Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties
Port Saint Lucie Pool Home – Short Sale sold in under 60 days
2490 SW Liberty St. in Palm City is Sold
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.
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
the Gabe Sanders real estate team
Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties
Beyond The Lousy Loans
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
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.
4 BR Lakefront Pool Home in Springtree, Stuart is Sold
the Gabe Sanders real estate team
Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties
Know Your Mortgage Options
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.
Martin County Residential Market Update
Below are the latest charts for Martin County Residential (Single Family) real estate statistics as reported by the Realtor Association of Martin County.
The Definition of Absorption Rate:
Number of weeks it takes to sell the current inventory at the present rate of sales. Knowing your area’s Absorption Rate, helps to track trends. Understanding the market and where it is headed is part of our job as real estate professionals. The absorption rate is NOT an exact science. Figuring it is based on the premise that one will be looking for a TREND. It is advised to consistently do the numbers each month, to be able to track a trend.
Our inventory continues to decline and prices have leveled off and in certain isolated neighborhoods have begun to rise. We may very well be past the bottom. Careful monitoring of future trend data will give us the answers.
the Gabe Sanders real estate team
Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties
Martin County Condominum Market Update
Below are the latest charts for Martin County Condominium real estate statistics as reported by the Realtor Association of Martin County.
The Definition of Absorption Rate:
Number of weeks it takes to sell the current inventory at the present rate of sales. Knowing your area’s Absorption Rate helps to track trends. Understanding the market and where it is headed is part of our job as real estate professionals. The absorption rate is NOT an exact science. Figuring it is based on the premise that one will be looking for a TREND. It is advised to consistently do the numbers each month, to be able to track a trend.
The condo situation is a bit more complex in Martin County as we have a wide array of products available. Median prices show a slight uptick this past month, due mainly to the sale of some upper-end Ocean Front units. Overall, the inventory remains quite high and the seasonal slowdown in sales has begun. While the trend is definitely positive, we feel that this market continues to be in some difficulty.
the Gabe Sanders real estate team
Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties
Don’t Take Everything
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.
Updated Condo for Sale in Port Saint Lucie
Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties
Make Your Home a Welcome Sight
Go green by seeding and fertilizing your lawn for a lush look. Also, bring your home out from hiding by trimming overgrown branches and shrubbery around the house. Give the impression of easy living by hanging a hammock in the front yard. Seriously, little suggestions like that really sink into a buyer’s mind.
Give your flowerbeds and borders more striking visual appeal by applying mulch, and edge the beds and driveway, walkways and sidewalk. Planting annuals such as geraniums and petunias will also add to the impact and brighten up empty areas.
The final step in your outdoor “staging” is to power wash your home’s siding and the sidewalk and patio or deck. When you show pride of ownership and that you care about your home’s presentation, it will resonate with buyers looking for value and a home in ready-to-move-in condition.
Understanding the real estate market and the best solutions are our business, and we’ll happily share our knowledge with you. Why not visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.
Price reduced on Stuart Waterfront Pool Home with Ocean Access
North River Shores, Stuart – Announcing a price reduction on 1765 NW Harbor Pl., a 1,588 sq. ft., 3 bath, 2 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $475,000 USD – Bargain Priced.
Deep waterfront home only 3 homes from the wide Saint Lucie River. There’s a cut-in slip for your smaller boats as well as 100′ of waterfront for your larger vessel)s). This is a solid CBS home surrounded by updated much more valuable waterfront homes in a private exceptional area. This is an opportunity for someone who wants an affordable deep water home in North River Shores or possibly a remodel to fit the character of this fine community. 2BR, 3 Baths with large living areas, and diamond Brite in-ground pool. Please call us for additional information.
Residential Homes, Condos, and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties
Lakefront Golf Course Home for Sale in Stuart, Florida
• 2,000 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story “Poured concrete construction” – MLS® $314,961 USD
Florida Club, Stuart – Relax in style in this beautiful Oakmont model by DiVosta. Entertaining here is easy with granite breakfast bar, separate dining area, great room, den, extended screened lanai with lovely lake views. Subtle details create extra delight; glass tiles add ambient light, ample cabinets plus pull-out pantry, tile backsplash, Belgian laminate wood flooring, crown moulding throughout, wired for surround sound. Feel secure with poured concrete construction, accordion shutters, manual transfer for generator and security system, and transferrable warranty on appliances. Florida Club also offers a community pool, tennis, and a public golf course with the atmosphere of a private club.
Residential Homes, Condos, and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties
Jensen Beach Town Homes for Sale in Holly Creek
Jensen Beach Town Homes for Sale in Holly Creek
A large heated pool and two professional tennis courts adjoin the spacious clubhouse that has party and banquet facilities available for residents to use.
Numerous small lakes and lush landscaping make Holly Creek a desirable place to call home or a possible vacation retreat from those cold northern winters.
Holly Creek features 2 bedroom townhomes, 3 bedroom villas, 3 bedroom chalet homes all with a single car garage and additional parking. There are also a limited number of estate homes in the rear of Holly Creek which have 2 car garages, larger floor plans and individual designs.
Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties
Ocean Access Waterfront Pool Homes for Sale in Stuart, Florida
Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties
Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club Homes for Sale – Price Reduction
Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties
Make Your Move NOW!
ALERT: Buyers only have until December 1, 2009 to take advantage of the first-time buyers tax credit authorized in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Consult now with your tax advisor and real estate representative to get moving!
Most first-time buyers (who haven’t owned a home in three years) will qualify. If you’re married, you and your spouse must both satisfy this description.
There are income limits for claiming the credit of up to 10% of the home’s purchase price, which maxes out at $8,000. If your modified adjusted gross income (on IRS Form 1040, line 37) is less than $75,000 for individuals or $150,000 for married filing jointly, you can claim the maximum credit. For incomes up to $95,000 or $170,000 respectively, the credit is reduced.
This is not a tax “deduction,” but a tax “credit,” meaning that the amount you claim is reduced from your total tax bill! If you will owe less than $8,000 on your 2009 return, you’ll get a REFUND from the IRS for the difference!
The biggest news is that in response to pressure from the National Association of REALTORS®, FHA lenders will allow buyers to use the credit to cover closing costs, buy down the rate, or as an additional down payment! I urge you to take this money from the government and make your move before December!
the Gabe Sanders real estate team
Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties
Ocean Access Riverfront Lot / Land For Sale in River Place, White City
• lot / land “River Front – Ocean Access” – MLS® $247,000 USD – 1.5 Waterfront Acres
For more info, visit our website GabeSanders.com or call us at (772) 888-2885.