A Peek at Dinkins Bayou on a Friday Afternoon

Posted on June 13, 2014 by SanibelSusan

It’s been yet another quiet yet sunny real estate week on Sanibel Island. There was a quick shower this morning and most evenings thunderstorms from the other coast as well as from the gulf side have tried to make their way to the islands, but it has rarely happened.

Here are a few snapshots that Dave took this afternoon while he was out checking our signs. This is Dinkins Bayou from the end of Henderson Road on the west end of Sanibel Island.

Now some news items from SanibelSusan followed by the activity posted this week in the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service.

Realtor® Happenings

Our local Association of Realtors® Caravan meeting yesterday had as many affiliate members in attendance as sales associates, so another indication that it is a slow time for island sales. Occupancy is expected to pick up for the upcoming July holiday, but in the meantime, it is a good time to play catch up.

Rental managers are doing their yearly property evaluations, Realtors® are beating the bushes looking for new listings, and the push with annual projects has begun with many condo associations beginning their maintenance and remodeling work early this summer.

I was asked to Chair our Association of Realtors® Nominating Committee again this year so that will take a few hours of time later this summer. We have two board positions opening up this year. Sharing, like volunteering always comes back in business multifold, so I am happy to do it.

Next Friday Realtors® from our District will be in Naples with their sleeves rolled up teaming with Meals of Hope and the entire Florida leadership team to package meals and fill cases of food for distribution to food pantries in District 5 communities. 2014 Florida Realtors® President Sherri Meadows will be there to speak about the homelessness problem in Florida and how Realtors® can make a difference.

Another Best for Sanibel Island

U.S. News Travel ranks the best destinations in the USA. They combine expert opinions and user votes to determine the best travel spots in a variety of categories. Under “Best Beaches in Florida”, Sanibel Island is #2. The others rounding out the top seven include: Destin, Naples, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Miami Beach, and Key West.

Florida Treasurer Lauds State’s Economic Turnaround

Good news, posted yesterday in the “Northwest Florida Daily News” in Fort Walton Beach, FL:

“Florida’s treasurer has called the state’s recovery from the economic downturn a story of the human spirit and of people who do not give up and quit. Jeff Atwater, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, was the guest speaker for Wednesday’s Power of Business breakfasting meeting hosted by the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce. Atwater started his talk by thanking the business leaders for turning around Florida’s economy.

“You’re the ones who are building this economy,” Atwater said. “You’re the job creators of this state, you’re the innovators, you’re the ones that create the hospitality, the memories and experiences that people will talk about after they visit.”

“Atwater talked about Florida’s recovery by first talking about how far the economy fell during the recession. In 2006, Florida’s top line revenue from sales taxes, licenses and fees, corporate taxes and doc stamps was $27 billion. The average single family home price was $258,000 and 365,000 people moved into the state.

“Fast forward three years and top line revenue had dropped to $21 billion, the average home price plummeted to $119,000 and the number of people who moved to the state fell to 20,000. During this time, the state also received a letter from Standard & Poor’s downgrading the state’s credit rating from neutral to negative.

“”I don’t stare at the state books,” Atwater said. “I can’t change the state books by staring at them and I can’t make your life better by staring at my books. The choices this state made were not to stare at our books in that nightmare moment, but to instead look up and look outward and ask what can we do to create the conditions for the fastest possible recovery.”

Since that time, the state has reduced its spending and debt as well as corporate taxes for small business owners to improve the economy. Atwater said the state’s top line revenue was back up to $26.5 billion, despite the lower taxes and debt, average home prices have gone back up to $175,000 and 287,000 people are estimated to be moving to Florida this year. S&P also upgraded the state’s credit rating back to neutral. “You didn’t give up. You hung in there,” Atwater said.””

Brazilians Make Their Mark on Florida & Beyond

Yesterday, to mark the beginning of the World Cup, Florida Realtors® posted the article below, sourced to The Associated Press. The article got me thinking about how many Brazilians own real estate in Lee County, so I did a quick property search. Answer: just 32 according to the Lee Property Appraiser’s website, www.LeePA.org.

“As all eyes turn to Brazil for the World Cup, Brazilians in the U.S. are also gaining notice. According to the U.S. Census, more than 325,000 people of Brazilian ancestry now call the United States home, but experts put the numbers higher.

“Most have come since the late 1980s, first landing in the nation’s traditional Portuguese-speaking enclaves around Boston and more recently congregating in central and South Florida. Still others have settled in New York, California and New Jersey….”

Will Stainless Steel Lose Its Popularity?

The following article posted on-line on Monday from REALTOR® Magazine doesn’t exactly answer this question, but this is a subject that comes up often from owners looking to renovate kitchens. Interesting to read what the future holds for kitchen appliances.

“Appliance manufacturers are providing home owners with modern finishes to their kitchen appliances, and some of the offerings have even been touted as the “new stainless steel.”

“Appliance makers are in the search for a potential successor to stainless steel, which some designers say will eventually wear out its welcome. But so far, no introductions have touched upon the popularity of stainless steel, and stainless isn’t likely to be doomed to the same fate as 1970s avocado-colored appliances anytime soon.

“Still, some home owners have complained about the annoyance of fingerprint smudges and the upkeep in keeping their stainless polished. Eventually, that annoyance may tempt them to look more closely at some of the alternatives popping up in the last two years. Some appliance makers are choosing to still channel the stainless look in their alternatives so that home owners could even make a gradual switch. Other manufactures, however, are opting to offer more bold alternatives.

“Could any of these finishes have the potential to dethrone home owners’ love for stainless steel one day?

“Ice-Glazed – Whirlpool introduced last year its White Ice collection of appliances, and at the time called white “the new stainless.” The glossy white appliances feature silver accents. Whirlpool also offers a Black Ice version — black appliances with silver accents.

“Slate – General Electric is offering up slate as an alternative. The low-gloss gray finish is “inspired by the rich texture of stone” and “provides a warm, inviting alternative to stainless steel,” GE says on its website. GE also notes that the dark matte finish hides fingerprints, smudges, and dirt.

“Colorful Options – Viking Range offers several various colors of appliances, such as in cobalt blue. Viking Range Corp. which was a pioneer in stainless with its debut in 1987 of a stainless steel open-burner range is providing home owners a colorful array of options with appliances. It has 24 color alternatives, from cinnamon, wasabi, kettle black and Dijon to plum, sea grass, and cobalt blue. Or, the company’s graphite gray may be a little less bold for more home owners who are looking to make a switch from stainless.”

Builders to Widen Stock of Green Homes by 2018

As posted in the “Daily Real Estate News” yesterday, “An upswing in green building is expected over the next four years as more widespread adoption takes hold, according to survey respondents in McGraw Hill’s latest SmartMarket Report.

“More than one-third of single-family builders or 34% report that more than 60% of their projects are “green.” What’s more, 62% of builders say they expect that more than 60% of their single-family homes will be green by 2018.

“The multifamily market is also going green. The number of multifamily builders who say that 90% of their current projects are green is expected to triple by 2018, rising from 6% to 18%, according to the report. Forty-two percent of builders say that more than 60% of their projects will be green by 2018. (Currently, 23% are operating at that level.)

“Builders say that buyers are showing more willingness to pay for green features. In 2013, 73% of single-family builders and 79% of single-family remodelers said that buyers were willing to pay a 3% to 5% premium for green homes. For multifamily homes, 68% of builders said that buyers were willing to pay more.

“In the survey, builders identified the following main drivers to building more green homes: energy cost increases; code, ordinance, and regulation changes; and green-product availability and affordability.”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity June 6-13

Sanibel
CONDOS

3 new listings: Captains Walk #C7 1/1 $249K, Blind Pass #D204 2/2 $445K, Mariner Pointe #813 2/2 $479K .

1 price change: Lighthouse Point #215 3/2 now $575K.

1 new sale: Sundial #D408 1/1 listed for $359K.

2 closed sales: Seashells #6 2/2 $340K, Pine Cove #302 2/2 $1M.
HOMES

3 new listings: 702 Donax St 2/2 $449K, 2596 Roosevelt Pl 3/2 $785K, 1545 Sand Castle Rd 4/3.5 $1.295M.

4 price changes: 5141 San-Cap Rd 2/2 now $310K, 3001 Singing Wind Dr 3/2 now $539K, 395 Old Trail Rd 5/4 now $859K, 660 Anchor Dr 4/4 now $1.199M.

3 new sales: 2079 Wild Lime Dr 3/2 listed for $549K, 475 Sea Oats Dr 3/3 listed for $775K, 5615 Baltusrol Ct 4/4/3 listed for $4.399M.

2 closed sales: 696 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 $560K, 9007 Mockingbird Dr 3/3 $960K.

LOTS

1 new listing: 643 E Rocks Dr $335K.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS, HOMES & 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.

Until next Friday, SanibelSusan hopes your weather is bright & sunny too!

It is Yet Another Gorgeous Friday Afternoon on Sanibel Island

Posted on June 6, 2014 by SanibelSusan

It is another sunny Friday on Sanibel with the locals again enjoying island offerings. The beaches have been just beautiful this week with visitors posting terrific sunset photos and folks talking of dolphins jumping near shore. I heard a couple of vacationers say that the shelling is light, but Lighthouse Beach continues to bring raves from those collecting miniatures. Traffic is essentially nil with no one needed to direct at the 4-way stops the last few days. The shops and restaurants mostly are being patronized by locals too.

We can always tell that “season” is really over when colleagues and I go into an island hangout for lunch and know nearly everyone there. That is when other business owners quiz us about the real estate market and we compare notes. Yesterday, I chatted with Trasi, co-owner of “The Over Easy Cafe” and “Island Paws”. We always joke with her that her restaurant is one of the few places where we can count on getting “in and out” in less than an hour, but only after the snowbirds depart. The restaurant was busy, but patrons included several other Realtors® and many island worker bees. Like the rest of us, she and her staff are enjoying a little less pressure after a super busy winter season.

We are all very thankful for the upswing in business this year. Dave Schuldenfrei, Manager of VIP Vacation Rentals, also told us that their bookings continue to be up, more than 20% over last year overall, including more visitors in June, July, and August. I sure hope prospective buyers are heeding that news. It still is a good time to buy an investment rental. That inventory has good opportunities including several of our listings!

Our last home listing closed on Monday. If you have island friends thinking of selling, please tell them about us, as plenty of home buyers remain.

Below are a couple of news items followed by a report action posted in the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service over the last seven days, but first a few photos that I snapped today on my way back to the office about noontime. The beach shots came from the boardwalk at Gulfside City Park. The bay views are from the park at end the end of Dixie Beach Blvd overlooking San Carlos Bay. The turtle crossing the road was in Lake Murex and the pretty arbor is the entrance to the butterfly garden at West Wind Inn.

Gulfside City Park looking east

Be sure to watch out for turtles crossing in Lake Murex.

Another view of San Carlos Bay

Overlooking San Carlos Bay

Gulfside City Park

Gulfside City Parking looking west

Entrance to butterfly garden at West Wind Inn.

Sanibel & Captiva 2014 Sales Stats

With more high-end sales posted this week, it is a good time to update the sales statistics for 2014. Here they are with the closed sales reported through noon today:

		Average Price $		Average Price $		Average Price $
SANIBEL	CONDOS		HOMES		LOTS
For Sale	138	697,768	174	1,332,100	86	521,561
Under Contract Awaiting Closing	15	790,420	34	820,838	4	411,500
Sold in 2014 thru 6/6	92	687,650	111	856,567	15	454,204
Sold in 2013	161	573,557	197	910,321	26	416,502
Sold in 2012	151	551,244	183	823,598	33	487,687
Sold in 2011	142	591,861	179	826,130	19	363,729
Sold in 2010	120	608,545	124	775,805	21	336,905
Sold in 2009	87	670,489	144	755,003	11	333,136
Sold in 2008	95	731,648	148	952,695	13	379,927
Sold in 2007	86	791,163	143	1,024,007	17	854,803
Sold in 2006	143	866,972	156	1,143,682	18	523,917

		Average Price $		Average Price $		Average Price $
CAPTIVA	CONDOS		HOMES		LOTS
For Sale	42	876,664	38	4,307,934	4	2,428,500
Under Contract Awaiting Closing	4	863,125	5	2,284,800	0	N/A
Sold in 2014 thru 6/6	7	526,611	16	2,796,344	0	N/A
Sold in 2013	36	659,185	18	2,522,056	2	675,000
Sold in 2012	35	836,129	26	1,536,019	3	1,221,667
Sold in 2011	24	737,754	22	1,782,059	1	485,000
Sold in 2010	25	696,159	10	2,258,250	2	2,850,000
Sold in 2009	22	804,818	16	2,573,016	3	2,241,667
Sold in 2008	21	894,536	13	3,465,385	4	3,251,250
Sold in 2007	12	906,042	19	3,270,300	1	3,575,000
Sold in 2006	21	1,362,476	10	2,307,375	4	2,218,750

This representation is based on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Assoc. 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 & does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in all of these transactions.

