Welcome to our March 2016 Edition
of the Sanibel/Captiva E-Newsletter
If you enjoy our Newsletter...please share it with your friends!

We have a question for you....have the islands gone to the Dogs?

Got your attention right?

This month of March makes us think of St. Patrick's Day and Ireland, which is also an island of people with good humor and great legends; one of which is the "Luck of the Irish". This turns our thinking to how lucky we are to be living on these fantastic islands as well as thinking about how lucky it is to live a "Dog's Life" on the islands.

That's right a "Dog's Life". Our islands are highly populated with pets enjoying paradise! The islands are extremely pet friendly so much so that we have dedicated a large portion of this newsletter to our island pets and their owners who love them.

Our guest columnist section this month will touch on some of the most recent trends in building followed by additional support for that in the What's Trending and Industry News column. Look for some pet friendly applications.

You would be lucky to own our Featured Property of the month and check out our Beggs Best Buys for some pet-friendly properties as well as the Market Report column that includes a list of pet friendly condos for sale and some pet friendly rental properties.

Surf Sounds reminds you of some important upcoming events.

Meet our new CEPD commissioners as we say goodbye and thank you to those who are finishing their service in the All Things Captiva column.

Chowder
seems an appropriate choice for March. You're lucky to find it on many island menus. Check out the recipe column to make your own.

We love referrals. Did you know that we are part of a national referral exchange? We can help you and anyone in your network relocate to and from the islands as well as all over the country. Call us if you or someone you know is looking for a reliable Real Estate professional all over the U.S.!

Finally we leave you with an Irish Blessing in the Quote of the Month Column.

Come for a visit ..... you'll want to stay for a
Lifetime .....
 and we can help you make it happen ......
Featured Property of the Month
5117 Sea Bell Rd., B209
Sanibel, FL 33957
You're in Luck! This Seller is Motivated!
Bring Offers!
JUST REDUCED! 
New Price $539,000
  • Boasts to be the largest 2BR in the complex
  • East facing screened porch for beautiful morning sun
  • Expansive master bedroom
  • A true near-beach retreat
This centrally located well-maintained Blind Pass condo features a spacious open floorplan (formerly a 3 bedroom) and a view of the pool and garden. This condo will bring out the nature lover/adventurer in you.
Beggs Best Buys
Several pet-friendly properties here
Oh, by the way, you can bring the kids too!

Price Reduced! Bring Offers!
High Demand Sunset Captiva
6 Doors to the Beach!
South Seas Resort Lifestyle
UNDER CONTRACT!
Reduced! Luxury High Rise 
Downtown Fort Myers

Market Report
February Sales and New Listings

Captiva Island
Sanibel Island
Total Sales for Captiva:
$2,374,500.00
Total Sales for Sanibel:
$16,087,466.00
Captiva February Sales Report
Sanibel February Sales Report
View
New to Market Homes
View
New to Market Homes
View
New to Market Condos
View
New to Market Condos
View
New to Market Vacant Land
No New Vacant Land
New to Market Vacant Land

*All statistics taken from Sanibel-Captiva MLS.
*All Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed.
*The information provided represents a general compilation of real estate activity on the Islands. This info does not imply that BEGGS, REALTORS®, Royal Shell Real Estate is involved in these transactions nor is this intended to solicit property already listed.
*Contact us if you would like to receive an automatic update of new listings or you can click here to design your own alert. 

Bring Fido to the Islands! 

Use the MLS number, condo name or address to search our website for more information regarding any condo that interests you. There can be restrictions as to number, size, approval, etc. Call Us For Details!


*There can be restrictions as to breed, number, size, approval, etc. Call us for details. This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Island Board of Realtors or its Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy.   
What's Trending & Industry News
Why The U.S. Housing Market Will Remain Alive And Kicking in 2016 - Forbes/Investing

Worries about the state of the economy and the stock market justifiably create some jitters.  However, the factors that positively influence real estate, such as employment, interest rates, and low inventory, are likely to trump the detractors looking ahead into 2016.

6 Reasons You Should Never Buy or Sell a Home Without An Agent - FOX News

Oh, dear home buyer (or seller!) -- we know you can do it on your own. But you really, really shouldn't. This is likely the biggest financial decision of your entire life, and you need a Realtor if you want to do it right. Here's why.

Smart Building Conference: Watch out - the Smart Home is coming

Within the next decade and a half, many people will be living in smart homes, but many providers are not prepared for this revolution.

That was the conclusion of Daniela Tenger, researcher at Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute (GDI), a Swiss-based think-thank that conducts research into consumer trends.

Give Buyers What They Want - Florida Realtors

What states are the top picks for Americans looking to move? Florida, California, Hawaii, Colorado and New York, according to a new survey by Harris Poll of more than 2,200 U.S. adults.
Fla.'s Housing Market Continues Strong Track in January 2016 - Florida Realtors

Florida's housing market reported rising median prices, fewer all-cash closed sales and a tight inventory of for-sale homes in January, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. Closed sales of single-family homes statewide totaled 16,529 last month, up 2.7 percent over the January 2015 figure.
Guest Columnist / Get Educated
BUILDING TRENDS - Something for Everyone
Wide Porch Overlooking Dinkins Bayou
Today's trends in building construction are a real mix of the practical and the fun! In this month's guest column we talk a little about what's hot in new construction right here on our islands.

