 |
David L. Schuldenfrei
CRS, GRI, RealtorŪ
Selling the Islands for
more than 31 years |
HOW
ARE THINGS DOING?
Forecasts are very upbeat. The National
Association of Realtors is predicting that the market will begin
recovery during the fourth quarter of this year and reach full
recovery next year. The economists seem to agree that the current
market is under-performing in relation to the strong fundamentals. |
| |
HOW
ARE WE DOING?
The island real estate market on Sanibel and
Captiva is looking pretty positive (YTD 9/15). It seems to be behaving
pretty much as we anticipated in our last newsletter --- that is still
in negative territory but with segments that are really going great.
The National Association of Realtors’ latest data (July 2007) shows
Sanibel/Captiva is doing a whole lot better than our adjacent markets
(Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Marco Island and Punta Gorda).
Sanibel/Captiva showed almost 10% growth in single-family home sales
during July while our neighbors showed more than 30% decline. This is
consistent with our last report that showed a similar result for
February. We are special and it shows.
HOW
WILL THE MARKET GO?
Unfortunately, when markets transition from one cycle to
another, there is no trumpet blare to announce it. There is just the
movement of the market and the underlying values. We feel that the
start of a good market is either already here or soon to be. The
reasons for this are several:
1. Pricing is very much in favor of the buyer, particularly condo
buyers. In addition, the weakness
of the dollar means there are real bargains for the
Europeans and Canadians.
2. Buying has already developed some momentum with
positive sales activity for building lots
and several segments of single-family homes.
3. Confidence seems in an upswing, based on a significant increase in
property showings
and contracts written over thee last 10
weeks.
4. Buyers are coming. Current rental activity and advanced
reservations are up.
SO
WHY ARE WE WAITING?
It’s not unusual to think that when things look
positive it’s time to make a move. You potential buyers who are
standing on the sidelines waiting for the right time should keep an
eye on things because the transition from a buyers market to a sellers
market is very likely, if not already here. The time you’re waiting
for is now.
We’re not suggesting that our dispassionate reading
of the market is the only reason to buy property on this paradise
island. We hope you would also be influenced by the beauty,
tranquility and charm of the islands, along with their resources,
sound planning and economic stability. Sanibel and Captiva are, after
all, a real paradise and you don’t get to be called a paradise
without good reason.
WE'VE
DONE IT AGAIN
Your favorite island has won another award. The American Planning
Association has presented the 2007 National Planning Landmark Award to
the City of Sanibel. We are the first city in Florida to win such an
award. We are so ahead of the curve. Is it any wonder that you and we
love this place so much?
THE
"DING" DARLING BUNCH
The "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society has
announced a grant for school conservation related projects in Lee
County schools. It is five $1,000 grants and the money may be
used for a variety of activities - purchase of teaching aids, books
and classroom materials, fund new science projects, take field trips
or conduct work projects in the community. All Lee County
schools can submit environmental education or science related projects
for consideration. The five winning projects will be awarded in
December of this year. If you would like further information
about this worthwhile activity just send an email to mkloosterman@tnni.net.
PLEASE
SUPPORT PURRE NOW
If you love Sanibel & Captiva Islands and want
to help keep our environment and local waters clean for generations to
come, please go to www.PURRE.org
and educate yourself as to what you can do to help. Join PURRE
now and help support the on going effort.
FOR
THE SPORTS FOLKS
There are two activities that are looking for people
to participate:
SMALL
TOWN DOINS
There is never a lack of things to do on these
paradise islands. It doesn't make any difference if it's winter
or summer there is an army of people and a schedule of activities that
can satisfy any person's need.
-
There is theatre activity on three fronts
-
The Southwest Florida Symphony has an
unforgettable mix of music in their 2007-2008 season. Just
go to www.swflso.org
-
The Schoolhouse Theatre has a full season of
musical shenanigans going through March. The schedule can be
found at www.theschoolhousetheatre.com
-
Big Arts has scheduled 26 films that focus on
foreign, independent and US films durig their 2007-2008 season.
