It is already Friday with another report of more wonderful winter weather on Sanibel and Captiva. A tad cooler and breezier here after a quick shower passed through Wed night, but otherwise sunshine and perfect temperatures for enjoying the great outdoors.
We look forward to the time change this weekend, bringing more daylight hours before the spectacular sunsets arrive.

A Little Island Scoop
reduced to one-lane. That began on Mar 3 and is expected to take about two weeks. More work on the islands themselves continues.MHK Architecture and Island Style Gallery & Design –
These two side-by-side businesses share the building at 2365 Periwinkle Way and had their ribbon-cuttings this week. (Old timers will remember this building as the original McIntosh Books.)
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa – All of the resort dining options are now available and open to the public: In the morning, The Marketplace has coffee and pastries or the Waterview is open for breakfast, including made-to-order omelets. For lunch, Turtle’s has apps, sandwiches, and salads. For mid-afternoon snacks, there are scoops and slices at Beach Bites. In the evening, Captain’s Catch is newly opened, plus sushi and hibachi dining are still available at Shima which also has a new sushi bar.
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors
Yesterday, at the islands Association of Realtors weekly Caravan Meeting, guest speaker, Nicole McHale with CHR (Community Housing & Resources) provided an update on the City’s affordable housing program, their ongoing building project, and the need for more workforce housing. Attendees were provided with copies of CHR’s annual report which Realtors were
encouraged to share with clients and customers.
During the Realtor agenda, not a single on-island sale was announced (just one off-island condo sale), but plenty of new listings and price reductions were promoted. Following the meeting nine new West End listings were open for easy viewing: six Sanibel homes, two Captiva homes, and a South Seas condo at Lands End Village.
Below, with data from the MLS are summary tables of the island residential sales statistics, followed by the details of the MLS action reported this week.
On the commercial side, the vacant lot at 1625 Periwinkle Way that was to be the site of a new Sweet Melissa’s Cafe and the former site (back in the 90’s) of The Quarterdeck is for sale for $3.125M.
|
SANIBEL RESIDENTIAL |
CONDOS |
HOMES |
LOTS |
||||||
|
# |
Avg Price |
DOM |
# |
Avg Price |
DOM |
# |
Avg Price |
DOM |
|
|
For sale: |
174 |
976,310 |
122 |
302 |
1,756,292 |
98 |
40 |
905,635 |
259 |
|
Under contract |
14 |
832,250 |
64 |
21 |
1,723,302 |
83 |
2 |
1,647,000 |
90 |
|
Sold to 3/7/25 |
14 |
860,118 |
159 |
30 |
1,501,225 |
63 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Sold 2024 |
75 |
818,493 |
117 |
165 |
1,472,757 |
114 |
15 |
1,403,533 |
192 |
|
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: |
52 |
1,153,864 |
135 |
33 |
6,315,972 |
136 |
3 |
9,916,666 |
210 |
|
Under contract |
3 |
2,248,000 |
513 |
1 |
6,250,000 |
40 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Sold to 3/7/25 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
1 |
910,000 |
86 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Sold 2024 |
13 |
1,728,846 |
185 |
8 |
4,887,187 |
182 |
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 |
At SanibelSusan Realty
Though the chatter at weekly Caravan was again that few listings are getting showings, The SanibelSusan Team is encouraged because we have had a variety and multiple showings at several listings – more than we have had in a single week in months.
Coupled with the new sales posted on the island MLS since last Friday, these trends may indicate that March has more serious buyers than February.
On LinkedIn, I recently read local Broker Michael Polly’s opinion of today’s real estate market. He said: “We are witnessing a unique window of opportunity, a period of increased inventory coupled with a somewhat tempered demand, especially as recovery continues from recent storms. While some may perceive this as a sign of market weakness, savvy buyers recognize it as a strategic advantage.”
Some of the reasoning behind it is that today there is a wider selection for buyers and usually there is increased negotiating power when inventory exceeds demand. There also is the potential now for long-term appreciation because as rebuilding and restoration continues, demand will increase.
Having lived on Sanibel for 33 years and a Realtor for 36, I have never seen as unique a time for buyers as this. The SanibelSusan Team is ready for them!
