Sanibel & Captiva Islands Gulf/Bay Waters & 1st Quarter Real Estate Stats

Posted on April 6, 2018 by SanibelSusan

SusanSusan here reporting the end of another week of gorgeous weather with the island thinning out a little as snowbirds continue to depart and “season” activities wrap up. Many locals and visitors have noticed this week that the water around the islands is beautiful, both gulf and bay side – a brilliant clear teal blue. Seeing the water like that in the spring makes one wish the summer rainy season would stay away, but it’s an inevitable part of the Florida weather cycle.

Beach

In another few weeks, regular afternoon showers will begin with the first of the afternoon puffy popcorn-like clouds already appearing occasionally, though mostly inland.

chateau 8 07-17

Sanibel/Captiva Real Estate

Now that first quarter is over, I always like to compare the activity from one year to the next to confirm that what the market seems to be indicating is true. Below is this year’s real estate action, compared to 2016 and 2017:

	Sold/Closed Sales 1^st Quarter
	2016			2017			2018
	#	Avg Sale Price $	Avg DOM	#	Avg Sale Price $	Avg DOM	#	Avg Sale Price $	Avg DOM
SANIBEL
Condos	38	709,628	190	32	732,686	219	34	765,668	118
Homes	44	966,872	191	58	1,047,638	138	63	1,263,989	160
Lots	6	365,333	269	11	389,074	354	3	247,333	238
CAPTIVA
Condos	4	831,125	285	10	432,600	214	11	911,783	190
Homes	8	4,096,250	309	6	2,161,667	116	9	2,462,500	169
Lots	1	1,549,000	386	1	1,925,000	294	0	N/A	N/A

DOM = days on market

On Sanibel, closings indicate that homes continue to be the predominate product, with both condo and home prices on the rise. With the winter months being when the most high-end buyers are on island, it makes sense that larger more-luxurious more-expensive properties sell then.

This year, it may be surprising to see the jump in the number of closings that are posted this month and in May, since sales activity didn’t pick up until later than usual this year. Perhaps that’s related to the stock market, new tax laws, or something else. Those in the real estate business are happy that it did improve, now we hope that it doesn’t trickle off with folks leaving.

As a listing agent, an important consideration always is remaining inventory or the competition. It can provide insight into how long it may take for listings to sell, particularly at this time of the year when the next wave of prospective buyers is expected to be those who may think they can get a great deal buying post-season and before hurricane season. The below table shows the same details as the table above, but this one shows the properties currently for sale and under contract, on both Sanibel & Captiva.

	Inventory as of April 6, 2018
	Under Contract Without Contingencies, Awaiting Closing			Under Contract With Contingencies			Available For Sale
	#	Avg Asking Price $	Avg DOM	#	Avg Asking Price $	Avg DOM	#	Avg Asking Price $	Avg DOM
SANIBEL
Condos	5	1,056,100	85	25	759,076	193	104	804,055	181
Homes	19	2,016,526	125	37	1,100,088	109	192	1,431,145	168
Lots	1	239,800	278	1	59,000	413	67	646,683	363
CAPTIVA
Condos	1	2,095,000	182	0	N/A	N/A	38	1,414,843	199
Homes	0	N/A	N/A	3	2,696,000	418	47	3,209,702	249
Lots	0	N/A	N/A	0	N/A	N/A	3	4,264,667	117

Again, the data confirms that Sanibel homes are the hot commodity and indicates that it is the pricier larger ones that are moving. Many of us have buyers just waiting for the right gulf-front pool home. There haven’t been many of those for sale. Not of enough of those exist on Sanibel, which probably is what has caused the bay-front pool home market to get lots of action in the last few weeks. With 192 Sanibel homes for sale, 63 closing first quarter, and another 56 under contract, there still are a lot of homes for sale – probably better than a year’s worth of inventory in my estimation.

With Sanibel condos having 34 sales first quarter and another 30 under contract, seeing 104 on the market, probably means that’s close to a year’s worth of inventory too. I bet we see fewer condo sales than we usually do this summer, but I hope I’m wrong.

The time to move island lots and Captiva properties are tough to guess-timate because those markets are so small, specialized, and varying in price. Captiva condo statistics can be skewed too, because the 33 gulf-front Beach Home properties (priced as high as $4+million) and 68 units Land’s End Village units within South Seas Resort are home-like but are in condo associations.

So, our hopes are that brisk sales continue. Many of our winter listings have sold or are under contract, so we are looking for new listings and working hard to get our remaining listings sold. Our focus shifts to getting showings at the properties that could not be viewed “in season” due to paying guests and promoting them to agents who have not shown them, as well as reminding those who have shown previously that they still are available.

Teammate Dave held several Open Houses this week, unfortunately with little traffic, probably because of the beautiful weather. The action posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service this week follows a couple of news items below.

Leaving LIBOR, Say Hello to SOFR

An interesting article was posted on-line by the “Miami Herald” last Friday, March 30, 2018. It’s by Tom Hudson who hosts “The Sunshine Economy” on WLRN-FM; @HudsonsView.

“If you have a home equity line of credit, private student loan, commercial mortgage or business loan, your payment may be tied to LIBOR. The London Interbank Offered Rate serves as the starting point for figuring out how much borrowers owe. But the interest rate underpinning trillions of dollars of loans will be changing.

“In the week ahead, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York begins publishing the SOFR. The Secured Overnight Financing Rate aims to be more reliable and less contrived. It also begins a new chapter in the massive move away from LIBOR and its lock as a fundamental price of borrowed funds.

“Deep inside most variable interest rate loan documents is LIBOR. Since the 1980s, lenders have leaned on LIBOR as the gauge to set other market interest rates. As LIBOR moves, so moves repayment costs. But it is an imperfect reflection of the cost of cash.

“LIBOR isn’t based on actual borrowing. It is a daily poll of banks, asking them what they think would be the cost to borrow from each other without using any collateral. Those are unsecured loans, and fewer banks are conducting business like that. So, the poll has become less accurate. And since it’s a survey of expected costs, not actual costs, the poll is vulnerable to manipulation. A dozen banks have paid billions of dollars in fines for rigging LIBOR rates.

“LIBOR lied. The benchmark is broken.

“Over the past four years a group of bankers, financiers and American regulators have been working toward a new reference rate. That rate, the SOFR, makes its debut Tuesday morning. It differs from LIBOR in two significant ways; It will be based on actual lending rates between banks, and it will be based on loans using US Treasuries as collateral — a more common practice than LIBOR’s unsecured loans.

“The introduction of what may become the new benchmark is far from complete. Whereas LIBOR rates include different durations ranging from overnight loans to those lasting one year, the SOFR is solely short-term money — one day.

“New variable interest rate loans likely will include references to SOFR as the new standard. Other loans may include fallback language allowing them to swap the old benchmark for a new one.

“This may seem like an arcane action by the financial industrial complex, but with trillions of dollars of consumer and business loans tethered to LIBOR, a smooth and orderly transition to a new interest rate benchmark is vital for the American economy.”

Is A Seller’s Disclosure Required?

Having served on the state Contract and Forms Content Committees many times, I often find that I can be too close to this question. The following article was posted on-line this week by Attorney Joel Maxson who is Director of Member Legal Services at Florida Realtors®. Joel also manages the Realtors’ Legal Hotline.

Florida is a full-disclosure state, but I have found that often when a property is not the primary residence of the seller or is a rental investment property, the seller does not always know of the property defects. Here is Joel’s posting from April 2, 2018:

“Based on what we hear on Florida Realtors Legal Hotline, most residential sellers are content to complete the Florida Realtors Seller’s Property Disclosure – Residential form (SPDR) around the same time they enter into a listing agreement. However, every now and then, a seller will balk at the idea of completing this form, prompting a member to ask what Florida law requires regarding disclosures.

“Although sellers aren’t required to complete this specific SPDR form, a residential seller does have to comply with the rule established in Johnson v. Davis. In that case, the Florida Supreme Court held that “where the seller of a home knows of facts materially affecting the value of the property which are not readily observable and are not known to the buyer, the seller is under a duty to disclose them to the buyer.” These material facts are sometimes referred to as latent defects.

“In addition, in Rayner vs. Wise Realty Co. of Tallahassee, the First District Court of Appeal provided that this same disclosure requirement applies to residential properties that are being sold as is.

“Sellers can make this disclosure in writing or verbally, although Florida Realtors attorneys recommend that it be made in writing.

“Realtors should note that the SPDR contains safeguards to ensure the seller completes the form – not the associate or broker. As a reminder to all parties, the first line of the SPDR provides “Notice to Licensee and Seller: Only the Seller should fill out this form.”

“As a separate but related issue, some brokerage companies may require that certain documents (like a seller’s property disclosure) be maintained in a file, so associates should always ensure they understand and comply with any specific requirements their company may have.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 30 – April 6, 2018

Sanibel

CONDOS

12 new listings: Casa Blanca #2 2/1 $379K, Sundial #F205 1/1 $429K, Sanibel Arms #D4 2/2 $549K, Mariner Pointe #1052 2/2 $565K, Sanibel Siesta #306 2/2 $599.5K, Sunset South #6A 2/2 $619K, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #2-5 2/2.5 $759K, Tarpon Beach #206 2/2 $799K, Sundial East #N403 2/2 $889.5K, Compass Point #102 3/2 $1.295M, Bougainvillea #B 3/3 $1.299M, Villas of Sanibel #A102 3/3 $1.495M.

3 price changes: Mariner Pointe #122 1/1 now $399K, Sanibel Moorings #941 2/2 now $524.9K, Gulfside Place #323 2/2 now $1.298M.

3 new sales: Loggerhead Cay #422 2/2 listed at $535K, Sunset South #7C 2/2 listed at $569.5K, Tamarind #B302 2/2 listed at $1.789M.

5 closed sales: Sanibel Moorings #212 1/1 $415K, Loggerhead Cay #264 2/2 $580K (our listing), Surfside 12 #A1 3/2 $790K, Sandpiper Beach #302 2/2 $835K, Gulfside Place #222 2/2 $1.05M (our sale).

Gulfside Place #222 view

HOMES

7 new listings: 1851 Farm Trl 3/2 $629K, 1339 Tahiti Dr 3/2 duplex $679K, 247 Daniel Dr 3/2.5 $939K, 641 Lake Murex Cir 4/3 $1.125M, 1349 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 $1.155M, 872 Limpet Dr 3/3 $1.849M, 1324 Seaspray Ln 3/3 $1.899M.

9 price changes: 317 East Gulf Dr 3/2 half-duplex now $565K; 3784 Coquina Dr 3/3 now $595,995; 1357 Tahiti Dr 2/3 duplex now $629K; 978 Black Skimmer Way 3/2 now $695K; 5410 Osprey Ct 3/2.5 now $749K; 1545 Sand Castle Rd 4/3.5 now $1.149M; 735 Sand Dollar Dr 3/3 now $1.279M; 1743 Venus Dr 4/3.5 now $1.629M; 411 Bella Vista Way 4/4 half-duplex now $2.075M.

