It’s SanibelSusan reporting another sunshiny Friday following another week of wonderful Florida winter weather. The forecast for next week is similar though it shows a chance of rain on Monday and Tuesday daytime temperatures might hit 80 degrees F.

Re-Building, Re-Openings, Restoration

Sanibel Lighthouse – If you saw photos of the Lighthouse last week with scaffolding, it has an even more “work in progress” look this week. Additional protection was added as part of the process in cleaning, sandblasting, and painting the structure. It now has the appearance of a lighthouse in disguise. If you go to check it out, also be sure to see the wide expanded East End beach where sand restoration continues.

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.

In addition to their ongoing educational lectures, fieldwork, classes, research, and K-12 programs (all of which continued through rebuilding), with the aquariums open, the museum now also offers daily Keeper Chats, Touch Pool Talks, and a new mobile activity cart featuring shell identification. All of these are included in the price of admission.

Work to rebuild the 2^nd floor permanent shell exhibits in the Great Hall of Shells will continue through spring. Once that is done, it will include more than three times as many shells as pre-storm, expanded conservation and environmental education exhibits, and a new family activity area.

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.

Most Charming Small Town in Florida

The following article was posted this week on News Channel 8 (Tampa) (WFla):

“If you’re looking for the charm of a small town but still want a relaxing beach getaway, you might want to take a trip to a beach town on Florida’s southwest coast.

 “According to Reader’s Digest, Sanibel has earned a spot among the most charming small towns in America. Reader’s Digest said Sanibel is known for “fabulous seashell finds” and wildlife sightings. The magazine recommended travelers visit the Sanibel Historical Museum…. Reader’s Digest said the museum is packed with artifacts from the Calusa Native Americans, Spanish, and other pioneers who lived in Sanibel.

 “The magazine recommended the Island Inn, a gulf-front hotel on West Gulf Drive…. Although Hurricane Ian hit the town in 2022, city officials said they have worked to restore the beach and nature destinations, including rebuilding the Sanibel Causeway, which was severed during the storm. “We may not be perfect yet, but we still consider the islands of Sanibel & Captiva their own brand of paradise. Many agree and continue to visit to help support our recovery,” city officials said.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate News

The local Association of Realtors® Caravan of Open Houses is next Thursday afternoon (Mar 7), with the next Membership Meeting and Caravan on Mar 25. The event next week is at the Library and the membership meeting  at The Community House. Restoration of the Association building at 2353 Periwinkle Way continues. It’s getting close.

Below, with data from the islands MLS, are summary tables of the island residential sales statistics, followed by the MLS action reported this week.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Feb 23‑Mar 1 

Sanibel

CONDOS

6 new listings: Sanibel Siesta #605 2/2 $875K, Oceans Reach #4C3 2/2 $900K, Oceans Reach #4D1 2/2 $910K, Sunset South #15B 2/2 $1.1M, Sundial #L402 3/2 $1.35M, Tamarind #B302 3/2 $2.795M.

3 price changes: Sunset South #3C 2/2 now $699K, Sundial #K403 2/2 now $1.15M, Villas of Sanibel #A201 3/3 now $1.495M.

2 new sales: Sundial #D309 1/1 listed at $449K, Island Beach Club #220A 2/2 listed at $560K.

2 closed sales: Tantara #302 3/2 $1.8M, Somerset #B102 3/3.5 $1.9M.

HOMES

14 new listings; 4049 Coquina Dr 3/2 $575K, 530 Piedmont Rd 3/2 $750K, 293 Palm Lake Dr 3/2 $998.9K, 4619 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2 $999K, 9247 Dimmick Dr 3/2 $1.095M, 5414 Osprey Ct 3/3 $1.406M, 944 Whelk Dr 3/2 $1.595M, 4428 Waters Edge Ln 3/2.5 $1.6999M, 828 Sand Dollar Dr 4/3 $1.87M, 938 Pecten Ct 3/2.5 $1.895M, 2303 Troon Ct 3/3.5.5 $2.298M, 1507 Angel Dr 3/2.5 $2.499M, 5048 Joewood Dr 4/3.5 $2.55M, 1025 S Yachtsman Dr 4/3 $2.85M.

14 price changes: 3025 Royal Poinciana Cir 3/2 now $849K, 199 Southwinds Dr 3/3 now $995K, 2479 Blind Pass Ct 3/2 now $999.9K, 235 Palm Lake Dr 3/2 now $1.094M, 1426 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $1,199,999; 1450‑1460 Court Pl 5/4.5 now $1.2M, 1067 Sand Castle Rd 4/2 now $1.225M, 1306 Par View Dr 3/3.5 now $1.39M, 3708 Agate Ct 3/3.5 now $1.39M, 3822 Coquina Dr 4/3.5 now $1.395M, 4171 Dingman Dr 3/3 now $1.399M, 2525 Lands End Pl 4/3 now $2.174M, 1511 Angel Dr 4/3 now $2.199M, 2255 Troon Ct 4/5.5.5 now $2.75M.

2 back-on-market: 863 Rabbit Rd (1/2 duplex) 3/2 $678.5K, 218 Daniel Dr 3/2.5 $1.488M.

11 new sales: 3902 Coquina Dr 3/2 listed at $539K, 1481 Sand Castle Rd 2/2 listed at $679K, 998 Greenwood Ct N 3/2.5 listed at $705K, 3312 Saint Kilda 3/2 listed at $777K, 737 Vinca Way 3/2 listed at $1.075M, 6460 Pine Ave 3/2 listed at $1.25M, 3212 Twin Lakes Ln 3/3 listed at $1.3M, 1769 Venus Dr 3/2 listed at $1.949M, 2711 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5.5 listed at $1.998M, 4681 Rue Belle Mer 3/3.5 listed at $4.7M, 707 Anchor Dr 3/2.5 listed at $2.99M.

3 closed sales: 5151 San-Cap Rd 2/2 $399K, 9393 Peaceful Dr 3/2 $1.15M, 5690 Pine Tree Dr 3/2 $2.2M.

3 new listings: 5642 Baltusrol Ct $439, 5648 Baltusrol Ct $449K, Lot 19 Coquina Dr $515K.

2 price changes: 3730 Coquina Dr now $565K, 4657 Rue Belle Mer now $3.3M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 4163 West Gulf Dr $3.51M.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Gulf Beach Villas #2126 2/2 now $1.25M.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 11517 Wightman Ln 4/3 now $3.1M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

This representation is based in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy.  Data maintained by the association, or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.  The information provided represents the general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.

