THE MARKET IS STARTING TO HUM
The real estate market on Sanibel and Captiva seems to have reached a turning point. It started during the fourth quarter of last year when unit sales turned from a negative performance to a very positive one and that has accelerated into the first quarter of this year. We are now seeing double digit increases in all categories in the first quarter. 

 The number of houses sold is up almost 60% over last year's
    first quarter
Condos have almost doubled
Lots are up 50%

David L Schuldenfrei
RealtorŪ, CRS, GRI. Selling the Islands for more than 35 years!

It’s unlikely that increases of this magnitude can be sustained but it looks like this pattern will move forward since pending sales point to continued growth in unit sales.

WHAT HAPPENED?
It’s always hard to determine what market forces come together to support a very sudden market surge. Generally we expect that a down market will move to a growth market in fairly modest and incremental steps. This market is clearly not following that pattern. It’s probably due to a combination of factors – pent up demand, attractive interest rates, improving confidence and, importantly, low prices, with the price factor being critical. The market is currently at a price level that’s about the same as it was 10 years ago. That’s a major incentive, particularly to those waiting on the sidelines. It appears that the sideline sitters felt prices would not go any lower so they jumped in during the 4th quarter.  This is a great time to be a Real Estate buyer on Sanibel & Captiva Islands .

"The real estate market on Sanibel & Captiva Islands
 seems to have reached a turning point."

WHAT'S NEXT?
We’re certainly not an oracle but we see the current market strength continuing. If the market grows at only about half of its current rate we could see a unit sales volume somewhere around 400+ houses and condos for the current year. Is that reasonable? Well the market high point was 900 units in 2004. The average for the past 5 years is 650 units. So there is certainly plenty of room for growth. We would view the next year or so as a critical period for those who are considering the purchase of real estate on this paradise island. As we move forward the market velocity will adjust and become more traditional in profile - meaning current inventory will go down and current prices will go up. The time to find your dream home is now, before that happens - and the person to help you with professional advice and guidance is David Schuldenfrei. Call him. He is ready to act on your behalf.
 

KUDOS FOR THE SANIBEL SCHOOL 
They hosted a Change for Haiti campaign in January/February to raise funds for the victims of the earthquake. Collection boxes were placed in each classroom for loose change donations and parents and the public were urged to make donations at the office. This was a nice and compassionate act.

AND A PAT ON THE BACK FOR THE LIBRARY
There was a ribbon cutting ceremony recently to officially open the new TeenSpace Tech Lab at the library. It was designed for our teens to help them do their homework and research projects as well as play games, check email or just hang out. It’s equipped with all the new computer gizmos and gives another reason for our teens to check out the library. Good move!

THE LIGHTHOUSE IS NOW OURS
Did you know that the Sanibel Lighthouse property was not owned by Sanibel? It was owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The land has been managed by the city under a lease agreement with the Coast Guard who handles the operation of the lighthouse itself. The land is over 40 acres and is one of the more popular parks on the island.  The price for the land was $447.50. I want whoever negotiated that to be on my side.

GOING TO THE DOGS
The Sanibel Dog Club is on the move. They have renewed their intent to have a dog park on the island. They were not able to create one on Island Inn Road last year because the referendum was not in their favor. This time they are sidestepping the referendum process by using privately owned land. If you’re a dog lover and would like to learn more about this project you can go to www.sanibel-dogclub.com.

SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES THAT
        DAVID HAS DEVELOPED FOR YOU
 MLS NOTIFICATION – Whenever a property that meets your needs becomes available, we’ll email you the same day it comes on the market. (** Important if you have already signed up for this Service current Internet Providers Spam rules require you to re-opt in for this service.  Please send us an email requesting to
re-opt in and please specify House Condo or Lot and a price range – Thanks**)

PRICING – We’ll help you, whether you’re buying or selling, by preparing a report to show recent comparable sales.

GOPHER ENTERPRISES – www.Gopherrental.com.  To help you find the perfect rental place. Just let us know what your needs are and we will deliver - guaranteed.  Many of this years winter guests have already booked for winter 2011.  If you are planning on coming next winter make your reservations now in order to get the property of your choice.  If you are planning on vacationing here this summer better hurry many of the choice properties are already gone!

BE SMART - LET DAVID SCHULDENFREI WORK FOR YOU
He will help you with professional and practical advice, whether buying, selling or renting – or just providing information if that’s your need. He’s been doing this for over 35 years so he knows the islands and what works and what to avoid. Call or write him.

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