The
Spring 2009
  Schuldenfrei
Serving
Sanibel &
Captiva for
over 33 years
 REPORT
About real estate on Sanibel and Captiva Going to 7,000 property owners and 15,000 Northern visitors.
David L. Schuldenfrei
CRS, GRI, Realtor®

Selling the Islands for
more than 33 years

YOUR REAL ESTATE MARKET
The real estate market on your paradise islands seems to be struggling and trying to find itself.  We came off a positive sales year in 2008 to a first quarter of 2009 that does not quite measure up to the same standard.  And yet the attractiveness of these islands is clearly and very much alive as evidenced by the large and growing number of people who are looking at property.  The number of people coming into our offices is very impressive.  It's only a question of time before this interest is converted to a good strong market movement.

WHAT'S NEXT?
We are, as you know, very optimistic about this market and its prospects. History shows that if you buy property on these islands you will benefit both financially and from the pleasure of being part of  the island. To get the buying started we need a boost in consumer confidence and, we’re pleased to report it is improving. Confidence in the economy is up and expectations are at the highest level in some time. That should help ease the uncertainty felt by many and lead to a growth in  market activity. So, why wait ? 

• We could be at market bottom so waiting is not a benefit. 
• About 10% of island properties are available so your choice is wide.
• Current pricing almost guarantees a good return for you.

So, talk to David and let him help you find that special property.

"The number of people coming into our offices is very impressive.  It's only a question of time before this interest is converted to a good strong market movement!"

HEALTHY BEACHES GET A LET UP
The City of Sanibel has submitted a draft of legislation, known as the "healthy beaches" legislation, to our local legislative delegation and they have agreed sponsor it in each of their houses. Its purpose is to require the state to identify any contaminant that closes the beach so it can be treated and eliminated quickly. This is important because our beaches are so important to our lifestyle. Any beach closure should be as short as possible!
 

A STAR IN OUR MIDST 

Two Sanibel ladies have been honored at an arts award ceremony in Fort Myers.  Lorraine Vail and Shareen Groce each won an Angel of the Arts award. It's so nice to hear when our own folks are honored for outstanding performance.

GOOD EATIN'
There are many fine restaurants on Sanibel or Captiva. Finding a wonderful and enjoyable place to dine has never been a problem – thank goodness.  But now we have two eateries that have been recognized by Florida Trend Magazine as among the 500 best places to dine in Florida. The honorees are The Timbers and The Mad Hatter, both serving American cuisine.  Another example of the good things to be found on this island paradise.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

  • If you have time there are a lot of ways to help your island neighbors. Here are just a few: If you have one or two hours a week the Sanibel School could sure use your help to tutor some children. Training will be provided. For info call 472 1617. 

  • If you’re able, blood donations are badly needed at our local hospitals. Types O and A are particularly needed. Just call 1 888-9DONATE

  • For those who like to make things pretty the Sanibel Beautification volunteers work along Lindgren Boulevard on the second and fourth Saturday of every month from 8 to 10 in the morning. They trim, weed, mulch, do litter control. To lend them a hand. Call Ada Shissler at 239 472-5187 www.periwinklepartnership.com 

THE TRADITION LIVES ON
On January 1st of this year the Polar Bear Club once again froze their butts in the icy waters of the gulf. Such stalwart folks. They met at Tarpon Bay Beach and entered the water backwards so they could be facing the huge crowd of supporters. They cheered wildly and both supporters clapped their hands.

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 33957

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www.schuldenfrei.com • 800 553-7338 x 227 • davids@schuldenfrei.com