Enjoy your weekend, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Another Friday is here following another week of mostly sunny sometimes chilly (or under 70 degrees F) weather. Temps are expected to reach the high 70’s soon, so the nice weather continues.

There seemed to be a few more visitors/vacationers here this week following the 3-day holiday weekend, a noticeable increase of both bikers and walkers on the shared use paths and side streets, and definitely more at the public beach parking areas.

Our Travels

Both teammate Dave and I have been out showing property again this week. Our challenges included some occasional cell phone service delays and the return of heavy contractor traffic after the long weekend.

Personally, I try not to leave the island often, but traveling from the East End, there are delays on Periwinkle leaving after 2 p.m. and returning anytime in the morning. Returning after 2 p.m. also usually results in a long delay at the 4-way stop with off-island vehicles given priority.

Leaving the island, Summerlin Rd from the toll booth to Port Comfort Rd (site of Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant) is now limited to one lane. The right-hand lane along what we often call “the mud flats” is completely closed off for about three months as contractors perform work to protect the shoreline. They will be clearing vegetation and installing underground marine mattresses. Expect slow going along that stretch.

More Progress

On the causeway, marine mattresses are also being installed, these from the water. With bridge travel now on what will become the permanent roadways, good progress continues too on the islands and bridges themselves.

The Sanibel beach restoration project work is also moving along nicely. At Lighthouse Beach, the bayside parking lot closed beginning this week, to be used as a staging area for the restoration underway between the Lighthouse and Donax St,

At the actual Lighthouse, scaffolding went up this week, as it soon will get a new coat of paint.

Re-Building, Re-Openings, Restoration

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.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate News

The Caravan of Open Houses following the local island Association of Realtors® monthly membership meeting yesterday included 12 Sanibel homes, two Sanibel condos and a home on Captiva. The next Caravan is in two weeks.

As I prepared my company ad for the monthly Real Estate Guide magazine and collected sales data from the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service, I also noticed postings by colleagues about what many are calling a market correction. Those are normal occurrences in the real estate market when there is more inventory than buyers or more buyers than inventory. Sometimes prices go up, sometimes they go down.

On Sanibel and Captiva where the most sales usually occur when the most buyers are in town which typically is the winter, the end of February often is when prices are corrected to ensure a successful sale “in season”. This year not only is “high season” winding down, but it is happening as the number of listings continues to increase. Many of those are the result of the hurricane. I look at it as a transition period and actually a good time for both sellers and buyers as the islands continue to recover and bounce back to what probably will be a new normal.

The good news is that there are more choices for buyers whether they want a property ready for occupancy, investment, a project, or in a specific location or community. Below, with data from the islands MLS, are summary tables of the island residential sales statistics, followed by the MLS action reported this week.

First week in memory that there was no action posted on Captiva, while Sanibe shows twice as much action with homes as condos – double the number of listings, new listings, price reductions, new sales, and closed sales. Condos will catch up eventually.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Feb 16‑23

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listing: Sanibel Arms #D3 1/1 $425K, Mariner Pointe #1073 2/2 $749K, Blind Pass #D204 3/2 $850K, Gulfside Place #125 3/2 $1.895M.

7 price changes: Spanish Cay #C6 2/2 now $449K, Mariner Pointe #951 1/1 now $529K, Loggerhead Cay #282 2/2 now $844K, Mariner Pointe #223 2/2.5 now $874.9K, Pointe Santo #B44 2/2 now $995K, Pointe Santo #E43 2/2 now $1.15M, Sanibel Moorings #721 3/2 now $1.3M.

1 back-on-market: Bandy Beach #E101 3/2 $1.05M.

3 new sales: Sanibel Shores #B2 1/1 listed at $529K, LaPlaya #2A 3/2 listed at $1.095M, Gulfside Place #208 2/2 listed at $1.25M.

1 closed sale: Oceans Reach #2A2 2/2 $800K.

HOMES

11 new listings; 3902 Coquina Dr 3/2 $539K, 1866 Ibis Ln 2/2 $839K, 1625 Serenity Ln 3/2 $979K, 547 Chert Ct 3/3.5 $999K, 738 Durion Ct 3/3 $1.399M, 933 Whelk Dr 3/2 $1.695M, 819 Birdie View Pt 3/2.5 $1.895M, 1769 Venus Dr 3/2 $1.949M, 911 S Yachtsman Dr 3/3 $2.285M, 1283 Isabel Dr 3/2 $2.82M, 4352 West Gulf Dr 5/3.5 $3.395M.

14 price changes: 812 Rabbit Rd 3/2 now $768.5K, 1719 Serenity Ln 3/2 now $819K, 1196 Sand Castle Rd 2/2 now $825K, 9428 Moonlight Dr 3/2 now $869,999; 1731 Serenity Ln 4/3 now $994.5K, 9479 Blind Pass Ct 3/2 now $999,990; 737 Vinca Way 3/2 now $1.075M, 3822 Coquina Dr 4/3.5 now $1.395M, 729 Sand Dollar Dr 4/3 now $1.395M, 742 Nerita St 3/2 now $1.75M, 3744 West Gulf Dr 4/4 now $1.95M, 2969 Wulfert Rd 6/7.5 now $3.195M, 918 Limpet Dr 4/4.5 now $3.225M, 2960 Wulfert Rd 5/5.5 now $3.549M.

3 back-on-market: 931 S Yachtsman Dr 4/3.5 $998K, 932 Whelk Dr 3/3 $1.15M, 2276 Wulfert Rd 4/5.5 $1.6M.

7 new sales: 1113 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed at $798K, 2166 Egret Cir 3/2 listed at $799K, 920 Almas Ct 3/2.5 listed at $1.595M, 6129 Starling Way 3/2.5 listed at $1.598M, 840 Birdie View Pt 3/2.5 listed at $1.925M, 558 N Yachtsman 2/3 listed at $1.999M, 2871 Wulfert Rd 4/4 listed at $2.59M.

1 closed sale: 967 Cabbage Palm Ct 3/3 $1.275M.

LOTS

2 new listings: 5398 Osprey Ct $429K, 6008 White Heron Ln $1.195M.

1 price change: 2505 Island Inn Rd now $275K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 4717 Rue Belle Mer $3.2M.

Captiva

CONDOS, HOMES, 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, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Following another week of nice winter island weather (mostly sunny with mid-70-degree F days), the forecast shows a high chance of rain beginning late tomorrow and into Sunday. A couple of cooler days may follow, but it likely will be back into the 70’s soon.