Resort & 2nd Home Property Specialist (RSPS)

Tuesday, at our Association office, SanibelSusan taught one of the modules needed for island Realtors® to earn their Sanibel & Captiva Islands Specialist (SCIS) designation. The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® offers this local education program annually. It is a good way for those working the island to learn what is different in selling real estate here. My 15 students included some brand-new Realtors®, some with many years of experience, some new here, and some that know the island well. It made for an interesting mix and good interaction.

As one of the 40 members of the 2014 Florida Realtors® Resort & 2nd-Home Specialists Forum and one of just six islands Realtors® holding the national RSPS certification, it always is fun to update my course material and get smarter myself, while sharing the knowledge. It goes without saying that the bulk of island sales are to buyers looking for vacation or 2nd-home property, rental income, or value appreciation.

Here is some info from my class. Some of the stats are based on the National Association of Realtors® “Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey 2014”.

The states with the largest number of vacation and second homes are Florida, California, Texas, and Michigan.

Nationally, 75% of these buyers get financing, here (Sanibel & Captiva) it is the reverse, with most buyers paying cash.

60% of today’s investment buyers are likely to buy another investment property.

55% of investment buyers are likely to buy a vacation property in the next two years.

Similarly in two years, 51% of all vacation property buyers are likely to purchase an investment property and 52% are likely to purchase another vacation property.

Among those buying primary residences, 37% are likely to buy an investment property and 40% a vacation property within the next two years.

By 2020, the number of second homes is expected to increase by about 200,000 units per year with the South projected to see about half of all the new 2nd-home growth.

Housing Market Reaching Equilibrium

A “Real Estate News” article posted on-line on Monday, says:

“Home prices have already begun moderating over the past year and appreciation likely will continue to gradually slow over the next two years, according to a forecast of 31 analysts recently surveyed by Reuters. Analysts predict home prices to rise 7.5% this year and then curtail to 4% by 2016.

“That marks a sharp slowdown from the double-digit increases reported last year. Analysts surveyed by Reuters say they expect prices to slow in the coming months due to tight lending standards, slow wage growth, and a lack of first-time buyers.

“”Growth would be more robust if we saw more first-time homebuyers in the market,” says David Nice, economist at Mesirow Financial. “That would put the housing market on a sustainable growth trajectory.” Analysts surveyed expect existing home sales to reach a 4.75 million annual rate in the second quarter of this year and rise to 5.10 million in the first quarter of 2015. “We are seeing a state of equilibrium,” says Mark Goldman, a real estate expert at San Diego State University in California. “I don’t see any symptoms that would cause housing prices to go up or down significantly.””

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity May 30-June 6

Sanibel
CONDOS

1 new listing: Nutmeg Village #209 2/2 $675K.

5 price changes: Sundial #I103 1/1 now $349.5K, Loggerhead Cay #411 2/2 now $523.9K, Nutmeg Village #308 2/2 now $769K, Sanddollar #A104 2/2 now $829K, Sedgemoor #206 3/3.5 now $2.875M.

4 new sales: Sundial #I304 1/1 listed for $389K, Loggerhead Cay #583 2/2 listed for $540K, Sundial #O302 2/2 listed for $699K, Tarpon Beach #305 2/2 listed for $750K.

5 closed sales: Sunset South #1B 2/2 $515K, Sandpiper Beach #505 $575K (short sale), Surfside 12 #B1 3/2 $854.5K, High Tide #A102 3/2.5 $1.2M, Anglers Key #201 3/3 $1.62M.

HOMES

4 new listings: 621 Lake Murex Cir 2/2 $509K, 2470 Harbour Ln 3/3 $999.9K, 5427 Osprey Ct 3/3.5 $1.2472M, 190 Violet Dr 3/2.5 $1.295M.

6 price changes: 3168 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 now $579.9K; 1291 Sand Castle Rd 5/3.5 now $799K; 3351 Barra Cir 3/2.5 now $869,999; 904 Almas Ct 3/2.5 now $1.095M; 660 Anchor Dr 4/4 now $1.299M (short sale); 1206 Bay Dr 4/4.5 now $2.85M.

6 new sales: 1841 Ibis Ln 2/2 listed for $458K, 553 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 listed for $579K, 1284 Par View Dr 2/2 listed for $649K, 949 S Yachtsman Dr 3/2 listed for $775K, 2538 Blind Pass Ct 3/2 listed for $850K, 2279 Troon Ct 3/4 listed for $1.295M.

14 closed sales: 2007 Mitzi Ln 3/2 $399K, 9263 Kincaid Ct 3/2.5 $415K, 1890 Farm Trl 3/2 $427.5K, 3837 Coquina Dr 2/2 $415K, 1625 Serenity Ln 3/2 $480K, 706 Emeril Ct 3/2 $679.9K, 2550 Wulfert Rd 4/3.5 half-duplex $688K, 1300 Par View Dr 3/2 $726K, 1130 Seagrape Ln 4/3 $770K, 820 Angel Wing Dr 3/2 $910K (our listing), 1759 Jewel Box Dr 3/2 $917.5K, 5423 Osprey Ct 3/2.5 $1.337M, 4781 Tradewinds Dr 3/2 $1.485M, 1077 Bird Ln 4/4/2 $5M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 1311 Par View Dr $295,555.

2 price changes: 9239 Dimmick Dr now $159.9K, 4636 Rue Royale now $429K.

1 new sale: 659 Anchor Dr listed for $549K.

1 closed sale: 1325 Eagle Run Dr $395K.

Captiva
CONDOS

2 new listings: Sunset Beach Villas #2313 1/1 $539K, Beach Cottages #1403 2/2 $1.085M.

2 price changes: Sunset Beach Villas #2337 2/2 now $699K, Sunset Beach Villas #2332 2/2 now $699K.

1 new sale: Sunset Beach Villas #2316 1/1 listed for $525K.

1 closed sale: Sunset Beach Villas #2338 3/3 $773.5K.

HOMES
No new listings.

1 price change: 16428 Captiva Dr 7/8/2 now $9.75M.

1 new sale: 11532 Wightman Ln 2/2 listed for $1.35M.

1 closed sale: 1129 Logifolia Ct 4/5 $5.3M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Best wishes to all for a terrific weekend!

It will be summer beach weather with those afternoon showers still likely here!

It’s Still a Great Time to Buy Island Real Estate as the Month of May Begins with Great Weather on Sanibel & Captiva

Posted on May 2, 2014 by SanibelSusan

As SanibelSusan wraps up another real estate week on the island, there are 25 finalized Sanibel sales to report: 17 condos and eight homes. Two of the condos were SanibelSusan listings.

Those closings bring total Sanibel closed sales year-to-date up to 154 (69 condos, 75 homes, and 10 lots). Another 85 Sanibel properties are under contract (31 condos, 50 homes, and 4 lots). The total number of closed sales year-to-date are just a tad ahead of last year when 148 properties had sold by now (52 condos, 86 homes, and 10 lots). This winter the most popular product was high-end condos.

Our weekly report below describes the activity posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service over the last seven days, including our new listing at Mariner Pointe. (Below is a slide show of some of the amenities at Mariner Pointe.)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

First some island and real estate news:

Dunes Traffic Study Results

In preparation for The Dunes roads being resurfaced in the summer of 2015 (a project expected to cost in excess of $700,000) and as follow-up on the concerns of some residents that their community is being used as a “cut-through” for commuters during “season”, the City performed a traffic study of The Dunes and nearby roadways in March.

The results of the study were presented in a special meeting at The Dunes Pavilion this week when it was reported that 64% of the vehicles accessing the Dunes during the study’s peak period (4-6 p.m. March 19-21) were “pass-through” traffic.

Sanibel Public Works Director, Keith Williams, who spoke during the meeting, said “That total is higher than your typical neighborhood, but it doesn’t appear that speeding is an issue here, although we have heard several complaints about that.” Interestingly, the study also concluded that through-out the 2-hour peak period, eastbound traffic along Periwinkle Way averaged 5 miles per hour. Many Dunes residents at the meeting completed a feedback survey and offered suggestions.

Island Night – Save the Date

Sanibel’s 21st Island Night is Wednesday, June 4. This is the 21st year of the celebration which in 2004 was renamed Sam Bailey’s Island Night in honor of Sam whose vision was to bring the island communities together for a common purpose.

The fun begins at Hammond Stadium at 6:15 p.m. with a parade around the ball field.

The game is at 7:05 p.m. with the Fort Myers Miracle versus the Lakeland Flying Tigers.

Free tickets are available from sponsors and at Bailey’s General Store. Contributions, which have totaled more than $150K over the years, have been distributed to help many local organizations, non-profits, and scholarships.

Mark your calendar on June 4 to enjoy a fun-filled night with the locals – camaraderie, baseball, your favorite ballpark concessions, plus cake from The Bubble Room!

Housing Recovery Ending? Not Yet

“Realtor®Mag” on-line posted the following article last Friday:

“”Several housing reports out this week have painted a picture of a sluggish start to the spring-selling season. New-home sales plunged 14.5% in March, reaching the lowest level in eight months, according to the Commerce Department. Existing-home sales posted a slight drop in March, falling 0.2% from February, but the sales volume was at its lowest point since July 2012, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

“So is the housing recovery ending? Not yet, housing experts say.

“Several challenges persist: Low housing inventories, tight access to mortgage financing — particularly for first-time home buyers — and the decrease in housing affordability as home prices and mortgage rates rise, notes Rick Sharga, an executive vice president at Auction.com who used to be an exec at Carrington Mortgage Holdings and RealtyTrac.

“Still, Sharga says the recovery remains on track. “This feels like a relatively normal market correction,” he notes in a column for HousingWire. “Prices rose rapidly and have stayed high due to limited inventory, causing affordability issues for potential home buyers. This has created a bit of a lull in terms of sales volume, but prices continue to go up, albeit more slowly. That, in turn, will create more positive equity and eventually result in more homes — existing and new — on the market, which will cause prices to soften, hopefully in tandem with somewhat more lenient lending practices.”

“Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, also sees an uptick in housing in the months ahead.

“With ongoing job creation and some weather-delayed shopping activity, home sales should pick up, especially if inventory continues to improve and mortgage interest rates rise only modestly,” he says.”

The Worst Is Over, But the Best Is Nowhere Near

Another “Realtor®Mag” article posted on-line this week offered good follow-up to the article above, when at a recent legislative and leadership summit for real estate managers, economists and industry leaders, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun had more to say:

“The country isn’t likely to fall into a repeat recession, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun told real estate management professionals meeting in Washington, D.C., last week. But that’s hardly cause for celebration among economists.

“On the plus side, the country has added nearly 8 million jobs, replacing all those lost during the downturn, Yun said. Growth in consumer spending and high household net worth also bode well for the economy.

“However, Yun was quick to stress, the economy is not thriving by any means. Business spending is growing at the slow, steady rate of 2%, he said, rather than a sustained 5% to 10% rate that would suggest real economic growth. Yun said businesses are “flush with cash.” While corporations typically leverage funding to outspend profit levels, recent data shows business spending and profits to be nearly equal, as executives are leery of overspending. This has resulted in improved balance sheets for most organizations, including banks.

“Yun’s comments came during the Institute for Real Estate Management’s 2014 Legislative and Leadership Summit held April 5-9.

“Diving into real estate industry data, Yun said commercial real estate is slowly recovering from 2009, when transactions declined by 90%. Multifamily has steadily outshined the other sectors, partly because of the inability of many renters to convert to home ownership.

“Another factor contributing to the strong performance of multifamily real estate is the lack of supply. “New construction in all sectors has yet to recover in any meaningful way,” Yun said. Housing construction, in particular, would need to rise by more than 50% to be restored to previous levels. This persistent under production of single-family and multifamily housing will continue to lead to low vacancy rates and rising rents for this sector, Yun said.

“After sharing the market outlook, Yun was joined by real estate industry leaders Jeff Day, CEO of Berkeley Point Capital LLC, and Jonathan Miller, partner at Miller Ryan LLC and author of the Urban Land Institute’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate.

