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.

Tips for Finding Single Family Homes in Fort Myers

Southwest Florida has grown significantly since 2010 and more people are moving to the area every month. If you are considering the purchase of a single family home in Fort Myers in the near future be sure to work with a real estate agent who has in-depth knowledge of the area and can provide you with an historical perspective.

Fort Myers has a year-round tropical climate that promises sunshine and an annual average temperature in the mid-70s. Single family homes in Fort Myers are increasingly in demand, especially homes within proximity to the city’s approximately 50 golf courses.

International investors and those looking for a sunny and warm vacation home are beginning to consider Fort Myers as a realistic option. Single family homes in Fort Myers along McGregor Boulevard are particularly attractive.

Its new fame is reflected in the February 2019 US News & World Report article that ranked the city 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 & 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, among other attributes.

This follows the April 2018 US News and World Report article ranking it as number 41 in its “Best Places to Retire” list.

Fort Myers is famous as the winter home to Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone. As Thomas Edison famously said about his adopted winter home, “There is only one Fort Myers and soon 90 million Americans will discover it.”

As you consider single family homes in Fort Myers, or other real estate options be sure to work with an exclusive buyer agent who will only be loyal to you, the buyer.

Fort Myers Real Estate: Invest In Beautiful Condos For Sale

Fort Myers condos for sale are an attractive option for those seeking a sunny and warm winter vacation home or investment property. Fort Myers and its surrounding area have experienced strong growth since 2010 and the forecast is for more of the same. In April 2018 and in February 2019 U.S. News & World Report ranked the city as an attractive retirement and near-beach location.

The city of Fort Myers has placed emphasis on developing its downtown core over the past 10 years and businesses have responded by moving to the area. The city’s restaurant and art scene are expanding and large sporting events are drawing visitors year-round. Taken together Fort Myers’s downtown has the potential to become a draw for year-round visitors and conventions, with its walkable areas, arts scene, myriad bars and restaurants, all offering a diverse selection of options.

Real estate developers have also seen the future opportunities for housing along the Caloosahatchee River and Fort Myers condos for sale are increasingly available in downtown.

In the past Ft. Myers was considered by many to be merely a stopping off place for those headed to Sanibel or Captiva islands or elsewhere in the Gulf of Mexico. Today Ft. Myers is becoming the destination itself and with their easy access and low maintenance Fort Myers condos for sale are an attractive second home or investment option.

As you consider a purchase remember that your future profit will be made on your purchase and that your choice of Realtor will be an important first step in making that profit. Realtors who list property will not be able to represent you exclusively as they have divided loyalties. They are transactional agents, not an exclusive buyer agent. If you want your needs to be fully represented by your Realtor, you need to work with an exclusive buyer agent.

Cape Coral Vacant Land for Sale

Thinking of building a new home? Cape Coral’s vacant land for sale offers a wide range of possibilities. On the top end are direct access canal lots which will allow for sailboat access to the Gulf of Mexico. There are also more affordable canal lots which simply require navigating under a bridge(s) and fresh water canal lots which give you a canal system with lakes but no Gulf access. For those not requiring a canal there are a multitude of dry land lots.

Cape Coral covers an area of almost 150 miles. This means that there is still plenty of space for all, even as it is listed as one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Cape Coral’s vacant land for sale is still abundant and affordable.

The modern city of Cape Coral came into existence in the late 1950’s as a planned community. It was developed by the Rosen brothers who dug more than 400 miles of canals and marketed the property to snow-weary visitors from the north, as a place to retire or a new home in the sun. The brothers called the city a “Winter Wonderland” that would have more canals than the city of Venice, Italy. Today, Cape Coral attracts people from all over the world.

Investing in Cape Coral vacant land is also a popular option for those feeling limited by the investment options they have for their retirement funds. Self directed IRA’s allow the investor to choose where to invest their IRA money, as permitted under IRA rules. This includes real estate and many vacant land parcels have been purchased for this purpose. If you are interested in this as an investment alternative I can work with you to help you determine whether this may be an option for you.

Fort Myers Real Estate Agents

Fort Myers, FL was ranked by US News & World Report as number six on its list of “Best Places to Live Near the Beach” in February 2019. 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 on US News & World Report’s 2018 list of “Best Places to Retire”, ranking number two and “Best Places to Live”, ranking number 41.

As you consider a real estate purchase in Fort Myers remember that your future profit will be made on your purchase. Your choice in Fort Myers real estate agents will be an important first step in making that profit. Fort Myers real estate agents that describe themselves as a buyer’s agent, but list property and also represent sellers have divided loyalties. They are transactional agents, not an exclusive buyer agent. If you want your needs to be fully represented by your Realtor, you need to work with an exclusive buyer agent.

Fort Myers City Council Approves Final Version of Midtown Vision Plan

On January 7, 2019 the Fort Myers City Council received and approved the Midtown Vision Plan. Midtown is an area immediately south of downtown Ft. Myers and sits between Cleveland Avenue to the west, Evans Avenue to the east, Edison Avenue to the south and Dr. MLK Blvd. to the north. According to a consultant with the University of South Florida there are currently fewer than 100 residents in the area.

The Plan calls for approximately 4,000 new residential units of affordable and work-force housing and close to 600,000 square feet of office and commercial space. Public and civic spaces are also included in the Plan. Under the Plan the City of Palms Park would be demolished and replaced with a town center.

The first phase of development could occur within the next four to six years and would include the town center, some housing and transportation improvements. The final phase of the Plan is scheduled in the next six to seven years.

In conjunction with the revitalization of downtown, the larger city of Ft. Myers has the potential to become a draw for new business, year-round visitors and conventions.

The Ft. Myers of the past was considered by many to be merely a stopping off place for those headed to the white, sandy, shelling beaches of Sanibel Island or elsewhere in the Gulf of Mexico. Soon Ft. Myers could become the destination itself.

As we begin 2019 this may bode well for someone hoping to buy a condominium along the Fort Myer’s waterfront, a single family home along McGregor Boulevard or find affordable housing in Midtown. As the old real estate adage says, “The best time to buy real estate is today and ten years ago.”

Sanibel Island and the Algiers

   Courtesy of Betty Anholt

The Algiers was originally a car ferry operating on the Mississippi River. After 25 years of service it was sold at auction in 1958 to Helen and Lathrop Brown. The Browns were a wealthy couple from the east; Lathrop Brown was a former congressman from New York, Franklin Roosevelt’s college roommate and best man at his wedding. Helen Brown was a shipping heiress.

In 1959 the Browns brought the Algiers to a 25-acre plot of Sanibel beach-front property they had purchased. To reach the property they had workers cut a channel through the island’s interior which was filled in after the 150-foot ferry passed through. With a huge paddle wheel, feathered smoke stacks, thirteen rooms, five baths, pool, restaurant-quality kitchen and gold bath fixtures the Algiers was a whimsical marvel.

Before moving to their new home the Browns wanted to sell an existing home in Ft. Lauderdale. Helen sent Lathrop back to the east coast to sell the house but while there he contracted an illness and died. Helen left Sanibel and never returned. In 1981 she sold the beach-front property to the newly incorporated city of Sanibel for $550,000. 

The Algiers sat neglected and decaying on its Gulf-front property for 23 years until 1982 when it was finally stripped of anything salvageable that could be auctioned. Three pieces of the ferry, the captain’s wheel, the anchor and the bell are on display at the Sanibel Historical Village.

Today the 25-acre plot of beach-front property is home to Gulfside Park and what was once vacant land, directly on the beach is now a prime spot for beach-front condominiums.

Now, as then, Sanibel Island is a special place for special people.

Points to Consider When Choosing A Fort Myers Real Estate Agent

Fort Myers is Lee County’s center of government and the spring training home to the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox. It has a year-round tropical climate that promises sunshine and an annual average temperature in the mid-70s. The city was ranked as a very desirable location for second home buyers and investors in April 2018 by US News and World Report with approximately 1,000 people moving to Lee County each month. 

Whether you are considering Fort Myers property as an investment, for a second home, or are simply moving into the area for work, below are some things to consider when choosing a Fort Myers real estate agent:

• Are you working with an exclusive buyer’s agent?  An exclusive buyer agent represents you exclusively and does not take listings. In many Florida real estate transactions the Realtor will represent the transaction (transactional agent) and not the buyer (exclusive buyer’s agent). Ask the agent if their agency lists property. If they do they have a relationship with the seller which can cause a conflict of interest for them.

• Can the Realtor direct you to professional and reliable mortgage brokers, insurance agents and home inspectors and will he/she be able to guide you through the buying process?

• Can the Realtor help you understand the additional costs you should expect to incur?  Even without a mortgage a home will cost money for things such as insurance, annual maintenance, or lawn and pool services. If the property is for rentals there may be property management fees to be paid.

• Does the Realtor know who is professional and can close on time and with the fewest surprises?