It has been another quiet week on Sanibel and at SanibelSusan Realty. Island traffic last weekend was heavy, mostly from stir-crazy day-trippers wanting changes of scenery. With only Bowman’s Beach and the causeway islands open for parking, they were jammed both Saturday and Sunday with many vehicles and many people. Island locals also reported that Sanibel’s resident lots often were full of out-of-state vehicles without parking stickers. Those ticketing stayed busy.
On Tuesday, City Council met for their regularly scheduled meeting, but delayed further discussion on beach parking and short-term vacation rentals/accommodations restrictions until a special meeting coming up on Tues, May 12 at 2 p.m. That is the day that Sanibel’s current State of Emergency Proclamation ends. City Council hopes that more data will be available by then, and more direction from Florida’s governor and the county.(If you want to listen during the upcoming meeting or hear the audio from a past one, go to MySanibel.com & look under Agendas & Minutes.)
A few island restaurants and retail shops have reopened following recommended guidelines. During the week, I have not seen many vehicles at these locations though, so it may be that the public remains wary. Probably rightfully, since testing here has been limited.
On Monday, free Covid-19 testing began on a first-come first-served basis at the Minnesota Twins Stadium. The site is performing 400 tests a day until they run out. The news reports that the wait is hours long. As of this morning, Sanibel’s confirmed cases are 11.
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®
I got a call this week from our local Association of Realtors® President. He was querying our brokers to see how we are handling business through the pandemic. The Association office has been closed for weeks, but staff is working from home and meetings are happening through Zoom technology. He said the office likely will remain closed until the end of the month unless state guidelines are lessened. 
This week, the Communications and Public Relations Committee issued a challenge for members to donate food goods to F.I.S.H. of San-Cap. It kicked off with a committee member challenging three other Association members via Facebook with those challenged to challenge three others. Photos are posted as contributions are delivered.Yesterday, I was challenged by Affiliate Member Angie Roehl with Rosier Insurance. So, though Bailey’s home delivery has been bringing my groceries for weeks, my mask and I ventured out last night for “real” shopping. Teammate Elise and I delivered the resulting four bags of staples to the food pantry this morning, then I challenged three other Realtors®.
Regarding open houses and showings, safety is key. So many, like us, are using alternative marketing approaches like our streaming videos. Last Sunday I was contacted by an agent who Skyped our bayfront listing from the water (in her boat). 
Her prospect liked seeing the exterior, so asked to also see inside. So, I met her there later so she could Skype the interior. It was more time-consuming than an actual showing since the property is empty, so she had verbalize details – but it worked. Her prospects are coming to view in person in a couple of weeks.
Her prospect liked seeing the exterior, so asked to also see inside. So, I met her there later so she could Skype the interior. It was more time-consuming than an actual showing since the property is empty, so she had verbalize details – but it worked. Her prospects are coming to view in person in a couple of weeks.Florida’s Remote Notary Law
From FloridaRealtor® magazine, May 2020: “Social-distance closings.
“Remote notarizations became legal in Florida on January 1. That means buyers and sellers can close on a home without being in the same room. It’s also a powerful tool during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain the real estate market while also honoring orders for social distancing that keep people at least 6-feet apart.
“However, the details of a remote-notarization closing should be worked out beforehand, since not all notaries are authorized to conduct remote notarizations. In addition, lenders might refuse to accept remote notarizations, and buyers who secured a loan through one of those companies must still be present at closing.
“Under the remote-notarization law, Florida notaries must register with the state as an online notary before they’re authorized to do so. In addition to posting a $25,000 bond, they must also have $25,000 of errors and omissions (E&O) insurance and complete a two-hour course.
“Once authorized by the state, they must also have the designation of a remote online notary provider, who acts as a digital liaison between remote buyers and sellers in the transaction. Not all notaries have done so and some may decide not to take these additional steps.
“How It Works: E-notaries electronically affix signatures and notary sales in an electronic document such as a PDF or Word document. The document is then instantly and securely transmittable. Remote notaries are authorized to provide a similar service to parties in separate locations via the internet, using digital tools and a live audio/video connection versus electronic notary, where physical presence is required by law.”
At SanibelSusan Realty
Teammates Dave and Lisa are at home, while I have been manning the office with Teammate Elise covering three mornings again this week. Our team communication continues by email and text, which is not unlike our normal work routine.Several SanibelSusan blog followers – some near and far – contributed recipes to my “SanibelSusan and Facebook Friends Social-Distancing Together Cookbook – April 2020”. It went to the printer on Wed and should be ready in about two weeks. It was a fun project amid the month’s uncertainty.
The action posted in the Sanibel/Captiva MLS since last Friday is below. There were a few sales!
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service 
Activity May 1-8, 2020
Sanibel
CONDOS
2 new listings: Mariner Pointe #732 2/2 $565.9K, Kings Crown #306 2/2 $868.5K.
3 price changes: Colonnades #13 1/1 now $305K, Casa Blanca #6 1/1 now $353K; Mariner Pointe #952 1/1 now $388,990.
2 new sales: Sundial #D403 1/1 listed at $529K, Kings Crown #112 2/2 listed at $679K.
4 closed sales: Sanibel Arms West #B4 2/2 $535K, Sanibel Arms West #H5 2/2 $539K, By-The-Sea #C101 2/2 $1.1M, Gulfside Place #326 2/2 $1.2M.
HOMES
5 new listings: 2100 Sunset Cir 3/2 $729,555; 9484 Peaceful Dr 3/3 $835K; 734 Anchor Dr 3/2 $899K; 9441 Peaceful Dr 3/3.5 $1.05M; 4629 Rue Bayou 5/3 $1.295M.
1 price change: 9036 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 now $649,999.
3 new sales: 550 Leather Fern Pl 3/2 listed at $629K, 5419 Osprey Ct 3/3.5 listed at $1.095M, 769 Pyrula Ave 3/3.5 listed at $1.395M.
6 closed sales: 743 Windlass Way 3/2 $505K, 678 Durion Ct 3/2 $580K, 1717 Sand Pebble Way 3/2 $600K, 9057 Mockingbird Dr 4/2 $650K, 1085 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $686K, 500 Sawgrass Pl 8/8/3 $2M.
LOTS
No new listings.
4 price changes: 2372 Wulfert Rd now $147.5K, 5642 Baltusrol Ct now $327.5K, 5648 Baltusrol Ct now 328.5K, 1048 Fish Crow Rd now $375K.
No new or closed sales.
Captiva
CONDOS
No new listings or price changes.
1 new sale: Captiva Shores #8B 3/2.5 listed at $1.199M.
No closed sales.
HOMES
No new listings or price changes.
2 new sales: 15879 Captiva Dr 3/3 listed at $2.389M, 15843 Captiva Dr 3/3 listed at $7.489M.
No closed sales.
LOTS
No new listings, price changes, new or closed sales.
This representation is based in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the association or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. The information provided represents the general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.
Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”, hoping to attract some Mothers’ Day buyers.
Sanibel is expecting some much-needed rain on Sunday!Enjoy your weekend!
Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan
Families on spring break are on Sanibel – or at least those wanting an environmentally-fun outdoor vacation with fabulous weather. Traffic is challenging with the City encouraging no unnecessary travel from 3 to 7 p.m. That’s what happens in “peak” season. The City traffic app showing the cameras at the intersections helps us plan our routes which always includes turning “right”, not left.
The team and I got our Friday work done early this week to give me time to run home and change for our BIG ARTS Community Chorus Spring Concerts. Singers were/are required to be on-stage for pre-performance warm-ups at 6 p.m. and with the traffic being iffy, extra time was anticipated. It took me 45 minutes last night at 5 p.m. to drive the 3 miles from my east-end home to get back to BIG ARTS. Hopefully, it will be easier tonight. Last night’s performance was a sell-out!
These concerts were early this year because the buildings at the BIG ARTS campus on Dunlop Road will be coming down in just a few weeks when the construction project for the new facility begins. Next year, when the new performance hall is complete, the entire chorus will fit on the stage and the audience will enjoy more comfy seating.
In West Palm Beach yesterday, at the first meeting of this new board, they chose their new leaders to fulfill the District’s flood control, water quality projects, environmental restoration and water supply missions. The new board elected Sanibel’s-own Chauncey Goss as their Chairman. That is great for the 8.1 million residents of South Florida. Congratulations, Chauncey!
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum has announced that their shell identification app now is available. Many members of the local shell club including SanibelSusan helped for several months with the beta version as the shell library was compiled.
“The study broke Florida down into five distinct housing markets.
Having visited Dubai last year, it was fun to read the below Wednesday news release from Florida Realtors® – where friends President Eric Sain and President-Elect Barry Grooms represented our organization at MIPIM 2019.
“The MoU establishes the parties’ cooperation in developing a mutually beneficial relationship in the general field of real estate, building a foundation for future business opportunities.
There was a nice checklist in the spring issue of the “IWA Pipeline. Here’s the abbreviated version for keeping your water secure when you are away.
Here in the office, SanibelSusan listings had some action this week, with a sale, a price reduction, a new listing, and a home inspection.
Yesterday morning was the island Realtors® monthly membership meeting. It brought a standing-room only crowd which is typical for February which usually is when business here is best. Surprisingly during the Caravan portion of the meeting, when new sales are announced, there was only one – a condo unit at Loggerhead Cay
This morning, the following report was released by the Florida Gulf Coast MLS:
An important update sponsored by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation is scheduled next week. Here’s their announcement:
As The SanibelSusan Team looks forward to an island New Year, I am happy to report that Christmas week weather here has been wonderful. Today’s forecast says there will be warmer-than-usual days and nights until next week at this time.
That means Sanibel temperatures in the mid- to high-70’s to low-80’s during the day, mid- to high-60’s at night. The weather folks also say that by next Friday, there may be a few showers and another cool-front arriving with lower temps (mid-60’s’ days, mid-50’s nights). Even so, SW Florida winter weather is the best!
With outstanding shelling still reported as a result of the storms last week, I think there are more shellers than usual on the beaches too. Long-time neighbors say it’s the best shelling in “50 years”. Wow!
Restaurant choices on island again expanded recently with the opening of Mudbugs Cajun Kitchen at the former location of Sanibel Steakhouse at 1472 Periwinkle Way (across the street from Bill’s Bikes). The newly-renovated New Orleans-style eatery seats up to 150 people including 18 outdoor seats.
Serving both lunch and dinner, there are Cajun meals for every palate. Part-owner is long-time island restaurateur Larry Thompson known for his other eateries – the Lazy Flamingos, Sunset Grill, and Sanibel Fresh.
Posted on-line at FloridaRealtors® on December 21, 2018: “Hurricanes hit, insurance rates rose, team ad rules got an update, and a real estate market marked by rising prices and tight inventory showed the first potential signs of change.
Interesting read in this week’s “Island Reporter” (dated December 26, 2018):
The following question and answer are from the Jan/Feb 2019 issue of “FloridaRealtor®” magazine under “Talk to An Attorney” Advice from the Florida Realtors® Legal Hotline:
Until next week, here’s to the last Friday in 2018!
SusanSusan here reporting another sunny week on Sanibel, though another little taste of winter arrived on Wednesday night when the temperatures dipped down into the 50’s. That gave everyone a chance to dig out their jackets Thursday morning, but it is back into the high 70’s today. Not exactly Luminary weather, but we’ll take it. The local Santa probably will be wearing shorts tonight.
34th Annual Sanibel Luminary, today, Dec 7, begins with “A Sanibel 70’s Christmas” at the Historical Village from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Then from 5:30 to 9 p.m. from one end of Periwinkle Way to the other, churches, shopping centers, and businesses will be open for holiday shopping, music, and good cheer.
6th Annual Captiva Holiday Stroll, at South Seas Island Resort, on both Friday and Saturday evenings from Dec 7 through 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. where there will be holiday treats; skating; live music; arts and crafts; entertainment including face painting, stilt walking, juggling and balloon artists; holiday movies; photos with Santa; and food and beverages. Tickets are $10 (for non-resort guests), children under 12 are free. Proceeds to benefit Captains for Clean Water.
Captiva Christmas Carol Sing, at Chapel-By-The-Sea, Sunday, Dec 9 at 6 p.m. Seating both inside and on the sand under the holiday lights.
For the 5th time, Sanibel Public Library has been recognized as one of the best libraries in the U.S.A. The “star” awards by “Library Journal” are based on a library’s performance measuring such statistics as library visits, program attendance, circulation, and computer usage. This year, more than seven thousand libraries were scored with just 257 receiving stars. Sanibel Library was the first in Florida to offer laptops for use in the library. With online language learning tools, downloadable magazines and songs, streaming video services, loanable cooking kits, and advanced referencing, stop in to see the first phase of the “Your Library Reimagined” program which is almost complete. It has been in the planning since 2015, has a budget of $5.9M which is being covered by library reserves, grants, and gifts.
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, which is America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This is the 3rd time that SCCF has earned this distinction. Based on strong financial health and transparency, the foundation is one of only four conservation nonprofits in Florida to earn this rating.
As posted at Florida Realtors® on-line yesterday, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) no longer expires tonight at midnight, but Congress extended the program for only two weeks – until December 21, 2018, at midnight. As the article describes, “a number of high-profile issues now come to a head only a few days before the Christmas holiday.
