Tag Archives: Captiva Island

The SanibelSusan Team is Grateful! Another Listing Sold Christmas Eve Morning!

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After a couple of breezy days earlier in the week, the cool front now has passed through Florida. It caused more winter-like temperatures with lows into the 60’s both Tues and Wed nights, while daytime temps barely got into the 70’s. Low humidity too, which is a welcome change.

The forecasters say that today through Christmas and the days after, island temperatures again will reach into the 80’s. I just drove up Periwinkle and my car says it’s 75 degrees at 1 p.m. Christmas Eve. Great weather for a tropical holiday! Guess, we can save our holiday sweaters for another year.

This week and next, there are no Realtor® meetings/caravans scheduled, but teammate Dave held another Open House at our Sealoft Village listing just before it went under contract Tues. It was a busy week for all of our listings, with a nice closing on Monday and multiple offers on the others.

By this morning all of them are under contract. One condo sold by a Sanibel Realtor®, another by one from Ft. Myers, while I was the lucky one to put our last listing under contract. What a great Christmas Eve Day! We are thankful

It looks like this sale surge will continue into 2022. Supply and demand are in control with demand high and supply so limited. The SanibelSusan Team doesn’t see that changing anytime soon. Prospective buyers on the sidelines waiting for the market to normalize, may find that this is the new normal. We just hope we can find enough new listings to satisfy their needs.

The week’s details about the action in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service follow a couple of news items below. First another update of island inventory today based on data from the islands MLS.

On Sanibel, just 53 properties (including condos, homes, & lots) are for sale,15 on Captiva. Year-to-date, 695 Sanibel properties have sold/closed, 106 on Captiva, plus another 69 are under contract on Sanibel, 7 on Captiva. Never, ever has the market been like this!

 

 

 

Status

 SANIBEL CAPTIVA
Condos Homes Lots Condos Homes Lots
# Avg $ # Avg $ # Avg $ # Avg $ # Avg $ # Avg $
For sale 16 1,103,050 18 2,644.111 19 630,210 4 2,684,750 11 6,247,545 0 N/A
Under contract 26 1,011,144 36 1,691,027 7 676,840 6 913,000 1 3,595,000 0 N/A
Sold to 12/24/21 281 867,274 346 1,340,276 68 703,830 61 1,164,014 43 2,914,067 2 2,950,000
Sold 2020 192 733,876 290 954,718 23 606,233 47 821,713 27 2,923,148 4 2,537,500
Sold 2005 232 758,507 260 1,028,584 68 496,726 45 863,642 31 2,309,758 0 N/A

Shell Museum Announces New Classes

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum recently announced a new 2022 class lineup for adults. Taught by museum Curator and Science Director Dr Jose H. Leal, senior marine biologist Rebecca Mensch, and professor of drawing with Florida Gulf Coast university Ehren Gerhard, the spring lineup includes:

  • Feb 10 – Fantastic Shells & Where to Find Them
  • Mar 2 – San Carlos Bay – Bunche Beach Marine Biology & Field Lab
  • Mar 17 – Biodiversity & Taxonomy of Molusks
  • Mar 31 – Drawing & Illustrating Shells
  • Apr 13 – Shell Morphology: Understanding Shell Descriptions

Also, on the 4th Tues of each month January through June, beginning at 5:30 p.m. after the museum, closes, they are offering “After Hours in the Aquariums” which will enable participants to experience the aquariums and marine life of the Living Gallery in an interactive program. Program tickets will include admission, tour, snacks, choice of beverage, and one museum pass redeemable for a future visit. Maximum capacity per event is 15 attendees, registration required at www.ShelMuseum.org/after-hours. Or for the classes, register at www.ShellMuseum.org/classes.

Living Shoreline Structure Completed on Woodring Rd

In their Wed, e-mail update, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) posted a link to this article:

“Mangrove wetland habitats lining Southwest Florida’s coastlines are highly effective in diminishing wave action and damage from high winds. They also trap pollutants and provide crucial habitat for a host of sea life, including the endangered small-tooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata). When biologists notice areas of mangrove-covered shorelines disappearing from erosion, it is a cause for serious concern.

“Nearly 18 months ago, a Dutch marine biologist contacted SCCF about designing, funding, and installing a pilot project on Sanibel to protect mangroves threatened by erosion. This project, completely funded by the Dutch government, will provide an alternative to concrete and riprap, which often lead to additional mangrove loss.

“The Netherlands-based company, BESE Products, uses a biodegradable habitat restoration structure made from the production waste of potato chips and french fries. The waste is collected in the Netherlands and sent to Germany, where it is manufactured into a 3D lattice that helps deposit sediment and can protect mangrove seedlings along high-energy shorelines, such as those along Woodring Road. The goal of this project is to protect the mangroves along Woodring Road, a stretch of Sanibel’s shoreline that has been gradually disappearing over the past few decades.

“SCCF Coastal Watch volunteers spent several hours helping prepare these elements for installation. Hundreds of biodegradable sheets needed to be snapped together to form the completed structures. Volunteers also attached thousands of oyster shells to the structures to promote oyster attachment and growth. Volunteers handily completed this tedious task.

“On installation day, Dec. 20, the BESE structures were placed with rebar just off the shoreline along Woodring Road. With the assistance of 15 volunteers planting mangroves, hammering rebar, and transporting the material to the project site, the installation was completed in two hours. The newly installed temporary structures will allow a surface for oysters to start forming a reef and protect the mangroves from high wave action. The BESE structures are expected to last up to five years and leave behind an established oyster and mangrove habitat. If successful, this will be a positive alternative for future restoration projects.”

Florida. Grand Jury Recommends More Condo Inspections

Posted last weekend by Florida Realtors® and sourced to The Associated Press:

“A Grand Jury tasked with recommending Fla. condo law changes in the wake of the Surfside collapse wants more inspections, less corrosion and faster reporting.

“MIAMI (AP) – A Florida grand jury issued a lengthy list of recommendations Wednesday aimed at preventing another condominium collapse like the one that killed 98 people in June, including earlier and more frequent inspections, and better waterproofing.

“In its report on the Surfside collapse, the Miami-Dade County Grand Jury called on state and local officials to require condominium towers to have an initial recertification inspection by an engineer between 10 and 15 years after their construction and every 10 years thereafter. Currently, Miami-Dade and neighboring Broward County require inspections at 40 years. Other Florida counties have no requirement.

“Champlain Towers South, built in 1981, collapsed June 24 as its 40-year recertification was due. No cause of the collapse has been determined, but records show the building had significant structural damage in its underground parking garage. An engineer had already concluded that $15 million of repairs would be required to bring it up to code. Some of the damage at the oceanside building is believed to have come from saltwater in the air.

“The grand jury report laments that the state repealed a requirement imposed in 2008 requiring that all condo towers bigger than three stories be inspected every five years. The requirement was repealed two years after it was imposed because it was deemed too costly. “In hindsight, it would appear the Legislature’s repeal of that statute was a huge mistake!” the report says.

“Other recommendations include:

  • Requiring that condo towers be repainted and waterproofed every 10 years to prevent corrosion.
  • Having local governments increase the size of their building departments, including by hiring more inspectors.
  • Suspending for at least a year the licenses of engineers and architects who submit false or misleading recertification reports and barring their employers from doing such inspections for the same period. Requiring that a second offense result in a license revocation.
  • Requiring architects and engineers who find severe structural damage during an inspection to report it to local officials within 24 hours and not just to the condo board.
  • Requiring condo board owners to take courses on their role in overseeing building maintenance and effectively managing a building’s finances.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity December 17-24, 2021

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sanibel Moorings #1132 2/2 $799K, Heron at The Sanctuary III #1B 3/2.5 $875K, Sand Pointe #218 2/2 $1.099M, Pointe Santo #D37 2/2 $1.395M.

1 price change: Gulfside Place #210 2/2 now $1.5999M.

7 new sales: Duggers #1 1/1 listed at $475K, Ibis at The Sanctuary #A101 2/2 listed at $665K, Donax Village #7 2/2 listed at $699K (our listing), Donax Village #9 2/2 listed at $750K, Sanibel Surfside #213 2/2 listed at $899K, Sealoft Village #109 2/2 listed at $899K (our listing), Tarpon Beach #106 2/2 listed at $1.095M.

2 closed sales: Donax Village #10 1 /2 $555.5K, Atrium #106 2/2 $1.71M.

HOMES

1 new listing: 543 East Gulf Dr 2/2 $3.5M.

No price changes.

3 new sales: 644 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 listed at $869K, 3702 Coquina Dr 2/2 listed at $899K, 857 Birdie View Pt 3/2.5 listed at $1.795M.

3 closed sales: 719 Durion Ct 3/2 $995K, 375 East Gulf Dr 5/5 $2.9M (our listing), 1320 Seaspray Ln 3/4.5 $3.765M.

Resort-like pool at 375 East Gulf Dr

LOTS

No new listings, price changes.

1 new sale: 860 Lindgren Blvd listed at $1.2M (our listing & sale).

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Beach Villas #2635 3/3 $1.6M.

No price changes, new or closed.

HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”.

The team and I wish you a wonderful Christmas and safe/healthy 2022. Though the office will be closed tomorrow and New Year’s Day, we will be on our electronic devices and look forward to another successful year. We appreciate our readers and look forward to their business!

Happy holidays!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Post Thanksgiving Update from Sunny Sanibel Island

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Susan here reporting that the island has had nice holiday weather with mostly blue skies since Wednesday. Though temperatures have dipped into the 50’s a couple of nights and are expected to do the same over the weekend, the mostly sunny daytime temperatures in the mid to high 70’s are delightful.

Christmas holiday decorations are starting to go up in a few locations. Islanders are excited to again experience more traditional local luminary festivities this year. Sanibel Luminary, always the first Friday evening in December, is next Friday Dec 3, followed by Captiva’s, the next evening, on the first Saturday or Dec 4. These celebrations are 5 to 9 p.m. when bike paths and roadways are lined with luminary candles and shops/businesses are open offering holiday cheer, special sales, and family events. Below are some upcoming special happenings on and around the islands:

Upcoming Events

Tween Waters 2021 Tree Lighting Celebration – is today, Friday, Nov 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. following the tree lighting at 4:30 p.m.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates 46th Annual “Holiday Nights” – celebration kicks off tonight, Nov 26 with tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. This year’s theme is “Holidays Under the Stars”, incorporating elements of nature & the outdoors. Holiday Nights will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, but closed Christmas Day. Through Jan 2, guided Holiday Tradition Tours will be offered at 6 and 7 p.m. every night, or attendees may meander at their own pace on a self-guided tour. Guided Inside-the-Homes tours will be offered on Dec 1, 8, and 15 at 6:30 p.m. To view the complete schedule of events, visit http://www.Edison-Ford.org.

Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club Christmas Tree Sale – begins tomorrow, Saturday Nov 27, and runs through Sunday, Dec 19 (or until they run out). Located at the old gas station in Bailey’s Shopping Center, sales are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wed through Sun, offering fresh Michigan Frasier Fir trees, tree stands, & wreaths.

Pre-Luminary Open House at Sanibel Historical Village – featuring “Trees, Timelines, & Special Memories”, village admission is free from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec 3.

Luminary at Sanibel Community Church – Friday, Dec 3, Holly & Ivy Bazaar & Silent Auction from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the out-door events from 5 to 9 p.m. They include live nativity, music, petting zoo, kids snowball play area, Christmas carol sing-along, food, & fun.

Luminary at Jerry’s Center – Friday, Dec 3 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Their celebration includes photos with Santa, Girl Scouts serving hot dogs & soda, live music, wine & food tastings, & more.

Luminary at Olde Sanibel Shoppes – Friday, Dec 3 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Island Brass is playing at the Over Easy Café outdoor patio. Join their sing-along at 8.

Sentimental Journey by Captiva Historical Society – This salute to the WWI years on Captiva through imagery, narrative, & song is Tuesday, Dec 7 at 7 p.m. in the South Seas Island Resort ballroom. Complimentary tickets for WWII veterans & spouses, others $12/person through EventBrite.com.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate Update

It is that time of the year when more listings pop on the market as owners return to get their properties ready for “season”. Some are selling quickly, others taking a little longer. The large ones, particularly on the beach, continue to move best.

The post-pandemic pent-up demand includes many buyers wanting not just a reprieve from winter weather, but a place where they can spend more time, often working remotely.

Below is an update with data from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service as of today, Nov 26. Unbelievable that there are just 58 properties for sale on Sanibel and 12 on Captiva when this quarter and next are usually when there are the most island sales.

Year-to-date on Sanibel, a whopping 656 properties have sold, 98 on Captiva. Another 75 on Sanibel are under contract, 14 on Captiva. It certainly is a year for the record books in many ways. Inventory today, sales this year, and comparisons to 2020 and 2005 (when there were the most sales) are shown.

Also, this week, The Blue Dolphin Cottages, a commercial property at 4227 West Gulf Dr closing was posted for $5,300,000.

If you are thinking of selling or buying, please contact us. Now more than ever, it is important to have a well-connected island Realtor® in your corner. This one celebrates her 30th year here in January. Time flies!

 

 

Status

 SANIBEL CAPTIVA
Condos Homes Lots Condos Homes Lots
# Avg $ # Avg $ # Avg $ # Avg $ # Avg $ # Avg $
For sale 17 1,035,282 21 2,764,285 20 686,450 4 2,709,750 8 5,627,375 0 N/A
Under contract 29 1,006,408 39 1,686,769 7 530,982 7 732,000 7 4,062,571 0 N/A
Sold to 11/26/21 263 857,884 326 1,321,737 67 707,619 58 1,199,912 38 2,874,865 2 2,950,000
Sold 2020 192 733,876 290 954,718 23 606,233 47 821,713 27 2,923,148 4 2,537,500
Most Sold 2005 232 758,507 260 1,028,584 68 496,726 45 863,642 31 2,309,758 0 N/A

Next is all the island action posted this week in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity November 19-26, 2021

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Donax Village #7 2/2 $699K (our listing).

Donax Village #7, 732 Donax St

4 price changes: Sandalfoot #5B1 1/1 now $768K, Pointe Santo #C3 3/2 now $1.095M, Gulfside Place #124 2/2 now $1.459M, Gulfside Place #210 2/2 now $1.649M.

8 new sales: Donax Village #10 1/2 listed at $539K, Blind Pass #A202 2/2 listed at $629K, Donax Village #17 2/2 listed at $719K, Sanibel Inn #3421 2/2 listed at $899K, Sand Pointe #228 2/2 listed at $1.095M, Compass Point #141 3/2 listed at $1.407M, Gulfside Place #124 2/2 listed at $1,459M, Sedgemoor #205 3/4 listed at $4.295M.

4 closed sales: Mariner Pointe #231 2/2 $636K, Villa Sanibel #3A 2/2 $817K; Pointe Santo #B36 2/2 $1,389,100; Pointe Santo #B46 2/2 $1.395M.

HOMES

3 new listings: 9217 Dimmick Dr 3/2 $699K, 1356 Eagle Run Dr 5/5.5 $2.295M, 807 Limpet Dr 3/2 $2.295M.

1 price change: 1320 Seapray Ln 3/4.5 now $4.195M.

3 new sales: 6429 Pine Ave 3/2 listed at $869K, 1410 Sanderling Cir 3/2 listed at $1.2M, 1146 Golden Olive Ct 5/4 listed at $2,999,999.

2 closed sales: 700 Birdie View Pt 3/2 $850K, 5298 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2.5 $985K.

LOTS

2 new listings: 223 Robinwood Cir $425K, 1340 Eagle Run Dr $520K.

1 price change: 4767 Tradewinds Dr now $2.149M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 5633 Baltusrol Ct $365K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: Tennis Villas #3120 1/1 listed at $480K.

2 closed sales: Bayside Villas #5102 1/2 $549K, Lands End Village #1663 2/2 $1.35M.

HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”.

Enjoy your weekend! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

 

Counting Down to Labor Day at SanibelSusan Realty

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Thanks to friends Doris & Hans for this photo of Roseate Spoonbills. Love that pink!

It has been seven quiet days on the islands with little affects noticed here when Hurricane Ida passed out in the Gulf last weekend. Now our thoughts are with those from Louisiana into New England that have been ravaged by that far-reaching storm.

Here the haze-causing Saharan dust still is noticeable when crossing the causeway. The news says it has caused some discomfort to those with allergies, but it has worked in keeping tropical storms away from SW FL. So far, 2021 has been a lucky one for us at least as far as hurricanes are concerned.

Our first “cold front” arrived yesterday. With heavy rain much of that day and again this morning, the daytime temperatures got down into the mid-70’s. High temperatures only the mid-80’s are expected for the next seven to ten days. Maybe fall is arriving early!

SanibelSusan Realty

Teammate Dave and I have been covering the office this week. We had closings both Monday and Tuesday; then on Wednesday, Dave put his Estero listing under contract. Another of our Sanibel listings is scheduled to close after the holiday too. We like weeks like these, particularly in the off-season! The team and I continue to look for new listings as there still Is little inventory.

After a couple of news items below is the week’s report of the action posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service. First, a summary of Sanibel and Captiva residential inventory today (Sep 3, 2021) with data from islands MLS. Though, September is usually the slowest month, it sure would be great for more properties to become available. We have buyers and colleagues do too!

 

 

Status

 SANIBEL CAPTIVA
Condos Homes Lots Condos Homes Lots
# Avg $ # Avg $ # Avg $ # Avg $ # Avg $ # Avg $
For sale 15 905,793 23 2,926,654 16 587,875 3 1,496,666 12 5,827,249 0 N/A
Under contract 25 795,556 40 1,553,047 8 478,929 6 2,211,500 3 2,479,666 0 N/A
Sold 2021 to-date 215 870,579 274 1,310,921 59 747,110 43 1,046,916 35 2,807,868 2 2,950,000
Sold 2020 192 733,876 290 954,718 23 606,233 47 821,713 27 2,923,148 4 2,537,500

Temporary Closings

As in past Septembers, several island restaurants are taking time off, some for vacations, some for deep-cleans and annual maintenance. Here are the ones we have heard about:

  • Bleu Rendez-Vous Bistro – closed thru Sep 30, reopens Oct 1.
  • Blue Giraffe at Periwinkle Place – closed Sep 7-20, reopens Sep 21.
  • Blue Giraffe 2 at Beachview Estates – closed Sep 5-20, reopens Sep 21.
  • Mad Hatter – closed Sep 6-30, reopens Oct 1.
  • Paper Fig Kitchen – closed Sep 6-13, reopens Sep 14.
  • Rosie’s Café & Grill – closed Sep 6-13, reopens Sep 14.
  • The Sandbar Steak & Seafood – closed thru Sep 29, reopens Sep 30.
  • Spoondrift Island Bowls – closed thru Sep 6, reopens Sep 7.
  • Sweet Melissa’s Café – closed Sep 5-20, reopens Sep 21.
  • Traders – closed Sep 11 thru Oct 5, reopens Oct 6.
  • Traders 2 (T2) – closed Sep 4 thru Oct 4, reopens Oct 5.
  • Traditions on the Beach – closed Sep 5-23, reopens Sep 24.

CROW Visitor Education Center will be closed Sep 6 thru 10 for fall cleaning. They will reopen Sep 13 and are offering some new presentations. Tours are available Monday thru Friday at 11 a.m. with masks required. Each tour is limited to eight people (over the age of 13) and advance registration is required. More info at http://www.CROWClinic.org.

J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge – Wildlife Drive, Bailey Tract, and Tarpon Bay Explorers will be open on Labor Day, while the Visitor & Education Center, the Nature Store, and all administrative offices will be closed Monday. Reminder: The Visitor & Education Center and Refuge Nature Store currently are closed every Friday and Sunday because of staff shortages due to the pandemic. Wildlife Drive closes every Friday throughout the year. Restrooms remain open.

COVID-19 Update

Florida continues to report a record-number of COVID-19 cases. Locally, the Lee Health System is maxed out with a temporary suspension of elective hospital procedures that require an overnight stay. They also have temporary restrictions on hospital visitations. On a more positive note, Lee Health is making its Lee Telehealth service free until further notice. It connects patients with a physician or advanced provider and is available 24/7. The COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment offered locally also is beginning to show good results and is expected to keep the number of hospitalizations down.

According to Lee Health’s website, quarantine is recommended for those who have a known or suspected exposure to COVID-19. During quarantine, you should stay home, away from other people, except for medical care or basic necessities. If you must take care of a family member, they also must quarantine. Quarantine lasts for 14 days – this allows enough time to develop an infection from exposure. Sometimes you may be requested to test during this time, BUT a negative test at any point does not end quarantine sooner,

Isolation is recommended for those who have a suspected COVID infection or receive a 1st positive test for COVID. You should stay away from people except for medical care or basic necessities. If a family member must take care of you, they will need to quarantine after you are well (or after their last exposure to you while you are on isolation.)  Isolation lasts for at least 10 days. These 10 days begin with your first symptom or positive test (if asymptomatic). This means if you become sick while on quarantine, your 10 days starts at that time – not at the beginning of the quarantine. If you improve and have no fever at the end of the 10 days, isolation may stop. Repeat testing is not recommended.

Here is their COVID-19 update from yesterday, Sept 2, 2021:

“As of today, Lee Health has:

– 596 COVID-19 patients isolated in our hospitals (inpatient).

– Of these patients, 12 of them are children being treated at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

– Yesterday, we had 60 new COVID-19 hospital admissions and 64 COVID-19 discharges.

– 50% of our ventilators and 3% of our ICU rooms are available for use. We have 86 COVID-19 patients on ventilators and 113 in the intensive care unit.

– This morning, census was at 101% of staffed operational bed capacity.

“OTHER UPDATES:

“For just the second time in the last month, Lee Health has discharged more COVID-19 patients than we’ve admitted over the last 24 hours, and this is the fewest number of COVID-19 patients we are treating since August 20. We hope that this slight downturn will accelerate and continue over the next few weeks.

“While this is promising, we are still not out of the woods. Lee Health hospitals are still at capacity, and we are seeing more patients than ever. This is why it remains as important as ever to get vaccinated if you haven’t already. Widespread vaccination in our community can help prevent another surge like the one we are currently experiencing, especially as we move closer to our seasonal months.

“Lee Health offers COVID-19 vaccines for anyone 12 and older at its walk-in Community Vaccination Clinic, located inside Gulf Coast Medical Center. It’s open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and there is no cost for the vaccine.”

Nearly 1000 People Moving to Florida Every Day

A Fox 4 post by Cindy Preszler this week says: “We never have to deal with ice or snow. Extreme cold is foreign to us. This is SWFL. The weather is one of the reasons so many people are moving to our state, there are other reasons too but you just can’t beat this stuff.

“The latest stats from snntv.com indicate that nearly 1000 people move here every day and many are coming from northern states like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. According to move.org, Florida was the most moved to state in 2020.

“And why not? Chick out the weather/climate stats for Fort Myers. The average annual high is 85, and the low is 65… not too hot, not too cool.

“July and August are the hottest months with an average high of 92… it’s rare to see temps in the upper 90’s. Ad when most folks are shivering in January, highs are typically in the 70’s down here.

“Our wettest month is August with almost ten and a half inches on average. But in February and November… oh it’s so beautiful… not even two inches typically falls.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity August 27-September 3, 2021

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Breakers West #C2 2/2 $749K, Breakers West #C4 2/2 $749K.

No price changes.

2 new sales: Blind Pass #C110 2/2 listed at $539K, Sundial #C308 1/1 listed at $575K.

View from Gulf Beach #106

6 closed sales: Sundial #I103 1/1 $500K, Mariner Pointe #712 2/2.5 $620K, Mariner Pointe #631 2/2 $685K,  Gulf Beach #106 2/2 $893K (our listing), Sanddollar #C101 2/2 $1.15M, Somerset #D202 3/2 $1.7M.

HOMES

3 new listings: 719 Durion Ct 3/2 $1.025M, 5880 San-Cap Rd 3/2 listed at $1.35M, 2480 Harbour Ln 3/3.5 listed at $1.9645M.

2 price changes: 4771 Tradewinds Dr 3/3 now $2.99M, 1146 Golden Olive 5/4 now $2,999,999.

2 new sales: 5747 Pine Tree Dr 3/3 listed at $1.799M, 4949 Joewood Dr 5/5 listed at $4.295M

3 closed sales: 1702 Bunting Ln 4/3 $749.5K, 565 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $899K, 2367 Wulfert Rd 3/3.5 $1.85M (our sale).

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Captiva

CONDOS, HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

Enjoy your weekend!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Raindrops Are Just Part of Living in Paradise!

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Susan here from soggy Sanibel Island. The rainy season has arrived, vegetation is greening up, and when the periodic showers sprinkle the island, the shopping centers and restaurants are busy with beach and boat-loving vacationers looking for other things to do. The showers really are only occasional and in-between, it often is sunny and tropical. There are a few visitor grumblings about the clouds, no-see-ums, and humidity, but we locals appreciate when showers keep daytime temperatures down into the 80’s. Similar weather is expected next week.

Here in the office our new Gulfside Place listing sold in record time at a record price. Now we are hustling to find a single-family home for these clients. As of this afternoon, there are just 28 for sale on Sanibel, compared to 270 already sold this year.

Yesterday, in chatting with David Wright, Sr VP and head of lending at The Sanibel-Captiva Community Bank, we shared experiences in this new world of real estate. He said the bank is already $100 million ahead of 2019, which also was a good year. We both wondered what will happen when inventory is gone, but we both expect that real estate, particularly in SW Florida, will continue to boom. We all know that it is more than just nice weather on Sanibel and Captiva!

Annual Sam Bailey’s Islands Night Is Back in the Ballpark

The following update was posted on-line Wed by The Santiva Chronicle: “The highly anticipated Sam Bailey’s Annual Islands Night is back in the ballpark for the 27th year after a season off the diamond. “Sam Bailey’s Islands Night is one of the greatest traditions our franchise has,” Fort Myers Mighty Mussels Director Chris Peters said. “This night has a very special place with us. Islands Night is always greatly anticipated by everyone in the Mussels family.”

“Since its establishment, the Annual Islands Night serves as a day for businesses and individuals to celebrate Sanibel and Captiva. The event was originally scheduled for June 16, but was rained out and rescheduled for Wednesday, June 30 at Hammond Stadium with a game between the Lakeland Flying Tigers and the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. Its comeback will follow suit of prior years with the exception of the parade which will not be taking place. There are COVID protocols in place at the field preventing it from happening, but is expected to return in future years, Peters said. The parade usually showcases floats designed by the vendors. Although the parade is benched for the season, attendees can expect the activities they have enjoyed previously. In between innings there will be a shoe scramble, a dance off, a t-shirt toss, and more.

“Attendees can also enjoy $1 hot dogs, cold beverages, but most importantly an entertaining night. “It’s a lot of fun and there’s a lot of energy,” Peters said. “It’s just the atmosphere, you have to experience it, it’s hard to kind of put in the words.” It’s a night to sit back and enjoy a ballgame while also contributing to the community.

“Established years ago by Sam Bailey, it has since evolved and now sponsorships contribute to scholarships for island students, Sponsor Calli Johnson explained. The money raised at the event goes into the Sam Bailey Scholarship Fund which helps islanders continue their education. Interested applicants can apply by contacting Kiwanis, Johnson said.

“As it has grown, it has forged its spot as tradition in the community, staying strong 27 years later. “This event is an important community gathering where islanders can enjoy each other after the traditional end of the business season and the start of summer,” Johnson said. “The spirit of Sam and Francis Bailey certainly lend to the sense of community that keeps the event alive.” Peters and the Mighty Mussels in particular, enjoy playing a part in the ongoing tradition. “It’s as rewarding as anything seeing people have smiles on their faces,” Peters said. “Just coming out to the ballpark. That’s what the reward is for us to see in people having fun at our ballpark.”

In previous years, the event has held 2,000 to 3,000 attendees, now it is time to see what this year holds. Masks are encouraged but will not be required at the event.”

Tickets are free and available throughout the island including at Bailey’s General Store.

Responding to Offers

With many island buyers and sellers coming from states other than Florida, where their real estate practices may be different, it is important for those involved in Florida transactions to know how it works here. The below question and answer were posted in the June 2021 “Florida Realtor” magazine under the “Talk to An Attorney” section:

“COMMISSIONS

I have a listing that was only on the market a couple of days when three offers came in from three buyers. The seller accepted one of the offers. Now, the broker who represented the buyer whose offer arrived first claims my seller had an obligation to negotiate with his buyer because his offer was presented to the seller first. Is this true?

No. there is no Florida law that would require the seller to respond to any offer. Additionally, there is no Florida law that requires the seller to negotiate with each buyer in the order in which the offers were received. Therefore, it’s ultimately up to the seller how to negotiate with each of these three buyers. In this case, the seller opted to simply accept one of the three offers without giving the other two a chance to amend their offers.”

Florida Realtors® Clean Up Florida Waters

For the entire month of July, thousands of Florida Realtors® and community partners are coming together to clean up our lakes, rivers, streams, retention ponds, bays, intracoastal waterway, gulf and ocean. The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® will join in the cleanup on Wed, July 14, at 6 p.m. on the causeway (Span B). Gloves and trash bags provided. Come to work and enjoy sunset too!

7 Winning Tips for Buyers

It’s true, even Realtors® in the business for decades like us are shaking their heads at some of the sales occurring these days. Here are some buyer tips from the June 2021 issue of “Florida Realtor®””

  1. “Encourage your agent to reach out to the listing agent to find out what the seller is looking for, such as quick close, an above asking-price offer or a waived contingency. This will help you and your agent craft a competitive offer.
  2. Make a cash offer. If you’re not in a position to pay cash, get preapproved for a mortgage and have your preapproval letter in hand.
  3. Pay attention to the listing agent’s request. Many times, they will have you submit your highest and best offer. Ask your agent for some strategies on handling this type of offer.
  4. Consider waiving contingencies if you are financing, check with your lender.
  5. Figure out where you can be flexible. You’ll need to move quickly, so know your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves before you start our search.
  6. Don’t get emotional. Trust your agent to walk you through each step in the buying process.
  7. Be available. Respond to inquiries quickly and ask your real estate agent to check in regularly with the listing agent to monitor the seller’s progress.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity June 18-25, 2021

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Loggerhead Cay #433 2/2 $735K.

No price changes.

3 new sales: Island Beach Club #310A 2/2 listed at $799K, Sanibel Arms West #D2 2/2 listed at $919,999, Gulfside Place #115 2/2 listed at $1.995M (our listing).

14 closed sales: Sundial #F106 1/1 $435K, Spanish Cay #D6 2/2 $549K, Blind Pass #E104 2/2 $549.9K, Kimball Lodge #264 1/1.5 $570K, Cottage Colony West #102 1/1 $571.5K, Sanibel Arms West #I8 2/2 $624K, Island Beach Club #330A 2/2 $730K, Mariner Pointe #943 2/2.5 $800K, Pelicans Roost #102 2/2 $875K, Gulfside Place #107 2/2 $1.2M, Sanddollar #C202 3/2 $1.225M, Island Beach Club #230D 2/2 $1.3M, Gulfside Place #320 2/2 $1.349M, Sanddollar #C103 3/2 $1.4M.

HOMES

4 new listings: 837 Casa Ybel Rd 2/2 duplex $599.9K, 9431 Moonlight Dr 3/2 $899K, 5268 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2 $1.049M, 4020 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $2.795M.

2 price changes: 1025 S. Yachtsman Dr 3/2 now $865K, 633 Lake Murex Cir 3/3 now $1.235M.

7 new sales: 565 East Rocks Dr 3/2 listed at $749K, 4516 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2.5 listed at $979.9K, 915 Palm St 3/2 listed at $995K, 5300 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/3 listed at $1.19M, 939 Beach Rd 3/2.5 listed at $1.55M, 718 Gopher Walk 4/3 listed at $1.599M, 852 Birdie View Pt 4/3 listed at $1.699M.

10 closed sales: 5859 Pine Tree Dr 2/2 $755K, 555 Piedmont Rd 3/2 $765K, 1550 Center St 3/2 $768K, 750 Nerita St 3/2 $1.01M, 604 Sea Oats Dr 3/3 $1.022M, 2755 Wulfert Rd 3/3.5 $1.038M, 5765 Baltusrol Ct 4/4.5 $1.648M, Plantation Village #103 4/3 $1.875M, 750 Periwinkle Way 5/4 $3.3M, 1020 Bayview Dr 5/5.5 $4.5M.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 5398 Osprey Ct listed at $299K.

2 closed sales: 2299 Starfish Ln $554K, 461 Sawgrass Pl $675K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

2 closed sales: Beach Cottages #1423 2/2 $1.16M, Lands End #1635 2/2 $1.434M.

HOMES

2 new listings: 5 Sunset Captiva Ln 2/2.5 $3.595M, 952 South Seas Plantation Rd 6/4.5 $4.349M.

No price changes or new sales.

2 closed sales: 15155 Wiles Dr 3/2 $1.875M, 11514 Andy Rosse Ln 5/5 $2.36M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

Until next Friday, enjoy your week!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Beautiful Weather for Memorial Day Weekend 2021

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SanibelSusan here reporting that all is well on the islands for the holiday weekend. Traffic on Periwinkle and the causeway was already picking up yesterday afternoon and has been steady most of today. More summerlike weather is expected for the immediate future, so plenty of weekend warriors may be arriving.

If you follow local news, this week there has been a lot of hype about red tide and blue-green algae. With the rainy season approaching those often are summertime concerns in SW Florida. But, if the water surrounding Sanibel today is any indication, there is none. I took the below photos this earlier this afternoon showing bayside surrounding waters – they are clear and a beautiful bright blue reminiscent of the Caribbean. Should be perfect for boaters and beachgoers here for the holiday holiday! We hope you enjoy your weekend too and remember those who served.

At SanibelSusan Realty

Here in the office teammate Elise has kept things running smoothly while teammate Dave is on vacay and I have struggled with a bad knee. Who knew that just getting up from a chair causes injury?  Anyway, I now have mastered using a walker, luckily can still drive, and should get an orthopedic plan of action next week. Teammate Lisa is in the office tomorrow.

Thank goodness we work like a well-oiled machine and much of it is over the internet. I put our last lot listing under contract Sunday, we had two nice closings this week, and both Elise and I have spoken with and visited owners thinking of selling.

Meanwhile, island inventory continues to diminish. Today on Sanibel, there are just 13 condos, 25 homes, and 15 lots for sale. Even fewer listings on Captiva, where seven condos, 11 homes, and just one lot are available.

You will see the week’s report of the action in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service after a couple of news items below. There was not a lot of new listing activity this week.