Go to www.bigarts.org
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There are restaurants galore. Did you know
that many of them offer entertainment?
-
Other things to consider are the many wildlife
tours by SCCF or the Wildlife refuge; sea life cruises on Tarpon
Bay; kayak tours on Estero Bay; the butterfly house at SCCF;
dolphin cruises; rookery island tours; touch tank experiences;
backwater fishing and private fishing charters; the historic
village; library programs; visit CROW and of course there is
always shopping; shelling; beaching; golf; boating; and just
loafing. For the kids there is a skateboard park behind the
school.
INNOVATIVE
SERVICES FROM DAVID
We have, as you know, developed several exclusive services
to help make your real estate experience as comfortable and fruitful
as possible. It will be worthwhile for you to use them.
MLS NOTIFICATION - This lets you know
whenever a property that meets your needs becomes available. We
let you know the same day it comes on the market by email.
To get free MLS Notification call or email
David at davids@schuldenfrei.com
PRICING SERVICE - If you want to know
what price properties - similar to yours - have sold for recently we
will prepare a written report for you. This free market analysis
will help you with your pricing considerations, whether you're buying
or selling.
For your Free Market Analysis call or email
David at davids@schuldenfrei.com
GOPHER ENTERPRISES - VACATION RENTALS -
will help you find just the right condo or house to rent. We
search all rental inventories throughout the islands to find just the
right palce that meets your stated needs. Winter Season 2007 -
2008 is booking up early this year. Now is the time to make your
Sanibel-Captiva Islands Reservations.
For Vacation Rental Information call or email
David at
davids@schuldenfrei.com
FUTURE
NEWSLETTERS
Over the next few "Schuldenfrei Report"
Newsletters we will be transitioning to an "On-Line"
version. This allows you an expanded version with more detailed
information and on-line links to related topics giving a more
enjoyable reading experience. It also allows us to do our part
towards producing a "Green Product" and helping the
environment. Please email David and request the "Schuldenfrei
Report" Newsletter be emailed to you as each issue comes off the
press! davids@schuldenfrei.com
LET
DAVID SCHULDENFREI HELP YOU
"Just call when you need effective real estate
experience. I am prepared to help you sell your property or buy
a property or rent. I've been successfully helping clients and
customers for over 30 years so I know this island very well. Let
me help you. Just call, write, fax or e-mail me and I will serve
you with confidentiality and knowledge - and my promise of
results."
YOUR
BEST INTEREST IS MY ONLY BUSINESS
List your property with me and
let my pledge work for you!
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AN
IMPORTANT NEW WEB SITE
An early settler of the island,
Charles LeBuff, has launched a web site that is important to
those who love the island and its early years. Charles is
one of the first lighthouse keepers, a specialist at the
refuge, the founder of the turtle patrol and Caretta
Research and a prolific author of three books and many
scientific papers. His newest book, The Sanibel Island
Lighthouse, will be available soon on CD-ROM. In the
meantime he has authored a compendium of information about
the island to be found at www.sanybel.com/florida_wildlife.htm.
Give it a try.
CROSS
COUNTRY SUPPORT FOR MANATEES
A California winery is helping the Florida
manatee. The Oreana Wine Company in California and the Save
the Manatee Club has joined forces to raise awareness about
manatees. They’ve done so with the development of a wine,
"Manatee Merlot," which is in limited distribution
in Florida. Each bottle has a label that features a manatee
done by the Florida artist, Sherry Vintson. The winery also
plans to offer a Manatee Chardonnay in the near future. The
arrangement is that a portion of the sale goes to the Save
the Manatee Club. Sounds like a good and useful thing. For
more info go to www.manateemerlot.com.
VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED
The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum needs help.
There are several areas of need – engaging the museum
visitors, working with children, helping in the museum store
and helping the curatorial team in the collections area.
There is no prior knowledge of mollusks or shells needed
since all volunteers will be provided with a training
program. This is a chance to help in one of the premier
shell museums in the country and to help your community at
the same time. For more information call 239-392-2233 or go
to www.shellmuseum.org.
A
BRIDGE OPENING
The new bridge to Sanibel is now open. The
ceremonial opening took place from 8:30 AM till noon on
September 8th and included much pomp and circumstance. There
were cyclists, VIP’s, kayakers, 5K runners, ribbon cutters
and a sailboat regatta. This was the culmination of over a
year of planning and it went off without a hitch. I might
add, on a personal note, that I was one of the 800 runners
in the 5K and I finished with a respectable time. The
opening of the bridge is an important event since it will
attract even more visitors to the islands.
A
DIRTY TALE
During the annual coastal cleanup there are many different
items that are collected by the volunteers, as you might
imagine. Last year the volunteers went to the beaches, roads
and byways to pick up all the trashy junk left behind – a
total in the millions of items. The top item, by far, was
cigarettes and filters; not too good for the wildlife.
A
BIT OF CRABBY FUN
You’ve all heard of NSCAR, NFL, NHL, NBA but how about
NASCRAB. Well, the thing called NASCRAB is the crab races
held each Monday and Thursday in the Crow’s Nest at Tween
Waters Inn on Captiva. They begin at 6PM for the family and
9PM for adults and have been called the wackiest thing
you’ve ever seen. Just buy a crab for $2 and enter it in
the race and pray. Half the proceeds go to the winner and
half to United Way. The total contribution that NASCRAB has
made to the United Way is $100,000. So why not go to the
races.
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Noone can
deliver more more than
David with his 31 years of Island
exprience
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AT
LAST - A BREAK FOR THE PROPERTY OWNER
The Florida legislature has finally taken positive
steps to help with our out of control insurance
costs. They have changed the existing state law to
demand further discounts for buildings made more
hurricane resistant. This will be a benefit to all
property owners but it will be particularly
beneficial to condominium owners who have seen their
maintenance costs go through the roof because of
increases in insurance rates. Furthermore, the
legislature will be voting on tax legislation in
January to ease the burdens on an already
overburdened taxpayer. This action is fully
supported by The Florida Association of Realtors and
by me and is very much in your best interests. If
you would like further details about these actions
it is fully available at:
www.floridarealtors.org/legislativecenter/top
initiatives/index.cfm.
FISHIN'S
GOOD
There
is an organization named F.I.S.H. which stands for
"Friends in Service Here". It is made up
of a group of volunteers who respond to the people
on the islands who have special needs. They provide
a variety of services - driving to doctors or
dentists, delivering hot lunches and medical
equipment, visiting shut-ins and much more. They are
a selfless group of people. They have recently
prepared and opened a new facility, which they call
their walk-in center. This allows face-to-face
responses for help, which before had been largely by
telephone. The new center is located at 2340
Periwinkle Way, Suite I-1, behind the Village Shops.
Drop in some day and see the new facility and, if
you have needs, register with them. If you want more
information before going there just go to www.fishofsanibel.com.
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SANIBEL
& CAPTIVA
REAL ESTATE
STATISTICS
|
|
Sanibel
|
|
Captiva
|
|
Total
|
%Chng |
| |
2006 |
- |
2007 |
|
2006 |
- |
2007 |
|
2006 |
- |
2007 |
|
|
Unit
Sales
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Homes |
127 |
|
117 |
|
7 |
|
17 |
|
134 |
|
134 |
+/-
0% |
| Condos |
112 |
|
73 |
|
17 |
|
10 |
|
129 |
|
83 |
-36% |
| Land |
13 |
|
14 |
|
3 |
|
1 |
|
16 |
|
15 |
-6% |
| |
252 |
|
204 |
|
27 |
|
28 |
|
272 |
|
232 |
-17% |
|
Homes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Gulf/Bay |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
15 |
+
50% |
| Other
A* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35 |
|
25 |
-
29% |
| Other
B** |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
89 |
|
94 |
+6% |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
134 |
|
134 |
+/-
0% |
|
Condos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1
BR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
16 |
-16% |
| 2
BR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
77 |
|
51 |
-34% |
| 3
BR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33 |
|
16 |
-52% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
129 |
|
83 |
-36% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Avg
Selling Price (000)
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Homes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1195 |
|
1250 |
+5% |
| Condos |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
938 |
|
763 |
-19% |
| Land |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
906 |
|
1140 |
+26% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Back
on Market |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Homes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
|
93 |
+5% |
| Condos |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90 |
|
135 |
-50% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
190 |
|
233 |
+23% |
|
Sale
of Homes & Condos (Feb)
|
|
|
|
|
| Neighbors*** |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1006 |
|
637 |
-37% |
| Sanibel/Captiva |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
12 |
+9% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Other A =Bayou, Canal, Roosevelt Channel
**Other B=Inland, Near Beach
***Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Marco,
Punta Gorda
THE INFORMATION ABOVE IS BELIEVED TO BE
ACCURATE BUT IS NOT WARRANTED
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| DAVID'S
PROMISE
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We promise
that your buying or selling experience with me
will be professional and resultful. We know
that’s easy to say but we think a promise is
not to be lightly made. You have every right
to expect a high level of accomplishment from
us in backing that promise up. We can offer
that. We have had over 30 years of experience
on these islands and they have produced a
history of accomplishment and skillful service
that speaks for itself. We offer strong
Marketing and terrific Internet positioning.
We know our marketing works because we’ve
seen it work and develop for over 30 years. So
let us make our promise to you. Just put us to
work and see for yourself.
Here are
some of my current listings:
| DAVID'S
SHOWCASE |
| RESIDENTIAL
CONDOS |
| Beachcomber
B102 |
2/2
Den |
$2,100,000 |
|
|
|
|
WEEKLY
RENTAL CONDOS
| Compass
Point 141 |
2/2
Den |
$1,150,000
|
| Ocean’s
Reach 2D3 |
2/2 |
$1,050,000 |
| Ocean’s
Reach 1B4 |
1/1 |
$ 779,000 |
| Pointe
Santo A32 |
2/2 |
$1,100,000 |
| Pointe
Santo A34 |
3/2 |
$1,700,000 |
| Pointe
Santo C43 |
3/2 PT |
$1,299,000 |
| Pointe
Santo C42 |
2/2 PT |
$1,200,000 |
| Pointe
Santo E33 |
2/2 Den |
$1,150,000 |
| Pointe
Santo B32 |
2/2 |
$ 890,000 |
| Sand
Pointe 227 |
2/2 |
$ 825,000 |
| Sayana
101 |
2/2 |
$1,099,000 |
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|
| HOMES |
4453
Waters Edge Lane
Gulf Front |
4/3 |
$3,600,000 |
1504
Angel Drive
Direct Access Canal Front |
4/3 |
$1,200,000 |
4279
Gulf Pines Drive
Near Beach |
4/3 |
$ 899,900 |
1282
Par View Drive
Near Beach |
3/2 |
$
825,000 |
|
| LOTS |
| 5813
Pine Tree Drive |
Oversized Direct
Access
Canal Front Lot |
$599,000 |
|
| RECENTLY
SOLD |
| 2520
Harbour Lane |
|
Under Contract |
| Seascape
206 |
$2,900,000 |
Closed |
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The entire
MLS inventory of condo’s, private
homes and vacant lots presently for
sale on both islands are located on
line at my Internet site ( www.schuldenfrei.com
) under "Real Estate
Availability". Here you
will find full details and photo’s
of the entire Islands Inventory. The
"Real Estate Availability"
site is up-dated daily. Photo tours of
most of the island’s condominium
complexes can viewed at our Vacation
Rental Internet site - Gopher
Enterprises - www.gopherrental.com.
Let David market your property and get
the experience and attention you’re
entitled to
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OFFICE: 239 472 5187 x227 • 1 800 553 7338 x227
HOME: 239 466 0514
FAX: 239 437-7543
E-MAIL: DAVIDS@SCHULDENFREI.COM
WEBSITE: WWW.SCHULDENFREI.COM
ADDRESS: VIP Realty
Group, Inc.
1560 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel, FL 33957VIP Realty Group Inc.
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