The March 2025 issue of the island “Real Estate Guide” came out today. Our ad is on page 79. March 2025 Real Estate Guide
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Feb 28-Mar 7
Sanibel
CONDOS
5 new listings: Spanish Cay #A3 1/1 $397,500; Sandpebble #4A 2/2 $550K, Loggerhead Cay #231 2/2 $875K, Shell Island Beach Club #5B 2/2 $1.25M, Sunset South #5A 2/2 $1.289M.
1 back-on-market: Shell Island Beach Club #5D 2/2 $999.9K.
8 price changes: Sandpebble #2E 2/2 now $539K, Sanibel Siesta #105 2/2 now $599K, Donax Village #6 2/2 now $620K, Blind Pass #G206 2/2 now $668K, Sanibel Moorings #1641 2/2 now $849K, Beachcomber # D201 3/2 now $995K, Lighthouse Pointe #124 3/2 now $999K, Sanctuary Golf Village #1-PH5 2/2.5 now $1.075M.
2 new sales: Seashells #26 2/2 listed at $415K, Oceans Reach #4D2 2/2 listed at $1.095M.
4 closed sales: Blind Pass #A106 2/2 $400K, Oceans Reach #4C3 2/2 $910K, Beachcomber #C201 2/2 $1M, Heron at The Sanctuary #1-3B 3/2.5 $1.45M.
HOMES
15 new listings: 1446 Sandpiper Cir (1/2 duplex) 2/2 $599K, 730 Cardium St 2/2 $750K, 3009 Singing Wind Dr 3/2 $842K, 4631 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 $849K, 9298 Kincaid Ct 3/2 $850K, 1012/1014 East Gulf Dr (multi-family) 4/2 $899K, 1139 Buttonwood Ln 2/2 $1.089M, 717 Gopher Walk Way 3/3.5 $1.395M, 1006 Lindgren Blvd 3/2 $1.395M, 1313 Eagle Run Dr 3/3 $1.695M, 1233 Middle Gulf Dr 4/3 $2.095M, 4960 Joewood Dr 4/3 $2.294M, 1163 Seagrape Ln 4/4.5 $2.697M, 4972 Joewood Dr 4/4.5 $2.995M, 1258 Anhinga Ln 4/4 $4.45M.
1 back-on-market: 3744 West Gulf Dr 4/4 $1.749M.
36 price changes: 2115 Sunset Cir 3/2 now $599K, 4596 Buck Key Rd 3/2 now $699K, 551 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 now $739,555; 9003 Mockingbird Dr 5/4 now $750K, 662 East Rocks Dr 3/2 now $750K, 653 Oliva St 3/2 now $790K, 235 Palm Lake Dr 3/2 now $799K, 1978 Roseate Ln 3/2 now $799K, 1925 Roseate Ln 2/2 now $890K, 560 Boulder Dr 3/2 now $895K, 421 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 now $899K, 3941 Coquina Dr 3/2 now $900K, 1073 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $912K, 1521 Wilton Ln 3/2 now $975K, 1421 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $985K, 485 Peachtree Rd 3/3 now $1.025M, 4619 Rue Bayou 3/2 now $1.094M, 604 Sea Oats Dr 4/3 now $1.129M, 720 Elinor Way 3/2 now $1.199M, 1311 Par View Dr 3/3 now $1.25M, 3711 Agate Ct 3/2.5 now $1.345M, 335 East Gulf Dr 3/2 now $1.379M, 640 Periwinkle Way 3/2 now $1.399M, 5855 San-Cap Rd 3/2 now $1.4M, 1286 Par View Dr 3.3 now $1.4M, 1172 Kittiwake Ct 5/3 now $1.599,555; 1441 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $1.645M, 6076 Castaways Ln 3/2 now $1.69M, 6440 Pine Ave 3/3.5.5 now $1.799M, 1672 Hibiscus Dr 4/4.5 now $1.85M, 865 Birdie View Pt 4/4.5 now $1.999M, 1321 Eagle Run Dr 4/4.5 now $2.098M, 1731 Venus Dr 3/3 now $2.295M, 918 Limpet Dr 4/4.5 now $3M, 1730 Jewel Box Dr 4/3 now $3.099M, 4513 Waters Edge Ln 3/2.5 now $4.95M.