“When asked where he would invest in the current market, Miller stressed the desirability of “24-hour cities — large cities in global pathways linked by international transportation hubs.” According to Miller, this is where the major part of the economy is growing and where most institutional and foreign capital is concentrated. Other areas are more lackluster, he said, with both market prices and rents for office buildings remaining stagnant for up to two decades in some cases. “It’s a have and have-not situation,” Miller said.

“Still, the panel said the big-city model is being successfully replicated in smaller markets, such as Reston, Va., where a town center is home to a vibrant community with condominiums, movie theatres, and other retail spaces, attracting young professionals.

“Yun predicted that both the Millennial and boomer generations will contribute to the desirability of condominiums in these 24-hour cities. “I’d invest in 24-hour cities that are developing. Look at areas where traffic is getting worse,” Yun said. “Build condos in 24-hour cities. Apartments are already there, but there is a pent-up demand for condos. A sizable number of renters will want to convert over to ownership. Therefore, property management of condos will be rising.”

“The panel also forecast continued economic success in Texas cities and up through the middle of the country in the so-called “energy states.”

“Addressing office-sector trends, Day told the audience to look for more amenities being offered on business campuses. The new model is to “glue them to the campus with dry cleaning, food, and so forth,” Day said, allowing workers to interact and complete personal business on-site.

“When asked about the demand for green features in commercial real estate, panelists agreed that generally, lenders are interested in making sure they make loans on sustainable income streams. To that end, green features can be desirable, but factor into more of a capitalistic decision than an altruistic one.

“Ultimately, the panelists agreed, the outlook for commercial real estate is good, with all sectors in recovery mode. Money is flowing again, they said. This will lead to continued growth in the industry — and demand for professional real estate managers to keep things operating strongly.”

Countries Where There’s a Rush for U.S. Real Estate

If you missed the “24/7 Wall Street” article earlier this month, here is how it was reported in on-line “Daily Real Estate News” on April 15. Made me think about how my advertising budget is reaching these buyers.

“Foreign buyers are being lured to U.S. real estate due to what they perceive as bargain prices, economic stability, and a “safe haven for investors,” 24/7 Wall St. reports. Interest in U.S. real estate from international buyers in ten countries has soared since 2009 by 95% or more. In nine of those countries, the interest has at least doubled, according to data from RealtyTrac. “The U.S. real estate market is coming off of a rough patch and entering recovery mode,” says Daren Blomquist, RealtyTrac’s vice president. “International buyers see it as a great time to jump in and catch the U.S. market on the upswing.” 24/7 Wall St. compiled data from RealtyTrac to find that the following countries are showing the highest increases in interest in purchasing American homes.

United Arab Emirates: Growth in prospective home buyers: 352.2%, Share of international prospective buyers: 1.1% (12th highest)
Switzerland: Growth in prospective home buyers: 269.7%, Share of international prospective buyers: 2.1% (8th highest)
Hong Kong & China: Growth in prospective home buyers: 254.2%, Share of international prospective buyers: 4.1% (4th highest)
France: Growth in prospective home buyers: 190%, Share of international prospective buyers: 2.8% (6th highest)
Italy: Growth in prospective home buyers: 178.4%, Share of international prospective buyers: 1.9% (10th highest)
United Kingdom: Growth in prospective home buyers: 153.8%, Share of international prospective buyers: 12.1% (2nd highest)
Australia: Growth in prospective home buyers: 121.9%, Share of international prospective buyers: 11% (3rd highest)
Canada: Growth in prospective home buyers: 107.7%, Share of international prospective buyers: 45% (the highest).”

Homes Are Getting Bigger

There were some fun statistics posted in the May issue of “Florida Realtor®” magazine that arrived this week. This info is according to Census Bureau data and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

The average new-home size has continued to rise, from 2,362 sq. ft. in 2009 to 2,679 sq. ft. in 2013.
The share of new homes with at least four bedrooms has risen from 34% in 2009 to 48% last year.
From 2005 to 2011, the number of annual new-home sales has dramatically declined, from 1.28 million to 306,000.

Lee County Meeting Venues

Occasionally, I am asked, “Where could my company hold a business meeting or conference on Sanibel?”

That’s a tough question if your company is a large one, as even our 350+member local Association of Realtors® has had trouble through the years finding spots to hold our weekly caravan and membership meetings.

Several years ago, the Association purchased the commercial strip mall where Finnimore’s Cycle Shop is located and converted the upper floor into conference spaces and meeting rooms.

The April issue of “Gulfshore Business” magazine listed the largest Southwest Florida meeting venues.

Here are the ones in Lee County.

Note that only Sundial Beach Resort is on Sanibel and South Seas Island Resort on Captiva.

Sanibel Harbour is nearby, close to the toll booth before the causeway.

“Germain Arena: 171,000 sq. ft.
Alico Arena: 120,000 sq. ft.
Lee Civic Center: 90,000 sq. ft.
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa: 73,000 sq. ft.
Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa: 45,000 sq. ft.
Harborside Event Center: 42,000 sq. ft.
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre: 36,000 sq. ft.
South Seas Island Resort: 28,000 sq. ft.
Sidney Berne Davis Art Center: 10,000 sq. ft.
Sundial Beach Resort: 10,000 sq. ft.
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village: 10,000 sq. ft.
Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at the Bell Tower Shops: 8,500 sq. ft.
DiamondHead Beach Resort: 8,000 sq. ft.
Holiday Inn Airport @ Town Center: 7,000 sq. ft.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity April 25-May 2, 2014

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sanibel Arms West #J4 2/2 $475K, Mariner Pointe #811 2/2 $499K (our listing), Sanibel Siesta #308 2/2 $500K, Pointe Santo #A21 2/2 $819K.

3 price changes: Sundial #H111 1/1 now $279K, Coquina Beach #5D 2/2 now $375K, Sunset South #1C 2/2 now $439K.

2 new sales: Breakers West #B5 2/2 listed for $459K, Sandpiper Beach #302 2/2 listed for $599K.

17 closed sales: Donax Village #9 1/1 $248K, Captains Walk #C1 2/1 $280K, Sundial #H107 1/1 $298K, Beach Road Villas #104 2/2 $313K (our listing), Kimball Lodge #263 1/1.5 $314K, Beach Road Villas #102 2/2 $330K, Seawind #102 2/2.5 $380K, Sundial #J108 2/2 $460K, Compass Point #212 2/2 $520K, Sundial #Q302 2/2 $625K, Nutmeg Village #105 2/2 $650K, Loggerhead Cay #121 2/2 $699K, Surfside 12 #C3 3/2 $750K, Sanibel Arms #F8 2/2 $775K, Kings Crown #302 2/2 $890K (our listing), Janthina #1A 3/2 $1.03M, Sedgemoor #103 3/3.5 $2.35M.

HOMES

7 new listings: 966 Greenwood Ct 3/2.5 Half-duplex $398.5K; 2098 Wild Lime Dr 2/2 $435K; 320 Palm Lake Dr 2/2 $439K; 1841 Ibis Ln 2/2 $458K; 490 Christine Rd 2/2 $629,555; 3131 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 $724,999; 842 Limpet Dr 3/3.5 $1.675M.

6 price changes: 421 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 now $515K, 1294 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $529K, 9228 Belding Dr 2/1.5 now $545K, 4563 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2 now $599K, 4648 Buck Key Rd 3/2 now $685K, 1206 Bay Dr 4/4.5 now $3.15M.

8 new sales: 553 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 listed for $579K, 1019 Lindgren Blvd 3/2 listed for $769K, 1130 Seagrape Ln 4/3 listed for $799K, 2552 Harbour Ln 3/2 listed for $895K, 1001 Kings Crown Dr 3/2.5 listed for $899K, 395 Old Trail Rd 5/4 listed for $899K, 6010 White Heron Ln 3/2.5 listed for $959K, 9007 Mockingbird Dr 3/3 listed for $1.075M.

8 closed sales: 1252 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $500K, 710 Pyrula Ave 2/2 $569.5K, 460 East Lake Rd 2/2 $589K, 5307 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2.5 $575K, 977 Black Skimmer Way 3/2 $570K, 923 Pepper Tree Pl 3/2 $700K, 5049 Joewood Dr 6/7.5 $3.8M, 906 Snowberry Ln 4/4.5 $4.1M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Captiva
CONDOS
Nothing to report.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 16249 Captiva Dr 3/3 now $2.375M.

1 new sale: 15361 Captiva Dr 5/4 listed for $2.595M.

1 closed sale: 17201 Captiva Dr 4/5.5 $3M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Here’s to another cheerful Friday on Sanibel Island! Cheers! Susan

“Best Weather” Month Coming Up on Sanibel Island

Posted on April 25, 2014 by SanibelSusan

It is official. “high season” in Florida is over. Real estate inquiry calls have slowed down and I heard that even internet and foot traffic at the Chamber of Commerce suddenly has dropped off. After 22 years on Sanibel, it still is always amazing how fast the islands go from gridlock to quiet. Related mostly to school breaks ending and spring weather arriving elsewhere, I guess. Too bad, as the month of May often has some of the “best” weather!

Yesterday at the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® Thursday Caravan Meeting only one house was on tour, again indicative of the time of the year. Attendance was down too, with almost as many affiliate business partners there as real estate agents. Beginning May 1, these meetings will revert to the every-other-week off-season schedule. Between now and summer, the islands usually experience a return of prospective buyers who did not buy during the winter – often because they could not view all of the properties that interested them. SanibelSusan Realty associates are ready for them.

Below are a few news items, followed by an update of the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service action over the last week. Of the two island condo closings this week, one was ours. We also had the only lot sale closing.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins May 1

Baby loggerhead

The 2013 sea turtle nesting season on Sanibel and Captiva was the 3rd highest season on record according to the May-June issue of SCCF’s (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) “Member Update”. Last summer 26,641 live hatchlings were produced from the islands’ two beaches. Of the 483 nests documented, 23 were by green sea turtles

SCCF also announced that Sanibel and Captiva now are using the online nesting and stranding databases found at www.seaturtle.org. This means that when the 2014 sea turtle season begins, the nesting data may be viewed in real-time throughout the season.

Sea turtles are among the world’s oldest creatures. On Sanibel and Captiva where the beaches provide subtropical nesting areas for threatened loggerhead and endangered green turtles, more than 100 island residents volunteer each summer as part of SCCF’s Sea Turtle Research and Monitoring Program which operates under a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Each day during nesting season, May to October, the 18 miles of Gulf beaches from Sanibel Lighthouse to the tip of Captiva are checked beginning at dawn. Nests are identified and marked for monitoring and protection. Later in the season, new hatches are evaluated and recorded.

If your property is on the beach, remember sea turtles are threatened by light pollution. Bright lights can disorient nesting egg-laden female turtles. For hatchlings, instinct drives them from their nests on beaches towards the brightest horizon, ideally the waterline on an undeveloped coast. Lighting from buildings or even flashlights confuses nesting females and hatchlings, so please keep those lights out.

Sanibel’s city web site, www.mysanibel.com has an easy way to test if your property is in compliance with the City’s sea turtle protection ordinances:

“Stand on the beach on a moonless night and look seaward. If you can see your shadow cast towards the water, there is too much light behind you.” Check the web site for more info.

Americans Prefer Real Estate Over Stocks, Gold

Like my Dad always said, “Put your money into real estate!”

“RealtorMag” on-line posted the following article from a Gallup (Poll) article (Apr 17, 2014):

“Americans have renewed confidence in real estate as a great investment. In fact, Americans believe real estate is the “best” long-term investment, followed by gold, stocks, mutual funds, savings accounts/CDs, and bonds, according to a new Gallup Poll of … adults who were asked to choose the best option for long-term investments. Bonds were the least favorite investment among the options Gallup surveyed.

In 2011, Americans surveyed said the most popular long-term investment was gold. That also marked a time when gold was at its highest price and real estate and stock values were lower than today, Gallup notes.

““With housing prices improving across the country, Americans are regaining faith that real estate is the best choice for long-term investments,” according to Gallup. “Home ownership is also associated with views of real estate as an attractive investment opportunity.”

“Americans with higher incomes are the most likely to say real estate and stocks are the best investments – “possibly because of their experience with these type of investments,” according to the Gallup poll.

“Higher income Americans are most likely to say they own their home (at 87%), followed by middle-income earners (at 66%) and lower-income earners (36%).

“Home owners are slightly more likely than renters to say real estate is the best choice for long-term investments – 33% versus 24%, respectively, according to the Gallup poll.”

Earth Day & Your Diet

SanibelSusan’s EcoBroker certification requires renewal each year about the same time as Earth Day. With that renewal comes an educational update, so when I did that class work this week, I also read several of postings about Earth Day. Here is an extract from “National Geographics” with some of their Water Conservation Tips. These interesting facts were posted under their subheading, “Diet”:

“The water it takes to produce the average American diet alone—approximately 1,000 gallons per person per day—is more than the global average water footprint of 900 gallons per person per day for diet, household use, transportation, energy, and the consumption of material goods.

