For me, real estate on Sanibel and Captiva isn’t about transactions it’s about helping people live and build businesses in the place they love. I’ve been blessed to call Sanibel home since 2000, raising a family, restoring a historic inn, and now guiding others through the personal journey of buying, selling, investing, and rebuilding on these incredible barrier islands.

This Isn’t Just Business - It’s Home

My journey began when my family and I fell in love with a little piece of Sanibel history the Tarpon Tale Inn. What started as a rustic fishing lodge soon became our passion project as we restored it, room by room, transforming it into one of the island’s most beloved getaways. For over 20 years, I poured my heart into owning and operating that inn along with several other rental investments across Sanibel. Those years taught me what it truly means to live and work in harmony with this island community.

After two decades of hospitality and hands-on island ownership, I became a real estate advisor to help others do the same: to find, build, and invest in a life they love here on Sanibel and Captiva. Today, I continue to serve Sanibel through my work in commercial real estate, helping to shape the island’s next chapter while honoring its history and character.

Real estate isn’t just about buying or selling it’s about protecting this sanctuary, one transaction at a time.

Credentials

CSE – Commercial Sales Expert: With experience in selling, leasing, development, and investment across Sanibel’s commercial landscape, I help clients navigate everything from business licenses, zoning, permitting, land use, vegetation and parking requirements without the overwhelm.

SCIS – Sanibel & Captiva Islands Specialist: Earned by completing 12 advanced, island-specific training sessions including learning about the islands environmental laws, wildlife protections, erosion prevention, and insight into the City of Sanibel Plan this designation ensures I understand every layer of what makes buying and selling here unique.

Zillow Premier Agent with top-ranked reviews

Named one of Southwest Florida’s Top Women in Real Estate – 2025

Experience

In the past two years, I’ve guided clients through an incredible range of successful closings from commercial investments and island hotels to waterfront homes and residential relocations. I’ve helped sell multiple island hotels, a gas station, and several legacy island businesses now owned by new families excited to join our close island community. I’ve worked with entrepreneurs bringing new businesses to Sanibel, merged business partnerships, and found ideal lease spaces for clients starting their next chapter. On the residential side, I’ve helped buyers secure waterfront homes with seller financing, sold investment condos and townhomes, and assisted families relocating to an island home so their children could attend the Sanibel School all while rebuilding alongside my neighbors working together in an island wide revitalization to create a stronger, more weatherresilient Sanibel. It’s been inspiring to watch the island rise again renewed, reimagined, and ready to reclaim its place as one of Florida’s most cherished places to visit, live, and work.

From vacant residential or commercial land and retail leasing to luxury homes and incomeproducing condos, I focus on:

- Matching buyers with properties that reflect both lifestyle and investment goals

- Helping sellers maximize value through insightful marketing and staging

- Partnering with entrepreneurs bringing new energy to the island economy

And because Sanibel doesn’t operate like the mainland it is important to have an agent who can help guide you through the Commercial and Residential Zoning and Regulations, Use Permitting, Vegetation, Parking, Environmental Phase Studies and development constraints as I guide clients through every detail.

For Buyers, Sellers & Dreamers Alike

Whether it’s a family searching for an Island home or Gulf-view condo, an investor exploring rental property opportunities on Sanibel, or a retiree drawn to the quiet beauty of a Sanibel or Captiva beachfront home, I guide each client with care, insight, and an island-first perspective.

For those building a business or leasing space, I offer deep experience in Sanibel commercial real estate from identifying locations to navigating local permitting and land use requirements.

What matters most to me isn’t just the sale it’s helping people find a space where they can truly belong, whether it’s a forever home, a smart investment, or a dream brought to life on one of Southwest Florida’s most unique barrier islands.

I’ve worked in:

- Luxury beach and waterfront real estate

- Sanibel land acquisition and FEMA-compliant builds

- Condo sales and HOA governance

- Second homes, vacation rentals, and 1031 exchanges

- Island commercial leasing and redevelopment

Giving Back to Southwest Florida

Giving back has always been an important part of my journey. I stay connected to the community I love through hands-on involvement over the years volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build, working with Volunteer Florida, Supporting Captains for Clean Water, cooking at the Ronald McDonald House, Helping with Coastal Clean Up and taking part in the ongoing revitalization of our beloved island in the years following Hurricane Ian. These experiences remind me daily that Sanibel’s true strength lies in its people my neighbors, business owners, and friends all working together to rebuild and preserve the special character of Southwest Florida.

Where I Work

Sanibel Island | Captiva Island | Fort Myers | Bonita Springs | Barrier Islands of Southwest Florida

What I Specialize In

- Island Home Sales

- Commercial Real Estate (Retail • Hospitality • Mixed Use)

- Multifamily

- Beachfront Homes & Waterfront Property

- Luxury Condos & Second Homes

- Island Vacant Land & New Development

- Vacation Rentals & Investment Properties

Let’s Talk

Whether you’re buying, selling, leasing, or just imagining your next chapter on the island; I’d love to be a part of your journey.

"I don’t see myself as a salesperson, I never have. I am most comfortable being a confidant, advocating for clients and guiding them to make the best possible real estate decisions."

Call, email or text

(239) 233-2976

Dawn@pfeiferrealtygroup.com

Dawn's Sales Accomplishments:

Top Producer April 2025

Top Producer, Top Listing Agent, & Top Selling Agent December 2024

Top Selling Agent September 2024

Top Producer, Top Listing Agent, Top Selling Agent June 2026