Visiting Sanibel Island? Why not take some time to familiarize yourself with the real estate market?
If you’re reading this blog, you’re at least somewhat interested in Sanibel real estate. That’s great! You have come to the right place to learn all about the island lifestyle and real estate market.
Experiencing Sanibel Island
Most people who purchase property on the islands have vacationed here at least once, some have been coming to Sanibel since they were a kid. You might already know all about the beautiful beaches and conservation land, and maybe you can even tell the difference between an egret and an ibis.
What Do You Know About Sanibel Real Estate?
Maybe you’ve been on our newsletter list for years… (if not, what are you waiting for? Sign up at the bottom on this page!) We have more than 350 blogs about the island lifestyle and local real estate. Perhaps you’ve read most of them and have a good amount of “book knowledge” when it comes to the islands.
When you visit, it’s time to expand your local, in-person knowledge of the islands! Truly experiencing Sanibel Island takes time! That’s why it is important to plan your trip in advance to maximize your time in Southwest Florida.
On Your Next Visit To Sanibel…
1. Bike Through Multiple Neighborhoods
It’s one of the best ways to get a feel for the different communities. Take note of the types of homes, number of homes, number of cars in driveways and those traveling through the neighborhood, the people you see walking or biking, the type of landscaping, and general observations about the surrounding area.
2. Drive Out To Captiva
Maybe you’re only interested in Sanibel real estate, we still suggest driving up to South Seas so that you have “the full picture” of what Sanibel and Captiva have to offer. It also gives you a chance to experience the driving length from certain points of the islands. Looking on a map might make a certain destination appear much further or much closer than it actually is once you get in the car or on a bike. This exercise might help you determine which part of the island you’d prefer to live, East End vs West End vs Mid-Island.
3. Visit Bailey’s or Jerry’s
Yes, the local grocery stores. Why? It gives you the opportunity to chat with other shoppers and/or workers! Ask them if they’re visiting or local, and what they like about where they are staying or living. Sanibel is a vacation destination, so people are used to those types of questions. It’s an easy way to gain “inside knowledge” from people with personal experience of the different subdivisions and complexes on the island.
4. Schedule Time with a Real Estate Professional
Even if you’re just casually looking and not ready to purchase anytime soon, we strongly suggest scheduling a short sit-down with a local Realtor® to learn about the market. This gives the Realtor® time to prepare some things for you ahead of time and make the most of your conversation together. We suggest this over just “popping in,” since you might find that all of the agents are out on appointments. Your time is valuable to us, regardless of how many months or years out you are from buying or selling!
5. Visit A New Beach
What’s a trip to Sanibel without going to the beach? Of course, you must visit the beach! In fact, you should try to visit a different beach than the usual one you go to. You’d be surprised at how beaches on one end of the island can vary from the other end. Again, take a mental note about the difference in the number of cars, bikes, and people, plus any difference in scenery, the size of the actual beach, and the surroundings.
We’re Here To Help
When planning your next trip, give us a call! We’re happy to provide more suggestions depending on what you might have already experienced on the islands throughout the years. You can reach us at 239-472-1950 or team@mccallionrealty.com.
