It’s Not a Joke – It’s an Overcast Friday in Paradise

Posted on April 1, 2022 by SanibelSusan

Rumor has it that some snowbirds already have headed north, but you couldn’t prove it this week by the heavy traffic in SW Florida. More wonderful breezy sunny weather has made for perfect days for outdoor lovers. Beaches, waterways, and bike paths have been busy.

With limited rain since Florida’s storm season ended last fall, forecasters have reported fire danger for much of central and south Florida. Rainy season usually doesn’t begin until May, but with unusual weather events in many places in recent years, who knows what 2022 will bring.

Weathermen say a front is arriving today that may stall over the weekend bringing a few occasional showers. That should help, so far it’s just turned from sunshine to overcast.

Real Estate Scoop

There were a couple of Association of Realtors® sponsored events this week with a Flood Insurance Seminar at the Community House Tuesday evening. With presentations from two Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association affiliate members, Dave Arter with Private Client Insurances Service and Chris Heidrick with Hedrick & Co. Insurance, the focus was the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) new FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) 2.0 Rating System for flood insurance. It recently went into effect to more fairly charge flood rates. Unfortunately, on barrier islands like Sanibel and Captiva, that usually means higher premiums. Presenter examples often included a former $800 annual premium jumping to $8,000. Luckily, the new system limits increase to 18% per year.

Their final take-away slide had the following advice:

Don’t let your flood policy lapse! Risk rating 2.0 rates will apply.
If your premium is escrowed, you still are the responsible party.
Be prepared for 18% premium increases for the foreseeable future
At renewal, you may receive a request for additional information (type of construction, number of floors, square footage, etc.). Speak to your insurance agent to avoid “Provisional Rates”.
Speak with an insurance agent for advice, specific to any property you are buying.
Always get the elevation certificate AND the seller’s flood declaration page, when buying a home

Tuesday afternoon was a Zoom class for members of Realtor® Association Professional Standards Committees. At least ten associations throughout the state attended including two members from Sanibel and Captiva. The presenter, Shannon Allen, is an attorney and Florida Realtors® Director of Local Association Services. With Realtors® governing themselves on ethics and arbitration through their local groups (which include Ombudsmen, Grievance and Professional Standards Committees), it was insightful to hear how a hot market and the electronic age have caused nuances. Luckily in a small Association like the islands, complaints are rare.

At the Association Thursday morning Realtor® Caravan meeting, attendance was light, but at least there were two new listings open for viewing. After a couple of news items is the activity posted since last Friday in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service.

Final Car Show of the Season

San-Cap Motor Club is hosting its final “Cars & Coffee Cruise-In” of the season tomorrow, April 2 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Periwinkle Place shopping center. Exhibitors are suggested to arrive by 8:30 a.m. to secure a good spot. They include antique cars, hot rods, muscle cars, all makes and models, including motorcycles. There is visitor parking behind the shopping center.

Community Chorus Spring Concert

Another annual event is the Spring Concert of the BIG ARTS Community Chorus. SanibelSusan has missed singing with them this year but has followed their progress and upcoming program – which is terrific. Tickets are on sale now and night of the concert, which is Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. in the BIG ARTS Performance Hall. Link for tickets: https://my.bigarts.org/3260/3262

SCCF’s “Beer in the Bushes”

Yet another annual unofficial end of season celebration is right around the corner. The popular fundraiser for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation will be Saturday, April 16 from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.beerinthebushes.com.

Real Estate Trends to Watch This Spring

Posted online Tuesday, March 28, 2022 on FloridaRealtors® and sourced to Realtor.com, 2022 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD.

“Realtor.com: Home sellers may continue to hold the upper hand, but buyers may be more sensitive to price increases; and more inventory could enter the market.

“SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Home sellers will likely continue to hold the upper hand this spring, says a realtor.com® housing report that also uncovered upcoming trends.

“Buyers are likely to become more sensitive to price increases. Mortgage rates are on the rise and are expected to continue to increase this year. As home shoppers face higher borrowing costs, they may need to tighten their budgets or even step back from the market as home prices increase as well. That could help to moderate price trends, realtor.com says. The trend occurred last year, even when mortgage rates were at historical lows but home prices were climbing by double-digit annual gains. In early May 2021, the number of sellers who made price adjustments rose by 17.8% compared to the start of the year.

“More inventory will likely hit the market. Buyers may see the benefit of a greater housing supply. Still, the number of homes for sale is expected to remain historically low this year, though more options are likely to become available. Builders are adding more homes to the inventory. Also, more homes typically come on the market during the spring season. Realtor.com notes that based on historical trends, by mid-August the number of sellers with actively listed homes usually rises 17.4% over the beginning of the year. If that trend holds true, it could mean more options for buyers and more competition for home sellers.

“Sellers may face trade-offs. Homeowners who have to sell and buy could face a dilemma: If they hold out for peak asking prices on their home, they also could end up paying a premium for the home they buy, realtor.com says. Listing prices usually reach their highest levels in the summer. But home seller-buyers who delay will face more competition from other sellers and the possibility of missing out on buying opportunities.

““We all know that homes are selling lightning-fast right now,” says Rachel Stults, managing editor at realtor.com. “But that doesn’t necessarily mean your house will sell itself. Before you list your home this spring – or any other time this year – make sure you’ve taken steps to get it ready, including cleaning and decluttering, getting cost estimates on repairs you might need to make, and talking to agents to see who would be a good fit for your needs. No matter when you decide to list, whipping your home into shape beforehand will help you sell faster and for more money.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 25 ‑ April 1, 2022

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Coquina Beach #5A 2/2 $779K, Sanibel Moorings #1042 2/2 $869K.

1 price change: Pointe Santo #C26 2/2 now $1.195M.

4 new sales: Loggerhead Cay #201 2/2 listed at $995K, Sand Pointe #131 2/2 listed at $1.295M, Island Beach Club #P4E 2/2 listed at $1.799M, Junonia #301 4/2 listed at $2.4M.

4 closed sales: Captains Walk #C5 2/1 $591K; Donax Village #9 2/2 $746K; Sanibel Surfside #225 2/2 $1,022,222; Pointe Santo #A2 2/2 $1.371M.

HOMES

6 new listings: 9476 Balsa Ct 3/2 $1.195M, 3822 Coquina Dr 4/3.5 $1.595M, 479 Las Tiendas Ln 4/3 $1.68M, 733 Durion Ct 3/2 $1.695M, 746 Windlass Way 4/3 $2.495M, 1558/1545 San Carlos Bay Dr 3/3.5 $4.7M.

No price changes.

3 new sales: 1600 Sabal Sands Rd 3/2 listed at $1.2M, 1190 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 listed at $1.35M, 4577 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/3 listed at $1.725M.

11 closed sales: 799 Casa Ybel Rd 5/3 duplex $840K, 4560 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2 $889K, 1666 Middle Gulf Dr 3/2 $1.05M, 4563 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2 $1.3M, 1437 Causey Ct 3/2.5 $1.365M, 1174 Harbor Cottage Ct 3/3 $1.507M, 2711 Wulfert Rd 4/4/2 $1.65M, 2695 Wulfert Rd 4/4/2 $1.8475M, 5817 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 4/3 $2.1M, 444 Lighthouse Way 5/4.5 $3.75M, 1077 Bird Ln 4/4/2 $5.5M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 3005 Turtle Gait Ln $1.15M.

No price changes or new sales.

1 closed sale: 2310 Wulfert Rd $290K.

Captiva

CONDOS

2 new listings: Lands End #1610 3/3 $3.7M, Beach Homes #6 3/3 $3.749M.

No price changes or new sales.

3 closed sales: Bayside Villas #4210 1/2 $594.5K, Lands End #1659 2/2 $1.3M, Beach Cottages #1404 2/2 $1.609M.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 15261 Captiva Dr 4/4.5 now $11.25M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 11549 Wightman Ln 3/4 $3.395M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 15819 Captiva Dr $15.5M.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

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

Until next Friday,

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Superb Sanibel Springtime

Posted on March 25, 2022 by SanibelSusan

SanibelSusan reporting that another week has flown by with a few rumblings about the additional visitors here because of Lee County Schools on break.

For the most part those folks enjoyed wonderful breezy sunny weather. A cool front that arrived yesterday briefly turned sunshine to clouds, but more spectacular weather is expected over the weekend.

It’s a gorgeous Friday afternoon with highs forecast to only be in the low to mid 70’s until Monday when temperatures again reach into the 80’s. Springtime in Florida is superb.

Real Estate Scoop

At SanibelSusan Realty, another listing is under contract and a few more action items accomplished for upcoming closings.

At the local Association of Realtors® monthly breakfast meeting yesterday, there were no new listings or price reductions announced and no properties open for Caravan viewing. This is the fourth week in a row without any listings to see.

The article below is a good summation of the market in Southwest Florida. If you are thinking of selling, it is to your benefit to list now, before the annual snowbirds start heading home. If you are a buyer, don’t think that waiting for the market to normalize will happen anytime soon.

See below the news for the action reported in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service since last Friday.

The Pulse of Southwest Florida Real Estate

I received an email this week from local attorneys Henderson Franklin who sponsored the 2022 Market Trends event which took place on March 16 with speakers Randy and Justin Thibault from Land Solutions, Inc. and Denny Grimes from Keller Williams Realty. Here are some tidbits from that article with a recap of 2022 Market Trends by Alessandro Secino:

“The presentation discussed the current conditions of the real estate market in Southwest Florida and provided a future forecast about what the market may look like in the coming year. The presentation also focused on the primary areas of the real estate sector: residential development, resale properties, and the commercial market.

“Overall, the end of 2021 was a continuation of the rapid growth that comprised 2020 and 2021, as waves of new residents and businesses enter the market. All sectors of the market are currently seeing growth, but nowhere is this more evident than with residential development and resale, as low inventory coupled with high demand has prompted dramatic price increases across the three counties of Lee, Collier and Charlotte. The ultimate question, however, will be whether this will continue or will the market begin to decline as prices continue to creep up higher.

“Residential Development – In 2021, Southwest Florida saw a 47% increase in new single-family residential permits issued amongst the three counties, with Lee County seeing the highest increase of 59%. Total residential permits increased 39% percent to approximately 25,000 permits. These percentage increases, while dramatic, still pale in comparison to the number of permits issued in 2005, which numbered around 44,000 permits prior to the crash in 2008. Similarly, multi-family residential permits increased by 19% over the last year.

“These numbers illustrate that low resale inventory is driving up the prices, leading buyers to seek new construction and rental properties. Presently, the current inventory of resale properties cannot match the demand of new homebuyers entering the market, leading to homes rising in value by as much as 77% in some areas over the last year.

“As a result, new buyers who cannot find already built homes or are priced out of the market are now turning to rental properties until inventory becomes available or prices soften. The same is true for sellers who took advantage of increased home values are renting until prices come back down.

“With resale inventory so low, it begs the question of where is all this new development going? Most of the new development is taking place inland from the coastal communities. The two leading developments in terms of total permits issued are Ave Maria and Babcock Ranch, which account for a combined 1400 new permits in 2021.

“In many respects, the theme for 2021 was rising prices. This is especially true for the real estate market in Southwest Florida. These dramatic price increases led to shifting behaviors from buyers and sellers, but until either supply increases or demand lessens, prices are going to continue to rise.

“Resale Market – The resale market in Southwest Florida is what presenter Danny Grimes calls “the greatest market of all time,” and for a good reason. 2021 saw a record number of homes sales in Lee County with over 19,000 homes sold, an increase of 16% over the previous year.

“In addition, home prices have similarly increased; from January 2020-January 2022 in Charlotte County, median sales prices increased by 50% from $240,000 to $360,000. The areas within Southwest Florida are also areas with the best location such as Captiva, Boca Grande, and in the Park Shore Drive/ 5th Avenue area in Naples.

“While the market in Southwest Florida is seeing unprecedented numbers of sales, there are not enough properties to meet the demand of buyers. Currently, inventory levels are down between 20 and 30% amongst the three counties, which is not necessarily a bad thing, as high inventory and high prices are conditions that may lead to a bubble and subsequent crash. If there is a true downside to the current market, it is that there are no properties in Southwest Florida under $100,000. Even vacant properties in Lehigh Acres, an area considered most affordable within the region, have seen a 90% increase in vacant land values.

“Almost every person involved in the real estate industry in Southwest Florida is trying to determine when will this market will begin to decline again? There is no predictable answer to this question, however we will begin to see the signs of this when properties are going up for sale and not being purchased or sitting on the market for longer periods of time.

“Commercial Property – Commercial sales volume over the last year has nearly doubled, with an over 87% increase, which surprisingly enough is mostly attributable to retail sales. In 2020, investors were fleeing retail assets with COVID shifting commerce electronically, however 2021 saw current retail properties shifting from retail spaces selling goods, to a more service-based retail user such as car washes, gas stations, and convenience stores. With these new users, we are seeing existing retail spaces being revitalized by new companies such as Sprouts who are acquiring properties within existing shopping centers.

“Despite the increase in retail, industrial properties are also in high demand despite only accounting for 19% of the 87% increase in sales volume. Rental rates for industrial properties are up almost 10% in the last year along with increases in construction of industrial spaces.

“Finally, office spaces (much like retail) saw investors moving away from those assets due to the work-from-home shift COVID brought on. However, office space properties accounted for 26% of the overall growth in sales volume over the last year. Presenter Justin Thibault likened this increase in office space sales going from a pandemic to an endemic stage, where workers are heading back to the office in more hybrid models. In a sense we are learning to live with more hybrid work models, and office space properties are increasing as a result.

“Overall, the commercial market — which was perhaps on the shakiest footing as a result of COVID — has begun to rebound and grow. As we see larger companies like Amazon move into the area, the demands for commercial properties should also increase. Charlotte County may very well be the beneficiary of this new investment as there is room to build industrial properties within proximity to the airport in Punta Gorda.

Take-Away – The Market Trends report focused largely on current market conditions, which is not surprising considering the increases in growth throughout all sectors of the Southwest Florida real estate market. With that said, it is difficult to ascertain what the future may hold, as it appears the current growth is not showing signs of slowing down. As we enter a post-COVID economy and already experiencing rising inflation and global turmoil, it will be interesting to see if we begin to see a slowdown in the real estate market here in Southwest Florida.”

Will Ukraine War Impact Florida Real Estate?

Posted March 15 on FloridaRealtors and sourced to 2022 Media Group, by Derek Gilliam.

“On the one hand, Fla. is the No. 1 state for Russian RE investing – 29% of all U.S. purchases. On the other, Russian buyers make up only 0.8% of all foreign purchases.

“NAPLES, Fla. – Over the past six years, Russian buyers of U.S. real estate have preferred the sunny coasts of Florida over property in any other state in the nation. Wealthy Russians have reportedly bought so many luxury condo properties in the north Miami city of Sunny Isles Beach that some have termed it “Little Moscow.” “They love to be here, and they like to spend their money and enjoy their life,” Lana Bell, a South Florida real estate agent told NewsNation.com.

“But it’s not just the wealthy Russian elites seeking Florida sunshine. Across the state from Warm Mineral Springs in North Port all the way up to small town of Steinhatchee near the Panhandle, Russians and Eastern Europeans have established communities, according to population data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.

“Over the past six years, 29% of Russian real estate transactions in the United States occurred in Florida, the most in the nation, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). But even as countries across the world impose sanctions on Russia for invading and waging a brutal war against its neighbor Ukraine, the impact to U.S. home or property prices is not expected to be meaningful, even without any Russian purchases of Florida real estate.

““Russia has little direct impact on the U.S. real estate market as it accounted for less than 1% (0.8%) of all foreign buyers who purchased U.S. residential property from April 2015 through March 2021, according to data from NAR’s survey of foreign buyer transactions of its members,” covering about 5,000 respondents, the report said. Any effect from the loss of Russian purchases would tend to be at the high end, as the NAR’s report notes that Russian buyers buy more luxury properties than the average Florida buyer.

“Still, with the transition of the pandemic to a different phase, the loss of Russian buyers could be offset by the resumption of purchases by people from other countries, as well as within the U.S. Craig Cerreta, the managing broker for Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Sarasota office, said the pandemic caused a near shutdown of foreign buyers, but that the segment has been bouncing back in recent months.

“During the COVID pandemic, real estate prices have drastically increased in Florida as migration brought new residents to the state, with people retiring early or enjoying the ability to work remotely.

“Tight supply – Historically, Cerreta said, Canadians, followed by residents of the United Kingdom, have accounted for the majority of international real estate transactions in the Sarasota market. “There is no question that they (Russian purchasers) are small” locally, he said. “But they are typically high-end buyers.”

“The NAR data says that the average Russian real estate transaction was about $650,000. The average for all international buyers was about $480,000. But, with the demand seen for Florida properties, combined with historically low number of properties for sale, any loss of Russian purchases are being more than made up from demand from other buyers, Cerreta said. Cerreta recently sold a home he owned in the Sarasota area. During the open house, more than 170 people viewed the residence and 21 people made an offer. Three of the offers came from people in California, something that surprised the longtime real estate agent, as Californians have historically not been a large market for the west coast of Florida.

“Any loss of demand from Russian buyers for luxury properties or other property types won’t be felt in the Sarasota market, he said. In February, 72% of all real estate sales in the Sarasota market closed at or above the list price compared to 43% at or above list price in February 2021, Cerreta said. “There’s not enough inventory to meet demand,” he said of the Sarasota market.

“Sergei Sokolov, a Realtor with Sarasota’s Michael Saunders & Co., was born in Ukraine but moved to the United States when he was 5 years old. The now-47-year-old real estate professional, fluent in Russian and Ukrainian, said Russian speakers often want a Realtor who speaks their language. The first house he sold in Sarasota in 2004 was to a Russian speaker, and he does about three or four transactions a year. Sokolov specializes in entry level homes typically in the $350,000 to $400,000 price range, with the majority of his Russian-speaking buyers already living in the U.S. or Canada and unlikely to be impacted by the Russian-Ukrainian war. “I don’t expect there to be much of an impact on my business,” he said. “There’s just a lot more demand than there is supply.”

“Varied buyers – The next closest U.S. state for Russian buyers was Georgia with 16% of all Russian purchases of U.S. real estate, roughly 13 percentage points behind Florida. New York (13%), California (8%) and Illinois (5%) rounded out the top five states for total transactions from Russian buyers. The NAR report said that even in Florida, purchases of real estate made by Russians accounted for just 0.2% of the Sunshine State’s real estate transactions from July 2020 to June 2021. Those numbers may be skewed as the pandemic caused many governments to restrict travel to other countries.

“A 2020 profile on international residential transactions in Florida conducted by the NAR with Florida Realtors, the largest trade organization in the state, concluded that foreign buyers accounted for $15.6 billion in real estate transactions from August 2019 to July 2020 – about 11% of the state’s sales. The total transaction volume for Florida real estate in that time period was $137 billion dollars.

“However, in that report that largely accounted for sales just prior to the pandemic, Russia did not rank among the top 15 counties for any Florida metro besides Miami. The Miami metro market, the largest in Florida, had just 2% of home sales go to Russian buyers.

“The largest group of foreign buyers by transaction volume came from Latin America and the Caribbean with about 37% of the total value of homes purchased by international citizens. Canadian buyers had the most transactions at 21% followed by Brazil (7%), Argentina (6%), Venezuela (5%), Columbia (5%) and the United Kingdom (5%).

“The metro area of Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach had the lion’s share of foreign buyers with 47.3% of all purchases. The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro accounted for 11%; Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford had 9.7%, North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton had 6.9% and Cape Coral-Fort Myers came in at 4.7%.

“Larger economic issues – While Russians account for a tiny fraction of all real estate purchases in Florida, the real impact of the conflict may be felt at the gas pump as international buyers cut ties with Russian energy. President Joe Biden announced a ban on Russian oil earlier this week.

“Chris Jones, president of Florida Economic Advisors and a University of South Florida faculty member at USF in the economics department, agreed with the real estate experts that the reduction in demand from Russian buyers for U.S. real estate won’t shift home prices in Florida. However, the impact of rising gas prices could be dangerous for the U.S. economy, he said. He anticipates that gas prices will increase at least another 50 cents before the end of May, with peak price per gallon of gasoline surpassing $5 per gallon this year. As people pay more at the pump, they have less money to spend on goods and services that drive the economy, which he believes will lead to a decrease in the nation’s economic output. He said he fears that the American economy could be headed toward “stagflation” because of the rising gas prices. Stagflation happens when an economy has rising inflation at the same time as slowing economic output. “We’re already halfway there,” he said, pointing to rising inflation.

“Rising gas prices will also have an impact by raising prices on nearly all goods and services which could then cause fewer people to be able to afford to purchase residential property. Less demand, caused largely by rising gas prices, would then impact Florida’s real estate market.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 18-25, 2022

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Pine Cove #201 3/2 $1.899M.

2 price changes: Island Beach Club #210C 2/2 now $1.395M, Junonia #301 4/2 now $2.4M.

2 new sales: Shell Island Beach Club #5C 2/2 listed at $1.279M, Lighthouse Point #227 3/2 listed at $1.395M (our listing).

7 closed sales: Sundial #I402 1/1 $650K, Sandalfoot #5B1 1/1 $759K, Loggerhead Cay #242 2/2 $765K, Lighthouse Point #112 3/2 $830K, Sanibel Inn #1E 2/2 $850K, Loggerhead Cay #584 2/2 $875K, Sand Pointe #218 2/2 $1.1M.

HOMES

6 new listings: 4577 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2 $749K, 1600 Sabal Sands Rd 3/2 $1.2M, 1190 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $1.35M, 9405 Beverly Ln 3/2 $1.485M, 1311 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $1.495M, 6176 Henderson Rd 4/3 $2.995M.

No price changes.

5 new sales: 5307 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/3 listed at $968.5K, 661 Anchor Dr 3/2 listed at $1.295M, 1243 Sand Castle Rd 4/4 listed at $1.745M, 1543 San Carlos Bay Dr 4/4 listed at $2.499M, 2451 Blind Pass Ct 4/4.5 listed at $2.895M.

4 closed sales: 1230 Anhinga Ln 4/2 duplex $699K, 5289 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2 $945K, 402 Tiree Cir 3/2 $1.15M, 645 Oliva St 3/3 $1.301M.

LOTS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

2 closed sales: 2829 Wulfert Rd $320K, 1340 Eagle Run Dr $515K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Marina Villas #709 2/2 now $1.145M.

3 new sales: Tennis Villas #3128 1/1 listed at $549K, Beach Villas #2635 3/3 listed at $1.6M, Lands End Village #1628 3/4 listed at $3.5M.

No closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings or price changes.

2 new sales: 16280 Captiva Dr 6/6 listed at $8.9M, 15867 Captiva Dr 7/6 listed at $11.7M.

3 closed sales: 30 Urchin Ct 3/2 $1.253M, 57 Sandpiper Ct 2/2 $1.325M, 16611 Captiva Dr 6/6 $7.1M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Though Sanibel’s spring weather is superb, the islands need rain. Fingers crossed that we get some soon!

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan

Woohoo, More Sanibel Closings, Listings, & Sales!

Posted on March 18, 2022 by SanibelSusan

Another week has flown by with the islands again busy with more visiting families on spring break. It sure is a good thing that states and schools have vacations at different times. As it is, locals are counting down to Easter, when traffic usually eases as snowbirds start heading north. We love the extra winter business and understand why so many want to be here, but too many at once can be challenging to drivers.

Heads-up, roads and bike paths probably also will be busy next week as Lee County schools are out today and next week. With the forecast for more sunny days and temperatures in the low 80’s, those visiting should be happy!

SanibelSusan Realty

Blind Pass condos

It was nice to get a new surprise listing over the weekend. One that managed to go under contract within hours, even before we got to see it and have it photographed, as it has a rental guest. Blind Pass #D204 is the 3-bedroom condo mentioned in the Multiple Listing Service activity summary, posted after a couple of news items below. We appreciate that the Blind Pass rental office allowed us to use their photos to get the listing posted.

Another new listing was signed and posted in MLS as “coming soon”, then it became “active” today. The difference between those listing statuses is that “coming soon” listings are only available for Realtors® to see, while “active” listings are syndicated to the public and many real estate sites. It was professionally photographed early, thanks to JMA Photography. This condo, a direct bay-front Lighthouse Point 3 bedroom has showings beginning tomorrow.

View from Lighthouse Point #227

A 3^rd new listing also signed and posted in MLS as “coming soon” is a condo in Windjammer Village in The Landings in Ft Myers. That listing is occupied but will be available to show in April. It also has been professionally filmed, including streaming video.

With closings, it was another week with a nice one of those. Thanks to Realtor® Wendy Kirschner for bringing that buyer.

Island Inventory

Every week, we continue to get calls and emails from prospective buyers and renters. It is frustrating when we often can’t help them. It certainly pays to have a Realtor® on the lookout though as we often hear of listings coming on the market or cancellations.

Though 1^st quarter isn’t over yet, it is amazing to see what is happening with sale prices and days-on-market (DOM). Some are saying that prices are beginning to stabilize, but I’m not a believer – or not yet. As long as demand remains high and inventory low, buyers must be poised to pounce, while most sellers are smiling.

Below is an update of island inventory as of this morning, March 18, 2022, data from Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service). Looking at just residential property, only 15 condos, 10 homes, and 11 lots are for sale on Sanibel. Just 8 condos and 8 homes on Captiva. With 113 closed sales and another 91 properties under contract, the sellers’ market continues.

Status	SANIBEL
	Condos			Homes			Lots
	#	Avg $	DOM	#	Avg $	DOM	#	Avg $	DOM
For sale	15	1,387,533	56	10	2,919,250	44	11	1,439,545	350
Under contract	30	1,100,726	18	42	1,826,950	44	10	504,155	113
Sold to-date 2022	37	966,863	47	52	1,710,807	78	8	762,625	184
Sold 2021	287	875,127	113	355	1,341,881	89	69	698,862	442
Sold 2020	193	733,136	174	189	950,426	161	23	606,233	393

Status	CAPTIVA
	Condos			Homes			Lots
	#	Avg $	DOM	#	Avg $	DOM	#	Avg $	DOM
For sale	8	1,339,250	20	8	7,929,875	116	0	N/A	N/A
Under contract	4	1,209,000	32	5	4,515,800	29	0	N/A	N/A
Sold to-date 2022	10	1,488,402	51	6	3,952,416	196	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2021	64	1,150,373	145	44	2,988,520	261	2	2,950,000	731
Sold 2020	47	821,713	134	27	2,923,148	315	4	2,537,500	448

Americans Moving to Sun Belt States

From the April 2022 issue of “Florida Realtor” and sourced to 2022 News World Communications, Inc.:

“Both U-Haul and United Van Lines listed Florida as a top destination state. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) chief economist credits affordability, job creation and lower taxes for the moves.

“Job-rich, low-tax states such as those in the Sun Belt are attracting many Americans as housing prices rise, recent reports show. Zillow and U-Haul both cited Florida and Texas as hot relocation destinations in separate reports, while Unit Van Lines listed Florida and South Carolina among the top states for inbound migration…

“Meanwhile, U-Haul reported in its annual Grown Index that Texas edged out Florida for the largest net gain of one-way trucks in 2021, while California and Illinois saw the greatest net losses.

“And United Van Lines reported in its 45^th annual National Movers Study that two Sun Belt states made the top five for inbound migration in 2021: South Carolina (63%) and Florida (62%) joined Vermont (74%), South Dakota (69%) and West Virginia (63%).

“States such as Illinois (67%), New York (63%), Connecticut (60%), and California (56%) appeared once again at the top of the list for outbound migration….”

Seawall Approved at Spanish Cay

It was good news to read the below article in today’s “Island Sun”. This approval has been long in coming.

“The problem of crumbling and cracked seawalls on man-made canals was under discussion at the Sanibel Planning commission meeting last week when commissioners approved replacing the seawall behind Spanish Cay condominiums on Middle Guld Drive.

“Seawalls were allowed as a special conditional use in many subdivisions bordering San Carlos Bay including Shell Harbor north and south of Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Harbour, Sanibel Isles and Water Shadows. The Sanibel Land Development Code includes standards for repairing nonconforming use seawalls on humanmade bodies of water.

“The seawall at Spanish Cay borders the manmade canal separating it from Beachview Estates. Repairs to the seawall bordering a narrow walkway required commission approval of a long form development permit.

”Complicating the matter was that removal of the seawall could not result only in loss of land bordering the water, but also cause a very high probability of undermining buildings that are 10 feet or less from the existing seawall.

“To avoid damage to structures, engineering firm Hans Wilson and Associates proposed a plan that includes replacing the seawall cap and installing a 10- to 12-foot shelf of rock riprap with a maximum 2:1 slope and consisting of limestone that is 12 to 36” in diameter.

“Two concerns addressed by the commission were rainwater downspouts from each building that discharged water directly into the canal and the limited vegetation along the seawall. The condominium association accepted a proposal to relocate the downspouts to prevent discharge into the canal or onto neighboring properties, and to install native vegetation along the path where possible…

“Native vegetation will also be planted within the riprap to provide a habitat for aquatic species to live or hide within the voids of the riprap.

“Planning commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the project.”

International Buyers Are Back

Another article in the new “Florida Realtor®” magazine says “Canada and South America are strong markets this year. Global buyers are looking for all types of properties – not just vacation homes…

“Stifled by COVID-19 the past couple of years, global buyers are finally seeing restrictions lifted and opportunities in U.S. properties.

“For decades, Florida has been a preferred U.S. market for foreign real estate buyers seeking a vacation home, primary residence or an income-generating commercial investment. But the travel restrictions imposed in spring 2020 by the COVID-19 pantenic dramatically slowed global purchases.

“Two years later, international buyers are returning to Florida, creating new business opportunities… Some of Florida’s traditional global markets are expected to see a bigger rebound than others this year. For instance, Canadian snowbirds are traveling again to Florida, and buyers from Latin American and the Caribbean are active throughout the state. On the other hand, there may be fewer buyers from China or European nations that imposed travel bans and lockdowns in late 2021 due to the omicron variant….

“According to the 2021 Profile of International Residential Transactions in Florida, Latin American/Caribbean buyers made up 46% of the global market followed by Canadians at 18% and Europe at 15%… Countries with good relations and economic ties with American are the best targets….”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 11-18, 2022

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Captain’s Walk #D5 2/1 $569K, Breakers West #A4 2/2 $849K, Loggerhead Cay #201 2/2 $995K, Lighthouse Point #227 3/2 $1.395M (our listing), Island Beach Club #210C 2/2 $1.495M.

1 price change: Junonia #301 4/2 now $2.49M.

Bridge over Clam Bayou heading to Bowman’s Beach

7 new sales: Sundial #I307 1/1 listed at $595K, Blind Pass #D102 2/2 listed at $685K, Breakers West #C1 2/2 listed at $799K, Blind Pass #D204 3/2 listed at $799.9K (our listing), Sanctuary Golf Villages I #5-3 2/2.5 listed at $859K, Sundial #B206 2/2 listed at $1.3M, Sedgemoor #101 3/3.5 listed at $3.995M.

5 closed sales: Sanibel Moorings #1411 1/1 $510K, Sunset South

Bowman’s Beach

#11C 2/2 $1.025M, Sanibel Moorings #122 2/2 $1.08M (our listing), Shell Island Beach Club #A5 2/2 $1.2M, Lantana #101 4/3.5 $2.395M.

HOMES

1 new listing: 2451 Blind Pass Ct 4/4.5 $2.895M.

3 price changes: 1243 Sand Castle Rd 4/4 now $1.745M, 1543 San Carlos Bay Dr 4/4 now $2.499M, 488 Lighthouse Way 4/4 now $5.495M.

2 new sales: 1072 Blue Heron Dr 3/2 listed at $949K, 244 Palm Lake Dr 3/2 listed at $1.268M.

2 closed sales: 2276 Starfish Ln 4/3.5 $1.8M, 475 Sawgrass Pl 3/3.5 $2.1M.

LOTS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

2 closed sales: 2486 Wulfert Rd $219K, 3304 Saint Kilda Rd $590K.

Captiva

CONDOS

4 new listings: Tennis Villas #3128 1/1 $549K, Beach Villas #2312 1/1 $1.075M, Gulf Beach Villas #2027 3/2 $1.595M, Lands End Village #1628 3/4 $3.5M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Bayside Villas #4210 1 /2 listed at $594.5K.

1 closed sale: Bayside Villas #5226 1/2 $625,026.

HOMES

1 new listing: 1106 Tallow Tree Ct 3/3 half-duplex $4.2M.

No price changes, new sales, or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday,

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Best Bay & Gulf Waters… Before a Quick Weekend Storm

Posted on March 11, 2022 by SanibelSusan

It’s another happy Friday on Sanibel as Florida braces for a cool front that is expected to swoop through the state over the weekend. Though this afternoon is bright sunshiny and 80+degrees F, with gulf and bay waters the brilliant teal color so loved. Winds are expected to pick up over night with a fast storm bringing heavy rain forecast to come through tomorrow morning. Hopefully the weathermen are correct in saying it will pass through Lee County quickly.

Gusty winds are expected to continue through Sunday, sometimes reaching 40 mph. Temperatures Saturday night could go down into the 40’s here, even colder inland. By Monday, it will probably be back into the 80’s.

That is the funny thing about Florida, it can be summer, fall, winter, and spring – all in the same day. We also look forward to moving the clocks ahead this weekend. It will be great to again have evening sunshine.

SanibelSusan Realty

It was a week with another nice closing for us, with another scheduled early next week. We have a couple of new listings soon coming on the market, so preliminary work is underway with those.

At the local Association of Realtors® Thursday morning Caravan Meeting yesterday, there were no new listings open for viewing, no new listings announced, no price reductions, and no sales reported. There was, however, some activity posted this week in the island Multiple Listing Service. It is after a couple of news items below.

Community Seminar Series – Flood Insurance

The public is welcome to attend a Flood Insurance seminar at the Sanibel Community House, Tues March 29 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Guest speakers are David Arter, Private Client Insurance Services, and Chris Heidrick, Heidrick & Co. Insurance. They will provide info on recent flood insurance changes, NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) update, and flood insurance facts, questions/answers.

The event also includes a vendor affiliate trade show with representatives from accounting, banking, design, mortgage, title companies, and more.

F.I.S.H. Bunny Basket Drive

This week, teammate Elise and I brought our goodies for the F.I.S.H. Bunny Basket Drive to the local Association of Realtors®.

The Realtors® Communications & Public Relations Committee is gathering donations to help make Easter baskets for families in need.

Donations are accepted at the Association Office until March 31.

Measuring America

Census data tells an interesting story about our increasingly multicultural country. Below are excepts from the “Measuring America” article in the Winter 2022 issue of “Realtor” magazine.

“Between 2010 and 2020, the nation added roughly 23 million people, a 7% gain, reaching above 331 million. The population grew by nearly 10% in the preceding decade.

“Over the last decade, the United States grew at its slowest rate since the 1930’s, and minorities made up almost all of that population growth. These shifts aren’t surprising. The 2020 census bears out what demographers have been predicting for years. Between 2010 and 2020, Asian Americans experienced the highest population gain (36%) followed by Hispanics (23%) and Black (6%) Americans. In contrast, the White population dropped by 9% from 2010, increasing the overall racial and ethic diversity of the country…

“What the Census Data Says About Homeownership – In addition to the decennial census, the U.S. Census Bureau each year conducts the American Community Survey, one of the most comprehensive sources of U.S. population and housing information.

“COVID-19 complicated the recent operations of the survey, leading the bureau to release a smaller set of products for 2020. The bureau does not recommend comparing the experimental estimates with standard ACS estimates from previous years. But here are some highlights from the November 2021 release:

65% – percentage of U.S. homes that were owner occupied in 2020.
75% – homeownership rate in Maine. It’s the highest rated in the country, followed by West Virginia (74%), Wyoming (74%), Minnesota (74%), and New Hampshire (73%).
12% – percentage of U.S. homes that were vacant in 2020.
88% – percentage of households with broadband internet connection. A reliable internet connection has become a truly important utility for most people. It’s now one of the main factors that people consider before moving to an area.
42% – number of homes with more or more people 60 years or over.
12% – percentage of the population that moved in 2020.”

Hometown Hero Housing Program

Below info from an email received last night from Florida Realtors 2022 President, Christina Pappas:

“As the annual legislative session inches closer to its end, I wanted to bring you some incredible news regarding a new homeownership program that was a core focus of our advocacy efforts this year.

“Although it won‘t be 100% official until the Senate and House pass the budget and the governor signs it, the Hometown Hero Housing Program (HHHP) is set to receive $100 million to provide new avenues of down payment and closing cost assistance for some of our most essential workers.

“The HHHP is a revolving loan program targeted at the people who form the foundation of our communities. Firefighters, nurses, teachers, law enforcement officers, EMT’s and other hometown heroes will soon be able to apply for zero-interest loans through this program to help with down payment and closing costs. Even better, when they well, rent or refinance their home, they pay back the loan and that money is now available to help the next hero buy their new home.

“This program was born through a collaborative effort between your leadership team and legislative leaders in both the Florida House and Florida Senate. By working in partnership with lawmakers, we were able to accelerate our efforts to provide relief to Floridians struggling to keep up with rapidly escalating home prices….”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 4-11, 2022

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sundial #I307 1/1 $595K, Breakers West #C1 2/2 $799K, Sundial #B206 2/2 $1.3M, Island Beach Club #P4E 2/2 $1.799M.

2 price changes: Sandalfoot #5A2 2/2 now $1.175M, Junonia #301 4/2 now $2.6M.

6 new sales: Mariner Pointe #323 2/2.5 listed at $649K, Sanibel Surfside #225 2/2 listed at $998K, Sundial #Q302 3/2 listed at $1.365M, Cyprina Beach #8 2/2.5 $1.595M, Kings Crown #117 2/2 listed at $1.65M, Compass Point #192 3/2 listed at $1.75M.

1 closed sale: Mariner Pointe #421 2/2.5 $700K.

HOMES

2 new listings: 244 Palm Lake Dr 3/2.5 $1.268M, 1543 San Carlos Bay Dr 4/4 $2.995M.

No price changes.

7 new sales: 4560 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2 listed at $829K, 917 Pepper Tree Pl 4/3 listed at $1.399M, 247 Daniel Dr 3/2.5 listed at $1.425M, 1194 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 listed at $1.425M, 1174 Harbor Cottage Ct 3/3 half-duplex listed at $1.45M, 1560 Royal Poinciana Dr 3/2 listed at $1.525M, 5817 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 4/3 listed at $1.993M.

9 closed sales: 9472 Balsa Ct 2/2 $765K, 1948 Roseate Ln 2/2.5 $775K, 1251 Sand Castle Rd 4/3 $1.05M, 2620 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $1.3M, 1245 Par View Dr 3/2.5 $1.575M, 2030 Sunrise Cir 3/3 $1.6M, 3716 Coquina Dr 3/2 $1.601M (our buyer), 930 Kings Crown Dr 3/2 $1.85M, 3767 West Gulf Dr 4/4.5 $6.75M.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

3 new sales: 1836 Ardsley Way listed at $325,555; 2829 Wulfert Rd listed at $349K; 490 Sea Oats Dr listed at $699K.

1 closed sale: 6000 White Heron Ln $850K.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Bayside Villas #4214 1/2 $605K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Beach Villas #2633 2/2 listed at $1.399M.

2 closed sales: Bayside Villas #5210 1/2 $525K, Bayside Villas #5128 1/2 $590K.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 price change: 15261 Captiva Dr 4/4.5 now $10.989M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 11529 Andy Rosse Ln 4/4 $3.495M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Until next Friday!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Sanibel Friday, with sunshine, some sweet successes & smiles!

Image

Susan here, once again touting Florida’s wonderful summerlike weather, alerting you about the traffic, and complaining that we don’t have enough inventory for the many buyers looking to rent or buy on the islands.

Below is an update of the island inventory today (Feb 25, 2022, data from Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service). After that are a few news items, followed by all the action posted since last Friday in the MLS.

Looking at just residential property, only 15 condos, 13 homes, and 12 lots are for sale on Sanibel. Just 2 condos and 6 homes on Captiva. With 84 closed sales and another 95 properties under contract, the sellers’ market continues to thrive.

Status	SANIBEL						CAPTIVA
	Condos		Homes		Lots		Condos		Homes		Lots
	#	Avg $	#	Avg $	#	Avg $	#	Avg $	#	Avg $	#	Avg $
For sale	15	1,547,733	13	2,929,846	12	588,583	2	1,397,500	6	8,665,833	0	N/A
Under contract	25	971,694	43	1,708.439	11	531,363	7	1,457,785	9	4,262,666	0	N/A
Sold to-date 2022	39	946,106	34	1,700,794	4	988,500	5	1,513,800	2	4,084,750	0	N/A
Sold 2021	287	875,127	355	1,341,881	69	698,862	64	1,150,373	44	2,988,520	2	2,950,000
Sold 2020	192	733,876	290	954,718	23	606,233	47	821,713	27	2,923,148	4	2,537,500

SanibelSusan Realty Scoop

Here at the office, we continue to get buyer requests. It was great to put another home under contract on Sunday. On the other hand, it really hurt Monday when I had to tell a long-time visitor with a budget of $1M, that there are only three Sanibel condos and one home for sale with that price limit. Those listings probably would already be under contract, but they are occupied with guests so difficult to show.

One of our last sales was on the typical “as is” contract with a 15-day inspection/cancellation. The property is a seasonal rental and as luck would have it, the 15-day period coincided exactly with a renter reservation. So, after making nice with the property manager, we delivered a note of appreciation with $ to the guests, thanking them for their cooperation in allowing the inspector, buyer and their Realtor® to come in during their stay. A few days after that, it was a nice surprise to get a text from that guest saying they used the gift toward a meal out at their favorite island restaurant. She included a couple of beach photos from their stay too. Island visitors really are the best!

We were happy to have another closing this morning and continue to beat the bushes looking for new listings. Dave and Elise got half of our huge annual bulk mailing out yesterday. The other half is in the works. Every Saturday, Lisa updates our island inventory summary, so any time you want a copy, either mailed or emailed, just let us know. It includes all the residential property posted in both the local and regional MLS for Sanibel and Captiva. In addition to what is currently available, it also shows the properties under contract and recent sale prices. Some are jaw-dropping!

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Yesterday, was the February Monthly Membership Meeting of the local Association of Realtors®. James Evans, new CEO of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) was the guest speaker. James has a wonderful history on the islands from when he first began working for the city, two decades ago, as Natural Resource Director. He later was SCCF Environmental Policies Director, when last November, he was selected as their new CEO, a position he assumed in January.

James reminded the audience that SCCF began in 1967 and today owns/manages ~2,000 acres, about 1,200 on Sanibel, with about 2/3 in conservation. A whopping 84 acres were added in 2021. In 2019, the Sanibel Sea School merged with SCCF. Other upcoming changes include the installation of new RECON (River, Estuary, Coastal Observing Network) 2.0 sensors and a cooperative agreement with data sharing from SCCF’s Marine Lab and the Center for Coastal Solutions (CCS) at the University of Florida.

James also encouraged Realtors® and the public to attend the March 10 South Florida Water Management District governing board meeting which will be held at The Community House. It begins at 9 a.m. Islander Chauncey Goss, chairs that board.

During the general announcements section of the meeting, no new listings were announced, no price reductions, and only one home was open for Realtor® Caravan viewing.

Sanibel Island Crime

Though not our favorite subject, it was informative to read the Police Chief’s annual report to the City Manager which was posted on-line this week on www.MySanibel.com. Here are some excerpts:

“In 2021, more than 3.5 million vehicles came through the Sanibel Causeway. This number is the highest amount ever, and 19% higher than our five-year average (2016-2020) of 3.3 million. This increase in people visiting our island was statistically significant and drove many of the changes you will see in the following pages…

“Analysis of the 2021 data shows a slight increase of 7% in the overall number of federally reportable crimes over our five-year average of 71 to 76 in 2021. Within the federally reported offenses, there are several noteworthy statistics. The reports of vehicle thefts were up by 1, with 1 in 2020 and 2 in 2021. There was a 44% decrease in reported burglaries from 16 in our five-year average to 9 in 2021. There was a 2% increase in thefts from 43 in our five-year average to 44 in 2021.

“The total non-Federally reportable crimes include reported crimes, such as trespass, drug violations, DUI, criminal traffic violations, criminal mischief, and harassment. This crimes category also includes City ordinance violations and criminal citations. The total number of crimes reported in 2021 was 910 which is a 28% increase over our five-year average of 713.

“We experienced a significant number of DUI arrests, up 50% from 18 in our five-year average to 27 in 2021…

“Similar to past years, 19% of those arrested on Sanibel were residents of Sanibel, 51% were from other areas in Lee County, 12% were from different locations in Florida, and 19% were from all other states. These were no arrests of non-U.S. citizens….”

How ‘Tax-Friendly’ Is Florida Compared to Other States?

Posted Wed, Feb 23 at FloridaRealtors® on-line. Sourced to WFLA, Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.

“A MoneyGeek study including IRS, state, property and sales taxes listed Fla. as the No. 4 least-expensive tax state. Total tax costs are about 5.6% of total income.

“TAMPA, Fla. – It’s tax filing season and depending on where you live in the U.S., you could be forking over a very different-sized chunk of your income. An analysis by MoneyGeek ranked every state by how “tax-friendly” it is. The analysts didn’t just look at income tax – they also factored in property taxes, plus state and local sales taxes.

“To determine where people pay the highest tax burden, MoneyGeek looked at a hypothetical average family: a married couple with one kid, earning the median national income of $82,852, owning a $349,400 home. The study breaks down how much this fictional family would pay in taxes in every state.

“The states with the lowest tax burden, according to the analysis, were:

Wyoming (estimated taxes: 4% of income or $3,279)
Nevada (estimated taxes: 4.7% of income or $3,879)
Alaska (estimated taxes: 5.4% of income or $4,507)
Florida (estimated taxes: 5.6% of income or $4,632)
Tennessee (estimated taxes: 6.5% of income or $5,377)
Washington (estimated taxes: 6.5% of income or $5,414)
North Dakota (estimated taxes: 6.7% of income or $5,556)
Arizona (estimated taxes: 6.8% of income or $5,665)
South Dakota (estimated taxes: 7.2% of income or $5,938)
Delaware (estimated taxes: 7.3% of income or $6,074)

“The states with the highest tax burden were:

Illinois (estimated taxes: 16.8% of income or $13,894)
Connecticut (estimated taxes: 15.1% of income or $12,545)
New Jersey (estimated taxes: 14.3% of income or $11,872)
New Hampshire (estimated taxes: 14.1% of income or $11,694)
New York (estimated taxes: 13.9% of income or $11,495)
Iowa (estimated taxes: 13.8% of income or $11,398)
Wisconsin (estimated taxes: 13.2% of income or $10,976)
Vermont (estimated taxes: 12.6% of income or $10,453)
Nebraska (estimated taxes: 12.6% of income or $10,446)
Michigan (estimated taxes: 12.4% of income or $10,239)

“Based on its analysis, MoneyGeek also gave every state a letter grade on its “tax friendliness.” The states with A grades have the lowest tax burden on an “average” family, while the states with D or E grades have the highest tax burden. MoneyGeek’s estimates only hold true for that hypothetical family,earning about $82,000 a year with a $349,000 house. A family who just bought a $1 million house in California would probably be paying a lot more in taxes, while a single person earning $40,000 in Texas would be paying less.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 18‑25, 2022

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Pelicans Roost #202 2/2 $1.295M.

2 price changes: Gulfside Place #210 2/2 now $1.499M, Junonia #301 4/2 now $2.75M.

2 new sales: Tennisplace #D33 1/1 listed at $425K, Pelicans Roost #104 2/2 listed at $1.299M.

4 closed sales: Villa Sanibel #1D 2/2 $810K, Blind Pass #F203 3/2 $845K, Sundial #M303 2/2 $1.275M (our listing), Pointe Santo #D37 2/2 $1.395M.

HOMES

4 new listings: 3015 Singing Wind Dr 2/2 $959K, 5435 Osprey Ct 4/3.5 $2.4M, 911 S. Yachtsman Dr 3/3 $2.485M, 5089 Joewood Dr 5/5 $5.75M.

No price changes.

6 new sales: 707 Durion Ct 2/2 listed at $985K, 4563 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2 listed at $1.35M, 1178 Harbor Cottage Ct 3/3 half-duplex $1.395M, 2620 West Gulf Dr 3/2 listed at $1.395M, 3716 Coquina Dr 3/2 listed at $1.395M (our buyer), 5435 Osprey Ct 4/3.5 listed at $2.4M.

3 closed sales: 593 Lake Murex Cir 3/3 $1.395M, 5415 Osprey Ct 3/3 $2.525M, 435 Bella Vista Way E 3/3 $4.8M.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

2 new sales: 2486 Wulfert Rd listed at $229K, 2356 Wulfert Rd listed at $280K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: Beach Cottages #1404 2/2 listed at $1.4975M.

1 closed sale: Captiva Hide-a-Way #1A 2/2 $1.45M.

HOMES

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 11549 Wightman Ln 3/4 listed at $3.395M.

1 closed sale: 5 Sunset Captiva Ln 2/2.5 $3.375M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”.

Until next Friday, enjoy your weekend & here’s hoping your days also are sunny & full of smiles!

Just Another Sunny Sanibel Presidents’ Day Weekend

Posted on February 18, 2022 by SanibelSusan

Susan here, reporting another great week on the islands. Traffic is heavy as it typically is mid-February, so patience is required as we share the roadways with the many visitors here enjoying the sunshine. Midweek temperatures jumped back up into the high 70’s/low 80’s, making for happy locals, snowbirds, and vacationers.

Sanibel’s City Town Hall meeting on Tuesday night at The Community House was well attended both in-person and virtually. It was a great way for the new City Manager and new City Council members to hear first-hand about issues important to their constituents. The future of the shared-use paths, activities for seniors/Center-4-Life, and traffic were some of the topics mentioned more than once.

It is expected to be slow going here this weekend with additional holiday traffic plus the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club 39^th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival at The Community House. That event features 85 different artists and includes art booths outside and silent auction inside. It is open tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Local Real Estate News

At SanibelSusan Realty, we continue to write/field offers, were happy to have another listing close, and look forward to more inventory so that we may meet the demands of the many prospective buyers waiting in the wings.

Our printer advises that the inventory booklets for our big annual mailing are on their way to us. With a hot fast-moving market, it sure is hard to keep that list up to date. The bulk mail should go out the end of next week and we sure hope that it generates more listings.

At the Association of Realtors® Caravan meeting yesterday, there were no new listings announced, nor price reductions, but there were a couple of new listings open for viewing. I visited a home that had just came on the market. It was no surprise to see it visited by many Realtors®, neighbors, and purchasers. The term “feeding frenzy” fit.

As of this afternoon, according to the islands Multiple Listing Service, Sanibel residential inventory includes just 14 condos, 17 homes, and 14 lots, while Captiva has three condos and eight homes for sale.

A Changing Pattern of Migration Trends

From the March 2022 “FloridaRealtor®” magazine: “For decades, Florida has been a favored destination for U.S. and international buyers seeking vacation homes or primary residences. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted some, but not all, of those inbound migration trends.

“”Despite a lot of predictions, COVID didn’t change the underlying U.S. migration flows that were in place before the pandemic,” says Sean Snaith, Ph.D., director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting in Orlando. “New York and New Jersey continue to be the big feeder markets for South Florida, while the Gulf Coast and Central Florida attract buyers from the Midwest states.”

“Snaith added that people who move to Florida from the Rust Belt states, or the Northeast are looking for a change in the weather as well as the tax climate. “Other high-tax states, like California and Illinois, are potentially good feeder markets for Florida’s real estate professionals,” he says.

“While inbound U.S. migration is up, COVID-19-related travel restrictions have shut down the flow of buyers from Canada, Europe, and Latin America – the state’s three primary international feeder markets.

“”South Florida is getting fewer buyers form the Caribbean, Central and South America,” says Ken H. Johnson, Ph.D., a real estate economist at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business in Boca Raton. “But COVID isn’t the only reason. Many of the South American economies – except for Venezuela – are doing relatively well this year, and that reduces the motivation to buy in the U.S.”

“On the domestic side, Johnson says Florida’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle and work-from-home convenience has helped widen the range of feeder markets beyond the Northeast and Midwest. Now, buyers are coming from Western states like California, Oregon and Washington, as well as nearby states in the Southeast. The Panhandle markets, for instance, appeal to second-home buyers in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.

“Drawing on FAU’s proprietary research, Johnson said population growth in the Orlando, Fort Myers and Lakeland metropolitan areas is likely to exceed 20% in the next 10 years, surpassing Miami, Tampa-St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, Palm Beach County and Tallahassee. While much of that growth will come from U.S. states, Johnson expects international migration to pick up as well. “We expect an influx of buyers from Canada and Europe in the next few years,” he says. “That will spark growth in Orlando as well as the state’s coastal markets.”

President’s Day at J.N. “Ding” Darling

FYI, admission to Wildlife Dr will be fee-free on Monday, Feb 21, in honor of President’s Day. As a federal holiday, the administrative offices and Visitor & Education Center, including the Refuge Nature Store, will be closed, however, the restrooms will remain open during Wildlife Dr hours, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tarpon Bay Explorers also is open for business that day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Snowy Plover Nesting Season

Posted this week by SCCF: “February 15th marks the official start of snowy plover nesting season in the state of Florida however our Sanibel plovers have not checked their calendars and were resting in a small group by the lighthouse this morning rather than pairing up to establish nesting territories. Typically, on Sanibel, the first nests are located in late March or early April. If you want to learn more about how you can help protect our beach nesting birds click here: https://sancaplifesavers.org/shorebirds/

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 11-18, 2022

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Tennisplace #D33 1/1 $425K, Shell Island Beach Club #5C 2/2 $1.279M, Pelicans Roost #206 2/2 $1.299M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Captains Walk #C5 2/1 listed at $549K.

2 closed sales: Sealoft Village #109 2/2 $830K (our listing), Sanibel Moorings #1332 2/2 $875K.

default

HOMES

5 new listings: 3716 Coquina Dr 3/2 $1.395M, 824 Birdie View Pt 3/3 $1.725M, 2885 Wulfert Rd 6/5.5 $2.395M, 660 Anchor Dr 6/4 $2.995M, 4630 Rue Bayou 4/4.5 $2.995M.

1 price change: 5802 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/3.5 now $1.445M.

3 new sales: 5289 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/2 listed at $850K, 320 Palm Lake Dr 2/2 listed at $925K, 1405 Causey Ct 3/2 listed at $1.495M.

3 closed sales: 4636 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 $1.725M, 719 Periwinkle Way 4/3 $1.75M, 1146 Golden Olive Ct 5/4 $2.9M.

LOTS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

1 closed sale: 638 Lake Murex Cir $565K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

3 new sales: Bayside Villas #5128 1/2 listed at $589K, Bayside Villas #5226 1/2 listed at $625K, Beach Homes #20 3/3 listed at $4.349M.

1 closed sale: Bayside Villas #5342 3/3 listed at $969K.

HOMES

2 new listings: 16813 Captiva Dr 3/3 $3.495M, 11517 Andy Rosse Ln 4/4.5 $5.25M.

No price changes.

1 new sale: 16611 Captiva Dr 6/6 listed at $7.495M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”.

Enjoy your long weekend!

We’ll be open Monday!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Happy Super Bowl Sunday & Valentine’s Day Monday… Have a Great Week!

Posted on February 11, 2022 by SanibelSusan

It’s time for another Friday update from SanibelSusan. Following a semi-chilly first few days, the week here is wrapping up with beautiful sunny weather today – temperatures in the low 70’s.

Boardwalk to gulf at Sanibel Moorings

At SanibelSusan Realty, we had another listing go under contract over the weekend, prepared for a couple of upcoming closings and our big annual mailing which is at the printer. I also met with another owner thinking of selling and spent several hours looking at communities with prospective buyers.

There is little inventory available for actual showings. Those that come on the market, priced right, are getting multiple cash offers, many over asking prices and with few, if any, contract contingencies. It is challenging to be a buyer in this hot sellers’ market. As of this afternoon, on Sanibel, according to the island MLS, there are just 14 condos and 14 homes for sale. Usually in February, there are a hundred plus.

Yesterday at the Association of Realtors® weekly Caravan Meeting, there were no properties open for viewing and no new listings announced. First time that has happened in my 30 years attending those meetings.

Below are a couple of news items, followed by the action since last Friday posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service.

Sanibel City Council to Host Town Hall Workshop

The following was excerpted from an on-line post today by The Community House:

Sanibel City Council has announced a Town Hall Workshop scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Tues, Feb 15, 2022, at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way.

As Council prepares to conduct a Strategic Planning Retreat in March, they invite Sanibel residents to attend the workshop to offer input about locally controlled issues they deem imperative to the long-range planning for the City.

The two-hour workshop will be divided into three primary areas of discussion:

Environment
Community
Business & City Infrastructure

Meeting Format: Following opening comments by Mayor Holly D. Smith, residents will be provided an opportunity to speak about issues within the primary areas of discussion listed above. Approximately 40 minutes will be allocated for resident input within each area of discussion.

Prior to the workshop, residents may provide City Clerk Scotty Lynn Kelly with position papers, presentations, letters, etc. via email at Scott.Kelly@MySanibel.com. All presentations and submissions will become part of the workshop public record and be used to provide the City Council with detailed information about residents’ concerns and issues. This information can be provided in lieu of speaking during the Town Hall Workshop or as a supplement to public comments.

Speakers must adhere to the following procedures when addressing the City Council:

Public Comment Cards – All residents who wish to speak at the workshop must fill out a public comment card provided by the City. A fillable and printable public comment card may be accessed by clicking this link; blank public comment cards will also be available at the workshop.
Order of Speakers – Speakers will be called in the order announced by City Manager Dana Souza, within each individual discussion topic area.
Recognized Speakers – Only the speaker recognized by the Mayor has the floor and must be at a microphone to speak. Councilmembers may ask clarifying questions of speakers.
Topics – Speakers should focus on issues, not on persons or personalities.
Name – All speakers must state their name into the microphone before speaking.
Time Limit – Length of individual public comments is expected to be five minutes per speaker. City Council reserves the right to limit the length of individual public comments to ensure maximum participation from the public.

Audience members should respect the following meeting rules:

Sidebar Discussions – Sidebar discussions are not permitted during the Town Hall Workshop. Persons wishing to speak with other members of the public during the workshop should exit the room to hold their conversation.
Decorum – Anger, rudeness, ridicule, impatience, and lack of respect for others are not acceptable behaviors. Demonstrations in support or opposition to a speaker or idea such as clapping, cheering, booing, hissing, or intimidating body language are not permitted.

Sanibel residents who are not able to attend the workshop may listen to the meeting live on the City’s website www.mysanibel.com. Click here to access the Feb 15 workshop agenda.

COVID Migration: Who’s Moving to Fla. and Why?

Posted Tuesday on FloridaRealtors® and sourced to “The Palm Beach Post”, by Kimberly Miller

“WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Extraordinary events have forever pushed and pulled and pressured U.S. population shifts, from gold lust to the citrus rush to the restless return of WWII soldiers to revolutions in foreign lands and civil war on southern soil.

“Now there is COVID-19, which has turned a years-long trickle to Florida from the northeast into a deluge. More than 547,000 people exchanged out-of-state driver’s licenses last year for ones with Sunshine State addresses. That’s a 40% increase from 2020 and nearly 20% greater than the five-year average between 2017 and 2021.

The license swaps – largely from New York (11%), New Jersey (6%) and foreign countries (14%) – are acutely felt in Florida real estate markets where inventory is anemic and prices aggressive. The median sale price on Palm Beach County single-family homes ended 2021 at nearly half-a-million dollars with the average price pushing seven figures.

“Demographers believe the relocations are no tropical dalliance because a driver’s license switch is a sign of determination to make Florida home, even if hurricane season and August’s sweltering humidity are spent in cooler climes away from storms and sticky air.

““Unquestionably the COVID impact was the trigger,” said Related Cos. President Ken Himmel about the influx of people and businesses to Florida and Palm Beach County specifically. “Unquestionably, COVID turned the switch on full blast.”

“While the bullseye markets, such as Palm Beach County, may experience the ache of rising rents and home prices until inventory increases, growth experts were reluctant to say the COVID migration on a nationwide scale will make history. Some move to the suburbs was already happening as millennials age. A bump in retirees was also expected, although it was likely expedited by the Great Resignation/Retirement, the euphemism signaling massive waves of frustrated workers and Baby Boomers exiting the job market. Vanderbilt University Assistant Finance Professor Peter Haslag said COVID-related dispersions are more geographically diverse than past migrations, diluting long-term impacts.

“For Florida, migration is tradition. “Migration to Florida is an old story,” said University of Washington professor and historian James Gregory in an article for America’s Great Migrations Project that noted the early 1900s citrus and land boom in the state. “More than any other state, Florida has consistently attracted newcomers.”

Of the 61,728 New Yorkers who in 2021 handed over Empire State driver’s licenses for a Florida license, 19,100 or 31% got IDs with Broward, Miami-Dade or Palm Beach County Zip codes. Palm Beach County accounted for 8,107 of the transplants, the largest share of any county in the state.

“Outside of the Gold Coast counties of southeast Florida, a weighty exchange of New York licenses last year also occurred in Orange (4,203), Hillsborough (3,746), Lee (2,672), Pinellas (2,335) and Sarasota (2,149) counties….”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 4-11, 2022

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Captains Walk #C5 2/1 $549K; Mariner Pointe #733 2/2 $699,999; Pointe Santo #B44 2/2 $1.45M; Junonia #301 4/2 $2.99M.

1 price change: Blind Pass #D102 2/2 now $685K.

7 new sales: Sanibel Moorings #1411 1/1 listed at $525K, Sandalfoot #5B1 1/1 listed at $768K, Sanibel Inn #1E 2/2 listed at $850K, Lighthouse Point #112 3/2 listed at $864K, Loggerhead Cay #584 2/2 listed at $895K, Sanibel Moorings #122 2/2 listed at $1.2M (our listing), Compass Point #162 2/2 listed at $1.85M.

Sanibel Moorings #122, view from one of the balconies.

5 closed sales: Sundial #C305 1/1 $549,945; Ibis at The Sanctuary#A101 2/2 $669K, Sanibel Moorings #1132 2/2 $803K, Tarpon Beach #106 2/2 $1.06M, Yacht Haven #2 3/2 $1.475M.

HOMES

3 new listings: 320 Palm Lake Dr 2/2 $925K, 2620 West Gulf Dr 3/2 $1.395M, 4972 Joewood Dr 4/3.5 $3.72M.

2 price changes: 885 Limpet Dr 4/3 now $3.25M, 4322 West Gulf Dr 4/3.5 now $3.295M.

7 new sales: 1230 Anhinga Ln 4/2 duplex listed at $699K, 4560 Brainard Bayou 3/2 $829K, 799 Casa Ybel Rd 5/3 duplex listed at $850K, 1398 Jamaica Dr 2/2 listed at $895K, 1053 Seahawk Ln 3/2 listed at $1.195M, 4636 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 listed at $1.725M, 2276 Starfish Ln 4/3.5 listed at $2.395M.

3 closed sales: 5307 Ladyfinger Lake Rd 3/3 $840K, 458 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $935K, 853 Tulip Ln 3/2 $1.735M, 1304 Seaspray Ln 3/2.5 $4.275M.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

2 new sales: 1340 Eagle Run Dr listed at $520K, 845 Pyrula Ave listed at $525K.

1 closed sale: 4767 Tradewinds Dr $2.05M.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Bayside Villas #5226 1/2 $625K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Captiva Hide-A-Way #1A 2/2 listed at $1.35M.

1 closed sale: Beach Homes #2 3/3 $3.125M.

HOMES

1 new listing: 11549 Wightman Ln 3/4 $3.395M.

1 price change: 15867 Captiva Dr 7/6 now $11.7M.

1 new sale: 30 Urchin Ct listed at $1.495M.

No closed sale.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”.

Enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday & best wishes for a Happy Valentine’s Day on Monday!

Til next Friday,

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

HOT MARKET – Only 51 Properties Available on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Posted on February 4, 2022 by SanibelSusan

It has been another busy real estate week for The SanibelSusan Team. We are thankful for two more closings, a couple of meetings with owners thinking of selling, and that the chilly island weather (coldest here in four years) is behind us. Forecasters reported yesterday that SW FL was the warmest area in the nation with 85 degrees F – exactly why Florida is so popular in the winter!

(Photo below of view from our listing at Sanibel Moorings #122. It is one of only 13 condos currently for sale on Sanibel.)

The activity since last Friday posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service follows a couple of new items below. First a summary of island inventory today with that info also from islands MLS. Just 51 properties are for sale in total on both islands – including condos, homes, and lots. The market remains hot hot hot!

Status	SANIBEL						CAPTIVA
	Condos		Homes		Lots		Condos		Homes		Lots
	#	Avg $	#	Avg $	#	Avg $	#	Avg $	#	Avg $	#	Avg $
For sale	13	1,181,846	12	2,541,500	16	541,437	4	2,122,250	6	7,881,666	0	N/A
Under contract	26	1,082,203	37	2,081,483	9	778,333	4	1,540,750	6	4,346,500	0	N/A
Sold to-date 2022	16	956,000	23	1,423,782	2	690,500	2	1,012,500	1	4,794,500	0	N/A
Sold 2021	287	875,127	355	1,341,881	69	698,862	64	1,150,373	44	2,988,520	2	2,950,000

The Sky is Falling

From Perfection Lawn & Pest Control’s January/February newsletter with some iguana info:

“Green scaly, invaders are stomping all over Florida cities and causing problems. It’s not Godzilla terrorizing the Sunshine State, it’s iguanas and they’re overtaking the environment. When temperatures drop, so do green iguanas – from the trees. But evolution, it seems, could be changing their tolerance to the cold.

“Research shows some species of lizards have grown more tolerant of cold temperatures. It also could mean fewer images on social media of iguanas lying on their backs under trees, legs in the air, stunned until warm sunshine gets their bodies moving again.

“As recently as four years ago, most of South Florida’s common lizard species could tolerate temperatures between 46 and 52 degrees. Now, they hold up to temperatures as low as 44 degrees, according to a study done by a researcher at Washington University in St. Louis.

“Iguanas are invasive, propagate profusely and wreak havoc on homes, gardens, sidewalks, pool decks, seawalls, boats and anywhere else they eat and, well, poop.

“Don’t think they are dead and discard or bury them when you see them lying on the ground under trees; they revive when the weather warms up.”

Mortgage Rates Remain Stable This Week at 3.55%

Posted yesterday on-line at FloridaRealtors® and sourced to the Associated Press, by Matt Ott, the following article is noteworthy, because economic news affects real estate sales, regardless of whether buyers get financing. In a “hot market”, the strongest offers remain those with no contingencies.

“After a notable increase for a few weeks, the average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage stopped rising, remaining relatively flat for three weeks.

“WASHINGTON (AP) – Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates were flat for a third straight week after rising about a half percent early in the year.

“The average rate on the 30-year loan held at 3.55% from last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday. It stood at 2.73% a year ago.

“The average rate on 15-year, fixed-rate mortgages, popular among those refinancing their homes, fell to 2.77% from 2.80% last week. One year ago, the rate was 2.21%.

“Though they remain historically low, home loan rates have been rising to levels not seen since early 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic was breaking in the U.S.

“Last week, the Fed signaled that it would begin a series of interest rate hikes in March, reversing pandemic-era policies that have fueled hiring and growth, but also adding to inflation levels not seen in some 40 years. Earlier this month, the government reported that inflation spiked to 7% in December from a year earlier, the sharpest increase in four decades. In addition, the Labor Department reported that prices at the wholesale level surged by a record 9.7% last month from December 2020.

“The Fed’s upcoming rate hike – or hikes – will likely make it more expensive to borrow for a home, car or business. Also Thursday, the government reported that applications for unemployment benefits fell for the second week in a row after three straight weeks of increases that economists blamed on the surging omicron variant of COVID-19.

“The Commerce Department reported last week that the nation’s gross domestic product – its total output of goods and services – expanded 5.7% in 2021, the strongest calendar-year growth since a 7.2% surge in 1984. In the fourth quarter, the economy grew at an unexpectedly brisk 6.9% annual pace.

“Available housing has been hard to come by since long before the pandemic started, and rising prices are making it even harder for homebuyers to secure a new home. Economists expect rising interest rates to add to house hunters’ dismay.”

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity January 28‑February 4, 2022

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Sanibel Moorings #1411 1/1 $525K, Cyprina Beach #8 2/2.5 $1.595M.

No price changes.

6 new sales: Cottage Colony West #119 1/1 listed at $589.9K; Loggerhead Cay #242 2/2 listed at $765K; Loggerhead Cay #351 2/2 listed at $824K; Sanibel Moorings #1332 2/2 listed at $874,999; Shell Island Beach Club #A5 2/2 listed at $1.2M; Sedgemoor #101 3/3.5 listed at $3.995M.

6 closed sales: Dugger’s Tropical Cottages #1 1/1 $452K, Donax Village #7 2/2 $650K (our listing), Donax Village #17 2/2 $695K, Breakers West #C2 2/2 $700K, Pointe Santo #A26 2/2 $1.35M, Tarpon Beach #110 2/2 $1.35M.

HOMES

2 new listings: 799 Casa Ybel Rd 5/3 duplex $850K, 4636 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 $1.725M.

No price changes.

8 new sales: 567 Rabbit Rd 2/2 listed at $789K, 1105 Skiff Pl 3/2 listed at $1.095M, 645 Oliva St 3/3 listed at $1.1M, 606 Boulder Dr listed 3/2 $1.1999M, 593 Lake Murex Cir 3/3 listed at $1.395M, 930 Kings Crown Dr 3/2 listed at $1.795M, 474 Lagoon Dr 3/3.5 listed at $2.495M, 1077 Bird Ln 4/4/2 listed at $5.699M.

8 closed sales: 9217 Dimmick Dr 3/2 $699K, 3702 Coquina Dr 2/2 $850K, 644 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $869K, 4285 Gulf Pines Dr 3/2 $900K (our buyer), 1195 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 $1.25M, 543 Boulder Dr 3/2 $1.265M, 979 Whelk Dr 3/2.5 $1.6M, 2391 Wulfert Rd 4/5 $2.35M.

LOTS

3 new listings: 535 Leather Fern Pl $275K, 2486 Wulfert Rd $229K, 490 Sea Oats Dr $699K.

No price changes.

2 new sales: 2310 Wulfert Rd listed at $299K, 544 Lake Murex Cir listed at $699K.

1 closed sale: 0 Rue Bayou $699K.

Captiva

CONDOS

2 new listings: Marina Villas #709 2/2 $1.195M, Captiva Hide-a-Way #1A 2/2 $1.35M.

No price changes.

2 new sales: Bayside Villas #5210 1/2 listed at $499K, Beach Homes #2 3/3 listed at $3.395M.

No closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings or price changes.

2 new sales: 11529 Andy Rosse Ln 4/4 listed at $3.495M, 15855 Captiva Dr 4/3.5 listed at $8.795M.

1 closed sale: 16897 Captiva Dr 5/5.5 $4.7945M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”.

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

It’s Gonna Be a Rare Chilly Florida Weekend

Posted on January 28, 2022 by SanibelSusan

This week the downward effects of cold fronts up north brought some chilly weather to the islands. Most locals turned their heat on for the first time in many months. With daytime highs in the 60’s to low 70’s, an even chillier weekend is forecast. While northern states are slated for lots of snow, temperatures here both Saturday and Sunday are expected to go only into the mid-50’s, with freeze warnings in some of SW Florida. Certainly not bikini weather, though most vacationers make the best of it, while we locals continue to enjoy wearing our once-a-year clothes. On a positive note, there were a couple of evenings with nice sunsets again this week. All now after 6 p.m. Hooray!

At SanibelSusan Realty

After posting our blog last week, The SanibelSusan Team had a busy real estate weekend. Teammate Dave and I both fielded inquiries and offers. Wed, we received a new condo listing which already is generating interest with showings scheduled before guest check-in tomorrow. Thank goodness, our photographer, Jim Anderson, fit us into his busy schedule with him filming it this morning. Fingers crossed that he will Photoshop the sky which today looks like I remember it in New England when it was about to snow.

Tues, we had a nice closing this (the results of a multi-year group effort Lisa, Dave, Susan). Two more closings are in the works for next week. Phones are ringing with prospective buyers, many worried, as we are, about the limited inventory. We also are meeting with prospective Sellers next week hopefully to boost that inventory.

The details on activity since last Friday, in the island MLS, are after a couple of news items below.

Florida Realtors® Update – What’s Changing for Florida Real Estate?

Posted Jan 21 on Florida Realtors® by Marla Martin:

“2022 RE Trends panel: Big and small biz relocations, plus the here-to-stay wave of untethered remote workers, will impact Fla.’s markets for years to come.

“ORLANDO, Fla. – After almost two pandemic years, changes created to deal with COVID-19 have created major shifts that affect Florida’s real estate markets, according to a panel of site developers, Realtors® and economic development experts who spoke to more than 300 Realtors during the 2022 Florida Real Estate Trends summit Thursday.

““Prior to COVID, we saw a lot of Wall Street firms testing the waters with CEOs looking at homes,” said Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. “Now, these CEOs are signing seven- to 10-year commercial leases, they’re legally domiciling and, most importantly, they’re buying homes and putting their kids in private schools. We now have zero slots open for any private school in Palm Beach County.”

“The Real Estate Trends event was part of this year’s Florida Realtors®’ Mid-Winter Business Meetings at the Renaissance SeaWorld Orlando. In addition to Smallridge, other panelists included: Deanna Armel, broker-owner, Armel Real Estate; John Boyd, principal, The Boyd Company; and Melanie Schmees, director of business and economic research, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce. Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor and Dr. Jessica Lautz, vice president of demographic and behavioral insights at the National Association of Realtors (NAR) also shared their insights on the 2022 outlook.

“Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO, Business Development Board of Palm Beach County – Unfortunately, the misconception that Florida schools lag and the state’s educated workforce is lacking still lingers among many executives inquiring about relocating their businesses, Smallridge said, and that is “absolutely not the case.” Once they’re in Florida, check out the schools and have their children tested for placement, their perception quickly changes, she said. “The average salary in Palm Beach County is $61,000, while the average salary of the people coming in now is $1 million,” she added – another boon to local businesses and area development.

Many of the business executives interested in moving to Florida want to look at homes first, she said, and may not mention a possible relocation. “When you’re taking a buyer around to see homes, see if they also have any interest in bringing a business here,” Smallridge advised brokers and real estate agents. “You can offer them information to connect with local chambers of commerce or economic development officials. We help them understand all the logistics of what it takes to get them up and running. So, we’re really part of your team. Together, we can land not only the home but the company as well.”

“Melanie Schmees, director of business and economic research, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce – Like real estate, economic development often involves referrals and regional cooperation, said Schmees. “Naples is a unique market,” she explained. “Right now, we have a 1% industrial vacancy rate; sometimes, we need to direct those interested to other areas near us like Fort Myers. The whole region benefits.” One factor important for ongoing business relocations and continued economic development in Florida will be the consideration of employees’ needs and how they can manage new lives here. “We need to create an environment that works for the workers, not only the business executives,” Schmees said. “Often, their workers are concerned that they can’t make the move. They’re worried they can’t find housing or figure out their cost of living.”

“Deanna Armel, broker-owner Armel Real Estate – “Florida in general is a draw for business and for out-of-state buyers,” she said. “There’s no state income tax, our weather, beaches, and in Orlando, our theme parks. Since COVID (the start of the pandemic), home preferences have changed. People want an office, a pool, flex space and a yard.” According to Armel, the influx of major business relocations and wealthy buyers who can pay cash – like many California residents moving to Florida after selling their homes – has made an impact on the housing market, particularly in the luxury-home sector. “I call it monopoly money,” she said. “Cash is great, but it’s really hurting our buyers who need financing, our veterans, our workers and first-time homebuyers. The competition is unbelievable, especially in new construction. New construction, turn-key, luxury homes: That’s what California buyers want.”

“John Boyd, principal, The Boyd Company – Before the pandemic, about 10% of employees worked remotely, said Boyd. “Today, over half of the workforce works remotely, at least on a hybrid basis, and this change is here to stay. It saves businesses too much in terms of office space, operations and so on. It’s also a great recruiting tool – people like the flexibility.” He noted that economic development is now a “people first operation.” And that, he said, “has established a new class of economic development workers – the residential real estate agent.”

Brightline, the private high-speed rail system running from Miami to West Palm Beach with an expansion in the works to Orlando, is a positive for marketing Florida for economic development, the panelists said. “I think we’ll see a lot of exciting development projects along those Brightline lines, with the ability to connect between Central Florida and South Florida,” Boyd said. Another plus for Florida? “Our state is a magnet for global talent, experience and skill sets,” he added. “Having no state income also attracts industry and development. Business and money tend to go where it feels welcome.””

Loans for Condos? New Rules Start to Have an Effect

Posted on-line Jan 24 at Florida Realtors®, the below article is sourced to the “Daily Breeze” and mortgage broker Jeff Lazerson:

“Fannie’s tighter loan requirements post-Surfside collapse started Jan. 1; Freddie’s start Feb. 28. In the meantime, the list of no-loan condo projects will likely keep growing.

“HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. – A nightmare scenario looms for condo buyers applying for certain types of federally backed mortgages. If you are selling or are looking to buy an attached condominium in a community with five or more attached units, conventional financing from mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may soon become elusive.

“Beginning Jan. 1 for Fannie and starting Feb. 28 for Freddie, the mortgage giants are putting the screws to a required HOA questionnaire. New questions ask applicants about the structural integrity of the community and whether any code violations are anticipated.

“No doubt, Fannie and Freddie’s updated lender mandates are in response to the Florida condo tower that killed 98 people last June 24. Years of deferred maintenance at the Champlain Towers in Surfside caused the 12-story building to collapse.

“Answering the agencies thoroughly and completely could force lenders to decline a mortgage application. (Remember: Mortgage lenders fund a loan, and then may sell it to Fannie or Freddie).

““Yes, lenders are declining projects even for a simple special assessment for repairs now. Things are just trickling in right now because the guidance started Jan. 1,” said one condo project approval expert, who asked to remain unnamed because he’s not the media spokesman for his company. “Soon enough we’ll see the effects hit all the condo market. I’ve only seen it affect projects with major issues at this point; meaning (the project) has code violations and millions of dollars of repairs underway.”

“Answering these questions honestly or possibly with a guess could bring liability in the form of future lawsuits against HOA stakeholders, such as the property management company, board members, inspectors, engineers and the association.

“If the questionnaire isn’t completely answered because the answers are unknown or undetermined, it might mean the purchase or refinance gets torpedoed.

“Here is a sprinkling of questions included in Fannie Mae’s Form 1076 condominium project questionnaire (posted December 2021 and updated to eight from five pages):

Question: Is the HOA aware of any deficiencies related to the safety, soundness, structural integrity or habitability of the project’s building(s)?

My take: If management didn’t know about any deficiencies, for example, and answered as such, should they have reasonably known these calamities could come up later?

Question: Is it anticipated the project will, in the future, have such violations (zoning ordinances, codes, etc., which are related to safety, soundness, structural integrity or habitability)?

My take: For the love of peace, how could one possibly determine if yet-to-be-written, jurisdictional codes trigger new violations in the condo complex?

“These dubious questions could be akin to a winning lottery ticket for any attorney who lives in the world of HOA litigation.

“Why is this so problematic? The nation has a huge community of really old condos and many of them are backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgages. The U.S. has as many as 156,000 condo associations and cooperatives housing between 27 million and 32 million Americans, according to the Community Associations Institute (CAI).

““Seventy percent of all condo loans in the U.S. are Fannie or Freddie (backed),” said Dawn Bauman, senior vice president of government affairs at CAI. “Sixty to 70% of all condo complexes are more than 30 years old.”

Fannie Mae has a published list of 82 “unavailable” California condo-projects, including the Marina City Club in Marina Del Rey, which has $80 million to $140 million in needed repairs according to a report last year. That a 10-acre complex is one of nearly 1,000 “unavailable” condo projects nationwide. To Fannie Mae, unavailable means a property is ineligible for purchase by the agency.

“One mortgage executive told me Fannie is making the rounds, emphasizing these new condo questions during lender visits. So don’t be surprised if that unavailable list explodes as Fannie collects more intel.

“To be fair, Fannie and Freddie need to dig more deeply to assess and consider condo structural risk before purchasing those mortgages from lenders. The mortgage giants also may disqualify a condo community for other reasons, such as a lack of budget reserves.

“If your loan is denied over the Fan or Fred HOA certification answers, you may be able to get funded on what the industry calls a non-warrantable loan. You should expect to pay perhaps one-half to one point higher in rate than conventional financing. You also might have to provide a larger down payment or have more remaining equity compared with Fannie-type requirements.

“But buyer beware: Non-qualified mortgage lenders that offer the exotic non-warrantable condo mortgages are not a loan approval shoo-in, either.

“For example, California-based LendSure has a condo guidance checklist to help determine investor risks. The common three items it looks at are investor concentration (how many rentals are in the complex), single investor (does one person or entity own a bunch of the units), and litigation against the condo complex, according to Joe Lydon, co-founder, and managing director of LendSure.

“Why so much deferred maintenance? Unit owners are often resistant to increased HOA fees or special assessments for repairs and updates.

“Condo complex building inspections can run $15,000 to $50,000 depending on the number of units, according to Bauman.

““Community Associations Institute is lobbying for laws mandating reserve studies and building inspections,” said Bauman. CAI is also asking Fan and Fred to give HOAs more time to be able to address so many of the new HOA questions. “Five years to ramp-up the requisite building inspections.””

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity January 21-28, 2021

Sanibel

CONDOS

7 new listings: Loggerhead Cay #351 2/2 $824K; Lighthouse Point #112 3/2 $864K; Sanibel Moorings #1332 2/2 $874,999; Sanibel Moorings #122 2/2 $1.2M (our listing); Shell Island Beach Club #A5 2/2 $1.2M; Pointe Santo A2 2/2 $1.35M; Sedgemoor #101 3/3.5 $3.995M.

Boardwalk to beach at Sanibel Moorings

1 price change: Gulfside Place #210 2/2 now $1.549M.

6 new sales: Sundial #I402 1/1 listed at $659K, Mariner Pointe #421 2/2.5 listed at $739.9K, Sunset South #11C 2/2 listed at $1.095M, Sand Pointe #218 2/2 listed at $1.099M, Sundial #M303 2/2 listed at $1.249M (our listing), Pointe Santo #A2 2/2 listed at $1.35M.

To beach from Sundial East

2 closed sales: Nutmeg Village #308 2/2 $1.225M, Gulfside Place 124 2/2 $1.45M.

HOMES

4 new listings: 645 Oliva St 3/3 $1.1M, 593 Lake Murex Cir 3/3 $1.395M, 5802 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 3/3.5 $1.495M, 4717 Rue Belle Mer 3/3 $4.95M.

No price changes.

5 new sales: 2030 Sunrise Cir 3/3 listed at $1.625M, 489 Sawgrass Pl 5/5 listed at $2.15M, 1266 Par View Dr 4/4 listed at $2.295M, 435 Bella Vista Way E 3/3 listed at $5.2M, 3767 West Gulf Dr 4/4.5 listed at $7.5M.

3 closed sales: 6429 Pine Ave 3/2 $869K, 1943 Sanibel Bayous Rd 3/3 $1.125M, 2379 Wulfert Rd 4/4.5 $2.495M (our buyer).

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

1 closed sale: Marina Villas #706 2/2 $950K.

HOMES

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 14865 Mango Ct 2/2 listed at $1.295M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”.

Until next Friday. Stay warm! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Another Wild Week in the Real Estate World

Posted on January 21, 2022 by SanibelSusan

As you probably have seen on the news, Southwest Florida received local and national weather alerts early Sunday morning when the cool front passing through showed signs of rotation and tornado activity. With significant damage on the mainland along a stretch beginning just north of the outlet mall, it was a surprise that here on the islands, there was essentially no damage. Astounding also that the tornado was only on the ground for a few minutes and could create so much devastation. Always heed those weather alerts!

At SanibelSusan Realty

At the office, our two closings coming up early next week are in good shape, while several others occurring later also are finalizing action items. Our worry is what do we sell when inventory is gone and there is nothing left to sell. Below is an update of island inventory today. (Data from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service as of Jan 21, 2022.) On Sanibel, just 13 condos, 15 homes, and 4 lots for sale. On Captiva, 4 condos and 7 homes.

Status	SANIBEL						CAPTIVA
	Condos		Homes		Lots		Condos		Homes		Lots
	#	Avg $	#	Avg $	#	Avg $	#	Avg $	#	Avg $	#	Avg $
For sale	13	1,134,446	15	3,015,800	16	542,937	4	2,672,250	7	6,940,714	0	N/A
Under contract	23	995,582	33	1,596,606	9	833,444	3	1,073,000	4	4,370,750	0	N/A
Sold to-date 2022	9	902,666	12	1,539,583	1	640,000	1	1,075,000	0	N/A	0	N/A
Sold 2021	287	875,127	355	1,341,881	69	698,862	64	1,150,373	44	2,988,520	2	2,950,000

The meeting I had last Saturday with condo owners resulted in a new listing. With inventory so low, it is no surprise that we have received many inquiries. In a normal market selling quickly could be a challenge as there is a paying guest there for an extended visit. This market is hardly normal, though. Sight-unseen offers are not unusual.

Early in this week, within hours of its posting on MLS, I wrote an offer on a condo in another complex. It provides another good example of how hot the market is. These buyers are not in town, but would like the opportunity to have an inspection, so the offer was written on the “as is” contract with significant deposits, willingness to honor future rental bookings, and at just under asking price (which was $50K+ more than the last comparable recent sale in the same community). Listing agent said we lost out that night to multiple cash offers, several over asking price.

The same situation is happening all over the state. This week, a FB friend and long-time Realtor® on the other coast, posted what is a great example of how a transparent caring Realtor® works. He said this note recently was sent to him after an offer submitted:

“I am very sorry to have to tell you that the seller selected another offer. We received 66 offers. I saw how much each buyer loved this house and wanted it to be theirs. Everyone submitted excellent offers. In another market, your offer price would have sufficed to secure the house. Unfortunately, this real estate market, with a lack of inventory and high buyer demand, makes it very, very competitive. I feel for each and every one of you. I had my own buyers who didn’t get this house. I know how hard it is for buyers now. We just never know who our competition will be. In this case, the median offer price was $440,000. This means that 33 houses offered less than $440,000 and 33 houses offered more than $440,000. We received 10 offers at $450,000. The winning offer was higher and cash. It was hard to beat. If by some chance the property becomes back on the market, I will immediately let you know. I thank you for your interest in this house and for your offer. I hope you find your new home soon.”

So, for those thinking of buying now, particularly in Florida, it is essential that you act fast and have the best terms in your offer.

The details on the activity since last Friday in the islands MLS are after a couple of news items below.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Our Association Executive Bill Robinson & RPAC Committee Co-Chair Dave Arter with the awards.

Congratulations to our local Association of Realtors®.

Wednesday night at the Florida Realtors® Mid-Winter Business Meetings at the state PAC Awards Reception, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association won several awards – Highest Total Cash by a Small Board, Highest Percentage of Goal by a Small Board, and Highest Participate Rate by a Small Board.

Congratulations to our Associations and the others who took home awards.

Florida Realtors Mid-Winter Business Meetings

I found a few minutes this morning to Zoom in on the Florida Realtors® Legal and Professional Standards Update meeting taking place at the state Mid-Winter Business Meetings in Orlando. You probably know that I love contract details so didn’t hear anything new there, but did find it interesting when Marcia Tabak, Florida Realtors® Deputy Legal Counsel provided some details on the increase in Florida real estate licenses this year.

If you didn’t already know, Florida was – and still is – the state with the most Realtors®, sometime years jockeying back and forth with California on which one has the most. Marcia said that today, DBPR (Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation) reports that over 450,000 state licenses have been issued. Of those licenses, 218,000 are for real estate sales associates (like Dave, Lisa, and Elise), 22,000 are broker associates, and 42,000 are brokers (like me).

According to the Florida Real Estate Commission, in December, 4,760 applicants took the test for a real estate license here. That’s an increase from the previous year. Anyone wanting to check on a licensee status can do that at DBPR’s website, www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

Age is Just a Number

Another tidbit that I heard today is that the average age in Florida is 42. That’s not a new number, but illustrates that Florida is not just for retirees. In fact, with the increase in Florida sales during the pandemic, that number may be getting smaller. FYI, the highest average age is in my home state of Maine, where it is a little more than age 45. Come to Florida where age is just a number, more specifically to the islands where outdoor life is enjoyed year-‘round.

New Eats on the Island

Today is the grand opening of Tutti Pazzi in the former location of Matzaluna Italian Kitchen at 1200 Periwinkle Way.

Advertised as a family-friendly Italian kitchen serving pasta, seafood, and pizza, the locals who attended their soft opening Wed night, said the food is fabulous.

So, be sure and try out some of the new restaurants on Sanibel.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity January 14-21, 2021

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Loggerhead Cay #584 2/2 $895K, Sundial #M303 2/2 $1.249M (our listing). (A couple of pix by our photographer Jim Anderson with JMA Photography below. The first an aerial of Sundial Resort, followed by the path to the beach.)

No price changes.

5 new sales: Kimball Lodge #303 1/2 listed at $795K; Blind Pass #F203 3/2 listed at $839,555; Sundial #G104 2/2 listed at $875K; Sandalfoot #5A2 2/2 listed at $1.275M; Cyprina Beach #7 3/3 listed at $1.749M.

6 closed sales: Blind Pass #E103 3/3 $775K, Kimball Lodge #303 1/2 $795K, Sanibel Inn #3421 2/2 $900K, Lighthouse Point #212 3/2 $929K, Pointe Santo #A21 2/2 $1.15M, Sundial #R402 2/2 $1.2M.

HOMES

2 new listings: 4563 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2 $1.449M, 489 Sawgrass Pl 5/5 $2.15M.

1 price change: 1398 Jamaica Dr 2/2 now $895K.

1 new sale: 9472 Balsa Ct 2/2 listed at $765K.

6 closed sales: 804 Rabbit Rd 2/1 $490K, 2114 Egret Cir 3/2 $773K, 966 Whelk Dr 3/2 $1.33M, 1347 Jamaica Dr 2/2 $1.4M, 856 Limpet Dr 4/2.5 $2M, 699 Anchor Dr 4/4 $2.395M.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

4 new sales: 1332 Eagle Run Dr listed at $499K, 638 Lake Murex Cir listed at $565K, 3304 Saint Kilda Rd listed at $599K, 4767 Tradewinds Dr listed at $2.149M.

No closed sales.

Captiva

Nothing to report.

Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”.

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Real Estate Scoop

Final Car Show of the Season

Community Chorus Spring Concert

SCCF’s “Beer in the Bushes”

Real Estate Trends to Watch This Spring

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 25 ‑ April 1, 2022

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Real Estate Scoop

The Pulse of Southwest Florida Real Estate

Will Ukraine War Impact Florida Real Estate?

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 18-25, 2022

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SanibelSusan Realty

Island Inventory

Americans Moving to Sun Belt States

Seawall Approved at Spanish Cay

International Buyers Are Back

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 11-18, 2022

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SanibelSusan Realty

Community Seminar Series – Flood Insurance

F.I.S.H. Bunny Basket Drive

Measuring America

Hometown Hero Housing Program

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity March 4-11, 2022

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SanibelSusan Realty Scoop

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Sanibel Island Crime

How ‘Tax-Friendly’ Is Florida Compared to Other States?

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 18‑25, 2022

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Local Real Estate News

A Changing Pattern of Migration Trends

President’s Day at J.N. “Ding” Darling

Snowy Plover Nesting Season

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 11-18, 2022

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Sanibel City Council to Host Town Hall Workshop

COVID Migration: Who’s Moving to Fla. and Why?

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity February 4-11, 2022

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The Sky is Falling

Mortgage Rates Remain Stable This Week at 3.55%

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At SanibelSusan Realty

Florida Realtors® Update – What’s Changing for Florida Real Estate?

Loans for Condos? New Rules Start to Have an Effect

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity January 21-28, 2021

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At SanibelSusan Realty

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

Florida Realtors Mid-Winter Business Meetings

Age is Just a Number

New Eats on the Island

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity January 14-21, 2021

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