“That quarter pounder is worth more than 30 average American showers. One of the easiest ways to slim your water footprint is to eat less meat and dairy. Another way is to choose grass-fed, rather than grain-fed, since it can take a lot of water to grow corn and other feed crops.

“A serving of poultry costs about 90 gallons of water to produce. There are also water costs embedded in the transportation of food (gasoline costs water to make). So, consider how far your food has to travel, and buy local to cut your water footprint.

“Pork costs water to produce, and traditional pork production (to make your sausage, bacon, and chops) has also been the cause of some water pollution, as pig waste runs into local water sources.

“On average, a vegan, a person who doesn’t eat meat or dairy, indirectly consumes nearly 600 gallons of water per day less than a person who eats the average American diet.

“A cup of coffee takes 55 gallons of water to make, with most of that H2O used to grow the coffee beans.”

Many HOAs Are Underfunded

A step in the home buying process should always include a review of the association documents including their financials. The following article posted on Apr 22, 2014 at on-line “Daily Real Estate News” and sourced to “Kiplinger’s Personal Finance” (April 2014) describes why:

“More homeowners’ groups may be operating with insufficient reserves, which could one day result in an unexpected increase in costs to home owners.

“An estimated 70% of association-governed communities are underfunded, a rise from 60% a decade ago, according to a new report from the consulting firm Association Reserves. Associations that lack adequate reserves may impose large special assessments for emergency repairs, says Robert Nordlund, Association Reserves’ founder. What’s more, home owners who don’t pay could then face liens against their property, or the association could even have the power to foreclose on them.

“Housing experts urge home buyers to ask for a copy of the homeowner group’s most recent reserve study and ask about the percentage of residents who are more than 60 days delinquent on their fees. It affects the association’s cash flow, and when “you’re buying into a nonprofit corporation, you need to find out if that corporation is stable,” Nordlund notes.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity April 18-25, 2014

Sanibel
CONDOS

2 new listings: Duggers Tropical Cottages #5 1/1 $324.9K, Nutmeg Village #308 2/2 $799.9K.

6 price changes: Spanish Cay #A6 1/1 now $268.5K, Tennisplace #B24 2/1 now $299.9K, Loggerhead Cay #453 2/2 now $499K, Sayana #103 2/2 now $715K, Shorewood #2B 3/3 now $1.395M, Seascape #104 3/3 now $2.2M.

2 new sales: Sanibel Inn #3535 2/2 listed for $699K, Compass Point #133 2/2 listed for $1.185M.

3 closed sales: Sundial #G305 1/1 $310K, Kings Crown #104 2/2 $850K (our buyer), Villa Sanibel #1G 2/2 $870K.

Beach in front of Kings Crown

HOMES

3 new listings: 2551 Sanibel Blvd 2/2 $489K, 1337 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 $1.25M, 283 Ferry Landing Dr 3/2 $1.695M.

7 price changes: 5141 SanCap Rd 2/2 now $320K; 989 Dixie Beach Blvd 3/2 now $595K; 1744 Bunting Ln 4/2 now $609.9K; 420 East Gulf Dr 3/3 now $749K; 917 Pepper Tree Place 4/3 now $829,407; 419 Lighthouse Way 4/3 now $859K; 5615 Baltusrol Ct 4/4/3 now $4.399M.

3 new sales: 9263 Kincaid Ct 3/2.5 listed for $449K, 3711 Agate Ct 3/2.5 listed for $799K, 4622 Rue Belle Mer 4/2 listed for $809K.

3 closed sales: 1344 Tahiti Dr 2/1 $410K, 542 Kinzie Island Ct 3/3.5 $1.8M, 4717 Rue Belle Mer 3/3 $1.94M (short sale).

LOTS

1 new listing: 3338 West Gulf Dr $429K.

2 price changes: 2988 Wulfert Rd now $399K, 2993 Wulfert Rd $599K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 1118 Sand Castle Rd $165K (our listing).

Lot just sold in The Dunes

Captiva
CONDOS

2 new listings: Lands End Village #1655 2/2 $1.095M, Lands End Village #1657 2/2 $1.095M.

3 new sales: Tennis Villas #3229 1/1 listed for $235K, Ventura Captiva #4B 3/3 listed for $797.5K, Sunset Beach Villas #2338 3/3 listed for $850K.

No new sale.

1 closed sale: Tennis Villas #310 1/1 $200K.

HOMES
No new listings or price changes.

2 new sales: 11541 Laika Ln 4/4 listed for $1.65M, 16645 Captiva Dr 8/9/2 listed for $1.095M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

SanibelSusan is ready for May – best weather month on the island!

Another Friday with Gorgeous Weather & Hot Real Estate Activity on Sanibel Island

Posted on April 4, 2014 by SanibelSusan

It’s SanibelSusan reporting another week of good real estate activity on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Remember those four new condo listings that I mentioned in my blog last Friday? Well, one already is under contract. Another condo listing sold over the weekend and our only home listing now is under contract too. I also was out two days showing homes this week. We love being busy, especially when there are good results!

View from Kings Crown #302

“Season” is Winding Down

None of our new listings were vacant for Realtor Caravan this week, so we were not able to hold them open, but occupancy will be changing.

I heard at the Post Office yesterday that they already are fielding inquiries from snowbirds getting ready to forward their mail for the summer. Some may be ready to head north, meaning traffic will most likely be easing up in the upcoming weeks. Our rental company colleagues advise that some properties have already transitioned from their high “season” winter rates to shoulder rates and even summer rates.

Below are a few news items followed by the week’s Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service activity report which shows the islands real estate busy-ness. Sanibel inventory is now less than it has been in a long time. Until sales have closed, the general public does not know how the market has changed, but here is a little sampling:

Last year, Jan 1 to Apr 4, 34 Sanibel condos closed. This year during the same period, 37 have closed, BUT another 48 are under contract. That’s 84 condo sales already this year, compared to 161 in all of 2013 (compared to 86 in all of 2007). 140 Sanibel condos remain for sale.
Last year, Jan 1 to Apr 4, 51 Sanibel homes closed. This year during the same period, 54 have closed, BUT another 46 are under contract. That’s 100 home sales already this year, compared to 197 in all of 2013 (compared to 124 in all of 2010). 194 Sanibel homes remain for sale.
Last year, Jan 1 to Apr 4, 5 Sanibel lots closed. This year during the same period, 7 have closed, BUT another 7 are under contract. That’s 14 lot sales already this year, compared to 26 in all of 2013 (compared to 11 in all of 2009). 90 Sanibel lots remain for sale.

As follow-up to my blog posting last week about the good funding in Florida’s new budget for water quality improvement solutions, here is some more positive news on the same subject.

Pumping Polluted Water Into Lake Okeechobee Must Stop, Judge Rules

Posted on Earthjustice.org on Friday, March 28:

“A major decision in federal court today will put an end to government-sanctioned pollution that’s been fouling Lake Okeechobee for more than three decades. The case, first filed in 2002 by Earthjustice, challenged the practice of “back-pumping.” For years, South Florida sugar and vegetable growers have used the public’s waters, pumped out of giant Lake Okeechobee, to irrigate their fields. They wash the water over their industrial-sized crops, where it is contaminated with fertilizers and other pollutants. Then, they get taxpayers in the South Florida Water Management District to pay to pump the contaminated water back into Lake Okeechobee, where it pollutes public drinking water supplies. Lake Okeechobee provides drinking water for West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, and the entire Lower East Coast metropolitan area.

“Earthjustice contended that the South Florida Water Management District was violating the Clean Water Act by allowing the agricultural companies to send fertilizer-laden water into public water supplies, instead of cleaning it up first.

“U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas in the Southern District of New York ruled today that the water transfer practice does, indeed, violate the Clean Water Act. The case ended up in New York because clean-water groups and several states also challenged the practice of allowing dirty water transfers into public water supplies without Clean Water Act protections. All the cases – including Earthjustice’s Florida case – on behalf of Friends of the Everglades, Florida Wildlife Federation and the Sierra Club – were bundled together.

“”It’s well established by now that a city can’t just dump sewage into a river – they’ve got to clean it first,” said Earthjustice attorney David Guest. “The same principal applies here with water pumped from contaminated drainage canals.” “This victory has been a long time coming,” said Florida Wildlife Federation president Manley Fuller. “Stopping pollution at the source is the key to cleaning up South Florida’s water pollution problems – the toxic green slime in the rivers, the dead wildlife washing up in the shores, the contaminated drinking water — and this decision will make that happen at long last.” “Big sugar corporations have been illegally dumping dirty water into Lake Okeechobee for years. They won’t be able to do that anymore, thanks to this very important decision by the federal courts,” said Sierra Club’s Florida Staff Director, Frank Jackalone.

“Transfers of contaminated water have triggered numerous toxic algae outbreaks around the United States. The algae growths can make people sick and sometimes kill livestock or pets that drink the water. The drinking water supplies for millions of Americans across the country have been affected, including notable cases in Florida, Colorado, New Hampshire, and California. The dirty water is a health risk for pregnant women, and taxpayers are on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars in additional treatment costs while polluters put more profits in their pockets.

““Instead of tightening protections and cleaning up the pollution, the EPA chose to legalize it,” said Albert Slap, attorney for Friends of the Everglades. “Now the courts have settled it – the South Florida Water Management District has to comply with the Clean Water Act.””

BIG ARTS 2nd Annual Photography Scavenger Hunt

SanibelSusan is the sponsor for this BIG ARTS scholarship program fundraiser next week (Tues April 8). At this 2nd Annual event, BIG ARTS invites all aspiring photography buffs to embark on a conceptual scavenger hunt. The adventure begins at 3 p.m. when teams pick up their clues at BIG ARTS. Each team will use one digital camera to capture images inspired by the given clues. Thinking “outside the box” is encouraged.

Teams must return by 5 p.m. and hand in their camera’s memory chip. While the teams are enjoying a gourmet boxed dinner, the collected images will be gathered together for judging and display.

Steve Greenstein will serve as the emcee. During a wine and desert reception at 6 p.m., the images will be showcased on the big screen at BIG ARTS and prizes will be awarded for the best images. Team member tickets are $45 which includes dinner and reception. Reception only tickets are $8.

Sanibel’s Civic Core Master Plan Updated

The latest version of the civic and cultural core plan was presented to Sanibel City Council this week. The architect creating the conceptual plan that would consolidate BIG ARTS, the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Center4Life, and The Community House onto a 25-acre site along with City Hall, the Sanibel Public Library, and the Public Works Department shared the most recent plans for the project which was earlier approved by all stakeholders.

The plan is both bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly, plus provides a net gain of almost twice as many parking spaces. It has gone through 33 versions. Unanimously approved by Council to move forward, future work on the plan will continue a “village approach” relying upon stakeholder and public input, developing a budget which may include applying for grants.

It’s Snowy Plover Time Again

If you need education on the staked nests on the beach now or the families of little birds with tiny chicks running around, be sure to go to the SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) presentation on Tues Apr 8.

Learn more about their ongoing snowy plover research and the conservation efforts on Sanibel and around Florida.

Site Names Top 10 Best Downtowns in U.S.

Photo by Jeremy Harvey/Courtesy of the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association

Having lived in Olde Town Alexandria, VA for many years before moving to Sanibel, I got a kick out of reading this article in “Daily Real Estate News”, sourced to www.Livability.com.

““The best downtowns instill a sense of pride in their cities,” according to Livability.com. The website recently ranked the top 10 best downtowns for 2014. Among the factors analyzed for the list, say the editors, were data on improvement in retail and office vacancy rates, the number of people moving to the area, income growth, unemployment, and the ratio of people who live and work in the downtown.

“Having a great downtown is about more than just having a great main street,” says Matt Carmichael, Livability.com editor. “A downtown should have a cultural and retail focal point, like a main street, but it has to expand beyond that, providing a solid core for the entire community.”

“Livability listed the following downtowns as tops in 2014:

Fort Worth, TX
Providence, RI
Indianapolis
Provo, UT
Alexandria, VA
Frederick, MD
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Bellingham, WA
Eugene, OR
Birmingham, AL.”

Vacation Home Tip Sheet

As the author and instructor for one of the segments required for Realtors® to earn the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Specialist designation, SanibelSusan is always on the lookout for information to share on the “Resort and Second-Home” market. I hold the Resort & Second Home Property Specialist designation.

Here’s a summary tip sheet posted on-line at “RealtorMag” by Barbara Ballinger with the six factors buyers need to consider when investing in a second home.

“1. Keep costs within the budget.

2. Determine the frequency of use.

3. Pick the right location.

4. Understand upkeep.

5. Research rental potential and costs.

6. Think about resale and changing needs.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 28-April 4, 2014

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Sanibel Shores #2 2/1 $299K, Seashells #6 2/2 $369K, Coquina Beach #3H 2/2 $2/2 $424K, Breakers West #B5 2/2 $459K, Beachcomber #C102 2/2 $1.575M.

4 price changes: Sanibel Arms West #3 2/2 now $493K, Pointe Santo #A2 2/2 now $849K, Seascape #104 3/3 now $2.27M, Plantation Village #B321 3/3 now $2.299M.

8 new sales: Seawind #A102 2/2.5 listed for $397.9K, Island Beach Club #310F 2/2 listed for $474K (our listing), Sunset South #1B 2/2 listed for $534K, Sandpiper Beach #302 2/2 listed for $599K, Pointe Santo #E21 2/2 listed for $715K, Pine Cove 31A 2/2 listed for $779K, Kings Crown #302 2/2 listed for $899K (our listing), High Tide #A102 3/2.5 listed for $1.299M.

7 closed sales: Duggers Tropical Cottages #5 1/1 $269K, Sundial #G105 1/1 $305K, Sundial #G401 2/2 $412K, Blind Pass #C203 3/2.5 $ 461K, Sunset South #6A 2/2 $490K, Lighthouse Point #324 3/2 $635K, Kings Crown #303 2/2 $930K.

HOMES

5 new listings: 340 East Gulf Dr 2/2 $489K, 3711 Agate Ct 3/2.5 $799K, 1818 Buckthorn Ln 3/3 $875K, 1237 Isabel Dr 6/6.5 $3.345M, 3911 West Gulf Dr 5/5.5 $5.295M.

15 price changes: 966 Fitzhugh St 2/1 now $315K, 2186 Egret Cir 3/2 now $439K, 1364 Jamaica Dr 2/2 now $489K, 950 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $499K, 778 Cardium St 3/3 now $499K, 1325 Par View Dr 3/2.5 now $710K, 3131 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 now $725K, 475 Sea Oats Dr 3/3 now $799K, 1528 Angel Dr 3/2 now $889.5K, 1516 Angel Dr 3/2 now $890K, 1001 Kings Crown Dr 3/2.5 now $925K, 6433 Pine Ave 4/3 now $949K, 1740 Middle Gulf Dr 4/3 now $979K, 2729 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 now $1.098M, 660 Anchor Dr 4/4 now $1.35M (short sale).

8 new sales: 3837 Coquina Dr 2/2 listed for $449K, 1344 Tahiti Dr 2/1 listed for $450K, 1625 Serenity Ln 3/2 listed for $499K, 710 Pyrula Ave 2/2 listed for $598K, 1213 Par View Dr 3/2.5 listed for $770K, 1130 Seagrape Ln 4/3 listed for $799K, 820 Angel Wing Dr 3/2 listed for $999K (our listing), 5115 Joewood Dr 4/3 listed for $1M.

6 closed sales: 1565 Bunting Ln 3/2 $425K, 1787 Serenity Ln 3/2 $520K, 617 E Rocks Dr 3/2 $585K, 231 Daniel Dr 3/2.5 $935K, 836 Birdie View Pt 3/3 $995K, 4992 Joewood Dr 3/3.5 $1.35M.

LOTS

No new listings.

2 price changes: 9239 Dimmick Dr now $165.9K, 2324 Starfish Ln now $495K.

1 new sale: 3334 Saint Kilda Rd listed for $315K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Ventura Captiva #5B 3/3.5 now $1.045M.

No new sales.

2 closed sales: Bayside Villas #5136 1/2 $258.5K, Tennis Villas #3139 2/2 $380K.

HOMES

1 new listing: 14860 Mango Ct 5/4 $2.394M.

2 price changes: 11411 Old Lodge Ln 4/2 now $929K, 16814 Captiva Dr 5/4.5 now $7.495M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

1 new listing: 16297 Captiva Dr $1.749M.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

Happy weekend to all, from SanibelSusan…

More fantastic weather with temperatures in the 70’s is expected for the next week…island perfect!

Spring Has Sprung on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Posted on March 21, 2014 by SanibelSusan

There has been lots of island traffic this week, probably because the county schools are closed for spring break, plus the increased activity from the lingering winter weather elsewhere.

Woodring Point Osprey Imposter, photo from The Shews

Here are a couple of news items followed by the activity posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service over the last seven days.

March Sanibel & Captiva Islands Assoc of Realtors® Monthly Membership Meeting

Yesterday was our local Association of Realtors® Monthly Membership Meeting with two speakers:

The International Osprey Foundation – The first speaker was Jim Griffith from The International Osprey Foundation. The International Osprey Foundation is dedicated to the continuing preservation and recovery of the osprey, others in the raptor family, wildlife and the environment as a whole. The foundation conducts monitoring activities and accumulates data specific to the breeding activities of the osprey population on Sanibel.

Jim said that back in the early 1900’s the island was home to about 60 osprey nests. These raptors have 360-degree vision, are expert fishers (they are also known as the fish hawk), and reside in almost any area that has a large body of water.With the introduction of the pesticide DTT, development, predators, and Mother Nature, the number of nests declined. Nests on Sanibel were at a low following the storms of 2004/2005, but today there are 133. Though these birds like to nest on tall Norfolk pines and electrical poles, here about 40% of the nests are now on man-made platforms which LCEC (Lee County Electric Coop) often assists the foundation in erecting.

If you need help in adding a nesting pole to your property or in relocating an existing nest, contact Jim through the Foundations web site www.ospreys.com.

To move a nest, a permit is required from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. These local nests are monitored every few weeks (Jan through May) by a group of 40 volunteers who reported that 97 osprey chicks fledged on Sanibel last year.

Realtor & Assoc Board Member, Lori Pierot making presentation to Jim Griffith for the International Osprey Foundation.

As part of our Realtors® continued support of island non-profits and charities, The International Osprey Foundation was presented with a donation from the Association of Realtors®.

Jim also reported that Sanibel now has a new species too, the swallow-tailed kite. At the Foundation annual meeting at The Community House on Sunday (Mar 23) at 7 p.m., Dr. Ken Meyer, an avian researcher, will be the keynote speaker. He is an expert on these birds. One of the most beautiful birds in Florida, the unmistakable, elegant swallow-tailed kite is recognizable for its deeply forked tail, distinctive black and white plumage, and graceful aerial displays.

Flood Insurance Update – Kim Kovacs from Heidrick & Company Insurance updated members on the bill that was passed in the Senate last week and is awaiting signature by the President. Though still not official, it looks like some relief is in sight. How long will it take for the President to sign and then FEMA to determine how to implement the bill? Kim said FEMA told her company that it will be at “lightning speed”. More realistically that probably means 6 months to a year.

Here’s a summary of what is in this new bill. It is from an article by Andrews G. Simpson, posted on www.insurancejournal.com on March 13:

“Prevents Skyrocketing Rate Increases

• Creates a firewall on annual rate increases – Prevents FEMA from raising the average rates for a class of properties above 15% and from raising rates on individual policies above 18% per year for virtually all properties.

• Repeals the property sales trigger – Repeals the provision in Biggert-Waters that required homebuyers to pay the full-risk rate for pre-FIRM properties at the time of purchase. This provision caused property values to steeply decline and made many homes unsellable, hurting the real estate market. Under the Menendez/Grimm Bill, homebuyers will receive the same treatment as the home seller.

• Repeals the new policy sales trigger – Repeals the provision in Biggert-Waters that required pre-FIRM property owners to pay the full-risk rate if they voluntarily purchase a new policy. This provision dis-incentivizes property owners from making responsible decisions and could hurt program participation. The Menendez/Grimm Bill allows pre-FIRM property owners to voluntarily purchase a policy under pre-FIRM conditions.

• Reinstates grandfathering – Repeals the provision in Biggert-Waters that would have terminated grandfathering. If grandfathering was terminated, property owners mapped into higher risk would have to either elevate their structure or have higher rates phased in over 5 years. The Menendez/Grimm Bill allows grandfathering to continue and sets hard caps on how high premiums can increase annually.

• Refunds homeowners who overpaid – Requires FEMA to refund policyholders for overpaid premiums.

• Affordability goal – Requires FEMA to minimize the number of policies with annual premiums that exceed one percent of the total coverage provided by the policy.”

Fun Events by The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

Here are a couple of announcements from the Shell Museum’s recent on-line newsletter:

Marine Naturalist Adventure Cruise – The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and Captiva Cruises present an ecological expedition that will educate and excite marine enthusiasts. Join a Marine Naturalist from the Museum for an unforgettable day with a small group aboard the 40′ sailing catamaran “Adventure”. Trips from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include cruise, lunch, and admission to the Museum. Call ahead for reservations and sailing dates: 239-472-5300.

Beach Walks at Island Inn – Tuesdays at 10 a.m., join the Marine Naturalist at the Island Inn to learn about the shells, the mollusks that created them, and other marine life.

Parking at Island Inn is free for participants, but space is limited so reservations are required. Island Inn is at 3111 West Gulf Dr.

BIG ARTS Community Chorus Spring Concerts

The BIG ARTS Chorus and their special Ensemble have performed at various locations this winter, from many holiday events to singing the “Star Spangled Banner” at a Minnesota Twins game, to providing musical entertainment at the FISH Annual Volunteer Luncheon & a Center4Life Dinner Meeting, to belting out Irish tunes at Bailey Center’s St. Patty’s Day Fest.

Irish Fest 2014, photo from Blanaid Colley, Zebra Yogurt, Hillgate Communications, & fellow alto

I’ve missed some of the daytime events with work obligations, but will be part of both groups performing next week during their evening Spring Concerts.

Tickets are going fast at BIG ARTS, rumor has it that they are nearly sold out already for both nights. Hope to see you Tues Mar 25 or Thurs Mar 27 at 7 p.m. at Shein Performance Hall on the BIG ARTS campus.

The program includes a wide repertoire including “A Patriotic Salute” (SanibelSusan gets to toot a kazoo in this one), “Ching a Ring Chaw”, “My Bonnie Lass She Smelleth” (PDQ Bach), Randall Thompson’s “Alleluia”, Brahms “Neue Liebeshlieder Waltzes”. Then after intermission, things will liven up with “We Love the 50’s” and a medley from “Guys & Dolls” (fun costumes and other surprises in the second half both nights).

The Chorus now is 85+strong (no auditions necessary). Rehearsals run from each October through March on Tuesday nights at BIG ARTS. The 30-some member Ensemble requires an audition and has an extra rehearsal each week. We are always looking for new members. It has been fun to see this group grow and become so “in demand”. I was one of the original members when it all started in 1992. Singing provides good real estate therapy too. Think of joining us when you are in town!

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 21-28, 2014

Sanibel
CONDOS

4 new listings: Breakers West #B1 2/2 $449K, Surfside 12 #B1 3/2 $869K, Wedgewood #306 3/3.5 $1.379M, Beachcomber #C302 2/2 $1.695M.

7 price changes: Tennisplace #B24 2/1 now $305K; Captains Walk #B4 2/2 now $325K; Sundial #C301 1/1 now $335K; Kimball Lodge #244 1/1.5 now $339K; Sanibel Moorings #422 2/2 now $449,999; Pointe Santo #E21 2/2 now $$715K; Seascape #104 3/3 now $2.32M.

9 new sales: Beach Road Villas #102 2/2 listed for $349K, Sundial #I402 1/1 listed for $379K, Mariner Pointe #732 2/2 listed for $384.9K, Island Beach Club #240F 2/2 listed for $599K, Sanibel Arms #F8 2/2 listed for $849K, Villa Sanibel #1G 2/2 listed for $875K, Anglers Key #201 3/3 listed for $1.699M, Somerset #A301 3/2.5 listed for $1.899M, Sedgemoor #103 3/3.5 listed for $2.55M.

10 closed sales: Sundial #I307 1/1 $218K, Sundial #H203 2/2 $450K, Heron at The Sanctuary II #2A 3/2.5 $585K, Kings Crown #210 2/2 $625K, Pine Cove #C 2/2 $805K, Plantation Village #A112 3/2 $975K, Gulfside Place #307 2/2 $1.1M, Gulfside Place #319 3/2 $1.145M (our listing), Atrium #206 3/2 $1.24M, Sedgemoor #202 3/3.5 $2M.

