Harsh winter may have triggered vacation home market rebound

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – March 18, 2011 – After several years of negative trends in the real estate industry, a recent market study shows signs of increasing consumer confidence. The third annual Cotton Report polled more than 800 participants on housing preferences, motivating factors, pricing levels and timelines for purchase. The survey included participants from 39 states, as well as Canada, Europe and Latin America.

While no direct correlation was made to the harsh winter temperatures, the research survey indicated a substantial increase in the number of homebuyers seeking a vacation home purchase, an increase of 800% year-over-year. This dynamic trend is further supported by an increase in the number of buyers describing their transition as a geographic relocation, now 40%.

Check out the Sanibel Real Estate Market today. Give Team Petel a call at 239-472-2411 lor 239-560-4960.

Sunset at Blind Pass, Captiva

Florida attracts 2.8 million over decade

WASHINGTON – March 21, 2011 – New Census data show that Florida has registered its seventh consecutive decade of double-digit population growth. While the nation as a whole grew by 9.7 percent, the number of Sunshine State residents surged 17.6 percent as 2.8 million more people put down stakes here from between 2000 and 2010.

Florida’s existing home, condo sales up in February

ORLANDO, Fla. – March 21, 2011 – Florida’s existing home and existing condo sales rose in February, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. Existing home sales increased 13 percent last month with a total of 13,701 homes sold statewide compared to 12,164 homes sold in February 2010, according to Florida Realtors. February’s statewide sales of existing condos rose 29 percent compared to the previous year’s sales figure.

Check out the Weather and The Amazing Homes Available on Sanibel and Captiva !

The only way to describe it is....Perfect Weather ..on Sanibel and Captiva Island.  Check out the forecast for this week

Are you ready to get away from the long winter up north.  Why not buy a home on Sanibel or Captiva?  Prices are just right for you to own a piece of paradise.  Check out the link below for your full Real Estate guide.

Click Here to Check out the Great Homes Available on Sanibel and Captiva

Its Spring Break on Sanibel Island !

Beautiful weather, white beaches, blue water and plenty of fun.  Sanibel Island is a great destination for Spring Break. 

Things to Do on Sanibel Island & Captiva Island

“Play, Play, Play” is our island theme! Whether you love your Florida beach vacation low-key or with a side of educational and playful activities, it’s all in our menu of “Play.” Choose from a blend of many activities to enjoy either on our beautiful tropical islands or the neighboring mainland. Sanibel Island & Captiva Island Florida are the perfect choices for your vacation.

Beach & Water Activities

·       Beaches

·       Boating

·       Fishing

·       Shelling

·       Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

·       Water Sports

Nature Activities

·       Bird Watching

·       Bicycles, Mopeds & Segways

·       Nature & Historical Tours

·       Science & Nature Centers

 Golf, Tennis & Recreation

·       Golf & Miniature Golf

·       Tennis

·       Health & Fitness Spas

Arts & Entertainment

·       Museums & Attractions

·       Live Theatre & Music

·       Art Galleries & Antiques

·       Musical Performances

Evening Activities

·       Casinos

·       Nightlife

·       Movies

Day Trips

·       Near Sanibel

A Little Farther North


Or just relax and enjoy the spectacular sunsets.

Own your piece of paradise: Visit http://www.teampetel.com/ to find out how.

Dont Miss the IrishFest this Thursday at Baily's !

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, so get ready to don your favorite green clothes (or else you’ll get pinched!) and come to the Bailey’s Center to celebrate its Third Annual IrishFest.



The Bailey's Center Merchants’ Association (BCMA) will host IrishFest on Thursday, March 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Bailey’s Center, at the corner of Periwinkle Way and Tarpon Bay Road. Sanibel residents and guests are invited to celebrate the Irish national holiday with Irish food and drink, music, dancing and more.



“Our previous IrishFest events have been great successes. We’d like to invite everyone back again this year," said Ken Kasten, BCMA president. “It’ll be a great way to spend the afternoon and enjoy the day’s festivities.”



The merchants of the Bailey’s Center will open their doors to everyone on the island for a festival to include a BIG ARTS Chorus performance, Irish dancing, music by The Hat Boys food and drink from George & Wendy’s Corner Grill and Bailey’s General Store, Irish cream lattes from Coffee Bar @ Bailey’s and much more. And for the little ones, Miss Silvia will be there to provide her really cool face painting at no charge.

PURRE Water Coalition Thanks John R Wood for Donations !

The Purre Water Coalition has received a total of more than $7,000 from John R Wood Island Real Estate Inc. and its agents since the company started a matching donation program almost two years ago.

The realty company's owners, island residents Joe Mondelli and Jay Richter, got together with their agents and chose PURE, People United to Restore our Rivers ans Estuaries, as one of the nonprofits to benefit from its charitable giving program.

"We're proud of our agents and very happy they chose PURRE as a beneficiary of their generosity," said Mondelli.  "They realize how important water quality is to this area, and its importance to our economy and business as well as our environment.  It affects absolutely everything.  PURRE is working to make things better and we're pleased to be able to do our part."

"These are tough times for nonprofits so we are especially grateful for John R Woods donations," said PURRE Chairman Michael Valiquette.  "The agents have been wonderful and have helped out as volunteers as well as financially.  We know these are challenging times for the real estate business as well, so their continued support means even more."