With the 3-day Presidents weekend, it would be nice to have good weather for visitors. Island restaurants and shops are ready for more business. Maybe rain will bring them customers.

Re-Building, Re-Openings, Restoration

Cheeburger Cheeburger – A social media post says this restaurant in Tahitian Gardens is expected to reopen in nearly April under new ownership,

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.

Sanibel Marina – Gramma Dot’s at the Sanibel Marina at 634 N Yachtsman Dr recently reopened, It has been under new ownership 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.

The Future of Florida Real Estate

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.

For sellers, this is good news, implying that property values are rising. Whether the country enters a recession, or not, the housing market appears to be in good shape in Florida for the foreseeable future. It’s a good time for real estate investors to capitalize on market possibilities.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate News

There was no meeting this week for the local island Association of Realtors®, but next Thursday at 11:30 a.m. is our monthly Membership Meeting which again will be at The Community House. A caravan of open houses will follow the meeting, until about 3 p.m.

Though the SanibelSusan Team has been showing property and talking with prospective purchasers, as we chat with island colleagues, the overall feeling is much the same – inventory has increased, but not many are buying. This is resulting in price reductions and that may continue until sales pick up.

Illustrating that below, with data from the islands MLS, are summary tables of the island residential sales statistics, followed by scoop about our listings, and the MLS action reported this week.

On the commercial side, another property was listed this week: 1025 Periwinkle Way (formerly Norris Furniture) $1.3M.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Feb 9‑16

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listing: Tennisplace #C34 2/1.5 $574,999; Sunset South #9B 2/2 $599.9K, Heron at The Sanctuary #1-1A 3/2.5 $1.15M.

3 price changes: Sundial #D309 1/1 now $449K, Gulfside Place #204 2/2 now $1.25M, Gulfside Place #208 2/2 now $1,25M.

2 back-on-market: Sanibel Arms 1/1 $439K, Island Beach Club #220A 2/2 $560K.

2 new sales: Sunset South #12C 2/2 listed at $620K, Loggerhead Cay #324 2/2 listed at $879K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

9 new listings; 970 Greenwood Ct S 3/2 $829K, 1406 Causey Ct 3/2.5 $1.325M, 235 Daniel Dr 3/2 $1.495M, 920 Almas Ct 3/2.5 $1.595M, 6425 Pine Ave 4/3 $1.685M, 840 Birdie View Pt 3/2.5 $1.925M, 2711 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5.5 $1.998M, 2719 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5.5 $1.999M, 960 Victoria Way 3/3 $2.495M.

13 price changes: 465 Lake Murex Cir 2/2.5 now $1.099M, 198 Southwinds Dr 3/2 now $1.224M, 1321 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 now $1.325M, 930 Strangler Fig Ln 5/3.5 now $1.395M, 969 Whelk Dr 3/2.5 now $1.495M, 4573 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 now $1.495M, 696 Durion Ct 3/2.5 now $1.495M, 4400 Gulf Pines Dr 4/3 now $1.495M, 848 Limpet Dr 3/2 now $1.8M, 811 Birdie View Pt 3/2.5 now $1.85M, 836 Birdie View Pt 3/3.5 ow $1.999M, 1052 Whisperwood Way 3/3 now $2.6M, 4461 Waters Edge Ln 3/3.5 now $5.85M.

9 new sales: 863 Rabbit Rd (1/2 duplex) 3/2 listed at $678.5K, 657 Rabbit Rd 3/2 listed at $779K, 931 S Yachtsman Dr 4/3.5 listed at $998K, 1396 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $1.55M, 2745 Wulfert Rd 3/3.5 listed at $1.558M, 2276 Wulfert Rd 4/5.5 listed at $1.6M, 4415 Gulf Pines Dr 3/3 listed at $1.695M, 1662 Dixie Beach Blvd 3/2.5 listed at $2.249M, 5235 Indian Ct 4/4 listed at $2.348M.

3 closed sales: 744 Martha’s Ln 3/2 $759K, 2228 Starfish Ln 3/2.5 $1.444M, 2477 Wulfert Rd 3/4 $1.715M.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 4163 West Gulf Dr listed at $3.995M.

1 closed sale: 395 Bella Vista Way E $1.275M.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Beach Villas #2227 1/1 $849K.

1 price change: Beach Homes #29 4/4 now $3.35M.

2 back-on-market: Beach Villas #2222 1/1 $799K, Sunset Captiva #204 2/2 $1.9M.

1 new sale: Captiva Beach Villas #1-B 3/2.5 listed at $3.295M.

No closed sales.

HOMES

2 new listings: 1127 Longifolia Ct 4/4 $10M, 11531 Paige Ct 3/3.5 $12.995M.

4 price changes: 57 Sandpiper Ct 3/2 now $1.545M, 11516 Wightman Ln 5/4.5 now $3.499M, 11529 Andy Rosse Ln 4/4 now $3.91M, 16512 Captiva Dr 7/5.5 now $10.5M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

This representation is based in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy.  Data maintained by the association, or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.  The information provided represents the general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.

Enjoy your weekend, Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan

It’s great to be back on sunny Sanibel Island. After complaining last week about Florida’s cold weather, it has been delightful to again experience daytime temps in the 70’s and traveling with sunroof open. My car registered the outside temperature at 80 degrees F during my travels this morning.

Forecasters say another cold front may arrive here over the weekend so there could be a few more days in the 60’s next week, but it too will pass, as spring is in just 53 days.

Traffic seems to have picked up this week, but not unlike a typical January in “high season”. There may be fewer visitors and vacationers here this year, but the number of contractors more than makes up for them. Many construction jobs start early, so traffic leaving the island in the afternoon starts getting heavy at 2 p.m., so it is important to plan your travels if you need to go off or come on the island.

Lighthouse Update

The Lighthouse replacement leg has been installed and beach re-nourishment is underway at Lighthouse Beach. With the re-nourishment project already complete in some areas, it is proving to be a great step forward in recovery. Though the Lighthouse parking areas have been closed this week, they will be open for the weekend (tomorrow and Sunday), before closing again Mon-Fri (Jan 29 thru Feb 2) so the renourishment project may continue.

Sanibel Recycling Center

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.).

Island Re-Openings

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.

Tahitian Gardens – The businesses open there include Adventures in Paradise Outfitters, Sanibel Café, Sanibel Sole, Shiney Objects, and Wilford & Lee. Maybe Cheeburger Cheeburger will be next.

SanCap Resilience Community Event

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.

