Broker Open House – Waterfront Pool Home in Palm City Florida

09.06.11 by

Broker Open House – Waterfront Pool Home in Palm City Florida

We invite you to join us for a broker open house at this wonderful waterfront pool home in Palm City Florida at 1645 SW Mapp Road on Wednesday, September 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Gabe Sanders real estate team of Premier Realty Group, Susan McCauley of First International Title and Lisa MacDougal of Fidelity Funding Mortgage.

A rare gem in beautiful Palm City. Situated on a secluded and private 1/2 acre +, lushly landscaped lot, is this like new 4 BR, 3 BA, Screened pool home with private dock and lift (4,500 LB – but supports will accommodate larger). This 1998 Mercedes Eileen Isle model has been maintained in pristine condition, with a gourmet kitchen featuring new Shirestone counters, newer appliances, newer high-efficiency AC, a resurfaced gas-heated screened pool with spa all with a view of the length of the canal to the Saint Lucie River. No neighbors in sight from this private setting. Yet close to Martin County’s ‘A’ rated schools, shopping, beaches and downtown Stuart. Only minutes to the blue waters of the Atlantic ocean. An exceptional opportunity.

Search for all Palm City Waterfront Homes

Broker Open House – Waterfront Pool Home in Palm City Florida

For more information, visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.
Our market reports are here!

Palm City Florida Real Estate is presented by:
the Gabe Sanders real estate team

The Impact of Escrow and PMI

09.02.10 by

The Impact of Escrow and PMI


As you plan to buy your Treasure Coast Florida home, seek pre-approval for financing so that you’ll know how much home you can afford and how much to budget for monthly mortgage payments.  Aside from the financed amount, some other regular expenses associated with home ownership will also impact your payment amount.

First is homeowner’s insurance which provides protection against fire and theft.  Flood insurance is another beast entirely, and may be required depending on your new home’s location.  Remember that you can save money by carrying your auto and homeowners insurance policies with the same company.

Just like insurance, your lender also collects funds each month for property taxes, but you’ll appreciate paying them if you ever need to call the police or fire department, or send your kids to a local school!  The lender will hold the insurance and tax funds in escrow until the bills are due to be paid on your behalf.

Finally, if your down payment is less than 20 percent of the loan value, you’ll likely pay PMI or private mortgage insurance early on.  PMI is insurance for the lender against your risk of default and might add a couple of hundred dollars to your payment, depending on the size of your loan.

Don’t worry, these costs are bearable as long as you’re prepared for them and you do your planning before making your purchase.  Homeownership on Florida’s Treasure Coast is very affordable today, but you will need to do your homework and seek the advice of trusted local professionals.

The Impact of Escrow and PMI
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Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

For more information about Florida’s Treasure Coast Real Estate, visit us at:

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Pinecrest Lakes Homes for Sale in Jensen Beach, Florida

08.22.10 by
Pinecrest Lakes Homes for Sale in Jensen Beach, Florida

Pinecrest Lakes in Jensen Beach, Florida was first developed in the late 70’s and early 80’s during a time when the Martin County Commissioners were notoriously stringent and restrictive about new developments in the area.  Consequently, this community has a distinctive feel and flavor.  All homes are on at least a 1/2 acre lot with many on larger 1 to 2 acre lots.  None of the homes are identical and all types of construction and paint schemes are allowed.

Pinecrest Lakes is located south of NE Jensen Beach Boulevard and just east of the new Green River parkway.  Residents enjoy wide winding streets with sidewalks, street lights, underground utilities and public water.  Community features include tot lots, parks, lakes and tennis courts.

Pinecrest Lakes is located in Martin County’s “A” rated school district.  The local public elementary school, Jensen Beach Elementary School, is less than a mile away, within easy walking and biking distance for students.  Students also attend Stuart Middle School in Stuart and Jensen Beach High School located approximately 1 mile northwest of the community on NE Jensen Beach Boulevard.

Pinecrest Lakes is also about 1 mile to the east of the Treasure Coast Square Mall, Martin County’s main shopping center. Residents are a short ride away from the beautiful beaches on Hutchinson Island, historic downtown Jensen Beach, Indian Riverside Park as well as numerous boat ramps and marinas that serve the vast boating resources available in Martin County.

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

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

For more information about Florida’s Treasure Coast Real Estate, visit us at:

Search the MLS for Free

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you’ll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You’ll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that’s listed in the MLS!

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Cobblestone Country Club Homes for Sale in Palm City, Florida – SOLD

08.19.10 by
Cobblestone Country Club Homes for Sale in Palm City, Florida – SOLD
Gourmet Kitchen w/cherry cabinetry, double ovens, center island, granite counters, GE Profile Stainless appliance package, drop lighting, tiled living areas, decorative architectural columns in foyer & dining room, soaring ceilings, spacious master suite with luxurious master bath and large walk-in closets.  This home sits on a private 1/2 acre lot and offers a preserve and golf view.  Other features include 2 zone A/C, 3 car garage, s-tile roof, brick paver drive, zoned automatic sprinkler system, 8 foot raised panel interior doors, security system, cat-5 wiring, and wiring in place for surround sound in the family room and patio areas.  Cobblestone is a gated community of large upscale homes with a guardhouse, roving security, and low Homeowners fees in a private country club setting.  Home of the members-only Fox Club, championship golf course.
Cobblestone Country Club Homes for Sale in Palm City, Florida – SOLD

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

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

For more information about Florida’s Treasure Coast Real Estate, visit us at:

Search the MLS for Free

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you’ll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You’ll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that’s listed in the MLS!

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Homes and Land for Sale in Palm City Farms, Florida

08.14.10 by
Homes and Land for Sale in Palm City Farms, Florida
 

If you’re looking for an area of secluded acreage, yet still be close to shopping, entertainment the beach and navigable waterways Palm City Farms may just be the dream setting you are looking for.  Prices are currently more affordable than they have been in the past 5 or 6 years.

Beautiful acreage with 5 acres and larger home sites and vacant land abound in Palm City Farms. This is the perfect location for your equestrian needs as well as many other agricultural uses.  All within minutes of Martin County ‘A’ rated schools, shopping, beaches and easy access to I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike.

For additional information about Palm City Farms please contact us.


Search for all Palm City farms, Florida Homes and Land for Sale

Homes and Land for Sale in Palm City Farms, Florida

Hobe Sound in Martin County, Florida

08.14.10 by
Hobe Sound in Martin County, Florida


Hobe Sound is the southern part of Martin County.  Located on the Atlantic Coast, south of Stuart amd north of Jupiter, Hobe Sound stretches along the coast between Port Salerno and Jonathan Dickinson State Park and includes Jupiter Island (one of the most prestigious and expensive places to live in the entire United States). The western border is not clearly defined though most development drops off only a few miles inland at Powerline Road where the current urban services boundary ends.

Hobe Sound was named after the Jove or Jobe Indians, a Native American group that occupied the area prior to the arrival of European explorers.  The Spanish pronounced it ‘Ho-bay’ and the name has now evolved to be Hobe (pronounced as it would rhyme with robe).

The earliest recorded European contact appears to be from 1696 when the British ship ‘Reformation’ sailing from Jamaica to Philadelphia sank in the area.  The 25 passengers and crew made it ashore and received aid from the Jove Indians.  One of the notable passengers, Jonathan Dickenson, was a passenger on the Reformation and now a beautiful large park and nature preserve in Hobe Sound, bears his name.


It was just after the start of the 20th century that Hobe Sound started to grow with the Florida East Coast Railroad of Henry Flagler coming through the area.


Today, Hobe Sound consists of a wonderful downtown area with quaint shops and restaurants.  Numerous types of residential areas from multi-million dollar homes on Jupiter Island, to upscale Yachting Communities, Golf Course communities and very modest manufactured home communities.  With quick and easy access to Palm Beach County and parts South as well as Stuart to the North, Hobe Sound is a truly desirable area to visit or call home.

Hobe Sound in Martin County, Florida

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

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

For more information about Florida’s Treasure Coast Real Estate, visit us at:

Search the MLS for Free

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you’ll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You’ll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that’s listed in the MLS!

Stuart Florida Real Estate 

Call 772-323-6996 for information

Martins Crossing in Stuart, Florida

08.14.10 by

Martins Crossing in Stuart, Florida

Located in the intimate, yet vibrant, city of Stuart near a variety of fine restaurants, cultural outlets and shopping.  Martins Crossing boasts a stunning variety of single family homes and a section of private town homes.  Community amenities include lush landscaping and wetland views,  Martin’s Crossing Clubhouse with a sparkling resort style pool, oversized pool deck, tennis courts and a playful tot lot.

Search the MLS for available Martins Crossing Homes and Town Homes

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

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

For more information about Florida’s Treasure Coast Real Estate, visit us at:

Search the MLS for Free

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you’ll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You’ll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that’s listed in the MLS!

For Martin County

Call 772-323-6996 for information

Palm City, Florida Waterfront Homes for Sale – Sale Pending

08.14.10 by

Palm City, Florida Waterfront Homes for Sale

Discover this newly remodeled custom waterfront pool home in desirable Rustic Hills! 3BR 2BA open floor plan ideal for entertaining and family gatherings. Gourmet kitchen 42″ custom maple cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Hardwood floors and tile throughout, recessed lighting and crown moldings. French doors lead out to the lovely private backyard with heated in-ground pool. Deep waterfront with private dockage for 30+ foot boat, boat lift. A wonderful family neighborhood, close to schools, shopping, I-95 & TPK, yet very private and tranquil. A beautiful tropical oasis!

Palm City, Florida Waterfront Homes for Sale

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

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

For more information about Florida’s Treasure Coast Real Estate, visit us at:

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Search the MLS for Free

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you’ll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You’ll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that’s listed in the MLS!

For Martin County

Call 772-323-6996 or 1-866-899-7977 for information

Hutchinson Island Ocean Front Condos for Sale in Stuart, Florida

08.14.10 by

Hutchinson Island Ocean Front Condos for Sale in Stuart, Florida

 
Fully furnished and immaculate one-owner ocean front condo in one of Martin County’s premiere buildings.  Spacious 2 Bedroom split plan with everything one needs for a full-time home or that special Florida tropical retreat. Suntide includes private beach access, heated pool, tennis courts, shuffleboard, wash area, newly renovated clubhouse with billiards, card table, fully equipped kitchen, bar, library and entertaining area as well as a professional fitness center. Under building secured parking.  This one-owner unit has never been rented and is ready for immediate occupancy.
Hutchinson Island Ocean Front Condos for Sale in Stuart, Florida

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

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

For more information about Florida’s Treasure Coast Real Estate, visit us at:

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Palm City Florida Waterfront Homes

08.14.10 by

Palm City Florida Waterfront Homes

Palm City is part of unincorporated Martin County, Florida.  It was first developed by Charles C. Chillingworth and his Palm Beach County Land Company (at that time it was part of Palm Beach County).  Chillingworth advertised all over America, Canada, and Europe for inexpensive acreage for farmers in the tropical climate as the perfect place to grow pineapples, oranges, and grapefruit.  One of these ads offered a “Free dinner on New Year’s Day for prospective buyers. A 10-acre tract for $50 per acre (to be raised to $60 the next day) with a free town lot in Palm City to every purchaser and 85¢ for a round trip train ticket from West Palm Beach to Stuart.”


Today, Palm City has changed considerably with one of the highest rated school systems in the entire state of Florida.  Numerous new communities abound in Palm City including champion 18 and 36 hole golf course communities, and waterfront communities with easy access to the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.  The West Palm Beach International Airport is an easy 45-minute drive away, and two hours takes you to Disney World and Universal Studios. Palm City offers a pristine environment where you can escape the crowds and enjoy the conveniences of home in a small-town atmosphere with first-rate amenities.

Palm City’s waterfront is on both the north and south forks of the Saint Lucie River.  The north fork continues and winds its way through Port Saint Lucie and up through Saint Lucie County to White City in Fort Pierce.  The south fork turns into the Saint Lucie Waterway and then the Okeechobee Waterway with access to Lake Okeechobee and on to the west coast of Florida by Fort Myers and the Gulf of Mexico.

If you have an interest in Palm City Waterfront Homes, here are the currently available Palm City Waterfront homes for sale


Palm City Florida Waterfront Homes

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

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

For more information about Florida’s Treasure Coast Real Estate, visit us at:

Stuart Florida Real Estate or Treasure Coast FL Homes

Search the MLS for Free

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you’ll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You’ll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that’s listed in the MLS!

For Martin County
(Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Hutchinson Island)

Use this Free MLS Search:
Call 772-323-6996  for information

 

Homes for Sale in Sewalls Point Florida – Sold in 18 Days!

08.01.10 by

Homes for Sale in Sewalls Point Florida – Sold in 18 Days!

Spacious pool home for sale in Sewalls Point, Florida.  Great location on large 1/2 acre plus lot in ideal family friendly neighborhood.  Close to beaches, boating and downtown Stuart.  ‘A’ rated school system.
The Town of Sewalls Point, a unique peninsula located between the St. Lucie and Indian Rivers, has a Commission form of government consisting of five elected Commissioners and a staff that includes a part-time Town Manager, a Town Clerk/Treasurer, a Police Chief and Police Department and a Building Official who heads the Building and Public Works Departments. All Town government operations are located in the Town Hall which also houses a sixty seat Meeting Hall.
The Town is a residential community with a small commercial area. It is bounded on the east by the Indian River, on the south and west by the St. Lucie River and on the north by unincorporated areas of Martin County. The peninsula is 3.5 miles long and an average third of a mile in width. Of the 780 acres comprising the Town, 766 acres or 98.20% are designated for single family use. The southernmost point of the peninsula lies approximately two miles west of the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lucie Inlet. Hutchinson Island is to the east across the Indian River and the City of Stuart is to the west across the St. Lucie River.

Homes for Sale in Sewalls Point Florida – Sold in 18 Days!


Search here for all available homes for Sale in Sewalls Point, Florida

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

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

For more information about Florida’s Treasure Coast Real Estate, visit us at:

Stuart Florida Real Estate or Treasure Coast FL Homes

Search the MLS for Free

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you’ll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You’ll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that’s listed in the MLS!

For Martin County
(Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Hutchinson Island)

North River Shores Homes for Sale in Stuart, Florida

07.30.10 by

North River Shores Homes for Sale in Stuart, Florida

The area north of the Roosevelt Bridge to Britt Road and west of US 1 is sometimes loosely referred to as “North River Shores.” However, North River Shores and its companion neighborhoods of Cocoanut Point and North River Forest are distinct subdivisions as recorded in Martin County records.
North River Shores in Stuart Florida

Google Earth Image


Members of these communities enjoy the benefits of designated park areas as well as the use of the boat ramp at Nosaw Park which accesses the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. There are also some accompanying deed restrictions that enhance and protect the aesthetic nature of this beautiful community.

The North River Shores communities include both waterfront and non-waterfront homes.  Waterfront homes may have sweeping miles-wide views of the North Fork of the Saint Lucie River or protected canal front homes with deep water dockage.  Additionally, North River Shores is a bird and wildlife sanctuary.


This community is blessed with easy access to shopping, the beaches, houses of worship, schools and access to both downtown Stuart and Jensen Beach, yet it maintains a quiet and peaceful neighborhood character.   This is a wonderful neighborhood within Martin County’s ‘A’ rated school district. For additional information visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.

North River Shores Homes for Sale in Stuart, Florida

Search here for available homes in North River Shores

Find the Perfect Home for Sale Today

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

courtesy of:
Gabe Sanders

Group One Mortgage in Jupiter, Florida – Claudine Porikos

07.30.10 by

Group One Mortgage in Jupiter, Florida – Claudine Porikos

With this difficult real estate lending market it’s highly unusual to find a dedicated team of professionals that can do miracles.  Claudine Porikos and her team have saved numerous sales for us when others simply just couldn’t do it.  If you need help in a difficult financial situation call Claudine.  Here is what she has to say:
Excellence of service with Claudine Porikos and Group One Mortgage…
I have been in the Mortgage Industry for seven years and pride myself on providing excellent service. I believe there are several ways that I accomplish this goal:
Availability
Product knowledge
Devotion
Doing what is best for you!!
I am by your side throughout the entire process, beginning to end. Our staff and I look forward to making this the best experience you will ever have and we will remain your mortgage source for life.
I have been a Jupiter resident for over 30 years. I attended Jupiter Elementary, Middle, and High school. I then went on to graduate from Florida Atlantic University with a Degree in Marketing. Now, I am a wife and mother working and residing here in Jupiter.
I love what I do because nothing makes me happier than successfully helping others fulfill their dreams.
 

Group One Mortgage in Jupiter, Florida – Claudine Porikos

 

Search the MLS for FREE just like Realtors do?


Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you’ll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You’ll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that’s listed in the MLS!

Select the area you want and start your search below:


courtesy of:


Gabe Sanders

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

Locks landing Home for Sale in Stuart, Florida has Been SOLD!

07.24.10 by

Locks Landing Home for Sale in Stuart, Florida has Been SOLD!

Imagine your boat docked just steps from your home in this private marina community. This beautiful Boca style 4 bedroom, 3 bath home is situated on a large preserve lot in a quiet setting. All the comforts of home in this award-winning floor plan built by Miller in ’99. The great outdoor space has a large screened pool/spa with loads of open space for entertaining.  The 4th bedroom makes a fantastic office or in-law suite with a cabana bath nearby. Paver brick drive and outside side load garage for the car buff in your family.  The dock is included in the sale. Come see this beautiful home in a wonderful community. You’ll be glad you did!

Locks Landing Home for Sale in Stuart, Florida has Been SOLD!

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

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

 

Don’t Take Everything

07.09.10 by
If you plan to move while your home is still listed for sale, you may face a marketing challenge – the vacant home. While lived-in homes may be more attractive during showings, there is much you can do to present your vacant property successfully.On the outside, give your home an occupied look by asking a neighbor to park their car in your driveway, open and close your drapes, and retrieve any mail that still arrives. During the warm season, have a lawn service maintain the yard (in the winter, a snow removal service may be in order).

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

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

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

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

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

Myth Busting – Foreclosures and Short Sales

07.08.10 by



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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Location, location, location: There Are Many Related Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Search the Martin County MLS

Helping Your Children with the American Dream

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

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

Search the Martin County MLS

What’s It Worth Officially?

11.28.09 by

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

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

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

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

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

Stuart Florida Real Estate

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

Search the Martin County MLS

Selling Your Home? Dollars vs. Days

11.10.09 by

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

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

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

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

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

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

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