Dawn Ramsey, CSE, SCIS
Sanibel and Captiva Island Real Estate Advisor | Commercial and Residential Specialist | Pfeifer Realty Group

For me, real estate on Sanibel and Captiva isn’t about transactions. It’s about helping people live, invest, and build businesses in the place they love. I’ve called Sanibel home since 2000, raising a family, restoring a historic inn, and now guiding others through the journey of buying, selling, investing, and rebuilding on our islands.

This Isn’t Just Business — It’s Home
My path began when my family and I purchased the Tarpon Tale Inn. What started as a rustic fishing lodge became our passion project as we restored it room by room. For over 20 years, I operated the inn and managed several rental investments across Sanibel. Those years taught me what it means to live and work in harmony with this community.

After two decades in hospitality and ownership, I became a real estate advisor so others could begin their own chapter here. Today, I serve clients in both residential and commercial real estate, helping shape the island’s future while honoring its history. Real estate here is about protecting this sanctuary, one transaction at a time.

Credentials
• CSE – Commercial Sales Expert
I guide clients through selling, leasing, development, zoning, permitting, land use, vegetation rules, and parking requirements across Sanibel’s commercial landscape.
• SCIS – Sanibel and Captiva Islands Specialist
Earned through advanced, island-specific training covering environmental laws, wildlife protections, erosion prevention, and insight into the City of Sanibel Plan.
• 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 a wide range of closings from commercial investments and island hotels to waterfront homes and residential relocations. I’ve sold multiple island hotels, a gas station, and legacy island businesses now owned by new families joining our community. I’ve helped entrepreneurs open businesses on Sanibel, supported partnership transitions, and secured 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 so their children could attend the Sanibel School. I continue to serve clients while rebuilding alongside neighbors in an island-wide revitalization focused on resilience.

My work includes:
• Matching buyers with properties aligned with lifestyle and investment goals
• Helping sellers maximize value through strategic preparation
• Supporting entrepreneurs shaping the island economy
Because Sanibel doesn’t operate like the mainland, I guide clients through zoning, land use, vegetation rules, permitting, environmental studies, and development constraints.

For Buyers, Sellers, and Dreamers
Whether it’s a family looking for a home or condo, an investor exploring rental opportunities, or a retiree searching for a beachfront retreat, I lead with care and an island-first perspective. For business owners and entrepreneurs, I offer deep experience in commercial real estate from identifying locations to navigating local permitting and land use.

Giving Back to Southwest Florida
Community involvement has always mattered to me. I’ve volunteered with Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build, Volunteer Florida, Captains for Clean Water, the Ronald McDonald House, Coastal Clean Up, and local revitalization efforts following Hurricane Ian. Sanibel’s strength lies in its people working together to preserve the character of Southwest Florida.

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

Specialties
• Island Home Sales
• Commercial Real Estate
• Multifamily
• Beachfront and Waterfront Property
• Luxury Condos and Second Homes
• Vacant Land and New Development
• Vacation Rentals and Investment Properties