The event, “Emerging from Hurricane Ian Stronger and More Resilient – Part 4: Lessons Learned in Essential Services,” will explore key lessons learned, actions taken, and plans related to the resiliency of our power grid, water supply, and wastewater management. The program will feature a panel of experts including Tricia Dorn and Allan Ruth (LCEC), Diane Wilson (Island Water), and Scott Krawczuk (Sanibel Public Works).

Panelists will each provide a short presentation, followed by time for questions. The event is free with no registration required.

Florida Realtors® Mid-Winter Business Meetings Wrap-Up

Florida Realtors® leadership team wrapped up their winter meetings in Orlando last weekend. As a member of the Professional Development Committee, Saturday morning, we approved a whopping number of new instructors, classes, and training offerings that will help local associations keep their members up-to-date and motivated in educational advancement.

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.

Before heading home, I also attended the Legal and Professional Standards Update provided by the Florida Realtors® legal team.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® News

Yesterday, our local Association of Realtors® had a meeting at The Community House. Info was provided by both CHR (Community Housing & Resources Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale) and Planning Dept (Craig Chandler) on the status of Sanibel’s low-rent housing program, and future City plans.

No new sales were announced but 14 Sanibel homes were open for Caravan viewing after the meeting. That’s the highest number “open” during Caravan since before the storm.

Next week is our annual Installation and Awards event. It will be at The Dunes restaurant and a first visit there for many since before the storm.

Below, with data from the islands MLS are summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.

On the commercial side, the Lazy Flamingo Plaza in Santiva was reduced to $8.5M.

The SanibelSusan Team is thankful to have one of the four closings on Sanibel this week. It is a first-floor condo selling before the “white box” work funded by the Association’s insurance is complete.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Jan 19-26

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sanibel Arms #C8 2/2 $534.5K, Oceans Reach #3D1 2/2 $839K, Sanctuary Golf Villages #1-2 3/3 $1.275M, Somerset #B101 3/3.5 $1.996M.

4 price changes: Captains Walk #B5 2/1 now $499K, Oceans Reach #4B4 1/1 now $689K, Sanibel Arms #F4 2/2 now $949,995; Gulfside Place #204 2/2 now $1.325M.

6 new sales: Sanibel Arms #D7 1/1 listed at $439K, Island Beach Club #220A 2/2 listed at $560K, Sundial #G206 1/1 listed at $599.9K, Sunset South #1A 2/2 listed at $659K, Ibis at The Sanctuary #B101 2/2 listed at $729K, West Shore #5 3/3 listed at $1.595M.

3 closed sales: Blind Pass #C106 2/2 $403K (SanibelSusan listing), Sundial #D203 1/1 $450K, Sanibel Moorings #612 2/2 $810K.

HOMES

9 new listings; 863 Rabbit Rd (1/2 duplex) 3/2 $678.5K, 9254 Kincaid Ct 2/2 $769.9K, 315 Periwinkle Way 3/2 $850K, 211 Southwinds Dr 3/3 $1.095M, 4279 Gulf Pines Dr 4/3 $1.249M, 5398 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2.5 $1.495M, 4171 Dingman Dr 3/2.5 $1.499M, 1199 Par View Dr 3/4 $2.495M, 542 Kinzie Island Ct 3/4.5 $3.795M.

2 back on market: 455 Peachtree Rd 2/2 $795K, 812 Rabbit Rd 3/2 $799K.

10 price changes: 3312 Saint Kilda 3/2 now $777K, 1615 Bunting Ln 2/2 now $889K, 1578 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $895K, 421 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 now $1.175M, 220 Palm Lake Dr 3/2 now $1.199M, 1306 Par View Dr 3/3.5 now $1.449M, 969 Whelk Dr 3/2.5 now $1.549M, 815 Birdie View Pt 3/3.5 now $1.949M, Moon Shadows #1C 3/3 now $1.999M, 2255 Troon Ct 4/5.5.5 now $2.9M.

4 new sales: 5151 San-Cap Rd 2/2 listed at $399K, 744 Marthas Ln 3/2 listed at $759K, 1658 Sabal Palm Dr 3/2.5 listed at $1.095M, 957 Cabbage Palm Ct 3/3 listed at $1.295M.

1 closed sale: 549 East Rocks Dr 3/3.5 $1.6M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 2438 Wulfert Rd $449K.

1 price change: 4646 Rue Bayou now $995K.

3 new sales: 4640 Rue Belle Mer listed at $1.495M, 4717 Rue Belle Mer listed at $3,395M, 4171 West Gulf Dr listed at $3.895M.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

2 new listings: Tennis Villas #3235 1/1 $595K, Beach Homes #25 3/2 $2,899,500.

1 price change: Beach Homes #24 3/2 now $3.25M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: Marina Villas #804 2/2 $900K.

HOMES

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 16321 Captiva Dr 5/4 listed at $3.495M.

1 closed sale: 16211 Captiva Dr 4/4.5 $4.85M.

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, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Florida Realtors® Mid-Winter Business Meetings

Today it is a chilly but occasionally sunny day in Orlando where Florida Realtors® meetings are in full swing.

Yesterday a whopping nine Audition Panels met (a total of 49 panelists) to evaluate nearly 90 prospective instructors looking to teach state-approved classes. That is the most ever processed in a single day. We began at 7:30 a.m., but finished by 5 p.m., in time to hustle to a 6 p.m. event.

I know I’ve mentioned it before, but since the pandemic, with so many buyers flocking to Florida, the Realtor® population likewise has exploded, often requiring more instructors throughout the state to teach classes for license renewals, designations, and advancement. The process to be approved to teach requires training, experience, interviews, and this final step – being recommended by a state Audition Panel. That approval is needed to teach each individual class, so subjects vary, with new instructors trying out as well as seasoned ones looking to expand their class schedules. Auditions are offered every Jan at these Mid-Winter Meetings and in Aug during the Annual Meeting/Convention.

My panel heard nine auditions. Each takes 45 minutes. Evaluations are based on communication and podium presence, presentation, subject knowledge, plus time and class management. A bonus benefit as a panelist is learning new things, as classes change with technology, state and national laws, etc. I enjoy doing it and always come away with new knowledge.

Pals from all corners of Florida have complained about the unusual extended cold-fronts and overcast days in their area. Yesterday a Realtor auditioning said it was 23 degrees F when she left the Panhandle. Another, an Orlando gal, told me this morning that she doesn’t ever remember this many continual overcast days.

