Tag Archives: Sanibel & Captiva real estate sales

Happy Birthday, America, from Sanibel Island

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waving flagIt’s SanibelSusan reporting another week of beautiful weather on sunny Sanibel. Unfortunately, it again has been a week of little real estate action. There was no Association of Realtors® Caravan meeting yesterday, but the activity in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service is posted below after a few news items.

The SanibelSusan Team has Monday off for the holiday, but I’ll be covering the office through the weekend and will be here early on Monday for the parade. More on that below also.

First those few news items, though they will not be about the water. Social media and the news have gone crazy over the last few days, many either exaggerating conditions or reporting untruths. As of today, none of the beaches in Lee County are closed, but it is summer and the rainy season, so the fight for clean water continues in Florida and we hope the press negativity does not affect real estate sales, but instead helps in reducing the releases coming from Lake Okeechobee.

The photos below were taken at 1 p.m. this afternoon from the Fulgur Street beach access which is between Sanibel Siesta and Compass Point condominiums where many were enjoying the beach. Plenty more vacationers are expected to arrive tomorrow as the rumor mill says that most accommodations are full!

Fulgur 1 7-1-16Fulgur 2 7-1-16Fulgur 3 7-1-16Fulgur 4 7-1-16

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate Sales – First Half of 2016

Since half the year is over, it is a good time to take a snapshot of the islands’ inventory and sales-to-date this year, compared to the sales during the first six months of the year last year. These stats are from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® Multiple Listing Service.

CONDOS                                    HOMES                                    LOTS

No.     Avg $ Price                   No.     Avg $ Price                   No.     Avg $ Price

SANIBEL

For sale:

98       748,349                        145       1,562,845                      66       471,945

Closing pending:

10        594,400                        22        1,020,923                        3        812,967

Sold & closed in 2016 thru 6/30:

91        759,065                        114        997,052                         15       531,417

Sold & closed in 2015 thru 6/30:

101      690,967                        161        891,541                          27       326,330

CAPTIVA

For sale:

29        812,324                        32          3,417,081                      3        2,015,000

Closing pending:

4          798,725                        4            4,108,000                    1       4,999,000

Sold & closed in 2016 thru 6/30:

11           1,021,227                     17         3,017,500                     1       1,400,000

Sold & closed in 2015 thru 6/30:

22         1,057,432                     11         2,927,955                      2      2,847,500

To-date on Sanibel, 220 properties have sold/closed this year, compared to 289 that sold during the first six months of last year. That’s a significant difference. On Captiva, 29 properties have sold/closed, compared to 35 that sold last year.

Generally, it is higher priced properties that go under contract first and last quarters, with the closings occurring during the first six months of the year. Though half the year remains, it is unlikely that the second half of the year will be as productive as the first half, particularly with it being an election year. But, I’d love to be wrong!

AT&T Antenna Activated on Donax Street Cell Tower

Donax Cell TowerHooray for the news release by Sanibel’s City Manager yesterday which said “The City of Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane has been notified by the AT&T engineers that the AT&T antenna located on the Donax Cell Tower has been fully activated as of this afternoon. The mono pole installed on Donax Street at the City of Sanibel Donax wastewater facility was activated for Verizon Service on May 2, 2014…To minimize the number of cell towers on the island the City of Sanibel requires multiple carriers to co-locate on a single tower. The Donax mono pole also functions as a lighted flag pole. The lights are dark and the flag lowered during turtle nesting season except daylight on the patriotic holidays.”

‘Brexit’ Could Give U.S. Real Estate a Brief Boost

The key word here is “brief”. This article posted last Friday on “Daily Real Estate News” on line is as good as any that I’ve seen about the Brexit vote last week.

“Britain’s vote yesterday to exit the European Union will likely have a long-term impact on the world economy, but in the short-term, U.S. real estate could be flooded with investors flocking to the U.S. as a safe haven, pushing up the dollar and sending down mortgage rates.

realtor logo“”Demand for U.S. real estate could rise,” says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. On the commercial side, global corporations could show additional interest in U.S. real estate as they come to see the U.K. as a less certain place to set up or maintain their businesses, Yun says, “especially in London, as it becomes a less attractive place to conduct global business.”

