It’s been another week of nice sunny breezy Florida weather which has meant more visitors and more traffic… all pieces of the puzzle in island restoration. The wind did a number on the protective materials around the lighthouse, but it looked fixed today. There, the gulf-side parking lot was full before noon, with shelling great. Beach lovers and windsurfers are out, and the islands busier than in many months.
During my Sanibel drive-around this morning, I noticed a few other things: First, I was looking for some spring blooms to photograph. Here are several beautiful Golden Rain trees, I spotted, including a couple of hurricane survivors.


Regarding post-storm improvements, I passed many contractors, landscapers, and delivery trucks, and many homes looking better, including more being raised, more demolished, more being repaired, and more new construction. I also smiled when I spotted this new mailbox, reminding me of the flamingoes that have been spotted here since the storm.

I also saw:
- Sand trucks working on beach restoration lined up on the former West Wind Inn site.
- Many new windows are in at Sand Pointe.
- New tropical roadside landscaping at Somerset.
- Another eagle returned to Rocks West (said a neighbor).
- Big turnout of pickleball players on the Sundial courts.
Below is info on some other posted announcements.
Events, Re-Openings & Other Plans
BIG ARTS Community Chorus Spring Concert – As an original member of the BIG ARTS Community Chorus (since 1992), I was disappointed not to participate in their session that is wrapping up with the spring concert next Friday, April 5 at 7 p.m. Unfortunately, with so many facilities not back in operation and traffic delays, our Association of Realtors® meeting times were rescheduled, conflicting with Chorus rehearsals which also were changed. Fingers crossed that all gets back to normal by fall. In the meantime, concert tickets are available on-line at https://bigarts.org/event/big-arts-community-chorus-spring-concert/
Captiva Civic Association – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQXiizGLC0I to watch their 6-min Protect Captiva video with legal update, featuring interviews with:
- Jay Brown, President, Captiva Community Panel
- James Evans, CEO, SCCF
- Porter Goss, First Mayor, City of Sanibel
- Tony Lapi, President & Chairman, Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts
- Richard Johnson, Mayor, City of Sanibel
- Ken Suarez, Chairman of the President’s Council, South Seas Island Resort
- Lisa Riordan, Member, Protect Captiva Steering Committee
The video chronicles why the Protect Captiva Coalition came into existence within the historical context of Sanibel and Captiva. It also features comments made by the Lee County Commissioners during hearings and meetings in 2023 as they discussed the approval of land use changes on Captiva.
Jensen’s Marina & Cottages – Jensen’s Twin Palms Resort & Marina posted they will open their doors for stays beginning June 29.
Sanibel Outlets – A Facebook post this week says: “News on Tanger Outlets just before Sanibel Causeway…. From the Lee County Economic Development Council. The owner of the Sanibel Outlet Mall Dahlmann Properties met with the county last week and discussed plans for renovation. Dahlmann Properties has engaged a renowned architect from Houston that has global experience in designing mixed used projects. He said that the project will include an art center, retail shops, dining, a courtyard, affordable housing, and upscale condos. It will be like a small-scale Mercado like in Naples. They expect to complete the permitting process this summer and begin construction in January (all subject to delays, of course). Since this doesn’t require and zoning changes, it should go through without a problem.”
Shalimar Beach Resort – Had their groundbreaking yesterday, 18 months to the day after Hurricane Ian destroyed it. Shalimar now is a vacant lot and will be a construction site for the next 18 months. It first opened in 1959. The resort will retain its 33 rooms but on a smaller footprint because of updated Federal guidelines. The hotel building will have 21 units and there will be ten 1-bedroom cottages and two 2-bedrooms. Stevens Construction is handling the project which is expected to be ready for the 2025/2026 tourist season. (I saw another FB post this morning by Fox News which says, “John Lai, President of the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce, provided an update on the current state of available hotel rooms on the islands, “We’re at 21% if you look at both Sanibel and Captiva right now. So, we are on pace to hit 25% by the end of this year.”)
Florida Realtors® Legal Webinar
Yesterday, I was one of nearly 8K Florida Realtors® on-line for their webinar titled “What You Need to Know About the NAR Settlement”. Presented by CEO Margy Grant and Chief Legal Counsel Juana Watkins, it covered the background on the lawsuit, its status, and resulting actions. Here are my takeaways:
The plaintiffs hired listing agents in Kansas City, MO to sell their homes in the MLS. They signed listings agreeing to pay commission upon their home sales with part of the commission shared with cooperating agents.
NAR (The National Association of Realtors®) and four brokerage defendants were sued in these MO lawsuits (plaintiff “Burnett” and ultimately the class) alleging:
- Commission rates are too high,
- Buyer brokers are paid too much, and
- NAR’s Code of Conduct and MLS Handbook along with corporate defendants’ practices lead to price fixing.
On October 31,2023, following an 11-day trial an 8-person jury in Kansas City found NAR and the other corporate defendants liable. $1.78B (automatically trebled $5.4B) Since that verdict more than 20 copycat lawsuits have been filed across the country. Some settled prior to trial, after trial and most recently by the following global settlement.
On March 15, 2024, NAR announced a proposed settlement agreement that would end litigation on claims brought on my home sellers related to broker commissions. The settlement will be filed with the Court in the coming weeks and is subject to Court approval. There is NO ADMISSION OF WRONGDOING BY NAR as a part of this settlement.
Key elements:
- Resolve claims against NAR, over $1M NAR members, state/territorial and local Realtor® associations, association-owned MLSs, and all brokerage entities with a NAR member as principal that had a residential transaction volume in 2022 of $2B or below.
- Provides a mechanism for almost all brokerage entities that had a residential transaction volume in 2022 over $2B to obtain releases if they chose to use it.
Industry changes:
- Requires NAR as soon as practicable, but in no event later than the date of Class Notice, to implement the listed practice changes.
- Most changes relate to the Offer of Compensation in the MLS.
- Specifically, how the Offer of Compensation is COMMUNICATED (OFF MLS).
What will occur regarding offers of compensation in MLS?
- NAR, boards, and MLSs will eliminate and prohibit the requirement that listing brokers (or sellers) make offers of compensation to buyer brokers/representatives in the MLS. (They can make offers of compensation outside the MLS.)
- Prohibits Realtor® MLS participants and other real estate agents from making an offer of compensation to buyer brokers in the MLS.
After these changes, how can a buyer broker be paid?
- Seller may agree to pay the buyer broker.
- Listing broker/brokerage may agree to pay a portion of their compensation to the buyer’s broker.
- Seller may pay buyer concessions. (Used by buyer toward their closing costs.)
- Buyer may pay buyer’s broker (if not prohibited by their lender).
Florida Realtors® is working on a co-broke compensation agreement to provide options.
Florida Realtors® listing agreement forms were updated March 19 to reflect clarification of NAR policy.
Always disclose that “Broker commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable.”
Deadline for changes related to offer of compensation is mid-July 2024, whether the settlement proposal is final or not . There will be new rules that require MLS participants and Realtors® working with buyers must enter into a written agreement with a buyer, before the buyer tours any home, must specify and conspicuously disclose buyer broker compensation.
Florida Realtors® forms available:
- Buyer broker agreement
- Showing agreement
- Buyer retainer agreement (new as of March)
These forms will likely be updated to reflect the settlement terms yet to be announced. The tentative date for more changes in FL is May 31, 2024, well in advance of the mid-July requirement. Stay tuned…
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate News
The local Association of Realtors® did not meet this week. Their next Caravan Meeting is Thursday April 11.
The team and I were busy this week with contractors, a new listing, and more. It was great to have less traffic on the causeway this morning (Good Friday), as daytime traffic has been challenging since last weekend.
Below, with data from the islands Multiple Listing Service (MLS) are summary tables of the island residential sales statistics, followed by all the MLS action reported this week.
Sanibel had 25 price reductions this week and just five new sales, both indicators that “season” is wrapping up.