The below article came from a November on-line article from REALTOR® Magazine. The SanibelSusan Team strives to have good communications. It sure can be key in keeping unforeseen obstacles away. That communication is a 2-way street. Here’s what Sam Silverstein said in the article:
Another article in this month’s Realtor® magazine caught my eye. Particularly, when it was announced at our Membership Meeting this morning that our Association is in the process of inking agreements with Zillow and other on-line real estate database companies, because most sellers want their listings syndicated. With the onset of the internet, I guess these companies were inevitable. Another way for entrepreneurs to make a buck.
Temporary Closings & Reopenings
The follow article is from the “Fort Myers News-Press. It was posted on-line and updated on Wednesday. The picture shown here was downloaded from Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Charlie is also a pretty serious fisherman so it was good late yesterday to see his below Facebook post. This is his pix too.
Lee County property owners recently were mailed their annual TRIM (Truth in Millage) notices. In compliance with Florida Statutes, this document is required to advise of the property’s valuation as of January 1, 2018 and its proposed ad valorem taxes for the year. Ad valorem taxes are based on the value of the property with taxing authorities determining the tax rate, or millage, based on the money needed to fund their budgets.
While most of us are counting down to the end of hurricane season (Nov), Florida Realtors® posts reminders that the peak time is coming up.
Pre-Season Closings & Late Summer Projects
Sat Aug 25 – CROW’s Walk on the Wild Side at Lakes Regional Park at 7330 Gladiolus Dr., Fort Myers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to raise awareness about the organization and continue the celebration of its 50th anniversary. Admission & activities free, fees for city parking. In the amphitheater: Wildlife Rescue 1012 at 10:30 a.m. and again at noon; Turtles of Florida at 11 a.m.; Owls of Florida at 11:30 a.m. Three pavilions will be set up with activities and info on different kinds of wildlife. CROW’s tent will offer info on volunteering and student programs. More info at 
Sep 28-30 – USTA Southwest Florida Clay Court Championships will be at Sundial Beach Resort. This is their 3rd year hosting the event. The tournament includes a Saturday evening party and trophies. Players can register online at 
We got good information, though, about the upcoming Lee County School Board’s Half-Cent Sales Tax referendum that is on the Nov 6 ballot. Speakers were the county’s Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Gregory Adkins and School Board Member (& Florida Gulf Coast University adjunct professor) Chris Pattricca. Here are my take-aways, with some interesting tidbits:
The Sanibel and Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® had good member participation last week at the state convention, tradeshow, educational sessions, and business meetings. From newbies to old-timers, many remarked that the educational sessions and speakers were the best yet.
Panel recommendations go forward to the Faculty Subcommittee and then the Professional Development Committee for approval. Congratulations to the 14 new faculty members and the 14 existing faculty members who were approved to add courses to the list of those they are authorized to teach. These classes cover the gamut from those required of new agents, to continuing education, to property management, construction, marketing, contracts, and the classes needed to become a graduate of the Realtor® Institute. Classes continually are added and updated both at the state and national level.
At the meetings, there was emphasis on water quality, rental restrictions, and flood insurance (which thankfully passed the Senate last week).
An important property tax amendment is on the ballot this November that is good for everyone in Florida. The 10% cap on non-homestead property taxes will expire in January unless voters pass Amendment 2. This cap helps sustain Florida’s communities by preventing big tax spikes for businesses and property owners who claim their primary residence elsewhere. Here are some highlights.
FloridaRealtors® on line. Copyright © 2018 Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Fla., Carlos R. Munoz. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This subject comes up here often, particularly when Florida vegetation grows like crazy during the summer rainy season in front of gulf-front condos. The below article was posted Monday on Florida Realtors® on line.
“Answer: Questions about views are always complicated and involve many factors. The general rule is that no one is allowed to block your direct view. However, if it can be shown that the trees serve a useful purpose to the community or were pre-planned to grow in front of your unit, you may be stuck with them.
Next month, the Association again will be collecting new twin and crib sheets for “Bedz for Kidz”, a non-profit started in 2001 by Realtor® friend, Cynthia Shafer, who through the course of her advocacy with the local Guardian ad Litem Foundation, recognized the need for beds/bedding when vulnerable children are moved by Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit. Cynthia and her husband often spend their Saturdays delivering beds and bedding to these needy kids. Though their identification is never disclosed, it is humbling to hear her stories of how the kids’ eyes light up when they get their own “stuff”. The Shafers travel our 5-county area and have assembled and provided thousands of beds. I got a message from her yesterday, that they are off to provide another eleven tomorrow. Donations and more sheets, bedding, backpacks, and small suitcases are always welcome.
It usually is not until mid-August, that Lee County property owners receive the year’s TRIM notices (notices of proposed properties taxes) which are based on their new annual property valuation. The 2018 property values, however, already have been posted on the site. They are dated July 16, 2018.
At our Thursday morning Realtor® Caravan Meeting, Association President Dustyn Corace presented a check for $14,000 to Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s (SCCF) Natural Resource Policy Director Rae Ann Wessel. The final tally is in with these monies raised last month at our end-of-season golf outing and auction. The funds are going to SCCF ear-marked for their use in improving local water quality.
“It is premature to dump massive quantities of water to the estuaries at the very beginning of the rainy season when no water was being held by or discharged to agricultural areas to share the harm. Instead, agriculture on the east side of the lake and southwest of the lake have been allowed to backflow massive quantities of water into the lake instead of holding their own runoff. Quantities back flowed equal the amount that has been discharged to the estuaries that have also received too much rain. We ask water managers to identify these conditions and start requiring all landowners to manage storm water on their own land, not dump it into the lake, not usurp the entire capacity of publicly funded storm water treatment areas that harm public resources.
As a long-time fan of Sanibel musician Danny Morgan, it was great to read recent news about his latest honor. Here’s some scoop from 
Holiday Hog Roast – “Smoke on the Islands” by Chef Jarret, June 30, Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. $15, ice cream sundae bar $5. Also, kids “All American Red, White, & Blue Dessert Content”. Entry forms at the Community House. Judging at 7 p.m. & awards given for best tasting, best presentation, and best theme. Bring a 2nd dessert for their auction to help raise money for the Culinary Education Center. Tickets available at The Community House or Bailey’s.
It has been nearly ten years since the recession and often I am asked if island real estate has recovered. That answer is complicated. Sellers on the islands are faced with more challenges than those in a traditional real estate environment.
Be Ready for The Best First Impression – First impressions are huge, whether the first one is the driveway, the walkway, the entry, the front door, or the foyer. Be sure it is all sparkling clean and trimmed. Pressure washing the exterior and walkways are especially important here where heat and mildew can take a toll. A fresh coat of paint on a front door is an easy fix too. Also, nix and replace any nasty door hardware.
Think About Replacing Big Ticket Items That Could Become Problematic – I know I’ve mentioned it before, but as a reminder, to get insurance today on a property that is over 20 years old, most insurance providers require a 4-point inspection. Insurance companies increasingly have become reluctant to issue policies on older homes. Their concern is that there may be conditions in an older property that could become a liability to them. For example, a home with a roof near the end of its service life may fail while under the policy and the homeowner may file a claim for damage to the home or its contents. A 4-point inspection describes the condition and age of the following four elements:
Get A Home Inspection & Make Repairs Before Listing – Doing this might preclude the problems mentioned above. Most buyers will overestimate updating and repair costs. So, if they come to look at a property that needs new piping or a new electrical box, they will likely do one of two things. They will come up with their own inaccurate too-high off-the-cuff estimate which they then will deduct from their offer price. Or even worse, they will decide that it is too much money or more than they want to deal with. They then will move on to another property that doesn’t have problems.
Listen to Professionals – Realtors® are in the business of looking at real estate with a critical eye. They are not emotionally invested in a property like the owner. We try to be sensitive to an owner’s feelings and their decorating style, but they know the inventory and competition, and what is selling. Be prepared to tell your Realtor® the special things you like about your property but also be ready to listen to what they say may need to be done to bring you top dollar. As the island real estate market evolves through the calendar year, understand that your property may be one that appeals most to a winter buyer, so if it doesn’t sell in one “season”, it may take until the next.
Does It Make Sense To Take A Loss – Owners who bought at the peak or during the multi-year run-up before it, most likely are dealing with properties that are not worth what they paid. Now as they go to sell, they need to pay for improvements or repairs to get top-dollar, plus they will pay a real estate commission and other closing costs. They are not happy about it. They are losing money, even if they break even on the sales price. During the real estate boom, people wanted to be part of the group that flocked to own a vacation or 2nd home. That is not necessarily the case now. Prices are going up and the market is improving, but not as fast as some want.
Until next Friday, here’s hoping your summer weather is as spectacular as on the islands! Best wishes on Sunday to all the Dads, would-be Dads, & Moms covering as Dads!