Sunny southwest Florida weather continues with bright clear water still being enjoyed by island beachgoers and boaters. The rainy season has not begun, though the last couple of days some popcorn clouds have been spotted. Those usually are a warning that showers are coming, but I always joke that they must pay the island toll first. They often get stuck inland.

Daytime temperatures here remain in the mid- to high-80’s/low 90’s (degrees F) and hopefully good weather stays through the holiday weekend. Memorial Day usually brings more overnight visitors and day-trippers. Hopefully, some will be looking to buy real estate.

Restoration Continues

Again, this week, plenty of new landscaping was noticed during my island travels. A list below of just a few that I saw:

• Beachcomber – many new palms, plants, and sod. Looks completely new.
• Kings Crown has many new large palms. Project is ongoing.
• Seascape also looks to have completed their new plantings.
• Villa Sanibel also is sporting new vegetation. I heard they will be reopening for rentals on July 1.

Spring Nests

SCCF photo

Least Tern Chicks – SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) reports that their staff & volunteers have been working hard to protect at least 70 least tern nests on the causeway islands. The first babies were spotted this week. These chicks usually can walk within days but stay in the nest for several days. Then, after about two weeks. they venture a little further. With the holiday weekend approaching, causeway visitors are asked to watch out for these tiny vulnerable chicks. Tern nesting season runs until August, when the colony will head off to winter in Central or South America. This is the third straight year that these birds have nested here after a 30-year absence.

Sea Turtles – This week SCCF also documented the first 2025 green sea turtle nest on the islands. It was laid by the same sea turtle that SCCF has encountered 12 times over the last seven years. Nearly all sea turtle nests laid here are from loggerhead turtles, but there could be as many as 30 green turtle nests. SCCF documented the first loggerhead nest on April 25. As of SCCF has recorded 132 sea turble nests on the island (the same number as last year at this time). Turtle nesting season goes through October.

To assist SCCF, volunteer or donate, please contact them at SCCF.org. With snowbirds leaving, particularly now, they are looking for more help.

Island Real Estate Scoop

The island Association of Realtors had no Caravan Meeting this week, as classes for the SCIS (Sanibel Captiva Islands Specialist) designation were underway. There was, however, listing activity posted in the MLS as detailed below.

Market conditions continue to favor buyers and likely will until inventory goes down. In the meantime, year-to-date, there are 119 closed residential Sanibel sales (that including condos, homes, and residential lots), and just four on Captiva.

With 492 active residential listings on Sanibel and 96 on Captiva, it does not take an economist to say that there are years of inventory. Buyers have more choices than in years. Also, many properties now are in “like-new” condition. As recovery continues, more will come on the market.

This market is like much of Florida and the nation, where sales overall are down compared to last year, inventory is up, with prices easing.

Will it take a summer without a hurricane for sales here to improve? Probably, as that is the biggest objection, we hear from prospective purchasers. Betcha though that those willing to jump before the upward swing returns will benefit. As unique as the islands are, the market will come back.

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

There were five residential island sales this week, all on Sanibel (a condo and four homes). That is fewer than in many weeks, but typical for just after “season” when winter residents head north and before summer vacations begin.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity May 16-23

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Sundial #H402 2/2 $725K.

8 price changes: Spanish Cay #F6 1/1 now $473K, Sanibel Moorings #212 1/1 now $485K, Lighthouse Point #319 2/2 now $599K, Sandy Bend #5 2/2 now $599K, Sanibel Moorings #232 2/2 now $685K, Sanibel Moorings #1541 3/2 now $849K, Heron at The Sanctuary #1-2B 3/3.5 now $1.095M.

1 new sale: Nutmeg Village #211 2/2 listed at $939K.

2 closed sales: Sundial #I207 1/1 $375K, Sandpiper Beach #505 2/2 $710K.

HOMES

6 new listings: 2612 Coconut Dr 3/2 $1.25M, 6180 Henderson Rd 2/2 $1.8M, 742 Nerita St 3/2 $1.8M, 4099 West Gulf Dr 5/5.5 $3.5M, 1581 San Carlos Bay Dr 4/3.5 $3.995M, 6401 Pine Ave 4/3.5 $4.995M.

2 back-on-market: 9439 Cotton Ct 4/4.5 $1.15M, 1590 Century Ct 3/3 $1.395M.

10 price changes: 1446 Sandpiper Cir (1/2 duplex) 2/2 now $589K, 3362 Barra Cir 2/2 now $725K, 1426 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $995K, 1270 Par View Dr 3/2 now $999.5K, 5753 Pine Tree Dr 3/4 now $1.395M, 1428 Albatross Rd 3/2.5 now $1.485M, 5230 Caloosa End Ln 4/3.5 now $2.194M, 6450 Pine Ave 3/3 now $2.34M, 628 Lighthouse Way 4/5.5 now $4,099,995, 5071 Joewood Dr 4/5.5.5 now $4.95M.

