Fall Sanibel/Captiva Real Estate Market Update

Posted on October 21, 2016 by SanibelSusan

Beach Path.jpg It’s SanibelSusan, again reporting another week of wonderful fall island weather – sunny days with temperatures mostly in the 80’s. A cool front arriving tonight is expected to bring our first day – in a long time – of temps under 80 with more perfect weather expected right through the weekend and into next week.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors President-Elect Joel Goodman & President Lori Pierot with SCCF’s Natural Resource Policy Director Rae Ann Wessel & Executive Director Erick Lindblad.

There was no local Realtor Caravan® Meeting this week, but the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® yesterday announced presentation of a $4,500 check to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation to help their efforts in providing guided tours of the Caloosahatchee and estuary to provide members of the public the opportunity to gain a personal experience and perspective on the river and the Everglades – its history, folklore, issues, and solutions. These are local RPAC (Realtor Political Action Committee) funds put to good use educating our community on the importance of a healthy ecosystem.

SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Sanibelsusan Logo With the island picking up, I was out showing homes both Monday and again this morning, while teammate Dave held a condo open house on Wednesday. Several of our listings had showings this week too, with the activity posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service below, after a couple of news items.

Market Update After 3^rd Quarter 2016

Now that three-quarters of 2016 are over, it appears that Southwest Florida real estate sales this year will fall short of 2015. A recent article posted by an off-island “News-Press” Market Watch expert said:

“Median home prices in Lee County are flat, down slightly in Collier County.
The number of home sales in Lee County is down 17%,18% in Collier.
Condo sales are down over 20%.
$1 million+ market is down 13%.”

He also said “This is not a “lack of inventory” situation, as most non-sweet-spot segments are down or flat, except the $500-$1M range in Collier. That segment is up 9%. These numbers aren’t negative, they just “are”. SWFL is still the place to live, work or play.”

So how do Sanibel and Captiva sales compare in a similar analysis? The below statistics illustrate that though the islands officially are part of Lee County, in many ways, it is a totally different world here where there is less inventory and prices vary hugely. Compared to the same period last year (January 1 to October 20), this year:

Median home prices on Sanibel are up 65%, up 84% on Captiva.
The number of home sales on Sanibel is down 27%, but up 15% on Captiva.
Condo sales are down over 15% on Sanibel, 50% on Captiva.
$1 million+ market is down 10% on Sanibel, 28% on Captiva.

Going into season, there still are fewer condos and homes for sale on Sanibel than already have sold this year. The reverse is true on Captiva, where inventory is low, yet exceeds this year’s demand.

Upcoming Island Events

Here’s an oldie from Bailey Fest 2012.

31^st Annual Bailey Fest – is Sunday, 10/23 from noon until 4 p.m. Free & open to the public. If you are there for the opening event act, you will hear the BIG ARTS Community Chorus with yours truly in the alto section.

Hallo’Tween 2016 – is Saturday, 10/29 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., adult Halloween costume party at ‘Tween Waters with prizes awarded at midnight. halloween-kids

Trick or Treat Monday – 10/31 from 4 to 6 p.m. from vehicle trunks in the parking lot at Sanibel Community Church. Safe family fun with bounce houses and games, plus treats.

23^rd Annual Esperanza Woodring Memorial Cast Net Rodeo – Saturday 11/5 with lessons at 8:30 a.m. & competition beginning at 9:30 a.m. www.baitboxsanibel.com

2016 Wines in the Wild – Saturday 11/5, SCCF fundraiser, held for the first time at SCCF’s Bailey Homestead Preserve from 5 to 7 p.m.

Inaugural Sanibel Blues & Jazz Festival sponsored by the Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club– is Sunday, 11/6 at Bailey’s Center from 1 to 7 p.m. Limited tickets, but some still available. http://www.sanibelbluesandjazzfest.org

Local Politics

For Florida registered voters, the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society and SanibelSusan ask that you vote to help conservation:

Vote “Yes” on Conservation 20/20 which is an opportunity to help safeguard Lee County’s long-term economic and environmental sustainability and quality of life by continuing to protect the county’s exceptional natural resources, yet without increasing taxes.

Vote “No” on Amendment 1 which is a deceptively-worded amendment that creates barriers for future solar power competition and slows solar use for the future. Help keep solar rights in your own hands, not in those of the utility companies.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity October 14-21, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

7 new listings: Sundial West #C310 1/1 $439K; Blind Pass #F106 2/2 $459,999; Coquina Beach #3C 2/2 $479K; Sundial West #D304 1/1 $549K; Seawind #A103 2/2.5 $564K; Kings Crown #211 3/2 $899K; Golden Beach #2 3/2.5 $1.499M.

1 price change: Coquina Beach #4C 2/2 now $449.9K.

3 new sales: Casa Blanca #8 1/1 listed at $259,989; Mariner Pointe #943 2/2.5 listed at $595K; Sundial #P205 2/2 listed at $780K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

6 new listings: 2074 Wild Lime Dr 3/2 $579K, 3918 Coquina Dr 3/2.5 $939K, 1747 Jewel Box Dr 3/2 $1.175M, 6101 Starling Way 3/4 $1.295M, 2302 Wulfert Rd 4/5 $1.595M, 1743 Venus Dr 4/3.5 $1.799M.

1 price change: 4449 Waters Edge Ln 3/3 now $4.495M.

2 new sales: 615 Hideaway Ct 3/2.5 listed at $1.195M, 3675 West Gulf Dr 3/2 listed at $3.3M.

5 closed sales: 956 Dixie Beach Blvd 2/1 $305K, 5749 Pine Tree Dr 3/3 $610K, 9468 Peaceful Dr 3/2 $739K, 1112 Olga Ave 6/2.5 duplex $849.5K, 3792 Coquina Dr 3/3 $987.5K.

LOTS

3 new listings: Island Inn Rd $189,555; 4954 Joewood Dr $499K, 6053 Sanibel-Captiva Rd $1.395M.

1 price change: 976 Whelk Dr now $719K.

No new sales.

2 closed sales: Sabal Sands Rd $250K, 5290 Punta Caloosa Ct $265K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: Bayside Villas #4102 1/2 listed at $305K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

2 new listings: 15161 Captiva Dr 4/3.5 $2.295M, 16181 Captiva Dr 5/5 $2.95M.

2 price changes: 16167 Captiva Dr 4/3 now $1.735M, 16177 Captiva Dr 2/2 now $3.45M.

No new or 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.)

Until next Friday, enjoy your fall weather & remember to call The SanibelSusan Team if we may help you with island real estate!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Sanibel & Captiva Fall Real Estate & More

Posted on October 14, 2016 by SanibelSusan

It’s SanibelSusan back at her post, at the office in Sanibel Square, after enjoying a few days in Maine/New Hampshire last weekend for a high school class reunion. Below is a photo showing the wonderful fall foliage that we don’t get to see here, but it was nice to enjoy it for a few days.

fall-2016

Following my return, island weather here has been fabulous with low humidity and wonderful breezes, the after effects of Hurricane Matthew passing by Florida.

I also have noticed more folks back on the islands, a definite increase in traffic and occupancy at local stores and restaurants. Time to plan those winter vacations, if you haven’t already.

2016 Annual Meeting – Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

An early breakfast meeting yesterday included the annual meeting and election of The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®. Congratulations to Realtors® Mike Badenoch, Tina DiCharia, and Becky Mulka, all elected as new Directors.

After the meeting, the SanibelSusan Team held open 2010 Sunrise Circle during the 9 a.m. to noon Realtor® Caravan. Beginning Nov 1, our local Realtor® Caravans go back to an every-Thursday-morning schedule. That is when Realtors® and the public can easily view new listings without needing an appointment. Here are some photos from Sunrise Circle.

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

Upcoming Events & Re-Openings

8^th Annual 10K Race 4 F.I.S.H. – Tomorrow – Oct 15 – at 7:30 a.m. with start/finish line at Sanibel Community Park (relocated due to the construction underway at The Community House and across the street from SanibelSusan Realty). The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® and SanibelSusan Realty Associates are just two of the 60-some event sponsors.

3^rd Annual CROW Golf Tournament – Tomorrow – Oct 15 – fundraiser. More info at www.crowclinic.org.

“Ding” Darling Days – Oct 16 to 22 – This year in addition to celebrating J.N. “Ding” Darling’s 140^th birthday and National Wildlife Refuge Week, “Ding” Darling Days commemorates the centennial of the convention between the U.S. and Great Britain (representing Canada) for the protection of migratory birds. Also called the Migratory Bird Treaty, it was signed on August 16, 1916. So this year, “Ding” Darling Days will focus on “all things birds”.

Family Fun Day is Sunday, Oct 16. Friday, Oct 21 is Darling’s official birthday celebration. Saturday Oct 22 is Conservation Art Day. More info at www.dingdarlingsociety.org.

Sanibel Historical Village – reopens for the season on Oct 18. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. New volunteers are always needed. http://www.sanibelmuseum.org.

Howl-o-Ween – Oct 28 – Island Paws 12^th annual part to raise $ for the Gulf Coast Humane Society, held in the parking lot of Over Easy Café from 5 to 7 p.m.

Which Groups Will Influence Future Housing Trends?

Posted yesterday on line at FloridaRealtors®, the below article is a long one, but has good insight into the future of residential real estate.

“Rising numbers of female executives, affluent immigrants, younger and older workers, and retirees will have a profound influence on community building in the U.S. over the next 10 years, according to a new Urban Land Institute (ULI) report, Demographic Strategies for Real Estate.

“According to the report, these key demographic drivers present opportunities for real estate professionals:

“The continued rise of working women – Women now earn 58% of all college degrees in the U.S., and they earn more than their spouses 38% of the time. By 2025, the number of women in the workforce will rise to 78 million, 8 million above the level in 2015.

“A rising number of affluent immigrants – Immigration will account for more than half the U.S. population growth by 2025, assuming current trends continue. Contrary to some perceptions, many immigrants coming to the U.S. are highly educated middle- and upper-class families with substantial purchasing power.

“The graying of America – By 2025, 66 million Americans will be over age 65 – 38% more than in 2015. This will create opportunities for customer segmentation, given the widely varied needs and lifestyles of younger retirees versus older ones. The surge in retirees will also create more opportunities for workers, driving incomes up for many occupations.

“Young adults driving household formation – 44 million 18-to-27-year-olds born in the 1990s will lead the majority of new household growth over the next decade, despite forming households more slowly than their predecessors. They are expected to create 14 million households by 2025.

“”This research reaffirms the extraordinary impact that demographic shifts have on real estate investment and development decisions,” says Robert Bowman, a chairman with ULI’s Residential Neighborhood Council. “Being successful in this industry means being on the front end of trends, thinking about what those trends mean for the long-term, and being able to correctly anticipate how and where people will want to live and work in the years ahead.”

“In terms of land use and development, the report predicts that the suburbs will draw about 79% of the coming wave of new households, as younger families seek “surban” communities that combine the best of urban and suburban living. Many will choose to rent rather than own homes, pushing up demand for single-family rentals in particular.

