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Pet Lovers’ Concerns Impact Hutchinson Island Real Estate Activity

Pet Lovers’ Concerns Impact Hutchinson Island Real Estate Activity

 Hutchinson Island Real Estate

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

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

Consideration:

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

Consideration:

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

Consideration:

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

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

Pet Lovers’ Concerns Impact Hutchinson Island Real Estate Activity

Jensen Park Estates Home Sold

Jensen Park Estates Home Sold

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

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

Jensen Park Estates home Jensen Park Estates home

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

Jensen Park Estates home Jensen Park Estates home

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

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

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

Jensen Park Estates Home Sold

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

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

 Sewalls Point Real Estate

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

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

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

Let There Be Light

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

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

Seed Your Way to Curb Appeal

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

Update Vintage Plumbing

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

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

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

Snug Harbor Stuart June 2015 Market Report

Snug Harbor June 2015 Market Report

As of June 2015, there are 2 active listings in Snug Harbor in Stuart, FL.  The list prices are $848,000 and $1,395,000 for an average of $447.15 per sq. ft. of living area.

There are currently no homes under contract or pending.

3 homes have sold in the past 12 months.  Ranging in sales price from $293,475 (foreclosure) to $3,020,000.  The average sales price was $1,300,825 which equals $326.43 per sq. ft. of living area.  These sales averaged 96% of listing price

Snug Harbor remains as one of the most desirable locations in Stuart, FL. Located on the wide Saint Lucie River just east of the city of Stuart Florida is this unique subdivision.


Snug Harbor was the vision of a group of 10 Yachtsmen, many former Commodores of the Chicago Yacht Club back in 1943. They bought the land and platted the area in September 1944 as well as forming the Snug Harbor Corporation, which controlled the ownership of the lots.

 

In 1975 the deeds were distributed and/or sold to the then owners and a condominium form of ownership was established under the name of the Snug Harbor Yacht Club. With both waterfront and non-waterfront homes and estates, located just minutes away from the ocean by boat or car and also convenient to downtown Stuart, offices, restaurants and recreational areas.

Snug Harbor in Stuart FL

Snug Harbor is one of the finest communities in Martin County. There are only 72 home sites with a club house, deep water marina, boat ramp, trailer parking and tennis courts. There is an active association with social activities year round that make this community a very attractive place to call home.

Snug Harbor in Stuart FL

Please feel free to contact Gabe Sanders (772-323-6996), a Snug Harbor resident, if you would like any information about this wonderful community.

Snug Harbor in Stuart FL Snug Harbor in Stuart FL

 

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Snug Harbor June 2015 Market Report

When a Stuart FL Home goes Searching for its Identity: Comparables

When a Stuart FL Home goes Searching for its Identity: Comparables

 

There are two kinds of situations that homeowners looking at Stuart FL comparables run into:

  1. THE SIMPLE COMPS: Your Stuart FL home is part of an area that’s more uniform than not, in a neighborhood where there are a sufficient number of similar houses to have produced several sales recently. Your street may not be part of a literal development with models that have near-duplicate floor plans—but the area is, in general, homogenous. When it comes to selling your Stuart FL home, you’re in luck!
  2. THE NOT-SO-SIMPLE COMPS: AKA, the incomparable situation. Your Martin County home is one of a kind, almost totally unlike any other in the neighborhood (two bedrooms, six-and-a-half baths) or unlike any other in any neighborhood (who else has a swimming pool built into the attic?). All right, maybe your house isn’t quite that weirdly incomparable, but it’s still the case that no similar home has sold within a 5-mile radius within the last year or two. When it comes to selling your Stuart FL home, you may still be in luck—but not because of ‘the comps’!

When your property falls into the first category, one whole part of your selling situation becomes a piece of cake because of the comparables. Stuart FL comparables from previous sales make the ultimate, convincing case that your home has at least $X value, because the market says so. In writing. Real people have plunked down their hard-earned dollars as proof. Even better, real banks have backed them up with their also very real dollars. It’s all verifiable in the public records.

When your property falls into the second category, in terms of the comparables for Stuart FL, it really doesn’t matter if you have the most attractive house or the best bells and whistles and bathroom renovations that will take a buyer’s breath away. If no other home within a reasonable distance has sold with a reasonable period (say, six months) that are close to the same size as yours, or if none has anything like similar features, you and your Realtor® are going to be pretty much on your own even settling on a listing price. Here’s a few lesser known reasons why paying attention to comparables is important when selling your home.

  • Unique amenities won’t always guarantee a higher comparable value. If the amenities are unusual for Martin County, it might make it that much more difficult to find enough comparables in your area to come up with a listing price.
  • School districts factor heavily into value. You might have grumbled about paying school taxes if you aren’t sending your own children off to school, but the quality of the school district has a large influence on comparables.
  • Scarcity of housing inventory in your neighborhood can be either an advantage or disadvantage. It’s a plus if the housing inventory is low due to high demand (there will be enough recent sales information to set an accurate listing price). It’s a negative if scarcity occurs because no one is buying nearby homes—and appraisers will find it more difficult to place a value on the property.

It’s my job to get your home the best offers in the shortest amount of time for either category of Martin County comparables. Give me a call—regardless of which one yours falls into, we’ll discuss how we can produce results that are truly incomparable!

When a Stuart FL Home goes Searching for its Identity: Comparables

South Sewalls Point Pool Home Sold

South Sewalls Point Pool Home Sold

Another Stuart FL sale from the Gabe Sanders BlueWater Realty Team.  This home on 11 Lantana Lane was a bank owned foreclosure which closed for a sales price of $420,000.

South Sewalls Point Pool Home

Magnificent 2 story home with 3 bedroom, 3 baths, and ceramic tile flooring. A large open pool adjacent to a covered patio with a very private fenced back yard with a playhouse and Tiki Shack. Enter this home through a decorative circular drive to your open front foyer and entrance. The living room enjoys wonderful views of the yard and has a fireplace. The master bedroom has two closets one cedar lined along with an over sized master bathroom.

South Sewalls Point Pool Home South Sewalls Point Pool Home

Sewalls Point is an upscale and unique peninsula town located on the eastern side of Martin County, Florida.  Sewalls Point is home to many younger families, professionals and some seasonal residents. Surrounded by water on its north, south and west, this unique community is famous for its waterfront homes and is often called a boaters’ paradise.  Sewalls Point waterfront real estate offers wide water views of the Saint Lucie River on the west side and the Indian River (the Intracoastal Waterway) on the east side. Beautiful tree-lined streets feature estate homes, many of which are wide waterfront estates with quick access to the Atlantic Ocean.  With a population of just over 2,000 residents, Sewalls Point boasts a high quality of life with small-town character, while offering the amenities of a much larger town, with its own City Hall and Police Force.

South Sewalls Point Pool Home South Sewalls Point Pool Home

Sewalls Point is very well situated only minutes from the beaches of South Hutchinson Island and also close to shopping malls, restaurants, big-name chains, three nearby medical centers and more.  Travel only a few minutes by boat to Manatee Pocket a harbor with marinas, waterfront restaurants, and tackle stores.  Shop or just browse at the Shoppes of Harbour Bay Plaza featuring specialty shops.

South Sewalls Point Pool Home South Sewalls Point Pool Home

 South Sewalls Point Carousel of Homes

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South Sewalls Point Pool Home Sold


Tropical Paradise Ocean Access Waterfront Lot Under Contract

Tropical Paradise Ocean Access Waterfront Lot Under Contract

This waterfront lot with ocean access (fixed bridges) is now under contract.  The contract is contingent on financing so if you have an interest, please call me as we will take one or two back-up offers.

7941 SE Paradise Dr New Price

Paved driveway and pad in place.  Existing mobile home has been removed.  There’s 81 feet of waterfront with ocean access suitable for a smaller boat that can go under two fixed bridges with approximately 6′ clearance.  Community has an RV boat storage lot with one space for every resident. Great opportunity in a wonderful friendly community.

Overview

Maps

Photos

Features

Description


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$75,000
Lots and Land
Main Features
Lot: 0.20 acre(s)
MLS #: 379758
Location
7941 SE Paradise Dr.
Stuart, FL 34997
USA
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The Tropical Paradise community is a subdivision with modular and manufactured homes that are slowly replacing the original mobile homes that were in place.

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More information about Stuart Florida Homes and Land can be found on the Gabe Sanders BlueWater Realty team’s web site.

Tropical Paradise Ocean Access Waterfront Lot Under Contract

Retirees Rethink Retirement – of Their Stuart Mortgage!

Retirees Rethink Retirement – of Their Stuart Mortgage!

 Loan-Paid

Last week, The Wall Street Journal ran an article about personal finances that many Florida mortgage payers who are at or near retirement age should find thought-provoking. It centered on the idea that today’s retirees are often making a decision that differs from what past generations have chosen.

The basis is twofold. First, it’s undeniable that the 60- or 65-year-olds of today rightly expect a future that’s likely to stretch one or more decades longer than was the case for their grandparents. Improved health care and health awareness have combined to extend life expectancies considerably. The WSJ didn’t mention it, but some quick research reveals that while a baby boomer’s parents (assuming they were born in the 1920s) had a longevity expectation at birth of only about 55 years, the CDC says that today’s average 65-year-old male can expect to live another 18 years—with ladies even out-surviving them by another 2½ years.

Such a radical advance combines with a second development—today’s low mortgage interest rates—to create a shift in thinking by many as they hit retirement age. Experts believe that previous generations tended to feel “they were in the last inning” of life, and thus needed to pick a safe path regarding their residences. Paying off their home’s mortgage was given very high priority—one that was almost universally unquestioned. Home ownership unencumbered by a mortgage was taken to be a sound part of a worry-free old age.

But today’s Florida retirees are significantly less defensive in their thinking. According to The Journal, “Maybe their parents paid off the house before retiring, but many baby boomers say it makes more sense to carry a mortgage.” Instead of surrendering their cash or investments, the 21st Century trend is for mature Americans to take advantage of today’s low interest rates. The long time run-up in the stock market has also made the choice that much more appealing.

Florida seniors may also be departing from the way previous generations behaved. A Merrill Lynch/Age Wave study in August found that 30% of relocating retirees were moving to larger homes! And let’s face it: the whole notion of retiring is undergoing a transformation as more and more of the 60+ set realize they don’t want (or can’t afford) to quit working altogether. With so many good years before them, many are embarking on new careers—often elatedly following pursuits they’d “never had time for.”

With mortgage rates in Stuart continuing to roost down in the bargain basement, today’s seniors aren’t alone in recognizing that this spring represents a rare home buying opportunity. If you are coming to the same conclusion, I hope you will give me a call to chat about today’s many Stuart offerings!

Goal of a Thorough Treasure Coast Home Inspection: Future Peace of Mind

 Goal of a Thorough Treasure Coast Home Inspection: Future Peace of Mind

Home-InspectorWhenever we think of how our Treasure Coast home staging professionals approach their craft, it’s all the positives that come to mind—how they transform a ho-hum living room into a welcoming showplace; a run-of-the-mill front porch into a curb appeal magnet, etc. That is true, but equally important are the negatives they address. Stagers locate and eliminate elements that detract.

This is all by way of pointing out that another element of the Martin County real estate industry—the home inspection part—provides an extremely positive contribution by zeroing in on negatives. It’s pretty darned important that a Jensen Beach home inspection do just that!

Picture this: it’s just under a year since you bought your home, but what started out as a dream home is beginning to take on aspects of a nightmare. Cracks have appeared in the foundation (were they there all along?); asphalt tiles are raining down onto the driveway (am I seeing gaps up on the garage roof?); and puddles are springing up underneath the network of pipes that (now that I’m looking closely) do seem to show a bit more rust than they probably should…

This is the kind of evolving nightmare no Treasure Coast home buyer should have to deal with. A thorough home inspection unearths problems before you close on the home—so while it may require an investment of a few hundred dollars, it’s the most sensible way to prevent expensive (but foreseeable) maintenance surprises down the road. Going about tapping a professional whose home inspection credentials measure up won’t take an undue chunk of your time:

·         Survey the ratings

This is an area where the Better Business Bureau is truly invaluable. Likewise, customer feedback sites like Angie’s List offer reviews of Treasure Coast home inspection services that are full of useful information. The only detail that’s less attention-worthy is cost. When you’re in the process of investing hundreds of thousands of dollars, paying a bit extra for a superior home inspection is “pound-wise.”

·         Note ties to the Martin County community

Home inspectors who have maintained strong ties to the Treasure Coast business community have their reputation riding on the line with every inspection. Their incentives are perfectly aligned with yours for providing a thorough inspection with written findings that will hold up over time.

·         Consider a structural engineer or another specialist

If there’s a question about the structural integrity of the home, look for an inspector with engineering credentials. Likewise, if there are questions about other areas of the house (like the electrical system), be open to calling in an appropriate specialist to take a look. It’s really your peace of mind that will benefit.

When you choose me as your Realtor®, I will also be happy to recommend several Treasure Coast home inspectors who have demonstrated their skill and reliability for my clients over the years. I hope you won’t hesitate to give me a call!

Becker Rd Area 4 BR Home for Rent

Becker Rd Area 4 BR Home for Rent

4541 SW Athena Dr for Rent

New on the market, this 4 BR Port St Lucie home is now available for an annual lease for $1,700 a month.  Please call us for more details.

4541 SW Athena Dr for Rent 4541 SW Athena Dr for Rent

Enter this large 4 bedroom home with 2 bath, 2 car garage plus a den that could be used as a 5th bedroom. Vaulted ceilings with lots of natural light. Great family home with eat-in kitchen, breakfast bar and panty. Family room has sliding glass doors to cover patio where you can BBQ and enjoy the outdoors. The master bath has double sinks, make-up table, garden tub and walk-in closet. The laundry room is located in the house. Bring your own washer/dryer or landlord will provide a set. Located on a quiet street close to the Turnpike, Becker Road, Publix, Restaurants and shops.

4541 SW Athena Dr for Rent 4541 SW Athena Dr for Rent

4541 SW Athena Dr for Rent 4541 SW Athena Dr for Rent

This Port St. Lucie rental home is offered for lease by the Gabe Sanders BlueWater Realty Team

To search for additional Port St Lucie rental homes click on our rental search here.

Becker Rd Area 4 BR Home for Rent

Martin County Real Estate News Can’t Compete with this China Item

Martin County Real Estate News Can’t Compete with this China Item

 3D_Printer

Martin County real estate news is fairly predictable—at least compared with some of the stories that filter in from the rest of the world. Here in Stuart, for instance, wherever a new home is being built, you’re likely to see familiar evidence like stacks of lumber and drywall, cartons of nail gun ammo, sacks of cement, and workmen hustling around as they put everything together.

Nary a printer in sight.

Not so in China. According to The Washington Post, the real estate news includes an item about an innovation from Asia. “Innovation” is perhaps a bit of an understatement, because the gist of the story was that in April a year ago, a Chinese concern built 10 houses in one day using a 3-D printer.

Despite what you may be thinking, this item did not have an April 1 dateline.

The 3-D printers we’ve been reading about over the past few years are the ones that take pellets or powders made of plastic, wax, ceramic, or even metal, and print three-dimensional objects, layer by layer, as directed by a computer.

Only a few years back, for most of us, stories about 3-D printers seemed more like science fiction than reality. But apparently the things actually work! As evidence, there have been lots of stories about the legal and other ramifications that accompany the printing of firearms. A few months ago, astronauts printed up a 3D wrench aboard the International Space Station: they’ll just print up spare parts when things break down. And there was that car (the “Strati”) that a company printed in Chicago: it took 44 hours to print, with a top speed of 40 MPH…

Doesn’t this all sound a little bit nuts?

But back to the real estate news from China. It seems that the outfit that printed the 10 houses last year, built a really, really big 3D printer, and used it to print a mansion: an 11,840 square-foot villa. Next to it, they printed up a 5-story building (just showing off, you have to think). According to reports, the process is more than just fast: it’s becoming cheaper and more energy-efficient. The Chinese company says that it can save 30%-60% of building materials, 50% of labor costs, etc. They want to print bridges, too…

But don’t think American ingenuity is being left in the polymer dust! USC Engineering Professor B. Khoshnevis is plugging away at the forefront of the technology, except he calls it “contour crafting” instead of “3D printing” (or “Xeroxing”). On his web site, in answer to the FAQ “Can you print an entire house?” the answer is Theoretically, yes. He hopes to seeentry-level construction models on the market within one to two years.”

Soooo, how long before our local Martin County real estate news will be trumpeting our own 3D printed houses for sale? No time soon. It turns out that the villa, 10 small houses, and 5-story apartment building in China “aren’t much to look at.” In fact, some say they are for demonstration only. So when you give me a call to help you find the Stuart home of your dreams, I suspect a printed model won’t be on our tour list. We won’t be making the rounds in a Strati, any time soon, either.

It’s only a two-seater, anyway.

3 “C’s” Turn Bad Weather into Boon for Your Stuart FL Home for Sale

  3 “C’s” Turn Bad Weather into Boon for Your Stuart FL Home for Sale

 weather

You’ve decided that right now is the perfect time to put up your Stuart FL home for sale; you’re charged with energy and determination; you’re ready to get going—and then…suddenly, the spring weather turns foul. It’s an all-too-common frustration, from mud season sieges in Northeastern Maine to kite-busting windstorms in the far Southwest, the kind of perfection “spring days” brings to mind isn’t always there when you want it to be.

Some days (even some weeks) are like that—often, when you’re trying to ready your Stuart home for sale. Sometimes Mother Nature just doesn’t cooperate. You’re stuck indoors.

Rather than sitting and stewing over all the time lost from perfecting the garden or touching up those few exterior blemishes that need a spot of paint or two, this is one situation that’s easily reversed. In fact, there is such a lot that can be accomplished indoors, with a little mental jujitsu, you should even be able to talk yourself into considering a bad weather break as an opportunity.

There are dozens of indoor activities you can attend to. Here are 3 C’s for examples:

Clutter! Let’s face it, for a home for sale, there’s too much stuff, everywhere. No, all that dust-catching memorabilia doesn’t really serve to create a more charming, homey atmosphere. It actually creates the sense that this home for sale belongs to someone else. The goal is to display a dwelling primed and waiting for the buyer’s décor ideas to take hold—and clutter in the form of personal possessions just obscures the issue. Box it, store it—or even prepare it for later eBay sale. Just do get it out of sight!

Clean! There’s the degree of ‘clean’ that we live in every day, and that’s perfectly fine for busy households and regular family life. Then there’s the kind of ‘clean’ that can help to turn a home for sale into a home that’s under contract. Deep cleaning is an art—and it may even take a professional to accomplish. In most cases, it just takes a little more time and determination than day-to-day housework can achieve. A stormy day is perfect for a serious rented-rug-cleaner session, or some toothbrush-aided baseboard scrubbing. Granted, foul weather is not conducive to any heroic window washing…for that, wait ‘till the skies clear.

Clear!  The furniture arrangement that’s evolved over time may be a layout that makes daily Stuart Florida living comfortable and convenient is frequently not the layout most conducive to moving a home for sale as quickly as possible. Less is often more because it opens sight lines and gives the feeling of roominess. Clearing rooms of redundant tables, chairs—even sofas—is an indoor activity with results that become instantly gratifying.

Spates of unpredictable Stuart weather don’t really prove much of an impediment to preparing a Your Stuart home for sale. If you’re close to making that decision, I hope you’ll consider giving me a call to discuss marketing directions. The weather’s perfect!

After Easter, Stuart Spring Real Estate Season Blossoms

After Easter, Stuart Spring Real Estate Season Blossoms

 Roosevelt Bridge at Night

When the first spring day comes along (as opposed to the first day of spring), a goodly proportion of our Stuart residents feel the annual pull toward the garden store aisles. Even those who’ve stoutly resisted ordering seeds, gardening tools, or any of the other back yard paraphernalia the catalogs kept hawking all winter can succumb to this particular Call of Nature.

Burpee, Scotts and Miracle-Gro shareholders can relax: spring has sprung.

The Stuart spring real estate selling season starts stirring, too, pretty much in lockstep with the appearance of the tulips. Whether or not the tulips have succeeded in poking up out of the ground, it’s a cinch that by this time they will have made colorful appearances on store shelves everywhere, just like the Peeps and chocolate bunnies. Unlike the rest of the early spring’s trappings, though, the spring real estate phenomenon doesn’t disappear from sight once Easter Sunday is a memory. In fact, it picks up steam.

There are any number of explanations why spring real estate in Stuart is always expected to ramp up. Part of the reason is the calendar. For families with children, if a move is going to involve a change in school districts, summer vacation is the least disruptive time of year for it to happen, so spring is the time to start house hunting. Part of the reason is due to the comparative difficulty of selling a home in wintertime: not only can foul weather make it harder to keep a home at its showy best, it also can throw a monkey wrench into property maintenance and the few cosmetic fixes that almost every home could use before it hits the Stuart listings. The result is a certain amount of bottled-up inventory that bursts onto the scene all at once—and springtime is the single time of the year when that happens.

Then there is the automatic momentum effect. When you sell a Stuart home, most families need to turn around and buy the next. The National Association of Realtors® tells us that the spring real estate selling season may actually be stronger than the numbers indicate, because many sales that really did begin “in season” don’t actually close until summer begins. Spring real estate as a phenomenon is “real” enough that you can’t blame them for lines like “Spring brings rain and flowers—and possibly extra green in the final sales price of your home.”

The spring real estate selling season is indeed underway, so if you are planning on listing your own Stuart home anytime soon, now is a great time to give us a call. It’s the best way to take advantage of the traditional boom in prospective buyers!

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Lakes at Savannahs Condo Pending

Lakes at Savannahs Condo Pending

Lakes at Savannahs Condo

Gorgeous and spacious Lakes at Savannahs Condo is now [ending with the buyer from the BlueWater realty team’s internet site.

 Lakes at Savannahs Condo

This beautiful fully updated end unit is full of charm! Brand new A/C and hot water heater put in three months ago! Tile floors/wood laminate throughout the home. The kitchen is decorated with a tile back splash, stainless steel appliances and opens up to a naturally lighted living area. The master bedroom has full walk in closets and opens up to a relaxing lake side porch. Enjoy the community amenities which include a heated community pool, a putting green, tennis courts, private dog park, a large club house for entertaining as well as a gym and a private library perfect for studying or relaxing. Don’t miss out on this!

Lakes at Savannahs Condo Lakes at Savannahs Condo

Lakes at Savannahs Condo Lakes at Savannahs Condo

For a personal condo search in either Saint Lucie or Martin County, call the Gabe Sanders BlueWater Realty Team at 772-323-6996 or visit our web site.

Lakes at Savannahs Condo lake

Some Sales Approaches Should Target Jensen Beach Empty-Nesters

Some Sales Approaches Should Target Jensen Beach Empty-Nesters

One strategy for selling your Jensen Beach home is to recognize the segment of the general public most likely to appreciate its inherent features, then be sure your sales approach will appeal to them. That doesn’t mean you will turn your back on all the other groups of buyers, of course—but it does mean you will make a deliberate effort to be especially sensitive to that group’s preferences, and highlight the features that are most likely to top their wish lists.

empty-nesters

When the Target Audience is Empty-Nesters…

The majority of current Jensen Beach empty-nesters belong to the baby boomer generation. They are somewhere between 50 and 68 years of age, and there are about 75 million of them in the U.S.—nearly a quarter of the population. Empty-nesters are parents who currently don’t have any of their kids living with at home. Most empty-nest buyers are looking for a permanent address to settle down in as they hit their later years. The question is, what features make a home most desirable to empty nesters?

Moderate Space

What can be slightly tricky about general rules for selling a home to this population is that although most are set on downsizing, they don’t want to feel shoehorned into their space, either. Empty-nesters are often moving out of a home that has become demonstrably too large after the kids moved out. But that can also mean that they are used to a lot of space—probably don’t want to be crammed into a tiny house that can’t accommodate children and grandchildren when they do come to visit.
It’s going to be a compromise. “Moderate space” would most likely be no more than 3 bedrooms and no fewer than 2—with two bathrooms the norm. This description offers nesters the possibility of catering to hobbies on a day-to-day basis, while still allowing some accommodations for guests. More significant properties—those with 4 or more bedrooms— are more likely to find success by marketing messaging that points toward growing families.

Easy to Maintain

As always, it’s a selling ‘must’ to ensure that your Jensen Beach home is shipshape! When prospects are able to see how much care you’ve put into your property, they are that much easier to interest than when it’s clear they will be required to come up with their own extra sweat and budget dollars. When you know that part of your preparation will include replacements, it’s a good idea to emphasize ease of maintenance in your choices. Examples are gutters that are shielded, windows that tilt up for easy cleaning inside and out, etc.

Whether or not your home is likely to attract Jensen Beach empty-nesters, knowing what part of the market will have the most likely prospects—and how to shape the sales messaging accordingly—is part of the no-obligation consultation I offer everyone who is deciding how they will go about selling their home. Give me a call to schedule one this week!

Some Sales Approaches Should Target Jensen Beach Empty-Nesters

Stuart Green Homes add Green to Owners’ Wallets

Stuart Green Homes add Green to Owners’ Wallets

green homeWhether we see it as evidence of the advance of a wider green homes movement or simply of rising environmental consciousness, Stuart green homes are becoming properties with a distinct marketable sales advantage. What were once viewed as altruistic gestures practiced by only the most dedicated preservationists are going mainstream—and at a rapid clip. The National Association of REALTORS® recently found that 70% of those surveyed believe eco-friendly features add value to a home. In other words, the practical advantages of ‘going green’ are becoming more and more evident to prospective buyers.

For sure, one reason for the increasing popularity of green homes in Stuart is a growing and sincere concern about sustainability.

But there’s also another reason: a growing and equally sincere desire to save cash!

There are in fact a number of practical reasons why green homes save their owner’s money:

Tankless water heaters are one example of a technology that’s been around for a while, but which is now gathering popularity. The engineering is based on the fact that constantly storing and re-heating of a volume of water means wasting a lot of energy. Tankless units don’t store heated water; instead, they pass it over coils that are only energized when hot water is needed. As a consequence, tankless water heaters can actually save their owners up to 50% on hot water costs!

• As global critics increase their cries for the conservation of fresh water, the idea that green homes can make a major difference is gaining traction. The EPA’s website lists multiple ways that green homes can save the precious resource, from WaterSense-labeled faucets and toilets to high-efficiency showerheads.

energy star
• Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can make the most dynamic contribution to green homes. Regularly-maintained Energy Star appliances, combined with home management practices like heating and cooling only areas that are in use via programmable thermostats can make a welcome dent in the monthly bills.

Together with the ongoing wallet relief that green homes provide their owners every month, changing over to ecologically championed household appliances and practices is an increasingly practical exercise. When it comes time to sell your Stuart home, too, being able to provide those penny-pinched utility bills can make all the difference to cost-conscious prospects. For more ideas on ways you can increase the value and sales appeal of your own property, I hope you won’t hesitate to give me a call!

Just Listed Affordable Palm City Pool Home

Just Listed Affordable Palm City Pool Home

Palm City Pool Home

877 SW 33rd St in Palm City is now on he MLS and those with an interest are encouraged to act fast as this home appears to be in high demand.

Palm City Pool Home Palm City Pool Home

Enjoy the good life in this Palm City pool home with no HOA.  Sitting in a quiet neighborhood with mature trees and landscaping.  Enter this charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home into a huge oversized kitchen.  Then, move on to either the living room or family room with serene views of your large pool and fenced backyard.  Step outside for a swim or just play in your private pool or gather your friends and neighbors for a barbecue in your own outdoor space.  This home is conveniently located close to shopping, restaurants and just a quick ride to the downtown Stuart area and beaches as well.  Less than one mile to a public boat ramp, this is Florida living at its best and it’s yours for under $200,000.

 


Palm City Pool Home

 

$189,900
Single Family Home
Main Features
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1,665 sqft
Lot: 0.26 acre(s)
Year Built: 1976
MLS #: 381974
Location
877 SW 33rd St.
Palm City, FL 34990
USA

 

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Search here for all Palm City Pool Homes currently available from the Martin County MLS

Call the Gabe Sanders BlueWater Realty Team (772) 210-2538 to schedule a sneak peek!

Just Listed Affordable Palm City Pool Home

May 2015 Market Report for Legacy Cove in Stuart Florida

May 2015 Market Report for Legacy Cove in Stuart Florida

There are currently 6 homes for sale in Legacy Cove in Stuart, FL.  Listing prices range from $270,000 to $385,000 for an average listing price of $336,108 or a price per square foot of living area of $163.36.

There is only 1 home currently under contract awaiting settlement.  The list price is $327,900 or $131.58 per sq. ft. of living area.  This is not a distressed sale.

In the past 12 months, 21 homes have sold in Legacy Cove with sales prices ranging from $238,500 to $463,100 for an average sales price of $333,205 or $140.20 per sq. ft. of living area.  These sales averaged 96% of list price.  There was only one bank owned foreclosure in these sales and no shot sales.

Legacy Cove in Stuart FL

Legacy Cove in Stuart Florida is a gated lakeside community of 229 homes off of Cove Road in Stuart, Florida.  Legacy Cove consists of two sections. The first section of 142 homes called the Cove Isle development was mostly completed between 2004 and 2005.  The newer section, called the Cove Lakes development consists of 87 home sites with construction that began in 2007.  Some homes are yet to be completed in Cove lakes.

Legacy Cove in Stuart FL

There’s a wide variety of homes in Legacy Cove, ranging for the smallest, a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 car garage with a little under 1,600 square feet of living area to  4, possible 5 bedroom, 3 and a 1/2 bathroom, 3 car garage two story homes with almost 4,000 square feet of living area.  And many sizes in between.

Legacy Cove in Stuart FL

Legacy Cove boasts a community pool and club house with a fitness center as well as two hard surfaced tennis courts.  Many homes in Legacy Cove in Stuart Florida have serene lake views and a comfortable private feeling.  Located just minutes from I-95, this is a great location for those wishing to take advantage of Martin County’s amenities while still having an easy commute to work either north or south.

Legacy Cove in Stuart FL

Legacy Cove is in an ‘A’ Martin County school system with children currently attending Pinewood elementary school, Dr. David L Anderson middle school and Martin County high school.

Legacy Cove in Stuart FL

The HOA fees are very reasonable at $688.00 per quarter.  Management of the community is through Bristol Management of Stuart.

Legacy Cove in Stuart FL

Residents of Legacy Cove in Stuart Florida enjoy a relaxing life style with easy access to restaurants, shopping and the many waterways, beaches and public parks that Martin County has to offer.

Search here for Legacy Cove Homes for Sale

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

Stuart Florida Real Estate

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

May 2015 Market Report for Legacy Cove in Stuart Florida


U.S. Residential Sales Expectations Hit 8-Year High

U.S. Residential Sales Expectations Hit 8-Year High

sold

Residential sales in Martin County, FL —in fact, all real estate dealings anywhere—remain the most local of commercial transactions. If your house is in San Francisco, a price spike in suburban Newark is probably of little interest, unless you plan on moving anytime soon. Even so, the new projection for overall U.S. residential sales had to perk up area homeowners’ interest.

The “best home sales market in eight years” was the forecast—along with “mortgage originations that will likely rise” and “larger gains in newly built home sales.” Martin County, FL residential sales may make up but a miniscule fraction of the data contained in CoreLogic’s analyses and data announcements, but any Martin County, FL homeowners looking for a strong spring market couldn’t help but be buoyed by last week’s prognostications.

The basis for the surprisingly robust residential sales prediction was supported by a number of other data sources which have gradually confirmed solidification of the overall economic picture. With many economists agreeing that the U.S. economy “is poised to grow by close to 3%” this year, a heightened level of housing demand is bound to result. If that mark is achieved, it would be for only the second year in a decade. Gains in employment (in the 3-to-3½ million person range) are also expected.

The improving economic projection for 2015 was ascribed to three forces. The halving of energy prices which began last summer was deemed “unlikely to jump back up this year.” Anyone who’s been enjoying the freefall in prices at Martin County, FL pumps will appreciate the immediate impact that has on family wallets.

The second positive force is psychological, and very real. The rise “in consumer and business manager confidence” in the recovery has been widely noted: the Conference Board (“up 4.9 points”); U.F.’s Confidence Index (“the highest reading in 10 years”); Small Business Optimism Index (“3rd highest reading since 2007”).

CoreLogic’s third factor was one that hasn’t been much talked about until now: governmental. Apparently, tax receipts have been stronger than expected, freeing state and local governments to spend more. That’s an unexpected economic stimulus—and of a kind that should be more welcome than some of the previous “let’s just create more money” variety.

CoreLogic puts residential sales growth in the area of 5%. Will our Martin County, FL numbers match those projections? One reason to think so is the current mortgage rate phenomenon. Rates remain tantalizingly low—but apt to begin creeping upward. That’s the kind of spur to home buyers that is apt to work as effectively as merchants’ “limited time sale” technique: tick! tick! tick!

If you have been delaying wading into the Martin County, FL residential sales arena until the time is right, 2015 certainly looks like that time has arrived. I’m standing by to help you take advantage of the many opportunities this spring market is offering. Why not give me a call?

If you want to see the latest Martin Count real estate statistics, just click here.

Why Buyers Resist those Palm City For Sale by Owner Signs

Why Buyers Resist those Palm City For Sale by Owner Signs

For Sale By Owner

Let’s start out by agreeing that a “For Sale by Owner” sign on a Palm City fence does have a certain appeal. It summons up mental images of a simple, direct relationship: no middle men, just straight talk and fair dealing with the One in Charge! And in fact, in many walks of life, dealing directly with the owner can be a plus. When you’re recommending a retail outlet to friends, telling them that you know the owner strengthens your endorsement.

So when you cruise by a sign announcing a Palm City For Sale by Owner property—a “FSBO”—you wouldn’t be alone if you were tempted to walk up and knock on the door. Buying a home directly from its owner should be a way to purchase a house at the lowest possible price, what with no real estate professionals getting involved!

That’s the fantasy, and although those assumptions are theoretically possible, in reality, homes being put up for sale by their owners represent a temptation that many experienced home buyers avoid. They have more than one reason.

1. Owners Often Ask for Too Much Money

The principal reason that For Sale by Owner sign went up in the first place is probably because the landowner wants to avoid paying real estate sales fees. They usually run about 6%, with half going to the seller’s broker, half to the buyer’s broker. Unfortunately, For Sale by Owner homes quite often carry higher prices because the owners don’t know how to determine fair market value—or are convinced any property of theirs is a special exception. In fact, some Palm City For Sale by Owner signs go up precisely because the owner didn’t like what a professional broker’s comparable market analysis revealed.

2. Pertinent Information May Go Missing

Disclosure laws are not getting any less cumbersome, but owners who aren’t familiar with their strict requirements can innocently (or less innocently) fail to toe the line. When significant unseen damage or relevant history is not disclosed, the buyer can wind up footing the bill long afterward. Buyers have some legal recourse, but that results in an expensive, drawn out process.

3. It’s Just Not Convenient to You!

Sellers who eschew the services of the real estate professionals have accepted a lot of responsibilities that come with trying to sell a Palm City property. Of course, they have to keep on top of their regular responsibilities at the same time. That can make things inconvenient for prospective buyers. When both parties use real estate agents, visits are scheduled in a professional (i.e., predictable) manner. When owners become sellers, though, visiting hours tend to reflect the owner’s lifestyle needs. When buyers can’t visit during business hours or when the owner has a family obligation, it can add extra strain. Likewise, when the scheduling of inspections is difficult or any of the strict paperwork deadlines aren’t met…it’s one reason that explains the NAR’s finding that the percentage of For Sale by Owner offerings have collapsed from 19% to 9% since 1991.

With so many disadvantages, it makes sense for buyers to focus on homes sold by agents instead of owners. With transparently justifiable prices, better information and procedural clarity all helping you land the best buy, it should be easy to cruise by those FSBO signs…and give me a call instead!

Why Buyers Resist those Palm City For Sale by Owner Signs