4 new sales: 554 East Rocks Dr 3/2 listed at $999K, 252 Daniel Dr 3/2 listed at $1.195M, 1441 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed at $1.599M, 1672 Hibiscus Dr 4/4.5 listed at $1.599M.

3 closed sales: 690 Purdy Dr 3/2 $399K, 1731 Serenity Ln 4/3 $725K, 811 Birdie View Pt 3/2.5 $1.01M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 4155, 4163, & 4171 West Gulf Dr $14M.

No price changes or new sales.

1 closed sale: 1377 Jamaica Dr $330K.

CAPTIVA

CONDOS

1 new listing: Captiva Hide-a-Way #2C 2/2 $1.395M.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings.

5 price changes: 11525 Laika Ln 4/2.5.5 now $1.599M, 15155 Wiles Dr 3/2 now $1.979M, 16891 Captiva Dr 3/3 now $3.5M, 15153 Captiva Dr 3/3 now $5.25M, 16886 Captiva Dr 5/4.5 now $6.9M.

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 in or participated in these transactions.

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend,

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

With the rainy season just around the corner, there has been a noticeable increase in new landscaping going in around the island.  Since the summer showers have not begun yet (just a couple of quick sprinkles earlier this week), the gulf and bay waters remain a clear bright blue.

Folks enjoying the beach at Fulgur St Beach access.

Today at Tarpon Beach condos.

At Tarpon Beach condos, the new landscaping plan also includes a new entrance. Many owners and communities forward to getting free watering for their new vegetation and more greenery as the spring growing season continues. In addition to seeing new plants going in, there also has been a scurry of activity this week with swales and drainage areas being cleaned out along the Gulf Drives. I saw them today at Casa Ybel Resort.

There also has been serious tree trimming around East End utility lines and along the sides of roadways, including Tarpon Bay Rd. Anchor Drive took an entire day & then I saw them on Causeway Bldvd. Sanibel will be better prepared for rainy season this year!

Speaking of tarpon, many more fishing boats have been lined up next to the causeway bridges this week too. Today was the 13^th Annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, but no results have announced yet.

Florida Tops U.S. For Economy

Posted Wednesday on Florida Realtors: “Florida ranks No. 1 for economy, No. 2 in education, and No 6 overall in U.S. News’ Best States list – up three spots from last year…

“The ranking, which looks at eight categories (health care, education, natural environment, opportunity, economy, crime and corrections, infrastructure and fiscal stability) across 71 different metrics, also placed Florida as second in the nation for education.

“U.S. News & World report said the state’s dramatic growth bolstered the economy for the No. 1 spot. “With millions of visitors each year to its beaches, major amusement parks centered around Orlando and cruise ships departing from ports on both coasts, tourism is a major contributor to Florida’s gross domestic product.

The state’s agriculture industry is also robust, with Florida groves producing many of the country’s oranges and a winter vegetable industry that makes agriculture a year-round enterprise,” U.S. News’ analysts said.

“Tourism, which pays a sizable share of the state’s sales tax, also has enabled Florida to remain among the states without a personal income tax – adding to the allure of the nation’s leading retirement haven.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis lauded the state’s ranking, noting Florida climbed three spots in Best State rankings overall from last year. “Great momentum!”

Florida was the only state in the South to make the top 10 list:

1. Utah
2. New Hampshire
3. Idaho
4. Minnesota
5. Nebraska
6. Florida
7. Vermont
8. South Dakota
9. Massachusetts
10. Washington

Causeway News

More folks also have been enjoying the causeway island beaches and this week the speed limit returned to 35, but just on the causeway. From the toll booth west, it remains 20 with construction continuing in that area.

Heading on/or off island, it still pays to drive cautiously as visitors are adjusting to the new causeway beach entrances. Bikers are back on the causeway too.

SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) also is monitoring least terns also have been observed nesting on the causeway again this year. This will be the third straight year with them there, after a 30-year absence. Last year, they successfully fledged chicks.

Sea Turtles

Daily monitoring of the 18 miles of Sanibel and Captiva beaches began on April 15 with SCCF documenting the first sea turtle nest of the year on April 25. Since then, their staff and volunteers, beginning each day at dawn, have reported ten loggerhead turtle nests and 28 false crawls. Nesting season will continue to pick up (particularly in June and July), so please remember to keep beach lights out after 9 p.m.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors

It was an East-End Caravan meeting yesterday at the Islands Association of Realtors. The tour following the meeting had a Sanibel condo, a Sanibel home, and a Captiva home open for easy viewing. Next week is West-End Caravan, while at our monthly membership meeting on May 29, we look forward to hearing from guest speaker, Sanibel Mayor Mike Miller.

Real Estate Scoop

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

There have been seven new island sales this week: two Sanibel condos, four Sanibel homes, and a Captiva condo.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity May 2-9

Sanibel

CONDO

4 new listings: Lighthouse Point #111 2/2 $548K, Sanibel Surfside #113 2/2 $930K, Sanddollar #302 3/2 $1.499M, Sundial #A210 2/2 $1.95M.

