Pine Island, Florida

Picking peppers on Pine Island

2012-02-02T14:13:00.000-05:00

February has arrived with mild weather and light winds. There are many acres of vegetables grown on Pine Island, in large part because a hard freeze two winters ago killed many palm trees. Now those fields are growing peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, kale, cucumbers, star fruit and papaya.
I took this picture this morning as farm workers picked peppers off Harbor Drive.

Did you know Pine Island is the most agricultural island in Florida? If you are interested in Pine Island real estate, here are the properties that have sold in the Pine Island communities of Bokeelia, Saint James City, and Matlacha, in the first month of 2012.

8 Water Front Homes Sold, Median Price $237,500.
8 Off-water Homes Sold, Median Price $149,750.
5 Manufactured Homes Sold, Median Price $133,000.
1 Condominium Sold, for $189,900.
2 Off water lots Sold, average price $34,075.

For more information about Pine Island real estate, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com. Or you can search for all Pine Island real estate in the MLS at my real estate search website, http://www.pineisland.listingbook.com/.

A bike ride through Bokeelia

2012-01-29T10:52:00.000-05:00

This morning on my usual bike ride around Bokeelia, saw lots of interesting sights, including

a Kingfisher on the pier at Batty's Landing, and going out on the pier, Pine Island Sound looked like indigo glass.

Then up in Bokeelia, I noticed there is a new sign for Jug Creek Cottages, which I guess is part of Cayo Costa State Park. There are six rustic cottages there, a place to park your car and boat, and a place to put in your boat or kayak and head out to Cayo Costa State Park.

Bokeelia Backyard Bird Count

2012-01-26T13:51:00.001-05:00

I heard about the Great Backyard Bird Count this week on WGCU public radio. This is a nationwide effort to count birds in every zip code. I looked back on records of previous bird counts (visit the website http://www.birdsource.org/) and was disappointed no one has submitted a bird count from Bokeelia in a few years.

So I hope everyone on Pine Island will be part of the bird count this coming February 17 - 20. There is also a bird count photography contest...maybe I will enter one myself, like of this owl across the road from me.

For more information about Pine Island and property for sale here, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Gardenias blooming in January on Pine Island

2012-01-23T10:22:00.001-05:00

We've had such a beautiful and mild winter here on Pine Island, one of my gardenia bushes is blooming in January! Usually gardenias bloom here in April and May. Maybe it is La Nina, causing a mild winter.

Excellent bird watching on Pine Island

2012-01-20T13:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was an excellent day for bird watching on Pine Island! I started out on my bike ride just before dawn and noticed not one, but two, beautiful great horned owls just across the street from my home in Bokeelia.

Then I biked down to Pineland, and went out on the pier on Batty's landing and found these two wood storks fishing on a low tide.

Then I continued on my bike ride to back bay Bokeelia, Jug Creek, and found a small flock of
beautiful White Pelicans.

Later in the day, I had lunch with my sister in law Anne Foye down at Hobo's in Saint James City (great fish chowder) and these two Bald Eagles had built a nest in the Australian pine trees near the Saint Jude Trail.

Pine Island is such a beautiful natural place, that provides habitat to an incredible number of bird species, as well as lots of mammals (otters, rabbits, squirrels, armadillos, possum, coyote, bobcate, bats, wild pigs and maybe even a panther), reptiles and amphibeans. Not to mention an incredible number of dragonflies and butterflys.
If you are interested in finding a home or land on Pine Island, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

Winter Events on Pine Island, Florida

2012-01-11T10:40:00.001-05:00

Great Horned Owl at Dawn in Bokeelia

A New Year has dawned on Pine Island and there are a slew of island festivals and activities planned for the first three months of 2012.

January Events:

Jan 13, 14 and 15 is Florida's Creative Coast Weekend, featuring special exhibit, workshops, demonstrations tours and music. Check the website: http://www.floridascreativecoast.com/, for details.

Jan 28 is Pine Island Moose Bicycle Poker Run, annual bicycle poker run with 6 stops from Saint James City up to the Moose Lodge, 10 am to 3 pm. $5 per ticket, food and music at the Pine Island Moose Lodge. For tickets call 239-283-4245.

January 28 and 29 is Taste of Pine Island, 11 AM - 5 pm at Phillips Park in Pine Island Center. Two full days of local restaurants featuring the best of their fare. Also live entertainment and children's activities. Day on eis the chowder cook off, day two is the chili cook off. For more info: http://www.tasteofpineisland.com/.

February Events

February 4, Annual Southwest Florida Mullet Toss at Matlacha Community Park, Children's Competition starts at 10:30 a.m., adult's competition starts at noon. Fund raiser for Pine Island Charities, for more info: http://www.matlachamariners.org/

February 10, 11, 12, Island Pirate Fest and 2nd Annual Pirate's Ball. Sponsored by Bert's Bar in Matlacha, there will be a Parade of the Mermaids, Pirates Ball and Costume Contest, and Boat Parade. More info: http://www.piratesball.com/, and http://www.islandpiratefest.com/.

February 11 and 12. My favorite annual event, this year will be the 40th Annual Pine Island Art Association Fine Art Show and Sale. At the Matlacha Community Building in Matlacha Park, the show and sale will be from 10 am to 4 pm on both days. I get a new painting here almost every year! More info: http://www.pineislandart.com/.

Feb 11, 12 & 13. Another Pine Island Creative Coast Weekend. Check the Website: http://www.floridascreativecoast.com/

Feb 18 is the Annual Pine Island Garden Gala from 10 a.m. to 4 pm at Phillips Park at Pine Island Center.
Annual fund raiser for the Pine Island Garden Club, there will be plant sales, seminars, raffles, demonstrations, bake sale and more. More info: http://www.pineislandgardenclub.org/.

March and April Events
March 3, Annual Rubber Duck Race to benefit the Calusa Land Trust in Saint James City, time and location to be announced.

March 10 - Seventh Annual Calusa Heritage Day from 10 am - 4 pm at Randell Research Center's Calusa Heritage Trail in Pineland. This annual celebration focuses on regional archaeology, history and ecology. $5 per adult, children under 123 are free. More info: www.flmnh.ufl.edu/RRC

March 17 - Annual Southwest Florida Seafood Festival and Car Show from 11 am - 5:30 pm, not on Pine Island, but close at the German American Club in Cape Coral.

April 7 - Explore the Estuary of Pine Island Sound. From 9 am to 12 noon at the Calusa Heritage Trail pavilion. "Muck About" Pine Island Sound and learn about the plants and animals of the local estuaries. Pre-registration only by calling: 239-283-2157. Children must be over 9 with accompanying adult.

All of these events are a great way to support local organizations and learn more about beautiful Pine Island, Florida.

Pine Island Florida 2011 Real Estate Round Up - Part Three

2012-01-06T16:21:00.001-05:00

Fewer Foreclosures and Shortsales on Pine Island in 2011 In 2011, 13% of all home sales on Pine Island were foreclosures, and 10% of all home sales were short sales, so 23% of all island residential properties sold in the past year were distressed sales. While that number is high, it is lower than in 2010, when 33% of sales were either foreclosures or short sales. So, distress sales dropped by 33% in 2011. There should be fewer distress sales in 2012, because only 23 distress sales, or 8 percent of the residential market, are now actively listed for sale in the MLS. Slowly but surely, the Pine Island market seems to be recovering. There were 5 closed sales so far in 2012, including this cute bayfront cottage (which was not a distress sale) but was deeply discounted...the asking price was $299,000, the selling price was $229,000.

I am certified as a short sale and foreclosure resource by the National Association of Realtors. To contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc., based in beautiful Bokeelia, email me at erikafoye@embarqmail.com. I'd be glad to assist you in your Pine Island real estate search.

Little Pine Island Guided Hikes

2012-01-05T13:37:00.000-05:00

Guided nature walks at the High Marsh in Little Pine Island are available now thru April 11, on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. - noon. Field trips are free but advance registration is required. For more info, call the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park at 941-575-5861, or go to www.floridastateparks.org/charlotteharbor.

This Night Heron is one of the birds you might see on the hundreds of acres of Conservation Land at Little Pine Island

Pine Island Florida 2011 Real Estate Round Up - Part Two

2012-01-05T11:55:00.000-05:00

Top Stories Most Popular Pine Island Types of Housing and Neighborhoods

(I sold this Alden Pines, Bokeelia Home in 2012)

The most popular type of home sold on Pine Island in 2011 was a single family, waterfront home on a canal leading to the Gulf of Mexico. There were 93 such sales in 2011, representing 40% of all residentail sales.

The second most popular type of Pine Island Home Sold was an off-water single family home, with a total of 65 sales, representing 28% of all residential sales. The third most popular type of home purchase was a manufactured home, with a total of 59 sales, representing 25% of all property sales. The fourth and fifth most popular type of home purchase was a condominium, or a duplex, with a total of 8 sales, each, representing about 3% of all residential sales each.

The most residential sales were in Saint James City, with 119 homes sold, or 50.4% of all residential sales. Bokeelia was next with 88, or 37.2% of all residential sales. Matlacha, being our smallest community, had the fewest sales, 29 sales or 12.2% of all residential sales.

The most popular, non-waterfront neighborhood was Alden Pines, the Bokeelia golf course community, with 12 home sales. The most popular waterfront subdivision was Gulf Haven, in Saint James City, also with 12 home sales. The most popular manufactured home subdivision was the over 55 community of Pine Island Cove in Saint James City, with 17 sales.

Land sales were fairly slow this year, representing on 21% of all property sales. 46 inland lots sold and 21 waterfront lots sold.

Only three commercial properties sold on Pine Island in 2011, representing just 1% of all property sales.

For more information about Pine Island Real Estate, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com. I am an accredited buyer's representative and shortsale and foreclosure certified.

Summary of 2011 Real Estate Sales on Pine Island

2012-01-03T11:17:00.000-05:00

Good Bye 2011! Hello 2012!

With the New Year here, before we turn the page completely on 2011, here is a snap shot of real estate sales on Pine Island, Florida in 2011:

Sales are Up/Prices are Down (With Some Exceptions) For the second year in a row, the number of real estate sales on Pine Island exceeded the number of sales in the year 2005, which represented the peak year of the housing bubble. There were 309 MLS sales of all types of real estate on Pine Island in 2011, which was an increase over sales in 2010 by about 7%. The total dollar volume of real estate sales on Pine Island, Florida in 2011 was $49,055,785, representing an overall decrease in sold price by about 6.7% comparing 2010 with 2011.

Prices in a few property categories are starting to increase. For example, the median sold price of an off-water, single family home on Pine Island was $135,000 in 2011, an increase of 15% over 2010. The median sold price of a Pine Island condominium was $202,500. in 2011, an increase of 6.4% over 2010. The median sold price of an off-water Pine Island lot was $15,500. in 2011, an increase over 2010 of 3%.

Median sale prices in other housing categories on Pine Island fell in 2011. The median sold price of a waterfront, single family home on Pine Island was $240,000. in 2011, a decrease of 6% compared to 2010. The median sold price of a water front lot in 2011 was $130,000, a decrease of 10% compared to 2010. The median sold price of a duplex in 2011 was $95,313, a decrease of 2.6% compared to 2010. The median sold price of a commercial property was $205,000 in 2011, a decrease of 12% complared to 2010. The greatest drop in median sold price was for manufactured homes, where median sold price of $85,000 was 24% below selling prices in 2010. Unfortunately, single wide manufactured homes, and all manaufactured homes built before 1977 no longer qualify for conventional financing, so that makes them harder to sell, because a cash buyer or seller financing would be required. For more information about Pine Island Real Estate, contact me, Erika Foye, at All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com. This is the first of a four part blog discussing real estate sales statistics on Pine Island, Florida for 2011.

Beautiful Beach Day on Upper Captiva

2011-12-28T10:38:00.000-05:00

Monday we enjoyed a gorgeous boat ride and picnic day on the beach on Upper Captiva Island, a short boat ride from Pine Island. Most of this island is conservation land and we were thrilled to find a huge flock of literally hundreds of large white pelicans roosting in the shallow bay front waters off southern Upper Captiva.

Here are a few photos of that day.

Pine Island is a great jumping off point to the outer islands (bridgeless islands) of Upper Captiva and Cayo Costa. You can either take the Tropic Star Ferry out of Bokeelia (http://www.tropicstar.com/) or rent a kayak at the Bowline Marina, or at Gulf Coast Kayak, or rent a power boat at 4 Winds Marina in Bokeelia, or go in your own, or a friends, boat.
Either way, Pine Island, Florida is the gateway to a beautiful world of nature in Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Aquatic Reserve. To find out more about Pine Island real estate, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

Pine Island Flower Collage

2011-12-24T14:01:00.000-05:00

Here is a photo collage of some of the many beautiful flowering trees and plants you'll find on Pine Island, Florida

Last week of December in Bokeelia

2011-12-23T12:53:00.000-05:00

I haven't checked in from Pine Island in a few weeks, because I've had lots of clients looking at and buying real estate on Pine Island this month. It is no wonder people are discovering beautiful Pine Island. The weather has been just about perfect for the past few months. Temperatures during the day have been in the seventies to low eighties with nice breezes, in the evening it has been from the high fifties to the low sixties. Truly spectacular. I have been getting in some nice bike rides on our 17 mile bike path, and this morning took this photo of a woman and her golden retriever enjoying a nice walk at the tip of Bokeelia on a low tide.

The number of real estate sales on Pine Island in 2011 are up above 4% so far this year, comparing 2011 with 2010 and prices are down about 5%, comparing 2011 with 2010, so now is definately a good time to consider buying real estate on Pine Island. I am an accredited buyer's representative and specialize in assisting buyers of real estate on Pine Island, Florida. To contact me, please email Erika Foye, Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Latest Pine Island, Florida Real Estate Statistics

2011-12-03T11:02:00.001-05:00

Entering the last month of 2012, it looks like we're on track to surpass 300 closed real estate sales on Pine Island this year, with a dollar volume that will likely exceed $50 Million.

So far this year on Pine Island, the following properties have sold in the Pine Island communities of Bokeelia, Saint James City or Matlacha:

87 Water front Homes have sold ~ Median Price $240,000.
64 Off water Homes have sold ~ Median Price $135,100.
53 Manufactured Homes have sold ~ Median Price $82,900.
8   Condominiums have sold ~ Median Price $202,500.
7   Duplexes have sold ~ Median Price $96,126.
2   Commercial Buildings have sold ~ Median Price $254,500.
20 Water Front Lots have sold ~ Median Price $121,250.
45 Off water Lots have sold ~ Median Price $16,000.

So far this year, there have been 290 MLS real estate sale closed, with a total dollar volume of $46,294,085.   Prices of water front homes are completely flat, month over month, while the price of off-water homes, condominiums and land is up slightly.

The best new home listing of the week is this two bedroom, two bath remodeled home on Bayview Avenue in Saint James City, was listed for $277,000.

The best home sale of the week was this two bedroom, two bath pool home on the Alden Pines golf course in Bokeelia, sold for $198,000.

For more information about real estate on Pine Island, Florida, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com. I am an accredited buyers representative and certified as a short sale and foreclosure resource by the National Association of Realtors.

Fall Flowers on Pine Island

2011-11-26T09:34:00.001-05:00

I enjoyed a nice bike ride in beautiful clear and sunny weather in Bokeelia this morning, and noted how many wild flowers are blooming now, more than I remember seeing before, maybe because we had more than 10 inches of rain in October. I don't know the names of all of these, but here are some of their names: black eyed susan, wild orchid, showy crotaria, sawgrass and cranberry hisbiscus.

Best Pine Island Properties, Week Ending November 25

2011-11-25T14:44:00.000-05:00

Top Stories Wow, this week has sped by. I've been busy showing real estate, there's been an uptick in interest in Pine Island real estate, especially water front homes.

The best new listing of the week is this waterfront home on Manatee Drive in St. James City, it is 3 bedrooms, two baths, with a great pool and nice waterfront including concrete patio, dock, boat house, and boat lift. The asking price is $389,000. You can search for more Pine Island real estate at my real estate search site, http://www.pineisland.listingbook.com/.

The best real estate value for sold properties this week was this country home on 15 acres, 10 of which were planted for mango. This home on Quail Trail in Bokeelia sold for $280,000. this week.

Whether you want a water front home or country estate, condominium or golf course home, residential lot or agricultural acreage, Pine Island has a great selection of real estate, on our beautiful tropical and uncrowded island.

Best Real Estate Buys on Pine Island, Florida

2011-11-18T08:51:00.000-05:00

I decided to start a new feature on this blog, posting the best new home listing and the best home sold in the Pine Island communities of Bokeelia, Saint James City, and Matlacha each week. The best new listing in Bokeelia this week is this home, a three bedroom, two bath home, built in 2007, on a 1/2 acre lot, the asking price is $129,000. The home shown above is offered as a short sale, the lender must agree to the short sale price.

The home shown below is a bayfront home pool home in St. James City sold for $437,500. this week. It had many upgrades and was 2,360. sq. feet.

For more information about Pine Island real estate, please contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

Bright Blue Sky in Bokeelia

2011-11-15T13:38:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers, I enjoyed a nice ride through beautiful Bokeelia today, here are some fall scenes of the bright blue sky, bright green pine trees, bright purple bougainvilla and bright orange palm berries.

Fall is a beautiful time to enjoy Pine Island, Florida.

Matlacha Sunrise

2011-11-05T16:00:00.001-04:00

This morning I went down to Matlacha before dawn, hoping to catch a glimpse of the kayak fishing tournament participants heading out for the Great Calusa Blueway catch and release challenge.I did not see the kayaking fishermen, but did see a beautiful Matlacha sunrise, and the bridge construction, at dawn...photo's below.

Latest Pine Island Real Estate Sale Statistics

2011-11-02T10:58:00.000-04:00

As I do at the beginning of most months, I update the statistics of what real estate has sold so far this year in the Pine Island communities of Bokeelia, St. James City and Matlacha.

81 Water Front Homes have sold ~ Median Price $240,000.
60 Off Water Homes have sold ~ Median Price $135,000.
9 Duplexes have sold ~ Median Price $150,000.
7 Condominiums have sold ~ Median Price $205,000.
52 Manufactured Homes have sold ~ Median Price $84,450.
19 Water Front Lots have sold ~ Median Price $112,500.
41 Off Water Lots have sold ~ Median Price $15,000.
2 Commercial Buildings have sold ~ Average Price $254,500.

The Home Shown Above is one of the nicest homes for sale right now in Bokeelia

The total dollar volume of sales so far on Pine Island this year is $43,290,682, with 272 closed transactions. Of the 209 residential sales,24 were sold as short sales (a little more than 10%) and 25 were foreclosures (a little more than 10%). So, about 20% of residential sales on Pine Island were distress sales this year.

For more information about Pine Island real estate, contact me, Erika Foye, Realtor, and real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc., based in beautiful Bokeelia, at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

No Storm for Southwest, Florida

2011-10-28T10:44:00.000-04:00

Weather reports from earlier this week were wrong, we aren't getting any weather directly from Hurricane, now tropical storm, Rina. This morning Pine Island Sound was like glass when this kayaker was headed out. Instead we'll get just some rain from a low pressure system. Meanwhile, it will be snowing in the mid-Atlantic and New England this weekend...time to make plans to come to beautiful Pine Island, Florida.

Pine Island and Hurricane Rina

2011-10-26T14:39:00.001-04:00

Hello Pine Island followers. Here on Pine Island, we're watching with interest the progress of Hurricane Rina, now down south of the Yucatan Peninsula. According to the National Hurricane Center, we are in the "cone of uncertainty" and as of now have a chance of getting some wind and rain later in 4-6 days, maybe Sunday or Monday. By that time, it is predicted to be only a 50 mph tropical storm. For more information, go to www.nhc.noaa.gov/

I am a weather afficiando and like to follow weather, and my excellent computer repairman, Larry from Anole Computer, has a great Pine Island weather website, at http://www.weather.anolecomputer.com/ , in case you are also interested in following the weather on Pine Island, Florida, which is presently just beautiful, 80 degrees and 50% humidity.

If you are looking for a Realtor who is an accredited buyer's representative on Pine Island, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc., based in beautiful Bokeelia, at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

White Pelicans arrive in Bokeelia

2011-10-19T14:12:00.000-04:00

On the winds of our first cold front of the season, I saw a flock of white pelicans in Bokeelia this morning. Although "cold" is a relative term. . .this weekend it will be in the high 70's daytime, in the 50's at night.
According to my Florida Audubon Field Guide, white pelicans may be in Florida from September - April.

We've had some wild and windy weather the past few days, along with at least five inches of rain, but it should be beautiful on Pine Island this weekend. If you are looking for a Pine Island Realtor, I am an accredited buyer's representative based in beautiful Bokeelia. I am the broker for All Island Realty, Inc. and you can contact me at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival Coming to Pine Island

2011-10-18T10:42:00.002-04:00

I was happy to learn yesterday that one of my photographs won third place in the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival photo contest. Here is the winning photo, of a man kayaking and fishing in Pine Island Sound. The Festival has events all over Southwest Florida from November 3 - November 6, for the complete schedule go to http://www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com/.

Pine Island events include a fishing tournament where the grand price is a Hobie Pro Angler fishing kayak. The event starts at 7 AM on November 5 in Matlacha Park. Also on November 5, there is a wading trip "Mucking About/Explore the Estuary" starting at 9 a.m. at Randell Research Center in Pineland. The Calusa Land Trust will sponser a kayak paddle to Calusa Island at 10 AM leaving from Jug Creek cottages.

At 11:30 AM on November 5, in Matlacha Park, there will be Bluegrass on the Blueway with local musicians, and many kayaking related exhibits plus food from a variety of Pine Island restaurants. The rest of the photo contest winners will also be unveiled.

On Sunday November 6, Earth and Spirit Gallery and Gardens will be hosting an organic high tea and fashion show. Coming to the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival is a good way to discover many of the fun things Pine Island has to offer.

Windy weather on Pine Island

2011-10-15T16:33:00.000-04:00

I rode my bike up to the Bokeelia fishing pier on Charlotte Harbor this morning. Despite gusty winds (15-20 mph) fisherman were getting ready to go out, after casting for bait with their cast nets.

Then, on the way back, riding down the country roads of Bokeelia, our "out back", I ran into a few loose red hen, or rather roosters I should say. These photos capture the eclectic nature of Pine Island, a rural island by the sea. About half the land on Pine Island is zoned agricultural, so you can keep chickens and goats and horses and honey bees and cows, etc. if you choose agricultural property. Being an island, you are never more than 2 miles from the sea, in this case Charlotte Harbor, San Carlos Bay, Matlacha Bay and Pine Island Sound. So, Pine Island is a surf and turf kind of place. For more info about Pine Island real estate, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc., at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

Bananas Grow on Pine Island in October

2011-10-08T08:40:00.001-04:00

On my bike ride this morning, I noticed several banana trees bursting with green bananas at a home in Pineland. Bananas in October. I bet there are few other places in the continental United States where bananas grow in the fall. With our semi-tropical climate, Pine Island is a great place to grow tropical fruit, besides bananas, other tropical fruits that grow here are papaya (fall and winter), lychee (summer), mango (summer), carambola, guava, jack fruit, dragonfruit and mullberries.

You can buy aprons, totebags and T-shirts featuring Pine Island tropical fruits at my webstore, www.zazzle.com/Bokeelia*. To find out more about Pine Island real estate, call me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Manatees move in from off shore on Pine Island

2011-10-06T13:16:00.001-04:00

Hello readers, the weather has cooled off (to below 90's during the day, in the 60's at night) this month. It is great to turn off the air conditioning!

The manatees must be noticing the change in water temperatures, because I saw a whole pod of them in a canal near in Bayview Estates in St. James City, yesterday...canal temperatures are usually a little warmer than the off-shore waters, so manatees move in when the weather starts cooling off! Here are some photos of manatees I took on Pine Island yesterday.

If you enjoy the beautiful natural world, you owe it to yourself to discover beautiful Pine Island, Florida. To find out more, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com. I am a member of the Realtors Buyers Agent Council (Rebac), the National Association of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors, Greater Ft. Myers and the Beach Association of Realtors, and Pine Island Chamber of Commerce.meta name="google-site-verification" content="pzK4cFuBg-9bN7QBjc5QJfnxIYBlmX_ROZwVPaffWVo" />

October Brings Blue Skys/Low Humidity

2011-10-02T11:05:00.002-04:00

October has brought us blue skys and low humidity here in Bokeelia. Great flocks of birds are starting to arrive from up north, though this big Osprey lives here year round.

Since the first nine months of the year has passed, I thought it was timely to update my blog with the latest Pine Island Real Estate sale statistics, for properties sold in Bokeelia, St. James City and Matlacha, Florida:

77 Waterfront Single Family Homes have sold ~ Median Price $240,000.

54 Off Water Single Family Homes sold ~ Median Price $120,500.

34Waterfront Manufactured Homes sold ~ Median Price $101,000.

16 Off Water Manfactured Homes sold ~ Median Price $55,000.

7 Duplexes sold ~ Median Price $96,126.

6 Waterfront Condominiums Sold~Median Price $223,500.

38 Off Water Homesites Sold ~ Median Price $15,500.

19 Waterfront Homesites Sold ~ Median Price $112,500.

1 Commercial Property Sold for $205,000.

There were a total of 257 real estate mls sales so far in 2011, with a total dollar volume of sales at $40,635,102.

Fall is here, eagles are back on Pine Island

2011-09-23T10:48:00.003-04:00

First day of Fall arrived in Bokeelia and sure enough, I saw my first pair of bald eagles this season (though a week or so ago, I saw some single bald eagles.) These were nesting in a dead pine tree near Howard Road in Bokeelia. Pine Island is home to more than 40 pairs of bald eagles and you see them mostly fall through spring. I am not sure where they go in the summer months, according to my Florida audubon book, they simply "disperse northward, out of state".

Pine Island is a beautiful, natural place with lots of conservation land. To find out more about real estate on Pine Island, contact me, Erika Foye, Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

I also started a new webstore, selling unique Pine Island gifts featuring scenes of the natural world on Pine Island, go to www.zazzle.com/Bokeelia*

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Bowline Road Boat Ramp Closed for Repairs

2011-09-18T10:50:00.000-04:00

The boat ramp at Bowline and Barrancas Drive closed September 6, 2011 for repairs, and is supposed to be open again in about a month. I rode my bike up there this morning and it looks like they're still working on it. Fortunately, there are other great places to put in your boat on Pine Island.

You can put a boat in at:

* The Matlacha Park and Boatramp
* The Commercial Marina on Maria Drive
* The Monroe Canal Marina in St. James City
* The Pineland Marina in Pineland

To launch your kayak, you can also go to Batty's Landing, just off Pineland Road near the Randell Research Center in Pineland, at the kayak launch in Matlacha Park, at Tropical Point Park in St. James City, or at Gulf Coast Kayak, on the north side of Pine Island road in Matlacha, near the Old Fish House.

Pine Island has probably better public water access than any other community in Southwest Florida, within easy reach of Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound, San Carlos Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information about Pine Island and Pine Island Real Estate, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Pine Island Photo Collage

2011-09-14T16:38:00.000-04:00

Hello Pine Island fans. I just learned picassa lets you create photo collages, so I decide to post my first Pine Island photo collage here, all of photos I took in the past year around Pine Island.

To find out more about beautiful Pine Island, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Pine Island, Florida, a great place for Veterans

2011-09-10T12:01:00.000-04:00

Pine Island is a laid back place, and welcomes returning and retiring veterans with affordable housing, a great lifestyle geared to enjoying the great outdoors, and two veterans clubs, The American Legion, and The Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In addition, there will be a 220,000 sq. ft. new Veteran's Out Patient hospital, set up to serve more than 200,000. veterans, opening in November of 2011, very close by, at the corner of Diplomat Parkway and Corbett Road in Cape Coral...this is only a short distance away from Pine Island.

Finally, local lenders are making VA loans to veterans. The basic qualifying guidelines are: no down payment; minimum credit score 620; satisfactory debt to income ratio; and adequate income. I'd welcome the opportunity to show veterans around Pine Island, refer them to a local lender, and help them buy a home on Pine Island, Florida. For more information contact me, Erika Foye, Licensed Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. and Accredited Buyers Representative, at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Bokeelia Sunrise

2011-09-05T13:59:00.002-04:00

This beautiful sunrise over Bokeelia was inspiration for a great day. Enjoyed a yoga class at the Lutheran Church this morning with some friends. I haven't done yoga in a long time but it felt great. Meets 3 X per week, and donation is $9.00 per class...I recommend it to any Pine Island visitors or residents.

What's Been Selling on Pine Island Lately?

2011-08-31T13:11:00.001-04:00

This little egret is studying the water to see what's for dinner. I study the real estate market to see what real estate sales trends are in the Pine Island communities of Matlacha, Bokeelia and St. James City.

So far this year, the median sale price of inland homes has risen 3.12%, the median price of a condominium has risen 7.2% and the median price of a single family water front homes has fallen by 4.24%.

Pine Island Real Estate Sales from January 1 - August 31, 2011:

70 Water front Homes ~ Median Price $245,000.

50 Off Water Homes ~ Median Price $120,500.

46 Manufactured Homes ~ Median Price $84,450.

7 Condominiums~Median Price $205,000.

7 Duplexes~Median Price $96,126.

1 Commercial Property~$205,000.

16 Water Front Lots~Median Price $121,250.

35 Off Water Lots~Median Price $16,000.

Total Real Estate Sales Volume this year= $36,956,127.

I think its interesting that you can buy an off water home on Pine Island for the same price as a water front lot. A great thing about Pine Island is even if you don't live on the water, everyone has water access on Pine Island, via three public boat ramps, and several other public access areas where you can launch kayaks or canoes.

To find out more about Pine Island and Pine Island real estate, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

FHA Loan Limit Update

2011-08-23T11:50:00.000-04:00

The FHA just reduced the amount of financing they will provide, now it is $271,050. for homes purchased in Lee County, Florida (where Pine Island is located). This applies to loans closed after October 1, 2011.

Still, there are more than 87 homes (and about 1/2 dozen duplexes) priced below $280,000. on Pine Island. With only a 3.5% down payment required, most of these homes will qualify for FHA mortgage financing.

Also, many people think that FHA is just for first time home buyers. It is not. Any home buyer of a home for his or her primary residence, who also meets the guidelines from my last blog post (US Citizen or alien resident, credit score 640+, not too much debt) may qualify for FHA financing, so long as they do not have another FHA loan.

So if you are thinking of relocating or retiring to Pine Island to enjoy the wonderful Pine Island lifestyle, remember there are affordable homes with affordable financing options here on Pine Island! For more information on Pine Island homes, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Purchasing a Pine Island Home with FHA Financing

2011-08-21T11:30:00.001-04:00

Hello readers, this week I completed my required continueing education for my State of Florida real estate broker's license, and I took a four hour course in FHA financing.

Enjoy a new home surrounded by nature on Pine Island, Florida

I was glad to learn the ins and outs of FHA financing from Scott Digregoria at Primary Residential Mortgage (http://www.ftmyersmortgageexpert.com/). At least half of the homes for sale on Pine Island right now qualify for FHA financing...right now the financing limit is $356,250 in Lee County, but soon (probably this December) will be rolled back to $271,000. Even so, at least 80 single family homes on Pine Island will qualify for FHA financing, even when the allowed amount of financing is rolled back.

In order to qualify for an FHA loan, the basics for a buyer are:

* Home is to be purchased will be primary residence

* US Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien

* Credit Score 640 or better

* Three Years Continuous Income

* Debt to Income Ratio no more than 59.9%

Single family homes, attached townhouses and duplexes (or up to four units in one building) qualify, but generally speaking, condominiums do not. (There are exceptions, but none on Pine Island.)

FHA loans make it easier to qualify for a loan, because a down payment of as little as 3.5% of the purchase price is required. For more information about Pine Island, Florida homes that will qualify for FHA financing, please contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com. I am an accredited buyers representative.

Latest Pine Island Real Estate Sale Statistics

2011-08-17T12:41:00.002-04:00

The recent economic gyrations do have their upside for real estate buyers, though the economic stormy weather may not be good for sellers of real estate on Pine Island. The upside for buyers is that mortgage rates are at just about their lowest levels in decades (around 4.5% for thirty year fixed), and real estate prices for single family water front homes are down about 5% since this time last year. The median sale price for a single family water front home in the Pine Island communities of St. James City, Bokeelia and Matlacha was $247,000. in 2011, as opposed to $260,000. during the same period in 2010. Land prices have fallen even further, with the median price of a residential lot now at $20,000.

Interestingly though, condominium prices have actually risen about 7% year over year on Pine Island (median price last year was $190,250; median price this year was $205,000) reflecting a decrease in supply. Median price of single family off-water homes was exactly the same year over year, at $118,500.

The current supply of real estate now listed in the MLS is as follows:

111 Single Family Water Front Homes

49 Single Family Off Water Homes

31 Condominiums

56 Manufactured Homes

11 Multi-family (duplexes)

74 Water Front Lots

208 Off Water Lots

12 Commercial Properties

So see the latest sales statistics for Pine Island real estate in more depth, go to my real estate website http://www.pineislandhomesandland.com/ and click on real estate statistics. To search for Pine Island real estate on your own, go to my real estate search website, http://www.pineisland.listingbook.com/ and sign up for your free account. I am Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc., an accredited buyers' representative. With more than 500 properties now listed for sale on Pine Island, I can assist buyers in finding the best property at the best price. If you would like to receive my quarterly Pine Island real estate newsletter, please email erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Fun things to do around Bokeelia

2011-08-14T12:32:00.001-04:00

Hi, we had fun with our daughter visiting from Missouri this week and spent a little time out on the water, fishing and watching the parasailers. We also went biking at dawn and saw the awesome full moon, setting over a group of kayakers.

She and Jon also enjoyed some golfing at Alden Pines Golf Course.

There are so many fun ways to enjoy the outdoors and nature on Pine Island. We even saw sea turtles out in the passes off of Pine Island sound. We got a small grouper, trout, lady fish, pig fish and cat fish, in the short time we were fishing. If you are interested in Pine Island Real Estate, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc., at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

Texas is hotter than Pine Island

2011-08-11T13:30:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers, I was away from beautiful Pine Island for a convention in San Antonio, Texas. The temperatures in Texas were at least 10 degrees hotter than Pine Island. The highlight for me was the chance to ride a real, live long horned Texas bull.

Back on Pine Island, real estate sales have been brisk. In the past three weeks, 22 homes have sold (median price $180,750), two lots have sold (one for $8,000 and one for $218,000), and one duplex has sold for $205,000.

If you would like to search for Pine Island real estate on your own, sign up for a free account at my real estate search website, http://www.pineisland.listingbook.com/. Simply enter in your search criteria, (including clicking on the cities of Bokeelia and St. James City), price and features and you will see all the active listings in the Multiple Listing Service. For more information about Pine Island Real Estate, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Nature and Weather Photos from Bokeelia

2011-07-24T10:44:00.001-04:00

We've had some beautiful Bokeelia summer weather, sunny days followed by awesome storms, here are a few random photos taken around Bokeelia the last few days. The past two days, we've had dramatic banks of clouds roll in ahead of thunder, lightning and rain.

Lightning and Brush Fire in St. James City, Pine Island

2011-07-17T17:17:00.000-04:00

Hello again readers, have just come from a large brush fire that apparently was sparked by lightning, in St. James City. Fortunately, it seems to be confined to conservation land, just south of Pine Island Cove. There are five or six fire trucks there, and more rain coming, so hopefully the rain will put it out and no homes will be threatened.

Mid Summer on Pine Island

2011-07-17T10:08:00.002-04:00

It is has been a gorgeous summer weekend on Pine Island, replete with rainbows, thunder heads, Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Waters are warm and glassy, and blue crabs under the surface. Compared to the middle of the country, our Pine Island weather is some what temperate, with temperatures in the low nineties, and seabreeze.

For more information about Pine Island, and real estate in Bokeelia, St. James City or Matlacha,contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

$27 Million in Real Estate Sales on Pine Island, First Half of 2011

2011-07-10T09:29:00.002-04:00

Hello readers of Pine Island Times. This morning I biked up to Bokeelia and helped herd this little nanny goat on the lam, away from Stringfellow Road, so she wouldn't get hit by a car. Hopefully, she will find her way back into her field from which she's escaped.

Meanwhile, I've added up all the MLS real estate sales during the first six months of 2011. A little more than $27 Million in real property has sold on Pine Island this year, representing 177 transactions.

In Bokeelia:   9 water front homes sold, median $215,000.
                       25 off water homes sold, median $119,000.
                        3 condominiums sold, median $205,000.
                        2 waterfront lots sold, median $68,750.
                       16 off water lots sold, median $15,000.
                        3 manufactured homes sold, price $45,500.

In St. James City:
                       23 water front homes sold, median $249,000.
                       13 off water homes sold, median $115,000.
                         1 condominium sold, $400,000.
                         7 water front lots sold, median $130,000.
                       12 off water lots sold, median $17,700.
                       34 manufactured homes sold, median $87,500.

In Matlacha:   16 water front homes sold, median $266,000.
                            2 water front lots sold, average $137,500.

Island Wide:     7 duplexes sold, price $96,126.00

Now is a great time to buy a home or land on Pine Island, with lots of selection, and attractive prices. For more information about Pine Island Real Estate, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

What is the real estate supply on Pine Island, Florida right now?

2011-06-26T11:28:00.000-04:00

It seems like real estate sales are picking up on Pine Island. I sold this nice rural home, which closed this week. To see if my sense is right, that supply is tightening up a little, I did a study of what types of properties have sold the past six months, and how many properties of those types are now listed for sale.

The least amount of supply is actually off water Pine Island homes. 36 have sold in the past six months. 55 are offered for sale, so there is a 7.6 month supply of off water single family homes on Pine Island.

There is more supply for water front homes. 47 water front homes have sold in the past six months. 115 water front homes are offered for sale, so there is 1.2 year supply of water front homes for sale on Pine Island.

There have been 38 manufactured home sales in the past 6 months, and 60 are offered for sale, so there is a 9.5 month supply of manufactured homes for sale.

The supply of land (both water front and off water) and condominiums is in excess of 3 years!

Summer Rains Ripen Tropical Fruit on Bokeelia

2011-06-26T10:44:00.000-04:00

Finally, the traditional rainy season has started on Pine Island, we've had showers a couple of times this week. I noticed on my bike ride today that things are greening up. The previously yellowing coconuts are starting to be green, bananas are getting ripe and yellow; mangos are getting pink, all signs of ripening.

Right now you can buy locally grown mango, coconut, lychee, bananas and other tropical fruits at road side stands on Pine Island. Agriculturally zoned land on Pine Island starts at about $25,000. per acre, though there are some larger parcels for sale (up to 10 acres) that the asking prices are about $17,000. per acre. For more information about agricultural land on Pine Island, contact Erika Foye, Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com. I am an accredited buyer's representative.

Five Reasons Now is the Time to Buy Real Estate on Pine Island, FL

2011-06-20T11:23:00.001-04:00

Summer has arrived hot and sultry on Pine Island, but just because it is the "off season" doesn't mean it is not a good time to think about buying real estate here. Top five reasons?

Value: Sold prices across the board this year, for homes, condominiums, manufactured homes, duplexes and land are back to levels not seen since the year 2000.

Selection:   There is a great variety of different property types for sale in the Pine Island communities of Bokeelia, Pineland, St. James City and Matlacha. There are 116 water front homes for sale on Pine Island; there 56 off water homes for sale; there 32 condominiums for sale; there are 11 duplexes for sale; there 60 manufactured homes for sale; there are 83 water front homesites for sale, and there are 180 off water home sites for sale.

Mortgage Rates:   As of mid-June, mortgage rates for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage were about 4.5% and 15 year fixed rate mortgages were about 3.65%.

Baby Boomers:   Starting in 2011, ten thousand baby boomers a day will turn 65 years old and many of those will want to retire to a new location. According to the National Association of Realtors, 50% of retiring baby boomers prefer to retire to a small town or rural area. Pine Island fits the bill perfectly with our small town atmosphere and lots of agricultural land and open spaces. As that demand emerges, supply will tighten.

Lifestyle: Pine Island offers are great lifestyle with many opportunities to enjoy an active lifestyle:

* Great boating access for kayaking, power boating, canoeing, windsurfing, with many boat ramps and fishing piers.
* Year round swimming, water aerobics at our community pool and tennis at our community park.
* Bike riding and jogging on our 17 mile Pine Island bike path.
* Yoga at a variety of community locations
*  Gardening, the weather year round allows for gardening and growing a wide variety of tropical fruits and local vegetables.
* Creative local galleries and great local restaurants for water front dining.

So far this year, about $25 Million of real estate has sold on Pine Island, Florida this year, representing 160 closed transactions. For more information about Pine Island, Florida real estate, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

Bokeelia Brush Fire

2011-06-16T11:03:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much to our hard working Pine Island fire fighters, a scary brush fire was put out last night, without any homes being lost. Five trucks responded to the fire. The weather has been so hot and dry, according to the Ft. Myers News Press, the cause of the fire was lightning.

Hoping we get some good rain showers soon!
Our usual rainy season starts by the end of June and we are hoping it may start early this year! Pine Island has three fire stations and they do a great job responding to fire and other emergencies, though fire is a pretty rare occurence here.

Scenes from around Bokeelia

2011-06-12T11:39:00.000-04:00

Mangos are just coming into season, and a new grove has opened to the public on Pineland Road in Bokeelia, "Promised Land Farms". I was riding my bike around Bokeelia and took some of these photos this week, including mango, bouganville, wild peacock and corn snake.

Update on Pine Island Homes that are foreclosures or shortsales

2011-06-05T13:57:00.000-04:00

Only about 10 percent of the homes offered for sale on Pine Island are foreclosures or short sales. Recently this Bokeelia home came on the market, it is a two bedroom, one bath home on a deep water canal, and is offered for $245,000.

Of the 107 residential properties to sell on Pine Island in the first five months of 2011, 23 or a little more than 20% of the properties sold were distress sales, either foreclosures or shortsales. This is an improvement over 2010, when nearly 30% of the properties sold were distress sales.

Right now on Pine Island, there are 9 foreclosures and 26 short sales offered for sale in the Pine Island communities of Bokeelia, St. James City or Matlacha. I am certified by the National Association of Realtors as a short sale or foreclosure resource, and I have successfully represented more than a dozen home buyers when purchasing a short sale or foreclosure on Pine Island. For a free list of foreclosures or shortsales presently for sale on Pine Island, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc., at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Crunching the numbers on Pine Island, Florida real estate sales

2011-06-03T10:35:00.002-04:00

Hello Readers, An analysis of Pine Island, Florida real estate sales shows sale prices are back to levels last seen in 2001. Now is a great time to buy real estate on Pine Island. Here is what has sold in the Pine Island communities of Bokeelia, St. James City and Matlacha from January 1, 2011 to June 1, 2011.

Bokeelia Sales
     7 Water front homes sold, median price $210,000.
   19 Non-water front homes sold, median price $119,000.
     1 Condominium sold for $212,000.
     5 Manufactured homes sold, median price $45,500.
     2 Water front home sites sold, median price $68,750.
   13 Non-water front home sites sold, median price $15,000.
St. James City Sales
    22 Water front homes sold, median price $249,500.
    10 Non-water front homes sold, median price $115,000.
    30 Manufactured homes sold, median price $84,450.
      5 Water front lots sold, median price $112,500.
      9 Non-water front home sites sold, median price $17,000.
Matlacha Sales
     11 Water front homes sold, median price $267,000.
       2 Water front lots sold, median price $137,500.

Island wide, 4 duplexes sold, median price $123,063.

A total dollar volume of $21,767,578. has sold on Pine Island so far, in 2011.

For more information about Pine Island, Florida real estate, go to http://www.pineislandhomesandland.com/. or http://www.pineisland.listingbook.com/ to search for active MLS listings. To contact me, Erika Foye, Broker for All Island Realty, Inc., email erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Beach Day on Cayo Costa

2011-06-02T13:31:00.000-04:00

We had a great morning boating from Pine Island out to the barrier island state park of Cayo Costa yesterday. The waters were crystal clear and various shades of turquoise, and the water temp was great in the mid-80's degrees. We enjoyed a swim and a beach walk, and saw this little hermit crab and a sea turtle nesting site. On the way back, we saw a mom and baby osprey nesting on a channel marker. Cayo Costa is a beautiful, uninhabited state park that is only a short boat ride from St. James City or an even shorter boat ride from Bokeelia.

For more information about Pine Island real estate, contact me, Erika Foye at erikafoye@embarqmail.com, or visit my real estate websites: http://www.pineisland.listingbook.com/, where you can search all the properties listed for sale in the Southwest Florida area multiple listing service, or my other website, http://www.pineislandhomesandland.com/.

Summer Approaching on Pine Island

2011-05-30T12:33:00.000-04:00

Some signs of summer approaching on Pine Island, the fish are near shore, the frangi pangi are blooming, the thunder heads are building, and tomatoes are ripe, perfect for making a tomato and basil pie.

Agricultural Pine Island

2011-05-19T10:42:00.000-04:00

Pine Island's main agricultural export crop is ornamental trees, mainly palm trees. But there are lots of other agricultural activities on Pine Island, including raising tropical fruits (mango, lychee and papaya are the most common); raising beef cattle; keeping bees for honey; and growing vegetables...tomatoes, lettuce and peppers are crops that are in season now.

It is great living on a tropical island that is so rural. Here are some photos I took on my bike ride this morning. If you'd like more information about buying agricultural property, or a small farm or grove on Pine Island, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com. I'm based in beautiful Bokeelia.

Waterspout over Pine Island Sound in Bokeelia

2011-05-15T10:15:00.000-04:00

On my morning bike ride through Pineland this morning, I saw this waterspout just forming over Pine Island Sound. Because of the threatening lightning, I quickly biked over to Tarpon Lodge, where a half dozen people, including my neighbor Mo who works there, watched an awesome waterspout form and stay over the water for about 10 minutes. It looked to be several miles off shore, maybe over Boca Grande Pass.

Unfortunately, the battery in my camera died so I was only able to get a few fuzzy photos, but Mo is supposed to email me some more from his cell phone. Well, it is officially mid May, so now we can expect some stormy summer weather from now until about early October.

I waited out the storm in the cool bar at the Tarpon Lodge (no it wasn't open yet, so no bloody mary's for breakfast) watching the spectacular lightning show, then finished up my bike ride. I'd say we got about 1 inch of much needed rain.

For more information about real estate on beautiful Pine Island, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc., at erikafoye@embarqmamil.com.

May brings great Fishing Weather to Bokeelia

2011-05-04T13:30:00.000-04:00

Traditionally May brings the start of an excellent fishing season to Bokeelia. I rode my bike up to the fishing pier in Bokeelia this morning, and caught sight of a school of redfish feeding on bait just about 10 yards off the seawall. I don't know if you can see the redfish in this photo, but they were there! Tarpon fishing kicks in to high gear here on Pine Island, starting in May.

Also, bouganvilla is blooming and the sun is coming up like thunder, as in the old Rudyard Kipling poem. In other words, the sun rises hot and steamy, thank goodness for the nice breezes off of Charlotte Harbor. Pine Island is a great place to enjoy fishing, the arts, biking, boating and nature. I've been busy with real estate, and sold three houses in the past month. For more information about Pine Island, Florida real estate, contact me, Erika Foye, Florida Licensed Real Estate Broker, All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Warm weather, great fishing on Pine Island this April

2011-04-14T15:01:00.000-04:00

The first half of April has been warm and mainly sunny, great fishing weather. Locals and visitors have been catching redfish, sea trout, Spanish mackeral and sheepshead.

Pine Island Sound was like glass the other day, here are some photo's from around the island, including Pine Island Sound, the Bokeelia pier on Charlotte Harbor, and the Bokeelia Boatramp at Bowline Drive.

To find out more about Pine Island and Pine Island real estate, contact Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

Pine Island, Fl real estate sales in 2011

2011-04-10T10:48:00.000-04:00

Hello again Pine Island followers. As promised, here are the year to date real estate sales, in the Pine Island communities of Bokeelia, Saint James City, and Matlacha, from Jan 1, 2011 through April 10, 2011.

26 Water Front Homes have sold, with a median sale price of $270,500. The ratio between the asking price and the selling price was 88%.

19 Non-waterfront homes have sold, with a median sale price of $115,000. The ratio between the asking price and the selling price was 92%.

25 Manufactured homes have sold, with a median price of $70,000. The ratio between the asking price and the selling price was 87%.

12 Off-water lots have sold, with a median price of $15,500.

5 Waterfront lots have sold, with a median price of $90,680.

My gardenia bushes have just burst into bloom, as they do every April, on beautiful Pine Island, Florida.

For more information about real estate of Pine Island, Florida, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com. I am an accredited buyers representative.

Spring photos from Bokeelia

2011-04-02T15:54:00.001-04:00

Well, it's been a busy Spring on Pine Island, so no wonder I haven't blogged since the beginning of March. I've been having lots of company, also showing real estate, biking, horseback riding, and of course, taxes.

Here are some Spring photo's from around Pine Island, the gorgeous, orange, full moon at the Spring Equinox, the gopher tortoises are out munching the nice green grass (we had 3+ inches of rain in Bokeelia recently), there are great flocks of white egrets feeding in Pineland each morning, and the mulberries are ripe on the mulberry trees. Tomorrow, I will update the statistics on what types of real estate are selling on Pine Island.

Best, Erika Foye (erikafoye@embarqmail.com)

Pineland Marina to be Auctioned today at Foreclosure Sale

2011-03-11T11:31:00.000-05:00

Sorry Pine Island followers, I have had non-stop company for the past month, so no time to blog about Pine Island. I did find an interesting notice in the local paper legal section, that the Pineland Marina is to be sold at a foreclosure auction today.

The Pine Land Marina has a great location and nice docking facilities. It is really the gateway to the outer islands of Cabbage Key, Upper Captiva and Cayo Costa, and I really hope a competent busy entity takes it over and allows it to continue to provide great water access to Pine Island Sound, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information about Pine Island Real Estate, Contact Me, Erika Foye, broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

February Weather is Fine on Pine Island

2011-02-04T11:20:00.000-05:00

The last few weeks we've had beautiful weather on Pine Island, 70 - 80 degrees during the day, and 50-60 degrees at night. We've had a few inches of rain to keep things green, but most days have been sunny and mild. I enjoyed a bike ride in Pineland this morning and took the attached photo of a spoonbill and heron enjoying their breakfast in the morning sun.

Bird watching, bike riding, horse back riding, boating, fishing, just a few of the fun out door activities you can do all winter long on beautiful Pine Island. For more information about Pine Island, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

The Tropic Star Cruises to Cayo Costa

2011-01-30T12:15:00.000-05:00

Bokeelia is also the departure point for cruises out to Cayo Costa Island and Cabbage Key. As of January 1, Tropic Star Cruises moved to Jug Creek at 16498 Tortuga Drive, in Bokeelia. The Tropic Star Ferry was just taking off on this beautiful sunny morning, with the fog just lifting, in the photo below.

Besides Cayo Costa and Cabbage Key, Tropic Star also offers charter service to Boca Grande, Cabbage Key, Useppa, North Captiva and Don Pedro Islands, and has cottages for rent in Bokeelia. For more info, go to the Tropic Star website at http://www.tropicstarcruises.com/. For more information about Pine Island real estate, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker and accredited buyer's representative, at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Fun Things to Do in Bokeelia

2011-01-21T12:45:00.000-05:00

Bokeelia is my favorite of the Pine Island communities, it is the northern most part of Pine Island and is more rural and less populated than the rest of the island (although all of Pine Island is pretty low key). Here's a photo I took at the Bokeelia Fishing Pier.

You can fish all day at the Bokeelia pier for $8. and also bait if available for sale there. My other favorite Bokeelia activities:

1) Rent a kayak at the County Marina at the corner of Bowline Drive and Barrancas Ave.
2) Take a hike through the Randell Research site in Pineland, and learn about Pine Island's first residents, the Caloosa Indians.
3) Visit the Museum of the Island and the Pine Island Library
4) Bike on our wonderful Pine Island bike path.
5) Visit the Crossed Palms Gallery at the tip of Bokeelia
6) Have an elegant dinner of lunch a Tarpon Lodge restaurant in Pineland.

If you are interested in learning more about Pine Island real estate, or relocating to Pine Island, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com or visit my real estate website: http://www.pineislandhomesandland.com/

Winter Events on Pine Island, 2011

2011-01-17T10:52:00.000-05:00

Lots of fun events are on deck on Pine Island in the winter of 2011:

January 21, 7 pm: Fishing Seminar at Ole Pine Island Marine on Stringfellow Road in Matlacha. Captain Joe Hebert talks on how to catch pompano and trout, seafood cocking demonstration by Captain Dick May.

January 22, 11 am - 5 pm: Taste of Pine Island at Phillips Park in Pine Island Center. Chowder Tasting, music entertainment, arts and crafts, children's playground.

January 29, 10 am - 3 pm: Pine Island Moose Bicycle Poker Run, at the Moose Lodge in St. James City, Florida. For more info, call the Pine Island Moose at 239-283-4245.

February 11 and 12: Annual Pine Island Art Show in Matlacha. Hundreds of talented artist display and sell their works at Matlacha Community Center in Matlacha Park. Lots of local shops are open and have demonstrations, workshops and more.

February 12, 9 am - 2 pm, Pine Island Library at Pine Island Center, Winter Book Sale.

February 19, 9 am - 2 pm, Pine Island Garden Club has it's native and tropical plant sales, along with seminar and garden advice, handicrafts and bake sale at Pine Island Center, Phillips Park.

Manatee Park in East Lee County

2010-12-18T11:50:00.000-05:00

For a change, I was showing some water front real estate in East Lee County, past I-75 north on the Caloosahatchee River last weekend. I took the opportunity to check out "Manatee Park" which I had never visited before. What a great experience. Due to the cooler than normal weather this December, literally hundreds of manatees were lolling around in the warm waters, near where the power plant discharges (presumably clean but warm) water. The manatee's gather there to stay warm. To find Manatee Park, head out on I-75 and take exit 141, heading east. Go about 4 miles and on your right you will find a sign for "Lee County Manatee Park" There is a nice pavillion, playground and water front walk way with several manatee viewing areas. Nice place for a picnic or outing with the kids!

You'll also find lots of manatees around Pine Island, Florida in the Spring, Summer and Falls, months.

Pine Island Stray Cats

2010-12-05T10:47:00.000-05:00

Hello again Pine Island Times readers...though I usually discuss real estate, I wanted to tell you about a really great charitable organization "PAWS of Lee County". This little stray cat "adopted" us and I was referred to Paws which provides the services of a free spay clinic. There are many stray and feral cats on Pine Island and I encourage anyone who would like to adopt one to contact "Paws".
This little cat, it turns out, is an Ocicat, a cross between a Siamese and an Abyssinian. We named her Sheba, because Sheba was an ancient Queen of Abyssinian (who had dealings with King Solomon according to some historic tracts) Also because she walks around our place like she is the "Queen of Sheba".!

Thanksgiving on Pine Island

2010-11-25T10:49:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving from Pine Island, where the weather is just perfect, high 70's, light breeze, clear skies. I saw this peacock just off the bike path. I was thinking, peacocks are actually about the same size and shape of American wild turkeys. Domesticated peacocks have gone wild on Pine Island and you occasionally see them roaming around, or hear their eerie screams at nice.

Just another example of the unique diversity of life on Pine Island. For more info about Pine Island, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

Latest Pine Island, Florida real estate sale statistics

2010-11-14T12:02:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it has been 30 days since I posted on my Pine Island blog. . .for two reasons. One I've been busy showing real estate, and two, the weather has been so beautiful that I've been out bike riding and horseback riding.   Real Estate sales have picked up this fall.   So far in 2010, more real estate has sold on Pine Island Florida than any year since 2005.   We are on track to have about 300 closed real estate transactions, through the MLS, this year.

Here has what has sold on Pine Island, in 2010, through November 15, 2010:

Bokeelia: 14 Waterfront Homes have sold, median price of $335,000.
                46 Off water Homes have sold, median price of $111,000.
St. James City:   36 Waterfront Homes have sold, median price of $295,050.
                          20 Off water Homes have sold, median price of $122,750.
Matlacha: 29 Waterfront Homes have sold, median price of $218,000.

Island wide, including the Pine Island communities of Bokeelia, St. James City, and Matlacha:

14 Condominiums have sold, median price of $190,250.
37 Manufactured homes have sold, median price of $105,000.
6   Duplexes have sold, median price of $97,950.
3   Commercial properties have sold, median price of $230,000.
16 Water front lots have sold, median price of $128,000.
28 Off water lots have sold, median price of $15,000.

It couldn't be a better time so buy real estate on Pine Island, since prices are back to where they were nearly a decade ago. For more information about Pine Island and Pine Island real estate, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

(I recently listed for sale one of the only bayfront lots available on Pine Island. This beautiful lot measures 92 X 139 X 98 X 169. It overlooks San Carlos Bay, Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge and the intercoastal water way and santuary islands. The list price is $589,000.)

Fall migration of birds back to Pine Island

2010-10-16T10:31:00.000-04:00

It was thrilling the other day to see a huge flock, probably more than one hundred, white pelicans wheeling in a circle, flying over Pineland and Pine Island Sound. A true sign of fall on Pine Island. Also, I saw some other birds on my bike ride this morning, including egrets and woodpeckers, which are here year round, and king fishers, which come in the fall.

For more information about Pine Island, Florida, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

Three Quarters of Real Estate Sales on Pine Island, Florida - 2010

2010-10-03T11:55:00.000-04:00

So far, through the first three quarters of 2010., 228 properties have sold through the multiple listing service on Pine Island, Florida, with a dollar volume of sales at $42,806,942. This compares with 198 sales during the same period in 2009, with a dollar volume of sales $35,285,044.

So, the number of Pine Island real estate sales is up more than 10%, comparing 2010 with 2009. The dollar volume of sales is up more than 20%. To me, this tells me the prices are stabilizing and the market is recovering. (This is a picture I recently took of a typically colorful cottage in Matlacha.)

Here is what has sold so far on Pine Island, Florida in 2010.

In Bokeelia, 13 waterfront homes have sold with a median price of $340,000. and 39 off-water homes have sold with a median price of $112,000.

In St. James City, 34 waterfront homes have sold with a median price of $287,000. and 18 off-water homes have sold with a median price of $126,000.

In Matlacha, 28 waterfront homes have sold this year with a median price of $214,000.

Island wide, 31 manufactured homes have sold with a median price of $115,000; 12 condominiums have sold with a median price of $190,250.; 21 waterfront lots have sold with a median price of $100,000.; 24 off-water lots have sold with a median price of $16,500., and two commercial properties have sold with a median price of $340,000.

For More information about Pine Island, Florida real estate, or to request my quarterly real estate newsletter "Pine Island Times", contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Fall arrives on Pine Island

2010-09-28T11:40:00.000-04:00

Since fall arrived last week, its been a little bit cooler and less humid on Pine Island. I rode my bike up to the fishing pier in Bokeelia, just before sunrise, under the light of the full moon, and took some pictures as the sun rose. I happened to capture a pelican dive bombing for fish.

Pine Island is a beautiful, natural and largely undeveloped island on the southwest coast of Florida, just west of Cape Coral and Fort Myers. For more information about Pine Island real estate, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

New Matlacha Bridge will connect Pine Island to the mainland

2010-09-12T11:46:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday Sept 7, Lee County held a town hall meeting for the citizens of Pine Island to provide information about the new bridge soon to be built in Matlacha, the small island to the east of Pine Island. The existing bridge will remain in place while the new bridge is built, then demolished. There is only one bridge connecting Pine Island to the mainland of Lee County. The bridge in Matlacha is famous for being "the fishingest bridge in the world."

The 18 million dollar bridge project will begin construction on Monday October 11, 2010. Two way traffic will be maintained on the existing bridge from 6 am to 9 pm, but during the night there may be times when only one lane of traffic is open. The sidewalk on the south side of the bridge will be closed and removed at the start of construction. But the sidewalk on the north side of the bridge will remain open for the entire construction period.
The new bridge will also be a draw bridge, which allows for the passage of large boats and sailboats. It will have a protected sidewalk on both sides of the bridge. Completion of the new bridge is scheduled for November, 2012. For more information, about the new Matlacha Bridge to Pine Island, go to http://www.matlachabridge.info/. For more information about real estate on Pine Island or in Matlacha, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival

2010-09-05T12:52:00.001-04:00

The annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival is coming up in two months, with the activities on Pine Island to take place from Thursday November 4 to Sunday November 7. It is not too early to plan to attend. Here's the schedule of events:

* Thursday Nov 4 - Guided Kayak Tour of Matlacha Pass. Reservations are required, call 239-549-4606.
* Friday Nov 5 - Paddler's Reception at the Angler's Inn at 11282 Matlacha Ave from 5:30-7 pm.
* Saturday November 6, Estuary Exploration of the Calusa Heritage Trail in Bokeelia - Bring your own boat and gear, call 239-283-2157 to register.
* Saturday November 6 from 10 AM to noon there will be a g uided tour of the Calusa Indian Shell Mounds in Pineland.
* Saturday November 6, Calusa Blueway Fishing Tournament from 1:30-3pm at Matlacha Community Park and a paddler's reception will be held at The Sun and the Moon Inn from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
* Sunday November 7, the Paddle of the Pass Canoe and Kayak Regatta takes place at Matlacha Community Park with a 9 a.m. check-in
* Sunday November 7, from 11 am to 3 pm there will be "Taste of Matlacha" and a Bluegrass Concert in the Matlacha Community Park.

For more information about the festival, go to http://www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com/

Caloosa Land Trust on Pine Island

2010-08-30T14:36:00.001-04:00

I finally just got around to reading the latest newsletter from the Calusa Land Trust and I thought I'd mention what a great conservation organization it is on Pine Island. Part of their mission statement reads "The purpose of the Calusa Land Trust is to protect the natural diversity and beauty of the Pine Island region by acquiring, managing and preserving in perpetuity einvornmentally sensitive or historically important land." There are more than 20 parcels of conservation land on Pine Island owned or co-managed by the Calusa Land Trust. If you email me, I will send you a map of the land wetlands they manage.

Calusa Land Trust sponsers work parties on Conservation Land, the second Saturday of each month, and also sponsers various kayaking mangrove adventures. To out more about the Calusa Land Trust, go to http://www.calusalandtrust.org/.
To find out more about real estate on beautiful Pine Island, Florida, email me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Wading Birds in Pine Island Sound

2010-08-14T13:36:00.000-04:00

I had a great bike ride around Pineland and Bokeelia today, and was lucky enough to see a Roseate Spoonbill close up, with a couple Ibis buddies. There are lots of other wading birds you can see on Pine Island, including great and little blue heron, snowy egrets, tricolored herons, bitterns, black crowned and yellow crowned herons, and wood storks.

If you are interested in living on a beautiful natural island, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker, for more information about Pine Island Real Estate.
Email: erikafoye@embarqmail.com

Where to Rent a Kayak on Pine Island

2010-08-02T11:59:00.000-04:00

Real estate has been pretty slow on Pine Island through the month of July, so in addition to fishing, I enjoyed kayaking for the first time in a couple of years with my daughter Sheena. We rented kayaks Saturday out of the Tropic Star Cruises office at the public marina on the corner of Bowline Drive and Barrancas in northern Bokeelia. It was really fun (though the water is warm as soup) and I was relieved to discover I still remembered how to kayak...it is actually pretty easy if the wind is not over 10 mph.

Kayak rental prices from Tropic Star are $30 for a half day for a single kayak and $40 for a half day for a double kayak. You can also arrange to have a kayak taken out to paddle around Cayo Costa Island for a day for $40 and $50 respectively. For more information about Tropic Star Cruises, go to http://www.tropicstarcruises.com/.

Other places to rent a kayak on Pine Island include Carmen's Kayaks at the Coast Connection on Portobello Road in Bokeelia, Knoll's Court Motel in Matlacha, and Gulf Coast Kayaks, also in Matlacha. There is no better way to see Pine Island from the water than a leisurely and quiet paddle in a kayak.

Great Fishing Day in Pine Island Sound

2010-07-10T16:55:00.000-04:00

We enjoyed a beautiful morning out on the water today, traveling from St. James City, up Pine Island Sound, past Chino Island, past South Seas Resort, out into the open Gulf of Mexico. In Captiva Pass (between Cayo Costa and Upper Captiva Island) we enjoyed bright blue skies and some good fishing. Our friends Karen and Keith from Ohio (and also St. James City) came along and Karen caught her first fish ever, in fact caught half a dozen grouper, a lane snapper and a grey snapper. Here's a picture of Karen with her first fish ever!

We also saw lots of dolphins and a huge loggerhead turtle, right next to the boat, eating jelly fish. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera out in time to take a picture of the beautiful turtle, who was yellowish with a mossy green back, about 30+ inches in oval diameter. Hope to take some more time of soon and go fishing again.

Swimming at the Pine Island Community Pool

2010-07-07T14:44:00.002-04:00

I have recently joined the Pine Island Community Pool with my daughter Greta and we are really enjoying taking water aerobics classes there.
Pine Island Pool Admission is $1.50 for children, $2.50 for adults and $2.00 for seniors, on a daily basis. You can purchase a senior 6 month pass for $24.00, or annual pass for $40.00. You can purchase a family 6 month pass for $60.00 or annual family pass for $85.00. Those prices include the cost of aerobics classes, and are really a bargain.
The pool facility is kept very clean. There are 2 lap lanes at all times, a pool lift for those w/special needs, two water slides, and a diving area. The pool is 25 yards long and is open year round, weather permitting. Summer Hours are Monday 11 a.m. - 4:45 pm, Tuesday 11 AM - 7:45 pm, Wednesday 11AM to 4:45 pm, Thursday 11 AM - 7:45 PM, Friday 11 AM to 4:45 pm, Saturday 11 AM - 4:30 PM, and Sunday 1 pm - 5:45 PM.

There are also learn to swim classes, a life guard program and various other special programs. The Pine Island Pool is located in Phillips Park at Pine Island Center, just of Sesame Drive, beside the tennis courts. For more info, call Pine Island Pool at 239-283-2220 or go to http://www.leeparks.org/. We are lucky to have such a great pool complex on Pine Island. For more info about Pine Island, Florida real estate and the great Pine Island lifestyle, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Update on Oil Spill - 1% Chance or less to hit Southwest Florida

2010-07-03T15:54:00.005-04:00

Hello readers. Today Noaa updated its website to show a map projecting the trajectory of the Deep Water Horizon oil spill. You can view this update at http://www.noaa.gov/. There is also a paper regarding projected effects on South Florida. According to the trajectory map, the coast of Southwest Florida, including Pine Island, has a 1% or less chance of having oil wash ashore on our coasts. You can see this image above, the gray area represents places with a 1% less or chance of oil on the coast, including Southwest, Florida. I urge you to go view the entire noaa site.

January thru June 2010 Real Estate Sales on Pine Island, Florida

2010-07-03T15:46:00.000-04:00

Real estate sales started off strong in 2010, and are more than 30% ahead of sales (and 36% ahead in dollar volume), comparing 2010 to 2009. All told, a total of 168 properties sold through the mls on Pine Island, FL, with a total sales volume of $32,878,242, during the first one-half of 2010.

Here is what has sold in the first six months of 2010 on Pine Island, Florida:

Bokeelia
11 Waterfront Homes Sold, Median price of $340,000.
24 Inland Homes Sold, Median price of $113,500.
5 Waterfront Lots Sold, Median price of $47,500.
9 Off-water lots sold, Median price of $21,000.
10 Condominiums sold, Median price of $197,125.

St. James City
27 Waterfront Homes Sold, Median Price of $279,000.
16 Inland Homes Sold, Median price of $127,750.
5 Waterfront Lots sold, Median price $225,000.
4 Inland Lots, Median price of $10,000.

Matlacha
16 Waterfront Homes Sold, Median Price of $214,000.
1 Commercial Property Sold for $230,000.

I am Erika Foye, Licensed Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc., based in beautiful Bokeelia, FL. For more information about Pine Island Real Estate, contact me at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Lychee and Mango Season on Pine Island

2010-06-27T13:47:00.000-04:00

Lychee and Mango are just coming into season on Pine Island. You can buy them at the great farm market at the corner of Veteran's Parkway and Pine Island Road, or the farm market at Baypoint Road in Bokeelia, which is open only on the weekend. Also, there is a farm on Cubles Drive in Bokeelia selling Lychee. I love both mango and lychee and have been eating one or two mango's every day. Lychee are selling for $3.99 per pound, so those are a more rare delicacy. Did you know that Pine Island is probably the most agricultural island in Florida? In addition to tropical fruit, a wide variety of tropical trees are grown here, and some people also raise cattle, horses and various fowl. I met a woman last month who is raising turkeys. For more information about Pine Island agricultural real estate, contact me, Erika Foye, Licensed Real Estate Broker at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill far from Pine Island

2010-06-13T12:23:00.001-04:00

The Deep Water Spill is a horrendous environmental and economic disaster. The under statement of the century maybe. Everyone who lives on the Gulf of Mexico is waiting with great anxiety, hoping the spill will soon be stopped and clean up efforts will be ramped up. Still, the oil, because of currents and wind patterns, should stay about 200 miles off Pine Island, Florida. Our Florida Senator Bill Nelson said On Friday June 11, that Southwest Florida area is "the least threatened part of the Florida penisula, at least for the immediate future". Nelson is calling for the military to take over cleaning up oil, and I agree. Please everyone contact your elected representatives, in support of greatly expanded clean up efforts on the Gulf of Mexico, and for BP to put $20 Billion into an escrow fund to pay for the clean up. So far, BP is only suggesting $2 Billion to put in escrow to pay for the cleanup, that certainly won't cut it. For more informative websites on how to help, go to http://www.noaa.gov/ and http://www.seizebp.org/, and http://www.handsacrossthesand.org/ Please help save the Beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Contact your representatives! Thank you, Erika Foye

Hot and Humid June on Pine Island, Florida

2010-06-06T13:21:00.000-04:00

June has rolled in hot and humid, and not much rain yet on Pine Island. I did enjoy a nice (early morning) horse back ride out today with my friend Laura, but it was too hot to stay out more than 2 hours. The horses enjoyed a nice bath. The Royal Poinciana are blooming like crazy all over the island in the most beautiful combination of pale pink and tangerine orange. Pine Island is a beautiful, rural island, unlike any other island I know of in Florida.

Land Sales on Pine Island, Florida

2010-06-01T12:03:00.000-04:00

Hello readers, this is the final segment of a series looking at real estate sales and prices on Pine Island, Florida. On Pine Island, Florida you can purchase a variety of types of land: waterfront lots on gulf access canals (starting at $90,000) suburban 1/4 acre lots (starting at $15,000); golf course lots (starting at $55,000) and agricultural land (5 acre parcels starting at $160,000.)
So far in 2010, 9 waterfront lots have sold with a median price of $151,000. 15 off water lots have sold, with a median price of $20,000. There are presently 96 waterfront lots for sale and 200 off water lots for sale. There are 17 parcels of 5 acres or more in size for sale, with a median price of $33,882. per acre. I specialize in lot and land sales. For more info, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com. I can help you find that perfect lot in Bokeelia, St. James City, or Matlacha

Condominiums on Pine Island, Florida

2010-05-28T12:22:00.001-04:00

Condominiums make up only a about 10% of Pine Island property sales. There are about 10 condominium complexes on Pine Island, and all are low rise and fairly low density, well landscaped developments. Almost all offer water frontage, tennis, docks and swimming pools. In the first 5 months of 2010, eleven condominium units have sold at a median sale price of $210,000. There are presently 24 condominiums for sale, with a median asking price of $239,900. The range of condominium prices on Pine Island is from $103,000. to $799,900. Condominiums on Pine Island can represent a good buy as a vacation get away home. For more information about condominiums, or other Pine Island Real Estate, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

High End Homes on Pine Island, Florida

2010-05-25T14:01:00.000-04:00

The high end segment of home prices on Pine Island, Florida ranges from $400,000 through $1,750,000 for off water homes, and $600,000 through $1,500,000. for waterfront homes. Off water homes in this price range are either new golf course homes with every amenity, older homes with lots of acreage, or a new home on 2.5 acres. The home to the left is on 2.5 landscaped acres, with pool, garage, and kennel and is priced at $850,000. Water front homes on Pine Island in the highest end price range will most likely have deep water canal or bayfront locations, swimming pools, and extremely nice interior finishes. My favorite home for sale in this price range is a historic home on Main Street in Bokeelia (above right) This home was built in the 1920's but has been totally refurbished. It has 5 bedrooms and baths, beautiful oak floors, high ceilings, library and formal dining room. The bayfront views are amazing. This home is priced at $1,350,000. and is used right now as a bed and breakfast. There have been five waterfront homes to sell for more than $600,000. so far this year on Pine Island.

Mid High Range Homes on Pine Island, Florida

2010-05-19T13:53:00.000-04:00

This is the 4th of 6 blog series looking at the types of housing, in various price ranges, available on Pine Island, Florida. Today, I'll look at homes that fall in the upper mid range (or mid high range) of real estate prices. You can get a lot of home for your money in this price range.
For off water homes, the mid high range would be between $300,000 - $400,000. There are nine homes presently for sale in this range and almost all are newer homes (less than 5 years old), atleast 2,000 sq feet, with swimming pools and upscale features such as granite countertops and wood floors. They are on larger lots, or in one case there is an older cottage on 5 acres for $359,000. The home to the upper left is a four bedroom, three bath pool home, on a 1/2 acre lot offered for $300,000.

For water front homes, the mid-high range is $400,000 - $600,000. on Pine Island. There are lots of nice waterfront homes (28) for sale in this price range and many of them, again, are new, with swimming pools, boatdocks, boatlifts in great waterfront locations. The median asking price for a home such as this is $503,533. Recently, three similar homes have sold for a median of $486,300. The home pictured to the right is practically new, with a large pool and boat dock, boat lift, on a deep water access canal near the southern end of St. James City. The asking price is $589,000. Next week, I'll address the very top price ranges of homes for sale on Pine Island, Florida.

Homes Priced in the Middle Range on Pine Island, FL

2010-05-11T15:50:00.000-04:00

This is the 3rd in a six part blog series discussing home prices on Pine Island, Florida. Today, I'll look at homes that are truly in the middle range of Pine Island home prices. You can buy a very nice off water home in the mid range of $200,000 to $300,000. on Pine Island. There are 15 homes for sale in this price range, six of which have swimming pools. Five of the homes in this price range are on the Alden Pines golf course in Bokeelia and most are in newer condition. The off water homes that are not on the golf course tend to be on large, somewhat rural homesites. The median size of an off water home in the mid price range tends to be larger than most on the island, at 1,884 sq. ft. The home shown to the left is large, 4 year old home on a 1/2 acre lot that is priced at $215,000. Six median priced off water homes have sold in the past 3 months, with a median price of $250,000.

The mid price range for waterfront homes on Pine Island is between $300,000. - $400,000. There are 27 waterfront homes in this mid price range, eleven of them have swimming pools. These homes tend to be in good deep water location and be in better condition than waterfront homes priced below $300,000. They are also larger (1,530 sq. ft) than homes in lower price ranges and more of them tend to have 3 bedrooms rather than two. Seven homes in this price range have sold in the past three months, with a median sold price of $349,000. The photo to the right shows a very nice home in St. James City, priced at $330,000.

Low to Mid Priced Homes on Pine Island

2010-05-08T14:25:00.001-04:00

In the second part of a six part series, today I'll discuss Pine Island homes that are in the low to mid price range. In the communities of Bokeelia and St. James City, there are 17 homes priced between $125,000. and $200,000. During the past 3 months, 5 homes in this price range have sold, the median price being $135,000. A few of these homes are nearly new, but most are older and probably need some renovations. Here's one of the newer homes listed for sale, on a one acre lot, priced at $198,000.

Low to Mid priced homes on the water in Bokeelia, St. James City and Matlacha range in price between $250,000 - $300,000. There are 29 waterfront homes in this price range. In the past 3 months, 5 waterfront homes in this price range have sold, the median price being $260,000. This waterfront home in Matlacha is listed for $260,000.

For more information about homes, on or off the water, in the Pine Island communities of Bokeelia, St. James City, or Matlacha, contact me, Erika Foye. I am the real estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc., based in beautiful Bokeelia, and I am an accredited buyer's representative. Contact me at erikafoye@embarqmail.com. Here's a few more photo's of our beautiful flowering trees, jacaranda and golden rain tree, now in bloom on Pine Island.

Entry Level Homes on Pine Island

2010-05-06T11:04:00.002-04:00

The next five or six blog posts will summarize the types of homes available on Pine Island, including the communities of Bokeelia, St. James City, and Matlacha. Today I will discuss entry level homes. Entry level prices start from $59,000 to $125,000. for off water homes. There are presently 16 off water homes for sale on Pine Island that are priced below $125,000., with a median price of $98,950. In the past 3 months, 10 entry level homes have sold, with a median price of $99,650. A lot of these are older homes that may need work, but most have potential. Above left is a photo of a home for sale on Easy Street in Bokeelia.

Entry level pricing for water front homes on Pine Island is from $179,000-$250,000. There are presently 10 waterfront homes for sale on Pine Island priced under $250,000, with a median asking price of $209,000. Eleven waterfront homes priced below $250,000. on Pine Island have sold in the past 3 months, with a median sold price of $210,000. Above right is a photo of a waterfront cottage for sale in Bokeelia, the asking price is $219,000.
Next post, I'll discuss the next range of housing prices on Pine Island. For more information about buying a house, land or condominium on Pine Island, contact me, Erika Foye, Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com

Signs of Spring on Pine Island, Florida

2010-05-02T13:57:00.000-04:00

Hello from Pine Island, after a cool winter it has been a warm, sunny and breezy Spring, with occasional deluges of inches of rain. This has brought out lots of Spring flowers and animals. Here are some photo's of mimosa tree, bottlebrush tree, mud turtle and yellow crown night heron.

I've been lucky to have the time to enjoy some long horseback rides and bike rides, and also had the time to successfully put several homes and lots under contract for my clients. I enjoy introducing them to beautiful Pine Island.

For more information about Pine Island, Florida real estate, including Bokeelia, St. James City, and Matlacha, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com. I am an accredited buyers representative. Or link to my real estate website at http://www.pineislandhomesandland.com/. or search for real estate on your own at http://www.pineisland.listingbook.com/. Real Estate sales were up to $7,196,950. sales in the month of April, 2010 and another 35 properties went under contract. Still, there are lots of great homes and lots available for sale.

Real Estate Sales on Pine Island, 1rst Quarter 2010

2010-04-18T10:39:00.000-04:00

Real Estate sales on Pine Island really picked up during the 1rst quarter of 2010. In Bokeelia:
3 Waterfront homes sold for a median price of $229,000.
12 Off water homes sold for a median price of $124,250.
1 Manufactured Home Sold for $55,000.
3 Condominiums Sold for $225,000.

In St. James City:
14 Water front homes sold for a median price of $287,000.
11 Off water homes sold for a median price of $123,000.
13 Manufactured homes sold for a median price of $134,500.

In Matlacha: 7 Water front homes sold, the median price was $200,000.

Pine Island is a great place to live and more people are finding it. Here's a picture of the little Coast Connection marina at the end of Bokeelia, where you can enjoy live music, fish sandwiches, and rent kayaks.

Boating out in Pine Island Sound

2010-04-03T11:48:00.000-04:00

Hello readers, I took a week off from Real Estate to enjoy the company of my daughter and her friend from KC, Missouri. We had lots of fun boating around Pine Island Sound and Upper Captiva, and caught a couple of sea trout. Here's some pictures.

Next week I'll post the 1rst quarter real estate sales on Pine Island, Florida.

Native Pine Island Cats

2010-03-29T16:12:00.001-04:00

Wow, it's almost the end of March. You can tell by the files piled up on my desk (well guarded by my 2 cats Poppy and Lola) I have been busy with real estate. These cats are brother and sister and are beautiful, native Pine Island cats with couger like markings. Speaking of which, I am pretty sure I saw Florida panther tracks again, while out horseback riding this weekend.

Later this week, look for an update of Pine Island real estate sales statistics for the First Quarter of 2010. For more information about Pine Island Real Estate, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker for All Island Realty, Inc. in Bokeelia, Florida at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Warm weather returns to Pine Island

2010-03-07T13:17:00.000-05:00

Spring is here on Pine Island, with temperatures back in the breezy 70's. I rode my bike up to Jug Creek marina this morning. I noticed the flock of white pelicans that had wintered in the back bay of Bokeelia this winter is gone. Their arrival in November announces winter, and departure in March means it is Spring!

Spring is one of the nicest seasons here on Pine Island

Bokeelia Boat Ramp Re-opens

2010-03-03T13:03:00.000-05:00

The county owned boat ramp at the corner of Bowline Drive and Barrancas has re-opened, complete with new docks and refurbished ship's store, parking lot and rest rooms. This boat ramp has great access to Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. Fees are $5 to park, $5 to launch. Other places to launch a boat on Pine Island include: Maria Drive Marina (weekends/holidays only), Matlacha Park, Pineland Marina and St. James Marina. Places to launch a kayak or canoe include Waterfront Park in Pineland, Tropical Point Park in St. James City, Matlacha Park and Coastal Connection Marina in Bokeelia. Pine Island is one of the greatest places for fishing and boating access. For more information about Pine Island real estate, contact me, Erika Foye, real estate broker for All Island Realty, Inc. at erikafoye@embarqmail.com.

Last days of February on Pine Island

2010-02-27T15:42:00.000-05:00

Even though its been about the coolest February on record here on Pine Island, it was warm enough today for a little boating and to pick sweet oranges from a tree with both oranges and orange blossoms on it.

With March just around the corner, sunny days and warmer weather is ahead on Pine Island. For more info. about Pine Island real estate, contact me, Erika Foye, at erikafoye@embarqmail.com. I am a real estate broker and accredited buyer's representative.

Pine Island Town Hall Meeting

2010-02-26T11:00:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I attended a town hall meeting with several hundred Pine Islanders. The topic of discussion was a new comprehensive amendment to the Lee County Land Use Plan, which would add the "coastal rural" land category on Pine Island to the future sewer services area map. Basically, this amendment would open the door for expansion of sewer services to rural land on Pine Island. Lots of Pine Islanders expressed opposition to this possible amendment, fearing that it would also open the door to more development and/or density increases. One man described the amendment as a "trojan horse" which would mainly benefit the proposed Bocilla Island Seaport in Bokeelia. A few people expressed support of the amendment, saying it would improve the Pine Island environment from septic run off. Others called for scientific studies to determine if septic run off is a problem and where. County staff was there to answer questions, including Mary Gibbs, head of community development and representatives of planning staff, DOT, utility department and Lee County Utilities. Lee County Utilitie's representative acknowledged the cost per household could be "roughly half" of the Cape Coral sewer/water connection fees. Also, the staff acknowledged the County would have to dig up our new bike bath in order to install sewer lines. I concur with most of the concerns of the general population, and do not see a need to extend the future sewer service areas to coastal rural land. Also, I would greatly miss using the bike path! Attached is a copy of the map showing the proposed expansion.

The dark brown shaded areas already are part of the future sewer service area. The coastal rural lands are the lighter "hatched" brown. The blue dots represent existing sewer "package plants". I am in favor of expanding sewer service to the dark brown areas, when funding is available.

Horses in Bokeelia

2010-02-21T15:38:00.000-05:00

There aren't too many islands in Florida, that I know of, that have enough rural land to keep and ride horses. I enjoyed a nice ride out this morning with my friend, Lisa. She took this photo of horses on a morning earlier this month, when it was cold enough for the horses to have their blankets on!

Now the warm weather is back, it was 78 degrees this afternoon. I'd be glad to help any other horse lover find a property on Pine Island. I am an accredited buyer's representative and Florida Real Estate Broker, based in beautiful Bokeelia. You can contact me, Erika Foye, at erikafoye@embarqmail.com. or look for my real estate website: http://www.pineislandhomesandland.com/.

February and March Events on Pine Island, Florida

2010-02-17T13:18:00.000-05:00

Birds of a feather are flocking together on Pine Island, where you will find a wide variety of events and activities:

February 19: Pine Island Marina in St. James City hosts a free fishing seminar at 7 pm
February 20: The Elks in Bokeelia are sponsoring "Sounds of Pine Island" with a variety of bands from 11 am to 6 pm
February 20: Randell Reserach Center in Pineland hosts a lecture on coastal archeology on Peru at 2 pm. $5 donation is requested
February 20: Guided nature walk through Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park on Little Pine Island from 9 AM-12 pm, reserve your place by calling 941-575-5861. Visit www.floridastateparks.org/charlotteharbor
February 21: Redfish Fishing Tournament, for more info call Jim Frock at 239-283-1674.
February 27: Annual Mullet Toss in Matlacha Park. Contact http://www.matlachamariners.org/
February 27: Pine Island Garden Club annual Garden Gala at Phillips Park in Pine Island Center. More info: http://www.pineislandgardenclub.org/
March 6: Rubber Duck races for the Caloosa Land Trust annual fund raiser will be at Woody's Waterside Pub in St. James City. Festivities begin at noon including music and games, with races starating at 4 pm.
March 13: Breast Cancer 5K Walk at the St. James City Civic Center on at 8:30 a.m. To register: http://www.fromourheart.org/.
March 20: Classic Boat Show at St. James Marina in St. James City, benefits the Beacon of Hope. More info: http://www.harborboatshow.com/
Come and discover beautiful Pine Island. For more information about Pine Island Real Estate, contact me, Erika Foye, Real Estate Broker at erikafoye@embarqmail.com or visit http://www.pineislandhomesandland.com/

2010 Real Estate Sales on Pine Island

2010-02-14T11:40:00.001-05:00

Real Estate Sales started out strong on Pine Island in 2010. Through February 15, 15 waterfront homes, 8 inland homes, 3 condominiums, 3 lots and 1 commercial property has sold and several dozen sales are pending on Bokeelia or in St. James City. My clients bought this beautiful bayfront home in St. James City. I recently obtained my certification in shortsale and foreclosure properties. I can help buyer negotiate the process of buying one of the 11 foreclosures or 15 short sale propeties now for sale on Pine Island. For more info, contact me, Erika Foye, at erikafoye@embarqmail.com