Though I’ve been in the hotel since Wed, today the outdoor temperature at sunup was a sunny 43 degrees F and hit 75 this afternoon while dreary and overcast. What a swing! The hotel pool was emptied as a precaution as even colder weather is expected over the weekend.

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.

Sanibel & Captiva 2023 RPAC Committee Co-chairs Dave Arter & Brendan Albright.

We set some new state records, showing that even with a hurricane, island Realtors® are pro-RPAC. Included was a Triple Crown award from national!

This morning was the Program Development Subcommittee meeting where I am one of 25 members. Tonight is the state Inaugural banquet followed by final committee meetings tomorrow. My last meeting is tomorrow (Professional Development Committee) followed by the Legal and Professional Standards Update.

It’s great to be back at these meetings in person, renewing friendships and networking. We often share common problems and solutions. Changes in the expanding short-term rental market remains a hot topic.

Lighthouse Beach News

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.

Regarding the ongoing beach re-nourishment project, contractors are expected to complete work near the Tradewinds neighborhood ahead of schedule and moving operations from the west end to Lighthouse Beach on Tues Jan 23.

Though I haven’t been on the island for a couple of days, I have heard that traffic exiting the island has again been backed up with long delays. This is probably to be expected now that more owners are back, “season” is here, and so many contractors are working on restorations. I must say again though that the sand trucks traveling to and from the island for the re-nourishment project are doing an amazing job. I often follow them on Sanibel roads but also followed five all the way to LaBelle on Wed. They are well organized, keep moving and have never caused a delay in any of my travels. Great to hear they are also ahead of schedule. If you haven’t checked out the beaches where the gullies have been filled you will be happy to see them. Those beaches are bigger and better than ever.

Sanibel & Captiva Real Estate News

The local Association of Realtors® did not have a caravan this week, but have one planned for next Thurs Jan 25 which also is our monthly membership meeting.

Below, with data from the islands MLS are summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Jan 12-19

Sanibel

CONDOS

6 new listings: Beach Rd Villas #104 2/2 $610K, Sanibel Arms #F2 1/1 $659K, Sanibel Moorings #1342 2/2 $929K, Mariner Pointe #321 3/2 $999K, LaPlaya #2A 3/2 $1.095M, Sanibel Moorings #121 2/2 $1.1M.

1 price change: Kings Crown #217 2/2 now $1.6M.

2 new sales: Sanibel Arms #E3 1/1 listed at $419.9K, Oceans Reach #2A2 2/2 listed at $850K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

12 new listings; 749 Martha’s Ln 3/2 $759K, 1719 Serenity Ln 3/2 $829K, 3343 Saint Kilda 3/2 $1.175M, 2441 Shop Rd 4/3.5 $1.249M, 1018 S Yachtsman Dr 3/3 $1.349M, 1112 Skiff Pl 3/2 $1.35M, 3822 Coquina Dr 4/3.5 $1.595M, 2239 Starfish 3/3 $1.75M, 479 Lagoon Dr 4/3 $2.3M, 2402 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 $2.348M, 837 Sanddollar Dr 4/3.5 $3.15M, 2960 Wulfert Rd 5/5.5 $3.975M.

2 back on market: 1105 Skiff Pl 3/2 $749K, 2058 Wild Lime Dr 3/2 $985K.

8 price changes: 9428 Moonlight Dr 3/2 now $879,999; 465 Lake Murex Cir 2/2.5 now $1.129M, 1011 S Yachtsman Dr 5/2.5 now $1.325M, 1428 Albatross Rd 3/2.5 now $1.799M, 836 Birdie View Pt 3/3.5 now $2.25M, 1318 Seaspray Ln 5/3.5 now $2.695M, 2287 Starfish Ln 4/4 now $2,799,999; 2255 Troon Ct 4/5.5.5 now $2.94M.

3 new sales: 2066 Wild Lime Dr 2/1 listed at $699.9K, 998 Greenwood Ct N 3/2.5 listed at $719K, 9393 Peaceful Dr 3/2 listed at $1.25M.

2 closed sales: 1835 Ardsley Way 2/2 $370K, 1603 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 $765K.

LOTS

No new listings.

2 price changes: 2761 West Gulf Dr now $1.795M, 4171 West Gulf Dr now $3.895M.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

2 new listings: Gulf Beach Villas #2126 2/2 $1.395M, Captiva Beach Villas #1-B 3/2.5 $3.295M.

No price changes, new. or closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings.

2 price changes: 57 Sandpiper Ct 3/2 now $1.595M, 16321 Captiva Dr 5/4 now $3.495M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 15819 Captiva Dr now $15.5M.

No new or closed sales.

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, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

It’s another cloudy Friday, following another week of not-so-wonderful island weather. Days like this remind me of why I moved here. Doesn’t everyone want to go to a warm sunny beach to get away from winter?

Though our SW FL weather has been nothing like what northern areas have and are experiencing, Tues Florida had a front pass through with occasional high winds and heavy rain. Mid-afternoon, the City issued tornedo warmings. The front didn’t pass here until after sunset and was fizzling out by then. A few low-lying areas had some overnight flooding, with the Blind Pass beach parking area closed most of the next day until water receded.

Since then, cooler than usual weather has continued with mostly cloudy days – daytime temps in the 60’s to low 70’s, nights cooler. Local vegetation still rebounding, even with no attention, my hibiscus plants look happy (photo below taken this afternoon).

Forecast says it might even get into the 40’s by the middle of next week before I head to Orlando for Florida Realtors Mid-Winter Business Meetings. It’s always fun there, seeing colleagues from around the state wearing varying wardrobes depending on their home location, and that weather. Many are in fancy business suits or coats with boots and closed-toed shoes, I also dress professionally, but island-style and always with my flip flops.

Resort & Second Homes Think Tank Meeting

The first Florida Realtors Mid-Winter Business Meetings were remote. Those Think Tanks were last Thurs and Fri by Zoom. This year,122 Realtors® were appointed to the Resort & Second Homes Think Tank. Our meeting covered emerging technology in the short-term rental business, a legislative update, and discussion of local ordinances and issues.

With the Florida Legislature just back in session, there are several vacation rental bills that we are following and will report on in the upcoming weeks.

Below are a few meeting snippets.

• Tourism contributes over $101 billion to Florida’s economy, supporting about two million jobs.
• The average VRBO traveler is a 50-year-old woman traveling with a family of four.
• Earlier this year, Airbnb officially banned parties, with restrictions for those 25 and younger.
• Airbnb & VRBO both allow owners to establish rules re: booking.
• Consider tools that serve as guest screening and insurance like Superhog, Autohost or Proper.
• Noise monitoring devices like Minut which can be installed both outside and inside, also can detect occupancy, motion, temperature, mold, alarms. (They are small, about the size of a smoke alarm.)
• Rentals should have a guide book. (Can provide digital ones through Hostfully and Touchstay.) Guides should include quiet hours, maximum # of guests, trash rules, parking guidelines, security deposit outline, recycling, local attractions & businesses, events, etc.
• Breezeaway offers good safety info.

Island Re-Openings

Resorts – Sanibel Moorings ribbon-cutting Tues was well attended, followed by coverage on Fox4,com which says; “The Moorings Resort, a condominium-style resort, is the first of its kind to resume operations on Sanibel Island. Kari Cordisco, the General Manager of the resort, shared her views on the reopening. “It’s an amazing feeling,” Cordisco remarked, underlining the efforts taken to reach this stage. The resort, which combines individual ownership with hotel-like amenities, has been able to make 62 of its 122 rooms available for booking. The path to the reopening involved significant financial investment, as Cordisco noted, “The recovery and the rebuild, we’re looking at more than $20 million.”

“Just down the road, Sundial, the island’s largest resort, is also progressing toward reopening. They’ve begun accepting reservations for the month of August. General Manager Becky Miller highlighted all the upgrades this time around. “It’s going to be everything new, gorgeous, with new swimming pools, and all nw amenities,” Miller said. The resort plans to reopen part of its facilities within four months, including five restaurants, tennis, pickleball courts, and a fitness center. The restaurants will be open to the public. Despite these positive developments, the overall recovery of Sanibel Island’s hospitality industry is ongoing. According to the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce, currently, only about 13% of the island’s rooms are available for guests. The expectation is that this number will double throughout the year and eventually reach 75% by 2026.”

Sunshine Island Inn – at 642 East Gulf Dr announced their reopening Wed with the arrival of their first guests. Their website www.SunshineIslandInn.com has more details with photos of their units.

The owner also advises they also have received their permit to restore Kona Kai at 1539 Periwinkle Way. That’s next.

Chico’s – had their reopening yesterday at their original location in Periwinkle Place. Many remember when Chico’s began there in 1983, founded by islanders, the Gralnicks. Even before moving here, I always looked forward to shopping there and later enjoyed watching them expand nationally, then internationally. Last week it announced it sold to Sycamore Partners for about a billion dollars! The sale included their sister companies White House Black Market, and Soma. Sycamore Partners is a private equity firm that also owns retailers Loft Ann Taylor, Talbots, Belk, Hot Topic, and Lane Bryant.

Events for Newbies

Island newcomers are encouraged to join one of the conservation foundation’s (SCCF’s) two day-long workshops introducing new residents, business owners, and employees to coastal ecosystems. To be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mon, Jan 22, and Mon, Mar 4. Only 28 spots are available for each day. (Reservations on www.EventBrite.com. These field trips will go to:

• SCCF’s Bailey Homestead Preserve and Native Landscapes and Garden Center to learn about early settlers to the island and basic ecology.
• SCCF’s Marine Laboratory and other properties to hear from SCCF researchers about wildlife, habitat, and water quality.
• Captiva Cruises for an informative boat ride exploring Pine Island Sound, its creatures, and some of SCCF’s mangrove restoration work.

Sanibel & Captiva Real Estate News

The local Association of Realtors® did not have a caravan this week, but Tues our Professional Development Committee met to organize educational offerings for the year. A full calendar will be announced at our Installation and Awards Gala on Jan 31.

For Realtors® planning ahead, the 12 class modules required to earn the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Specialist designation are being scheduled from May 30 to Jun 7; while the annual continuing education classes needed for license renewals will be offered Sept 9-

Below, with data from the islands MLS are summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week. Inventory is growing with new listings continuing to outpace sales.

The upcoming Monday holiday usually signals the start of the “busy season” which typically goes until Easter. As restoration continues and more properties become ready for occupancy, we hope to see more sales.

While teammates Dave and Lisa handle things on the home-front, my update next Friday will be from Orlando between subcommittee meetings and the state Inaugural Banquet. I then drive back home Sat after the Professional Development Committees meets and the Legal and Professional Standards update concludes.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Jan 5-12 

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Sanibel Siesta #402 2/2 $789.9K, Beachcomber #B302 2/2 $1.495M.

1 price change: Sanibel Arms #E3 1/1 now $419.9K

4 new sales: Sanibel Siesta #501 2/2 listed at $689K, Sanibel Moorings #612 2/2 listed at $779K, Heron at The Sanctuary #1-3B 2/2.5 listed at $1.275M, Somerset #B102 3/3.5 listed at $1.995M.

1 closed sales: Loggerhead Cay #174 2/2 $865K.

HOMES

11 new listings; 2166 Egret Cir 3/2 $799K, 36092 San-Cap Rd 2/2 $1.049M, 799 Casa Ybel Rd (duplex) 5/3 $1.1M, 1726 Sanderling Cir 3/2 $1.149M, 932 Whelk Dr 3/3 $1.15M, 957 Cabbage Palm Ct 3/3 $1.295M, 697 Spartina Ct 3/2.5 $1.299M, 3708 Agate Ct 3/3.5 $1.44M, 1720 Dixie Beach Blvd 3/3 $1.649M, 930 Strangler Fig Ln 5/3.5 $1.65M, 2667 Coconut Dr 3/3 $2.995M.

7 price changes: 1119 Schooner Pl 2/2 now $795K, 4263 Gulf Pines Dr 3/2 now $795K, 1806 Ibis Ln 3/2 now $825K, 9126 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 now $949,999, 3990 Coquina Dr 3/2 now $997K, 1426 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $1.25M, 595 Piedmont Rd 3/2 now $1.499M.

4 new sales: 1835 Ardsley Way 2/2 listed at $450K, 2991 Singing Wind Dr 3/2 listed at $525K, 812 Rabbit Rd 3/2 listed at $799K, 848 Birdie View Pt 4/3.5 listed at $2.495M.

2 closed sales: 1297 Par View Dr 3/2 $1M, 488 Lighthouse Way 4/4 $4.15M.

LOTS

No new listings.

3 price changes: 0 Bowmans Beach Rd now $179K, 6068 Dinkins Lake Rd now $599K, 4163 West Gulf Dr now $3.995M.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

3 price changes: Tennis Villas #3126 1/1 now $425K, Bayside Villas #5108 1/2 now $590K, Bayside Villas #5232 1/2 now $595K.