“While a rise in the dollar could hurt U.S. exports, it’s also expected to put downward pressure on long-term mortgage interest rates. “Mortgage rates will tumble,” says Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com, “possibly hitting new record lows. If you’re a borrower, don’t wait to lock in your rate, as this opportunity may not last long.”

fannie-mae-logo“However, Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan says low rates because of economic uncertainty could last for a while. “The Fed will very likely be on hold for some time as it observes the impact on U.S. and global financial markets and economic activity,” he says.

“If mortgage rates — already at historic lows — drop even further, that could help drive up sales of all types of U.S. real estate, including on the residential side. Foreign households who might have otherwise looked to London to buy might turn to U.S. residential real estate, although U.K. citizens, who historically are among the top buyers of investment and vacation homes in the U.S., could pull back. “The British economy will be disrupted, and hence we should expect fewer Brits able to buy in the U.S.,” Yun says.

“Steve Rick, chief economist at CUNA Mutual Group, was quoted in a Bankrate.com article saying a further drop in mortgage interest rates could give new life to home-mortgage refinancing, which started to cool early this year after several years of big growth. “This would create another mini refinance mortgage boom at financial institutions, as homeowners rush to lock in near-historic low interest rates,” he said.

“In the long run, though, the uncertainty stemming from the vote could cause broad global weakening, which would hurt jobs, income, and consumer confidence. That would be a net-negative for U.S. real estate, even if it sees gains in the short-term.”

Mortgage Rates in Free Fall Since Brexit Vote

real estate daily newsThe following article from Tuesday’s “Daily Real Estate News” further confirms their prognosis from last Friday.

“Ever since Britain’s surprising vote to leave the European Union, U.S. home buyers and home owners have been reaping an expected benefit — mortgage rates that are quickly dropping. Mortgage rates are now at the lowest average in more than three years, and economists expect them to head even lower.

“On Monday, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.46%, near the lowest average since late 2012, realtor.com® reports.

““Lower rates produce lower monthly payments and greater buying power—those who are well qualified can afford a home that’s 8% more expensive than at the beginning of the year,” Jonathan Smoke, realtor.com®’s chief economist, writes in a recent column. “That’s more than enough to offset the rise in prices during that time.”

“That said, low mortgage rates can prompt lenders to get more strict with underwriting standards, Smoke says.

“As mortgage rates declined this year, we’ve seen that credit access has gone down too,” he notes. “That’s because lenders have become more risk-averse as their profit margins have been whittled down by the double whammy of lower rates and higher origination and servicing costs.” “

Six Sanibel Street Cams

Sanibelcityseal logoIn a press release earlier this week from Sanibel’s City Manager, it was announced that “three additional “Sanibel Street-Cams” are now providing residents and visitors real-time road conditions at the intersection of Periwinkle Way and Tarpon Bay Road… Click here to view the City of Sanibel’s “Street-Cams”.”

The locations now include:

  • Sanibel Causeway Span C (bridge closest to the island)
  • Periwinkle Way & Casa Ybel Road looking east (intersection at Jerry’s heading off-island)
  • Periwinkle Way & Casa Ybel Road looking west (intersection at Jerry’s heading toward Captiva)
  • Periwinkle Way & Tarpon Bay Road looking south (intersection at George & Wendy’s toward beach)
  • Periwinkle Way & Tarpon Bay Road looking east (intersection at George & Wendy’s heading off-island)
  • Periwinkle Way & Tarpon Bay Road looking north (intersection at George & Wendy’s toward Captiva).

Check the City’s web site www.mySanibel.com for more info on Sanibel’s 2016 Traffic Communications strategy.

For Island Foodies

Looking for something new?

