Protect Your Home and Your Wallet

10.31.09 by

If you own or plan to purchase a home, then you know that insurance is not just a luxury, it’s a requirement. While you should not skimp on certain coverage items, there are some steps you can take to reduce your overall premium.

If you have a security system installed (and operating!), you might lower your premium by 5% or more. You’ll just need to provide your insurer with a copy of your contract or latest statement. Also, while newer homes have smoke alarms already installed, hooking them up in an older home might also reduce your premium by as much as 10%.

Just like health or auto insurance, if you increase your deductible on homeowners insurance, you’ll reduce your premium. Just be sure you’re prepared to pocket smaller repairs like broken windows or damages from leaks.

If your policy is held by a company that also offers auto or health insurance, look into discounts for multiple policies. You could save a percentage on both your homeowners’ and auto policies, for example.

Another money (and time and stress) saver is to document everything in your home with a photographic inventory. Store photos, CDs, or videos in a fireproof box or, preferably, a safe deposit box off-site. This will reduce the time and effort required to complete a claim, and guarantee an accurate replacement payment.

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

Myth Busting – Foreclosures and Short Sales

10.26.09 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.

A First Time For Everything

10.19.09 by

An article appeared recently in the New York Times that beautifully illustrates the opportunities today’s real estate market offers. A mother working two jobs saved up for a downpayment and managed to buy a large home with a pool for $187,000. Three years ago, that same home had sold for $370,000!

While sellers are still feeling the pressure, buyers with stable incomes and good credit histories are beginning to spread a “feel good” vibe throughout the industry. Conditions have literally never been better for first-time buyers. Affordability has seldom been higher and interest rates have hardly been lower. The selection of inventory is vast, and sellers are highly motivated.

As more buyers enter the marketplace, the ripple effect will be felt far and wide. When they purchase a highly affordable foreclosure or “short sale,” they have removed a distressed property from the listings, improving values for other homes in the area. When they buy a “traditional” listing, that in turn sets off a chain reaction whereby the sellers in turn will purchase another home, from sellers who will, in turn, buy another home, and so on and so on.

You probably get the picture now. As we approach some stability in real estate, all indications are that prices will begin rising again. As the market approaches recovery, don’t miss your opportunity for the buy of a lifetime.

Stuart Florida Real Estate

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

Search the Martin County MLS

Price Reduced on Magnificent Wide Water Estate Home in Jensen Beach, Florida

10.16.09 by

Here’s your opportunity to own on a spectacular wide waterfront home on over 1.1 acres on Alice Street in Jensen Beach. Deep water dock with room for multiple vessels just minutes from the inlet. Drive down a magnificent tree arched driveway to an over 3000 sq. ft. home. This home boasts a chef’s dream kitchen featuring granite counters and stainless appliances. A large family/living area overlooking the pool and wide waterfront with your private sandy beach. The master suite also overlooks the waterfront with a huge cedar walk-in closet and upgraded marble bath with a Jacuzzi tub, dual sinks, and dual head shower. Lots of storage room including a large 3 bay shed. The remaining sections of this home require some updating.

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

Price Reduced on Updated Evergreen Condo for Sale in Port Saint Lucie, Florida

10.16.09 by

Wonderfully updated 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1st floor corner comes condo in Evergreen at Port Saint Lucie. Superior location by the new Saint Lucie County civic center, within walking distance to the hospital, banks, shopping and restaurants. Ceramic tile in all living areas and newer carpets in the bedrooms. Updated bathrooms. Evergreen features two community pools and numerous lakes with fountains. An excellent opportunity for a first time home buyer or for an inexpensive Florida second home.

Stuart Florida Real Estate

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

Search the Martin County MLS

Begin Packing Yesterday

10.10.09 by
Getting ready for a big move? You can’t begin preparing too soon, because the average move takes over 200 hours! Count on your real estate representative to provide advice and guidance during this seemingly monumental task.

Your first decision is whether to hire a moving company or rent a moving van and ask friends and family for help. If you’re using the pros, solicit quotes from several local companies who can visit your home and offer an accurate quote.

Next, begin sorting piles of items you’ll want to sell in yard sales, donate to charities, or haul to the landfill. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community and make a few bucks on the pieces you’ll sell. Anything you eliminate now will lower moving costs later.

DO create an inventory of your belongings, in case you need to file an insurance claim for lost or damaged goods. Allow the professionals to do your packing because if you don’t, those items that you wrap and pack won’t be covered by the mover’s insurance policy.

Finally, invest in additional insurance with the movers and storage facility, if needed. It only costs about $10 for every $1,000 in high-value items, so it’s worth it for your peace of mind. Ask your agent for more details to make your move as stress-free as possible.

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

Upgraded Condo for Sale in Conquistador, Stuart, FL

10.03.09 by

Fully updated 2nd-floor end unit. Newly updated open kitchen with island and breakfast bar. Spacious open plan with ceramic tile and new carpet in living areas. The Florida room is enclosed and becomes a part of the expanded living area with wonderful views of a park-like setting and the community pool. Two large bedrooms with laminate wood flooring and both bathrooms have been completely remodeled and updated. A washer/dryer hookup is included in this unit. Pet-friendly building. Conquistador features include an active clubhouse with a fitness area, library, ballroom, kitchen, a second pool, and tennis courts. Additional amenities include a riverside park with a fishing pier and a day dock. County Municipal Golf Course (36 holes) is next door.

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

Price reduced on Cedar Pointe Condo for Sale in Stuart Florida

10.02.09 by

Sunny and cheery 2 BR 2BA 2nd floor end unit with perfect SE exposure! A fabulous location only steps to the pool, clubhouse, and shuffleboard. This lovingly maintained unit has newer windows, and appliances and is freshly painted. Truly a wonderful place to call home. Cedar Pointe is centrally located with easy access to shopping, beaches, fishing, restaurants, a hospital, and a library.

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

Time Is Money

09.26.09 by
Whether buying or selling a home, the Offer To Purchase is the starting point for making the sale go through. If the sellers do not accept the offer outright, they may make a counter-offer, which the buyers may likewise accept, reject or counter again.
In the interest of speed and success, it’s best to keep counter-offers to a minimum. If you are trying to sell with urgency (and who isn’t?), weigh the buyers’ offer against your need to move quickly. Perhaps the value of the concession is quite small against the profit you’ll see upon a sale.
If you are asking $200,000 and receive an offer of $196,000, that’s equivalent to just 2% less, which is like offering $.98 instead of $1. Similarly, buyers must also be realistic about the possible costs of “over negotiating” in today’s rapidly changing economic atmosphere.
If you balk at the sellers’ counter-offer now, and decide to walk away and begin your home search over again, you could be facing higher interest rates and/or rising home prices. Today, time literally is money, and the longer you postpone your purchase, the more it will likely cost you.
Before making (or accepting) an offer, discuss the offer and counter-offer process with your agent, so that you know what to expect and can be more prepared to see the deal to a successful close.
If you need information to help you solve a real estate puzzle, visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.
Residential Homes, Condos, and LandWaterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

Sewalls Point Pool Home Sold!

09.23.09 by

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

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

Newer Lexington Lakes Town Home for Sale in Stuart, Florida

09.22.09 by

Live in the heart of Stuart and enjoy the amenities of Martin County and its ‘A’ rated schools. Close to beaches, parks, and shopping, this newer (built in 2006) 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, and garage townhome with low monthly fees that cover hazard insurance, outside maintenance, heated pool, clubhouse, fitness center, guard gated entry, water sewer and more. An open plan with upgraded lighting and a tiled living area. Plenty of storage space as well as an open rear patio overlooking a grassy lawn with private preserve views. This Province model also offers additional guest parking close by. Renting is permitted with restrictions & 2 pets are allowed with association approval.

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

When Less Is More

09.12.09 by

If you are a homeowner who can no longer make your monthly mortgage payments, you still have opportunities to avoid foreclosure and the damage it would do to your credit. Although more complicated and more challenging, a “short sale” may prove to be the best alternative.

If you are unfamiliar with the term, a “short sale” can happen when your mortgage lender agrees to let you sell the home for less than you still owe on it, forgiving the difference. Why would a lender settle for such a sale? Quite simply, the lender may determine that they will still receive a higher amount of the remaining balance through a short sale than they would through the very costly and time-consuming process of foreclosure.

Why would a homeowner agree to sell the home for less than its value? As already mentioned, a short sale keeps you out of foreclosure and reduces the damage to your credit (and subsequent ability to purchase another home).

In the middle is the real estate agent, helping the sellers, the lenders, and the buyers navigate the complexities of the transaction to reach a satisfactory conclusion for all involved. Homeowners can trust their representatives to be honest and to provide a fair assessment of value for all parties. You can trust your agent to be your advisor and champion during difficult times.

Should you find yourself in such a situation in Martin County and would like an honest assessment of your options, visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Open House in North River Shores on Sunday September 13, from 1 to 4 PM

09.09.09 by

North River Shores, Stuart – We invite everyone to visit our open house at 2196 NW Fork Road on September 13 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

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

Search the Martin County MLS

Port Saint Lucie Pool Home – Short Sale sold in under 60 days

09.04.09 by
Port Saint Lucie Section 40, Port Saint Lucie 34952 – The single story at 2686 SE Clareton Ter has been sold.
the Gabe Sanders real estate teamStuart Florida Real Estate

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

2490 SW Liberty St. in Palm City is Sold

08.29.09 by

Just sold, 2490 SW Liberty St. in Palm City, the Murano community. Brand new construction from Home Dynamics.

Contact us for some of the last few available homes at special pricing.

This neighborhood’s fantastic weather, minimal congestion and traffic, and cozy hometown atmosphere make it incredibly appealing to growing families and active retirees alike.

the Gabe Sanders real estate teamStuart Florida Real Estate

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

Open House in Palm City, Sunday Aug 30 from 1-4 PM

08.29.09 by
Please visit us at 3751 SW Canoe Creek Ter. on Sunday, Aug 30th from 1 to 4 PM.This home is a perfect 10! Immaculately appointed 4 BR, 3 BA Key West Pool Home on a secluded oversized preserve view lot of over 1/2 acre. Rich and warm wood flooring in all living areas. Custom handpicked marble kitchen and bathroom counters. New top-of-the-line stainless appliances and gas range boasting a pot filler. Kitchen appliances come with an extended 7-year warranty. Extensive crown moulding and wall treatments throughout. French doors and plantation shutters throughout. Gas heated, screened pool and spa overlooking an expansive yard and private playground. 15KW automatic backup generator. Super insulation and FPL savers make this a green home with very low utility costs. Come and see this gorgeous home.

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

Beyond The Lousy Loans

08.29.09 by

Yes, it’s true, many lenders in recent years have written sub-prime mortgages that could only be expected to default. However, foreclosure is nothing new, and there are myriad reasons that a homeowner might be facing dire straits.

Increasingly, challenges might include economic hardship due to job loss, bad health or divorce, or payments that jumped too high after a rate adjustment, or simply increased cost of living outpacing income.

Whatever the reasons, the best way to avoid foreclosure is to be well educated and prepared before making a home purchase, and anticipating worst-case scenarios before choosing the loan that is right for you.

If default appears inevitable, know that there is help available, with a “short sale” being the last resort for resolution. Such a transaction is called “short,” because the home is sold for less than the amount remaining on the mortgage, and the lender willingly accepts some of the loss.

If you’re facing foreclosure, contact your lender’s loss mitigation department immediately. While you are in the midst of negotiations, keep a log of all phone calls – the date, time, contact person and discussion. Lenders are overwhelmed right now, so be patient and don’t expect an immediate answer.

If you’re down to your last resort and are considering a short sale, you will need an experienced Realtor. Call one in your area that knows how to handle and negotiate short sales.

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

Curb appeal gains new importance in selling your home

08.22.09 by

If you are thinking of home improvements that will offer the best return when you sell your home, you may want to wait before updating the kitchen or adding a new bath.

Your greatest return on dollars invested now could be for increasing a home’s curb appeal. Your goal should be to make the outside of the house look really great so people fall in love with it before they even step out of the car.

Freshly painted trim and new hardware also help a home show well. And landscaping, including well-manicured trees and shrubs, can help older homes compete in the marketplace.

New windows, doors and siding are more expensive improvements but make homes look well-attended. They also help make homes more energy efficient, which is a factor with today’s high energy costs.

During the housing boom, kitchen and bath projects brought a 90 percent return on investment when the home was sold. That’s not true anymore. Now the return is about 70 percent or lower. Remodeling activity peaked in 2006, declined in 2007, and is expected to decline by 4.8 percent a year through 2009, according to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies.

If a remodeling project makes a home stand out from others in a similar price range, it might still be a good idea. But beware of remodeling on the cheap. Inferior cabinets and poor workmanship won’t fool buyers. Home searchers aren’t making snap decisions in these times. They’re taking their time and paying more attention to value.

That being said, go back to improving the appearance of your home from the outside. Potted flowers, trimmed bushes, and an edged lawn are less-expensive projects that give buyers that all-important, positive first impression.

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

4 BR Lakefront Pool Home in Springtree, Stuart is Sold

08.22.09 by
SOLD!
4 Bedroom Screened Pool Home with gorgeous lake views in the private convenient gated community of Springtree. This family-friendly community is close to Martin County beaches, convenient shopping, and wonderful restaurants. This district includes all ‘A’ rated schools. This home has generous room sizes and ample storage. Very aggressively priced featuring a kitchen with a gas stove, tankless gas hot water heater as well as gas heat for the pool and spa. Breakfast nook w/bay window that to the family room, the master suite has dual vanities, roman tub, separate shower. The second floor has accordion storm shutters for easy operation.

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

Know Your Mortgage Options

08.22.09 by

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

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

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

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

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

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