“The report groups the U.S. population by decade born, rather than by generation, to draw conclusions about behaviors shaping trends, with the most influential (and largest) groups being:

Innovators, born 1950-1959, who led a technology revolution

Equalers, born 1960-69, which became the first group with women achieving higher education levels than men

Balancers, born 1970-79, who led a shift toward achieving a better work-family balance

Sharers, born 1980-89, who led the transition to the sharing economy, which includes a higher preference to rent

Connectors, born 1990-1999, who led 24/7 wireless connectivity

Globals, born 2000-2009, who think and interact globally due to their many multi-cultural connections and free-flowing information

“Among the trends shaped by these groups:

“”Surban” developments will replace shopping centers – More retail stores will be transformed into places that sell experiences rather than goods, and more development will combine housing and retail to satisfy consumer demand for places that offer convenient, car-free shopping. An 86% surge in household formations in the coming decade will drive retail activity, particularly purchases by renters.

“Suburban office demand will return – As 1980s-born Sharers move into more senior management roles and start families, many will move from urban cores to the suburbs to live in areas with good schools that are also near employment hubs, entertainment and recreational amenities. They will be willing to share space and work remotely. Female executives will play a stronger role in office space selection.

“Housing rental rates will surge over the long term – The sharing economy’s de-emphasis on ownership will be reflected in soaring demand for rental units. Well over half of the 12.5 million net new households created over the next decade will rent, including those who have never owned, and those making the switch from owning to renting as they age. Homeownership will decline, with the national rate anticipated to be 60.8% by 2025, the lowest point since the 1950s. As more Innovators join the already large number of retirees, competition for workers will push up wages, contributing to a favorable environment for rent increases.

“Southern suburban migration will continue – The southern regions, where 42% of Americans currently live, will receive 62% of the household growth in the U.S. over the next decade. Demand will continue to rise for affordable rental housing, townhomes and small-lot detached housing, as 1990s-born Connectors join Sharers in raising families.

“Municipalities will take a stronger role in encouraging successful growth – Local government redevelopment investments have revitalized urban and suburban areas, and the most astute suburban – or surban – municipal leaders will continue changing zoning regulations to encourage mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly development that accommodates the preferences and needs of new households.

“The predictions in the report are based on several macroeconomic assumptions:

The economy will slow in the next few years and achieve 2% average real GDP growth over the decade
The influx of immigrants will remain at about 1.2 million per year
There will be no significant changes to federal entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare
Rising college tuition costs and student debt will continue to delay marriage and childbirth
Life-extending technology will allow women to have children later in life and allow older adults to remain active
Slightly higher mortgage rates will make homeownership more expensive
Rents and home prices will rise slightly faster than incomes each year.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity October 7-14, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Casa Blanca #6 1/1 $259,989; Blind Pass #F210 2/2 $479.9K; Sanibel Inn #3512 2/2 $675K; Sanibel Arms West #E2 2/2 $875K, Shorewood #1C 3/2 $875K.

2 price changes: Tennisplace #D22 1/1 now $239K, Loggerhead Cay #174 2/2 now $790K.

2 new sales: Sundial #I207 1/1 listed at $315K, Sundial #B108 1/1 listed at $369K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

7 new listings: 1714 Bunting Ln 3/2 $595K, 721 Durion Ct 3/3 $825K, 521 Lighthouse Way 3/2 $995K, 1391 Jamaica Dr 4/3 $1.295M, 900 Snowberry Ln 4/3 $3.595M, 3557 West Gulf Dr 3/3.5 $4.5M, 3577 West Gulf Dr 4/5.5 $7.595M.

1 price change: 696 Kinzie Island Ct 4/5 now $2.25M.

4 new sales: 970 Palm St 3/2 listed at $525K, 1133 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed at $679K, 6188 Henderson 3/2 listed at $779K, 1112 Olga Ave 6/2.5 (duplex) listed at $8747.2K.

No closed sales.

LOTS

2 new listings: 1299 Par View Dr $259K, 5706 Sanibel-Captiva Rd $549K.

1 price change: 1639 Serenity Ln now $295,555.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Sunset Captiva #201 2/2 now $975K.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 11514 Andy Rosse Ln 5/5 now $2.375M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

So until next Friday, please enjoy the fall weather wherever you are, but don’t forget to schedule your next island stay or buy your property to enjoy then. Winter will be here before we know it & winters on Sanibel & Captiva are the best!

P.S. Facebook followers, if you don’t follow the “Beautiful Sanibel Island” page, you are missing some terrific photos. Here is one posted yesterday saying it was taken about noon on Middle Gulf. The water looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing, Tracy W, hope you don’t mind that I am sharing too!

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Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Sanibel/Captiva Real Estate & September on Island

Posted on September 23, 2016 by SanibelSusan

It is SanibelSusan – the lone one at SanibelSusan Realty today following a week of September quiet and more summer-like weather. Gulf waters are warm and clear, shell mounds are big, and the boating had been amazing with the occasional summer showers staying mostly inland this week, or at least inland until after dark.

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Long-time (20-year) visiting Swiss client friends were in my office earlier today remarking that they have photographed the most beautiful sunsets this week. They viewed their first-ever green flash too. I am still waiting to see one.

2016-09-21-sunset

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® New Member Orientation

I participated in the Association’s new member orientation on Tuesday, where our Board of Directors and Committee Chairs urged the newbies to get involved by joining committees and aspiring to become part of the leadership team. It is always interesting to hear what new Realtors® did pre-real estate. Usually several are seasoned sales associates who sold in other parts of the country before coming to SW Florida. This group included a recent college graduate, and several professionals who changed careers (like me) to get here before they are too old to enjoy it. Those have included an engineers, teachers, attorneys, nurses, and an occasional artist or musician.

Continuing Education

Wednesday and Thursday, I completed the 14-hours of continuing education required to renew my Florida real estate license. Years ago, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® worked with educators to prepare a class curriculum. It was approved by the Florida Real Estate Commission so sales associates and brokers here can complete these 2-year requirements without driving over the causeway or taking on-line classes. The class is revised and updated every two years.

Day 1, from 9-5, was instructed by Chuck Bonamer, and in three parts: Core Law; Security and Risk Management on the Internet; and Essentials of an Effective Web Presence. Thankfully Chuck Bonamer is one of the most in-demand instructors in Florida, one of those upbeat individuals who loves what he does and does it so well. He is a Realtor® Emeritus too (that’s 40 years plus). His active role in education at the state/national level and work in litigation, coupled with a son in the real estate internet business, keep him savvy, and his material relevant.

My favorite part of our continuing ed is that Kristie Anders, Director of Education at SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation), is a state-approved instructor for the environmental segment of the curriculum. If any of you have taken a profession’s continuing education, I bet many will agree that much of the material covered is stuff that you will rarely, if ever, use. In this environmental segment, we learn things we really use – and use frequently – things that make us better island ambassadors.

2016-09-22-survey-bailey Day 2, from 8-4, with Kristie, began at the 28-acre SCCF Bailey Homestead Preserve. It was a great opportunity to peek back in history, see the latest restoration, tour the grounds and buildings, and hear about the process of its being.

A highlight is the windmill that operated the well that provided water to this Bailey family home that was built in the late 1800’s.

2016-09-22-windmill Hard to believe that Mary Bailey moved here with just her three sons and without ever visiting the island. It was a full year before they had a home to live in. (Today, it is one of only ten historic buildings on the island.)

The Native Landscapes and Garden Center (formerly Native Plant Nursery) has moved to the Bailey Homestead Preserve, as has SCCF’s shop.

The gardens illustrate what is best grown in different environmental areas of the island. They offer free advice, sell plants and mulch (and deliver), and more. 2016-09-22-garden-ctr

From the Homestead, we traveled to SCCF’s Board Room where their Natural Resource Policy Director, Rae Ann Wessel was in the audience to field questions on the latest federal, state, and local happenings regarding “clean” water and the Everglades restoration. If you haven’t signed the “Now or Neverglades” declaration, it is easy to do online at http://gladesdeclaration.org/

2016-09-22-turtles In the Nature Center, we heard about the island’s water supply, where it comes from and how it is processed at Island Water. Then we got up close and personal with an endangered indigo black snake and some local tortoises when we ran into SCCF’s Wildlife and Habitat Management Director, Chris Lechowicz. He heads the Pine Island Sound Eastern Indigo Snake Project, Diamond Terrapin Project, and Box Turtle Project.

After some dip-netting along SCCF’s wetlands, we traveled to Captiva where we boarded “Playtime” which is a 45’ catamaran out of McCarthy’s Marina with Captiva Cruises. As we headed up the channel, we passed the J.N. “Ding” Darling cottage on pilings over the water. He loved it – not his wife!

2016-09-22-ding With Dr. Rick Bartleson from SCCF’s Marine Lab on board, from there, we headed to RECON Station #39 which is out in Pine Island Sound off Redfish Pass.

2016-09-23-recon There phone equipment sends data back to the lab every three hours (like “E.T., phone home”). It provides some of the best local weather info – way more accurate than the weather reported from news stations in tall buildings in downtown Ft Myers. Go to http://recon.sccf.org/ if you want to check it out.

Since our classwork is time-sensitive when we docked at Cayo Costa, we only had time to quickly cross the boardwalk to the beach and back. The photo below is on Cayo Costa beach – likely how Sanibel used to be.

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During the boat trip, Kristie covered life in the estuary, development on the islands, and more on island wildlife flora & fauna. So the next time, I am out showing property, you can be sure there will be talk of protecting the sea grasses; bald eagles, hawks, pelicans, and kites; sea turtle nests and coyotes; puffer fish, trigger fish, and other critters from our waterways. (Photo here showings the beautiful afternoon weather, looking toward Cabbage Key and Useppa Island.)

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history-gallery The class finished at the Captiva Historical Gallery which is within the Captiva Community Center, next to the library.

Constructed to resemble the inside of the old mail boat “Santiva”, viewing this mini-museum is fun and quick. Free too. Photo to the right shows the gallery.

The History of Sanibel’s CHR

Though I have lived full-time on Sanibel for over 24 years, I did not know the entire history of CHR (Community Housing & Resources) until I read it in their fall newsletter. I bet they don’t mind that I repeat it here. It’s a wonderful real estate story.

chr-logo_main “Beginning in 1978, a group of volunteers from Sanibel and Captiva formed with a goal to provide affordable housing in support of the growing island workforce. Community Housing and Resources was formed, and the organization became a 501(c)(3) in 1979.

“CHR’s first effort a providing housing was to secure an old cottage relocated to a lot on Sanibel Island. CHR held a lottery to select who got to live in the house. The chosen couple were obligated to care for the property and when it was sold, CHR would get 20% of the proceeds. The couple ended up living there for 17 years.

“In 1983, the City of Sanibel was working on their tactics to implement the affordable housing policies contained in the Land Use Plan that was written when Sanibel was incorporated. Thanks to very dedicated and persuasive CHR board members, CHR’s model program was developed and pitched to the City, who in response created a housing foundation and hired CHR to fulfill that function. CHR was also granted funding to hire their first executive director. They hired Dorothy Newman who had extensive experience in housing, especially in federal programs. That year she generously donated her entire salary back to CHR (approximately $20K).

“Under Newman’s leadership, the first project developed was land given to CHR by Sam and Francis Bailey. Local company Mariner Properties donated several cottages that were then rebuilt by local builders and turned into two duplexes and one single-family home. It is now known as Beach Road.