3 new sales: 2105 Sunset Cir 3/2 listed at $649K, 595 Birdsong Pl 3/2 listed at $1.287M, 1817 Long Point Ln 3/2 listed at $1.579M.
10 closed sales: 1125 Captains Walk St 3/3 $540K, 1322 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 670K, 5769 San-Cap Rd 2/2 $900K, 9475 Beverly Ln 3/2 $912K, 1154 Harbor Cottage Ct (1/2 duplex) 3/2 $1.15M, 920 Snowberry Ln 3/3.5 $1.19M, 862 Beach Rd 3/2 $1.44M, 5250 Caloosa End Ln 3/2.5 $1.675M, 589 Kinzie Island Ct 4/3.5 $2.4M, 4039 West Gulf Dr 3/4 $4,781,150.
LOTS
2 new listings: 404 East Gulf Dr $499K, 6015 Clam Bayou Ln $1.15M.
2 price changes: 565 Birdsong Pl now $239K, 5398 Osprey Ct now $405K.
1 new sale: 4501 Waters Edge Ln listed at $2.499M.
No closed sales.
CAPTIVA
CONDOS
2 new listings: Marina Villas #603 2/2 $695K, Beach Villas #3050 3/3 $1.95M.
5 price changes: Tennis Villas #3132 2.2 now $682.5K, Gulf Beach Villas #2011 1/1 now $689K, Bayside
Villas #B311 3/3 now $1.1M, Lands End Village #1666 3/3 now $2.198M, Lands End Village #1656 3/3 now $2.25M.
1 new sale: Captiva Beach Villas #E 5/4.5 listed at $3.75M.
No closed sales.
2 new listings: 16891 Captiva Dr 2/3 $4M, 16530 Captiva Dr 5/5.5 $12.5M.
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.

Taste Of The Islands – is tomorrow Sat Mar 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of Sanibel City Hall. Parking is limited and attendees are encouraged to get tickets in advance ($10/each) at
Sanibel
Enjoy your weekend,
SCCF Christmas Bird Count – posted this week by the Conservation Foundation: “Christmas Bird Count results are in. 12,401 birds from 100 different species were recorded on Sanibel and Captiva as part of our local contribution to the National Audubon Society’s 125th Christmas Bird Count! In addition to being our highest count total since 2020, this year had some highly unexpected sightings, including a burrowing owl on Captiva and a snow goose on Sanibel! Our three most frequently observed species were snowy egret, white ibis, and fish crow. Thanks to our 100+ volunteers and partners at the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge who contributed to this important community science effort. Our data will be combined with other Christmas Bird Counts throughout the western hemisphere, furthering scientists’ understanding of the long-term health and status of bird populations.”
Taste of The Islands – CROW’s annual fundraiser is just days away – on March 1 on the grounds of Sanibel City Hall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info at TasteOfTheIslands.org. Tickets available on Eventbrite. Visit any of the participating restaurants beginning today (Feb 21 through Feb 28) to try their “featured item” and get a chance to vote early for your favorite restaurant. They include:
Yesterday, at the islands Association of Realtors monthly Membership Meeting, guest speakers were Sanibel Fire Chief Kevin Barbot and Sanibel Police Chief Bill Dalton. Following the meeting, a Caravan of newly listed properties were open for viewing – 14 Sanibel homes and one Sanibel condo.
Below, with data from the MLS are summary tables of the island residential sales statistics, followed by the MLS action reported this week.
With there being so few sales, some ask: what is selling? Below is a list of the closed island sales year-to-date including the 9 Sanibel condos and 20 homes, and the single home sale on Captiva. No lots have sold, nor any Captiva condos.
The good news is that Laura was manning the counter at the Post Office and in addition to her efficient service I learned she had just donated a large art piece for the auction at the upcoming Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner. The island is lucky to have that hardworking girl and her community spirit. (Her donation at the recent CHR (Community Housing Resources) event sold for $10.5K.)
(Tickets still are available for the Kiwanis event which is on Sat Feb 22 at The Community House. No tickets will be sold at the door. This long-time annual fundraiser supports youth education, scholarship, and recreation programs.)
The joint meeting scheduled next week at BIG ARTS on Tues, Feb 18 at 1 p.m. with both Sanibel City Council and Planning Commission has some real-estate-related and recovery items on the agenda (see below). Attend in person or on Facebook live.
Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort & Marina – on Captiva has just reopened.
Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club Arts & Crafts Festival – is this weekend (Feb 15 & 16) at The Community House (both with silent auction inside and plenty of shopping inside and on the grounds). Featuring over 50 artists, this long-time annual event is open Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This week, the Sanibel and Captiva Multiple Listing (MLS) hot sheets for residential property posted another bunch of new/back-on-market listings, and price changes – a total of 75 which is a little less than the 81 reported last Friday, but during the same seven days, there have only been 2 new sales – a 3-bedrm 2 bath canal-front Sanibel Estates pool home in nice condition that just dropped the price to $550K and a gulf-front lot in Gulf Shores that also recently had a significant price reduction.
Doc Ford’s – on Sanibel has been a consistent dining favorite for years. I am giving them an extra shout-out this week as I think it is the first time I have been there three times in a five-day period. I easily enjoy their Southwestern Chicken Salad every visit, beginning back with it first was a weekly special when they were on Rabbit Rd. Yesterday, I met some long-time BIG ARTS Chorus pals there for a catch-up lunch. With the pandemic and hurricanes, and schedules often going in different directions, we are not all singing this winter, but it was special to share storm stories and reminisce about our singing gigs. Their upcoming event is a combined spring concert with the BIG ARTS Community Chorus and the Concert Band on Friday, Apr 4. Music includes Golden Oldies from the 1940’s through 1980’s with tickets already on sale.
Sanibel Air & Electric – if like me, you were not able to get your AC to work after switching it out of heating mode, contact Sanibel Air & Electric. Their technicians said they often get calls because storm damage can take months to cause a problem. I got a new system after Ian and have it serviced through annual agreement, including just last month. This week when the air would not kick on, they found that the service disconnect box next to the compressor was filled with sand and rusty wires. If you have a similar need, try Sanibel Air and Electric. I have used and recommended them for decades. Always great service!
Sanibel Inn – welcomed their first guests back this week and I heard from some locals that their Tiki Bar also has reopened. During my drive-by today, I saw many workers adding new landscaping. That is a welcome sight on East Gulf Dr where Lindgren Blvd meets the beach.
Also, on Feb 1, the resort began renting units in their on-site program (nightly rentals). Some Sundial East owners enrolled in off-site programs have begun renting again too. Those have a weekly minimum. There are several ways to enjoy the resort including their newly-remodeled food and beverage offerings which are open to the public. Shima Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar has been open for some time, while Captains Catch just opened yesterday (Feb 6). Turtle’s Tiki Bar on the beach also is open, while Beach Bites is expected to open Feb 13.
Attendance was light at the Association of Realtors Caravan meeting yesterday. Traffic continues to be heavy, both coming on the island and on Periwinkle Way so perhaps that contributed as several attendees arrived late.
Sanibel
Enjoy your weekend,
During my travels yesterday, I spotted many white birds (ibis, heron, egret) on either side of the road at the culvert that goes under Bay Dr. It is not the first time since the hurricanes that I have seen a variety congregating there. Everyone including wildlife are adapting to landscape changes.
that all Sanibel public beach parking lots are now open.
According to Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) Marine Lab Director Dr Eric Milbrandt, the bloom is quite large, extending from the lighthouse and central Sanibel almost down to Naples. It started near Tampa after Hurricane Milton and cold fronts have pushed it south.
Bailey Tract Reopens – The Bailey Tract on Tarpon Bay Rd has reopened after a four-week closure for trail enhancements to increase accessibility to the Mindfulness and Ani Pond trails. Renovations included resurfacing with fine rock and gravel and leveling/widening the trail.
The Bubble Room – posted Wed on social media: “A monumental day for The Bubble Room Restaurant: after 854 days we officially have permanent power! We are not ready to give an official opening date quite yet, but our timeline is between March 1st and April 31st. We appreciate everyone’s patience and enthusiasm for our reopening. Our staff and contractors are working tirelessly to reopen as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued support.”
Florida Realtors Mid-Winter Business Meetings are underway through Sunday in Orlando. I heard yesterday from pals serving on the day-long state Professional Development Committee Audition Panel evaluating prospective instructors.
what is happening around us.
sales since 2014. The number of sales was down 2% from 2023 which was the earlier low.
where prices went up more than the rest of the state, when that changes, more buyers will come.”