2 new sales: Bayside Villas #4212 1/2 listed at $599K, Gulf Beach Villas #2118 2/2 listed at $999K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 16770 Captiva Dr 5/4.5 $9.9M.

No price changes or new sales.

1 closed sale: 1101 Tallow Tree Ct 4/4 $3.275M.

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 & stay warm – wherever you are!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

After having my heat on for another week, maybe I should stop reporting about the weather in these Friday updates. It really has not been super cold, but if you spend enough years here, anything under 70 degrees F feels chilly. This week, many locals bundled up, while many visitors donned beachwear. Above pix at the Lighthouse was taken Wed.

While above photo by teammate Dave was from his boat Tues on the inner side of Blind Pass where he observed a huge number of anhinga and white pelicans!

This morning, it was a sunny 61. The forecast for next week includes more of the same, high 60’s/low 70’s during the day, down into the 50’s some nights. Rain is expected tomorrow which usually is the effect in Florida when there is snow up north.

I saw a post this week by Wink Weatherman Matt Devitt. His message said: “How crazy is this? Just 100 miles was a difference in seven feet of rainfall this year between Naples (30.48”) and Fort Lauderdale (113.61”). A simple drive along Alligator Alley separated the #1 driest year on record and the #1 wettest year on record.”

When I told teammate Dave about this, he reminded me that there still is plenty of standing water on the island. Imagine what that would be like if this wasn’t the dry side of the state.

Sanibel Traffic Update

Causeway travel since just before Christmas has continued to be a breeze. The middle of the week there were noticeably more construction crews back to work. That results in a bit of a delay when those vehicles come on island in the morning and leave late afternoon. I easily traveled both off and back this morning. Saw the most workers close to the toll booths as their finish work continues. Plenty of big trucks are moving material so it still pays to plan ahead and watch carefully.

More Island Re-Openings/Events

Cars & Coffee Cruise-In – at Periwinkle Place Sunday Jan 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. near Pinocchio’s newly-paved parking lot area. No pre-registration. Coffee and donuts served. Bring your “classic wheels” or just stop to view them. Contact Scot Congress for more info, scot@scongress.com.

Sanibel Day Spa – Announced it reopened Tues Jan 2 in Periwinkle Place. Initially, they plan to be open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  More days/hours to come.

Sundial West – Announced that Sundial West (which is Bldgs A-K) will be closed for eight weeks from Jan 7 to Mar 4. Their new roofs are on, but there is major restoration work underway so only their contractors will be allowed on-site during that time. No showings then.

Florida Realtors Mid-Winter Business Meetings

Between the pandemic and hurricane, SanibelSusan missed participating in a couple of in-person Florida Realtors® Mid-Winter Business Meetings in Orlando. This year, just their Legislative Think Tank meetings are being held virtually. I am a panelist with the Resort & Second Home Specialist Breakout Group that meets on Zoom this afternoon. Emerging technology with short-term rentals is on the agenda.

The in-person state meetings begin Jan 18 at a new location, the Hyatt Regency Orlando. This year, I will serve again on the Audition Panel for Florida Realtors® instructors. Nine panel groups will meet during this all-day event, each evaluating 8-10 prospective teachers. The next day during subcommittee meetings, I am on the Program Development Subcommittee. Then Jan 20, the Professional Development Committee meets where recommendations are forwarded to the Board of Directors. These in-person efforts all foster Realtor education, including cooperation between statewide educational programs,  planning/coordinating the Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) and similar programs, and assisting/supporting local board educational offerings. It is always great to network with colleagues from around the state.

Sanibel & Captiva Real Estate News

Yesterday was the islands’ Association of Realtors® first Caravan Meeting of the year. Held at The Community House, it was also our first midday meeting and well attended. Many new listings and a few sales were announced, followed by 12 Open Houses, all Sanibel homes. That is the most properties we have had on tour since the hurricane.

Several homes that were taken off the market for the summer/fall or when repairs were being done have been relisted. Others are getting price adjustments.

No surge in condo listings yet, mainly because most complexes have not yet reopened. That is pretty much their only common thread. It is amazing to continue to learn about the differences in complex restoration efforts, insurance proceeds, special assessments, 2024 maintenance fee changes, etc. Condo buyers are finding there is lot more to consider than just price, condition, and location.

Below, with data from the islands MLS are summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Dec 29-Jan 5

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Spanish Cay #C6 2/2 $470K, Sanibel Moorings #612 2/2 $779K.

2 price changes: Sundial #C310 1/1 now $625K, Kings Crown #217 2/2 now $1.605M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: Spanish Cay #C4 2/2 $470K.

 HOMES

10 new listings: 3025 Poinciana Cir 3/2 $899K, 440 East Gulf Dr 3/2 $1.15M, 1410 Albatross Rd 3/3 $1.249M, 1425 Causey Ct 4/3 $1.295M, 421 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $1.299M, 1304 Par View Dr 3/3 $1.3M, 558 N. Yachtsman Dr 2/3 $1.999M, 1511 Angel Dr 4/3 $2.499M, 905 Snowberry Ln 4/3.5 $3.95M, 4461 Waters Edge Ln 3/3.5 $6.25M.

5 price changes: 998 Greenwood Ct N 3/2.5 now $719K, 9226 Kincaid Ct 3/2 now $995K, 2255 Troon Ct 4/5.5.5 now $2.95M, 5387 Shearwater Dr 4/4.5 now $2.995M, 4681 Rue Belle Mer 3/3.5 now $4.7M.

3 new sales: 1617 Sand Castle Rd (1/2 duplex) 3/3 listed at $665K, 766 Donax St (duplex) 4/2.5 listed at $699K, 1657 Venus Dr 2/2 listed at $1.74M.

1 closed sale: 4752 Rue Helene 2/2 $575K.

LOTS

1 new listing: 967 Fitzhugh St $299K.

3 price changes: 972 Fitzhugh St now $295K, 2933 Wulfert Rd now $475K, 355 Cowry Ct now $525K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Captiva Shores #6C 2/2 now $1.5M.

1 new sale: Marina Villas #804 2/2 listed at $975K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 15153 Captiva Dr 3/3 now $5.995M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

This representation is based in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy.  Data maintained by the association, or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.  The information provided represents the general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.