7 price changes: Cottage Colony West #132 1/1 now $503K, Sandalfoot #2C2 2/2 now $725,555; Sundial #A308 2/2 now $849K, Sandalfoot #1A2 2/2 now $849K, Sandalfoot #5D2 2/2 now $849K, Sandalfoot #5D3 2/2 now $879K, Sundial #J104 2/2 now $985K.

2 new sales: By-the-Sea #B101 3/2 listed at $699K, Heron at The Sanctuary #1-3A 3/2.5 listed at $1M.

3 closed sales: Sunset South #7D 2/2 $550K (SanibelSusan listing), Sanibel Inn #3511 2/2 $825K, Sundial #O406 2/2 $1.5M.

HOMES

3 new listings: 548 Chert Ct 3/2 $899K, 1202 Sand Castle Rd 4/3.5 $1.299M, 2337 Wulfert Rd 4/3 $1.694M.

1 back-on-market: 1062 S Yachtsman Dr 3/3 $1.299M.

18 price changes: 9455 Beverly Ln 2/2 now $610K, 1651 Sand Castle Rd (1/2 duplex) 3/2.5 now $669K, 9338 Belding Dr 2/2.5 now $749K, 5309 Umbrella Pool Ct 3/3 now $835K, 249 Christofer Ct 3/2 now $1.025M, 272 Ferry Landing Dr 3/3 now $1.095M, 458 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 now $1.139M, 717 Gopher Walk Way 3/3.5 now $1.195M, 2525 Lands End Pl 4/3 now $1.375M, 702 Pyrula Ave 3/2 now $1.395M,  713 Durion Ct 3/2 now $1.4M, 829 Pyrula Ave 3/3 now $1.495M, 203 Daniel Dr 3/3 now $1.495M, 821 Lindgren Blvd 3/3 now $1.595M, 848 Limpet Dr 3/2 now $2.05M, 5435 Osprey Ct 4/3.5 now $2.099M, 4972 Joewood Dr 4/3.5 now $2.55M, 1146 Golden Olive Ct 4/4.5 now $2.9M.

4 new sales: 551 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 listed at $675,555; 736 Windlass Way 3/2 listed at $1.399M, 9439 Cotten Ct 4/4.5 listed at $1.15M, 9113 Mockingbird Dr 3/3.5 listed at $1.995M.

4 closed sales: 4596 Buck Key Rd 3/2 $645K, 588 Hideaway Ct 3/2 $685K, 284 Ferry Landing Dr 3/2.5 $1.095M, 906 Snowberry Ln 4/4.5 $3.95M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 1746 Windward Way $495K.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

CAPTIVA

CONDOS

No new listings.

3 price changes: Bayside Villas #4110 1/2 now $325K, Bayside Villas #5208 1/2 now $450K, Tennis Villas #3132 2/2 now $672.5K.

1 new sale: Beach Homes #29 4/4 listed at $2.999M.

No closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 54 Sandpiper Ct 2/2 $1.36M.

2 price changes:  16500 Captiva Dr 6/5.5 now $6.995M, 1127 Longifolia Ct 4/4 now $7.4M.

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 in or participated in these transactions.

 Happy Mothers’ Day weekend, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Another week has flown by with so many events happening on the islands, it is hard to decide which one to attend next. Between annual community meetings, offerings at The Community House, BIG ARTS, the Conservation Foundation, the Rec Center, “Ding” Darling, volunteering opportunities, and more, there is a lot going on right through Easter and spring.

Temperature-wise, it has been high 70’s/low 80’s (degrees F) all week, with plenty of sunshine. Looking ahead, the forecasters say there is an 80% chance of rain on Tuesday. We need it and it seems as though every shower washes away more hurricane salt.

The nibbling white birds (all varieties) gathering in roadside swales have increased recently. Maybe more things birds like are in those waterways now that there is less salt. I often see bird groups in the conservation buffers along Bay Dr. Lately, they also were spotted on the north side of West Gulf Dr at the Tarpon Bay Rd intersection and in The Bailey Tract. Fun to see them!

Community Happenings

Donax Village – If you have driven by this condo community lately, you have probably noticed that the nine duplexes and two cottages there are looking well restored. Though elevated ~3 feet above ground, they were extensively damaged during Hurricane Ian when nearly 9’ of water flooded them. It was a 2-year rebuild project to bring them back – and then came Hurricanes Helene and Milton which were just close calls, but eye-opening to owners (like for many). So to prevent future devastation, the Association has decided to elevate the entire community 15’. There will be more to watch there as that project progresses.

White Pelican Villas – last week, Tony Lapi and his team from Sanibel-Captiva Beach Resorts held the ground-breaking for the new White Pelican Villas which are being built by Stevens Construction on the former West Gulf Dr site of Beachview Cottages. This community will feature 22 sustainably-built units all with gulf views.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors

During the local Association of Realtors Caravan meeting yesterday, only one new sale was announced, along with plenty of new listings and price reductions. After the meeting a West End Caravan followed with four Sanibel homes, two Captiva homes, and a Sanibel condo open for easy viewing.

As I was heading out, I snapped a few pix and got a chuckle out of hearing Affiliate attorney Gus Simmons say, “Buy real estate now, it is one of the few things that doesn’t have a tariff.”

Affiliate members, like Gus, are so important to our organization. His office (Simmons & Cook) is sponsoring an upcoming Realtor continuing education class at the Association Office on April 16. Titled “A Real Estate Agent’s Guide to Florida’s Condominium Law Post-Surfside”, it covers the recent law changes that came about after the condo building collapse on the East Coast. With the Florida Condo Rider now requiring identification of those properties that are required to have a milestone inspection performed, a turnover inspection report prepared, and a structural integrity reserve study done, it is important for condo owners, their prospective buyers, and Realtors to know which communities must do these. (Yes, I’m registered.)

Another announcement by our Association CEO was that the island MLS soon will be offering a feature called “Listing Trac”. Listing Trac provides online activity metrics for listings including from Realtor.com, Zillow, our MLS, and broker sites, all in one location in a report that we can send to Sellers. Our MLS hopes to roll it out within the next 60 days.

Real Estate Scoop

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.

Though teammate Dave and I were out showing property this week, it was another slow one island-wide for sales. Since last Friday, MLS has posted no new sales on Captiva and on Sanibel, no lot sales, but five Sanibel homes and a condo went under contract. With a whopping 633 residential properties now for sale on Sanibel and Captiva, so few sales during a week that is traditionally “high season” is a bit discouraging. It is not entirely surprising, however, given the national news this week. Even open houses are getting few, if any, lookers.

Probably the most often-asked question from sellers is “when is the market going to get better for us?” Will that be after “season”, not until fall, or next winter? The real answer is “when there are more buyers.” We sure wish we knew when that would happen. Fingers crossed that it is soon!

Economist Lawrence Yun on Jobs Report

Posted today (April 4, 2026): here is NAR Economist Lawrence Yun’s “instant reaction” to the new “jobs report”:

“Wall Street is struggling but Main Street is managing to hold on so far. Job gains were solid in March with 228,000 net additions. More Americans also chose to look for jobs, which caused the unemployment rate to tick up to 4.2%. The wage growth of 3.8% is outpacing consumer price inflation at 2.8%. However, keep in mind that the jobs data tends to be a lagging indicator of the economy.

“Despite the second consecutive month of reduction in federal government jobs, overall government staffing increased due to local government hiring, primarily in the education sector. Expect further declines in federal jobs in the coming months. Construction jobs rose in the non-residential sector, while there was a pullback among general contractors in the residential sector.

“The future direction of the economy remains uncertain due to tariff wars and potential negotiations. In the meantime, interest rates on FHA and VA loans could soon drop below 6% in a matter of days. Rates on conventional and jumbo loans are also declining as money shifts from stocks to bonds. The current job additions and decreasing rates are likely to lead to more home sales. In states with faster job additions, particularly in the Rocky Mountain time zone and the southern states, home sales could increase significantly. Be prepared.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Mar 28-Apr 4

Sanibel

CONDO

9 new listings: Captains Walk #F1 2/1.5 $364,999; Sandpebble #3E 2/2 438.5K, Sundial #I101 1/1 $524.9K, Blind Pass #B110 2/2 $549K, Oceans Reach 3X1 1/1 $719K, Sandalfoot #5D2 2/2 $899K, Sandalfoot #5D3 2/2 $949K, Sundial #K103 2/2 $995K, Pointe Santo #E7 2/2 $1.195M.

9 price changes: Sanibel Arms #H2 1/1 now $340K, Sanibel Moorings #212 1/1 now $525K, Sundial C3071/1 now $525K, Blind Pass #B211 2/2 now $539K, Oceans Reach #3X3 1/1 now $670K, Sanibel Moorings #822 2/2 now $698K, Sanibel Moorings #1112 2/2 now $860K, Sandalfoot #1A2 2/2 now $899K, Sanddollar #A302 3/2 now $1.795M.

1 new sale: Somerset #D201 3/2.5 listed at $1.725M.

5 closed sales: Captains Walk #C6 1/1 $200K, Cottage Colony West #139 2/2 $575K, Lighthouse Point #323 3/2 $905K, Loggerhead Cay #142 2/2 $962,813; Sundial #K403 2/2 $975K.

HOMES

9 new listings: 5773 San-Cap Rd 2/2 $1.349M, 1590 Century Ct 3/3 $1.395M, 5425 Shearwater Dr (1/2 duplex) 3/2 $1.549M, 1234 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 $1.595M, 848 Limpet Dr 3/2 $2.15M, 2391 Shop Rd 3/2.5 $2.195M, 6047 San-Cap Rd 3/2.5 $2.4M, 6450 Pine Ave 3/3 $2.4M, 2617 Coconut Dr 3/3.5 $3.695M.

1 back-on-market: 479 Lagoon Dr 3/3 listed at $1.998M.

