Know Your Mortgage Options

08.22.09 by

If any of your friends or family have recently applied for a home loan, you’ve probably heard that lenders are nervous, with tough new rules and demands for stacks of paperwork. Good mortgages are still out there, but you should be prepared before applying.

First, understand how your credit score impacts the interest rate charged on your loan. If your score is 720 or higher on the scale of 850, you will qualify for the best rates. If it’s between 700 and 719, you could expect 0.375% added to that rate, while a score between 680 and 699 might add 0.5%.

Next, determine how much you have available for a down payment, and how that will affect your loan’s terms. A “conforming loan” (that would be purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac) will require a minimum 10% down payment.

However, if you don’t have that much to put down, you can investigate a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or Veterans Administration (VA) loan. These government-backed loans are targeted toward those with lower credit scores and only require a 3.5% down payment.

You can even use this year’s First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit to help pay closing costs, buy down the interest rate, or add to your minimum down payment. Just have employment, banking, and tax records organized, and be patient while overworked lenders review your application.

We know and understand the current financing methods available on the Treasure Coast of Florida. Why not visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Martin County Residential Market Update

08.15.09 by

Below are the latest charts for Martin County Residential (Single Family) real estate statistics as reported by the Realtor Association of Martin County.

The Definition of Absorption Rate:
Number of weeks it takes to sell the current inventory at the present rate of sales. Knowing your area’s Absorption Rate, helps to track trends. Understanding the market and where it is headed is part of our job as real estate professionals. The absorption rate is NOT an exact science. Figuring it is based on the premise that one will be looking for a TREND. It is advised to consistently do the numbers each month, to be able to track a trend.

Our inventory continues to decline and prices have leveled off and in certain isolated neighborhoods have begun to rise. We may very well be past the bottom. Careful monitoring of future trend data will give us the answers.

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

Martin County Condominum Market Update

08.15.09 by

Below are the latest charts for Martin County Condominium real estate statistics as reported by the Realtor Association of Martin County.

The Definition of Absorption Rate:
Number of weeks it takes to sell the current inventory at the present rate of sales. Knowing your area’s Absorption Rate helps to track trends. Understanding the market and where it is headed is part of our job as real estate professionals. The absorption rate is NOT an exact science. Figuring it is based on the premise that one will be looking for a TREND. It is advised to consistently do the numbers each month, to be able to track a trend.

The condo situation is a bit more complex in Martin County as we have a wide array of products available. Median prices show a slight uptick this past month, due mainly to the sale of some upper-end Ocean Front units. Overall, the inventory remains quite high and the seasonal slowdown in sales has begun. While the trend is definitely positive, we feel that this market continues to be in some difficulty.

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

Don’t Take Everything

08.14.09 by

If you plan to move while your home is still listed for sale, you may face a marketing challenge – the vacant home. While lived-in homes may be more attractive during showings, there is much you can do to present your vacant property successfully.

On the outside, give your home an occupied look by asking a neighbor to park their car in your driveway, open and close your drapes, and retrieve any mail that still arrives. During the warm season, have a lawn service maintain the yard (in the winter, a snow removal service may be in order).

On the inside, create a sense of space by leaving some strategically placed pieces of furniture, like a few chairs, tables and lamps. You can create a “bed” by covering an empty mattress box or several moving boxes with a thick comforter.

If you remove furniture that reveals blemishes on the walls, repair and repaint those. If you notice that the carpeting is faded after you’ve moved furniture, consider replacing it if possible.

Keep it feeling pleasant indoors during all seasons by keeping your power on after you move, and having a neighbor or family member set the temperature at a minimum comfortable setting according to seasonal conditions.

We have even more suggestions for marketing a vacant home, so put our experience to good use!

If you’re planning to sell your home soon and would like accurate and up-to-date information on its current value, visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Updated Condo for Sale in Port Saint Lucie

08.10.09 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.
the Gabe Sanders real estate teamStuart Florida Real Estate

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

Make Your Home a Welcome Sight

08.07.09 by
Home staging has become a popular industry and topic, particularly as it relates to improving the appeal of your listing during challenging times in the real estate market. But what about “staging” your yard?Sure, any steps that you take to improve your interior’s appeal will go a long way towards wooing buyers, but it’s the outside of your home that they will see first, and you know that first impressions count! Review some of these helpful tips to make your offering an inviting one.

Go green by seeding and fertilizing your lawn for a lush look. Also, bring your home out from hiding by trimming overgrown branches and shrubbery around the house. Give the impression of easy living by hanging a hammock in the front yard. Seriously, little suggestions like that really sink into a buyer’s mind.

Give your flowerbeds and borders more striking visual appeal by applying mulch, and edge the beds and driveway, walkways and sidewalk. Planting annuals such as geraniums and petunias will also add to the impact and brighten up empty areas.

The final step in your outdoor “staging” is to power wash your home’s siding and the sidewalk and patio or deck. When you show pride of ownership and that you care about your home’s presentation, it will resonate with buyers looking for value and a home in ready-to-move-in condition.

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

Price reduced on Stuart Waterfront Pool Home with Ocean Access

08.07.09 by

North River Shores, Stuart – Announcing a price reduction on 1765 NW Harbor Pl., a 1,588 sq. ft., 3 bath, 2 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $475,000 USD – Bargain Priced.

Deep waterfront home only 3 homes from the wide Saint Lucie River. There’s a cut-in slip for your smaller boats as well as 100′ of waterfront for your larger vessel)s). This is a solid CBS home surrounded by updated much more valuable waterfront homes in a private exceptional area. This is an opportunity for someone who wants an affordable deep water home in North River Shores or possibly a remodel to fit the character of this fine community. 2BR, 3 Baths with large living areas, and diamond Brite in-ground pool. Please call us for additional information.

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

Lakefront Golf Course Home for Sale in Stuart, Florida

08.06.09 by

• 2,000 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story “Poured concrete construction” – MLS® $314,961 USD

Florida Club, Stuart – Relax in style in this beautiful Oakmont model by DiVosta. Entertaining here is easy with granite breakfast bar, separate dining area, great room, den, extended screened lanai with lovely lake views. Subtle details create extra delight; glass tiles add ambient light, ample cabinets plus pull-out pantry, tile backsplash, Belgian laminate wood flooring, crown moulding throughout, wired for surround sound. Feel secure with poured concrete construction, accordion shutters, manual transfer for generator and security system, and transferrable warranty on appliances. Florida Club also offers a community pool, tennis, and a public golf course with the atmosphere of a private club.

the Gabe Sanders real estate teamStuart Florida Real Estate

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

Jensen Beach Town Homes for Sale in Holly Creek

08.04.09 by

Jensen Beach Town Homes for Sale in Holly Creek

This is one of the hidden jewels in Martin County and Jensen Beach. Holly Creek is a small and affordable subdivision located off of Jensen Beach Blvd. Just 2 miles from the Indian River (Intracoastal Waterway) and across the Jensen Beach Causeway to access the pristine waters and beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Only two miles to the Treasure Coast Mall and surrounding areas for shopping, and just a short bike ride from schools, restaurants, parks, and downtown Jensen Beach; Holly Creek is one of the best locations on the Treasure Coast Low fees include professional landscaping. This home features lots of room with 2 BR, 2.5 Bath, and 1 car garage with additional parking. Both bedrooms feature individual baths. New AC and the refrigerator has a water filter system. Private lanai and lushly landscaped grounds. This is a perfect starter home or a wonderful Florida vacation home during the cold northern winters. This home is in move-in condition and ready for immediate occupancy. This home can qualify for the first-time home buyers’ tax credit.

A large heated pool and two professional tennis courts adjoin the spacious clubhouse that has party and banquet facilities available for residents to use.

Numerous small lakes and lush landscaping make Holly Creek a desirable place to call home or a possible vacation retreat from those cold northern winters.

Holly Creek features 2 bedroom townhomes, 3 bedroom villas, 3 bedroom chalet homes all with a single car garage and additional parking. There are also a limited number of estate homes in the rear of Holly Creek which have 2 car garages, larger floor plans and individual designs.

Visit our website GabeSanders.com or call us at (772) 888-2885.

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

Take the Plunge

07.31.09 by
Are you looking for some good reasons to take the plunge into homeownership? Certainly, there are many, but here are a few to chew on before you call an agent and begin your search.

If you haven’t owned a home in the last three years, then you qualify as a “first time buyer,” and you are eligible for up to an $8,000 tax credit if you purchase a home before December 1, 2009. Combined with low-interest rates, now is an excellent time to seek financing and make your move. If you get a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payment will always remain the same, while rent and everything else keep going up.

The investment potential of buying a home is very attractive right now because values that were driven down by foreclosures will climb back upward. That means the value of the home you buy now will rise, and soon, resulting in instant equity!

And think about the return on that investment. If you put $10,000 into the stock market and earned 10%, your profit would be $1,000. Put that same $10,000 into a home purchase that appreciates 10%, and you’ve made $10,000.

Finally, there is simply the security of owning your own home and having absolute control over making it as comfortable as possible for your lifestyle. Need more reasons? Call an agent today!

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

Ocean Access Waterfront Pool Homes for Sale in Stuart, Florida

07.29.09 by
Price Reduction !
Discover this unique Key West waterfront home on one of North River Shores’ most premier deep water lots (over half acre) with dockage available for up to a 50′ boat. There’s also a cutout slip with a 16,000 lb. lift. The open floor plan is ideal for entertaining and family gatherings. Many extras include a gourmet kitchen, granite countertops, crown mouldings, fireplace, recessed lighting and French doors. The bedrooms are spacious with generous closets. An observation deck off the master suite with water views and a private office. Lush tropical setting with a screened pool, spa and plenty of room for outdoor entertaining. A dream lifestyle can be yours!
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

Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club Homes for Sale – Price Reduction

07.29.09 by
Price Reduction :
FABULOUS WATER VIEWS from this lovely one-floor end unit in Palm Cove. Enjoy beautiful sunsets and passing boats from the covered patio. Open floor plan with great room and dining area. Pass through to the eat-in kitchen with granite counters, off-white cabinets, and plenty of storage. Light master bedroom with water view, two walk-in closets. Guest bedroom with bath; den or possible third bedroom. Diagonal tile, ceiling fans, and plantation shutters add to the ambiance. Laundry room. Two car attached garage. Walk to docks (slips available); clubhouse with heated pool, exercise facility; or non-equity golf course. Easy living in a fabulous waterfront setting.
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

Make Your Move NOW!

07.25.09 by

ALERT: Buyers only have until December 1, 2009 to take advantage of the first-time buyers tax credit authorized in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Consult now with your tax advisor and real estate representative to get moving!

Most first-time buyers (who haven’t owned a home in three years) will qualify. If you’re married, you and your spouse must both satisfy this description.

There are income limits for claiming the credit of up to 10% of the home’s purchase price, which maxes out at $8,000. If your modified adjusted gross income (on IRS Form 1040, line 37) is less than $75,000 for individuals or $150,000 for married filing jointly, you can claim the maximum credit. For incomes up to $95,000 or $170,000 respectively, the credit is reduced.

This is not a tax “deduction,” but a tax “credit,” meaning that the amount you claim is reduced from your total tax bill! If you will owe less than $8,000 on your 2009 return, you’ll get a REFUND from the IRS for the difference!

The biggest news is that in response to pressure from the National Association of REALTORS®, FHA lenders will allow buyers to use the credit to cover closing costs, buy down the rate, or as an additional down payment! I urge you to take this money from the government and make your move before December!

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

Ocean Access Riverfront Lot / Land For Sale in River Place, White City

07.19.09 by

• lot / land “River Front – Ocean Access” – MLS® $247,000 USD – 1.5 Waterfront Acres

River Place, Fort Pierce – Here’s your chance to own waterfront property with ocean access acreage at an affordable price. Close to schools, downtown and shopping. This is old Florida at its finest. 1.54-acre private lot on a cul-de-sac has 262 ft of direct frontage on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River with deep water, check bridge clearance. Build your dream home (minimum of 2000 sq. ft. required) in a private, secluded location that is still close to all amenities. The adjoining .75 acre parcel is also available for a potential 2 1/4 acre plus luxury waterfront compound with 500′ on the water.

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

Sell Your Home Fast or Sell It for Less

07.18.09 by

When facing a mortgage default, most homeowners try to sell their homes – fast. The technique that works in these stressful situations also works for the rest of the sellers – namely, aggressive pricing.

As a seller, you control the three factors that determine how quickly your home will sell: marketing, condition, and price. Let’s focus on that last element.

First, be clear about your goals. Can you hold out for the highest price you can get, or do you want to move on quickly? Unfortunately, the fact that you paid more than what homes in your neighborhood are selling for is irrelevant in today’s market.

Forget about salvaging equity, and price your home aggressively against the competition. Overpricing keeps many buyers from even seeing your listing in their affordability zone. They’ll see lower-priced homes as a better value, while you’ll wait until the lowballers come out of the woodwork.

Start your pricing decision with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) performed by your real estate representative. If you’re truly motivated to sell quickly, price your home 10% lower than the selling (not asking) prices of other homes in your area.

Now your home becomes a bargain, and it will attract the attention of other agents and their qualified buyers. An attractive price, good condition and savvy marketing will result in offers and ultimately, a sale.

If you’re planning to sell your home and would like accurate and up-to-date information on its current value, visit our website GabeSanders.com or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Ocean Access Riverfront Lot / Land For Sale in River Place, White City

07.17.09 by

• lot / land “Ocean Access – Waterfront” – MLS® $225,000 USD – .75 Waterfront Acres

River Place, Fort Pierce – Here’s your chance to own waterfront property with ocean access acreage at an affordable price. Close to schools, downtown and shopping. This is old Florida at its finest. .75 acre private lot on a cul-de-sac has 238 ft of direct frontage on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River with deep water, check bridge clearance. Build your dream home (minimum of 2000 sq. ft. required) in a private, secluded location that is still close to all amenities. The adjoining 1.54-acre parcel is also available for a potential 2 1/4 acre plus luxury waterfront compound with 500′ on the water.

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

Price Reduced on Immaculate Willoughby Golf Club Home in Stuart Florida

07.17.09 by

Willoughby, Stuart – Announcing a price reduction on 3685 SE Cambridge Drive, a 3,036 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm single story “Solid CBS Construction”. Now MLS® $389,000 USD – Spacious Golf Course Home.

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

Price Reduced on Poo Home on 5 Acres with Pond in Palm City

07.16.09 by
Price reduced by $24,000:
Nicely updated and spacious CBS home on 5 private acres in Palm City Farms. A private paved road leads you to this wonderfully secluded setting, yet close to shopping, “A” rated schools, and restaurants. A large patio area with a screened oversized pool (new in 2003) is perfect for entertaining or lounging in the Florida sun. Spacious rooms with lots of closet space include a formal living room, dining room, large kitchen family room combination with a wood-burning stove, and office. The land is completely fenced and includes a large stocked pond with a dock. Fish, ducks, and turtles abound for nature lovers. Native trees and open spaces make for an incredible private oasis. New roof and AC in 2001.

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

Martin County Condominium Market Report

07.16.09 by

Here are the graphs I’ve compiled from the latest Market Report for Martin County Residential Sales and Listings with data supplied by the Realtor Association of Martin County:

Our 3-month average absorption rate is now at 18.5 months. Single month average is 19.3 for June. Definitely trending in a positive direction. The ideal range for a balanced market is 6 months.
The Definition of Absorption Rate:
The number of weeks it takes to sell the current inventory at the present rate of sales. Knowing your area’s Absorption Rate helps to track trends. Understanding the market and where it is headed is part of our job as real estate professionals. The absorption rate is NOT an exact science. Figuring it is based on the premise that one will be looking for a TREND. It is advised to consistently do the numbers each month, to be able to track a trend.
For June, the average sales price had an uptick for the first time in many months. This is mostly from the mix of condos sold rather than a trend in sales prices. But, it is another positive sign. Listing prices continue to slide lower in reaction to buyer demand.
For additional information about Martin County real estate on Florida’s Treasure Coast, visit our website GabeSanders.com or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Martin County Residential Market Report

07.15.09 by
Here are the graphs I’ve compiled from the latest Market Report for Martin County Residential Sales and Listings with data supplied by the Realtor Association of Martin County:
Our 3-month average absorption rate is now down below 14 months. Single month average is 13.7 for June. Definitely trending in a positive direction. The ideal range for a balanced market is 6 months.
The Definition of Absorption Rate: Number of weeks it takes to sell the current inventory at the present rate of sales. Knowing your area’s Absorption Rate helps to track trends. Understanding the market and where it is headed is part of our job as real estate professionals. The absorption rate is NOT an exact science. Figuring it is based on the premise that one will be looking for a TREND. It is advised to consistently do the numbers each month, to be able to track a trend.

For June, the average sales price had an uptick for the first time in many months. This is mostly from the mix of homes sold rather than a trend on sales prices. But, it is another positive sign. Listing prices have also started to trend higher.

For additional information about Martin County real estate on Florida’s Treasure Coast, visit our website GabeSanders.com or call us at (772) 888-2885.