Broker Spotlight
Meet Eric Pfeifer
Broker-Owner of Pfeifer Realty Group
Hi, I’m Eric Pfeifer, and I’m proud to call Sanibel home. For over 20 years, I’ve been living my dream here, helping people navigate one of the biggest milestones in their lives: buying or selling a home. But real estate is more than just a career for me—it’s a passion that’s deeply tied to my love for this island and the incredible community we have here.
From Engineering to Real Estate
Before I became a Realtor, my journey started in Civil and Environmental Engineering. I earned my degree at Vanderbilt University, and for years, I worked as a Construction Engineer on major infrastructure projects in Florida and Georgia. While that chapter gave me incredible attention to detail and problem-solving skills, I always knew I wanted more—a career where I could work directly with people and make a meaningful impact on their lives.
That dream came into focus when my wife, Mary Ellen, and I decided to move to Sanibel in 2001. We were drawn to the island’s natural beauty, the tight-knit community, and the opportunity to raise our two kids, Darby and John, in a place that felt like paradise.
Rooted in Community
From the moment we arrived, Sanibel became more than a place to live—it became home. I dove into the community, coaching youth sports, starting Sanibel’s NFL Youth Flag Football League, and serving on local nonprofit boards. For me, it’s always been about giving back, whether through volunteering, fundraising, or simply being a good neighbor.
Our family spent countless weekends exploring the trails, kayaking through the mangroves, and enjoying the quiet moments that make this island so special. Those experiences deepened my connection to the island and shaped the way I approach my work today.
A Career I’m Proud Of
In 2001, I officially began my career in real estate, and I haven’t looked back since. From being named “Rookie of the Year” to earning certifications like GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), and CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist), I’ve always pushed myself to grow and deliver the best service possible.
In 2007, I took a leap and started Pfeifer Realty Group. My vision was simple: create a boutique real estate company that combines cutting-edge technology with personalized, concierge-style service. Today, I’m proud to say our team has grown into one of the most trusted and successful brokerages in Southwest Florida.
Why I Do What I Do
Real estate isn’t just about buying or selling a property—it’s about helping people find their place in the world. Whether it’s a first-time homebuyer finding their dream home, a family moving into their next chapter, or a seller saying goodbye to a beloved property, I see my role as a guide and advocate.
I also believe strongly in giving back to the community that has given so much to me and my family. Through Pfeifer Realty Group, we’ve raised over $30,000 for local nonprofits, produced documentaries celebrating island history, and supported initiatives like Sanibel Captiva TV. It’s all part of my commitment to making this community an even better place to live.
Let’s Connect
When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me exploring the waterways, cheering on my favorite sports teams, or spending time with Mary Ellen, Darby, and John.
If you’re ready to explore real estate opportunities on Sanibel and Captiva or just want to talk about life on the island, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s work together to make your dreams a reality.
Eric's Accomplishments:
Real Estate Credentials & Designations:
- Real Estate Broker
- 2015 President of the Sanibel Captiva MLS Board of Realtors
- CRB – Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers
- CRS - Certified Residential Specialist
- GRI - Graduate of Realtor Institute
- CIPS - Certified International Property Specialist
- Licensed Florida Structural Professional Engineer
- Licensed Florida Building Contractor
Eric's Real Estate Awards and Recognitions:
- 2022 2021 2020 & 2019 Best of Zillow Premier Agents
- Zillow's Top Recommended Team in Southwest Florida
- 2020 Real Estate Industry Expert Panelist
- 2019 Sanibel Captiva Community Service Award
- 2018 Sanibel Captiva Community Service Award
- Sanibel & Captiva 2016 Citizen of the Year
- Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce
- President of the Sanibel Captiva MLS 2015
- Realtor of the Year for 2015
- Sanibel & Captiva MLS President-Elect, 2015
- 2015 Sanibel Captiva Community Service Award
- 2015 Realtor of the Year Award
- Sanibel & Captiva Realtor Honor Society - 21 Years in a Row 2002 - 2023
- Zillow Premiere Agent Elite 5 STAR TEAM 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
- Voted Best of the Island Realtor, 2010
- 7-Time Recipient Annual Sanibel Community Service Award '09, '10, '11, '12 '15, '18, & 2019
- Sanibel & Captiva's Real Estate Rookie of the Year, 2002
- Southwest Florida Real Estate Top Gun 2003, 2004
- Top Agent Company-Wide for VIP Realty Group 2005
- Three Time Winner "Top 10 Real Estate Website" Award in Florida
- Telly Award for Best Real Estate Commercial
- What's for Sale With a View, Featured Realtor in TV Series
Eric's Sanibel Board Memberships, Commissions, and Committees:
- Charitable Foundation of the Islands Board Member 2024, 2025
-Sanibel Planning Commission 2019-2026 Vice-Chair 2021 - 2024
- President 2015/2016 Sanibel Captiva Kiwanis Club
- San-Cap Kiwanis Board Member: 22 Years in a Row 2002-2024
- Kiwanis Club "Unofficial Article Writer" for 10 Years
- Schoolhouse Theater Board Member: 2007, 08, 09 (Schoolhouse merged with BIG ARTS)
- Shell Harbor Community Association Board Member: 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 ,22
- President of Sanibel's Shell Harbor Home Owners Association 2022 & 2023
- Sanibel Congregational UCC Board of Trustees: 2008, 09, 10
- Sanibel United Church of Christ Usher: 2008 - 2020 Pre-Covid
- City of Sanibel Captiva Traffic Study Panel - 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Eric's Sponsorships and Community Support:
- Sanibel Sea School's Cause on the Causeway Title Sponsor 2022
- Emcee & Auctioneer for CHR's Manatee Madness Mardi Gras 2022
- Kiwanis Golf Tournament: King of the Rock, Crush it for the Kids - $2,500 Sponsorship
- Community Cooperative Soup Kitchen: Sam Galloway Soup Kitchen - $1,000 Donation
- Kiwanis Club of Sanibel & Captiva Islands - $1,000 Silver Sponsor of their 2022 Auction
- Bailey Matthews Night at the Museum Paddle Raiser Donation $1.000 February 12th 2022
- United Way Fun-Raiser Day at the Sanibel Community House, February 9, 2022, $500 Donation
- Cheers to 95 Years - January 2022 Celebrating the Sanibel Community House and Association $5,000
- Live from Sanibel "It's Saturday Night" Supporter - Kevin Nealon live at the Sanibel Shell Museum $2,500
- Go FISH Gala 2022 Red Fish Sponsor $3,000
- Pfeifer Fellowship - 5 Year Grant Commitment to SCCF and UF Water Research $50,000 (2022 - 2026)
- Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum - 2021 Night at the Museum $1,500
- Manatee Madness Sponsor 2021-2022 - Benefiting CHR $5,000
- Canterbury School ExtravaCANza Sponsor Oct. 2021 $2,000
- February 22nd, 2022 Sanibel Historical Museum Gala Gold Sponsor $2,000
- Sept. 24th 2021 Bricks & Sticks Golf Tournament Sponsor
- March 2022 Play for Pink Helicopter Ball Drop Sponsorship $2,000
- 6-2-21 Sam Bailey's Islands Night 2021 Sponsorship
- SCCF Conservation Land Acquisition Facilitator 2021
- Our Non-Profit Donations Exceeded $291,000 on March 17, 2022
- Pfeifer Sanibel Documentary Series: Films Designed to Give Back to the Islands
- Pfeifer's Films Raised over $36,000 for Non-Profits
- Growing Up On Sanibel - 2014 Pfeifer Documentary Series
- Seven Sanibel Artists - 2015 Pfeifer Documentary Series
- Sanibel Before the Causeway- 2016 Pfeifer Documentary Series
- Post Cards and Photos from Sanibel - 2017 Pfeifer Documentary Series
- Post Cards and Photos from Sanibel The Sequel
- Pfeifer Vintage Photo Collection at the Sanibel Library
- Under the Sea Gala Live Auctioneer 2017, 2018
- Shell Museum Celebrity Waiter 2015, Sponsor 2016
- Sanibel Shell Fair's Guinness Book of World Records - Drill Sargent/Grand Marshall
- Dancing with the Sanibel Stars Dancer
- Gavin Walker Legacy Documentary - 100 Years of Sanibel's Black History
- F.I.S.H. of Sanibel & Captiva Live Auctioneer 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 for the FISH Gala.
- Emcee for 2019 FISH Old Hollywood Glamour.
- SCCF, and Bailey Homestead Preservation
- SCCF Annual Fund
- SCCF Marine Lab
- SCCF Beer in the Bushes Sponsor 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
- Charitable Foundation of the Islands Sanctuary Golf Challenge: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 (No longer a CFI event)
- CHR Community Housing Resources Mardi Gras
- PURRE, Clean Water Legislation
- START, Solutions to Avoid Red Tide
- Blessings in a Backpack
- Sanibel Cares - Healthpark Children's Hospital
- Canterbury School: Annual Fund, Extravaganza, Scholarship Fund, Cougar Athletic Club
- BIG ARTS & The Herb Strauss Theater
- Octifest, Bone Fish Ball, Sea Fandango (Live Auctioneer)
- Optimist Club's 4th of July Road Rally
- Crackerfest to benefit START
- Reach for the Stars, Children’s Education Center of The Islands
- Sanibel School, Rec. Center, Sanibel Flag Football, Sanibel Little League
- 100% PURE SANIBEL Founder - Creator of Serving Sanibel LLC, The Charitable Arm of Pfeifer Realty Group
- CROW
- Bailey Matthew's Shell Museum
- Breast Cancer Awareness
- Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge & their Tarpon Tournament
- Sanibel Historical Village and Museum
- Trail in Motion - Sanibel's Bike Paths
- Community Housing Resources - Below Market Rate Sanibel Housing
- Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner Sponsor and Meatball Cook. 02,03,04,05,06,07,08,09,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18, & 2019
- Sanibel Baseball Field Sponsor: 04,05,06,07,08,09,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18, & 2019
Eric Sanibel Youth Sports Involvement:
- Sanibel Little League Commissioner: 2009, 2010, 2011
- Sanibel Little League Coach: 2001, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 2010
- Pfeifer Founded Sanibel’s NFL Youth Flag Football League in 2003
- Sanibel Flag Football Commissioner: 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12
- Sanibel Youth Flag Football Coach: 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11
- Canterbury School Middle School Football Coach 2011-2012
- Canterbury's Cougar Athletic Club: 2011, 12, 13 & 14
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"I've always aimed to build a brokerage not with the most agents, but with the most productive agents. We've cultivated an environment where our office is purposefully designed for serious, experienced agents who are dedicated to providing the best advice and service to our clients. "
-- Eric Pfeifer, Broker/Owner
1630 Periwinkle Way Unit I, Sanibel, Florida, 33957, USA