Design Trends...
Wide porches - This design helps with energy efficiency by keeping the sun from heating the exterior walls of the home. Wide porches serve an additional benefit of creating an inviting area to relax, entertain and enjoy Florida's beautiful weather.
Doorless Walk-in Showers.  Also called a Roman shower, is architecturally designed to not require a door or curtain. This clean, modern design is gaining in popularity. New homeowner, and Seacoast partner, Andrea Van Buren loves the way they look and feel in her new home in the Dunes. "I love the look and it stays surprisingly warm".

Technology Trends...
The technology for smart appliances has been improving for many years, constantly evolving to fine tune what consumers really want. From Smart refrigerators to Robotic cookers, the kitchen of tomorrow has endless possibilities. Fortune magazine put together some details in this January 2016 article
But for now, we find the biggest technology trends are with Smart phone apps that interact with your home, such as allowing remote access to your home's HVAC climate control, security and lighting systems.

Pet Friendly Trends...
If
you have been to our office, you may have met our blind dog Jo Jo. As animal enthusiasts, we are especially pleased to see our clients selecting features just for the pets. Here are a few:

Dog Showers - A ground level shower just for the dog is a great way to clean off Fido before bringing the sand into the house, and the design will spare your back in the process.
Screened Enclosure - Sanibel is great for wildlife, but not for outdoor cats. For this reason, a screened enclosure was added to a section of a new home in Sanibel. Lushly landscaped, it is the perfect, safe-cat habitat that the owner equally enjoys.
Electronic pet doors - Homeowners can also consider this option which unlocks with a microchip connected to their pet's collar. The convenience of a pet door that stays securely closed when not in use.

So whether you are building for the trendy, the techie, or the Tabby in your life, today's trends in building construction have something for everyone!

Art Monahan head shot

Arthur Monahan
President
Seacoast Cottage Company, Inc
239-332-0377

Andrea Van Buren
Architect
Seacoast Cottage Company, Inc
239-848-8969
Surf Sounds
Sundial Resort's New Shima Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar Makes News

5th Annual SCCF Beer in the Bushes Featuring New Orleans Jazz Legends Kermit Ruffins, BBQ Swingers - Santiva Chronicle
This popular craft beer-tasting event is Saturday, April 9, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Join SCCF on the grounds of SCCF's Nature Center, 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, for great craft beer, live music, dancing, and a few surprises.

All Things Captiva
CEPD Board Appoints New Commissioners

At their December 9 Regular Board Meeting, CEPD commissioners accepted the resignations of Chairman Jim Boyle and Vice-Chair Doris Holzheimer.

Captiva residents Richard Stegmann and Bob Walter were nominated to fill the unexpired terms of Boyle and Holzheimer. Both motions passed unanimously.

What is a Mullet March in March?

Then Visit to Find Out!
Recipe of the Month
Cheers To Chowders - Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
New England Clam Chowder

Ingredients
4-10oz cans chopped clams with juice
Chef Criss Menassa
1-bottle clam juice
1lb cream cheese
1lb smoked raw bacon medium dice
4 stalks celery medium dice
1-large onion medium dice
1-qt heavy cream
1tbsp dried thyme
Kosher salt/cracked black pepper to taste

Directions
In a heavy bottom pot on medium high heat, render the bacon until slightly cripsed, add the celery, onions and potatoes, cook for two minutes. At this point add the dried thyme, clams, juice and heavy cream. Bring to the boil and cook for two minutes more, reduce heat to a simmer and whisk in the cream cheese. Season the soup with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for thirty to forty minutes while the flavors combine, serve with crusty French Rolls in warmed bowls. 

Recipe by Chef Criss Menassa
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
1451 Middle Gulf Drive
Sanibel, FL 33957
Did You Know?
The American Pet Products Association (APPA) estimates $60.59 billion was spent in 2015 on pets in the United States. 

There is an estimated 77.8 million dogs and 93.6 million cats living in a U.S. household as pets. 

Quote of the Month
March's PIC FROM PARADISE
Sanibel & Captiva Beaches are a Dog's Best Friend. 
 
PROUD MEMBERS OF
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

FLORIDA REALTORS®

Sanibel and Captiva Islands ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®
 
REALTOR® Association of Greater Fort Myers 

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce

Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation

Sanibel Community Association

Big Arts

Captiva Island Yacht Club

Captiva Civic Assocaiton
 
We PROUDLY SUPPORT
"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society
F.I.S.H. of SanCap
Zonta
Captiva Island Historical Society
Captiva Community Panel
Captiva Holiday Villageday Village

Customer Satisfaction is our Specialty!
We Appreciate Referrals

We wish to thank our clients who have been kind enough to refer business to us. We appreciate the opportunity to provide excellent service to your family, friends and co-workers. Please continue to share our info with your contacts.

Sincerely,


John and Denice Beggs
BEGGS, REALTORS®