8 new sales: 1004 Spanish Laurel Ln 2/2 listed at $598K, 1190 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed at $625K, 5307 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2.5 listed at $645K, 1020 White Ibis Dr 3/3 listed at $649K, 1450 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed at $749.9K, 852 Lindgren Blvd 4/3 listed at $1.159M, 1475 Angel Dr 3/4.5 listed at $1.549M, 1083 Bird Ln 4/2.5 listed at $3.999M.

6 closed sales: 3021 Singing Wind Dr 3/2 $485K, 1169 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $650K, 601 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 $659.9K, 4960 Joewood Dr 3/3 $975K, 940 Spoonbill Ct 3/2.5 $1M, 747 Windlass Way 4/3.5 $2.25M.

LOTS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

1 closed sale: 1312 Eagle Run Dr $290K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

2 price changes: Lands End Village #1665 2/2 now $950K, Beach Homes #25 3/2 now $1.995M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: Bayside Villas #5144 1/2 $370K.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 11559 Laika Ln 2/2 now $5.5M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

Until next Friday, enjoy your week…

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Easter Blessings Abound On Sanibel

Posted on March 30, 2018 by SanibelSusan

It’s SanibelSusan, reporting about another fun week on the islands. Many end-of-season events are wrapping things up and the spring weather here has been perfect – bright sunny warm breezy days, mostly in the 70’s, with gorgeous sunsets, followed by mild evenings.

Susan Yard 03-18-16

Lots of families and visitors are here on spring breaks and Easter vacations, so there has been lots of roadway traffic. Bike paths are busy too. Adding to that, Vice President Pence arrived yesterday and is expected to be here until next Friday enjoying Sanibel. (My lips are sealed as to which client’s home he is visiting.)

We’ve had plenty of action in the office too, with sales processing toward closings, others in-the-works, and our listings getting good action. After a few news items, below is the activity reported this week in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service.

March Membership Meeting – Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Congressman Francis Rooney – It was standing room only at 8 a.m. yesterday at the local Association of Realtors® monthly membership meeting. That’s because the speaker was Congressman Francis Rooney who came to update us on several important issues that affect our business.

Association affiliate member Dave Arter with Private Client Insurance Services, Congressman Rooney, & 2017 Association President Dustyn Corace

SanCap Mtg 03-29-18

Rooney is the U.S. Representative for Florida’s 19^th congressional district which covers parts of Lee and Collier counties. He lives in Naples where he and his family have a base of diversified international group of companies that have created many jobs and economic opportunities in SW Florida and throughout the U.S. He also served many years as an U.S. ambassador.

His down-to-earth presentation cut right to the chase, explaining how the fight for water quality continues with good progress made in recent legislation, but often without the necessary appropriations. Attendees including Realtors®, business affiliates, and local leaders were encouraged to push with property owners to also contact their congressional leaders, not just here, but in other states to likewise recognize the importance of this resource and what must be done and funded to ensure its continuity. Segments from his pitch were included in a TV report last night on “water quality” that appeared on Wink News.

Congressman Rooney also briefly mentioned how the Federal flood insurance program has been extended until July. But, since it is now out of the federal budget package, could be in jeopardy. (You can be sure that local, state, and national Realtors® organizations are closely following that too.)

Florida Realtors® Honor Society – At the same meeting, five members of the local association were recognized by Florida Realtors® for achieving 2017 Honor Society. I am one of the lucky five – recognized for making the achievement for the 19^th year.

Food for F.I.S.H. – Realtors® and attendees were reminded that in April the Association is collecting non-perishable food items to help F.I.S.H. of San-Cap replenish their food pantry which often gets low when the island thins out. Snowbirds and owners heading home for the summer are reminded to drop items at F.I.S.H. or call your Realtor® or SanibelSusan Realty. We will gladly pick your items up and get them delivered to the food pantry – or drop them off here at 2242 Periwinkle Way, Suite 3.

Upcoming Events

24^th Annual Spring Festival – tomorrow March 31 from 9 to 11 a.m. hosted by The Children’s Education Center of the Islands, held at the Community Park, across the street from SanibelSusan Realty.
Easter Egg Hunt – tomorrow March 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sanibel Community Church. In addition to the hunt – for 2,500 pre-filled eggs, there will be games, crafts, bounce house, storytelling, & free lunch.
7^th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza – tomorrow March 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Island Inn, both inside and outside activities (those inside at Traditions on the Beach).
BIG ARTS Chorus Spring Concerts – Wednesday April 4 and Thursday April 5 at 7 p.m. at Schein Performance Hall. It usually sells out, so get tickets at www.bigarts.org. SanibelSusan is in the alto section.

Living Shoreline Approved Along Woodring Road

At Tuesday’s Sanibel Planning Commission meeting, approval was given for a project between the City of Sanibel and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to create a living shoreline along the eroded section of Woodring Road right-of-way. According to a report in the “Island Sun”:

“The project seeks to rebuild approximately 170 linear feet of existing rip-rap and stabilize approximately 710 linear feet of existing vegetated shoreline by the installation of “living shoreline”, an erosion control structure comprised of rip-rap, concrete pipes and “reefballs” …which provide additional protection from wave energy created by wind, waves, and boat wakes…The City has budgeted $200,000 for the project, which will likely go out for bids in late April, then be brought before Sanibel City Council in May or June…once approved, the project would be completed this summer in 30 to 45 days….”

Great American Cleanup – Sanibel Canals

Here’s a little scoop from Facebook:

“Join Coastal Keepers and the Ocean Tribe Paddlers on Saturday, April 21st for The Great American Cleanup, an initiative created by Keep America Beautiful. This is a paddle-based cleanup, so we will travel through Sanibel’s east end canals via paddlecraft, gathering litter along the way. If you do not have a paddlecraft, Ocean Tribe Paddlers has a limited number of loaner paddleboards and kayaks available.

“We will meet at Sanibel Sea School’s Flagship Campus at 8 AM for a briefing, then divide into small groups before driving to the Sanibel Boat Ramp to launch our vessels. Parking is available there for a small fee. All cleanup materials will be provided. After the event, participants are invited to return to Sanibel Sea School for refreshments.

“To register for The Great American Cleanup, please go to http://klcb.org/great-american-cleanup.html and choose Sanibel Canals as your location. We kindly ask that you register online in advance to help our friends at Keep Lee County Beautiful measure participation. To reserve a paddleboard or kayak, please contact oceantribepaddlers@sanibelseaschool.org before the event.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 23-30, 2018

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Nutmeg Village #205 2/2 $760K, Sunset South #10C 2/2 $799K.

5 price changes: Sanibel Inn #3522 2/2 now $699K, Sandalfoot #3C1 2/2 now $729K, Loggerhead Cay #163 2/2 now $779K, Sundial West #E104 2/2 now $899K, Atrium #201 3/3 now $1.435M.

5 new sales: Seashells #42 2/2 listed at $379.9K, Sundial West #F306 1/1 listed at $465K, Sundial East #P204 2/2 listed at $899K, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #6 3/3 listed at $968.5K, Tanglewood #1A 3/2 listed at $1.045M.

5 closed sales: Captains Walk #D5 2/1 $288K, Spanish Cay #F3 1/1 $274K, Sanibel Seaview #C2 3/3 $920K, Loggerhead Cay #134 2/2 $935K, Kings Crown #317 2/2 $1.295M.

HOMES

5 new listings: 8991 Mockingbird Ln 3/2 $875K, 1438 Causey Ct 3/2 $895K, 1248 Par View Dr 4/4.5 $1.38M, 3790 West Gulf Dr 3/2.5 $1.699M, 413 Bella Vista Way 4/4 $2.495M.

14 price changes: 4542 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 now $515K, 998 Fish Crow Rd 3/2 now $599K, 610 Hideaway Ct 3/2.5 now $659K, 236 Hurricane Ln 2/3 now $689K, 4439 Gulf Pines Dr 3/2 now $695K, 4239 Gulf Pines Dr 3/2 now $699K, 4760 Rue Helene 3/2 now $879.5K, 3050 West Gulf Dr 3/2.5 now $949.9K, 1244 Par View Dr 4/3 now $1.099M, 1747 Jewel Box Dr 3/2 now $1.145M, 1349 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 now $1.155M, 852 Lindgren Blvd 4/3 now $1.159M, 490 Sawgrass Pl 3/2.5 now $1.649M, 2689 Wulfert Rd 4/5.5 now $1.894M.

11 new sales: 1438 Sandpiper Cir 3/2.5 half-duplex listed at $379.9K, 9471 Peaceful Dr 3/2 listed at $469K, 1283 Par View Dr 2/2 listed at $574K, 1410 Sand Castle Rd 2/2 listed at $609K, 225 Daniel Dr 3/2.5 listed at $699K, 727 Birdie View Pt 3/2 listed at $779K, 5410 Osprey Ct 3/2.5 listed at $799K, 239 Daniel Dr 3/2 listed at $998K (our listing), 330 East Gulf Dr 3/2 listed at $1.15M, 5403 Shearwater Dr 4/3 listed at $1.195M, 2167 Starfish Ln 4/4.5 listed at $1.875M.

8 closed sales: 3008 Singing Wind Dr 2/2 $360K, 1425 Causey Ct 4/3 $660K, 563 Hideaway Ct 3/2 $675K, 4791 Rue Helene 3/2 $830K, 1275 Par View Dr 3/2 $885K, 1114 Captains Walk St 3/3 $885K, 1470 Angel Dr 3/2 $875K, 4649 Rue Belle Mer 3/2.5 $2.45M.

LOTS

2 new listing: 978 Main St $184.9K, 2288 Starfish Ln $549K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 6027 Dinkins Lake Rd listed at $239.8K.

1 closed sale: 2998 Singing Wind Dr $150K.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Bayside Villas #5136 1/2 $399.9K.

1 price change: Sunset Captiva #302 3/3 now $2.495M.

1 new sale: Lands End Village #1665 2/2 listed at $975K.

No closed sales.

HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

Happy Easter!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Almost Time to Get Your Island Green On

Posted on March 16, 2018 by SanibelSusan

2018-03-15 WW1 2018-03-15 WW2 2018-03-15 WW3

It’s SanibelSusan reporting another week of glorious Florida winter. Several mornings had temperatures down into the 50’s, followed by afternoons in the mid-70’s. Other than the occasional stiff breezes that have brought in some red tide, it has been very nice – bright and beautiful. (The pictures above were taken noon-ish yesterday on the beach in front of West Wind Inn.) Again this week, visitors and vacationers are having fun, as the bike paths continue to be busy, especially with families.

