It’s another quiet Friday for the SanibelSusan Team. With the Lion’s Annual Arts & Crafts Fair beginning today at The Community House across the street, there is plenty of traffic traveling by, but with it being another bright sunny beach day, so far phone traffic is light.
Again this week, the weather has been been spectacular. Here are two photos showing what it has been like. The first was taken at West Wind Inn on Wednesday midday. The second taken this morning as I was heading out to the office. Spring is busting out all over!
Indicative of “season” wrapping up, there were quite a few price reductions announced at our Realtor® Caravan Meeting yesterday. Before a summary of the real estate action posted in the Sanibel and Captiva Multiple Listing Service this week, here are a few other news items.
Sanibel Mayor Speaks on Water Quality at Realtor® Membership Meeting
The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® was happy to welcome Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane as the guest speaker at our monthly membership breakfast meeting yesterday.
Updating the group on water quality, when Mayor Ruane spoke of how water quality locally affects $3 billion in tourism and $90 billion in real estate, he got everyones’ attention.
Most have heard about the cooperative efforts by the Lee County governments and mayors’ recent trips to Tallahassee and Washington. Mayor Ruane advised that these group efforts now also include the twelve counties in Florida affected by Lake Okeechobee releases and run-offs. These counties equate to $1.5 trillion in real estate.
He reminded attendees that there is no “silver bullet” instant fix to the issues, but said the most important component is to accelerate funding for the dike. He recognized the long-time efforts by our organization toward improving water quality here and encouraged Realtors® to stay involved.
Of course, Realtors® know that it’s always easier to sell when the water is crystal clear and bright blue. We also know that just because it looks good today, doesn’t mean that there couldn’t be another unexpected rainy month so it could change. This is an issue that requires constant attention and many more years of work. If you want to stay up-to-date, there is good info at Sanibel H20 Matters, here’s the link: http://www.mysanibel.com/Departments/Natural-Resources/Protecting-Our-Water-Quality/Sanibel-H2O-Matters
Mayor Ruane deserves a big thank you from all of us. We are lucky to have such a strong businessman, financial and insurance expert at the helm. Good things are happening here and when he talks, people listen.
Real-Time “Sanibel Street Cams” Activated Through Pilot Project
The SanibelSusan Team is happy to share the below press release issued from the Sanibel City Manager’s Office yesterday.
“The newest component of the City of Sanibel’s 2016 Traffic Communications Strategy has been launched. Residents and visitors to Sanibel now have access to real-time road conditions on Span C of the Sanibel Causeway, and both east and west bound Periwinkle Way at the Casa Ybel intersection http://www.mysanibel.us/traffic/ .
“Upon the activation of the pilot project, Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane stated, “We have dedicated 2016 to testing a number of pilot traffic management strategies including investigating hardscape improvements, behavior modifications and technology deployment to determine where we see our best return on investment. We look forward to hearing feedback from our citizens if live streaming of current traffic conditions is helpful as we plan our days during peak season.”
“Additional information on the City of Sanibel’s 2016 Traffic Communications Strategy is available here:
Traffic Message from the Mayor
Important Peak Season Traffic Information
Kitchen Remodeling Projects That Pay Off
I got another call last week from an owner asking if they would get back the cost of putting in a new kitchen. Well, there are new kitchens and then there are new kitchens. It is easy to say that you usually will get back most of your money if the renovation is tasteful, but we know how tasteful can vary with the eyes of the beholder.
Below is a different slant on the same question. It was posted on “Daily Real Estate News” online and talks about the kitchen projects that can pay off.
“Kitchen re-dos can be pricey. That means homeowners on a budget must be choosy when trying to decide what kitchen projects to spend money on and what improvements can wait.
“Realtor.com® recently launched a new series “Renovations That Really Pay Off,” and their first article focuses on kitchen projects that have the best return on investment and won’t be too much of a financial burden….
“Here are a few of the kitchen projects highlighted:
“Amped Up” Appliances – New appliances like a refrigerator, stainless-steel dishwasher, and stove can have a strong pull with home buyers, says real estate pro Al Cannistra. For example, Cannistra says he had a listing that lingered on the market with outdated appliances but as soon as the owners updated the appliances, the home received two offers in the first week and the home ended up selling above asking price. Just be sure to “keep the appliances and plumbing where they are because the rule of thumb is to add $5,000 each time you relocate either,” suggests Justin Riordan, founder of Spade and Archer Design Agency.
“Spruce Up The Cabinets – New cabinets can range from $3,900 and $12,000. That’s why home owners may be better off trying to give a face-lift to what they already have, such as replacing the cabinet hardware or painting the cabinets. “If you have existing wood cabinets that are still in decent shape, instead of completely re-facing them, give them a fresh coat of paint,” says Tracy Kay Griffin, designer for HGTV’s “Get It Sold.” For example, Rust-Oleum offers a Cabinet Transformation kit.
“Add a Charging Station – Everyone is looking for a plug to charge for their smartphones, tablets, and electronics. Nearly two-thirds of remodelers say they’ve added a charging station in the kitchen for the gadgets, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s annual trend report. Cabinets and drawers can be modified to add hidden power strips, for example.
“New Countertops – A new countertop can have a big impact on the look of the kitchen. And don’t assume granite. NKBA says quartz countertops are gaining popularity. A new countertop “provides an opportunity to install a new glass or subway backsplash for additional punch,” says designer Erin Davis, co-owner of Mosaik Design & Remodeling in Portland, Ore. “A budget-friendly option is to install a 4-inch-high splash out of the same countertop material.”
“Wood Floors – NKBA’s latest report shows that wood floors are the most popular kitchen flooring. Plus, averaging $9 to $12 a square foot, wood flooring tends to be cheaper than tile too.”
View more details about top kitchen renovations at realtor.com®.
Source: “6 Kitchen Renovations That Really Pay Off,” realtor.com® (March 2, 2016)
Sanibel Bicycle Club Named 2015 Club of the Year
As posted on line on the Santiva-Chronicle this week:
“The Sanibel Bicycle Club has been named 2015 Club of the Year by the Florida Bicycle Association for its contributions to bicycling – an award the club also earned in 2011….
“Since 2010, the City of Sanibel has been designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community, one of four Florida communities elevated to “Silver” status by League of American Bicyclists. The city has launched a traffic communications strategy focused on reaching peak season visitors, including a key message about biking or walking. Those efforts are yielding results.
“Part of the Sanibel success is the continuous involvement of the Sanibel Bicycle Club. In March 2015, the club worked with the city to produce the educational video “Cycling on Sanibel.” It’s had more than 4,000 views on You Tube and slides are being used around Sanibel to amplify its message.
““The video caught our attention. It speaks to people,” said FBA Executive Director Becky Afonso, who presented the Bike Club with the award. “This club is a strong advocate for cycling safety and has maintained a steady message – exactly what we are looking for in Club of the Year.”
“The award’s purpose is to bring attention to the efforts and achievements of groups, organizations and individuals that help shape FBA’s vision for all Florida bicyclists to be safe, respected and encouraged to bicycle for transportation and recreation….”
How I Stay Sane Selling Real Estate in Season
SanibelSusan is off to sing with the BIG ARTS Ensemble at a freebie concert at Faith United Methodist Church on McGregor Blvd, just off island, tonight at 7 p.m. The Ensemble is a small group from the Sanibel Community Chorus. We usually perform just a few songs at venues where there is not enough room for the full chorus, but for this event we were asked to sing a full concert.
The music will include most of the songs that the big chorus performs later this month at Schein Performance Hall, including tunes from West Side Story and Kiss Me Kate. It is definitely not a religious program and it will have not just singing, but some tap dancing, kazoo playing, and calypso too.
If you can’t make a Community Chorus performance at BIG ARTS on Mar 29 at 7 p.m., Mar 30 at 2 p.m., or Mar 31 at 7 p.m. (where tickets are needed, but just $10), you might enjoy hearing the smaller group tonight. It will be good practice for us and the price is right – open to the public and free!
Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity March 11-18, 2016
Sanibel
CONDOS
9 new listings: Sundial #B108 1/1 $369K, Sundial F103 2/2 $475K, Sundial #B207 1/1 $489.9K, Loggerhead Cay #211 2/2 $629K, Oceans Reach #4B1 1/1 $799.9K, Oceans Reach #1A1 2/2 $999.9K, Island Beach Club #220E 2/2 $1.089M, Gulfside Place #306 3/2 $1.395M, Moonshadows #2G 3/3 $2.395M.
4 price changes: Villa Sanibel #1B 2/2 now $595K, Sandalfoot #4C3 2/2 now $669K, Surfside 12 #A2 3/2 now $674K, Sanctuary Golf Village #2-2 2/2 now $710K.
5 new sales: Sundial #G404 2/2 listed at $559K, Compass Point #203 2/2 listed at $639K, Yacht Haven #2 3/2 listed at $949K, Kimball Lodge #306 2/2 listed at $989K, Seascape #301 3/3 listed at $1.195M.
1 closed sale: Loggerhead Cay #351 2/2 $495K.
HOMES
4 new listings: 2115 Sunset Cir 3/2 $459K, 656 Anchor Dr 3/2 $595K, 734 Anchor Dr 3/2 $999K (our listing), 1501 Sand Castle Rd 5/3.5 $1.095M.
10 price changes: 1717 Sand Pebble Way 3/2 now $449K, 1211 Periwinkle Way 3/2 now $489K, 5303 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2.5 now $599K, 676 Emeril Ct 3/2 now $749K, 5299 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/3 now $768.5K, 588 Hideaway Ct 3/2 now $799K, 563 Hideaway Ct 3/2 now $839K, 3402 West Gulf Dr 3/2 now $1.95M, 4731 Rue Belle Mer 3/3 now $2.849M, 1238 Isabel Dr 5/3.5.5 now $3.865M.
12 new sales: 1521 Wilton Ln 3/2 listed at $575K, 1380 Jamaica Dr 2/2 listed at $580K, 746 Cardium St 4/2 duplex listed at $599.9K, 1410 Causey Ct 3/2 listed at $679K, 600 E Rocks Dr 3/2 listed at $685K, 1438 Albatross Rd 4/3 listed at $779K, 4215 Old Banyan Way 3/3 listed at $825K, 169 Southwinds Dr 3/2 listed at $1.249M, 4353 Gulf Pines Dr 3/2.5 listed at $1.479M, 907 Kings Crown Dr 4/3 listed at $2.295M, 911 Stangler Fig Ln 4/3 listed at $2.695M, 1196 Bay Dr 4/4.5 listed at $2.995M.
5 closed sales: 1576 Wilton Ln 3/2 $435K, 1490 Sand Castle Rd 2/2 $475K, 1113 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $575K, 1148 Shell Basket Ln 4/2 duplex $699K, 904 Almas Ct 3/2.5 $1M.
LOTS
No new listings.
4 price changes: 978 Main St now $219K, 1204 Par View Dr now $359K, 5821 Pine Tree Dr now $549K, 6159 Starling Way now $619K.
1 new sale: Dinkins Lake Rd, lot 28 listed at $238K.
No closed sales.
Captiva
CONDOS
No new listings, price changes or closed sales.
1 new sale: Lands End #1641 2/2 listed at $1.35M.
HOMES
1 new listing: 35 Sea Hibiscus Ct 3/2 $975K.
1 price change: 16500 Captiva Dr 5/5 now $4.85M.
No new closed sales.
1 closed sale: 11515 Murmond Ln 3/3 $1.37M.
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.)