REAL ESTATE OVERVIEW

SANIBEL & CAPTIVA SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
Typically these homes have three bedrooms with two baths. Of course they are available with two to over five bedrooms with as many baths. Lot size can vary dramatically but tend to range from about 12,500 to 20,000 square feet in size.

Sanibel locations can be categorized in a manner similar to condominiums: Gulf/Bay Front, Canal/Bayou/Sound - Direct Access Homes, Canal Homes - Limited Access (must pass under a bridge), Inland, Duplexes/Multi-Family. Captiva homes are somewhat similarly categorized; a significant distinction being if they are part of South Seas.

Most Sanibel homes are just under 2,000 square feet of interior, air-conditioned space. "Under air" is a frequently used term used to describe the "living area." "Total area" can include porches, decks, space under elevated homes used for storage and parking.

Sanibel has three golf course communities: The Dunes and Beachview Golf and Country Clubs, with 18 hole courses are semi-private. The Sanctuary on Wulfert Point is built at the northwest tip of Sanibel. It is a private, 18 hole golf course community. Captiva's golfing facility is at the northernmost part of the island within South Seas Plantation. This 9 hole facility is located at water's edge.

CONDOMINIUM AND HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATIONS
The significant difference between the two types of associations is the form of ownership. Condo owners have individual ownership interest in the interior of their property and share in the ownership interest of "common areas" (e.g. structures, land area and common amenities.) Association fees may include insurance, landscaping and exterior upkeep maintenance costs, etc.

Owners in homeowner's associations own interest in their entire structure (interior, exterior and land) and are (normally) responsible for the upkeep of same. They share ownership and expenses in only common facilities or areas, if they exist in that particular association. These common facilities may include pools, and /or tennis courts, guardhouses, gates and some small parcels of green space. Dues are used for the upkeep of these facilities. Most of these are owned as a primary or secondary home, a few are used as vacation rental properties

SANIBEL AND CAPTIVA CONDOMINIUMS
Presently there are approximately 115 condominium complexes on Sanibel and Captiva. Sizes range from a two unit complex to over 400 units. Sizes range from 400 to 3,400 interior square feet. Due to lack of available vacant parcels, new construction of condos has fallen off in recent years. Some estimates put the available beach front properties at 98% built out. Therefore, virtually all condo units on both Sanibel and Captiva are re-sales. Prices for these units are dependent on several variables: location, the view from the property, the size of the unit, and recreational facilities (pool, tennis, clubhouse, etc.) For purposes of comparison, we have broken down these complexes into five categories, although some may overlap, e.g. Sea Winds is near beach and on a canal. This information is useful as a general guideline to help sort preferences. Allowed rental periods can vary with season.

ULTRA LUXURIOUS GULF FRONT COMPLEXES:
They normally have two or more bedrooms and baths with a den or separate dining room. The vast majority have beautiful gulf front locations with expansive water views. Many include ground floor beach cabanas, some with wet bars, garage parking and storage, swimming pools and a tennis court. The overall size of the complex tends to be smaller with monthly rentals only. The total square footage runs between about 1,800 and 3,400 square feet of interior air-conditioned living space. They are the finest gulf front condominiums Sanibel and Captiva have to offer.

LUXURY GULF FRONT COMPLEXES:
These complexes tend to be slightly smaller inside, ranging from 1,300 to 2,000 square feet of air conditioned space. Most of these apartments will have a fantastic gulf front fiew; however, some may have a courtyard or angled view of the Gulf. They are mostly two bedroom/two bath units. Some have a third bedroom or den. Almost all have a pool and tennis court(s). Depending on the complex, minimum rental periods may be monthly, two weeks or weekly.

VACATION GULF FRONT COMPLEXES:
The majority of these condos are two bedroom/two bath units with a screened lanai overlooking either the gulf or a courtyard. Most of these complexes tend to be the largest on the islands, although, a few are small in size. Most of them have weekly rentals and are steady income producing properties. Two bedroom/two bath square footages run between 1,000 and 1,800 square feet. Pool, tennis and other amenities are generally available in these complexes.

BAY FRONT/CANAL FRONT COMPLEXES:
The vast majority are two bedrooms/two bath units with views of either San Carlos Bay or an interior canal.  Most offer boat dockage along with a pool and some are complete with tennis courts. They run from 700 to 2,000 interior square feet. Generally they are weekly or monthly rentals.

NEAR BEACH/INTERIOR COMPLEXES:
These properties can run from a spacious (2,000 square feet) three bedroom/two bath properties, to small (400 square feet) near beach rental cottages. Many have weekly rentals with excellent income potential. A few are almost exclusively residential in nature. While most have a pool, quite a number have no amenities. Most are within a short walk to the beach.