Rocky Point July 2015 Market Update

07.21.15 by

Rocky Point July 2015 Market Update

Here is your Rocky Point July 2015 market update in Stuart Florida:

There are currently 33 active listings in Rocky Point.  List prices range from a low of $195,000 to $2,895,000 which results in an average list price of $655,834 or $229.57 per square foot of living area.

19 homes are under contract (pending sales) and awaiting closing.    Listing prices ranged from $165,000 to $1,400,000 for an average list price of $364,400 which is $163.97 per square foot of living area.

In the past 12 months, 73 homes have sold in Rocky Point with sales prices ranging from $65,000 to $1,035,000 for an average sales price of $285,739 which equals $149.26 per square foot of living area.  The average days on market was 96 with a 95% list to sales price ratio.

Rocky Point Homes for Sale in Stuart, Florida

 Rocky Point real estate

 

Rocky Point in Stuart, FL is a wonderful boating oriented community located just off the Saint Lucie Inlet in beautiful Martin County Florida.  Originally a fishing village because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean; Rocky Point is now a wonderful family community with a variety of different neighborhoods.  Most of Rocky Point is still oriented towards fisherman and boaters with many of the neighborhoods having access to docks, marinas and/or boat ramps.  Some neighborhoods have deeded dock rights as well as privately owned ramps and launch facilities.  There is also a selection of some luxury waterfront homes with private docks located only a short few minutes cruise to the open Ocean via the Saint Lucie Inlet and within a day’s round trip to the Bahamas.

 Rocky Point real estate

Bordering Rocky Point to the north and west is the Manatee Pocket.  Home of the original Stuart Sailfish fleet (Stuart continues to proudly boast that it’s the ‘Sailfish Capitol of the World’).  Now home to a number of Marinas, Charter fleets and the famous Chapman School of Seamanship as well as quite a few excellent restaurants serving the freshest seafood arriving from the Ocean straight to the kitchens daily.

 Rocky Point real estate

All this in wonderful family friendly neighborhoods within Martin County’s ‘A’ rated schools system.

Rocky Point real estate

One of the highlights of the year for Rocky Point is the Port Salerno Seafood Festival.  Held yearly in the winter, this free festival fills the streets of Historic Port Salerno.  In addition to serving up the area’s freshest and tastiest seafood, live music, community booths, arts & crafts, activities for the kids, pirates and more keep the entire family entertained the whole day.

Rocky Point real estate Admission is FREE, though attendees are asked to bring canned goods in exchange for zero admission to benefit a food drive for local food banks.

Rocky Point real estate

 

 

Search the Martin County MLS
Search here for available homes in Rocky Point

 

Find the Perfect Home for Sale Today

Prices are low and 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:
the Gabe Sanders real estate team

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Rocky Point July 2015 Market Update

 

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report June 2015

07.20.15 by

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report June 2015

 

Jensen Beach Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34957, Condo Sales for June 2015

 

For June 2015 in the 34957 Zip Code area of Jensen Beach, Florida (Martin County) :



There are currently 31 active listings. (Increased by 1 condos from May)

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report June 2015

11 Condo sales are pending and awaiting settlement. (Decreased by 1 condos from May)

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report June 2015

5 Condos Sold (Decreased by 3 condos from May)

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report June 2015

 The Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report June 2015 remains a small sector as far as condos in Martin County and making meaningful comparisons with such small numbers can be problematic.  Activity dropped off from the past few months very hot market to just a very good market for Jensen Beach condos.

The one month absorption rate for the June 2015, Jensen Beach Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34957 rose to 6.2  months (from 3.8 months in May), back into a long awaited balanced market.   A balanced market is considered to be a 6 to 7 month absorption rate favoring neither the buyer or seller.

The June 2014 numbers were: 31 active listings, 10 pending sales and 3 condos closed.  Marginally better activity this year, though with such small numbers a trend is difficult to determine for this market.

