May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Townhouses and Condos

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Townhouses and Condos

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Townhouses and Condos activity decreased in volume from last year while still showing some exceptionally strong price gains.  Year to year closed sales were down by 4.7% (was down by 9.5% in April) as well as new sales under contract (new pending sales) was down by 11.7% from May 2014 (decreased 19.2% in April).

The median sales price was up by 38.0% (was down by 1.1% in April) while the average sales price increased by 42.2% (was down by 5.0% in April) as compared to May of 2014.  Back into some exceptionally strong price gains.

The inventory of available townhouses and condos has decreased by 31 units to 424 properties from last month, this is 25.0% less inventory than was available in May of 2014.  For May there was a 3.9 month supply of inventory (a 31.8% decrease from last year).  A very strong sellers market for townhouses and condos in Martin County.  Buyers are in need of additional inventory for their potential purchases.

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Townhouses and Condos

Click here to view or download the full report:
May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Townhouses and Condos

To view the latest set of reports from Florida Realtors for the state of Florida, Martin County and Saint Lucie County, please visit GabeSanders.com and select Market Data.

Market information is courtesy of Florida Realtors Research. For additional information and historical archives please visit the Florida Realtors Research page.

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Townhouses and Condos

Florida Mortgage Rates on the Rise? Bellwether Signals Clues

Florida Mortgage Rates on the Rise? Bellwether Signals Clues

 Home Mortggage Rates

If you’ve ever had the kind of neighbor who is apt to borrow something (like your hedge trimmer), only to later complain about how it performed, you know how much patience it takes to hold your tongue. The Mortgage Bankers Association would be justified if they felt that way about me: I read their website, and sometimes quote it in posts about current Stuart mortgage rates—but it sure makes for dull reading!

Anyway, with apologies to their (undoubtedly hard-working) writing staff, last week’s blog about national mortgage rates was as numbers-heavy as usual, yet still held a contradiction…but one that actually makes perfect sense. It also flags what could be seen as a bellwether that Stuart home buyers and sellers would be hard-pressed to ignore.

The apparent contradiction was that mortgage rates were on the increase: national mortgage rates for 30-year fixed loans rose to 4.17%, which is the highest they’ve been since November. This is for conforming loans; the jumbos (greater than $417,000) went north as well, up to 4.15%.

As everyone knows, low mortgage interest rates are terrific for our Martin County residential home sales. The low monthly payments that they create make homeownership more affordable for a greater number of buyers. So when rates increase and monthly payments go up, it should create a drag on the market. The apparent contradiction in the MBA release was that the increase in rates was accompanied by an increase in mortgage applications. And it was a big one: up 8.4% from the week before.

Most commentators were united about the phenomenon, and it’s hard to disagree. In addition to the natural surge that comes with the season (spring and summer are always expected to be quite active), consumers are seeing the uptick in mortgage rates and suspecting that rates will head higher. That’s nudging them to action, causing them to jump in now, while rates are still attractive—especially compared with historical averages.

CNBC’s Diana Olick agreed that such sharp increases actually help the home-buying market. She quotes one lender’s take about the buyers: “They understand that ‘wait a minute, rates are at an all-time low, let’s react now, let’s react before they go higher.’

It’s far from a certainty that rates will continue to take off. Lots of us remember last year, when almost all the experts predicted a rise, yet mortgage interest rates headed in the opposite direction…and stayed there! But you can hardly blame area buyers if they go with the national trend and decide that locking in today’s rates is a prudent move: it’s a bird in the hand.

If you have been thinking along the same lines, I hope you will give me a call!

 

Florida Mortgage Rates on the Rise? Bellwether Signals Clues

Stuart FL Listing Prices Reflect the Market (or Wishful Thinking)

Stuart FL Listing Prices Reflect the Market (or Wishful Thinking)

 Legacy Cove in Stuart FL

A Martin County listing can be a smash hit when the pictures show a property that’s cosmetically appealing, the copy rings true, and the details hit the sweet spot where features and value are a match for the best the area has to offer. But it still might not be as effective as it should be if one other detail is a little bit off. It’s a detail that can cause qualified buyers—the ones who should be a home’s most interested prospects— to miss the whole show.

I suppose that calling that part of a Stuart listing a “detail” is like calling the end score of the NBA’s final playoff a detail—or calling the final vote count in an election a “factor.” It may be just one element of many, but it is uniquely important. In a Stuart listing, it’s often the first element that shoppers specify when they’re picking which area homes they will consider. If it’s not thoughtfully calibrated to fall within the parameters they name, the results may suffer considerably.

Of course, the “detail” we’re talking about is the price on the listing, and choosing the “right” one is the object. We’re looking for a number that will help a home sell quickly at the highest price possible. If the neighborhood comps—the prices paid and asked for nearby area homes with similar features—were all that mattered, coming up with the most suitable listing price would be a cut-and-dried affair. But there are other factors that need to be taken into account. Some are easy to determine, some…not so much.

  • the Stuart residential market is a moving target, sometimes building from a lower level, sometimes echoing the latest transactions, sometimes losing momentum.
  • competitive Martin County listing prices reflect either other sellers’ best estimates of that market for their properties, or else their personal opinions of what they think the market should be–but there’s no way to verify which!
  • the final selling price of any home is determined not only by the seller’s situation, but by the buyer’s, also, which is a factor which cannot be determined in advance.

That’s why there is no universally agreed-upon formulas to rely upon, and since there is no way to determine what outcome would have resulted if a different price had been chosen, there’s also no way to verify after the fact if the absolute “best” one was chosen—even if everyone considers the sale a great success! Web titan Zillow says, “if the home sells within a few days of listing, chances are you listed too low” yet if a higher price had been chosen, causing that home to linger for months on the market, it wouldn’t have been listed too low. On the other hand, if the listing price were set to court multiple offers, a quick sale could mean a higher selling price was achieved. There’s simply no way to know for sure.

Put it all together and you have to figure that arriving at the right listing price is really more of an art than a science. I help clients by pooling my extensive Stuart experience, up-to-the minute market knowledge, and detailed examination of the property’s unique attributes to suggest the range of listing prices I judge most likely to achieve the Holy Grail—a quick sale at top dollar! If you’d like, we can get together for a no-obligation discussion of your own property’s listing prospects. It’s a great reason to give me a call!

Tennis Villas June 2015 Market Report

Tennis Villas June 2015 Market Report

As of June 2015, there are 4 active listings in Tennis Villas. The list prices are $229,000 and $261,000 for an average listing price of $243,250 which equates to $272.75 per sq. ft. of living area.

There are currently no condos under contract or pending in the Tennis Villas

5 condos have sold in the past 12 months. Sales prices ranged from $210,000 to $255,000 with an average of $229,600 or $242.48 per sq. ft. of living area. These sales averaged 93% of listing price with an average days on market of 178 days.

Tennis Villas in Indian River Plantation

About Tennis Villas

For those looking to live in a resort setting with the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean close by as well as a full service Marina, golf course, restaurants and fitness facilities without paying the premium price of most resorts, then the Tennis Villas in Indian River Plantation might just be the place for you.

Tennis Villas in Indian River Plantation Tennis Villas in Indian River Plantation

The Tennis Villas are condos located just off the golf course and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Indian River (Intracoastal) to the west. There are 92 units built in 1978 and 1979. They are all two bedroom and two bathroom condos with 871 sq. ft. of living area.  The Tennis Villas are pet friendly and will allow one pet.

 Tennis Villas in Indian River Plantation Tennis Villas in Indian River Plantation

The Tennis Villas are in an excellent location, just a short walk to the beach and there’s a courtesy tram that is available to take residents and guests around the sprawling facilities of the Marriott resort at Indian River Plantation. Just a short drive to the grocery store, historic downtown Stuart and the many, many amenities that Martin County FL has to offer.

 Hutchinson Island Real Estate

 

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Tennis Villas Homes for Sale

Tennis Villas June 2015 Market Report

 

Pet Lovers’ Concerns Impact Hutchinson Island Real Estate Activity

Pet Lovers’ Concerns Impact Hutchinson Island Real Estate Activity

 Hutchinson Island Real Estate

Stuart residents don’t have to be pet owners to get a sense of just how nutty Americans are about our animals. Just a few minutes of watching TV will do it. After you’ve been bombarded with the images of happy/sad/exuberant/listless cats and dogs who are saved/rewarded by the pet products in the commercials, you won’t doubt that $60.59 billion is being spent on pets this year. It becomes clear how Fido and Kitty can afford to foot the bill for so much of today’s prime time television.

