Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a House for Sale on Sanibel Island, Fl

The biggest factor to consider before looking at houses for sale on Sanibel Island, Fl is whether a single family home is really right for you and your family. Talk with your family about what is important to everyone. Understand why you are buying the property, what type of property will best suit the family needs and where it should be located. Weigh the pros and cons of condominium living versus single family home living and determine what best fits your needs. Evaluate which features and amenities are most important to you and your family.

Short Term Versus Long Term

It’s easy to get wrapped up in a real estate “wish list” but you should also think about the future. Is this purchase going to be a vacation home used for short periods during family vacations? If so, maybe a condominium that you can “lock and leave” without worrying about maintenance makes sense. Once the family is grown will you be using it as a winter residence or permanent retirement home? If so, then looking at houses for sale on Sanibel Island makes sense.

Expansion

Sanibel’s environment has been staunchly protected by the city of Sanibel and its residents since the 1970’s and development has followed the plan laid out in its land-use plan. However, the protective nature of the development code and land use plan may limit the type and size additions you might want to add to your home. When looking at houses for sale on Sanibel Island make sure that you use a designated Sanibel & Captiva Islands Specialist who can help you determine such things as whether the lot is large enough to add a pool or other addition.

A Sanibel Realtor who is also a designated Sanibel & Captiva Islands Specialist (SCIS) can help you sort out these and the other multitude of factors before you start looking for property on the island.

Captiva Homes for Sale

Due to the island’s smaller area and its narrow width, homes for sale on Captiva often have access to both the bay and gulf on opposite sides of the property. This allows for estate sized lots and properties that may allow a large estate home and a smaller guest home, as well as dockage. In recent years, smaller, existing homes that occupy these lots have been purchased and replaced with larger structures, typically with more and special amenities. An investor looking at Captiva homes for sale should keep in mind that it’s not what you see now but rather what possibilities you can see in the future.

Because of the island’s small size Captiva’s housing inventory is almost never high. This tends to keep demand and prices steady. Its relative isolation also makes Captiva homes for sale more attractive than other places. To get to Captiva you must either drive from Sanibel Island or arrive by boat from Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Pine Island. The degree of difficulty in reaching the island limits the number of visitors and provides a layer of privacy to residents. For this reason Captiva’s homes for sale are popular with those seeking a quiet retreat for themselves and their families.

Captiva is a barrier island. Being a barrier island means that there are more issues to consider when looking at Captiva homes for sale than you would need to consider in Fort Myers or Cape Coral. To assist with these and other issues unique to the islands, the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Association of Realtors created the designation of Sanibel & Captiva Islands specialist (SCIS). Realtors who have earned the SCIS designation have enhanced and specialized knowledge of the islands.  Before you view property on the island make sure your Realtor is a designated specialist.

Tips for Finding a Beachfront Condo for Sale on Sanibel Island, Florida that’s Right for You

I am often asked where the best location to purchase beachfront condos for sale on Sanibel Island is. My answer is always the same, “Where were you staying when you fell in love with the island?  That’s the place to start your search.”

The majority of condominiums are located at the east end of the island, beginning at the Lighthouse and continuing west along the Gulf to Bowman’s Beach. Condominium units range in size from cozy one-bedroom units to the more-rare three bedroom plus units. Amenities can include everything from white sand beaches to Gulf access canals. So, the first tip I have for you is to pick your location by what you know and love; there will surely be something available that fits your taste and budget.

Another consideration when looking is whether you will need or want rental income. If you are looking for rental income, whether as a rental property or just to defray some expense it is important to have a qualified professional realtor to guide you. Individual condominiums may or may not allow rentals. They may restrict the number of rentals per year or require minimum rental periods. Some associations vary rental requirements by the season, and whether they are pet friendly is always something to be determined.  The questions abound.

As a designated Sanibel & Captiva Island’s specialist I am very familiar with the beachfront condos for sale on Sanibel Island and your best options when considering a rental complex. When you are ready to invest on Sanibel, Captiva or elsewhere in Southwest Florida please feel free to contact me for an in-depth discussion of possibilities along with a current and realistic assessment of the market.

A Brief Guide to Fort Myers, Florida’s Real Estate for Sale

Historically, Fort Myers, Florida real estate for sale was relatively inexpensive, but since the end of the Great Recession prices have begun to rise.

After years of serving as a stopping-off point to the beach islands of Sanibel and Captiva, Fort Myers is becoming a destination in itself. The city of Fort Myers and its surrounding area has recently become a popular destination for second home buyers and investors seeking rental income, from both the United States and the world. Its attraction was and remains its year-round tropical climate that promises sunshine and an annual average temperature in the mid-70s.

In February 2019 Fort Myers was ranked by US News & World Report as number six on its list of “Best Places to Live Near the Beach.” The list was based on the order of appearance on US New and World Report’s overall “Best Places to Live” list, which factors in the area’s affordability, job market, morning commute and access to quality health care. Fort Myers was also on US News & World Report’s 2018 list of “Best Places to Retire”, ranking number two and “Best Places to Live”, ranking number 41.

Even before these awards Fort Myers real estate for sale was beginning to appreciate and that trend has continued since the report’s publication.

The city of Fort Myers has made a concerted effort to develop its downtown core over the past number of years. Businesses have begun to move to the area and the city’s restaurant and art scene are expanding. Large sporting events held during the off-season of June to September are drawing visitors. Taken as a whole Fort Myers’s downtown is becoming a draw for investors, year-round visitors and conventions, with its walkable areas, arts scene, myriad bars and restaurants, all offering a diverse selection of options. Fort Myers, Florida’s real estate for sale possibilities now include an attractive array of condominiums along its waterfront and single family homes along famed McGregor Boulevard.

Points to Consider: Captiva Island Homes for Sale

Captiva Island’s small size and correspondingly small number of dwellings affects its real estate market and the number of Captiva Island homes for sale. The scarcity of property and the island’s proximity to the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway also helps keep home prices and their values high.

Captiva Island can only be reached by water or by the bridge over Blind Pass that connects it to Sanibel Island. This limited access, relative remoteness and small size affects the number of visitors and provides a layer of privacy to residents. Captiva has a small year-round population of only approximately 600. As a consequence, Captiva Island homes for sale are popular with those seeking a quiet retreat for themselves and their families.

Captiva Island homes for sale can also come with larger, estate sized parcels. These properties are larger than most on Sanibel Island or urban Fort Myers. Many properties have both beach and bay access, meaning that the property straddles the narrow island. Fortunate home owners might have the luxury of a boat dock on one side of their property and a wide beach from which to watch the sunset on the other. Because vacant land is also scarce it has become common to purchase smaller, existing homes and replace them with newer and larger structures. These newer homes will typically have more unique and special amenities.

As a designated Sanibel & Captiva Island Specialist I have years of experience with the island and would be happy to provide you with a current and realistic assessment of this market.

Remember that your future profit will be made on your purchase and that buying right is crucial to that goal.

A Brief Introduction to Captiva Island Real Estate

Captiva Island real estate for sale is different from the real estate for sale on Sanibel Island and in Ft. Myers. It is also governed by different real estate rules, regulations and standards.

Captiva Island’s real estate options include single family homes, condominiums and increasingly rarely, vacant land. Homes can be found along both the bay and the Gulf and it is not unusual for homes to have both bay and Gulf access. This means you can dock your boat on one end of your property, close to the open water access of the Gulf, and walk the beach along the Gulf of Mexico itself on the opposite end. This feature of dual access is extremely rare in southwest Florida.

These attributes make Captiva Island’s real estate market unique. In addition, the market is constantly changing because of its small size, recent sales, and current inventory. The only constant is that in a region that attracts both sophisticated investors and second home buyers, Captiva Island real estate for sale is always in demand.

Buyers who are looking for Captiva Island real estate for sale should choose an agent who specializes in Captiva Island, specifically one who has obtained the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Specialist (SCIS) designation. Agents who have earned the SCIS designation are well-informed about Captiva’s rules and standards as well as local issues that could have a significant impact on real estate values. This puts them in the best position to give you advice about any Captiva Island real estate for sale.

Remember that your future profit will be made on your purchase and that buying right is crucial, whether it is a home, condominium or vacant land.

Points to Consider: Captiva Island Homes for Sale

Captiva Island’s small size and correspondingly small number of dwellings affects its real estate market and the number of Captiva Island homes for sale. The scarcity of property and the island’s proximity to the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway also helps keep home prices and their values high.

Captiva Island can only be reached by water or by the bridge over Blind Pass that connects it to Sanibel Island. This limited access, relative remoteness and small size affects the number of visitors and provides a layer of privacy to residents. Captiva has a small year-round population of only approximately 600. As a consequence, Captiva Island homes for sale are popular with those seeking a quiet retreat for themselves and their families.

Captiva Island homes for sale can also come with larger, estate sized parcels. These properties are larger than most on Sanibel Island or urban Fort Myers. Many properties have both beach and bay access, meaning that the property straddles the narrow island. Fortunate home owners might have the luxury of a boat dock on one side of their property and a wide beach from which to watch the sunset on the other. Because vacant land is also scarce it has become common to purchase smaller, existing homes and replace them with newer and larger structures. These newer homes will typically have more unique and special amenities.

As a designated Sanibel & Captiva Island Specialist I have years of experience with the island and would be happy to provide you with a current and realistic assessment of this market.

Remember that your future profit will be made on your purchase and that buying right is crucial to that goal.