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report June 2015

Jensen Beach Condominium Properties by Price


Jensen Beach Florida Real Estate presented by:
Gabe Sanders

 

Jensen Beach FL 34957 Condo Market Report June 2015

Palm City FL 34990 Condo Market Report June 2015

07.18.15 by

Palm City FL 34990 Condo Market Report June 2015

Palm City Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34990, Condo Sales for June 2015

 

For June 2015 in the 34990 Zip Code area of Palm City, Florida :



There are currently 51 active condo listings. (Down by 4 condos from May)

Palm City FL 34990 Condo Market Report June 2015

14 Condo sales are pending and awaiting close or lender approval. (Increased by 3 condos from last month)

Palm City FL 34990 Condo Market Report June 2015

8 Condos Sold in June. (Up by 4 condos from May)

Palm City FL 34990 Condo Market Report June 2015

The Palm City FL 34990 condo real estate market is a fairly small segment of the Martin County condo market.  Fairly positive activity for June of 2015 with improving closed sales and pending sales.

The current absorption rate for condos in the 34990 zip code area declined to 6.4 months (was 13.8 months in August).   Sliding in the wrong direction for the Palm City condo market. A balanced market is considered to be an absorption rate of around 6 to 7 months, so this market continues as a strong buyers market.
The June 2014 numbers were: 56 active listings, 5 pending sales and 3 closed sales.   Somewhat better volume for the 2015 palm City condo market.
 Palm City FL 34990 Condo Market Report June 2015

Search for Palm City Condos by Price:

Palm City Florida Real Estate presented by:
Gabe Sanders

Palm City FL 34990 Condo Market Report June 2015

Hobe Sound Real Estate Marketing is a Risky DIY Project

07.15.15 by

Hobe Sound Real Estate Marketing is a Risky DIY Project

 Hobe Sound FL real estate

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hobe Sound Real Estate Marketing is a Risky DIY Project

Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 Residential June 2015

07.11.15 by

Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 Residential June 2015

Stuart Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34994, Residential Sales for June 2015

For June, 2015 in the 34994 Zip Code area of Stuart, Florida :

There are currently 64 active listings (Decreased by 8 homes from May)

Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 Residential June 2015

38 Residential sales are pending and awaiting close or lender approval (Decreased by 7 homes from last month).

 Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 Residential June 2015

14 Homes Sold in May (Up by 1 homes from May)

Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 Residential June 2015

The 34994 ZIP code area of the Stuart, Florida took a small breather last month, but is back strong for June.  Both increased pending and closed activity.  Though, the reduced inventory is troubling.

The one month absorption rate for the 34994 zip code for June decreased to 4.6 months from last months 5.5 months, back to a strong sellers market.  A 6 month absorption rate is considered a balanced market where neither the seller nor buyer have an advantage.

The June 2014 numbers were 71 Active Listings, 34 pending sales and 13 closed sales.  Similar activity to last year even though there’s reduced inventory.

Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 Residential June 2015

Search here for Stuart Florida Real Estate for Sale

 

Stuart Florida Real Estate presented by:
the Gabe Sanders real estate team

 

Stuart, FL Real Estate

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Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 Residential June 2015

Royal Oaks Tower Condo in Downtown Stuart Under Contract

07.10.15 by

Royal Oaks Tower Condo in Downtown Stuart Under Contract

Royal Oaks Tower Condo in Downtown Stuart Under Contract

Fantastic downtown Stuart location in the Royal Oak Towers of Stuart FL has now gone under contract during the sneak peek version of this listing.  The list price was $99,900. If you have a condo that is in Martin County that you need to sell quickly and for the best price, give us a call for a no obligation consultation.

Royal Oak Towers in Downtown Stuart

Downtown Stuart Condo, 2 bedroom, 2 bath completely renovated with tile floors, corian counter tops, stainless steel appliances, hurricane impact windows, 1 covered parking, top floor unit with elevator. Lots of natural light with open floor plan. Conveniently located, walk to downtown restaurants, the Lyric and shops. Just minutes from the beach.  All ages are welcome and 1 large pet is permitted.