HOMES

7 new listings: 2007 Mitzi Ln 3/2 $399K, 3965 Coquina Dr 2/2 $399K, 828 Rabbit Rd 2/1 $463K, 1477 Albatross Rd 4/3 $598.8K, 1063 S Yachtsman Dr 3/2 $675K, 925 Lindgren Blvd 3/2 $698K, 235 Daniel Dr 3/2 $1.195M.

14 price changes: 409 Elizabeth Dr 2/2 now $393K, 1344 Tahiti Dr 2/1 now $450K, 1252 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $549K, 9446 Beverly Ln 3/3.5 now $629K (short sale), 1356 Tahiti Dr 3/2 now $674K, 1021 Fish Crow Rd 4/3 now $749K, 1130 Seagrape Ln 4/3 now $799K, 4622 Rue Belle Mer 4/2 now $809K, 501 Sea Walk Ct 3/2 now $835K, 5753 Pine Tree Dr 3/4 now $838K, 1329 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 now $874K, 4444 Waters Edge Ln 3/2 now $949K, 2520 Harbour Ln 3/2.5 now $1.149M, 1748 Jewel Box Dr 4/4 now $1.198M,

8 new sales: 3837 Coquina Dr 2/2 listed for $449K, 2050 Sunrise Cir 3/2 listed for $548.9K, 5307 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2.5 listed for $595K, 1300 Par View Dr 3/2 listed for $749K, 5690 Pine Tree Dr 3/2 listed for $799.9K, 1827 Buckthorn Ln 3/2 listed for $849K, 5795 SanCap 3/3 listed for $1.079.9M, 1307 Seaspray Ln 4/3.5 listed for $1.595M.

2 closed sales: 1475 Court Pl 2/1 $265K, 1306 Par View Dr 3/3.5 $750K.

LOTS

1 new listings: 1042 Blue Heron Dr $449K.

2 price changes: 1815 Ardsley Way now $209,555; 3334 Saint Kilda Rd now $315K.

1 new sale: 6081 Henderson Rd listed for $199.9K.

1 closed sale: 1340 Eagle Run Dr $250K.

Captiva
CONDOS

1 New listing: Beach Villas #2511 2/2 $619K.
No price changes.

2 new sales: Tennis Villas #3110 1/1 listed for $225K, Tennis Villas #3139 2/2 listed for $380K.

1 closed sale: Ventura Captiva #2B 3/3 $780K.

HOMES

1 new listing: 13550 Palmflower Ln 4/3.5 $5.65M.

1 price change: 14980 Binder Dr 4/3 now $1.398M.

1 new sale: 1114 Schefflera Ct 4/3.5 listed for $1.849M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

If you are on the islands this weekend, we hope you stop in to say “hi”, SanibelSusan Realty is open every day!

It’s Spring-Ahead Weekend on Sanibel Island

Posted on March 7, 2014 by SanibelSusan

It’s another perfect Friday on Sanibel Island. We are all ready to turn the clocks ahead on Sunday so we can enjoy more of this wonderful weather, later in the evenings.

Here are a few quick news items, followed by the week’s real estate action as reported in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service.

Florida Realtors® Applaud House Passage of Flood Insurance Bill

Florida Realtors® posted the following notice on-line on Wednesday:

“Realtors across Florida support the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, H.R. 3370, overwhelmingly passed by the U.S. House Tuesday, 306-91.

““This action in Congress will bring the much-needed certainty our real estate market has been missing since Biggert-Waters went into effect, and provide immediate relief to Florida homeowners who were facing financial ruin due to sudden and drastic flood insurance premium increases,” said 2014 Florida Realtors® President Sherri Meadows, CEO and team leader, Keller Williams, with market centers in Gainesville, Ocala and the Villages. Meadows added, “While good-intentioned, the Biggert-Waters Act had the effect of stigmatizing properties that are in flood zones. Current property owners, as well as those looking to buy, didn’t know if a new flood map might be adopted next week or next year. This legislation will give property owners in Florida and across the country peace of mind, by ensuring a slow and steady phase-in of risked-based increases.”

“Cyndee Haydon, associate broker with Future Home Realty in Clearwater, noted that the unintended consequences of the Biggert-Waters Act was making Florida locations less attractive to families, retirees and others looking to move here because of the dramatic, soaring cost of flood insurance in many areas. “I’m excited that the legislation addresses the affordability of flood insurance and provides a ‘glide path’ for premium increases of about 15% a year (for those not paying the full rates yet),” Haydon said. “This takes out the fear and the unknown factor.”

“Brandi Gabbard, chair of the Pinellas Suncoast Association of Realtors and broker-associate with Smith & Associates in St. Petersburg, said that the House bill allows for homeowners of properties that currently have subsidized policies with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to be “grandfathered in” again. “That’s a huge win for homeowners,” Gabbard said. “We also hope to see more interest from private insurers to offer flood insurance policies. The Pinellas County area has seen good success with Lloyds of London and Homeowners’ Choice Property and Casualty Insurance Company. There are several bills legislators are introducing in Tallahassee to support the private market for flood insurance. Encouraging competition among private insurers will be the long-term, sustainable answer for this issue.”

“Under the U.S. House bill:

Immediate increases in flood insurance premiums up to 10 times the previous cost are eliminated.

Those who already paid such increases receive refunds.

Primary homeowners not already paying full rates could see their annual rate increases average 15% and be capped at 18%.

Second homes and businesses not already paying full rates could receive premium increases of about 25% per year.

Renewal increases are capped at 18% for homes in newly mapped flood zones.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a goal of having annual premiums not exceed 1% of total coverage provided by the policy.”

77th Annual Sanibel Shell Festival is NOW

Photo by Pam Rambo at www.ILoveShelling.com

Photo by Pam Rambo at http://www.ILoveShelling.com

Featuring shells, shell art, crafts and books, juried artistic and scientific exhibits, this annual event at The Sanibel Community House began on Thursday and runs through tomorrow (Saturday).

It unexpectedly got closed down early yesterday when Southwest Florida experienced a brief period of wind and heavy rain, but it is back in business again today.

New Sanibel Cell Tower is Up & Running

The City’s new cell phone tower located on utility department lands just off Donax Street now is operational. Verizon built the tower on land leased from the City to boost cell service on the east-end. The tower doubles as a flag pole, with positive comments already received from those driving onto the island and viewing the huge new American flag waving. There are spaces on the tower for other carriers and rumor has it that AT&T is in negotiation for the 2nd tower slot.

News from The Sanctuary Golf Club

Sheryl Tatum, Director of Membership at The Sanctuary emailed her March newsletter this week. It announced that they have reached their maximum 100 Social Memberships. A Waiting List now has been implemented. Effective March 1, the Social Membership Fee is $15,000. The other membership categories include: Equity Membership $110,000; Introductory Membership $10,000; and Temporary Membership $5,000 for 1 month or $7,500 for 2 months.

Troubled by Tightened Lending Restrictions?

That is certainly what I have heard more than once lately from well-qualified buyers, even those only looking to borrow a small percentage of the funds needed to purchase their new property. The following article by Michael Kodsi in the March issue of “FloridaRealtor®” magazine may explain why.

“Don’t be. Here are the facts about the new residential Qualified Mortgage rule and what you can expect.

“For the past few years, securing financing for your customers has been a challenge. Tighter loan restrictions and fewer lending programs have stymied many a real estate purchaser. So it’s understandable that real estate professionals are a little concerned about the new Qualified Mortgage rule that went into effect in January. How will homebuyers be impacted? Will this slow housing sales? Here are the facts to help you understand what a Qualified Mortgage is so you can prepare your customers for the changes. You’ll also know what to expect from lenders.

“Simply put, the new Qualified Mortgage rule – also know as the ability-to-repay rule – is designed to make sure that borrowers can repay their mortgage loans.

“As defined by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a Qualified Mortgage is a loan with a term no longer than 30 years, with the points and fees paid by the borrower not exceeding 3% of the total loan amount. Lenders must also document the borrower’s ability to repay the loan and must confirm a debt-to-income ration of no more than 43%. Lenders may still make any loan they like. However, lenders who go outside the Qualified Mortgage rule lose protection against borrower lawsuits that claim the loan was unfair.

“Will Homebuyers Be Impacted? The CFPB predicts that most homebuyers won’t be affected by the new rule because many lenders have already tightened their lending criteria. However, you should be prepared for a few changes relating to the mortgage process and be ready to advise your customers that lenders may increase the paperwork required for a home mortgage. Because lenders need to justify their underwriting decisions, many are requiring more documentation from borrowers.

“Some lenders may tighten their underwriting standards so that certain categories, including some lower- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers, may find it more difficult to obtain mortgage financing. Self-employed homebuyers who don’t have a long history of consistent income may have a tougher time getting a mortgage. It’s certainly not impossible, but more paperwork will likely be required.
“Be aware that customers looking to buy more expensive homes will probably be affected because jumbo loans – those over $417,000 – may be more difficult to qualify for.

“The bottom line? Education and preparation will go a long way when working with homebuyers. By starting the mortgage process a little earlier – perhaps even before customers begin searching for a home – you can ease any anxiety they may feel over the new mortgage rules.”

7 Bathroom Remodeling Trends

“Home Trends” remodeling adviser Mellisa Tracey posted the following article recently in “REALTOR®” magazine:

“What’s trending in bathroom remodels? Houzz recently released its 2014 Winter Bathroom Trends Study showing the top bathroom remodel preferences of more than 7,500 homeowners in the U.S. and Canada. The report shows that 60% of homeowners are targeting the master bathroom for their bathroom remodels. The two main drivers for their remodels: To upgrade features and fixtures as well as to make space more functional.

“Here are some of the growing trends that emerged from the Houzz report:

“#1 Goodbye, bathtubs. The bathtub is starting to move out of the master bathroom. More than four in ten – 43% – are forgoing a bathtub in the master bathroom, according to the report.

“#2 Frameless glass is “in”. The majority of the homeowners surveyed say they prefer glass shower enclosures and frameless glass. Glass block is “out,” according to the report.

“#3 Let there be lots of light. Adding light was one of the top goals for homeowners with their bathroom remodels, from adding windows to skylights to LED lights in the showerhead.

“#4 Showing showerhead preferences. Rain and multiple showerheads are the clear choice for homeowners under 45, while the 55-plus age group tends to prefer hand showers and sliding bars.

“#5 Seeing white. White cabinets are the top choice in master bathrooms (with medium and dark wood coming in No. 2 and No. 3, respectively). Maple is the most common type of wood used, followed by cherry and oak.

“#6 Silver bling. Silver-tone faucets remain the most popular, with brushed nickel topping the list. Polished chrome is also popular, while brushed bronze came in as the least popular choice for current bathroom remodels.

“#7 Unique powder rooms. The powder room is getting more unique features than other bathrooms. Hardwood floors, wallpaper, pedestal sinks, and furniture-like cabinets are more commonly used in these spaces than in other bathrooms.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Feb 28 – Mar 7, 2014

Sanibel
CONDOS
4 new listings: Sundial #I207 1/1 $324.9K, Island Beach Club #F240 2/2 $599K, Sandpiper Beach #505 2/2 $599K, Villa Sanibel#1G 2/2 $875K.
6 price changes: Sunset South #1B 2/2 now $534K, Loggerhead Cay #583 2/2 now $569K, Sanibel Surfside #133 2/2 now $885K, Pointe Santo #A2 now $898.5K, Pine Cove of Sanibel #302 2/2 now $1.15M, Seascape of Sanibel #104 3/3 now $2.37M.
5 new sales: Sundial #G206 1/1 listed for $299K, Sandpiper Beach #103 2/2 listed for $589K, Kings Crown #313 2/2 listed for $590K, Sundial #O205 2/2 listed for $768K, Sanibel Seaview #B2 3/3 listed for $1.395M.
5 closed sales: Bind Pass #E102 2/2 $365K, Heron at the Sanctuary #2B 3/3 $610K, Island Beach Club #D220 2/2 $762K, Kings Crown #218 3/2 $1.070M, By the Sea #102 2/2 $1.285M.
HOMES
9 new listings: 3837 Coquina Dr 2/2 $449K, 9455 Calla Ct 3/3 $669K, 4648 Buck Key Rd 3/2 $699K, 732 Durion Ct 3/2 $749K, 1021 Fish Crow Rd 4/3 $775K, 4500 Waters Edge Ln 2/2 $839K, 857 Birdie View Pt 3/2.5 $1.049M, 904 Almas Ct 3/2.5 $1.129M, 749 Pyrula Ave 3/3 $ 1.295M.
8 price changes: 2186 Egret Cir 3/2 now $449K, 581 East Rocks Dr 3/2 now $495K, 9446 Beverly Ln 3/3.5 now $649K, 419 Lighthouse Way 4/3 now $877K, 228 Violet Dr 3/2.5 now $880K, 512 Periwinkle Way 3/3 now $925K, 5115 Joewood Dr 4/3 now $1M, 2981 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 now $ 1.675M.
7 new sales: 1890 Farm Tr 3/2 listed for $449K, 1565 Bunting Ln 3/2 listed for $479K, 450 Leather Fern Pl 3/2 listed for $599K, 601 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 listed for $599K, 923 Pepper Tree Pl 3/2 listed for $729K, 2498 Harbour Ln 4/3 listed for $825K, 1838 Buckthorn Ln 3/2 listed for $1.1M.
6 closed sales: 1809 Bowmans Beach Rd 3/2 435K, 579 Rabbit Rd 3/3 550K, 3205 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 $570K, 9474 Balsa Ct 3/3 $860K, 1444 Causey Ct 4/4 $1M, 1664 Hibiscus Dr 3/2 $1.075M.
LOTS
1 new listing: 1770 Dixie Beach Blvd $729K.
2 price changes: 4626 Buck Key Rd now $188K, 5749 Sanibel Captiva Rd now $399,555.
No new or closed sales.