“The next property to be completed was at Sanibel Highlands on Whitehall Road, which was finished in 1990, the same year that the unit located at Rabbit Road was acquired. Quickly after, additional land across from the Casa Ybel Resort, a former airstrip, was proposed to be the home of a new golf course. When the City turned down this proposal, the land became zoned for houses and CHR was given a portion of the land to develop into family housing. This became known as Airport Way, which officially became home to residents in 1992.

“CHR then got to work on their next project, Mahogany Way. The land was purchased in 1991 from funds from a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and a loan from the City secured by required contributions from the developers of The Sanctuary. Construction costs were financed by CHR’s consortium with seven local banks and Mahogany Way’s 14 units officially opened in Spring 1993. CHR also purchased its four units located in Lake Palms on Wooster Lane in 1992 and 1993 by means of a Community Development Block Grant.

“In the late 90’s/early 2000’s, CHR developed the portion of its program dedicated to serving long-time senior residents on the island, represented by the senior-only property of Casa Mariposa which was opened in 2001. This property is city-owned and backs up to protected preserve land.

“In 2003, CHR agreed on a debt for land swap with the City of Sanibel. CHR-owned properties, Beach Road, Sanibel Highlands, Airport Way and Mahogany Way, were traded ot the City to erase debt. The City now owns the land these properties are located on and CHR leases the land back.

“The Woodhaven property, which was sold to the city by a local land developer, is a 12-unit complex that was completed in 2005.

“CHR’s Riverview complex, which is a two-story, 10-unit building, was purchased in 2009. That same year, CHR acquired a single dwelling located at Algiers Beach as well as opened its complex of duplexes located at Centre Street. Centre Street is now home to eight of CHR’s Limited Equity Ownership (LEO) properties. The other LEO properties are located at Sanibel Highlands (Whitehall Road) and Beach Road.

“Continued funding from grants, private donors, and most significantly, resident rental income, has enabled CHR to continue to offer affordable housing options to the people of Sanibel for nearly 40 years.”

Note: “CHR’s LEO program allows qualified workers of Sanibel to purchase affordable housing on the island. The purchasers of LEO properties own their unit, but the land continues to be owned by CHR, similar to a condo purchase. When the owner is ready to sell, they must sell it back to CHR at a predesignated price.”

Go to www.SanibelCHR.org for more info.

Sanibel Budget Approved

On Wednesday, City Council unanimously approved Sanibel’s new budget which was mentioned in last week’s update. As posted today online at the “Santiva Chronicle”:

“We are coming back from an historic low in 2013 while continuing to drop the millage rate,” said Finance Director Steven Chaipel regarding property values.

“Less than 15% (14.9%) of a Sanibel resident’s tax bill goes to Sanibel with Lee County accounting for 26.2%, Lee County Schools 45.2% and independent special districts 13.7%.

“Tied to the budget are recent ordinances raising the non-resident season beach parking decals 10%, modest increases in fees at the Recreation Center and a restoration of building and development permits that have been waived since the economic downturn of 2008. Also recently approved were 3% increases in sewer and water reclamation fees…

“Wednesday’s budget hearing and final vote was the last in a series of budget hearings and committee meetings that make up the annual budget process….”

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

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Tennisplace #E33 2/1.1 $329.5K

1 price change: Cottage Colony West #136 1/1 now $624.9K (our listing, photos below)

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

5 new listings: 970 Palm St 3/2 $525K, 1364 Jamaica Dr 2/2 $629.9K, 3850 Coquina Dr 3/3 $899K, 1234 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 $1.299M, 1052 Whisperwood 3/3 $1.489M.

2 price changes: 1585 Serenity Ln 3/3 now $589K, 513 Lighthouse Way 3/3 now $1.88M.

3 new sales: 956 Dixie Beach Blvd 2/1 listed at $369K, 1121 Sabal St 3/2.5 listed at $699K, 5771 Baltusrol Ct 3/4 listed at $1.398M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

No new listings, price changes, new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: Bayside Villas #5240 1/2 listed at $327K

No closed sales:

HOMES & LOTS

No new listings, price changes, new or closed sales.

As the base of the windmill at SCCF’s Bailey Homestead Preserve

Enjoy your weekend…until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Water Looking Mighty Fine

Posted on September 16, 2016 by SanibelSusan

SanibelSusan here with another Friday update. It is still pretty quiet on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Mostly nice weather though, with visitors enjoying that there is no traffic and loving the stunning summer sunsets and shelling, which continued to be fabulous all week.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Yesterday was the Sanibel/Captiva Association of Realtors® September Monthly Membership Meeting. Turn-out was a little better than last month, but attendance still light. Realtors® are cramming in their vacations before the snowbirds arrive.

big-arts-loto Meeting speakers included BIG ARTS Executive Director, Lee Ellen Harder, who provided an update on their upcoming offerings for the fall/winter season. Ticket sales have already begun and they have a new web site with more info (www.BIGARTS.org).

During the Caravan section of the meeting, I was happy to announce our new listing at Pointe Santo, two price reductions (at Mariner Pointe and Sunrise Circle), and our Loggerhead Cay Open House which followed the meeting. (First time that condo has been vacant on a Caravan day since the listing began.)

No new Sanibel or Captiva sales were announced. The Sanibel/Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity since last Friday is posted below after a couple of other news items. (There was one sale, posted this morning.)

Sanibel 2016-2017 Budget Hearing

During last Saturday’s first budget hearing, Sanibel City Council unanimously approved a tentative budget for fiscal year 2016-17 of $62,468,100. The budget was prepared using the same millage rate as the current fiscal year which is 1.9139. Florida law requires that budgets be balanced. This budget compares to the 2015-2016 adopted budget of $56,039,603 and the amended budget of $66,905,637.

The tentative budget is based on Sanibel’s taxable property value for 2017 which has been preliminarily assessed $4.76 billion, which is 5.48% higher than fiscal 2016. The budget includes $1.625 million in causeway tolls from Lee County, a number consistent with bridge traffic in 2016. The budget assumes that about $5.8 million of General Fund reserves will not be spent by the end of the fiscal year and will be rolled forward to the new budget’s beginning balance. Sanibel City continues to reduce its debt, through annual debt service payments and refinancing at favorable interest rates. City-wide debt has been reduced from $79.1 million in 2006 to $40.6 million as of 2015.

Following the budget meeting, the City Council reconvened for its regular monthly meeting…The council passed two ordinances raising fees across the board at the Recreation Center. The rate increases are modest. The daily resident individual fee goes from $5 to $6 and the daily resident family fee raises from $7 to $8. The weekly resident individual fee goes from $23 to $24 and the weekly resident family fee raises from $35 to $37.

Saturday’s budget meeting was required by law, as is the second and final budget hearing which will be at 5:01 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, at City Hall.

A Step in the Right Direction

According to yesterday’s “News-Press”:

“The U.S. Senate today approved legislation authorizing the Army Corps of Engineers to move forward on a major $1.9 billion Everglades-restoration project.

“The Central Everglades Planning Project, which was included in a broader water resources bill that the Senate approved today by a vote of 95-3, is a nearly $2 billion series of engineering projects designed to reduce the need for harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee by sending more water south into the Everglades instead of east and west into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers.

“U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), a long-time supporter of Everglades-restoration projects who pushed to get the project included in this year’s water bill, hailed today’s vote as a major step toward restoring the Everglades.

“This is a big win for Florida,” Nelson said. “We’ve seen firsthand the effect these toxic discharges can have on Florida’s waterways and the local communities that depend on them. Getting this project approved is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to restore the Everglades and provide folks some much needed relief.”

“The bill now heads to the House for consideration.”

(If you are wondering what the water here looks like now, check out these photos borrowed from Facebook’s “Beautiful Sanibel page”. The waters surround the islands have been beautiful all week.)

09-15-16-beach-pix

Coastal Cleanup Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Sept 17, SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) is hosting participation in the 30^th Annual International Coastal Cleanup. If you are here and haven’t already signed up, just go to SCCF (3333 Sanibel-Captiva Rd) between 9 a.m. and noon to get your data cards and trash bags. Lunch and snacks will be provided on the SCCF Nature Center Porch from 10 a.m. until noon, along with a dumpster to dispose of the trash. (Please bring your own water and gloves to reduce use of plastic.)

National Public Lands Day, Next Saturday

Next Saturday, Sep 24, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will celebrate with free admission to Wildlife Drive all day 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and special activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

10 a.m. Caravan Tour – The first 14 people gathered at the flagpole can ride in the minibus, all others will follow in cars along Wildlife Drive. The one-hour naturalist-led tour will focus on the importance of the mangrove estuary ecosystem.
11:30 a.m. Indigo Trail Walk – Join a ranger on a one-hour hike along Indigo Trail to the Wildlife Education Boardwalk, approximately 3/4 miles. Meet at the flagpole.
1 p.m. Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Talk – Meet Ranger Kari from Kodiak, Alaska, for a 30-minute presentation about the refuge’s public uses and wildlife. Meet in the Visitor & Education Center.
2 p.m. Family Story & Craft – Meet in the Visitor & Education Center classroom for a fun, educational story and take-home conservation craft (30 minutes).

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity September 9 – 16, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Pointe Santo #C34 1/1 $599K (our listing), Pointe Santo #B23 2/2 $849K.

Take from balcony of Pointe Santo C34

4 price changes: Tennisplace #C21 2/1.5 now $375,555; Mariner Pointe #943 2/2.5 now $595K; Loggerhead Cay #211 2/2 now $599K; Cottage Colony West #136 1/1 now $624.9K (our listing).

1 new sale: Mariner Pointe #813 2/2 listed at $449K.

2 closed sales: Ibis at The Sanctuary #302 2/2 $460K, Villa Sanibel #1B 2/2 $535K.

HOMES

3 new listings: 1212 Par View Dr 2/2 $649K, 174 Southwinds Dr 2/2 half-duplex $699K, 1552 San Carlos Bay Dr 4/5.5 $2.95M.

3 price changes: 9292 Belding Dr 3/2.5 now $399K, 598 Kinzie Island Ct 3/3.5 now $1.699M, 4190 Dingman Dr 4/3.5 now $2.375M.

No new sales.

3 closed sales: 421 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $800K, 923 S Yachtsman Dr 3/2 $849K, 4440 Waters Edge Ln 3/3 $1.29M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 776 Birdie View Pt $495K.

1 price change: 2626 Coconut Dr now $279K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Lands End Village #1660 3/3 $1.625M.

1 price change: Tennis Villas #3111 1/1 now $244K.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 31 Urchin Ct 3/3 now $960K.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, wishing you stunning summer sunsets & clear water too!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Amazing Island Sunsets & Real Estate on Sanibel & Captiva

Posted on August 19, 2016 by SanibelSusan

It is SusanSusan reporting that all is well on sunny Sanibel and Captiva, where a few afternoon and evening showers cropped up this week – pretty typical for August – and resulting in some fabulous sunsets!

2016-08-15 sunset

Yesterday was the Sanibel/Captiva Association of Realtors® monthly membership meeting. More about that below, plus a few other news items followed by the other action posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service this week. (It’s not much. The only Sanibel condo sale was a SanibelSusan listing!)

