Kicking Off Florida Realtors 2017 & Sanibel/Captiva Real Estate is Hoppin’

Posted on January 27, 2017 by SanibelSusan

Dream big.jpg SanibelSusan’s report today is mostly from the FloridaRealtors Mid-Winter Business Meetings in Orlando. It has been a whirlwind few days ending with the Inaugural Banquet of the 2017 leadership team last night.

Sanibel/Captiva Islands Assoc of Realtors 2017 President Joel Goodman with our awards for 2016.

It is always an honor to be on the audition panel for new Florida real estate instructors. That was my Wednesday workday from beginning to end – or at least until the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® was presented four RPAC (Realtor Political Action Committee) awards that evening. A recent water study funded with RPAC dollars was presented that very same day to state legislators in Tallahassee, as it continues to help our cause in working for more than 20 years to improve area water quality.

Yesterday, the morning Leadership Think Tank and later breakout sessions on Legislative Issues and Resort & 2nd Home Specialists zeroed in on several issues near-and-dear to us. The state legislature only had a small number of bills before them last week, but hundreds if not thousands more were expected by today. Of importance to us are those related to rental restrictions, water quality, insurance, and taxes. You can be sure FloridaRealtors® work every day to protect the rights of property owners.

During my few days away, business has been booming on Sanibel so I headed back to the island immediately after the Professional Development Committee meeting this morning. Thank goodness for technology and my teammates Dave and Elise who have been going above-and-beyond. Dave accompanied three showings this afternoon while Elise finished this update and summarized the week’s activity. We are happy to report two closings and lots of showings this week. The action posted since last Friday in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Services follows just one news item below.

Real Estate Trends: Florida ‘Outperformed’ the U.S.

The following is a report from FloridaRealtors® online. It summarizes one of the meetings yesterday in Orlando.

“In 2016, Florida’s economy outperformed the nation in part because of better job creation, according to several economists who spoke to a standing-room-only crowd of about 500 Realtors® at the 2017 Florida Real Estate Trends event Thursday during Florida Realtors Mid-Winter Business Meetings.

“National Association of Realtors (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun noted that the pace of U.S. home sales in 2016 at 5.5 million was “the best in a decade.” Since it’s nowhere near the 7.2 million sales peak in 2006, however, it leaves room for continued growth in 2017. And while interest rates are trending higher, it hasn’t had a dampening effect on home sales.

““A 4.2% mortgage rate is still a great rate,” Yun said. “As long as we’re around the 4 to even 5% mortgage rate, home sales are likely to stay on pace. As mortgage rates rise, job creation – which Florida excels at – could be a great neutralizer and good for home sales. In fact, Florida is outperforming the country because of better job creation.”

“Other speakers who shared their views on 2017 included Dr. Elliot Eisenberg, a nationally known economist and former senior economist with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB); Michael Johnston, Florida regional sales manager, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage; Dr. Julie Harrington, director of Florida State University’s Center for Economic Forecasting and Analysis; and Dr. Brad O’Connor, chief economist for Florida Realtors.

““The good news, here in Florida, you’re in the right place,” Eisenberg said. “The South is the right division to be in – the economic recovery here has been much more robust. Florida is doing fine economically, unemployment is OK, and foreclosures are diminishing.”

“He agreed with Yun that while mortgage rates will continue to rise this year – albeit slowly – the markets will be fine as long as jobs are being created.

““Housing is improving, but in fits and starts,” Eisenberg said. “There’s not enough inventory of homes for sale, and builders aren’t building, especially at the entry-level. Bigger houses are being built, but it’s not profitable for builders to construct more affordable homes.”

“Eisenberg cited worker shortages, burdensome land-use regulations and costs – land, labor and regulation – as some of the constraints homebuilders face when it comes to building entry-level homes.

““We have to try a myriad of solutions, but getting the land costs down and easing land-use regulations will be the single most important factor in solving this issue,” he said.

“According to Eisenberg, forces at work in Florida and across the U.S. that are dampening real estate sales include:

Low inventory – December 2016 data, which is just a few days old, shows that the existing single-family home inventory nationwide is 3.6 months; in Florida, it’s 3.9-month months. A 6-month supply is generally considered a balanced market between buyers and sellers.
New model of renting – Six million single-family units have been taken off the market because institutional investors snapped up many homes during the Great Recession and created a new method of renting.
Mortgage rate lock – many people don’t want to sell because they’ll lose the really low mortgage rate they’re currently paying.

“When it comes to financing, lenders are in a technology race to provide a digital, user-friendly experience. Their goal is to make the mortgage process easier for the customer, said Michael Johnston, Florida regional sales manager for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

““Today, 42% of homebuyers are millennials,” he said, “and with 92 million more millennials coming up, it will be an even bigger part of the housing market over the next five years. A recent survey found that 93% of those aged 18-34 intend to buy a house sometime in their future. Millennials are always online, so creating a digital mortgage experience for them is critical.”

“Johnston shared research showing that millennials value the expertise of Realtor professionals during the home buying process. “While they will go online to do home shopping, they do want to consult a trusted advisor along the way,” he said.

“The condominium market is an important part of the overall real estate market, and often offers an affordable option for buyers, according to Johnston. “In Florida, the condo market is healthy and robust,” he said.

““Condos make up 28% of all home sales in Florida; nationally, it’s 12%.”

“Dr. Julie Harrington, director of Florida State University’s Center for Economic Forecasting and Analysis (CEFA), previewed elements of an economic impact study on Florida’s SHIP and SAIL funds by county that Florida Realtors commissioned CEFA to conduct. SHIP stands for State Housing Initiatives Partnership program, while SAIL stands for the State Apartment Incentive Loan program.

“As data is collected and analyzed, researchers will construct an economic forecasting model for Florida’s future affordable housing needs, and the data will also be used to compile statewide economic impact numbers for the SHIP and SAIL programs, Harrington said.

“Looking ahead to the coming months, Florida Realtors Chief Economist Brad O’Connor announced to Realtors that the state association plans to soon release housing data metrics for Florida specific to cities and zip codes. Applause greeted his announcement. O’Connor anticipates having the new statistics starting on Feb. 9, which coincides with the release of the fourth quarter 2016 and 2016 year’s end data from Florida Realtors. The statistics will be available to members at www.floridarealtors.org/research (password-protected).

“Looking at all of 2016, the statewide existing homes market remained stable but was also relatively “flat,” according to O’Connor, though part of the reason for that year-to-year analysis was that “2015 was a pretty darn good year, sales-wise.”

“He also pointed out that a shortage of housing inventory in markets across the state, particularly for properties values at $200,000 or less, is impacting closed sales and putting pressure on median prices. Another factor: Sales of distressed properties continue to fall.

““In 2015, 10% of Florida’s housing inventory was distressed at the end of each month,” O’Connor said. “This past year, it’s been 5%, and it’s going to keep going down in 2017.””

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

Sanibel

CONDOS

9 new listings: Sanibel Arms West #H1 2/2 $535K; Sanibel Arms West #J3 2/2 $535K; Loggerhead Cay #443 2/2 $549K; Loggerhead Cay #252 2/2 $589K; Surfside 12 #A1 3/2 $799,999; Sundial West #K203 2/2 $879K; Sundial East #Q404 2/2 $899K; By-The-Sea #C302 2/2 $1.695M; Somerset #E202 3/2.5 $1.699M.

5 price changes: Coquina Beach #3C 2/2 $449K, Loggerhead Cay #253 2/2 now $549K, Loggerhead Cay #152 2/2 now $899K, Atrium #201 3/3 now $1.495M, Tamarind #A102 2/2 now $1.595M.

5 new sales: Coquina Beach #4C 2/2 listed at $449.9K, Seawind #A108 2/2.5 listed at $519K, Heron at The Sanctuary III #1B 3/2.5 listed at $619K, Sundial East #O401 2/2 listed at $729K, Sundial East #O407 2/2 listed at $1.199M.

5 closed sales: Sanibel Arms West #J6 2/2 $485K, Seawind #A103 2/2.5 $538K, Sunset South #11C 2/2 $592K (our listing), Pointe Santo #E37 3/2 $1.375M, Golden Beach #2 3/2.5 $1.3925M.

HOMES

6 new listings: 1631 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex $499K, 1651 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex $499.5K, 1954 Roseate Ln 3/2 $554K, 1252 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $659K, 1862 Farm Trl 3/2 $675K, 2857 Wulfert Rd 4/5 $1.75M.

9 price changes: 980 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 half-duplex now $489K, 3008 Singing Winds Dr 2/2 now $499K, 1746 Windward Way 3/2 now $535K, 1040 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $619K, 2195 Par View Dr 3/2 now $750K, 5757 Pine Tree Dr 3/2.5 now $799.9K, 4775 Rue Helene 4/3 now $845K, 5240 Caloosa End Ln 3/3 now $979.9K, 5657 SanibelCaptiva Rd 3/2 now $1.195M.

3 new sales: 5105 SanibelCaptiva Rd 4/3 listed at $649K, 815 Birdie View Pt 3/3 listed at $1.199M, 598 Kinzie Island Ct 3/3.5 listed at $1.595M.

7 closed sales: 1411 Sandpiper Cir 2/2 half-duplex $430K, 1983 Roseate 2/2 $505K, 533 Rabbit Rd 3/2 $530K (our listing), 3019 Poinciana Cir 5/3.5 $890K, 521 Lighthouse Way 3/2 $938K, 1052 Whisperwood Way 3/3 $1.325M, 1717 Jewel Box Dr 3/3.5 $2M.

LOTS

2 new listings: 4565 Bowen Bayou Rd $239,555; 1415 Sanderling Cir $398K.

2 price changes: 2486 Wulfert Rd now $189,555; 1311 Par View Dr now $279K.

1 new sale: 2501 Wulfert Rd listed at $199.9K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Beach Villas #2614 2/2 now $614K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: Beach Cottages #1406 3/2 $995K.

HOMES

5 new listings: 11490 Dickey Ln 3/2 $1.049M, 11539 Wightman Ln 2/2 $1.575M, 13500 Palmflower Ln 4/4 $1.795M, 16455 Captiva Dr 4/4.5 $2.495M, 11559 Laika Ln 2/2/2 $6.995M.

1 price change: 16163 Captiva Dr 3/2 now $2.549M.

1 new sale: 11537 Laika Ln 4/3 listed at $1.549M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

Causeway sunset 1-18-17.jpg

Wondering what it’s been like on Sanibel? Here’s a recent sunset photo…beautiful as always! Enjoy your weekend!

Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan

Another Picture-Perfect Friday on Sunny Sanibel

Posted on January 20, 2017 by SanibelSusan

beach-a

It is Susan and The SanibelSusan Team reporting that it was back to sunny days on-island this week. An absolutely picture-perfect one today, with temperatures in the mid-70’s. A little more Florida-winter type weather is expected on Sunday when a breezy cool front arrives with a few showers. Luckily those fronts don’t last long here and it again is expected to be sunny and back to the mid-70s by mid-week.