Another fact—one that directly relates to Hutchinson Island real estate—is that slightly more than 56% of all American households are said to include a pet. The ASPCA says that 37%-47% of households have a dog, and 30%-37% of households have a cat (as far as the cats are concerned, it’s the cats that have the households, not the other way around). Whether or not Fido and Kitty are part of your own family, this does give rise to how important the real estate concept of “pet-friendly” homes has become.

Consideration:

Does your finicky cat need a room of his or her own? Does your MegaDog require a large yard? Space is always a leading qualification when you go to assess minimum real estate requirements for your Hutchinson Island family, but since 68% of families include pet needs in their calculations, that is one of the basics that qualify a property. That’s why it makes increasing sense to emphasize pet-friendliness. For instance, if the back yard has a low or not very restrictive fence, a proactive seller might research the cost of installing an invisible fence. Even if they don’t go ahead and actually put it in, having a bid in hand showing that the cost is reasonable could be enough to sooth pet-owning prospects’ concerns.

Consideration:

Although pet owners are unambiguous about considering the four-footers to be family members, that’s not a universally shared concept. If you don’t see (or hear) any signs of pets in a prospective neighborhood, buyers should make certain that a property they are thinking about buying doesn’t carry restrictions that could cause pet turmoil. Local ordinances and neighborhood associations can enforce restrictions on the number and kind of pets.

Consideration:

Along with the growing popularity of pets have come a number of pet perks that have real estate implications. Pet amenities like dog parks are becoming more and more common in newer communities (in some areas, a movement is afoot to feature dog- and even cat-friendly cafes and public buildings).

I hope you will give me a call if you are embarking on an Hutchinson Island house-hunting exploration­­, or are preparing to list your own property­­­­­ this summer. Pet accommodation is only one dimension I’ll help you make sure is fully addressed!

Pet Lovers’ Concerns Impact Hutchinson Island Real Estate Activity

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Single Family Homes

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Single Family Homes

The May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Single Family Homes is starting to show the effects of the rapid price increases and reduced inventory.  Year to year closed sales were down by 2.6% (was up 24.7% in April). New pending sales increased by 1.1% as compared to May of 2014 (increased by 23% in April).

The median sales price was down by 1.1% from last year (up by 5.1% in April) while the average price increased by 13% (was up by 14.9% last month).  Beginning to show some weaknesss in what has been an exceptionally strong rate of price increases for the past two years.

The inventory of available single family homes decreased from April 2015 by 173 homes to 1087 units this month, and this is also a 23.5% decrease from last May.  Current supply of inventory decreased to 4.8 months from April’s 5.6 months supply. (A 35.6% decrease from last year). The Martin County single family real estate market is back into a sellers market, though there are some major issues showing of late.  Primarily the lack of inventory of available homes for sale.

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Single Family Homes

Click here to view or download the full report:
May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Single Family Homes

To view the latest set of reports from Florida Realtors for the state of Florida, Martin County and Saint Lucie County, please visit GabeSanders.com and select Market Data.

Market information is courtesy of Florida Realtors Research. For additional information and historical archives please visit the Florida Realtors Research page.

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Single Family Homes

Jensen Park Estates Home Sold

Jensen Park Estates Home Sold

This Jensen Park Estates home located at 505 NE Vanda Terrado has been sold by the BlueWater realty team.  We wish our buyers the best in their new Martin County home which they purchased for $283,000.
Jensen Park Estates home

This beautiful 4/2 CBS home is located in the heart of Jensen Beach. There are high ceilings and crown molding throughout. Granite counters and all new stainless appliances. The master bedroom is very spacious with plenty of closet room and an amazing bathroom complete with walk in shower and spa tub. House is in move in condition and absolutely spotless.  Custom built bar not included but may be purchased separately. This is a must see!

Jensen Park Estates home Jensen Park Estates home

Jensen Park Estates is a non-gated community located just west of Savannah Rd in the heart of Jensen Beach.  There are 381 home sites in this community, most of which have been built upon.  Homes were built from 1980 to the latest one which was completed in 2010.

Jensen Park Estates home Jensen Park Estates home

There’s a wide range of sizes and shapes of homes ranging from 6 bedroom homes with over 3,100 sq. ft. of living area down to more modest 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes with just under 1,100 sq. ft.  There are both frame and concrete block construction as well as homes with and without private pools.  Some homes have large lots of over ½ acre while others are fairly modest lots with just over .12 acres.  Homeowner fees are a very reasonable $150 per year.  Neighborhood children attend the Jensen beach Elementary School which is just a little over ½ mile away, Stuart Middle School and the Jensen Beach High School.  Very close to shopping areas of US-1 as well as close to the Intracoastal (the Indian River) with its boat ramps, public beaches on Hutchinson Island, Indian Riverside park, and much more.  Jensen Park Estates is an excellent option for both families and retirees looking for affordable homes in the heart of Jensen Beach.

Search for Jensen Park Estates Homes for Sale

Search for all Jensen Beach Real Estate

 

For any questions you may have about Jensen Beach real estate, please call the Gabe Sanders real estate team at 772-323-6996 or Contact Us Here

Jensen Beach Florida Real Estate
Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

Jensen Park Estates Home Sold

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Florida Townhouses and Condos

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Florida Townhouses and Condos

The May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Florida Townhouses and Condos showed declining activity for the first time in a while.  Closed sales were down by 0.1% as compared to last months increase of 8.1% and new sales under contract (new pending sales) decreased by 1.4% (April’s increase was 0.6%).

Both median and average sales prices still managed to increase, with rises of (year to year) 9.7% and o.5% respectively (in April they were up by 10.3% and 6.1%).  As sales volume decreases, I expect to see some moderation in the coming months for price increases.

The inventory decreased slightly by .08% for May.  The decreasing inventory may be one reason for the reduced sales volume.  For May 2015 we have 5.8 months of inventory (was 6 months in April) also was 6.0 from last May.  Essentially a balanced real estate market as a 6 months inventory supply is considered a balanced market.

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Florida Townhouses and Condos

Click on the link below or the graphic to see the full market detail report from Florida Realtors: Click here to view or download the full report:
May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Florida Townhouses and Condos

To view the latest set of reports from Florida Realtors for the state of Florida, Martin County and Saint Lucie County, please visit GabeSanders.com and select Market Data.

Market information is courtesy of Florida Realtors Research. For additional information and historical archives please visit the Florida Realtors Research page.

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Florida Townhouses and Condos

In Stuart Location Location Location is More than a Catch Phrase

In Stuart Location Location Location is More than a Catch Phrase

 Fountain at Indian Riverside Park in Stuart - Jensen

“There’s No Place like Home” is one of those quaint sayings that somehow lasts forever, probably just because it’s so true. “Home is Where the Heart Is” is another one: corny, maybe, but undeniable.

There’s a strictly real estate saying that Martin County residents will recognize at once, too. Less corny as well as a good deal more practical. It’s “Location! Location! Location!”—and it’s every bit as true as the other ones. It’s the where of real estate, and although it is usually thought of in its commercial connection, to a slightly lesser degree, it has major Stuart residential significance.

For those of us who are already Stuart residents, where our next home should be located is almost certainly one of the two or three primary considerations. But even more so for out-of-towners who will be moving into our area. After price range, it’s a ruling factor: location location location—which Martin County neighborhood will be our best choice for home—is a good place to start.

When you’re brand new to any area, just thinking ‘location location location’ is one thing, but going about finding the right one in a timely manner isn’t necessarily easy. First step will be to consult the real estate professional you’ve teamed up with (a good one would be me!) and have an in-depth orientation conversation about our neighborhoods. Next come prioritizing your own priorities:

Professional. If you know the ‘location location location’ of where you’ll be working, the commute distance is likely to be a key factor. The convenience of having your Stuart home as close as possible to your work will only grow with time.

School. If you have school-aged children, you’ll want to research how the schools are rated, or opt to a top-notch private institution. Either way, getting the kids to and from can be less of a hassle if home is in the right place. Location, location, etc.!

Shopping. Weekend mall visits certainly don’t need to be right around the corner, but things like visits to the grocery store can become an irritant if it involves 15-minutes each way…every day! Perhaps not a governing factor, but one that gains importance over time.

Community. Church, social groups, cultural gatherings are either to your liking or less so. Once you have gauged all of those “practical” factors, it will take some local visits and conversations with residents to get the real flavor of the possible communities—and determine which seem most inviting. Access to sports and outdoor recreational facilities also fit into this category…which, taken together, can easily turn out to be the most important quality of life factor.

Unless you happen to be a longtime local resident, many of the qualities of a listing’s location location location in Stuart isn’t fully evident from the listing information. It takes some on-the-ground knowledge, and (ideally) more than one visit. It also will benefit when your buyer’s Realtor® is a knowledgeable and experienced local resident…which is another good reason to give me a call!

In Stuart Location Location Location is More than a Catch Phrase

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Florida Single Family Homes

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Florida Single Family Homes

The May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Florida Single Family Homes continues to show improved activity from last year though the rate of increased activity is moderating.  Closed sales were up by 7.7% (was up by 17.9% in April) and new sales under contract (new pending sales) increased by 1.5% (was up by 8.6% in April).

Both median and average sales prices continue to rise ( May 2014 to May 2015) by 11.1% and 1.9% respectively, compared to April’s 11.4% and 8.1%.  Home values continue to increase, but at least for May the rate of increases has settled down somewhat.

The inventory of available homes for sale fell by 5.7% from last year.  Some high demand areas of Florida have seen decreasing inventory for a number of months now.  For May there was only a 4.7 months supply of inventory, this is a sellers market with the advantage for sellers. (May of 2014 had a 5.7 month supply)

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Florida Single Family Homes

Click here to view or download the full report:

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Florida Single Family Homes

To view the latest set of reports from Florida Realtors for the state of Florida, Martin County and Saint Lucie County, please visit GabeSanders.com and select Market Data.

Market information is courtesy of Florida Realtors Research. For additional information and historical archives please visit the Florida Realtors Research page.

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Florida Single Family Homes

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Condo Market Report May 2015

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Condo Market Report May 2015

 

Hobe Sound Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 33455, Condo Sales for May 2015

 

For May 2014 in the 33455 Zip Code area of Hobe Sound, Florida :

 

There are currently 8 active condo listings. (Down by 2 condos from April)

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Condo Market Report May 2015

4 Condos are pending and awaiting close. (Up by 2 condos from April)

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Condo Market Report May 2015

1 Condos sold in April (Decreased by 4 condos from April)

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Condo Market Report May 2015

The Hobe Sound condo market (Zip Code 33455) is the smallest segment of the Martin County real estate market.  As we deplete the pending inventory with closed sales, this will continue to be a difficult segment of the Martin County condo market until we get more inventory of available condos.

The current absorption rate is 8 months (Last month it was 2 months). The statistics within this segment should be taken with a grain of salt, as small changes in activity make for very large changes on percentages that may not reflect a true trend in the market. An absorption rate of 6 to 7 months is considered to be a balanced market favoring neither the buyer or seller.

The May 2014 numbers were: 20 active listings, 5 pending sales and 3 closed sales.  Currently with single digit inventory numbers, it is very difficult to generate any kind of volume for condo sales in Hobe Sound.

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Condo Market Report May 2015

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Hobe Sound Florida Real Estate presented by:
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Hobe Sound FL 33455 Condo Market Report May 2015

 

Calculations before Committing to a New Home in Palm City

Calculations before Committing to a New Home in Palm City

  Palm City Waterfront

You want your approach to finding a new home in Palm City to be at least somewhat hard-headed and businesslike. The financial stakes are certainly major, and to some extent, much of what your future lifestyle will be like will depend on making a good choice.

This is not to totally discount the emotional component that’s inevitably part of finding your new Palm City home. You do want your family to feel good about the final choice—you’ll be moving to the dwelling that will become everybody’s center of operations.

So if your repeat visit begins to convince you that this really is the place you’ve been hoping to find, it’s the appropriate time to take a step back to do your most hard-headed, businesslike projection. This is beyond the back-of-the-envelope kind of calculation (the one that originally guided the price range you gave to your Realtor). This is time to take everything into account to see how well this new Martin County home truly fits—on a number of counts.

A new home’s true affordability begins with the banker’s basic price formula—purchase price, mortgage, insurance and taxes. You should also contemplate the cost of having the property inspected and the closing costs (your Realtor® can give you a close estimate). But that’s not the whole picture—a new home’s true affordability also incorporates the difference between your family’s current expense profile and any factors that will change it.

For instance, if the square footage of the new home greater, you can expect that simple maintenance costs will rise proportionately (unless the new home’s condition is a good deal better than your current one). Utility costs may rise, too, if the living space is greater—unless more efficient systems are in place.

If the location will necessitate a change in driving distance or other transportation expenses, they should be taken into account. Does the new place have a significantly larger lawn or other landscaping features? If you have a green thumb and enjoy getting that kind of outdoor exercise (IOW, mowing), that won’t have much effect. If not, you’d better factor in a gardener’s bill.

There is one other element that’s easy to overlook, but accounting for it can eliminate the possibility that the whole move results in an unexpectedly depleted bank balance. Most people who are moving into a terrific new home forget to fully account for the few changes they’ll need to make before the place is perfectly suited their family. These could be minor, like changing out a light fixture that doesn’t fit the dining room table. Or they could be major, like addressing wholesale décor clashes that call for choosing between repainting the walls—or reupholstering— or even purchasing new furniture!

Helping you make sure your new Martin County home is a comfortable match for your family’s needs is a large part of the service I provide my buyers. If you are ready to take a look at the latest crop of Palm City new home offerings, I’ll be standing by for your call!

Calculations before Committing to a New Home in Palm City

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Residential Market Report May 2015

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Residential Market Report May 2015

Hobe Sound Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 33455, Residential Sales for May 2015

  For May 2015 in the 33455 Zip Code area of Hobe Sound, Florida :

There are currently 180 active listings. (Up by 2 homes from April)

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Residential Market Report May 2015

113 Residential sales are pending and awaiting close  (Down by 20 homes from April)

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Residential Market Report May 2015

65 Homes Sold in May (Down by 3 homes from last month)

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Residential Market Report May 2015

The Hobe Sound Florida Market Report ZIP Code 33455 section of Martin County continues to set a torrid pace and is the winner for the strongest activity in residential sales for the county.

The current absorption rate for the Hobe Sound Florida Market Report ZIP Code 33455 eaked up to 2.8months (2.6 months in April).  Still an extreme seller’s market for the Hobe Sound area of Martin County.  An absorption rate of 6 to 7 months is considered to be a balanced market favoring neither the buyer or seller.

The numbers for May 2014 were:  272 active listings, 84 pending sales and 47 closed sales.   Considerably better activity this year even with the reduced inventory.

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Residential Market Report May 2015

Search here for Hobe Sound Florida Real Estate for Sale

Stuart Florida Real Estate presented by:
the Gabe Sanders real estate team

 

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Residential Market Report May 2015

3 Inexpensive Improvements to Boost a Sewalls Point Home’s Value

3 Inexpensive Improvements to Boost a Sewalls Point Home’s Value

 Sewalls Point Real Estate

When it comes to boosting your Sewalls Point home’s value, the question arises about which of the possible improvements that you might undertake would wind up paying for themselves. At first blush, you might think this should be a cut-and-dried analysis­—that is, any improvements that don’t at least add their own cost to the asking price should be disqualified.

But that would be to discount the fact that a property’s improved condition can speed its sale. When a few improvements might change the overall impression from ‘fixer-upper’ to ‘move-in-ready,’ true value is added. Too many days on market can wind up being costly to the seller, not only because of the inconvenience factor, but because interested buyers may assume a deeply discounted offer will have a better chance of being accepted.

In any case, especially when the budget for improvements is especially tight, there are some cheap fixes that can be counted as especially likely to recoup their cost. Here are three that Stuart sellers can consider:

Let There Be Light

Nothing torpedoes a Sewalls Point home’s marketability like the impression that it’s a creaky old relic. We’re not talking about homes that merit ‘antique’ status, which is a plus, but those with rooms that seem gloomy: the opposite of those with bright, airy spaces that convey a cheerful feeling. Because rebuilding a room to actually expand its physical dimensions is expensive, one solution is to create an improved atmosphere with light: adding or replacing light fixtures.

To maximize your bang for the buck, consider adding a showpiece fixture or two—perhaps a chandelier or pair of wall sconces—in key locations. The kitchen, dining room, and entryway/foyer are all great choices for a hanging light fixtures. Buyers often tend to focus on those areas, and respond well when they are transformed into warm and inviting spaces.

Seed Your Way to Curb Appeal

It’s a truism that curb appeal is vital, but when time and budget make it impractical to deal with a full front yard do-over, one of the least costly improvements that immediately boosts eye-appeal is to put the lawn in top condition with a quick reseed. Brown patches and bare spots are a sure way to kill a lawn’s visual appeal, and even otherwise-healthy areas can get a boost from thicker growth. A variety of easy-to-use products are available that allow you to simply sprinkle an all-in-one mixture of fertilizer and seeds that will take root and grow quickly. Take a pass over the lawn now, and with consistent watering, by summer the entire yard can look terrific!

Update Vintage Plumbing

While appearance matters, buyers are still going to be very interested in the “guts” of the home. If you’re dealing with an older Sewalls Point house, it’s likely that the plumbing has seen better days. Fortunately, replacing or upgrading pipes doesn’t have to be as expensive and disruptive a project as used to be the case. Modern technology allows new plastic piping to be snaked between the walls through a few small holes. Amazingly, today’s plumbers can sometimes even avoid installing new pipes by lining existing pipes with self-expanding vinyl bladders that seal leaks and protect water quality.

I’m always happy to provide a no-obligation consultation to discuss which budget-wise improvements have a track record of adding appeal to Stuart home buyers. Why not give me a call?

3 Inexpensive Improvements to Boost a Sewalls Point Home’s Value

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report May 2015

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report May 2015

 

Jensen Beach Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34957, Condo Sales for May 2015

 

For May 2015 in the 34957 Zip Code area of Jensen Beach, Florida (Martin County) :



There are currently 30 active listings. (Increased by 2 condos from April)

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report May 2015

12 Condo sales are pending and awaiting settlement. (Decreased by 4 condos from April)

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report May 2015

8 Condos Sold (Decreased by 3 condos from April)

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report May 2015

 The Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report May 2015 remains a small sector as far as condos in Martin County and making meaningful comparisons with such small numbers can be problematic.   Closed sales were off a little, but still an active sellers market.

The one month absorption rate for the May 2015, Jensen Beach Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34957 rose to 3.8  months (from 2.5 months in April), still a sellers market.   A balanced market is considered to be a 6 to 7 month absorption rate favoring neither the buyer or seller.

The May 2014 numbers were: 31 active listings, 9 pending sales and 5 condos closed.  Better activity this year, though with such small numbers a trend is difficult to determine for this market.

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report May 2015

Jensen Beach Condominium Properties by Price


Jensen Beach Florida Real Estate presented by:
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Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report May 2015

Vista del Lago June 2015 Market Report

Vista del Lago June 2015 Market Report

As of June 2015, there are 3 active listings in Vista del Lago. The list prices range from $49,900 to $74,900 for an average list price of $64,600 which equates to $76.22 per sq. ft. of living area.

There are currently two condos under contract which have not closed yet.  List prices were $37,00 and $50,000 for an average of $43,950 which equals $50.02 per sq. ft. of living area.

26 condos have sold in the past 12 months. Sales prices were from $33,000 to $85,000 with the average being $59,796. This equals $64.08 pr sq. ft. of living area. The average days on market was 50 days and these condos sold on average at 94% of list price.

 Vista del Lago in Stuart FL

The Vista del Lago condominium complex consists of over 500 condos located north of the Roosevelt Bridge and west of Federal Hwy (US-1) in North Stuart.  This attractive complex is very conveniently located near shopping, restaurants and a quick drive to either downtown Stuart or Jensen Beach.  Just a few minutes more and you can be on the Ocean in either Stuart or Jensen Beach.

Vista del Lago in Stuart FL Vista del Lago in Stuart FL

Vista del Lago condos were first built in 1974 and the last one was completed in 1979.   All the buildings are two story and contain both 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath and 1 Bedroom 1 Bath units.  Sizes range from 1,014 sq. ft. of living space down to 631 sq. ft. 1 bedroom units.  Many of these condos have attractive water views as well as some with golf course views of the Pine Lakes Golf Club.

Vista del Lago in Stuart FL Vista del Lago in Stuart FL

There’s an active clubhouse with a large swimming pool as well as shuffleboard courts.  No pets are permitted in Vista del Lago and this is an age restricted (55+) community.  The HOA fees as of June 2015 were from the low $200’s for a 1 Bedroom unit to just under $300 per month for 2 Bedroom condos.

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Vista del Lago June 2015 Market Report

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Residential Market Report May 2015

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Residential Market Report May 2015

 Jensen Beach Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34957, Residential Sales for May 2015

 For May 2015 in the 34957 Zip Code area of Jensen Beach, Florida :

 There are currently 135 active listings. (Down by 10 homes from last month)

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Residential Market Report May 2015

92 Residential sales are pending and awaiting close or lender approval. (Up by 4 homes from April)

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Residential Market Report May 2015

31 Homes Sold (Decreased by 17 homes from April)

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Residential Market Report May 2015

The Jensen Beach FL 34957 Residential Market eased a little from the torrid pace of last month, though still an extreme sellers market.  Interestingly, Jensen Beach is one of our only markets with an increase of inventory from last year.
The current absorption rate for the Jensen Beach Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34957 increased to 4.4 months (was 3.0 months in April).  Still a sellers market for Jensen Beach home sales but heading towards a balanced market.   A 6 to 7 month absorption rate is considered to be a balanced market favoring neither the seller or buyer.
The May 2014 numbers were: 112 active listings, 72 pending sales and 42 home sales closed.   Better closed volume last year while pending sales are stronger this year.
Jensen Beach FL 34957 Residential Market Report May 2015

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Jensen Beach FL 34957 Residential Market Report May 2015

Mariner Village Home With Lake Views Sold

Mariner Village Home With Lake Views Sold

Mariner Village Homes for Sale

5085 SE Devenwood Way in Stuart FL has been sold by the Gabe Sanders BlueWater Realty Team.  With the current strong activity in the Stuart FL area, this home was on the market for only 18 days.  The buyers purchased this home for $297,000.

Mariner Village Homes for Sale Mariner Village Homes for Sale

A wonderfully maintained Mariner Village home with spectacular long views of the entire lake. Fabulously located in the southern most area of Stuart adjacent to Hobe Sound with easy access to restaurants, shopping, and the beaches. This CBS three bedroom home with 2 full baths features 10′ ceilings, crown moldings, tile in main living areas & carpeted bedrooms (tile underneath). Also, an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances & granite countertops. This home was professionally decorated with all window treatments & blinds which convey with the sale. Additional storage available through the pull-down ladder in garage, hurricane shutters. The furnishings are negotiable.

Mariner Village Homes for Sale Mariner Village Homes for Sale

Mariner Village Homes for Sale

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Mariner Village Home With Lake Views Sold

Palm City FL 34990 Condo Market Report May 2015

Palm City FL 34990 Condo Market Report May 2015

Palm City Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34990, Condo Sales for May 2015

 

For May 2015 in the 34990 Zip Code area of Palm City, Florida :



There are currently 55 active condo listings. (Unchanged from April)

Palm City FL 34990 Condo Market Report May 2015

11 Condo sales are pending and awaiting close or lender approval. (Decreased by 1 condos from last month)

Palm City FL 34990 Condo Market Report May 2015

4 Condos Sold in May. (Down by 3 condos from April)

Palm City FL 34990 Condo Market Report May 2015

The Palm City FL 34990 condo real estate market is a fairly small segment of the Martin County condo market.  Unfortunately activity decreased from the previous month.

The current absorption rate for condos in the 34990 zip code area declined to 13.8 months (was 7.9 months in August).   Sliding in the wrong direction for the Palm City condo market. A balanced market is considered to be an absorption rate of around 6 to 7 months, so this market continues as a strong buyers market.
The May 2014 numbers were: 52 active listings, 10 pending sales and 4 closed sales.   Just about identical to this years activity.
 Palm City FL 34990 Condo Market Report May 2015

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Palm City FL 34990 Condo Market Report May 2015

Price Reduced Spacious 4 BR Jensen Beach Home

Price Reduced Spacious 4 BR Jensen Beach Home

Reduced to $363,000.  Check out this spacious home on a double lot with a 3 car garage and no HOA.

Spacious 4 BR Jensen Beach Home

Beautiful large Key West style home in Jensen Beach. Featuring  bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms in the main section of the home with a mother-in-law apartment located over the garage. This large space is approximately 28 x 32 ft. and could also be used as a game or theater room. This apartment has its own private bath and entrance with stairs and a patio. The spacious master bedroom has trey ceilings, a double walk-in closet, large bath with spa tub and a separate walk-in shower with dual rainfall shower heads, double sinks and double mirrors. The kitchen has granite counters with a breakfast bar. There’s also an additional family/game room with built in shelves. Wrap around porch, 3 car garage on a double lot, with lots of room for parking multiple boats and RVs.

Spacious 4 BR Jensen Beach Home Spacious 4 BR Jensen Beach Home

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Spacious 4 BR Jensen Beach Home Spacious 4 BR Jensen Beach Home

For any questions you may have about Spacious 4 BR Jensen Beach Home, please call the Gabe Sanders BlueWater real estate team at 772-323-6996 or Contact Us Here

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Price Reduced Spacious 4 BR Jensen Beach Home