Regarding the number of new listings in 2024, that number for single-family homes was up 9.5% from 2023, but got back to normal. For condos/townhomes, that number was highest. It is a buyers’ market in Florida for condos, that started even before the new state requirements.
The next island Caravan Meeting is Thurs Feb 6. This week, the Sanibel and Captiva Multiple Listing (MLS) hot sheets added more new/back-on-market listings, and price changes, a total of 57, somewhat fewer than the whopping 70 reported last Friday.
Enjoy your weekend,
Yesterday, it was drizzly and didn’t get out of the 40’s, but it is warming up today with the sun out. Has already crept up to 60 but expected to be another cold morning tomorrow. (I haven’t seen any iguanas lately but got a kick of this image posted by Wink news.)
During the community discussion, I advised that the 2025 budget package for Sanibel Arms West is now posted with our listing, as well as details about the change in their on-site rental program condo commission (now 15.75%, which still is less than the traditional off-site programs at 20%).
The next Sanibel/Captiva Caravan meeting is Feb 6, but between now and then are the Florida Realtors Md-Winter Business Meetings in Orlando. I will be listening next Friday to their 14th Real Estate Trends presentation when Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr Brad O’Connor will share his insights into where Florida’s economy and the real estate market are heading over the coming year.
This week, we acknowledge and appreciate relationships with Amanda Curran at Superior Title, Carol McCarley at Noack & Co CPA’s, Attorney Gus Simmons, Rob Pailes with SBL Vacation Rentals, and Patience Rodriguez with Select Vacation Properties.
I also should mention a couple of companies with accomplishments this week at my home. John Grey Painting has done work for me for years, but who knew they would have a crew working through the weekend (Fri, Sat, and Sun). Then midweek, during the chill, a duo from Sliderman quickly removed and serviced my sliders, so they now work smoothly!
At the 2nd annual “State of the Islands” event this week hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and SCCF, it was announced that though the percentage of accommodations ready for occupancy still is low, it is expected to increase to 48% by April.
Again, this week on Sanibel and Captiva, our MLS hot sheets included more new and back-on-market listings, and price changes, with a whopping 70 in total,
Sanibel
Enjoy your weekend & come to Sanibel & Captiva to get warm,

It was another great event Wed evening when the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors celebrated their 40th anniversary, installed their 2025 officers/board of directors, and announced their 2024 awards.


Again, this week on Sanibel and Captiva, our Multiple Listing Service (MLS) posts included many new/back-on-market listings and price changes (51 in total), with just nine new sales posted (five condos and four homes on Sanibel). There again were no sales on Captiva. Just three closings were posted, all Sanibel homes.
A Wed notice from Sanibel City Manager said, “Final paving of Sanibel Causeway begins tonight, Jan 8.” With details provided by the FL Dept of Transportation it continued to say that the work includes the causeway islands and bridge approaches. “Motorists should expect one lane of travel with a flagging operation during the overnight hours of 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. This work is anticipated to occur during these nighttime overnight hours through the end of January.”
Blind Pass – Also on Wed, Jan 8, the City provided an update on some post-Milton recovery efforts. Following that storm, the City’s disaster contractor Crowder Gulf removed sand from the roadway that was impacting access to/from Captiva. They have screened and stockpiled 3 to 4 thousand cubic yards of sand at Turner Beach. Now Crowder-Gulf will be removing additional sand from the right of way and returning the clean screened sand back on northern Sanibel beaches to restore critically eroded areas adjacent to the road protection wall. That work has begun and is expected to take about a week, but no lane closures are expected. Flaggers will direct traffic as equipment and sand are moved across the roadway.
Sanibel
On the plus side, more vegetation that survived the recent storms is greening up. This month marks 33 years since my family moved to Sanibel, but I don’t think I will ever get used to seeing tropical growth and flowering over the holidays.
It was chilly this morning (50’s) but up to 75 mid-afternoon. Tomorrow (Sat) reports are that temps may not get out of the 60’s but warmer weather is expected again Sun and Mon, or until another cold front arrives early Tues. After that, forecasters say nighttime temps will be in the 40’s, with days only in the 60’s, through next week and into next weekend.
Sanibel
Enjoy your weekend,