Sanibel and Captiva Real Estate Blog

How Higher Property Values Benefit Owners

How Higher Property Values Benefit Owners

As home prices have risen at a rapid pace over the last few years, some homeowners are reluctant to get excited about the increase in their home value, because it is often met with a steep increase in property taxes. Besides this drawback, there are some good things that come with an increase in home value beyond retaining a bigger profit when you sell your home.

Short-Term Benefits of Increased Property Value for Homeowners

If you were required to purchase a mortgage insurance plan when approved for your mortgage (most often this is required when an applicant put less than 20% into the down payment of their home purchase) you may be able to drop this significant extra payment sooner than anticipated.

Loan...

Summer Vacationing in Sanibel and Captiva Island

Summer Vacationing in Sanibel and Captiva Island

Of course, winter and spring constitute a high season in Southwest Florida, and Sanibel and Captiva Island fall into that mold. Yet there’s something about summer on the islands. Something more intimate and personal. Something more authentically Floridian. Summer is a great time to have your Sanibel Island vacation for many reasons. While less busy than the spring, Summer visits to Sanibel offer unique and almost private experiences you're sure to enjoy! June, July, and August often hold temperatures of 90 degrees or more, and it's common to see a mid-afternoon storm blow through. Don't fret though, these storms typically pass through quickly, so sit...

Captiva Real Estate - Just Sold - 15855 Captiva Drive - MLS#2220078

captiva real estate - just sold

15855 Captiva Drive

                               BOUGAINVILLEA                                    

This Old Florida charmer "circa 1910" has gingerbread trim, shaker siding, metal roof and is surrounded by a leafy hammock of mature tropical vegetation. Situated in the exclusive Gulf-to-Bay stretch of Captiva Island. Enter...

How to Create A Peaceful Backyard Oasis

It’s more than possible to transform a deck, patio or courtyard into a beautiful place of refuge. Here are some words of advice to create a stress-reducing garden getaway. Studies have shown people who spend time outdoors are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. You may not have a big, beautiful backyard space, but there are different things that can easily be done to transform any space.

The first recommendation is to declutter. While starting with a totally blank canvas isn’t necessary, bringing a haven to life takes a tidy work area and some planning. Begin by pruning any overgrown trees and hedges, donating unused play equipment, and clearing away any waste.

Once the space feels bare, take stock of its natural elements, and formulate a plan for anything you want changed. Do you want a water feature, a pool or an outdoor dining area, or do you want to emphasize being one with nature? Whatever your vision, be sure to keep relaxation first and foremost....

Investing Wisely: Backyard Renovations & Upgrades

Looking to transform your outdoor space?

To start, it’s important to remember that home upgrades — much like everything else in life — are a balancing act. While some typically add value, others might have you see very little return on investment (ROI). Another fact to remember is that style is subjective. What you see as an improvement, someone else may view as an inconvenience or maintenance hassle.

There is also the maintenance aspect to consider. Just like an in-ground pool requires regular upkeep to perform as it should, so too does an outdoor kitchen. One way to balance the costs with the joys of open-air cooking is to invest in a gas grill with all the latest features rather than installing appliances and tabletops. For more examples of costly backyard mistakes, please see the accompanying resource.

Graphic created by ...

Captiva Real Estate - Just Listed - 3113 Tennis Villas - MLS#2220386

just Listed - captiva real estate

3113 Tennis Villas

TENNIS VILLAS – SOUTH SEAS RESORT

Located in the exclusive, private, gated South Seas Resort. Enjoy miles of sugar sand beaches and everything that a premier resort offers. This "Beachy" 1 bedroom and 1 bath corner unit Tennis Villa overlooks the tropical courtyard and is just steps away from the sparkling community pool.  Interior offers luxury vinyl flooring, granite kitchen counters and is fully furnished by the resort. Additional amenities include community laundry, BBQ grills, common elevator and onsite rental office. Enjoy great island restaurants,...

Best Food Spots in Sanibel and Captiva Island

Best Food Spots in Sanibel and Captiva Island

Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner recommendations, Sanibel and Captiva Islands have plenty of fresh and delicious choices. In spite of the relatively small size of the area, abundant seafood and the perfect climate for fruits and vegetables make this a paradise for health-conscious travelers.

Best Food Spots in Sanibel and Captiva Island

Gramma Dot's Seaside Saloon at the Sanibel Marina

The setting...

Tips for Selling Homes in a Sellers Market

Tips for Selling Homes in a Sellers Market

For the last few years, the real estate market has been what is deemed as a seller’s market. And this basically means that those selling homes have a little more leverage in a home sale transaction than those purchasing homes. But if you are selling a house this does not mean that all you have to do is communicate the home is for sale and the buyers will come running. It is good to have knowledge about what a seller’s market really means to successfully sell a home even when you have a stronger position in the market.

The main reason that sellers have a better bargaining position right now

According to recent data shared in the ...

Sanibel Real Estate - Just Reduced - 2445 W. Gulf Drive - MLS#2220015

sanibel real estate - just reduced

Pointe Santo C-26

POINTE SANTO – BEAUTIFUL GULF VIEWS!

Beautiful 2nd floor condo located in the wonderful Pointe Santo De Sanibel community. Great West end location. This condo has gorgeous Gulf views and offers a spacious floor plan with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Updated kitchen with granite counters. Large primary suite with Gulf views and sliders that open to the screen enclosed lanai. Sold furnished. Amenities: Community pool, spa, clubhouse, tennis/pickleball, BBQ grills, picnic area and more. Enjoy incredible Sanibel sunsets and some of the world's best shelling. Close to shopping,...

The Difference Between a Buyer's and Seller's Market

The Difference Between a Buyer's and Seller's Market

As you’ve been searching for a home, talking to industry professionals, and reading information online, you’ve probably come across the terms “buyer’s market” and “seller’s market”.

A buyer's market is when supply is greater than demand. There are more people looking to sell homes than there are people looking to buy homes. A seller's market is when demand is greater than supply. There are more people looking to buy homes than there are people looking to sell homes.

Although every micro-market is different, we have generally seen a seller’s market across the for the past several years. 

For buyers, the market is extremely competitive....