Totally Baked on Sanibel – Sanibel Planning commission this week approved a new bakery coming to the Islander Center in the location of the former MacIntosh Book Store. The owner Virginia Wagner grew up vacationing on Sanibel with her goal to move here. She came to the island four years ago from Virginia where she operated a bakery and has been an award-winner baker at Bailey’s General Store. Totally Baked on Sanibel will prepare and serve pastries, cookies, cupcakes, cakes, biscuits, confections, and breads, and will offer carved on the bone ham, turkey, and roast beef as well as homemade salads, soups, and specialty items. It will not have seating, but may in the future.

joeys custard logoJoey’s Custard – Fellow Sanibel Chorister and owner of Sanibel Blue Financial, Debi Almeida has bought the ice cream, yogurt, custard, and panini shop (formerly Zebra Yogurt) in Bailey’s Center where she has partnered with her son Joe who will run it day-to-day.

 

Doc Ford’s – In that same corner of the island, FYI the new Doc Ford’s building across the street from the Bailey’s Center is almost done. This week’s progress includes installation of the new landscaping and parking lot pavers. It’s looking great. I met their new chef today while having lunch at their Rabbit Road location which will close when they move into their new digs. He’s from Austin, TX.

Doc Fords 7-1-16

Parade Central – on July 4th

If you are here and looking to watch the parade on Monday, SanibelSusan Realty is always a good vantage point with parking behind the office, grassy lawn roadside, and shade trees across the street, not to mention access to our air conditioning, a bathroom, and a frig with plenty of water. Be sure and come early to grab a spot. Periwinkle Way closes at 9 a.m. and the parade begins next to Bailey’s Center at 9:30. I’ll be opening up at 8:30.

BonneParade

An oldie from our parade entry in 1997.

 

Looking for the full schedule of events for the holiday weekend? Here you go…

TODAY – Friday – July 1st

9 a.m. – “Family Beach Walk“, “Ding” Darling, at Gulfside City Park.

noon – “8th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest” at South Seas Resort at the overlook at the Pointe Restaurant, Resort Pool Complex, North Pointe.

5 p.m. – “Home Run Derby” at South Seas Resort at the West Lawn, North Pointe.

9 p.m. – “Seaside Cinema” & s’mores at South Seas Resort at King’s Crown Lawn at North Pointe.

TOMORROW – Saturday – July 2nd

11 a.m – “Wildlife Wonders“, “Ding” Darling at Visitor & Education Center.

noon – “Golf Cart Scavenger Hunt” at South Seas Resort.

4 p.m. – “Go! Fish Tournament” at South Seas Resort at the T-dock.

7 p.m. – “Casino Night” at South Seas Resort in the Captiva Conference Center at the South Village.

Sunday – July 3rd

6 p.m. – “Star Spangled Celebration” at South Seas Resort with Patriotic Golf Cart Parade leaving Captiva Conference Center, South Village, traveling down Plantation Road, ending at West Lawn & Sunset Beach.

9 p.m. – “Captiva Fireworks” at South Seas Resort.

Monday – July 4th

7:30 to 9:30 a.m. – Free Pancake Breakfast at Sanibel Community Church.

8:30 a.m. to noon – Community Celebration at Bailey’s Shopping Center.

9:30 a.m. – “26th Annual Independence Day Parade“, begins at intersection of Tarpon Bay Rd & Island Inn Rd, travels up Periwinkle & ends at Casa Ybel Rd. Theme is “Sweet Island of Liberty”.

10:30 a.m. – Celebration at Jerry’s Shopping Center to coincide with the end of parade. Includes water slide, food & refreshments.

Noon – “36th Annual Optimists Club Road Rally”, begins at noon at parking lot of The Timbers/Sanibel Grill.

Noon to 2 p.m. – “Red, White, & Boom Pool Party” at South Seas Resort.

6 p.m. – July 4th at Huxter’s with live music.