Captiva
CONDOS
No new listings.

1 new sale: Marina Villas #708 2/2 listed for $595K.

No closed sales.
HOMES
1 new listing: 15879 Captiva Dr 3/3 $2.995M.
No price changes.
1 new sale: 15127 Captiva Dr 8/8 listed for $1.595M.

LOTS
Nothing to report.

Looking for a Sanibel Condo? Here are a few photos of the views & amenities from some of SanibelSusan’s current listings…

Best wishes from Susan & The SanibelSusan Team for another great weekend!

Real Estate is Selling on Sanibel Island

Posted on February 28, 2014 by SanibelSusan

It’s been another fun and busy week of real estate action for The SanibelSusan Team. The glorious weather must have something to do with it!

Our listings again had good showing action. Several new buyers came in to chat about the purchasing process and to begin their property search. Dave accompanied five different inspections. Dave, Lisa, and I were out several days with different prospective buyers showing property, while Elise has been juggling showing appointments and follow-up on the feedback. But, even more importantly, more offers were negotiated. Another productive week here – what we wait for all year!

The 7-day activity report from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service below illustrates. I don’t remember when the island has had 12 condo sales in a single week (two our listings). We definitely want that business to continue. March usually is a good time for condo sales too. New month-long renters arrive tomorrow in addition to the typical weekly Saturday turn-over guests.

Here are a couple of quick news items, including an update on flood insurance (the subject on the minds of many), followed by that report.

House to Vote on Flood Insurance

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) posted on-line the below notice for its members this week.

“The House is scheduled to vote up-or-down on an amended version of H.R. 3370, the Flood Insurance Affordability Act, during the first week of March. The original bill text has been stripped and replaced by substitute language that considerably strengthens the bill. The substitute bill will be considered under an expedited set of “suspended rules” procedures that limits debate and amendments, and requires a 2/3 majority to pass. This is a critical vote on a top NAR member priority. We cannot predict the fall-out if this vote fails.

“The substitute bill to be considered differs significantly from the version that the Senate passed on Jan. 30:

REPEALS (the Senate bill only delayed) the property-sales provision in the Biggert Waters law (sec. 205) that has triggered the most excessive and inaccurate premium increases over the past year.
REFUNDS (the Senate bill would not refund) excessive premiums to those who have already seen an increase but were not warned by FEMA prior to purchasing the property. (This would apply to ALL purchases of property including purchases of a second home or commercial property).
RESTORES (the Senate bill only delayed) the grandfathering of lower rates when new flood maps are issued by repealing Section 207 of the law before any increases can be implemented.”

Annual Clothesline Sale

The Sanibel-Captiva Art League’s annual sale is tomorrow (Saturday, March 1) across the street from SanibelSusan Realty and Sanibel Square at The Community House from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More info at www.sancapart.com

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 21-28, 2014

Sanibel
CONDOS
5 new listings: Tennisplace #E31 2/1 $325K, Blind Pass #G205 2/2 $439K, Sundial #G101 2/2 $445K, Mariner Pointe #842 2/2 $515K, Sundial #E104 2/2 $869K.
6 price changes: Sundial #H107 1/1 now $299K, Tennisplace #B24 2/1 now $315K, Kimball Lodge #263 1/1.5 now $349K, Sanibel Moorings #422 2/2 now $465K, Loggerhead Cay #411 now $529K, Seascape #104 3/3 now $2.395M.
12 new sales: Beach Road Villas #104 2/2 listed for $335K (our listing), Beach Road Villas #103 2/2 listed for $359.9K, Nutmeg Village #103 2/2 listed for $612K, Sundial #Q302 2/2 listed for $649K, Kings Crown #210 2/2 listed for $649K, Sundial #L202 2/2 listed for $695K, Surfside 12 #C3 3/2 listed for $749K, Pine Cove #C 2/2 listed for $839K, Pointe Santo #C25 3/2 listed for $895K, Gulfside Place #307 2/2 listed for $1.225M, Gulfside Place #319 3/2 listed for $1.295M (our listing), Sedgemoor #202 3/3.5 listed for $2.22M.
No closed sales.

HOMES
8 new listings: 1744 Bunting Ln 4/2 $637,555; 1827 Buckthorn Ln 3/2 $849K; 2538 Blind Pass Ct 3/2 $850K; 1225 Seagrape Ln 3/3 $879K; 791 Pen Shell Dr 4/3 $1.195M; 5612 Baltusrol Ct 4/3.5 $1.695M; 2969 Wulfert Rd 6/6/2 $1.95M, 1470 Middle Gulf 4/5.5 $2.495M.
10 price changes: 490 Elizabeth Dr 2/2 now $399K; 3001 Singing Wind Dr 3/2 now $580,555; 2550 Wulfert Rd 4/3.5 half-duplex now $698.5K; 1340 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 now $1.148.5M; 1203 Isabel Dr 2/3 now $1.195M; 1307 Seaspray Ln 4/3.5 now $1.595M; 1232 Isabel Dr 3/3 now $1.8M; 428 Bella Vista Way E 4/4 half-duplex now $1.895M; 1266 Isabel Dr 3/3 now $1.999M; 1133 Golden Olive Ct 3/3 now $2.1M.
2 new sales: 617 East Rocks Dr 3/2 listed for $599.9K, 5049 Joewood Dr 6/7.5 listed for $3.995M.
7 closed sales: 1327 Tahiti Dr 2/2 $390K, 1826 Ardsley Way 4/3 $461K, 4546 Waters Edge Ln 3/2 $485K, 1342 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $550K, 1297 Par View Dr 3/2 $750K, 2507 Blind Pass Ct 3/3 $1.01M, 988 Whelk Dr 3/2.5 $1.035M.

LOTS
No new listings.
1 price change: 247 + 255 Robinwood Cir now $298K.
No new or closed sales.

Captiva
CONDOS
3 new listings: Tennis Villas #3217 1/1 $225K, Sunset Beach Villas #2335 3/2 $829K, Lands End Village #1637 2/2 $1.275M.
1 price change: Sunset Beach Villas #2332 2/2 now $739K.
No new sales.
2 closed sales: Bayside Villas #5132 1/2 $243.5K, Captiva Hide-A-Way #2B 2/2 $800K.

HOMES
4 new listings: 11504 Wightman Ln 4/4 $1.295M, 15879 Captiva Dr 3/3 $2.995M, 16464 Captiva Dr 8/8.5 $7.995M, 16660 Captiva Dr 5/5.5 $17M.
1 price change: 4 Sunset Captiva Ln 3/2 now $2.375M.
1 new sale: 11541 Laika Ln 4/4 listed for $1.65M.
1 closed sale: 11522 Andy Rosse Ln 5/4.5 $2.35M.

LOTS
Nothing to report.

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors or its Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the association or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. The information provided represents the general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions. If your property currently is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing.

Here’s to another fun-filled weekend with roseate spoonbills & more real estate sales!

SanibelSusan

Woohoo, It’s Another Great Friday at SanibelSusan Realty

Posted on February 21, 2014 by SanibelSusan

It’s Susan and The SanibelSusan Team reporting that it has been another busy week on Sanibel. Glorious weather, more real estate showings, and sales activity, plus traffic traffic traffic.

This is the view from the Mariner Pointe condo that closed on Tues (SanibelSusan’s sale)

One of the lessons learned this week is that I may need to change my tune about open houses not being productive for the property being featured. During the 3-hour open house held last Saturday at our Sanibel Lake Estates home listing, there were three showings. One turned into an offer. Turns out, before the day was done, I received two offers. It is always great to get them and it can be especially good for a seller when there are multiples; but it can be a bit disheartening too, as someone always loses out.

View from Kings Crown #104

It was not the only instance of multiple bids this week. Plenty of sales activity has been and continues to be reported. In addition to the Roseate home sale, I put a Kings Crown condo under contract, then this morning put a Sanibel Center home under contract, while this afternoon our 2-bedroom condo listing at Mariner Pointe #812 sold.

Four sales in a week make us and our clients happy!

It’s not just our office that is getting sales as the weekly report of the listing action reported in the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service below shows. It follows a few news items. We hope the momentum continues. Tomorrow is expected to the biggest check-out/check-in day of the year, so new prospective buyers will be arriving.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of REALTORS® February Membership Meeting

There was standing room only yesterday morning at our Realtors® monthly membership meeting. In addition to chatter about the increased sales activity, a short educational program was presented about Island Landscaping and Native Vegetation. Presenters were SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) Education Director, Kristie Anders, and Becca Grotrian from the Native Plant Nursery.

For years in cooperation with our local Association of REALTORS®, SCCF has offered a welcome package for new island owners. It includes an introductory free 1-year SCCF membership and a property visit by one of SCCF’s Native Plant Nursery specialists, like Becca.

If you too are wondering how you can reduce landscaping and water costs, aid the environment and critters, and want to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, here are a few of the tidbits I learned from their “show and tell”:

• Coral bean – looks like a Charlie Brown tree when it blooms, because it has no leaves then, but the rose-colored tubular blooms attract hummingbirds.
• Gammagrass – is well suited to banks & steep slopes. A good choice along the side of a lake/river/bayou for alligator diversion.
• Joewood – the official tree of Sanibel is slow growing (10-15′) & has small white fragrant blooms, butterflies love it & it’s on the endangered species list.

• Firebush – fun colorful & showy shrub blooms for months & attracts both birds & butterflies. Hummingbirds especially love this plant too.

• Mimosa – often used as a grass replacement/ground cover, has pinky puffy flowers & acts as a host for sulphur butterflies.

• Spiderwort – often used as ground cover has a small blue flower.
• Simpson’s stopper – has small flowers & an orange fruit that birds love.

• Coontie – ground cover that will eventually clump to 3’x3′, it’s a cycad, an ancient plant, with cones both male & female. Birds & small animals like the seeds, & is a host for the atala butterfly, also called arrowroot & Seminole bread because early settlers extracted their edible starch.
• Buccaneer palm – on the endangered list, grows to 10-15′.

• Caroline jessamine vine – has yellow blooms in the winter & grows to 20′.

More info on SCCF’s website: http://sccf.org.

Sanibel Presidents’ Week Traffic

Here’s my traffic story of the week. On the Monday holiday, Periwinkle Way in front of SanibelSusan Realty was blocked in both directions starting mid-afternoon. By 6 p.m. when I was ready to go home and it still was blocked both ways, I decided to be resourceful and head west, thinking I could travel Tarpon Bay Road as a way to get to the Gulf Drives – so I could eventually head east via what we call “the back way”. This time, it didn’t work as when I got to Tarpon Bay Road, it was blocked in both directions too.

My next idea was to take the path of least resistance and to go even further west, by traveling Tarpon Bay Road to San-Cap Road, then to Rabbit Road and West Gulf Drive. That entire trip took an hour. As the cars crawled down Tarpon Bay Road passing the post office, up ahead along the side of the road I spied Matt Asen, owner of The Timbers and The Sanibel Grill. He was standing at the restaurant entrance waving a cardboard sign that said “Beat the Rush Hour Traffic, Come in For Happy Hour”. Since the cars weren’t moving much, that sign may not have been very effective, but it sure gave me a laugh. A little traffic is a small price to pay for the extra business and wonderful weather we enjoyed here this week.

