Almost Halloween on Sanibel

Posted on October 27, 2017 by SanibelSusan

October Today is another sunny day on the islands where we are excited to report cooler temperatures and low humidity. It’s always a nice change to have windows open and to wear long-sleeves again. Those local changes also indicate changes up north too, with cooler norther temps resulting in more inquiries and a boost in business here. Temperatures today were expected to reach the low 80’s before another cool front arrives tomorrow after a few showers. Then, temperatures are expected to go into the 50’s at night, with days in the 70’s.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Following the Association’s annual meeting yesterday, several new sales were announced during Realtor® Caravan. More new listings also are on the market.

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

Upcoming Events

With holidays fast approaching, here are a few more upcoming events.

13^th Annual Island Paws Howl-O-Ween Fundraiser – Tonite Oct 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Over Easy Café patio to raise money for Gulf Coast Humane Society.

9^th Annual 10K Race 4 F.I.S.H. – Tomorrow morning Oct 28 – Race begins at The Community House at 7:30 a.m. Periwinkle Way will be closed to one lane during the race.

Island Nights Fall Festival – Tomorrow Oct 28 from 3 to 9:30 p.m. at Casa Ybel Resort with local vendors, life music, food, rum and craft beer samples, dessert station, face painting, henna tattoos, bounce house, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin painting, goodie bags, & a movie.

Trunk or Treat – Tuesday Oct 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Sanibel Community Church.

Fall Family Festival – Tuesday Oct 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Community House. A bag of candy gains admission where costumed families will win prizes, enjoy carnival games, a hay ride, and get hot dog and burger dinners.

24^th Annual Esperanza Woodring Memorial Cast Net Rodeo – Saturday Nov 4 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at The Bait Box. Free family event with free lessons, youth competition, refreshments, music, and raffle.

Thanksgiving Beach Walk – Thursday Nov 23 from 8:45 to 10 a.m. with Doc Bruce, Sanibel Sea School, 414 Lagoon Dr. Walk the beach with him, learn about the eco-system, and explore creatures found along the way. Free & kid-friendly.

Sanibel Update on Hurricane Irma Vegetative Debris Collection

Veg-Debris-1 As of Wed, mySanibel.com reports that the “first sweep” of the island is 93.35% complete with 78.08 miles out of the 83.64 miles of roads completed. 28 streets (or a portion) out of 256 public and private roads remained to be done with two streets remaining due to sagging Comcast lines. City crews are using small vehicles to collect the debris on the roads blocked by Comcast lines.

Stump removal and a final “mop-up” collection of hurricane-generated debris will be next with hours of operation changing on Monday Nov 6.

Property owners are reminded that vegetative debris generated as part of routine maintenance is to be disposed consistent with pre-hurricane collection methods. Bagged or containerized residual debris will be collected by the regular hauler on regularly scheduled horticulture collection days.

Vegetation Trimming on Periwinkle Way

Notice from City of Sanibel – “From Monday Oct 30 through Friday Nov 10 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., the vegetation along Periwinkle Way will be trimmed from Lighthouse Beach Park to Tarpon Bay Rd. Intermittent lane closes are expected. Drivers and pedestrians, please proceed slowly and cautiously through areas when workers are present.”

Are Your Neighbors Trees Growing On Your Property?

henderson-franklin Anyone who knows where I live, recognizes that I like my yard neat and trimmed. Thankfully, my landscaper does a good job of keeping it that way. One of my neighbors, on-the-other-hand, prefers the jungle look. Sometimes a few of their trees, a big one in particular, grow out over my property.

Some years, during my annual fall “big trim”, I have paid dearly to have some of “their” branches cut back. This year, however, Hurricane Irma did a nice job of taking care of that task for me. Even so, the below article by Donald Thompson, posted on-line Oct 18, 2017 on the Legal Scoop Blog of Henderson Law was of interest. Maybe it applies to your situation too.

“Your neighbors are proud of their beautiful, large fruit trees, which are now growing substantially over your property. The trees have grown so large that a number of branches extend over your house, tool shed, and other improvements, which you believe results in a dangerous condition, not to mention rotten fruit dropping on your patio. What are your options: force the neighbor to remove the tree extending over your land, sue for damages, or something else? You may be surprised.

“In Florida, a possessor of land is not liable to others outside his land for nuisance caused by vegetation growing from his land over adjoining properties. Scott v McCarty, 41 So. 3d 989 (Fla.4th DCA 2010). Therefore, your neighbor has no duty to remove or even trim the tree branches that encroach onto your property.

“However, as the adjoining property owner, you have the privilege to trim back, at your expense, the offending (encroaching) tree, roots, branches, and other vegetation. Gallo v Heller, 512, So. 2d 215 (Fla.3d DCA 1987). Maybe this does not seem fair. You may wonder why you must pay to cut your neighbor’s trees that she allowed to grow over your property. The rationale appears to be grounded in common sense and public policy. Courts recognize that allowing such a claim would likely result in innumerable, and in many instances, vexatious lawsuits. In fact, one case reasoned that departing from the precedent would invite further litigation between neighbors, which as a matter of public policy should be avoided. Scott v McCarty, 41 So. 3d 989 (2010)

“Options – If your neighbor’s tree is growing onto your property, as a general rule you may trim the vegetation that extends onto your property. However, you should not cut any portion of the tree on your neighbor’s property and should not enter onto your neighbor’s property without consent. In fact, you should chat with your neighbor first and discuss what you intend to do. Even if your neighbor disagrees, and the matter ends up in a courtroom, a judge is likely to look favorably on your attempt to amicably resolve your disagreement.

“Exceptions – Of course, there are exceptions to most general rules. In Sullivan v Silver Palm Properties, Inc., 558 So. 2d 409 (Fla. 1990), the Florida Supreme Court cites at least two cases which held a landowner responsible for maintenance of trees and vegetation obstructing motorists’ view of a stop sign. The Courts reasoned that overhanging vegetation which blocks traffic control devices presents an imminent danger, and that a duty to remove vegetation obstructing critical traffic control signage is common sense. Also, the general rule in Florida of no duty or liability of a neighbor for overgrown trees is not the rule followed in all states.

“Other matters to consider before taking action may include:

review municipal or county ordinances, if applicable;
investigate and consider the possibility of removal of vegetation on your property causing damage to your neighbor’s property; and
use common sense.

“These types of claims can be fact driven and varying facts may affect an outcome in court. If in doubt, be sure to seek a competent attorney to assist you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this issue, please feel free to reach me at donald.thomson@henlaw.com or by phone at 239-344-1369.”

Good Info From The Shell Museum

bailey-mathews shell museum sign Last week, Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum held another educational event for those wanting to become Shell Ambassadors. You may have seen those folks on the beach, wearing blue tee-shirts and helping those shelling. One of these days, I hope to become a Shell Ambassador too, but in the meantime, I thought one of their handouts had some good info. Aka Important Contact Information, it includes some number that might come in handy if you see injured wildlife or perhaps a tourist violating a local rule. I’ve added the info to my website “Useful Phone #s & Links” tab. FYI, here it is:

Injured land animal – CROW 239-472-3644 x222 or FWC Wildlife Alert 888-404-FWCC (3922) or *FWC or #FWC on mobile phone
Sea turtle problems – SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline 978-728-3663 or FWC Wildlife Alert 888-404-FWCC (3922) or *FWC or #FWC on mobile phone
Manatee & dolphin problems – FWC Wildlife Alert 888-404-FWCC (3922) or *FWC or #FWC on mobile phone
Active code violations on Sanibel (like live shelling, littering, leash law, feeding/harassing wildlife, destroying beach/dunes, picking native plants, etc.) – Sanibel Police non-emergency 239-472-3111
Passive code violations on Sanibel (like abandoned beach furniture, large amounts of garbage, etc.) – Sanibel Code Enforcement 239-472-4136
Live shelling on Captiva & causeway beaches – FWC Wildlife Alert 888-404-FWCC (3922) or *FWC or #FWC on mobile phone or Lee County Sherriff non-emergency 239-477-1000 • Full Outside bar opens at 10pm (cash only) Wristbands: $10 at entrance cash only (must be 21 years of age or older with wrist band only for admission). Costume Contest winners announced at midnight! Cash prizes awarded to 1st ($1,000), 2nd ($500), and 3rd ($250) of best overall costume. Other prizes to include free night stays, dining credits, Cabana rentals, Jet Ski and parasailing vouchers and more! Dinner before party? Why yes, with both Crow’s Nest and Captiva House accepting reservations now at 472.5161!

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity October 20-27, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

No new listings.

5 price changes: Sundial West #H409 1/1 now $465K, Island Beach Club #P1A 2/2 now $639K, Cottage Colony West #132 1/1 now $654K, Cottage Colony West #108 1/1 now $654K, Pointe Santo #B2 2/2 now $815K,

4 new sales: Spanish Cay #E3 2/2 listed at $369K, Sanibel Siesta #303 2/2 listed at $529K, Shell Island Beach Club #7B 2/2 listed at $820K (our buyer), Nutmeg Village #100 2/2 listed at $1.07M.

Shell Island Beach Club Aerial

1 closed sale: Villa Sanibel #3C 2/2 $630K.

HOMES

3 new listings: 5299 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/3 $698K, 921 Strangler Fig Ln 3/3.5 $995K, 1743 Jewel Box Dr 3/3.5 $1.2M.

6 price changes: 1390 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 half-duplex now $499K, 1943 Sanibel Bayou Rd 3/3 now $649.9K, 5657 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/2 now $895K, 1304 Eagle Run Dr 3/3 now $1.199M, 1672 Hibiscus Dr 3/2 now $1.295M, 1149 Paper Fig Ct 4/3 now $2.245M.

2 new sales: 4775 Rue Helene 4/3 listed at $799K, 1270 Bay Dr 3/2 listed at $1.349M.

2 closed sales: 1550 Bunting Ln 2/2.5 $622K, 3728 West Gulf Dr 5/5 $2.325M.

LOTS

No new listings:

3 price changes: 2486 Wulfert Rd now $179K; 412 Tiree Cir now $349,555; 2401 Blue Crab Ct now $699K.

1 new sale: 1415 Sanderling Cir listed at $398K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: Beach Villas #2523 1/1 listed at $539K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 14865 Mango Ct 2/2 $979K.

No price changes, new sales, 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.

Happy Halloween!

Getting Back to Normal on Sanibel Island

Posted on September 29, 2017 by SanibelSusan

It’s SanibelSusan reporting that as we wrap up another work week, I am happy to report that Sanibel is “getting back to normal.” Plenty of storm debris remains piled roadsides, particularly on side streets, but steady removal continues – seven days a week – with area landscape looking better and better day-by-day. Many of the bike paths are cleared now too.

Below are before and after photos of the enormous tree that came down at the entrance of Casa Ybel Resort during Hurricane Irma. The 1st was taken September 12, the 2^nd taken this morning, September 29. It’s great to see that they were able to salvage this beauty!

The huge tree and vegetation collection area on Island Inn Road is converting much of it to mulch which soon will be offered to the public. The City continues to post post-Irma progress reports on www.mySanibel.com. It’s worth mentioning again that City efforts and their communications both before, during, and after the storm have been remarkable.

A few snowbirds and away residents have returned early to personally access their properties. Luckily, little damage, other than tree/vegetation loss, has been reported.

SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Sanibelsusan Logo Here at the office, my closing that was delayed because of the storm, closed this week. I continue to work on resuscitating offers that were in the works during the hurricanes and was happy to be out showing a couple of condos this morning.

Teammate Dave held an Open House yesterday at Loggerhead Cay, usually a busy complex even in late summer/early fall, but it was very quiet there.

Thanks to everyone for their patience as the island recovers from Irma. Thankful we are that storms like this occur in the slow time of the year. Even so, we had good listing activity this week and see things picking up.

Overall inventory is low. The below table shows the statistics today from the island MLS. Prices are holding their own and increasing in many products. I bet the combination of early arrivals and northern weather already turning contributes to an early boost in “season” sales. The highest number of island sales traditionally are last quarter, followed by first quarter – or right around the corner. The action posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service (MLS) since last Friday follows a couple of news items below.

Sanibel Captiva

No, Avg $ Price No. Avg $ Price

CONDOS

For sale 9/29 80 704,202 19 1,278,361

Under contract 11 858,036 5 812,000

Sold 2017 thru 9/29 104 747,663 27 624,933

Sold 2016 143 717,768 22 873,636

HOMES

For sale 9/29/17 110 1,453,940 28 3,551,940

Under contract 22 1,129,191 2 3,647,500

Sold 2017 thru 9/29 151 1,015,454 20 2,565,475

Sold 2016 181 979,576 27 3,195,000

LOTS

For sale 9/29/17 54 472,741 1 2,195,000

Under contract 2 419,000 0 N/A

Sold 2017 thru 9/29 26 321,608 2 2,312,500

Sold 2016 25 487,095 2 3,150,000

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

No Caravan meeting this week at the Association of Realtors® as the summer every-other-week schedule continues until our Annual Meeting on Oct 26. Then, it reverts to every Thursday and continues through “season”.

The “Totes of Hope” packaged last Thursday were delivered and well-received in hard-hit areas in South Florida and the Keys over the weekend. Next week, the Communications and Public Relations Committee will finalize plans for an upcoming early November fundraiser for “Friends Who Care” as the Association continues their “Working Together to Make a Difference” campaign.

Re-openings

Bleu Rendez-Vous French Bistro – Reopens for dinner at 5 p.m. on Thursday Oct 5.

Island Cow – Reopened this morning.

Sanibel Farmers Market – reopen for its 10^th season on Sunday Oct 1 and will continue every Sunday through the winter from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. It’s on the grounds of Sanibel’s City Hall and has grown to about 40 vendors. This year, Local Roots LLC, has added a 9^th market to their busy schedule. This one will be at Captiva’s South Seas Resort every Tuesday from December 19 through April 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They expect to have 20 vendors at that market. Go to www.BuyLocalLee.com for a complete schedule of all their markets.

Trader’s Gulf Coast Grill & Gifts – reopens Monday Oct 1 for the annual Shell Museum Island Dinner fundraiser, this year called a “Cephaloparty” (A cephalopod is any mollusk of the class Cephalopoda, having tentacles attached to the head, including the cuttlefish, squid, nautilus, and octopus.) Tip your favorite celebrity at www.ShellMuseum.org.

Planning Ahead – Pickleball Classic

Pickelball classic The 1^st annual Sundial Beach Resort & Spa Pickleball Classic will be on the resort’s 12 new state-of-the-art courts on November 3-5. It will include men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles with skill and age-level placement. Contact the resort for more details https://sundialresort.com/play/pickleball-classic/

Long-Term Mortgage Rates Unchanged: 30-year at 3.83%

Good news for those needing a mortgage. The below article was posted yesterday by the Associated Press and reposted by Florida Realtors® on-line:

“Long-term mortgage rates were unchanged this week: The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage remained at 3.83%; the 15-year home loan, popular among homeowners who refinance their mortgages, stayed at 3.13%, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday.

“Rates on long-term home loans typically track the yield on 10-year Treasury notes, which barely budged this week.

“Two weeks ago, the 30-year mortgage hit a low for the year before bouncing back up last week. So far this year, the 30-year rate is running above last year’s average of 3.65%.

“Freddie Mac says the rate on adjustable five-year mortgages blipped up to 3.20%, from 3.17%. To calculate average mortgage rates, Freddie Mac surveys lenders across the country between Monday and Wednesday each week. The average doesn’t include extra fees, known as points, which most borrowers must pay to get the lowest rates. One point equals 1% of the loan amount.

“The average fee for a 30-year mortgage rose to 0.6 point from 0.5 point. The fee on 15-year home loans remained at 0.5 point. The fee on an adjustable five-year mortgage rose to 0.5 point from 0.4 point.”

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

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Sundial West #C306 1/1 $435K, Sanibel Moorings #941 2/2 $59K, Sanibel Moorings #612 2/2 $565K.

4 price changes: Seashells #40 2/2 now $354.9K, Pointe Santo #C34 1/1 now $589K (our listing), Sand Pointe #122 2/2 now $699K (our listing), Tamarind #B202 2/2.5 now $1.69M.

View from Pointe Santo #C34

3 new sales: Donax Village #3 2/2 listed at $438.5K, Blind Pass #F108 3/2 listed at $594.9K, Tarpon Beach #102 2/2 listed at $749K.

2 closed sales: Blind Pass #F106 2/2 $385K, Sand Pointe #113 2/2 $683K.

HOMES

No new listings:

4 price changes: 981 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 now $499K, 714 Durion Ct 3/2 now $609K, 998 Fish Crow Rd 3/2 now $659K, 1672 Hibiscus Dr 3/2 now $1.35M.

4 new sales: 976 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 half-duplex listed at $489K, 419 Lighthouse Way 4/3 listed at $797.5K, 485 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 listed at $1.075M, 3728 West Gulf Dr 5/5 listed at $2.395M.

1 closed sale: 215 Palm Lake Dr 3/2 $630K (our Buyer).

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Lands End Village #1665 2/2 now $975K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: Beach Villas #2525 2/2 $620K.

HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

2017-09-22 Pink clouds 2017-09-23 Sanibel morning

Until next Friday, wishing you happy days, nice weather, & fabulous sunrises, sunsets, & all times in-between.

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Island Life After Irma

Posted on September 22, 2017 by SanibelSusan

Beach looking good 9/12/2017

SanibelSusan Team members were all back at their posts Monday morning and island life is returning to normal. Thanks to quick service by Dan from Tru-Clean, Inc. Carpet & Tile Care, our office carpet now looks better than it did pre-storm. 2017-09-19 TruClean

Local schools still don’t go back until Monday, with county education leaders now altering the school calendar to make up the 2+weeks lost. Both the Sanibel Recreation Center and the Sanibel Sea School provided free childcare programs this week for families working and assisting in recovery efforts.

As of the City’s Hurricane Irma report last night, just one reported property remains without power, while debris pickup continues. Roadside collections by claw trucks will be seven days a week beginning at 7 a.m. until all is removed. Some of the piles are huge, many reappearing as soon as debris is removed. Care, caution, and patience are needed traveling roadways and bike paths (most paths are not passable).

The Thurs City report also indicates that inspections of the public canals have been completed. The private canals are next, as the City finalizes plans for removing canal storm debris. They are thinking of everything.

If any good comes from an event like this, it’s the amazing comradery – neighbors helping neighbors & helping strangers too. We all owe a debt of gratitude to City workers, utility crews, and the many contractors that have come from near and far to assist in making homes and businesses livable again. The lessons learned from Hurricane Charley probably assisted in making this recovery smooth.

Thank you, Mayor Ruane, City Council, City Manager Zimomra and staff. With power back on and us again able to watch the news, many areas in Florida are not as fortunate as Sanibel. I sure am glad I live here.

SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Open & ready for business 09/12/17

Here at the office, we still are working on getting a sale closed that was scheduled on the Friday before the storm. Fingers crossed that it happens on Monday. The two offers that were in negotiations pre-storm didn’t make it, but I’m hoping to fan some life into them as recovery here continues.

Our new listing at Sunset South was open yesterday morning for Realtor® Caravan and we have had a few inquiries and showings this week too. The action posted in the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service since Sept 1 are posted after a couple of news items below.

(Note this activity covers a 3-week period, since we were without internet service the last two Fridays. Pretty slow real estate market during those weeks, just one new sale, a Sanibel condo. No sales on Captiva.)

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Monthly Membership Meeting

Yesterday morning was the September Membership Meeting for the islands Association of Realtors®. Plenty of affiliates, sales associates, and brokers were in attendance to share post-Irma experiences and to hear guest speaker, Maggi Feiner, President and CEO of F.I.S.H. of SanCap.

Maggi Feiner speaking at the Assoc 09/21/17

F.I.S.H. is a unique comprehensive human-services organization focused for over 30 years on “neighbors helping neighbors” on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Their mission is to lend a helping hand to those who live, work, and visit here. Their vision is to enrich the lives of those on the islands through an array of food programs, island-based workshops, and social services. Their many different programs, services, and workshops, are supported by full-time social workers, administrative professionals, and a team of volunteers.

Maggi shared some F.I.S.H. statistics from 2016 when they had 14,399 requests for help and provided assistance to 2,272 individuals. Most island needs or the individuals most at-risk and needing help are youth and seniors. The F.I.S.H. backpack program operates not just when schools are in session, but 52 weeks a year. They also offer after-school education, and one-on-one tutoring. They help with those needing eyeglasses too and their partnership with Sanibel Rec offers summer assistance.

Maggi advised that 53% of F.I.S.H. funding comes from individual donations, 27% comes from grants. She thanked Association members for their continued contributions, food donations, our recent Meals-of-Hope food-packaging event, their support for the annual “10K Race 4 F.I.S.H.” (coming up Oct 18) and F.I.S.H. Celebration, and for volunteering.

Toiletries for Hurricane Irma Victims

Yesterday afternoon Sanibel/Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® staff and members of my Communications/Public Relations Committee bagged up donations that the Assoc had collected pre-Irma. We prepared 130+individual gallon zip-lock bags each with an assortment of toiletries, hair and shaving products, flashlights/batteries, socks, first aid and sewing kits, & more. In combination with food, water, and paper goods, also collected by off-island Realtors® and their friends, it all will be delivered to Hurricane Irma victims.

2017-09-21 Assoc.jpg

Big thank you to all who contributed and Realtor® helpers Deb Gleason, Kelly Huguenin, and Cathy Lewis, our Assoc Executive/CEO Bill Robinson and MLS Director Matt Alston. Realtor® Jay LaGace with LaGace Partners, ReMax Realty Team, Cape Coral coordinated efforts and provided a drop-off point with multiple vehicles and trailers to deliver the goods.

Hurricane Irma Strikes Refuge

The following two articles are from the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society Newsletter dated Sep 14, 2017:

“Hurricane Irma struck a lighter blow (reported winds of up to 80 mph) than expected to Sanibel Island on September 10. Extensive vegetation damage on Wildlife Drive and Calusa Shell Mound Trail will keep the

Refuge closed for an undetermined length of time, reports Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland. “It will take days with our limited staff, but it will make us stronger,” she said.

“Toni added that the storm seems to have had little impact on Refuge wildlife. “Hurricanes are a natural phenomenon, and wildlife has adapted,” she said. “Habitat and animals typically rebound quickly, and nature reconstructs in a hurricane’s aftermath. However, research is showing that as storms continue to increase in intensity, it will affect wildlife’s ability to bounce back.”

“She noted that the damage was much lighter and the recovery quicker at the Refuge and island than with Hurricane Charley in 2004. “That’s thanks to the removal of Australian pines and other exotics after Charley,” Toni said. “That’s why it’s so important to preserve mangroves and plant other native vegetation built to weather hurricanes.”

“For updates on the Refuge’s recovery progress, please monitor the official Refuge Facebook page.”

“Ding” Darling Days STILL On – October 15-21, 2017

The Refuge plans to keep its annual “Ding” Darling Days eco-festival on track for October 15-21. CLICK HERE for a calendar and other details.

“Did you know? Mangroves have the potential to reduce wave and wind energy by 50%-75%. The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuges is home to one of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystems. Mangroves not only ‘anchor’ an island down (and prevent erosion) during storms and high waves, but they also provide a safe place to shelter for many different species of wildlife. Natural and wild places are critical for communities to recover after a hurricane so that flooding can be absorbed by nature.”

Re-openings, Temporary Closings & More

Funny how fast September flew by this year. Already some of the places that closed for summer breaks, employee vacations, deep cleans, remodeling, etc. are reopening. Here’s a partial list…

Island Cow – had kitchen roof damage. Working on repairs now.

Island Pizza – continuing with their planned remodeling, so temporarily closed.

Over Easy Café – reopened today. Open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for breakfast and lunch.

The Pecking Order – stayed open through the storm & will continue their lunch special from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. all of Sept.

Sanibel Farmers Market – still scheduled to reopen on Oct 1 on the grounds of City Hall from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For info on the other eight markets reopening in the Lee County, go to www.BuyLocalLee.com.

Sanibel Fresh – serving breakfast 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Traditions on the Beach – is open this month, Mon through Sat from 4 p.m. until late.

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity September 1-22, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Sundial West #K105 2/2 $897.5K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Sanctuary Golf Villages I #5 2/2.5 listed at $699K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

5 new listings: 887 Casa Ybel Rd 5/3 duplex $575K, 1312 Par View Dr 3/2 $695K, 419 Lighthouse Way 4/3 $797.5K, 6412 Pine Ave 3/3 $1.295M, 1152 Buttonwood Ln 3/3.5 $1.499M.

4 price changes: 673 East Rocks 3/2 now $698K, 698 Spartina Ct 3/2 now $770K, 1043 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $850K, 789 Pyrula Ave 3/3 now $1.095M.

No new sales.

3 closed sales: 982 Main St 3/2.4 $465K, 519 Lagoon Dr 4/2 $800K, 1137 Golden Olive Ct 5/3.5 $1.5925M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 761 Donax St $279.9K

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

1 closed sale: Bayside Villas #5136 1/2 $310K.

HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

The welcoming committee – ibis trio – at the Fulgar St beach access on 9/12/17

Until next Friday, let’s not hear about any more hurricanes!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Sanibel/Captiva Scoop – Labor Day Weekend 2017

Posted on September 1, 2017 by SanibelSusan

It’s SanibelSusan reporting that Sanibel & Captiva have pretty much dried out from the three days of rain experienced last weekend. My street was flooded until Monday afternoon.

Anchor rain

Local area schools and City offices were closed on Monday, due mostly to flooding in off-island areas.

But, by Tuesday through today, the weather has been sunny and mostly bright with any lingering showers inland. Reports too are that the shelling has been great!

Now we are all keeping a close eye on Hurricane Irma. The end of hurricane season can’t come soon enough for me, sure still seems like the end of Nov is a long way off.

SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Sanibelsusan Logo This being what often is considered the “slowest week” of the year, it was good timing for the rain, yet a real surprise to get a showing request Sunday afternoon amid the downpours. It also was a real treat to work with a couple of sisters here for their first visit – who after just two days decided they needed to look at real estate. They were leaving the island midday Monday, unfazed by the showers, already fascinated with Sanibel, and even talking of moving here.

So much fun to work with prospects who know this is the place for them – appreciating the ambience, beaches, environmental conscience here. No offers yet, but the action posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service this week, follows a few news items below.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

No Caravan meeting this week, but our Communications/Public Relations Committee met Tuesday morning and made plans to accelerate our Sept donation project so that we could help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. (The paragraphs below describe what we are doing and how you can help too.)

Tuesday midday, at a surprise luncheon at Casa Ybel Resort’s Thistle Lodge, our Association of Realtors® celebrated the retirement of our CEO Peggy Hummel who has been a steady stabilizing leader for our organization for many years. We hated to see her go, but appreciate that she left us in good hands. Best wishes, Peggy!

Peggy Peggy Party

Realtors® Helping Nationally – The National Association of Realtors® in a broadcast email on Tues, asked members to support victims of Hurricane Harvey.

“Our hearts go out to the tens of thousands of families who have been displaced by catastrophic storms on the Texas coastline. Officials are calling Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent flooding a 500-year weather event, one of the most epic storms in our nation’s history.

“When disaster strikes, REALTORS® step up, whether that’s to deliver food, water, or other vital assistance or to donate money to those in need. That’s where the REALTORS® Relief Foundation comes in. Since its inception in 2001, the RRF has raised more than $25 million to provide mortgage and rental assistance to victims of more than 50 disasters, including wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. RRF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, with administrative costs covered by the National Association of REALTORS®. That means 100% of all donations go directly to victims of disaster.

“NAR is calling on the REALTOR® family to donate funds to the foundation to support storm victims in Texas. Martin Edwards, a REALTOR® from Tennessee, serves as president of the foundation board. Martin has said, “Harvey may require our REALTOR® family’s largest effort since Hurricane Katrina—or even 9/11. Hopefully, REALTORS® across America will heed the call to donate, as on-the-ground membership in Texas will be stretched beyond belief.”

“We are asking you to join us in this effort with your personal donation to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation. You can do so in less than one minute using your credit card on our secure online form. Or you can send a check payable to RRF to REALTORS® Relief Foundation, 430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. Write “RRF Contribution” in the memo line.

“Please send your donation today so your contribution can reach people who need it now. Our efforts both reflect and depend on the generosity of REALTORS®. Together, let’s continue to make a difference. Thank you.”

Realtors® Helping at State Level & Here on Sanibel & Captiva Islands – Florida Realtors® is coordinating preparation of “totes for hope” and the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® is part of that effort. We are collecting the following travel-sized items which will be individually packaged into Ziplock® bags – with one item in each bag.

Shipments to Houston begin today and will continue through next Friday, so please drop any donations off before Wed, Sept 6 at The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® Office at 2353 Periwinkle Way, Suite 201 (located upstairs over Finnimore’s Cycle Shop, in the building behind Winds).

My hard-working always-willing-to-help Communication/Publications Committee members will work bagging them on Wed afternoon, after which the bags will travel to the Naples Board of Realtors® which is the drop-off point for our Southwest Florida District.

Adhesive Bandages
Safety Pins
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Dental Floss
Deodorant
Body wash
Hand sanitizer
Disposable Razors
Shaving Cream
Combs/Brushes
Small Bars of Soap/Body Wash
Cotton Swabs
Pocket Tissues
Lotion
Mouthwash
Lip Balm.

Flooded Homes Can Be Fixed But…

This timely article was posted by Realtor.com on Tuesday, Aug 29, 2017:

“As Hurricane Harvey moves off the coastline of Texas, it’s leaving massive flooding in its wake that has destroyed homes and businesses.

“Until the floodwaters recede, cleanup efforts are mostly on hold. But remediation companies say they’re ready to jump into action as soon as they’re able. In preparation for the undertaking, here are a few important items to share about repairing a flooded home, compiled by realtor.com®.

“Time is of the essence.

A home that has been flooded does not need to be torn down, but the water does need to be removed quickly. Truck-mounted vacuums with 2,000 horsepower and dehumidifiers can extract moisture from furniture, hardwood, tile, and Sheetrock. But Robyn Kent, a claims administrator at Dalworth Restoration in Euless, Texas, says the most important element is getting it cleaned up quickly: “Closer to the three- to five-day mark is when it becomes questionable, since by then, all the materials have become fragile.”

“Mold is the real issue.

“One of the biggest problems—especially in Houston in the summer—is going to be mold,” Tyler Drew, a Los Angeles real estate professional and investor, told realtor.com®. “The longer a house sits with water, the worse the mold infestation. Affected areas have to be removed, the wood and concrete treated with anti-mold agents, and all of this has to be done after the house is sealed, in order to prevent the infestation from spreading and sickening people.”

“Repair costs can escalate.

“Drying off a 2,000-square-foot house in normal conditions may cost more than $2,500, while in situations like Harvey is producing, the job scope expands quickly—and so will costs,” says Peter Duncanson, director of operations and safety with ServiceMaster Restore. Flood insurance may cover the cost of repairs, but it depends on what type of insurance the owner has. Standard homeowner’s insurance policies don’t typically cover flooding inside a home, and many in Houston don’t have flood insurance.”

Labor Day Weekend Closure

The “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center will be closed on Monday, Sep 4, in observance of Labor Day.

Wildlife Drive and Tarpon Bay Explorers will remain open during usual operating hours.

Refuge and DDWS offices will also be closed on Monday.

Restaurant Vacation Closings 2017

Many have asked about what restaurants will be closed and when. Here is the summary posted on the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce website:

Restaurant Vacation Closings 2017*

Restaurant Closing Reopen

Bleu Rendez‐Vous French Bistro Sun, 8/27 Thu, 10/5

Blue Coyote Supper Club Sun, 9/3 Tue, 10/3

Blue Giraffe Island Dining Mon, 9/11 Sat, 9/16

Cheeburger Cheeburger Mon, 8/28 Fri, 9/1

Cip’s Place Closed 9/4, then, 9/ 5‐10/1: No Lunch

Dairy Queen Mon, 9/11 Fri, 9/15

East End Deli Summer Hours 10 am‐2 pm

Gramma Dot’s Tues, 9/5 Thur, 9/28

Island Pizza Company Wed, 9/6 **Wed, 9/27 estimated**

Joey’s Custard Sun, 9/10 Mon,10/2

Lighthouse Café (Sanibel) Tues, 9/5 Sun, 9/10

Over Easy Café Mon, 9/11 Fri, 9/22

Rosie’s Café & Grill Mon, 9/25 Fri, 10/6

Sanibel Sweet Shoppe Closed Sat, Sun, Mon starting Sept

Schnapper Hots Mon, 8/21 Thurs 11/16 closing at 4 pm

Sweet Melissa’s Sun, 9/10 Tues, 10/3

The Clam Shack Mon, 9/11 Mon, 9/18

The Sandbar Mon, 8/22 Thur, 9/29

Traders Sat, 9/2 Tues, 10/3

Traditions on the Beach Closed 9/4

* Subject to change

30% of Luxury Deals Are ‘Suspicious’

Interesting article posted Wed at Realtor®Mag online this week, sourced to CNBC (Aug 24, 2017):

“A new watchdog program designed to monitor real estate deals involving shell companies has found that the buyers in 30% of high-end deals were linked to “suspicious activity,” the Treasury Department reported this week. Federal officials are now expanding the program, which aims to prevent money laundering by overseas buyers who use shell companies to mask their identities.

“The program, called the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, focuses on major markets that attract a high volume of international buying activity, including New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Officials this week added Honolulu to the list. The program is monitoring wire transfers of funds as well as cash deals.

““This could have a chilling effect,” Redfin chief economist Nela Richardson told CNBC. “That very high end of the market is the most vulnerable to these issues. If a lot of foreign buyers were parking their money in high-end real estate and that much of it is tainted, this rule will have an impact.”

“Under FinCEN, title insurance companies must determine the identities of shell company owners who are making cash real estate purchases at certain price points—usually more than $1 million. The Treasury Department then determines whether those shell companies have been flagged on lists of suspicious activity. FinCEN focuses on transactions worth more than $3 million in New York, $2 million in California and Hawaii, and $1 million in Florida, among other price points and locations.

““Through this advisory and other outreach to the private sector, FinCEN, [the real estate] industry, and law enforcement will be better positioned to protect the real estate markets from serving as a vehicle to launder illicit proceeds,” FinCEN acting director Jamal El-Hindi told CNBC.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity August 25-September 1, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Sanibel Siesta #303 2/2 $529K, Pointe Santo #C42 2/2 $949K.

1 price change: Captains Walk #A8 2/2 now $358K.

4 new sales: Tarpon Beach #103 2/2 listed at $749K, Sundial East #O405 2/2 listed at $1.0995M, Sanddollar #A303 3/2 listed at $1.349M, Royale Tern #103 3/3.5 listed at $1.675M.

2 closed sales: Loggerhead Cay #371 2/2 $497K, Gulf Beach #102 2/2 $790K (our listing).

Path from Gulf Beach

HOMES

4 new listings: 2539 Coconut Dr 2/2 $678K, 8995 Mockingbird Dr 3/3.5 $895K, 1396 Tahiti Dr 4/3 $898K, 2462 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 $1.799M.

4 price changes: 5305 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 now $579K; 673 East Rocks 3/2 now $709,888; 2939 Wulfert Rd 5/5/2 now $1.495M; 1206 Bay Dr 4/4.5 now $3.674M.

6 new sales: 1550 Bunting Ln 2/2.5 listed at $644K, 1295 Par View Dr 3/2 listed at $675K, 474 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 listed at $689K, 732 Windlass Way 4/3.5 listed at $1.195M, 984 Oyster Ct 3/3.5 listed at $1.65M, 2379 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 listed at $1.695M.

3 closed sales: 9113 Mockingbird Dr 3/3.5 $500K, 1237 Isabel Dr 5/6.5 $1.857M, 390 Old Trail Rd 4/4.5 $2M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 1800 Woodring Rd $2.825M.

2 price changes: 1912 Ibis Ln now $250K, 3013 Poinciana Cir now $259.9K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 2441 & 2453 Los Colony Rd $150K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

1 closed sale: Tennis Villas #3117 1/1.5 $265K.

HOMES

1 new listing: 16525 Captiva Dr 3/3 $1.995M.

No price changes or new sales.

3 closed sales: 43 Oster Ct 2/2.5 $812.5K, 16979 Captiva Dr 7/6.5 $3.2M, 1119 Schefflera Ct 4/3.5 $4.3M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

LaborDaySign If you have any island real estate needs, SanibelSusan is working right through the holiday weekend.

Laboring on Labor Day is not really work, if it’s doing what you love!

Enjoy your weekend!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

A Little Soggy Today in the Neighborhood

Posted on August 25, 2017 by SanibelSusan

SanibelSusan here. Today the islands are feeling the effects of what forecasters are calling swirling weather patterns associated with a tropical wave which poses a threat for localized flooding across Southwest Florida today. Heavy downpours began Wednesday afternoon and have been sporadic so far, but the chance of rain is predicted at 100% right through the weekend. It finally drops to a 20% chance on Wednesday. On the upside, the temperatures are down into the high 70’s/low 80’s and the vegetation is lush.

With the ground already saturated, flash flooding warnings have been issued for Lee and Charlotte counties until 8 p.m. tonight. This wave is not related to Hurricane Harvey which is poised to slam the Gulf coast of Texas, but it nonetheless probably helped bring the greater-than-normal rain throughout the day.

Before a few news items, here is a photo shared with me earlier this month. Look who walked by and caught him by surprise when he was at his island home. (You’ve gotta be fast with an iPhone. Thanks for sharing, Scott.)

2017-08-12 bobcat

Florida Realtors 101^st Annual Convention/Trade Show & Governance Meetings

Sorry I missed posting a blog last Friday. While in Orlando at the Florida Realtors® Annual Convention and Governance Meetings, it was great to play a part in the productive educational sessions Tues/Wed/Thurs, followed by committee meetings Fri/Sat, and ending with the Board of Directors meeting Sunday morning.

There are a lot of events, networking, and real work crammed into a few days so I always enjoy the drive back home when it is nice to get out in the fresh air again and rethink the week’s accomplishments.

The Sanibel/Captiva gang at the Florida Realtors 2017 Awards Luncheon

I’ve seen lots of changes in the industry during the 20+ years that I have been involved in the state leadership team. Hot topics now are cybercrime, wire fraud, copyright infringement, automated valuation models, paperless transactions, social media advertising, artificial intelligence, and drones.

Speaking at Florida Realtors Capital Club Luncheon – Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (with his handsome sons)

Though the real estate markets vary from one area of Florida to another, much of our work and problems are common. Staying involved in problem-solving and solution-sharing is key in staying ahead of the many changes that technology continually brings to this business. 2017 Education Ambassador

Here are a few fun facts about Florida Realtors®:

Florida Realtors® is the 2^nd largest state Realtor® organization in the country.
It is 170,000 members strong (in 2017)
It began in 1916 and now covers 13 districts, 54 local boards, and has 130+ employees.
In 2016, 61% of membership was female and averaged 52 years old. Members had an average of 10 years of experience and completed 9 transactions. They closed nearly 400,000 sales with over $105 billion in dollar volume.
In 2016 in Florida, there were $19.4 billion in international sales. The largest fraction of foreign buyers (39%) were from Latin America & the Caribbean. The top 5 countries of foreign buyers in Florida were: Canada, Brazil, Venezuela, United Kingdom, & Argentina.
In 2017, Florida Realtors® PAC successfully supported legislation that passed the first-ever cap on community association fees for estoppel certificates.

Because of the size of our local organization, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® only has two voting Directors at the state. There were 561 Florida Directors voting on Sunday. I was honored to be one of them, along with our 2017 Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® President, Joel Goodman. 2017 Board You can find more info about Florida Realtors® at FloridaRealtors.org.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Yesterday was the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® August General Membership Meeting followed by biweekly Caravan. Once again, like two weeks ago, the meeting was well attended, but not much real estate action was announced. Our new listing at Spanish Cay was one of only two properties on the following Open House Caravan.

The speakers for the General Membership Meeting included a panel of four rental managers from ReMax of the Island Vacation Rentals, Royal Shell Vacations, SBL Vacations, and VIP Vacation Rentals. They fielded such questions as:

Who handles the prorations of rental income when a property sells? The rental managers do, this is not something that normally is handled by a title company since it’s not a physical part of the real estate.
How do you handle requests for showings when a property is listed for sale? Most of the managers prefer to make the showing appointments and only when requested by the Listing Agent. Particularly “in season”, when requests may be frequent, Listing Agents may want to ensure that the request is to a “serious prospect” before bothering a long-term tenant. VIP prefers that the Listing Agent calls the tenant so they can control who goes in/out.
Has the rental business increased or decreased? Some mentioned that particularly with homes, inventory is less than it was some years ago. Many in the large baby boomer population who purchased and rented before retirement are now using the property themselves.
Have rental rates increased? In most cases yes, but it’s often dependent on a property and its upgrades. The “best” properties are booked a year in advance with repeat longer-term bookings preferred. Particularly for reservations in Feb and Mar, they should be booked a year ahead.

SanibelSusan Realty Associates

While away, I fielded some phone and email inquiries about a few of our listings. Then, this week, we got another new listing. It is a Sunset South top-floor riverside expanded 2 bedroom with elevator, garage & large private storeroom – a great opportunity for a buyer looking for easy residential living with gulf access, natural views, and handy to the causeway. Well priced too at $499,900 (view shown in first photo below).

Several of our listings were shown this week and a couple of showings are scheduled as next week many rental properties are vacant. The action posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service since August 11 (two week’s worth of info) is posted after a few news items below.

The islands are coming up on what some of the retail establishments say is traditionally the slowest week of the year. Many communities only allow construction projects in September so it could be a few quiet weeks with schools back in session and the rainy season in full swing. It is a good time to view property though. Some say, the best time to secure real estate before “season”.

Sanibel Fresh

Sanibel Fresh 08-24-17 If you are looking to try some place new, “Sanibel Fresh” opened yesterday in the former location of Bennett’s Fresh Roast at 1020 Periwinkle Way. Open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., their motto on their Facebook logo says “Healthy food for a happy you”.

We haven’t tried it yet, but our pals say it’s “great”.

Call for Action

NFIP Without Congressional action by September 30, 2017, authority for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will expire. If NFIP lapses, more than 40,000 real estate transactions per month will be in jeopardy. The National Association of Realtors® has issued a call for action and made it easy for you to urge your member of Congress to pass “The 21^st Century Flood Reform Act” H.R. 2874 as soon as possible.

H.R. 2874 contains several provisions of critical importance:

Reauthorizes NFIP for a full 5 years, avoiding the uncertainty of short-term extensions and potential shutdowns.
Caps NFIP rates at $10,000 per year for property owners.
Directs FEMA to develop more granular rate tables, to ensure fewer properties are overcharged
Sets aside $1 billion for flood mitigation assistance grants.

And increases access to private market flood insurance. Please follow this link to Take Action

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity August 11-25, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Sunset South #6D 2/2 $499.9K (our listing), Sundial East #O405 2/2 $1.0995M, Sanddollar #A101 2/2 $1.195M.

3 price changes: Seashells #40 2/2 now $359.9K, Ibis at The Sanctuary #B102 2/2 now $449.9K (our listing) (photos below), Ibis at The Sanctuary #B302 2/2 now $468.5K.

4 new sales: Ibis at The Sanctuary #B201 2/2 listed at $475K, Sanibel Moorings #931 2/2 listed at $550K, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #6-2 2/2.5 listed at $649K, Lighthouse Point #327 3/2 listed at $849K.

4 closed sales: Spanish Cay #B6 2/2 $380K, Blind Pass #F210 2/2 $444K, Blind Pass #B105 2/2 $450K, Sanibel Arms West #I3 2/2 $519K.

HOMES

5 new listings: 982 Main St 3/2.5 $489K, 4542 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 $578K, 1724 Bunting Ln 3/4 $985K, 1304 Eagle Run Dr 3/3 now $1,099,995; 411 Bella Vista Way 3/4 half-duplex $2.495M, 3945 West Gulf Dr 3/3 $3.195M.

7 price changes: 3021 Singing Wind Dr 3/2 now $499K; 5306 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2 now $589K; 673 East Rocks 3/2 now $715,888; 3354 Barra Cir 3/2 now $875K; 673 East Rocks 3/2 now $725,988; 5075 Joewood Dr 4/4.5 now $3.25M.

6 new sales: 982 Main St 3/2.5 listed at $489K, 2150 Egret Cir 3/2 listed at $524.9K, 981 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 listed at $549K, 1311 Sand Castle Rd 4/4.5 listed at $799K, 655 Anchor Dr 3/3 listed at $749K, 1272 Isabel Dr 4/4.5 listed at $3.45M.

1 closed sale: 981 Main St 4/2.5 $625K.

LOTS

No new listings.

2 price changes: 3354 Barra Cir now $399K, 4115 Sanibel-Captiva Rd now $799K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Beach Villas #5228 1/2 $433.5K.

No price changes.

2 new sales: Beach Villas #2517 1/1 listed at $497.5K, Beach Villas #2623 1/1 listed at $530K.

HOMES

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 11500 Chapin Ln 4/4.5 listed at $1.795M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, I hope you enjoy your weekend & stay dry. That’s the plan here!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Gearing Up for Florida Realtors

Posted on August 11, 2017 by SanibelSusan

Here it is, the end of another quiet week on Sanibel Island. Local schools started up again yesterday so though the hot weather continues, the feeling is that summer is over.

2017-08-08 Lighthouse beach log

Florida Realtors® 101^st Annual Convention/Trade Show & Governance Meetings

Next week are Florida Realtors® 101^st Annual Convention/Trade Expo & Governance Meetings in Orlando. The convention schedule changed this year to encourage more attendance in the educational sessions by combining them into Wednesday and Thursday and pushing the Governance meetings into Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Though that shortens the number of days away for some, many of the leadership team will be there for six days. Thankfully today’s technology allows business to continue from any location and having a great team back at the office, ensures it.

Tuesday, SanibelSusan will be sitting on one of the Instructors’ Audition Panels. That is where about 40 state Professional Development Committee members will hear instructors hoping to be approved to teach Florida Realtors®-approved classes. Those trying out could be 1^st time instructors or already-approved teachers wanting to expand their curriculum. It’s an all-day event, with four audition panels each hearing eight presentations. My panel will rate teachers for the Realtors Institute as well as some teaching sales contract basics, international real estate, pricing in a competitive market, and continuing education classes. I have served on these panels many times and it’s always a long, but fun and productive day.

Wednesday/Thursday I will serve as an Education Ambassador during some educational sessions. Then, when the state governance committees meet Friday, you will find me at the Legislative Think Tank, followed by the Resort/2^nd Home Group.

On Saturday, the Professional Development Committee meets and our District Caucus from Southwest Florida shares their input from their various committee meetings in preparation for the upcoming Board of Directors Meeting. Sunday morning I am honored to be one of the Sanibel & Captiva Association’s two voting members at the BOD meeting.

No convention is all work, so many Realtors® including me, also are looking forward to hearing the opening session speaker, Daymond John (of “SharkTank” fame) on “Branding & Entrepreneurial Strategies”. The closing session speaker is George Blankenship (former executive at Tesla, Apple, & The Gap) who will talk about “The Customer Experience”.

In between, there is an Awards Luncheon with performers from Cirque Dreams and a few events for PAC major investors, including a luncheon with speech by Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s new Chief Financial Officer. Did I mention the evening Tailgate Party and fun with Party on the Moon (American’s #1 Dance Band)?

Seriously, lots of work gets accomplished, the networking is terrific, and even though this annual event is always in the “off season”, our listings usually get an offer while I’m away. The SanibelSusan Team and I are hoping this year is no exception. Teammates David, Elise, and Lisa will be covering things on the island, while I will have all of my techno-gadgets with me.

Sanibel-Captiva Islands Association of Realtors

Though yesterday’s biweekly Caravan Meeting was well attended, there sure was not much announced. Our new listing at Captains Walk was the only property on the following Open House Caravan.

Our new listing at Spanish Cay was one of the few new listings announced and I also recognized Realtor® Anna Turner for selling our listing in Lake Murex that closed this week.

It also was a great opportunity to thank the Association’s generous and hard-working colleagues for their support in the many charitable projects our Communications and Public Relations Committee has spearheaded this summer. If you read the local papers or follow us on Facebook, you’ve probably seen our latest press release with photos.

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

SCCF “Stormy Weather, Hurricanes, Waterspouts, & Lightning”

If you are on-island next week, on August 14, SCCF’s Education Director Kristie Anders will explain how weather impacts Southwest Florida. Her “stormy weather, hurricanes, waterspouts, and lightning” presentation originally designed for Realtors® to help with hurricane preparation, has evolved into more about the science behind these storms. Be at SCCF’s Nature Center on Mon at 10 a.m. to hear her presentation.

Sanibel Communities for Clean Water (SCCW) Program

As reported in the “Island Sun” this week, “Last month, the City of Sanibel officially launched a new interactive website created for the Sanibel Communities for Clean Water (SCCW) Program, established to educate island residents about water quality in their individual communities and provide science-based solutions to how to cost-effectively improve water quality.

“The idea of the SCCW program, which was based off the data gathered during the Sanibel Community Lakes Baseline Water Quality Study, was conceived by the City’s Natural Resources Department working in partnership with the SCCF Marine Lab. Five weeks ago, the website – www.sanibelcleanwater.org – went live.

“According to Dana Dettmar, the City’s Environmental Specialist who oversaw the development of the website, the Sanibel Community Lakes Baseline Water Quality Study was part of Phase 3 of the City’s Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) to help identify nutrient hotspots o Sanibel.

“”The first two phases of the CNMP helped to point out gaps in the data that needed to be addressed,” said Dettmar. “One of the gaps that needed to be further explored was the surface water data of on-island freshwater lakes, ponds, and storm-water catchments.”

“On the website’s homepage, it explains that eutrophication – the excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or other body of water, frequently caused by runoff from the land – is both a local and global issue.

“”Your impact on the island’s water quality begins in your backyard,” the website states. “Activities like fertilizing your lawn adds excess nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus, to storm-water runoff and groundwater. These nutrients can then enter lakes, ponds canals, the Sanibel Slough and the Gulf.”

“As excess nutrients accumulate in the ecosystem, they can cause an unnatural increase in nutrient concentrations. Excess nutrients stimulate the growth of algae and aquatic nuisance plants. As a result, water clarity is decreased, availability of oxygen to aquatic organisms is limited, and fish die in large numbers.

“Website users simply select their individual neighborhood, which then directs them to that community’s own page. Each of Sanibel’s 72 neighborhoods (with lakes, ponds, etc.) is ranked by the level of concern, with an accompanying data summary of information…. The page also offers recommended actions…. The Natural Resources Department is also planning to hold community lake management workshops this fall and winter to discuss the program and various… practices that can be implemented to improve water quality….”

4 Quick Fixes Sellers Should Avoid

A few helpful tips in the “Daily Real Estate News” reported at Realtor®Mag on-line on August 2, 2017.

“It’s often a mad dash when sellers are working to get their home on the market or even to just clean up ahead of a showing. But some common cleanup tools can actually do more damage than many people realize. HouseLogic identified a few common products that can create big problems, so you can be the expert your clients need and help them protect their investments.

“1. Bleach is a common cure-all, but this caustic chemical can eat through the sealant on stone surfaces, discolor laminate and grout, fade enamel and acrylic tubs, dissolve linoleum, and corrode seals in a garbage disposal. While it does kill mold on nonporous surfaces, it can create a future feeding ground for mold on absorbent and porous materials, such as grout. Instead, advise clients to use water and vinegar or a commercial antifungal product for major cleanup jobs.

“2. It may seem obvious to note that glass cleaner is for glass, but many home owners use it for a multitude of surfaces. This can lead to what’s known as “black edge” on mirrors, where the liquid seeps beneath the reflective backing and lifts it. Instead, a lint-free microfiber cloth dampened with warm water does wonders to clean and protect mirrors in expensive installed items such as vanities and closet doors, as long as homeowners avoid the edges and dry immediately with a second cloth.

“3. Mulch offers a simple alternative to weeding, but it’s easy to overdo it. A layer thicker than 3” can suffocate plants and prevent water from reaching roots, so encourage homeowners to spread thoughtfully.

“4. Slow drains are an annoyance, but a busted pipe could derail your sale. Caution sellers against using drain cleaners that contain hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid, which can erode plumbing. Even the old baking soda-and-vinegar medley can create cracks, as the chemical reaction causes a build-up of pressure. Old-fashioned “mechanical” methods—plungers, drain snakes, or a handy $2 gadget called the Zip-It—are safer and more effective, according to Consumer Reports.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity August 4-11, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Captains Walk #B2 1/1 $274K (our listing) photos below, Sanibel Arms West #G8 2/2 $499K, Sandpiper Beach #501 2/2 $695K, Lighthouse Point #327 3/2 $849K, Sanibel Moorings #1221 3/2.5 $1.195M.

No price changes:

1 new sale: Blind Pass #B105 2/2 listed at $464.9K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

2 new listings: 1327 Tahiti Dr 2/2 $634.5K, 1314 Par View Dr 3/2 $899K.

6 price changes: 9459 Begonia Ct ¾ now $639K, 1550 Bunting Ln 2/2.5 now $644K, 3784 Coquina Dr 3/3 now $649.9K, 1807 Buckthorn Ln 3/2 now $685K, 1672 Hibiscus 3/2 now $1,249,995, 1743 Venus Dr 4/3.5 now $1.675M.

4 new sales: 9113 Mockingbird Dr 3/3.5 listed at $599,999, 587 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 listed at $685K, 732 Windlass Way 4/3.5 listed at $1.195M, 750 Periwinkle Way 5/4 listed at $1.75M..

6 closed sales: 1212 Par View Dr 2/2 $515K, 376 Lake Murex Blvd 3/2 $525K, 1918 Ibis Ln 3/3 $610K, 625 Lake Murex Cir 3/2.5 $640K (our listing), 5056 Joewood Dr. 3/2 $718K, 6494 San-Cap Rd 3/2 $1.68M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 1340 Eagle Run $299K.

1 price change: 5251 Indian Ct now $744K.

No new sales & no closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Marina Villas #601 2/2 $785K

No price changes.

1 new sale: Lands End Village #1614 3/3 listed at $2.575M. No closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings, price changes or new sales.

1 closed sale: 14980 Binder Dr 4/3 $1.05M.

LOTS.

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, I hope you enjoy your weekend!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

2017-08-07 beach nest

Yippee! New Listings at SanibelSusan Realty

Posted on August 4, 2017 by SanibelSusan

Sanibel sunset courtesy of Jim Anderson at JMA Photography.

SanibelSusan here reporting another sunny Friday on Sanibel, though we sure had plenty of rain earlier in the week when Tropical Storm Emily passed over the islands. Since Wednesday afternoon, it’s been mostly bright and hot – finally true Florida summer weather. It sure seems like it flew by this year.

Beginning soon many local establishments will close temporarily for their annual deep-cleans, employee vacations, remodeling, etc. In the meantime, those here are enjoying meals out without a wait and very little traffic.

At SanibelSusan Realty

Sanibelsusan Logo A SanibelSusan Realty we were happy to receive a new listing this morning and another this afternoon. (My apologies for posting this blog so late today, but we must keep that new business coming.)

Following a couple of news items below is the action posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service since last Friday. One of our new listing made the summary, the other will be inputted tomorrow after photographs are taken.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

This year, as part of the Association’s 2017 campaign – “Working Together to Make a Difference”, from May through November, the Communications and Public Relations Committee has spearheaded several projects to aid local charities. Participation has increased with each one.

Last Friday, our food-packing event for Meals of Hope was a great success. With a few last-minute donations to defray cost of food and supplies, 28,800 meals were packed in less than the expected two hours. Many thanks to all contributors and 90+ packing volunteers, including association Realtors® and business partners, their families, friends, and neighbors, and especially to my committee members for their support.

It was a great exercise in team building with a purpose – certainly an afternoon to remember. Press releases have been submitted and plenty of photos are posted on Facebook highlighting the event. Thanks to photographer Jim Anderson, JMA Photography, for providing proof that no one looks good in a hair net.

Yesterday, culminating our other July project, collecting items for Bedz for Kidz, program founder Realtor® Cynthia Shafer came to the island to pick up the many twin and crib sheets, and backpacks and small suitcases donated by Association members. Bedz for Kidz is well on its way to providing 3,000 beds for children that are moved by the local court system into safer homes. For 16+years, Cynthia and her husband John have spent their Saturdays delivering, installing, and equipping beds for these needy children and their families. They are an inspiration! Big thank you to all Association of Realtors® contributors. Below is a picture of some of us with the donations and Cynthia.

Bedz4Kidz08-03-17

Want to See the Largest Junonia?

As reported in today’s “Island Sun”:

“…The world’s largest recorded junonia – a specimen measuring nearly 6” in length – calls the island home. ”Everybody who comes to Sanibel would love to find a junonia, or even see one,” said Larry Strange, owner of Sanibel Seashell Industries, who recently acquired the record-setting shell.

“According to the “Registry of World Record Size Shells”, the largest junonia ever recorded – a Scaphella junonia measuring 154.0 cm – was collected in the Gulf of Mexico by The Hansbys in 1972. That shell became part of a collection owned by a mollusk enthusiast in Jacksonville, FL.

“Strange, a marine biologist and retired educator, was contacted by the son of the junonia’s owner, who asked if he would be interested in purchasing his father’s massive shell collection.

“”I had read about his record junonia, and I asked (the son) if it was still part of the collection,” said Strange, who eventually purchased the museum-quality assortment. “His father got the shell from a fisherman working on a shrimp trawler, who obtain a lot of junonias because they’re out in waters 40 to 80 feet.”

“However, junonias are rather uncommon to find washed up on the shorelines of Sanibel, so they are highly revered by both amateur and serious shell enthusiasts.

“In the three weeks since the giant junonia has been on display at the family-run business, Strange noted that people are coming into the store just to see the record-setting shell. “People are walking in and ask just to see it, or take a photo with it,” he said, noting that the shell is encased under a glass dome inside the main display case of the store, located at 1544 Periwinkle Way….

“All are welcome to stop by Sanibel Shell Industries and see the world’s largest junonia in person. The business – which originally opened in 1942 – is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 472-1603 or visit www.seashells.com for more information.”

Sellers Net Highest Profit in a Decade

This headline caught my eye, posted online July 31, 3017 at “Realtor®Mag”:

“Home sellers in the 2nd quarter of this year sold their properties for an average $51,000 more than they paid for them when they bought them. That’s the highest price gain for sellers since the second quarter of 2007, when it was $57,000, according to a new report by real estate data form ATTOM Data Solutions. This represents an average return on investment of 26%.

“The sellers had owned their homes an average of eight years, which is the longest tenure of homeownership since the first quarter of 2000, when ATTOM Data Solutions began tracking such data. However, “potential home sellers in today’s market are caught in a Catch-22,” says Daren Blomquist, senior vice president at ATTOM Data Solutions. “While it’s the most profitable time to sell in a decade, it’s also extremely difficult to find another home to purchase, which is helping to keep homeowners in their homes longer before selling. And the market is becoming even more competitive, with the share of cash buyers in the second quarter increasing annually for the first time in four years.”

“Out of 118 metro areas with at least 1,000 homes sales in the second quarter, ATTOM Data Solutions found that these cities had the highest percentage of sales in which sellers got top dollar:

San Jose, Calif.: 75%
San Francisco: 65%
Seattle: 63%
Modesto, Calif.: 62%
Denver: 62%”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity July 28 – August 4, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Spanish Cay #A7 1/1 $299K (our listing) (photos below), Seashells #44 2/2 $339K, Sundial West #H409 1/1 $489K, Sundial West #G204 2/2 $699K, Bandy Beach #A101 3/2 $1.399M.

1 price change: Tarpon Beach #103 2/2 now $749K.

2 new sales: Blind Pass #F106 2/2 listed at $409K, Sand Pointe #113 2/2 listed at $719K.

5 closed sales: Mariner Pointe #1412 1/1 $325K, Shorewood #2D 3/2 $972.5K, Sanibel Seaview 3B2 3/3 $1.445M, High Tide #A102 3/2.5 $1.425M, High Tide #A302 3/2 $1.5M.

HOMES

1 new listing: 813 Rabbit Rd 2/2 $449K.

3 price changes: 673 East Rocks 3/2 now $729,888; 655 Anchor Dr 3/3 now $749K; 1656 Middle Gulf Dr 3/4 now $1.099M.

2 new sales: 3364 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 listed at $699K, 931 S. Yachtsman Dr 4/3.5 listed at $870K.

2 closed sales: 9409 Moonlight Dr 3/2.5 $599K, 518 N. Yachtsman Dr 3/3 $1.248M.

LOTS

No new listings.

2 price changes: 1026 Fish Crow Rd now $395K, 5821 Pine Tree Dr now $556K.

No new sales.

3 closed sales: 540 East Lake Rd $162.5K, 9023 Mockingbird Dr $380K, 2479 Harbour Ln $485K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

2 new sales: Tennis Villas #3118 1/1 listed at $255.5K, Beach Villas #2514 2/2 listed at $609K.

1 closed sale: Sunset Beach Villas #2325 2/2 $557K.

HOMES

Nothing to report.

LOTS

1 new listing: 956 Plantation Rd $2.195M.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

TweekedLowSunset

Realtors Packing Meals of Hope

Posted on July 28, 2017 by SanibelSusan

meals_of_hope(1) It’s almost the end of another quiet week on Sanibel & Captiva Islands. The SanibelSusan Team and I are getting our Friday work done early today, so we can head over to the Community House to help the Meals of Hope volunteers set up for our Association of Realtors® afternoon food packing event.

At last count, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® has raised $6,000+ (enough for food/supplies to pack 28,000 meals) and will have at least 80 volunteers ready to pack from 3 to 5 p.m.

It will be fun to see how many we really can get done that quickly. Off to Harry Chapin Food Bank the meals go after that, where they are available to Southwest Florida food banks through the Feeding America Food Bank Network.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service

No sales were announced at yesterday’s Association of Realtors® bi-weekly Caravan Meeting and only two new listings (one home on Sanibel and one on Captiva) were open during the Caravan that followed.

Our listings had some action this week though, including another condo closing and one under contract. The action posted since last Friday in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service follows a couple of news items below.

Online Home Value Estimates Are Not Appraisals

BradfordZillowCartoon Wonder why your Realtor® tells you that a Zestimate of the value of your island property may be incorrect? First a little general info from NAR’s Economists’ Outlook blog on June 29, 2017 and reposted on “Daily Real Estate News” June 30:

“Homeowners who seek an estimate of their home’s value online often find that it doesn’t match the actual value… The Economists’ Outlook blog, which is run by the National Association of REALTORS®, recently offered tips from data scientist Karen Belita. She notes that Automated Valuation Models, or AVMs, are based on computer algorithms and calculations that “take different sets of property data and look for patterns and relationships between property value and the input data.” This allows web visitors to find a home value estimate easily and quickly by just searching an address.

“But these estimates should not be confused or used as a substitute for appraisals, Belita notes. Appraisals use comparative market analyses and in-depth expertise of real estate professionals to draw a conclusion on the value of the property. Another caveat with AVMs is that they fail to take into account the unique qualities of a home, neighborhood, or local market.

Zillow’s “Zestimate,” for example, is computed using public and user-submitted data with “different accuracy levels depending on the data of the property and location,” Belita writes. Another source is the REALTORS Property Resource®, which provides two home value estimates: one from their own AVM model and another from REALTORS® Valuation Model. RVM pulls from the same data as the AVM as well as MLS data, providing estimates of confidence scores based on its accuracy level.

“As technologies advance and more data becomes available, the number of sites that provide home value estimates may grow,” Belita writes. “With the knowledge of where to find home value estimates online, it is important to note that these home value estimates are not interchangeable with formal appraisals, comparative market analyses, and they cannot be used as a basis for a loan. Most of these sites, if not all, reiterate the importance of consulting the expertise of real estate professionals to receive an in-depth and in-person analysis of the property and the local market.””

On island, it goes without saying that most property cannot be valued using calculations that might apply in large area of residential tract housing where location and construction are basically the same. Here, the islands are so unique that the same home in different gulf and inland locations, sometimes less than a mile apart, also can differ in value not just a few dollars, but millions of dollars.

Many Multiple Listing Services sell their data as a revenue source. The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service does not. It neither gives nor sells its MLS data to Zillow or 3^rd party sites, nor are the listings in the islands’ MLS sent to outside syndicated sites looking to make money.

Instead, the island MLS data is provided only to Realtors® performing under the umbrella of the Realtor® Code of Ethics. That includes sites: Realtor.com, our Association site SanibelRealtors.com, and individual member and company sites where our Association offers cooperation through Florida Realtors® IDX (Internet Data Exchange) like my site SanibelSusan.com.

So why, you may ask are your listing photos and data on Zillow. It’s because some island Realtors® and their clients want their properties to get broad exposure.

I do this by belonging to two MLS’s. I am a primary member of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® which requires that we post all of my listing on their MLS. I also hold a secondary membership at the Royal Palm Coast Realtor® Association which services other areas in Southwest Florida. This secondary membership allows me to also post my listings on the Florida Gulf Coast MLS. The Florida Gulf Coast MLS syndicates their listings to many 3^rd part real estate search sites, including Zillow.

Does that mean that all Sanibel/Captiva listings are on Zillow? No, but you will find SanibelSusan listings there.

So, when various websites offer to tell you the value of your property, take it with a grain of salt. I have never and I mean never, seen an island Zillow that was not inflated.

A real estimate of value or what a property likely is worth at a point in time is best done by a licensed real estate appraiser or by a market analysis prepared by a licensed Realtor®.

If you want to know the real value of your property, it should be based on recent actual sale prices of ALL comparable properties (not just those in a particular database).

It should not be based on asking prices of what is for sale, not what sold a year ago, and not what a property like yours may be worth in another location.

The person that can perform this evaluation is someone who knows the value of real estate here and not just some of the prices for some sales, but all of them.

Mortgage Rates Fall Again – 2nd Straight Week

FloridaRealtors® posted the following Associated Press article yesterday, July 27, 2017:

“Long-term U.S. mortgage rates fell this week for the second week in a row, despite the Federal Reserve’s efforts to lift borrowing costs.

“Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the rate on 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages slid to 3.92% from 3.96% the previous week. While historically low, that is still above last year’s average of 3.65%

“The rate on 15-year, fixed-rate home loans, popular with homeowners who are refinancing their mortgages, eased to 3.2% from 3.23% last week.

“Mortgage rates haven’t increased much even though the Federal Reserve has boosted its benchmark rate four times in the past 18 months. That’s because mortgage rates follow the yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which is influenced by many factors. Greater demand by overseas investors can lower the yield.

To calculate average mortgage rates, Freddie Mac surveys lenders across the country between Monday and Wednesday each week. The average doesn’t include extra fees, known as points, which most borrowers must pay to get the lowest rates. One point equals 1% of the loan amount.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity July 21-28, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Gulfside Place #222 2/2 $1.245M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Gulf Beach #102 2/2 listed at $799K (our listing).

In front of Gulf Beach

4 closed sales: Captains Walk #A1 2/1 $325K, Lighthouse Point #129 3/2 $550K (our listing), Sanibel Surfside #223 2/2 $730K, By-The-Sea #C302 2/2 $1.175M.

HOMES

1 new listing: 1938 Roseate Ln 3/2 $549K.

4 price changes: 1940 Periwinkle Way 3/2 half-duplex now $494K, 1040 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $589K, 545 Piedmont Rd 3/2 now $595.9K, 9113 Mockingbird Dr 3/3.5 now $599,999.

2 new sales: 519 Lagoon Dr 4/2 listed at $849K, 1137 Golden Olive Ct 5/3.5 listed at $1.7945M.

4 closed sales: 1036 S Yachtsman Dr 3/3 $595K, 1809 Bowmans Beach Rd 3/2 $750K, 1032 Lindgren Blvd 3/2.5 $799.9K, 3402 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $1.3M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 461 Lake Murex Cir $349K.

1 price change: 1299 Par View Dr now $241.5K.

1 new sale: 5148 Sea Bell Rd listed at $199K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

1 closed sale: Tennis Villas #3127 1/1 $237,250.

HOMES

1 new listing: 11531 Paige Ct 3/3.5 $3.59M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 43 Oster Ct 2/2.5 listed at $819K.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday,

Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan

It’s Another Happy Friday at SanibelSusan Realty

Posted on June 2, 2017 by SanibelSusan

SanibelSusan here, with the first report in a long time of a cloudy Friday. Following a picture-perfect holiday weekend when the causeway and beaches were busy with families and vacationers, it has been a nice, though quiet week.

At SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Not as busy as we’d like it though at SanibelSusan Realty. Good weather often keeps phones from ringing, but our listings did get a few showings. teammate Dave accompanied a couple of home inspections, and I showed homes most of Wednesday, while yesterday following our Association of Realtors® meeting, Dave and Elise covered our Caravan Open House, I chaired a meeting at the Association office, we had a good closing, and then Dave was out showing condos too, including our new listing. This afternoon, Dave’s back to holding another Open House, while Elise’s weekly report of the action posted in the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service since last Friday follows a few news items below. You’ll probably notice, there was no real estate action on Captiva. That’s unusual.

We had a surprise visit this morning from a family here on vacation. They bought their home through us five years ago and it is always such a treat when we get an update from them. Dad Scott is a terrific photographer and follows my blog. It was great to get his reminder that I may always share the pictures he posts on-line. Their bay-front home has probably one of the most active osprey nests on the island and he said that the last of the three fledglings in the nest this year was hesitant to make its first flight. As a result, he got some terrific close-up shots before it finally used its wings. Thanks for sharing, Scott!

At the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors

SanCapAssnLogo Though attendance was light at our Association of Realtors® meeting yesterday, our new CEO was given a rousing applause. Bill Robinson who joined our Association in 2012 and been promoted to MLS Director and Chief Operating Officer, was announced as our new Chief Executive Officer, replacing Peggy Hummel who will retire at the end of August.

A handful of new sales were announced. I got a thank you for bringing the buyer for Anchor Pointe #C and I gave a thank you to the Realtor® bringing the buyer to Lighthouse Point #129. Just seven properties were on the Caravan that followed, including our new listing at The Sanctuary, Ibis #B102. (Photos of Ibis #B102 below.)

CEO’s Bill and Peggy both later participated in our Communications & Public Relations Committee meeting. Big props to Bill for getting my press release in the “Santiva-Chronicle” within hours of submission. Check out our June 1 progress report on this year’s “Association of Realtors® Working Together to Make A Difference” campaign at http://santivachronicle.com/Content/Business-News/Business/Article/Realtors-Members-Made-a-Difference-in-May/13/32/6604

Here Comes The Rainy Season

Sanibelcityseal logo The rainy season finally is here, with occasional showers expected for a least the next seven days. Though we need the water, it’s always a bit of downer when clear bay and gulf waters get stirred up by storms. We also are always hoping that we don’t get too much rain or water quality can be affected.

To illustrate, Jim Szabo with SanCap Aerial Photography has been taking aerials of the island for many months. On Memorial Day, his Facebook posting next to a stunning post-card like photo, said “Our water around Sanibel is amazingly beautiful. I take weekly 360° interactive panoramic images exclusively for the City of Sanibel.” Then he described that the one posted was taken around 12:30 p.m. at 350 feet above the lighthouse using his airborne camera system.

His message further says, “The City of Sanibel does this to show the current conditions, good or bad, for almost the last year. Toward the end of June, we will be able to compare current conditions to a year ago. Big thanks to the City of Sanibel for doing this.”

His images can be seen at http://www.mysanibel.com/Departments/Natural-Resources/Protecting-Our-Water-Quality/Sanibel-H2O-Matters. Scroll down when you get to that page and you will see links to weekly panoramic aerials taken at Lighthouse Beach Park going back to June 28, 2016. (Check out the difference between early and late June last year, it’s amazing.) There also are some taken from Gulfside City Park, Blind Pass, Clam Bayou, and the Causeway.

20 Questions To Ask When Buying a Condo

Buying or selling, it’s good to be aware of these questions and how they apply to a property.This provided courtesy of FloridaRealtors®.

20 QUESTIONS WHEN BUYING A CONDO.jpg

Sanibel School Tops District on State Test

Many of us wish we’d found Sanibel when our families were young. The Sanibel School is one of the reasons why.

As reported in this week’s “Islander”, “The Sanibel School was one of two schools in the district that had 97% of its third-grade students score a three or higher on the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) English Language Arts test.” This is an increase from last year’s 94%. The state percentage was 58%, compared to 54% last year. This is the third year that students in the county have taken the FSA. Although the Sanibel School tied with Pine Island Elementary School, their overall score was highest at 325, compared to their 318.

Congratulations to The Sanibel School for focusing on lots of reading. The school has offered a reading roundup for kids who were struggling, by offering more reading time during the school day. F.I.S.H. also sponsored after school tutoring to any student needing extra help.

The local district ranked third out of 10 mega districts in the State of Florida based on this last English Language Arts test.

Shell Mueum to Hold Bunche Beach Clean-Up

bailey-mathews shell museum sign The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum will celebrate World Oceans Day on Wed, June 8 from 7 to 9 a.m. when museum staff and their Shell Ambassadors will hold a clean-up at Bunche Beach (at 18201 John Morris Rd). The public is invited to participate.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. uses 380 billion plastic bags per year and only 3% of that is recycled. This is the first time that the Museum has participated in World Oceans Day, but not the first time they have held a clean-up at Bunche Beach. It was selected instead of Sanibel because it seems to be more of a hotspot for trash and debris. If you can help with the clean-up, please register with Stefanie at SWolf@shellmuseum.org. Their tips for cutting down on plastic:

Use a reusable bag.
Use a reusable water bottle.
Say no to straws.
Bring your own containers for take-out/leftover food.
Stop chewing gum (it contains a molecule that is used in making plastic).
Shop local farmer’s markets.

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity May 26-June 2, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Sanddollar #B301 2/2 $1.149M, Sanddollar #A303 3/2 $1.349M.

4 price changes: Loggerhead Cay #371 2/2 now $529K, Lighthouse Point #211 2/2 now $629K, Pine Cove #102 3/2 now $1.315M, High Tide #A102 3/2.5 now $1.495M.

No new sales.

5 closed sales: Sundial West #D403 1/1 $420K, Sunset South #10C 2/2 $725K, Beachcomber #A102 2/2 $1.25M (our listing), Tamarind #A102 2/2 $1.495M, Somerset #E202 3/2.5 $1.54M.

HOMES

3 new listings: 9409 Moonlight Dr 3/2.5 $599K, 9459 Begonia Ct 3/4 $649K, 5280 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/3 $729K.

5 price changes: 3008 Singing Wind Dr 2/2 now $449K; 1817 Atlanta Plaza Dr 3/2 now $449.9K; 1710 Sand Pebble Way 3/2 now $679K; 673 East Rocks Dr 3/2 now $768,885; 601 Sea Oats Dr 3/2 now $685K.

4 new sales: 986 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 half-duplex listed at $529K, 746 Cardium St 4/2 duplex listed at $729K, 1809 Bowmans Beach Rd 3/2 listed at $799.9K, 1475 Angel Dr 3/4.5 listed at $1.649M.

5 closed sales: 770 Donax St 2/2 $422.5K; 1747 Serenity Ln 3/2 $490,723; 1210 Par View Dr 4/2 $680K; 1028 Demere Ln 3/2 $892.5K; 2451 Blind Pass Ct 4/4.5 $1.81M.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 2998 Singing Wind Dr now $189K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 5121 Sanibel-Captiva Rd $180K.

Captiva

No activity to report.

Until next Friday,

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Blue Skies & Island Real Estate Happenings

Posted on May 19, 2017 by SanibelSusan

It’s SanibelSusan reporting at the end of another quiet week on Sanibel & Captiva Islands. The rainy season has begun with a few puffy pop-corn-like clouds rolling in some afternoons followed by short, sometimes heavy, evening showers. Here are a couple of photos taken yesterday at the new garden area at The West Wind Inn. Those white clouds sure pop against the bright blue sky!

West Wind 1 05-18-17 West Wind 2 05-18-17

It sure has been a funny week with weather – not here, but certainly elsewhere. Yesterday, I heard from a friend in Colorado where it was snowing, then another in Maine where it was a stifling 90-some degrees with no ocean breeze. Then last night on the news, there were severe weather alerts issued for the Midwest.

Amazing that spring weather can make it a good time to vacation in Florida. Even before moving to the island 25 years ago, May was one of my favorite months here – with summer-like weather, the rainy season just beginning, traffic light, and occupancy and hotel rates down.

SanibelSusan Realty Associates & Real Estate Happenings

Attendance was light yesterday at the early Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® Caravan Meeting. Some of our leadership team is in Washington DC for the 2017 REALTORS Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo which wraps up tomorrow. Thanks to Association President Joel Goodman, President-Elect Dustyn Corace, & Association COO Bill Robinson who made the trip.

Though I did not go, I was one of the 18 Realtors® from Florida inducted into the RPAC Hall of Fame on Wednesday night.

nar-dc-with-capitol

SanibelSusan So, if you get to DC and go to the top of the National Association of Realtors® headquarters building at 500 New Jersey Ave (just 3 blocks from the U.S. Capitol), the roof-top terrace holds the recognition plaques for the now 773 members of the Realtors® Hall of Fame.

Mine, shown at right, says “SanibelSusan Andrews”.

The Realtors® recognized come from 50 states and now include a total of 64 members from Florida. Nationwide, 106 Realtors® were inducted this year for their contributions through 2016. That is the largest annual group yet. Congratulations all!

The action posted in the Sanibel/Captiva Multiple Listing Service (MLS) since last Friday follows a couple of news items below. We had another nice closing! We got a couple of calls this week about listing properties too, so don’t be surprised to soon see some nice new offerings.

What’s Happening With the Island Real Estate Market

There is no denying that selling business here is seasonal. Of course, property can be sold at any time of the year, it is just that there always are more sales during the months when the island has the most occupants. The snapshot of statistics below compares sales this year to last. It also shows the comparison of sales in the summer compared to the winter months. (Data from the Sanibel/Captiva MLS.)

SANIBEL CONDOS

# Average Price Days-on-Market

Currently available 97 $723,879 205

Under contract 22 $805,286 184

Sold/closed in winter:

1/1-5/18/2017 62 $767,193 193

1/1-5/18/2016 76 $770,610 194

Sold/closed in summer:

5/18-9/1/2016 29 $635,540 287

5/18-9/1/2015 46 $619,095 193

SANIBEL HOMES

# Average Price Days-on-Market

Currently available 168 $1,552,326 181

Under contract 40 $1,110,892 155

Sold/closed in winter:

1/1-5/18/2017 89 $1,016,615 149

1/1-5/18/2016 85 $1,065,610 164

Sold/closed in summer:

5/18-9/1/2016 68 $870,219 168

5/18-9/1/2015 81 $927,123 199

SANIBEL LOTS

# Average Price Days-on-Market

Currently available 65 $536,158 384

Under contract 2 $236,278 524

Sold/closed in winter:

1/1-5/18/2017 19 $373,385 471

1/1-5/18/2016 13 $569,615 604

Sold/closed in summer:

5/18-9/1/2016 4 $631,062 617

5/18-9/1/2015 11 $529,818 341

The Best Vacation Spot in Every U.S. State

Looking forward to summer … once again, “Sanibel” has made a list. This one for the best vacation travel spot in each U.S. State. This article is posted on-line at “TheActiveTimes.com”:

“The number of international travel for vacation purposes has dropped and half of trips abroad are to Canada and Mexico. Part of the reason is that the U.S. is a big country with plenty to see. Exotic journeys, peculiar quick escapes, and seaside paradises will inspire a year filled with irreplaceable experiences. Visit unique attractions and see majestic landscapes, visit vibrant cities, view iconic landmarks, and explore national parks.

“From possible solo trips to a beach, exciting couple’s getaways and week-long escapades with the entire family to a secluded island, the vacation spots on the following list were picked due to their recreational and adventurous potential. No two locations are the same.

“There is a state on this list that has everything you wish to experience during a holiday, whether it’s old-school charm, history, serenity, adrenaline-pumping activities, or extreme sports.

“Alabama – The Gulf Shores

Alaska – Anchorage

Arizona – Grand Canyon

Arkansas – Hot Springs National Park

California – Santa Barbara

Colorado – Aspen

Connecticut – Mystic

Delaware – Dewey Beach

Florida – Sanibel Island

Georgia – Jekyll Island

Hawaii – Kauai

Idaho – Idaho Falls

Illinois – Chicago

Indiana – Indiana Dunes State Park

Iowa – Dubuque

Kansas – Wichita

Kentucky – Cities Along the Bourbon Trail

Louisiana – New Orleans

Maine – Bar Harbor

Maryland – Ocean City

Massachusetts – Cape Cod

Michigan – Grand Haven

Minnesota – Voyagers National Park

Mississippi – Biloxi

Missouri – Branson

Montana – Glacier National Park

Nebraska – Lincoln

Nevada – Las Vegas

New Hampshire – Bretton Woods

New Jersey – Ocean City

New Mexico – Albuquerque

New York – Adirondacks

North Carolina – Asheville

North Dakota – Fargo

Ohio – Cleveland

Oklahoma – Tulsa

Oregon – Astoria

Pennsylvania – Skytop

Rhode Island – Providence

South Carolina – Myrtle Beach

South Dakota – Sioux Falls

Tennessee – Spencer

Texas – Austin

Utah – Salt Lake City

Vermont – Swanton

Virginia – Virginia Beach

Washington – Seattle

West Virginia – Berkeley Springs

Wisconsin – Madison

Wyoming – Jackson Hole”

Be Prepared

Next Friday May 26, the City of Sanibel is sponsoring their 2017 Hurricane Seminar at BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd from 1 to 3 p.m. It is free, no reservation needed.

New info will be provided including predictions for 2017, family hurricane planning, use of social media in emergencies, and Sanibel Building Codes. Featured speakers will be: City weather consultant Dave Roberts, Lee County Emergency Management Program Manager Jim Bjostad, F.I.S.H. Director of Operations Maggie Goldsmith, City of Sanibel building official Harold Law, Sanibel Emergency Management Director Lt. Buikema, and Sanibel Policy Chief William Dalton.

Residents, property owners, business owners, and island workers are encouraged to attend. If you cannot be there, the seminar video will be posted after the event on MySanibel.com.

Summer Happenings

BIG ARTS Summer Arts Camp – offers a program of visual and performing arts for 1^st through 5^th graders. Each week begins a new session with a new theme. There also is an apprentice program for 6^th through 12 graders where middle and high schoolers spend half their day taking a more advanced art class and half their day days earning community service hours by assisting campers in their classes. Registration for both programs is now open. Registration forms are on-line at www.BIGARTS.org . The schedule includes:

Week 1 – June 5 – 9 – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Week 2 – June 12 – 16 – Life’s a Circus at Camp! Week 3 – June 19 – 23 – Under The Sea Week 4 – June 26 – 30 – Where the Wild Things Are Week 5 – July 3 – 7 (No camp on July 4) – Red, White, Blue and YOU!

Week 6 – July 10 – 14 – I’ve Got a Golden Ticket!

Week 7 – July 17 – 21 – When You Wish Upon a Star

Week 8 – July 24 – 28 – Say Yes to the Mess!

Captiva Island Yacht Club’s Junior Sailing Camp – For children ages 8 to 15, it teaches the ins and outs of operating their own sailboat in Roosevelt Channel behind the yacht club. The camp gets support from the City of Sanibel, F.I.S.H., and Sanibel CHR (Community Housing & Resources). Divided into two sessions: the 1^st June 12-16 and June 19-23; the 2^ndJuly 10-14 and July 17-21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost is $500 per session and includes sailing and kayak instruction. At the end of each session, students earn a Beginner Level I U.S. Sailing certificate. The Captiva Yacht Club has a fleet of 12 Optimist prams, six Sunfish, and three Laser sailboats.

Counselor in Training Program – This City-sponsored program at the Rec Center provides junior-level personal development and leadership opportunity for teens entering 9^th and 10^th grade that are interested in working with children in a recreational day camp setting. The program is designed to prepare teens to become a camp counselors. For more info, call the Sanibel Recreation Center at (239) 472-0345

Ocean Tribe Paddlers Club – A new club to bring the paddling community together is being offered by the Sanibel Sea School. The first club meeting is a free welcome group paddle on Tuesday, May 30, at 2 p.m. at Causeway Island A, north side. Those who do not have a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe should contact spencer@sanibelseaschool.org or call 239-472-8585, who will provide them.

Sea School Opening Retail Store – Called Ocean Tribe Outfitters, the ribbon-cutting for this new store at 455 Periwinkle Way is May 31 at 5 p.m. The store will specialize in paddling gear, including kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and related accessories, plus equipment and closing for ocean recreation. All profits from the store will fund the nonprofit Sanibel Sea School’s programs, including scholarships and ocean outreach programs for students in need. More info at www.sanibelseaschool.org

SWAT (Sanibel Water Attack Team) – For children ages 5 to 18, SWAT is the island’s competitive swim team. SWAT practices at the Rec Center Monday through Friday with the Blue Team (K through 8^th grade) from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. and the Gold Team (high schoolers) from 2:30 to 4 p.m. To join SWAT, students must be able to swim the length of the pool and commit to attending four meetings a year – two at Florida Gulf Coast University and two in Sarasota. The next swim meet is June 17 and 18 at Florida Gulf Coast University with competition from teams throughout the state.

Good Tips from LCEC (Lee County Electric Co-op)

“Summer Saving Tips

Install a programmable thermostat. When you aren’t home, turn it up. Work around your schedule and earn savings by adjusting the temperature.
Lower your water-heating costs. Turn the water-heater temperature to the warm setting of 120 degrees F. It’s hot enough for showers and to clean dishes. Do laundry in cold water.
Replace your air filter. It allows your system to work more efficiently. This is also the ideal time to have your annual AC system checkup.
Seal cracks and gaps. Keep cooled air from leaking out and prevent warm air from getting in. Inspect door/window cracks and apply calking around cable lines and dryer vent openings.
Save in the laundry room. Inspect the vent and clean the dryer lint trap after every use….

“Checklist for Vacating Your Home for The Summer

Use the following checklist to keep your home and all its electrical treasures in great shape!

Avoid mildew damage by installing a timer on the air conditioner to cycle the air for two hours per day, or install a humidistat that will cycle when indoor humidity exceeds 65%.
Fill jugs of tap water to put inside the refrigerator/freezer since a full unit will use less power than an empty one….
Leave all interior doors open to promote airflow. Resist the temptation to leave your ceiling fans on low to circulate air. Fans should only be used when you are in the room since they only cool the body.
Consider having a … house sitter keep an eye on your home while you are gone.
Enroll in LCEC kiloWATCH at www.lcec.net so you can be alerted of unusual electricity usage.”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity May 12-19, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Loggerhead Cay #371 2/2 $549K, Blind Pass #F108 3/2 $594.9K.

3 price changes: Ibis at The Sanctuary #B302 2/2 now $489.5K, Loggerhead Cay #592 2/2 now $629K, Nutmeg Village #100 2/2 now $1.07M.

2 new sales: Seashells #6 2/2 listed at $395K, Pointe Santo #B23 2/2 listed at $799K.

6 closed sales: Lake Palms #8 2/2.5 $331,750, Sundial West #H209 1/1 $404K, Mariner Pointe #712 2/2.5 $450K, Coquina Beach #3G 2/2 $450K (our Seller), Loggerhead Cay #443 2/2 $538K, Loggerhead Cay #103 2/2 $962.5K.

HOMES

3 new listings: 986 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 half-duplex $529K, 1672 Hibiscus Dr 3/2 $1.35M, 2167 Starfish Ln 4/4.5 $2.395M.

11 price changes: 976 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 half-duplex now $489K; 1918 Ibis Ln 3/3 now $629K; 673 East Rocks Dr 3/2 now $789,555; 4775 Rue Helene 4/3 now $799K; 1470 Angel Dr 3/2 now $1.099M; 1234 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 now $1.149M; 519 Kinzie Island Ct 3/2.5 now $1.295M; 6494 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/2 now $1.795M; 4649 Rue Belle Mer 3/2.5 now $2,995,555; 3009 Turtle Gait Ln 4/4.5 now $3.5M; 3547 West Gulf Dr 4/4 now $4.25M.

3 new sales: 1596 Bunting Ln 2/2 listed at $499K, 1954 Roseate Ln 3/2 listed at $534K, 6081 Henderson Rd 3/2 listed at $799.9K.

4 closed sales: 9436 Yucca Ct 3/2 $580K, 5126 Joewood Dr 3/2 $710K, 1030 Kings Crown Dr 2/2 $879.75K, 4117 West Gulf Dr 5/6 $5.35M.

LOTS

No new listings.

4 price changes: 2501 Wulfert Rd now $183.9K, 6159 Starling Way now $639K, 5251 Indian Ct now $759K, 0 Island Inn Rd now $1.099M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 0 Island Inn Rd $182K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: Tennis Villas #3125 1/1 listed at $254K.

1 closed sale: Sunset Beach Villas #2324 2/2 $595K.

HOMES

No new listings.

3 price changes: 16167 Captiva Dr 4/3 now $1.595M, 16171 Captiva Dr 4/4.5 now $2.195M, 13550 Palmflower Ln 4/3.5 now $3.999M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 11515 Andy Rosse Ln 6/5.5 $2.725M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Here’s hoping your weekend is rosy! I’ll be in the office… looking for business!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Paul collins roseate 04-13-14

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Upcoming Events

Sanibel Update on Hurricane Irma Vegetative Debris Collection

Vegetation Trimming on Periwinkle Way

Are Your Neighbors Trees Growing On Your Property?

Good Info From The Shell Museum

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity October 20-27, 2017

Happy Halloween!

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SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Re-openings

Planning Ahead – Pickleball Classic

Long-Term Mortgage Rates Unchanged: 30-year at 3.83%

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

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SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Flooded Homes Can Be Fixed But…

Labor Day Weekend Closure

Restaurant Vacation Closings 2017

30% of Luxury Deals Are ‘Suspicious’

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity August 25-September 1, 2017

Enjoy your weekend!

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Florida Realtors 101st Annual Convention/Trade Show & Governance Meetings

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Sanibel Fresh

Call for Action

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity August 11-25, 2017

Until next Friday, I hope you enjoy your weekend & stay dry. That’s the plan here!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

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Florida Realtors® 101st Annual Convention/Trade Show & Governance Meetings

Sanibel-Captiva Islands Association of Realtors

SCCF “Stormy Weather, Hurricanes, Waterspouts, & Lightning”

Sanibel Communities for Clean Water (SCCW) Program

4 Quick Fixes Sellers Should Avoid

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity August 4-11, 2017

Until next Friday, I hope you enjoy your weekend!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

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Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Want to See the Largest Junonia?

Sellers Net Highest Profit in a Decade

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity July 28 – August 4, 2017

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

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Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service

Online Home Value Estimates Are Not Appraisals

Mortgage Rates Fall Again – 2nd Straight Week

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity July 21-28, 2017

Until next Friday,

Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan

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At the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors

Here Comes The Rainy Season

20 Questions To Ask When Buying a Condo

Sanibel School Tops District on State Test

Shell Mueum to Hold Bunche Beach Clean-Up

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity May 26-June 2, 2017

Until next Friday,

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SanibelSusan Realty Associates & Real Estate Happenings

What’s Happening With the Island Real Estate Market

The Best Vacation Spot in Every U.S. State

Be Prepared

Florida Realtors 101^st Annual Convention/Trade Show & Governance Meetings

Florida Realtors® 101^st Annual Convention/Trade Show & Governance Meetings