Planning a trip to Sanibel? If you are going to be looking at a few properties while you are down here, we have a few tips to make sure your time on Sanibel Island is well spent!
#1. Let’s Meet In Office
If it’s your first time to Sanibel, we’d love to meet you in office and go over the “lay of the lands.” In fact, even if you’ve been to Sanibel every year for the past 20 years (which I know many of your have!), I invite you to meet at our office on Periwinkle Way, so that we can review your goals, go over the market report and answer any questions you might have. This gives you the opportunity to meet our McCallion & McCallion team and see how we do things differently than your traditional real estate office.
#2. Bring Your Questions
We suggest you ponder some questions ahead of time and even write them down if needed. I’ve had customers bring sticky notes and full pages of questions – which is great! I have nearly 10 years experience in real estate here on Sanibel, and have lived here on island just as long. So, I’m happy to answer anything you want to know, from where the real estate market is headed, to how much I pay for lawn care services here on the island. Please, ask away!
#3. Saturday Morning Showings
Anna from our office, had a great tip to share… If you are planning to view a few condo units while in town, you should try to schedule your travel so that you are able to go out on showings on Saturday mornings. As you know, most condo units are rented throughout the winter months, but Saturday mornings are usually “change-over” days where one family of vacationers leaves, and the next check in that afternoon. This is sometimes the only opportunity to get into condo units here on Sanibel and take a good look around.
Travel Tip:
Most condo check-out times are around 10:00 am -12:00 noon Saturday, so plan your schedules accordingly.
#4. Save Your Favorites
Before you even arrive, we will ask that you go through some of the properties we’ve sent you recently, and save your favorites. This helps us understand the types of properties you like and want to see while you are here. Doing this ahead of time, lets our staff schedule the showings in advance, as opposed to trying to get in at the last minute. Feel free to call and email us before you come… actually, we prefer that you do, so that we can best maximize the time you have here!
#5. Make Time For Lenders
If you have a lender in mind, we suggest you speak with them BEFORE you come, so that you know exactly what price range your working with when you go out on showings. No worries if you don’t already have a bank in mind. We have a great list of lenders right here on the island. Ask us ahead of time, and you can schedule a short sit down with one or a couple of our local lenders while you are here.
Actually, whether you already have a lender or not, we suggest that you meet with one of our local reps for a few moments during your trip, just to see what options are available to you. Our lenders are more familiar with the rules and restrictions, especially with Sanibel condos, and might have different offerings than your bank back home.
I hope these tips come in handy for scheduling your next visit to sunny Sanibel Island. While the Winter months are the most popular times to visit, anytime of the year is nice for a relaxing getaway. So, let us know your travel plans! We’d love to see you when you come, and we’re happy to help any way we can.
