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.