August Membership Meeting Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Yesterday at the Realtors® August Breakfast Membership Meeting attendance improved, but was not back to “standing room only” like we see “in season.” With two sales, a new listing, and a price reduction to announce, I felt like I was hogging the mike, but happy to spread the word to colleagues.

FIRPTA Update

The topic discussed during the professional development segment of the meeting was FIRPTA. Speakers were affiliate members Carol McCarley of Nowack & Company (CPAs) (www.NowackMitchellCPA.com) and Julie LePore with FIRPTA Solutions. Below are a few takeaways, but be sure and contact an expert if you have questions.

Sale of U.S. real estate by a foreign person is subject to the FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980) which authorized the U.S. to tax those individuals.

Buyers purchasing U.S. real estate from foreign persons, certain buyers’ agents, and settlement officers are required to withhold 15% of the amount realized on the sale. (That amount was 10% before February 17, 2016.)

The important thing to note here is that the buyer is responsible for this withholding. That is why during closings, one of the many documents processed is a certificate of non-foreign status. This document is to protect the buyer from liability for the IRS withholding tax which applies if the seller is a foreign person. If the seller is a U.S. citizen or a U.S. resident, FIRPTA does not apply.

If the Seller is not a U.S. citizen or resident, then the buyer is required to withhold 15% of the sale price at the closing. (Here, title companies assist with that.)

Although the taxable gain from the sale is earned by and taxable to the foreign seller, the buyer is held liable for the tax if it is not paid – likely because the seller could be “long gone”.

If the seller is not a U.S. citizen/resident, the next questions are: Does the buyer have plans to use the property as his residence (to reside at the property for at least 50% of the number of days the property is used by anyone during each of the first two 12-month periods following the date of transfer) AND is the sale price less than $300,000? If a buyer answers “yes” to both of these questions, then the transaction is exempt from withholding.

But, if the sales price is more than $300,000 and the seller is a foreign person, then withholding is necessary.

Since it is the buyer, not the seller, who is obligated for withholding and the reporting required by FIRPTA, unless the transaction is exempt from withholding, the buyer must report the sale to the IRS, and pay the required tax withholding, by the 20th day after the closing date or date of transfer. This deadline is extended to the 20th day after the IRS accepts or denies a legitimate application for a “withholding certificate” if the application is filed on or before the transfer date.

In order to complete the appropriate reporting forms or apply for a withholding certificate the foreign person must have a tax identification number (ITIN). We always recommend that if a foreign seller does not already file U.S. taxes and have a tax identification number, they immediately apply for a number when their property is listed for sale.

After receiving that number and prior to the sale, a seller also may apply for a IRS withholding certification to reduce or eliminate the required amount of the withholding. (The IRS is required to act on a request for a withholding certificate within 90 days of receipt of the application.) Once a withholding certificate is granted, the 15% (amount withheld in escrow at closing) may be released to the seller.

The IRS generally grants withholding certificates (so no withholding is required) if 15% of the sale proceeds exceeds the seller’s maximum tax liability.

When in doubt, please consult a tax professional and do it early!

Right of First Refusal vs. Kick Out Clause

Since this same subject just came up with one of our listings, it was timely to see the below article posted on line Tuesday by Florida Realtors® Margy Grant. Friend and fellow New Englander, Margy is Vice President and General Counsel for Florida Realtors®. As she describes a “first refusal” and a “kick-out clause” are very different:

“Given the number of questions we field on the Florida Realtors Legal Hotline about the terms “right of first refusal” and “kick out clause,” it seems time to clear up the confusion. They are often used interchangeably in real estate transactions despite the fact that “right of first refusal” and “kick out clause” are unrelated legal concepts.

“The right of first refusal is a right in a contract that requires a seller to give a third party the chance to match the offer that a buyer has made to buy a piece of property. You often find this provision in Florida condominium governing documents. They give owners in a particular condominium association specific right to purchase units before they are sold to a buyer outside the complex. The right is only triggered after the seller gets an offer on the property, and then usually anyone in the complex who can match the offer may step into the shoes of the buyer who has signed a purchase agreement. The transaction then moves forward with the new buyer. You may also find rights of first refusals in commercial transactions, leases and other residential real estate agreements.

“Kick out clauses are usually reserved for residential real estate transactions. They are designed to provide more protection to a seller if the seller grants a contingency that allows a buyer to cancel the contract if the contingency is not met. Most often a kick out clause is found in an addendum to the contract and addresses the financing contingency or a contingency on the sale of the buyer’s other property. Florida Realtors provides this addendum in the forms library as Rider X of the CR-4 entitled “Kick Out Clause.”

“If this addendum is included in the purchase contract, and the seller opts to enter into a back-up contract, the seller must provide the first buyer with copies of the contract, removing the identity of the other buyer and purchase price. The first buyer then must make an additional deposit of an agreed amount and waive any financing or sale of property contingencies (other contingencies may survive.) If the buyer fails to make an additional deposit or waive the contingencies, then the first purchase contract is terminated, all deposits are refunded to the first buyer and the seller may sell the property to the second buyer.

“If your client is interested in adding a kick out clause, make sure you meet all requirements in the addendum. Also, make sure that if buyer number one does not perform, the back-up contract is successfully converted into a binding agreement. Florida Realtors provides an addendum called the Rider W of the CR-4 entitled “Back-Up Contract” for this purpose.

“We do not recommend sellers sign a second purchase contract unless they are confident they did not accidentally sell the property to two buyers. Without the right addendum, a seller could face damages from one or both buyers. No matter how attractive a second purchase contract is, the seller must first meet the obligations in the first contract.

“Realtors play essential roles in both of these scenarios but should not attempt to counsel buyers and sellers on legal outcomes. In the event of confusion or a dispute, you should advise your sellers and buyers to consult legal counsel.”

“Smart” Home

REALTOR-Magazine_Logo_ July-August 2016, “Realtor®” magazine made some excellent points on “smart” technology as it relates to selling homes. Here is a good tidbit:

“What is a smart home? The term “smart house” was coined in the 1980’s by the National Association of Home Builders to refer to a home with integrated telephones, lighting, audio, and security. Such systems required special wiring and typically cost tens of thousands of dollars. But the concept has evolved with the proliferation of inexpensive devices than can be operated via smartphone and can make data accessible online. In May, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC joined forces with consumer technology news source CNet to define a smart home as “equipped with network-connected products…connected via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or similar protocols for controlling, automating, and optimizing functions” of the home. Their definition stipulates that the home has internet access, a smart security or temperature system, and at least two other smart features, such as appliances, entertainment devices, heating or cooling equipment, lighting, landscaping elements, air quality monitors, or thermostats.”

Island Renovations & Closings

August and September are often when many island communities, complexes, and businesses do their big maintenance projects or updates. Sometimes that also is when restaurants take an annual breather too – with staff vacations. Here are a few:

Bleu Rendez-Vous French Bistro – is ready to take their summer break. They close beginning August 21 and will reopen for “season” on October 6. www.bleurendezvous.com/

Traders Gulf Coast Grill & Gifts (note their new name) – will take their annual break beginning September 3, reopening October 3 when the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum hosts its annual fundraiser, Celebrity Island Dinner. www.tradersgulfcoast-hub.com & www.shellmuseum.org.

The Community House (Sanibel Community Association) – new roof trusses have been going up all week at The Community House. Construction ongoing until early December.

Sand Pointe – all balconies are being restored now. Work is expected to be completed by October 28.

Sandpebble – replacement of the piping in the vertical stacks going to units is scheduled for late September.

Sanibel Moorings – balcony restorations are underway in Buildings 6, 8, and 9. Work is expected to be completed by the end of September. www.SanibelMoorings.com

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity August 12-19, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Tennisplace #A35 2/1.5 $319K, Loggerhead Cay #452 2/2 $549K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Sanibel Moorings #822 2/2 listed at $449K (our listing).

No closed sales.

HOMES

2 new listings: 545 Piedmont Rd 3/2 $695K, 3869 West Gulf Dr 6/7/2 $8.975M.

2 price changes: 998 Beach Rd 3/3 now $899.9K, 526 N Yachtsman Dr 3/2 now $995K.

2 new sales: 1439 Albatross Rd 3/2 listed at $499,994; 1390 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 listed at $529K.

2 closed sales: 760 Windlass Way 3/3 $924K, 1230 Bay Dr 3/3 $1.38M.

LOTS

2 new listings: 9441 Peaceful Dr $299K (our listing), 976 Whelk Dr $759K.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

2 new sales: 16163 Captiva Dr 3/2 listed at $2.695M, 1135 Longifolia Ct 4/4.5 listed at $3.995M.

1 closed sale: Captiva Bay Villas #B 3/3.5 $1.705M.

HOMES

1 new listing: 11521 Andy Rosse Ln 7/7.5 $2.999M.

No price changes or new sales.

2 closed sales: 57 Sandpiper Ct 2/2 $830K, 16790 Captiva Dr 5/5 multi-family $5M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, here’s hoping you see lots of pretty sunsets too!

P.S. & don’t forget to call me if you are thinking of buying/selling real estate on Sanibel or Captiva Islands. Thank you!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

2016-08-15 Captiva Sunset

August Arrives to Sunny Sanibel

Posted on August 5, 2016 by SanibelSusan

The SanibelSusan Team had a little boost of activity this week. Maybe, it was related to schools starting here next week and families getting in their last summer island vacations. Several of our listings had good showing action and Wednesday in arranging appointments to show investment condos, we found that only a handful were vacant.

Not much was announced yesterday at our Thursday morning Association of Realtors® Caravan Meeting which was lightly attended. Guess many Realtors® are getting in their last summer vacations too. Only two properties were on the following Caravan, including our new listing at 533 Rabbit Road.

It is a sweet near-beach home with more than $38K in rentals booking with just 4 long-term tenants from November 1 through June 1. Great opportunity for someone to buy now and enjoy that income. Click here to view the streaming video.

The activity posted since last Friday in the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service follows a few news items below, but first a few more photos from our friend Scott who was still in town snapping his wonderful bird shots. I am so thankful that he happily allows me to share them with you too. He said these Great White Egret pix were taken Sunday in Tarpon Bay. Each one is special, so I had to share them all!

egret 6 egret 5 egret 3 Egret 2 egret 4 Egret 1

Now or Neverglades Declaration

Chamber sign Also yesterday morning, a diverse crowd of supporters gathered in front of The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce to sign the “Now or Neverglades Declaration”. It calls for a scientific solution to stopping the damaging discharges from Lake Okeechobee. In addition to many business owners, Realtors®, local leaders and concerned citizens, participants included Daniel Andrews of Captains for Clean Water, SCCF’s Natural Resource Policy Director Rae Ann Wessel, and City Natural Resources Director James Evans – all speaking about the issues facing Southwest Florida waters and what needs to be done to save it.

“One of the most critical things we need to do now is communicate with the governor and ask him to move the planning process for storage south of (Lake Okeechobee) up to this summer,” Wessel told the crowd. “(It needs to happen) while they plan storage for north of the lake.”

The declaration calls for the use of Amendment One money to create storage and treatment and move water south from the lake to The Everglades. More than 200 scientists say that it is essential to restoring the Everglades, Florida Bay, and the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie River estuaries.

There are currently more than 21,000 supporters who have signed the declaration. To learn more or sign it, visit gladesdeclaration.org.