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

Sanibel
CONDOS
2 new listings: Loggerhead Cay #474 2/2 $490K, Loggerhead Cay #373 2/2 $559K.
7 price changes: Blind Pass #E206 2/2.5 now $464.9K, Sunset South #1C 2/2 now $474K, Sundial #O302 2/2 now $699K, Shell island Beach Club #5D 2/2 now $775K, Pine Cove #1A 2/2 now $779K, Sundial #E208 2/2 now $799K, Anglers Key #201 3/3 $1.699M.
8 new sales: Sundial #G105 1/1 listed for $319K, Seawind #109 2/2.5 listed for $399K, Mariner Pointe #812 2/2 listed for $459K (our listing), Sunset South #6A 2/2 listed for $520K, Heron at The Sanctuary #2B 3/3.5 listed for $625K, Nutmeg Village #105 2/2 listed for $689.9K, Kings Crown #104 2/2 listed for $895K (our buyer), Plantation Village #A112 3/2 listed for $1.1M.
4 closed sales: Seashells #21 2/2 $316,356; Mariner Pointe #112 2/2 $535K (our sale); Sunset South #14A 2/2 $710K; Bougainvillea #4 3/3 $937.5K.

HOMES
6 new listings: 2079 Wild Lime Dr 3/2 $535K, 696 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 $575K, 706 Emeril Ct 3/2 $679.9K, 5690 Pine Tree Dr 3/2 $839.9K, 5743 Baltusrol Ct 3/3.5 $1.475M, 4265 West Gulf Dr 3/4.5 $4.495M.
9 price changes: 1596 Bunting Ln 2/2 now $409K, 1890 Farm Trl 3/2 now $449K, 1364 Jamaica Dr 2/2 now $499.9K, 778 Cardium St 3/3 now $525K, 590 Lake Murex Cir 2/2 now $699K, 497 Lake Murex Cir 4/3 now $759K, 475 Sea Oats Dr 3/3 now $835K, 1130 Seagrape Ln 4/3 now $839K, 800 Birdie View Pt 3/3.5 now $1.099M.
11 new sales: 966 Fitzhugh St 2/1 listed for $333K (our sale), 1960 Roseate Ln 3/2 listed for $449K (our listing), 4546 Waters Edge Ln 3/2 listed for $499K, 421 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 listed for $569K, 1787 Serenity Ln 3/2 listed for $$579K, 977 Black Skimmer Way 3/2 listed for $599.9K, 706 Emeril Ct 3/2 listed for $679.9K, 1306 Par View Dr 3/3.5 listed for $799K. 231 Daniel Dr 3/2.5 listed for $998.5K, 988 Whelk Dr 3/2.5 listed for $1.095M, 1480 Angel Dr 3/3 listed for $1.545M.
3 closed sales: 696 Durion Ct 3/2.5 $565K, 991 Whelk Dr 4/3 $1.05M, 2380 Troon Ct 4/5 $1.75M.

LOTS
3 new listings: 861 Birdie View Pt $369K, 4363 Gulf Pines Dr $389.9K, 6159 Starling Way $589.9K.
1 price change: 6081 Henderson Rd now $199.9K.
No new sales.
1 closed sale: 3351 Saint Kilda Rd $349,555.

Captiva
CONDOS
No new listings.
1 price change: Beach Homes #6 3/3 now $1.895M.
1 new sale: Bayside Villas #5136 1/2 listed for $295K.
No closed sales.

HOMES
No new listings.
2 price changes: 15127 Captiva Dr 8/8 now $1.595M, 1114 Schefflera Ct 4/3.5 now $1.849M.
1 new sale: 11527 Andy Rosse Ln 4/4 listed for $2.695M.
3 closed sales: 11515 Laika Ln 4/4.5 $2.05M, 1133 Longifolia Ct 3/3 $3.487.5M, 15017 Binder Dr 3/3.5 $3.4M.

LOTS
Nothing to report.

Here’s to another busy weekend of real estate sales & sunny weather on Sanibel!

Weekend wishes to all…SanibelSusan

Valentines Day 2014 & Real Estate Action on Sanibel Island

Posted on February 14, 2014 by SanibelSusan

It’s been another busy busy week on Sanibel Island. Many of our listings had showings and good sales activity is reported. Our 2-bedroom listing at Pointe Santo was one of the six condos that went under contract this week. Island-wide, seven homes and three lots have gone under contract since last Friday too. We also got another nice listing at Mariner Pointe. It’s #332, which is a thoughtfully remodeled 2nd floor 2 bedroom (the wide floor plan) with terrific view of the Shell Harbor canals and the marina, plus a peek of the bay. A few photos are below.

I was out showing property today and will be holding an open house tomorrow during the busy Rotary Arts & Crafts Fair. Dave and I both have been busy opening properties and accompanying showings, while Elise has been juggling all of the showing appointments, providing the property fliers, and getting the feedback. Lisa will be working with me tomorrow.

This afternoon, Dave and I did a walk-thru for a closing. Here are a couple of photos also taken from Mariner Pointe. One is of the inlet to the Shell Harbor canal system from San Carlos Bay. It shows the good progress made from the recent dredging project.

The other is of the Sanibel Marina. There sure are some nice boats docked there today!

Rumor has it that with the new Saturday check-ins arriving tomorrow, there most likely will be no accommodations vacancies on the island – nary a broom closet left. That nasty weather up north sure is helping us again this week!

Below are a couple of new items, followed by the action report in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service this week. The busy-ness should continue until Easter! Wooohooo!

Thursday Sanibel & Captiva Islands REALTOR® Caravan Meeting

Island insurance company owner, Chris Heidrick, is an affiliate member of The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of REALTORS® and a member of Sanibel’s Planning Commission. He also just returned from Washington where he and a group from Sanibel went to meet wiith representatives on the Hill about the Biggert Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act. He said that he and Sanibel Mayor Ruane got out of the City just in the “nick of time”, before Thursday’s snowstorm. In updating our membership about that trip, his report echoes the following email that our Association Executive received that morning from John Seebree, Florida REALTORS® Senior VP of Public Policy:

“The U.S. House now is expected to vote during the week of February 24 on some relief from the Biggert-Waters Lood Insurance Reform Act. We do know that the House will not approve the 4-year delay that was approved by the U.S. Senate, but we do expect them to pass some immediate relief and we expect it to be retroactive. The bill they are working from is HR 3370 which has many Florida cosponsors, however, this bill will change dramatically over the next week or so. Below is a press release dated February from U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor who has taken control of this issue. This is positive movement….”

Leader Cantor’s announcement said that “The House will consider a modified version of the Homeowners Flood Insurance Affordability Act the week of February 24…The Senate bill irresponsibly removed much need reforms and imposes additional costs of taxpayers. The House will act to protect the flood insurance program but also protect homeowners from unreasonable and unrealistic premium increases.”

Chris Heidrick said that House leaders want to do away with the Senate’s language that would delay rate hikes under the National Flood Insurance Program for up to four years.

Rumor has it that instead, the House version could stipulate that the program cannot increase insurance premiums by more than 15% each year on any property, even if a property has been sold or its flood insurance policy lapses. House leaders also want to make those changes apply retroactively so that property owners who have seen a sudden spike to full-risk rates will get a refund. Under the legislation that Congress enacted in 2012 to overhaul the program, FEMA is ordered to increase premiums by up to 20% each year on all properties that have been subsidized.

City to Review “Dark Sky” Ordinance

As reported in island newspapers today, “The Sanibel City Manager’s office was recently directed to compile information about the Dark Sky Ordnance so council could address concerns raised by residents that it wasn’t reasonable.

“By January 1, 2015 properties are expected to comply with the ordinance, which passed in 2000 to protect the island’s natural beauty and habitat for nocturnal and crepuscular species – such as sea turtles in nesting season – by minimizing the amount of light pollution.”

“Jeff Molnar, owner and operator of Molnar Electric on the island, said the Dark Sky Ordinance had undergone 17 revisions over the course of a year-and-a-half before it was passed, and that included regular consultation with the International Dark Skies Association.

“He said there aren’t a lot of reasonably priced, compliant light fixtures on the market today. When the ordinance was passed in 2000 the presiding council believed that 15 years was enough time for the upgrades to be made and for new technology to be developed, but it didn’t work out that way….”

Several island residents and representatives from condominium associations also addressed City Council earlier this month to discuss the costs associated with updating light fixtures and local safety concerns at night. One mentioned that according to their research, Sanibel Island is one of only four cities in the United States with a dark skies ordinance and the other cities on the list aren’t in Florida.

“Mayor Ruane said City staff would study all of the information on the Dark Sky Ordinance so council could decide on how to deal with the issue.”

SCCF Annual Open House is Monday

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s 36th annual open house is Monday – President’s Day – and a school holiday.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Nature Center and trails are open FREE.

From 11 a.m. on, there are a variety of exhibits and events planned, including the 27th annual Nature Sounds Contest. All educational and good fun. More info at www.sccf.org

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

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Captains Walk #C1 2/1 $319K, Mariner Pointe #332 2/2 $520K (our listing), Pointe Santo #E32 2/2 $739K, Kings Crown #104 2/2 $895K.

3 price changes: Sundial #H107 1/1 now $322K, Sundial #J307 2/2 now $539K, Sundial #Q202 2/2 now $739K.

6 new sales: Sundial #H203 2/2 listed for $475K, Sundial #J108 2/2 listed for $490K, Loggerhead Cay #362 2/2 listed for $512K, Pointe Santo #B23 2/2 listed for $649.9K (our listing), White Pelican #123 2/2 listed for $799K, Kings Crown #303 2/2 listed for $978K.

1 closed sale: Oceans Reach #4C1 2/2 $779K.

HOMES

9 new listings: 1565 Bunting Ln 3/2 $479K; 4546 Waters Edge Ln 2/3 $499K; 1526 Bunting Ln 5/3 $578K; 601 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 $599K; 938 Strangler Fig Ln 2/2 $629K; 917 Pepper Tree Pl 4/3 $849,407; 4444 Waters Edge Ln 3/2 $975; 820 Angel Wing Dr 3/2 $999K (our listing); 830 Limpet Dr 4/4.5 $1.895M.

9 price changes: 966 Fitzhugh St 2/1 now $333K, 1709 Sand Pebble Way 4/3 duplex now $429.9K, 736 Cardium St 3/2 now $451K, 1481 Sand Castle Rd 2/2 now $539K, 4563 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/3 now $629K, 1504 Angel Dr 4/3 now $795K, 2498 Harbour Ln 4/3 now $825K, 659 Anchor Dr 3/2 now $929K, 6433 Pine Ave 4/3 now $1.2M.

7 new sales: 1327 Tahiti Dr 2/2 listed for $424.9K, 1826 Ardsley Way 4/3 listed for $484.7K, 5284 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2 listed for $525K, 460 East Lake Rd 2/2 listed for $589K, 4472 Waters Edge Ln 3/3 listed for $849K, 836 Birdie View Pt 3/3 listed for $1.189M, 542 Kinzie Island Ct 3/3.5 listed for $2.1M.

4 closed sales: 5750 Pine Tree Dr 2/2 $660K, 1013 Lindgren Blvd 4/3 $762K, 720 Periwinkle Way 3/3.5 $1.275M, 829 Tulip Ln 5/4.5 $2.25M.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 3792 Coquina Dr now $349K.

3 new sales: 3037 Poinciana Cir listed for $199,555; 1340 Eagle Run Dr listed for $279K; 1898 Woodring Rd listed for $2.495M.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

Nothing to report.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 11514 Wightman Ln 5/5 now $1,985,589.

1 new sale: 11522 Andy Rosse Ln 5/4.5 listed for $2.45M.

1 closed sale: 17041 Captiva Dr 2/2 $1.49M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Happy Valentines Day!

from Susan

& The SanibelSusan Team (Dave, Elise, & Lisa)

Sanibel Scoop & Captiva Chatter

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

Tag Archives: Multiple Listing Service

A Peek at Dinkins Bayou on a Friday Afternoon

Like this:

It is Yet Another Gorgeous Friday Afternoon on Sanibel Island

Like this:

It’s Still a Great Time to Buy Island Real Estate as the Month of May Begins with Great Weather on Sanibel & Captiva

Like this:

“Best Weather” Month Coming Up on Sanibel Island

Like this:

Another Friday with Gorgeous Weather & Hot Real Estate Activity on Sanibel Island

Like this:

Spring Has Sprung on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Like this:

It’s Spring-Ahead Weekend on Sanibel Island

Like this:

Real Estate is Selling on Sanibel Island

Like this:

Woohoo, It’s Another Great Friday at SanibelSusan Realty

Like this:

Valentines Day 2014 & Real Estate Action on Sanibel Island

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: