Newer Summerfield Golf Club Homes for Sale in Stuart, Florida

06.22.10 by

Wonderful opportunity to own a 3 BR plus den home in Summerfield. Located on a private dead end cul-de-sac street for privacy with lush landscaped views and peaks at the 16th fairway of the Champions Golf Course. This Rosewood model features 16′ ceilings, with many designer touches. A chef’s kitchen with granite counters and a dining nook. A large master suite with his and her bathrooms. There’s a side entry 2 car garage with a paver driveway. Summerfield boasts on-site management with low fees, an active clubhouse with a fitness room, 6 tennis courts and a large heated community pool. All of this is available at an excellent price plus golf when you want to. This is Florida living at its best.

Find the Perfect Home for Sale Today

Prices are low and the inventory has been shrinking. Don’t miss the opportunity of a lifetime. Search instantly for any size, location, or price range to get you the BEST deal around!!!

courtesy of:
Gabe Sanders

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Price Reduced on Waterfront Condo in Sandpebble, Hutchinson Island, Stuart, FL

03.27.10 by

Sandpebble Condo, Stuart – Announcing a price reduction on 9-106-4440 NE Sandpebble Trce, a 1,233 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story “First Floor Waterfront Condo”. Now MLS® $289,000 USD – Waterfront Value.

Truly hassle-free living in this gorgeous 2/2 ground floor end unit in Sandpebble. Enjoy spectacular wide river views from the master and main living area and the privacy afforded by the palm-tree-lined yard bordering the unit. More than $50,000 in upgrades include remodeled kitchen (with custom cabinetry with full extension pull-outs, island with service sink), recessed lighting, plantation shutters, and remodeled master bath. Murphy bed in the guest bedroom. Other perks: all work has been done on the roof, dock, seawall, exterior concrete restoration and exterior painting and all assessments are paid! New AC in 2008 and new water heater in 2009. Pull down hurricane shutters. All that is left for you to do, is kick back and relax! Docks available.

For more info visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Price Reduced over $300,000 on Palm City Estate Home on 5 Acres

03.22.10 by

Fall in love with this gorgeous 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath paradise, privately located in the Palm City Farm area. 5 fenced acres of beautifully manicured land surround your spacious castle in excess of 7,200 square feet. Entertain family and friends with your large screened pool and patio, dual built-in outdoor grills, commercial gourmet kitchen, dance, entertainment, and home theatre rooms. Then retire in your luxurious master suite, with endless walk-in closets, a steam room, and a full-size hot tub. Further amenities include a 3 car a/c garage, metal roof, 2-500 gallon propane tanks, 650 bottle wine room, 45,000 KW generator, 72 in. Samsung w/ surround sound, Wi-Fi, golf cart garage, and much more!

For more info visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Spacious Condo on Hutchinson Island in Suntide

03.16.10 by

• 1,159 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm apartment – $199,900 USD – Realistically Priced

Hutchinson Island, Stuart – Fully furnished with an updated kitchen, ocean front condo in Martin County’s prime Hutchinson Island location and building. Spacious 2 bedroom split plan with everything one needs for a full-time home or that special Florida tropical retreat. Suntide includes private beach access, heated pool, tennis courts, shuffleboard, wash area, newly renovated clubhouse with billiards, card table, fully equipped kitchen, bar, library, and entertaining area as well as a professional fitness center. Underbuilding secured parking. This well-appointed condo is ready for immediate occupancy.

For more info visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Rustic Hills, Palm City, Florida a Family Boater’s Paradise

03.07.10 by

Rustic Hills Palm City Boating Community

Originally a popular fishing camp, Rustic Hills in Palm City, Florida is a quaint waterfront enclave of 178 home sites geared for families who also enjoy boating.All homes have canal frontage with dockage, except for 10 homes/lots, which have deeded spaces for docks. A wonderful entrance through the ‘covered bridge’ allows entry into Rustic Hills. Great families and good neighbors through a series of winding one-lane roads that make this neighborhood unique in today’s fast-paced lifestyles. Some homes still have the outward character of the old fishing camp lodges, but most have been completely remodeled or even rebuilt to today’s standards.

Truly a ‘rustic’ area, but close to shopping, Palm City’s‘A’ rated schools, beaches and all modern amenities.Only a short ride by boat to the wide Saint Lucie River and an additional few minutes to the Saint Lucie Inlet and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.

There are a number of exceptional opportunities for the prospective home buyer in Rustic Hills.

Search for currently available homes in Rustic Hills, Palm City, Florida

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

Search the Martin County MLS

Call 772-323-6996 for information

Sewalls Point, Stuart, FL

12.26.09 by
South Sewalls Point
When you travel east from Stuart , you cross over the St. Lucie River via the spectacular new Evans Crary Bridge into the prestigious town of Sewalls Point, Florida. Sewalls Point is steeped in tradition and has a small, exclusive shopping center offering excellent restaurants, banking, fine arts, antiques, and numerous clothing stores for your shopping pleasure.
Sewalls Point Real Estate is well known for its unique fine housing, offering properties from $250,000 to over 10 million. Because Sewalls Point is a long, narrow peninsula almost completely surrounded by broad rivers, it boasts over 7 miles of beautiful waterfront homes! This provides glorious sunrise and sunset water views, plus quick access to the inlet to the Atlantic, just 2 miles from south Sewall’s Point. Come visit us in Sewalls Point!

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

Search the Martin County MLS

Do You Have to Sell?

12.19.09 by

Do You Have to Sell?

In the worst of scenarios, you have to sell your home quickly in this challenging market. Be prepared to swallow a large dose of reality and take some radical steps to increase your home’s scalability. Here are a few proven techniques that could make a quick sale a reality:Selling Your Home Under Pressure

There is a myriad of possibilities for exposure in today’s internet-driven society. In addition to the traditional newspaper, magazine and Internet advertising tools, new social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter can also promote your home, especially to younger tech-savvy first-time buyers.

However, no matter how well the marketing effort is, price is still king, plan on setting your price ten to fifteen percent below your competition. All other things being equal, your home will readily appear as the best value.

Also, consider the price “range” your home will fall into and make sure you’re on the lower end of that range. For example, a $199,000 home falls into the upper end of the $150,000 to $200,000 range, but that same home priced at $201,000 is in the lower end of the $200,000 to $250,000 range. Buyers tend to look in ranges of prices, so again, make yours look like the best value.

And don’t forget about incentives you can offer, like paying buyer closing costs or a decorating allowance. If you must sell, these may seem like difficult decisions, but they will produce results. If you’re located in a declining market, this is the only way to sell your home.

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

Search All Hutchinson Island FL real estate

Do You Have to Sell?

Joes Point, Hutchinson Island Waterfront Community, Stuart, FL

12.19.09 by

One of the most unusual properties on Stuart’s Hutchinson Island is Joes Point. Located on a private peninsula that juts to the northwest into the mile-wide Indian River (Intracoastal Water Way). Originally developed by Lloyd Dutcher in the early 1980’s this is a premier waterfront subdivision enjoying the many wonderful amenities of Hutchinson Island in Martin County. Only minutes to the Saint Lucie inlet and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean by boat, with easy access to the Bahamas or through the Okeechobee waterway through the heart of Florida to the Gulf of Mexico by boat. This is a true boaters paradise. Abundant fishing is just off the dock or go just a few minutes further for some deep sea fishing and adventure.

Joes Point on Hutchinson Island
Google Earth image


Not just for the fishermen, Joes Point is also an excellent family neighborhood. The Martin County School district for Joes Point includes all ‘A’ rated schools and all within minutes with the county school bus. A private gated beach also belongs to this gated homeowners association for the use of the residents.

 


Homes range from 80’s style renovated waterfront homes to just about brand new. There’s also a limited number of undeveloped lots remaining. Current home prices range from the 600’s to over $1 Million.


 

For more information about Joes Point and Hutchinson Island and our beautiful Martin County visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Select here to view all available Joes Point Homes for Sale

 

 

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

Search the Martin County MLS

 

Location, location, location: There Are Many Related Questions

11.29.09 by
Ask anyone. Buying a home in a “good” location is what you should do. But what’s good for one person may not be ideal for someone else.One factor to consider is whether the quality of a neighborhood is going up or down. When many homes in an area are for sale because of foreclosures, that might not signal a “down” verdict. If homes are of good quality, they will be resold and the neighborhood will again be stable. Those who buy now could get more for their money than they could get somewhere else.

Some other questions you might ask yourself or your real estate agent:

Any there any kids in the neighborhood? Families with young children will find this question important. They may not want to frequently drive their kids to play dates. On the other hand, couples with no kids or grown kids might not want to be bothered.

Where’s Mom? A home that’s a few minutes’ driving time from parents, relatives, or friends is a factor in some decisions.

How close are the stores? Do you want to be near a mall, supermarket, or a walking-distance grocery store?

Is public transportation available? How close is it to this home and where does it go?

Are there good roads leading to work? Distance from work and roadways to get there can make a difference.

How about parks and sports facilities? Driving time is an issue for people who go to the park often. Others don’t care.

Is there a hospital, medical or urgent care center in the area? This is becoming a consideration for more people.

Would this be a home I could retire in? Maybe a one-story in a quiet area is best.

How about living in a trendy, refurbished historical area or near a college?

Do I dream of moving to another state? Maybe it’s time to sell. Selling prices in many areas are stabilizing. In late October, there were just over 250,000 homes on the market, the smallest number since 1982, according to Fox Business.

There are more people living in the United States than there were in 1982, and while the number of available homes is still significant it is decreasing.

the Gabe Sanders real estate teamResidential Homes, Condos and LandWaterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

Search the Martin County MLS

Helping Your Children with the American Dream

11.28.09 by
Most areas of the country have been experiencing some very attractive conditions for the first-time buyer, and current tax laws make this a very attractive time for parents to help their children become homeowners. Prices and interest rates may never be lower than they are now, so strongly consider this potential investment in your children’s future.
As parents, you can provide a significant down payment, free of taxation. Individuals may gift up to $13,000 per year, so two parents making gifts to their child and their spouse can give a total of $52,000 in one year without paying a gift tax!
Above and beyond the outright gift, you may loan your family money, as long as you charge a minimum interest rate, which is currently very low. Then you can make your gifts each year, and your child’s family can use the gifts to pay the loan!
If neither of these options is attractive, you could purchase the home yourself and then set up a Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT), with the home passing to the children at the end of an established term, tax-free. You will need to consult with your financial advisor and employ an attorney to handle this kind of transaction.
Begin by meeting with a real estate agent and explaining your situation. Contrary to what you may have been hearing, there is practically no better investment today than real estate.
the Gabe Sanders real estate team

Residential Homes, Condos and Land, Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

Search the Martin County MLS

What’s It Worth Officially?

11.28.09 by

There’s a lot of news about home values and current appraisal values as well as the appraisal process. With markets changing so rapidly it can be a difficult process. The appraisers do not sit in a dark room and use a crystal ball to produce an all powerful document of a home’s value. There’s no magic involved. Here’s how it’s done.

An appraiser needs to compare similar recently sold properties. And it’s not just the final price that counts. They also factor in any “incentives” offered, such as sellers who pay closing costs or remodeling allowances. If similar properties have differences in lot value, condition, improvements adjustments are made.

Perhaps the most important factor that lenders review in an appraisal is the closing dates of the “comparables” (other homes by which yours is measured). Unfortunately, with today’s stricter lending requirements, most “comps” must have sold within the last 60 or even 45 days to carry weight. Markets change so quickly that any sale price over two months old may be completely irrelevant. In this market, in some slower selling areas, an appraiser needs to go further away to find recent sales, which occasionally makes the value suspect to some.

Now a few words about how foreclosures in a neighborhood affect the determination of value. Technically, appraisers shouldn’t consider them, because they don’t fit the Appraisal Institute’s definition of “a property reasonably exposed in a competitive market.” However, if several area homes have been abandoned, the market in such areas is in fact being driven by distressed sales and the appraised value will reflect this fact.

If you’re planning to sell, an experienced Realtor can make you a Comparative Market Analyses which can give you a good approximation of appraised value. If you have concerns about the accuracy of this value, you can order your own appraisal and have this ready to support the value of your home. Unfortunately, an appraisal will be considered out of date within a month or two after the date of completion will no longer have any authority.

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Residential Homes, Condos and LandWaterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

Search the Martin County MLS

Selling Your Home? Dollars vs. Days

11.10.09 by

Once you’ve decided to sell your home, the second step is usually setting your asking price. You should strive for a balance between generating offers and receiving top dollar.

Your chosen real estate advisor should perform a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) to produce an estimate of your home’s “fair market value,” or that price that educated buyers will pay based on listings and sales of homes similar to yours. The agent will not establish the price, but only provide the information you need to make that decision yourself.

In a hot market, you have the advantage, but would still want to avoid overpricing, which is always unproductive. However, in a neutral or buyers market, you’ll have to be particularly cautious in your approach to setting a price.

In soft markets, price reductions become more common, as well as fewer offers and longer listing periods. Often in slower markets, establishing too high of a listing price will result in a much lower sales price as values decline and you may find yourself chasing a declining market. During your listing period, your agent should also keep you advised on any market activity near your home and in the immediate communities. Be prepared to make the necessary adjustments as changing market conditions dictate.

Have a third party, like your agent, help you see your home as a commodity, with positive and negative selling points. Price your home objectively and competitively, be prepared to negotiate to reach an agreement with buyers, and exercise patience as you prepare your move.

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

Search the Martin County MLS

Home Buyer Tax Credit Update!

11.07.09 by

On November 6, 2009, President Obama signed a bill to extend the tax credit for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs) through June 30, 2010. The bill also opens up opportunities for others who are not buying a home for the first time.

To learn what the new tax credit means to you, take a look at the concise overview below.

TAX CREDIT OVERVIEW

Who Gets What?

First-Time Homebuyers (FTHBs): First-time homebuyers (that is, people who have not owned a home within the last three years) may be eligible for the tax credit. The credit for FTHBs is 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $8,000
Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

Current Owners: The tax credit program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

What are the New Deadlines?

In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.

What are the Income Caps?

The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.

Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible

Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

What is the Maximum Purchase Price?

Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sale price of $800,000. What is a Tax Credit?

A tax credit is a direct reduction in tax liability owed by an individual to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In the event no taxes are owed, the IRS will issue a check for the amount of the tax credit an individual is owed. Unlike the tax credit that existed in 2008, this credit does not require repayment unless the home, at any time in the first 36 months of ownership, is no longer an individual’s primary residence.

How Much are First-Time Homebuyers (FTHB) Eligible to Receive?

An eligible homebuyer may request from the IRS a tax credit of up to $8,000 or 10% of the purchase price for a home. If the amount of the home purchased is $75,000, the maximum amount the credit can be is $7,500. If the amount of the home purchased is $100,000, the amount of the credit may not exceed $8,000.

Who is Eligible fort FTHB Tax Credit?

Anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the previous 36 months, prior to closing and the transfer of title, is eligible.

This applies both to single taxpayers and married couples. In the case where there is a married couple, if either spouse has owned a primary residence in the last 36 months, neither would qualify. In the case where an individual has owned property that has not been a primary residence, such as a second home or investment property, that individual would be eligible.
As mentioned above, the tax credit has been expanded so that existing homeowners who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years are now eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500.

How Much are Current Home Owners Eligible to Receive?

The tax credit program includes a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Can Homebuyers Claim the Tax Credit in Advance of Purchasing a Property?

No. The IRS has recently begun prosecuting people who have claimed credits where a purchase had not taken place.

Can a Taxpayer Claim a Credit if the Property is Purchased from a Seller with Seller Financing and the Seller Retains Title to the Property?

Yes. In situations where the buyer purchases the property, even though the seller retains legal title, the taxpayer may file for the credit. Some examples of this would include a land contract or a contract for deed.

According to the IRS, factors that would demonstrate the ownership of the property would include:
1. Right of possession,
2. Right to obtain legal title upon full payment of the purchase price,
3. Right to construct improvements,
4. Obligation to pay property taxes,
5. Risk of loss,
6. Responsibility to insure the property, and
7. Duty to maintain the property.

Are There Other Restrictions to Taking the FTHB Credit?

Yes. According to the IRS, if any of the following describe a homebuyer’s situation, a credit would not be due:

They buy the home from a close relative. This includes a spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild. (Please see the question below for details regarding purchases from “step-relatives.”)

They do not use the home as your principal residence.
They sell their home before the end of the year.
They are a nonresident alien.
They are, or were, eligible to claim the District of Columbia first-time homebuyer credit for any taxable year. (This does not apply for a home purchased in 2009.)
Their home financing comes from tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. (This does not apply for a home purchased in 2009.)
They owned a principal residence at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase of your new home. For example, if you bought a home on July 1, 2008, you cannot take the credit for that home if you owned, or had an ownership interest in, another principal residence at any time from July 2, 2005, through July 1, 2008.

Can Homebuyers Purchase a Home from a Step-Relative and Still be Eligible for the Credit?

Yes. As long as the person they buy the home from is not a direct blood relative, the purchase would be allowed.

If a Parent (Who Will Not Live In The Property) Cosigns for a Mortgage, Will Their Child Still be Eligible for the Credit?

Yes, provided that the child meets the other requirements for the tax credit.

For more info visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Protect Your Home and Your Wallet

10.31.09 by

If you own or plan to purchase a home, then you know that insurance is not just a luxury, it’s a requirement. While you should not skimp on certain coverage items, there are some steps you can take to reduce your overall premium.

If you have a security system installed (and operating!), you might lower your premium by 5% or more. You’ll just need to provide your insurer with a copy of your contract or latest statement. Also, while newer homes have smoke alarms already installed, hooking them up in an older home might also reduce your premium by as much as 10%.

Just like health or auto insurance, if you increase your deductible on homeowners insurance, you’ll reduce your premium. Just be sure you’re prepared to pocket smaller repairs like broken windows or damages from leaks.

If your policy is held by a company that also offers auto or health insurance, look into discounts for multiple policies. You could save a percentage on both your homeowners’ and auto policies, for example.

Another money (and time and stress) saver is to document everything in your home with a photographic inventory. Store photos, CDs, or videos in a fireproof box or, preferably, a safe deposit box off-site. This will reduce the time and effort required to complete a claim, and guarantee an accurate replacement payment.

Understanding real estate dilemmas and their solutions is our business, and we’ll happily share our knowledge with you. Why not visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Myth Busting – Foreclosures and Short Sales

10.26.09 by

When a homeowner faces default on their mortgage, there may be two options: foreclosure or short sale. Foreclosure can be devastating, both emotionally and financially. A short sale, or one in which the lender accepts a selling price less than the amount owed, is a better option for both the lender and the homeowner.

Regrettably, nearly seven out of ten homeowners proceed through foreclosure without ever listing their home for sale. This is due largely to perceived myths about the process, and we need to put a few of these misconceptions to rest.

First, homeowners assume the bank would rather foreclose than accept a short sale. Not true – foreclosure is often more costly for the lender, and short sales often sell for more than foreclosed listings. The banks are trying anything possible, within reason, to avoid the foreclosure process.

Next, homeowners believe there is a stigma attached to short sale listings, and that buyers have no interest in such properties. Not true – to the contrary, many smart buyers are specifically seeking out such offerings for the value they present compared to traditional listings.

Finally, homeowners often assume that there’s not enough time to close a short sale before foreclosure is final. Not true – foreclosure is a lengthy process and there is time to negotiate a better result, but you need to start today.

If you need information to help you solve a real estate puzzle, visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.

A First Time For Everything

10.19.09 by

An article appeared recently in the New York Times that beautifully illustrates the opportunities today’s real estate market offers. A mother working two jobs saved up for a downpayment and managed to buy a large home with a pool for $187,000. Three years ago, that same home had sold for $370,000!

While sellers are still feeling the pressure, buyers with stable incomes and good credit histories are beginning to spread a “feel good” vibe throughout the industry. Conditions have literally never been better for first-time buyers. Affordability has seldom been higher and interest rates have hardly been lower. The selection of inventory is vast, and sellers are highly motivated.

As more buyers enter the marketplace, the ripple effect will be felt far and wide. When they purchase a highly affordable foreclosure or “short sale,” they have removed a distressed property from the listings, improving values for other homes in the area. When they buy a “traditional” listing, that in turn sets off a chain reaction whereby the sellers in turn will purchase another home, from sellers who will, in turn, buy another home, and so on and so on.

You probably get the picture now. As we approach some stability in real estate, all indications are that prices will begin rising again. As the market approaches recovery, don’t miss your opportunity for the buy of a lifetime.

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

Search the Martin County MLS

Price Reduced on Magnificent Wide Water Estate Home in Jensen Beach, Florida

10.16.09 by

Here’s your opportunity to own on a spectacular wide waterfront home on over 1.1 acres on Alice Street in Jensen Beach. Deep water dock with room for multiple vessels just minutes from the inlet. Drive down a magnificent tree arched driveway to an over 3000 sq. ft. home. This home boasts a chef’s dream kitchen featuring granite counters and stainless appliances. A large family/living area overlooking the pool and wide waterfront with your private sandy beach. The master suite also overlooks the waterfront with a huge cedar walk-in closet and upgraded marble bath with a Jacuzzi tub, dual sinks, and dual head shower. Lots of storage room including a large 3 bay shed. The remaining sections of this home require some updating.

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

Search the Martin County MLS

Price Reduced on Updated Evergreen Condo for Sale in Port Saint Lucie, Florida

10.16.09 by

Wonderfully updated 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1st floor corner comes condo in Evergreen at Port Saint Lucie. Superior location by the new Saint Lucie County civic center, within walking distance to the hospital, banks, shopping and restaurants. Ceramic tile in all living areas and newer carpets in the bedrooms. Updated bathrooms. Evergreen features two community pools and numerous lakes with fountains. An excellent opportunity for a first time home buyer or for an inexpensive Florida second home.

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

Search the Martin County MLS

Chinese Drywall Cure Coming?

10.11.09 by

There is a possible Chinese drywall cure that may be just around the corner. New York based Sabre Technical Services, a biological hazard response company that has used chlorine dioxide to treat buildings contaminated with anthrax, may have an affordable and attractive solution to homes plagued with Chinese drywall.

Chlorine Dioxide has been known to deactivate sulfur compounds for some time. The question for Chinese drywall cleanup was if the gas would penetrate through the drywall and re-mediate the sulfur throughout structures. Recent tests in the Fort Myers area by Sabre indicate that with the proper application of chlorine dioxide gas, penetration is deep enough to neutralize the sulfur and deactivate it into sulfate, a harmless and non-toxic substance.

When applied, the gas does have bleaching effects, so residents are wise to remove all belongings from an infected house during the decontamination treatment. The estimated cost to clean up a structure is between $10-$15 per square foot. Treatment will take only a few days as compared to the previously expensive and time-consuming procedures of removing all the drywall from a structure.

This method has great promise for homeowners affected by Chinese drywall. Currently, the government as well as insurance companies are reviewing the process and its effectiveness. Hopefully, no negative issues will arise and approval for this procedure will come quickly.

Residential Homes, Condos, and LandWaterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

Begin Packing Yesterday

10.10.09 by
Getting ready for a big move? You can’t begin preparing too soon, because the average move takes over 200 hours! Count on your real estate representative to provide advice and guidance during this seemingly monumental task.

Your first decision is whether to hire a moving company or rent a moving van and ask friends and family for help. If you’re using the pros, solicit quotes from several local companies who can visit your home and offer an accurate quote.

Next, begin sorting piles of items you’ll want to sell in yard sales, donate to charities, or haul to the landfill. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community and make a few bucks on the pieces you’ll sell. Anything you eliminate now will lower moving costs later.

DO create an inventory of your belongings, in case you need to file an insurance claim for lost or damaged goods. Allow the professionals to do your packing because if you don’t, those items that you wrap and pack won’t be covered by the mover’s insurance policy.

Finally, invest in additional insurance with the movers and storage facility, if needed. It only costs about $10 for every $1,000 in high-value items, so it’s worth it for your peace of mind. Ask your agent for more details to make your move as stress-free as possible.

If you need information to help you solve a real estate puzzle, visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.