Hi. Welcome to my blog. I am new to blogging but I am committed to making this one interesting, informative and entertaining. My goal is to paint a vivid picture of what it is like to live here in the southwest Florida paradise known as Sanibel-Captiva Islands – AND also our picturesque and vibrant off island communities. They are all gorgeous and great places to live, work and play! I want readers to fall in love with this area that I am so proud of and so in love with myself. I hope to provide an “island escape” to those not here as well as educate everyone on the market trends, ownership possibilities, vacation opportunities and wonderful activities here in the land of sunshine, turquoise waters, and tropical postcard scenery.
My name is Valerie Tutor and I am so proud to be a native Floridian. I am happily married to another native Floridian (how rare is that!) and we have lots of kids and grandkids between us – all native Floridians, too. To say we love our state is an understatement. We have lived our whole lives here, worked here and vacationed here. I grew up about two hours from Sanibel on a small cattle ranch not far from the Everglades. My family spent much of our free time in Sanibel and Captiva, fishing and shelling, from the time I was a kid through adulthood. Family members had a home on Captiva for years and these islands became a haven, a playground, and then finally, a permanent home for me and my husband.
I continue to be in awe of the beauty around me each day, I never get tired of it, and I spend a lot of time breathing prayers of thanks to God for blessing me with my home here and the ability to enjoy it. I am also thankful to be able to share this experience with others so that they too – maybe you – can find that special place on our island or in our off island communities. Everyone should have the chance to feel the stress of this world evaporate magically when they cross that bridge to Sanibel and Captiva. Everyone should have the opportunity to raise a glass to the setting sun as it melts into the glittering Gulf, or walk the shell-strewn beaches while porpoises put on a show chasing their dinner.
I am thrilled to be a Realtor specializing in the luxury properties of SW Florida and getting to meet so many wonderful people, helping them to become neighbors and friends and share in the Florida dream. This blog will be a place where I can share the events, news, and experiences on our islands as well as those of our neighborhoods in south Fort Myers. From time to time, I will throw in some real estate tips and local trends and stories from my clients. If it makes you want to jump on a plane, train, boat or car and get here – then come on! I am waiting for you and you can consider this your invitation to our island party.