Most remaining snowbirds are heading north this weekend, while the post-season crowd will be here for the holiday. Fingers crossed they are “nice” and appreciate the islands’ low-key laid-back eco-friendly ambience.

Use of ‘Escalation Clause’ Skyrockets in Hot Seller’s Market

With Florida real estate market hot, the below article posted this week by Joel Maxson, Florida Realtors® Associate General Counsel is especially appropriate. One of the offers that one of our listings recently received had an escalation clause and it was not the successful offer. Sometimes other terms are more important to a seller than the price.

“As escalation clauses become more popular during this hot seller’s market, buyers should consider the pros and cons of using them – as well as the broader legal context of their offer.

“ORLANDO, Fla. – During this white-hot seller’s market, many conversations on Florida Realtors® Legal Hotline involve multiple offer scenarios. Buyers are desperately seeking ways to try and make their offer stand out. One method that has rocketed in popularity is using an escalation clause.

“There are many variations of these clauses, but the one thing they have in common is that a buyer is willing to increase the purchase price above the amount in the initial offer. A simple version of an escalation clause may read something like this: “Buyer agrees to pay $____________ more than the next highest offer, not to exceed a final purchase price of $___________.”

“This is the core concept, at least. Most clauses will also include some combination of the following components, although this is by no means an exhaustive list. The clause can get increasingly more complex the more a buyer adds to the clause.

  • “The amount of money to add to the next highest offer (the escalation amount)
  • The maximum purchase price
  • Seller’s obligation to show the buyer a copy of the next highest offer used to calculate the final purchase price
  • Whether the financing amount will increase, or whether the buyer will pay cash to cover the escalation amount
  • How to handle a situation involving two or more competing escalation clauses
  • Whether the buyer or seller will be obligated to sign or initial further documents if the escalation clause is triggered
  • Whether the escalation is based on the purchase price or net proceeds to the seller (to account for costs and credits in a competing offer)

“The positive side of escalation clauses is that they may make a buyer’s offer stand out. It also invites a seller to take an easy path to finalize negotiation.

“Most of the confusion we hear about these clauses on Florida Realtors Legal Hotline centers around the fact that the buyer’s offer is just that – an offer. A seller who receives an offer can accept, reject, counter, or even ignore an offer.

“For example, can the seller send a brief message that instructs the buyer to submit a new, “highest and best” offer, with a fixed purchase price by a deadline? Yes – the seller is welcome to reject the buyer’s offer.

“What if the seller removes the escalation clause and counters the buyer’s offer right at buyer’s maximum price cap with no information about any other offers? Can the seller do that? Yes – the seller is welcome to counter buyer’s offer.

“Can the seller go with a different buyer’s offer (even a lower-priced one) and never inform the buyer with the escalation clause? Yes – the seller is welcome to ignore the buyer’s offer.

“As you can see, the crux of most buyer frustrations centers on the concept that the seller isn’t bound to follow the rules in the escalation clause unless the seller accepts the offer.

“Please note that there are additional angles to this issue – this brief article is simply designed to give an overview of the escalation clause itself. For example, although this article mentions a seller’s right to ignore an offer, a listing Realtor must comply with this Standard of Practice from NAR’s Code of Ethics: REALTORS®, in response to inquiries from buyers or cooperating brokers shall, with the sellers’ approval, disclose the existence of offers on the property. Where disclosure is authorized, REALTORS® shall also disclose, if asked, whether offers were obtained by the listing licensee, another licensee in the listing firm, or by a cooperating broker.”

Memorial Day Weekend Happenings

“Ding” Darling’s Summer Fun Virtual Auction is now through Monday, May 31, at https://DingFunAuction.givesmart.com . All proceeds benefit conservation efforts at the National Wildlife Refuge.

Sanibel’s last Farmer Market until fall wraps up Sunday, May 30, on the grounds of City Hall, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market begins again on the first Sunday in October.

Also Sunday, May 30, American Legion is hosting a Backyard BBQ from noon until 8 p.m., 4249 San-Cap Rd at Mile Marker 3. Featuring burgers, brats & sides, with live music & fun.

Beachgoers, please be on the lookout for turtle and snowy plover nests. As of May 19, four active snowy plover nests have been recorded. If you see a nest that has not yet been roped off, contact shorebirds@sccf.org. Also as of May 19, SCCF already has counted and marked off 60 turtle nests on Sanibel, 25 on Captiva. That’s a lot for this early in the season. Please do not disturb any nests and if you are on the beach at night, only red/amber lights are allowed.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity May 21-28, 2021

Sanibel

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

6 new sales: Captains Walk #B2 1/1 listed at $299,999, Mariner Pointe #943 2/2.5 listed at $749K, Sunset South #11D 2/2 listed at $749K, Pointe Santo #D24 2/2 listed at $795K, Pelicans Roost #102 2/2 listed at $930K, Sanddollar #A102 3/2 listed at $1.395M.

13 closed sales: Sundial #I105 1/1 $405K, Mariner Pointe #731 2/2 $515K, Sandalfoot #3B3 1/1 $520K (our listing), Lighthouse Point #121 3/2 $591K, Sandalfoot #3C1 2/2 $630K, Loggerhead Cay #572 2/2 $670K, Sanibel Arms West #C4 2/2 $910K, Sunset South #4D 2/2 $997.5K, Tarpon Beach #109 2/2 $1.055M, Pointe Santo #C43 3/2 $1.075M (our listing), Compass Point #151 3/3 $1.495M, Atrium #102 3/2 $1.498M, Cyprina Beach #3 3/3 $1.749M.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 939 Beach Rd 3/2.5 now $1.55M.

6 new sales: 2011 Mitzi 2/1 listed at $650K, 1605 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex listed at $699K, 429 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 listed at $749.5K, 770 Donax St 2/2 listed at $850K, 4516 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2.5 listed at $979.9K, 5765 Baltusrol Ct 4/4.5 listed at $1.648M.

8 closed sales: 1657 Sabal Sands Rd 3/2 $767K, 3570 Bunny Ln 3/3 $869K, 1983 My Tern Ct 3/2.5 $1.02M, 557 N. Yachtsman Dr 4/3 $1.124M, 5403 Shearwater Dr 4/3 $1.599M, 2355 Wulfert Rd 3/3.5 $1.649M, 1680 Hibiscus Dr 3/3.5 $1.8M, 1044 Whisperwood Way 4/4.5 $1.94M.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

2 new sales: with contingencies: 1894 Farm Trl listed at $199K (our listing & our sale), 461 Sawgrass Pl listed at $699K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Captiva Hide-a-Way #D 2/2 $1.075M.

1 price change: Lands End Village #1649 2/2 now $1.395M.

1 new sale: Beach Villas #2514 2/2 listed at $820K.

2 closed sales: Tennis Villas #3217 1/1 $355K, Ventura Captiva #4A 3/3 $1.1M.

HOMES

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

2 closed sales: 1105 Tallow Tree Ct 3/3 $2.4M, 14980 Binder Dr 4/4 $2.475M.

LOTS

No new listings.

price change:

No new or closed sales.

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

Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”.

Best wishes for a safe Memorial Day Weekend,

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

 

Wrapping up a Sunny Quiet Sanibel Friday

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It has been another week of great weather, but rain is needed! Below is some news followed by the weekly action posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

At SanibelSusan Realty

Here in the office, we are down to just one listing available and three under contract, with two closings next week. Inventory is sooo low. Realtors everywhere are looking for new listings. That includes us!

What Will Exurb Buyers Do if Called Back to the Office?

Posted May 12, 2021 on FloridaRealtors®: By Kerry Smith – “Pandemic-era buyers moved farther out and to new cities, assuming they’d never have to return to the office. Now, if forced to choose, 25% would pick home over their job.

“SANTA CLARA, Calif. – COVID-19 drove working professionals out of the office and sparked a surge in home buying in the less-expensive outskirts of cities and even in small towns across the U.S. But so far, only 48% of these workers have been told they can continue working remotely. An unknown number may soon be expected to commute to work if a return becomes mandatory, creating a conflict that pits their new house against their job.

“According to a realtor.com study, almost 60% of new homeowners who purchased within the last 12 months work from home – and 62% prefer to be. However, less than half have been told that they can continue to do so. About 25% of those surveyed have no definitive answer on whether they can remain fully remote indefinitely; another 25% already have plans to return.

““Throughout the last year we have seen homebuyers across the country, empowered by the newfound ability to work remotely, moving farther and farther from crowded urban downtowns in search of more space, a higher quality of life and a lower cost of living,” says George Ratiu, Sr. economist for Realtor.com. “Our survey data shows that people are really enjoying their new communities and larger homes, and aren’t willing to give them up anytime soon.”

“If companies start demanding that these workers return to the office, Ratiu says we “could see an influx of new homeowners in the job market. For companies willing to stay more flexible with either hybrid or entirely remote opportunities, there’s a large cohort of young professionals with growing families who … welcome the benefits of a technologically-enhanced employment landscape.”

“Job versus home – When asked what they will do if their employer decides they must return to the jobsite, 48% would try to arrange a flexible schedule that allows for some in-office work and some remote work – but almost 25% said they’d find a new job. Only 30% said they’d willingly return to the office if asked, and only 8% would sell their pandemic-era home to be closer to work.

“Going the distance – Despite the fact that 31% are less willing to commute farther for work, close to 40% would have to travel 30 minutes or more each way to the office if asked to return to the workplace, and 18% of new homeowners would have to commute more than 60-minutes each way – an unappealing prospect for many.

““As offices begin to reopen, those who are currently looking for a new home may have to start factoring commute time into their search. One way to find homes within your desired commute time is to use the Realtor.com commute time filter.,” says Lexie Holbert, home and living expert at Realtor.com.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity May 14-21, 2021

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Mariner Pointe #943 2/2.5 $749K.

No price changes.

5 new sales: Blind Pass #E104 2/2 listed at $549.9K, Sanibel Arms West #I2 2/2 listed at $599K, Heron at The Sanctuary #3A 2/2.5 listed at $839K, Sanddollar #C103 3/2 listed at $1.375M, Gulfside Place #320 2/2 listed at $1.389M.

6 closed sales: Sundial #H107 1/1 $450K; Blind Pass #D203 2/2 $459K; Kimball Lodge #302 1/1 $552,750; Sanibel Arms West #J5 2/2 $600K; Blind Pass #G104 3/2 $687.5K, Sundial #Q401 2/2 $908K.

HOMES

4 new listings: 4506 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 $839K, 4516 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2.5 $979.9K, 5765 Baltusrol Ct 4/4.5 $1.648M, 1360 Eagle Run Dr 5/3.5 $2.695M.

3 price changes: 2011 Mitzi Ln 2/1 now $650K, 4619 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 now $848K, 1237 Isabel Dr 6/6.5 now $2.995M.

11 new sales: 5161 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/2 listed at $574K, 1649 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 half-duplex listed at $599.9K, 4505 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/3 listed at $729K, 555 Piedmont Rd 3/2 listed at $765K, 9408 Moonlight Dr 3/2 listed at $768.5K, 2548 Wulfert Rd 3/4 listed at $943K, 221 Robinwood Cir 3/2 listed at $999K, 5431 Shearwater Dr 3/3 listed at $1.148M, 1187 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed at $1.399M, 4701 Rue Belle Mer 4/5 listed at $3.395M, 1306 Seaspray Ln 4/4 listed at $4.245M.

13 closed sales: 1942 Roseate Ln 2/2 $500K; 1695 Serenity Ln 3/2 $619,830; 2441 Shop Rd 4/3.5 $920K; 5424 Shearwater Dr 3/2.5 $999K; 2563 Coconut Dr 2/2 $1.049M; 694 Heather Ln 3/3.5 $1.2534M; 1391 Jamaica Dr 4/3 $1.299M; 2303 Troon Ct 3/4 $1.3M; 5423 Shearwater Dr 3/3 $1.315M; 994 Whelk Dr 3/2 $1.325M; 4664 Rue Belle Mer 5/5 $1.62M; 775 Conch Ct 4/3 $1.75M; 4601 Rue Belle Mer 3/2 $2.9M.

LOTS

2 new listings: 2829 Wulfert Rd $349K, 3938 West Gulf Dr $899K.

1 price change: 255 Hurricane Ln now $399K.

2 new sales: 809 Pyrula Ave listed at $424.9K, 0 Rue Bayou listed at $649,555.

2 closed sales: 5687 Baltusrol Ct $385K, 539 Sea Oats Dr $385K.

Captiva

CONDOS

2 new listings: Lands End Village #1649 2/2 $1.349M, Lands End Village #1663 2/2 $1.395M.

No price changes or new sales.

2 closed sales: Tennis Villas # 3233 2/2 $520K, Gulf Beach Villas #2127 2/2 $885K.

HOMES

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 11551 Paige Ct 5/5/2 listed at $6.495M.

2 closed sales: 42 Oster Ct 2/2.5 $1M, 11541 Laika Ln 4/4 $2.15M.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 16970 Captiva Dr now $4.25M.

No new or closed sales.

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

Enjoy your weekend!
Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Spring 2021 Has Sprung! Island Real Estate Is Hot!

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It’s another sunny Sanibel Friday afternoon. Record high temperatures were expected today, with it already creeping into the 90’s yesterday in some of SW FL. Forecasters say that similar beach-like weather is expected for at least another seven days, with no chance of rain (though it’s needed).

Local waterways, beaches, and shared-use paths continue to be busy, while road traffic seemed a tad lighter this week, likely because local schools are back in session. Just two more weeks of “high season” remain, with some snowbirds already planning their annual trek north.

As inventory continues to dwindle, The SanibelSusan Team and I continue to beat the bushes looking for new listings. Teammate Dave and I previewed a terrific near-beach home yesterday that may be on the market soon. A complete interior remodel by one of our recommended contractors is just finishing up. (Here’s a hint, it’s near the body of water shown below and where there is some of the best shelling in the world.)

Our condo listings had showings last Saturday during guest turn-over and I was out showing on Captiva yesterday, while in the office, we continue to prepare for several upcoming closings.

The action posted since last Friday in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service is after a few news items below.

Sanibel Real Estate Inventory

Sometimes it is revealing to look at inventory with a price comparison. Below, by dollar increment, are the number of Sanibel properties available for sale (condos, homes, and lots), compared to the number under contract, and the number closed/sold year-to-date, as of today, March 26.

In snapshot terms, there currently are just 124 residential properties for sale on Sanibel (53 condos, 38 homes, 33 lots), while 167 are under contract, and 172 have already sold/closed this year – and that does not include the many closing occurring next week. The last day of the month is always the busiest day for closings, with March 31st often the busiest of the year!

 

SANIBEL

 CONDOS HOMES LOTS
For Sale Under Contract Sold 2021 For Sale Under Contract Sold 2021 For Sale Under Contract Sold 2021
$100-200K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4
$200K-300K 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 2 8
$300K-400K 2 3 4 0 0 0 10 6 5
$400K-500K 4 6 12 0 1 5 2 4 2
$500K-600K 9 11 12 1 7 9 2 1 1
$600K-700K 4 10 4 2 7 9 1 0 1
$700K-800K 5 4 7 0 15 7 3 0 0
$800K-900K 8 6 7 5 5 14 3 1 0
$900K-1M 9 8 6 3 5 5 2 0 0
$1M-1.5M 11 4 10 3 25 10 2 1 1
$1.5M-2M 1 4 3 11 16 9 0 0 1
$2M-3M 0 3 1 4 3 7 1 0 2
$3M-4M 0 0 0 2 3 2 2 2 0
$4M-5M 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0
$5M-6M 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0
$6M-7M 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
$7M-8M 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0
$8M+ 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
TOTAL 53 59 67 38 89 80 33 19 25

Prospective sellers who may be wondering if they need a Realtor® in a market like this, the answer is “yes”. Most of Realtors® have buyers looking for a particular property in a certain location or with special requirements. Now that “season” is almost over, it becomes even more important to have the broadest exposure to the most prospective purchasers.

That means with the property offered in the islands Multiple Listing Service so that it is exposed to Realtors® everywhere, syndicated through worldwide real estate databases, and with local boots on the ground (in our case flip flops) to ensure that every step of the transaction is accomplished successfully so that owners get top dollar.

Pandemic Update

“Pop-Up Site” – Congratulations to FISH of Sanibel-Captiva (Friends in Service Here) for their action. They sent a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis and elected officials addressing the need for COVID-19 vaccines on Sanibel. It stressed the complications that island seniors face, particularly those with technological challenges in vaccination scheduling and logistical hurdles of vaccination sites often long distances away. Many seniors FISH identified as high priority due to age, medical conditions, or transportation limitations. FISH initiatives resulted in the Department of Health providing 250 doses which we used Tuesday during a “pop up” vaccination site at the Sanibel Community House. That day, islander seniors, scheduled by FISH, went by appointment to receive their one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccinations. As FISH says, “it takes a village”. They were assisted by island partners from the Community House, Rotary Club of Sanibel-Captiva, City of Sanibel Police Department, Sanibel Fire Department, parish nurses, medical offices, pharmacies, City officials, and FISH volunteers.

Those 50 & Over Now Eligible – This week with the state announcing that the vaccine now is available to anyone over 50, two SanibelSusan teammates now have received their first vaccines. In addition to the various pharmacies, big box stores, and medical facilities offering appointments, the vaccination site near the old SW FL regional airport continues to take appointments when doses are available. Contact them on-line at http://www.MyVaccine.FL.gov or by phone at 239-356-2006.

Those 18 & Over Soon Eligible – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is lowering the COVID-19 vaccination age to 40 starting Monday and to EVERYONE 18 AND UP starting April 5.

Sanibel’s State of Emergency – My apologies for not including an update on Sanibel’s state of emergency last week. Below is the Tuesday update from http://www.MySanibel.com:

The City declared State of Emergency, issued in response to COVID-19, has been extended by Mayor Holly D. Smith until March 30, 2021, unless further extended. Per State Statute, the maximum duration for a Mayoral Declaration of Emergency is seven (7) days and thus must be updated weekly as long as the emergency conditions are present.

“Additionally, the City of Sanibel face covering mandate is reaffirmed to be consistent with the Governor’s Order 20-244. The face covering mandate is reaffirmed and shall remain in force and effect throughout the duration of this 7-day state of local emergency.

“To avoid the spread of COVID-19, social distancing is encouraged, and group gatherings should be avoided.”

Florida’s Housing Market: More Sales, Higher Median Prices

In an article posted on-line this week, Florida Realtors®, Marla Martin said:

“Florida Realtors’ data: Single-family home sales rose 15.7% year-over-year, median sales price up 16.6%; condo sales up 28.7%, median price up 16.6%. Chief Economist O’Connor: Fewer new listings and a tight inventory means a strong seller’s market.

“FEBRUARY HOME PRICES SOAR AS INVENTORY SHRINKS – The statewide inventory of active single-family home listings, which Florida Realtors has been tracking since January 2008, is currently at an all-time low. And the scarcity of inventory and high demand for existing homes continues to drive home prices higher.

“ORLANDO, Fla. – Amid increased COVID-19 vaccinations and hopeful signs for the future, Florida’s housing market in February reported more closed sales, higher median prices, more new pending sales and increased pending inventory in February 2021 compared to a year ago, according to Florida Realtors® latest housing data. Single-family existing home sales rose 15.7 % compared to February 2020.

““Florida’s housing market continued its momentum in February, but higher interest rates could be a factor going forward,” says 2021 Florida Realtors President Cheryl Lambert, broker-owner with Only Way Realty Citrus in Inverness. “While rising rates could potentially slow the pace of home sales, rates remain relatively low by historical standards. Record-low inventory is continuing to put pressure on home prices to rise and creates challenges for buyers. However, new pending sales rose 10.9% for single-family existing homes last month compared to February 2020, while new pending sales for condo-townhouse units increased 35.4% year-over-year.”

“Closed sales of single-family homes statewide in February totaled 23,947, up 15.7% year-over-year, while existing condo-townhouse sales totaled 11,379, up 28.7% over February 2020. Closed sales may occur from 30- to 90-plus days after sales contracts are written.

“The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes was $314,900, up 16.6% from the previous year, according to data from Florida Realtors Research Department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. Last month’s statewide median price for condo-townhouse units was $233,240, up 16.6% over the year-ago figure. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.

“Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor notes that Florida’s current housing market is a strong seller’s market, with fewer new listings and a very tight inventory (active listings), particularly for single-family existing homes. He says, “The statewide inventory of active single-family home listings, which Florida Realtors has been tracking since January 2008, is currently at an all-time low. At the end of February, single-family inventory was down 56.3% compared to a year ago. Most of this decline has been a result of our ultra-high rate of sales.

““However, so far in 2021, new listings of single-family homes have not kept up with their pace of 12 months ago. In February, they were down 4.9% year-over-year, which is an improvement over January, but still represents a move in the wrong direction. There’s a likelihood that much of this decline has been due to some sellers, who in normal times might have listed in January or February, instead listing ahead of 2021 in response to the unusually strong market in the second half of 2020. But there’s also the possibility that a small but increasing number of homeowners, who have been thinking of selling their current home and buying another one, are starting to get turned off by the lack of available inventory and the rising prices that have resulted from it.”

The condo-townhouse category shows a slightly different picture, O’Connor says.

““In February, closed sales in this category rose 28.7% year-over-year, which is consistent with the growth rates we’ve been seeing each month going back to September,” he says. “Some of this growth is likely being fueled by frustrated buyers who had their hearts set on a single-family home finally giving up and settling for an attached unit instead, but we’re also seeing high demand from folks with the typical condo- and townhouse-buyer profile, as well. And while inventory in this category is still high relative to what we’re seeing in the single-family home category, it was down 34.4% compared to a year ago.”

“On the supply side of the market, inventory (active listings) remained constrained in February. Single-family existing homes were at a very restricted 1.3-months’ supply while condo-townhouse inventory was at a 3.4-months’ supply.

“According to Freddie Mac, the interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.81% in February 2021, significantly lower than the 3.47% averaged during the same month a year earlier….”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 19-26, 2021

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Spanish Cay #F8 2/2 $449K, Sundial #C303 2/2 $739K, Heron at The Sanctuary #3A 2/2.5 $839K, Sanddollar #B101 2/2 $1.125M, Cyprina Beach #2 3/3 $1.6M.

1 price change: Sundial #D408 1/1 now $509.9K.

7 new sales: Sundial #F206 1/1 listed at $479K, Blind Pass #E101 2/2 listed at $485K, Sanibel Arms West #B5 2/2 listed at $550K, Sanibel Arms West #H4 2/2 listed at $559K, Kimball Lodge #302 1/1 listed at $574K, Blind Pass #G104 3/2 listed at $699K, Sanddollar #C201 2/2 listed at $1.199M.

7 closed sales: Captains Walk #B3 1/1 $286.5K, Sundial #F108 1/1 $425K, Mariner Pointe #732 2/2 $545K, Surfside 12 #B1 3/2 $950K, Beachcomber #D101 2/2 $985K, Pointe Santo #C25 3/2 $1M, Sundial #T405 2/2 $1.193M.

HOMES

3 new listings: 1644 Bunting Ln 3/3 $643K, 3010 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $1.445M, 2857 Wulfert Rd 4/5 $1.895M.

2 price changes: 848 Birdie View Pt 4/3.5 now $2.049M, 1306 Seaspray Ln 4/4 now $4.295M.

12 new sales: 1942 Roseate Ln 2/2 listed at $524.5K, 3009 Singing Wind Dr 2/1.5 listed at $657K, 9446 Yucca Ct 3/2 listed at $739K, 613 Lake Murex Cir 3/3 listed at $978K, 1983 My Tern Ct 3/2.5 listed at $1.098M, 557 N. Yachtsman Dr 4/3 listed at $1.124M, 446 Surf Sound Ct 3/2 listed at $1.178M, 249 Violet Dr 4/2 listed at $1.2M, 6412 Pine Ave 3/2.5 listed at $1.589M, 837 Sand Dollar Dr 3/3.5 listed at $1.895M, 3744 West Gulf Dr 4/4 listed at $1.939M, 5633 Baltusrol Ct 4/4.5 listed at $1.949M.

5 closed sales: 9254 Kincaid Ct 2/2 $486K, 799 Casa Ybel Rd 5/3 duplex $550K, 757 Windlass Way 3/2.5 $1.2M, 1355 Eagle Run Dr 4/4.5 $1.84M, 3009 Turtle Gait Ln 4/4.5 $2.595M.

LOTS

2 new listings: 2133 Starfish Ln $529K, 1084 S. Yachtsman Dr $699K.

No price changes.

2 new sales: 9042 Mockingbird Ln listed at $395K, 000 West Gulf Dr listed at $3.795M.

3 closed sales: 247/255 Robinwood Cir $265K, 717 Birdie View Pt $370K, 5749 Sanibel-Captiva Rd $607K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

3 new sales: Marina Villas #708 2/2 listed at $765K, Gulf Beach Villas #2024 3/3 listed at $1.075M, Beach Homes #17 4/3 listed at $3.45M.

2 closed sales: Tennis Villas #3118 1/1 $341.5K, Lands End Village #1651 2/2 $1.245M.

HOMES

No new listings.

2 price changes: 11530 Paige Ct 4/4/2 now $4.6M, 11559 Laika Ln 3/3 now $7.8M.

1 new sale: 11514 Andy Rosse Ln 5/5 listed at $2.349M

1 closed sale: 16813 Captiva Dr 3/3 $2.25M.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale:: 16685 Captiva Dr listed at $2.45M.

No closed sales.

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

Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”.

Until next Friday, enjoy spring! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

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Happy New Year & Happy 1st Friday 2021

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Happy New Year 2021, with best wishes to all from The SanibelSusan Team.

It is just me (Susan) in the office this afternoon – albeit briefly after showing a few homes earlier. Gorgeous day to do that as was just mid-70’s when we started out at 10 a.m., then warming up to 78 degrees F about 2 p.m. Bright blue sky, lots of sunshine, and breezy – best kind of island day.

SanibelSusan Realty has had a good week. A listing sale closed Tues, Dave had a closing Thurs, we got a new listing, several action items were completed for other listings awaiting closings, and I have been writing offers this afternoon – which is why this is emailed a little later than usual – all good indicators that “season” is here.

As another indicator, what a difference a week makes! There was a huge traffic increase this week (compared to last week (Christmas)). The City announced Tuesday that 7,000 cars had crossed the causeway that morning. Wednesday, by midday, that day count already was up at 6,000. Those additional day-trippers make the roadways slow-going when heading off-island from about 3 p.m. until dark. If you need to travel then, remember to check the City traffic cams on www.MySanibel.com.

With several daytime runs by both teammate Elise and I between the office and the East end, and on-/off-island, we also could not help but notice the number of bikers. I do not remember the bike paths ever being this busy. The pickleball courts were packed most of the time too. Likely the wonderful weather brought visitors escaping the snowy north and doldrums of the pandemic. We just pray none of them brought more viruses.

Below are a couple of news items, including COVID update, followed by the action since last Friday in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service.

Sanibel – COVID-19

On Tuesday, Sanibel Mayor Mick Denham extended the island declared state of emergency due to COVID-19 until January 5, unless further extended. (Per State Statute, the maximum duration for a Mayoral Declaration of Emergency is seven days and thus must be updated weekly as the emergency exists.)  The City face covering mandate remains in effect through the period.

From Florida Department of Health, Sanibel’s total accumulative number of COVID-19 cases since March 26 through 9 a.m. December 31 is 138 cases. Fifty-four of those cases are just since December 1. This is just the number cases for zip code residents. It does not include Captiva and the many workers and visitors that come and go. PLEASE stay vigilant – continue social distancing, hand washing, mask wearing, and avoid group gatherings.

How the Coronavirus Is Changing Buying & Selling Real Estate

The need to practice social distancing and restrict in-person contacts has accelerated both innovation and technology. Realtors® servicing Sanibel and Captiva, where both sellers and buyers often are in far-away places, have always provided different services than in a traditional geographical area where both parties are nearby. From the pandemic, there likely will be some long-lasting effects, like those below.

Competitive Buying – Purchasers that are out of town are more motivated to make sight-unseen offers. For those successful offerors, using the “as is” contract, the buyer may use the 15-day inspection/cancellation period to come and see the property, and/or have inspections performed. In the last few weeks, we have had two listings sell sight-unseen. Both received multiple offers with the sight-unseen buyers winning out, because they were willing to pay full price.

Streaming Videos & FaceTime Showings – Professional photography including drone aerials with streaming videos continue to get prospects interested in a property. After they become interested, virtual walk-throughs and Facetime showings by us or their Realtor® have become popular. We have had almost as many showings that way in the last few months as showings with the buyers there in-person.

Meetings – Though most now are more familiar with cleaning procedures and protocols for traditional showings in today’s more hygienic environment, more meetings are held virtually. These include listing presentations, discussions on making offers, even actual closings. Though SanibelSusan Realty has not again begun holding open houses, we are available to open our listings for showings or deliver keys and fliers to Realtors® not going to their offices. Whatever it takes to get them sold, while staying safe!

400 Rabbits Is Open

There have been many positive reports on social media this week about the soft opening and then the full opening yesterday of the all-new restaurant “400 Rabbits” which is in the shopping center on the San-Cap Rd end of Rabbit Rd. Mexican-inspired and with a tequila bar, this venture combines the culinary talents of Jeramie and Debra Campana, owners of Paper Fig Kitchen (in Tahitian Gardens) and James Beard Society award-winning chef Don Yamauchi and his wife Cleta.

What Real Estate Has to Be Grateful For in 2020

This was posted on FloridaRealtors® just before Christmas, by Melissa Dittmann Tracey:

“It’s hard to look at 2020 in a positive light, but the real estate industry was uniquely and unexpectedly a beacon of hope for a nation battered by the COVID-19 virus. Home sales boomed, mortgage rates repeatedly hit record lows and rising values bolstered homeowners’ equity.

“CHICAGO – No doubt, 2020 has been a uniquely challenging year. With unemployment still above pre-pandemic levels, the country coming to terms with longstanding racial inequities, Americans worrying about natural disasters, a contentious national election and the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, people are searching for reasons to feel gratitude as the year draws to a close.

“The housing market has emerged as an economic bright spot. While the nation continues to feel widespread effects from 2020’s turmoil, here are a few things the real estate industry can be grateful for this year.

“Booming home sales

“Overall, real estate professionals have been busy – home buying activity is at its highest level since 2006. The housing market defied high unemployment and an economic recession, and it surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Existing-home sales in October were 27% higher than a year ago, new-home sales were 32% higher, and pending home sales or contract signings in September jumped 20.5% annually.

““This winter may be one of the best winters for sales activity,” says Lawrence Yun, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) chief economist. “It won’t match summer or spring sales numbers, but on a winter-to-winter comparison, this could be one of the best breakout years just based on the fact that pending contracts are at such a higher level.”

“Mortgage applications, up 20% year over year, reflect buyers in the pipeline, ready to buy. The downside: Buyers are in a frenzy to compete for the limited housing stock, and 72% of homes that sold in October were on the market for less than a month, NAR’s data shows.

“Record low mortgage rates

“Homebuyers are locking in some of the lowest mortgage rates in recorded history. Last week, for the 15th time this year, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage set a record low, averaging 2.67%, according to Freddie Mac. Yun predicts that mortgage rates will stay low into 2021, averaging 3.1% for all of next year.

““These ultra-low mortgage rates significantly lower mortgage payments, making housing more affordable than a year earlier in many areas,” even with prices rising, writes Nadia Evangelou, a research economist, on NAR’s Economists’ Outlook blog. In the Washington, D.C., metro area, for example, home prices have jumped nearly 12% compared to a year earlier, Evangelou notes. However, the monthly payment on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is lower than a year ago, averaging $1,820.

“Seller equity

“Home sellers got a financial boost from housing appreciation. The median existing-home price for all housing types was $313,000 in October – a 16% increase from a year ago. Sixty-five percent of 181 metro areas NAR recently tracked have reported double-digit price gains compared to a year ago.

“That means home owners who haven’t taken a financial hit from the pandemic feel richer. In the third quarter, 16.7 million residential properties in the U.S. – 28.3% overall – were considered “equity rich,” according to a report from ATTOM Data Solutions, a real estate research data firm. A property is considered equity rich when the property owner has at least 50% equity in the home.

““Homeowner equity in the third quarter added another pebble to the pile of markers showing that the U.S. housing market continues to defy the broad downturn in the economy this year,” says Todd Teta, chief product and technology officer for ATTOM Data Solutions. “Home prices keep rising, boosting the balance sheets of homeowners throughout most of the country. … The market is strong and homeowners remain in a position to benefit.”

“Technology

“With people forced to keep their distance during the pandemic, technology became real estate pros’ ally in keeping transactions moving. Nick Bailey, chief customer officer at RE/MAX LLC, says that the average real estate transaction takes 181 steps from beginning to end, and technology has increasingly responded to those steps.

“During state shutdowns earlier this year, real estate professionals increasingly relied on virtual and 3D tours, videoconferencing, augmented reality, automation, artificial intelligence and remote online notarizations, says Jeb Griffin, NAR’s director of strategy and innovation.

““Technology is playing a more active role through the buying and selling cycle, and agents are playing an even bigger role to consumers who [have] less access to homes in person [due to the pandemic],” Griffin says.

The future now requires “taking the traditional way of doing business and augmenting it with new ways that will allow you to serve customers in a variety of ways – and on their terms,” adds Andy Ambrose, DocuSign practice lead director at DocuSign Notary.

“New priorities

““The coronavirus without a doubt led homebuyers to reassess their housing situations and even reconsider home sizes and destinations,” says Jessica Lautz, vice president of demographics and behavioral insights for NAR. “Buyers sought housing with more rooms, more square footage, and more yard space, as they may have desired a home office or home gym. They also shopped for larger homes because extra space would allow households to better accommodate older adult relatives or young adults that are now living within the residence.”

“Affirmation of a Realtor’s value

“As Americans reevaluated what they wanted from a home, they increasingly relied on real estate agents to guide them through purchase and sales transactions. According to NAR’s latest survey, 88% of buyers reported using an agent to purchase their home, and 89% of sellers used an agent to help with their sale.

““We are all in unknown territory with this pandemic, so it’s no surprise that more buyers than ever turned to agents to help them navigate through some of the uncertainties and one of the most complex, competitive markets any of us have ever seen,” says NAR’s immediate past president Vince Malta.

“The sanctity of home

““Nothing feels more precious this year than the safety of our homes,” says Shannon McGahn, NAR’s chief advocacy officer, “and we believe all Americans should have equal opportunity to a home of their own.”” Source: National Association of Realtors®

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity December 25 – January 1, 2020

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Sandalfoot #3B3 1/1 $549K (our listing).

View from Sandalfoot #3B3

1 price change: Sandals #A 3/3.5 now $1.835M.

6 new sales: Sundial #G406 1/1 listed at $519K, Mariner Pointe #421 2/2.5 listed at $579K, Pointe Santo #B3 2/2 listed at $699K, Sandy Bend #6 2/2 listed at $1,027,007; Sanibel Surfside #124 2/2 listed at $1.05M, Junonia #103 3/2 listed at $1.295M.

12 closed sales: Sanibel Arms #B1 1/1 $413K, Signal Inn #10 1/1 $485K, Loggerhead Cay #462 2/2 $550K, Compass Point #221 2/2 $615K, Lighthouse Point #111 2/2 $645K, Island Beach Club #220F 2/2 $710K, Sundial #T201 2/2 $750K, Gulf Beach #106 2/2 $775K (our buyer), Sundial #P203 2/2 $845K, Point Santo #D47 2/2 $920K, Sayana #103 2/2 $948.5K, Tarpon Beach #207 2/2 $899K (our listing).

HOMES

3 new listings: 784 Birdie View Pt 4/4 $1.795M, 5270 Indian Ct 6/6.5 $2.695M, 488 Lighthouse Way 4/4 $3.695M.

3 price changes: 1835 Ardsley Way 2/2 now $457K, 685 Sea Oats Dr 3/2/2 now $1.089M, 490 Sawgrass Pl 3/2.5 now $1.499M.

4 new sales: 799 Casa Ybel Rd 5/3 duplex listed at $570K, 1752 Jewel Box Dr 2/2 listed at $859K, 966 Kings Crown Dr 3/2 listed at $980K, 9441 Peaceful Dr 3/3.5 listed at $1.395M.

7 closed sales: 1764 Bunting Ln 2/2 $515K, 731 Durion Ct 3/2 $737K, 836 Angel Wing Dr 3/2 $885K, 6176 Henderson Rd 3/2 $910K, 1308 Tahiti Dr 3/3 $907.5K, 1203 Kittiwake Cir 3/3 $985K, 769 Pyrula Ave 3/3.5 $1.335M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

2 new sales: Sunset Beach Villas #2314 2/2 listed at $779K, Marina Villas #808 2/2 listed at $779K.

2 closed sales: Bayside Villas #4106 1/2 $378K, Beach Villas $2334 3/3 $960K.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 15000 Binder Dr 3/2 now $1.298M.

No new sales.

2 closed sales: 15200 Captiva Dr 2/2 $954K, 11515 Gore Ln 5/4.5 $2.25M.

LOTS

No new listings, price changes, new, or closed sales.

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

Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”.

Again, enjoy your 2021, while staying safe and well! Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Merry Christmas 2020!

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Christmas Day 2020 at Sanibel Lighthouse 1:08 p.m.

What a different one it is. As we likely are all celebrating the season in new ways this year, I bet you too are looking forward to a safer, healthier, more productive 2021. I hope you are spending your day, like me and The SanibelSusan Team, the best you can under the circumstances.

As mentioned before, the pandemic has affected the islands real estate market, some ways great, some not-so-good. We have learned social-distancing skills and developed new marketing techniques while buyers and sellers have struggled to achieve their goals too – in this wonderful place that remains special regardless of what is happening worldwide.

It was so quiet this morning at my house, that I decided to take a spin around the East End, take a few photos, and then send this from the office. So here I am in Sanibel Square doing what I enjoy most. One of those things was getting a listing under contract yesterday. It is great to have a sale on Christmas Eve.

Another event was learning that a closing scheduled to occur on Monday, may now instead be the following week. Snafus with lenders, condo associations, and overnight mail with holidays are obstacles that make us so love cash sales with few contingencies – and appreciate our clients who continue to understand that as hard as we work to prevent any delays, stuff happens. This year, it seems to be all “new stuff”.

Below are some more photos taken about this afternoon. Though there have been sporadic recent reports of red tide, I did not see any evidence. There were plenty of people beach walking on both the bay and gulf side, also many folks at the fishing pier. Some bundled up as it is only mid-50’s and breezy, but there were a few brave kids wading in the water, plus the usual kiteboarders. The four photos below were from the beach access at the gulf end of Seagrape Lane.

Moving to the other end of Seagrape Lane, on San Carlos Bay, I watched a kiteboarder who was blown into the water struggle to get close to shore and get the kite airborne again. I waited until the rider was flying again was over the water, before departing. You can see the kite (teal color) in the center of the third photo below. (Moms worry about those kiteboarders.)

Moving on to the Sanibel Marina, it was pretty quiet there. No one in sight and Gramma Dot’s is closed until tomorrow. In the bottom picture, you can see how they spread out tables for outside dining.

If you also want to follow red tide reports, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) in their weekly email included a link to https://habforecast.gcoos.org/. That is NOAA’s Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System. Today it shows high readings on south of here at Vanderbilt Beach and the Naples Pier. It looks to be clear on both Sanibel and most of Captiva. Here is hoping this cool weather and northerly winds keep it away!

Below are a couple of other news items followed by the action posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service since last Friday.

Holiday Celebrations Around the World

Late Monday, I attended an on-line Zoom meeting put on by Florida Realtors® Global Business Committee. My Naples pal, Paula Angelopoulos Urbinati chairs that committee this year, while Realtor® friend Christel Silver owner of Silver International Realty in Del Ray Beach is Vice Chair.

In Greece, Christmas celebrations officially last for 14 days, starting on Christmas Eve and ending on Epiphany (January 6) with the ‘Great Blessing of Water’.

In Barbados, celebrations begin December 1 with island residents painting their homes inside and out, often also purchasing all new furnishings to welcome the season with a clean slate.

In the Philippines, their celebrations are the longest in the world, beginning in early September, through the first Sunday in January which is the Feast of Three Kings. Another holiday custom in the Philippines is parents giving children a red envelope with cash inside.

In Cuba, Christmas was not celebrated for 30 years. That changed in 1998 when the Pope visited the country. In Cuba today, the celebration includes roasting a whole pig and gifts given for 12 days following Christmas.

In the United Kingdom, it was interesting to hear that stockings are not hung on mantels, but instead are placed at the foot of the beds. Sometimes pillowcases are used instead – ready for Father Christmas to fill them up. Advent calendars are popular, and everyone listens to the Queen’s speech on Christmas Day. She has been giving those since 1957, usually about 3 p.m. Christmas crackers also are popular in the UK. (I usually have them at my Christmas dinners too. Missing that this year.) This tradition goes back to the 1800’s with the cracker which pulls apart to make a “pop”, then opens to contain a paper crown (which must be worn during dinner), a silly joke, and a tiny toy. Christmas dinner in the UK most closely resembles many in the US including turkey (sometimes goose); roast beef; brussels sprouts (no Christmas dinner complete without those); mashed carrots and turnips (together); stuffing balls with sage, onion, chestnut; roasted potatoes (never mashed); Yorkshire pudding, peas; and cranberry sauce or bread sauce (which is a white sauce).Their Christmas desserts include mince pies, Christmas pudding aged for a month or two and with a silver coin inside, brandy butter to go on the pudding, and trifle.

In Hungary, many of their traditions are like those in Germany. Their holidays begin four Sundays before Christmas. Santa Claus Day is December 6. Children put their “clean” boots on their window sill at night with the “good” children receiving candy and those “naughty” ones getting sticks instead. Their trees go up on December 24, while their Christmas Day menus typically include codfish soup and stuffed cabbage. Their trees, which are decorated with colorfully wrapped candy and chocolate, stay up until January 6, though the candies particularly those on the bottom branches, reachable by children, disappear first. Like Germany, Christmas is celebrated on both December 25 and 26.

Israel’s Hannukah or “Festival of Lights” is an eight-day rededication ceremony with dates that change each year. It is not related to Christmas, but typically ends sometime before Christmas. Part of this celebration is adding lights to a menorah (candle holder). Every person in each family has their own, so if in a large family, it can mean many lights. Each menorah has nine candle holders so that one candle is lit each night with the ninth (or shamash) for the helper candle that is used to light the others. Common food at their celebrations include matza ball soup, potato latkes (pancakes), and jelly donuts. Children receive gifts all eight days of Hannukah with their traditions kept alive with gifts like dreidels, gelt (chocolate coins), and menorah.

In Africa, Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1, observed by people of all faiths since it is not tied to any religion, but rather is to inspire blacks to be united, self-determined, accountable, financially invested, purposeful, creative, and full of faith. It is a celebration of life and a ritual to welcome the first harvests to the home. Each day of the seven days of Kwanzaa has special meaning, also with lighting of candles, in black, green, and red.

Sanibel – COVID-19

Florida Department of Health’s daily report says that Sanibel’s total number of COVID-19 cases from March 26 through December 24 at 9 a.m. is 128. This is just the cases for residents in our zip code. It does not include the many workers and visitors that come and go. PLEASE stay vigilant – continue social distancing, hand washing, mask wearing, and avoid group gatherings.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity December 18 – 25, 2020

Sanibel

CONDOS

6 new listings: Sundial #G406 1/1 $519K, Kimball Lodge #244 1/1.5 $550K, Sanibel Arms West #H6 2/2 $579K, Sanibel Arms West #I4 2/2 $579K, Pointe Santo #B26 2/2 $689K, Mariner Pointe #241 2/2.5 $690K.

2 price changes: Sanibel Arms #C5 2/2 now $475K, Surfside 12 #B1 3/2 now $999.5K.

2 new sales: Mariner Pointe #541 2/2 listed at $515K (our listing), Sundial #P203 2/2 listed at $899K.

5 closed sales: Captains Walk #B4 2/2 $380K, Coquina Beach #2B 2/2 $452.5K, Sanibel Arms West #M2 2/2 $525K, Coquina Beach #1D 2/2 $528.5K, Sundial #H203 2/2 $725K.

HOMES

1 new listing: 1480 Middle Gulf Dr 4/4.5.5 $1.65M.

1 price change: 5439 Osprey Ct 4/3 now $1.669M.

7 new sales: 3935 Coquina Dr 4/3 listed at $849,950; 916 Almas Ct 3/3.5 listed at $1.39M, 9441 Peaceful Dr 3/3.5 listed at $1,395M,  1743 Venus Dr 4/3.5 listed at $1.599M, 5391 Shearwater Dr 3/3.5 listed at $1.795M, 2411 Blue Crab Ct 4/4.5 listed at $2.4949M, 1069 Bird Ln 4/3.5 listed at $4.495M.

7 closed sales: 4044 Coquina Dr 2/2 $485K, 1603 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 half-duplex $570K, 280 Southwinds Dr 3/3.5 $618K, 1610 Sabal Sands Rd 3/2 $675K, 580 Boulder Dr 3/2 $799K, 735 Sand Dollar Dr 3/3 $1.24M, 1237 Isabel Dr 5/6.5 $2.6M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 539 Sea Oats Dr $420K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 3945 West Gulf Dr listed at $2.999M.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Gulf Beach Villas #2127 2/2 $900K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Lands End Village #1628 4/4 listed at $2.749M.

1 closed sale: Captiva Hide-A-Way #2A 2/2 $880K.

HOMES

2 new listings: 15361 Captiva Dr 5/4.5 $2.795M, 11530 Paige Ct 4/5.5 $4.579M.

1 price change: 17201 Captiva Dr 5/4.5 now $5.65M.

1 new sale: 17101 Captiva Dr 7/6.5 listed at $2.695M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

1 new listing: 16685 Captiva Dr $2.45M.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

Jensen’s on Captiva also went under contract this week (with contingencies). Asking price $13.995M, it includes 14 historic cottages, 35 boat slips, marina, fuel dock, fleet of rental boats, ships store & office.

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

Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”.

You can be sure that I’ll be posting next Friday too – with a Happy New Year report! Meanwhile, enjoy your Christmas!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

It’s Not Black Friday Here – Bright Blue Sky & Sunshine

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Happy day after Thanksgiving! The SanibelSusan Team hopes you had a good holiday. It’s pretty quiet in our office today, though the roadways and bike paths are busy as it is bright and sunny with temperatures in the low 80’s.

As the holiday approached, island traffic picked up significantly. It was back to looking like “season”. The rare overcast foggy morning, like Monday, brought out shoppers and more traffic directors at the 4-way stops. All good, as island businesses need activity.

Though there was no local Association of Realtors Zoom Caravan meeting this week (next meeting is Dec 3), there was plenty of activity posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The week’s MLS postings follow a couple of news items.

First an updated island inventory summary. It is shaping up to be a good year with an unbelievable bounce-back from the early pandemic months. With only 79 Sanibel homes for sale and over 300 sold this year, it will be interesting to see what happens over the winter. Not quite as extreme is the situation with Sanibel condos. There are under 100 for sale and nearly 200 sold to date.

Inventory numbers like that usually indicate a sellers’ market, but the sales this year have been a tad slanted regarding what products are selling. More mid-range homes and more high-end residential-type condos have sold, likely pandemic-driven and related to occupancy and safety. In the winter when the islands are busiest usually is when there are the most sales. This year that could be tempered because of inventory.

Condos Homes Lots
# Avg Price $ # Avg Price $ # Avg Price $
SANIBEL
For sale 96 773,127 79 1,911,043 55 805,241
Under contract 46 794,145 47 1,406,424 9 412,495
Sold year-to-date 150 731,868 254 948,367 20 632,418
Sold 2019 127 694,392 211 949,790 15 372,200
Sold 2018 155 720,617 218 1,112,747 21 602,095
Sold 2017 140 728,793 186 1,004,236 32 327,228
CAPTIVA
For sale 28 1,432,571 29 4,486,999 2 6,472,500
Under contract 6 783,000 8 2,548,375 1 795,000
Sold year-to-date 39 825,706 22 2,905,545 3 3,150,000
Sold 2019 29 1,037,077 17 2,737,503 1 1,375,000
Sold 2018 27 797,532 25 2,127,352 0 N/A
Sold 2017 34 671,551 22 2,457,022 2 2,312,500

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

Farmers Markets & Christmas Trees

Captiva Farmers Market reopened this week. Those are on Tuesdays through April 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5400 Plantation Rd at the entrance of South Seas Resort.

Sanibel Farmers Market reopened a few weeks ago. It is Sundays through May 30 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sanibel City Hall, 800 Dunlop Rd. Local Roots also runs six other markets in SW Florida. More info about their start dates, hours of operation, and locations is on their website at www.LocalRoots.com.

Sanibel-Captiva Lions Christmas Tree Sale – begins tomorrow, Nov 28. All proceeds benefit local charities. Located next to Island Cinema in the Bailey’s Shopping Center, they offer fresh Michigan Fraser firs from 5 to 10’ plus wreaths and stands. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sunday, with island delivery and set-up available. On-line ordering also beings Nov 28 at www.SanCapLions.com.

City of Sanibel – COVID-19

On Tuesday, Acting Mayor Denham extended the island declared state of emergency due to COVID-19. Now it goes until December 1, 2020, unless further extended. (Per State Statute, the maximum duration for a Mayoral Declaration of Emergency is seven days and thus must be updated weekly as the emergency exists.)  The City face covering mandate remains in effect through the period.

From Florida Department of Health, Sanibel’s total accumulative number of COVID-19 cases since March 26 is 84. Cases are rapidly increasing here. NINE more cases in the last week.

Weeks-ending 3/29 through 5/31 – 2 months = 11 cases

Weeks-ending 6/7 through 8/30 – 2 months = 30 cases

Weeks-ending 9/6 through 11/1 – 2 months = 22 cases

Weeks-ending 11/8 through 11/22 – 3 WEEKS = 21 cases (that is seven more cases than last week)

Please stay vigilant – continue social distancing, hand washing, mask wearing, and avoid group gatherings.

U.S. Borders with Canada, Mexico Remain Closed Through Dec. 21

Posted Wed on FloridaRealtors®: “Don’t get hopes up for cross-border holiday travel. With the pandemic apparently escalating, the borders aren’t expected to open anytime soon.

“McLEAN, Va. – If you were hoping that the United States’ borders would reopen for holiday travel, don’t get your hopes up. The land borders with Canada and Mexico will remain closed through Dec. 21, Chad Wolf, acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Thursday.

““In order to continue to prevent the spread of COVID, the U.S., Mexico, & Canada will extend the restrictions on non-essential travel through Dec. 21,” he wrote on Twitter. “We are working closely with Mexico & Canada to keep essential trade & travel open while also protecting our citizens from the virus.

“Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair, wrote on Twitter that border-closure decisions “will continue to be based on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe.” Though these travel restrictions have been extended in monthly increments throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the borders are not expected to open anytime soon. The U.S. has the most COVID-19 cases of any country with more than 11 million, while Mexico and Canada have more than 1 million and 300,000, respectively.

““The pandemic seems to be escalating in both of our countries. That would seem to suggest that these measures are with us for a while,” Canadian ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman said Tuesday, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.

“Both U.S. land borders were closed to all but essential traffic in mid-March after the coronavirus pandemic hit, with government officials announcing multiple extensions as case counts continued to rise, especially in the U.S. The previous extension, announced in mid-October, was due to expire Nov. 21. Despite the closure of land borders, U.S. citizens can still travel by air.

“Canada has begun allowing extended family members who live in the U.S. to seek an exemption allowing them to travel north amid these restrictions, provided they follow that country’s COVID-19 requirements. Lawmakers have called on President Trump to do the same on the U.S. side.”

Copyright © 2020, USATODAY.com, USA TODAY, Jenna Ryu; contributing, Jayme Deerwester and David Oliver. All rights reserved.

County Commissioners Approve Toll Transponder Agreement

From this week’s “Island Reporter”, “On Nov 17, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve an agreement to allow motorists to use E-ZPass transponders – widely used along the East Coast and beyond – to drive on Lee County toll roads.

“The E-ZPass toll network includes 18 states throughout the Northeast and Midwest. The agreement would allow people who already have those transponders to use them on Lee County toll bridges….

“The agreement that allows the use of E-ZPass in Lee County is with the Central Florida Expressway, which joined the E-ZPass group in 2018. The Central Florida Expressway would process transactions with no transaction fee charged to the County.

“The transponders will be accepted locally starting early next year. Local motorists can continue to use LeeWay and SunPass transponders. For more information about Lee County toll programs, visit www.leewayinfo.com.”

The Double-Edged Housing Boom

Another good article by Lawrence Yun, NAR’s Chief Economist, in the November-December 2020 “REALTOR®” magazine:

“Eye-popping home sales and prices pose longer-term problems.

“Remarkably, in the midst of the pandemic, the housing market is in a clear V-shaped recovery. Sales for both existing and new home sales in August hit their highest mark since 2006. The data popped out as round numbers: existing-home sales at an even 6 million and new-home sales at exactly 1 million on an annualized basis, up 10.5% and 43.2% from a year ago. Pending contracts also hit an all-time high.

“Buyer activity this winter is unlikely to chill: Mortgage applications for home purchases are up about 30% compared to a year ago. Due to the extraordinary demand home prices have reached an all-time high. The national median home price was … up 11.4% from a year earlier. The strong price run-up is partly due to a latent boom in the luxury market and to a jump in multiple offers for starter homes. While those situations result in multiple “losers”, buyers are persevering. They aim to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates.

“Such a frenzy of activity, reminiscent of 2006 raises questions about a bubble and the potential for a painful crash. The answer: There’s no comparison. Back in 2006, dubious adjustable-rate mortgages taxed many buyers’ budgets. Today, buyers are taking out 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. Fourteen years ago, there were 3.8 million homes listed for sale, and home builders were putting up about 2 million new units. Now, inventory is only about 1.5 million homes, and home builders are underproducing relative to historical averages.

“But let’s look at current trends through a different lens. Escalating home prices will soon cause damage of a different sort, shutting out first-time buyers. That’s why more supply is critical. Only when home prices rise roughly in line with income growth can we say that the market is in equilibrium. Perhaps as people continue to flee crowded cities, new construction will get a boost. Greater flexibility to work from anywhere and improved broadband access in rural areas could spur home buying in remote areas, a market trend to watch for in the years ahead.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity November 20-27, 2020

Sanibel

CONDOS

6 new listings: Sanibel Moorings #441 2/2 $585K, Cottage Colony West #125 1/1 $609K, Cottage Colony West #119 1/1 $619K, Heron at The Sanctuary II #2A 3/2.5 $869.5K, Sanibel Arms West #E4 2/2 $889K, Sanibel Arms West #D2 2/2 $960K.

4 price changes: Spanish Cay #A4 2/2 now $430K, Loggerhead Cay #373 2/2 now $662.5K, White Sands #23 2/2 now $1.099M (our listing, yellow arrow, followed by view), Sundial #L205 3/2 now $1.395M.

4 new sales: Captains Walk #B4 2/2 listed at $395K, Seawind #A108 2/2.5 listed at $527K, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #4-1 3/3 listed at $899K, Sundial #O405 2/2 listed at $1.25M.

6 closed sales: Sanibel Arms #D7 1/1 $315K, Mariner Pointe #952 1/1 $350K, Sandpebble #2B 2/2 $457K, Seawind #A103 2/2.5 $565K, Island Beach Club #320C 2/2 $829K, Plantation Village #322 3/3 $2.275M.

HOMES

6 new listings: 2985 Island Inn Rd 2/2 $649.5K, 1850 Farm Trl 3/2 $699K, 2464 Blind Pass Ct 3/2 $1.295M, 1366 Tahiti Dr 3/2.5 $1.4M, 4166 Dingman Dr 4/4 $2.2M, 950 Victoria Way 4/4 $2.3M.

2 price changes: 9277 Belding Dr 3/3 now $850K, 1672 Hibiscus Dr 3/2 now $899K.

6 new sales: 6141 Henderson Rd 3/2 listed at $658.5K, 3251 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 listed at $819K, 3020 Turtle Gait Ln 3/2 listed at $849K, 6176 Henderson Rd 3/2 listed at $998K, 509 Lake Murex Cir 3/2.5 listed at $1.225M, 4381 West Gulf Dr 5/5.5 listed at $11.5M.

4 closed sales: 9248 Dimmick Dr 3/3 $675K, 1304 Par View Dr 3/3 $730K, 549 East Rocks Dr 3/2.5 $1.085M, 1520 Angel Dr 5/5.5 $1.4M.

LOTS

2 new listings: 6428 Pine Ave $305K, 1825 Long Point Ln $389K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 3013 Poinciana Cir listed at $239.9K.

2 closed sales: 1048 Fish Crow Rd $323K, 4995 Joewood Dr $2.38M.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings, price changes or new sales.

3 closed sales: Bayside Villas #5218 1/2 $387.5K, Beach Villas #2522 1/1 $529K, Lands End Village #1608 3/3 $2.025M.

HOMES

2 new listings: 11431 Dickey Ln 3/2 $1.258M, 11551 Paige Ct 5/6 $6.495M.

No price changes.

2 new sales: 11523 Andy Rosse Ln 5/5.5 listed at $2.189M, 11555 Wightman Ln 3/2 listed at $3.695M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

1 closed sale: 925 South Seas Plantation Rd $5.6M.

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

Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”.

Enjoy your weekend! Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan