Sanibel & Captiva Islands Scoop, Real Estate, Water, & More…

Posted on August 23, 2013 by SanibelSusan

On Redfish Pass, overlooking Lands End at South Seas Resort, Captiva, 8/20/13

It has been another busy few days for The SanibelSusan Team though there was not a lot of real estate action again this week on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Things here are pretty quiet with local schools back in full swing and visitor traffic down considerably.

I hate to say that the water from the Lake Okeechobee releases had much to do with inactivity, but it has caused some unrest. Discolored water here in late summer is fairly normal during the rainy season (it is like making tea out of mangroves, i.e. their decomposition), but the Lake “O” releases like I’ve mentioned on earlier Fridays are especially brutal this year. (More about that below.)

If the water is going to look bad, at least it is during that time of the year when the island is not as busy. Many condo complex summer remodeling/renovation projects are in full-swing and some of the restaurants are closing for their summer vacations. Sweet Melissa’s is closed now and Traders will be closing for a few weeks beginning tomorrow.

Weather this week has returned to a typical summer rainy season pattern with bright sunny days and late afternoon or early evening showers. More of the same is expected for the next few days.

Here are a couple of news items, followed by a report of the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service action.

Continuing Education at Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

A view of Ding Darling’s fish house on Roosevelt Channel taken from the “Santiva” heading to Pine Island Sound, 8/20/13

Here’s Elise holding a faux dolphin skull (man-made for training purposes).

While SanibelSusan teammates Dave and Lisa kept the office running, Elise and I both completed 16 hours of Realtor® Continuing Education this week. The off-season in the summer is the best time to fulfill the requirements needed to keep our state real estate licenses up-to-date and it is even fun when the training includes information that we can really “use” in selling the islands.

Learning from Kristie out on the water is “the best!”

The 7-hour Tuesday session titled “Environmental Considerations of Coastal Living” included a boat tour out of McCarthy’s Marina on the “Santiva” with SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) Education Director Kristie Anders.

This is the 14th year that Kristie, also a Florida Realtors®-approved instructor, has helped our Association by teaching our Realtors® about the islands’ latest environmental trends. In addition to covering info she has gained in cooperation with the Lee Visitor & Convention Bureau (http://www.leevcb.com), much of the discussion was about recent water releases from Lake “O”, water quality, land development, and flora/fauna/animal life and their co-existence with us.

SCCF's Herpatologist Chris holding a Cane Toad.

SCCF’s Herpetologist Chris with a Cane Toad.

While at SCCF later in the day, we got a bird’s eye view – too close for many – of a dreaded Cane Toad. Though these animals were found only recently on Sanibel, they reproduce prolifically (thousands of toadlets from just one female) and they have no known predators. They also produce a toxic venom that can quickly and horrifically kill pets and other animals. Cane toads also can live for 5 to 10 years and they are big too, like 4 pounds! You can be sure that class attendees now will be on the lookout for these creatures. SCCF’s Herpetologist and Director of Wildlife Habitat Management, Chris Lechowicz, told us that he is working hard to get rid of them too, and asks that sightings be reported to him at clechowicz@sccf.org.

SCCF Researcher AJ talks about water.

Another fun part of the class was getting updated on SCCF’s Marine Laboratory and RECON stations. (RECON = River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network) There are several constantly-monitored RECON stations in the islands surrounding waterways (Gulf of Mexico, Blind Pass, Redfish Pass, Shell Point, Tarpon Bay, Caloosahatchee River). If you want to find accurate island weather conditions, info from the RECON stations usually is even better than local TV/radio (http://recon.sccf.org/).

Wednesday, we had a well-known and respected Florida and international educator at the Association Office for their first training session on the islands. That morning, Tony Macaluso taught us the required 3 hours of “Core Law” updates plus another 3 hours about “Expanding Business into the Global Market”.

Thursday after our Monthly Membership Meeting, which had a presentation and question/answer session with a panel of local real estate appraisers, Tony presented a third 3-hour class called “The Booming Business of Boomers, Vacation and Second Home Sales”. We learned during this last class that someone turns 65 every second in the U.S. with those numbers expected to reach 10,000 a day soon. The good news for us is that the most-favored “boomer” destination in the U.S. is Florida. Florida holds the preferred ranking for foreign buyers too.

Notice of Proposed 2013 Real Estate Property Taxes

It is that time of the year when island property owners receive their proposed property tax bill for 2013. Mine arrived in the mail yesterday. This is not the actual tax bill for payment, but instead is a notice from the Lee County Property Appraiser of what he considers the market value of the property to be this year and what taxes are estimated to be for 2013. The market value is based on 2012 sales. Any disputes with notices must be filed on/before September 16. (For comparison, the County’s market value of my east-end canal-front home was down 8% from 2011 to 2012. Dave’s house just off-island was down less than 1%.) If you are wondering about property assessments, any county property can be searched by address or owner’s name at http://www.LeePA.org.

More Progress on Lake Okeechobee Releases

City photo

Yesterday, Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane provided testimony on the Lake Okeechobee freshwater releases before the Florida Senate Select Committee on Indian River Lagoon and Lake Okeechobee Basin in Stuart, FL. This committee has eight members including Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto from Southwest Florida. It was moderated by Senator Joe Negron from Palm City who also attended, listened, and spoke at our Florida Realtors Land Use, Property Rights, & Sustainable Development Subcommittee meeting which I attended at our Realtor Convention last Friday in Orlando.

The good news is that the amount of the Army Corps-managed water releases from Lake “O” were reduced somewhat yesterday because of the water height in the lake going down. The bad news is that Florida is just coming into the high rainy season (September 10 being peak) and there are no funded short- or long-term solutions to the water storage problems in central Florida. (The key word here is “funded”. Please continue to keep the pressure up with your state congressmen too. There are approved construction projects and programs that will take years to complete, but were halted when monies were directed elsewhere.)

Yesterday’s meeting is the first of four expected Senate meetings before the committee submits their findings. More info about this committee at www.flsenate.gov/topics/IRLLOB.

Tomorrow morning, there is a “Save Our Bay” rally on the causeway where some are expected to vent their frustrations about the water releases.

Captiva Island Beach Renourishment Project Awarded

Despite the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers backing out of the project, less than a month ago, local news this week reported that the Beach Renourishment Project on Captiva Island is ready to move forward.

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) voted unanimously to hire the lowest bidder to replenish 800,000 cubic yards of sand along six miles of shoreline between Redfish Pass and Blind Pass. CEPD had a contingency plan in case federal funding was no longer available, so they are now using a combination of state and county funding, private loans, and budget reserves.

The Army Corps shocked CEPD with their last-minute decision to rescind the agreement, but because of their good planning the project will be accomplished without delay. A pre-construction meeting is scheduled for the beginning of September, work begins in late October. The target completion date is February 1. According to the Army Corps, the project is no longer in compliance with federal policies and regulations having to do with beach easements and access parking.

Sanibel Sea School

The commercial building on Sanibel’s east end at the corner of Periwinkle Way and Lagoon Drive was on the market off-and-on over the last few years. It sold and the Sanibel Sea School has agreed on a long-term lease. In front of the current Sanibel Sea School property, plans for the new Sanibel Sea School building which currently houses retail space and administrative offices for the educational facility are to divide it into six separate areas. Plans also call for raising and rotating the original Sea School building, and creating a central courtyard between the buildings that may be used when school is not in session for other educational or health-related activities. So far the only noticeable change is that the building facing Periwinkle has been painted “Sanibel Sea School” blue. According to Dr. Bruce Neill, founder and director of the school, who is working closely with the City Planning Department, the redevelopment will be unique on Sanibel, embracing education, commerce, environmental harmony and the local community.

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity from August 16 to 23

Sanibel
CONDOS
3 new listings: Loggerhead Cay #574 2/2 $565K, Lighthouse Point #215 3/2 $599K, Sundial #E208 2/2 $839K.
No price changes.
5 new sales: Spanish Cay #D4 2/2 listed for $325K, Kings Crown #313 2/2 listed for $590K, Pointe Santo #D24 2/2 listed for $635K, Sundial #R202 2/2 listed for $649.9K, Plantation Village #212 3/2 listed for $1.085M.

2 closed sales: Pointe Santo #C24 1/1 $420K, Cottage Colony West #128 1/1 $510K.

HOMES
3 new listings: 4585 Bowen Bayou Rd 4/4 $645K, 1019 Lindgren Blvd 3/2 $769K, 5313 Punta Caloosa Ct 4/3 $898K.
3 price changes: 490/460 Old Trail Rd 3/2 now $375K (short sale), 1013 Lindgren Blvd 4/3 now $799K, 1329 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 now $895K.
2 new sales: 1014 S Yachtsman Dr 3/2 listed for $585K, 1183 Kittiwake Cir 3/3 listed for $699.9K.
3 closed sales: 1409 Sandpiper Cir 2/2 half-duplex $285K, 385 Old Trail Rd 4/2.5 $825K, 691 Cardium St 4/3 $880K.

LOTS
No new listings or price changes.
1 new sale: 1307 Par View Dr listed for $239.5K.
1 closed sale: 5891 SanCap Rd $398K.

Captiva
CONDOS
No new listings.
1 price change: Bayside Villas #5102 1/2 now $292K.
No new or closed sales.

HOMES
1 new listing: 16221 Captiva Dr 5/4.5 $4.795M.
No price changes.
1 new sale: 16447 Captiva Dr 7/6/2 listed for $3.25M (short sale).
No closed sales.

LOTS
Nothing to report.

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors or its 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. If your property currently is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing.

Until next Friday, here’s to more sunny days & beautiful sunsets…

Photo by Jim Anderson, JMA Photography

Sanibel Sunsets & Island Real Estate News

Posted on July 19, 2013 by SanibelSusan

Another summer week is behind us, surprisingly with Southwest Florida being touted as one of the coolest spots in the nation a couple of times. It is definitely an unusual weather pattern if Florida is cooler than 40 of the 48 contiguous states.

Over the last seven days, Sanibel and Captiva Island have had mostly sunny days but plenty of rain too, particularly yesterday. More is expected later today and again tomorrow. Swales are full, ponds and lakes overflowing, and the tropical vegetation is growing like crazy.

Here is a photo sent to me earlier this week by one of our happy island homeowners. Those afternoon/early evening storms usually are followed by fabulous sunsets! Luckily this family now owns in the perfect location for viewing those.

Sanibel sunset, photo thanks to Scott, 07-13-13

Here are a couple of news items, followed by the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service action this week. We had another nice closing on Monday, the last of our “winter sales”, now on to summer…

Association of Realtors® July Membership Meeting

SanibelSusan Realty listings starred in the Realtor Caravan following our local Association of Realtors® meeting yesterday. Since our Association had not met for four weeks because of the July 4th holiday, most attendees expected that many new listings would be announced, but “no”, there was just a handful, including our new listing in Sanibel Shores. The new-listing caravan had only five properties on tour (15 is the maximum allowed). Three of the five were SanibelSusan listings including Marine Pointe #631, Pointe Santo #B23, and 9477 Peaceful Drive (photos below). We got good feedback on them too! Now we just need to see buyers in town.

Mariner Pointe #631, photo by Dave

9477 Peaceful Drive, photo by JMA Photography

The educational segment of the meeting featured a panel of rental company managers offering helpful information on how these companies can best work with sales associates. One of the items discussed was the new Florida Realtors/FloridaBAR sales contracts that are expected to be approved during the upcoming August Florida Realtors® Annual Business Meetings in Orlando. Both the traditional “Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase” and the “”AS IS” Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase” in addition to other changes includes one about future rentals. In the paragraph about “Occupancy and Possession” a new paragraph with check-box is added which says:

“CHECK IF PROPERTY IS SUBJECT TO LEASE(s) OR OCCUPANCY AFTER CLOSING: If property is subject to a lease(s) after Closing or is intended to be rented or occupied by third parties beyond Closing, the facts and terms thereof shall be disclosed in writing by Seller to Buyer and copies of the written lease(s) shall be delivered to Buyer, all within 5 days after Effective Date. If Buyer determines, in Buyer’s sole discretion, that the lease(s) or terms of occupancy are not acceptable to Buyer, Buyer may terminate this Contract by delivery of written notice of such election to Seller within 5 days after receipt of the above items from Seller, and Buyer shall be refunded the Deposit thereby releasing Buyer and Seller from all further obligations under this Contract. Estoppel Letter(s) and Seller’s affidavit shall be provided pursuant to STANDARD D. If Property is intended to be occupied by Seller after Closing, see Rider U. POST-CLOSING OCCUPANCY BY SELLER.”During a follow-up question-and-answer period, a local bank Vice President and Association Affiliate Member, mentioned that checking this box could adversely affect a Buyer’s loan scenarios/terms. That makes sense, since investment property is generally considered highest risk (compared to primary residences and 2nd homes).

Another Realtor® member mentioned that sometimes Seller’s have future rental bookings at reduced rates or they block future rental periods for themselves/family/guests at no cost. Sometimes that is looked upon unfavorably by a prospective Buyer who may be looking to maximize income.

A good time to revisit your lease/rental agreement and think about the best way to get your property sold is before it is listed. Many rental contracts have obligations about future bookings. Be sure and pass that information along to your Realtor® and perhaps, when you decide to sell, think twice about how far out you are willing to accept bookings, sometimes prospective buyers do not want to honor rentals. (In recent years, the percentage of buyers wanting rental income has declined. Rather, most buy primarily for their own use.)

Helping Mother Nature on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

One of my favorite things about living on Sanibel and Captiva is the general positive attitude about coexisting with nature. This summer with a beach renourishment project coming up, staff and volunteers with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) Sea Turtle Monitoring Program are even assisting Mother Nature.

Each day during nesting season, May to October, the 18 miles of the island gulf beaches from Sanibel’s east-end lighthouse to the tip of Captiva are checked starting at dawn by Turtle Patrol volunteers. Sea turtle nests are identified and marked for monitoring and protection. New hatches are evaluated and recorded with the data helpful in future state and national decision-making that protects sea turtles.

SCCF photo of Sanibel’s first turtle nest of 2013

Unfortunately, this year nesting season falls smack-dab in the middle of a long-planned August beach renourishment project which will add more than 800,000 cubic yards of sand on Captiva from Redfish Pass to Blind Pass, and also on the Captiva-end of Sanibel, where an additional 75,000 cubic yards will be added.

In preparation for this project, SCCF and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) stepped in and took action. A special permit was issued which allows SCCF’s biologist and Turtle Monitoring Program Coordinator, Amanda Bryant, and other FWC Marine Turtle permit holders to move nests that would be impacted.

SCCF photo of turtle hatchlings heading to gulf

According to Amanda, as of last week, they had moved 21 nests. According to an article in today’s “Island Sun”, she trained for two years with FWC to obtain this permit and she knows how to create a new egg chamber, just like a mama turtle would. Moving the eggs quickly also is key. The new nests are staked, marked and numbered, just like the ones the mamas create. Thanks to Amanda and her team of volunteers, hundreds of new hatchlings may emerge in about two months – just another wonderful example of how life is on the islands.

City of Sanibel Continues To Be Cost Cautious

At Tuesday’s Sanibel City Council meeting, a preliminary millage rate of 2.0861 was established as recommended by the City’s financial department with a 2014 budget described by City Manager Judie Zimomra as “tight”. This rate is slightly less than last year’s 2.1 mils. Council will conduct the first budget public hearing on Saturday, September 7 at 9 a.m. The 2nd and final hearing will be held on Tuesday, September 17 at 5:01 p.m.

Sanibel Crosswalk Study

Another item on Tuesday’s City Council agenda was discussion about three of Sanibel’s busiest areas for pedestrian and bike traffic. To improve crosswalk safety, several design alternatives were presented as part of this study.

The three intersections being investigated are:

Periwinkle Way & Bailey Road (near the Dairy Queen and Lazy Flamingo)
Periwinkle Way & Casa Ybel Road (across from Jerry’s Market)
Tarpon Bay Road & Island Inn Road (across from Lily & Company)

Following public input and discussion, these areas will be examined further and the topic is continued until Council’s next meeting.

Helping You Save During the Heat Wave

In getting ready for our closing this week, the buyer asked for advice on the appropriate HVAC temperature setting for their new home. Most of the time, I keep my home and the office set at 78 degrees F, but was happy that a flier arrived from Lee County Electric Co-op with my electric bill on the same day and about that very subject. It says:

“Warmer weather has arrived and you may be looking for ways to save energy and lower your bill. Our energy experts are here to help you save energy by following these simple tips:

When cooling your home, set the thermostat at 78 degrees F. Each degree below adds 8 to 12% to cooling costs.
While away from home for more than two hours, set the thermostat at 83 degrees F.
Install a programmable thermostat that will automatically raise and lower the temperature at certain times of the day.
Turn off fans when the room is not occupied. Each continuously running fan costs approximately $7 per month on your electric bill.
Do not close A/C vents or interior doors when A/C is running.

For more green energy tips visit www.lcec.net.”

One for the Birds

When I saw this article posted on VisitFlorida.com this week, I knew Sanibel would have to make the list.

“Five Top Spots for Birding in Florida – Florida, birding and wildlife viewing is a big deal – even bigger than you might imagine.

In fact, birding is second only to beach-related activities as a form of outdoor recreation for both visitors and residents. The trend is still on the rise, so count on seeing more and more people carrying binoculars and spotting scopes around the Sunshine State.

If you’re already into birding, you probably know that Florida is considered one of the best places in the world for the activity. Here are five of the top spots you don’t want to miss:

• Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – For Titusville, having one of the state’s most diverse wildlife habitats on your doorstep is a good thing. In January, the area hosts the annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, which is the largest of its kind in the country. Birders flock to the area en masse to get a look at migrating waterfowl and all manner of shorebirds along Black Point Wildlife Drive, a 7-mile loop around salt marsh impoundments. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, you’re sure to check a few species off your life list here.

• Everglades National Park – When wildlife lovers dream, they more than likely dream about the Everglades. Not only is it a National Park, it’s also designated as an International Biosphere Reserve for its ecological importance. Residents of Everglades National Park include the Florida panther, American crocodile, the rare Ghost orchid, manatees and much more. For a good day trip, check out the Anhinga Trail and the Shark Valley tram. www.nps.gov/ever

• Dry Tortugas National Park – Located about 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, Dry Tortugas National Park is a little difficult to reach, but the reward is well worth the effort. Catch a ride on the Yankee Freedom Ferry, a high-speed catamaran that can get you there in just a couple of hours. Go in the spring and you’ll be rewarded with the rare sight of thousands of Sooty terns and Brown noddies nesting on Bush Key. www.nps.gov/drto

Roseate spoonbills in J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, photo by Hans.

• J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge – Year-round birding and wildlife viewing is terrific on Sanibel Island. At “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, you can drive around the 4-mile Wildlife Drive and get looks at Roseate spoonbills and Gray kingbirds. Take a walk on the Indigo Trail in the summer months, where Mangrove cuckoos can be found. www.fws.gov/dingdarling

• STA5/Lake Okeechobee – It’s not a National Park or a National Wildlife Refuge, but STA-5 is one of the best birding spots in South Florida. Stormwater treatment areas are designed to filter out excess nutrients that would otherwise flow to the Everglades, but they also turn out to be excellent places for birding. To access STA-5, you’ll need to register a visit with one of the local Audubon Society chapters. The birding is fantastic year-round, and you’ll definitely add a few life-listers at STA-5. www.hendrygladesaudubon.org

If five locations aren’t enough, don’t worry. The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail covers the entire state, with 514 official sites to explore. Check out www.floridabirdingtrail.com for more information.”

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

Sanibel
CONDOS
2 new listings: Mariner Pointe #733 2/2 $395K, Sanibel Arms #C4 2/2 $489.9K.
3 price changes: Sanbel Arms #C8 2/2 now $429K, Loggerhead Cay #451 2/2 now $485K, White Pelican #112 2/2 now $799K.
2 new sales: Tarpon Beach #206 2/2 listed for $667K, Gulfside Place #323 2/2 listed for $969K.

Our closing this week, Lake Palms #2

3 closed sales: Lake Palms #2 2/2.5 $235K (our sale), Island Beach Club #P3A 2/2 $450K, Tarpon Beach #205 2/2 $650K.

HOMES
4 new listings: 1520 Center St 2/2 $319K, 659 Donax St 2/2 $449K (our listing), 735 Donax St 3/2 $489K, 1480 Angel Dr 3/3 $1.545M.
2 price changes: 4563 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/3 now $649K, 1826 Woodring Rd 3/2 now $1.33M (short sale).
1 new sale: 1941 Roseate Ln 3/2 listed for $449.9K.

Our new listing this week at 659 Donax St

3 closed sales: 966 Greenwood Ct S 3/2.5 half-duplex $322.5K, 1193 Kittiwake Cir 4/3 $530K, 407 Bella Vista Way E 4/4 $2.6M.

LOTS
No new listings.
1 price change: 708 Durion Ct now $359K.
1 new sale: 5891 SanCap Rd listed for $448K.
No closed sales.

Captiva
CONDOS
No new listings.
1 price change: Sunset Beach Villas #2238 3/3 now $825K.
2 new sales: Bayside Villas #5208 1/2 listed for $255K, Bayside Villas #5134 1/2 listed for $267.9K.
1 closed sale: Beach Villas #2533 2/2 $685K.

HOMES
No new listings.
2 price changes: 11516 Andy Rosse Ln 5/5 now $1.899M, 14971 Binder Dr 4/3 now $2.695M.
No new or closed sales.

LOTS
1 new listing: 16297 Captiva Dr $1.749M.
No price changes, new or closed sales.

Here’s to a rain-free weekend or if not, at least one with more fabulous sunsets!

Don’t forget to call The SanibelSusan Team for all of your island real estate needs! (both Sanibel & Captiva)

SanibelSusan

Gorgeous Summer Weather & Real Estate Happenings on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Posted on June 14, 2013 by SanibelSusan

White herons like Pointe Santo too!

It is another happy Friday here on Sanibel Island.

Below are some general island news items, followed by the activity posted over the last seven days in the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service.

Vacation fun at Pointe Santo

SanibelSusan finalized three transactions this week: a Pointe Santo condo listed for sale, a Sanibel Moorings condo sale, and two closings, an East Rocks and a Sanibel Bayous home.

Otherwise, the islands were pretty quiet – just some afternoon thunder showers – which make for beautiful sunsets. It is definitely summer-mode here now!

The beach today at Sanibel Moorings

Sanibel Authorizes Work Toward a Civic Core Master Plan

Sanibel Planning Commission, with City Council direction, is reviewing sections of the Land Development Code with the goal of developing a Civic Core which would ease public safety, traffic, and parking concerns at community facilities like the Sanibel Library, City Hall, BIG Arts, the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, and the Center-4-Life, and for various events like the Farmers Market. Their input is expected for the next City Council Meeting on July 16. That is also the meeting when the annual Sanibel millage rate is expected to be set.

Three Sundial Restaurants Open to the Public

This week, islanders got an invite to Sanibel Summerfest celebrating the opening of the three new restaurants and lounges at Sundial Beach Resort and Spa.

Now open to the public, they include “Waterview” which is the more formal dining room with panoramic view of the gulf, the casual “Turtles Cafe and Patio” also on the main level overlooking the pool to the beach, and “Sea Breeze” cafe downstairs near Turtles Tiki Bar where island Troubadour Danny Morgan plays Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Summer Happenings at Sanibel Historical Museum & Village

The spring/summer issue of “The Old Village Voice” arrived this week. It reports that Sanibel’s Historical Museum and Village had over 7,000 visitors through April. Over 450 were children. A major upgrade at the village this past year is the addition of Shore Haven, their founder Elinore Dormer’s home, and its caretaker’s cottage. Over the upcoming year, these recent acquisitions will be restored and the village paths modified and native vegetation added to accommodate them.

If you like visiting the Museum in the off-season, they are now operating on their summer schedule of Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (They will close August 4 and reopen November 6 on full hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

If you are looking for a special gift, the Gift Shop in Bailey’s Old General Store at the Village has some unique offerings. Or if you are looking to volunteer, check out the Museum website. Become a docent!

Sanibel Public Library Summer Happenings

I love it when I am working with prospective buyers new to the island and they visit the Sanibel Library for the first time. Suffice it to say, it always receives glowing reviews, as it did again last week from some folks who now have visited it several times while here for their condo-hunting expedition.

The Sanibel Public Library spring/summer newsletter “Palm Reader” just came out too. The Library is gearing up for its 2013 Summer Reading Program. Children will be “Reading for Others” just like last year, when they earned 857 books for the Children’s Hospital at Lee Memorial Health System. This year, they want to break the 1,000 book mark.

Downloading eBooks and audiobooks to tablets, phones, and iPods just got easier with an upgrade at the Sanibel Public Library’s eShelf service. Visit the Library’s Technology Lab or contact the Library technology staff to schedule an appointment.

Here’s a link to the library’s website. This is another organization/facility also operating with the help of many volunteers, nearly 5,000 hours this year!

Summer Arts Camp at BIG ARTS

From kindergarten-age right through high school, there is something for every one this year at BIG ARTS. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through July 26, activities are designed for children to get creative and keep engaged during school break.

BIG ARTS Summer Arts Camp 2013 flyer

Activities include acrylic painting, dance, puppetry, improvisational acting, music appreciation, folk art, and general arts and crafts. Middle and high schoolers have the option to attend as a student or participate in an apprenticeship program.

Sanibel Captiva Island Association of Realtors®

Though there was no Realtor® Caravan Meeting yesterday, we had a presentation on Wednesday by three of our affiliate insurance brokers.

Flood insurance continues to hold the attention of all of us as the requirements of the Biggert Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 are enacted. As the 2013 Chairman of our local Realtors Professional Development Committee, I facilitated the meeting. Though I have mentioned flood insurance in other recent blogs, it is worth repeating. This is serious stuff! I encourage all owners who have questions to contact their insurance carriers for advice particular to their property.

The Wednesday presenters were: David Arter with Private Client Insurance Services, Chris Heidrick with Heidrick & Co. Insurance, and Dawn Zettler with Insurance and Risk Management Services, Inc. Here is some summary info from Chris’s handout about what structures are impacted:

“Which Pre-FIRM Special Flood Hazard Area (A & V Zone) Structures Are Impacted?
(Pre-FIRM means when the community began using the Federal Flood Insurance Rate Maps. On Sanibel the Pre-FIRM date applies to a property constructed before April 16, 1979. Unincorporated Lee County joined the National Flood Insurance Program in September 1984.)

Primary Residence (Owner-Occupied 80% of the year – 292 nights):
Policy purchased prior to 7/6/12: will increase ~20% this year. Some subsidy will remain.
Policy purchased 7/6/12-9/30/12: full flood rate applies at next renewal on or after 10/1/13. Grandfathering will be eliminated at next renewal. Elevation certificate will be required or tentative/provisional rates will be applied.
Policy purchased 10/1/13 or later: full flood rate applies immediately, ineligible for grandfathering.

Non-Primary Residence
Policy purchased prior to 7/6/12: will increase 25% per year until full flood rate is reached, effective 1/1/13.
Policy purchased 7/6/12-9/30/12: full flood rate applies at next renewal on or after 10/1/13. Grandfathering will be eliminated at next renewal. Elevation certificate will be required or tentative/provisional rates will be applied.
Policy purchased 10/1/13 or later: full flood rate applies immediately, ineligible for grandfathering.

Condo Associations
Policy purchased prior to 7/6/12: regular rate increases. Subsidy will remain.
Policy purchased 7/6/12-9/30/12: full flood rate applies at next renewal on or after 10/1/13. Grandfathering will be eliminated at next renewal. Elevation certificate will be required or tentative/provisional rates will be applied.
Policy purchased 10/1/13 or later: full flood rate applies immediately, ineligible for grandfathering.

Non-Residential (Commercial Structures)
Policy purchased prior to 7/6/12: increase 25% per year until full flood rate is reached.
Policy purchased 7/6/12-9/30/12: full flood rate applies at next renewal on or after 10/1/13. Grandfathering will be eliminated at next renewal. Elevation certificate will be required or tentative/provisional rates will be applied.
Policy purchased 10/1/13 or later: full flood rate applies immediately, ineligible for grandfathering.

Notes: Full flood rate is the rate based on the Elevation Difference (lowest floor elevation – base flood elevation) in the current flood zone, as defined by a Flood Elevation Certificate. Policies with tentative/provisional rates are not eligible to receive claim payments and cannot be renewed.”

Summer Storm Prep

Island Water’s summer newsletter, “IWA Pipeline” offers a good reminder: “Turn off your house (water) valves when you leave the islands for storms or extended periods of time. Water pipe breaks and leaks are wasteful and can be expensive. Water leaks inside an unoccupied home can be disastrous. Failed dishwasher, washing machine, and ice maker hoses can all lead to a very bad day inside an unoccupied home. There is a very good side to storm season – more RAIN – and hence lower consumption and increased water conservation!”

Ways a Property May Turn Off Buyers

Bankrate.com recently featured a list of the top ways buyers back away from a property listed for sale. Its list includes these items, among others:

“Dirt – The No. 1 biggest mistake is not getting a property in the best possible condition…including steam-cleaning tile/grout and carpets and replacing carpets if necessary.

“Odors – …have curtains and upholstery cleaned, particularly if someone in the property is a smoker, and take steps to eliminate any pet odors.”

“Old fixtures – …outdated ceiling fans and light fixtures should be replaced prior to listing… New cabinet hardware and doorknobs are relatively inexpensive, but can make a huge difference.

“Wallpaper – When buyers see wallpaper, they think of another thing to add to their to-do list….

“Popcorn acoustic ceilings – These ceilings were popular in the 1960s/1970s but now can date a property….

“Too many personal decorative items – Clutter makes it difficult for buyers to see past the …belongings and start envisioning themselves there.”

Equity Membership Cost Increasing at The Sanctuary

Sheryl Tatum, Director of Membership and Marketing at Sanibel’s Sanctuary Golf Club, always does a good job at keeping Realtors® up-to-date on changes at the facility. Her June issue of their newsletter, the “Sanctuary Sound”, says:

“This is a reminder to you regarding the upcoming changes to the Equity Membership at The Sanctuary Golf Club. The Board of Governors of the Club approved an increase in the price of its Equity Membership to $110,000, effective July 1, 2013. The ability to pay for your membership in two installments if you are under the age of 60 years old is also being limited to younger than 55 years old effective July 1. If you join now as an Introductory Member and pay the $10,000 membership fee, you can retain the $100,000 price and save $10,000 when you convert to the Equity membership. If you are under the age of 60 years old, you can also lock in the two-installment option with your second payment due at 60 years old. Just send the Application for Membership and the $10,000 membership fee before July 1, 2013. The Application for Membership will be processed this summer. The annual dues will begin on October 1, 2013, as well as the membership. (If you are on island during the summer months, feel free to use the Club facilities and the nine reciprocal golf clubs.)

Note: There are a limited number of Equity and Social Memberships. Contact Sheryl Tatum at 239.322.5182 or statum@sanctuarygc.net to JOIN TODAY!”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity June 7-14

Sanibel
CONDOS
3 new listings: Pointe Santo #B23 2/2 $649.9K (our listing), Nutmeg Village #214 2/2 $899K, Shorewood #3 3/3 $1.849M.
No price changes.
2 new sales: Sanibel Moorings #241 1/1 listed for $309.9K (our buyer), Sedgemoor #101 3/3.5 listed for $2.349M.
4 closed sales: Ibis at The Sanctuary #A202 2/2 $357.5K, Ibis at The Sanctuary #A102 2/2 $381K, Sanibel Arms West #I1 2/2 $409K, Sand Pointe #137 2/2 $735K.

HOMES
4 new listings: 1327 Tahiti Dr 2/2 $424.9K, 366 Lake Murex Blvd 4/3 $749K, 395 Old Trail Rd 5/4 $1.1M, 1220 Morningside Place 5/5 multi-family $1.28M.
3 price changes: 1809 Bowmans Beach Rd 3/2 now $475K, 1625 Serenity Ln 3/2 now $489K, 4570 Bowen Bayou Rd 2/2 now $599K.
5 new sales: 9319 Kincaid Ct 3/2 listed for $525K, 1744 Bunting Ln 3/2 listed for $599K, 696 Durion Ct 3/2.5 listed for $635K, 657 Birdie View Pt 3/3 listed for $849K, 734 Pyrula Ave 3/2.5 listed for $875K.
8 closed sales: 1401 Sandpiper Cir 3/2.5 half-duplex $356.5K, 625 East Rocks Dr 3/2 $400K (our buyer), 5650 SanCap Rd 2/2 $480K, 1206 Par View Dr 3/2 $625K, 4518 Bowen Bayou Rd 4/4 $640K (our buyer), 1163 Seagrape Ln 4/4 $749.9K, 1433 Sanderling Cir 4/3 $750K, 804 Birdie View Pt 3/3 $1M.

LOTS
1 new listing: 864 Birdie View Pt $349.5K.
1 price change: 1503 San Carlos Bay Dr now $1.195M.
No new sales.
2 closed sales: 2418 Blue Crab Ct $115K, 9277/9283 Belding Dr $147.8K.

Captiva
CONDOS
No new listings or price changes.
1 new sale: Sunset Beach Villas #2328 2/2 listed for $599K.
1 closed sale: Marina Villas #903 2/2 $525K.

HOMES
No new listings.
2 price changes: 15160 Captiva Dr 6/6.5 now $1,999,999; 15166 Wiles Dr 3/2.5 now $2.995M.
2 new sales: 1102 Tallow Tree Ct 5/4 half-duplex listed for $3.3M, 17201 Captiva Dr 4/5.5 listed for $3.698M.
1 closed sale: 11517 Wightman Ln 4/3 $1.625M.

LOTS
1 new listing: 15164 Wiles Dr $795K.
No price changes, new or closed sales.

Happy Summer from SanibelSusan & The Sanibel Susan Team!

May Showers Bring Spring Flowers to Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Posted on May 31, 2013 by SanibelSusan

After a flurry of activity last week, Sanibel and Captiva Islands have slowed down to typical post-season conditions. It seems that most holiday visitors were only here for the long weekend, when the causeway and beaches were as packed as I have ever seen them.

On Monday, the rainy season finally began – weeks late – when Sanibel had its first afternoon shower after months of dry weather. Occasionally daily showers have continued right through the week. The islands need it. Though most island vegetation is draught-tolerant, it is unusual to get this far into May without rain. Grassy landscapes with no sprinklers were looking straw like. We look forward to things greening up!

In between the raindrops, it has been a great week for viewing some the islands tropical vegetation. Here is a photo I took today on my travels. The vivid orange Royal Poinciana or Flamboyant trees would have been at their peak this week. Most lost a few flowers during the afternoon showers. This one is in front of Il Cielo Restaurant on Periwinkle Way.

A few days ago, our teammate, Lisa Murty, was at the beach in front of Sunset Grill when a representative from CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) released an anhinga that had been treated for several days at the animal hospital. She managed to snap a couple of pictures with her mobile phone before the bird happily took off into the gulf.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Beach in front of Island Beach Club

Yesterday Lisa and David each held new listings open for Realtor Caravan, Island Beach Club #310F and Spanish Cay #F7.

Both had good numbers of both Realtors® and the public.

Overlooking Sanibel River at Spanish Cay

Following the meeting, the Association hosted a round-table broker discussion to ensure that the island real estate offices are up-to-date on the upcoming summer/fall educational opportunities, recent changes to our MLS Rules and Regulations, some new MLS service applications, and upcoming changes to the National Flood Insurance Program. Rumor has it that our Association affiliate member, Chris Heidrick, with Heidrick & Company Insurance, who I quoted a couple of weeks ago about this very subject, was interviewed this week by the Southwest Florida newspaper “News-Press”. Watch for his article on the front page of the paper tomorrow (Saturday, June 1) which also happens to be the first day of Hurricane Season.

The Sanibel and Captiva Islands Association of Realtors also is collecting items to be trucked to Oklahoma for the recent tornado victims. As soon as the truck is full, it will depart. In the meantime collections continue at the Association Office at 2353 Periwinkle Way.

Sanibel Real Estate Inventory Is Diminishing

With most winter sales now closed, a glance at island inventory shows that it has been a good season. The Sanibel market is rebounding and inventory is dwindling. Below is a snapshot of the statistics today on both islands. For a couple of days this week, the average price of Sanibel homes sold and closed this year was once again over $1M. That is mostly due to higher-end properties selling early in the year, which is the norm, when the most snowbirds are in town. But even so, that was the first time that million-dollar mark has been broken since 2007 – a good sign!

Sanibel Condos Homes Lots

# Avg Price DOM # Avg Price DOM # Avg Price DOM

Available 144 730,265 411 160 1,307,328 335 86 468,557 786

Under Contract 40 605,574 395 45 885,413 280 6 423,500 924

Sold/Closed:

2013 to date 65 547,977 321 105 995,485 298 9 527,083 393

2012 151 551,244 407 183 823,598 289 33 487,687 521

2011 142 591,861 325 179 826,130 369 19 363,729 491

Captiva Condos Homes Lots

# Avg Price DOM # Avg Price DOM # Avg Price DOM

Available 46 826,491 446 49 3,826,510 610 8 4,287,375 422

Under Contract 4 614,750 634 2 2,392,500 248 0 N/A N/A

Sold/Closed:

2013 to date 14 701,643 335 11 2,992,182 358 1 650,000 2,122

2012 35 836,129 381 26 1,536,019 609 3 1,221,667 208

2011 24 737,754 494 22 1,782,059 360 1 485,000 580

More Positive Changes at Sundial Beach Resort

This week at the Tuesday Sanibel Planning Commission Meeting, it was good news for Sundial Beach Resort. Most know that Sundial, one of Sanibel’s oldest resorts, is now under new ownership and undergoing a major renovation with remodeling underway in the main amenity areas including the lobby, bar, and meeting rooms, plus they are adding a spa and wedding facilities. The restaurant also is being updated.

The Tuesday meeting covered adding 32 bonus outdoor seats and to add a downstairs kitchen to service those seats and the poolside tikki bar. The kitchen will replace a former video game room and will not increase the resort footprint. The outdoor seats have actually been in existence for many years without formal approval. It is nice to hear that the new owners are doing things right and that the City approves!

Are Home Warranties Worthwhile?

In some parts of the country home warranties are looked at as a security blanket for everyone involved in a real estate transaction – the buyer, the seller, and the agents. We don’t see them very often here on the islands, but I can tell you that it is disheartening to get a call just after a closing where the new owner tells you that the air conditioning system just broke. It has happened to me more than once. Have you heard the saying “closing cures all defects”? Unfortunately, that is what usually applies!

As someone who had her microwave quit working on Thanksgiving morning just before dinner guests were arriving, I can tell you that an appliance warranty can be worth its weight in gold. I did not have one at the time, but I grabbed the Yellow Pages, and called one of the well-known local service companies. Not only was my microwave repaired promptly and on a holiday, I was not charged for the call. Instead, for just a few more dollars, I purchased a very reasonable annual agreement that covers all of my appliances and my HVAC system. That was over ten years ago and they have since repaired my washer and dryer, as well as serviced my heating and cooling system annually. Money well spent in my opinion.

An article in the May/June 2013 “Realtor®” magazine, says “Warranties are becoming a mainstay in real estate transactions and are the most popular incentive that sellers use to attract buyers. Of the 40% of sellers who use incentives, nearly a quarter used home warranties, according to the 2012 National Association of Realtors® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.”

So, in the humble opinion of SanibelSusan, my answer to the question “Are home warranties worthwhile?” is “yes”. Particularly if you will be an absentee or 2nd-home owner, or if your property is an investment rental, a home warranty can offer peace-of-mind.

Market Pulse – How to Ensure Healthy Price Gains

Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors® Chief Economist, recently wrote an article saying “The housing recovery is surpassing most expectations. Rising demand and many years of sluggish new-home construction have forced home prices to rise at a near double-digit pace in many parts of the country… Home prices should continue to rise this year and likely next year as well. Fast-rising home prices are clearly good for home owners, but price increases that are far in excess of income growth are not good for buyers and not a healthy development for the economy. However, it’s important to keep in mind that demand is moving ahead in spite of the stringent lending standards still in place. Fully one-third of buyers are using cash.

“Consider what demand would look like if underwriting restrictions were dialed back to a more reasonable level. That’s finally a possibility for two reasons: Banks are sitting on piles of cash, and the quality of recently underwritten mortgages has been high. These conditions could persuade banks to start easing overly strict requirements. The additional demand in a more “normal” lending environment potentially would mean even faster price growth. The only way to tame excessive price jumps is for more inventory to reach the market. Investors could help here by selling properties ahead of their intended schedule to take advantage of rising prices.

“The choke point today is from the slow recovery in new-home construction. Housing starts in March finally crossed the 1 million mark for the first time in five years. But 1.5 million new housing units are needed annually to keep home-price gains at a healthy long-term level of around 3% to 5% a year. That balance seems unlikely this year as we continue to see demand outstrip supply, fueling exorbitant price increases in some places.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity May 24-31

Sanibel
CONDOS
2 new listings: Pelicans Roost #101 2/2 $745K, Sundial #L405 2/2 $1.275M.
4 price changes: Spanish Cay #C3 2/2 now $339K, Blind Pass #E207 2/2.5 now $379K, Golden Beach #2 3/2.5 now $1.298M, High Tide #A102 3/2.5 now $1.299M.
6 new sales: Sanibel Arms #I1 2/2 listed for $424K, $437.5K, Nutmeg Village #202 listed for $599K, Nutmeg Village #105 listed for $659K, Tarpon Beach #205 2/2 listed for $675K, Sand Pointe #137 2/2 listed for $799K, Atrium #101 3/3 listed for $1,099,555.
4 closed sales: Seashells #10 2/2 $295K, Cottage Colony West #101 1/1 $415K (short sale), Sanibel Arms #H4 2/2 $437.5K, Somerset #D102 3/2.5 $999.1K (foreclosure).

HOMES
2 new listings: 1241 Junonia St 3/3 $719K, 1251 Anhinga Ln 3/3 $2.25M.
5 price changes: 5841 Pine Tree Dr 3/2 now $474.9K, 9319 Kincaid Ct 3/2 now $525K, 5297 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/3 now $539K, 2520 Harbour Ln 3/2.5 now $1.375M, 2118 Starfish Ln 4/5 now $1.869M.
6 new sales: 625 East Rocks Dr listed for $499K (our buyer), 1193 Kittiwake Cir 4/3 listed for $599K, 1744 Bunting Ln 3/2 listed for $599K, 1066 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed for $550K, 203 Daniel Dr 3/3 listed for $1.15M, 1743 Venus Dr 4/3.5 listed for $1.498M.
8 closed sales: 3316 Saint Kilda Rd 2/1 $399.75K, 707 Cardium St 3/2.5 $552K, 1350 Middle Gulf Dr, #1E (Moonshadows) 3/3 $560K, 4518 Bowen Bayou Rd 4/4 $640K (our buyer), 786 Conch Ct 3/2 $837.5K, 293 Ferry Landing Dr 3/3 half-duplex $1.075M, 444 Lighthouse Way 5/4.5 $2M, 1310 Seaspray Ln 4/4.5 $2.75M.

LOTS
No new listings.
1 price change: 1242 Anhinga Ln now $575K.
1 new sales: 2494 Blind Pass Ct listed for $649K.
No closed sales.

Captiva
CONDOS
Nothing to report.

HOMES
No new listings, price changes, or new sales.
1 closed sale: 17 Urchin Ct 2/2.5 $740K.

LOTS
Nothing to report.

Best wishes for a terrific weekend!

The SanibelSusan Team (Susan, David, Elise, & Lisa)

Sanibel & Captiva Real Estate News, Plus the “Tomato Thief”

Posted on April 19, 2013 by SanibelSusan

It’s SusanSusan, reporting a wonderful week of summer-like weather on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Easy traffic too, though a few families are in town for spring break.

The SanibelSusan Team got two new listings this week: a 2-bedroom condominium at Island Beach Club with a nice view to the beach and rental income, plus a double-lot parcel in Belle Meade suitable for building a single-family home.

Island Beach Club walkway

I was out showing condos yesterday and saw vacationers at many complexes, though several on-site managers said that most of their winter-visiting owners have gone home or are heading out soon. As a local, that means the restaurants will again be easy to visit without a wait! When I stopped at Subway yesterday on my way back to the office, early afternoon, I was the only customer; while last week at the same time, the line was out the door and winding into the parking lot! Like most other business owners, they report a productive “high season”, but are enjoying a mini-reprieve. Things will pick up for them again in the summer.

Before I get into some real estate news followed by the activity posted in the Sanibel and Captiva Multiple Listing Service over the last seven days, here is a cute photo. Teammates and son and daughter-in-law, David & Lisa, recently have been enjoying vegetables from their backyard garden. This photo shows one of their local critters also snacking. Dave emailed the photo last weekend and called it “Tomato Thief”. We don’t have those on the islands!

April Association of Realtors Membership Meeting

Several big closings occurred over the last few days and quite a few new sales also were announced at our local Sanibel and Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® April Membership Meeting yesterday. Also at that meeting were the annual presentations for Florida Association of Realtors® Honor Society. Sanibel and Captiva have just five Realtors® who earned that distinction this year. This was the 14th year for me!

The educational presentation at the meeting was provided by some of our business partners in the building industry, including Jeff Carroll with Tradewinds Custom Homes, Art Monahan with Seacoast Cottage Company, and Mike Valiquette of Sand Castle Construction. Jeff provided building code updates including the impact of recent flood zone changes. Art spoke on new construction and the “tear down”, how we should know the numbers; while Mike, who also is Chairman of the Sanibel Planning Commission, discussed Sanibel Commercial Redevelopment and Town Center code changes as they relate to property values and island comfort. All good stuff! Our local Realtors® are so appreciative of our affiliate members supporting us with their knowledge and sharing spirit!

Sanibel & Captiva Real Estate Sales Statistics

Below is an inventory update including the new sales and closings posted in the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service this week. A couple of high home sales, both on West Gulf Drive, for $3M and $5M, plus a condo closing at LaPlaya for $1.39M and a unit at Sedgemoor under contract (asking price $2.45M), all good indications of improvement in the market, swing the Sanibel average prices up a little.

Condos Homes Lots

SANIBEL No. Avg $ Price No. Avg $ Price No. Avg $ Price

For sale 174 721,636 189 1,297,503 90 523,655

Closings pending 29 549,117 51 805,704 3 382,333

Closed 1/1 to 4/19/13 42 536,652 66 1,018,441 6 664,792

Closed in 2012 151 551,244 183 823,598 33 487,687

Closed in 2011 142 591,861 179 826,130 19 363,739

CAPTIVA

For sale 52 832,523 54 3,753,611 8 4,287,375

Closings pending 6 751,750 3 851,000 0 N/A

Closed 1/1 to 4/19/13 8 563,500 7 3,737,143 1 650,000

Closed in 2012 35 836,129 26 1,536,019 3 1,221,667

Closed in 2011 24 737,754 22 1,782,059 1 485,000

Did You See The Parade?

The island was atwitter yesterday when there was a salute by the Sanibel and Iona Fire Districts to a wounded veteran being transported across the Sanibel Causeway en route to the islands.

Fire trucks with their ladders extended up were connected at the top with a huge American flag creating a canopy for the vehicle to cross under as it came across the bridges.

Five Ways Sellers Can Prepare for a Home Inspection

Posted on Wednesday by “Daily Real Estate News”, this article was sourced to RISMedia, on April 16, 2013. A SanibelSusan client had an inspection recently where the attic was inaccessible. I sure wish the Seller had seen this article before the inspection.

“David R. Leopold, owner of Pillar to Post Home Inspection in Fairfield County, Conn., says home sellers and their real estate professionals have an important role in preparing for a home inspection to help ensure it goes smoothly. Leopold offers up some of the following tips in a recent article in RISMedia, including:

1. Don’t hide what isn’t working: If an appliance isn’t working, leave a note that indicates what isn’t working and how you’re getting it fixed. Don’t try to conceal defects because it can make the inspector start to view you as dishonest and wonder what else you’re hiding.

2. Make things accessible: Ensure the locations of the attic and crawl space are identified and easy to access. Don’t make a home inspector move your belongings in order to gain access.

3. Check the light bulbs: If a light bulb isn’t working, the inspector will need to determine if the fixture is inoperable. Save them time by making sure all the light bulbs in the home operate, including those in the crawl space, attic, and furnace rooms.

4. Note septic systems: If you have a septic system in the yard, be sure to leave a sketch that includes the location of it. It’ll avoid home inspectors, buyers, and real estate professionals having to conduct prolonged searches for it, Leopold says.

5. Keep appliances clear: Don’t leave dirty laundry in the washing machine or dryer because the inspector will need to test the appliances, and he doesn’t want to have to pull out dirty clothes in front of everybody, Leopold says. “Also, make sure your oven and stove top are clear and clean, so we can easily test them without setting off the smoke alarm,” he adds.”

Six Key Considerations When Applying for a Mortgage

On Monday, Florida Realtors® reposted on-line an Associated Press article that is worth a read if you missed it and will be applying for a mortgage.

“For most would-be homebuyers, making a run at homeownership is going to mean getting approved for a home loan. It’s a process that, at best, can be stressful and confusing. Borrowers can be better prepared by taking steps to study their options and learn what to expect from a lender. “It’s surprising to me that people tend to spend more time in pre-purchase research for a car than they do for a home mortgage,” says Chris George, president of home mortgage lender CMG Financial. Keeping up to date on changes in the mortgage market is necessary, because the government, which essentially backs 90% of new home mortgages, keeps tweaking the guidelines for the loans it will guarantee. Just this week, the Federal Housing Administration put into effect several new mortgage rules, including one that raises the cost of mortgage insurance for borrowers who take on FHA-backed loans, among other changes.

“Here are six tips for improving the chances that the mortgage math will add up in your favor:

1. Build a strong credit score – One of the main factors that lenders look at to determine a borrower’s creditworthiness is, aptly, their credit score. Bad borrower behavior, like late credit card or other loan payments, having a foreclosure or bankruptcy in one’s credit report and carrying high balances will weigh down your credit score. Most banks sell the home loans that they make to government-owned mortgage companies such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. To do that, those lenders must adhere to certain lending criteria. Loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will accept FICO scores below 600, but expect to pay a significantly higher interest rate the lower your score. A stellar score ranges from 760 to 850 and can give you greater negotiating power over the terms of the mortgage and ultimately, the total cost of the loan. One way to mitigate the impact of a low score: Make a higher down payment, George says. If your credit is less-than-stellar, make sure you give yourself time to rack up good credit history well before you attempt to apply for a home loan. This starts by checking your credit. Consumers are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. You can get copies at www.annualcreditreport.com.

2. Know your loan options – Apart from increasing the chances of qualifying for a loan, making a down payment of at least 20% of the sales price or appraised value of the home will spare you from having to pay private mortgage insurance. If you can’t afford that, you might qualify for financing on an FHA-backed loan. Those loans allow borrowers to make a down payment of as little as 3.5% of the purchase price. That’s great if you’re a first-time buyer and haven’t saved up for a bigger down payment. But to protect itself from potential loan defaults, the FHA requires lenders to charge extra fees to cover monthly mortgage insurance payments. Until this week, the FHA had dropped the mortgage insurance requirement for homeowners with 30-year loans who made payments for five years and managed to bring their loan-to-value ratio to 78%. Now, borrowers with a loan-to-value ratio between 78 and 90% will be able to stop making mortgage insurance payments after 11 years. But those borrowers who still have a loan-to-value ratio greater than 90% will be required to pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. “No matter how much of your loan you pay down, you’ll always have to pay that insurance premium, and that’s pretty significant change,” says Rick Sharga, senior vice president at mortgage lender and servicer Carrington Mortgage Holdings. Another change that went into effect: The FHA is requiring that borrowers put down at least 5% on home loans of $625,000 or more. That’s up from 3.5%, but actually less than the 10% down that most lenders require.

3. Consider making a larger down payment – Given the prospect of not being able to get out of paying private mortgage insurance, some experts say borrowers who can afford to put down more than 3.5% on a home should consider getting a loan that’s not backed by the FHA, sometimes known as a conforming loan.
Such a loan typically only requires that the borrower make a 5% down payment. Although that means you still would have to pay private mortgage insurance, at least you’re not locked in, notes Jack Guttentag, Wharton School professor of finance emeritus and founder of www.mtgprofessor.com, which offers advice and online calculators for weighing different mortgage scenarios. That mortgage insurance can be cancelled automatically when the loan-to-value hits 78%. “You’re generally better off getting a conforming loan,” Guttentag says.

4. Keep an eye on fees – In addition to a down payment, you’ll also have to set money aside for closing costs, which can run into the hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars. Lenders charge all manner of fees, some of which are negotiable, while others are not. They are required to itemize all fees required to close the deal, so review them carefully. Your bank could charge you to cover items such as credit reports, appraisals, documentation and administrative costs. The total expense will vary depending on where you live and your particular situation. Also, if you end up with mortgage insurance, that could cost $100 or more a month, depending on the type of loan.

5. Wait for a good deal – Rising home prices and warnings, usually trumpeted by lenders, that interest rates will soon rise can create a sense of urgency to purchase a home. But if your finances and credit score are not solid enough to enable you to qualify for a loan at an affordable rate, it’s best to not rush into buying. To boost your chances of getting a good deal on a home loan, Guttentag recommends having a credit score of 740 or better, making a down payment of 20%.

6. Comparison shop – It’s prudent to get a feel for what different mortgage lenders will offer. After all, getting a home loan is not unlike getting financing for a car. There is some room for negotiation, says George. He suggests borrowers approach lenders and state what kind of loan term and interest rate they want, and how much of a down payment they’re willing to make. Borrowers also should ask what can be done to accomplish this with the least amount of points, or fees that can be charged based on a percent of the loan amount. As leverage, it’s best to have quotes from competing lenders, which can be obtained on several websites. They may be enough to sway the lender to match more favorable terms offered by the competition.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity April 12-19
Sanibel
CONDOS

5 new listings: Sanctuary Golf Villages I #2 2/2.5 $455K, Island Beach Club #310F 2/2 $474K (our listing), Mariner Pointe #842 2/2 $510K, Oceans Reach #1B4 1/1 $649K, Tarpon Beach #205 2/2 $675K.

5 price changes: Spanish Cay #F6 1/1 now $295K, Sanibel Arms West #I1 2/2 now $430K, Mariner Pointe #1052 2/2 now $439K, Pointe Santo #A22 now $759K, Somerset #D102 3/2.5 now $999K.
7 new sales: Captains Walk #E5 2/2 listed for $226K, Lake Palms #10 2/2.5 listed for $259K (short sale), Seashells #10 2/2 listed for $310K, Ibis at The Santuary #A202 2/2 listed for $384.9K, Sundial #G104 2/2 $447K, Loggerhead Cay #432 2/2 listed for $459K, Somerset #105 3/3.5 listed for $2.425M.
6 closed sales: Blind Pass #C110 2/2 $367.5K, Sundial #J207 2/2 $480K, Sundial #Q301 2/2 $565K, Surfside 12 #A1 3/2 $635K, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #6-3 3/3 $665K, La Playa #3B 3/2 $1.39M.
HOMES

4 new listings: 625 East Rocks Dr 3/2 $519K, 4515 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 $569K, 4458 Waters Edge Ln 3/2 $799K, 575 Kinzie Island Ct 3/3 $1.495M.
10 price changes: 1787 Serenity Ln 3/2 now $579K; 1744 Bunting Ln 3/2 now $599K; 617 East Rocks Dr 3/2 now $599.9K; 450 Leather Fern Pl 3/2 now $639K; 3968 Coquina Dr 3/2 now $699K; 1213 Par View Dr 3/2.5 now $849K; 385 Old Trail Rd 3/2.5 now $899K; 9007 Mockingbird Dr 3/3 now $1.075M; 2507 Blind Pass Ct 4/3 now $1,090,555; 2984 Wulfert Rd 5/5.5 now $2.257M.
6 new sales: 3316 Saint Kilda Rd 2/1 listed for $410K, 1667 Sabal Sands Rd 3/3 listed for $469K, 707 Cardium St 3/2.5 listed for $599K, 1163 Seagrape Ln 4/4 listed for $749.9K, 6009 Clam Bayou Ln 4/3 listed for $836K, 786 Conch Ct 3/2 listed for $995K.
9 closed sales: 1271 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 $550K, 9203 Dimmick Dr 3/3 $605K, 1230 Par View Dr 3/2.5 $657.5K, 941 Cormorant Cir 4/2 $695K, 4996 Joewood Dr 3/3 $668K, 284 Ferry Landing Dr 3/2.5 $860K, 1141 Paper Fig Ct 3/3.5 $1.375M, 3507 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $3M, 2517 West Gulf Dr 4/5.5 $5M.

LOTS
1 new listing: Lots 30/31 Dimmick Dr $199.9K (our listing).
2 price changes: 6141 Starling Way now $449,555; 4318 West Gulf Dr now $989K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 5044 Joewood Dr $450K.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Bayside Villas #5102 1/2 $299.9K.
No price changes or new sales.
1 closed sale: Marina Villas #701 2/2 $475K (short sale).

HOMES
No new listings.
1 price change: 15631 Captiva Dr 5/4.5 now $2.375M.
No new or closed sales.

LOTS
Nothing to report.

Don’t forget all the wonderful island events scheduled this weekend & posted in last week’s blog (just scroll down). Dave will be golfing in the CROW Classic benefit tournament tomorrow while SanibelSusan mans the fort!

Happy weekend to all – The SanibelSusan Team – Susan, Dave, Elise, & Lisa

Real Estate Happenings on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Posted on March 8, 2013 by SanibelSusan

It is SanibelSusan, once again posting the The SanibelSusan Team weekly report of the real estate activity on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. First here are a few photos taken by teammate, Dave, while he and Lisa were off viewing properties on Realtor® Caravan yesterday. They were taken from Beach Access #7 on West Gulf Drive.

High season seems to be flying by. At our weekly Realtor® Meeting yesterday another flurry of sales were announced. Again, they were mostly Sanibel homes. (See below for the details.) I was out showing homes and condos again last weekend and put another condo under contract as a result.

In the real estate business, particularly in a resort/vacation home environment like Sanibel and Captiva Islands, it is not unusual to year-after-year show property to the same prospective buyers, before they eventually make a purchase. 2013 for me, so far has been the exception. Hooray for that!

Four weekends of showings have resulted in sales every weekend, some weekends more than one! Sure wish I had some lookers for this weekend too – or my streak may end. Teammate Dave was out looking for buyers Wednesday when he held an Open House at our canal-front listing on Beach Road in Shell Harbor (photo below). He had good traffic.

Just four weeks of high season remain, also illustrated by the number of price reductions posted in our local Multiple Listing Service this week (also in the report below). It is typical for us to see more price reductions as “season” winds down.

Tooting Our Own Horn

What a wonderful surprise this week to receive a letter from an island client who just completed his family’s fifth real estate transaction with me and The SanibelSusan Team. As a long-time broker himself in another state, it was especially meaningful to me for him to write:

“Seldom, if ever, have I experienced the level of professionalism, trust, and confidence that I have in you and your staff. Your knowledge of Sanibel real estate and the current market is unsurpassed. The dedication you provide to your clients is absolutely the pinnacle in the real estate industry…There is a specific set of core values that your firm demonstrates that is very comforting to clients such as ourselves…We also appreciate how your “team” is working so well together.”

Dave, Elise, Lisa, and I certainly appreciate his kindness. The letter definitely brightened our day. We are grateful for our clients. When they are happy, it makes us happy too!

76th Annual Sanibel Shell Festival

The Sanibel Community House across the street and adjacent to SanibelSusan Realty Associates has been a beehive of activity this week, preparing for the 76th Annual Sanibel Shell Fair which began yesterday. Again this year, SanibelSusan sponsored the “Best Flower Exhibit” in the Professional Artistic Division.

If you are in town now, the festival runs through 4 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) with the exhibits available for viewing. It’s a terrific annual event, but be warned, traffic is heavy.

News from the “Sanctuary Sound”

The March issue of The Sanctuary Golf Club newsletter says: “The Board of Governors of The Sanctuary Golf Club has approved an increase in the price of the Equity Membership to $110,000, effective July 1, 2013. If you join now as an Introductory Member and pay the $10,000 membership fee and annual dues, the advantages are plenty. The $100,000 membership fee will be locked in. You will have full access to the Club and its facilities, and save $10,000. If you were planning on joining The Sanctuary next fall, and will not be using the Club until then, considering paying the $10,000 Introductory fee now to lock in the $100,000 Equity membership price. Your membership will start on Oct 1, 2013. (There are a limited number of Equity and Social Memberships.)”

This photo above was taken last week at the entrance to The Sanctuary Clubhouse. These are two of my pals from the BIG ARTS Community Chorus singers who performed at the F.I.S.H. (Friends in Service Here) Annual Membership Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. Love those orchids! Chorus got kudos for singing too!

Watch for Fake Cashier’s Checks

This is not the type of article I enjoy reading, but it has good info, nonetheless. It is from the March issue of “FloridaRealtor®”:

“A rash of fake cashier’s checks has closing agents now requiring closing funds to be paid by wire transfer or other “collected” funds. In the past, cashier’s checks carried limited risk, so a closing agent typically disbursed funds at closing based on receipt of a cashier’s check – even when the closing agent had not verified that the funds had been collected. Things have changed. Counterfeiters can now create excellent cashier’s checks, and these counterfeit checks are being presented for payment nationwide and internationally in connection with a variety of real estate scams.

“Recent frauds in Florida have involved fraudsters using the names of real doctors or other professionals living in the United Kingdom and other foreign countries. These fraudsters, posing as the professionals, contacted real estate brokers asking for assistance in buying properties. Then they entered into sale and purchase contracts and asked the brokers to put them in touch with real estate attorneys to assist with the transactions. The real estate brokers, who were not involved in the scam, put these “buyers” together with attorneys with whom they already had relationships. The fraudsters then sent larger-than-necessary sums via counterfeit checks and requested the excess funds be wired to a third party for contrived reasons, such as the purchase of furniture.

“Although attorneys were targeted, these types of scams result in real estate licensee’s wasting their time and energy on transactions that won’t close. What can you do? When dealing with an unknown foreign buyer, verify that the person with whom you are working is actually the person he or she claims to be.”

Fraud has happened on Sanibel too. Some months ago, I had a buyer for a vacant residential parcel that was listed for sale in our local Multiple Listing Service. The German Seller’s listing documents and my Buyer’s offer to purchase were all delivered and signed via e-mail through the listing company. Having recently heard of a listing scam with another foreign owner, I asked the title company, processing the closing, to call the European Seller. When they did, they found out that he had no intention of selling. It seems that the listing and sale documents were all signed by a fraud with a bogus e-mail address (that was surprisingly similar to the Seller’s name). If that call to the “real” Seller had not been made, my Buyer’s funds could have been wired to a scammer. Sometimes, intuition pays off. Through further investigation, I learned that this has happened often in Florida.

Finding Homeownership Tax Deductions

FloridaRealtors® on-line posted the following on Wednesday:

“Tax season is underway, and homeowners gearing up to meet the April 15 filing deadline can find the tax tips and insights they need at HouseLogic.com, a consumer website created by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). An overview of the tax benefits of homeownership, HouseLogic’s Homeowner’s Guide to Taxes helps filers get a general understanding and avoid common home-related tax mistakes.

““From the mortgage interest deduction to energy tax credits, many homeowners can take advantage of a variety of tax strategies that can lower their tax bill,” says Pamela Kabati, NAR senior vice president of communications and HouseLogic spokesperson. “For example, a family who bought a home last year with a $200,000, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, assuming an interest rate of 4.5 percent, could save nearly $3,500 in federal taxes when they file this year.”

“HouseLogic also offers tips to avoid unnecessary tax mistakes in 9 Easy Mistakes Home Owners Make on Their Taxes, which identifies common errors, such as deducting the wrong year for property taxes, confusing the escrow amount for actual property taxes paid and neglecting to take the private mortgage insurance (PMI) deduction.

“Other possible deductions: Homeowners who make certain energy-efficient home improvements may be eligible for tax credits. Also, owners who had a portion of their mortgage forgiven as part of a workout plan, short sale or foreclosure don’t have to pay income tax on the forgiven debt, provided the mortgage was secured by a principal residence and the total amount of the outstanding debt is not more than the original purchase price plus improvements.

“Other HouseLogic articles:
• How to Deduct PMI
• How to Deduct Mortgage Interest and Equity Loan Costs
• How to Amend Your Tax Return
• How to Claim Your 2012 Energy Tax Credits

“Homeowners should consult a tax professional for specific advice about their own transactions or circumstances. Information on HouseLogic should not be relied on as tax or legal advice.”

Ivanka Trump

I got a chuckle from this quote, also from the March “FloridaRealtor®” magazine. It is by American businesswoman and daughter of real estate mogul Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump.

She said, “Real estate is my life. It is my day job, if you will. But it consumes my nights and weekends, too.”

We know the feeling, Ivanka; but it’s all good!

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity March 1-8

Sanibel
CONDOS
2 new listings: Sanibel Arms West #G7 2/2 $499K, White Pelican #112 2/2 $850K.
7 price changes: Casa Blanca #6 1/1 now $264.9K, Sundial #L202 2/2 now $499K (short sale), Sanddollar #B104 2/2 now $889K, White Pelican #111 2/2 now $899K, High Tide #A101 2/2 now $1.225M, Pine Cove #104 3/2 now $1.25M, Seascape #104 3/3 now $2.595M.
5 new sales: Lake Palms #2 2/2.5 listed for $259K (our sale), Villa Sanibel #2H 2/2 listed for $520K, Sundial #J207 2/2 listed for $529K, Seascape #302 3/3.5 listed for $1.324M, Golden Beach #2 3/2.5 listed for $1.395M.
2 closed sales: Heron at The Sanctuary #1A 2/2.5 $465K, Sunset South #6B 2/2 $425K.

HOMES
6 new listings: 1609 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex $415K, 1290 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $449K, 9484 Peaceful Dr 3/3.5 $639K, 4279 Gulf Pines Dr 4/3 $835K, 657 Birdie View Pt 3/3 $989K, 1444 Causey Ct 4/4 $1.199M, 1748 Jewel Box Dr 4/4 $1.55M.
12 price changes: 1639 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 now $399K, 945 Main St 3/3 now $435K (short sale), 2027 Sunrise Cir 4/4 duplex now $474.9K, 1667 Sabal Sands Rd 3/3 now $499K, 398 Old Trail Rd 3/3 now $549K, 9470 Balsa Ct 3/2 now $699K, 701 Heather Ln 4/3.5 now $750K, 1694 Dixie Beach Blvd 3/2 now $1.095M, 789 Pyrula Ave 4/2.5 now $1.165M, 1520 San Carlos Bay Dr 4/3.5 now $2.25M, 4949 Joewood Dr 5/5 now $2.649M, 1310 Seaspray Ln 5/4.5 now $3.195M.
10 new sales: 1394 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 half-duplex listed for $449K, 1414 Causey Ct 3/2 listed for $499K, 9224 Dimmick Dr 4/2 listed for $699K, 1066 Bailey Rd 3/3 listed for $824.5K (short sale), 1662 Dixie Beach Blvd 3/2 listed for $839K, 1141 Paper Fig Ct 3/3.5 listed for $1.495M, 413 Bella Vista Way E 4/4 listed for $1.849M, 3615 West Gulf Dr 3/2 listed for $2.495M, 5071 Joewood Dr 4/4.5 listed for $3.99M.
7 closed sales: 3344 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 $490K, 1807 Serenity Ln 3/2 $532.5K, 3311 Twin Lakes Ln 3/3 $540K, 6138 Castaways Ln 3/2.5 $600K, 1031 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 $625K, 1323 Seaspray Ln 4/4.5 $2.2M, 5035 Joewood Dr 4/4.5 $3,322,625.

LOTS
No new listings.
1 price change: 708 Durion Ct now $349K.
2 new sales: 1450 Tahiti Dr listed for $199,555; 6401 Pine Ave listed for $699K.
No closed sales.

Captiva
CONDOS
No new listings.
3 price changes: Tennis Villas #3139 2/2 now $385K, Bayside Villas #4302 3/3 now $625K, Sunset Beach Villas #2338 3/3 now $850K.
No new sales.
1 closed sale: Lands End Village #1609 2/2 $1.175M.

HOMES
Nothing to report.

LOTS
Nothing to report.

Happy Weekend, all.

If you are coming to Sanibel & Captiva Islands soon & are wondering about our March weather. High today is 77 degrees, with more of the same over the next five days (highs of 82 forecast for Monday & Tuesday). Sure beats snow & ice!

Real Estate Continues to Move on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Posted on March 1, 2013 by SanibelSusan

Happy Friday from SanibelSusan! Sanibel and Captiva Islands remain busy. The real estate activity here this week resulted in several new sales as described in the report from the local Multiple Listing Service at the end of this posting.

View east from our new listing at Mariner Pointe

My showings last weekend brought SanibelSusan Realty another home sale on Monday. With two closings this week, as well as a terrific new bay-front condo listing, it was a good few days for me and my team. I will be out with more lookers this weekend – the fourth weekend in a row – all different buyers. The last three weekends brought sales. I hope this one does too!

One of my favorite photos by our pal, Jim Anderson. These are yellow-crowned night herons.

There have been a few complaints the last few days about the weather and the beach. Another cool front is just arriving which has meant a few cloudy days in Southwest Florida. The retail establishments and restaurants are packed on overcast days though, so there are smiles here even when the sun is not out.

Sanibel & Captiva Island Sales Year-to-Date

Sanibel home sales continue to be the hot item, with 68 already sold or under contract this year, compared to 43 condos, and three lots.

Captiva’s numbers are: seven homes, eight condos, and one lot. With just another few weeks until Easter, local Realtors® are busy and hopeful that the buyers stay active beyond “high season”.

Island Happenings in March

Clients often ask, what is happening while I am in town this week? The below events are scheduled over the next two weeks. Many days there are several special event choices.

Notes:

BIG ARTS = Barrier Island Group for the Arts, www.bigarts.org

CROW = Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, www.crowclinic.org

“Ding” Darling = J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, www.dingdarlingsociety.org

FISH = “Friends in Service Here” of Sanibel, www.fishofsanibel.com

SCA = Sanibel Community Association at Sanibel Community House, www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net

SCCF = Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, www.sccf.org

1st “Why Wild Animals Come to CROW”, CROW; Butterflies of Florida, SCCF; Lecture: “The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America” by authors Don & Lillian Stokes, “Ding” Darling

1st to 23rd “The Marvelous Wonderettes”, BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater

2nd “Florida Felines”, CROW; “Trio Cavatina”, www.SanibelMusicFestival.org

3rd & 10th “Charles Lindbergh: The Lone Eagle”, BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater

3rd Island Jazz at Boler Garden, BIG ARTS; The Forum Lecture: Rami George Khouri, Schein Performance Hall, BIG ARTS

4th “Diamondback Terrapin in Pine Island Sound“, SCCF; BIG ARTS Sanibel Oscar Night

5th “Something Special”, CROW; Beach Walk at The Island Inn, SCCF; “Tank Talk”, SCCF; “Gould Trio with Robert Plane, Clarinet, www.SanibelMusicFestival.org

6th “Rescues & Releases of CROW’s Patients”, CROW; “Coyote & Bear Tales”, SCCF; “The City That Almost Wasn’t & The Sanibel Plan”, SCCF

7th “Clinic Rounds”, CROW; “Turtle Tracks”, SCCF; “Goat Dairy & Hydroponic Farm Field Trip”, SCCF

7th to 9th 76th Annual Sanibel Shell Fair & Show, SCA

8th “Why Wild Animals Come to CROW”, CROW; “The Engangered Eastern Indigo Snake”, SCCF; Lecture: “How to Read a Florida Gulf Coast Beach” by author Tonya Clayton, “Ding” Darling; Fred Hersch Trio, BIG ARTS

9th “Sanibel Shorebirds”, CROW; “The Arabesque Winds with Cherry Tsang, Piano”, www.SanibelMusicFestival.org

10th Caloosahatchee Oxbow & Riverlore Cruise, SCCF; “Charles Lindbergh: The Lone Eagle”, BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater; The Forum Lecture: Frank Verrastro, Schein Performance Hall, BIG ARTS; Island Jazz at Boler Garden, BIG ARTS

11th Birding at the Preserves (Sanibel Gardens), SCCF; Bike Club Meeting, SCA; Film Night, Schein Performance Hall, BIG ARTS

12th Garden Club Meeting, SCA; Fishing Club Meeting, SCA; “CROW’s Aquatic Patients: Fresh Water & Sea Turtles”, CROW; “Ariet Quartet”, www.SanibelMusicFestival.org

13th “Rescues & Releases of CROW’s Patients”, CROW; Film: “America’s Darling: The Story of Jay N. “Ding” Darling, “Ding” Darling; Concert: Southwest Florida Symphony, Schein Performance Hall, BIG ARTS

14th Art League Pot Luck, SCA; “The Alien Invasion”, SCCF; “Clinic Rounds”, CROW; “Snowy Plovers”, SCCF; “Sunset, Moonlight, & Wading Birds Cruise”, SCCF Community Collaborations: Spring Writers Read, Schein Performance Hall, BIG ARTS

15th “Meet Animal Ambassador, Trouper Lee”, CROW; “Photos: Candids by Bill Heyd”, SCCF; Lectures: “Bringing Environmental Education to Russia: by supervisory refuge manager Toni Westland & “Mission to China” by refuge manager Paul Tritaik, “Ding” Darling; Swamp House Party at The Sanibel Community House, SCA; Cinema Toast, BIG ARTS

What’s Happening With Real Estate in the United Kingdom

As a Transnational Referral Certified (TRC) Realtor®, SanibelSusan closely follows the real estate markets in the countries that often bring buyers to Sanibel and Captiva too. I read an interesting post this week from a UK colleague who said, “TRC’s interested in the UK market will be happy to hear 2013 has started on a good note with the number of house hunters rising in January to its highest level in 5 years, according to NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents).”

NAEA is the UK’s leading professional body for estate agency personnel, being part of a group representing 13,000 members who practice across all aspects of property services both in the UK and overseas. These include residential and commercial sales and lettings, property management, business transfer, auctioneering and land.

Florida, including Sanibel and Captiva Islands, has always had many vacation-home buyers from the UK. With their recession changing too, the trend should continue.

Osprey Cam

The osprey cam at Ocean’s Reach condominiums on Sanibel’s Camino del Mar Drive, in partnership with the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, is focused now on a mama osprey hatching three eggs.

The eggs were laid several days apart in early February and take about 35 days to hatch. Fun to watch the progress at http://www.oceansreach.com/osprey-cam.cfm

Island Wildlife Last Week

Another fun posting each week by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society is a list of the wildlife sighted in the Refuge on Wildlife Drive and on The Bailey Tract (off Tarpon Bay Road).

Bailey Tract

The list for the week ending Tues, February 23, 2013 includes many varieties: 71 different birds, 7 different butterflies, 6 different snakes, 3 different frogs, 3 different turtles, 3 different crabs, 2 different lizards, American alligators, 9-banded armadillos, bobcats, coyotes, Virginia opossums, river otters, marsh rabbits, diamond-backed terrapins, gopher tortoises, and Southern five-lined skinks. The full list is posted at http://www.dingdarlingsociety.org/

Another JMA Photography photo

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity February 22-March 1

Sanibel
CONDOS
6 new listings: Sundial #H102 2/2 $498K, Mariner Pointe #631 2/2 $549K (our listing), Pointe Santo #C26 2/2 $669K, Nutmeg Village #101 2/2 $919K, Gulfside Place #209 2/2 $955K, Sedgemoor #105 3/3.5 $2.425M.
7 price changes: Seawind #A102 2/2.5 now $424.9K, Kings Crown #313 2/2 now $610K, Sunset South #3B 2/2 now $639K, Sanddollar #B104 2/2 now $891K, Seascape #302 3/3.5 now $1.329M, Lantana #102 4/3.5 now $1.495M, Sedgemoor #202 3/3.5 now $2.22M.
4 new sales: Colonnades #C18 1/1 listed for $129K, Captains Walk #E5 2/2 listed for $224.5K, Sundial #Q301 2/2 listed for $595K. La Playa #3B 3/2 listed for $1.45M.
3 closed sales: Sundial #G106 1/1 $270K, Sanibel Moorings #1042 2/2 $383K, Gulf Beach #205 2/2 $685K.

HOMES
5 new listings: 4563 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/3 $760K; 1291 Sand Castle Rd 4/3.5 $849K; 1329 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 $989K; 1001 Kings Crown Dr 3/2.5 $1.159M; 2507 Blind Pass Ct 4/3 $1,225,555.
13 price changes: 1125 Captains Walk St 2/2 now $499.9K, 9446 Yucca Ct 3/2 now $519K, 1667 Sabal Sands Rd 3/3 now $539K, 9319 Kincaid Ct 3/2 now $574.9K, 9203 Dimmick Dr 3/3 now $619K, 696 Durion Ct 3/2.5 now $635K, 9224 Dimmick Dr 4/2 now $699K, 6009 Clam Bayou Ln 4/3 now $836K, 804 Birdie View Pt 3/3 now $1.089M, 5403 Shearwater Dr 4/3 now $1.145M, 6440 Pine Ave 3/2.5 now $1.631M, 3615 West Gulf Dr 3/2 now $2.495M, 2980 Wulfert Rd 5/5 now $3.495M.
6 new sales: 9106 Mockingbird Dr 2/2 listed for $479K, 1271 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 listed for $589K, 2631 SanCap Rd 2/2 listed for $699K, 1216 Par View Dr 3/2 listed for $699K, 4518 Bowen Bayou Rd 4/4 listed for $725K (our sale), 214 Palm Lake Dr 3/2.5 listed for $749K, 4164 West Gulf Dr 4/4 listed for $1.995M, 3635 West Gulf Dr 4/4.5 listed for $4.199M.
8 closed sales: 4057 Coquina Dr 2/2 $301K (foreclosure), 3311 Twin Lakes Ln 3/3 $540K, 1449 Tahiti Dr 3/3 $550K, 525 N Yachtsman Dr 3/2 $550K, 928 Pepper Tree Place 2/2 $600K, 1441 Causey Ct 3/2 $671K, 569 Lighthouse Way 3/3 $785K (our buyer), 1660 Bunting Ln 4/3.5 $910K (our buyer).

LOTS
1 new listing: 860 Birdie View Pt $389K.
1 price changes: 708 Durion Ct now $359K.
No new or closed sales.

Captiva
CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.
1 new sale: Bayside Villas #5308 3/3 listed for $560K.
No closed sales.
HOMES
1 new listing: 1129 Longifolia Ct 4/5 $5.995M.
4 price changes: 11490 Dickey Ln 3/2 now $879K, 11525 Chapin Ln 4/4 now $1.549M, 15127 Captiva Dr 8/6.5 duplex now $2.025M (short sale), 16428 Captiva Dr 7/8/2 now $12.2M.
1 new sale: 56 Sandpiper Ct 2/2.5 listed for $669K.
1 closed sale: 11551 Paige Ct 5/6/2 $4.735M.

LOTS
Nothing to report.

Best wishes for another great week!

SanibelSusan & The SanibelSusan Team – Dave, Elise, & Lisa

The Friday Before Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Posted on December 21, 2012 by SanibelSusan

All is well on Sanibel and Captiva Islands with picture-perfect weather all week. However, thanks to a cool front today, temperatures have dropped into the 60’s and it is only expected to be in the 30’s tonight. It is breezy but with bright blue skies. Just that little bit of change excites islanders looking forward to digging out their sweaters for a couple of days each winter. We can put them away quickly though, as it is expected to be back into the high 70’s by Christmas eve and the low 80’s by Christmas day.

Here are photos of a few island-style Christmas trees. Sanibel and Captiva Islands may be snow-less, but they are festive!

At Timbers Fish & Seafood Market on Sanibel

Entry to The Sanibel Grill on Sanibel, note the water dish

Normandie Seaside Pub, Sanibel

In The Sanctuary Golf Clubhouse, Sanibel

‘Tween Waters Resort on Captiva

At the Mucky Duck Beach on Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

South Seas Resort, Captiva

Near South Seas Resort entrance on Captiva

Bismark palm on Captiva Drive

Charlie Brown tree on Captiva Drive

At SanibelSusan Realty Associates

SanibelSusan’s Charlie Brown tree at home

Sanibel & Captiva Real Estate Action This Week

We had a few listings shown this week and a fair turn-out at yesterday’s Realtor® caravan. I had a double-dip closing on Tuesday (both listed and sold), then was out showing property too. Dave held an open house at our Sundial listing on Tuesday and Loggerhead Cay today. I have been negotiating on an offer this week that got finalized today, so all-in-all, a productive week for SanibelSusan Realty Associates, even with the holiday distractions.

Polar Bear Plunge Coming Up

As reported in the “Island Sun”:

“For those who are on-island for New Year’s, the 13th annual meeting of the Sanibel-Captiva Chapter of the National Polar Bear Club will take place at noon on January 1 at Tarpon Bay Beach. When the club started in 2000, just 29 people showed up to brave taking a dip in the Gulf of Mexico. Last year, more than 350 bears took the plunge. The meeting begins with the singing of the traditional Polar Bear anthem by the Cubbies (1st-timers), Juveniles (1-time previous dippers) and seasoned Adult bears (those who took the plunge in previous years). The bears then enter the Gulf waters backwards, facing the huge crowd of supporters, on-lookers, tourists, and Mice (those who wished they had the courage to join in). Following the traditional Polar Bear group huddle/hug (a body-warming activity), participants will have an opportunity to sip from the giant Polar Bear champagne glass, have their picture taken in the infamous shell pith helmet, and engage in story-telling about their heroic experience with fellow Polar Bears from around the world. Everyone is welcome to attend the Polar Bear plunge, now considered an island tradition (which costs nothing to participate).”

A Few Energy-Saving Tips

There were some timely reminders in the Lee County Electric Coop newsletter this month. You can conduct your own energy survey through their website at http://www.lcec.net. These tips and tricks may be helpful too:

“Keep the oven door closed. When you have to “sneak a peek” at the turkey or cookies, turn the oven light on and look through the window.
Cook with glass or ceramic pans. They heat faster, and you can set the temperature 25 degrees lower.
Use crock pots, microwave, and toaster ovens, when possible. They all use less energy than the oven.
Gently remind guests to turn off lights and fans when they leave a room. Remember, fans do not actually cool your home they only circulate the air, making you feel cooler.
Switch holiday lights to LED and set on a timer to reduce the amount of time you use them.”
“Washers – only run full loads; wash in cold water whenever possible; unplug or use circuit breaker to shut off power to washer when not in use; if possible, move washer close to your water heater to help retain heated water in pipes; always rinse in cold water, it has not effect on the cleaning of clothes; adjust waters levels to laundry load size on your washer, if possible; invest in an energy-saving washer.”

15-Year Mortgages Gain Popularity With Buyers

As follow-up to a “Wall Street Journal” article earlier in the week, “Daily Real Estate News” posted the following yesterday:

“Record-low rates are driving more borrowers to seek shorter term mortgages. Freddie Mac reports that nearly 16% of the fixed-rate mortgages that lenders sold to the agency during the 3rd quarter were comprised of 15-year mortgages. That’s up from nearly 10% a year ago. The data excludes mortgages for refinancing. For refinancing, 15-year mortgages accounted for nearly a third of loans during the first seven months of this year, according to CoreLogic. “The 30-year mortgage became the standard in lending because its lower monthly payments made real estate affordable to more Americans,” The Wall Street Journal reports. “While the 30-year remains king, the gap between the two loans’ popularity is shrinking.”

“Fifteen-year fixed-rate mortgages have recently averaged 2.81% — compared to 5.85% in mid-December 2007, according to HSH.com, a mortgage information Web site. Some refinancers are finding that by switching from a 30-year to a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage they are able to not only get big savings on the life of their mortgage but also even slightly lower monthly payments. Traditionally, refinancing into a shorter-term mortgage meant paying a heftier monthly payment. But with mortgage rates so low, some home owners are finding the monthly payment isn’t increasing and may actually be less by shortening the terms of their mortgage.”

Captiva 2013-2014 Re-nourishment Project

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District announced recently that it is accepting bids for its 2013-2014 re-nourishment project. This project consists of placing approximately 877,000 cubic yards of beach fill along six miles of shoreline and rehabilitation of existing dunes from Redfish Pass to Blind Pass and also a portion of northern Sanibel. The work will start between June 1 and September 1 and be completed by December 31, 2013. For more info, go to www.mycepd.com.

Agents Prepare Homebuyers to Compete

The islands have not yet seen the swing from buyers’ market to sellers’ market, but the following article posted this week on FloridaRealtors® was a good read nonetheless. My Realtor® friends in Miami already are seeing multiple offers. Here’s hoping our area is next:

“House buyers in a growing number of areas are finding something they haven’t seen in years when house-hunting: Competition. With housing affordability high and mortgage rates low, homebuyers are ready to cash in – but they’re finding a lot of others are as well. Bidding wars are becoming more common, particularly as the inventory of for-sale homes remains constrained across the country.

““Buyers have to change their attitude about the way the market is,” says Carol Hooks, a real estate professional with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Alexandria, Va. “Many still think it’s OK to make a low offer and ask for closing-cost assistance, but they really need to come up with a good, realistic offer….

“Real estate professionals are helping to prepare their buyers for the increased competition. For example, they’re encouraging buyers to go through the mortgage-approval process and secure financing before they look for a home, armed with more than just a lender’s prequalification letter. Eldad Moraru with Long & Foster Real Estate in Bethesda, Md., says it’s important for buyers to find a lender who will be able to provide them with an approval letter within an hour of finding the home they want to purchase. The new letter should include the address of the property and the exact amount they plan to offer so they can attach it to the offer.

“Homebuyers also need to have their earnest money deposit and down-payment ready to go, Moraru says. “A lot of buyers will have some money in stocks to sell and some money in a checking account and will tell me they need a few days to get it together,” he said. “You need to have that money consolidated and accessible in one account before you find a house.” As competition heats up, buyers need to prepare to think fast.

“If (the buyer) moves fast enough, (they) can have a home inspection before (they) make an offer, and then waive the home-inspection contingency,” Moraru says about being competitive in some multiple bid situations if you know when the seller is going to be reviewing all offers.

“Some agents compare today’s competitive housing market to the process of dating. “You need to win on both looks and personality,” says Phil Bolin, a broker with RE/MAX Allegiance in Alexandria, Va. “The personality part is the fundamental issue of financing and down-payment, but the looks part doesn’t cost you anything. It can be as simple as making sure there are no mistakes in your contract. If there are mistakes or missing items in your offer, you don’t look like a serious buyer.””

Sanibel & Captiva Island Multiple Listing Service Activity December 14-21

Sanibel
CONDO
1 new listing: Sundial #K108 3/2 $1.1M.
No price changes.
2 new sales: Blind Pass #A105 listed for $395K, Compass Point #141 3/2 listed for $899K (our listing).
1 closed sale: Sanibel Arms West #M7 2/2 $398K (our listing & sale).

HOMES
6 new listings: 1401 Sandpiper Cir 3/2.5 half-duplex $419K, 2079 Wild Lime Dr 3/2 $525K, 395 Old Trail Rd 4/3 $599K, 617 East Rocks Dr 3/2 $625.9K, 1339 Par View Dr 3/2 $680K, 512 Periwinkle Way 3/3 $1.075M.
8 price changes: 4629 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2 now $539K, 5296 Umbrella Pool Rd 4/4 now $549.9K, 1441 Causey Ct 3/2 now $725K, 3840 West Gulf Dr 3/2.5 now $739K, 2540 Coconut Dr 4/3.5 now $740K, 2729 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 now $1.298M, 4717 Rue Belle Mer 3/3 now $1.895M (short sale), 505 Kinzie Island Ct 5/4.5 now $2.195M.
4 new sales: 1807 Serenity Ln 3/2 listed for $574K, 549 East Rocks Dr 3/2.5 listed for $795K, 1314 Isabel Dr 4/3.5 listed for $2.094M, 4689 Rue Belle Mer 3/2 listed for $2.295M.
5 closed sales: 1000 Greenwood Ct 3/2.5 half-duplex $322K, 760 Birdie View Pt 4/3.5 $769K (short sale), 1824 Woodring Rd 4/4 $1.025M, 6211 Starling Way 4/4.5 $1.95M, 1145 Bird Ln 5/5 $4.275M.

LOTS
1 new listing: 644 Sea Oats Dr $315K.
3 price changes: 5121 SanCap Rd now $249K, 6006 White Heron Ln now $749K, 837 Limpet Dr now $885K (our listing).
1 new sale: 659 Anchor Dr $448.5K.
No new sales.

Captiva
CONDO
No new listings.
1 price change: Gulf Beach Villas #2004 2/2 now $659K.
2 new sales: Marina Villas #801 2/2 listed for $552K, Sunset Beach Villas #2228 2/2 listed for $600K.
No closed sales.

HOMES
1 new listing: 11532 Wightman Ln 2/2 $1.475M.
No price changes, new or closed sales.

LOTS
Nothing to report.

Merry Christmas!

Bright Friday With Real Estate News on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Posted on November 23, 2012 by SanibelSusan

It is a bright Friday on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Son Dave and SanibelSusan are manning the office today, while Elise and Lisa are enjoying an extra day off. The islands are fairly busy. Most accommodations were filled by Wednesday, but we have not had a lot of showing requests, or at least not yet. Perhaps too many outside events are being enjoyed in the bright sunny weather (highs in the mid-70’s).

Here are some post-holiday news items followed by the week’s report of Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service activity.

Thanksgiving – Looking Back & Looking Ahead

As I reminisce about the wonderful meal that Dave and Lisa prepared yesterday and how thankful we all were to enjoy their home full of family and friends with doors wide open to the great Florida weather, I cannot help but think about others not as lucky. We all know folks struggling with illness and the devastating effects of disasters like Hurricane Sandy, while the media is overwrought with unsettling news from the Fiscal Cliff and worldwide economic issues, to fighting in the Middle East, not to mention what has happened with the Twinkie.

Makes me think about how all of these events will affect real estate business in Florida. Many colleagues similarly have blogged about how trends are influenced by world as well as local events. Here is my 2-cents worth.

Safer, Stronger, More Energy-Efficient Homes – Storm protected homes have always been in demand on barrier islands, but with climate changes and recent weather patterns, buyers now have an even more critical eye toward the strength of properties. Lessons learned from hurricanes both here and afar make prospective owners particularly interested in piling and concrete-block construction, impact/hurricane windows and doors, Wind Mitigation Reports, elevations, environmental zones, and insurance costs. For decades, Sanibel was in the forefront with its Land Development Code and tough building requirements. Today’s purchasers, particularly those that have looked elsewhere in Florida, appreciate the results of the Sanibel Plan, including the resultant flood insurance discounts. Today’s buyers also ask about self-sufficiency features, like generators and solar.
New Construction – As resale prices have crept up on remodeling and replacement costs, the last few months have seen a surge in island lot sales and new construction. More buyers are deciding to build exactly what they want, rather than update an existing property. The islands may be close to build-out, but there are good single-family home sites available.
Move to Urban Areas or the Opposite Approach – Get Out of Dodge – You probably remember me mentioning a few months ago that a new trend is to move back into more highly developed areas, to cities where public services like roads, hospitals, shopping, and schools may be better and cost less. Then, from Sandy, we have seen areas where infrastructures have been lost causing problems like rationing and looting. Metropolitan areas mostly likely will get better prepared for Mother Nature, but prospective homeowners will continue to look for sites that are better able to withstand future storms and other natural disasters. Here, we have noticed that many buyers also are looking for the family home or vacation retreat in a more rural area. Give them a small town where the ambience is laid-back, the life-style is easy, and the environment is key, and they are happier.
Togetherness – Nothing brings families and friends closer than a common problem or disaster. With technology and the working population able to spend more time away from their primary residence, we had already seen higher interest in family and friends buying into the same community or condo complex. Now more are exploring family-compound-type properties and offerings with shared amenities too.
More Cost Conscious – It seems that now more than ever there is a greater tendency to examine the total long-term cost of a property including insurance, maintenance, utilities, and travel. Knowing the stability of those costs is important too. Key buying events are to have a prospective home or condo professionally inspected and to get insurance estimates.
The Wait and See Approach – It probably is just a sign of the times, but some prospective purchasers say they are going to put off buying and wait and see what happens with the economy; this is as opposed to the other trend which is to capitalize on someone else’s indecision. Some clients are sitting on their cash while others recognize opportunity and buy on bad news. Fiscal Cliff reports may be forcing some to move more quickly to downsize and economize. Baby Boomers are going to retire; Sandy just may move more of them to Florida sooner than previously expected.

So what is the direction to all of these trends? There is not just a single answer. Everyone has their own real estate wants and needs. Though we cannot ignore life events and natural disasters, they are not all encompassing. The good news for owners and investors is that here in Southwest Florida, the weather is terrific, the infrastructure is in good shape, banks are lending at low interest rates, and the Sanibel/Captiva life-style is easy!

Sundial Beach and Golf Resort

On a side note, Dave and I had lunch at Sundial Resort on Tuesday. The resort has reopened some of its general amenity dining areas to the public. If you go there yourself, be sure and check out the lobby, where artist renderings of the upcoming renovations are posted. When complete, this central amenity area will have big open balconies on the beach side of the conference and dining/party facilities on the 2nd and 3rd levels. The views should be magnificent and great for pelican watching too!

Yesterday, I chatted with Lisa’s brother who works at the resort and he said that some remodeling projects already are underway. (I noticed that the lobby-level convenience store is closed.) He said construction will continue right through the busy months of high season this winter. That’s unusual, but probably a sign that the new general owners are anxious to get the resort “looking great” again.

Sundial has had a bit of a rebound with sales this year, particularly since the new owners took over in July (22 units sold year-to-date, compared to 15 in all of 2011). Once renovations are done, this complex may again become our bellwether for Sanibel condo sales. In the meantime, there still are several excellent buys at the complex – a terrific time to buy-in!

Florida’s Housing Market Continues Positive Trends in October 2012

As posted on-line at Florida Realtors® on Monday:

            “Pending sales, closed sales and median prices rose, while the inventory of homes and condos for sale dropped in Florida’s housing market in October, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. “With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we have a lot to be thankful for here in Florida,” said 2012 Florida Realtors President Summer Greene, regional manager of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st in Fort Lauderdale. “The state’s latest unemployment rate fell to 8.5%, the lowest in nearly four years – and combined with the momentum of the housing market, it clearly shows that Florida is on a positive path and has been for months. Pending sales, closed sales and prices are trending up.”
            “Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 17,779 in October, up 25.3% compared to the year-ago figure, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department and vendor partner 10K Research and Marketing. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written. Meanwhile, pending sales – contracts that are signed by not yet completed or closed – of existing single-family homes last month rose 56.7% over the previous October. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in October was $145,000, up 9% from a year ago.
            “According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the national median sales price for existing single-family homes in September 2012 was $184,300, up 11.4% from the previous year. In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in September was $345,000; in Massachusetts, it was $294,900; in Maryland, it was $244,357; and in New York, it was $225,000. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. Housing industry analysts note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes.
            “Looking at Florida’s year-to-year comparison for sales of townhomes-condos, a total of 8,252 units sold statewide last month, up 16.4% compared to October 2011. Meanwhile, pending sales for townhome-condos in October increased 47.1% compared to the year-ago figure. The statewide median for townhome-condo properties was $107,000, up 20.2% over the previous year. NAR reported that the national median existing condo price in September 2012 was $181,000.
            “The inventory for single-family homes stood at a 5.2-months’ supply in October; inventory for townhome-condo properties was also at a 5.2-months’ supply, according to Florida Realtors. Industry analysts note that a 5.5-months’ supply symbolically represents a market balanced between buyers and sellers.
            ““Once again, everything that should be going up in the market is going up, and everything that should be going down is going down,” said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo. “As impressive as the year-over-year gains for October are, far more impressive are year-to-date gains of 2012 over 2011. They indicate the depth and resilience of this recovery.”
            “The interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.38% in October 2012, down from the 4.07% averaged during the same month a year earlier, according to Freddie Mac.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate Scoop

Here are the island sales statistics as of today, comparing 2012 to 2011, and showing current inventory and median (or midpoint) prices.

Condos Homes Lots

Year # Median Price # Median Price # Median Price

SANIBEL

For Sale: Now 178 $549,000 194 $895,000 87 $370,000

Sales pending: Now 12 $357,000 22 $497,000 2 $239,000

Sold/Closed*: 2012 139 $529,000 165 $599,000 30 $299,900

2011 132 $589,500 159 $692,000 17 $295,000

CAPTIVA

For Sale: Now 55 $600,000 39 $2,500,000 7 $1,749,000

Sales pending: Now 2 $634,950 2 $3,125,000 0 N/A

Sold/Closed*: 2012 33 $635,000 25 $1,549,000 3 $869,000

2011 23 $595,000 20 $1,497,500 1 $485,000

* Sales from January 1 to November 23.

Our local Association of Realtors® had no weekly caravan meeting this week. Dave opened Compass Point on both Monday and Tuesday (before a holiday check-in) trying to catch some prospective condo buyers. His only lookers were a couple of complex owners checking out the decorating and some vacationers who may purchase in a few more years. I opened a listing on Tuesday for an island resident looking to purchase, and we had another showing today; but otherwise activity was light. There probably was too much shopping and cooking and beaching and golfing and fishing and boating, competing with real estate this week.

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service activity November 16-23

Sanibel
CONDOS
4 new listings: Sandpebble #1F 2/2 $349.9K, Sundial #H308 1/1 $395K, Sandpiper Beach #106 2/2 $649K, Sayana #103 2/2 $799K.
2 price changes: Sanibel Arms #H4 2/2 now $479K, St.Croix #3 2/2.5 now $849K.
2 new sales: Seashells #6 2/2 listed for $335K, Sanibel Arms #A5 2/1 listed for $379K.
1 closed sale: Sandpiper Beach #303 2/2 $555K.

HOMES
3 new listings: 928 Pepper Tree Place 2/2 $659K, 4496 Waters Edge Ln 3/2 $849K, 940 Victoria Way 3/3 $1.1M.
2 price changes: 2166 Egret Cir 3/2 now $499,555; 1266 Isabel Dr 3/3 now $2.285M.
5 new sales: 960/964 Palm St 3/3 listed for $374.9K (short sale), 1599 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex listed for $425K, 1001 Lindgren Blvd 2/2 listed for $614K, 862 Beach Rd 3/2 listed for $939K, 6211 Starling Way 4/4.5 listed for $2.295M.
3 closed sales: 471 Las Tiendas 3/2 $530K, 848 Limpet Dr 3/2.5 $1.045M, 1765 Venus Dr 3/3 $1.06M.

LOTS
No new listings.
2 price changes: 5307 Umbrella Pool Rd now $399K (our listing), 1898 Woodring Rd now $2.99M.
1 new sale: 9042 Mockingbird Dr listed for $329K.
1 closed sale: Bay Dr $185K.

Captiva
CONDOS
2 new listings: Captiva Shores #3B 3/2.5 $778K, Lands End Village #1638 3/3 $1.95M.
No price changes.
1 new sale: Sunset Beach Villas #2336 2/2 listed for $749.9K.
No closed sales.

HOMES
1 new listing: 11515 Laika Ln 4/4.5 $2.395M.
1 price change: 15891 Captiva Dr 5/4 now $2.949M.
No new sales.
1 closed sale: 15361 Captiva Dr 5/4 $1.6M (short sale).

LOTS
Nothing to report.

Little Affect on Sanibel & Captiva Islands from Hurricane Sandy

Posted on October 26, 2012 by SanibelSusan

Sanibel sunset courtesy of Jim Anderson at JMA Photography.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands have seen another week of increased traffic, but little real estate action. Perhaps, there has been too much news about the economy and the election. We have been watching the weather channel too, especially over the last few days. With Hurricane Sandy now far to our east out in the Atlantic, the only effect on Sanibel and Captiva has been a little more breeze. It is bright and sunny here now (Friday afternoon on October 26) with 82 degree temperatures.

Last Biweekly Realtor Caravan

There was a good turn-out at the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Realtor® Caravan Meeting yesterday with 15 new listings open for member viewing. Whenever we see that many new listings, it is always an indication that it again is time for caravan to revert back to its every-week “season” schedule. Sure enough, that begins next Thursday with an East-End Caravan. Weeks then will rotate until spring, with properties in east and west locations alternating. Since visitors and vacationers alike soon learn that Thursday mornings are when these events occur, it is not unusual for us also to add an occasional open house to the mix. It pays to take advantage of those Thursday morning lookers and Lisa likes to sit those open houses – hopefully to either sell the listing or make contact with new prospective buyers.

Perfect Weather Expected for Halloween Festivities

“Real” fall weather is expected on the islands early next week. Thanks to Hurricane Sandy passing us to the east, on Monday and Tuesday, Sanibel is expected to be sunny with temperatures of only 73-75 degrees tops with lows of 55 degrees. Upcoming Halloween events including:

Tomorrow night, 10/27 – Hallo-Tween Costume Contest & Halloween Party – This adult event at ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort is Captiva Island’s most notorious Halloween event. Themed this year as a “Twisted Circus,” tickets are available at the door for $18 to anyone over the age of 21, the Twisted Circus Party will start out the night rocking the beach with live music with Deb and the Dynamics. This high-energy live band covers a range of Rock, R&B and Jump Blues, and is known as the ultimate dance-party band. ‘Tween Waters Inn also offers a $1,000 grand prize costume contest, with judging at midnight, along with another $1,000 in prizes for additional costume categories. The outdoor event from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. is infamous for the scope, size, scariness, outrageousness, raciness, zaniness, variety and creativity of costuming.
Wednesday, 10/31 (Halloween) – Trunk Or Treat At The Church – At the Sanibel Community Church (1740 Periwinkle Way, next to Jerry’s Market) from 4 to 6 p.m. Families are invited to stop with their children for holiday fun, games, finger foods and lots of treats.
Also Wednesday, 10/31 (Halloween) – Fall Family Carnival – Hosted by the Sanibel Community Association, at The Community House from 5 to 7 p.m. with candy, games, prizes and crafts, a dining area serving meals at family-friendly prices and a hay ride (courtesy of Billy’s Bike Shop). Everyone – kids, adults and volunteers – are encouraged to wear costumes. Multiple costume prizes will be awarded. Admission price is a bag of Halloween candy per family. More info at http://www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net/.

Early November Happenings on Sanibel

Bird Show – Libby is back, so the Periwinkle Park bird show begins again starting November 1. Walk or bike to the aviary at the park to see a show, daily (except Wednesdays & Sundays) at 10 a.m. http://www.sanibelcamping.com/

Sanibel Farmers Market – Reopens for “season” on Sunday, November 4, and will be open every Sunday, except Christmas, until the end of April. Over 30 vendors participate, selling local fruits and vegetables, flowers, honey, seafood, breads, cheeses, soups, pastas, organics, jams, nuts, salsa, & more. It is on the grounds of City Hall, 800 Dunlop Rd, next to the Sanibel Library and BIG Arts. Hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Follow the market on Facebook.

More Luxury Homebuyers Opt for ARMs

An article posted on Florida Realtors® this week, sources a recent “Wall Street Journal” posting about the new surge of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).

“Once blamed as one of the culprits behind the flood of foreclosures in recent years, adjustable-rate mortgages are back and rising in popularity, particularly among luxury homebuyers, The Wall Street Journal reports. ARMs offer super-low interest rates – at least for a certain period – compared to fixed-rate mortgages and are tempting homebuyers once again. ARMs can have a fixed-rate mortgage rate for a certain number of years, such as five or seven years, before they start fluctuating with the market and the monthly mortgage payments start rising.
“For homebuyers who need a jumbo loan, ARMs are particularly tempting. ARMs make up 30% to 40% of the private jumbo market at Bank of America. They make up about half of all private jumbo loans by NASB Financial. “Lenders say high-net-worth buyers face relatively little risk because they can tap liquid assets to pay off a loan should a sudden spike in rates occur,” according to The Wall Street Journal. As such, high-end buyers are considering ARMs to finance their home purchases and unlocking some savings. For example, the rates could be as low as 2.82% on a jumbo 5/1 ARM, compared to 4.06% on a 30-year fixed-rate jumbo loan, according to HSH.com, a mortgage information website. “Over the first five years, borrowers with the 5/1 ARM would save nearly $90,900 in interest on a $1.5 million mortgage compared with a fixed-rate jumbo,” The Wall Street Journal notes.”

Strong New Home Sales Brighten Housing Picture

It always puts a smile on my face when a faithful blog reader, e-mails me a real estate article that I may have missed. Here’s good housing summary from an article that was posted on-line this week by “Reuters”. (Thank you, Scott!)

“New U.S. single-family home sales surged in September to the highest level in nearly 2-1/2 years, further evidence the housing market recovery is gaining steam. The Commerce Department said on Wednesday that new home sales increased 5.7% to a seasonally adjusted 389,000-unit annual rate — the fastest pace since April 2010, when sales were boosted by a tax credit for first-time home buyers. Although sales in August were revised down to a 368,000-unit rate from the previously reported 373,000 units, the tenor of the report was relatively strong, with the median price of a new home rising 11.7% from a year ago.

“The quickened pace in the housing sector is good news for the economy, but it remains one of the few bright spots. “Housing is now a positive for the economy after years of being a drag, but it’s not enough to counteract the slowdown in manufacturing, which was the star,” said David Berson, chief economist at Nationwide Insurance in Columbus, Ohio.

“A second report showed only a modest pick-up in factory activity this month amid a darkening cloud of economic uncertainty at home and slower growth abroad. The home sales data was the latest to show the housing market on the mend from its brutal collapse in 2006, which dragged the economy through its worst recession since the Great Depression.

“Rising sales are pushing down the stock of unsold properties on the market, lifting prices and giving builders more confidence to take on new projects. Demand for housing is being driven by a steady rise in the number of U.S. households, which had declined during the recession as financially strapped Americans moved in with family and friends. Modest job gains, increased job security and record low mortgage rates are encouraging many to seek home ownership.

“The U.S. Federal Reserve has targeted housing as a channel to boost growth, announcing last month that it would buy $40 billion in mortgage-backed securities per month until the outlook for employment improved substantially. The action helped push already low mortgage rates even lower. However, mortgage rates rose last week, dampening demand for loans to purchase homes during that period.

“The Fed’s monetary policy committee on Wednesday stuck to its ultra accommodative stance even as it acknowledged that some parts of the economy, including the housing market, were looking a bit better.

MANUFACTURING SLUGGISH

“While the Fed’s stimulus is supporting the consumption side of the economy, concerns about domestic fiscal policy and slowing global demand are hobbling the production side.

“In a separate report, financial information firm Markit said its U.S. “flash,” or preliminary, Purchasing Managers Index for the manufacturing sector edged up to 51.3 this month from 51.1 in September. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. A modest rise in output helped boost business conditions in the sector, which suffered its weakest quarter in three years during the July-to-September period. But fewer orders from domestic clients and a fifth straight monthly decline in overseas demand for U.S. goods indicated manufacturing was acting as a drag on growth and employment, said Markit Chief Economist Chris Williamson. “Purchasing managers report that the key to the ongoing weakness remains uncertainty among customers in export markets, notably Europe and Asia,” he said.

“The slowdown in factory activity is largely the result of fears that the U.S. Congress might fail to avoid the automatic tax hikes and government spending cuts that will suck about $600 billion out of the economy next year. The housing data, however, showed no signs yet that the so-called fiscal cliff has crossed the radar of ordinary Americans.

“The inventory of new homes on the market remained near record lows in September, although some economists worry a pick-up in building activity could undercut the market if sales do not rise significantly further.

“At September’s sales pace it would take 4.5 months to clear the new homes on the market, the fewest since October 2005 and down from 4.7 months in August. Sales last month were up in three of the four regions. They tumbled 37.3% in the Midwest.”

Big Hurdles Pose Challenge to Housing Recovery

On Wednesday, “Daily Real Estate News” online, had a similar spin, sourced from a MSN Real Estate article entitled “Could the Housing Recovery Sputter to a Halt?”

“Home prices are inching up, record-low mortgage rates are creating more urgency with buyers, and foreclosures are falling. But despite the glowing reports, economists are still questioning whether the housing recovery will last.

“The challenges that persist could make this “one of the longest, most excruciating recoveries in housing history,” MSN Real Estate reports. “Some of those challenges to the housing recovery: Access to credit still remains very tight, job growth remains weak, and a large number of underwater home owners are still waiting for prices to jump more so they can have equity in their homes once again and then move on. “Real incomes are not growing,” says Sam Khater, deputy chief economist for real-estate analytics firm CoreLogic. “We are at the same level we were in the mid-1990s. [The recovery] is not sustainable until incomes recover.”

“Also, economic uncertainty could prompt many potential home buyers to remain the sidelines, says Alex Villacorta, director of research and analytics at Clear Capital. “Debt-ceiling brinksmanship pushed down consumer sentiment 14.3% last year, the largest amount since the end of the recession, and uncertainty over taxes could throw a wrench into the recovery,” Villacorta told MSN Real Estate.

“The number of underwater home owners also is constraining inventories of for-sale homes across the country. About 22.3% of homes — or 10.8 million home owners — who have mortgages were underwater or in negative equity at the end of the second quarter, according to CoreLogic. In the next two years, more home owners are projected to gain equity in their homes, which could likely cause inventories to grow. According to CoreLogic, just a 5% increase in annual home prices would likely lead to a “significant” number of underwater home owners obtaining equity in their homes.

“Still, some economists are watching the housing recovery closely and cautiously to determine whether it’s sustainable. “It seems as if we have a long recovery in order, given the slow economic growth and pace of hiring,” says Ingo Winzer, president of Local Market Monitor.

“Nevertheless, economists say the positive signs in the housing data in recent weeks can’t be ignored. For example, existing-home sales are up 11% in September compared to the same time last year. The median home price is $183,900, 11.3% higher than year-ago levels, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Median prices of new homes also rose 11.2% in August, posting the largest one-month increase ever recorded, the Commerce Department reported.”

START To Extend Beach Monitoring Effort On Islands

A recent article in “The Island Sun” offered the following update on island beaches.

“An enhanced beach-monitoring initiative sponsored and implemented by the Sanibel-Captiva chapter of START, will begin to provide up-to-date info on red tide blooms and other conditions at beaches throughout the islands. The local chapter of START (Solutions To Avoid Red Tide), a statewide environmental organization, is collaborating with Mote Marine Lab to enhance its current Beach Conditions Report program for Sanibel and Captiva. This Internet-based reporting network apprises visitors and residents of daily beach conditions, in an effort to minimize potential health impacts and maximize enjoyment of area beaches. Currently, beach conditions at ‘Tween Waters Inn on Captiva and at Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel are monitored by MOTE-trained observers, and information is uploaded to a website twice daily. START will extend the monitored locations to include Lighthouse Beach, Causeway Islands Park, Bailey Beach, Gulfside City Park, Blind Pass and other frequented beaches across the islands….

“Nancy McPhee, program manager of new product development for the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau, thinks the addition of new reporting locations will prove valuable in further assisting island visitors….

“Dr. Bruce Neill, president of the Sanibel-Captiva chapter of START (& from Sanibel Sea School), is pleased that his volunteer organization will spearhead the added monitoring efforts. “It is very exciting to be able to sponsor this service for our community,” Neill said. “We are an organization dedicated to coastal conservation through education and outreach. Helping to minimize the impacts that red tide has on our island communities is one of our main goals. We would like to help people avoid sections of our beaches that are most heavily impacted by red tide. “A second, but still very important aspect of this increased beach coverage is that it will help visitors realize that when we have impacts from red tide, it is usually not the entire island that is affected and that there are almost always places they can go to enjoy the ocean.”

“Cracker Fest, the annual START fundraiser scheduled to take place the evening of Friday, November 2 at The Bait Box on Sanibel, will generate the funding for this expanded network of beach reporting. Local START board members will organize monitoring efforts for the islands, and interested area residents are also invited to volunteer. If you would like to become a beach monitor during red tide outbreaks, contact call 239-472-8585. If you would like to view the Beach Conditions Report, visit http://coolgate.mote.org/beachconditions and click on the Lee County area of the map. For more info on preserving our coastal waters, visit www.start1.org.”

The Sanibel Sea School blog (http://sanibelseaschool.org/blog/) is an excellent way to also stay informed about the island environmental issues too. As an avid ready, SanibelSusan can tell you that, it is not just for kids!

Hurricane Sandy Could Improve Local Red Tide Conditions

For those unaware, the islands have experienced small outbreaks of red tide over the past couple of weeks (which is a normal occurrence, particularly at this time of the year). Sometimes it is here for just a couple of days, occasionally a little longer. Here is the essence of a report posted on NBC2 news just this morning:

“While Hurricane Sandy threatens the east coast, some researchers say the storm could help reduce red tide on this coast. But that doesn’t mean all of the toxin’s affects will disappear. As Hurricane Sandy hits Southeast Florida, its winds are also kicking up water on the west coast.

“Research scientist Rick Bartleson says that may be a good thing. He studies water samples from Sanibel Island and for the fifth consecutive day, his tests show low levels of toxic red tide. “While the water is coming down here, the waves are breaking up. And when waves break, that causes turbulence that affects the red tide and can break up cells,” he said. And what cells survive, Bartleson says, the storm will likely push south, slowing down blooms in Pine Island Sound and the Gulf of Mexico. But even as blooms break up, problems for wildlife could continue – especially for birds. Once they ingest the toxin, it accumulates. In the past two days, rescuers checked more than half a dozen sick birds into CROW Wildlife Hospital and at least one died. “They eat the fish that are feeding on the red tide bloom,” said Jeana Harms, with CROW. Well after researchers detect red tide, wildlife feels its effects. So Harms says she’s prepared for more patients. “We’re at the beginning, so it’s going to be a little while before we really start to see a varied amount of species coming in,” she said. Sandy won’t reverse the toll red tide has already taken on some wildlife, but scientists hope, could slow its growth.”

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

Sanibel
CONDOS
8 new listings: Colonnades #12 1/1 $139.9K; Tennisplace #A26 2/1.5 $327,555; Loggerhead Cay #261 2/2 $549K; Pointe Santo #A22 2/2 $789K; Lighthouse Point #323 2/2 $898.5K; Lantana #102 3/3.5 $1.697.5M; Tamarind #B301 2/2 $1.875M; Seascape #104 3/3 $2.7M.
2 price changes: Sanibel Arms #A1 2/2 now $420K, Pointe Santo #E3 2/2 now $849K.
1 new sale: Sanibel Arms West #K3 2/2 listed for $375K (short sale).
1 closed sale: Colonnades #47 1/1 $106.7K (our Seller).

HOMES
8 new listings: 1693 Bunting Ln 3/2 $745K, 544 Sea Oats Dr 4/4 $899.9K, 786 Conch Ct 3/2 $1.05M, 479 Lagoon Dr 3/3 $1.195M, 1349 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 $1.295M, 5423 Osprey Ct 3/2.5 $1.695M, 1272 Isabel Dr 4/4.5 $3.9M, 4067 West Gulf Dr 4/4.5 $4.75M.
6 price changes: 220 Palm Lake Dr 3/3 now $529K, 3344 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 now $595K, 9203 Dimmick Dr 4/2 now $690K, 1516 Angel Dr 3/2 now $799K, 1314 Isabel Dr 4/3.5 now $2.094M, 3705 West Gulf Dr 5/5/2 now $3.995M.
7 new sales: 1663 Bunting Ln 3/2 listed for $344K (short sale), 3002 Poinciana Dr 3/2 listed for $359K, 6467 Pine Ave 3/3 listed for $495K, 1125 Captains Walk St 2/2 listed for $499.9K, 1755 Jewel Box Dr 3/2 listed for $599K, 1233 Middle Gulf Dr 3/2 listed for $699.9K, 1765 Venus Dr 3/3 listed for $1.15M.
1 closed sale: 1188 Harbour Cottage Ct 3/3 $548K.

LOTS
No new listings.
3 price changes: 3037 Poinciana Cir now $219,555; 1450 Tahiti Dr now $229,555; 5830 San-Cap Rd now $385,555.
No new or closed sales.

Captiva
CONDOS
2 new listings: Venture Captiva #2B 3/3 $849K, Lands End Village #1611 2/2 $1.225M.
1 price change: Lands End Village #1610 3/3 $1.895M.
1 new sale: Gulf Beach Villas #2116 1/1 listed for $439K.
No closed sales.

HOMES
No new listings, price changes, or new sales.
1 closed sale: 15158 Captiva Dr 5/4 #1.7M (short sale).

LOTS
Nothing to report.

Sanibel Scoop & Captiva Chatter

SanibelSusan's Blog About What's Happening on the Islands

Tag Archives: Captiva Island

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Scoop, Real Estate, Water, & More…

Like this:

Sanibel Sunsets & Island Real Estate News

Like this:

Gorgeous Summer Weather & Real Estate Happenings on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Like this:

May Showers Bring Spring Flowers to Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Like this:

Sanibel & Captiva Real Estate News, Plus the “Tomato Thief”

Like this:

Real Estate Happenings on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Like this:

Real Estate Continues to Move on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Like this:

The Friday Before Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Like this:

Bright Friday With Real Estate News on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Thanksgiving – Looking Back & Looking Ahead

Sundial Beach and Golf Resort

Florida’s Housing Market Continues Positive Trends in October 2012

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate Scoop

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service activity November 16-23

Like this:

Little Affect on Sanibel & Captiva Islands from Hurricane Sandy

Last Biweekly Realtor Caravan

Perfect Weather Expected for Halloween Festivities

Early November Happenings on Sanibel

More Luxury Homebuyers Opt for ARMs

Strong New Home Sales Brighten Housing Picture

Big Hurdles Pose Challenge to Housing Recovery

START To Extend Beach Monitoring Effort On Islands

Hurricane Sandy Could Improve Local Red Tide Conditions

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

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Thanksgiving – Looking Back & Looking Ahead

Sundial Beach and Golf Resort

Florida’s Housing Market Continues Positive Trends in October 2012

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate Scoop

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service activity November 16-23

Share this:

Like this:

Last Biweekly Realtor Caravan

Perfect Weather Expected for Halloween Festivities

Early November Happenings on Sanibel

More Luxury Homebuyers Opt for ARMs

Strong New Home Sales Brighten Housing Picture

Big Hurdles Pose Challenge to Housing Recovery

START To Extend Beach Monitoring Effort On Islands

Hurricane Sandy Could Improve Local Red Tide Conditions

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

Share this:

Like this: