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.

Price Reduced on Sewalls Point Pool Home

07.13.09 by

Situated on an over ½ Acre high elevation lot in Sewalls Point, this is an extremely solid CBS home with a very private setting yet close to everything, the beaches, shopping, schools and marinas. Large, screened heated pool and spa overlooking a private fenced back yard with lots of room. Accordion hurricane shutters throughout. Side entry garage and a private gated entry. Split plan with pocket doors throughout home for those that prefer privacy. Wood floors throughout. All this at a fabulous price.

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

One’s Loss Is Another’s Gain

07.11.09 by

While falling values are not good indicators for sellers, they’re great news for buyers, lifting affordability to historically high levels. For example, to purchase a median-priced home of $164,600 with 20% down and an interest rate of 5.1%, a buyer would need an annual income of just under $35,000.

With the lowest interest rates we’ve seen in forty years, now is an opportune time to lock in a rate on a fixed loan. Rates are already showing signs of rising, and waiting too long could negatively affect your ability to secure such a mortgage.

In addition to rising interest rates, the fees on loan applications may also start increasing. This is because lenders have reassessed their risk-to-reward ratios in light of all the recent loan defaults. Around the corner, we might expect higher mortgage insurance premiums and closing costs, not to mention tougher and tougher terms for qualification.

With interest rates and loan fees still at very affordable levels, now is the time to make your move and secure your financial stability through home ownership. If you buy a $150,000 home today and it appreciates at a very conservative 3% annually, that home would be worth nearly $164,000 in three years.

Don’t let all the negative stories about real estate blind you to the many positive factors for buyers in today’s market.

If you’re considering purchasing a home and want to know what’s happening in the local real estate market, visit our website GabeSanders.com or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Price Reduced on Waterfront Pool Home with Dock and Ocean Access

07.06.09 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® $499,000 USD – Bargain Priced.

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

Luck Is A Four-Letter Word

07.04.09 by

A “buyers’ market” is just what it implies – a market in which buyers have the advantage and exploit it. It’s not a market that rewards foot-dragging, hesitation or indecision.

Unfortunately, all the factors that created the buyers’ market we have today have been reported so negatively and rampantly by various media outlets that buyers are themselves too spooked to even enter the fray. Strangely, people were buying like crazy during the previous sellers’ market, when the advantage was actually all to the sellers.

That’s when buyers didn’t fear paying too much, and now that prices are so low and inventories so high, suddenly buyers DO fear paying too much! However, it’s impossible to purposefully time the market to buy at the bottom and sell at the top.

Once the market begins to settle and subsequently improve (and it will), the amazing buying opportunities we’ve been seeing will begin to disappear. With decreased buying activity now, pent up demand for homes will explode when the market recovers, and buyers will once again be competing for the best homes.

Don’t rely on luck in the marketplace – rely on planning. Make a careful decision with a predictable outcome. Has the market dropped enough, right now, to make such a purchase? Absolutely! Forget about the top and the bottom and enter your “safe zone” with confidence.

If you’re considering purchasing a home, and want to know what’s really happening in real estate visit our website GabeSanders.com or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Up On The Downsize

06.27.09 by
For any number of reasons, more people than ever are downsizing these days. Whether it’s a reduction in income, a reduction in family size, or just a desire for easier living, smaller homes are becoming more attractive.There are challenges associated with downsizing, but experience has taught some valuable lessons that you may find useful. Once you’ve decided to sell, start the moving process immediately. Your home will even show better once you’ve begun packing things away. As you decide what to keep, consider donating unwanted items or holding a yard sale.

Solicit family members for help, and see how many belongings might be passed along to family and friends. After all, they say that charity begins at home, right?

You can also “digitize” paper records with a scanner, save them on your computer, or use an online storage service for an added layer of security. Just be sure electronic versions of certain records are legally acceptable.

If you’re still left with a lot of furniture and accessories, you should strongly consider including such items in the listing for your home. First-time buyers may be particularly attracted to such an offering, saving them time and money on furnishing their home, and expediting the entire transaction.

These tips may help you downsize, but of course, any move presents its challenges. 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 GabeSanders.com or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Repeat buyers are fueling a turnaround in housing

06.20.09 by
Present homeowners are the group contributing most right now to the monthly increase in existing home sales.
They are an especially big factor in the uptick in midprice home sales. Additionally, they are reducing the national inventory of unsold homes, according to the National Association of Realtors.
First-time buyers are playing a role in allowing homeowners to move up to larger or more expensive homes. When first-timers buy an existing home, the owners are free to trade up.
It’s a great move for both buyer and seller. The first-time buyers can take advantage of the government program that subsidizes their purchase. Homeowners moving up have many choices, some of which are priced well below what they would have sold for a few years ago.
Multiple offers
The bargains are not so cut-and-dry. If the home is in a good neighborhood and is a good value, it could draw multiple offers. Title service companies say one in 10 such homes draw multiple offers at this time, as opposed to one in 30 last fall.
Multiple bids usually indicate a market in which prices are rising and buyers outnumber sellers. Right now, however, most properties that receive multiple bids are distressed or foreclosed homes on which buyers are competing while still looking for a bargain.
Bidders need help
Bargain hunters can be deceived about the true value of a property. They could end up saddled with one in a declining area or one that has basic construction flaws.
Going it alone in a property search takes a great deal of time and expertise the buyer probably doesn’t have.
A real estate agent can make important recommendations, arrange for inspections, and guide the buyer through the entire buying and financing process.
With the agent’s help, a successful and trouble-free purchase can be arranged.
If you’re looking to purchase a home on Florida’s Treasure Coast, we know our neighborhoods, why not visit our website GabeSanders.com or call us at (772) 888-2885.

How Much is Your Love Worth?

06.20.09 by
Okay, so you love that house. But just how much is your love worth? That’s the question that faces every home buyer during any economic season. Sometimes the answer is easy. In hot markets, the answer can be short and sweet: If you have to ask, you can’t afford it. Not too long ago, in the sizzling markets of California, if you even took the time to ask, the property was already gone.
Enter the cooler markets. Today, most markets have a good supply of houses and buyers can take a little time to look for the right house at the right price and make a reasonable offer. Still, how you set the bid for your dream house matters.

Real estate agents make it their business to know what houses sell in neighborhoods and for how much. That’s why asking a real estate agent for a neighborhood market assessment can be such a crucial step in setting your bid price.

Agents will compare the sellers asking price to other homes in the area. Typically in volatile markets, agents will look at selling prices for homes in an area during a two to four-month period. In stable markets, they might use a 12-month standard.
Added to actual sale prices, you can consult Websites such as Zillow or Trulia for a general idea of pricing. Zillow, which does not list houses in every market, gives estimated values for individual properties. Trulia gives estimated home values for neighborhoods. The problem is that no computerized estimate can tell you about the charm of a home ­- or how motivated a seller is.
You can also consider the home’s tax assessment. But this is very often nothing like the whole story since low assessments are rarely challenged.
Even knowing what the seller paid for a home doesn’t tell you much about current property values. It might, however, tell you something about how much equity and emotional attachment the seller has to a home.
Sometimes hiring an appraiser can give home buyers a little comfort since buyers can insist that the house appraises for the asking price.
Nonetheless, even in cool markets, an insultingly low bid on a great house will probably not get you into your dream home since, whether there is a buyer or not, a charming home is still valuable and is worth holding for the right buyer.
Best case: Do your research and trust your real estate expert’s analysis.
If you’re considering a purchase. we know and understand our local market. Visit our website GabeSanders.com or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Read the Fine Print

06.13.09 by

After all your preparations and marketing efforts, what do you do when you get that first offer? Don’t jump for joy or wallow in disappointment until you’ve read all the terms. Price is just the beginning, and other contingencies will ultimately affect your bottom line.

In reviewing the offer, pay attention to seller concessions, which can range from asking you to pay closing costs to include an allowance for roof repairs. Buyers may also request the inclusion of certain articles of personal property not physically attached to the home. This might include the refrigerator or pieces of furniture. You can decline or accept the terms, but it’s best to establish in your listing those items included and excluded in the sale.

Mortgage and appraisal contingencies indicate that the buyer will seek financing at a certain rate and terms and that the appraisal must satisfy the lender. Make sure that all of the terms are realistic, and that there is a reasonable time limit for the buyers to secure their financing.

These and other terms in the offer impact how much you net from your sale, regardless of what actual buying price is stated. It’s possible that a “full price” offer could result in thousands less than a lower offer with fewer contingencies, so please consult with a representative before listing and before accepting or rejecting any offers.

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.

Understanding the Language of Loans

06.06.09 by

Your Realtor may not write your home loan, but that’s who will probably be there when you begin discussing mortgage options. Knowing some of the nuts and bolts before you start your home search can help you find the right loan.

Factors affecting your terms are the amount, the length of the loan, and the loan-to-value ratio (how much of the home’s value you are financing). Larger loans carry more risk to the lender, so the interest rate may be higher.

Similarly, a smaller down payment represents more risk, possibly warranting a higher interest rate. Get the best rate by putting down as close to 20% as possible.

The difference between 15- and 30-year loans is also critical. Payments for a shorter term will be larger, but you’ll build equity much faster, and enjoy a slightly lower interest rate.

Also, understand the workings of an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). You need to be fully prepared for what may happen to your payments after the first adjustment. However, something like a 5/1 ARM (a fixed rate for five years and an adjustment each year thereafter), could be a good idea if you’re buying your first home and don’t plan to stay longer than five years.

Discuss your hopes and objectives with an agent, who can help guide you down the road to homeownership.

If you’re considering purchasing a home, but feel ‘out of touch’ with what’s happening in real estate visit our website GabeSanders.com or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Springtree in Stuart Florida

05.30.09 by

Springtree is a beautiful small development just west of US 1 in Stuart, Florida. Conveniently located between Indian Street and Salerno Road, Springtree is close to shopping, restaurants, beaches and easy access to I-95 for commuters. This community is a wonderful family neighborhood and in the Martin County ‘A’ rated school district.

 

Engle Homes completed this community between the years of 2000 and 2003. This is a gated community with a lighted lake and fountain as the centerpiece of the community. Many homes boast wonderful private lakeside views. Springtree also has a number of preserve areas as well as a playground to keep the tots occupied.

For real estate information about Springtree or other fine Treasure Coast Florida Homes, visit our website GabeSanders.com or call us at (772) 888-2885.