Listing and selling on Sanibel and Captiva for 20 years

Jane Reader Weaver has been a consistent multi-million dollar producer with South Seas Sanibel and Captiva Properties for an impressive number of years. Jane specializes in luxury waterfront properties on both Sanibel and Captiva Islands, where she has been a resident for more than 20 years.

Her experience, knowledge, boundless energy, and personal international network of long-time luxury real estate clients is a distinct advantage and contributes greatly to her unparalleled success in the Southwest Florida real estate industry. Jane’s consistent sales successes and her dedication to the Real Estate Profession have been recognized multiple times in diverse ways – for instance she has been consistently named South Seas Properties General Real Estate Agent of the year.

As a result of the unique natural setting, climate, pristine vistas and untainted wildlife of the sister islands, Sanibel & Captiva offer a niche market for homeowner and investor alike. Two thirds of Sanibel is designated as protected wildlife refuge – either as part of the U.S. “Ding” Darling wildlife refuge or owned and preserved in perpetuity by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.

Traversing a series of nature trails and parkland, visitors can observe many forms of wildlife in their native habitats. Additionally, beaches on both islands are largely accessible and visible – not obscured by high-rise hotels and condominiums, as found so often in other South Florida locales. The uncrowded beaches and the east-west positioning of the islands in the Gulf of Mexico offer visitors and residents alike, world class shell prospecting, bird watching, and sport fishing.

The islands offer a good mix of properties with undiminished demand, despite rising prices. While the direction of properties is moving toward gated and paved mini estates, the demographics are shifting to a younger market, with buyers increasingly in their 40s -- many with children. Young families are drawn not only by the beauty and the safety of the islands, but also by the quality of the Sanibel School, which has consistently been top rated in the state of Florida.

Due, in part, to the government’s “Sanibel Plan”, Sanibel Island is not likely to change much, and that is a very good thing. The people who are buying to live here are doing so because they love the relaxed and unspoiled nature of island living. Seasonal residents and real estate investors cite the same reason for spending more time here.

Sanibel’s sister island of Captiva is another tropical paradise located about four miles off the coast of Ft. Myers and just off the northern tip of Sanibel Island. Captiva is reminiscent of the Caribbean with colorful and lush tropical foliage, wonderful tropical birds that fly freely with no high rises or fast food chains to impede their journey. Local restaurants abound and offer robust menus and diverse entertainment – each unique, but all rich in island charm and Caribbean flair. Captiva trends toward a sophisticated yet casual “chic” lifestyle. Many internationally known artists, business icons and celebrities maintain homes on Captiva and find that the island affords them the revitalization and refreshment of solitude and serenity combined with the sophisticated panache they enjoy.

In Jane’s very trustworthy opinion, the real estate market will not only remain steady but will actually continue to rise. With the continuing tremendous demand for Southwest Florida real estate, things continue to look rosy. The islands of Sanibel and Captiva have the best of both worlds – continued regional growth and associated rising real estate values, while maintaining the same quality of life and serene beauty so loved by residents and visitors alike.