What a question, right? Are there real estate “deals” on these islands, are you kidding me?
First of all, let’s define “deal”. Sanibel and Captiva Islands cannot be lumped into this whole real estate mess that’s going on right now across the country for several reasons.
First, the mortgage crisis occurring does not apply to nearly 70% (or more) of the buyers/investors on Sanibel and Captiva. These savvy home buyers are not here to “flip” properties or take out a huge mortgage, they have the cash to purchase and the majority of them are purchasing second homes and wouldn’t give them up for anything.
Secondly, real estate crises occur when there is a glut of “inventory” (too many homes on the market or many new homes/high-rises/etc being built and not as many homes being sold). In the case of Sanibel and Captiva, 95% of the island is developed and due to very strict environmental rules that were established to prevent over-building on the islands, there will never be enough homes for all of the people wanting to purchase here.
Bottom line: Any investment on these islands will survive (and thrive) through any economic downturn that could possibly happen. Why? Because oceanfront property is scarce and precious. There is nowhere in the world like Sanibel and Captiva Islands. We know it and so do all the folks who have invested here. So, if you are looking to live or invest on Sanibel or Captiva, any purchase is a real “deal”!
Many people ask Robert and I what it’s like to live on an island? Obviously, these people are looking to purchase property here and have spent time vacationing on different islands, but to LIVE full-time on an island somehow seems much different to them.
It’s true, it does take some getting used to, I admit. When I moved from Chicago to southern Florida 17 years ago, that in and of itself was a bit of a culture shock! Bitter cold winters to the humidity of southern Florida is quite a change. But, when I moved to Sanibel Island just 5 short years ago, it was a fairly easy transition for me.
Robert has lived on Sanibel for 30 years, so he’s definitely used to it and explains to people that having the “mainland” only 3 short miles away (via the Sanibel Causeway Tollroad) is reason enough to feel the exhileration of living on the ocean, while having the security of knowing that if necessary, you can just scoot over to the mainland and get what you need (for example, particular shopping, medical emergency or fleeing a hurricane – which thank goodness, doesn’t happen that often!).
So, come on down and make that dream that you have always imagined become a reality. Be bold. How great will it be to tell everyone, “Oh yes, I live on this gorgeous island… and you?”
Currently, the hospital itself is under major construction and is now closed to the public (although it is definitely still accepting “patients”), but you can certainly stop by the Visitor Center located at 630 Tarpon Bay Road in the Olde Sanibel Shoppes.
CROW treats more than 4000 different animals every year spanning approximately 160 different species. Whether it’s a bird, an otter, a turtle or even an occassional crocodile, CROW is always there to help get these animals healed and back out into their natural habitat as soon as possible.
C.R.O.W. works purely from the generosity of strangers in maintaining its facilities and staff. Donations are made every year by those who know of its value to the islands, as well as to conservationism as a whole. If you feel the urge to donate, you certainly can, just click the link to the C.R.O:W. website (which I have listed above) and they have the information there that you need to do so.
Every little bit helps in preserving our wildlife friends and maintaining the wonderful ecosystem that Sanibel and Captiva Islands enjoy.
There are few events more fun than the Fourth of July on Sanibel and Captiva Islands!
The whole island gets together for the Annual Fourth of July Parade and it is really a family affair where everyone gets involved. There are floats and games and music and candy tossing and of course, fireworks at dusk. Great fun!
I’m sure this year’s parade will top last year’s, but you can watch a short video of last year’s and see just how much fun we all had and then cast your vote after this year’s takes place!
Happy Fourth to you and your family and enjoy the long weekend,