18 price changes: 575 Hideaway Ct 3/2 now $699K, 551 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 now $719,555; 1684 Bunting Ln 2/2 now $775K, 1978 Roseate Ln 3/2 now $779K, 1315 Par View Dr 3/2 now $950K, 1113 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $999K, 1985 Wild Lime Dr 3/2 now $1.295M, 716 Rabbit Rd 3/2.5 now $1.299M, 736 Windlass Way 3/2 now $1.399M, 2449 Harbour Ln 2/2 now $1.4M, 2450 Wulfert Rd 4/3 now $1.495M, 4775 Rue Helene 4/3 now $1.548M, 2312 Wulfert Rd 4/3 now $1.55M, 1543 San Carlos Bay Dr 5/4 now $2.899M. 1258 Anhinga Ln 4/4 now $3.95M, 628 Lighthouse Way 4/5.5 now $4.85M, 4513 Waters Edge Ln 3/2.5 now $4.925M, 592 Lighthouse Way 3/2 now $5.9M.

5 new sales: 4596 Buck Key Rd 3/2 listed at $699K, 499 Leather Fern Pl 3/2 listed at $875K, 1521 Wilton Ln 3/2 listed at $975K, 1646 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 listed at $1.099M, 2276 Wulfert Rd 4/5.5 listed at $1.3M.

3 closed sales: 969 Fish Crow Rd 3/2 $520K, 1677 Sabal Sands Rd 3/2 $775K, 436 Glory Cir 3/2 $1.15M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 2349 Wulfert Rd $398K

2 price changes: 5085 Joewood Dr now $3.1M, 1801 Olde Middle Gulf Dr now $5.999M.

No new or closed sales.

CAPTIVA

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Captiva Beach Villas #E 5/4.5 now $3.589M.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 16585 Captiva Dr 5/4.5,5 $5.75M.

4 price changes:15155 Wiles Dr 3/2 now $2.149M, 16813 Captiva Dr 3/3 now $3.25M, 15899 Captiva Dr 4/3 now $5.25M, 16979 Captiva Dr 7/7.5 now $5,694,900.

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 in or participated in these transactions.

Another Friday has snuck up on us with more real estate activity again this week on sunny Sanibel.

I was encouraged during my daily drive-arounds to see many gulf-front complexes constructing new drainage plans and adding new landscaping. Waiting until just before the rainy season to put in those plants makes good sense. (In Southwest Florida, that season is May 15 through Oct 15.) Let Mother Nature do the watering.

More nice weather with temps reaching into the 80’s (degrees F) is expected over the weekend and through next week. Many visitors have been enjoying their spring vacations on the islands as evidenced by often-packed beach parking lots and even waits for dinner in some restaurants.

About 50% of the pre-Ian hotel rooms are available now, and I heard that 90% of those are booked currently. Yay!

Locals out doing daytime chores have learned that to save time we should do them between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Personally, I love being stuck in traffic when the weather is nice. Put down the windows, enjoy the fresh air, and be thankful that the islands are rebounding so well. It has taken time, but it’s getting there – and properties are coming back in such better condition!

Island Scoop

Junonia Shells – Those doing the Sanibel Stoop have been finding oodles of shells this week including many Junonia shells. I have looked for 36 years and have yet to find a whole one. The search continues.

Sandalfoot – This 5-building 60-unit condo association at 671 East Gulf Dr has reopened for vacation rentals. With both 1- and 2-bedroom apartments that are either gulf-front or gulf-view, it has been an East End favorite since the early 70’s. Now many units are like-new! They had their grand re-opening this week with their buildings, grounds, easy on-site rental office, and restored amenities look terrific.

Sanibel Distressed Properties – At the last City Council meeting a first reading was held about an Ordinance change to the Land Development Code to authorize the City to take action to abate unsecured or unkept properties that have been declared “distressed”. A Code Enforcement Hearing covering several properties is scheduled for Monday, March 31. The next City Council Meeting is Tuesday. More info including meeting agenda and links to listen to the meetings are on MySanibel.com.

Shalimar Beach Resort – It has been a year since the groundbreaking of the new buildings of this hotel at 2823 West Gulf Dr. They certainly looks different from the previous 1959-style olde-Florida cottages, but their advertising touts that all of the 33 new accommodations, including hotel studios and 1- and 2-bedroom villas will have kitchens and balconies. It still looks like construction has a long way to go, but they just announced that they are taking reservations for stays beginning in October.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors

During the local Association of Realtors Caravan meeting yesterday, more info was shared, including plenty of new listings and price reductions, plus a few sales. I was happy to announce a SanibelSusan Realty condo listing going under contract and another with a terrific price reduction.

After the meeting an East End Caravan followed with eight homes and two condos open for easy viewing.

Our Association of Realtors also warned us late yesterday there have been more reports today of local Realtors getting text messages from fraudulent sellers. Thankfully, Florida Realtors provides its agents with an app called Forewarn where we enter a phone number and instantly verify caller identity, criminal history, property and vehicle ownership, financial data, and additional phone and address history. You can be sure that we use it when we get calls from numbers our phones do not recognize.

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.

As the tables below show, there now are 539 residential properties for sale on Sanibel, 94 on Captiva. That compares to 255 sold last year on Sanibel, 21 on Captiva. This year-to-date, Sanibel has had 63 closed sales, 1 on Captiva.

While we hope that the other properties that are under contract (40 on Sanibel, 6 on Captiva) will also successfully close, market recovery is slow. Too slow but still moving in the right direction.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Mar 21-28

Sanibel

CONDOS

6 new listings: Captains Walk #E2 2/1.5 $369K, Blind Pass #D105 2/2 $615K, Lighthouse Point #132 2/2 $649K, Sandalfoot #4D1 2/2 $725K, Sundial #J104 2/2 $1.048M, Wedgewood #106 3/3.5 $3.5M.

14 price changes: Colonnades #1 1/1 now $239K, Mariner Pointe #713 2/2.5 now $399K (SanibelSusan listing), Sundial #I207 1/1 now $445K, Cottage Colony West #132 1/1 now $535K, Beach Road Villas #103 2/2 now $585K, Blind Pass #F104 2/2 now $599K, Donax Village #19 2/2 now $620K, Lighthouse Point #232 3/2 now $795K, Loggerhead Cay #184 2/2 now $939K, Sundial #R401 2/2 now $1.19M (SanibelSusan listing), Nutmeg Village #309 2/2 now $1.15M, Heron at The Sanctuary #1-3A 3/2.5 now $1.298M, La Playa #3B 3/2 now $1.75M, High Tide #B101 3/2 now $2.1M.

Sundial East

6 new sales: Colonnades #51 1/1 listed at $245K, Sunset South #7D 2/2 listed at $599K (SanibelSusan listing), Island Beach Club #P1F 2/2 listed at $774.8K, Sanibel Inn #3511 2/2 listed at $825K, Lighthouse Point #323 3/2 listed at $950K, Somerset #E101 3/2.5 listed at $1.749M.

3 closed sales: Sandalfoot #5B2 1/1 $575K, Lighthouse Point #317 3/2 $585K, Oceans Reach # 1A4 2/2 $850K.

HOMES

6 new listings: 970 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $969K, 1986 Wild Lime Dr 3/2 $979K, 707 Cardium St 3/2 $1.095M, 3702 Coquina Dr 4/3 $1.295M, 1103 Schooner Pl 4/3 $1.45M, 461 Lake Murex Cir 4/2.5 $2.4M.

1 back-on-market: 421 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $899K.

25 price changes: 662 East Rocks Dr 3/2 now $699K, 4560 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2 now $724K, 1813 Long Point Ln 4/2.5 now $789K, 1410 Sand Castle Rd 2/2 now $799K, 3362 Barra Cir 2/2 now $799K, 486 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 now $799K, 713 Durion Ct 3/2 now $850K, 3941 Coquina Dr 3/2 now $875K, 996 Greenwood Ct N (1/2 duplex) 3/3 now $899K, 9247 Dimmick Dr 3/2 now $919K, 604 Sea Oats Dr 4/3 now $999K, 1270 Par View Dr 3/2 now $1.145M, 9439 Cotten Ct 3/4.5 now $1.15M, 1339 Par View Dr 3/2.5 now $1.195M, 3711 Agate Ct 3/2.5 now $1.195M, 640 Periwinkle Way 3/2 now $1.299M, 4353 Gulf Pines Dr 3/2.5 now $1.495M, 544 Sea Oats Dr 4/4 now $1.55M, 939 Beach Rd 4/3.5 now $1.55M, 3744 West Gulf Dr 4/4 now $1.699M, 4166 Dingman Dr 4/4 now $1.797M, 1507 Angel Dr 3/2.5 now $1.8M, 4090 West Gulf Dr 5/3 now $1.995M, 880 Limpet Dr 4/3.5 now $3.099M, 4709 Rue Belle Mer 3/2 now $3.99M.

4 new sales: 254 Daniel Dr 3/2 listed at $1.195M, 1313 Eagle Run Dr 3/3 listed at $1.695M, 6407 Pine Ave 3/2 listed at $1.899M, 479 Lagoon Dr 3/3 listed at $1.998M.

3 closed sales: 209 Robinwood Cir 3/2 $585K, 589 Rabbit Rd 2/2 $790K, 539 N Yachtsman Dr 4/3.5 $1.595M.

LOTS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

1 closed sale: 6015 Clam Bayou Ln $975K.

CAPTIVA

CONDOS

1 new listing: Gulf Beach Villas #2122 2/2 $1.95M.

1 price change: Lands End Village #1655 2/2 now $1.189M.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 16886 Captiva Dr 5/4.5 $7.5M.

3 price changes: 11523 Andy Rosse Ln 5/5.5 now $4.675M, 15891 Captiva Dr 5/4.5 now $6.1M, 16512 Captiva Dr 7/5.5 now $7.95M.

1 new sale: 16500 Captiva Dr 6/6.5 listed at $7.895M.

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 weekend,

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

It is the first Friday in Spring, yet island weather remains the same as last week – with mostly sunshine and warm days to the delight of local kiddos that were off for Spring Break. There was noticeable increased traffic on the shared use paths and spots often were filled at beach parking areas. More nice weather is expected over the weekend and through next week. Forecast says, by Wednesday, it may again hit 80 degrees F.

More condos and accommodations are reopening, which hopefully means additional visitors will be back enjoying the islands. The good news continues as every drive around the islands produces another glimpse of more progress.

Photo by Jim Anderson, JMA Photography

Island Tidbits

Shared Use Path Speed – The expanded use of E-bikes has resulted in more education on what is allowed on Sanibel’s Shared Use Paths. With 26+miles of paths, they can be busy, particularly “in season” with bikers, joggers, hikers, dog walkers, baby strollers, and more.

Mid-week I noticed new “speed limit” signs posted on the paths. The ones next to the roadway in front of Lighthouse Café and The Lazy Flamingo say “10 mph” which initially made me think I was speeding in my car. Regarding E-bikes on the paths, only Class 1 bikes are permitted and riders must be 16 or older. Pedestrians still have the right-of-way. All users need to be careful. Sanibel has a brochure with the rules at https://www.mysanibel.com/government/recreation2/bike-or-hike-on-the-shared-use-path

Whitney’s Bait & Tackle – Over the course of the last year, you may have seen that Whitney’s Bait & Tackle at 1554 Perwinkle Way has been raised up. This week, I noticed that they have covered the lower pilings with a buffer along the streetside that incorporates “fish”. It’s just cool. Bet you notice it too.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors

Yesterday, at the islands Association of Realtors monthly Membership Meeting followed by West End Caravan, guest speaker was Dr Steve Davis, Chief Science Officer of The Everglades Foundation. His informative presentation advised that the foundation now is 30+years old and that “science doesn’t get to the goal line, it takes political engagement.”

Clean water affects the economy, particularly tourism, outdoor recreation, and real estate. The foundation works to protect America’s Everglades through science, advocacy, and education. The need for Everglades restoration has been recognized for over 50 years.

One of the slides was from a 1972 National Geographic magazine showing South Florida’s water crisis then.

Solving water quality issues certainly has it challenges, but it was positive to hear about how involved the Foundation is with schools and students. Also, that water is one of the only bipartisan issues where there is agreement nationally.

The Everglades Restoration Plan which was signed in 2000 is making strides. Dr Davis advised that the C43 storage reservoir which is 10 acres next to Lehigh Acres should be complete by the end of 2025 and will hold billions of gallons of water, leading to recovery of the Caloosahatchee Estuary.

Further south, the larger EAA (Everglades Agricultural Area) reservoir is slated to be done in late 2034 and it also will have a water treatment wetland area next to it. With ten Everglades Restoration projects completed over 3 million acres, it also was interesting to hear that the Picayune Strand (which is south of Naples) is restored and already bringing back natural habitat, including eagles and panther. The Kissimmee River that goes into Lake O also has been restored. An interesting statistic is that 70-80% of the benefits in these projects are in the first 3-5 years.

Dr. Davis’ presentation was a good entre to a unique opportunity the Association of Realtors is offering to its members on April 30 when The Everglades Foundation, South Florida Water Management District, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide more info as attendees participate in a day-long trip to both the C43 and EAA reservoirs. A busload will be going.

After the guest speaker, during the Caravan agenda, just two island sales were announced, but there were plenty more new listings and price reductions. After the meeting, just a condo in The Sanctuary Golf Villages was open for easy viewing.

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.

What Sellers Don’t Wanna Hear

I have been told more than once lately that the trouble with me is that I tell people what they don’t want to hear. Educated buyers and sellers make smarter decisions and, of course, it is easier to tell people what they want to hear, but here is some info that makes today’s market even more challenging – and probably what sellers don’t wanna hear.

I confirmed this week that SanibelSusan Realty is not the only one receiving low-ball offers from prospective buyers who have never visited a property. These offers, on the “as is” contract with inspection/cancellation period, specify that the offer is not negotiable – either accept it or reject it.

A little sleuthing with other brokers indicates that these purported buyers are making offers on several properties simultaneously, then if they are lucky enough to get one or more accepted, they just cancel any contracts for unwanted property during the cancellation periods. I heard one offer was as low as 63% of asking price. I also have yet to find one that has been accepted and made it to closing.

The island Association of Realtors announced today that they will host a Brokers Roundtable in early April. We have not had one of these since pre-pandemic so this is an opportunity for company leaders to share experiences and to discuss how the Realtor organization and each of us can help each other.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Mar 14-21

Sanibel

CONDOS

10 new listings: Cottage Colony West #132 1/1 $550K, Cottage Colony West #117 1/1 $575K, Sanibel Siesta #202 2/2 $719K, Sanibel Arms West #G7 2/2 $729K, Sanibel Inn #3511 2/2 $825K, Sundial #A308 2/2 $899K, Lighthouse Point #312 3/2 $919,999; Sanibel Siesta #223 2/2 $955K, La Playa #3B 3/2 $1.85M, Lantana #102 4/3.5 $2.5M.