Colleagues in the accommodation business say that the upcoming rental week (Mar 17-24) is the first in several where they have vacancies, but that probably won’t slow things down on the island as Lee County Schools are off next week. Today and tomorrow, the Lions Club Arts & Crafts Fair at The Community House, across the street from our office, will keep Periwinkle busy.

Here at SanibelSusan Realty, we’ve had both sales and good showing activity this week. The activity since last Friday, as posted in the islands Multiple Listing Service follows a couple of new items.

Lower Your Wind Insurance Premium

Nice write-up in today’s “Island Sun” by island Association of Realtors® Affiliate, Angela Larson Roehl with Rosier Insurance:

“Consider having a wind mitigation inspection done. What is a wind mitigation inspection? The wind mitigation inspection breaks down the following information for carriers to apply applicable credits:

Building code compliance
Type of roof covering
Roof deck attachment
Roof to wall attachment
Roof geometry
Secondary water resistance
Opening protection.

“The wind mitigation inspection has evolved over the past 10 years or so, from being a simple two-page inspection with no photos, to now being four pages that must also include color photos to substantiate the information listed on the report. Wind mitigation inspections are valid for five years.

‘So what wind mitigation credits could potentially save you money on your wind premium? If your home has any of the following:

Florida Building Code credit relaying the roof was completed after March 1, 2002.
Roof deck attachment – B or C
Roof to wall attachment showing either clips, single wraps, or double wraps
Roof style – Hip
Secondary water resistance
Class A opening protection showing all exterior openings protected for cystic pressure of a nine-pound large missile (4.5 pounds for skylights)

“Credits for each of the above mitigation features can vary depending on the carrier. It’s best to consult your insurance agent to confirm the mitigation credits your policy already is providing and to see if having a new wind mitigation inspection could assist in lowering your wind insurance premium.” You can reach Angie at info@rosierinsurance.com.

In 2006, Florida became the first state in the nation to mandate that insurance companies offer some reduction insurance costs if a wind mitigation inspection is sought and certified upon review by a qualified inspector (usually a board-certified contractor, architect or engineer). Some Florida home inspectors are certified to prepare Wind Mitigation Reports too. Ron Dehler with Horizon Inspection Service, Inc. is one, HorizonInspection.com. We often recommend that buyers save time and money by having a wind mitigation inspection done at the same time as their standard home inspection.

Upcoming Events

St Patrick’s Day Fun – tomorrow, Mar 17 – several local establishments have special events & meals planned:

American Legion Post 123 on San-Cap Rd – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with corned beef & cabbage from noon to 8 p.m.
George & Wendy’s Sanibel Seafood Grille, 2499 Periwinkle Way, “Eat, Drink, & Be Irish”, serving corned beef & cabbage, green beer, band & more, 5 to 11:30 p.m.
Fish Madness at The Sanibel Grill, 703 Tarpon Bay Rd – open for lunch today through Sun, Mar 18 for March Madness, corned beef special on St. Paddy’s Day
Matzaluna, 1200 Periwinkle Way, featuring corned beef & cabbage pizza on St. Patrick’s Day
Traditions on the Beach at 3111 West Gulf Dr – St Patrick’s Day Irish menu, party favors, live music & dancing, reservations recommended, 239-472-4559

FREE Spring Concert – Tues, Mar 20 at 7:15 p.m. – Combined voices of the Shell Point Singers & the BIG ARTS Community Chorus at Shell Point’s Village Church, 7:15 p.m., tickets not required, info at 239-454-2290. (It’s also not too early to get your tickets for the BIG ARTS Chorus spring concerts Apr 4 & 5. See below.)

2018 chorus poster

What’s a Seller’s Continuing Maintenance Requirement?

Good article posted on-line today, by Attorney Meredith Caruso who is Manager of Member Legal Communications for Florida Realtors®. She works with the state Forms Content Committee where I serve.

“Often sellers choose a contract based on the repair requirements involved. Do they use a contract that requires no repairs, like the Florida Realtors/Florida Bar “As Is” Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase (As Is FR/Bar)? Or do they prefer a repair obligation up to a specified limit, which they can do if they choose the Florida Realtors/Florida Bar Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase (FR/Bar) or Florida Realtors Contract for Residential Sale and Purchase (CRSP)?

“Either way, it’s important for both Realtors and the transaction parties to understand potential additional repair obligations contained within the contracts.

“If using the “As Is” FR/Bar contract, the seller has no obligation to make repairs based on the buyer’s inspection results. But what happens if, after the inspection period on this contract, the seller’s air conditioning unit (which was noted as “older” in the inspection report) simply stops working? With no repair obligation, can the seller simply say “too bad” to the buyer and expect the buyer to proceed to closing?

“In short, no. And here’s why: Based on the language in paragraph 11, the Property Maintenance section, excluding normal wear and tear and Casualty Loss, the seller is obligated to maintain the property including, but not limited to, the lawn, shrubbery and pool, in the condition existing as of the Effective Date of the contract.

“This means that the seller may not have repair obligations under the inspection section of the As Is FR/Bar contract, but the seller does have to keep the property in relatively the same condition it was when the parties went under contract.

“Some other examples could include a neighborhood kid accidentally hitting a ball through a window or the pool pump no longer functioning. Assuming there was no hole in the window and the pool pump functioned fine when the parties went under contract, the seller must fix those items.

“It’s important to note that this potential repair obligation also extends to contracts where the seller is obligated to make repairs pursuant to a buyer’s inspection. If using either the FR/Bar or the CRSP contract, the seller has to make any repairs up to the repair limit(s) as laid out in the contract. However, if the refrigerator stops working right before closing, the seller is also obligated to fix that as well. This is an additional repair beyond the inspection repair obligation already contained in the contract.

“Why? Because a refrigerator that isn’t working right before closing – when it was working at the time the parties went under contract – needs to be repaired based on the property maintenance language in the contracts. For the FR/Bar this is also paragraph 11; for the CRSP, this language is in paragraph 8.

While these particular sections of the contracts may not come into play very often, it’s important to know of the potential obligation just in case “things happen,” as they tend to do.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 9-16, 2018

Sanibel

CONDOS

6 new listings: Seashells #42 2/2 $379.9K, Sundial West #I404 1/1 $484K, Seawind #109 2/2.5 $530K, Loggerhead Cay #314 2/2 $569K, Pointe Santo #B21 2/2 $749K, Nutmeg Village #103 2/2 $810K.

7 price changes: Captains Walk #B2 1/1 now $239K (our listing), Sunset South #7C 2/2 now $569.5K, Kimball Lodge #303 1/2 now $595K, Compass Point #232 2/2 now $659K, Sundial East #Q404 2/2 now $949K, Tanglewood #1A 3/2 now $1.045M, Tamarind #B302 2/2 now $1.789M.

5 new sales: Tennisplace #E32 2/1 listed at $299K (our sale), Sandpebble #4D 2/2 listed at $439K, Sanibel Arms West #H2 2/2 listed at $499K, Sand Pointe #122 2/2 listed at $649K (our listing), Poinciana #3C 3/2 listed at $1.725M.

1 closed sale: Sundial #J207 2/2 $670K.

HOMES

5 new listings: 396 Lake Murex Blvd 3/2 $774.9K, 1120 Shell Basket Ln 4/2 $895K, 784 Limpet Dr 4/3 $1.95M, 1008 Bayview Dr 4/4.5 $3.595M, 4431 Waters Edge Ln 3/4 $6.495M.

16 price changes: 1438 Sandpiper Cir 3/2.4 half-duplex now $379.9K, 6143 Henderson Rd 4/3 now $424K, 5299 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2.5 now $499K, 752/754 Cardium St 4/2 duplex now $579K, 744 Martha’s Lin 2/2 now $598K, 1323 Par View Dr 3/2 now $639K, 601 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 now $659.9K, 5430 Osprey Ct 3/3 now $699K, 5739 Pine Tree Dr now $819K, 9027 Mockingbird Dr 4/3 now $859K, 1350 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 half-duplex now $889K, 1656 Middle Gulf Dr 3/4 now $949.9K, 6412 Pine Ave 4/2.5 now $1.195M, 267 Ferry Landing Dr 3/2 now $1.689M, 3009 Turtle Gait Ln 4/4.5 now $2.995M, 536 Lighthouse Way 4/4.5 now $2.995M.

7 new sales: 1029 Dixie Beach Blvd 2/2 listed at $419K, 707 Cardium St 3/2 listed at $879K, 1265 Par View Dr 3/2.5 listed at $899K, 940 Spoonbill Ct 3/2.5 listed at $1.095M, 2629 Coconut Dr 2/3 listed at $1.198M, 2263 Starfish Ln 5/4.5 listed at $1.699M, 514 Kinzie Island Ct 4/5 listed at $1.895M.

4 closed sales: 1513 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 $677K, 1245 Anhinga Ln 3/2 $799K, 5657 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/2 $865K, 1152 Buttonwood Ln 3/3.5 $1.235M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 6095 Dinkins Bayou Rd $289,555.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

5 new listings: Tennis Villas #3129 1/1 $325K, Tennis Villas #3136 1/1 $340K, Tennis Villas #3230 2/2 $469K, Beach Villas #2426 1/1 $545K, Marina Villas #901 2/2 $785K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Beach Homes #22 2/2 listed at $2.095M.

1 closed sale: Bayside Villas #5202 1/2 $360K.

HOMES

4 new listings: 55 Sandpiper Ct 3/2 $1.049M, 9 Sunset Captiva Ln 3/2 $1.229M, 11525 Chapin Ln 4/4 $1.64M, 16179 Captiva Dr 6/6 multi-family $5.5M.

4 price changes: 16813 Captiva Dr 3/3 now $2.45M, 16814 Captiva Dr 2/2.5 now $5.45M, 16596 Captiva Dr 5/5/2 now $7.9M, 17030 Captiva Dr 6/7.5 now $9.25M.

1 new sale: 11535 Chapin Ln 4/3 listed at $1.359M.

2 closed sales: 11531 Paige Ct 4/3.5 $3.25M, 1121 Schefflera Ct 4/4.5 $5.25M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Our colorful St. Patrick’s Day ad got us the back page of the “Island Sun” this week. Here’s it is. Don’t forget to wear your green tomorrow!

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan Island Sun 3-16-18

Island Sales This Week, 2018 Forecasts, & More

Posted on March 2, 2018 by SanibelSusan

great-white-pelican-namibia It’s SanibelSusan with another weekly report of real estate happenings. You are probably sick of me blogging about Sanibel’s summer-like weather and the traffic, so just a quick update, that it’s more of the same. A mini-cool front arrived today, bringing temperatures that will be only mid-70’s for the next few days.

Sanibel-shells-from-storm-winds Meanwhile, the 81^st Sanibel Shell Festival across the street from SanibelSusan Realty at The Community House appears to be a huge success. It wraps up tomorrow afternoon.