Baby Boomers Chart New Direction in Housing

REALTOR-Magazine_Logo_ As a Baby Boomer who has no intention of retiring anytime soon, I enjoyed this recent article from “Daily Real Estate News” on line by “Realtor®Mag” who sourced it to “Mortgage New Daily” (July 19, 2016).

“Economists are having a tough time figuring out what housing market moves baby boomers will make next.

“Americans over the age of 55 are veering from previous generations, opting not to retire but instead launching second or even third careers. They are shunning the traditional patterns of retirement and that could have a big impact on their housing choices, according to Freddie Mac’s latest Insight report focusing on the baby boomer generation.

“Baby boomers are a critical piece to the housing market puzzle. Americans over the age of 55 make up a quarter of the population and control about two-thirds of the single-family home equity in the nation. Sixty-five-year-olds who, on average purchased a home 35 years ago now tend to have a home value that is likely 3.7 times what they purchased it for.

“Nearly a quarter of baby boomers recently surveyed by Freddie Mac say they need major renovations in their current home in order to stay there as they age. Many say they may face financial constraints to take on those remodels. For others who do plan to age in place, they may be underestimating the extent of the financial costs of outfitting their home with features so they can do so, says Sean Becketti, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

“As such, about 18 million home owners over the age of 55 may be shopping for another house in the next few years, according to the Insights Report.

“The main reasons to move aren’t due to downsizing either. Instead, the survey showed the key influences making these generations move are: Affordability of the community, the need for retirement amenities, and a home with less maintenance.

“Bottom line, the authors note, the 55-plus population likely is to be an active part of the housing economy for years to come still.

Source: “Boomers Ignoring Conventional Housing Wisdom,” Mortgage News Daily (July 19, 2016)

Banner Year for Sea Turtles Continues

It was so much fun on Wednesday when showing property to hear the prospect say that she can’t wait to move here and become a “turtle” volunteer. A 1-hour session with SCCF’s Education Director, Kristie Anders, and a few beach strolls talking to some already-trained turtle patrollers have her excited. She loved hearing that our Association of Realtors® years ago got Kristie approved to teach a segment of the continuing education required for Realtors® to maintain our real estate licenses. Every two years in Florida, 14-hours of classroom instruction are required. Each fall our local association offers a new curriculum meeting that meets that annual requirement. I am all signed up for September where Kristie will be one of the instructions and will update us on island environmental considerations.

loggerhead_sea_turtle_baby_blog Back to the turtles…According to today’s “Island Sun”: “Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) officials are reporting a banner year for loggerheads nesting on Sanibel and Captiva. As of August 1, the nest numbers for the east and west end of Sanibel were 164 and 422, respectively. The previous records for these beaches were 120 and 376 (both set in 2015). As of August 1, 183 nests have been laid on Captiva, also breaking the previous record of 179 nests laid in 2000.

“With 722 total loggerhead nests on the two islands, and scattered nesting continuing into August, this year has shattered the all-time record of 622 nests for the two islands combined.

“While records are being broken on Sanibel and Captiva, the statewide numbers won’t be totaled until the end of the season in October.

“At least for the SCCF Sea Turtle Program, these numbers show that decades of coordinated conservation efforts are starting to pay off, including nest protection, reducing fisheries interactions and limiting artificial lighting in coastal communities.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity July 29 – August 5, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Sanibel Arms West #J6 2/2 $495K, Sundial A208 2/2 $799K, Somerset #D302 3/2.5 $1.85M.

2 price changes: Sanibel Arms West #B8 2/2 now $529.9K, Gulfside Place #115 2/2 now $1.595M.

3 new sales: Tennisplace #D21 1/1 listed at $229K, Ibis at The Sanctuary #A302 2/2 listed at $485K, Sandalfoot #5A1 2/2 listed at $799K.

4 closed sales: Casa Blanca #6 1/1 $248K, Blind Pass #A102 2/2 $385K, Sealoft Village #106 2/2 $570K, Tarpon Beach #201 2/2 $715K.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 4995 Joewood Dr 4/3 now $2.995M.

2 new sales: 975 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 listed at $769K, 923 S Yachtsman 3/2 listed at $867K.

6 closed sales: 5131 San-Cap Rd 2/2 $445K, 9475 Beverly Ln 3/2 $492.5K, 4737 Rue Belle Mer 3/2 $629.9K, 242 Christopher Ct 3/2 $715K, 3335 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 $751.5K, 824 Limpet Dr 3/3 $1.225M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new sale: Beach Villas #2416 1/1 listed at $519K.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 11524 Andy Rosse Ln 5/5.5 $2.695M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 11530 Paige Ct 4/5.5 listed at $3.585M.

1 closed sale: 17130 Captiva Dr 4/4 $3.4M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, here’s another sunset photo from Scott…each one just gets better and better!

Happy weekend all! Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan

scott sunset 07-31-16

Sanibel Summer & Ospreys, oh my…

Posted on July 15, 2016 by SanibelSusan

It is Susan reporting that it has been another “quiet” week on the islands. No Association of Realtors® caravan meeting yesterday, but the activity in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service over the last seven days follows a few news items below.

First a few photos from our friend, Scott, who shares his pictures with us – for the blog. These ospreys love his dock! Thank you, Scott!

Sea Turtle Nests Break Record on East Sanibel

kemp turtle Following up on last week’s post about sea turtles, SCCF’s (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) blog on Wed, July 13, posted the following:

“Today SCCF’s Sea Turtle Program confirmed that Sanibel’s East End has broken the record for nest numbers since we began recording. We officially have 122 loggerhead nests on the East End.

“2015 was the previous record holder with 120 nests. Prior to that, the average for nests on the East end was 38 per year! We are having an excellent season!

“Here’s how you can ensure all those nests, hatchlings, and momma’s stay safe:

Respect all staked nests.
Turn off all lights – Nesting females and hatchlings primarily emerge after dark so remember to turn off all lights. Sea turtles use the brightest horizon to navigate towards the water. Any artificial lighting will cause confusion and steer turtles in the wrong direction. This includes beachfront lighting, flash lights, flash photography, and even iPhones.
Remove all beach furniture and toys – Clear everything off the beach from 9 p.m. – 7 a.m. Obstacles on the beach can cause nesting females and hatchlings to become entangled.
Fill in all holes on the beach – if you dug a hole on the beach please fill it in. Nesting females and hatchlings can fall into holes, causing them to be vulnerable to predators.
Never approach a nesting sea turtle – if approached the sea turtle will likely abandon her nesting attempt

sea-turtle-eggs “Loggerhead Sea Turtle Facts

Loggerheads are one of seven species of sea turtles in the world
Nesting/hatching season occurs from April 15 through October 31
Adult loggerheads can grow to more than 3-feet long and weight 200 to 350 lbs
A female loggerhead may nest around 3-6 times per season
Each nest contains 100 or more leathery ping-pong ball sized eggs
Incubation takes about 55 to 65 days depending on sand temperature
It may take 30 years or more for loggerhead hatchlings to reach maturity.”

2016 Profile of International Activity in U.S. Residential Real Estate

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) just issued the results of the annual survey by their Research Division which measures the share of U.S. residential real estate sales to international clients. The report divides those international or foreign clients into two types:

Non-resident foreigners who are non-U.S. citizens with permanent residences outside the U.S. They typically purchase for investment, vacations, or other visits of less than six months.
Resident foreigners who also are non-U.S. citizens, but are recent immigrants (or in the country for less than two years) or temporary visa-holders residing for more than six months for professional, educational, or other reasons.

The report contains some interesting information. Here are a few excerpts:

“Amid slower economic growth in many countries and the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, fewer non-resident foreigners purchased U.S. residential properties while resident foreigners stepped up their purchases. Meanwhile more U.S. domestic clients searched for properties abroad…
Foreign buyers purchase $102.6 billion of residential property from April 2015 – March 2016, a decrease from $103.9 billion in the previous 12-month period…
Non-resident foreigners accounted for 41% of foreign buyers while resident foreigners made up 59%. In past years, the number of foreign buyers was split almost evenly between resident and non-resident foreign buyers…
Foreign buyers typically purchase more expensive properties…
45% of foreign buyers who purchased residential property came from China ($27B), Canada ($8.9B), India ($6.1B), the United Kingdom ($5.5B), and Mexico ($4.8B)…
Non-resident foreign buyers made up the bulk of buyers from Canada and the United Kingdom while resident foreign buyers came from China, India, and Mexico…
Although foreigners purchased property nationwide, five states accounted for 51% of total residential property purchases: Florida (22%), California (15%), Texas (10%), Arizona (4%), and New York (4%)…
72% of non-resident foreigner buyers purchased the property as a vacation and/or residential rental property for investment while 21% of resident foreign buyers purchased the property for vacation and/or rental use…
50% of reported transactions were all cash…
Previous client contacts and referrals accounted for 47%….”
Florida and Arizona attracted buyers from Latin America, Europe, and Canada who tend to purchase properties in warm climates for vacation purposes…
The outlook for international real estate activity in the U.S. remains positive. The decline in the value of the British Pound following Brexit is likely to mean fewer buyers from the United Kingdom. However, businesses and foreign real estate investors may choose to stay away from the United Kingdom, and the United States could become an attractive alternative.”

Corps to Cut Back Lake O Releases

As reported on line yesterday (July 14) by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF):

“Some good news — the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted the request made during this week’s Periodic Scientists Call to reduce flows from Lake Okeechobee to 2,800 cfs measured at the Franklin Lock from last week’s average 4,158 cfs. Flows to the St. Lucie will be reduced to 650 cfs. There should be some improvement in water clarity because of the reduction — but that would also require that rainfall not be heavy enough to increase the amount of runoff from the Caloosahatchee’s own watershed.

“SCCF participates in a weekly conference call with the Army Corps and South Florida Water Management District as part of a local stakeholders group, which also includes J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the City of Sanibel, Lee County, the Town of Fort Myers Beach and the City of Cape Coral. As part of this process, the partners prepare a weekly Caloosahatchee Conditions Report. During this week’s call, stakeholders requested a slowdown on the lake releases.

You can find the reports on our website.”

In other SCCF news, their Natural Resource Policy Director Rae Ann Wessel spoke at a congressional hearing yesterday in DC on the water quality crisis in Southwest Florida and St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach counties on Florida’s east coast. In part, she said:

“We need to recognize this is a national issue requiring science that informs and directs public policies to protect the natural resources in our backyard,” Wessel testified. “This is an economic crisis as well as an environmental one, with 47,000 jobs in our $3 billion tourism industry at stake. We must act now to stop the harmful algal blooms that extend over 35 miles of the Caloosahatchee as we speak. We ask four things of Congress today. Bring greater science to bear in seeking solutions. Pass WRRDA (The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2016). Continue the Tamiami Trail bridging. Accelerate the implementation of the CERP (Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan) project to store water in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) south of Lake Okeechobee. These four actions will provide the greatest impacts for resolving the water quality crisis on Florida’s two coasts.”

The Interagency Working Group hearing was the start of “Lagoon-Gulf Action Day” on Capitol Hill. Participating agencies included:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

United States Geological Survey (USGS)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity July 8-15, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

No new listings.

3 price changes: Sanibel Arms #F2 1/1 now $515K, Sandpiper Beach #203 2/2 now $699K, Tanglewood #1A 3/2 now $1.1479M.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 4428 Waters Edge Ln 3/2.5 $1,299,999.

5 price changes: 1746 Windward Way 3/2 now $540K, 810 Elinor Way 3/2 now $649K, 519 Kinzie Island Ct 3/2.5 now $1.395M, 513 Lighthouse Way 3/3 now $1.929M, 1306 Seaspray Ln 3/4 now $3.895M.

3 new sales: 726 Cardium St 3/3 listed at $775K, 760 Windlass Way 3/3 now $979K, 2251 Starfish Ln 4/3.5 listed at $1.295M.

2 closed sales: 2407 Shop Rd 3/1 $330K, 1317 Eagle Run Dr 4/3.5 $1.075M.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 1242 Anhinga Ln listed at $525K.

1 closed sale: 2988+2993 Wulfert Rd $799K.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Bayside Villas #4214 1/2 $317.5K.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

HOMES & LOTS

Nothing to report.

Scott shared this sunset photo too! It’s a beauty!

Sunset 07-09-16

Thanks again, Scott ! Here’s hoping everyone’s weekend sunsets are beautiful too!

TGIF! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

It’s a Happy May on Sanibel & Captiva

Posted on May 20, 2016 by SanibelSusan

SanibelSusan here reporting another quiet week on the islands. There were no traffic directors at the Periwinkle intersections today and even the resorts have vacancies – a typical pre-summer pattern – but also a wonderful time to be here. Most locals swear that May and October are the best months on the islands – great weather and easy maneuvering when enjoying “all” of the things to do here – and the Royal Poinciana are in bloom in all their splendor!

LakeMurexRoyal1

In the island real estate world, there was no Realtor® Caravan Meeting yesterday. Considering that it is “after season” though, a surprising number of new Sanibel listings came on the market this week (12 over the last seven days). There also were nine price reductions, and ten closings. Not so much real estate action on Captiva, however, where there were no new listings, but four price reductions, and three new sales.

It’s a terrific time to be come to look at property as most listings are easy to view and probably will be until schools are out and summer vacationers start arriving.

The details of the activity posted since last Friday in the Sanibel and Captiva Multiple Listing Service follow a few news items below.

23^rd Annual Sam Bailey’s Island Night

On Wednesday, June 1, Island Night will return to Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink Sports Complex when the Fort Myers Miracle play the St. Lucie Mets. This is the 23^rd year of this annual community tradition that encourages islanders to come together for a fun evening of baseball and camaraderie. Pre-game festivities with parade begin at 5:30 p.m. with the game at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are free and available at Bailey’s General Store (both in Bailey’s Center and at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa) and at event sponsors which include island service organizations. Again this year, the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club and the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club will be in a friendly competition to support local charities.

2016 Sanibel Prescribed Burns

Sanibelcityseal logo Yesterday, Sanibel’s Natural Resources Department issued the following news release about the upcoming prescribed burns:

“During the 2016 spring/summer season, the Sanibel Prescribed Fire Partnership will be looking to conduct prescribed burns on the following conservation lands:

Bailey Tract (USFWS J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge)
Frannies/Johnston Tract (SCCF)
Sanibel Gardens Preserve (City of Sanibel/SCCF)
South Center Tract & Postell Tract (SCCF & City of Sanibel)
Gulfside City Park Extension (City of Sanibel)

“To view a map of the conservation lands, please click here.

“We would like to invite the public to an informational meeting on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the “Ding” Darling Visitor and Education Center to discuss the burn plans and address any questions or concerns.

“When forecasted conditions are favorable, the Sanibel Prescribed Fire Partnership will issue further notification that a prescribed burn is possible and identify the specific location of the burn. All prescribed fires must be authorized by the Florida Forest Service on the morning of the scheduled burn. A change in the forecast conditions may result in cancellation of the planned burn. A prescribed fire will NOT be conducted if the prescription conditions cannot be met prior to ignition or if conditions change after the prescribed fire has been ignited.

“A burn plan, or “prescription,” has been established for the priority areas within these conservation lands. The prescription details the required conditions that must exist in order for a prescribed burn to take place. These include environmental conditions such as soil moisture, fuel conditions, and recent rainfall as well as forecasted and actual weather conditions including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and wind direction. Following a predefined prescription allows fire management officers to establish the desired fire behavior (intensity, flame length, direction of fire spread and smoke). The prescription also identifies the number of qualified fire personnel needed to conduct the burn as well as the types and number of equipment required to safely complete the burn.

“Why are prescribed fires needed?

“Fire is a natural part of Florida’s ecosystem, historically set by lightning. Because of this history of periodic fires many of Florida’s natural communities are adapted to burning. Fire removes old vegetation, promotes new growth of native vegetation and suppresses the growth of non-native invasive plants. In the absence of fire many plant communities are displaced by dense, woody vegetation which can reduce plant diversity and eliminate foraging opportunities for the island’s wildlife. Species such as the gopher tortoise, eastern indigo snakes, and the Sanibel rice rat all depend on a fire maintained ecosystem. In addition to the natural benefits of fire, carefully planning and conducting managed burns can prevent the likelihood of catastrophic wildfires and help preserve the natural ecology of the area. This technique, called “prescribed fire,” reduces the amount of vegetation – or “fuel”-that would be available in the event of a wildfire.

“Why can’t prescribed burns be conducted some other time?

“The window of opportunity for conducting prescribed burns in southwest Florida is very narrow and may vary from year to year. By mid to late spring, soils and fuels are often too dry and prescribed fires may be prohibited by State authorities. By mid- to late summer, soils on Sanibel are often too wet, humidity is high, and afternoon thunderstorms render wind conditions unsuitable. Plus, on any given day all the conditions detailed in the prescription must be met and personnel and resources must be available to conduct the burn. To maximize our opportunities for conducting prescribed fires, the Sanibel Prescribed Fire Partnership has identified a number of priority burn sites for 2016. Because the prescription requirements for each site are different, this provides us with the flexibility to determine if the forecast conditions will meet the prescription requirements for any of the priority burns sites and then to schedule the prescribed fire accordingly.

“What can I expect on the day of a prescribed burn?

“Depending on the wind direction and strength, it may be possible to see or smell smoke. The fire prescription identifies the specific wind conditions necessary to achieve the burn objectives while minimizing smoke impacts to roads and communities. However, smoke and ash associated with a prescribed burn cannot be prevented. Smoke sensitive individuals should keep their windows closed and avoid outdoor activities in the affected areas. If you would like to be registered on the City’s list of smoke sensitive individuals, please contact Joel Caouette in the City’s Natural Resources Department at (239) 472-3700. Once registered, the City will notify you in advance of any prescribed burn on Sanibel.

“During the prescribed burn operations, residents and visitors are encouraged to:

close windows
cover pools
move cars and furniture indoors
stay indoors to minimize the impacts from smoke
visit other areas of the Island away from the burn site
abide by all signs, road closures, and instructions about closed areas provided by law enforcement and fire personnel

“After the prescribed burn has been completed, there may be occasional smoke or burning embers seen from the burned area for several days. Fire personnel will monitor the burned area and adjacent roads, day and night, taking all precautions and maintaining readiness to minimize fire activity and smoke impacts to the public. Do not be alarmed if you see smoke or burning embers within a burned area.

“Is Sanibel at risk for wildfires?

“Of course! However, prescribed fires, planned and carefully conducted by well-trained and experienced fire personnel are a cost-effective way to reduce fuel loads on Sanibel and reduce the risk of a catastrophic wildfire. To address safety and wildland fire issues on Sanibel, the City of Sanibel, the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge formed the “Sanibel Firewise Task Force.” To reduce the risk of wildfire around your home, the Sanibel Firewise Task Force recommends that you:

Trim dead palm fronds from trees
Trim tall grasses near the home
Prune large, leafy hardwood trees so the lowest branches are six to ten feet above the ground
Do not store combustible materials such as gasoline containers, firewood, and building supplies under or around the home, and
Keep mulch and other landscaping material well watered

“For additional information regarding fire and prescribed burning on Sanibel, please contact the City of Sanibel Natural Resources Department at (239) 472-3700.

Watch Out for Inflation

As follow-up to the 2016 National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo in Washington, DC last week, here are some predictions from NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun as reported in Friday’s “Daily Real Estate News”:

“Home sales will grow modestly this year, but a continuing inventory shortage will keep upward pressure on prices and make it hard for many people to buy, even though interest rates remain low…

“Yun predicted existing home sales will rise to 5.5 million at the end of the year, up slightly from 5.4 million last year. New-home sales will rise to 540,000 units from half a million, but because that segment of the market is currently so far below historical levels, the gains won’t come close to closing the inventory gap, Yun said.

What’s more, most new homes are at higher price points, exacerbating affordability struggles for first-time and moderate-income home buyers. Yun said larger homes are the most profitable for builders, who have to worry about meeting local ordinances and other costs. He added that most new homes come on the market at more than $300,000.

“The West saw home prices rise 35% over the last three years, making that the least affordable part of the country and dampening sales there, he said. While sales increased almost 20% last year in the Northeast, they dropped almost 10% in the West.

“Inventory shortages continue to be a main driver of price increases, which were almost 7% nationally last year. The increase far outpaced wage gains, which were up only about 2%. Yun is forecasting prices to rise another 4.5% this year.

“Continuing low interest rates are a bright spot, but Yun warned that when inflation picks up, mortgage rates will follow suit. Yun said today’s low consumer price index (CPI), at about 1.7%, doesn’t reflect the rise in prices people are seeing on everyday items because low gas prices are keeping the broader index down.

“But CPI won’t stay low forever. Yun said the monthly rental rate tenants pay is going up (almost 4% this year, a seven-year high) and that will send the broader index up. When that happens, the Federal Reserve will raise the short-term interest rate it charges banks, which in turn will impact mortgage rates.

“Right now he’s forecasting mortgage rates to be at 3.9% at the end of this year, about where they were last year, and to rise to 4.6% in 2017. Yun identified 6% as a mortgage-rate threshold, noting anything much higher than that will curb home sales. “If rates get to 7 or 8%,” he said, “watch out.”

“Bottom line: Look for modest market growth this year and next, but as long as inventory shortages persist, homes will become increasingly unaffordable. Once mortgage rates start going up, which they could do as rental rates continue rising, sales will be hurt.”

What Makes a Smart Home Smart?

smart-home-essentials-for-living-85947231 Interesting info posted last week on FloridaRealtors® and sourced to “Smart Home Glossary,” and “Smart Home and Internet of Things FAQ,” CRT Labs (May 2016)

“More consumers than ever see the benefits of buying a home with smart technology. A 2016 Coldwell Banker survey found that owners believe smart home technology makes their home safer, saves them money and saves them time.

“The same survey also found that 54% of homeowners would buy or install smart home products if they were selling their home because they believe it would make the home sell faster.

“In order to help agents and consumers understand the common smart home benefits and buzzwords, CRT Labs put together a guide. Here are some highlights:

“Smart home terms and facts

“What are the benefits of smart home technology?

“Smart home technology automates household tasks like adjusting a home’s temperature, unlocking the front door or opening the garage door using voice-activation devices. Smart devices can work together to offer owners safety by alerting them if something in their home seems amiss, and it can save owners money by automatically controlling the temperature and energy of a home. Insurance companies and utility companies may offer reduced rates and rebates for homes with smart devices.

“Who owns the data, how is it used and are there security risks?

“A home’s smart home data can be used in a variety of ways, according to CRT Labs. Data is “generally used by smart device companies to improve product development and provide additional services to their customers,” but: “You should also read the vendor’s privacy policy to see what they are legally allowed to do with the data. They may allow themselves to sell your data to third parties, so read carefully.”

“What’s the impact on selling prices?

“On a large scale, the financial impact is yet to be seen since the technology is so new, but survey results showed that 72% of millennial owners would spend $1,500 or more to add smart home technology. Fifty-nine percent of parents with children would also pay more for a smart home, according to Coldwell Banker’s survey.

“3 smart home phrases to know:

“IoT (Internet of Things): This buzzword describes automated devices like lights, thermostats and locks that work together and are connected by the Internet. IoT products use data to simplify things that previously weren’t automated.

“Hub: In the world of smart homes, a hub is almost like a universal remote, according to CRT Labs. A hub is the main device that connects all of the different smart home products together so they’re all automated.

“SmartMeter: These electric and gas meters help owners monitor their utility usage by sending real time meter readings.”

Leaving Your Property for the Summer

Some excellent tips were posted this month in “LCEC News” (Lee County Electric Cooperative):

“If you are leaving your home for the summer, there are some very important tasks you should consider to keep your home in tip-top shape while you’re gone:

Enroll in LCEC kiloWATCH so you can be alerted of any unusual electricity usage. Sign up at www.lcec.net.
Avoid mildew damage by installing a timer on the air conditioner to cycle the air for two hours per day. Or install a humidistat and set it to cycle when indoor humidity reaches 65%.
Unplug the water heater.
Leave all interior doors open to promote airflow. Space out clothing, shoes, and other stored materials for the same reason.
Fill jugs of tap water to put inside the refrigerator/freezer – a full unit will use less power than an empty one.
Finally, have a neighbor, friend, or professional house sitter check your home periodically during your absence.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity May 13-20, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Tennisplace #D22 1/1 $249.9K, Loggerhead Cay #152 2/2 $999K, Pine Cove #104 3/2 $1.495M.

3 price changes: Sanibel Moorings #822 2/2 now $449K (our listing), Mariner Pointe #733 2/2 now $519K, Loggerhead Cay #211 2/2 now $615K.

(Photos below are some of the community amenities at Sanibel Moorings. Click the tab above for more info on this listing.)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

1 new sale: Sanddollar #C101 2/2 listed at $870K.

2 closed sales: White Caps South #7 1/1 $520K, Sanibel Arms West #L4 2/2 $520K.

HOMES

8 new listings: 984 Greenwood Ct 3/2 half-duplex $462K, 376 Lake Murex Blvd 3/2 $598K, 1426 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $675K, 1333 Par View Dr 3/2 $879K, 931 S Yachtsman Dr 4/2.5 $880K, 641 Lake Murex Cir 4/3 $975K, 598 Kinzie Island Ct 3/3.5 $1.895M, 1137 Golden Olive Ct 5/3.5 $2.695M.

5 price changes: 1746 Windward Way 3/2 now $580K, 3364 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 now $750K, 4775 Rue Helene 4/3 now $845K, 5075 Joewood Dr 4/4.5 now $3.7497M, 4449 Waters Edge Ln 3/3 now $4.65M.

8 new sales: 2407 Shop Rd 3/1 listed at $349K; 5131 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 2/2 listed at $465K; 535 Birdsong Pl 3/2 listed at $499,999; 9475 Beverly Ln 3/2 listed at $529.5K; 1702 Sand Pebble Way 3/2.5 listed at $535K; 676 Emeril Ct 3/2 listed at $749K; 1317 Eagle Run Dr 4/3.5 listed at $1.195M; 4353 Gulf Pines Dr 3/2.5 listed at $1.479M.

6 closed sales: 748 Martha’s Ln 3/2 $500K, 1460 Court Pl 6/5.5 multi-family $610K, 1970 Wild Lime Dr 4/3 $690K, 775 Birdie View Pt 3/2.5 $900K, 5773 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 2/2 $950K, 819 Lindgren Blvd 4/3.5 $1.24M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 2441/2453 Los Colony Rd $179K.

1 price change: 497 Sea Oats Dr now $499K.

No new sales.

2 closed sales: 5749 Sanibel-Captiva Rd $600K, 3723 West Gulf Dr $2.6M.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

2 price changes: Tennis Villas #3227 1/1 now $279.9K, Bayside Villas #4202 1/2 now $305K.

No new sales.

2 closed sales: Beach Villas #2632 2/2 $675K, Beach Homes #20 3/3 $2.4M.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 11523 Wightman Ln 4/4 now $1.949M.

3 new sales: 57 Sandpiper Ct 2/2 listed at $885K, 17130 Captiva Dr 4/4 listed at $3.998M, 16665 Captiva Dr 2/2 listed at $4.8M.

1 closed sale: 16665 Captiva Dr 2/2 $4.55M.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 16298 Captiva Dr now $4.999M.

No new or closed sales.

Until Memorial Day weekend, Happy Friday!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

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Sanibel’s April Flowers Waiting for May Showers

Posted on April 22, 2016 by SanibelSusan

Hibiscus

The SanibelSusan Team continues to enjoy the island’s post-season limited traffic and wonderful weather. Our news this week is short due to a busy schedule in the office…showings…more showings…even more showings…lots of internet inquiries…and then a nice closing today.

Our weekly report of the activity posted over the last seven days in the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service follows the below article from Sunday’s edition of the “Santiva-Chronicle” about how Sanibel fared in the recent Florida legislative session.

Sanibel Saw Success in Florida’s Legislative Session

Sanibelcityseal logo “Sanibel came away from the recently concluded session of the Florida Legislature with flying colors, Dan DeLisi, the city’s legislative consultant, told the City Council at the council’s recent meeting on April 5.

The city received funding for two projects at the Donax Wastewater Reclamation Plant on the island and, along with the rest of Florida, made great strides on broader water quality issues involving the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee.

““You won’t see a city this size get money like this,” DeLisi told the council. He noted the projects first had to clear both houses and then dodge a gubernatorial veto. Projects like Sanibel’s usually get cut at some point, he said.

“DeLisi said State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, and State Rep. Ray Rodrigues, R-76 which includes Sanibel, did “the heavy lifting” with a big assist from State Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-79 which includes northern Lee County.

“Sanibel received $825,000 for the two projects at the Donax plant.

“Also of major significance to Sanibel were the legislature’s handling of the Legacy Florida bill and the Water Policy bill.

“A key part of the Legacy Florida bill is getting the Amendment 1 documentary stamp revenues appropriated in the right direction. The bill requires that $100 million be dedicated to funding the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

““Segregating money for CERP helps to move forward with large construction contracts, specifically for the C-43 Reservoir, and provides a basis for our federal partners to consider how they meet their cost-share obligations through constructing other projects,” DeLisi said.

“The Water Quality Bill, which almost got through in the dysfunctional 2015 legislative session, did pass this time and addressed five major areas, among them water quality in the Lake Okeechobee watershed.

““Changes to how water quality in the Lake Okeechobee watershed will be enforced is the section that has the most impact on the City of Sanibel,” DeLisi said.

““It was an historic session,” he said. “They really got a lot done. We had tempered expectations and got historic results.””

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity April 15-22, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Sundial West #I207 1/1 $315K, Pointe Santo #C36 2/2 $875K, Tamarind #A102 2/2 $1.695M.

4 price changes: Donax Village #14 2/2 now $529K, Kings Crown #208 2/2 now $799K, Pointe Santo #B25 2/2 now $799K, Atrium #201 3/3 now $1.595M.

4 new sales: White Caps South #5 1/1listed at $520K, Sealoft Village #106 2/2 listed at $599K, Bayview Village #2A 3/3 listed at $693K, Sanibel Seaview #A-1 3/3 listed at $1.199M.

5 closed sales: Compass Point #221 2/2 $585K (our listing), Sundial West #A305 2/2 $799K, Kimball Lodge #306 2/2 $800K, Shorewood #2 3/3 $1.195M, Sedgemoor #102 3/3.5 $2.4M.

HOMES

2 new listings: 1112 Olga Ave 6/2.5 multi-family $885K, 276 Ferry Landing Dr 3/3 $974.9K.

13 price changes: 9292 Belding Dr 3/2.5 now $439K, 1390 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 half-duplex now $529K, 1410 Causey Ct 3/2 now $599K, 5279 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 now $648K, 4648 Buck Key Rd 3/2 now $649K, 1487 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 now $799K, 1321 Par View Dr 3/2.5 now $875K, 792 Birdie View Pt 3/3.5 now $999K, 1740 Dixie Beach Blvd 3/3.5 now $1.095M, 1126 Harbour Cottage Ct 3/2 now $1.495M, 1052 Whisperwood Way 3/3 now $1.524M, 2118 Starfish Ln 4/5 now $1.799M, 584 Kinzie Island Ct 3/4 now $1.945M.

2 new sales: 9027 Mockingbird Dr 4/3 listed at $799K, 283 Ferry Landing Dr 3/2 listed at $1.995M.

5 closed sales: 656 Anchor Dr 3/2 $585K, 3301 Twin Lakes Ln 2/2 $585K, 485 Peachtree Rd 3/3 $712.5K, 345 East Gulf Dr 3/2.5 $899K, 4355 West Gulf Dr 4/3 $3.4M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 644 Sea Oats Dr $329K.

No price changes or new sales.

1 closed sale: 0 Dinkins Lake Rd $215K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Beach Villas #2517 1/1 now $497.5K.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

2 new listings: 11411 Old Lodge Ln 4/3 $1.895M, 16163 Captiva Dr 3/2 $2.695M.

2 price changes: 11523 Wightman Ln 4/4 now $1.895M, 15161 Captiva Dr 4/4.5 now $2.295M.

No new sales.

2 closed sales: 15000 Binder Dr 3/2 $1.0325M, 11535 Wightman Ln 3/3 $1.105M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next week, here are a few favorite blooms found on the island! TGIF!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Woohoo – Another Gorgeous Day on the Islands

Posted on February 5, 2016 by SanibelSusan

Sanibel and Captiva have had wonderful warm sunny weather this week, until today when temperatures are expected to reach only the low 60’s. With more cool weather forecast for the next week too, the real estate action should be brisk. Hot beach days usually are when there are the fewest showings, so Realtors® love the chilly, but bright days – like today!

Beach

A report of the week’s activity posted in the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service follows a few news items below.

Upcoming Events

With those cool days ahead, here are few things to do inside:

Tomorrow, Feb 6 – Center4Life Seniors Arts & Crafts Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.’

Also tomorrow, Feb 6 – Mardi Gras Celebration to support CHR (Community Housing & Resource) from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Dunes Golf & Tennis Club. More info at www.SanibelCHR.org/Mardi-Gras-2016

Saturday & Sunday, Feb 13 & 14 – San/Cap Rotary Club Arts & Crafts Show at the Sanibel Community House. Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. More info at www.sanibelartfair.com

Saturday, Feb 27 – Annual Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner at the Sanibel Community House.