16 price changes: Colonnades #51 1/1 now $245K, Captains Walk #D1 2/1 now $374K, Cottage Colony West #102 1/1 now $529K, Sundial #C406 1/1 now $599K, Loggerhead Cay #362 2/2 now $819K, Loggerhead Cay #583 2/2 now $845K, Loggerhead Cay #452 2/2 now $849K, Mariner Pointe #223 2/2,5 now $849.9K, Shell Island Beach Club #7B 2/2 now $925K (SanibelSusan Realty listing), Lighthouse Point #323 3/2 now $950K, Nutmeg Village #109 2/2 now $1.095M, Sundial #S301 3/2 now $1.099M, Sundial #K108 3/2 now $1.295M, St Croix #4 2/2 now $1.499M, Gulfside Place #125 2/2 now $1.695M, Seascape #102 3/3 now $2.7M.

Shell Island Beach Club

4 new sales: Sundial #C207 1/1 listed at $524,999; Lighthouse Point #211 2/2 listed at $625K, Oceans Reach #1A4 2/2 listed at $899K, Sundial #O205 2/2 listed at $1.195M.

3 closed sales: Sundial #F105 1/1 $475K, Heron at The Sanctuary #1-1A 3/2.5 $900K, Oceans Reach #4D2 2/2 $1.075M.

HOMES

10 new listings: 5892 San-Cap Rd 3/3 $699K, 1105 Skiff Pl 4/3 $1.15M, 1300 Par View Dr 4/2 $1.179M, 1339 Par View Dr 3/2.5 $1.25M, 1970 Wild Lime Dr 4/3 $1.368M, 736 Windlass Way 3/2 $1.499M, 877 Limpet Dr 3/3.5 $2.95M, 1146 Golden Olive Ct 4/4.5 $3M, 2400 Los Colony Rd 3/3 $3.195M, 1490 Angel Dr 4/3 $3.995M.

26 price changes: 220 Hurricane Ln 2/2 now $675K, 1651 Sand Castle Rd (1/2 duplex) 3/2.5 now $689K, 1436 Jamaica Dr 2/2 now $699K, 575 Hideway Ct 3/2 now $749K, 3009 Singing Wind Dr 3/2 now $817K, 9226 Kincaid Ct 3/2 now $839K, 785 Rabbit Rd 3/2 now $890K, 9247 Dimmick Dr 3/2 now $929K, 1312 Par View Dr 3/2 now $979K, 1169 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $985K, 1610 Sabal Sands Rd 3/2 now $998K, 1113 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $1.049M, 2596 Roosevelt Pl 3/2 now $1.049M, 4221 Old Banyan Way 3/2 now $1.095M, 720 Elinor Way 3/2 now $1.149M, 3711 Agate Ct 3/2.5 now $1.275M, 5300 Umbrella Pool Dr 3/3 now $1.193M, 3025 Turtle Gait Ln 3/2 now $1.23M, 672 Durion Ct 3/2 now $1.295M, 2999 Twin Ponds Dr 4/3.5 now $1,329,400; 640 Periwinkle Way 3/2 now $1.375M, 1990 My Tern Ct 3/2 now $1.395M, 829 Pyrula Ave 3/3 now $1.6M, 6101 Starling Way 4/3.5 now $1.749M, 6440 Pine Ave 3/3.5.5 now $1.75M, 1004 Bayview Dr 5/4 now $4.345M.

2 new sales: 1563 Sand Castle Rd 4/4.5 listed at $1.1M, 335 East Gulf Dr 3/2 listed at $1.379M.

2 closed sales: 5606 Baltusrol Ct 5/6 $2.9M, 6195 Henderson Rd 3/3.5 $3.3M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 470 Sawgrass Pl $875K.

1 price change: 5398 Osprey Ct now $349K.

1 new sale: 6015 Clam Bayou Ln listed at $1.15M.

No closed sales:

CAPTIVA

CONDOS

4 new listings: Tennis Villas #3222 1/1 $414.5K, Beach Villas #2611 2/2 $939K, Beach Cottages #1411 3/3 $2.599M, Beach Homes #19 3/3 $5.65M.

1 price change: Bayside Villas #4220 1/2 now $649K.

2 new sales: Tennis Villas #3120 1/1 listed at $415K, Lands End Village #1645 2/1 listed at $1.79M.

No closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 16543 Captiva Dr 3/3 $4.8M.

3 price changes: 15160 Captiva Dr 6/6.5 now $4.9M, 15153 Captiva Dr 3/3 now $5.65M, 16979 Captiva Dr 7/7.5 now $5.695M.

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 & if you are “out & about” on the island tomorrow, Sat 3/22, stop in & see teammate David at his Open House at 5309 Umbrella Pool Rd in Sanibel Bayous. He’ll be there from 10 a.m. til 1 p.m.