Royal Oak Towers in Downtown Stuart Royal Oak Towers in Downtown Stuart

Royal Oak Towers in Downtown Stuart Royal Oak Towers in Downtown Stuart

Royal Oaks Tower Condo in Downtown Stuart Under Contract

Search for Royal Oak Towers Condos for Sale

Search the Martin County MLS

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

Royal Oaks Tower Condo in Downtown Stuart Under Contract

 

 

July 2015 Archipelago Real Estate of Sewalls Point Market Update

07.09.15 by

July 2015 Archipelago Real Estate of Sewalls Point Market Update

For July of 2015 there are two active listings on the market in the Archipelago of Sewalls Point.  Listing prices are $1,550,000 and $1,995,000 for an average list price of $1,772,500 or $540.84 per sq. ft.

There are no homes are currently under contract.

In the past 12 months, there have been no homes sold in the Archipelago of Sewalls Point. The last sale was just outside a year on 4/30/2014 which was a $735,000 sale price.

Aerial of the Archipelago of Sewalls Point

Located in the prestigious town of Sewalls Point, Florida the Archipelago is a non gated neighborhood of all waterfront homes with access to the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean through the Saint Lucie Inlet in Martin County, Florida.  All the homes in the Archipelago are on either the wide waters of the Indian River or located on deep water canals.  The Saint Lucie Inlet to the Atlantic is less than two miles away by water.  Access is maintained by dredging all Archipelago waterways to 6’.  Homes range from modest older frame homes, to spectacular estate lots with magnificent views.

 View of the Archipelago of Sewalls Point

View of the Archipelago of Sewalls Point

The link below will take you to all currently available Archipelago homes in Sewalls Point, Florida

Search for Archipelago Homes for Sale


View all of our Listings


Sewalls Point  Real Estate is presented by:

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

July 2015 Archipelago Real Estate of Sewalls Point Market Update

Taking Title to Your Palm City House Involves Key Choices

07.08.15 by

Taking Title to Your Palm City House Involves Key Choices

 Palm City Title

When it comes to making legal distinctions, the ones connected with buying and selling Martin County houses have lasting consequences—so it’s important that they be the intentional kind. Although Three Dog Night might have sincerely believed that One is the Loneliest Number—that’s not necessarily the case when it comes to the title of an Martin County home.

The majority of Palm City houses are purchased by married couples. Families that remain intact can make property title issues relatively straightforward. But as the second half of the 20th century progressed, the culture became more accepting of people living together prior to marriage. Because of its impact on how people—especially couples—apply for home loans and refinances, the matter of legal title more often came into play.

I don’t offer legal advice, so will simply point out that there are key differences when you hear terms like Tenants in Common, Tenants by the Entirety, or Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship. Being aware of those distinctions will allow future homeowners to choose which form will serve them best. Couples—especially those expecting to be married down the road—need to consider how things might change should they decide to refinance. It can make a difference if, for instance, a co-signer should later be required. When a Palm City homeowner refinances and adds a spouse who was not named on the original mortgage, the spouse may be added to the title or deed. Those and other changes to a property’s title then has tax implications. Married couples may acquire title automatically through Tenancy by Entirety, as well as through rights of survivorship.

The key is to understand the implication of single and joint ownership. In the event of divorce, as with any material change, other rules may apply, too—which is another reason to recommend a consultation with counsel to clarify all related issues.

It’s always an exciting moment when you are about to take on the ownership of a home—certainly cause for celebration. Yet it’s also important to have an honest discussion with your spouse in order to put any existing issues on the table. It’s amazing how many couples embark on home ownership (or refinancing) while dealing with significant relational issues. Some meet the issue by drafting a legal agreement that lays out what will happen with the property depending upon specified contingencies. Such agreements won’t carry weight with a mortgage company to effect removal of a person’s name from a mortgage in the case of divorce—in most cases, a home would have to be refinanced again to remove a spouse’s name from a mortgage.

Understanding the fine print can’t help but reduce the risk of unforeseen consequences down the line. Titles and title insurance may seem to be dull details that automatically confirm intended outcomes, but those outcomes have to be thought through and specified. The good news is they do get properly addressed every day in the course of acquiring a home. Pointing out the important details are just one element of my service: which is to help you every step of the way!

Taking Title to Your Palm City House Involves Key Choices

Lake Tuscany July 2015 Market Report

07.08.15 by

Lake Tuscany July 2015 Market Report

As of July 2015, there are 4  homes available for sale with listing prices from $429,000 to $450,000 at an average list price of $440,997 which is a price per square foot of living area of $113.71.

There are no homes currently under contract and awaiting settlement in Lake Tuscany.

In the past 12 months, 8 homes have sold in Lake Tuscany ranging in sales price from $327,500 to $444,900 for an average sales price of $362,275 which equals $118.12 per sq. ft. of living area.  These homes took an average of 126 days on market to go under contract and sold at 96% of list price.

Lake Tuscany real estate Stuart FL

Lake Tuscany in Stuart FL is a newer subdivision just to the west of I-95 in Martin County, Florida.  The homes in Lake Tuscany were mostly completed between 2004 to 2005.  This attractive subdivision is set up with a gated entrance and all 98 homes in Lake Tuscany are on Panther Trace which makes a large circle around the lake in the center.  Homes range from 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath or 4 BR 2 Baths of around 2100 sq. ft. of living area to spacious 6 Bedroom, 4 Bathroom 2 story homes with lofts and theater rooms with pools by the lakeside along with 3 car garages.  All are high quality homes built by local builder Mercedes Homes.

Lake Tuscany real estate Stuart FL Lake Tuscany real estate Stuart FL

Lake Tuscany boasts lush landscaping and very reasonable Home Owner’s Association fees of $398 per quarter.  These fees cover security, the common areas and lake upkeep, basic cable, trash collection and front landscaping.  The Lake Tuscany property owners web site is located at this site.

Lake Tuscany real estate Stuart FL Lake Tuscany real estate Stuart FL

Families in Lake Tuscany enjoy Martin County’s ‘A’ rated schools in the following schools: Crystal Lake Elementary, David L Anderson Middle School and South Fork High School.  Shopping is only minutes away and there’s easy access to Martin County’s waterways and just a short drive to the many public beaches.

 Lake Tuscany real estate Stuart FL

Search here for currently available Lake Tuscany real estate in Stuart FL

For any questions you may have about July 2015 Lake Tuscany Real Estate Update in Stuart FL, 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

Lake Tuscany July 2015 Market Report

 

Martin County Renters Contemplate National Trend to Rising Rates

07.07.15 by

Martin County Renters Contemplate National Trend to Rising Rates

 Martin County rentals

“WHY YOUR RENT CHECK JUST KEEPS GOING UP” was the headline in CNN Money’s real estate special report last month, which could have explained to Martin County renters why it is that U.S. rents keep rising faster than home values. After all, that doesn’t seem to make sense!

The list of reasons was long, and taken all together, fairly convincing:

  • Millennials are renting longer
  • Housing inventory is tight and getting tighter
  • The housing crash scared those who would otherwise have become homeowners
  • Baby Boomers are downsizing
  • Rental construction slowed when confidence sank after the housing crisis

It all comes down to demand and supply—less of the latter, more of the former. Although the author may have exaggerated a detail or two (“…there just aren’t enough ‘For Rent’ signs to keep up with the demand”), more than one Stuart renter will probably agree with the gist of the piece: rents have been on the rise long enough that it makes you want to think about the alternative: buying.

Some of the more extreme cases are urban: in San Francisco and Denver, for instance, renters have seen yearly increases of 15% and 11.6%, respectively, according to Zillow. Martin County renters can find themselves in something of a bind, though—since those higher rent bills make saving for a down payment more difficult. It’s just one reason. Per CNN, “There are a bunch of things keeping renters on the sidelines, meaning “the folks that would be normally making the switch to become homeowners are still taking up the rental units.”

The result: more units remain occupied, vacancies go down; rentable units remain scarce…so prices renters pay continue to go up.

Will this Catch-22 situation persist forever? Most likely not: the broad economic news is that this year’s steady job growth coupled with the pronounced turnaround in builder confidence is likely to loosen the supply stranglehold. Last Tuesday, there was also the kind of news that can prompt builders to really get going: government data showed purchases of new U.S. homes surged (particularly in the Northeast and West), with sales of new homes soaring 24% so far in 2015. That’s the best showing since 2007.

Of course, before supply outstrips demand, the situation puts landlords in an advantageous position. Martin County investors who bought rentable properties during the downturn can now enjoy steady returns from their properties, or decide to sell in a robust market. If you are leaning in that direction, it’s the perfect time to give me a call!

Martin County Renters Contemplate National Trend to Rising Rates

 

 

Portofino Condos at Jensen Beach July 2015 Market Update

07.06.15 by

Portofino Condos at Jensen Beach July 2015 Market Update

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

There are no condos pending at this time.

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

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

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

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

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

For information about sales or rentals of Portofino Condos in Jensen Beach, please call the Gabe Sanders real estate team at 772-323-6996 or contact us here.

 

Jensen Beach Florida Real Estate

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

Portofino Condos at Jensen Beach July 2015 Market Update

Royal Oaks Tower Condo in Downtown Stuart Coming Soon

07.02.15 by

Royal Oaks Tower Condo in Downtown Stuart Coming Soon

Royal Oak Towers in Downtown Stuart FL

Fantastic downtown Stuart location in the Royal Oak Towers of Stuart FL will be coming on the market soon by the Gabe Sanders BlueWater Realty Team.  The anticipated list price is $99,900 and for a sneak peek give us a call.

Royal Oak Towers in Downtown Stuart

Downtown Stuart Condo, 2 bedroom, 2 bath completely renovated with tile floors, corian counter tops, stainless steel appliances, hurricane impact windows, 1 covered parking, top floor unit with elevator. Lots of natural light with open floor plan. Conveniently located, walk to downtown restaurants, the Lyric and shops. Just minutes from the beach.  All ages are welcome and 1 large pet is permitted.

Royal Oak Towers in Downtown Stuart Royal Oak Towers in Downtown Stuart

Royal Oak Towers in Downtown Stuart Royal Oak Towers in Downtown Stuart

Royal Oaks Tower Condo in Downtown Stuart Coming Soon

Search for Royal Oak Towers Condos for Sale

Search the Martin County MLS

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

Royal Oaks Tower Condo in Downtown Stuart Coming Soon

 

 

Selling a Palm City Home Yourself is a Lonely Proposition

06.30.15 by

Selling a Palm City Home Yourself is a Lonely Proposition

 FSBO

You pronounce it “FIZZ-bow.”

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

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

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

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

Unless the buyer just appears on his or her own.

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

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

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

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

Selling a Palm City Home Yourself is a Lonely Proposition

Leadership and Finding the Ideal Martin County Real Estate Agent

06.28.15 by

Leadership and Finding the Ideal Martin County Real Estate Agent

 BlueWater Real Estate

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

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

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

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

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

Leadership and Finding the Ideal Martin County Real Estate Agent

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Townhouses and Condos

06.28.15 by

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Townhouses and Condos

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Townhouses and Condos activity decreased in volume from last year while still showing some exceptionally strong price gains.  Year to year closed sales were down by 4.7% (was down by 9.5% in April) as well as new sales under contract (new pending sales) was down by 11.7% from May 2014 (decreased 19.2% in April).

The median sales price was up by 38.0% (was down by 1.1% in April) while the average sales price increased by 42.2% (was down by 5.0% in April) as compared to May of 2014.  Back into some exceptionally strong price gains.

The inventory of available townhouses and condos has decreased by 31 units to 424 properties from last month, this is 25.0% less inventory than was available in May of 2014.  For May there was a 3.9 month supply of inventory (a 31.8% decrease from last year).  A very strong sellers market for townhouses and condos in Martin County.  Buyers are in need of additional inventory for their potential purchases.

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Townhouses and Condos

Click here to view or download the full report:
May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Townhouses and Condos

To view the latest set of reports from Florida Realtors for the state of Florida, Martin County and Saint Lucie County, please visit GabeSanders.com and select Market Data.

Market information is courtesy of Florida Realtors Research. For additional information and historical archives please visit the Florida Realtors Research page.

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Townhouses and Condos

Stuart FL Listing Prices Reflect the Market (or Wishful Thinking)

06.26.15 by

Stuart FL Listing Prices Reflect the Market (or Wishful Thinking)

 Legacy Cove in Stuart FL

A Martin County listing can be a smash hit when the pictures show a property that’s cosmetically appealing, the copy rings true, and the details hit the sweet spot where features and value are a match for the best the area has to offer. But it still might not be as effective as it should be if one other detail is a little bit off. It’s a detail that can cause qualified buyers—the ones who should be a home’s most interested prospects— to miss the whole show.

I suppose that calling that part of a Stuart listing a “detail” is like calling the end score of the NBA’s final playoff a detail—or calling the final vote count in an election a “factor.” It may be just one element of many, but it is uniquely important. In a Stuart listing, it’s often the first element that shoppers specify when they’re picking which area homes they will consider. If it’s not thoughtfully calibrated to fall within the parameters they name, the results may suffer considerably.

Of course, the “detail” we’re talking about is the price on the listing, and choosing the “right” one is the object. We’re looking for a number that will help a home sell quickly at the highest price possible. If the neighborhood comps—the prices paid and asked for nearby area homes with similar features—were all that mattered, coming up with the most suitable listing price would be a cut-and-dried affair. But there are other factors that need to be taken into account. Some are easy to determine, some…not so much.

  • the Stuart residential market is a moving target, sometimes building from a lower level, sometimes echoing the latest transactions, sometimes losing momentum.
  • competitive Martin County listing prices reflect either other sellers’ best estimates of that market for their properties, or else their personal opinions of what they think the market should be–but there’s no way to verify which!
  • the final selling price of any home is determined not only by the seller’s situation, but by the buyer’s, also, which is a factor which cannot be determined in advance.

That’s why there is no universally agreed-upon formulas to rely upon, and since there is no way to determine what outcome would have resulted if a different price had been chosen, there’s also no way to verify after the fact if the absolute “best” one was chosen—even if everyone considers the sale a great success! Web titan Zillow says, “if the home sells within a few days of listing, chances are you listed too low” yet if a higher price had been chosen, causing that home to linger for months on the market, it wouldn’t have been listed too low. On the other hand, if the listing price were set to court multiple offers, a quick sale could mean a higher selling price was achieved. There’s simply no way to know for sure.

Put it all together and you have to figure that arriving at the right listing price is really more of an art than a science. I help clients by pooling my extensive Stuart experience, up-to-the minute market knowledge, and detailed examination of the property’s unique attributes to suggest the range of listing prices I judge most likely to achieve the Holy Grail—a quick sale at top dollar! If you’d like, we can get together for a no-obligation discussion of your own property’s listing prospects. It’s a great reason to give me a call!

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Single Family Homes

06.25.15 by

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Single Family Homes

The May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Single Family Homes is starting to show the effects of the rapid price increases and reduced inventory.  Year to year closed sales were down by 2.6% (was up 24.7% in April). New pending sales increased by 1.1% as compared to May of 2014 (increased by 23% in April).

The median sales price was down by 1.1% from last year (up by 5.1% in April) while the average price increased by 13% (was up by 14.9% last month).  Beginning to show some weaknesss in what has been an exceptionally strong rate of price increases for the past two years.

The inventory of available single family homes decreased from April 2015 by 173 homes to 1087 units this month, and this is also a 23.5% decrease from last May.  Current supply of inventory decreased to 4.8 months from April’s 5.6 months supply. (A 35.6% decrease from last year). The Martin County single family real estate market is back into a sellers market, though there are some major issues showing of late.  Primarily the lack of inventory of available homes for sale.

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Single Family Homes

Click here to view or download the full report:
May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Single Family Homes

To view the latest set of reports from Florida Realtors for the state of Florida, Martin County and Saint Lucie County, please visit GabeSanders.com and select Market Data.

Market information is courtesy of Florida Realtors Research. For additional information and historical archives please visit the Florida Realtors Research page.

May 2015 Monthly Market Detail Martin County Single Family Homes

Jensen Park Estates Home Sold

06.24.15 by

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.

Search for Jensen Park Estates Homes for Sale

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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

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Jensen Park Estates Home Sold

In Stuart Location Location Location is More than a Catch Phrase

06.23.15 by

In Stuart Location Location Location is More than a Catch Phrase

 Fountain at Indian Riverside Park in Stuart - Jensen

“There’s No Place like Home” is one of those quaint sayings that somehow lasts forever, probably just because it’s so true. “Home is Where the Heart Is” is another one: corny, maybe, but undeniable.

There’s a strictly real estate saying that Martin County residents will recognize at once, too. Less corny as well as a good deal more practical. It’s “Location! Location! Location!”—and it’s every bit as true as the other ones. It’s the where of real estate, and although it is usually thought of in its commercial connection, to a slightly lesser degree, it has major Stuart residential significance.

For those of us who are already Stuart residents, where our next home should be located is almost certainly one of the two or three primary considerations. But even more so for out-of-towners who will be moving into our area. After price range, it’s a ruling factor: location location location—which Martin County neighborhood will be our best choice for home—is a good place to start.

When you’re brand new to any area, just thinking ‘location location location’ is one thing, but going about finding the right one in a timely manner isn’t necessarily easy. First step will be to consult the real estate professional you’ve teamed up with (a good one would be me!) and have an in-depth orientation conversation about our neighborhoods. Next come prioritizing your own priorities:

Professional. If you know the ‘location location location’ of where you’ll be working, the commute distance is likely to be a key factor. The convenience of having your Stuart home as close as possible to your work will only grow with time.

School. If you have school-aged children, you’ll want to research how the schools are rated, or opt to a top-notch private institution. Either way, getting the kids to and from can be less of a hassle if home is in the right place. Location, location, etc.!

Shopping. Weekend mall visits certainly don’t need to be right around the corner, but things like visits to the grocery store can become an irritant if it involves 15-minutes each way…every day! Perhaps not a governing factor, but one that gains importance over time.

Community. Church, social groups, cultural gatherings are either to your liking or less so. Once you have gauged all of those “practical” factors, it will take some local visits and conversations with residents to get the real flavor of the possible communities—and determine which seem most inviting. Access to sports and outdoor recreational facilities also fit into this category…which, taken together, can easily turn out to be the most important quality of life factor.

Unless you happen to be a longtime local resident, many of the qualities of a listing’s location location location in Stuart isn’t fully evident from the listing information. It takes some on-the-ground knowledge, and (ideally) more than one visit. It also will benefit when your buyer’s Realtor® is a knowledgeable and experienced local resident…which is another good reason to give me a call!

In Stuart Location Location Location is More than a Catch Phrase

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Condo Market Report May 2015

06.22.15 by

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Condo Market Report May 2015

 

Hobe Sound Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 33455, Condo Sales for May 2015

 

For May 2014 in the 33455 Zip Code area of Hobe Sound, Florida :

 

There are currently 8 active condo listings. (Down by 2 condos from April)

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Condo Market Report May 2015

4 Condos are pending and awaiting close. (Up by 2 condos from April)

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Condo Market Report May 2015

1 Condos sold in April (Decreased by 4 condos from April)

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Condo Market Report May 2015

The Hobe Sound condo market (Zip Code 33455) is the smallest segment of the Martin County real estate market.  As we deplete the pending inventory with closed sales, this will continue to be a difficult segment of the Martin County condo market until we get more inventory of available condos.

The current absorption rate is 8 months (Last month it was 2 months). The statistics within this segment should be taken with a grain of salt, as small changes in activity make for very large changes on percentages that may not reflect a true trend in the market. An absorption rate of 6 to 7 months is considered to be a balanced market favoring neither the buyer or seller.

The May 2014 numbers were: 20 active listings, 5 pending sales and 3 closed sales.  Currently with single digit inventory numbers, it is very difficult to generate any kind of volume for condo sales in Hobe Sound.

Hobe Sound FL 33455 Condo Market Report May 2015

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Hobe Sound Florida Real Estate presented by:
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Hobe Sound FL 33455 Condo Market Report May 2015