Island Real Estate Action

We still are not seeing lots of real estate activity which traditionally picks up each year sometime from mid-to-late January. Could be that the Saturday visitor turn-over this weekend will bring more action. The rental organizations tell us that will be the 1^st week of the year with high-season occupancy. Even more check-ins are expected the following weekend as it gets closer to the 1^st of the month.

You will notice from the report below of the activity posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service that homes continue to be the predominate seller. Many price changes were posted this week too, with sellers recognizing that just 2+months of “high season” remain.

Over the last seven days on Sanibel, there were just two condo sales and two lot sales, but 12 home sales. One our new listing in Seagull Estates. During the same period, there were 17 price changes. That is a lot for a week mid-January.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

At the Thursday Realtor® Caravan meeting yesterday, I gave a quick spiel about our 2017 Communications & Public Relations Committee kick-off meeting.

We discussed reaching out to local non-profits & becoming a year-‘round collection point for donated goods: things like non-perishable food items for the FISH pantry, old cell phones and hotel-sized toiletries for ACT, gently-used clothing for church charities in Immokalee; bedding for Bedz for Kidz which is part of Lee County’s Guardian ad Litem Foundation.

The committee is looking for more ways to be involved in the community in a cooperative way so are soliciting suggestions from local organizations and non-profits for what donation items they need and if here is a particular time of the year when most needed. Also, if there are small hands-on projects that could use a team of 5-10 volunteers to get them done.

With this year’s message “Together, We Make a Difference”, you will see monthly press releases about our members’ community involvement. Those members include not just Realtors® and their office staff, but also our affiliate members, including the bankers, inspectors, builders, decorators, contractors, title companies, attorneys, and other service business partners, who also are an important part of our organization.

Looking Back on Hurricane Season

Interesting tidbit noticed when I was catching up on my reading last weekend. The Winter 2016 issue of the “IWA Pipeline” (Island Water Association’s newsletter) said:

“Believe it or not, once more, the National Weather Service reports it has been over eleven years since a major hurricane has made landfall on the continental United States. Hermine was a Category 1 hurricane, and although Matthew was a Category 3 storm as it approached the Florida coast, technically it never made landfall, as the eye stayed just off the coast.”

Prospective buyers often ask about flooding and storms. What can we tell them? I often remind them that the island is mostly sand, so that water even after a heavy rain usually disperses quickly. We also can tell them about how the Sanibel River has a lock system and how water can be released, but that it’s rarely necessary. We also can say that weathermen tell us that we are in an area where there is probability of a hurricane every 100 years. Then the question is – do we start counting the 100 years from Hurricane Charley in 2004 or from the last time the island flooded from a hurricane – in the 1920’s? Either way, it’s just part of island life. From May to November, residents should have a hurricane plan and listen carefully to weather reports.

Sanibel Signs Water Quality Compact

santiva chronicle The following was posted yesterday on-line at the “Santiva-Chronicle”.

“Much of Sanibel’s definitive white paper, Caloosahatchee Watershed Regional Water Management Issues, was adopted in the water quality compact of 164 communities and 19 counties.

“Sanibel was instrumental in the drafting of a new water quality compact that is the largest compact in Florida history, and on Tuesday, January 17, the City Council put its name to it.The City Council voted unanimously for a resolution pledging the city’s support in the Lake Okeechobee Regional Compact.

“The compact calls for cooperation among the 164 towns and cities and 19 counties in the Northern Everglades and Lake Okeechobee watershed. It calls for all to work together toward a comprehensive plan addressing environmental and economic challenges associated with discharges from Lake Okeechobee and to develop a joint strategic plan to successfully meet those challenges.

“Mayor Kevin Ruane and Sanibel Director of Natural Resources James Evans were instrumental in the drafting of the resolution through the Florida League of Cities. Evans is the author of Sanibel’s definitive white paper on water quality, Caloosahatchee Regional Water Management Issues. Ruane chaired the session where the resolution was adopted.

““It’s the largest compact the state of Florida has ever done,” Ruane said. “It’s a compact for all 164 cities and we are pleased that the resolution was adopted with the majority of the white paper in it.”

“The resolution calls for each local government to collaborate while also recognizing the individual needs of a diverse consortium of towns, cities and counties. It calls for a joint policy position to urge the U.S. Congress and the Florida Legislature to develop and fund the necessary plans to improve regional water conditions.

“The resolution states:

“The adopted Regional Action Plan shall, at a minimum, include the following components:

A list of those local and regional projects and programs all parties to this compact mutually agree are critical to Everglades restoration, protection and improvement of local water supplies and water quality, enhancement of natural area and the economic vitality of our communities.
Local Projects/Programs: Septic maintenance and septic to central sewer programs; local fertilizer ordinances and fertilizer education programs; storm water best management practices (BMP’s); agricultural BMP’s; golf course BMP’s.
Current Regional Projects: The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and the projects identified on Integrated Delivery Schedule (IDS) including, but not limited to, Rehabilitation of the Herbert Hoover Dike; Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP); C-43 West Basin Reservoir; C-44 Reservoir; Tamiami Trail Bridging Project; Lake Okeechobee Watershed Planning Project; and the Kissimmee River Restoration Project.””

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity Jan 13-20, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listings: Sunset South #2A 2/2.5 $749K.

4 price changes: Tennisplace #E33 2/1.5 now $319.5K, Blind Pass #F106 2/2 now $449K, Donax Village #3 2/2 now $478K, Loggerhead Cay #434 2/2 now $619K.

2 new sales: Loggerhead Cay #181 2/2 listed at $699K, Sunset South #4A 2/2 listed at $799K.

3 closed sales: Mariner Pointe #622 2/2.5 $600K, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #3 2/2.5 $625K, Sandpiper Beach #504 2/2 $765K.

HOMES

7 new listings: 3021 Singing Wind Dr 3/2 $539K, 5299 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2.5 $625K, 1807 Buckthorn Ln 3/2.5 $749K, 519 Lagoon Dr 4/2 $849K, 863 Lindgren Blvd 3/2 $979K, 3944 West Gulf Dr 3/3 $1.099M, 815 Birdie View Pt 3/3 $1.199M.

13 price changes: 1714 Bunting Ln 3/2 now $499.9K; 1602 Serenity Ln 4/2 now $499,999; 1710 Sand Pebble Way 3/2 now $699.9K; 5100 Sea Bell Rd 4/2.5 now $729K; 1334 Junonia St 3/2 now $739K; 1943 Sanibel Bayou Rd 3/3 now $775K; 1683 Bunting Ln 3/3 now $779,555; 225 Daniel Dr 3/2.5 now $799K; 2920 West Gulf Dr 3/2 now $939K; 789 Pyrula Ave 4/2.5 now $1.095M; 4428 Waters Edge Ln 3/2.5 now $1.199M; 518 N Yachtsman Dr 3/3 now $1.449M; 6111 SanibelCaptiva Rd 5/4/3 now $22.095M.

12 new sales: 2401 Shop Rd 2/1 listed at $278K, 474 Lake Murex Cir 2/2 listed at $399K, 1390 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 half-duplex listed at $529K, 810 Elinor Way 3/2 listed at $599K, 174 Southwinds Dr 2/2 half-duplex listed at $659K, 1153 Sabal St 3/2.5 listed at $699K, 525 N Yachtsman Dr 3/2 listed at $749K, 239 Daniel Dr 3/2 listed at $1.099M (our listing), 785 Birdie View Pt 3/2.5 listed at $1.149M, 2302 Wulfert Rd 4/5 listed at $1.595M, 775 Conch Ct 4/3 listed at $1.595M, 1314 Seaspray Ln 3/3 listed at $2.7M.

239 Daniel Dr, Seagull Estates

5 closed sales: 3118 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 $550K, 3941 Coquina Dr 3/2 $650K, 2549 Harbour Ln 3/2 $726K, 910 Victoria Way 3/3 $1.2M, 5125 Joewood Dr 4/4 $2.35M.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

2 new sales: 497 Sea Oats listed at $499K, 629 Lighthouse Way listed at $1.095M.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

2 new sales: Tennis Villas #3121 1/1/2 listed at $255K, Bayside Villas #5228 1/2 listed at $335K.

1 closed sale: Bayside Villas #4214 1/2 $315K.

HOMES

1 new listing: 14981 Binder Dr 3/1 $1.149M.

1 price change: 4 Sunset Captiva Ln 3/2.5 now $2.345M.

1 new sale: 11524 Andy Rosse Ln 5/5.5 listed at $2.695M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

Until next Friday, wishing you sunny days!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

beach

Sometimes Sunny Sanibel Scoop

Posted on January 13, 2017 by SanibelSusan

It’s SanibelSusan reporting the end of a week of mixed-bag weather and real estate activity. After a rainy morning, we saw the sun for a few hours today, now it has clouded over again, but more sun is expected. The sprinkles today were nothing compared to the multiple heavy deluges with gusts that we experienced last Saturday – during real estate showings too.

If a prospect likes a property during a shower, we always know that they will love it when the sun comes. Looks like next week’s weather will be better – sunny and mid-70’s for highs expected all week.

At SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Sanibelsusan Logo Teammate Dave held an Open House all day yesterday at High Tide. Having an Open House coincide with a Thursday Realtor Caravan usually brings lookers, but he only had two couples all day. Some days are more productive with Open Houses and there seems to be not a lot of reason for it.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® 2017 Installation & Awards Presentation

Incoming Sanibel/Captiva Realtor® Association President Joel Goodman chose a breakfast rather than evening banquet for his installation event which was yesterday. It was great to see so many attendees – considering it was at 7:30 a.m. at The Sanctuary and just past a speed trap after The Sanibel School. I think a few colleagues got pinched!

FloridaRealtors® 2017 President Maria Wells from Fort Pierce installed the new Sanibel/Captiva Board of Directors and Officers. Other attendees included FloridaRealtors® new CEO Bill Martin, now from Orlando, who came to Florida from the Michigan Association (smart man), representatives from our surrounding Associations in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and Marco Island, and over 100 of our own Realtors® and affiliates.

Seated are Florida Realtors 2017 President Maria Wells & Florida Realtors CEO Bill Martin with Joel Goodman, Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors 2017 President

Joel’s theme for the year “Together, Realtors® Make a Difference” will be the topic of conversation next week at our first Communications/Public Relations Committee Meeting. It will be fun to Chair that committee again. Last time I did was 2006.

At the Caravan meeting which followed the installation and awards program (my 24^th year as an Honor Society recipient), only a couple of sales were announced, but I was happy to announce our new listings at Cottage Colony West and Seagull Estates. More info the MLS activity posted this week is after a couple of news items below.

Sanibel Civic Core Project Gone by the Wayside

It was disappointing to hear the $42-million Sanibel Civic Core Project has gone by the wayside.

City Council voted in early December to put two items on the upcoming March ballot: an $8M-million bond issue (needed for Sanibel’s share of the project) and use of 13.5 acres of land from the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Conservation District needed to accommodate the project.

Rumor has it that it’s conjecture just how sensitive that land really is; but, it got enough citizenry riled up that Council this week withdrew both items. The press also reports that the County Commissioners were not onboard either, so the money needed from outside the island probably would have come up short.

The project which would have created a walking central civic core in the area surrounding BIG ARTS, the Museum, City Hall, and the Library also would have included The Center-4-Life which is in desperate need of expansion, room for classes, meetings, etc. Just what will be done with the Center-4-Life remains to be seen, but they, like BIG ARTS, want upgrades and may need to move forward independently.

Schein Performance Hall at BIG ARTS is now 20 years old and in need of better seating and acoustics. The Community Chorus has grown so much through the years, that the stage is now too small to hold us – which resulted in three performances of the spring program last year.

I bet that eventual improvements at The Center-4-Life and at BIG ARTS will be made without them being part of a Civic Core project. It’s just too bad that Sanibel won’t get a central area for the community to congregate and enjoy. Stay tuned.

Insurance Blind Spots: 5 Coverage Gaps That Could Cost You

The article below from the Associated Press was reposted today on FloridaRealtors® on-line. It has some good advice:

“You might think you have airtight insurance protection against storms, car accidents and other mishaps. But you’d hate to discover hidden cracks in your coverage once it’s too late.

“Here are five insurance problems you might not be as prepared for as you think – and how to plug the coverage gap.

“1. No flood insurance

“Flooding has occurred in every state in the country over the past five years, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Yet only 12% of homeowners nationwide carry flood coverage, an Insurance Information Institute poll found.

“Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding; you’ll need a separate policy. You can find local agents through the National Flood Insurance Program. You can also ask your home insurer for help starting a policy through the federal program, or whether there are companies in your state that offer private flood insurance.

“There’s a 30-day waiting period before coverage kicks in, so get flood insurance squared away well ahead of coming storms.

“2. No way to pay off a lease or loan on a totaled car

“Gap insurance helps you avoid owing money on a car loan or lease even if your vehicle has been totaled or stolen. Along with comprehensive and collision coverage, gap insurance is a smart addition if you lease or finance a car.

“Say you lease a $20,000 car at payments of $400 a month. Five months later, your car is totaled in an accident. If the car’s value has dropped to $15,000, that’s the amount your collision claim check will be, minus your deductible. That won’t be enough to cover the $18,000 left on your lease.

“This is where gap insurance kicks in. It makes up the difference between what your car is worth when it’s stolen or totaled and how much you owe on a car loan or lease.

“You can buy gap insurance from the car dealership or your lender. Or you can go through your car insurance company – which is typically cheaper unless you want gap coverage for several years.

“3. No plan for sewage backups

“You may not realize that you’re responsible for the sewer line that runs from the main pipeline in the street to your house. Yet standard home insurance typically doesn’t cover backups in this part of the line. Enter sewer backup coverage. It pays for cleanup and repairs from spewed sewage in your house.

“Sewer backup coverage is relatively affordable — $40 to $50 a year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Talk to your home insurer about adding this kind of coverage.

“4. No income after a disability

“Among 20-year-olds, more than 1 in 4 will suffer a disability before retirement age, according to the Social Security Administration. If you aren’t able to work because of an illness or accident, you need a plan to pay the bills.

“Social Security disability insurance is available only to people with long-term disabilities lasting at least one year. Some employers offer short-term disability insurance, but it isn’t as common as you might think. Just 38% of workers have access to short-term disability insurance through their employers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“You don’t have to rely on your workplace for coverage. Individual disability insurance is available from several insurers, such as State Farm, MetLife and Mutual of Omaha. If your employer doesn’t offer short-term disability insurance, or your current benefits fall far short of replacing your full salary, look into getting a policy elsewhere.

“5. No financial safety net for earthquakes

“Most homeowners, even those who live in high-risk areas, go without earthquake insurance. They risk financial ruin if their homes and belongings are destroyed. Only 10% of California residents have earthquake insurance, and 14% of people in western states, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

“Standard homeowners’ insurance won’t pay to fix damage caused by earthquakes. Home insurers might offer earthquake coverage as a policy add-on for an extra cost – and in California they’re required to. Or you might need to look for stand-alone earthquake insurance.

“Californians can shop for a policy through the California Earthquake Authority. For those living in other states, ask your home insurer or agent for help finding companies that sell earthquake coverage, or check your state’s department of insurance website.”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity January 6-13, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Sandy Bend #5 2/2 $749.9K, Sunset South #1C 2/2 $769K, High Tide #A102 2/2 $1.75M.

1 price change: Mariner Pointe #1412 1/1 now $375K.

3 new sales: Loggerhead Cay #234 2/2 listed at $579K, Sanctuary Golf Villages I #3 2/2.5 listed at $650K, Sundial West #E304 2/2 listed at $814.5K.

2 closed sales: Loggerhead Cay #574 2/2 $542K, Sanibel Surfside #127 2/2 $1.137M.

HOMES

7 new listings: 1036 S Yachtsman Dr 3/3 $649.9K, 978 Black Skimmer Way 2/3 $724.9K, 1020 White Ibis Dr 3/2 $739K, 1410 Albatross Rd 3/3 $775K, 239 Daniel Dr 3/2 $1.099M (our listing, photos below), 2507 Blind Pass Ct 3/3 $1.495M, 1314 Seaspray Ln 3/3 $2.7M.

9 price changes: 1851 Farm Trl 3/2 now $525K, 2134 Egret Cir 3/2 half-duplex now $559K, 1772 Serenity Ln 3/2 now $649K, 1073 Fish Crow Rd 3/2.5 now $799K, 243 Southwinds Dr 4/2.5 now $899K, 1234 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 now $1.249M, 598 Kinzie Island Ct 3/3.5 now $1.595M, 513 Lighthouse Way 3/3 now $1.778M, 984 Oyster Ct 3/3.5 now $1.95M.

4 new sales: 1411 Sandpiper Cir 2/2 half-duplex listed at $439K, 1983 Roseate Ln 2/2 listed at $539K, 539 East Rocks Dr 5/5 listed at $1.3M, 4449 Waters Edge Ln 3/3 listed at $4.495M.

1 closed sale: 8991 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 $800K.

LOTS

1 new listing: 1246 Seagrape Ln $2.995M.

No price changes or new sales.

2 closed sales: 592 Sea Oats Dr $315K, 690 Birdie View Pt $360K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: Tennis Villas #3121 1/1/2 listed at $255K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings.

3 price changes: 11535 Chapin Ln 4/4 now $1.449M, 11411 Old Lodge Ln 4/3 now $1.775M, 16979 Captiva Dr 7/6.5 now $4.435M.

No new sales.

2 closed sales: 11536 Andy Rosse Ln 3/3 $1.675M, 11400 Dickey Ln 4/6.5 $7.5M.

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 activiislty in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.)

Until next Friday, here’s wishing you sunny beach days with lots of shells – like this one!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Real Estate & More on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Posted on January 6, 2017 by SanibelSusan

SanibelSusan here reporting another week of wonderful island weather and the good news for those of us traveling Sanibel’s roadways has been a bit of a traffic reprieve. The islands remain busy with holiday vacationers, including many locals since schools are still out, but Periwinkle Way has been a little easier to maneuver this week.

Several of our listings had showings, with some future appointments scheduled. All-in-all, it’s looking like the first quarter of 2017 will be a busy one.

At SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Sanibelsusan Logo We received a terrific new listing yesterday and another today. The first a large beautifully-remodeled meticulous and professionally-decorated 3+bedroom along the back circle in Seagull Estates will be posted in MLS early next week, as soon as the professional photography is done. With three screened porches overlooking a tropical backyard that borders conservation land, it also is an easy stroll or bike ride to the community pool, clubhouse, tennis, and beach access.

239 Daniel Drive in Seagull Estates

The 2^nd is another beach-front condo at Casa Ybel Resort in their guaranteed income program. You may remember that we had another unit listed there that closed the end of the year. Those units (there are only 40 condos within the resort) are what many local Realtors® call “no brainers” for investors looking for easy ownership. The resort takes care of everything (including utilities and updates/repairs) with owners getting half of the annual income which usually is just under $100K. Cottage Colony West #119 will be posted later today in MLS.

Balcony & private stairs to beach at Cottage Colony West #119 at Casa Ybel Resort

Teammate Dave held an Open House yesterday at Pointe Santo and had good walk-in traffic – other island owners and renters. As properties are vacant and available, he will continue those open houses through season. He’s been busy opening listings for showings and accompanying showings too – all good action this week.

Looking from Pointe Santo #C34 over lagoon to clubhouse to gulf

The team and I are watching prices closely now that “season” is here. Overall sales in 2016 fell short of 2015. Prices, however, continue to creep up, but still are far from where they were in the heyday of 2006. The positive post-election vibes, I expect will keep those prices on the upswing. It should be a winter of plenty of offers (she said optimistically).

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® Caravan Meeting

There were only a few sales announced at the Realtor® Caravan Meeting yesterday. Those are listed in the report below of the action posted since last Friday in the Sanibel/Captiva Multiple Listing Service.

Our meeting next Thursday morning is the island Association of Realtors® Annual Installation and Awards event. It is usually an evening banquet, but this year is a morning (8 a.m.) breakfast at The Sanctuary. The Caravan following will be a shortened version, so our listings due for caravan will be open the following week from 9 a.m. to noon.

Want to Avoid Legal Hassles? Top Lessons From 2016

The below article was posted online today at FloridaRealtors® and has some good advice. It came from Fort Lauderdale’s “Sun Sentinel”. Info about the author follows the article.

“With the foreclosure crisis over and home prices continuing to increase, we’ve moved past the problems that were unique to the housing bust. It’s a more normal real estate market these days, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t issues around every corner.

“Here are my top lessons learned in 2016:

“Whether you’re on the board of your community association or just live in one, you need to read your governing documents. The answers to most problems can be found there, so it should be your first stop before you file a complaint or a lawsuit.
“Remember, when you bought your home, you agreed to the restrictions that are now vexing you. If you want to change the rules, get involved. Join the board of directors. If you’re on the board and want to change things, first clear it with the association’s attorney. Association litigation is expensive and often easy to avoid if you know your community’s rules and follow them.
“I’ll address two questions I hear several times a week: First, your association can foreclose on your home over a small amount of owed dues. Even if there is a mistake on your maintenance bill, pay the disputed money and then work with your association to resolve the error. Second, accept that residents are entitled to service animals under the law – even if the residents don’t appear to have visible disabilities. If you think a resident is abusing the rules, speak to the association’s attorney before you do anything.
“Interest rates are rising, and lenders are lending money again. If you have any intention of refinancing your mortgage, now is the time to do it. It’s also a good time to buy a home. As interest rates increase, your purchasing power will decrease. Although I don’t think interest rates will skyrocket, you should get the cheap money now while it’s still available.
“Finally, one of my favorite sayings is, “If you can say it, you can sign it.” Many times, relationships go wrong and promises get broken. Two people can have the same conversation and walk away with very different understandings. Whether you are agreeing to help your adult child buy a home or making a deal with a contractor to remodel your kitchen, always write down what you both agree to and then sign your names to it. While a properly drafted contract is best, just writing down, in detail, what each party agreed to, will reduce the chances of a dispute and make things easier to resolve if there is a disagreement.

“About the writer: Gary M. Singer is a Florida attorney and board-certified as an expert in real estate law by the Florida Bar. He practices real estate, business litigation and contract law from his office in Sunrise, Fla. He is the chairman of the Real Estate Section of the Broward County Bar Association and is a co-host of the weekly radio show Legal News and Review. He frequently consults on general real estate matters and trends in Florida with various companies across the nation. Send him questions online at http://www.sunsentinel.com/askpro or follow him on Twitter @GarySingerLaw.”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity December 30, 2016 – January 6, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Breakers West #A5 2/2 $514K, Sanibel Arms #F2 1/1 $515K, Cottage Colony West #119 1/1 $674K (our listing), Island Beach Club #220E 2/2 $1.039M.

1 price change: Sundial West #S404 3/2 now $850K.

1 new sale: Pointe Santo #E37 3/2 listed at $1.475M.

1 closed sale: Cottage Colony West #137 1/1 $602.5K.

HOMES

4 new listings: 474 Lake Murex Cir 2/2 $399K, 3008 Singing Wind Dr 2/2 $529K, 4239 Gulf Pines Dr 3/2 $549K, 1304 Seaspray Ln 3/2.5 $4.495M.

5 price changes: 2401 Shop Rd 2/1 now $278K, 1478 Albatross Rd 3/2 now $659K, 5757 Pine Tree Dr 3/2.5 now $800K, 1321 Par View Dr 3/2.5 now $895K, 407 Bella Vista Way 4/4 now $2.99M.

5 new sales: 2142 Egret Cir 3/2 listed at $499K, 5406 Osprey Ct 3/2 listed at $889K, 521 Lighthouse Way 3/2 listed at $995K, 1511 Angel Dr 3/3 listed at $1.25M, 5125 Joewood Dr 4/4 listed at $2.595M.

1 closed sales: 1559 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $625K.

LOTS

1 new listing: 629 Lighthouse Way $1.095M.

No price changes.

2 new sales: 2379 Wulfert Rd listed at $289K, 592 Sea Oats Dr listed at $349.9K.

1 closed sale: 2411 Blue Crab Ct $307,318.

Captiva

CONDOS

2 new listings: Tennis Villas #3121 1/1/2 $255K, Bayside Villas #1/2 $315K.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 11551 Wightman Ln 3/3.5 $5M.

3 price changes: 43 Oster Ct 2/2.5 now $879K; 14980 Binder Dr 4/3 now $1,377,935; 14860 Mango Ct 5/4 now $2,343,925.

1 new sale: 11537 Laika Ln 4/3 listed at $1.549M.

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 activiislty in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.)

Until next Friday, here’s hoping your winter is warm and bright. Another cool front is expected to pass through here on Sunday when the high is forecast to be just 61 degrees F and breezy. Back into the 70’s right after that. Just how we like January on Sanibel.

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Beach path at Casa Ybel Resort

Heading into 2017 at SanibelSusan Realty

Posted on December 30, 2016 by SanibelSusan

It’s SanibelSusan with another report of a busy island, but not a lot of real estate activity. A nice bright, though chilly and breezy, day today with temperatures expected to remain in the 60’s. Back to 70-degree weather tomorrow and for the upcoming week. Here are a few photos taken at the Nerita Street beach access at 1:30 p.m. today.

nerita-3 nerita-4

This week was the first since “high season” last year with gridlock on Periwinkle Way (from about 3 to 7 p.m.).

Tuesday night, I attempted to get home from the office by driving my usual route straight down Periwinkle Way. This is a 2.9-mile ride which usually takes 10-12 minutes. Not, so that night, it took 45 minutes.

Wednesday night, when the traffic in front of the office again was “all stop”, I decided to go the “back way”. Mind you, the normal “back way” is to take Periwinkle west to Tarpon Bay Road south to West Gulf Drive to Middle Gulf Drive to East Gulf Drive to the end, and then Periwinkle west. That didn’t work as Tarpon Bay Road was backed up, so I instead drove all the way to Rabbit Road to get to Sanibel’s east end. Even so, that long route was quicker. I left the office at 6 p.m. and was home in 30 minutes. Only back-up was on East Gulf where it was a crawl from Nerita St to Lindgren Blvd.

So, last night when the traffic in front of the office looked light at 5 p.m., I decided to go home on time and again try the direct Periwinkle route. Not a smart move – 90 minutes later I had crawled from Sanibel Square to Donax Street. It took better than 2 hours to go the 2.9-mile stretch.

So, “season is here” and we again share the roadways, beaches, bike paths, and restaurants with snowbirds, visitors, and vacationers. We grit out teeth and hope they all came to buy real estate.

By the way, an astounding number of bikers, including many small children, were traveling at night with no lights, wearing dark clothing, and crossing roadways without stopping or even looking for traffic. Cautious thoughtful driving is a must and a friendly thanks to the folks directing traffic goes a long way.

Now for the rest of the news…

At SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Sanibelsusan Logo The team and I are happy to report another closing this week as well as a new luxury condo listing. We received an offer on a listing too, still in negotiations.

Teammate Dave held a couple of open houses this week, trying to capitalize on the traffic. He had positive comments and good interest. Lisa will be in the office tomorrow, while I’m covering Sunday and Monday, which is a holiday for the team. We are ready to make a New Year’s sale!

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® Caravan Meeting

Yesterday, attendance was light at the local Association of Realtors’® Thursday morning Caravan meeting. A handful of new listings were announced (including our new lot listing at Sanibel Center and condo listing at Beachcomber). Only a few new sales were announced. After some more news items below is the activity posted in the Sanibel and Captiva Multiple Listing Service since last Friday.

Island Taxi

Many returning for season don’t know that there is a new taxi service on Sanibel.

With a fleet of 15 sedans and vans, Island Taxi is in the shopping center at 975 Rabbit Rd.

More info at www.islandtaxi.com.

17^th Annual Polar Bear Plunge

It is hardly considered polar bear weather here, but on Sunday (Jan 1), the Sanibel-Captiva Chapter of the National Polar Bear Club will hold its 17^th annual meeting at noon at Tarpon Bay Beach (gulf-end of Tarpon Bay Rd). All participants receive a free membership card and certificate (for framing). Sign-in and song sheet distribution begins at 11 a.m. It’s fun, it’s free, and singing of the traditional polar bear anthem kicks off the event after which participants enter the chilly gulf waters. (It could be chilly too, as a cool front arrived today.)

New Programs Offered at SCCF

As new events are scheduled and announced, I continue to update the “Upcoming Events” tab above.

Check it out for the days/times for new January offerings at the Conservation Foundation.

Included are programs on Florida panthers and conservation photography.

Randy Wayne White Fans

sanibel-flats-book-cover Best-selling local author and father of the Doc Ford’s novels, Randy Wayne White, will be sharing his experiences from the 70’s and 80’s as fishing guide at Tarpon Bay Marina during a free presentation at the Captiva Civic Center, Tuesday, Jan 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Limited seating, first-come first-seated.

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity December 23-30, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Tennisplace #A31 2/1 $349K, Loggerhead Cay #253 2/2 $559K, Beachcomber #A102 2/2 $1.495M (our listing) (see slideshow below).

5 price changes: Kings Crown #211 3/2 now $875K, Loggerhead Cay #152 2/2 now $949K, Loggerhead Cay #103 2/2 now $999K, Gulfside Place #123 2/2 now $1.298M, Pine Cove #104 3/2 now $1.395M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: Cottage Colony West #136 1/1 $600K (our listing).

HOMES

6 new listings: 1357 Jamaica Dr 2/2 duplex $595K, 5305 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2 $695K, 785 Birdie View Pt 3/2.5 $1.149M, 5403 Shearwater Dr 4/3 $1.349M, 5639 Baltusrol Ct 4/4.5 $1.695M, 1237 Isabel Dr 5/6.5 $2.28M.

7 price changes: 1817 Atlanta Plaza Dr 3/2 now $499K, 1714 Bunting Ln 3/2 now $559K, 340 East Gulf Dr 2/2 now $579K, 5308 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 now $594K, 5292 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 now $649K, 186 Southwinds Dr 2/2 now $699K, 4760 Rue Helene 3/2 now $999K.

4 new sales: 9209 Kincaid Ct 3/2 listed at $479K, 1709 Sand Pebble Way 5/3 triplex listed at $510K, 1232 Par View Dr 3/2.5 listed at $929K, 1842 Woodring Rd 3/3.5 listed at $1.95M.

4 closed sales: 1150 Schooner Pl 2/2 $580K, 5279 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 $600K, 1245 Anhinga Ln 3/2 $639K, 2405 Blue Crab Ct 4/4.5 $2.515M.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 2486 Wulfert Rd now $179K.

2 new sales: 2462 Wulfert Rd $219.5K, 255 Hurricane Ln listed at $339K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings & price changes.

2 new sales: without contingencies: Bayside Villas #4214 1/2 listed at $317.5K, Bayside Villas #5316 3/3 listed at $599K.

1 closed sale: Tennis Villas #3238 2/2 $410K.

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 activiislty in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.)

Happy New Year from all of us at The SanibelSusan Team,

Susan Andrews, David Anderson, Elise Carnes, & Lisa Murty

Pre-Christmas at SanibelSusan Realty

Posted on December 23, 2016 by SanibelSusan

merry-christmas-from-sanibel It is quiet at SanibelSusan Realty Associates this afternoon. The team is now off for the holiday weekend, so you-know-who is manning the fort. The last few days, the island slowly has filled up with visitors. Those from the north particularly are loving that Southwest Florida set records this week for highest temperatures ever recorded here in December (91 degrees F).

Wednesday morning – on the 1^st day of winter – as teammates Dave, Elise and I were powwowing about listings and showings, I remarked that the rare overcast sky looked like it sometimes does up north, just before it snows. That’s when a vacationer ran by our back door dressed in just shorts. Gave us all a giggle since that was after the temperature had dropped to a cool 68 degrees. We hope the warm weather brings more buyers!

We had no weekly Realtor® caravan meeting yesterday because of the holiday and though the roadways and bike paths are busy, Dave only one couple visit his Open House midweek.

Below, after a few news items, is the activity posted this week in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service.

Sanibel Openings/Re-Openings

Totally Baked – now open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2407 Periwinkle Way. Serving homemade cakes, doughnuts, cupcakes, cookies, candies, biscuits, freshly baked bread, plus breakfast & lunch menu.
Sanibel Sea School Winter Camp – Has a different theme each week this year. This week the theme is “Polynesian Ocean Traditions; Dec 26 through 30 “Ocean Tribe Traditions”, and Jan 2 through 6 “Japanese Ocean Traditions”. Camps are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sanibel Farmers Market – will be closed Sunday for Christmas, but will have a make-up day on Monday, December 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then through May 28, including on New Year’s Day, the market will be open every Sunday during the same hours. (at City Hall)
Sanibel Café Re-opening – Wednesday, December 28, after renovations following their fire in late September. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Community House – Construction is nearing completion, with landscaping going in now. Opening in January.

87^th Master Gardener Lecture Series

Free, open to the public, but limited seating, at Sanibel Library on Thursday January 5 at 10 a.m. Speaker is Rick Joyce, nationally-recognized expert on pruning of landscape plants, especially trees.

Captiva Beach Tilling Starts January 9

captiva-beach-tilling An article and this photo posted on-line Wednesday at “Santiva-Chronicle” says:

“The Captiva Erosion Prevention District will till the sand placed in the 2013-14 re-nourishment project starting in January.

“The staging area for the contractor is the Alison Hagerup parking lot. The work is being performed by Perry’s Beach Service of Fort Myers.

“Tilling is scheduled to begin the morning of Jan. 9 and proceed north to Redfish Pass. After completing this segment, work will continue south of Hagerup Beach to Blind Pass. All work is estimated to be completed by the end of the day, Jan. 13, weather permitting. All operations will occur during daylight hours.

“Tilling is permit-required to lessen the impact of compacted sand on sea turtle nesting and hatching activities. The turtles prefer soft sand for digging their nests and laying their eggs. The work is scheduled so that it will not interfere with piping plover nesting, which begins Feb. 1, and sea turtle nesting, which begins May 1.

“The project includes tilling and dressing the sand and leveling any escarpment that exceeds 18 inches in height and is more than 100 feet long.

“A tractor pulling a rake with tines will till the approximately 25,600 linear feet of re-nourished beach to a minimum depth of 36 inches. The use of horns, whistles, and signals will be kept to a minimum to ensure a quiet operation while maintaining job site safety. There will be minimal disruption to traffic on roads adjacent to the beach.

“Residents, beachgoers, and businesses are required to remove all obstructions, including umbrellas, chairs, and canopies, between the dunes and high tide lines, that might interfere with the work. Beachgoers are asked to avoid the area where tilling is being done until the tractor is a safe distance away and to heed all signs and instructions from tilling personnel.

“Questions should be directed to CEPD by calling 239-472-2472, or by kathleen@mycepd.com.”

Fire at Blind Pass Condo

Last Sunday afternoon, a fire at a condo at Blind Pass condominium (#G201) was quickly extinguished, but it burned out the vacationing family of seven. City Manager Judie Zimomra commended the Sanibel Fire District, Sanibel Police, and neighboring fire districts for their quick response. I heard that the fire was caused by a charging electronic device. This upstairs unit was destroyed and the unit below had significant water damage. The family – father, mother, and five children – had its belongings wiped out. The City coordinated with F.I.S.H. (Friends in Service Here) and the Tourism Development Council to provide relief.

“Here Comes Santa Claus”

santa Fellow BIG ARTS Chorister, Mike Bugler, penned the following words to a new song he calls “We Love Sanibel”. Sung it to the tune of “Here Comes Santa Claus”, it’s pretty cute.

“We’re on Sanibel, we’re on Sanibel

We just got here by plane

Escaped the snow and the bitter cold

Snowbird is my name

—

“Seashell bringin’, ocean swimmin’

The sun is always real bright

So let’s give a thought to our friends up north

While we’re having fun tonight

—

“We love Sanibel, we love Sanibel

Warmer down here than Maine

Deck chairs set out on the beach

More sunshine here than rain

—

“Sip that cocktail, spray that suntan

All here just seems so right

We’re-not-going-north for another-few-months

So let’s all have fun tonight”

Sanibel YouTube Video

If you need a little Sanibel pick-me-up. Here is a link to a video I saw posted on Facebook this morning. It’s terrific.

SANIBEL CSN 2016

SANIBEL TRIP, ALTERNATE EDIT. MUSIC BY CROSBY, STILLS, NASH AND YOUNG.

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity December 16-23, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Loggerhead Cay #234 2/2 $579K, Sundial East #O401 2/2 $729K, Sundial East #O407 2/2 $1.199M.

2 price changes: Lighthouse Point #129 3/2 now $599K (our listing), Shorewood #1C 3/2 now $889K.

2 new sales: Seawind #103 2/2.5 listed at $564K, Cottage Colony West #137 1/1 listed at $649K.

6 closed sales: Kimball Lodge #263 1/1.5 $395K, Sundial West #C310 1/1 $429.5K, Sundial East #P401 2/2 $852K (our listing), Surfside 12 #B3 3/2 $899.75K, Sunset South #15B 2/2 $950K, Kings Crown #105 3/2 $1.19M.

HOMES

11 new listings: 1709 Sand Pebble Way 3/3 triplex $510K, 5299 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/3 $749K, 5406 Osprey Ct 3/2 $889K, 1073 Fish Crow Rd 3/2.5 $899K, 1396 Tahiti Dr 4/2/3 $989K, 5313 Punta Caloosa Ct 3/2 $998K, 1511 Angel Dr 3/3 $1.25M, 924 Pecten Ct 4/4 $1.965M, 5606 Baltusrol Ct 4/6 $2.995M, 2964 Wulfert Rd 4/5.5 $3.495M, 1206 Bay Dr 4/4.5 $3.99999M.

4 price changes: 1585 Serenity Ln 3/3 now $549K, 465 Lake Murex Cir 2/2.5 now $599K, 1212 Par View Dr 2/2 now $629K, 5105 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 4/3 now $649K.

No new sales.

4 closed sales: 4215 Old Banyan Way 3/3 $690K, 400 Rabbit Rd 4/3 $757K, 232 Robinwood Cir 4/3 $1.1125M, 626 Kinzie Island Ct 3/2.5 $1.635M.

LOTS

2 new listings: 1550 Centre St $199K (our listing) $199K, 1026 Fish Crow Rd $430K.

2 price changes: 644 Sea Oats Dr now $325K, 2401 Blue Crab Ct now $789K.

No new sales.

2 closed sales: 9211 Dimmick Dr $139.5K, 9426 Sage Ct $250K.

Captiva

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sunset Beach Villas #2324 2/2 $645K, Captiva Shores #8A 3/2.5 $1.795M, Beach Homes #7 2/2 $1.795M, Beach Homes #8 3/2 $2.7M.

No price changes, new sales, or closed sales.

HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

Merry Christmas from all of us!

The SanibelSusan Team – Dave, Elise, Lisa, & Susan

Mid-December on Sanibel/Captiva

Posted on December 16, 2016 by SanibelSusan

SanibelSusan is reporting again that pre-Christmas and year-end events continue to keep Sanibel and Captiva Island real estate showings and sales activity to a minimum, but I was happy to make a “new sale” announcement at our local Association of Realtors® monthly breakfast meeting yesterday.

Below are more details from the meeting, a few news items, and a report of the action posted since last Friday in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service.

Beginning Saturday, the island is expected to fill up with holiday visitors. Though, heaviest check-ins are expected, the following week, on Christmas Eve. With the chilly weather in so much of the nation, I am sure that the islands are looking mighty fine to many right now. It’s a sunny 80 degrees here as I post this at 3:30 p.m. with weather expected to be the same right through Christmas. No need for ugly Christmas sweaters here!

i-wear-flip-flops-in-winter

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

2017 Professional Standards Committee – Many know that Realtors® subscribe to a Code of Ethics. We also self-govern, handling complaints from the public or colleagues regarding matters of ethics or commission arbitrations. To serve on the committees that handle these issues (thankfully few complaints are filed on Sanibel & Captiva), annual mandatory training is required. Since I will be heading the Sanibel/Captiva Association’s Ombudsman Committee again in next, I was one of 14 island Realtors® who this week completed their training for 2017. Here we are with our Florida Realtors® instructor, Anne Cockayne.

Pro Stds 12-14-16.jpg

December Monthly Membership Meeting – Dustyn Corace, 2017 President-elect, presided over the monthly meeting yesterday at the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®. Guest speakers were Cara Pennetti, Owner Services Manager, and Phillip Starling, General Manager, from Sundial Beach Resort and Spa.

Looking to increase the number of Sundial units enrolled in their on-site rental program, Cara and Phil reminded Realtors® that the resort’s new 3-year rental agreement, now going into its second year, gives owners 55% of the income the 1^st year, followed by 57% and 60% in the following years. With this agreement, owners may reserve up to 28 days for their own use between February 15 and April 30, otherwise owner time is unlimited.

Phil also spoke of the new pickleball courts being constructed at the resort (more on that below). He also said that plans and permits are in the works for a new food/beverage offering that is expected to be open in the lobby area beginning February 1. Sounded like it could be take-out, but it’s not ready to be officially announced yet – more on that in the days to come.

Before the Caravan portion of the meeting, 2017 Committee Chairs gave brief presentations on their plans for the upcoming year. Since the current chair was away, as the incoming Chair for Communications & Public Relations, I reported on the three ads that will be in upcoming publications. Developed from a member survey conducted earlier this year and titled “Realtors® Make a Difference”, these marketing pieces describe how island Realtors® help, serve, and take pride in our community.

I also reported that monies from the reserve fund from our meeting 50/50 drawings are being donated to the following local charities: $500 CHR (Community Housing & Resources), $500 CROW (Care & Rehabilitation of Wildlife), $500 F.I.S.H. (Friends In Service Here), $500 Friends Who Care, $500 San-Cap Cares (Golisano Children’s Hospital), and $1,000 The Community House. Formal check presentations will be made later this month.

Earlier this year from our RPAC contributions, a $4,500 grant went to SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) for educational boat trips. The Association is proud of its partnerships with, and support from, many local organizations.

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa Has Pickleball Coming

santiva chronicle The “Santiva-Chronicle” reported Wednesday that “Sundial Beach Resort & Spa has announced the addition of 12 regulation pickleball courts to its lineup of resort amenities and public offerings.

2016-sundial-pickleball

“The Plexicushion system courts will provide the area with state-of-the-art tournament-grade facilities in a beautiful, lake-front setting. Construction is underway with an anticipated early spring opening.

“Pickleball was invented in 1965 as the result of family boredom and ingenuity and has enjoyed a rapidly growing burst of popularity. A combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis, it now claims the title of the “fastest growing sport in North America”. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, the sport is a game of shot placement rather than strength and may be played at a leisurely pace or highly competitive tournament level.

““We’re looking forward to bringing a quality, state-of-the-art pickleball facility to Southwest Florida” said Phillip Starling, Sundial’s general manager. “Not only will Sundial be the first area resort to offer onsite, stand-alone courts to guests, we’ll also be providing a resource for local and tournament play in our region.”

“Erica Cossairt, Director of Tennis, will oversee Sundial’s pickleball program and league play. Lessons, round robins, and clinics for all ages will be available to both resort guests, residents and visitors. Introductory pickleball memberships will be offered to the public at $250 annually or a $5 guest fee per person per hour.

“Guests of the resort will enjoy complimentary access as part of Sundial’s activity package. In addition, the resort plans to host USA Pickleball Association Tournament play including competition for all levels and ages with its inaugural tournament planned for later in the year. For information on memberships and pickleball please contact pickleball@sundialresort.com or phone 239-395-6037.”

Update on Sanibel Community House

community-ctr-renovation Construction is nearing completion at the $3M reconstruction, restoration, renovation, expansion project at The Community House. It all began in May. A temporary certificate of occupancy is expected before the end of the month. If it is received, equipment could starting moving in in early January. Events are already scheduled in 2017, including the 80^th Annual Sanibel Shell Festival in March. Not bad for a building that is a 90-year-old structure. More info at www.SanibelCommunityHouse.net.

Holiday Happenings

Community Carol Sing – open to the public, at historic Captiva Chapel By The Sea, 11580 Chapin Lane, Sunday, Dec 18 at 6 p.m. A handful of locals and featuring Johnny Jensen on the drums are performing “Little Drummer Boy”. You-know-who is singing alto.

Santa Run – Want presents delivered? They must be taken to the main fire station at 2351 Palm Ridge Rd no later than 5 p.m. next Friday, Dec 23. Each gift must be in a bag with instructions attached. If it is going to a condo, a detailed sketch is helpful. Sponsored by the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club, delivery begins at 5:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve on Lighthouse Beach – open to the public, 5 p.m. outdoor service by Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ with candle lighting, carol singing, & offering to benefit F.I.S.H and the Salvation Army.

2017 Investing: Turbulent Market, Lots of Opportunity

The below interesting, though lengthy article was posted yesterday at Florida Realtors® on line. Many have noticed that the market here came back following the election. I bet it stays hot through “season”, after that maybe some of the forecast here will apply.

“The real estate market is in for some turbulence in 2017, but it is not time for investors to hide under their beds, according to LaSalle Investment Managements latest Investment Strategy report.

“While there is a good chance there will be some real game-changers with (Donald) Trump’s election, Brexit, Italian referendum and more to come in 2017, investors should future-proof their portfolios by trying to get ahead of certain slow-moving secular trends including climate change and urbanization, said Jacques Gordon, global strategist in the real estate money managers Chicago office, in an interview.

“In the U.S., there is significant uncertainty surrounding Mr. Trump’s policies and direction, as well as the future relationship between Mr. Trump as president and the Republican-controlled Congress, the 2017 annual report, released Tuesday, noted.

“Tax cuts, infrastructure spending, deregulation and improved business sentiment – all things Mr. Trump has promoted – would benefit real estate investments, the paper stated.

“Real estate connected to infrastructure projects typically does extremely well, Mr. Gordon said. Examples include projects to convert abandoned rail lines into walkable urban spaces such as Manhattans High Line and similar projects in Atlanta, Chicago and Portland, Ore., he said.

“All of this takes infrastructure spending to get it going, Mr. Gordon said.

“However, trade wars, reduced immigration, interest rate increases and a standoff between Congress and the president on deficit spending would be negative for real estate investors.

“A trade war, for example, could hurt U.S. exports and real estate related to the technology, media and telecommunications sectors, the report noted.

“This is not a time for fear and terror, Mr. Gordon cautioned. It’s a time to pay attention and be aware of the structural changes that are coming, to be more cautious and to find places to move to offense.

“Watching trends – The four main structural, long-term trends that LaSalle tracks are demographics, technology, urbanization and environment. The latter category, new this year, covers climate change awareness, sustainability initiatives and measures to benefit the health and welfare of building users.

“Investors should keep these trends in mind as they can dramatically affect real estate holdings, the report states. This means focusing on the parts of the city where there are demographic, urbanization, technology and environmental change drivers, Mr. Gordon said.

“Tenants these days want properties that have recycling and energy conservation initiatives like saving on water, which also reduce costs, he said. Investors should also be aware of how properties in certain locations will do in climate-change conditions such as flooding. With 100-year floods happening every three years, it (climate change conditions) seems more common, he said.

“In some areas in Florida, for example, real estate investors should be aware of the costs of rising sea levels and rising tides on properties. Real estate investors can do things like making sure their backup generators are not in the basement in case of a flood, he said.

“There are investment opportunities in the U.S. One of the most attractive in 2017 will be warehouse development to take advantage of shoppers increasing preference for shopping online and subsequent moves toward faster delivery, the report states. This trend is driving demand for modern warehouses built to accommodate e-commerce in locations close to cities and traditional distribution centers, the report noted.

“LaSalle also is recommending defensive investments in premium malls, urban retail and grocery-anchored centers, which generally outperform other property types during recessions. The firm is making this recommendation even though the report acknowledges that in the future, shoppers could shift to online grocery shopping rather than buying groceries at brick-and-mortar stores.

“Looking north – “Still, LaSalle predicts rent growth will moderate in the U.S. as well as in Canada during 2017 from the high rates of 2015 and 2016. However, supply of new property should not overrun demand in North America as construction loans are harder to obtain.

“One investment opportunity in Canada stems from the globalization of Canadian pension plan portfolios, the report notes. As Canadian pension funds increase their international real estate exposure, they are selling off peripheral real estate holdings in Canada. This is creating investment opportunities in core and core-plus properties that are not typically available, the study states.

“In Europe, the coming elections in 2017 could lead to significant market volatility. The resignation of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi after voters rejected a referendum to change the country’s constitution has brought anti-European Union-immigration forces to power in Italy, the paper notes. But even had the referendum passed, Italy still has problems that negatively impact real estate investors, including the undercapitalization of banks stifling credit, the report notes.

“With upcoming elections across Europe, LaSalle expects mainstream candidates to prevail over nationalist parties in Germany and France. If LaSalle executives are right, there will be moderate economic growth and inflation in 2017 and 2018, which should lead real estate investors to continue investing in income-producing properties in Europe.

“Competition for core income-producing real estate in Europe will remain intense, the study states. However, aside from a potential upside for office properties as a result of the U.K. vote to exit the European Union in June, LaSalle foresees investment opportunities in retail, including shopping centers in dominant shopping destinations in France and premium shopping centers in Sweden and Germany.

“There are also value-added opportunities in Europe. Examples are micro-apartments, apartment-hotels and student housing in Paris, Munich, Berlin, Amsterdam, Milan and Madrid.

“In Asia, Japanese pension plans have announced interest in expanding investment in real estate from less than 1 percent of an estimated 356 trillion ($3.09 trillion) combined total assets should create opportunity, the report indicated. Pension fund officials are first expected to invest in real estate in Japan and then move into core markets, sectors and properties outside the country. If Japanese pension plans increase their allocations by 2 percentage points, it would increase institutionally held real estate in Japan by 25%, the paper states.

“If you can keep your head when others are losing it, that is a good investment trait, Mr. Gordon said. Sitting still and doing nothing is the worst thing an investor can do. Then you’re letting the market push you around.

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity December 9-16, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Seawind #A108 2/2.5 $519K, Coquina Beach #2A 2/2 $619K, Sunset South #4A 2/2 $799K, Sundial West #E304 2/2 $814.5K, Pointe Santo #E37 3/2 $1.475M.

5 price changes: Coquina Beach #2C 2/2 now $599K, Sanibel Surfside #223 2/2 now $778K, Pointe Santo #B25 2/2 now $789K, Sundial East #T306 3/2 now $1.395M, Somerset #302 3/2.5 now $1.65M.

3 new sales: Sanibel Arms West #J6 2/2 listed at $495K, Cottage Colony West #136 1/1 listed at $624.9K (our listing), Sanddollar #B204 2/2 listed at $895K.

3 closed sales: Sundial West #I207 1/1 $299K, Mariner Pointe #522 2/2 $425K (our listing & sale), Loggerhead Cay #211 2/2 $575K.

HOMES

8 new listings: 5297 Punta Caloosa Ct 2/3 $699K, 4694 Rue Bayou 3/3 $739K, 1334 Junonia St 3/2 $749K, 1943 Sanibel Bayou Rd 3/3 $839K, 2920 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $979K, 775 Conch Ct 3/3 $1.595M, 1083 Bird Ln 4/3 $3.595M, 4689 Rue Bell Mer 5/6.5 $7.695M.

7 price changes: 998 Fish Crow Rd 3/2 now $699K; 537 Lake Murex Cir 3/3 now $899K (our listing); 1501 Sand Castle Rd 5/3.5 now $899,999; 276 Ferry Landing Dr 3/3 now $924.9K; 732 Windlass Way 4/3.5 now $1.379M; 2939 Wulfert Rd 5/5/3 now $1.795M; 1326 Seaspray Ln 4/4.5 now $1.995M.

2 new sales: 8991 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 listed at $829K, 800 Sand Dollar Dr 3/3.5 listed at $1.695M.

1 closed sale: 1722 Serenity Ln 3/3 $500K.

LOTS

2 new listings: 6095 Dinkins Lake Rd $289,555; 6159 Starling Way $689K.

2 price changes: 2462 Wulfert Rd now $219.5K, 1311 Par View Dr now $289K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

Nothing to report.

HOMES

No new listings.

3 price changes: 14980 Binder Dr 4/3 now $1,377,956; 16167 Captiva Dr 4/3 now $1.699M; 14860 Mango Ct 5/4 now $2,343,946.

3 new sales: 11536 Andy Rosse Ln 3/3 listed at $1.775M, 11519 Andy Rosse Ln 6/5 listed at $2.225M, 11400 Dickey Ln 4/6.5 listed at $8.995M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 16950 Captiva Dr listed at $2.995M.

No closed sales.

Until next Friday, may your days be sunny & filled with holiday fun!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Almost Thanksgiving on Sanibel & Captiva

Posted on November 18, 2016 by SanibelSusan

pilgrims-and-indians Susan here, reporting the end of another busy week at SanibelSusan Realty Associates.

For those not in town, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that this week has been the weather that makes most locals happy. Bright breezy days with temperatures down into the 60’s at night. The highs forecast for the next week range from low to high 70’s.

Picture perfect Thanksgiving weather for those lucky enough to be here for the holiday. Great weather for viewing property too, so we hope to have lots of real estate inquiries over the next week.

We had good showing action this week with some weekend and early week showings already scheduled for next week. It should be a busy one – holiday and all.

The activity posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service since last Friday, follows a few news items.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Yesterday morning was the local Association of Realtors® November Membership meeting.

At The Sanctuary – This week being a West-End Caravan, it was handy that the meeting was at the newly refurbished Clubhouse at The Sanctuary. Here are a few photos of the new décor. It is beautiful with a natural coastal modern casual vibe.

sanctuary-11-17-16-lobby sanctuary-11-17-16-living-rm sanctuary-11-17-16-club-fireplace sanctuary-11-17-16-club-dining

After the meeting, I got a private tour of the new 6000 sq. ft. fitness center by Club Manager Ken Kouril. This building is under construction, but is two months ahead of schedule. Now due to open in January. It will be a wonderful improvement for Sanctuary owners too. The facility which replaces a smaller building taken down some months ago, will house larger areas for exercise equipment, plus a huge yoga studio, special spa treatment rooms, and larger locker/baths/changing areas. The new pool outside is large – as big as the Rec Centers – and elevated with expansive deck area. Next to the tennis courts will be court(s) for the new popular sport – pickle ball.

News From City Hall – The speakers at the meeting were Sanibel City Manager Judith Zimomra; Sanibel Senior Planner Roy Gibson, and City Accounting Operations Manager Laura Zautcke.

sanctuary-speakers-11-17-16

Sanibel City Manager – Judie began her comments with “Every town is unique. Everyone thinks theirs is. Sanibel really is.”

As partners in our industry, Judie further described how the City works to keep government lean and taxes low and how Council has focused on ways to systematically increase property values, by getting growth through reinvestment. Examples are renovations of commercial buildings like Bennett’s Fresh Roast which formerly was an old real estate office and Huxters Center which recently updated both inside and out through a new waiver system.

Sanibel Senior Planner – Roy’s power point further discussed planning and zoning initiatives for redevelopment of nonconforming island properties. The goal of the redevelopment vision statement is to provide equitable process for redeveloping non-conforming properties that existed at the time of incorporation to redevelop through a transparent process without expanding existing non-conformities. The redevelopment process steps include reviewing the existing Land Development Code regulations and amending them to enhance incentives and improve standards for redevelopment, including Build-back Regulations (non-conforming structures and non-conforming uses), Resort Housing District, and Commercial District standards.

Other recent amendments to Sanibel regulations related to redevelopment include pervious brick pavers (excluded from coverage calculations) and a revised definition of substantial improvement. Regarding pervious pavers for residential driveways, the pavers now are excluded from calculations of impermeable coverage. This exclusion applies only for conforming properties, and currently only applies to driveways for single-family and duplex properties.

Regarding substantial improvements – this is a big change. “Substantial improvement means any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvement, or combination or accumulation of any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvement of a structure in which the cost of the improvement equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure at the time that an application is filed”. This 50% rule used to apply for five years, now it applies per project, so allows for more improvements in shorter timeframes.

Sanibel City Accounting Operations Manager – During Laura’s financial presentation, she described the changes in the City’s 2016/2017 budgets. Her pie chart on taxes paid by Sanibel citizens based on final rates adopted by taxing authorities in September showed the 2016 average residential taxable value to be $558,975 with an average tax bill of $8,641. Of that bill, 45.2% goes to Lee County schools, 26.2% goes to Lee County, 14.9% goes to the City of Sanibel, and 13.7% goes to independent districts (like the Sanibel Library District, Sanibel Fire & Rescue District, etc.)

She also proudly described how Sanibel’s operating millage rate steadily has gone down from 2.5 in 2007 to 1.9139 which was the rate in 2016 and will be again in 2017.

Essentially during the same time, 2006 to 2015, Citywide outstanding debt (governmental, sewer, & pension) has gone from $79,147,305 to $40,634,677.

Thanks to these speakers for keeping our Realtors® up-to-date on what is happening at City Hall. We appreciate these annual presentations and City cooperation with us and our members whether it be researching properties, their permit histories, improvement potential, or in educating us on ways to improve our services. We are very lucky to have them, their resources, and partnership.

1 in 4 Florida Owners With Mortgage is ‘Equity Rich’

Posted on line yesterday at FloridaRealtors®:

“ATTOM Data Solutions’ Q3 2016 U.S. Home Equity and Underwater Report finds that 23.4% of U.S. homeowners with a mortgage are equity rich, meaning their loan-to-value ratio is 50% or lower. It’s a year-to-year increase of more than 2.6 million owners.

“In Florida, the ratio is similar, according to ATTOM, where 23.2% of owners with a mortgage are equity rich.

On the flipside, 16% of Florida owners with a mortgage are still “seriously underwater,” meaning they have a loan-to-value ratio of 125% or higher. Nationwide, the seriously underwater percentage is 10.8% – a year-to-year decrease of 854,000-plus homeowners.

“”Close to one in every five U.S. homeowners with a mortgage is now equity rich thanks to a combination of rising home prices and lengthening homeownership tenures,” says Daren Blomquist, senior vice president at ATTOM Data Solutions.

“”Median home prices increased on a year-over-year basis for the 18th consecutive quarter in Q3 2016, and homeowners who sold in the third quarter had owned their home an average of 7.94 years – a new high in our data and substantially higher than the average homeownership tenure of 4.26 years pre-recession,” says Blomquist. “As homeowners stay in their homes longer before moving up, they are amassing more home equity wealth.”

“A closer look by metro areas finds no Florida city in the top 10 on ATTOM’s list, however. Still, one city – Cape Coral-Fort Myers – was notable for being the only state city in the list of seven metro areas that saw the number of equity-rich homeowners increase by more than 10% as the area logged a 11.5% point increase.

However, one Florida metro area also made ATTOM’s list of seven cities where more than 20% of homeowners with a mortgage are still underwater: Lakeland-Winter Haven ranked at No. 7 with an even 20%.”

Upcoming Island Events

Nov 20 – Sunday – Sanibel Annual Thanksgiving Celebration beginning at 6:30 p.m. at BIG ARTS Schein Performance Hall. Free non-denominational celebration of Thanksgiving. (SanibelSusan and fellow BIG ARTS chorus members will be singing, as will a new children’s chorus from The Sanibel School.)

flyer2016

Nov 24 – Thanksgiving Day – Turkey Bowl from 9 to 11 a.m. – 2-hand touch football at Sanibel Community Park, open to all ages.

Nov 25 & 26 – Friday & Saturday after Thanksgiving – 25^th Sanibel Masters Art Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sanibel Community Part (across the street from SanibelSusan Realty). BIG ARTS Community Chorus is singing two holiday sets Saturday morning.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity November 11-18, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

6 new listings: Sanibel Arms #B1 1/1 $369K, Sundial West #G307 1/1 $424.9K, Sundial West #H209 1/1 $439K, Loggerhead Cay #434 2/2 $639K, Snug Harbor #312 3/2 $739K, High Tide #C101 2/2 $1.195M (our listing).

High Tide #C101 is 2600 sq. ft. – the entire first floor, one up over covered parking & storage at ground level. Elevator opens to only this unit & the one above. Light & bright with windows all-’round. Never rented, this residential condo offers easy living in small 14-unit complex with beachside pool, plus tennis on West Gulf Drive. Gulf view too!

2 price changes: Tennisplace #C21 2/1.5 now $369,555; Sandy Bend #6 2/2 now $949K.

3 new sales: Kimball Lodge #263 1/1.5 listed at $415K, Mariner Pointe #622 2/2.5 listed at $639K, Kings Crown #315 2/2 listed at $899K.

1 closed sale: Sundial West #A208 2/2 $790K.

HOMES

12 new listings: 2030 Sunrise Cir 3/3 $699K; 525 N Yachtsman Dr 3/2 $749K; 1559 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $799K; 1683 Bunting Ln 3/3 $799,555; 8991 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 $829K; 1232 Par View Dr 3/2.5 $929K; 5838 Pine Tree Dr 3/3 $1.295M; 2474 Wulfert Rd 3/3/2 $1.495M, 3790 West Gulf Dr 3/2.5 $1.6M; 1717 Jewel Box Dr 3/3.5 $2.1M; 267 Ferry Landing Dr 3/2 $2.195M, 2405 Blue Crab Ct 4/4.5 $2.695M.

9 price changes: 4619 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2 now $549.9K; 752/754 Cardium St 4/2 duplex now $639.9K, 3152 Twin Lakes Ln 3/3 now $789K; 3354 Barra Cir 3/2 now $899K; 1270 Bay Dr 3/2 now $1.299M; 2479 Blind Pass Ct 3/2 now $1.3M; 513 Lighthouse Way 3/3 now $1.795M; 2451 Blind Pass Ct 4/4.5 now $1,999,999; 4190 Dingman Dr 4/3.5 now $2.299M.

2 new sales: 5279 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 listed at $648K, 677 Durion Ct 3/2 listed at $728K.

2 closed sales: 1333 Par View Dr 3/2 $825K, 4014 West Gulf Dr 3/2/2 $1.35M.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 6419+6428 Pine Ave now $1.499M.

No new sales.

2 closed sales: 2153 Periwinkle Way $265K, 3965 Coquina Dr $350K.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Bayside Villas #5320 3/3 $650K.

No price changes, new sales, or closed sales.

HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

Thanksgiving good wishes to all,

Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan

Woohoo…Sanibel/Captiva Island Real Estate Activity Has Picked Up!

Posted on November 4, 2016 by SanibelSusan

dolphins-with-baby

It has been another busy real estate week on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Several SanibelSusan Realty listings had excellent showings and we also had several good meetings with owners considering selling. One new listing is effective this week and another will be posted in a few days, and another a few days after that. I was out showing to several parties, several times, while Teammates David and Lisa also were showing yesterday. It’s great to see almost as much action as the November dolphins jumping in the above photo. (Note the Mama with baby on the right.)

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Yesterday’s Realtor® Caravan Meeting was not as well attended as last week, but the National Association of Realtors annual convention, being held in Orlando this year, may have something to do with that.

This wek the Sanibel/Captiva Caravan of new listings was for West End properties. Next week, when it rotates to East End, we will have two new listings open (from 9 a.m. until noon).

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

Interest Rates Stay Put, But Door Open For December Hike

Yesterday, FloridaRealtors® on-line posted the following:

“The Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady Wednesday and left the door open to a December rate hike amid an improving economy. In a statement after a two-day meeting, the Fed said it decided to keep its federal funds rate at a historically low 0.4%.

“The Fed said “the case for a rate increase strengthened,” but policymakers decided, “for the time being, to wait for some further evidence of continued progress toward its objectives.” That largely mirrored the September statement, except the Fed added that only “some” advances are needed, suggesting a rate hike may be at hand. The statement added that “inflation has increased somewhat since earlier this year” and removed its previous assertion that “inflation is expected to remain low in the near term.”

“The Fed’s preferred measure of annual inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, is still below its 2% annual target, but it has edged up steadily this year, reaching 1.7% recently. That could pave the way for a rate hike as soon as December.

“Stocks, already on pace for a seventh day of losses, fell further after the statement but shortly began staging a recovery. Some economists said the Fed was unlikely to send an explicit signal of a December rate increase similar to a reference in October 2015 to a possible hike at the “next meeting.”

With markets already pricing in an increase anyway, Fed officials would prefer not to close off their options, economists said. “Absent substantial shocks, they’re set on December,” says UBS economist Drew Matus.

“Among potential shocks are a contested presidential election next week or a victory by Republican Donald Trump that roils markets, economist Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics says.

“After Wednesday’s statement was released, fed fund futures reckoned there was a 72% chance the Fed will lift its benchmark rate at a Dec. 13-14 meeting, up from 68% a day earlier.

“It was unlikely the Fed would act just days before the election, potentially disrupting markets and coloring perceptions of the economy and presidential candidates Trump and Hillary Clinton.

“The Fed has stood pat since raising its federal funds rate in December for the first time in nine years, citing factors such as China’s economic slowdown, the United Kingdom’s Brexit vote, volatile markets and a spring slump in U.S. job growth.” Copyright © 2016, USATODAY.com, USA TODAY, Paul Davidson

Upcoming Island Events

Tomorrow – Saturday – Esperanza Woodring Memorial Cast Net Rodeo – beginning at 8:30 a.m. at The Bait Box, 1041 Periwinkle Way.

Nov 6 – Sunday – Sanibel Blues & Jazz Festival – 1 to 7 p.m. at Bailey’s Center.

Nov 11 – Friday – Veterans Day Ceremony – beginning at 11:45 on the grounds of Sanibel City Hall.

Nov 13 – Sunday – CROW’s 35^th “Taste of the Islands” 12 to 5 p.m. at Sanibel Community Park (across the street from SanibelSusan Realty). SanibelSusan will be working with the front door open (to attract some business & hear the music).

TASTEoftheISLAND-4c-B

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity October 28-November 4, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

7 new listings: Blind Pass #A205 2/2 $449K, Sundial East #P201 2/2 $789K, Sandpiper Beach #504 2/2 $789K, Gulf Beach #102 2/2 $799K, (our listing, photos below), Surfside 12 #A4 3/2 $869K, Nutmeg Village #100 2/2 $1.195M, Compass Point #192 2/2 $1.295M.

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1 price change: Sundial West #F103 2/2 now $459.5K.

2 new sales: Sanibel Arms West #B8 2/2 listed at $529.9K, Villa Sanibel #2G 2/2 listed at $589K.

4 closed sales: Tennisplace #D21 1/1 $212.85K, Casa Blanca #8 1/1 $255K, Sundial West #F105 1/1 $385K, Mariner Pointe #813 2/2 $437K.

HOMES

6 new listings: 1411 Sandpiper Cir 2/2 half-duplex $439K, 743 Elinor Way 3/2 $695K, 998 Fish Crow Rd 3/2 $725K, 5306 Umbrella Pool Rd 4/4 $895K, 941 Pecten Ct 3/2 $975K, 6494 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/2 $2.495M.

7 price changes: 1585 Serenity Ln 3/3 now $574.9K, 4215 Old Banyan Way 3/3 now $699K, 1809 Bowmans Beach Rd 3/2 now $799.9K, 5757 Pine Tree Dr 3/2.5 now $850K, 660 Oliva St 3/3 now $899K, 1724 Bunting Ln 3/4 now $995K, 6129 Starling Way 3/2.5 now $1.39M.

1 new sale: 1150 Schooner Pl 2/2 listed at $599K.

2 closed listings: 9292 Belding Dr 3/2.5 $399K, 988 Beach Rd 3/3 $850K.

LOTS

1 new listing: 602 Boulder Dr $459K.

1 price change: 9426 Sage Ct now $269K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 1242 Anhinga Ln $495K.

Captiva

CONDOS

2 new listings: Bayside Villas #5136 1/2 $315K, Beach Homes #18 4/3 $3.495M.

No price changes or new sales.

2 closed sales: Bayside Villas #4102 1/2 $277.5K, Bayside Villas #5240 1/2 $320K.

HOMES

1 new listing: 11523 Andy Rosse Ln 5/5/5 $2.599M.

2 price changes: 14980 Binder Dr 4/3 now $1,377,991; 14860 Mango Ct 5/4 now $2,343,981.

1 new sale: 11537 Laika Ln 4/3 listed at $1.575M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, when hopefully we have more real estate action to report, here are a few more dolphins showing off!

Happy weekend! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

more-dolphins

Wrapping Up October Real Estate on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Posted on October 28, 2016 by SanibelSusan

sunset from master

It’s Susan with The SanibelSusan Team’s weekly update on island real estate activity. Things on Sanibel & Captiva Islands definitely are picking up.

We were especially reminded of that last Friday afternoon when 3 p.m. rolled around and traffic backed-up in front of the office heading east on Periwinkle. First time, we recall that happening in October, but it’s in line with the many visitors who come this month every year and saying that this year the island is busier than they remember it.

Of course, we hope plenty of these visitors are looking to buy real estate. Over the last seven days, there were three condo sales and a home sale on Sanibel, and one condo sale on Captiva. Those numbers need to pick up considerably for us to really say that “season” is in full swing. The activity posted since last Friday in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service follows a couple of news items below.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Yesterday’s Realtor® Caravan Meeting was well attended, with many dressed in costume adding some levity to our usually serious announcements.

Twelve new listings were on the following caravan tour including ours at 537 Lake Murex Circle. These meetings have now reverted to the “every Thursday” morning schedule, with up to 20 properties allowed each week, so if you are on the islands on Thursday mornings watch for the open house signs, if you like to preview new listings too.

Mortgage Rates Surge to 4-Month High

FreddieMacLogo_3 According to “Daily Real Estate News” on line, last week, “for the second week, mortgage rates moved higher. This time, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage inched above 3.5% for the first time since June.

““This month, mortgage rates seem to be catching up to Treasury yields and returning to pre-Brexit levels,” says Sean Becketti, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

“Freddie Mac reports the following national averages with mortgage rates for the week ending Oct. 20:

30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.52%, with an average 0.5 point, rising from last week’s 3.47% average. Last year at this time, 30-year rates averaged 3.79%.
15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 2.79%, with an average 0.5 point, also rising from last week’s 2.76% average. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 2.98%.
5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 2.85%, with an average 0.4 point, increasing from last week’s 2.82% average. Last year at this time, 5-year ARMs averaged 2.89%.”

These rates still are near historic lows, but if you are thinking of taking advantage of them, you may want to lock in soon as increases may continue.

Sanibel Community House Update

Community Ctr renovation Construction is moving along at the Sanibel Community House, but in their update this week, they mentioned that a delay is definite and that the annual mini-golf usually held between Christmas and New Years has been postponed. The annual island Thanksgiving Celebration held the Sunday before the holiday, this year will be at Schein Performance Hall at BIG ARTS, rather than the Community House. Appears that the new Community House will be ready in early January.

New Closing Rules Remain a Challenge

It has been a little more than a year since new federal closing rules took effect. Under the rules, the HUD-1 Settlement Form was replaced with a new Closing Disclosure, the Good Faith Estimate was replaced with a new Loan Estimate, and some new timing requirements were imposed.

Real estate professionals continue to have concerns with the changes and were among the many people and organizations that submitted almost 1,600 comments to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as it works to finalize a rule that would try to improve the process. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) also submitted comments. Among other points, NAR says it remains too difficult for real estate professionals to get a copy of the closing disclosure so they can help their clients.

For many years on the islands, most sales have been cash. However, the low interest rates this year have brought an increased number of sales with bank financing. That probably will continue into “season”. Those sales with loans are the ones affected by the new federal forms, disclosures, and additional time requirements.

Most local Realtors® – us included – encourage buyers to do their financing here, not only are local lenders more attuned to what is needed for a loan on a barrier island, but their rates are competitive – and often better than a distant hometown bank. Also, it is much easier for us and local title companies to keep tabs on loan processing and ensure that timetables are met, when the lender is local.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity October 21-28, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Donax Village 33 2/2 $499K, Villa Sanibel #2G 2/2 $589K, Sanibel Surfside #127 2/2 $1.15M, Signal Inn #19 3/2 $1.195M, Golden Beach #2 3/2.5 $1.499M.

2 price changes: Lake Palms #8 2/2.5 now $345.5K, Tigua Cay #487 3/3.5 now $1.849M.

4 new sales: Blind Pass #B203 3/2 listed at $575K, Loggerhead Cay #211 2/2 listed at $599K, Sunset South #15B 2/2 listed at $999K, Surfside 12 #B3 3/2 listed at $1.124M.

3 closed sales: Sundial West #B108 1/1 $340K, Sandpebble #2B 2/2 $390K (our listing & sale), Sanibel Surfside #117 2/2 $935K.

HOMES

9 new listings: 1851 Farm Trail 3/2 $529K, 1150 Schooner Pl 2/2 $599K, 1245 Anhinga Ln 3/2 $649K, 958 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $679K, 1809 Bowmans Beach Rd 3/2 $799K, 537 Lake Murex Cir 3/3 $949K (our listing, shown below), 3019 Poinciana Cir 5/3.5 $950K, 2479 Blind Pass Ct 3/2 $1.1M, 407 Bella Vista Way 4/4 $3.199M.

5 price changes: 5105 SanibelCaptiva Rd 4/3 now $677.7K, 5751 Baltusrol Ct 3/4 now $1.05M, 900 Almas Ct 3/3.5 now $1.289M, 1326 Seaspray Ln 4/4.5 now $2.145M, 5075 Joewood Dr 4/4.6 now $3.59M.

1 new sale: 1333 Par View Dr 3/2 listed at $879K.

1 closed listing: 3792 Coquina Dr 3/3 $987.5K.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 690 Birdie View Pt now $389K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: Seabreeze #1253 3/3 listed at $1.569M.

1 closed sale: Marina Villas #807 2/2 $645K.

HOMES

No new listings.

3 price changes: 14980 Binder Dr 4/3 now $1,377,998; 11537 Laika Ln 4/3 now $1.575M; 14860 Mango Ct 5/4 now $2,343,999.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Hard to believe that next Friday is November. Until then,

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Photo by Jim Anderson, JMA Photography

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Wondering what it’s been like on Sanibel? Here’s a recent sunset photo…beautiful as always! Enjoy your weekend!

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Until next Friday, wishing you sunny days!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

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Until next Friday, here’s wishing you sunny beach days with lots of shells – like this one!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

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Until next Friday, may your days be sunny & filled with holiday fun!

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Thanksgiving good wishes to all,

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Until next Friday, when hopefully we have more real estate action to report, here are a few more dolphins showing off!

Happy weekend! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

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Hard to believe that next Friday is November. Until then,

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17^th Annual Polar Bear Plunge

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