Dusk – Sanibel Fireworks (rain or shine) at dusk launched from bayside end of Bailey Road over San Carlos Way. Good viewing from the causeway islands or bayside of the island, but get there early.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity June 24-July 1, 2016

Sanibel
CONDOS
2 new listings: Blind Pass #205 2/2.5 $425K, Sanibel Inn #3522 2/2 $699K.
2 price changes: Heron at The Sanctuary #1B 3/2.5 now $619K, Sundial East #P205 2/2 now $780K.
1 new sale: Tarpon Beach #201 2/2 listed at $745K.
5 closed sales: Sundial West #H110 1/1 $259.5K, Seashells #14 2/2 $361.6K, Sundial West #H407 1/1 $455K, Compass Point #151 3/3 $1.055M, Sanibel Seaview #A1 3/3 $1.15M.
HOMES
2 new listings: 5751 Baltusrol Ct 3/4 $1.149M, 900 Almas Ct 3/3.5 $1.495M.
4 price changes: 980 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 half-duplex now $499K, 1746 Windward Way 3/2 now $555K, 677 Durion Ct 3/2 now $728K, 3402 West Gulf Dr 3/2 now $1.995M.
4 new sales: 4737 Rue Belle Mer 3/2 listed at $629.9K, 5279 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 listed at $648K, Oceans Reach #1A1 2/2 listed at $999.9K, 824 Limpet Dr 3/3 listed at $1.395M.
4 closed sales: 535 Birdsong Pl 3/2 $490K, 3927 Coquina Dr 3/2 $590K, 702 Oliva St 3/2 $622K, 513 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $800K.
LOTS
No new listings.
1 price change: 2400 Blue Crab Ct now $250K.
No new or closed sales.
Captiva
CONDOS
No new listings or price changes.
1 new sale: Bayside Villas #4206 1/2 listed at $285K.
No closed sales.
HOMES & LOTS
Nothing to report.

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

Until next weekend, best wishes for a happy & safe holiday!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusanjuly 4th flip flops

Summer In Full Swing on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

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It’s a little overcast this afternoon on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, but as Floridians know, if we wait a minute in the summer, the sun will be out. If that is late day, it usually results in a beautiful sunset.

July 22 2015 sunset

Below are a few news items, followed by the activity posted in the Sanibel and Captiva Multiple Listing Service this week.

Progress on Sanibel’s Civic Core

During Tuesday’s City Council Meeting, the most recent Sanibel Civic Core conceptual plan, which has been in the works for over a year, was presented. The architect has been meeting with city officials and stakeholders associated with the project – i.e. BIG ARTS, Sanibel Community Association, Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, and The Center 4 Life.

The plan would consolidate the island’s most frequented facilities on a 25-acre site adjacent to City Hall. The latest version of the project layout includes a hub of five buildings – a performance hall, theater, gallery, Lifelong Learning facility, and Center 4 Life – surrounding a central courtyard with stage. It would be elevated between a large community green to the west and parking to the east, surrounded by a shared-use path and including both stairs, access ramps and public seating and gathering spaces.

Sanibel Civic Core 07-23-15

According to an article in today’s “Island Sun”, “the community green would be located to the north of a smaller green space (where the Herb Strauss Theater is currently located) and would include two pavilions and public restrooms, which would allow two events to be held simultaneously.”

69 Acres of Mangroves Protected on Captiva

Good news reported this week in the “Island Sun” about the end of long-time wrangling with developers of South Seas Plantation and those opposing the destruction of mangrove wetlands in a basin area of Captiva. This case went all the way to the “U.S. Department of Justice who defended the case on behalf of the United States in May 2014…Following months of negotiations, a final settlement has been reached and publicly filed with the court…The U.S. Government, in order to avoid further litigation expense, agreed to compensate PDL (Plantation Development LTD) in the amount of $2.4 million (plus interest and legal costs) in exchange for PDL’s agreement to transfer 69 acres, comprising the potential Harbour Pointe development site, to the United States….The property has now been transferred.

black mangroves captiva

It will be managed as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Kudos to the Captiva Civic Association, SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation), and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida for not giving up!

Here’s Where Buyers Are Paying All-Cash

core logic logoGood article posted on Monday’s “Daily Real Estate News” online. Sourced to CoreLogic (July 16, 2015):

“While the number of all-cash transactions is dropping nationwide, a few pockets across the country are still seeing a large share of buyers paying all-cash for their home purchase.

“Nationwide, the number of all-cash sales making up transactions has plummeted since peaking in January 2011 when cash transactions made up 46.5% of total home sales nationally. Now, that percentage has dropped to 33.7% of total home sales, according to CoreLogic’s cash sales report.

“The year-over-year share of cash sales has fallen each month since January 2013. Despite the drops, cash sales still remain elevated by historical standards. Prior to the housing crisis, cash sales made up about 25% of home sales, according to CoreLogic. If cash sales continue to fall at the most recent pace, the share should hit 25% by mid-2017.

“The largest number of cash sales are through real estate-owned sales, with nearly 57% of cash sales being from REOs. Resales followed with the highest cash share at 33%, followed by short sales at 30% and newly constructed homes at 15%.

money-bag-clip-art-53457“The following states had the highest share of cash sales in April, the latest data available from CoreLogic:

  • Florida: 51.4% of transactions were from cash sales
  • Alabama: 48.5%
  • West Virginia: 48.3%
  • New York: 45.4%
  • Kentucky: 41.4%.

“By metro level, the following cities had the largest number of cash sales:

  • West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Delray Beach, Fla.: 59.1%
  • North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, Fla.: 58.5%
  • Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Fla.: 58.1% (SanibelSusan note: it’s much higher on Sanibel/Captiva)
  • Detroit-Dearborn-Livonia, Mich.: 58%.
  • Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach, Fla.: 56.9%.

“Meanwhile, Syracuse, N.Y., had the lowest share of cash sales at 11%, according to CoreLogic.”

Sanibel Draft Budget Presented for FY 2015-16

Sanibelcityseal logoThe initial draft FY 2015-16 budget was presented to City Council this week. Council unanimously approved a proposed operating millage rate of 1.939 mills, identical to last year’s approved and adopted rolled-back rate. The first budget public hearing will be on Saturday, September 19 at 9 a.m. when they will discuss and adopt the tentative millage rate and budget. The second and final budget hearing will be on Tuesday, September 22 at 5:01 p.m.

Turtle Madness

Seaturtlehatchlings

The August-September 2015 “SCCF Member Update” received this week included statistics on sea turtle nesting, including the byline “So Far, An Amazing Season”. Here are a few more details as penned by Kelly Sloan, SCCF Sea Turtle Coordinator:

“Historically, the East End of Sanibel (Lighthouse Beach to Tarpon Bay Road) has been the lowest density nesting beach survey by SCCF’s Sea Turtle Program. An average of 38 nests per year have been laid on the East End between 1996 and 2013.

“2014 was a record year for the East End, with 110 nests laid on the five-mile stretch of beach. This year, in mid-June, the East End had already documented 70 nests. Loggerheads (Caretta caretta) typically nest from May-August, so we anticipate many more to come!

“Mid-season nest counts also suggest that the West End and Captiva are on track for an above-average nesting season.

“We are also excited to report that green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) have returned to nest on our beaches in 2015. You may remember that a record 23 green nests were laid on Sanibel and Captiva in 2013. Sea turtles nest at intervals of about every two years, so another pulse of green nests in 2015 coincides with their biennial nesting pattern.

“But it gets even better – early in the 2015 nesting season, a leatherback (Dermochelys corriacea) nest was laid on Sanibel! Leatherbacks do not commonly nest on the west coast of Florida. The largest nesting population for Atlantic loggerheads is French Guiana, and there are also nesting colonies in the Caribbean and the east coast of Florida. The only other leatherback nest documented on Sanibel was laid in 2009.

“Leatherbacks are the largest species of sea turtle, weighting up to 2,000 pounds. They can dive deeper than any other sea turtle (up to 3,900 feet) and they migrate extreme distances. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to protect a nest laid by this remarkable species!

“Throughout the nesting season, volunteers and staff have been screening nests to protect the eggs from predation by coyotes. As we enter the hatching season, the City of Sanibel and SCCF will partner to promote the “lights out” message in an effort to reduce hatchling disorientation. A grant award from the Sea Turtle Conservancy, funded by the specialty sea turtle license plate (SanibelSusan has one of those), has provided support for educational materials to remind beachgoers and beachfront property owners…Stay tuned for the final nesting and hatching statistics. You can find the current nesting stats at seaturtle.org, accessible from the sea turtle pages at www.scc.org .”

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity July 17-24

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Sanibel Arms #B7 1/1 $334,999; Sundial #J402 1/1 $465K.

3 price changes: Captains Walk #F7 2/1.5 now $310K, Sanibel Moorings #1512 2/2 now $475K, White Caps #5 1/1 now $535K.

3 new sales: Captains Walk #C7 1/1 listed at $229.9K, Nutmeg Village #209 2/2 listed at $720K, Pointe Santo #B46 2/2 listed for $825K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

2 new listings: 1410 Causey Ct 3/2 $729K, 734 Sand Dollar Dr 3/3.5 $1.195M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 2915 Wulfert Rd 5/6.5 listed at $2.898M.

6 closed sales: 778 Cardium St 3/3 $435K, 1599 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 half-duplex $475K, 1586 Century Ct $610K, 489 Lake Murex Cir 4/2 $860K, 5402 Osprey Ct 4/3 $950K, 1204 Isabel Dr 3/3.5 $3.65M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: Lands End Village #1660 3/3 listed at $1.535M.

1 closed sale: Marina Villas #706 2/2 $588K.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 953 South Seas Plantation Rd 5/5.5 now $6.299M.

No new sales.

3 closed sales: 11537 Andy Rosse Ln 4/4 $2.15M, 1131 Longifolia Ct 4/4 $3.075M, 1121 Schefflera Ct 4/4.5 $3.94M.

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.

sun & rainUntil next Friday, raindrops or sunny, have a great weekend!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Sanibel & Captiva Real Estate News from Orlando to the Islands

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Fl Realtors Mid-Winter 2015 logoIt’s a group effort today. I (Susan) am in Orlando at the Florida Realtors® Mid-Winter Business Meetings, while David and Elise are in the office minding the store.
Several of our listings had showings this week and island traffic picked up appreciably again over the holiday weekend, though many of those here on Monday seemed to be day-trippers.
I was out showing canal-front property both Saturday and Sunday and teammate Dave has been fielding several inquiries both last week and this from several entry-level buyers.
Open house signAnother cooperative group Open House is scheduled at The Sanctuary on the afternoon of February 4. We will have our listing at 5743 Balstusrol Court open then as The SanibelSusan Team continues to host open houses there and at other vacant listings as they are available.
After a few news items below is the action posted over the last seven days in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service.
Florida Realtors® 2015 Mid-Winter Meetings
Florida Realtors logoThe Florida Realtors® Mid-Winter Meetings in Orlando each January are when the state leadership team sets the stage for the year. I arrived in time for Wednesday’s Economic Summit where the future of the economy internationally and nationally, was further broken down to the state level, then by county.
Indications are that 2015 will be a good one for real estate sales in most of Florida. Lee County is one of the top areas experiencing a growth spurt again.
The profile of the prospective Florida buyer still varies greatly from east to west coast with little activity here from Asian and South America buyers which are a huge component on the east coast. Florida’s terrific weather, low gas prices, Panama Canal expansion, consumer confidence, general increased savings by the population, and pent-up demand are the biggest contributors to the bright outlook for future sales here.
(Interestingly, as we were preparing this update, teammate Dave pointed out the recent reports by Reuter and others about the weakening of the euro against the dollar and how that likely will affect European business which plays a key role in the economy of South Florida (both coasts). Additionally, with other recent reports this week of Russians looking to back out of U.S. sales contracts because of the fall of the ruble, it will be interesting to see how the year advances. The SanibelSusan Team’s business with international buyers has increased over the years, sometimes because of referrals through our sphere of influence, networking, and memberships in international real estate organizations. These economic snapshots are just that, so important to watch, and ever changing.)
SanCap2015RPAC awardsLast night, The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® again took home four of five state awards for RPAC contributions. We keep trying to win that 5th one too. Maybe next year!
government_affairs_rpac_logo_homeSanibel & Captiva continually earn the state prize for highest-percentage participation over goal mostly because our members recognize how important those contributions are. Realtor associations® get state and national support and monies back when they are needed for issues that affect real estate and property rights locally.
In past years, the islands have benefited from these dollars in efforts to improve water quality, promote beach re-nourishment, and ensure build-back.
realtor logoLater today, I am participating in a Professionalism Forum which is covering a new Ombudsman Program that has been mandated nationally for all local associations to adopt by 2016. This program averts the filing of ethics complaints through enhanced communication and problem-solving techniques.
SanCapAssnLogoAs the 2015 Chairman of Sanibel/Captiva’s Grievance Committee, this new program on the islands likely will make my job easy. Fortunately, the islands association rarely gets complaints from either the public or Realtors, but we are prepared just the same. More importantly we educate our members that strong ethics and the doing business by the golden rule are key.
Tomorrow, the Professional Development Committee meeting in the morning will cover motions from the Curriculum Subcommittee, Faculty Subcommittee, and Faculty and Program Development Subcommittee. This Committee is the group that handles all of the education for our members. No work for me on the Audition Panel this time, I have been appointment as a full committee member.
Late morning, I will play a role at the Professional Standards Forum where new national Core Standards including Citation Programs will be presented in a series of short vignettes. No costumes this year as these standards are serious changes. Sanibel and Captiva Islands Association has already adopted a Citation Program too. For a small association, we are very pro-active.
RSPS LogoIn the afternoon, I am a member of the Resort and Second-Home Specialists Forum where in addition to the information shared, it results in networking that brings The SanibelSusan Team business. Owners of real estate in resort areas often purchase more than one property. This state exposure, keeps in the minds of colleagues around the state who similarly work the resort and second-home market.
Tomorrow night after the District meetings (our District also covers Naples, Marco Island, Bonita/Estero, Fort Myers & The Beach, and Cape Coral), I will attend the Inaugural Banquet featuring the installation of the Florida Realtors® 2015 Officers, District Vice Presidents, and Presidents of Florida’s Chapters of National Association of Realtors® Institutes, Societies, and Councils.
Wondering how this convention-type stuff helps business? I am a firm believer that volunteering time and giving back to your profession brings rewards. It has worked so far and it keeps us ahead of the curve in industry happenings. I am pleased to be appointed to these state committees and happy to bring back all of the news and handouts to share with our local association members.
Sunday morning will have me on the road heading back to the island where I likely will be in the office by mid-afternoon. Meanwhile, teammates Elise and Dave are in the office today, with Lisa and Dave covering tomorrow, and Sunday morning. (Of course, I have been doing some wheeling and dealing by email/phone while here too.)
LCEC Rate Decrease
Lcec logoGood news from Lee County Electric Co-op. In their January newsletter, it says “While many utilities are increasing electric rates, LCEC is reducing rates for the second year in a row. 2015 begins the seventh year LCEC has not raised electric rates….The LCEC Board of Trustees approved a decrease in the PCA from $16.65 per 1,000 kWh to $14.60 per 1,000 kWh….”
In the same newsletter were some reminders of some no-cost ways to help keep even more money in your pocket:
  • “Manage your thermostat – no lower than 78 degrees in summer; no higher than 68 degrees in winter.
  • Use ceiling fans only when you are in the room..
  • Turn lights off when you aren’t in the room.
  • Clean fridge coils regularly.
  • Only run dishwasher/clothes washer when they are full.
  • Use microwave, toaster oven, crock pot more often.”
Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity January 16-23 
Sanibel
CONDOS
3 new listings: Sundial #O201 2/2 $749K, Kings Crown #317 2/2 $940K, Kinzie Island #A 4/3.5 $2.495M.
2 price changes: Sandpiper Beach #504 2/2 now $669K, Sand Pointe #214 2/2 now $729K
7 new sales: Captains Walk #E5 2/2 listed for $299K, Lighthouse Point #215 3/2 listed for $575K, Pointe Santo #B4 2/2 listed for $664K, Loggerhead Cay #522 2/2 listed for $695K, Sand Pointe #228 2/2 listed for $799K, Gulfside Place #125 2/2 listed for $1.17M, Wedgewood #305 3/3.5 listed for $1.369K.
2 closed sales: Loggerhead Cay #322 2/2 $495K, Sundial #Q202 2/2 $650K.
HOMES
9 new listings: 1550 Bunting Ln 2/2 $399K, 9475 Bunting Ln 3/2 $547.9K, 240 Southwinds Dr 3/2 $549K, 3724 Agate Ct 2/2 $585K, 1460 Court Pl 6/5.5 (multi-family) $699K, 9445 Beverly Ln 3/2 $799K, 6101 Castaways Ln 4/2 $880K, 461 Lighthouse Way 4/4 $1.995M, 2980 Wulfert Rd 4/6.5 $2.995M.
8 price changes: 702 Donax St 2/2 now $415K, 3716 Coquina Dr 3/2 now $459K, 1347 Jamaica Dr 2/2 now $615K, 9446 Beverly Ln 3/3.5 now $629K (short sale), 190 Violet Dr 3/2.5 now $1.05M, 1990 Sunrise Cir 4/3.5 now $1.295M, 2981 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 now $1.595M, 1272 Isabel Dr 4/4.5 now $3.575M.
14 new sales: 1452 Sandpiper Cir 2/2 half-duplex listed for $359K, 1550 Bunting Ln 2/2 listed for $399K, 938 Palm St 3/2 listed for $425K, 315 East Gulf 3/2 half-duplex listed for $449K, 317 East Gulf 3/2 half-duplex listed for $449K, 739 Elinor Way 3/3 listed for $579K, 1026 Bird Watch Way 3/2 listed for $589K, 6001 Clam Bayou Ln 3/2 listed for $789K, 228 Hurricane Ln 3/2.5 listed for $799K, 2470 Harbour Ln 3/3 listed for $999.9K, 1748 Jewel Box Dr 4/4 listed for $1.098M, 3744 West Gulf Dr 4/4 listed for $1.595M, 561 Lighthouse Way 5/4 listed for $1.895M, 4577 Waters Edge Ln 4/3 listed for $2.995M.
5 closed sales: 589 Rabbit Rd 2/2 $435K; 1644 Bunting Ln 3/3 $460K; 4599 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2/2 $520K; 1710 Middle Gulf Dr 3/2 $691,675; 9448 Cotten Ct 3/2 $864K.
LOTS
No new listings or price changes.
1 new sale: Beverly Ln (Lot 19) listed for $196K.
No closed sales.
Captiva
CONDOS
3 new listings: Bayside Villas #4206 1/2 $299K, Lands End Village #1601 2/2 $1.259M, Captiva Bay Villas #D 3/3.5 $3.595M.
No price changes.
2 new sales: Tennis Villas #3232 2/2 listed for $499K, Beach Homes #18 4/3 listed for $2.675M.
No closed sales.
HOMES
2 new listings: 11520 Andy Rosse Ln 5/5 $2.34M, 13550 Palmflower Ln 4/3.5 $5.495M.
No price changes.
1 new sale: 15301 Captiva Dr listed for $2.249M.
No closed sales.
LOTS
1 new listing: 956 South Seas Plantation Rd $2.5M.
No price changes, new or closed sales.
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.