Enjoy your weekend,

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Happy almost-New Year greetings from chilly Sanibel. While Floridians often relish summer-like weather year-‘round, this week, the heat has been on non-stop with daytime temps mainly in the 60’s/night’s 50’s. More of the same is expected next week. We really are spoiled being so used to warm sun-shiny blue-sky days. It was like that this afternoon (minus the warmth). Below are a couple of photos taken this afternoon at the beach access at the end of Dixie Beach Blvd at the spot my family calls Savannah Park. (Teammates Dave & Lisa used to walk their dog there.)

It rained Christmas Day and again yesterday. We aren’t used to that this time of the year, but it keeps tropical vegetation lush and critters watered. Continued excellent shelling has also been reported. (Still no junonia for me.)

Traffic Update

After complaints before the holiday about traffic and delays crossing the causeway, it has been a welcome reprieve since last Friday to have it clear sailing both directions going both off- and on-island. It may be busier next week when more dayworkers are back, but in the meantime, it has been wonderful to have easy traveling and to see how much causeway road work was accomplished.

Teammate Dave remarked this morning when he zipped on-island, that usually the week between Christmas and New Years is when traffic is heaviest. This year, it got his vote for being the easiest travel week!

The daily caravans of trucks bringing sand to Sanibel’s beach renourishment project had some worried that these extra vehicles would complicate traffic, but they don’t seem to be causing trouble. They have a well-organized system with staggered arrival times. They line up/staging on Island Inn Rd and then easily travel to Donax St or the west end when it is time to deliver their loads. I have followed many of them. Sometimes those are the only vehicles I have seen on the Gulf Dr roadways.

During island travels all week, I saw little evidence of day workers except the usual landscapers and pool service providers at a few homes. Maybe most are enjoying well-deserved time off like the causeway workers.

There definitely are more folks here for the holidays though as there have been more bikers and joggers than I have seen since I moved back home. Many are young families visiting parents and grands, hopefully creating wonderful holiday memories!

More Openings/Re-Openings

Just a reminder with the sign from the “J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge”.

Folks looking to rent, vacation, dine, and shop are getting more opportunities as additional properties and businesses open.

The Chamber of Commerce continues to be a good source of info, but here are a few I recently heard about through the grapevine:

Condos & Homes – Loggerhead Cay welcomed back some owners this week. Lights are on there at night. At Sanibel Moorings, their fencing is down and their website says a few select suites are now available for rent. Most of the island rental companies are also adding more to their inventories. Good to check them often if you are looking to book.

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa – will begin taking reservations on Mon Jan 8 for stays beginning Aug 3. Their pickleball and tennis courts are already open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with day passes and memberships available. Their restaurants have not yet reopened, but their website says they are accepting wedding, event, and group bookings for 2024. More info at www.SundialResort.com.

Tahitian Gardens – More businesses are now open here including Adventures in Paradise, Sanibel Café (breakfast/lunch), Shiny Objects, Wilford & Lee.

Looking Forward to 2024

As islanders and others continue to rebound from recent storms, this week got me thinking as I prepared some year-end documents. What should I expect in 2024? How will the time that is usually high season (mid-Jan until Easter) be, compared to past years?

I think colleagues agree that the real estate business this winter likely will be off, though not as much as last year when we really were in the throes of recovery. As more accommodations become available, condominiums are repaired, and more visitors/prospective buyers can come, more sales will occur.

Interestingly, much of that recovery has to do with a mindset. After Hurricane Ian, I saw owners and visitors divide into two categories, often by personal choice. They became either survivors or victims. The victims said they wouldn’t or couldn’t come back, while the survivors who also often lost it all made plans to return. Many still have a long way to go, but they continue to fight their way back, often and usually helping each other.

Really the best part of Sanibel is its people, they are survivors. They love island life which basically is a collection of caring laid-back individuals from all over the country/world, with varied backgrounds and wherewithal, yet all living in harmony with each other and nature. It really is the best!

So, my 2024 prediction is that those thinking of purchasing or moving to paradise should do it sooner rather than later, because as the island rebounds, prices also will rise. These are not going to be the same islands that they were pre-Ian. If you liked them before, I bet you love the future more. Survivors, like the causeway, will be stronger, more resilient, and the neighborly mantra will be “more kindness”.

Sanibel & Captiva Real Estate News

The local island Association of Realtors® did not meet this week but quite a few new listings, price reductions, new sales, and closings were posted in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service).

Teammate Dave put a condo under contract Christmas Eve, while another unit we have listed that was scheduled to close today has been delayed due to new post-storm complications. Patience is a virtue, flexibility is a must, and problems can be resolved. Thank goodness finding solutions is a team strength.

Members look forward to our next Realtor® Caravan Meeting on Thurs, Jan 4 This will be the first midday one followed by afternoon Open Houses.

Plans also are in the works for our Association Installation and Awards Gala which will be Jan 31 at The Dunes which recently reopened.

Below, with data from the islands MLS are summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Dec 22-29

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Oceans Reach #2A2 2/2 $850K, Heron at The Sanctuary I-3B 2/2.5 $1.275M, Pointe Santo #E7 3/2 $1.394M, Somerset #B102 3/3.5 $1.995M.

No price changes.

3 new sales: Sanibel Arms #C3 1/1 listed at $299,999 (SanibelSusan Team sale), Sundial #D203 1/1 listed at $579.9K, Pointe Santo #A27 3/2 listed at $1.795M.

3 closed sales: Spanish Cay #C4 2/2 $470K, Sundial #K405 2/2 $1.305M, Sundial #R406 2/2 $1.675M.

HOMES

6 new listings: 248 Christofer Ct 2/2.5 $1.124M, 3314 Saint Kilda Rd 3/2 $1.3M, 1396 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $1.55M, 2178 Starfish Ln 3/4.5 $2M, 707 Anchor Dr 3/2.5 $2.99M, 2480 Angel Dr 3/3.5 $3.695M.

1 back on market: 766 Donax St (duplex) 4/2.5 $699K.

3 price changes: 9393 Peaceful Dr 3/2 now $1.25M, 4760 Rue Helene 3/2 now $1.365M, 1202 Sand Castle Rd 4/2.5 now $1.595M.

2 new sales: 915 Limpet Dr 5/3 listed at $2.039M, 1042 Blue Heron Dr 3/3.5 listed at $2.495M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

1 new listing: 4801 Tradewinds Dr $1.875M.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

3 new listings: Bayside Villas #4212 1/2 $599K, Beach Villas #2224 2/2 $1.05M, Beach Villas #2433 2/2 $1.175M.

1 price change: Beach Villas #2521 2/2 now $1.025M.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES & 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.

Happy New Year,

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan