Search Results for: house call

Hutchinson Island Condo Available for Rent

08.19.15 by

Hutchinson Island Condo Available for Rent

Green Turtle Cove Condo Jensen Beach FL

Jensen Beach, FL is home to this Green Turtle Cove condo which is now available for either seasonal rental (3 month minimum) or for a yearly lease.  Offered fully furnished and ready for immediate occupancy this condo can be rented for $1,800 a month annually or $2,800 a month seasonally.

Green Turtle Cove Condo Jensen Beach FL Green Turtle Cove Condo Jensen Beach FL

Hutchinson Island rental in Jensen Beach FL in Green Turtle Cove.  A well located condo complex with ocean access docks that may be available for lease as well.  Spend your winters in sunny Florida. First floor unit, split floor plan, 2 bedrooms, 2 bath, with patio that runs the length of the unit, just steps away from the community pool and the warm Atlantic ocean. Sit on your patio and enjoy the ocean breezes or play a game of tennis. Close to restaurants, shops, public golf courses, the Elliott Museum and Florida Oceanographic Center. So much to do.  This furnished condo is available for seasonal or full year rental.  Call for details.

Green Turtle Cove Condo Jensen Beach FL Green Turtle Cove Condo Jensen Beach FL

The Green Turtle Cove Condominium Complex is located just South of the Jensen Beach Causeway on Hutchinson Island in Martin County Florida.  It lies directly across the street from the public beach in Jensen beach with guarded beaches, a snack bar and beach volleyball courts.  Also, soon to break ground is a new luxury resort to be built on the grounds of the old Holiday Inn, also across the street.

Green Turtle Cove Condo Hutchinson Island FL Green Turtle Cove Condo Hutchinson Island FL

Green Turtle cove consists of two 40 unit buildings.  The South building was completed in 1973 and the North building shortly after in 1974.  This complex in on the shores of the Indian River (Intracoastal Waterway) and has docks which are available to residents on a first come first served basis for the nominal fee of $25.00 a month.  There’s also a lake on the grounds as well as a swimming pool, vehicle wash area and BBQ stations.

Green Turtle Cove Condo Hutchinson Island FL Green Turtle Cove Condo Hutchinson Island FL

Each building has secured entry through a lobby and has elevator service to the four stories.  There is reserved parking as well as an ample supply of guest spots.  Each unit is 2 bedroom and 2 bath with 1,204 sq. ft. of living space under air and a generous balcony with views of either the lake, preserve, river and some with peaks of the ocean.

Green Turtle Cove Condo Jensen Beach FL

No pets are permitted in Green Turtle Cove, though there are liberal rental rules allowing part time residents to lower their cost of ownership by leasing out their condo for a few months a year. As of this writing, Condo and management fees are around $415 per month.

Green Turtle Cove Condo Hutchinson Island FL Green Turtle Cove Condo Hutchinson Island FL

Currently Green Turtle Cove is one of the more affordable condos for those wishing both river and ocean access.  (I’m told there is great fishing right from the private docks.)

Search here for Green Turtle Cove Condos for Sale

Links to all Martin County Condos on Hutchinson Island in Stuart and Jensen Beach you may wish to consider:
Angler Cove – Beachwood Villas – Buttonwood – Dune Condominium – Fairwinds Cove – Green Turtle Cove – Hutchinson House –Indian River Plantation Condos – Islander 12 – Jensen Beach Club – Little Ocean Club – Little Ocean Place – Maritimes – Ocean View –Sailfish Point – Sandpebble – Seaside – Suntide

Hutchinson Island Condo Available for Rent

Stuart Rental Home Appeal Might Have Three Explanations

08.13.15 by

Stuart Rental Home Appeal Might Have Three Explanations

For an increasing number of Stuart residents, what used to be a slam dunk assumption—that owning your home is preferable to opting for a Martin County rental home—is no longer so self-evident. The powerful reasons for owning are still there: ownership still means that you are building equity over time; it still means you are free from a landlord’s control; and it still means you have the psychological benefits of being the possessor of the place where you live, and the standing in the community that accrues to the permanence that implies.

Those are powerful inducements to forgo a rental home in favor of ownership, for sure—yet according to the numbers, the number of Americans who own their homes has been declining since the advent of the housing crisis (at the moment, fewer than 2/3 of households now own their homes).

You might assume that the reasons for the increase in popularity for rental homes are simply financial, and to some extent, that’s the case. The economy, while improving, is doing so painfully slowly, wages are not rising as has been the norm in prior recoveries, and mortgage loans, while still at attractively low interest rates, can still be difficult for some Treasure Coast borrowers to obtain.

Yet those dollars-and-cents arguments don’t paint the whole picture. Some of the reason why rental homes in Stuart are being chosen are due to changes in American lifestyles. Forbes contributor Beth Braverman offered some insights in last week’s article entitled “When Renting is More Expensive, But It’s Still the Right Move.”

Her first reason is not a new one: rental homes offer more flexibility. What is new is how Americans—particularly the group we call Millennials—increasingly value that freedom. Some of that has to do with the difficult labor market—and the premium breadwinners are placing on being able to ‘go where the work is.’

Next reason had to do with the relative illiquidity of the asset value a home represents. This looks like the first cousin to Reason #1: for someone who needs to move for professional reasons, being able to just pick up and move from a Stuart rental home can de-complicate the situation. For those who are reasonably sure they will be in town for long enough to offset the costs of acquiring and selling a home, the financial benefits may outweigh this one.

Last reason given was, “You’re not financially ready”—which is certainly the most longstanding one of all. Even if a current rental home occupant qualifies for one of the new programs (some can make the down payment as minute as 3%), it’s still possible that the ‘all in’ costs will strain resources. You have to agree with Braverman that in those circumstances, it’s probably best to build up savings, even if it means remaining in a rental home for an extra year or two.

All in all, any increase in the popularity of Martin County rental homes is good news for area investors who are (or soon will be) landlords. It’s also a great reason to give me a call this summer!

Stuart Rental Home Appeal Might Have Three Explanations

Stuart Spec Home Builders Needn’t Compete with L.A.’s Newest

08.12.15 by

Stuart Spec Home Builders Needn’t Compete with L.A.’s Newest

 California Dreaming

A Stuart “spec” home is a residence that has been designed and built by a Treasure Coast entrepreneur who has no pre-existing sales order. Stuart spec homes are bold ventures: they have to be built with confidence that the design and execution will be attractive enough to generate a sale. To return a profit that’s worth the risk, the sale has to be realized quickly enough to offset the considerable costs advanced.

Dictionaries can be a little confusing about what “spec” is shortened from. Most ascribe it to “speculative,” but some (like Wiktionary) think it has to do with the builder following his own specifications.

I’d like to suggest a new third possibility—at least for one particular spec home. News about it comes to us from Bloomberg’s Business site, under the heading, “California Dreaming.” It’s about a spec home that’s being built on a grand scale…okay, maybe “grand scale” is too modest: it’s being built on an astronomical scale…a gargantuan scale…maybe more like a mega-galactic scale!

Because the asking price is going to be a half billion dollars.

Now, Stuart real estate watchers may have thought that when Johnny Depp’s luxury property in France (the one that was actually a whole village) was listed a couple of months ago, we’d hit a sort of apex of residential real estate extravagance—but clearly, we were mistaken. A $500,000,000 asking price could buy you a lot of French villages like Depp’s. It could approach a province (albeit, maybe a fixer-upper province).

The California Dreaming spec home is, land-wise, a surprisingly modest offering. Only about 4 acres or, as the builder puts it, “1.6 hectares” (I believe this indicates a hopeful nod to potential foreign buyers). So, what will this home—which won’t be completed for another 20 months—offer that our run-of-the-mill Stuart spec homes don’t?

For openers, the four acres (or 1.6 hectares) are in Bel Air, which is already a somewhat pricey neighborhood. All the hectares are situated on a hilltop with 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Beverly Hills, downtown L.A., and the San Fernando Valley. Still, with the average residence sale in even that neighborhood weighing in at peasant-level prices (only $5.29 million), you’d think there must be a lot more going on.

There is. It will be roomy: 74,000 square feet in the main residence. And so you won’t have to feel hemmed in when guests show up, there will be three smaller houses. Unless you have more than 30 autos, the garage will also be ample. You’ll have four swimming pools, including a 180-foot infinity pool. To combat the California drought, the yard features 20,000 square feet of synthetic grass. To banish the boredom that might set in if the Queen fails to visit (synthetic grass won’t accommodate the corgis very well) there will be a 45-seat Imax theater. Still bored? There’s always the 8,500 square foot night club. At the end of a long night of TV-watching and night clubbing, there’s a 5,000 foot master bedroom to flop into…if you can find the bed.

Compared with our Stuart spec homes, I’d suggest the ‘spec’ in this one stands for ‘special.’ Very special. Meantime, in case you are too impatient to wait the 20 months for the California Dreaming mansion to be completed, we have a number of Stuart properties that are a good deal more practical. Call me to zero in on the great values our summer market has to offer!

Stuart Spec Home Builders Needn’t Compete with L.A.’s Newest

Holly Creek August 2015 Market Update

08.07.15 by

Holly Creek August 2015 Market Update

There are 4 active listings in Holly Creek.  List prices range from $129,000 to $229,000 with the average list price being $165,450 which equals a price per sq. ft. of living area of $126.46.
There are three homes pending in Holly Creek.  Listing prices are from $156,000 to $1198,000 for an average list price of $181,300 or $119.88 per sq. ft. of living area.  These homes were on the market for an average of 66 days before going under contract.
In the past 12 months, 12 homes and townhomes have sold in Holly Creek.  Sales prices ranged from $138,500 to $218,500 for an average sale price of $176,683 which equates to $112.09 per sq. ft. of living area.  These homes averaged 42 days on the market before going pending and sold at an average of 95% of listed price.

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.

Search for Holly Creek Homes and Town Homes for Sale

the Gabe Sanders real estate team Jensen Beach Florida Real Estate

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

Holly Creek August 2015 Market Update

Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club August 2015 Market Update

08.06.15 by

Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club August 2015 Market Update

There are currently 8 homes actively listed in Palm Cove Yacht and Golf Cub for August 2015 in Palm City, Florida.  List prices range from a low of $185,000 up to the highest which is a waterfront home for $2,375,000.  The average list price is $630,662 which works out to $186.84 per square foot of living area.

There is one home under contract awaiting closing.  This home was listed for $729,000 or $173.12 per square foot of living area.

In the past 12 months, 25 homes have sold in Palm Cove Yacht and Golf Cub with sales prices from $192,500 up to $645,000 for an average sales price of $420.788 or $152.87 per square foot of living area.  These homes were on the market for an average of 87 days prior to going under contract and sales prices averaged at 94% of the list price

Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club in Palm City

The Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club in Palm City Florida includes 206 residences, ranging from spacious condos with garages to townhomes, fairway homes to multimillion dollar waterfront homes on the shores of the north fork of the wide Saint Lucie River.

Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club in Palm City

This magnificent community boasts a championship Chi Chi Rodrigues designed golf course. Memberships are available to both residents and non-residents and membership is not mandatory.  In addition to golf, boaters enjoy a 93 slip deep water marina with docks available for over 50’ vessels.

Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club in Palm City

There’s a magnificent club house located riverside by the marina.  Residents enjoy 24 hour security from the manned gated entrance.  The Palm Cove Golf and yacht Club is separated into two main sections.  Fairway homes are on the south side of Mapp Road with the entrance across the main entrance to palm Cove and is controlled by remote from the main security gate.

Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club in Palm City

In the main section, are the estate homes, town-homes at Island creek as well as the condos at ‘the Links’.   Homes range from 1500 sq. ft. town-homes with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 2 car garages all the way up to 6,000 sq. ft. plus waterfront residences with 5 bedrooms, office, 6 and ½ bathrooms and 3 car garages.  Home owner (HOA) fees vary from section to section.  The estate homes run approximately $450 per month, while in the fairways section they are around $550 per month, but include landscaping.  For a complete list of fees, please give us a call.

guardgate

Palm Cove families enjoy a quiet secluded lifestyle yet are close to shopping, restaurants and the beaches of Martin County.  Children attend an ‘A’ rated Martin County school system to the following schools:  Bessey Creek elementary, Hidden Oaks middle and Martin County High.

Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club in Palm City

Currently, these homes are available for sale in the Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club

For any questions you may have about the palm Cove Yacht and Golf Club in Palm City Florida, please call the Gabe Sanders real estate team at 772-323-6996 or Contact Us Here

Palm City 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 August 2015 Market Update

The Yacht and Country Club of Stuart August 2015 Market Report

08.04.15 by

The Yacht and Country Club of Stuart August 2015 Market Report

August 2015 Market Update:

There are 7 homes currently for sale in the Yacht and Country Club of Stuart.  Listing prices are from $215,900 to $499,000 for an average list price of $380,271 which works out to $154.30 per sq. ft. of living area.

There are currently 4 homes under contract ranging in list price from $269,000 to $570,000.  The average list price of these pending sales is $372,225 or $157.81 per sq. ft. of living area.

36 homes have sold in the past 12 months.  Ranging in sales price from $184,000 to $740,000.  The average sales price was $350,565 which comes out to $138.43 per sq. ft. of living area.  These homes sold on average in 84 days with sales prices at 94% of list price.

 
The Yacht and Country Club of Stuart, Florida Golf Course

One of the first gated golf communities in Martin County, the , Florida remains among the preeminent communities on Florida’s Treasure Coast for both the golf and yachting enthusiast.  This fine gate guarded community boasts water front homes that are only minutes from the Saint Lucie inlet and the Atlantic Ocean.  Easy access for day trips to the Bahamas and back and a true fisherman’s paradise.

The Yacht and Country Club of Stuart, Florida Clubhouse

The ‘Stuart’ golf course at the Yacht  & Country Club of Stuart, Florida features a professional 18 hole course with 6,466 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71 . The course rating is 71.2 and it has a slope rating of 125 on Bermuda grass. Driving range and putting greens are also provided at this club.

The Yacht and Country Club of Stuart, Florida Canal

The clubhouse at the Yacht and Country Club of Stuart offers a professionally appointed fitness center with a a resident massage therapist.  Tennis is provided by ix lighted Har-tru tennis courts and also residents are provided with two lighted croquet lawns.

The Yacht and Country Club of Stuart, Florida Homes

There is a heated swimming pool open daily and water aerobics is offered on a weekly basis. The Yacht and Country Club of Stuart has a formal Dining Room that has earned itself a reputation as one of Stuart’s finest dining establishments. Also offered is the “Grill Room” for those who would like to enjoy a more casual dining experience.

The Yacht and Country Club of Stuart, Florida Homes

Truly a wonderful place to call home.

Search here for available homes in the Yacht and Country Club of Stuart, Florida
Yacht and Country Club of Stuart, Florida - Homes for Sale

The Yacht and Country Club of Stuart August 2015 Market Report

Highlands Reserve August 2015 Market Update

08.02.15 by

Highlands Reserve August 2015 Market Update

There are currently 18 homes actively listed in Highlands Reserve for August of 2015 in Palm City, Florida.  Prices range from $359,990 to $869,990.  The average list price is $550,060 which equals $161.22 per square foot of living area.

There are 10 homes under contract awaiting closing.  List prices ranged from $354,990 to $719,990.  The average list price is $504,426 at $137.98 per square foot of living area.  None of these homes are short sales or foreclosures.

In the past 12 months, 35 homes have sold in Highlands Reserve with an average sales price of $427,627at $139.44 per square foot of living area.  Actual sales prices ranged from $275,000 to $760,000.  These sales averaged 271 days on market and sold at 97% of listed price.Highlands Reserve real estate in Palm City FL

 Highlands Reserve is one of the newest upscale communities in this section of Martin County. Enter the magnificent gates and surround yourself with the well appointed amenities of the clubhouse and natural beauty of this community. Included are paths into winding nature trails will offer dramatic views of surrounding natural preserves and serene lakes.

Highlands Reserve real estate in Palm City FL Highlands Reserve real estate in Palm City FL

Located only seconds from I-95 and within minutes of shopping, beaches and the laid back easy lifestyle of Martin County. Perfect for the family with an ‘A’ rated school system. Only 30 minutes to West Palm Beach and 2 hours to Orlando.

Highlands Reserve real estate in Palm City FL Highlands Reserve real estate in Palm City FL

Low HOA fees of $315.00 per month include landscaping and irrigation as well as the security gate, use of the full service clubhouse with large pool and state of the art fitness center.  Lounge and kitchen for private parties and occasions.

Highlands Reserve real estate in Palm City FL

Highlands Reserve is a D. R. Horton community and new construction homes are still available.  There are usually some excellent offers available through Realtors.  Call us today for our new construction special rebate program.

Highlands Reserve real estate in Palm City FL

Give us a call for the full line of exceptional new homes available in Highland Reserve in Palm City, FL.

Search for Highlands Reserve 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

Highlands Reserve August 2015 Market Update

Palm City Mortgage Rates Projected to Rise Sooner Rather than Later

07.31.15 by

Palm City Mortgage Rates Projected to Rise Sooner Rather than Later

 Palm City FL real estate

Now that we are almost into August, with summer in full swing, there might be vague thoughts running through your mind about some potential real estate moves—but certainly not until the fall. Right now all most of us are thinking about is whether another chilled glass of summer-something-or-other is in order. Florida mortgage rates and what the folks in Washington might be doing to affect them are not exactly what occupies an idyllic July afternoon.

But if you’ve been paying attention to any newscasts long enough to reach the dull-as-dishwater economic stories they throw in toward the end of the broadcasts, you may also have an inkling that conditions are about to change. And the evidence does suggest that mortgage rates in our area face a likely increase come fall. If your vague suspicion does come to pass, and if you’re among those considering buying or selling a home in Palm City this year, now should be the time to stop “thinking” and start “doing”.

Exhibit A for that proposition comes from one Michael C. Fratantoni, who happens to be the Chief Economist of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). When he recently spoke at the National Association of REALTORS® office in Washington, he made no bones about it: mortgage rates will continue upwards, with a first significant Fed hike likely in September. September! The 30-year fixed mortgage, which we all know has lingered at historic lows—below 4%—for several years, is likely to hit 4.4% by the end of 2015 , then move beyond 5% next year.

It’s enough to stifle any thoughts about that frosty beverage.

The good news for Palm City homeowners planning to list is that Fratantoni doesn’t believe any of these factors will keep the nations’ buyers away. After a pretty lackluster 2014 performance, the MBA forecasts a 14% year-over-year increase in purchase-money mortgage originations in 2015—and nearly 9% in 2016.   Nationwide, incomes are also expected to rise, and with new household formations on the rise, the national real estate market looks to remain in fairly good balance.

While it seems there’s no instantaneous need to drop all your summertime activities to rush your home onto the market, with mortgage rates in Palm City expected to rise sooner rather than later, it’s certainly worth making it a priority to give me a call this week. After that, there will definitely be ample time to finish enjoying that delightful chilled summer beverage.

 Higher Mortgage Rates in Palm City? Projections Tend to Agree

 

 

Strategic Planning Should be Part of Hobe Sound Home Remodeling

07.30.15 by

Strategic Planning Should be Part of Hobe Sound Home Remodeling

 Hobe Sound real estate in Martin County FL

The number of households belonging to older adults is on the rise across the nation, and (let’s face it) the homes themselves aren’t getting any younger. So states the Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies’ Housing Perspectives (JCHS), which recently published the projection that, if true, makes it likely that Martin County home remodeling activity will spike in the coming years.

Abbe Will, research analyst for JCHS drew this conclusion:

“Since much of the housing stock is currently ill-equipped with even basic accessibility features, older homeowners aging in place will need to invest in retrofitting their homes in order to age comfortably and safely.” In other words, even for homes which remain in their owners’ hands, home remodeling activity could grow markedly.

Home remodeling is no minor industry. Home improvement expenditures by older homeowners already topped $90 billion in 2013—making it a significant economic contributor. Now the JCHS projects that it could surge by an extra $17 billion annually over the next three years. Welcome news indeed for the construction and design industries, who had been in the doldrums until recently.

But what does this mean for Hobe Sound homeowners who plan to sell in the near future? When considering a remodel, if you want your home to attract potential older buyers, consider the innovations modern designs have made for individuals in that demographic group. That will be the competition.

JCHS’s analysis notes, “… not even a third of (existing) homes have what could be considered basic accessibility features, such as a no-step entry and bedroom and full bathroom on the entry level.” Both young and old can appreciate other features, as well. Wider hallways in a kitchen remodel is one example. Another is bathrooms showers with ‘edgeless’ design, which holds appeal both to Millennial buyers (for the sleek, modern look) and to seniors with limited movement. A bedroom on the main level that can readily be converted to a master if needed can be attractive to older homeowners—and also to anyone looking for a guest or au-pair suite. Investing wisely by thinking long-term when it comes to home remodeling plans is part of strategic home ownership. If you are considering selling your Hobe Sound home at some point, it doesn’t hurt to inform yourself about forward-looking trends.

Wondering what today’s buyers are looking for? I’m here to help with all your Martin County real estate-related concerns: call me anytime this summer!

Hobe Sound Homeowners Should Expect Home Remodeling Increase

Think Like a Skeptic When Picking a Jensen Beach Home for Sale

07.26.15 by

Think Like a Skeptic When Picking a Jensen Beach Home for Sale

Spacious 4 BR Jensen Beach Home

If you are among this July’s consumers who are actively shopping for a home for sale in Jensen Beach, you have probably already taken a look at the Martin County listings and most likely jotted down some addresses you’d like to examine in detail. Then, if you find yourself in the happy situation of finding more than one Treasure Coast home for sale that passes your first in-person tour visit, the tough question arises about how to pick between two or more quality homes. Should you depend upon your emotional leanings—even if a few practical details seem to point you in the opposite direction? Or should you simply let price be the determining factor? Or is there some other criterion the most experienced house hunters rely on?

Of all the factors that could go into that decision, truthfully, pointing out which are the most important is always a subjective exercise (all except for one I’ll bring up last). Here are some of the most useful ones:

  • Compare the neighborhoods, and take a close look the adjacent streets. Drive by the properties at different times of the day and at least once on a weekend. See how the neighbors keep their homes. Neglected lawns (or bars on too many windows) are not signs you may want to ignore—just as uniformly well-kept landscaping should count on the positive side.
  • Next visit to the candidates, do a consciously thorough walk-over. Pace the perimeter of the home and lot. Look for fencing issues you might need to address, or even how intrusive neighbors’ windows might be. Check for signs of water pooling anywhere on the lot with an eye to whether drainage problems could become an issue when the rains come.
  • If there is another home for sale on the street, drive the immediate area looking for more. If there is more than one home for sale, check the web to see if there are too many—or enough that it indicates that values are in flux. If it appears there are many—but no reason other than chance—it could be a good sign that your offer will be very welcome!

What is that less subjective factor (the one I said I’d bring up last)? It’s one that calls for becoming more skeptical than you really are: one that has you pretending to be a member of the public at large who doesn’t feel particularly drawn to either of the homes for sale you are comparing.

Put yourself into that mindset—then judge which of the homes will be easier to sell in a future where you have decided to move on. Deep-six your idiosyncratic leanings, and concentrate on elements that the majority of people would agree are those that add or subtract resale value. Experienced house hunters have bought and sold often enough that they are keenly aware of how much easier it is to sell a home that has universal appeal—even over one that’s more personally attractive. Keeping aware of the personal factors that may make you comfortable but which could adversely affect resaleability will help you determine a property’s future value to others (and, many would argue, that is the real value!)…

This summer, we’re fortunate to have a market that offers many Jensen Beach homes for sale offering exceptional value. I hope you’ll give me a call to help find your family’s next home!

Think Like a Skeptic When Picking a Jensen Beach Home for Sale

U.S. Report & Our Treasure Coast Real Estate Investment Outlook

07.25.15 by

U.S. Report & Our Treasure Coast Real Estate Investment Outlook

 

Last week’s reporting showed the same kind of upward movement that’s become commonplace for Treasure Coast real estate investment news watchers. A standout: Corelogic’s finding that national home prices in May increased by 6.3%, marking the 39th consecutive monthly year-over-year increase.

Actually, to a lot of us, that looked stronger than expected: the steady increase in U.S. sale prices had seemed to have leveled off in the 5% range for the most part…Corelogic’s own Chief Economist had prognosticated, “We expect house prices in our national index to be up about 5 percent in the next 12 months” just 30 days ago.

Those who track U.S. real estate investment performance for its Stuart FL implications, two other interesting observations were noteworthy. First, even including distressed sales, prices have now risen to within 8.4% of the April 2006 peak—what is generally considered an unsustainable “bubble.” Yet it’s impossible to find any expert who believes the current price levels are indicative of anything of the kind; nor that the expected continuing rises would expose those making residential real estate investments to equivalent risk levels. Except in a very few localities, there is scarcely any “bubble” speculation to be found—even as national price increases continue to outpace inflation.

Part of the reason is that supply continues to be tight; distressed property sales continue to decline; and overall U.S. economic conditions are perceived to be improving, however gradually. Corelogic also keeps track of sales and momentum for different price ranges, which perform differently, as real estate investment analysts know. The lowest-priced tier, which represents to most modestly priced 25% of homes, has now actually surpassed its pre-crisis peak…and the highest end of luxury residences (the top 25%) are within 5.7% of their peak.

The second point made in last week’s reporting was continuing good news for those whose real estate investment portfolios include rental properties. Apartment vacancy rates “are down to their lowest level since the 1980s” according to Economist Frank Nothaft. “Rents are up, and apartment building values are at or above their prior peaks.”

The robust performance wasn’t confined to multiple-unit housing, either. Following the housing crash—between 2006 and 2013—3,000,000 detached single family homes were added to the nation’s rental stock. They now make up 40% of the market. In terms of their real estate investment performance, the combination of rising rental rates and shrinking vacancy rates are exactly what investors hope to see. For regular homeowners, too—even those with no plans to sell anytime soon—those 39 straight months of steady price appreciation is comforting news. And if you are watching this summer’s Treasure Coast real estate listings for the investment opportunities they represent, I hope you’ll give me a call!

U.S. Report & Our Treasure Coast Real Estate Investment Outlook

Sweet Sorrow? When it’s Parting Time with Your Realtor®

07.23.15 by

Sweet Sorrow? When it’s Parting Time with Your Realtor®

 

It’s true of any commercial offering: sometimes a perfectly saleable item doesn’t move off the shelves as rapidly as predicted. Real estate is no exception—not every Stuart home is sold as quickly as its owner and the property’s Realtor® wish. When that happens, and the term of the original listing expires, an important decision must be made: should the listing be renewed, or should another Stuart Realtor be enlisted to try a different approach?

If you have been dissatisfied with the amount of effort your current Stuart Realtor has demonstrated up to now, the decision will be easier than otherwise—especially if you have already communicated your impression and been less than overwhelmed by the response. You are right to expect that your Stuart Realtor will have posted attractive, accurate listing material for the MLS, has included your property in the advertising program that goes out to the community, and has been diligent and professional in showings and (if it was agreed upon) open house presentations. You should have been able to contact her or him within a reasonable amount of time when communications were called for, been satisfied by the punctuality of appointments when scheduled.

If performance in any of these basics has been unsatisfactory, it’s entirely reasonable to entertain a change in representation. On the other hand, if your Realtor has not disappointed in any dimension, you are left in a problematical situation—one which has no clear-cut solution. Whether or not your inclination is to stick with the team in place, to make the right decision you need more information. The best guidance is—get it!

  • Before you decide whether or not to extend the relationship, ask your agent to review the days on market (DOM) for similar nearby Martin County properties.  An analysis will show whether yours is the only slow-moving property, or whether it has simply hit a lull in neighborhood activity.
  • Ask yourself whether you have paid attention to the suggestions offered by your current Realtor.  If you have chosen to bypass any of them, this could be an appropriate point at which to reappraise.
  • If you have had many showings with few offers forthcoming, it’s a pretty good sign that your asking price is higher than prospective buyers believe is justified. If that’s the case, changing Realtors alone isn’t likely to have the desired effect. You’ll need to fix whatever problems visitors are seeing…or else lower the price.

If a hard-headed analysis tells you that switching Stuart Realtors is warranted, don’t worry too much about the reaction you will get. Most Realtors are very professional; they know that clients do occasionally change representation for a number of reasons, and that hard feelings are simply not warranted. Be ready to interview several agents and to compare what they offer. Pay extra attention to how they propose to stimulate activity—you are well-positioned to appraise their ideas!

For my clients, in addition to an energetic marketing approach, I put a premium on keeping the highest quality communications flowing at all times. Give me a call whenever you have a Martin County real estate query!

Crane Creek in Martin Downs July 2015 Housing Market Update

07.19.15 by

Crane Creek in Martin Downs July 2015 Housing Market Update

Crane Creek in Martin Downs

In July of 2015 there are 11 homes actively listed in Crane Creek.  List prices range from $375,000 to $675,000 for an average list price of $549,355 or $148.37 per sq. ft. of living area.

There are currently 2 Crane Creek homes are under contract and awaiting settlement, priced from $179,000 to $415,000 or an average list price of $314,333 which is $132.20 per sq. ft. of living area.

In the past 12 months there have been 22 sales in Crane Creek with sales prices ranging from $135,000 to $635,000 for an average sales price of $337,324 or $118.83 per sq. ft. of living area. The average days on market was 91 with a 95% list to sales price ratio.

Crane Creek in Martin Downs

The coast of Florida on the eastern side offers many wonderful locations. One of the secret attractions is Crane Creek real estate development. This community is found within Palm City. With all the accommodations the Palm City area has to offer it should not be a surprise that a select neighborhood such as Crane Creek real estate properties is a high commodity.

  • An abundance of parks to soak in the outdoors  from a climate that allows for it year round; fields for football, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, tennis and basketball courts, skate rinks and parks, horseshoes, playgrounds, picnic areas, shelters, boat ramps and many more
  • A wide variety of fishing from saltwater to freshwater, surf to pier to deep water, charter, novice and expert, tournament or hobby
  • An assortment of arts and culture; musicals, plays, movie theaters, miniature golf, pleasure cruises, restaurants, fine art collections, gift shops, festivals, art shows, museums, theme parks
  • A large range of shopping experiences including leading retailers, specialty shops, charming boutiques, malls

Crane Creek in Martin Downs

Crane Creek real estate is situated within Martin Downs Country Club. A gated golf course community, Crane Creek has the finest features needed to make the community as upscale and appealing as possible. However, none of this is forced upon you because membership in the country club is optional.

  • a spectacular clubhouse
  • 2 championship golf courses
  • 12 tennis courts
  • 2 swimming pools
  • a fully equipped fitness center

Crane Creek in Martin Downs

There is also the opportunity to partake in one of the many other conveniences in place at the country club facility.  There are a driving range, chipping area, putting green, practice bunker and rental clubs. The Crane Creek real estate in Martin Downs is made up of marvelous and varied homes with something for everyone. The properties involve a wide selection of architectural style and choices from condominiums to estate homes. The parcels also have as much variation with maintenance free lots and large acreage lots. Within minutes from two of Florida’s major thoroughfares, Florida’s Turnpike and I-95, the location of Crane Creek real estate removes the hassle from commuting. In addition to all of these amenities recent business dealings in the Crane Creek real estate area may bring one more amenity. There is talk of an equestrian facility being placed on site within Martin Downs Country Club. In this part of Florida there is fishing, golf and horses. An equestrian facility would bring horse shows and an increase in revenue for locally owned businesses. Come take a look at all of the extras and all of the expected in this community. Furthermore, contact us today so we can put our knowledgeable and professional expertise to work for you as you look into becoming part of the Crane Creek real estate undertaking.
Crane Creek in Martin Downs

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Crane Creek in Martin Downs July 2015 Housing Market Update

A Stuart Property Manager Can be a Timely Solution

07.16.15 by

A Stuart Property Manager Can be a Timely Solution

 property manager

At first blush, deciding to hire a Stuart professional property manager may seem counter-productive. Whether you bought the property you will be renting out specifically for that purpose, or else are simply holding onto your former home rather than selling it, the expense of employing a Stuart property manager will materially reduce the cash benefit your rental promises to throw your way.

In fact, many new landlords don’t seriously consider hiring a property manager. It’s an offshoot of their own long-time home owning experience. They’ve learned to handle the residential maintenance issues that crop up from time to time, so it seems unnecessary to hire a professional manager for the occasional problems they know how to solve themselves. They may acknowledge that there will be twice as much to handle, it still may seem to be a needless extravagance. After all, the two great benefits of becoming a landlord are to build equity and generate income, so why give away part of the latter?

One cogent reason is the principal difference between managing a rental and your own household. In your own home, you aren’t answerable to any outside entity. When a faucet starts leaking or a circuit breaker blows, you are free to ignore it until the weekend or whenever it’s most convenient. That’s simply not true for a conscientious landlord. Even with a cooperative, understanding tenant, in a way, you almost become your tenant’s employee (or at least it can seem that way when the phone rings at an inconvenient moment). A good tenant rightfully expects his residence to be maintained promptly and diligently; it’s your part of the rental bargain.

Another factor that argues for opting for a reputable Stuart property manager goes to another difference between managing your own residence and a rental. The professional has so much experience in all aspects of property care that he or she is considerably more likely to have dealt with any given situation. Likewise for handling the technicalities of attracting and interviewing tenants, and seeing that contractual issues are completed correctly—tasks that need to be handled with legal exactitude.

There are plenty of reasons that can make hiring a property manager a sensible move, starting with those quality of life issues—your life! For retirees or others with abundant spare time, they may not be as significant; but for fully-employed persons, the time factor and necessity to “be on call” can be crucial. I always recommend giving the professional management option full consideration. Of course it’s always possible for a first-time landlord to test the waters for a while before making the decision—though it’s important to realize that one false step can escalate into costly legal troubles when it comes to national and state civil codes, fair housing laws, and tenant rights. Ignorance of the law will be no excuse for do-it-yourself landlords who are unlucky enough to find themselves on the wrong side of a tenant dispute—so be sure to educate yourself and have access to a reputable Stuart landlord-tenant attorney

If a Martin County income-producing real estate investment opportunity is something you would like to explore, this summer has produced some properties with terrific potential. Give me a call anytime to discuss how best to explore what’s out there!

A Stuart Property Manager Can be a Timely Solution

Hobe Sound Real Estate Marketing is a Risky DIY Project

07.15.15 by

Hobe Sound Real Estate Marketing is a Risky DIY Project

 Hobe Sound FL real estate

If you are bound and determined to try to sell your Hobe Sound house without the aid of a real estate professional, you will quickly discover that one critical element that can’t be overlooked is marketing. Just planting a ‘For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) sign on the front lawn and taking an 8-line classified ad in the Stuart or Palm Beach paper is a good first step—but that’s all it is. Not only must you immediately embark on a do-it-yourself real estate marketing campaign, you will be doing so against competition from all the similar properties which will be promoted by the veteran voices of the real estate industry. It’s a true David and Goliath situation; but Goliath isn’t just a giant—he’s a superbly well-organized giant. If you’re going to be a David, you’d better arm your sling with more than pebbles!

Start with the product you will be marketing. While you are putting your house into top-notch presentation shape, first banish any temptation to overlook areas that need elbow grease or budget dollars to bring them up to top condition. Any defects that go uncorrected will be reason for lowered offers (or no offers at all). Remember that competing properties have Martin and Palm Beach County real estate marketing channels open to them, and will have been put on the market after consultation with experienced hands. Your ultimate ace in the hole can only be that of having a desirable property, well-situated and clean as a whistle. But that ace will only be relevant if your marketing effort brings a critical number of potential buyers through the front door!

Another key will be to hire the best real estate photographer in Hobe Sound, and on the appointed day, to give her or him reason to relish the day’s project! Photographers are in the business of presenting eye-pleasing products, but they can’t create what isn’t there. On the day of the shoot, arrange to be at the photographer’s side to help clear or rearrange objects that the lens ‘sees’ as superfluous or obstructive. When spaciousness is mission critical—as it is in real estate marketing—less is always more. The pro you’ve hired will be used to working with professional real estate agents (who sometimes pay their fees), so be quick to help where needed. The difference between great professional real estate photos and poor ones taken by an amateur is more critical in a FSBO situation, where the seriousness of the endeavor is automatically subject to scrutiny.

Ditto, the video or virtual tour. Real estate marketing in Hobe Sound does not in all instances require a video component—but most FSBO campaigns are launched without even considering the option. What is not optional in any serious offering is a well-written, technically correct Hobe Sound listing, so you should do your best to use every web outlet available to position your offering online, including a web site that facilitates gathering data from interested parties. There are also services that, for a price, will help you place your listing. Generally, you pay more for more exposure—frequently six to 10 times the base rate—with the enhanced deluxe packages usually including an MLS insertion, which is vital. When you remember that you are competing against Goliath, it’s no time to skimp!

You should also consider creating, printing, and distributing flyers, photo ads in the local press (real estate magazines, newspapers, etc.)—everywhere you are used to seeing Martin County real estate brokerage ads. All of which points to what most Hobe Sound home sellers eventually conclude: rather than reinventing the wheel, the other option is to team up with an Martin County real estate marketing professional…

If that’s your choice, I hope you’ll count me in!

Hobe Sound Real Estate Marketing is a Risky DIY Project

July 2015 Market Report for Osprey Cove in Hobe Sound

07.07.15 by

July 2015 Market Report for Osprey Cove in Hobe Sound

There are currently 5 homes for sale in Osprey Cove in Hobe Sound, FL.  Listing prices range from $635,000 to $1,249,000 for an average list price of $774,780. or a price per square foot of living area of $241.88.

There are three homes under contract which have not closed to date.  List prices are from $514,900 to $699,000 or $218.22 per sq. ft. of living area.

In the past 12 months, 9 homes have sold in Osprey Cove with sales prices ranging from $445,000 to $689,900 for an average sale price of $545,000 or $206.41 per sq. ft. of living area. These sales averaged 613 days on the market and sales prices averaged 96% of list price.

Osprey Cove in Hobe Sound

Clubhouse

Osprey Cove in Hobe Sound, Florida is a waterfront community off of Gomez Avenue in the vibrant Hobe Sound area of Martin County, Florida.  It is also known as the Osprey Cove Yacht Club and boasts 32 deep water boat slips just off the Intracoastal Waterway.  There are only 86 homes in this gated community that broke ground in late 2000 with homes being completed from 2000 through 2006.   Homes range in size from 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2 car garage homes of 2,230 sq. ft. to 5 bedroom, 4 and 1/2 bathroom, 3 car garage pool homes of over 4,000 sq. ft. of living area.  There’s also a community pool and tennis court available to all residents.

Osprey Cove in Hobe SoundFor boaters, the docks are approximately 5 miles from the Saint Lucie Inlet of Martin County and just under 10 miles from the Jupiter Inlet in Palm Beach County.  All Osprey Cove residents enjoy easy access to shopping, restaurants and the pristine beaches of Jupiter Island in Martin County.

Osprey Cove in Hobe Sound

For families, the Martin County School District is one of the highest rated in Florida and children attend the Hobe Sound elementary school, Murray middle school and South Fork high school.  There are also a number of excellent private schools located nearby, including the Pine School.

Osprey Cove in Hobe Sound

You can find additional information at the Osprey Cove in Hobe Sound Homeowner’s Association web page.

July 2015 Market Report for Osprey Cove in Hobe Sound

For any questions you may have about Osprey Cove in Hobe Sound, please call the Gabe Sanders real estate team at 772-323-6996 or Contact Us Here

Hobe Sound Florida Real Estate

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

July 2015 Market Report for Osprey Cove in Hobe Sound

Portofino Condos at Jensen Beach July 2015 Market Update

07.06.15 by

Portofino Condos at Jensen Beach July 2015 Market Update

As of July 2015 there is only one condo available for sale in Portofino.  It is a 2 BR condo listed for $101,500 or $95.31 per sq. ft. of living area.

There are no condos pending at this time.

In the past 12 months, 10 condos have sold, ranging in sales price from $54,600 to $90,169 for an average sales price of $68,286 which equals a price per sq. ft. of $73.77.  The average days on market was 25 days and the average list to sales price ratio was an incredible 119%

Portofino condos remain in high demand and sales prices continue to rise.  Many of the units continue to be controlled by the former developer who has not released them for sale and continues to run a rental program.

Portofino Condos at Jensen Beach are one of the newest condominium subdivisions in Martin County.  Originally built as an upscale apartment complex around 2000, this development was turned into condominiums and began sales in 2005.  Due to the downturn in the housing market, not all units were sold and some are now being offered for lease.  Portofino Condos at Jensen Beach July 2015 Market Update features 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units with separate garage parking as an added purchase when available.  Unit sizes are 802 sq. ft. for the 1 Bedroom 1 bath, 1074 sq. ft. for the 2 Bedroom 2 bath, and 1252 sq. ft. for the 3 Bedroom 2 bath.

The Condo Owners Association fees range from $190 to $315 per month depending on unit size and for garage owners, there’s an additional $20 per month charge.  Fees include the extensive grounds and gated entry as well as the amenities, which include a large community pool, heated whirlpool, state of the art fitness center, indoor racquetball court, tennis court, playground and a private clubhouse with a full kitchen.

All ages are welcome in Portofino Condos at Jensen Beach.   Children attend Martin County’s highly rated school system, currently at Jensen Beach elementary school, Stuart middle school and Jensen Beach high school.  Portofino Condos is close to the Treasure Coast mall as well as numerous shops and restaurants, medical facilities and only a few minutes to the waterways of Martin County and the beaches of Hutchinson Island.

For information about sales or rentals of Portofino Condos in Jensen Beach, 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

Portofino Condos at Jensen Beach July 2015 Market Update

Few Sewalls Point Listings Will Top This One!

07.01.15 by

Few Sewalls Point Listings Will Top This One!

Côte d’Azur

LE PLAN DE LA TOUR – VILLA FOR SALE

Putting together a Sewalls Point listing is serious business. It has to be brief, to-the-point, and at the same time, engaging. The photos and language of a Sewalls Point listing is the tip of the marketing spear: if it’s dull, and just a repetition of the specifics that are enumerated in the columns of numbers that follow, it’s less likely to get more than a glance from potential buyers.

At the same time, every Stuart listing has to be fastidiously accurate. If it exaggerates or mischaracterizes a property’s features, it will waste time and effort by creating traffic from prospects who were never going to be interested in the first place. They’ll be rightly annoyed. A well-crafted listing for a Sewalls Point home will highlight the distinctive features that make it stand out from the crowd. It will attract qualified buyers who will want to investigate further.

As a matter of course, we in the real estate profession check out lots of listings from many other areas. It’s part of the job, keeping abreast of what is new elsewhere—comparing how others in other areas meet the challenges of language and imagery. Of course, after years of experience, you encounter few surprises.

But last week there was news of a listing unlike any other. I’m not sure that the details and language are going to be useful for describing many Stuart properties, since this detailed a foreign estate (on the Côte d’Azur) being put on the market by “a talented artist and musician.” The asking price is $25+ million, so it’s also a bit pricey for most buyers. But as an attention-getter, this listing ranks right up there at the top.

First off, the talented artist and musician is Johnny Depp, whose comings and goings generate headlines at all times. The listing language, in fact, is most precisely quoted by the Australian Domain real estate site—rather than a French source. The Australian public has been keeping track of Depp because of his continuing brush with authorities there over alleged dog-smuggling activities (his Yorkies, Pistol and Boo, are now safely out of the country). Domain tells us that the estate consists of “more than a dozen buildings, including a main house, several guest cottages, a chapel, a bar & restaurant, a workshop/garage, a staff house and much more.”

Students of listing lingo might decide that this descriptor belongs in the ‘subtly understated’ category, particularly when the “much more” is teased out: the estate, it turns out, is actually a small Provençal village. More than a decade ago, Depp bought an entire early-19th-century village. It may have been a bit run down—but it did include its own church (the actor turned it into a guest cottage, with the confessional becoming a wardrobe). Depp took on the project as a sort of extreme DIY project. The restaurant became his dining room. He brought in a covered wagon for another guesthouse (it’s unclear how that worked out).

Not every Sewalls Point listing rates being quoted in a feature story in The Wall Street Journal, but this one surely did. “A wine cave in the main house has a Pirates of the Caribbean motif,” according to the Journal (as one reader commented, “Go get’m Sparrow!”).

You don’t have to have a French village, though, if you are thinking of adding your own estate to this summer’s Stuart listings. Just give me a call!

Few Sewalls Point Listings Will Top This One!

Selling a Palm City Home Yourself is a Lonely Proposition

06.30.15 by

Selling a Palm City Home Yourself is a Lonely Proposition

 FSBO

You pronounce it “FIZZ-bow.”

That’s FSBO: For Sale by Owner, and it’s the Road Less Traveled by area homeowners bent on selling a home in Palm City as economically as possible. It does seem to make common sense, after all. It’s the homeowner who knows the ins and outs of their own home best—so who could be more qualified to show it off to the buyers who’ll be lined up, waiting to take a look?

And even more to the point, why lose any part of the sale proceeds to some Martin County real estate agent? It can’t be rocket science to fill out the paperwork and complete the sale. Isn’t that just common sense?

For those considering selling a home themselves, even cursory research is likely to result in one nagging question. The latest sampling from the NAR shows that the vast majority—88%, in fact—of today’s successful sellers are assisted by a real estate agent. That proportion has been growing, lately, too: it’s up 19 percentage points since 2001. This has to give rise to the nagging question: “If it’s common sense, how come the vast majority eventually wind up going with a real estate agent?”

What actually happens in a sale plays a large part, starting with an examination of the bottom line of actual sales. It reflects the fact that the customary commission percentage that goes to real estate professionals is split in two, with half going to the seller’s and half to the buyer’s agent. So the net “savings” a FSBO seller stands to realize is half of the usual initial assumption when the buyer is professionally introduced by the buyer’s representative.

Unless the buyer just appears on his or her own.

Which brings up a couple of other potential problems. If the buyer shows up on the seller’s doorstep, who has qualified him or her? (Short answer: nobody). It’s awkward and practically impossible for a homeowner to interview every prospective buyer in depth before showing the home, but having strangers in your Palm City home with no outside record of the event is at best an iffy prospect. The fact is, most qualified home buyers see the advantage of teaming with a licensed Martin County real estate agent, whose market knowledge is up to the minute, and who will assist them every step of the way at no cost to themselves. Those qualified buyers stand to be a FSBO’s likeliest prospects, in which case the potential ‘savings’ from a do-it-yourself strategy are halved.

But as a working reality, FSBO sellers run a substantial risk that those hoped-for calls from active agents may be slow to materialize. It is often the case that local agents, noting that the home is a FSBO, place it low on the list of properties their clients have time to tour. Among other indicators, a FSBO listing on the MLS signals to the Martin County real estate community that the owner is not truly serious about selling the home—else why is it not part of a professional office’s marketing package? Too, buyers’ agents work to protect their clients from difficult situations, and many FSBO sellers are not well-versed and experienced in negotiating and selling houses. Problems can erupt. All things being equal, it means that FSBOs get few showing requests.

Plus, any advertising costs will be paid for out of the owner’s own pocket—an expensive strategy.

It’s pretty clear why almost 9 out of 10 homeowners selling a home go with a qualified real estate agent. I hope you agree—and decide to give me a call!

Selling a Palm City Home Yourself is a Lonely Proposition

Leadership and Finding the Ideal Martin County Real Estate Agent

06.28.15 by

Leadership and Finding the Ideal Martin County Real Estate Agent

 BlueWater Real Estate

A few of our Stuart professionals operate as one-person enterprises, but that’s unusual. Even a one-doctor medical practice has back-up staff. Most lawyers, even if they aren’t in a partnership arrangement, have at least one assistant or secretary to help. Small commercial businesses are called ‘mom and pop’ operations because…well, you get the picture. Almost any serious enterprise takes a team effort to get anywhere—especially in this day and age.

So it’s no surprise that when they set about buying an Martin County home or selling their own, most Stuart folks don’t take on the project all by themselves. Even though the average American family buys a new home every 7 to 10 years, constantly changing state and local regulations make keeping up with them a professional-level challenge. And even though the first part of the buying process—finding the most likely listed properties—can be started from your computer, as soon as the winnowing begins, the knowledge of a Stuart real estate agent—someone who lives and breathes real estate—soon becomes crucial.

As we wade deeper into the 2016 election cycle, one of the themes that keeps coming up is “leadership”—the ability to recruit and direct expert help. When buying or selling a Martin County home, it’s no different: you want the team you assemble to be as strong as possible. That will free you for your most important leadership role, the decision-making. The first order of business is to find an agent who will not only assist with all the real estate transactional details, but also help identify and recommend other reliable professionals you will need in successive steps of the process. Since finding that agent starts with you, here are some tips to help focus your selection:

  • Everyone responds differently to differing personalities. What type of person do you click with? Do you envision a real estate agent who is a straight shooter—who will deliver realistic advice, a bubbly personality full of optimism—or perhaps a bit of both? Jot down the personality traits that you would like to see in your agent.
  • Identify needs unique to your situation. If you’re house hunting on a tight budget and need a home fast, you want an agent experienced in finding affordable options. If you’re selling an expensive home in a much-sought-after neighborhood, you might want a Stuart real estate agent who’s sold high-end properties in the neighborhood.
  • Ask colleagues, neighbors, and friends for recommendations. Don’t collect referrals from just one source. Everyone in your neighborhood might use the same agent, but a colleague might have another recommendation. You want to shop around for an agent, so don’t rely on just one referral.
  • Check credentials. A credentialed real estate agent is absolutely essential. Of course, nix any agent who isn’t licensed in our state.
  • Interview your short list. When you meet with potential agents, ask for a list of recent sales completed near your price point. See if you are comfortable with how the agent prefers to communicate: phone, email, text, or a mix. Finally, request the contact information for a few recent clients to check references—and then check them!

Finding your perfect real estate agent starts with the effort put in by the leader: you. I hope your search includes this real estate agent…in fact, why not start by giving me a call!

Leadership and Finding the Ideal Martin County Real Estate Agent