Tag Archives: The Sanctuary

Coming up on Memorial Day 2017 on Sanibel

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It is SanibelSusan with another Friday update about the island real estate market, weather, and more. Though the long weekend essentially is here, the island remains quiet. Maybe tomorrow will bring more visitors with rental check-ins.

Beach

On Periwinkle Way, there has been little traffic, even during Sanibel rush hour, except on Wednesday when right at quitting time a quick, but huge, downpour hit. Southwest Florida had been under a severe weather watch from midday (until 11 p.m. that night), but a couple of much-needed showers were all that was received. Forecasters say that was because of a cool front that passed through. That means lower humidity and temperatures only into the mid- to high-80’s expected for the holiday weekend. Growing up in Maine, it still cracks me up when I hear about a Florida cool front in the 80’s.

junonia 05-25-17After the high winds and unusually big waves with that Wednesday storm, shelling reports are that “it’s outstanding”. Plenty of live ones reported on the beach, with most conscientious shellers returning them to the water. A huge perfect junonia shell was found yesterday at Lighthouse Point beach. Experienced shellers say those live junonia shells are about 10 miles off shore, so it’s unusual for an empty one to make it to shore unscathed. After 30 years shelling, I’m still looking.

SanibelSusan Realty Happenings

Sanibelsusan LogoJust because Realtor® Caravan has reverted to every other week, doesn’t mean there is no real estate action.

This week our listings had just a couple of showings with more scheduled this weekend. The activity posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service since last Friday follows a couple of news items below. We had another nice condo sale this week and a new listing today at The Sanctuary. More on that in the days to come, including hosting an Open House during Caravan next Thursday.

ASSOC LogoThe team gets a day off for the Monday holiday, but I’ll be manning the fort then – hoping to hear from buyers and Realtors® interested in our listings – also updating the two classes I will be instructing for the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Specialist Designation in early June. This year, I’m teaching both the Resort & 2nd Home Property segment and the Condo Market segment.

Sanibel farmers market bikeLast Sanibel Farmers’ Market

Sanibel’s last Farmers’ Market of the season is Sunday on the grounds of City Hall from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. It’s always a long summer before the market reopens in October.

Workshop Options for Center-4-Life

Front page news in both the “Island Sun” and the “Islander” this week, was the meeting last Wednesday of a workshop hosted by Sanibel City Council to discuss the future of the City’s Center-4-Life facility.

Sanibelcityseal logoThe Center’s current building at the corner of Library Way and Palm Ridge Road was assessed for refurbishment five years ago during the initial planning phases of the Civic & Cultural Core project. Now that that project is tabled, the purpose of Wednesday’s meeting was for council to learn about the Center-4-Life’s needs today. They received an architectural presentation and one by City Recreation Dept Director which included information on the facility’s participation levels, trends, space needs, expansion alternatives, and an analysis of the current site.

Originally the Sanibel Library, the current Center-4-Life building was enlarged at least twice when it was the library – 1st in 1977 and again in 1983. Today the Center-4-Life provides such island seniors with such activities as land aerobics, yoga, card games, cooking socials, educational classes, and special presentations.

Membership has grown annually and last year exceeded 8,000 members. To accommodate the increased demand for additional programming presenters estimated the building needs to be expanded to 7,500 sq. ft. Five options were provided:

  1. Retain the status quo
  2. Renovate in place with CHR remaining (this is office space for Community Housing Resources, which the City is obligated to fund),
  3. Renovate in place with CHR relocating
  4. Rebuild on current site
  5. Build a new facility on a different site.

Councilors weighed in on all options, with options 4 and 5 receiving their support. Estimates were requested for new buildings, with another workshop expected after staff review, maybe in August, with the final decision ultimately up taxpayers. Stay tuned.

Library Renovation Begins

sanibel-library-logoSanibel Public Library has started the first phase of their Your Library Reimagined project. From Monday through Friday next week (May 29-June 2), the building will be closed to the public while the interior is prepared for the project. It will reopen Saturday June 3 from 9 to 1 p.m. During the down-time the facility is being reconfigured to provide library services during remodeling. During the summer, some of the building will be closed to the public while the infrastructure is updated. The library will provide service during most of the renovation time, but occasionally may close when utility or plumbing work is being done.

sanibel libraryThe goal is to provide more space, appeal, and usefulness for users. The Sanibel Public Library began with a group of volunteers in the 60’s and currently is in its 3rd home, at 770 Dunlop Road which opened in 1994. In 2004, the building was expanded to its current size. Upgrades now are to replace much of the infrastructure, HVAC, fire suppression, plumbing, lighting, technology, and flooring. The project has been in the planning stages since 2015 with public input. The library board has set a budget of $5.9 million with the cost covered by library reserves, grants, and gifts.

