting yesterday. With most island sales contracts being cash, it was a surprise to hear him say that this year is likely going to set records for them. He said they are doing plenty of mortgages, including for damaged property needing construction loans.
Speaker Theresa Knower who heads Midland’s 1031 division, provided a refresher overview of the 1031 tax-deferred exchange process. Following that was info on self-directed IRA’s.
Sanibel
Enjoy your weekend! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan
The SanibelSusan Team is also thankful for the two condo listings that went under contract this week. When checking out the islands’ Multiple Listing Service (MLS) statistics, after a couple of news items below, be sure and note that with this week’s home closings, the number of Sanibel home sales in 2023 surpassed the total number sold in all of 2022. The average sale price may be down because many of the sold properties had damage, but unit volume for homes is up. Now that condo complexes are showing improvement, maybe condo sales will pick up.
Islanders already are getting ready for school to begin. Lee County Schools start August 10, less than a month from now. Where did the summer go?
Rental organizations and the Chamber of Commerce are working hard to stay up to date on what accommodations are available and businesses open. Understandably they can’t advertise a property that hasn’t been approved for occupancy yet. But stay tuned, new offerings will be coming. Progress continues. (& the Chamber of Commerce now will be open every day!}
Sanibel City Council has their regular meeting Tuesday morning with items on the agenda that affect commercial rebuilds so I will be following that as well as their update on Post-Ian progress.
Lee County Land Development Code – Last night Lee County hosted a public meeting at the Captiva Civic Association about county Land Development Code changes that will affect density and height limits on Captiva. I saw a post this morning that there was trouble with their recording equipment so they advised that additional info should be posted on-line this week. A similar County informational meeting is scheduled to be on Sanibel Wednesday, August 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at BIG ARTS Performance Hall. It will also be available through Zoom. A third informational meeting will be on Wednesday August 9, also from 6 to 8 p.m. at the county Public Works building in downtown Fort Myers.
Sanibel Arms West – On their blog at SanibelArmsWest.com, they posted this week, that their restoration work continues with their goal to be open by next summer. Roof work underway, electrical next, then windows, doors, interior walls.
Sanibel Community Assoc – The Community House
Sweet Melissa’s Cafe – Sweet Melissa’s posted a photo yesterday of what their new building will look like. No date yet on when construction begins, but in the meantime, Melissa is cooking special dinner items both Thursday and Friday nights at her restaurant next door, Island Pizza. I dined there last night and it was wonderful to see Melissa and Island Pizza’s Tammy again. Melissa hopes to have the new restaurant open by Christmas 2025.