Foreign Sellers Update

Recent federal tax legislation increases the FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act) general withholding rate from 10% to 15% effective for closings on or after February 16, 2016.

Sanibel Outlets Acquired by Dahlmann Properties

As reported today in the “Island Sun”, “Dahlmann Properties announced that it completed the purchase of Sanibel Outlets (formerly known as Tanger Outlets) on January 12…Work has already commenced on rebranding the property to Sanibel Outlets as well as a top-to-bottom assessment of the current tenant mix and physical plant…Dahlmann also owns Periwinkle Place Shopping Center, Heart of the Island Shopping Center, The Sanibel Inn, Song of the Sea Oceanfront Resort, Seaside Oceanside Resort, Sunset Beach Oceanside Resort, and The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club on Sanibel.”

Quilt Raffles to Benefit PAWS of Sanibel – Captiva

Dog quilt We had a nice surprise yesterday when we got a visit from Sheila Rodriguez who has made two quilts to benefit PAWS of Sanibel – Captiva. One named “Muchas Poochas” is on display at Three Crafty Ladies, Heart of the Island Shops, 1628 Periwinkle Way.

Cats Quilt The other called “Cats at Play While the Mice Are Away” is displayed at the Bank of the Islands, 1699 Periwinkle Way.

Please buy raffle tickets at these two locations.

PAWS (or Protection of Animal Welfare Society, Inc.) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit rescuing domestic animals here since 1987. Drawings will be March 31, 2016 and you need not be present to win.

If you are willing to foster, adopt, or help PAWS, please call Pam at 239-472-4823.

Real Estate Q&A: Don’t Be Tempted to Ditch Insurance

Good answer here to a question that was posted at Florida Realtors® online yesterday:

“Question: We are snowbirds and have a condominium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where we stay five months a year. We keep nothing of real value in the property and don’t have a mortgage. We are thinking about canceling our hazard insurance on the property to save $700 a year. Is this a good idea? – Larry

“Answer: No. I understand your desire to save a few bucks, but this is not the way to do it.

“Your property insurance covers more than just your furniture. Depending on the details of your policy and the policy carried by your condo association, the insurance may cover your appliances, flooring and even your drywall. If there is a fire, for example, you will need to replace a lot more than just your furniture.

“Your insurance also should cover you if your water heater bursts and floods your neighbors’ units. If you are in town when the damage occurs, it also may pay for the hotel you have to stay in while the repairs are being made.

“Your insurance also will step up if one of your guests gets hurt while visiting. Just because they like you doesn’t mean they won’t sue you. Even when you are out of town, you may be sued if someone breaks into your condo and gets hurt. Many homeowners have a hard time justifying the cost of insurance, but there is a reason you have it. It can keep you from enduring a financial crisis.

“While I strongly recommend that you keep your policy in place, you should shop around to make sure that you have the right coverage and the best deal.

“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 is the chairperson of the Real Estate Section of the Broward County Bar Association and is an adjunct professor for the Nova Southeastern University Paralegal Studies program. The information and materials in this column are provided for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed. Nothing in this column is intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney, especially an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.”

Farm Water Hits SWFL, Leaves Coast Brown, Murky

The recent rains resulted in the below posting yesterday on www.news-press.com

“It was just a matter of time before polluted farm water from Lake Okeechobee made its way to Southwest Florida.

“”Boy, yeah, we saw it,” said Rick Bartleson, a water quality scientist at Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, when asked if the polluted water had worked its way here. “The water at the (Sanibel) causeway is pretty brown (because) the flows are up to rainy season levels.”

“The South Florida Water Management District spent four days, starting Wednesday night, pulling water off farm fields south of the lake, although the district didn’t send out a public notice about the “emergency” measures until nearly 24 hours after they had started.

“Critics say these water management practices are largely responsible for toxic algal blooms that often plague both the west and east coasts of Florida.

“Polluted and unnatural water from Lake Okeechobee and lands within the Caloosahatchee River watershed kills sea grasses and oyster beds.

“Excess nutrients from the landscape contribute to the duration and frequency of harmful algal blooms, like red tide. Red tide, caused here by Karenia brevis, is a neurotoxin that causes fish and marine mammal kills and can lead to respiratory issues in humans

“Record rains have not made the situation better as the lake level is rising at the same time the state was back-pumping farm water into Okeechobee.

“With levels around 17 feet above sea level, well over the Army Corps mandated maximum of 15.5 feet above sea level, the only way to quickly drain the lake is to send billions of gallons of dirty water down the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers.

“Measurements taken by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation show more than 12,000 cubic feet per second flowing through the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam, an Army Corps structure that holds back lake waters. Discharges begin harming the Caloosahatchee River and its estuary when levels reach 2,800 cubic feet per second.

“Freshwater has also blown out much of the estuary, causing low salinity levels along the coast — which can kill marine species and disrupt the aquatic food chain.

“Recent Caloosahatchee flows have literally been off the chart.

“”When flows are at 2,800 (cubic feet per second at Franklin Lock), that is one level a harm, but this was another level,” Bartleson said. “Over 4,500 (cubic feet per second) is considered extremely high. We don’t even have an indicator that goes that high (to 12,000 cubic feet per second and above).”

“Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane said the city has received many emails from concerned residents and business owners. “There was definitely a breakdown in communication between the Corps and the water management district,” Ruane said. “But with the impressive rain, they’re going to have to pump some of the water off the farms.”

“Ruane, who was in Tallahassee Monday lobbying for more water quality projects in this region, said that the current water management system was designed to take in more water than it can push out, a fact that became painfully obvious during floods and record rains in 2013.

“”We’re going to have to pull out every trick in the playbook to offset some of these releases,” Ruane said.

“”We’re going to have to talk to as many private property owners as possible to store water. We’re in a bad situation. The effects of the releases sometimes you don’t see for months.”

“The rain is expected to continue for the next 60 days or so, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is calling for El Nino conditions to bring more rain and slightly cooler temperatures this winter.”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity January 29 – February 5, 2016

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sundial West #H110 1/1 $299K, Sanibel Arms #8 1/1 $375K, Cottage Colony West #137 1/1 $649K, Sundial East #S404 3/2 $849K.

2 price changes: Sand Pointe #113 2/2 now $759K, Gulfside Place #117 2/2 now $1.295M.

6 new sales: Loggerhead Cay #351 2/2 listed at $529K, Lighthouse Point #113 3/2 listed at $639K, St.Criox #4 2/2.5 listed at $935K, Atrium #302 2/2 listed at $1.645M, High Tide #B101 2/2.5 listed at $1.795M, Tigua Cay #489 3/3.5 listed at $2.235M.

5 closed sales: Ibis at The Sanctuary #201 2/2 $450K; Loggerhead Cay #471 2/2 $485K; Lighthouse Point #312 3/2 $698,750; Clam Shell #C 2/2 $975K; Sunset South #5A 2/2 $1.138M.

HOMES

16 new listings: 1653 Bunting Ln 3/2.5 $459K, 1565 Bunting Ln 3/2 $599K, 1113 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $639.9K, 750 Nerita St 3/2 $699K, 2549 Harbour Ln 3/2 $799K, 595 Birdsong Pl 4/2 $849K, 1311 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $849K (our listing), 1259 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 $869K, 4775 Rue Helene 4/3 $895K, 437 Lake Murex Cir 4/3 $895.9K, 1170 Buttonwood Ln 4/2 $975K, 1146 Buttonwood Ln 3/3 $999K, 1121 Skiff Pl 3/3 $1.2M, 815 Birdie View Pt 3/3 $1.299M, 1326 Seaspray Ln 4/4.5 $2.45M, 4355 West Gulf Dr 4/3 $3.8M.

View from 1311 Sand Castle Rd

2 price changes: 6491 SanibelCaptiva Rd 2/2 now $1.95M, 2451 Blind Pass Ct 4/4.5 now $2.375M.

3 new sales: 9012 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 listed at $539K, 1148 Shell Basket Ln 4/2 listed at $699K, 2388 Wulfert Rd 3/4 listed at $1.098M.

4 closed sales: 1806 Ibis Ln 3/2 $360K, 542 Boulder Dr 2/2 $500K, 1516 Bunting Ln 3/2 $575K, 699 Anchor Dr 3/4 $950K.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 5148 Sea Bell Rd now $199K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 690 Birdie View Pt $360K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

2 closed sales: Beach Villas #2618 2/2 $639.5K, Beach Cottages #1413 2/2 $950K.

HOMES

No new listings.

3 price changes: 15000 Binder Dr 3/2 now $1.049M, 11515 Murmond Ln 3/3 now $1.494M, 16500 Captiva Dr 5/5 now $4.995M.

No new sales.

2 closed sales: 1127 Longifolia Ct 4/3 $5.3M, 16660 Captiva Dr 5/5.5 $16.3M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday, wishing you bright sunny days & magnificent sunsets regardless of the temperatures!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

SanibelSusan Realty Associates

Market Update After 3rd Quarter 2016

Upcoming Island Events

Local Politics

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity October 14-21, 2016

Until next Friday, enjoy your fall weather & remember to call The SanibelSusan Team if we may help you with island real estate!

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2016 Annual Meeting – Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Upcoming Events & Re-Openings

Which Groups Will Influence Future Housing Trends?

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity October 7-14, 2016

So until next Friday, please enjoy the fall weather wherever you are, but don’t forget to schedule your next island stay or buy your property to enjoy then. Winter will be here before we know it & winters on Sanibel & Captiva are the best!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

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Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® New Member Orientation

Continuing Education

The History of Sanibel’s CHR

Sanibel Budget Approved

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

Enjoy your weekend…until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

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Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Sanibel 2016-2017 Budget Hearing

A Step in the Right Direction

Coastal Cleanup Tomorrow

National Public Lands Day, Next Saturday

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity September 9 – 16, 2016

Until next Friday, wishing you stunning summer sunsets & clear water too!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

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August Membership Meeting Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

FIRPTA Update

Right of First Refusal vs. Kick Out Clause

“Smart” Home

Island Renovations & Closings

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity August 12-19, 2016

Until next Friday, here’s hoping you see lots of pretty sunsets too!

P.S. & don’t forget to call me if you are thinking of buying/selling real estate on Sanibel or Captiva Islands. Thank you!

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Now or Neverglades Declaration

Baby Boomers Chart New Direction in Housing

Banner Year for Sea Turtles Continues

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity July 29 – August 5, 2016

Until next Friday, here’s another sunset photo from Scott…each one just gets better and better!

Happy weekend all! Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan

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Sea Turtle Nests Break Record on East Sanibel

2016 Profile of International Activity in U.S. Residential Real Estate

Corps to Cut Back Lake O Releases

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity July 8-15, 2016

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23rd Annual Sam Bailey’s Island Night

2016 Sanibel Prescribed Burns

Watch Out for Inflation

What Makes a Smart Home Smart?

Leaving Your Property for the Summer

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity May 13-20, 2016

Until Memorial Day weekend, Happy Friday!

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Sanibel Saw Success in Florida’s Legislative Session

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity April 15-22, 2016

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Market Update After 3^rd Quarter 2016

23^rd Annual Sam Bailey’s Island Night