Blind Pass Project Complete

Blind%20Pass%20Aerial%202016.jpgThe Blind Pas maintenance dredging project neared completion this week with the final work expected to be done today. Demobilization of the equipment will take place between tomorrow and June 1. The sand dredged from the pass and deposited on Sanibel to re-nourish some of the beach will be tilled on June 1. More info at www.leegov.com/naturalresources/blind-pass-2017-construction

sancap GO MLS logoSanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity May 19-26, 2017

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Ibis at The Sanctuary #B102 2/2 $470K (our listing) (building & pool shown below), Sand Pointe #228 2/2 $799K.

ExteriorPool

3 price changes: Mariner Pointe #811 2/2 now $449K, Tarpon Beach #103 2/2 now $775K, Royale Tern #103 3/3.5 now $1.675M.

5 new sales: Captains Walk #A1 2/1 listed at $338K, Seashells #38 2/2 listed at $349K, Lighthouse Point #129 3/2 listed at $574K (our listing) (Lighthouse Point condo complex shown below), Sanibel Seaview #B2 3/3 listed at $1.489M, High Tide #A302 3/2 listed at $1.675M.

Lighthouse Point c

3 closed sales: Seashells #3 2/2 $377.5K, Pointe Santo #C36 2/2 $775K, Sundial West #A308 2/2 $775K.

HOMES

1 new listing: 746 Cardium St 4/2 duplex $729K.

12 price changes: 1447 Albatross Rd 3/2 now $529K; 376 Lake Murex Blvd 3/2 now $576.9K; 3784 Coquina Dr 3/3 now $636.9K; 673 East Rocks Dr 3/2 now $779,888; 5306 Umbrella Pool Rd 4/3 now $845K; 655 Anchor Dr 3/3 now $849K; 1294 Par View Dr 3/2.5 now $929K; 1743 Venus Dr 4/3.5 now $1.68M; 1137 Golden Olive Ct 5/3.5 now $1.794.5M; 984 Oyster Ct 3/3.5 now $1.799M; 5606 Baltusrol Ct 4/6 now $2.895M; 3869 West Gulf Dr 6/7/2 now $8.495M.

7 new sales: 5308 Umbrella Pool Rd 3/2 listed at $578K, 5105 Sanibel-Captiva Rd 4/3 listed at $624.9K, 1036 S Yachtsman Dr 3/3 listed at $624.9K, 5056 Joewood Dr 3/2 listed at $759K, 1234 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 listed at $1.149M, 513 Lighthouse Way 3/3 listed at $1.595M, 696 Kinzie Island Ct 4/5 listed at $2.15M.

5 closed sales: 1602 Serenity Ln 4/2 $438K, 1895 Farm Trl 3/2 $580K, 1429 Jamaica Dr 3/3 $664.9K, 2629 Coconut Dr 2/3 $767K, 863 Lindgren Blvd 3/2 $950K.

LOTS

2 new listings: 486 Ponce De Leon Rd $199K, 1340 Eagle Run Dr $299K.

2 price changes: 5126 Sea Bell Rd now $174.5K, 5116 Sea Bell Rd now $174.5K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Beach Villas #2617 1/1 $499K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Sunset Beach Villas #2318 2/2 listed at $595K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 11509 Chapin Ln $2.299M.

1 price change: 11521 Andy Rosse Ln now $2.799M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 11520 Wightman Ln 3/2 $2.3M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

Memorial DayHappy Memorial Day all & a big thank you to those who have & who continue to serve & protect us!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Almost Thanksgiving 2015 on Sanibel Island

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BeachIt’s Sanibel Susan, reporting that this week, the record-warm temperatures continued on Sanibel and Captiva Islands along with sunny weather. As the islands get busier, so do the bike paths and beaches with snowbirds and vacationers already enjoying pre-holiday festivities.

Weather reports say that a cool front is arriving later today (Friday) with a few occasional showers that may hang around over the weekend and Monday – possibly a few daytime temperatures down into the mid-70’s too. We are ready for that.

By Thanksgiving, it’s likely to be back into the low 80’s.

Below are a few news items followed by the action posted in the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service since last Friday.

Red Tide

Sanibelcityseal logoIt certainly is not unusual this time of the year, after a rainy warm summer to hear about red tide blooms in Florida. But, it has been a few years since Sanibel has experienced what is occurring now. Fingers crossed that the upcoming cool front pushes it away. In the meantime here what the City posted late yesterday on www.MySanibel.com:

“City Reminds Private Property Owners Proper Pickup Techniques for Removal of Debris from Sanibel’s Beaches

“At this time, the City of Sanibel is experiencing moderate levels of Red Tide impacting a small portion of the Island. We are monitoring conditions very closely. Excellent sources of additional information on Red Tide are available at:

http://www.leevcb.com/sites/leevcb.com/files/red_tide_rack_card_generic_web.pdf

http://www.leevcb.com/content/water-quality-issues

http://coolgate.mote.org/beachconditions/

http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=Beach%20Hazards%20Statement

https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/hab/

“Currently, Sanibel Public Works Department is picking up dead fish along the public beaches as conditions warrant. Property owners and managers authorized to remove dead fish from the beach along their respective properties. Anyone removing fish from the beach should adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Only dead fish may be removed from the beach. This ensures that beach habitat for Sanibel’s wildlife is protected during the cleanup process.
  • Dead fish may only be removed by hand, using hand tools such as pitch forks or grabbers. The use of shovels and mechanical equipment is strictly prohibited.
  • All fish should be double bagged and placed in an onsite dumpster for disposal.
  • At this time, NO large sea life has been impacted. If you have large fish, marine mammals or sea turtles that are too large to handle, please contact the City of Sanibel Police Dispatch at (239) 472-3111.
  • No motorized vehicles are permitted on the beach and only those vehicles authorized by the City Manager may be used in cleanup activities.

For further information regarding this matter, please contact the City of Sanibel Natural Resources Department at (239) 472-3700.”

SanibelSusan Realty Happenings

Sanibelsusan LogoAgain this week, several of our listings had showings. On Sunday, I opened two homes for showings. A condo listing sold this week, we received a new canal-front home listing which had its first showing yesterday, and I met with some other owners also thinking of selling in 2016.

Teammate Dave has been attending inspections, holding open houses, and following up on sales that are in process, while Elise continues to follow-up on our listing activity and marketing material. Lisa will be manning the fort tomorrow updating our inventory documents as she does each week. All of us are off on Thanksgiving Day (we are only closed two days a year – Christmas will be next). The team also will have next Friday off, while I will be showing property, then in the office sending you next Friday’s real estate update.

I had lunch today at Sundial Resort. They have a new menu, with a Caesar salad big enough to share if you are looking for a meal with a view. The new Japanese restaurant there is not open yet and it was pretty quiet for a Friday afternoon, but plenty of check-ins are expected tomorrow. Here’s hoping they are all buyers!

(Picture below taken today from the dining deck at the Sundial Beach Resort.)

Sundial deck view 11-20-15

 

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors November Membership Meeting

The Sanctuary club aerialYesterday, was the monthly breakfast meeting of the islands’ Association of Realtors®. Held at The Sanctuary, we were treated to a terrific meal followed by a presentation by Ken Kouril, the Golf Club General Manager. His pitch centered on the upcoming 2016 Capital Project planned at The Sanctuary which will provide more outside dining, redecorating and refreshing the Clubhouse, and constructing a state-of-the-art Fitness Facility. Here are a few more details from his handout:

“Redecorate/Refresh the Clubhouse – Redecorating by Peacock & Lewis, a highly recognized and awarded architectural and decorating firm, will focus on such key components as the color palette, repainting, new carpets and drapes, reupholstering and replacing furniture, new lighting fixtures, improved acoustics in the main dining room, an audio-visual system, and modernization of the bathrooms.

“Outside Dining – The porch adjoining the Grill Room will be transformed into a pleasant dining venue for Members. The project will involve a minor renovation to eliminate visual obstructions (the lower wall) to improve the view, and a complete makeover (e.g. floor, ceiling, lighting, furniture, fans, etc.) of the space to create a comfortable and attractive setting in harmony with the Grill Room.

“Fitness & Wellness Center – A 5,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art Fitness & Wellness Facility will be constructed comprised of a 1,800 sq. ft. equipment room housing cardio and strength training equipment, a dedicated stretching room, a 900 sq. ft. group exercise room for Pilates, yoga, and similar activities, comfortable and well-appointed rooms for massage therapy, and restrooms. There will be a new outside pool (75’ long x 25’ wide) for recreation and lap swimming with both deep and shallow water. Aerobics classes also will be an addition to the existing wellness programs currently offered.”

So as not to interfere with the upcoming winter activities at the club, the demolition of the current Fitness Center and construction of the new one will not begin until May 1, 2016 (expected to take a year to complete), while the Clubhouse work will begin May 15, 2016 and be completed by mid-October. (The Clubhouse will be available during construction. Tennis will continue through construction, however, the Fitness Center will not be available during this time.) More info at www.sanctuarygc.net

If you would like to enjoy these upcoming improvements at The Sanctuary, our listing at 5743 Baltusrol Court overlooking the 9th fairway to lake is available. This unique custom villa home has a spectacular grand foyer, stunning great room opening to expansive outdoor living spaces with pool and spa plus pool bath. Inside, the split floor-plan has 3 bedroom suites with separate office/den, utility room, gourmet kitchen, and powder room. An oversized 2-car garage (really 2-1/2-car) completes the picture. The adjoining lot also is available. Please contact me for more details – or click on the tab above.

20150813_140700

Upcoming Island Events

With holiday celebrations beginning, here is the big event of the weekend:

pilgrims-and-indians-and-turkeySun – Nov 22 – Annual Sanibel Thanksgiving Celebration – at The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way at 6:45 p.m. This is a non-denominational celebration of Thanksgiving in music, words, and song. Admission is free. Local community leaders and representatives from island churches take part. Singers include The BIG ARTS Community Chorus (SanibelSusan in the alto section). Cookies and apple cider follow the celebration. Guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food or monetary donation for FISH of Sanibel-Captiva.

For those that follow our community chorus, here are a few other upcoming performances:

children-singing2Sat – Nov 28 – During the 25th Sanibel Masters Art Festival (which is both Fri & Sat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) on the grounds of The Community House, the Sanibel Chorus will perform a preview of their holiday concert twice on Sat morning, once at 10 a.m. and again about 11:30 following a short break.

Sat – Nov 28 – South Seas Tree Lighting is 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the entrance to South Seas. Free and open to the public, this kicks off South Seas holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony featuring the BIG ARTS Community Chorus, cookie and ornament decorating, and a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. www.southseas.com

historical village logoFri – Dec 4 – 31st Annual Sanibel Luminary Festival – from 3 to 5 p.m. before the Luminary Trail begins, The Sanibel Historical Village will celebrate Christmas will a free public event. The theme is “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”, in recognition of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event will highlight what it was like on Sanibel during Christmas 1945. The Sanibel Community Chorus Ensemble will perform and each village building will incorporate patriotic pieces of the time in celebration of the theme, with live interactive events.

BaileysAlso on Sanibel Luminary eve, at approximately 6 p.m. there will be a surprise flash mob inside Bailey’s Store, followed by the singing of carols outside. (Hope I didn’t spoil the surprise.)

Sanibel Luminary Trail is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, while Captiva’s Luminary is the next night, Sat Dec 5.

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity November 13-20

Sanibel

CONDOS

3 new listings: Sand Pointe #217 2/2 $789,999; Kings Crown #315 2/2 $899K; Gulfside Place #317 2/2 $1.495M.

2 price changes: Casa Blanca #6 1/1 now $250K, Snug Harbor #113 2/2 now $985K.

Sundial B206 Ext Back4 new sales: Seashells #28 2/2 listed at $365K, Sanibel Arms West #M8 2/2 listed at $519K, Sanibel Arms West #B1 2/2 listed at $525K, Sundial West #B206 2/2 listed at $579K (our listing).

2 closed sales: Lighthouse Point #221 3/2 $569.9K, Somerset #B201 3/2.5 $1.85M.

HOMES

From Street 38 new listings: 1429 Sandpiper Cir 3/3 half-duplex $429.9K, 9475 Beverly Ln 3/2 $534.5K, 1258 Par View Dr 3/2 $799K, 4215 Old Banyan Way 3/3 $825K, 918 Lindgren Blvd 3/3 $1.495M (our listing), 1688 Hibiscus Dr 3/3 $1.895M, 4190 Dingman Dr 4/3.5 $2.995M, 1196 Bay Dr 4/4.5 $3.195M, 2405 Blue Crab Ct 4/4.5 $3.295M.

1 price change: 1004 Fish Crow Rd 4/3 now $874.9K.

4 new sales: 2065 Wild Lime Dr 3/2.5 listed at $579K, 9445 Beverly Ln 3/2 listed at $699K, 236 Palm Lake Dr 3/2 listed at $879K, 5436 Shearwater Dr 3/3 listed at $989K.

3 closed sales: 426 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $645K, 1490 Middle Gulf Dr 3/4.5 $1.583M, 2963 Wulfert Rd 4/6.5 $2.5M.

LOTS

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

1 closed sale: Sabal Sands Rd, lot 8 $195K.

Captiva

CONDOS

4 new listings: Bayside Villas #5208 1/2 $287K, Marina Villas #807 2/2 $670K, Gulf Beach Villas #2127 2/2 $750K, Beach Homes #20 3/3 $2.595M.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 14981 Binder Dr 3/3 $1.095M.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

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

Thanksgiving wordsUntil next Friday, Happy Thanksgiving!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

The Forecast Missed…It’s Another Gorgeous Day on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

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It is another sunny Friday afternoon on Sanibel Island. The weathermen forecast a high today of only the mid-60’s so some of us are wearing turtle necks, longs sleeves, and scarves with their flip flops. Ha, they were wrong again. It’s a bright 70 degrees mid-afternoon with blue skies and temperatures rising! January can be funny here though, we could still see a few days of island winter.

Pool to golfBelow are a couple of real estate news items followed by the action posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service this week. Several of our listings were shown and David/Elise hosted our Realtor Caravan Open House yesterday from 9 a.m. until noon in The Sanctuary. Since they were getting good walk-in traffic, Dave continued the Open House until 4 p.m. and got some good walk-in activity then too.

Though the roadway and bike paths were busy again this week, just 11 new sales were announced on Sanibel, one on Captiva (a big one).

Our friends in the accommodations business describe this week as setting records for reservations. That probably means that February and March will be standing room only on the islands. We can expect more sales then.

2015 Sanibel & Captiva Association of Realtors Installation & Awards Banquet

Program Pg 2Last Saturday night, this annual event was a success and well attended with the banquet room full and the sunset spectacular from Sundial Beach Resort’s new open deck. It’s great to see the resort bounce back following its recent renovations.

This year the theme was “Carnival”, so attendees were asked to dress in white.

As the evening’s emcee again, it was fun to present the awards to this year’s winners:

Administrative Support award to Jessica Elliott with VIP, Rookie of the Year to Chris Johnson with Pfeifer Realty, Affiliate of the Year to Nanci Berlin with Barrier Island Title, Community Service award to Shane Spring with VIP, and Realtor of the Year to Dave Schuldenfrei also with VIP. Both Shane and David worked hard in the association’s continuing goals to help to improve water quality and keep flood insurance affordable.

Chris HeidrickDavid, also 2014 President, gave a special award to Chris Heidrick with Heidrick & Company Insurance. Chris, also a Sanibel Planning Commissioner, is Chairman of the National Flood Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, and he sits on the Flood Insurance Producers National Committee which is an advisory committee to FEMA/National Flood Insurance Program.

Congratulations to all on their awards!

2015 Florida Realtors Mid-Year Business Meetings

Florida Realtors logoThe Florida Realtors Mid-Winter Business Meetings in Orlando begin next Wednesday with Florida’s Economic Summit. Here is the write-up posted on Florida Realtors yesterday about the upcoming summit:

“The real estate market plays a vital role in Florida’s economy, and figuring out what lies ahead in 2015 is key to policymakers, residents and Realtors®. Several respected economists will share their insights on the state’s business climate and economy at Florida Realtors®2015 Economic Summit on Jan. 21, 2015, from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m….The summit kicks off Florida Realtors’ Mid-Winter Business Meetings, which take place Jan. 21-25, 2015.

“”We anticipate the positive trends that developed last year to continue into 2015,” says Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo. “Florida’s economy is producing significant numbers of jobs, in-migration is strong and the housing market will benefit. Florida Realtors expects home sales to increase by about 10% in 2015, and values to move upward at the historical average rate of 4.5-5%. Because of inventory shortages at the lower price levels of the market, measured median and average prices will rise by 10-15% – about the same as their performance in 2014.

“”Both the economy and real estate will benefit from lower gas prices, which are expected to continue through the first half of the year,” he adds. “This will give consumers more spendable income, but will also allow them to consider buying homes farther from metropolitan centers, where home prices are lower. Florida’s economy also will benefit from both the expansion of the Panama Canal, which will bring new trade and employment opportunities to Florida, and from numerous transportation projects that are now underway or planned around the state.”

“Summit speakers include Jesse Panuccio, executive director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity; Ted Jones, chief economist and senior vice president, Stewart Title Guaranty Company; and Dr. John Tuccillo, Florida Realtors chief economist. Attendees also will hear a discussion of regional development and economic trends from a panel of civic and business leaders….”

Loan Demand Posts Biggest Leap in 6 Years

CNBC_Logo_FlatAlthough most Sanibel & Captiva Island sales are cash transactions, it was encouraging to read about the uptick in the mortgage activity this week. The below article was posted Wednesday on “Daily Real Estate News” and sourced to CNBC. Whenever there is good news like this, it has positive impact throughout the market.

“Plunging mortgage rates sent mortgage applications skyrocketing last week, the Mortgage Bankers Association reports in its weekly survey released Wednesday.

“Mortgage application volume reflecting demand for home purchases and refinances soared 49.1% in the week ending January 9, compared to the previous week, the MBA reports. Most of that jump was attributed to a 66% seasonally adjusted increase in applications to refinance. Refinance applications are now at the highest level since July 2013.

“Applications for home purchases, viewed as a gauge of future home-buying activity, rose to a seasonally adjusted 24% from the previous week. Applications for home purchases are now 2% higher than they were a year ago. The MBA said a new 3 percent down payment option for qualified buyers at Fannie Mae contributed to the gain. “Purchase application volume was at its highest level since September 2013 … and notably increased across most loan size categories, particularly for the conforming, middle of the market loan segments that had been weak for much of the past year,” says Michael Fratantoni, the MBA’s chief economist.

“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to a 3.89% average last week, its lowest level since May 2013. “In addition to the drop in rates, and news of improvement in the job market, there was additional positive news for prospective home buyers with evidence that credit availability has increased somewhat, and with the FHA’s announcement of a decrease in their mortgage insurance premiums,” Fratantoni said.”

“Sanctuary Sound”

The Sanctuary club aerialYesterday’s email brought the January issue of the “Sanctuary Sound” from Sheryl Tatum, Director of Membership and Marketing at The Sanctuary Golf Club. Here is an excerpt:

The Sanctuary Sign2July08“What an amazing beginning to 2015! We are selling Equity Memberships like crazy. There is a Waiting List for the Social Memberships, but an Application will secure a spot on the Waiting List. The number of inquiries has doubled from last year.”

Sheryl plays an important role in getting our prospective Sanctuary clients on the golf course, tennis court, or dinner, so it is always good news when she shares what is happening in her office.

Sanctuary membership categories are: Equity Membership – $110,000; Introductory Membership – $10,000; Temporary Membership – $5,000 for 1 month or $7,000 for 2 months; Social Membership: $15,000.

Below is an aerial photos of our listing at 5743 Baltusrol Court in The Sanctuary. The lot next door is available too. Click the tabs above to access a full-page of information about each of our listings – streaming videos too!

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Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity January 9-16 

Sanibel

CONDOS

5 new listings: Captains Walk #E5 2/2 $299K, Sanibel Arms #E8 2/2 $509K, Blind Pass #G105 3/3 $769K, 630 Periwinkle Way 4/3 $999.9K, Signal Inn #18 3/2 $1.089M.

1 price change: White Pelican #123 2/2 now $799.9K.

2 new sales: Lighthouse Point #215 3/2 listed for $575K, Sandpiper Beach #202 2/2 listed for $624.9K.

2 closed sales: Sundial #D307 1/1 $225K, Sandpebble #E 2/2 $410K.

HOMES

1 new listing: 1521 Wilton Ln 3/2 $559K.

5 price changes: 1380 Jamaica Dr 3/2 now $599.9K; 2984 Island Inn Rd 3/2 now $599,999; 9012 Mockingbird Dr 3/2 now $689K; 600 N Yachtsman Dr 3/2.5 now $1.2945M; 1204 Isabel Dr 3/3.5 now $3.995M.

8 new sales: 320 Palm Lake Dr 2/2 listed for $424K, 3001 Singing Wind Dr 3/2 listed for $449K (short sale), 1717 Windward Way 3/2 listed for $649K, 1710 Middle Gulf Dr 3/2 listed for $699K, 251 Daniel Dr 3/2 listed for $809K, 749 Pyrula Ave 3/3 listed for $1.225M, 836 Sand Dollar Dr 3/2/2 listed for $1.295M, 2400 Los Colony Rd 3/3 listed for $1.495M.

2 closed sales: 660 Durion Ct 2/2 $540K, 1674 Sabal Palm Dr 3/3 $790K.

LOTS

1 new listing: 1301 Par View Dr $249.555.

3 price changes: 2372 Wulfert Rd now $209K, 6486 Pine Ave now $359.9K, 3723 West Gulf Dr now $3.089M.

1 new sale: 2562 Coconut Dr listed for $349K.

1 closed sale: 218 Violet Dr $325K.

Captiva

CONDOS

3 new listings: Tennis Villas #3232 2/2 $499K, Bayside Villas #5324 3/3 $595K, Lands End Village #1654 3/3 1.685M.

No price changes, new sales or closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: 16660 Captiva Dr 5/5.5 listed for $14.85M.

No closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

This representation is based, in whole, or in part, on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® or its Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy.

Until next week, here is another favorite Sanibel beach photo.

Many visitors here this winter are saying the beach looks better than ever!

The SanibelSusan Team agrees!

Pointe Santo beach

Wrapping Up the June 2014 Real Estate Action on Sanibel & Captiva Islands

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Florida Realtors® “Believe”

Elise & SusanIt is SanibelSusan reporting that Elise and I enjoyed being part of the FloridaRealtors® “Believe” event last Friday afternoon. This event which encouraged Realtor® work toward helping the homeless was part of a state-wide tour where the FloridaRealtors® leadership team visited every Florida district.

Elise and I were part of the Sanibel & Captiva group who, along with other local association members, packaged meals. It was an inspiring cooperation, where 100+ local association members and the leadership team were arranged in assembly-line fashion under the direction of Meals of Hope.

meals_of_hope(1)In just one hour, we assembled 21,760 meals (each will feed a family of five) which will be distributed to families of homeless children in Lee and Collier counties. Astoundingly, our state leaders told us that there are more than 63,000 children here that qualify for free breakfast and lunch during the school year. Often, those were their only meals of the day. Since these children don’t get the meals now that schools are out for the summer, Meals of Hope will distribute the packaged meals to the same families.

Island Weather & More

 

It has been another week of wonderful summer weather on Sanibel with a few afternoon showers that resulted in fabulous sunsets.

Sunset South Bldg 8 at 8:30 a.m. 06-27-14

Sunset South Bldg 8 at 8:30 a.m. 06-27-14

Unfortunately the later thunder-buster last night, just after sunset, resulted in a lightning strike in Bldg 8 at Sunset South condominiums. That is one of the riverside buildings. Sanibel’s finest extinguished the fire quickly but several units were damaged. Thankfully, there were no occupants at the time.

We saw the early arrival of some July 4th holiday vacationers this week. Tomorrow many check-ins are expected with the Sanibel and South Seas expected to be near-capacity next week.

The activity from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service this week follows a few more news items below.

Association of Realtors® June Membership Meeting

SanCapAssnLogoThe Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® June breakfast membership meeting was yesterday.

Sanibelcityseal logoDuring the educational segment of the agenda, Jim Jordan, Sanibel’s Director of Planning, updated members on recent happenings at City Hall. He also reminded attendees about Sanibel permit requirements. Here is some of that info:

  • Development Permits are required whenever the appearance or use of a structure is changed, a structure will be demolished or impermeable coverage or developed area is going to be added.
  • Building Permits are required when a structure is constructed, enlarged, altered, remodeled or repaired if the labor and materials exceeds $750 in market value. A building permit also is required when a building is moved, demolished, or when replacing windows or doors. Non-permanent improvements like painting, carpeting, and appliances are not included in the calculation.
  • Sometimes a development permit is required but no building permit is needed, like when building a fence not related to a swimming pool.
  • In other situations, a building permit may be required, but no development permit is necessary, i.e. for work such as interior repairs or remodeling, exterior siding replacement, or adding a concrete slab under an existing structure. See more details, forms, and a list of approved contractors on www.MySanibel.com.

During “questions & answers”, Realtors® quizzed Jim about some issues recently affecting island sales and closings, i.e. improvements to non-conforming structures and the 50% rule, and open permits discovered before a closing,

Jim reminded members that the 50% rule covers a 5-year time period, so at the end of that time the process may begin again.

Jim also advised that the City is adding software to their computer system this summer/fall which will improve tracking of permits. He said that permit information including history on all properties will eventually be on-line and accessible to the public. Since closing open permits is a requirement of some Florida sales contracts and permit information currently is not readily available on-line to property owners (and Realtors®), that news was well received.

Florida Realtors® Honor Society

Florida Realtors logoAt the same meeting, four Sanibel/Captiva Realtors® were recognized for earning Florida Realtors® Honor Society membership for their recent work for the state association; their activity locally and nationally in the Realtor® organization, in national institutes, societies, and councils; for designations earned; educational activities; and political involvement.

SanibelSusan was awarded her 15th-year Florida Honor Society pin, while three VIP colleagues also were recognized: Jim Hall (19 yrs), Dave Schuldenfrei (9 yrs), and Shane Spring (1 yr).

Caloosahatchee Water Project To Begin

Caloosahatchee RiverA construction project that should improve water quality in Southwest Florida area has been approved. The Caloosahatchee River (C-43) West Basin Storage Project which is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan is slated to begin in October. This is a cost-shared project between the federal government and the state of Florida. The President officially signed off on the project June 10.

This project is just one step toward improving water quality on both coasts of Florida by reducing polluted discharges from Lake Okeechobee to local waterways. The idea is to pull water out of the Caloosahatchee River during the rainy season when there is too much water flowing. Stored water in a newly constructed reservoir would then be released during the dry season to provide sufficient fresh water to keep the salinities at healthy level within the estuary.

This project is just a small part of the many solutions needed to improve water supply and water quality in the estuary, but definitely a move in the right direction!

Sundial Resort Announces Phase II Renovations

sundial-logoThe 2nd phase of the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa’s multi-million dollar renovation program is scheduled to begin in August, with completion expected in early November. It will include a state-of-the-art fitness center, pizza kitchen, on-site market and deli, and new soft tennis courts. The Sundial Buddies Kid’s Camp and Sanibel’s Sea Camp for Kids also will be launched. The pool bar and main pool deck area will be upgraded too. During the renovation period, Sundial’s four other condo association pools will be available, Sea Breeze Cafe will be open with live entertainment and full bar offerings, and resort amenities will be available to guests including the activities center, bikes, kayaks, and the new spa and boutique. The meeting rooms and reception areas also will be operational. More details at www.sundialresort.com.

Certified Master Chef at The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary Sign2July08This posting came from the June 2014 issue of the “Sanctuary Sound”. No wonder there are so many raves about the great food at The Sanctuary.

“This past March, Daniel Scannell, Certified Master Chef (CMC) one of 66 in the country that successfully obtained the Certified Master Chefs examination joined the Management Team at The Sanctuary Golf Club. Administered by the American Culinary Federation and the Culinary Institute of America, the title Certified Master Chef (CMC) represents the most rigorous culinary test for a professional chef. “Chef Daniel is coming from Oak Hill where the 2013 PGA Championship was held with over 200,000 people attending the event. His education is impeccable, the awards and accolades numerous, and his passion for food is contagious. In Ireland he won The Jean Conil Perpetual Trophy for International Chefs, has been inducted into The Epicurean World Master Chefs’ Society in London, and been a member of the Culinary Olympic Team USA 2000, 2004, and 2008, to name a few achievements. We are very excited to have him on the team,” stated Ken Kouril, General Manager of The Sanctuary Golf Club.”

If you are interested in a property at The Sanctuary, whether it be a condo, home, or lot, please give SanibelSusan a call, she can arrange for you to try out the golf course/tennis courts and dine in the restaurant as part of your due diligence.

Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service Activity June 20-27

Sanibel
CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

5 new sales: Tennisplace #E31 2/1 $325K, Sundial #D304 1/1 listed for $339K, Coquina Beach #5G 2/2 listed for $415K, Sandpiper Beach #302 2/2 listed for $599K, Sundial #O307 2/2 listed for $975K.

3 closed sales: Sundial #I304 1/1 $360K, Blind Pass #G204 3/2 $485K, Sundial #L202 2/2 $629.5K.

HOMES

6 new listings: 1377 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $499K, 981 Main St 4/2.5 $599K, 1426 Causey Ct 3/2 $729K, 667 Nerita St 3/2 $739K, 8987 Mockingbird Dr 3/3 $849K, 2255 Troon Ct 4/5.5 $1.695M.

8 price changes: 5141 SanCap Rd 2/2 now $299K, 490 Christine Rd 2/2 now $599K, 4279 Gulf Pines Dr 4/3 now $699.95K, 6001 Clam Bayou Ln 3/2 now $789K, 676 Anchor Dr 3/3 now $949K, 3400 West Gulf Dr 4/3 now $1.149M, 6440 Pine Ave 3/3 now $1.395M, 3744 West Gulf Dr 4/4 now $1.695M.

5 new sales: 702 Donax St 2/2 listed for $449K, 1644 Atlanta Plaza Dr 2/2 listed for $459.5K, 236 Hurricane Ln 3/3 listed for $549K, 283 Ferry Landing Dr 3/2 listed for $1.695M, 1206 Bay Dr 4/4.5 listed for $2.85M.

3 closed sales: 966 Fitzhugh St 2/1 $290K, 966 Greenwood Ct 3/2.5 half-duplex $385K, 2552 Harbour Ln 3/2 $800K.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 1304 Eagle Run Dr now $249K.

1 new sale: 5407 Osprey Ct listed for $499,555.

No closed sales.

Captiva
CONDOS

1 new listing: Bayside Villas #5230 1/2 $309K.

No price changes or new sales.

2 closed sales: Tennis Villas 3229 1/1 $215K, Beach Homes #6 3/3 $1.7M

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

1 closed sale: 16645 Captiva Dr 8/9/2 $3.45M.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

This representation is based, in whole, or in part, on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® or its Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy.

Until SanibelSusan’s next blog posting on July 4th, happy summer to all…& remember it’s a great time to buy property on the islands! It is always easier to view during the summer.