Partly Cloudy & Low 80’s Today on Sanibel, Could be High 60’s by Tues, High 70’s & Sunny Forecast for Turkey Day!

Posted on November 19, 2021 by SanibelSusan

Again, this week, SanibelSusan reports cooler temperatures (into the 60’s a couple of nights) and busier roadways. Both, indications that the Thanksgiving holiday is fast approaching. Also, there has been a noticeable increase in both on- and off-island traffic. From the bike paths, it looks like more families arrived early and are enjoying an extended holiday.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® November Membership Meeting

At our monthly Association of Realtors® Membership Meeting yesterday, the guest speaker was Florida Realtors® Chief Economist, Dr. Brad O’Connor. Armed with plenty of charts and graphs, it was interesting to hear him speak about how real estate trends in our local Lee County area have been much the same as the state.

Overall, mostly as aftereffects of the pandemic, the state and Lee County have experienced growth and huge increases in both numbers of sales and real estate prices. The most changed has been in what he considers the luxury (or valued over $600K) properties and second homes. Though inventory is low with properties in many areas selling within minutes of becoming available, he noted that markets are stabilizing somewhat with prices flattening.

Both 2018 and 2019 had similar sale trends. It was in December 2020 that the number of sales really jumped. During that month in FL, more than twice as many homes sold than in those past years. While last December in Lee County, almost three times as many sold as the same month in 2018 and 2019. The high level of sales continued into early 2021, then jumped significantly again from April through June. Since midsummer, the number of sales both here and statewide has flattened, with the cause probably more related to reduced inventory than demand.

Looking at median prices of sold homes, his slides went all the way back to 2011, as that is when the country was easing out of the recession. That slide showed the gradual increase progression year-after- year right up until December 2020 when the big surge began. Today, the median home sale price in Lee County is nearly 3-1/2 times what it was in 2011. That same increase applies statewide.

When quizzed on what his crystal ball predicts for the future, he noted that pre-pandemic Florida already was desirable because of the weather and tax situation here. Now that the pandemic has disrupted the work scenario for many, some proving that working remotely is as effective as in an office, he doesn’t think we will ever go back to how things were from a workplace view.

Following “move” trends into Florida, he said the most recorded influxes into Florida came from cities out west, mostly in California, plus New York City. The majority by far, coming from New York City, most Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Nassau County.

As he was talking, I thought back to where SanibelSusan Team buyers have come from in 2021. Several are from New York, a couple are from Florida’s east coast, but plenty of other states were represented too, including Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. The majority came from the midWest, with several buyers from Sanibel too. Noticeably absent were the out-of-country buyers. Some of those folks are returning now for the first time in a couple of years, some becoming sellers.

In summary, Dr. O’Connor does not think that another recession is on the horizon, nor does he think that inflation and prices will continue to accelerate at the same rate experienced earlier this year. SanibelSusan projects that until island supply and demand normalize, Sanibel and Captiva could be in for continued real estate craziness. Stay tuned.

At SanibelSusan Realty This Week

Our Friday closing in Island Woods that was awaiting a FedEx arrival, was disbursed on Monday. We did both sides of that transaction, which was delayed months. The new City Manager started this week so Realtors®, builders, contractors, property owners, and prospective owners are hopeful that the backlog of City permits will soon be resolved. Meanwhile, this buyer was willing to close without City approval and many businesses are operating with their business licenses in limbo – though permit and license payments were processed. Can you tell some folks are frustrated?

Another listing, Mariner Pointe #1061, closed today, but had a last-minute change when the buyers decided to purchase in an LLC rather than their names personally. Superior Title of Sanibel did a great job in getting it accomplished remotely even with the change and some resigning necessary. The sale price is a record for Mariner Pointe building #10.

On the listing side of things, teammate Dave held Open Houses at Sealoft Village and I had a listing presentation at Donax Village that resulted in a nice new listing there. With drizzly rain yesterday and today’s forecast iffy, professional photography is not scheduled until tomorrow – when we hope the sky is blue. That new listing will be posted in MLS as soon as we get those pix.

Next Friday, the team is off for an extended holiday, but I will be in the office, and blogging right on time. We are grateful for additional business this year. It was one for the record books!

Upcoming Events

Next 40^th Taste of the Islands CROW Crawl – is set tomorrow, Nov 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Featured restaurants include Blue Giraffe, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille – Sanibel, Mudbugs Cajum Kitchen, Sanibel Deli, Spoondrift Island Bowls, Sunset Grill, Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market, and Traders 2. For further info visit www.CROWClinic.org.

The Art of Conservation – will be featured with signed pieces by artists Rachel Pierce (from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Clyde & Niki Butcher from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the “Ding” Darling Nature store at 2250 Periwinkle Way, right next to our office tomorrow, Nov 20.

WoW at The Refuge for Thanksgiving – Bring the family to “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge during Thanksgiving week to tour for free the WoW (Wildlife on Wheels) mobile interactive nature experience in the parking lot of the Visitor & Education Center. The day before Thanksgiving and Black Friday, WoW will be open Wed Nov 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Fri Nov 6 from 9 a.m. until noon.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity November 12-19, 2021

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Donax Village #10 1/2 $539K, Donax Village #17 2/2 $719K, Sunset South #11C 2/2 $1.149M, Sandalfoot #5A2 2/2 $1.275M, Sedgemoor #205 3/3.5 $4.295M.

2 price changes: Nutmeg Village #308 2/2 now $1.2499M, Tarpon Beach #110 2/2 now $1.35M.

3 new sales: Sundial #C305 1/1 listed at $549,945; Blind Pass #E103 3/3 listed at $775K; Sundial #L402 3/2 listed at $1.379M.

6 closed sales: Spanish Cay #F4 2/2 $571K, Pointe Santo #C44 1/1 $640K, Ibis at The Sanctuary #B301 2/2 $656K, Mariner Pointe #141 2/2 $672.5K, Mariner Pointe #1061 2/2 $725K (our listing), Villa Sanibel #3A 2/2 $817K.

View from Mariner Pointe #1061

HOMES

2 new listings: 6429 Pine Ave 3/2 $869K, 1410 Sanderling Cir 3/2 $1.2M.

No price changes.

7 new sales: 1667 Atlanta Plaza Dr 2/1.5 listed at $650K, 534 Piedmont Rd 3/2.5 listed at $675K, 2138 Egret Cir 3/2 half-duplex listed at $729K, 543 Boulder Dr 3/2 listed at $1.265M, 4077 Coquina Dr 3/2 listed at $1.299M, 2391 Wulfert Rd 4/5 listed at $2.395M, 2444 Harbour Ln 4/3.5 listed at $2.695M.

4 closed sales: 5853 Pine Tree Dr 2/2 $775K, 1434 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $912K, 1114 Harbor Cottage Ct 3/2 $1.895M, 682 Pyrula Ave 5/4.5 $2.015M.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

2 new sales: 2348 Wulfert Rd listed at $329K, 6000 White Heron Ln listed at $850K.

2 closed sales: 1894 Farm Trl $182K (our listing & sale), 1219 Par View Dr $410K.

Location of 1894 Farm Trail

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

2 new sales: Bayside Villas #5320 3/3 listed at $950K, Marina Villas #706 2/2 listed at $950K.

1 closed sale: Beach Villas #2638 3/3 $1.4M.

HOMES

1 new listing: 16897 Captiva Dr 5/5.5 $4.989M.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

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

Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Fluffy Osprey Chicks & A Real Estate Market on Fire

Posted on May 14, 2021 by SanibelSusan

Another Friday is here with more summer-like weather in Southwest Florida this week. Traffic is considerably less but many visitors here now, the regulars at this time of year, have said that it is busier than they remember it. Even so, comparing it to my neighborhood and chats with vacation rental managers, many snowbirds have departed, but the vacationer rental business is up considerably compared to a usual spring.

Weather, Osprey, & Gas

The islands still need rain. Though it was overcast for a bit yesterday and earlier today, only a few showers have been reported in SW Florida, mostly inland. We know not to wish for too much spring rain or water releases from Lake Okeechobee pick up.

If you have followed the photos that our pal, Scott, has shared with us the past two weeks, I hope you enjoy these which he sent last night. Look how the baby chicks are growing. They are fluffy as their feathers fill in. Baby osprey usually fly about 60 days from hatching, spending two months with their parents, in and near their nest. (Scott, thanks again!)

From the many national media reports about potential gas shortages from the temporary closure of the Colonial pipeline, it was unusual here Wed night to see a huge line to gas-up at the Chevron Station on Periwinkle. As I headed home shortly after 5 p.m., it was tough to maneuver around the line-up. Patrons should have listened to the entire news report which said the only Florida areas possibly affected by that pipeline closure are in Tallahassee and the panhandle. There actually is a surplus of gas in SW Florida. Those hyped-up buyers emptied the island of gas temporarily. Things are back to normal now.

At SanibelSusan Realty

Here in the office, SanibelSusan has been struggling this week with computer withdrawal. The hard drive on my office laptop crashed last week and was determined corrupt. I know Realtors® spend a lot of time tied to their computers, but to say I missed mine, is an understatement. Operating by iPad and iPhone just is not the same. Luckily, most of our shared office work is either internet-driven or on our network, so the team has not missed a beat and I tried to keep my grumbling to a minimum.

Thankfully, Wally Mulka, owner of Barrier IT Solutions, lives on-island and quickly came to my rescue. His wife is a Realtor® pal so he knows our pain and has plenty of patience. Early this week Wally was able to recover my data, buy and install a new hard drive, and today he reinstalled it and the software to get me back in business. I am a happy camper with that friendly laptop back on my desk.

It likewise was tortuous fun to receive three offers on our next-to-last listing over the Mothers’ Day weekend – the offers were presented through three busy Realtor® mothers who had opportunities to view and show that property on Saturday during a short 2-hour window between renters.

With inventory tight and demand high, the successful offer was significantly over asking price. It had no contingencies, included a huge escrow deposit, with closing in two weeks. The buyer and seller are happy, but it was not fun relaying sad news on Mothers’ Day to the Mom Realtors® representing the unsuccessful buyers. The team and I are very thankful for the sale but were reminded again that this business is more fun when everyone comes out a winner. Gratefully, those Realtor® Moms were professional and understanding. We hope to do another deal with them soon.

Our weekly reports of the activity posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is after a couple of news report below. First, an update of inventory based on MLS data today.

	SANIBEL						CAPTIVA
	Condos		Homes		Lots		Condos		Homes		Lots
	#	$ Price	#	$ Price	#	$ Price	#	$/Price	#	$ Price	#	$ Price
Available for Sale	22	794,354	34	2,218,658	16	564,452	4	2,181,000	13	6,017,538	1	3,995,000
Under Contract	52	850,299	75	1,498,296	20	1,002,295	9	1,225,100	9	2,153,777	0	N/A
Closed 1/1-5/14/21	128	854,281	159	1,293,272	39	614,461	28	1,058,892	25	2,998,016	1	2,000,000
Closed in 2020	192	733,876	290	954,718	23	606,233	47	821,713	27	2.923,148	4	2,537,500
Closed in 2019	127	694,392	211	1,112,748	15	372,200	29	1.037,077	17	2,737,503	1	1,375,000

Note: Prices in italics are asking prices (properties available & under contract)

It is true, there are only 90 properties for sale on both islands (Sanibel & Captiva, condos, homes, lots), with 545 already sold this year. The market is CRAZY! The buyers who have said, “I’m going to wait awhile for things to cool off” are likely going to miss out. Read more about that in the article below.

The Real Estate Market Isn’t in a Bubble – It Just Isn’t

Posted last Friday on FloridaRealtors®: “Rising home prices and recession memories have convinced some buyers that a bubble will pop and prices will drop. But it’s just too much demand and too little supply.

“NEW YORK – The U.S. housing market is on a hot streak with double-digit annual gains in home prices, bidding wars and surging buyer demand. That type of soaring housing market is prompting more “bubble” fears in some corners, but economists say the housing market isn’t getting overinflated. A bubble won’t pop, thousands of homes won’t slide into foreclosure, and buyers who wait likely won’t be better off.