On the commercial side, there also were two price reductions, both posted today: 1544 Periwinkle Way now $1.45M and gas/service station at 1067 Bailey Rd now $2.85M.
| SANIBEL
RESIDENTIAL |
CONDOS | HOMES | LOTS | ||||||
| # | Avg Price | DOM | # | Avg Price | DOM | # | Avg Price | DOM | |
| For sale: | 97 | 1,057,692 | 144 | 177 | 2,143,766 | 98 | 46 | 796,106 | 182 |
| Under contract | 17 | 1,135,058 | 132 | 37 | 1,482,537 | 84 | 2 | 385,000 | 167 |
| Sold 2024 to 3/29 | 19 | 797,994 | 128 | 43 | 1,614,511 | 88 | 5 | 2,547,000 | 155 |
| Sold 2023 | 98 | 955,261 | 65 | 263 | 1,267,390 | 73 | 24 | 920,645 | 76 |
| 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 | 31 | 1,459,870 | 155 | 20 | 7,236,000 | 183 | 3 | 9,998,333 | 160 |
| Under contract | 6 | 3,158,333 | 76 | 0 | N/A | N/A | 0 | N/A | N/A |
| Sold 2024 to 3/29 | 3 | 826,666 | 127 | 3 | 3,824,166 | 176 | 0 | N/A | N/A |
| Sold 2023 | 17 | 834,176 | 98 | 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 Mar 22‑29
Sanibel
CONDOS
2 new listings: Cottage Colony West #140 1/1 $575K, Heron at The Sanctuary II #1-2A 3/2.5 $989K.
7 price changes: Captains Walk #B5 2/1 now $454K, Tennisplace #C34 2/1.5 now $539K, Blind Pass #B211 2/2 now $560K, Sunset South #12 C 2/2 now $600K, Sandpiper Beach #103 2/2 now $765K, Somerset #B101 3/3.5 now $1.95M, Tamarind #B302 3/2 now $2.689M.
1 back-on-market: Sunset South #9B 2/2 $599.9K.
2 new sales: Oceans Reach #4B4 1/1 listed at $689K, Gulfside Place #125 2/2 listed at $1.895M.
3 closed sales: Island Beach Club #220A 2/2 $540K, Bandy Beach #E101 3/2 $800K, LaPlaya #2A 3/2 $1M.
HOMES
6 new listings: 9003 Mockingbird Dr 5/4 $959K, 1376 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $979K, 1139 Seagrape Ln 3/2 $1.1M, 1550 Wilton Ln 3/2.5 $1.148M, 519 Kinzie Island Ct 4/4.5 $2.899M, 4443 Waters Edge Ln 4/2.5 $7.49M.
16 price changes: 970 Greenwood Ct S 3/2.5 now $799K, 653 Oliva St 3/2 now $915K, 931 S Yachtsman Dr 4/3.5 now $948K, 1813 Long Point Ln 4/2.5 now $950K, 3990 Coquina Dr 3/2 now $950K, 1586 Century Ct 3/2.5 now $975K, 4797 Rue Helene 3/2 now $1.25M, 1018 S Yachtsman Dr 3/3 now $1.289M, 742 Nerita St 3/2 now $1.35M, 5542 Shearwater Dr 3/2.5 now $1.397M, 3205 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 nor $1.425M, 2711 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5.5 now $1.798M, 1507 Angel Dr 3/2.5 now $2.295M, 1052 Whisperwood Way 3/3 now $2.5M, 2567 Coconut Dr 3/2 now $2.549M, 2960 Wulfert Rd 5/5.5 now $3.449M.
1 back-on-market: 1251 Par View Dr 3/2.5 $790K.
3 new sales: 1105 Skiff Pl 3/2 listed at $749K, 6141 Henderson Rd 3/3 listed at $989K, 9020 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 listed at $1.595M.
6 closed sales: 998 Greenwood Ct N 3/2.5 $670K, 3312 Saint Kilda Rd 3/2 $680K, 198 Southwinds Dr 3/2 $1.19M, 4279 Gulf Pines Dr 4/3 $1.2M, 5298 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2.5 $1,382,500; 558 N Yachtsman Dr 2/3 $1.8M.
LOTS
No new listings.
2 price changes: Bowmans Beach Rd 25 now $160K, Bowmans Beach Rd 27 now $175K.
No new or closed sales.
Captiva
CONDOS
1 new listing: Sunset Captiva #103 2/2 $1.85M.
No price changes.
4 new sales: Bayside Villas #4220 1/2 listed at $610K, Sunset Captiva #204 2/2 listed at $1.9M, Beach Homes #16 4/4 listed at $5.5M, Beach Homes #13 4/4.5 listed at $6.25M.
No closed sales.
HOMES
No new listings.
1 price change: 11517 Wightman Ln 4/3 now $2.999M.
1 back-on-market: 11516 Wightman Ln 5/4.4 $3.499M
No 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 Easter weekend, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

A message issued yesterday afternoon by Sanibel’s City Manager offered the below weather update, which proved to be true. Rain began late yesterday and continued off-and-on through the night and today. There has not been a day like this in a long time, so vegetation is benefitting from the free drink.
Meanwhile, the City reports are that the beach renourishment project at Tarpon Bay Beach was completed ahead of schedule so that access and the Trost Lot are reopened.
A car mishap resulted in me missing the local Association of Realtors® luncheon meeting yesterday, but I was back at my computer later to listen to a Zoom presentation by the Royal Palm Coast Realtor® Association where the team and I also are members. (The Royal Palm Coast Association was formed when the Realtor® Association of Greater Fort Myers and The Beach merged with the Cape Coral Association of Realtors® in 2016.)
Their Board leadership team spoke on what they are doing because of the recent announcement by NAR (National Association of Realtors®) on the class action lawsuit regarding real estate commissions. Like the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®, they are working hard to keep their members informed and educated.
Next week Florida Realtors has scheduled a legal webinar on what their members need to know about the NAR settlement. Some top FL Realtors® instructors Steven David and Patty Ketchum also are scheduled to teach classes on Buyer Broker Agreements.
On the commercial side, we just listed a condo in Lime Tree Center at 1640 Periwinkle Way which is a 5-unit single-story building just a couple of steps up from ground-level. The building has a new roof and new interior. Unit #4 listed at $399K is ~987 sq. ft. under air. Formerly an accounting office, its central island location and easy access also suits other businesses.

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa – A billboard just off island says that Sundial Resort also is again taking reservations (for stays beginning August 3). Their website is
The local Association of Realtors® did not meet this week, but their March Membership meeting is next Thurs (Mar 25) at The Community House (11:30 a.m.). followed by a Caravan of Open Houses (noon to 3 p.m.) The meeting speakers will be a panel from our Affiliate member rental companies. Our Professional Development Committee has compiled a list of questions for them. Next week, I will post what they report to us.
This week, SanibelSusan Realty posted a new listing in Sundial East. The Sellers were here vacationing and left today. Teammate Dave showed homes a couple days this week, including today. We both also viewed properties for owners thinking of selling, while teammate Lisa continues (every weekend) to update our island-wide inventory lists. If you would like an updated list emailed or mailed to you, just send us an email or text, or call.
6 new listings: Sanibel Moorings #1441 1/1 $659K, Sand Pointe #122 2/2 $849K, Pointe Santo #C21 2/2 $999K, Shell Island Beach Club #5D 2/2 $1.189M, Sundial #R401 2/2 $1.295M (SanibelSusan listing), Shorewood #A4 5/4 $3.999M.
Enjoy your weekend & St Patrick’s Day, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan
Two Shell Events
tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
I just received a thank you email from Florida Realtors 2024 President, Gia Arvin. It included the below summary which may interest you.

Shell Museum – Today (Mar 1) is the reopening of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum’s Living Gallery of Aquariums. Open Tues through Sat from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission fees are reduced until the full restoration at the museum is complete.
Suncatchers’ Dream – Suncatchers’ Dream at 630 Tarpon Bay Rd, in the Olde Sanibel Shoppes Center, which was destroyed during the storm has been restored and just announced their upcoming reopening celebrations which will be on Thurs and Fri March 28 and 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In addition to their many island gifts, cards, and books, a rep from Dune Jewelry also will be there showcasing special items made with island sand.
The following article was posted this week on News Channel 8 (Tampa) (WFla):
Enjoy your weekend, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan
The Bubble Room – I saw a post this week saying that the Bubble Room Restaurant will be reopening later this year. They do not have a set month yet, but recently had a new roof put on. Meanwhile, Boop’s by The Bubble Room is open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with their famous cakes and desserts, plus breakfast and lunch items. The Bubble Emporium Gift Shop is also open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with gifts, Bubble Room merchandise, and antiques.
Olde Sanibel East End Shops – At the Olde Sanibel East End shops, it’s wonderful to see the parking lot often busy with increased activity now that The Magic Bus is open. I see lotsa folks enjoying ice cream. Wickie’s Lighthouse Restaurant (in the former location of Lighthouse Café) also looks to be close to opening. They have their tables and chairs set up! Between the action there and the sand trucks heading to the Lighthouse, the East End is busier than in a very long time.
Kiwanis Annual Spaghetti Dinner – This annual event returns tomorrow night after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic and hurricane. If you were planning on buying your ticket at the door, it looks like it is too late for that, I just saw a notice that the event is sold out. With proceeds going to local youth education and recreation, this event always brings out islanders.
Re-Building, Re-Openings, Restoration
National Shell Museum – The new sign is up at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium. Rumor has it that their reopening will be announced soon.
since early January by Acme Marine Co. The prior owner had a food truck there for about nine months following the hurricane. The restaurant itself had a soft opening on Dec 13 and now is fully open. Operating for over three decades, their recipes remain the same, and they are open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. At Gramma Dot’s recent ribbon-cutting, two other businesses also opened at the Sanibel Marina: Adventures in Paradise (AIP) tours and Moke and Cabana Club rentals. Since 1986, AIP has run tours out of Port Sanibel Marina (off island). Following the hurricane, they rescued hundreds from the islands and transported many first responders. From the marina, Adventures in Paradise is offering morning, afternoon, and sunset dolphin and wildlife cruises, and a shelling beach and lunch cruise to Cabbage Key, plus private and holiday cruises. Moke and Cabana Club opened before Ian in 2022 and worked on a delivery basis after the storm. It now partners with the marina for office space, where it rents electric vehicles known as Mokes, golf carts, beach cabanas and chairs, and electric surfboards.
Signal Inn – Though the office and grounds are still a work in progress and the pool isn’t expected to be done until mid-March, Signal Inn just announced that they are accepting reservations for stays beginning in April. Signal Inn has 19 units and is one Sanibel’s few pet-friendly weekly rental condos (up to two dogs or cats allowed).
White Caps – News this week is that the nine little cottages at 2877 West Gulf Dr that the hurricane destroyed are being rebuilt and will be put on pilings. Once the site is ready, the new cottages will be delivered and elevated. Then, stairways and a small porch will be added to each one, exteriors painted, and interiors finished. This condo community originally had eight small 1-bedroom units and a single 3-bedroom. The rendering looks like they will be duplex-style.
Looking at the state overall, Florida home values have increased about 80% over the past five years. Analysts that watch that market have weighed in on how rising interest rates have affected sales but agree that the Florida housing market is strong and a positive trend is expected for at least the next five years.
Enjoy your weekend, Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan
Island Ribbon Cuttings & Openings
Yesterday was a big day for The Magic Bus, ice cream and coffee shop on the East End at 362 Periwinkle Way.
Other establishments that have reopened are extending their hours as business dictates.
Today, the Feb/Mar issue of the islands “Real Estate Guide” was in local mailboxes. Our full-page ad continues the conversation on “how’s the market?”
The Recycling Center began their new hours this week. Now open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., it is for residential use only, ID’s are checked. All items must be put inside the dumpsters which are for household trash (in sealed bags), cardboard (broken down), recycling (no plastic bags). NOT allowed are bulk items like appliances, electronics, construction material; vegetative waste; or hazardous waste of any kind (paint, oil, car batteries, etc.).
Periwinkle Place – There are noticeably more cars at Periwinkle Place as more businesses have reopened there, including the original Chico’s, Everything But Water, One Island Sanibel, Sanibel Flip Flops, and Tiki Jims. Sanibel Day Spa also is open by appointment. Blue Giraffe food truck also is open.
The next SanCap Resilience community event in collaboration with the City will be Thurs Feb 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at BIG ARTS. It also will be streamed live on the City’s Facebook page.
I sat with pals who also have been on this committee for years. One is the Education Director for the Miami Association which has over 55K members. That’s a far cry from the 195 Realtors members of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association, but we have common needs so it’s always great to share ideas and learn about others’ successes.
Today it is a chilly but occasionally sunny day in Orlando where Florida Realtors® meetings are in full swing.
Last night, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors was a 4-time winner at the annual RPAC Award Event. The same five awards are given based on association membership size, i.e. small, medium, large, and mega boards. Of course, Sanibel and Captiva Islands are a small board.
A Sanibel City notice was issued this morning advising that Lighthouse Beach parking lots will be temporarily closed Mon Jan 22 through Fri Jan 26 for beach re-nourishment work and lighthouse repairs. It said contractors will be replacing the temporary wooden support at the lighthouse with a permanent cast-iron replica of the original support column with repairs also to be made to the ladder and window stops.