An interesting mix of articles is below, followed by the activity posting in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service this week.

2018 national trends include big shifts in housing
good news from Sanibel police department
Sanibel Planning Commission ordinance action relating to pools and flood insurance
annual Market Watch with real estate outlook.

2018’s Top Trends

From the March 2018 “Florida Realtor®” magazine: Realtor.com logos

“Big Shifts in Housing… Realtor.com® predicts four developments this year.

Inventory Will Increase. Starting in August 2017, the U.S. housing market started to see a higher-than-normal month-over-month increase in the number of homes on the market. Based on this trend, Realtor.com® projects that U.S. year-over-year inventory growth will tick up into positive territory by fall 2018, for the first time since 2015.
Price Appreciation Will Slow. Home prices are forecasted to slow to 3.2% growth year-over-year nationally, from an estimated increase of 5.5% in 2017. Most of the slowing will be felt in the higher-priced segment as more available inventory in this price range and a smaller pool of buyers forces sellers to price competitively. Entry-level homes will continue to see price gains due to the larger number of buyers that can afford them and more limited homes available in this price range.
Millennials Will Gain Market Share. Although millennials will continue to face challenges with rising interest rates and home prices, they are on track to gain mortgage market share in all price points, due to the sheer size of the generation. Millennials could reach 43% of home buyers with a mortgage by the end of 2018, up from an estimated 40% in 2017.
Southern Markets Will Lead Sales Growth. Southern cities should beat the national average in home sales growth in 2018, with Lakeland – Winter Haven leading Florida. Sales are expected to grow by 6% or more in these markets, compared with 2.5% nationally. The majority of this growth can be attributed to healthy building levels combating the housing shortage.”

Report from Sanibel’s Finest

An article in this week’s “Santiva Chronicle”, shows a big drop in island crime. Some of the statistics in the associated article include:

“Crime on Sanibel was down in 2017, including a huge drop in burglaries, according to statistics released Monday, Feb. 26, by Police Chief William Dalton. The police department tracked 72 federal reportable crimes in 2017, the only time in the past 11 years that that number has been below 100…

“Sanibel continues to be murder-free and no armed robberies have occurred since 2013. No vehicle thefts were reported in 2017, the only time in the past decade that has happened….

“Sanibel residents accounted for just 15% of the department’s arrests in 2017 with nearly half – 46% – coming from elsewhere in Lee County….

“Although crime numbers were down in 2017, the phone was still ringing at police headquarters. The department took in 26,140 calls. That’s an average of 72 per day or one every 20 minutes.”

Planning Commission Acts on Ordinances Re: Pools & Flood Insurance

As reported this week in the “Santiva-Chronicle:

“An ordinance amending the height of a swimming pool and decks in relation to the adjoining structure was unanimously approved by the Sanibel Planning Commission at MacKenzie Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 27.

“It is a move the commission said is grounded in common sense and will help streamline approval of pools and decks. Because of the current wording, the commission was forced to hold hearings about them when their approval was a matter of common sense. It was also costly to applicants.

“Wording of the ordinance to go to the City Council for approval is: “Any swimming pool elevated higher than three feet, six inches above the ground cannot be higher than the lowest floor of the associated structure. For the purpose of this height limit, a mid-level entry or other area devoted only to building access shall not be considered the lowest floor, even if constructed above the base flood elevation.”

“The current elevation is seven feet, but that is not based on the lowest floor. The change will allow the Planning Department to grant approval without it coming to the Planning Commission, Benjamin Pople, city planner, said in his presentation of the ordinance….

“Also Tuesday, the commission unanimously approved an ordinance to go to City Council that would bring the city in line with the Florida Department of Emergency Management pertaining to flood insurance.

“The ordinance about flood insurance is mandatory to preserve the city’s status and rating as a continuing participant in the National Flood Insurance Program’s continuing rating system which benefits Sanibel residents with a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums.

“Commission members cautioned residents that flood insurance rates still apply and that 25% savings aren’t always realized if insurance companies raise rates….”

Annual Market Watch – Lee & Collier Counties

Each year, the Fort Myers “New-Press” hosts an event, where local real estate experts share their outlook on the real estate market. Here are excerpts from their on-line article posted this week.

“A recession may be on the way, but first-time home-buyer millennials and retiring Baby Boomers looking for a deal may be coming to the rescue in Southwest Florida’s residential market.

“That was among the big takeaways Tuesday at The News-Press Market Watch Real Estate 2018 at Germain Arena, where more than 1,000 people were on hand to gauge the market pulse from industry experts.

“Presenters included Randy Thibaut, land sales and development expert and owner and founder of Land Solutions Inc.; Denny Grimes, residential real estate expert and president of Denny Grimes & Co.; and Stan Stouder, CCIM, commercial real estate expert and founding partner with CRE Consultants.

“As Thibaut entered the stage, a screen showed a roller coaster on its way up a track. “We’ve been climbing this roller coaster that’s behind me for almost nine years since the downturn,” he said. “Are we going to go up and over and are we going to lose our lunch, or are we just going to have a little hiccup? One thing is for sure: we’re going to have change.”

“Total single-family and multifamily permits increased 28% in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties year-over-year, with Lee leading the way.

“Why? “Apartments and assisted living were again on fire,” he said. “That changed the dynamics of the market.” On the home front, more buyers are looking for “value” properties, those under $300,000, and builders who cater to that demand are benefiting. “The millennials are coming and they are buying homes because they’re having families,” he said. “There’s a different type of baby boomer – they’re coming here with less money in their pockets. They’re coming. The difference is they’re not looking for $500,000 homes.”

“On the other end of the market, there’s strong demand for luxury high-rise condos in Naples and Bonita Springs, in developments such as Aqua and Seaglass at Bonita Bay. “The product came out and they gobbled it up,” Thibaut said.

“Downtown Fort Myers is a bit of a different story, where developments such as ONE, The Place on First and Prima Luce are in the works. “These projects are still trying to get started, and I think some of them will,” Thibaut said. “It hasn’t been for the lack of trying.” Market watchers should also keep a close eye on the Corkscrew Road corridor, where there are a lot of development plans.

“But ultimately, how are things? “We’re not going down into the abyss,” he said. “Are we going to have a little hiccup? I think so.”

“Prior to the event, Thibaut was asked about impact fees, which are a hot topic in Lee County. “The impact fees that are scheduled to be looked at in March will be the deciding factor over whether we’ll be able to serve our workforce and Middle America employees,” he said. “If they raise the impact fees a lot, they will hurt the biggest percentage of the buying sector. Now is not the right time for a full increase.” Thibaut said people looking to buy a home under $300,000 are the sector that “can’t afford the increase or they won’t be able to own and live the American Dream.”

“Grimes was next on stage, touching on seemingly controversial topics — fake news, the wall and DACA — in a nonconfrontational way because his points weren’t really about those topics at all.

“National headlines about the hot real estate market are giving some buyers and sellers a false perspective on the local market, which isn’t so hot. “There’s a party going on and we’re not part of it,” he said. “But that’s OK. We’ll win in the end.” The number of home sales was down 3% in Lee and up 3% in Collier year-to-year. Grimes used the words “steady” and “stable” in describing the market, with an exception here and there.

““Cape Coral was the star performer in Lee County,” he said. “Collier South is the star performer there.”

In the Cape, dry lot prices have been rising, commanding $20,000 and up, while Lehigh lot prices start at $5,000. “Cape Coral is in for another growth spurt,” Grimes said.

“Home prices, however, have hit a wall. The median sales price for an existing home was $238,500 in December, compared to $250,000 a year earlier. That median price is close to $450,000 in Collier County and $217,500 in Charlotte.

“On DACA — homes where you can dock a boat — Grimes said the cost to live on the waterfront in Cape Coral averages $479,000, not far below the cost in Fort Myers. “It’s the best waterfront value and it’s gaining on Fort Myers,” he said.

“Stouder started out by saying self-storage is going gangbusters. Eight self-storage businesses went up between 2010-14, with 12 built between 2015 and now, with another 12 under construction. “There’s a correlation between those and the robust number of apartment units being built,” he said.

“Senior housing, too, has also continued to surge. Ten senior housing projects were completed between 2000 and 2014. In the past three years, 21 senior housing projects have come to market.

A few notable projects for market-watchers to keep an eye on: Meridian Place industrial property near Southwest Florida International Airport, where a 201,000-square-feet of space is expected to be built.

“That’s a big industrial project and that’s because the vacancy rate is so low,” he said.

“Stouder also talked about the likelihood of a recession. “The stock market is having heartburn, but not a heart attack,” he said. Stouder pointed to the fact that it’s been “about eight and a half years since the last recession was declared over in June 2009,” so a recession is inevitable due to market cycles, it’s just a matter of when.

“Stouder also offered a “what’s that?” segment. In the “what’s that?” segment, market-watchers should look for the Grand Central project to come out of the ground across from Page Field Commons. That project will have the area’s first Krispy Kreme location.

“For people who might be wondering what to do with their money, whether after a property sale or because they simply want to make a smart investment, “it’s time to sell.” “How many of you wished in 2009 that you’d have sold in 2006,” he said. “If you get greedy, you will get burnt.””

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 23-March 2, 2018

Sanibel

CONDOS

6 new listings: Mariner Pointe #241 2/2.5 $629K; St.Croix #4 2/2.5 $995K; Yacht Haven #2 3/2 $1.099M; Pointe Santo #C3 3/2 $1,184,415; By-The-Sea #C102 2/2 $1.349M; Tamarind #B302 2/2 $1.824M.

4 price changes: Sanibel Moorings #941 2/2 now $529.9K, Pointe Santo #D32 2/2 now $779K, Island Beach Club #220E 2/2 now $949K, Island Beach Club #340D 2/2 now $1.324M.

4 new sales: Sanibel Moorings #212 1/1 listed at $425K, Beach Road Villa #104 2/2 listed at $455K, Loggerhead Cay #264 2/2 listed at $598.3K (our listing), Blue Gulf #101 3/2 listed at $1.42M.

10 closed sales: Tennisplace #D21 1/1 $235K, Lake Palms #6 2/2.5 $339K, Seashells #40 2/2 $320K, Sundial West #F308 1/1 $415K, Lighthouse Point #217 3/2 $455K, Mariner Pointe #733 2/2 $475K, Loggerhead Cay #402 2/2 $560K, Sanibel Inn #3535 2/2 $745K, Nutmeg Village #201 2/2 $965K, By-The-Sea #C302 3/2 $1.675M.

HOMES

3 new listings: 1283 Par View Dr 2/2 $574K, 4239 Gulf Pines Dr 3/2 $735K, 4171 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $3.248M.

24 price changes: 813 Rabbit Rd 2/2 half-duplex now $399K, 1940 Periwinkle Way 3/2 half-duplex now $470K, 1938 Roseate Ln 3/2 now $499K, 3043 Poinciana Cir 3/2 now $525K, 998 Fish Crow Rd 3/2 now $629K, 1020 White Ibis Dr 3/3 now $649K, 1342 Junonia St 3/3 now $669K, 1450 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $749.9K, 5430 Osprey Ct 3/3 now $764K, 5690 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/3 now $979K, 938 Pecten Ct 3/2.5 now $1.135M, 1747 Jewel Box Dr 3/2 now $1.165M, 1349 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 now $1.175M, 1672 Hibiscus Dr 3/2 now $1.179M, 529 Lighthouse Way 3/3 now $1.22M, 519 Kinzie Island Ct 3/2.5 now $1.275M, 1672 Hibiscus Dr 3/2 now $1.179M, 1743 Venus Dr 4/3.5 now $1.65M, 794 Conch Ct 3/2.5 now $1.679M, 267 Ferry Landing Dr 3/2 now $1.749M, 2029 Periwinkle Way 4/3 now $1.799M, 2167 Starfish Ln 4/4.5 now $1.875M, 5606 Baltusrol Ct 4/6 now $2.195M, 1552 San Carlos Bay Dr 4/5.5 now $2.425M

11 new sales: 970 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed at $599K, 1008 Demere Ln 2/2 listed at $615K, 678 East Rocks 3/2 listed at $829K, 4791 Rue Helene 3/2 listed at $849K, 3239 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 listed at $899K, 1114 Captains Walk St 3/3 listed at $899K, 1275 Par View Dr 3/2 listed at $949K, 4960 Joewood Dr 3/3 listed at $1.049M, 6412 Pine Ave 4/2.5 listed at $1.245M, 4265 West Gulf Dr 4/4.5 listed at $4.895M, 1310 Seaspray Ln 4/4 listed at $5.795M.

8 closed sales: 9446 Yucca Ct 3/2 $530K; 1341 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $820K; 765 Conch Ct 5/4 $810K; 701 Anchor Dr 3/3.5 $1,186,810; 3822 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $1.2M; 899 Almas Ct 3/2 $1.2M; 960 Victoria Way 3/3 $1.4595M; 547 Kinzie Island Ct 4/4.5 $1.7M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 9232 Dimmick Dr $199,555.

3 price changes: 2307 Wulfert Rd now $219.9K, 2133 Starfish Ln now $399K, 1770 Dixie Beach Blvd now $689,999.

1 new sale:1312 Eagle Run Dr listed at $319K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Bayside Villas #5102 1/2 $375K.

1 price change: Captiva Shores #8B 3/2.4 now $1.599M.

1 new sale: Bayside Villas #5144 1/2 listed at $385K.

2 closed sales: Tennis Villas #3210 1/1 $297K, Beach Villas #2621 2/2 $645K.

HOMES

1 new listings: 11540 Laika Ln 3/3 $1.625M.

3 price changes: 11490 Dickey Ln 3/2 now $995K, 11535 Chapin Ln 4/3 now $1.359M, 11509 Chapin Ln 4/4 now $1,999.999.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 15154 Wiles Dr 4/3 $1.475M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, here’s hoping you have good weather too! If not, come to the islands, the bougainvillea and hibiscus are blooming everywhere. It really is a paradise here!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan (& please call me to help you with island real estate)

Happy New Year From Sanibel

Posted on December 29, 2017 by SanibelSusan

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

New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge

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

Sanibel Library Earns Award

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

“Ding” Darling Announces 2018 Film Series

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

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

Jan. 10 – Wings of Life

Jan. 24 – Tapped

Feb. 7 – From the Ashes

Feb. 21 – Chasing Coral

March 7 – The Forgotten Coast: Return to Wild Florida

Mach 21 – Mission Blue

April 4 – STRAWS

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

Sanibel

CONDOS

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

No price changes.

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

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

HOMES

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

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

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

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

LOTS

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

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

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

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

No closed sales.

HOMES

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

No price changes.

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

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Happy New Year!

Elise for The SanibelSusan Team

Merry Christmas from Sanibel

Posted on December 22, 2017 by SanibelSusan

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

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

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

Free Refuge Programs and Tours Begin In January

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

Rent Tax Reduced Beginning January 1, 2018

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

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

What is the BRT?

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

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

House Bill 7109

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

Takeaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sanibel

CONDOS

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

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

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

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

HOMES

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

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

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

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

LOTS

1 new listings: 2987 Wulfert Rd $450K.

No price changes.

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

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

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

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

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

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

HOMES

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

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

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Santa on Beach

Wishing You & Your Family A Happy Holiday Weekend!

Elise for The SanibelSusan Team

Pre-Holiday Happenings on Sanibel

Posted on December 15, 2017 by SanibelSusan

It’s been a week of wonderful, though chilly, island weather. We’ve had the heat on in the office for a few days and been wearing sweaters, while those here on vacation continue to pedal and jog by in their shorts and tee-shirts. Forecasts say that it will be back up into the 60’s by tomorrow, with temperatures expected to creep up into the high 70’s again by early next week.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

It was standing room only yesterday at the Association of Realtors® December Membership Meeting followed by east-end Caravan. A big crowd always comes when we have a speaker from the City of Sanibel. This year, it was Senior Planner, Roy Gibson. His short power-point covered three documents and followed with questions/answers.

The Sanibel Report – An early history of the island, the Sanibel Plan is a scientific document published in 1976. It’s probably best known as an environmental assessment of Sanibel, a natural systems study, if you will. It is no longer in publication, but it provided the scientific foundation of the areas that today are known as the island ecological zones.
The Sanibel Plan – Developed in 1975 (after City incorporation in late 1974), this is a living document accessible at the City website, www.mySanibel.com. It contains the vision statement for the island, describing how Sanibel is 1^st a Sanctuary, 2^nd a Community, and 3^rd an Attraction. It provides the zoning maps and provides the regulatory framework for the City including its goals, objectives, and policies.
The Sanibel Code – This is the document most often used by the Planning Department and island Realtors®. It’s the operations guide for the City. (We all got a chuckle out of Roy’s pop quiz to guess the weight of the printed document (which is 10.1 lbs). The lucky answerer got their own copy of the Code.) I have a hard-copy in my office too, but it’s much easier to read it on-line. The Sanibel Code contains the City Charter which describes how the City is governed and the Land Development Code. It’s that development code that comes into play in real estate transactions. There is a link to the Code on www.mySanibel.com.

No Realtor® Caravan next Thursday, but the every-Thursday-morning schedule begins again on Dec 28 with a West Caravan.

New Eats

Dante’s Coal-Fired Pizza – recently opened at The Sanibel Inn. With locations in Fort Myers and Coral, Dante’s is not new to SW Florida. They will have on-line ordering soon at www.DantesCoalFiredPizza.com
Lighthouse Café – will again be serving dinner starting today through April.
Farmers Market – begins on Captiva next Tues, Dec 19 and will be every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 3, at the entrance to South Seas Resort.

Conflict Over Vacation Rental Rights Brewing

Interesting to see an article from Fort Myers Beach posted on line at FloridaRealtors®. This one on Dec 12, 2018 is credited to Laura Ruane, Journal Media Group. Sanibel already has a monthly-minimum on rental homes in residential communities.

“Homeowners have a right to live in peace, free of a steady stream of noisy interlopers, says Doris Grant, Fort Myers Beach resident.

“Government should respect owners’ rights and keep excessive laws off private property, says Joe Tekulve, an Ohio resident with a beach vacation home.

“It’s a battle of rights as some people ponder whether short-term vacation rentals should be more closely regulated, in particular by local governments.

“Two Lee County municipalities took up the matter recently. And, state lawmakers are expected to once again weigh in on short-term rental regulations in the upcoming session.

“Vacation rentals of fewer than 30 days are big business and growing: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation estimates the number of state-licensed, short-term rental units grew from 117,000 in 2012 to 131,000 in 2016. That growth may be vastly understated in this era of online platforms helping hospitality rookies rent out their spare bedrooms or entire homes.

“But as Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO and others began marketing vacation rentals in less-commercial areas, complaints poured in from year-round residents. They say their neighborhoods are suffering from a revolving door of short-term renters – guests who sometimes thoughtlessly disturb the peace and character of a place.

“Multiple issues – Bad behavior by renters isn’t the only issue. Area hoteliers and property managers say the competitive field no longer is level when owners of homes and condos can rent out the dwellings for a day or two or more – and yet can ignore health and safety measures, tax remittance and other rules without penalty.

“In 2011, the Florida Legislature adopted measures prohibiting municipalities from regulating vacation rentals – unless they already had such laws in place. Florida was still working its way out of the Great Recession, so sympathy was high for property owners trying to earn a few bucks – and perhaps even avert foreclosure.

“At the same time, though, private equity firms were buying homes in foreclosure for pennies on the dollar, and turning some of them into vacation rentals. In some areas, rentals became dominant and operated like hotels, although often poorly managed.

“In 2014, the Legislature passed a bill “giving cities back the authority to regulate vacation rentals. But they could not regulate the duration of these rentals,” said Casey Cook, senior lobbyist with Florida League of Cities. Cook’s organization favors “home rule,” meaning municipalities decide what level of regulation is right for their residents.

“Last spring, a push championed by Sen. Greg Steube in the Legislature collapsed. That bill would have pre-empted local regulation of vacation rentals – other than existing laws grandfathered-in. However, the topic is far from dead: Two Senate Community Affairs Committee workshops in October took testimony on how to best regulate short-term rentals, and who should do it.

“When contacted in early November, a staffer in Steube’s Tallahassee office wouldn’t rule out the possibility another vacation rental bill could surface next year. Florida’s Senate will convene Jan. 9.

“Numerous Florida cities – including Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and Hollywood – have tried to address the issues surrounding short-term rentals regulation. Locally, a rentals ordinance failed to pass muster with Cape Coral City Council. The town of Fort Myers Beach is still weighing its options.

In October, Cape Coral City Council rejected a short-term rentals ordinance that would have required property registrations, a city business license, inspections and the naming of a local contact for emergency purposes. The vote came following a second public hearing at which realty companies, local landlords and Airbnb hosts spoke against the measure.

“Cape Coral’s land-use regulations already prohibit renting to guests for periods of fewer than seven days, but they are not enforced. Host Compliance Software, which monitors short-term rental host agencies, estimated the city has more than 3,100 vacation rentals. This would include an unknown number that rent by the night, contrary to city law. Analysis by the city, which compared that group of rentals with the number of state-registered Cape short-term rentals, showed more than 2,000 are not registered with the state, as required. “We have a compliance issue with thousands of illegally operating short-term rentals in Cape Coral,” said Michael Ilczyszyn, assistant city manager.”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity December 8-15, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

8 new listings: Blind Pass #D101 2/2 $439K, White Caps South #5 1/1 $569K, Blind Pass #B209 3/2.5 $584.5K, Sundial West #J207 2/2 $695K, Sandalfoot #3C1 2/2 $749K, Sanibel Inn #3535 2/2 $765K, Sandpiper Beach #302 2/2 $850K, By-The-Sea #9 3/2 $1.749M.

2 price changes: Blind Pass #A205 2/2 now $418.9K, Snug Harbor #211 2/2 now $769K.

6 new sales: Colonnades #C3 1/1 listed at $225K, Sanibel Arms #F2 1/1 listed at $499.9K, Loggerhead Cay #153 2/2 listed at $919.9K, Shorewood #2B 3/3 listed at $1.568M. Captains Walk #B5 2/1 listed at $349K, Captains Walk #A8 2/2 listed at $349K.

2 closed sales: Sunset South #1C 2/2 $665K, Shell Island Beach Club #7B 2/2 $785K (our Buyer).

Boardwalk to beach at Shell Island Beach Club

HOMES

11 new listings: 1357 Jamaica Dr 2/3 $650K, 2005 Mitzi Ln 2/2 $543.5K, 9446 Yucca Ct 3/2 $545K, 3043 Poinciana Cir 4/2 $575K, 1425 Causey Ct 4/3 $779K, 3323 Twin Lakes Ln 3/3 $829K, 335 East Gulf Dr 3/2 $1.095M, 2464 Blind Pass Ct 3/2 $1.3M, 1052 Whisperwood Way 3/3 $1.499M, 3615 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $2.995M, 1077 Bird Ln 4/5/2 $5.995M.

7 price changes: 1004 Spanish Laurel Ln 2/2 now $598K, 1710 Sand Pebble Way 3/2 now $629K, 5430 Osprey Ct 3/3 now $799K, 1183 Kittiwake Cir 3/2 now $799.9K, 1391 Jamaica Dr 4/3 now $1.349M, 6412 Pine Ave 3/2.5 now $1.245M, 794 Conch Ct 3/2.5 now $1.995M.

4 new sales: 5292 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 listed at $569K, 1317 Par View Dr 3/3 listed at $629K, 2030 Sunrise Cir 3/3 listed at $649K, 1149 Paper Fig Ct 4/3 listed at $2.245M.

2 closed sales: 981 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 $480K, 714 Durion Ct 3/2 $585K.

LOTS

3 new listings: 555 Piedmont Rd $219,555; 5627 Baltusrol Ct $410K; 602 Boulder Dr $459K.

No price changes or new sales.

3 closed sales: 2501 Wulfert Rd $175K, 1299 Par View Dr $227K, 1415 Sanderling Cir $879.5K.

Captiva

CONDOS

Nothing to report.

HOMES

2 new listings: 11541 Wightman Ln 3/3 $2.175M, 16151 Captiva Dr 4/3 multi-family $7.9M.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

LOTS

1 new listing: 15295 Captiva Dr $899K.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

Have a great weekend!

Elise for The SanibelSusan Team

Sanibel Luminary 2017 Is About to Begin

Posted on December 1, 2017 by SanibelSusan

Lake O releases are being reduced again starting today, but already one can see water quality improving.

It’s SanibelSusan posting her Friday island blog a little early today as it’s almost time to head out for the kick-off of Sanibel Luminary at The Sanibel Historical Village and Museum. The islands Community Chorus is singing from 4-4:45 p.m., followed by the Sanibel Band. Then at 5:30 p.m., the official Luminary Trail is lit with festivities until 9 p.m.

The islands already are twinkling with holiday lights and decorations, but it hardly feels like December weather. Yesterday it hit the mid-80’s, but it’s back into the high 70’s today.

More of the same is expected until the end of next week when a cold-front (Florida-style) is expected. (That means perhaps highs in only the 60’s next Thursday and Friday.)

This weekend, it looks like attendees can forget their ugly Christmas sweaters and go with “shorts’ for Sanibel’s Luminary tonight and Captiva’s tomorrow.

SanibelSusan Realty Happenings

In preparation, the island seems to have settled into a pre-Christmas mode this week. Little sales action was announced yesterday at the Thursday Realtor® Caravan meeting.

I was pleased to announce the quick sale of our new listing overlooking Dinkins Bayou on Harbour Lane and we had two of the properties on the 9 a.m. to noon Caravan that followed the meeting.

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

Upcoming Events

Elf Jr. The Musical – This comedy is running from now through Tues, Dec 5 at The Community House. The Community House theater is a unique space with the audience on three sides, you become part of the show. Creative Theater Workshop will also have auditions for Aladdin, Jr on Sat, Dec 2 at The Community House for youth ages 8 to 18. This show will feature workshops in stage combat, special effects, fencing/sword fighting, singing, dancing and acting. Audition sign-ups at www.CTW.Life.
Shell Harbor Boat Parade – This is a new event planned by the homeowners’ association to be held Sat Dec 16 with boats gathering at 5:30 p.m. and the parade starting shortly after. It will begin just outside Sanibel Harbour in San Carlos Bay and proceed down the main Shell Harbor canal before turning around in the Victoria Cove basin. Find more info at the Shell Harbor Property Owners Association Facebook page.

2017 Hurricane Season Has Ended – But Issues Linger

The following article from Tallahassee was posted yesterday on line at FloridaRealtors® and credited to Jim Turner of “News Service of Florida”.

“Thursday was the last day of the highly active, deadly and destructive 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, but Floridians will feel its impact for years.The massive hit from Hurricane Irma caused direct physical and emotional impacts in Florida, and ripples continue to come ashore as thousands of people flee Hurricane Maria’s devastation in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Politicians are scrambling to determine how much of the next state budget will be dedicated to covering losses that may or may not be paid by the federal government. They’re also looking at regulatory changes for nursing homes and debris-removal companies, as well as changes dealing with issues such as evacuation lanes, shelters and a potential state fuel reserve.

“Gov. Rick Scott, who was a visible face before and after Irma struck, said Monday that he’d like to boost the availability of propane for generators before the 2018 storm season. “You always learn something,” Scott said. “Everybody had generators. This last time we started running low on propane. I want to make sure that doesn’t happen again. But everyone did a good job. Highway safety, we kept the fuel going.”

“Visit Florida spent $5 million to tell potential tourists that the state quickly reopened after Hurricane Irma, even as scars from the September storm remain etched across agricultural fields and the Florida Keys….

“Members of the House Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness will meet Monday and discuss potential storm-related recommendations for the 2018 legislative session, which starts in January. Among the possibilities are legislation about housing, agriculture tax relief, hardening for emergency-operations centers and management of shelters.

Mark Wool, the warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Tallahassee office, called 2017 the busiest for the Atlantic since 2005.”We didn’t have any things working against tropical cyclone development like in recent years,” Wool said. “There was no El Nino in effect, which tends to suppress things. Didn’t see a lot of dust coming off Africa. We had a very warm ocean and the depth of the warm water was quite large. And all of those things tend to fuel development of a lot of storms.”

“Emergency management officials each year stress preparing for hurricanes. But Wool said the flatness of Florida requires additional vigilance by coastal communities against flooding, as the state is also experiencing a period of rising sea levels. “Parts of South Beach are flooding now without any storms. Blue skies, tidal flooding, the king tides,” Wool said. “We’ve seen times in the historic record where we’ve had large fluctuations in sea level, and we’re certainly on the upswing.”

“As of Nov. 13, more than 830,000 property owners across the state had filed claims for $5.88 billion in insured losses from Irma, which was one of four storms – Tropical Storm Emily, Irma, Hurricane Nate and Tropical Storm Philippe – that had a direct impact on the state during the six-month hurricane season.

Emily in early August made landfall on Anna Maria Island and quickly was downgraded to a tropical depression. Nate brushed the western Panhandle on Oct. 8 as the center of the storm came ashore near Biloxi, Miss. Philippe brought rain and couple of tornadoes to the southern part of the state as it made landfall Oct. 29 with 45 mph winds in Southwest Florida.

Hurricane irma map “Overall, there were 17 named storms this year. The most devastation came from Harvey’s Aug. 26 landfall in Texas, Irma’s double landfall and run-up of Florida starting Sept. 10, and Maria’s destruction of utilities and other infrastructure across Puerto Rico on Sept. 20. While spinning in the Atlantic, Irma reached maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, a pace it held for a record 37 consecutive-hours. Nate also set a record in October for the fastest forward motion recorded for a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico.

“We certainly did establish some records,” Wool said. “Harvey’s rainfall established a new rainfall record for one system in the United States. I think some areas had 60 inches of rains, which was phenomenal.”

“Irma also set new benchmarks for evacuees – an estimated 6.5 million people left their homes in advance of the storm – and power outages and restoration crews. Florida Power & Light, for example, reported 90% of its customers – about 10 million people – were without power on average 2.3 days.

“The agriculture industry has put a preliminary estimate of $2.5 billion on its losses from the storm.

However, Florida leaders have yet to convince the White House and Congress to include an estimated $761 million in losses to the citrus industry in a series of disaster-relief packages this year. State Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam again implored Florida’s congressional delegation on Tuesday to support U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney’s proposal to add $1.5 billion for Florida’s agricultural industry to a $44 billion disaster-relief request sent to Congress on Nov. 17 by the White House Office of Management and Budget.

“While awaiting federal assistance, Scott authorized a $25 million interest-free loan program for citrus farmers.

“Visit Florida, meanwhile, directed $5 million from its tourism budget for a special post-Irma marketing campaign, and Scott has requested lawmakers boost Visit Florida’s marketing dollars from $75 million in the current year to $100 million because of the need to have post-disaster marketing money readily available.

“Despite the state saying tourism numbers continue to climb, hotels remain closed in parts of the Keys, where housing issues have grown for workers after Irma devastated a number of areas outside of Key West. The Islamorada Resort Company, which hired more than 500 construction workers to repair storm damage at four locations on the islands, is reopening the first of the four on Dec 15 and the second a month later….”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity November 24-December 1, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Captains Walk #D5 2/1 $299.5K, Sunset South #7C 2/2 $598K, Cottage Colony West #101 1/1 $649K, Shorewood #2B 3/3 $1.568M.

3 price changes: Seashells #40 2/2 now $349.9K, Kimball Lodge #303 1/2 now $599K, Pointe Santo #B2 2/2 now $799K.

4 new sales: Seashells #44 2/2 listed at $339K, Sunset South #1C 2/2 listed at $685K, Nutmeg Village #205 2/2 listed at $769K, Bougainvillea #A3 4/4 listed at $3.695M.

2 closed sales: Seashells #11 2/2 $331K, Nutmeg Village #100 2/2 $950K.

HOMES

10 new listings: 1438 Sandpiper Cir 3/3.5 half-duplex $414K; 5306 Ladyfinger Lake 3/2 $549K; 9240 Belding Dr 3/2.5 $585K; 749 Cardium St 3/2 $769K; 1450 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $799K; 1807 Serenity Ln 3/2 $799,999; 3239 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 $979K, 899 Almas Ct 3/2 $1.249M; 490 Sawgrass Pl 3/2.5 $1.695M; 547 Kinzie island Ct 4/4.5 $1.789M.

6 price changes: 4542 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 now $572K, 1317 Par View Dr 3/3 now $629K, 241 Violet Dr 3/2.5 now $750K, 932 Whelk 4/3 now $1.224M, 1672 Hibiscus Dr 3/2 now $1.269M, 411 Bella Vista Way 4/4 half-duplex now $2.15M.

5 new sales: 915 Palm St 3/2 listed at $475K, 1187 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed at $635K, 2030 Sunrise Cir 3/3 listed at $649K, 2510 Harbour Ln 2/2 listed at $749K (our listing), 411 Bella Vista Way 4/4 listed at $2.15M, 4649 Rue Belle Mer 3/2.5 listed at $2.595M.

2 closed sales: 1270 Bay Dr 3/2 $1.334M, 3547 West Gulf Dr 4/4 $3.9M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 2460 Library Way $349K.

1 price change: Lot 27, Leisure Acres now $59K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Sunset Beach Villas #2212 1/1 $530K.

1 price change: Beach Villas #2617 1/1 now $525K.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 11535 Chapin Ln 4/3 $1.449M.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Wishing you fair weather & a great weekend too! Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan

Photo posted on Facebook by Jim Sazbo SanCap Aerials

Veterans Day Weekend on Sanibel

Posted on November 10, 2017 by SanibelSusan

Today On Island 11-10-17

It’s Susan with your Friday news from The SanibelSusan Team. After recent reports about the weather up north, you may not want to hear that it has been another week of wonderful weather here. (Photo above taken today. It doesn’t get much prettier!) Temperatures topping out in the low 80’s and cooling into the 60’s at night is near- perfect to many locals. We hope it continues.

The roadways and bike paths continue to fill up, so though we are not quite into “season”, it is getting close. I heard the first “the traffic is awful” comment this week. That very well may be the norm this winter. With so many resort areas in Southern Florida and the Caribbean recovering from the summer storms, I bet Sanibel and Captiva are more popular than ever this winter. Many vacation rental properties already report that they are “fully booked” for season.

At the Sanibel & Captiva Island Association of Realtors®

Wed evening from 5 to 7 p.m., the Sanibel/Captiva Association of Realtors® “Fall Into Christmas” benefit for Friends Who Care was a huge success. Member attendees and their families and guests came with unwrapped toys, gift cards, and check/cash donations. With close to $3,000 collected as well as a tree full of toys, these contributions will be delivered to this local non-profit before their toy sorting and wrapping event at The Community House on Dec 19. Deliveries then will be made by Kiwanis Santas on Dec 23.

It sure was fun and rewarding to spearhead such an event. Thank you to event sponsors: American Momentum Bank, Barrier Island Title, Dorado Property Management, Florida Community Bank, Private Client Insurance Services, Rosier Insurance, Seacoast Cottage Company, Superior Title, and Tru-Clean Carpet and Tile Care.

Thanks too to Danny Morgan who provided the music and Jim Anderson the photos, while many Realtors and affiliate business partners helped behind the scenes, especially our hardworking committee members, aka Santa’s elves.

Fall Into Christmas

Yesterday was the first “east end” Caravan of the now-weekly schedule. Thirteen new listings were open for viewing, with several other new listings announced too, but only a handful of new sales.

Next week is “west end” caravan, followed by Thanksgiving, so the next “east end” caravan is not until Nov 30. We will have our new Anchor Drive listing open then.

A weekly report after a few news items below, covers the action posted in the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service since last Friday.

Upcoming Events

Veterans Day Ceremony – Tomorrow, Saturday, Nov 11, on the grounds of Sanibel City Hall at 10:45 a.m.

Taste of the Islands – CROW’s 36^th annual fundraiser, this year called “A Taste of CROW at Taste” is Sunday, Nov 12, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House and Park, right across the street from our office. The new twist this year is the opportunity to attend programs and visit some of the animal ambassadors. Bring your lawn chairs, but no pets, as wildlife will be there this year. Tickets are $7 for adults. Free for children up to 12. The trolley starts at 11 a.m. with parking available at Bank of the Islands, Sanibel-Captiva Trust Company, and the Post Office. Starting at 1 p.m., parking also is available at the three near-by churches.

crow 36th taste Inside the Community House, at 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., CROW will have animal ambassador presentations with Bashful (a Virginia opossum), Sheldon (the gopher tortoise), Lola (an American Kestrel), and Violet (an Eastern Indigo snake). Also at The Community House, attendees may purchase from the popular Adopt-A-Species program. Some of the species offered for adoption include a bald eagle, sea turtle and gopher tortoise. A silent auction in The Community House will be ongoing until 4:30 p.m.

Outside, fourteen restaurants are participating in the event and looking for your votes. Dishes will range in price from $1 to $6 and can be purchased with CROW bucks. Beer, wine, and margaritas will be available, plus a variety of music by LCEC Killa-Watts will entertain all afternoon.

Annual Sanibel Thanksgiving Celebration – Sunday, Nov 19, at 6:45 p.m. at The Community House. Free admission. A non-denominational program with music and song by the BIG ARTS Community Chorus and Sanibel School’s Seahorse Chorale. Following the celebration, cookies and apple cider donated by Bailey’s General Store and Jerry’s Foods. Guests are encouraged to bring a donation for FISH of San-Cap.

To Addendum Or Not to Addendum?

Those of you who know me well, know that I am conservative and a stickler for detail. Some good examples are offered in the below article posted on-line Nov 6 at FloridaRealtors®.org. It is by Meredith Caruso, Manager of Member Legal Communications for Florida Realtors®.

“In an ideal world, after a buyer and seller execute a contract, things proceed seamlessly, no issues arise at all, and the parties close on their agreed-upon closing date.

“The reality: While that can occur in your transactions, many times it just isn’t the case. One thing or another pops up along the way, and the parties need to change their current agreement, whether that’s an extension of a closing date or amending the contract to add a new term. Before you race to grab an addendum, though, first consider whether or not it’s actually needed. Depending on the details, it’s entirely possible you don’t need to do anything. This article considers a few different scenarios that can occur and whether or not an addendum is needed. (For purposes of this article, the Florida Realtors/Florida Bar (“FR/Bar”) contract is referenced).

“Scenario 1 – The title company handling the closing finds a lien on the property that the seller didn’t realize was there. The seller says he’ll handle it, but it probably can’t be settled on time for the agreed-upon contract closing date. Do the parties need to sign an extension for the closing date? In short, no.

“Per Standard 18A of the FR/Bar contract, the buyer is supposed to notify the seller, in writing, of any defect in the title commitment within five days after receiving it. The seller then has 30 days after receiving this notice, defined as the seller’s Cure Period, to “take reasonable diligent efforts” to remove the defect. Assuming the seller is able to fix the defect within the Cure Period, the seller needs to notify the buyer in writing, along with proof of the cure acceptable to the buyer, and the parties should proceed to closing.

If the closing date has passed during the 30-day cure period, the closing is to take place “within 10 days after buyer’s receipt of seller’s notice.” In this example, there’s no need for the parties to sign an extension since the contract already addresses how the closing should proceed in the event of a title defect.

“Scenario 2 – The buyer and seller have an “As-Is” version of the FR/Bar contract. The buyer performs her inspection and decides she wants to ask the seller for repairs. The buyer’s agent emails the listing agent to ask about the seller’s willingness to make repairs. The seller verbally indicates he is willing to fix the some of the items the buyer is asking about – but not all. Is an addendum needed? In short, it probably is.

“It could be an addendum extending the inspection period so the parties can further negotiate the repairs, or it could be an addendum to address the agreed upon repairs. In either case, the parties should have something in writing. It’s not a good idea to rely on verbal representations about a party’s willingness to make repairs; and it’s not a good idea to think that simply inquiring about repairs provides more time or an automatic extension of the inspection period. The seller could refuse to honor the repairs later and the buyer likely would have little recourse.

“Additionally, there is no “pause button” on your inspection period clock. Even if the parties are negotiating repairs, the clock is still ticking. If the buyer can’t get an agreement in writing with the seller about the repairs or an extension for the inspection period, she will need to decide whether to cancel the contract before the inspection period ends or her deposit could be at risk.

“Scenario 3 – A hurricane sweeps across Florida. While the property isn’t damaged, power is out around the state and the title company doesn’t have any power to conduct a closing on the agreed-upon contract closing date. Do the parties need to get an addendum to extend the closing date? In short, no.

“Standard 18G addresses this scenario and states, in sum, that neither party will be required to perform any obligations under the contract when the non-performance is due to Force Majeure. All time periods will be extended “a reasonable time up to 7 days after” such Force Majeure no longer prevents performance. So, in this example, the parties should close within 7 days after the title company regains power and can process the closing. No addendum is necessary since the contract already addresses what happens when a defined Force Majeure event prevents performance.

“Note: It’s important to keep in mind that all contracts are different, and the above examples are specific to just one contract. In general, when in doubt over whether an addendum is necessary or not, look to the contract provision that covers the issue. Many times, these types of “what if” scenarios are considered by the contract terms and can save the agent from taking additional – and possibly unnecessary – steps.”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity November 3-10, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Coquina Beach #3C 2/2 $449K, Sundial West #G206 1/1 $509.5K, Sanibel Arms West #H2 2/2 $529K, Gulfside Place #323 2/2 $1.498M.

5 price changes: Loggerhead Cay #434 2/2 now $629K, Cottage Colony West #132 1/1 now $654.9K, Cottage Colony West #108 1/1 now $654.9K, Snug Harbor #312 3/2 now $672.5K, Shorewood #1C 3/2 now $875K.

3 new sales: Coquina Beach #5B 2/2 listed at $399K, Sundial West #H409 1/1 listed at $465K, Blind Pass #B207 2/2.5 listed at $499,997.

3 closed sales: Mariner Pointe #811 2/2 $420K, Sunset South #6D 2/2 $470K (our listing), Cottage Colony West #138 1/1 $570K (our sale).

View from Sunset South #6D

Pool at Casa Ybel Resort

HOMES

9 new listings: 1717 Atlanta Plaza Dr 2/2 $472K, 1057 Seahawk Ln 3/2.5 $699K, 700 Nerita St 3/2 $725K, 5430 Osprey Ct 3/3 $839K, 5280 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2 $895K, 734 Anchor Dr 3/2 $999K (our listing), 2190 Starfish Ln 3/3 $1.3959M, 4992 Joewood Dr 3/3.5 $1.595M, 3757 West Gulf Dr 4/4 $7.595M.

Dock at 734 Anchor Dr

6 price changes: 9292 Kincaid Ct 3/2 now $499K; 1040 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $599K; 673 East Rocks 3/2 now $688,888; 563 Hideaway Ct 3/2 now $724K; 900 Almas Ct 3/3.5 now $1.199M; 2939 Wulfert Rd 5/5/2 now $1.445M.

1 new sale: 3869 West Gulf Dr 6/7/2 listed at $8.495M.

5 closed sales: 2489 Harbour Ln 3/2 $670K, 419 Lighthouse Way 4/3 $797.5K, 6081 Henderson Rd 3/2 $740K, 2628 Coconut Dr 3/2.5 $1.2245M, 5639 Baltusrol Ct 4/4.5 $1.695M.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 461 Lake Murex Cir listed at $349K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

Nothing to report.

HOMES

2 new listings: 48 Oster Ct 2/2.5 $865K, 56 Sandpiper Ct 2/2.5 $889K.

1 price change: 11559 Laika Ln 2/2/2 now $5.995M.

1 new sale: 14865 Mango Ct 2/2 listed at $929K.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Always Remember… Veterans… on Veterans Day & every day!

Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan

November Sanibel-Captiva Scoop

Posted on November 3, 2017 by SanibelSusan

It’s Susan reporting another beautiful Friday on the island – sunny 80 degrees. Our fall weather was short lived, but we don’t mind a bit. We had nice visits from several returning clients this week and the roadways/bike paths are indicating “they’re back!”.

More and more new events are being posted, so if you want to check the “Island Events” tab on our website (www.SanibelSusan.com), I updated it this week to include many of the upcoming fun things to do.

This week was the 2^nd rehearsal of the BIG ARTS Community Chorus with the group already tuning up for the Thanksgiving Celebration (Nov 19), Sanibel Luminary (Dec 1), and our Holiday Concert (Dec 14).

At the Sanibel & Captiva Island Association of Realtors®

Yesterday was the start of the again-weekly Thursday 8:30 a.m. Realtor® Caravan meetings. During this fall/winter/spring schedule, the Caravans are limited to 15 properties and, because of the traffic, rotate property locations, with east-end properties one week, and west-end, the next. West end is from Rabbit Road to the tip of Captiva. East-end is Rabbit Road to the lighthouse.

Surprisingly, yesterday’s meeting was lightly attended, but those on-hand were receptive to our last Association benefit of the year, “Fall Into Christmas”, planned for next Wed (Nov 8) after-hours, when we kick-off the holiday season and collect unwrapped toys, gift cards, and donations for “Friends Who Care”.

Caloosahatchee and Everglades Update Post Hurricane Irma

the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and the Everglades Foundation on Tuesday, Nov 14 at 7 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House for The Caloosahatchee and Everglades: In the Eye of the Storm. This program and community conversation will focus on water quality issues and restoration following Hurricane Irma.

Progress is being made on Everglades restoration projects critical to opening up the southern end of the Everglades to move water south. The passage of the bill to establish the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) reservoir will work in tandem with these projects to add water storage capacity south of Lake Okeechobee to feed needed water to the Everglades and Florida Bay currently dumped to the estuaries. The dark, excess freshwater resulting from Hurricane Irma illustrates how badly alternative outlets and additional storage are needed. On November 14, SCCF and the Everglades Foundation will highlight issues ranging from water conditions to restoration progress and how you can participate in the coming state legislative process and a Federal Action Day in Washington, DC. in May 2018.

While the EAA Reservoir does not solve all of the problems, it’s a major step forward and initial planning for the project has begun. There will be time for audience questions and you can find out how you can help. Community support and action will be vital in advancing the projects and funding needed — as Hurricane Irma’s statewide impacts will also require funding from the state. Committee work for the next Florida legislative session has already begun and the session will open on January 9 (two months earlier than normal).

The program is free and open to the public. No reservations required. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov 14 at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way. Refreshments will be available. Program starts at 7 p.m. Call SCCF at 472-2329 with questions.

Weekend Events

esperanza-casting Tomorrow, Nov 4

Esperanza Woodring Memorial Cast Net Rodeo, annual Bait Box tradition beginning at 8:30 a.m., 1410 Periwinkle Way
Island Seniors Annual Trash & Treasures Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center 4 Life building (corner of Palm Ridge Rd and Library Way).
Songwriter Saturday at ‘Tween Waters Resort & Spa pool from 1 to 5 p.m. (featuring Nashville singer-songwriters). Make a reservation at 239-472-5161.

Sunday, Nov 5

2^nd Sanibel Blues and Jazz Fest, at Bailey’s backyard (behind the store). Performances from noon to 7 p.m. Tickets available at Bailey’s General Store, at the festival, and on-line at sanibelbluesandjazzfest.org. 2017_SanibelBluesJazzFest

Tax Reform Hits Homeowners

One of my favorite economists, Lawrence Yun, posted a good article in the November/December 2017 Realtor® magazine. Though following this topic is like following a moving train, his advice applies regardless of the political outcome.

“Renters will come out ahead, albeit temporarily, if the “Big 6” tax reform framework is passed in its current form. They stand to get about $500 in tax cuts each year. The plan was released at the end of September by the Trump administration and Republican leadership in Congress.

“Because there is no free lunch, who then will foot the bill? Homeowners. Particularly families with children. While it’s unlikely lawmakers intended to hurt them, that will be the result.

“Tax reform is a laudable goal. Lower tax rates are what people want. And Americans are fed up with the many hours it takes to comply with today’s complex code.

“But a reform at the expense of homeowners is misdirected. Homeowners already pay 80 to 90% of all federal income tax in any given year.

“The plan to double the standard deduction (from about $12,000 to $24,000 for a family) means far fewer homeowners will use the mortgage interest deduction. Some homeowners may come out ahead while others will lose out. But larger families will be faced with a particularly difficult challenge, because the personal exemption and the exemptions for dependents which are both $4,050 per individual, would go away.

“For renters, who don’t take the mortgage deduction, the higher standard deduction will likely make most of them better off. Historical data has shown that renters do not accumulate wealth over the long haul. The latest Federal Reserve data show the typical wealth of a renting household has fallen from $5,900 to $5,100 since 2010, while homeowning households have seen their wealth jump from $192,800 to $231,400.

“Congress needs to thoroughly review the tax code with an eye toward simplifying it and reducing the tax burden on Americans, particularly middle-income households who today pay a disproportionate share of our nation’s taxes. Reduced payments in a simplified system could even boost long-term GDP growth. But Congress must never forget, sustainable and successful homeownership should be encouraged.”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity October 27- November 3, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

6 new listings: Coquina Beach #5B 2/2 $399K, Kimball Lodge #303 1/2 $620K, Nutmeg Village #1092/2 $689K, Sanibel Inn #3522 2/2 $709K, Poinciana #3C 3/2 $1.75M, White Pelican #133 3/3 $2.195M.

4 price changes: Lake Palms #6 2/2.5 now $349K, Loggerhead Cay #332 2/2 now $469.5K, Lighthouse Point #217 3/2 now $485K, Sanibel Moorings #1221 3/2.5 now $1.095M.

3 new sales: Seashells #11 2/2 listed at $350K, Sundial West #C306 1/1 listed at $435K, Sanibel Moorings #612 2/2 listed at $565K.

4 closed sales: Ibis at The Sanctuary #B302 2/2 $460K, Tarpon Beach #103 2/2 $725K, Sundial East #O405 2/2 $1.01325M, Sanddollar #A303 3/2 $1.275M.

HOMES

8 new listings: 984 Black Skimmer Way 3/2 $585K; 667 Spartina Ct 3/2 $629,555; 2030 Sunrise Cir

3/3 $649K; 1307 Par View Dr 3/3 $1.1M; 701 Anchor Dr 3/3.5 $1.295M; 1126 Harbour Cottage Ct

3/2 $1.295M; 5757 Baltusrol Ct 3/3 $1.497M; 1561 San Carlos Bay Dr 3/4 $2.75M.

4 price changes: 9225 Belding Dr 3/2 now $490K, 958 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $639K, 932 Whelk Dr 3/3 now $1.274M, 900 Snowberry Ln 4/3 now $3.295M.

2 new sales: 1390 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 half-duplex listed at $499K, 1743 Jewel Box Dr 3/3.5 listed at $1.2M.

5 closed sales: 976 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 half-duplex 3/3 $470K, 5305 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 $559K, 655 Anchor Dr 3/3 $605K, 485 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $970K, 984 Oyster Ct 3/3.5 $1.625M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 2515 Wulfert Rd $259K.

No price changes, new sales, or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Bayside Villas #5202 1/2 $375K.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

HOMES

3 new listings: 15154 Wiles Dr 4/3 $1.495M, 15631 Captiva Dr 5/4 $3.995M, 15138 Wiles Dr

6/5.5 $7.599M.

1 price change: 14865 Mango Ct 2/2 now $929K.

No new sales or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Sanibel/Captiva Real Estate

Leaving LIBOR, Say Hello to SOFR

Is A Seller’s Disclosure Required?

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 30 – April 6, 2018

Until next Friday, enjoy your week…

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March Membership Meeting – Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Upcoming Events

Living Shoreline Approved Along Woodring Road

Great American Cleanup – Sanibel Canals

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 23-30, 2018

Happy Easter!

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Lower Your Wind Insurance Premium

Upcoming Events

What’s a Seller’s Continuing Maintenance Requirement?

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2018’s Top Trends

Report from Sanibel’s Finest

Planning Commission Acts on Ordinances Re: Pools & Flood Insurance

Annual Market Watch – Lee & Collier Counties

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 23-March 2, 2018

Until next Friday, here’s hoping you have good weather too! If not, come to the islands, the bougainvillea and hibiscus are blooming everywhere. It really is a paradise here!

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New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge

Sanibel Library Earns Award

“Ding” Darling Announces 2018 Film Series

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

Happy New Year!

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Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Free Refuge Programs and Tours Begin In January

Rent Tax Reduced Beginning January 1, 2018

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

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

Wishing You & Your Family A Happy Holiday Weekend!

Elise for The SanibelSusan Team

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Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

New Eats

Conflict Over Vacation Rental Rights Brewing

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity December 8-15, 2017

Have a great weekend!

Elise for The SanibelSusan Team

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SanibelSusan Realty Happenings

Upcoming Events

2017 Hurricane Season Has Ended – But Issues Linger

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity November 24-December 1, 2017

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At the Sanibel & Captiva Island Association of Realtors®

Upcoming Events

To Addendum Or Not to Addendum?

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity November 3-10, 2017

Always Remember… Veterans… on Veterans Day & every day!

Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan

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At the Sanibel & Captiva Island Association of Realtors®

Caloosahatchee and Everglades Update Post Hurricane Irma

Weekend Events

Tax Reform Hits Homeowners

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity October 27- November 3, 2017

Here is a cute sign from the Sanibel Café.

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