““We have strong conviction that we are not experiencing a bubble in U.S. housing,” Vishwanath Tirupattur, a Morgan Stanley strategist, wrote in a note to clients this week.

“Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors®, agrees. He told Axios last month: “This is not a bubble. It is simply lack of supply.”

“The rapid rise in prices may be concerning to home shoppers, however. The median selling price for a home is up $35,000 compared to a year ago, which is the fastest-paced increase since 2006, Tirupattur says.

“But this isn’t 2006. Housing inventories are low, credit remains tight, and lenders aren’t issuing risky loans like they did back then. Product risk – such as from mortgages with introductory periods, teaser rates or balloon payments – comprised about 40% of the mortgage market between 2004 to 2006. Those factors are now at only 2% of the mortgage market, according to Morgan Stanley.

“Also, the housing market has a record low number of homes available for sale, in part likely caused by the pandemic. At the end of March, there were 1.07 million homes available for sale, according to NAR data. For comparison, during the housing bubble, in July 2007, there were more than four times that – 4 million homes available for sale.

“Still, while home prices won’t keep climbing at the current pace, they aren’t expected to fall either, economists say.

““We are not at all suggesting that home price appreciation will maintain its current torrid pace,” Tirupattur writes. “Home prices will continue to rise, but more gradually.””

Source: “Why Morgan Stanley Is Convinced the Housing Market Isn’t in a Bubble,” Yahoo! Finance (May 5, 2021) and “The Dispiriting Housing Boom,” Axios (April 11, 2021)

Island Scoop

July 4^th Parade – It was announced this week that out of an abundance of caution, the July 4^th Parade 2021 again is cancelled this year.

Sanibel City Manager Retiring – Longtime Sanibel City Manager, Judie Zimomra announced this week – just after her 20^th anniversary with the City – that she is retiring on Sep 24. Successfully leading Sanibel through through some unusual times – Hurricanes Charley and Irma, economic crises, Sanibel Bear visits, red tide and blue-green algae events, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Judie is most deserving of a wonderful retirement, but she sure is going to be a tough act to follow. She multi-tasks better than the best.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season – Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) turtle patrol have already documented six sea turtle nests on the islands, marking the official start of the sea turtle nesting season. They remind us to turn out lights at night, remove beach furniture, fill in holes, pick up litter, and only use flashlights with red filters when on the beach after dark. To sign up for the Adopt-a-Beach and Adopt-a-Nest programs to help with sea turtle research and monitoring, email SCCF’s Coastal Wildlife Director, Kelly Sloan at ksloan@sccf.org. For more tips on how you can help, visit www.SanCapLifeSavers.org.

Wildlife Drive Summer Fees – “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society announced that admission fees for Wildlife Drive remain the same after “season” ends. However, the $10 vehicle fee is good for three days of admission from May 1 through Sep 30. Visitors are reminded to show their receipt at the entrance fee booth when returning. Daily fees for cyclists and pedestrians are $1 each visit for those aged 16 and older.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity May 7-14, 2021

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Mariner Pointe #712 2/2.5 $669K, Sanddollar #C103 3/2 $1.375M.

No price changes.

7 new sales: Spanish Cay #D6 2/2 listed at $549K; Cottage Colony West #102 1/1 listed at $579,990; Sanibel Arms West #I8 2/2 listed at $624K; Island Beach Club #330A 2/2 listed at $739K; Loggerhead Cay #101 2/2 listed at $998,899; Pointe Santo #C43 3/2 listed at $1.05M (our listing), Atrium #102 3/2 listed at $1.498M.

11 closed sales: Sundial #F206 1/1 $465K, Mariner Pointe #733 2/2 $531K, Sanibel Arms West #H4 2/2 $549K, Island Beach Club #210A 2/2 $729K, Signal Inn #14 2/2 $790K, Sanibel Surfside #234 2/2 $800K, Sanibel Arms West #E4 2/2 $885K, Oceans Reach #1C1 2/2 $899K, Pointe Santo #C23 3/2 $920K, Sanddollar #A101 2/2 $1.13M, Pointe Santo #E26 2/2 $1.2M.

HOMES

6 new listings: 5161 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/2 $574K, 1649 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 half-duplex $599.9K, 1605 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex $699K, 429 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $749.5K, 1187 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $1.399M, 4014 West Gulf Dr 4/4 $3.849M.

1 price change: 2011 Mitzi Ln 2/1 now $675K.

9 new sales: 9195 Dimmick Dr 2/2 listed at $550K, 9214 Kincaid Ct 2/2 listed at $695K, 1585 Serenity Ln 3/3 listed at $749K, 450 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 listed at $878K, 750 Nerita St 3/2 listed at $899K, 1296 Par View Dr 3/3 listed at $949K, 486 Surf Sound Ct 3/3.5 listed at $1.2M, 999 East Gulf Dr #103 4/3 listed at $1.995M, 950 Victoria Way 4/4 listed at $2.25M.

13 closed sales: 2405 Los Colony Rd 3/2 $380K, 2015 Wild Lime Dr 3/3 $560K, 2620 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $735K, 1560 Royal Poinciana Dr 3/2 $825K, 445 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $839K, 613 Lake Murex Cir 3/3 $985K, 751 Windlass way 5/5 $1.5M, 2464 Blind Pass Ct 3/2 $1.175M, 742 Sand Dollar Dr 3/3 $1.525M, 6412 Pine Ave 3/2.5 $1.579M, 4809 Tradewinds Dr 3/3.5 $1.835M, 813 Angel Wing Dr 3/3.5 $2.639M, 4601 Rue Belle Mer 3/2 $2.9M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 461 Sawgrass Pl $699K.

No price changes.

3 new sales: 2095 Wild Lime Dr listed at $269K, 2299 Starfish Ln listed at $549K, 1028 Bayview Dr listed at $2.195M.

3 closed sales: 1318 Par View Dr $375K, 1226 Isabel Dr $1.2M, 5301-25 Sanibel-Captiva Rd $1.2M.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

1 closed sale: Marina Villas #708 2/2 $750K.

HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Another Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Posted on February 5, 2021 by SanibelSusan

Another Friday already is here, seems like the weeks are flying by. It has been one with chilly weather – night temperatures sometimes into the 40’s (degrees F) and rarely out of the 60’s during the day. As we hear of folks up north struggling with snow and frigid weather, we are thankful that even when island temperatures are low, our daytime skies remain sunny and bright. Makes me smile whenever the sky is blue! For locals, it also is a nice change to wear long sleeves, sweaters, and jackets. Bike paths, of course, still are full of riders and joggers in shorts and tee-shirts, and visitors making the most of their tropical vacations.

I took a ride out to South Seas Resort on Captiva this afternoon. Temperature had reached 70 degrees when I left Sanibel about 1 p.m. There didn’t seem to be a lot of visitors at the resort, but the ones I did see were enjoying the day. Redfish Pass was busy with boats and fishermen with clear skies and gulf/bay waters a vivid Caribbean blue. With my sunroof open, I heard birds chirping & kiddos giggling. By the time, I turned around, heading back to my Sanibel office, the temperature was up to 74 degrees F. Gotta love winter on a tropical island in SW Florida.

The weekly reports of the activity posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service follows a couple of news items below.

It’s a Sellers’ Market

With only a month on the books, the Sanibel/Captiva real estate market started with a bang. As inventory disappears, Realtor® colleagues, like us, are worried about what we will sell once inventory is gone. We are out beating the bushes looking for listings. If someone you know is thinking of selling, please refer them to The SanibelSusan Team.

Below is a snapshot of the islands’ statistics today (2/5/2021 from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands MLS), followed by a rundown of inventory of most popular property types. Due to the pandemic, those are mostly residential.

SANIBEL	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
SANIBEL	#	Avg Price $	DOM	#	Avg Price $	DOM	#	Avg Price $	DOM
Available	78	816,674	172	64	2,398,092	156	39	814,427	461
Under contract	45	805,193	140	58	1,091,601	165	21	751,926	443
Sold 2021 to-date	16	654,931	170	30	1,667,923	122	6	647,333	581
Sold 2020	192	733,876	174	288	951,487	162	23	606,233	393
Sold 2019	127	694,392	152	211	949,790	166	15	372,200	684

CAPTIVA	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
CAPTIVA	#	Avg Price $	DOM	#	Avg Price $	DOM	#	Avg Price $	DOM
Available	16	1,776,906	247	28	3,508,035	252	3	5,131,666	458
Under contract	11	770,772	253	10	4,700,599	205	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2021 to-date	4	1,446,250	47	6	2,432,950	334	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2020	47	821,713	134	27	2,923,148	315	4	2,537,500	248
Sold 2019	29	1,037,077	315	17	2,727,503	300	1	1,375,000	0

Homes on gulf: 15 for sale, seven on Captiva, eight on Sanibel. In last six months, ten sold (five on each island), average sale price $4,340,433.

Homes on bay: 10 for sale, five on each island. In last six months, six sold (two on Captiva, four on Sanibel), average sale price $3,328,750.

Homes with docks: 35 for sale, nine on Captiva, 26 on Sanibel. In last six months, 42 sold (seven on Captiva, 35 on Sanibel), average sale price $1,540,898.

Homes near-beach: 34 sale, 14 on Captiva, 20 on Sanibel. In last six months, 80 sold (eight on Captiva, 72 on Sanibel), average sale price $913,146.

Residential condos: 17 for sale, eight on Captiva, nine on Sanibel. In last six months, 26 sold (two on Captiva, 24 on Sanibel), average sale price $1,286,874.

Sanibel – COVID-19

The City declared State of Emergency, issued in response to COVID-19, has been extended by Mayor Mick Denham until February 9, 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 and shall remain in force and effect through the duration of the 7-day state of local emergency. Social distancing encouraged and group gatherings are to be avoided.

From Florida Department of Health, Sanibel’s total accumulative number of COVID-19 cases since March 26 through February 2 is 210 cases. This is the number of cases for zip code residents. It does not include Captiva and the many workers and visitors that come and go. MORE THAN HALF OF THESE CASES WERE IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. January was the highest with 69 cases. December had 50. PLEASE CONTINUE TO STAY VIGILANT.

Flood Insurance – When to Assume

Good article in today’s “Island Sun” by Angela Larson Roehl, with Rosier Insurance on Sanibel (info@rosierinsurance.com):

“The National Flood Insurance Program currently allows its flood policies to be assumed by new property owners if the current owner grants permission. The reason for a buyer to assume a seller’s flood insurance policy is to retain the current rated flood zone and void being rated from a higher rated flood zone. However, a buyer may choose to assume a flood policy in order to avoid the mandatory 30-day wait for flood insurance if there is not a lender requirement.

“The other reason a buyer may want to assume a flood policy is to avoid having a new flood elevation certificate done on the property should a flood elevation certificate not be available for a new flood policy to be rated.

“If a seller allows their flood insurance to be assumed, then they understand that any unearned premium they would have received via a refund will be paid to them by the buyer. Usually, the title company handling the closing will arrange the collection from the buyer.

“The flood policy being assumed keeps the original effective and expiration date.”

“Ding” Darling Starts Free Seasonal Tours

This week’s ““Ding” on the Wing” by the “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Society says “The Refuge has received the greenlight on offering socially distanced tours of 10 people or less. There’s no set schedule, so monitor the Eventbrite page to see what staff and volunteers are currently offering and to sign up for tours such as Birding the Refuge car caravan tour, Bailey Tract Tour, Bike Tour, and Beach Walk. Please bring your own binoculars and scopes. The next tour is a Beach Walk at Perry Tract/Gulfside City Park on Sunday, February 7, starting at 9 a.m.

Come on Down! Florida Attracts Retirees & Many More

This article was posted on-line Wed on FloridaRealtors®: By Erica Plemmons, economist & Director of Housing Statistics

“ORLANDO, Fla. – Americans from the Northeast and Midwest continued to go south and west in 2020, excluding an exodus from California where residents moved to less expensive neighboring states. Typically, Florida advertises its warmer climate, lack of state income tax and job opportunities. But other Southern states have some, if not all, of those qualities too.

“So, what draws movers to the Sunshine State? The United Van Lines 2020 Movers Study allows us to analyze who relocated to Florida, their reason for moving, and how Florida’s appeal compares to its peers. From an income standpoint, the study finds over two-thirds of movers to Florida answered that they earn over $100,000 per year, with 41.5% earning more than $150,000. Southern states (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Texas) show a similar trend.

“Likewise, outbound movers tend to indicate higher incomes. This finding likely comes from selection bias. Think about it: Not all relocators can afford to use moving services, or maybe they prefer to do-it-themselves. With that in mind, we can’t reliably infer flocks of wealth are entering or leaving states based on the income breakouts provided in the study.

“Of movers to Florida, 39% indicate retirement as their reason for moving. The state is the second highest for retirement (as a percentage) following Delaware, and South Carolina attracts a similar percentage of retirees to its state. But the other southern states diverge, with the main appeal of Texas, Tennessee and Georgia being job opportunities. North Carolina and Alabama fall somewhere in between; more people indicate relocating for a job, but a share is also moving for retirement.

“In the United Van Lines moving analysis, most movement between states is tied to jobs. But since retirees account for many of the moves, just 23% of new Floridians cite “a job” as their reason for coming to the Sunshine State, though that doesn’t mean Florida lacks employment opportunities. Texas surpassed Florida in both percentage and volume of inbound shipments from jobs in 2020. The rest of its southern peers have a larger percent of movement from jobs, yet only North Carolina and Georgia have a similar volume, with Tennessee trailing slightly.

“Florida also attracts people for lifestyle (21%) and family (17%). The age range of movers reflects what we would expect based on the reasons for changing location. Nearly 70% of those relocating to Florida are older than 55; 37% are 65 or older.

“The highest proportion of retirees moving out is from the northeastern states, like New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine and New York, as well as some Midwest areas.

“Allied Van Lines gives a peek at its migration trends between cities. These relocation trends aren’t limited to retirees. Coming into Florida, there’s movement from New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Philadelphia and Atlanta….”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity January 29-February 5, 2021

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sundial #J102 1/1 $499K, Loggerhead Cay #223 2/2 $594.5K, Lighthouse Point #221 2/2 $719K, Loggerhead Cay #523 2/2 $945K.

5 price changes: Sandalfoot #3C1 2/2 now $639.9K; Sunset South #10C 2/2 now $710K; Island Beach Club #210A 2/2 now $739K; Sanibel Arms West #D2 2/2 now $924,999; Pointe Santo #C3 3/2 now $1,099,999.

12 new sales: Spanish Cay #F2 1/1 listed at $325K, Casa Blanca #8 2/1 listed at $349K, Sundial #G406 1/1 listed at $519K, Mariner Pointe #732 2/2 listed at $559K, Sandpebble #2B 2/2 listed at $575K, Heron at The Sanctuary #2B 3/3.5 listed at $749.9K, Sandpiper Beach #303 2/2 listed at $825K, Kings Crown #104 2/2 listed at $999K (our listing), Sundial #P402 2/2 listed at $1.189M, Island Beach Club #230D 2/2 listed at $1.335M, Island Beach Club #220D 2/2 listed at $1.34M, Kings Crown #302 2/2 listed at $1.499M.

1 closed sale: Sanibel Surfside #124 2/2 $970K.

HOMES

5 new listings: 1657 Sabal Sands Rd 3/2 $805K, 3570 Bunny Ln 3/3 $869K, 1312 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $979K, 542 N. Yachtsman Dr 3/2 $1.229M, 9445 Beverly Ln 4/3 $1.495M.

6 price changes: 9254 Kincaid Ct 2/2 now $491.5K, 2441 Shop Rd 4/3.5 now $954K, 3910 Coquina Dr 6/4 now $1.75M, 775 Conch Ct 4/3 now $1.895M, 1680 Hibiscus Dr 3/3.5 now $1.975M, 6111 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 5/4/3 now $18.395M.

11 new sales: 9254 Kincaid Ct 2/2 listed at $491.5K, 3040 West Gulf Dr 3/2 listed at $679K, 223 Southwinds Dr 3/2 listed at $719K, 1430 Sanderling Cir 4/3.5 listed at $799K, 4202 Old Banyan Way 3/2 listed at $899.5K, 2313 Wulfert Rd 4/3 listed at $1.099M, 709 Pyrula Ave 3/3 listed at $1.125M, 3019 Poinciana Cir 5/3.5 listed at $1.195M, 1133 Buttonwood Ln 3/2.5 listed at $1.395M, 2479 Harbour Ln 4/3 listed at $1.795M, 4166 Dingman Dr 4/4 listed at $2.2M.

7 closed sales: 660 Oliva St 3/3 $805K; 5835 Pine Tree Dr 3/2 $834.5K; 1743 Venus Dr 4/3.5 $1.556M; 5771 Baltusrol Ct 3/4 $1,700,197; 5391 Shearwater Dr 3/3.5 $1.725M; 677 Anchor Dr 5/5.5 $1.895M; 1069 Bird Ln 4/3.5 $4.25M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 2310 Wulfert Rd $299K.

No price changes.

5 new sales: 2515 Wulfert Rd listed at $239.5K, 1313 Par View Dr listed at $324.9K, 2933 Wulfert Rd listed at $349K, 1292 Par View Dr listed at $349.9K, 1837 Buckthorn Ln listed at $499K.

2 closed sales: 2307 Wulfert Rd $160K, 2319 Wulfert Rd $160K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

3 new sales: Bayside Villas #4116 1/2 listed at $380K, Bayside Villas #4124 1/2 listed at $410K, Lands End #1637 2/2 listed at $1.495M.

2 closed sales: Tennis Villas #3125 1/1 $345K, Beach Homes #2 3/2 $1.7M.

HOMES

1 new listing: 11541 Laika Ln 4/4 $2.15M.

No price changes or new sales.

2 closed sales: 11431 Dickey Ln 3/2 $1.111M, 1119 Schefflera Ct 4/3.5 $5.8M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”. First another photo taken today of a peek at the marina at South Seas Resort. It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Counting Down to Christmas on Sunny Sanibel

Posted on December 18, 2020 by SanibelSusan

Ok, so it is sunny and bright but chilly and windy by island standards. Temperatures were only in the 50’s this morning and warmed up to 60 degrees F as I drove back to the office about 1:30 p.m. I took a little side trip up Dixie Beach Blvd to see how the water looks on San Carlos Bay. There have been a few reports of red tide mostly off shore and south of the islands, but the Army Corps of Engineers has reduced its Lake O releases so I bet between that and the breezes, things change. Can you tell from my photo that it’s a tad cool?

The SanibelSusan Team is counting down to Christmas, which is one of the few days that our office is closed. You can bet, however, that there will still be a Friday blog next week. Probably like yours, our individual 2020 Christmases will be different than any other year. We send good wishes that yours are safe, healthy, and happy! Below are a few photos from evening island spins. The first one is the bike path across the street from our office, followed by The Sanibel Community Church, and The Captiva House.

After a couple of news items is the action posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service since last Friday. We are happy that three of the week’s closings were our listings!

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Yesterday was the December Membership Meeting of the local Association of Realtors®. Held via Zoom, there were just a few attendees. Speaker was Juana Watkins, Esq., Florida Realtors Vice President of Law & Policy, & General Counsel. One item she addressed also was the subject of a recent article (posted below) by Meredith Caruso who is Associate General Counsel for Florida Realtors®. You may have heard about letters like this.

“Hot Topic at NAR Convention? Buyers’ ‘Love Letters’ – How can I get the seller to accept MY offer?”, buyers wonder in today’s heated, multiple-offer market. In some areas of the country, “love letters” – a note from buyer to seller praising the home – are common. But some of the letters may flirt with Fair Housing Act violations.

“ORLANDO, Fla. – The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Conference and Expo was held virtually this year, with meetings and events running from Nov. 2 to 18 – and many of the sessions involved discussions about buyer “love letters.” For those who aren’t aware of what I am referring to, “love letters” are written statements that accompany a potential buyer’s offer. While these types of letters are not in and of themselves illegal, it’s important to note that if done without careful consideration, it could end up being a Fair Housing Act (FHA) violation.

“How is this a possibility? Let’s examine a couple of examples of “love letters” – one that could be problematic with one that likely isn’t.

“Example 1: A buyer drafts a love letter that includes how excited the buyer is to raise a family in the home. They can’t wait to see future children excitedly running down the stairs on Christmas morning. Sounds harmless enough, doesn’t it? However, this buyer’s letter touches on two protected classes under the FHA: familial status and religion. Should a seller take these factors into account in arriving at a determination to accept the buyer’s offer, it could be a fair housing violation.

“Example 2: A buyer drafts a love letter that discusses the buyer’s love of the homes’ architectural features and the buyer’s appreciation of the various details of the home’s construction. Here, as the buyer solely focused on the property’s characteristics, none of which fall under a protected class, it’s likely not a fair housing violation.

“As agents, it’s important to remind consumers about fair housing issues if you see a potential problem on the horizon. While no agent is expected to explain the legal nuances of the Fair Housing Act, it may be wise to suggest a buyer or seller consult their personal attorney if either of the respective parties veer into potential FHA violation territory.”

Sanibel – COVID-19

Special City Council Meeting Dec 15 – Because of the nationwide increase in coronavirus cases, a special meeting was called to discuss the island’s COVID-19 safety measures and restrictions. Agenda items included:

Center-4-Life & Senior Center – which will remain closed with reconsideration in May.
More signage about masks on Sanibel.
Possibility extending the hours and footprint of the Sanibel Farmer Market if their visitor traffic increases as “season” gets underway.
Confirmed that the Mayor may enact changes quickly if needed to guard the health and welfare of citizens.

Florida Department of Health – reports that Sanibel’s total number of COVID-19 cases from March 26 through December 17 is 121. THAT INCLUDES 5 CASES REPORTED IN JUST ONE DAY THIS WEEK! Last week, there were 17. Never had there been a week with a number in the double-digits. The number of Sanibel cases in December through 17^th is 32, for November = 27. That means nearly half of the cases during the nine months of tracking, have been in the last few weeks. 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.

The Island Store Celebration

The Island Store at Captiva’s 4-way stop, on 11500 Andy Rosse Ln, recently celebrated its reopening with a ribbon-cutting. Purchased in 2018 by the Bailey family, owners of Bailey’s General Store on Sanibel, the store was completely renovated and restored. Built around 1915, the building became a grocery store in 1940 under the ownership of Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling. Remodeled to today’s safety and quality standards, the store retains historical charm while offering residents and visitors easy on-island shopping for groceries and spirits. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Stabilization Project Expanded for Causeway

As reported in today’s “Island Sun”: “A project planned to stabilize the shoreline along the Sanibel Causeway has been expanded to improve drainage, parking and amenities on both causeway islands. The Lee Board of County Commissioners recently voted to expand the project, accept a $4.25 million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation and allocated $2.4 million in tourism tax reserves for the project….” The project will “provide necessary erosion control structures and storm runoff by providing stabilization of the shoreline…will add beach sand, compacted shell and paved ADA parking spaces to Islands A and B and a picnic pavilion. Additional event parking areas and efforts to improve access to fishing on both sides of the islands are included.

“Construction is expected to begin with erosion control measures on Island B (closest to Sanibel) this summer, and all work will be completed by 2024. The total estimated cost to design, permit and construct the improvements and stabilize the shoreline is $8.5 million.”

Holiday Closings

At J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, The Visitor & Education Center and Refuge offices will be closed December 24, 25, and 31, and January 1. The Center’s restrooms will remain open during regular hours as will Wildlife Drive and its trails and Bailey Tract. Tarpon Bay Explorers also will remain open for normal operating hours except for Christmas, December 25, when it closes for the day.

Year-to-Date (through Dec 18) Sanibel Residential Real Estate Stats

	Condos		Homes		Lots
	#	Avg $*	#	Avg $*	#	Avg $*
For sale	88	825,292	72	1,874,126	54	879,735
Under contract	36	689,325	52	1,280,244	10	367,301
Sold/closed 2020	172	745,024	273	953,709	23	606,233
Sold/closed 2019	127	694,392	211	949,790	15	372,200
Sold/closed 2018	155	720,617	218	1,112,747	21	602,095

* Avg $ is average asking price for properties “For sale” & “Under contract”. Otherwise, average sale price.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity December 11 – 18, 2020

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sandy Bend #6 2/2 $1,027,007; Pointe Santo #C25 3/2 $1.125M; Sundial #T204 3/2 $1.2M; Sundial #P402 2/2 $1.25M.

6 price changes: Casa Blanca #8 2/1 now $349K, Mariner Pointe #731 2/2 now $525K, Cottage Colony West #101 1/1 now $575K, Loggerhead Cay #542 2/2 now $685K, Sanibel Inn #3512 2/2 now $725.5K, Pelicans Roost #106 2/2 now $929K.

1 new sale: Spanish Cay #A4 2/2 listed at $430K.

10 closed sales: Sundial #D309 1/1 $430K, Loggerhead Cay #332 2/2 $529K, Compass Point #232 2/2 $550K (our listing), Sandalfoot #2D2 2/2 $620K (our listing), Loggerhead Cay #532 2/2 $650K, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #1-4 3/3 $725K, Sundial #O405 2/2 $1.15M, Villas of Sanibel #B202 3/3 $1.85M, Sanibel Sunset #201 3/2 $2.195M, Plantation Village #B222 3/3 $2.275M

HOMES

5 new listings: 430 Old Trail Rd 3/2.5 $629K, 2010 Wild Lime Dr 4/4 $759K, 3960 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $1.079M, 829 Pyrula Ave 3/3 $1.295M, 5391 Shearwater Dr 3/3.5 $1.795M.

7 price changes: 956 Dixie Beach Blvd 2/1 now $449K; 610 Hideaway Ct 3/2.5 now $699K; 4397 Gulf Pines Dr 3/3 now $725K; 3935 Coquina Dr 4/3 now $849,950; 966 Kings Crown Dr 3/2 now $980K; 1308 Eagle Run Dr 4/4 now $1.549M; 5439 Osprey Ct 4/3 now $1.669M.

4 new sales: 753 Nerita St 3/2 listed at $579K, 705 Oliva St 3/2 listed at $875K, 1039 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 listed at $999K, 6101 Starling Way 3/3.5 listed at $1,148,990.

7 closed sales: 1645 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex $530K, 1142 Shell Basket Ln 3/2 $560K, 543 Boulder Dr 3/2 $784K, 250 Hurricane Ln 3/2.5 $875K, 1860 Ibis Ln 5/3 $905K, 1120 Olga Ave 3/2 $940K (our listing), 1717 Jewel Box Dr 3/3.5 $2.15M.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 1313 Par View Dr listed at $300K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

2 new sales: Tennis Villas #3125 1/1 listed at $349K, Marina Villas #703 2/2 listed at $759K.

3 closed sales: Gulf Beach Villas #2005 2/2 $755K, Beach Villas #2525 2/2 $760K, Ventura Beach #2B 3/3 $970K.

HOMES

No new listings.

2 price changes: 11431 Dickey Ln 3/2 now $1.1685M, 16189 Captiva Dr now $3.699M.

1 new sale: 956 South Seas Plantation Rd 6/6 listed at $4.995M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

Until next Friday, happy almost-Christmas! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Things are Hoppin’ On Sunny Sanibel

Posted on October 4, 2019 by SanibelSusan

Susan here, reporting a record-breaking weekend followed by a busy week at SanibelSusan Realty. Before those details, here are a few photos taken after I left the office last night. With no rain for several days, water and waterways surrounding the island are clear. These pictures in order include:

Tarpon Bay taken from next to SCCF’s Marine Lab and Tarpon Bay Explorers
Turner Beach looking toward the bridge to Sanibel and to the gulf
Roosevelt Channel to Pine Island Sound, taken from behind the Green Flash restaurant.

A combination of circumstances kept the SanibelSusan Team hoppin’ with three new sales, including the two properties we just listed last week. Sometimes when a new listing hits Multiple Listing Service (MLS), there are buyers waiting for a property like that. Often their Realtor also is watching new inventory for them.

There usually is a jump in interest too whenever an asking price is reduced under the next $100K mark. With most internet search engines having drop-down menus in those increments, once a price is reduced, the listing gets noticed by prospective buyers who may have not considered the property before because the price was out of their budget range.

Sellers sometimes think that their first offer is too soon. But, even in multiple offer situations, it usually makes sense to see the first offer through to the end. Statistics show that the 1^st offer often is the best offer. It also is important to recognize that sometimes there are terms as important as the price, like when the closing will occur, how serious the deposit is, Seller repair requirements, and what “outs” the contract has for the Buyer.

Getting a buyer to sign on the dotted line and negotiating the sale are just the first steps in getting a property sold. Working through contract contingencies often may be more challenging. Those may be things like the inspection/cancellation period in the “as is” contract. During that window, a buyer may view the property for the first time, have inspections, do due diligence on costs (like insurance, utilities, repairs), investigate making changes to the property (like adding a pool), or even change their mind.

The team tracks post-contract action items to ensure that they are successfully completed on time – things like escrow deposits, financing applications, applications to homeowners and condo associations, estoppel letter payments, appraisals, loan commitments, utility and service provider changes, etc.

The last seven days also brought us an unexpected and unusual number of hiccups with properties already under contract. I don’t know if that is what makes this business fun, but it certainly makes it interesting – ever changing – and reminds us that flexibility can be as crucial as follow-through.

The action posted since last Friday in the islands’ MLS is posted after a few news items below. We sure hope that this spurt of activity for us is an indication of what “season” will be like this year, but honestly, I think we just got lucky – and we are very thankful for it.

Sanibel’s Tax Rate Adopted – Lowest in Six Years!

Sanibel City Council recently took less than eight minutes to officially adopt the Fiscal Year 2020 budget. Approved and discussed at earlier budget hearings, the rolled back operating millage rate of 1.8922 mills is the lowest tax rate in the last six years. (A mill is $1 per every $1,000 of taxable valuation. The rolled back rate is the same rate it would take to generate the same amount of revenue in the coming fiscal year as was generated in the previous year.) The budget for the upcoming year is $73,266,546.

Mayor Ruane also noted that the millage rate is down 25% from its historical peak. Ruane explained that during the recession in 2007, the City’s total debt was high, and there were little reserves. In comparison, now, 12 years later, taxes are lower, reserves are replenished, the City has minimal debt that continues to drop off, and funds are available to allocate to large-scale projects like the Donax wastewater project.

Noteworthy from the budget is that Sanibel has received approximately $3.3 million of the $3.9 million expected from FEMA and the State of Florida for reimbursement of Hurricane Irma expenditures. If there are additional disaster needs through the end of hurricane season, the City has secured a $5 million line to use for immediate expenditures.

New Website – Sanibel Fire & Rescue District

In compliance with State mandates, Sanibel Fire & Rescue District recently launched its new website at www.SanibelFire.com. It includes meeting dates, agenda, minutes, etc.

Island “Season” Begins & With Annual Events

San-Cap Motor Club – The first Cars & Coffee Cruise-in of the season begins this week. Saturday, Oct 5 at Periwinkle Place Shopping Center from 9 to 11 a.m. with a lineup of classics, muscle cars, antiques, hot rods, and other vehicles on display. The Club usually holds this event the first Saturday of each month through season.
Sanibel Farmers Market – begins this week. See you there Sunday, Oct 6, on the grounds of City Hall (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Be sure and bring your recyclable bag – or buy one there. The market is both straw and plastic bag free! More info at www.BuyLocalLee.com
BIG ARTS Community Chorus – fall schedule runs from Oct 15 to Dec 9. While the new BIG ARTS building is under construction, chorus meets Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Strauss Theater. Join SanibelSusan who’s been with the group since it began in the early 90’s. No auditions are required, all ages and abilities welcome. Fall performances include: Sunday, Nov 24 at Community Thanksgiving Celebration at The Community House; Friday, Dec 6 at Center-4-Life Luncheon at the Sanibel Rec Center; Friday, Dec 6 at Bailey’s Shopping Center for Luminary caroling; Tuesday, Dec 10 Holiday Concert. The spring schedule runs from Jan 7 to Mar 31, with rehearsals beginning Jan 28 at the new Performance Hall. Spring performances include: Saturday, Jan 25 at BIG ARTS Gala showcasing the new building and performance hall; Wednesday, Feb 19 at Annual FISH Luncheon at The Community House; Thursday, Mar 19 at Center-4-Life Dinner at The Sanibel Rec Center; Wednesday & Thursday, Apr 1 & 2 Spring Concerts at new BIG ARTS Performance Hall.
Howl-O-Ween Fundraiser – Friday, Oct 27, 5 to 7 p.m. at Over Easy Café patio. Includes pet costume contest and fundraiser to benefit Flying Fur Animal Rescue. $10 donation includes beer, wine, and yappitizers.
38^th Annual Taste of the Islands – CROW’s annual fundraiser featuring local island restaurants is Sunday, Nov 10 from noon to 5 p.m. at Sanibel Community Park (across the street from SanibelSusan Realty). Established in 1968, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is a teaching hospital saving sick, injured, and orphaned native and migratory wildlife. Through state-of-the-art veterinary care, public education, and an engaging visitor center, CROW works to improve the health of the environment, humans and animals through wildlife medicine. For more info, or to plan your visit, go to http://crowclinic.org . If you find an animal needing help, call (239) 472-3644 ext. #222.
SCCF’s Wine in the Wild – Friday, Nov 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Bailey Homestead Preserve. Usually a sell-out, tickets will NOT be available at the door. Five food stations will be set up each featuring a dish from one of Sanibel’s finest kitchens – Catering by Leslie Adams, Cielo, Malia, Sanibel Catering Company, and Sweet Melissa’s Café. Each will be paired with a wine. Dessert buffet by Normal Love confections, followed by live auction. Reservations through Linda Uhler at 239-472-3817.

Upcoming at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Every Kid Outdoors Program – The U.S. Department of Interior recently extended the Every Kid Outdoors Program (formerly Every Kid in a Park) for another seven years. The program grants fourth-grade students a free annual pass to visit more than 2,000 federal recreation areas – including J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge — with their families, classmates, and friends. To obtain the free pass, fourth-grade students visit www.everykidoutdoors.gov , participate in a short educational activity, and download a voucher. The voucher is valid for multiple uses between Sep 1, 2019, and Aug 31, 2020, to correspond to the traditional school year. The voucher may be exchanged for a keepsake pass at “Ding” Darling or other participating federal lands. The voucher or pass allows free entry for fourth graders, all children under age 16 in the group, and up to three accompanying adults (or an entire car for drive-in public lands like “Ding”) to most federally managed lands and waters. The pass does not cover amenity fees such as kayak rentals or boat rides.
‘Ding’ Day Combines Art with Family Fun – Two-time Federal Duck Stamp winner Scot Storm will travel from Minnesota to headline the “Ding” Darling Day Duck Stamp Presentation on Sunday, Oct 20, from 1 to 1:45 p.m. He will sign stamps following his presentation. Florida Junior Duck Stamp winner Anna Grace Swanson from Titusville will also be on hand to meet and greet. “This year, we have folded Conservation Art Day together with ‘Ding’ Darling Day Family Fun Day,” said Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland. Go to www.dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/ding-darling-days for a full schedule of activities.
Merit Badge University – On Oct 26, the Refuge will host its second annual Merit Badge University for registered Boy Scouts of America. Support for the program comes from the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, LCEC, and Tarpon Bay Explorers, the Refuge’s recreation concession. Scouts from around the nation will have the opportunity to earn up to two out of six badges being offered that day. They include Bird Study, Photography, Cycling, Kayaking, Fishing, and Fly Fishing. Class sessions run from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity September 27 – October 4, 2019

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Sanibel Shores #A2 2/2 $459K, Sanibel Arms West #H5 2/2 $559K.

5 price changes: Sundial #A306 2/2 now $729,999; Sanctuary Golf Villages #5-1 2/2.5 now $754.5K; Heron at The Sanctuary II #2B 3/3.5 now $778K, Heron at The Sanctuary II #3B 3/2.5 now $850K, Sundial #K103 2/2 now $889K.

3 new sales Breakers West #A5 2/2 listed at $499.9K, Island Beach Club #210B 2/2 listed at $739K. Pine Cove #201 3/2 listed at $1.395M (our listing, view below).

1 closed sale: Sundial #I103 1/1 $435K.

HOMES

8 new listings: 9440 Cotten Ct 3/2 $650K, 749 Cardium St 3/2 $689K, 4397 Gulf Pines Dr 3/3 $795K, 9094 Mockingbird Dr 4/3.5 $895K, 1345 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 $1.12M, 1081 Captains Walk St 4/2.5 $1.195M, 1717 Venus Dr 3/2.5 $1.299M, 747 Windlass Way 4/3.5 $2.45M.

3 price changes: 9448 Begonia Ct 3/2.5 now $599K (our listing, pictured below), 1973 Wild Lime Dr 4/3 now $599.9K, 911 Almas Ct 3/2.5 now $1.375M.

6 new sales: 1365 Tahiti Dr 2/2 listed at $449K (our listing, pictured below), 1695 Serenity Ln 3/2 listed at $499K, 1731 Serenity Ln 4/3 listed at $639K, 1586 Century Ct 3/2.5 listed at $665K, 4080 West Gulf Dr 3/2 listed at $995K (our buyer), 772 Birdie View Pt 3/3.5 listed at $1.189M.

1 closed sale: 980 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 half-duplex $509K.

LOTS

3 new listings: 1872 Middle Gulf Dr $495K, 2299 Starfish Ln $549K, 1874 Middle Gulf Dr $979K.

1 price change: 1048 Fish Crow Rd now $394.9K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 0 Dinkins Lake Rd $240K.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Beach Homes #11 4/3 $2.35M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Gulf Beach Villas #2004 2/2 listed at $638K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 10 Sunset Captiva Ln 2/2.5 $995K.

1 price change: 15819 Captiva Dr 5/5 now $9.1M.

1 new sale: 14981 Binder Dr 3/3 listed at $995K.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday! If you are thinking about wintering on Sanibel, please don’t delay buying or making reservations.

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Island-Style Valentine Sights

Posted on February 9, 2018 by SanibelSusan

Manatee mailbox Dolphin mailbox both mailboxes It’s SanibelSusan, reporting another fine Friday here. This one, wrapping up a week of fantastic Florida winter weather. After expecting temperatures to be in only the low 70’s, locals and visitors have been “out and about” happily enjoying sunny days, with temperatures almost setting records – into the low 80’s.

Early this afternoon, my car registered 82 degrees as I drove down Periwinkle Way. On my return, because of the traffic, I elected to go “the back way” and saw a sight that made me smile. Near one of the bends just off East Gulf Drive are two mailboxes across the street from each other with those big concrete-looking bases – one is a manatee and the other a dolphin. Here they are in their adorable Valentine’s garb. These island neighbors sure have the holiday spirit.

With Southwest Florida so nice and the news reporting ice, snow, sub-zero temperatures, and pile-ups in the northern states, I have been hit up several times this week with folks looking for help in finding last minute island accommodations. (Some are even having trouble looking for February and March next winter!) Very little is available for long-term stays, so we are trying hard to convince some of those folks to buy. We’ve got some listings with excellent income that could help pay the way when you aren’t using the property yourself.

The action posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service since last Friday follows a couple of news items below.

NFIP Extended For Six Weeks – to March 23

Posted today by “Florida Realtors®” on line:

“As part of the just-passed continuing resolution to keep the government open, the National Flood Insurance Program now won’t expire until March 23, 2018.

“While the legislation only extends government operations for six weeks – including NFIP – Congress agreed to some long-term changes, including $90 billion in assistance for post-hurricane cleanup in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico.

“While the national flood insurance program isn’t a direct part of federal funding, its future has been tied to it recently because the flood insurance extension has been voted on alongside the larger spending packages.

“For at least the next six weeks, however, homebuyers and sellers in flood zones can stop worrying about the loss of flood insurance derailing their transaction.”

What’s Happening at Island Inn

island inn matthews suites If you’ve recently driven down West Gulf Drive, you may have noticed the construction at Island Inn. The historic Island Inn, the oldest hotel on Sanibel (established in 1895) began their latest multi-million-dollar investment last year when construction began to replace the Matthews Lodge, a 12-unit concrete-block building built in 1961. This week, they announced the opening of the new Matthews Lodge Luxury Suites (their photo above) which are 12 new 600 sq. ft. accommodations. Benchmark General Contractors was the builder. For more info on the Island Inn, Traditions on the Beach, or the new gulf-view luxury suites, visit www.islandinn.com.

Upcoming Events

16^th Sanibel-Captiva Art League “Clothesline Sale”, Sunday, Feb 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Community House, with ~30 artists participating. Some of these artists also feature their work at monthly events just outside Bailey’s General Store. Called “Art on the Veranda”, they will be there tomorrow, Feb 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Livingston Taylor – at South Seas Resort, Sunday, Feb 18 from 8 to 10 p.m. Doors open at 7. Tickets at www.livingstontaylorsouthseas.eventbrite.com.
25^th Annual Children’s Education Center of the Islands “Spring Festival” – Thinking ahead, if you have children or grands coming to town for Easter you might want to put this event on your calendar: Saturday, Mar 31 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Sanibel Community Park (next to The Community House).

How Fast Can Home Prices Rise?

In last week’s update from the recent economic analysis presentation at Florida Realtors’® Governance Meetings, it recounted how Lee county is one of the few areas in the state where the supply of residential real estate is greater than demand. An article posted yesterday on FloridaRealtors.org further describes what is happening to home prices throughout the rest of the U.S., with some cities breaking price records.

Strong demand and low inventories fueled home prices to record highs in 2017. The median home price in the U.S. reached $235,000, up 8.3% from 2016, according to real estate data firm ATTOM Data Solutions.

“Still, annual price appreciation showed signs of slowing; in 2016, the national median home price jumped 8.5% year over year, according to ATTOM’s latest housing report.

“Sixty-four of 112 metros (57%) set a new record for metro-level home prices in 2017, including Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and San Francisco. Among 112 metros, each with populations of 200,000 or more, the cities with the biggest year-over-year price increases were Ocala, Fla. (up 14.3%); Kansas City, Mo. (13.4%); San Jose, Calif. (13.3%); Salem, Ore. (12.9%); and Nashville, Tenn. (12.5%).

“Among major metro areas with populations of at least 1 million, the cities that posted double-digit gains included Las Vegas (up 12.3%); Salt Lake City (10.9%); Seattle (10.8%); Orlando, Fla. (10.7%); Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla. (10.7%); Portland, Ore. (10.5%); and Jacksonville, Fla. (10.1%).

“Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach also ranked in the 1-million-plus category, with the area’s 2017 price rise at 8.9%.”

Webcam Back Up At “Ding” Darling

Paul collins roseate 04-13-14

As reported in the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society Newsletter dated February 8, 2018.

“Our live Refuge Webcam, which was damaged by Hurricane Irma, is back up and running better than ever. The solar-powered camera broadcasts live scenes from the Wildlife Drive observation tower during daylight hours. So, now when you need your Refuge “fix,” just head to our home page and click on the live cam. It’s the next best thing to being here in person.”

Right to Inspect: The Devil is in the Details

Though written to help Realtors®, the below article posted on Florida Realtors® this week by their COO and General Counsel (& fellow New Englander), Margy Grant, has good info for buyers and sellers too.

“Feb. 5, 2018 – One of the most common clauses buyers utilize when submitting an offer to purchase real estate is the “right to inspect.” Based on the number of calls to the Florida Realtors Legal Hotline, this also is one of the most misunderstood clauses – and one that could have serious consequences for buyers and sellers if it is not interpreted and enforced correctly.

“In the “As Is” Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase approved by Florida Realtors® and The Florida Bar – the purchase contract most commonly used by members – the right to inspect clause contains the language “in the Buyer’s sole discretion.” This phrase is intended to mean that a buyer may cancel the purchase contract at any time during the inspection period for any reason. Occasionally, Realtors confuse this language. They interpret it to mean a buyer is required to discover a defect in the property or structure and only then is entitled to cancel. This is incorrect.

“A buyer may terminate the contract by delivering written notice to the seller for any reason, even something as minor as the color of paint in a bedroom. However, to be binding, the notification has to be made prior to the expiration of the inspection period.

“Another issue that is often misunderstood is the process for renegotiating a contract before enacting the right to terminate.

“Let’s say you are representing buyers who have signed a contract to purchase a home. An inspection has revealed the roof is aged and leaking in one section. Your buyers still want to buy the house; however, they want the seller to either fix the roof or reduce the purchase price to reflect the repair amount. Otherwise, they will have to cancel.

“Simply contacting the listing broker to communicate the problem does not constitute a cancellation under this section of the contract. If a buyer wishes to renegotiate then you, as the buyer’s Realtor, need to provide specific information to the listing broker. Explain exactly what the buyers want and explicitly say that if the seller refuses, then the buyers intend to cancel under the inspection clause of the contract.

If you fail to accurately explain what the buyers want as a remedy, and the seller does not respond before the time to inspect the property lapses, your buyers may be in jeopardy of losing their deposit.

“How do you as a Realtor protect yourself from situations like this? Simple: Communicate and watch the calendar. In writing, explicitly explain to the listing broker what your buyers want from the seller. At the same time, make sure your buyers do not miss the deadline to cancel the agreement if the parties cannot agree on repairs or a reduction in purchase price. Remember: The “As Is” form contract is calculated on calendar days, not business days.

“Real estate contracts vary in terms of when a buyer or seller can amend or cancel. You should carefully review each contract’s right to inspect clause. In the event there is confusion about which day is the final date to cancel, you should contact the other side and make sure everyone is in agreement. But when in doubt, err on the side of the earlier date to protect yourself and your buyer.

“In most transactions, a buyer wants to buy and a seller wants to sell, so approach all negotiations positively and work toward a sale. But, at the same time, take precautions to make sure you do not inadvertently put the buyer’s deposit at risk.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 2-9, 2018

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Blind Pass #E207 2/2.5 $429K.

4 price changes: Mariner Pointe #1061 2/2 now $574.9K (our listing), Cottage Colony West #101 1/1 now $630K, High Tide #C101 2/2 now $899K, Plantation Village #312 3/2.5 now $1.69M.

5 new sales: Tennisplace #E33 2/1 listed at $320K, Sundial West #F308 1/1 listed at $439K, Loggerhead Cay #402 2/2 listed at $580K, Sandpiper Beach #302 2/2 listed at $850K, By-The-Sea #B202 2/2 listed at $1.249M.

No closed sales.

HOMES

6 new listings: 962 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $639K, 9225 Belding Dr 3/2 $650K, 753 Cardium St 3/2 $679K, 610 Hideaway Ct 3/2.5 $689K, 1582 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $699K, 2969 Wulfert Rd 6/6/2 $1.995M.

15 price changes: 813 Rabbit Rd 2/2 now $439K, 1717 Atlanta Plaza Dr 2/2 now $460K, 6143 Henderson Rd 4/3 now $468.5K, 3043 Poinciana Cir 4/2 now $549K, 5280 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/3 now $675K, 1342 Junonia St 3/3 now $679K, 1450 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $769K, 1245 Anhinga Ln 3/2 now $829K, 9028 Mockingbird Dr 4/3 now $879K, 1114 Captains Walk St 3/3 now $899K, 940 Spoonbill Ct 3/2.5 now $1.095M, 6123 Starling Way 3/2.5 now $1.174M, 500 Periwinkle Way 3/3 now $1.195M, 2689 Wulfert Rd 4/6.5 now $1.994M, 3615 West Gulf Dr 3/2 now $3.1M.

5 new sales: 9446 Yucca Ct 3/2 listed at $545K, 3323 Twin Lakes Ln 3/3 listed at $787K, 3010 West Gulf Dr 3/2 listed at $799K, 2939 Wulfert Rd 5/5/2 listed at $1.349M, 747 Windlass Way 4/3.5 listed at $2.295M.

4 closed sales: 915 Palm St 3/2 $445K, 1807 Buckthorn Ln 3/2.5 $615K, 1314 Par View Dr 3/2 $750K, 1255 Isabel Dr 3/3 $1.615M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 976 Whelk Dr $699K.

3 price changes: 4566 Buck Key Rd now $159K, 1550 Centre St now $205K, 1800 Woodring Rd now $2.695M.

2 new sales: 2626 Coconut Dr listed at $379K, 4767 Tradewinds Dr listed at $1.75M.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

2 new listings: Beach Villas #2625 2/2 $645K, Lands End Village #1608 3/3 $2.595M.

No price changes or new sales.

1 closed sale: Lands End Village #1657 2/2 $1.06M.

HOMES

1 new listing: 17030 Captiva Dr 6/7.5 $10M.

1 price change: 11531 Paige Ct 4/3.5 now $3.45M.

1 new sale: 11521 Andy Rosse Ln 7/8 listed at $2.799M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Here’s hoping that you and your Valentines have a great week!

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan

Happy New Year From Sanibel

Posted on December 29, 2017 by SanibelSusan

We have enjoyed another week of nice weather here on Sanibel. Today and into the New Year we are expecting a “cool front” with morning lows in the 50’s (later next week to be in the 40’s) & the afternoons warming to the mid 60’s, low 70’s. Lots of people this week, walking, biking, & filling up the roads. Here at the office we know when it is 3:30, as the cars are stopped on the road out front.

New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge

On Monday, January 1, the Sanibel-Captiva Chapter of the National Polar Bear Club will hold its 18th annual meeting at “the crack of noon” at Tarpon Bay Beach (the south/gulf end of Tarpon Bay Road). The meeting will begin with the singing of the traditional Polar Bear anthem by the Cubbies (first-timers), Juveniles (one-time previous dippers) and seasoned Adult bears (those who took the plunge in previous years). Following the anthem, the Polar Bears will enter the “icy” gulf waters. Everyone is welcome. Chairs and coolers are optional.

Sanibel Library Earns Award

sanibel library This year marks the fourth time the Sanibel public library has been recognized as one of the best libraries in the country by Library Journal. The rating is based on the number of people walking through the library’s doors, number of program attendees and the number of books checked out. The rating is also based on electronic material.

“Ding” Darling Announces 2018 Film Series

The sixth annual “Ding” Darling Wednesday Film Series kicks off its bi-weekly showings this winter with a schedule of seven films that explore natural facets from pollinators and coral to wild Florida and the war on coal. It runs Jan. 10 through April 4.“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge hosts the free film showings in the “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center with sponsorship from Sanibel-Captiva Beach Resorts. Seating is limited and on a first-come basis.

Below are the season’s scheduled films. All films begin at 1 p.m. except the Jan. 24 film, which airs at 10a.m. A short discussion will follow each film to allow visitors to gain more from their documentary-viewing experience by listening to other people’s points of view and analyzing what they just watched. For full descriptions of the films, please visit www.dingdarlingsociety.org

Jan. 10 – Wings of Life

Jan. 24 – Tapped

Feb. 7 – From the Ashes

Feb. 21 – Chasing Coral

March 7 – The Forgotten Coast: Return to Wild Florida

Mach 21 – Mission Blue

April 4 – STRAWS

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity December 22-29, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Sundial West #F308 1/1 $439K.

No price changes.

3 new sales: Sanibel Moorings #1221 3/2.5 listed at $1.095M, White Sands #32 2/2.5 listed at $1.095M, Bandy Beach #A101 3/2 listed at $1.299M (our Buyer).

1 closed sale: Captains Walk #A8 2/2 $347K.

HOMES

2 new listings: 5299 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2.5 $539K, 5411 Osprey Ct 3/2 $1.295M.

2 price changes: 563 Hideaway Ct 3/2 now $699K, 4460 Waters Edge Ln 3/2 now $898K.

3 new sales: 1394 Middle Gulf Dr half-duplex listed at $524.9K, 1943 Sanibel Bayou Rd 3/3 listed at $649.9K, 5743 Baltusrol Ct 3/3/2 listed at $1.495M.

6 closed sales: 1390 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 half-duplex $430K, 1187 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $635K, 2030 Sunrise Cir 3/3 $605K, 1195 Par View Dr 3/2.5 $1M, 519 Kinzie Island Ct 3/2.5 $1.25M, 750 Periwinkle Way 5/4 $1.49M.

LOTS

2 new listings: 4538 Bowen Bayou Rd $258K, 1817 Long Point Ln $399,555.

2 price changes: 5116 Sea Bell Rd now $169.5K, 5126 Sea Bell Rd now $169.5K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: Captiva Shores #4B 3/2.5 listed at $1.495M.

No closed sales.

HOMES

4 new listings: 41 Oster Ct 2/2.5 $1.085M, 16163 Captiva Dr 3/2 $2.795M, 1124 Longifolia Ct 4/5 $4.3M, 15867 Captiva Dr 3/3.5 $4.895M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 11526 Laika Ln 4/4 duplex listed at $1.749M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Happy New Year!

Elise for The SanibelSusan Team

Merry Christmas from Sanibel

Posted on December 22, 2017 by SanibelSusan

It’s been a beautiful weather week, some fog in the early mornings, but with sunny skies every day. The Christmas Eve & Christmas Day forecasts look just as nice & sunny.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

As a reminder, there was no Realtor® Caravan this week, but the every-Thursday-morning schedule begins again on Dec 28 with a West Caravan.

Free Refuge Programs and Tours Begin In January

This year, JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge adds a new Horseshoe Crab program to its calendar of daily free tours and activities. The seasonal calendar of free programs and tours begins on Tuesday, January 2 and runs through April 8. Daily programs begin at 8:30 a.m. and include programs such as Nature Photography, Beach Walk, Birds of Prey, and Indigo Trail Walk. They have something for visitors of all ages and the programs/tours last anywhere from a half hour to two hours. For a full calendar of programs/tours and descriptions, visit http://www.dingdarlingsociety.org

Rent Tax Reduced Beginning January 1, 2018

Here is an article written by Henderson Franklin, Attorneys at Law:

The Florida Legislature recently delivered a small win for the business community with Florida House Bill 7109. Effective January 1, 2018, Florida Statute 212.031(1)(c) is amended by lowering the sales tax levied against commercial tenants from 6% to 5.8%. A more significant decrease would have been better, but commercial tenants will take what they can get, we suspect. The tax – known as the Business Rent Tax or “the BRT” – affects commercial tenants including retail, office space, and industrial tenants.

What is the BRT?

The Florida Legislature enacted the BRT in 1969, declaring that the business of renting, leasing, letting or granting a license for the use of commercial real property is a “taxable privilege.” In part because Florida has no personal income tax, the state government relies on sales taxes, including the BRT, as a significant source of revenue. Many local governments also impose a local option sales tax on top of the state BRT.

Florida is the only state to levy a statewide tax against commercial tenants, and thereby creates a competitive disadvantage for Florida businesses that lease rather than own their commercial space.

House Bill 7109

Florida’s BRT is unique from a national perspective in two respects: not only is it the only standard, statewide sales tax on commercial real estate rents, but unlike other corporate taxes, it is not pegged to profitability. As a result, the BRT significantly raises occupancy costs on all commercial tenants, regardless of their financial condition. New and/or struggling businesses in Florida may have the greatest difficulty with the burden this tax creates, and these businesses are likely to benefit the most from the tax relief in House Bill 7109.

Takeaway

Many voices within Florida’s business community have pushed for years for steep cuts to the BRT and, beginning in 2018, start to see their lobbying efforts bear fruit. Considering the significant impact the tax has on occupancy costs, the BRT should continue to be the subject of considerable debate in Tallahassee. As with all tax matters, please consult with your tax professional.

You Can Inherit A Home, But You Can’t Inherit Taxes

Here is a helpful article posted at FloridaRealtors®. This one on Dec 18, 2017 is credited to Marty Kiar, Broward County property appraiser.

“The family home often passes from generation to generation as parents pass on, but Broward County’s property appraiser says he often gets a similar question the following year: Why did my property taxes go up so much?

“This happens when the decedent’s Homestead Exemption is removed the year following their passing and the Save Our Homes value is reset,” says Broward’s Marty Kiar. While alive, the parents had a cap on the amount their property taxes could go up each year thanks to Florida’s homestead exemption.

However, that protection ends and the house’s taxable value resets when it gets a new owner, even if that new owner inherited the house from his or her parents. In some cases, that higher taxable value can be dramatic.

Kiar notes only a few exceptions: A surviving spouse can inherit a house as well as the existing tax savings via Save Our Homes, as can a “legal dependent who was permanently residing on the property at the time of the decedent’s death.”

In all other cases, the new owner – even if he or she grew up in that house – must file for a new Homestead Exemption when they become the legal owner. Once filed, they also then have protection from yearly increases through Save Our Homes, though going forward it’s based on the first year they applied for the Homestead Exemption.”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity December 15-22, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

7 new listings: Spanish Cay #4 2/2 $374K, Sundial West #G105 1/1 $425K, Blind Pass #B211 2/2 $469K, Sunset South #1A 2/2 $775K, Loggerhead Cay #134 2/2 $995K, Tanglewood #1A 3/2 $1.149M, Atrium #201 3/3 $1.495M.

3 price changes: Sundial West #G204 2/2 now $649,999; Island Beach Club #220E 2/2 now $979K; Pointe Santo #E23 2/2 now $995K.

2 new sales: Sundial West #G105 1/1 listed at $425K, Sundial West #J207 2/2 listed at $695K.

6 closed sales: Seashells #44 2/2 $320K, Captians Walk #B5 2/1 $340K, Sundial West #C306 1/1 $404.5K, Blind Pass #B207 2/2.5 $469K, Sanibel Arms West #G8 2/2 $475K, Bougainvillea #A3 4/4 $3.55M.

HOMES

12 new listings: 1613 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex $499K, 1027 Sand Castle Rd 2/2 $575K, 693 Rabbit Rd 3/2 $579K, 2521 Key Lime Pl 3/2 $599K, 1357 Jamaica Dr 2/3 duplex $650K, 1521 Wilton Ln 3/2 $784.5K, 4791 Rue Helene 3/2 $875K, 1106 Buttonwood Ln 3/2 $1.2M, 4166 Dingman Dr 4/4 $2.9M, 772 Birdie View Pt 3/3.5 $1.395M, 1035 Kings Crown Dr 4/3 $1.7495M, 1191 Bird Ln 5/4.5 $7.9M.

5 price changes: 667 Spartina Ct 3/2 now $619,555; 5299 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/3 now $648K; 1656 Middle Gulf Dr 3/4 now $990K; 5403 Shearwater Dr 4/3 now $1.195M; 2939 Wulfert Rd 5/5/2 now $1.349M.

9 new sales: 915 Palm St 3/2 listed at $475K, 3273 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 listed at $825K, 3358 Saint Kilda Rd 3/3 listed at $979K, 932 Whelk Dr 3/3 listed at $1.224M, 899 Almas Ct 3/2 listed at $1.249M, 2441 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 listed at $1.295M, 2190 Starfish Ln 3/3 listed at $1.395M, 1525 San Carlos Bay Dr 3/2 listed at $1.675M, 267 Ferry Landing Dr 3/2 listed at $1.795M.

1 closed sale: 4775 Rue Helene 4/3 $737.5K.

LOTS

1 new listings: 2987 Wulfert Rd $450K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 1311 Par View Dr listed at $274K.

1 closed sale: 461 Lake Murex Cir $325K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Sunset Captiva #302 4/3 now $2.895M.

2 new sales: Tennis Villas #3210 1/1 listed at $300K, Lands End Village #1657 2/2 listed at $1.095M

1 closed sale: Lands End Village #1660 3/3 $1.5375M.

HOMES

2 new listings: 11526 Laika Ln 4/4 duplex $1.749M, 16814 Captiva Dr 5/5.5 $8.2M.

2 price changes: 16163 Captiva Dr 3/2 now $2.795M, 16447 Captiva Dr 6/5/2 now $3.599M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Santa on Beach

Wishing You & Your Family A Happy Holiday Weekend!

Elise for The SanibelSusan Team

Wrapping Up “High Season” on Sunny Sanibel & Captiva

Posted on April 21, 2017 by SanibelSusan

Time for another Friday update from Susan and The SanibelSusan Team.

What a change here this week. Like magic as April 15 rolled around, the islands thinned out and traffic lessened, though the weather remains sunny and summerlike – mostly high-70’s low-80’s all week.

Many vacationing families continue to enjoy the bike paths, waterways, and beaches (spring break for several out-of-state schools), but if my “busy” gauge is how long it takes to drive from the office to my home either mid-day or during Sanibel rush hour, things here are back to what I call “normal”. I made the trip in nine minutes twice this week! (Compared to a record 1-1/2 hours on Presidents’ Day.)

Tomorrow is officially what is considered the end of “high season”, while accommodations over the next few weeks charge what are called “shoulder rates” for those looking to stay for less than in the winter. Later, “summer” rental rates will be even lower.

Seasoned visitors and locals often describe May as one of the best months on the islands – being just after the winter rush, but before schools are out. May weather often is some of the best since the rainy season isn’t in full swing, yet flowers are blooming and beach water is clear with sea turtles just beginning to nest.

Here are a few photos of what is flowering at my home. Great that longer days mean I get to enjoy the pink explosion when I get home. Can you tell I like that color? Had to compromise with the gardenia.

At Sanibel Susan Realty Associates

SanibelSusan Realty from Periwinkle Way All’s well at SanibelSusan Realty, where we are finalizing things on three closings scheduled to occur next week and got another listing under contract. I was out showing a few times this week, including one on Easter Sunday afternoon – whatever it takes!

Teammate Dave held several open houses and we’ve opened some listings for showings too. Teammate Elise’s report with the details of the week’s Multiple Listing Service action follows a few news items below.

Next week, we will be working on updating data for our big post-season inventory mailout that will go to the printer in early May. It goes out to all island property owners and prospective buyers. Favored by many since it reflects current inventory as well as many “season” sale prices, if you are not already on our mailing list and would like a copy, please let us know.

High “season” may be winding down, but we have been in this business long enough to know that the next wave of buyers will be the serious ones who did not find exactly what they want to buy in “season” and they know that returning during the “shoulder” weeks is one of the easiest time to view properties – particularly those in rental programs. They know it’s a good time to make offers too. We are ready.

April Membership Meeting – Sanibel/Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Yesterday’s Sanibel & Captiva Island Association of Realtors® monthly membership meeting was well attended, but only a handful of new listings were on the Caravan schedule that followed. Next month (May), the caravan meetings which are held every week in “season”, revert to a summer schedule – or every other week. Summer caravans also are not restricted to either east-end or west-end. When the traveling is easier, caravans are open to both islands. Upcoming caravans will be on the following Thursdays: May 4, May 18, and June 1, from 9 a.m. until noon.

Remodeling – Choosing/Replacing Windows – The meeting speakers were affiliate member business partners, Jeff Carroll with Tradewinds Custom Homes and Arthur Monahan with Seacoast Cottage Company. They each provided a short presentation on choosing/replacing/remodeling windows.

With most island owners buying for vacations, investment, or a 2^nd or 3^rd home, Jeff mentioned that he often hears new consumers, unfamiliar with Florida construction, say that they don’t really need good windows down here because “it’s not that cold”. He said, what they don’t yet realize is that “it is that hot”.

He also remarked that many buyers, new to the area will say that they expect to have their windows closed for just a couple of months each year, when in reality, he said that most will find out that they will only keep their windows open for eight to ten weeks, at best.

Art offered a hand-out with the following issues to consider when considering windows:

Insurance
Building Code (energy efficiency, turtle-friendly, 50% rule on remodels)
Cost (style, size, coatings, frames, manufacturers)

Here is some other info from his handout.

“Manufacturers:

PGT $
CGI $$
Anderson $$$
Pella $$$$

“With window frame types, always consider the warranty period when making a decision about frame type:

Aluminum or metal – Although very strong, light, and almost maintenance free, metal or aluminum or metal frames conduct heat very rapidly, which makes metal a very pool insulating material. To reduce heat flow and the U-factor, metal frames should have a thermal break – an insulating plastic strip placed between the inside and outside of the frame and sash.
Composite – Composite window frames consist of composite wood products, such as particleboard and laminated strand lumber. These composites are very stable, they have the same or better structural and thermal properties as conventional wood, and they have better moisture and decay resistance.
Fiberglass – Fiberglass window frames are dimensionally stable and have air cavities that can be filled with insulation giving them superior thermal performance compared to wood or uninsulated vinyl.
Vinyl – Vinyl window frames are usually made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with ultraviolet light (UV) stabilizers to keep sunlight from breaking down the material. Vinyl window frames do not require painting and have good moisture resistance. The hallow cavities of vinyl frames can be filled with insulation, which makes them thermally superior to standard vinyl and wood frames.
Wood – Wood window frames insulated relatively well, but they also expand and contract in response to weather conditions. Wood frames also require regular maintenance, although aluminum or vinyl cladding reduces maintenance requirements.

“Glass types include:

Heat-absorbing tints
Insulated (which have less tendency toward condensation & the resultant growth of mold & mildew)
Reflective coatings (allow for “turtle friendliness”)
Spectrally selective coatings.

“Window styles include:

Casement – One-hinged sash that swings outward from the side.
Awning: One sash that hinges from the top to the outside
Double-Hung – Two sashes that slide vertically to open shut or position to provide more efficient ventilation. Raise the lower sash to allow in a cool breeze. Lower the upper sash to pull hot air from the ceiling outside.
Single-Hung – Looks like a double-hung window, but only the bottom sash slides vertically to open and shut.
Sliding — One fixed and one moveable sash that slides open or shut horizontally – ideal for difficult to reach areas.
Bay & Bow – Angled or curved combination of windows that extend outward to maximize view.

“Art further described casement windows as the best and that new windows should provide 60% energy efficiency.”

For further info:

Jeff Carroll with Tradewinds Custom Homes – www.TradewindsHomes.com

Art Monahan with Seacoast Cottage Company – www.SeacoastCottageCompany.com

FREE Summer Programs at J. N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge

With season winding down, summer events are being announced. Here’s a summary of the summer programming being offered at the Wildlife Refuge from June 2 through August 5, made possible by support from the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society as reported in their spring newsletter. They are “offered weekly, with no pre-registration necessary.

Reading at the Refuge – every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Attendees at each 45-minute reading and crafts session learn about a Refuge animal and make a take-home craft related to it. Meet at the Visitor & Education Center Classroom.
Indigo Trail Hike – every Thursday at 10 a.m. Join Refuge naturalists as they lead a one-hour tour to the Wildlife Education Board to identify and discuss the ecosystem’s plants, mammals, birds, and reptiles – fun for adults and children alike. Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Meet at the flagpole in front of the Visitor & Education Center.
Family Beach Walk – every Friday at 9 a.m. The one-hour program convenes at Gulfside Park to explore the Refuge’s gulf-front Perry Tract. City parking fees apply. Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Wildlife Wonders – every Saturday at 11 a.m. Refuge education staff lead this 30-minute indoor program about the mysteries of manatees, alligators, crocodiles, and birds. Held in the Visitor & Education Center auditorium.”

Tarpon Bay Explorers Schedule

Tram Tours of Wildlife Drive – April: Mon-Thurs: hourly 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sat & Sun: 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 4 p.m.; May & June: Mon-Thurs: 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Sat & Sun: 10 a.m., 1 p.m., & 4 p.m.
Kayak Trail Tour (any & all times substituted with low tide paddle when trail not accessible) – April: Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.; Sat & Sun: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.; May & June: Mon-Fri: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.; Sat & Sun: 10 a.m.
Sunset Rookery Paddle (2 hours prior to sunset) – April: Daily; May & June: Mon, Wed, Fri, & Sat or Sun.
Breakfast Cruise – Mon, Wed, Fri at 8:30 a.m.
Standup Paddleboard Tour (all at 9 a.m.) – April: Mon-Sat; May & June: Tues, Thurs, Sat.
Nature & Sea Life Cruise – Daily at 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Evening Cruise – Daily 2 hours prior to sunset.
Aquarium & Touch Tank – Daily at 3 p.m.
Rentals & Fishing Charters – Daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Most Consumers Are Wrong About Home Insurance

A “Daily Real Estate News” article published earlier this month and posted on Realtor® Mag News says:

“Fifty-six percent of consumers recently surveyed believe that a standard homeowner’s policy covers flood damage. But they’re mistaken, and their assumption could be a costly mistake.

“A survey by InsuranceQuotes of about 1,000 consumers shows a lot of misunderstandings when it comes to home insurance and what’s covered and what’s not.

“”Being misinformed about your home policy can be an extremely expensive mistake—especially when a few inches of water in a 1,000 square-foot home can easily cost over $10,000 in repairs,” says Laura Adams, senior insurance analyst at InsuranceQuotes. “There are a number of widespread myths ranging from coverage for dog bites to items stolen from your car that frequently trip up policyholders.”

“Consumers tend to overestimate the amount of coverage they have when it comes to flooding protection, according to the study. Further, 81% of survey respondents knew that valuables stolen from their home were covered under most standard homeowner’s policies, yet only 28% knew that renter’s insurance would cover valuables stolen from their cars.

““It’s critical for consumers to thoroughly explore their options and really understand the protections that are included or excluded with a standard renter’s or home insurance policy,” says Adams. “Don’t wait until right before a big storm is headed your way to get coverage because there may be a waiting period.”

“Flood insurance is particularly a hot topic to address with clients lately. The National Association of REALTORS® has been warning its members about the threats to homeowners and property sales when the National Flood Insurance Program expires on Sept. 30. Policymakers in more than 22,000 communities nationwide rely on NFIP to protect them from flood risks, like torrential rain, swollen rivers and lakes, snow melt, failing infrastructure, and storm surges and hurricanes.

““When the NFIP expired in 2010, over 1,300 home sales were disrupted every day as a result,” NAR President William E. Brown recently said in a statement. “That’s over 40,000 every month. Flood insurance is required for a mortgage in the 100-year floodplain, but without access to the NFIP, buyers simply couldn’t get a mortgage or vital protection from the number one cause of loss of property and life, flooding.”

“The National Association of REALTORS® is working with lawmakers to strengthen the program and also create a path for a private market to take hold ahead of the Sept. 30 expiration.”

Milestone in Sanibel Sewer Expansion Project

Sewer signs Phase 4 Shannen Hayes As reported recently in several island papers, including the “The Santiva-Chronicle” write-up below and photo to the right:

“Sanibel has entered Phase 4 of its sewer expansion project on Woodring Road, the city announced on Monday, April 17.

“Phase 4 will connect 19 properties on Woodring Road. The work began Monday and the city said work will continue into the fall. During that time, the Bock Peace Park parking area at the north end of Dixie Beach Road will have very limited parking, the city said.

“Phase 4 also includes five properties on West Gulf Drive. When Phase 4 is complete, it will leave only 20 properties in four different areas of Sanibel to be connected in the final phase.

“Sanibel City Council approved Phase 4 in January, 2016 at a cost of about $1.2 million. “This is a milestone,” City Manager Judie Zimomra said to the City Council on Jan. 5, 2016. “Sanibel has invested more than $70 million on sanitary sewers island-wide. That’s a significant accomplishment on a barrier island. “We have put ourselves in position to do this and today we are glad to move into the final phase,” Zimomra said.

