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.