“The council had two options before it as to how property owners would be assessed. One was to split costs equally and the second was to put a $10,000 cap on assessments with the city picking up the balance. In its unanimous vote to move ahead with Phase IV, the council went with the $10,000-cap option.

““Sanibel needs to continue to walk the walk and talk the talk about the environment,” Mayor Kevin Ruane said. “Set the cap at $10,000. It’s important to finish what we started. We have the money in sewer reserves so we can do the projects as planned.”

“Many of the remaining unconnected properties are considered low-flow septic systems. They will be required to connect to the sewer systems when those septic systems fail.”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity April 14-21, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Ibis at The Sanctuary #B201 2/2 $475K.

5 price changes: Tennisplace #A31 2/1.5 now $299K, Sunset South #10C 2/2 now $759K, Pointe Santo #C36 2/2 now $786K, Pointe Santo #D32 2/2 now $799K, Tanglewood #1A 3/2 now $1,039,999.

4 new sales: Seashells #3 2/2 listed at $399.4K, Blind Pass #F106 2/2 listed at $409K, Sundial East #L401 2/2 listed at $749K, Beachcomber #A102 2/2 listed at $1.445M (our seller).

1 closed sale: Loggerhead Cay #152 2/2 $860K.

HOMES

2 new listings: 714 Durion Ct 3/2 $619K, 1032 Lindgren Blvd 3/2.5 $895K.

6 price changes: 1817 Atlanta Plaza Dr 3/2 now $474.9K, 3364 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 now $699K, 673 East Rocks Dr 3/2 now $848.8K, 2939 Wulfert Rd 5/5/2 now $1.595M, 267 Ferry Rd 3/2 now $1.895M, 1206 Bay Dr 4/4.5 now $3.777M.

9 new sales: 1602 Serenity Ln 4/2 listed at $477K, 1585 Serenity Ln 3/3 listed at $520K, 2154 Egret Cir 3/2 listed at $539K, 1429 Jamaica Dr 3/3 listed at $664.9K, 2629 Coconut Dr 2/3 listed at $765K, 755 Pen Shell Dr 3/2 listed at $879K, 941 Pecten Ct listed at $949K, 2451 Blind Pass Ct 4/4.5 listed at $1.899M, 4190 Dingman Dr 4/3.5 listed at $1.995M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

1 new listings: 2356 Wulfert Rd $189K.

No price changes or new sales.

2 closed sales: 5687 Baltusrol Ct $300K, 1048 Fish Crow Rd $375K.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Tennis Villas #3118 1/1 $255.5K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Beach Homes #9 4/3.5 listed at $3.1M.

No closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 15831 Captiva Dr 2/2.5 $5.25M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 11520 Wightman Ln 3/2 listed at $2.495M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

(This representation is based, in whole, or in part, on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® or its Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the association or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. The information provided represents 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, here’s hoping you have sunny days where you are too!

I had family in town over their Easter break. Here’s my great nephew, Caden, enjoying Sanibel beach!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

2017-04 Caden Beach

Island Shelling Bonanza for Labor Day

Posted on September 2, 2016 by SanibelSusan

Sanibel Lighthouse beach yesterday 9/1/2016, photo by Andy Johnson, Sanibel Surveys

It is SanibelSusan reporting that all is well on Sanibel. The islands did not have much sunshine this week. It tried to peek out a little mid-morning, but this afternoon just brought another heavy rain band from Hermine. We certainly are thankful that tropical storm passed by yesterday with just a few showers, wind, and a little high water, before it developed into Florida’s first hurricane in 11 years.

Early today, it swept ashore near Tallahassee and may cause havoc over the few days as it heads through Georgia, the Carolinas, and the eastern seaboard. Certainly not what many want for their last holiday weekend of the summer.

Photo of some found after the storm, photo by Pam Rambo, http://www.iLoveShelling.com

Though Hermine missed the islands, we knew she was out there as high tide about midday yesterday pushed water up over many docks and seawalls. High water washed over many sea turtle nests too.

Later, much of the island was without power briefly in the afternoon and then local TV stations were on the causeway late day filming the waves crashing across the bridge barriers. Really much to do about nothing. The locals are ready for some great shelling once the waves subside.

Holiday occupancy this weekend could be hit or miss with many properties now vacant after getting cancellations. Most flights in and out of the regional airport were posted as on time this morning, but interstate highway travel probably is hampered since north-south I-75 and east-west I-10 were in the cross-hairs of the storm.

Though it dropped a lot of rain on Florida, the storm’s path also spared Lake Okeechobee so should not result in increased water releases down the Caloosahatchee River. Sanibel Natural Resources director, James Evans, was quoted midweek as saying that “flows from the lake have actually decreased this week.” That’s what we like to hear!

The action posted this week in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service follows a few news items below. With September always the “slow” month on the island, it is a good time to preview property, sooo if you are thinking of buying, now is the time to look

Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

bailey-mathews shell museum sign The Shell Museum is starting an ambassador program which will train volunteers to be educational guides on Sanibel’s beaches. These trained volunteers will be on the beaches, wearing “ambassador” shirts, answering questions and training visitors about the ecosystem and Florida shelling laws. Training will start in October, call the museum for more info (239-395-2233 or 888-679-6450).

Inaugural Sanibel Jazz & Blues Festival

Sponsored by the Sanibel/Captiva Optimist Club, the first Sanibel Jazz & Blues Festival is planned at the Bailey’s Shopping Center on November 6 from 1 to 7:30 p.m. Proceeds to benefit college scholarships.

Headliners include: Matt Schofield, blues guitarist & singer from England; JP Soars & the Red Hots; and the local favorite Marty Stokes Band.

“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society – Friends of the Refuge New Web Site

Check it out at www.dingdarlingsociety.org

Closings/Openings/Moves

The new Doc Ford’s opening 9/9/16.

Doc Ford’s – It’s finally happening! The Doc Ford’s on Rabbit Road will serve its last meals over the holiday weekend (on Monday Labor Day night), then it’s on to their new flagship location at the corner of Island Inn and Tarpon Bay Road across the street from Bailey’s Shopping Center. I had my last lunch at their old location today where they are excited, but sad to be saying goodbye. They will have an “open house” at their new building on Thursday, September 8, from 5 to 7 p.m., then the new restaurant will open officially next Friday, September 9. The menu at their new location will be the same. One of the biggest differences at the new facility is the size of the kitchen which is twice as big. The new restaurant is ~7,600 sq. ft. and seats about 225, similar to their old, but the new restaurant is all under one roof. The interior was built with mostly reclaimed materials. The wood is reclaimed and the lighting fixtures were taken from vintage boats and refurbished. http://www.DocFords.com
Ickle Pickle Children’s Boutique – has moved to Palm Ridge Plaza (across from CVS). www.ickle-pickle.com
MacIntosh Books & Paper – also has relocated to 2330 Palm Ridge Road, www.macintoshbooks.com

South Florida Housing

According to a S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller index released this week, South Florida (Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties) outperformed most of the nation with a 6.9% annual increase in home prices (in June).

CoreLogic Case-Shiller indexes cover states, counties, metros and ZIP codes across the US and help securities investors, mortgage banks, servicing operations, and government agencies make property valuations, assess and manage risk, mitigate losses, and control appraisal quality.

The growth in prices ranked these counties on Florida’s west coast beaches sixth among 20 metro areas nationwide. Portland, OR., led all areas with a 12.6% price gain, followed by Seattle (11%) and Denver (9.2%).

Dallas, at 8.9%, and Tampa, at 7.9%, were the only other markets with higher price increases than South Florida in June. The national average was 5.1%.

David M. Blitzer, chairman of the index committee for S&P, said that the housing market overall remains healthy, driven in part by a limited supply of homes for sale. “Nationally, home prices have risen at a consistent 4.8% annual pace over the last two years without showing any signs of slowing,” he said.

Housing analysts consider the index one of the best barometers of home prices. It measures the price of the same house over time, though the index trails local Realtor® association figures.

According to an article Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale’s “Sun Sentinel”, “South Florida Realtor® boards released reports last week for July showing annual price increases among single-family homes in all three counties despite declines in sales. Some agents say buyers are holding off because sellers aren’t pricing properties to market value.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity August 26-September 2, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Mariner Pointe 2/2 #522 $495K (our listing), Mariner Pointe #733 2/2 $519K, Mariner Pointe #533 2/2 $529K, Blind Pass #B203 3/2 $575K, Sundial East #L401 2/2 $749K.

View from Mariner Pointe #522

1 price change: Tanglewood #1A 3/2 now $1.1345M.

2 new sales: Loggerhead Cay #462 2/2 listed at $539K, Surfside 12 #B3 3/2 listed at $1.124M.

2 closed sales: Island Beach Club #210B 2/2 $584.15K, Sundial West #A203 1/1 $700K.

HOMES

2 new listings: 1040 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $639K, 5125 Joewood Dr 3/4 $2.595M.

2 price changes: 5240 Caloosa End Ln 3/3 now $999.9K, 2118 Starfish Ln 4/5 now $1.849M.

No new sales.

5 closed sales: 1635 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 $435K, 975 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 $706K, 823 Limpet Dr 3/2/2 $1.18M, 2251 Starfish Ln 4/3.5 $1.189M, 4257 West Gulf Dr 4/4.5 $4.225M.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 1837 Buckthorn Ln now $439.9K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: Marina Villas #807 2/2 listed at $670K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

2 new listings: 11535 Chapin Ln 4/4 $1.549M, 15133 Captiva Dr 3/3 $3.295M.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® November Membership Meeting

At SanibelSusan Realty This Week

Upcoming Events

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity November 12-19, 2021

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Weather, Osprey, & Gas

At SanibelSusan Realty

The Real Estate Market Isn’t in a Bubble – It Just Isn’t

Island Scoop

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity May 7-14, 2021

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It’s a Sellers’ Market

Sanibel – COVID-19

Flood Insurance – When to Assume

“Ding” Darling Starts Free Seasonal Tours

Come on Down! Florida Attracts Retirees & Many More

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity January 29-February 5, 2021

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Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Sanibel – COVID-19

The Island Store Celebration

Stabilization Project Expanded for Causeway

Holiday Closings

Year-to-Date (through Dec 18) Sanibel Residential Real Estate Stats

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity December 11 – 18, 2020

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Sanibel’s Tax Rate Adopted – Lowest in Six Years!

New Website – Sanibel Fire & Rescue District

Island “Season” Begins & With Annual Events

Upcoming at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity September 27 – October 4, 2019

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NFIP Extended For Six Weeks – to March 23

What’s Happening at Island Inn

Upcoming Events

How Fast Can Home Prices Rise?

Webcam Back Up At “Ding” Darling

Right to Inspect: The Devil is in the Details

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 2-9, 2018

Here’s hoping that you and your Valentines have a great week!

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New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge

Sanibel Library Earns Award

“Ding” Darling Announces 2018 Film Series

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity December 22-29, 2017

Happy New Year!

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Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Free Refuge Programs and Tours Begin In January

Rent Tax Reduced Beginning January 1, 2018

You Can Inherit A Home, But You Can’t Inherit Taxes

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity December 15-22, 2017

Wishing You & Your Family A Happy Holiday Weekend!

Elise for The SanibelSusan Team

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At Sanibel Susan Realty Associates

April Membership Meeting – Sanibel/Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

FREE Summer Programs at J. N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge

Tarpon Bay Explorers Schedule

Most Consumers Are Wrong About Home Insurance

Milestone in Sanibel Sewer Expansion Project

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity April 14-21, 2017

Until next Friday, here’s hoping you have sunny days where you are too!

I had family in town over their Easter break. Here’s my great nephew, Caden, enjoying Sanibel beach!

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Like this:

Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

Inaugural Sanibel Jazz & Blues Festival

“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society – Friends of the Refuge New Web Site

Closings/Openings/Moves

South Florida Housing

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity August 26-September 2, 2016