Stuart FL Golf Course Homes

09.24.15 by

Stuart FL Golf Course Homes

Stuart FL Golf Course

The Martin County area boast of over 35 golf courses within a 15 mile radius.  So, while it is the “Sailfish Capitol of the World” some fisherman may want to take a break from being out in the ocean all day and have some fun on the links.  Many golfers prefer to live in a community where all they need is their golf cart to enable them to play a round.  The carousel of homes below is what is available in Stuart for Golf Course homes

Search here for Stuart Golf Course Homes

Stuart FL Golf Course Homes

Rocky Point Condo Open House

09.23.15 by

Rocky Point Condo Open House

Join us for an open house on Tuesday, September 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at this nicely updated condo in the Moorings of Manatee in the Rocky Point area of Stuart FL.  This is a waterfront community.  The list price is $164,900.

Beautiful 2nd floor, end unit in the boating community of the Moorings of Manatee. Bright and airy with updated kitchen, newer appliances and open floor plan. Unit has a pool view with a peek-a-boo view of the water. There are 2 assigned parking spaces, accordion hurricane shutters with tile on the patio. Unit has been well maintained with the following updates: new roof 2006, new porch screen 2014, new a/c compressor 2011, new kitchen cabinets 2005, refrigerator & washer/dryer 3 years old, stove & dishwasher 5 years old. Fish off the dock. Docks may be available to purchase or lease. Ocean access with 1 fixed bridge (9’ clearance). Florida living at its finest.

 Moorings of Manatee Condo in Rocky Point Moorings of Manatee Condo in Rocky Point

Moorings of Manatee Condo in Rocky Point Moorings of Manatee Condo in Rocky Point

Search here for all available Moorings of Manatee Condos in Rocky Point

Moorings of Manatee Condo in Rocky Point Moorings of Manatee Condo in Rocky Point

Vacant Land in Rocky Point Just Listed

09.22.15 by

Vacant Land in Rocky Point Just Listed

Rocky Point Vacant Land for Sale

Cleared and ready for your dream home is 5274 SE Tall Pines Way in Rocky Point.  Yours for only $99,000.

Rocky Point Vacant Land for Sale Rocky Point Vacant Land for Sale

Just one look and you’ll know this is the perfect spot for your dream home. This lot is cleared and ready for building with city water and sewer are ready to be hooked up. No HOA or other subdivision restrictions. Fantastic location for the fisherman as this lot is close to numerous marinas, boat ramps and the inlet is just minutes away. Close to restaurants, shopping and all the wonderful amenities available in Stuart, FL.

Rocky Point Vacant Land for Sale Rocky Point Vacant Land for Sale

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Lakeside Condos Indian River Plantation August 2015 Market Report

08.28.15 by

Lakeside Condos Indian River Plantation August 2015 Market Report

Lakeside Condos in Indian River Plantation

For August 2015, there is only one active listing in Lakeside.  This condo is listed at $250,000 which equals $227.27 per sq. ft. of living area.

There are no condos under contract and awaiting settlement.

In the past 12 months, 6 condos have sold in Lakeside with sales prices ranging from $107,5000 to $194,000.  The average sales price was $124,583 which equals a $176.43 price per sq. ft. of living area.  Sales equaled a 94% list to sales price ratio and the average days on market was 409.

Lakeside Condos in Indian River Plantation

For those looking to live in a resort setting with the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean close by as well as a full service Marina, golf course, restaurants and fitness facilities without paying the premium price of most resorts, then the Lakeside Condos of Indian River Plantation might just be the place for you.

Lakeside Condos in Indian River Plantation

These Lakeside Condos are condos located just off the golf course and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Indian River (Intracoastal) to the west.  Situated on a private peninsula in the middle of the Marriott Resort Complex at Indian River Plantation.  There are 74 units built in 1980.  Sizes range from 1 bedroom, 1 bath units of 596 sq. ft. up to 2 bedroom, 3 bath units with 1323 sq. ft. of living area.  This is a pet friendly complex that will allow up to two large pets.  At the time of this writing the condo association fees were $375.00 a month.

Lakeside Condos in Indian River Plantation

The Lakeside Condos at Indian River Plantation are in an excellent location, just a short walk to the beach and there’s a courtesy tram that is available to take residents and guests around the sprawling facilities of the Marriott resort at Indian River Plantation.  Just a short drive to the grocery store, historic downtown Stuart and the many, many amenities that Martin County FL has to offer.

Lakeside Condos in Indian River Plantation

Additional Indian River Plantation Condos you may wish to consider: 
Bayview – Beachwalk – Dunes Club – Fairway Villas – Inlet Village – Ocean House – Ocean Terrace – Plantation Club Villas – Plantation House – Resort Villas – River Village – Riverbend – Riverwood – Tennis Villas

Lakeside Condos Indian River Plantation August 2015 Market Report

Stuart Rental Home Appeal Might Have Three Explanations

08.13.15 by

Stuart Rental Home Appeal Might Have Three Explanations

For an increasing number of Stuart residents, what used to be a slam dunk assumption—that owning your home is preferable to opting for a Martin County rental home—is no longer so self-evident. The powerful reasons for owning are still there: ownership still means that you are building equity over time; it still means you are free from a landlord’s control; and it still means you have the psychological benefits of being the possessor of the place where you live, and the standing in the community that accrues to the permanence that implies.

Those are powerful inducements to forgo a rental home in favor of ownership, for sure—yet according to the numbers, the number of Americans who own their homes has been declining since the advent of the housing crisis (at the moment, fewer than 2/3 of households now own their homes).

You might assume that the reasons for the increase in popularity for rental homes are simply financial, and to some extent, that’s the case. The economy, while improving, is doing so painfully slowly, wages are not rising as has been the norm in prior recoveries, and mortgage loans, while still at attractively low interest rates, can still be difficult for some Treasure Coast borrowers to obtain.

Yet those dollars-and-cents arguments don’t paint the whole picture. Some of the reason why rental homes in Stuart are being chosen are due to changes in American lifestyles. Forbes contributor Beth Braverman offered some insights in last week’s article entitled “When Renting is More Expensive, But It’s Still the Right Move.”

Her first reason is not a new one: rental homes offer more flexibility. What is new is how Americans—particularly the group we call Millennials—increasingly value that freedom. Some of that has to do with the difficult labor market—and the premium breadwinners are placing on being able to ‘go where the work is.’

Next reason had to do with the relative illiquidity of the asset value a home represents. This looks like the first cousin to Reason #1: for someone who needs to move for professional reasons, being able to just pick up and move from a Stuart rental home can de-complicate the situation. For those who are reasonably sure they will be in town for long enough to offset the costs of acquiring and selling a home, the financial benefits may outweigh this one.

Last reason given was, “You’re not financially ready”—which is certainly the most longstanding one of all. Even if a current rental home occupant qualifies for one of the new programs (some can make the down payment as minute as 3%), it’s still possible that the ‘all in’ costs will strain resources. You have to agree with Braverman that in those circumstances, it’s probably best to build up savings, even if it means remaining in a rental home for an extra year or two.

All in all, any increase in the popularity of Martin County rental homes is good news for area investors who are (or soon will be) landlords. It’s also a great reason to give me a call this summer!

Stuart Rental Home Appeal Might Have Three Explanations

Stuart Spec Home Builders Needn’t Compete with L.A.’s Newest

08.12.15 by

Stuart Spec Home Builders Needn’t Compete with L.A.’s Newest

 California Dreaming

A Stuart “spec” home is a residence that has been designed and built by a Treasure Coast entrepreneur who has no pre-existing sales order. Stuart spec homes are bold ventures: they have to be built with confidence that the design and execution will be attractive enough to generate a sale. To return a profit that’s worth the risk, the sale has to be realized quickly enough to offset the considerable costs advanced.

Dictionaries can be a little confusing about what “spec” is shortened from. Most ascribe it to “speculative,” but some (like Wiktionary) think it has to do with the builder following his own specifications.

I’d like to suggest a new third possibility—at least for one particular spec home. News about it comes to us from Bloomberg’s Business site, under the heading, “California Dreaming.” It’s about a spec home that’s being built on a grand scale…okay, maybe “grand scale” is too modest: it’s being built on an astronomical scale…a gargantuan scale…maybe more like a mega-galactic scale!

Because the asking price is going to be a half billion dollars.

Now, Stuart real estate watchers may have thought that when Johnny Depp’s luxury property in France (the one that was actually a whole village) was listed a couple of months ago, we’d hit a sort of apex of residential real estate extravagance—but clearly, we were mistaken. A $500,000,000 asking price could buy you a lot of French villages like Depp’s. It could approach a province (albeit, maybe a fixer-upper province).

The California Dreaming spec home is, land-wise, a surprisingly modest offering. Only about 4 acres or, as the builder puts it, “1.6 hectares” (I believe this indicates a hopeful nod to potential foreign buyers). So, what will this home—which won’t be completed for another 20 months—offer that our run-of-the-mill Stuart spec homes don’t?

For openers, the four acres (or 1.6 hectares) are in Bel Air, which is already a somewhat pricey neighborhood. All the hectares are situated on a hilltop with 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Beverly Hills, downtown L.A., and the San Fernando Valley. Still, with the average residence sale in even that neighborhood weighing in at peasant-level prices (only $5.29 million), you’d think there must be a lot more going on.

There is. It will be roomy: 74,000 square feet in the main residence. And so you won’t have to feel hemmed in when guests show up, there will be three smaller houses. Unless you have more than 30 autos, the garage will also be ample. You’ll have four swimming pools, including a 180-foot infinity pool. To combat the California drought, the yard features 20,000 square feet of synthetic grass. To banish the boredom that might set in if the Queen fails to visit (synthetic grass won’t accommodate the corgis very well) there will be a 45-seat Imax theater. Still bored? There’s always the 8,500 square foot night club. At the end of a long night of TV-watching and night clubbing, there’s a 5,000 foot master bedroom to flop into…if you can find the bed.

Compared with our Stuart spec homes, I’d suggest the ‘spec’ in this one stands for ‘special.’ Very special. Meantime, in case you are too impatient to wait the 20 months for the California Dreaming mansion to be completed, we have a number of Stuart properties that are a good deal more practical. Call me to zero in on the great values our summer market has to offer!

Stuart Spec Home Builders Needn’t Compete with L.A.’s Newest

Moorings of Manatee Condo in Rocky Point Just Listed

07.17.15 by

Moorings of Manatee Condo in Rocky Point Just Listed

Just listed in the Moorings of Manatee in Rocky Point in Stuart FL by the Gabe Sanders BlueWater realty team.  This is a well maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo in a boating community.

Beautiful 2nd floor, end unit in the boating community of the Moorings of Manatee. Bright and airy with updated kitchen, newer appliances and open floor plan. Unit has a pool view with a peek-a-boo view of the water. There are 2 assigned parking spaces, accordion hurricane shutters with tile on the patio. Unit has been well maintained with the following updates: new roof 2006, new porch screen 2014, new a/c compressor 2011, new kitchen cabinets 2005, refrigerator & washer/dryer 3 years old, stove & dishwasher 5 years old. Fish off the dock. Docks may be available to purchase or lease. Ocean access with 1 fixed bridge (9’ clearance). Florida living at its finest.

 Moorings of Manatee Condo in Rocky Point Moorings of Manatee Condo in Rocky Point

Moorings of Manatee Condo in Rocky Point Moorings of Manatee Condo in Rocky Point

Search here for all available Moorings of Manatee Condos in Rocky Point

Moorings of Manatee Condo in Rocky Point Moorings of Manatee Condo in Rocky Point

A Stuart Property Manager Can be a Timely Solution

07.16.15 by

A Stuart Property Manager Can be a Timely Solution

 property manager

At first blush, deciding to hire a Stuart professional property manager may seem counter-productive. Whether you bought the property you will be renting out specifically for that purpose, or else are simply holding onto your former home rather than selling it, the expense of employing a Stuart property manager will materially reduce the cash benefit your rental promises to throw your way.

In fact, many new landlords don’t seriously consider hiring a property manager. It’s an offshoot of their own long-time home owning experience. They’ve learned to handle the residential maintenance issues that crop up from time to time, so it seems unnecessary to hire a professional manager for the occasional problems they know how to solve themselves. They may acknowledge that there will be twice as much to handle, it still may seem to be a needless extravagance. After all, the two great benefits of becoming a landlord are to build equity and generate income, so why give away part of the latter?

One cogent reason is the principal difference between managing a rental and your own household. In your own home, you aren’t answerable to any outside entity. When a faucet starts leaking or a circuit breaker blows, you are free to ignore it until the weekend or whenever it’s most convenient. That’s simply not true for a conscientious landlord. Even with a cooperative, understanding tenant, in a way, you almost become your tenant’s employee (or at least it can seem that way when the phone rings at an inconvenient moment). A good tenant rightfully expects his residence to be maintained promptly and diligently; it’s your part of the rental bargain.

Another factor that argues for opting for a reputable Stuart property manager goes to another difference between managing your own residence and a rental. The professional has so much experience in all aspects of property care that he or she is considerably more likely to have dealt with any given situation. Likewise for handling the technicalities of attracting and interviewing tenants, and seeing that contractual issues are completed correctly—tasks that need to be handled with legal exactitude.

There are plenty of reasons that can make hiring a property manager a sensible move, starting with those quality of life issues—your life! For retirees or others with abundant spare time, they may not be as significant; but for fully-employed persons, the time factor and necessity to “be on call” can be crucial. I always recommend giving the professional management option full consideration. Of course it’s always possible for a first-time landlord to test the waters for a while before making the decision—though it’s important to realize that one false step can escalate into costly legal troubles when it comes to national and state civil codes, fair housing laws, and tenant rights. Ignorance of the law will be no excuse for do-it-yourself landlords who are unlucky enough to find themselves on the wrong side of a tenant dispute—so be sure to educate yourself and have access to a reputable Stuart landlord-tenant attorney

If a Martin County income-producing real estate investment opportunity is something you would like to explore, this summer has produced some properties with terrific potential. Give me a call anytime to discuss how best to explore what’s out there!

A Stuart Property Manager Can be a Timely Solution

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

06.04.15 by

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spacious Coral Point Pool Home Open House

05.17.15 by

Spacious Coral Point Pool Home Open House

OPEN HOUSE, May 19, Tuesday 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
3450 SE Kubin Ave, Stuart, FL
Get Directions Click Here
Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Virtual Tour
$ Click for current price
3 BEDROOMS
3 BATHROOMS (3 full)
3231 Square Feet
Enjoy this gorgeous and spacious 3 (possibly 4) bedroom home in the Coral Point community of Rocky Point in Stuart, FL.  Live large in this open floor plan home that has two large master bedroom suites and an office/den. Enjoy the Florida weather in your own private pool and lanai off the great room and kitchen. And, the kitchen, right from the food Channel, with a center island cooktop and copper hooded draft, granite countertops, convection oven, wine rack, recessed lighting and more.  The living area features abundant room for entertaining along with a wet bar. The upstairs master bedroom suite and office both feature large screened balconies. The large lot is located next to common areas and greatly increases the privacy and green space surrounding the home.  As a bonus, there’s a day dock and fishing pier available just a few steps away.
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Gabe Sanders
BlueWater Realty Services Inc.
772-323-6996
Gabe@GabeSanders.com
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Spacious Coral Point Pool Home Open House

Stuart FL Foreclosure Hunters Continue to Draw National Competitors

05.02.15 by

 Stuart FL Foreclosure Hunters Continue to Draw National Competitors

stuart fl foreclosures

You would think the outside competition for Stuart FL foreclosure bargains might have up and disappeared by now…but no! As The Wall Street Journal described it the other week, the shrinking number of foreclosure opportunities hasn’t driven Wall Street’s professional investors completely out of the market. But new techniques are altering their approach.

Local Stuart FL foreclosure investors have had to worry about a previous incursion by big national private equity investment firms. In the aftermath of the real estate bust, sales of distressed properties assumed an ever-larger proportion of real estate activity. National firms seized on the growing supply of cheap foreclosed homes as a ‘sure-thing’ trade for investment firms backed by money from private equity companies who wanted ‘in’ on real estate.

Wall Street knew full well that depressed real estate prices were a temporary phenomenon. They would swoop down, buy foreclosures en masse, rent them out, and wait for the bounce-back. Your Stuart FL foreclosure investors suddenly had to worry about bargain-hunting by the national firms, instead of just the usual local competitors. It took agility and cash to compete with some very deep pockets. Even where they weren’t active, their impact was felt.

But by last summer, the New York Times was headlining “Investors Who Bought Foreclosed Homes in Bulk Look to Sell.” Where, at the height of the foreclosure onslaught, a full 50% of home purchases was made up of foreclosures and short sales, by this February, the percentage had retreated to barely 11%. Companies like Waypoint Real Estate Group began quietly shopping for buyers as they took their profits and tiptoed away…

So could Stuart FL foreclosure investors breathe a sigh of relief, knowing the big boys had carted off their wheel barrows full of cash? You’d think so, but not so fast! The WSJ article describes a new phenomenon from outside. “Racing to Buy Homes Sight Unseen” was the headline. Enter the speed-based investors!

Just as trading firms had developed systems that made equity trading a competition between banks of computers trip-wired to trade at the speed of light, a milder phenomenon is emerging in foreclosure investing. According to the Journal, one example is the investment trust executive who no longer goes to public auctions to find buys. It described a recent morning in which it took him seven minutes to bid on a Georgia home “he had never seen.” He uses a quantitative data analysis program as a way to accelerate searches for the “dwindling supply of available homes that can be transformed into rental properties.” In other words, some of the big buyers are finding ways to stay in the market.

But Stuart FL foreclosure investors don’t really need to throw up their hands. Although the data analysis programs are getting better, local knowledge and on-site evaluations should continue to give sharp Stuart FL investors the kind of fine edge that national data maps and renovation cost generalizations can never quite match. It’s like the difference between a perfectly-engineered robotic customer service system…and a knowledgeable human: no contest.

Stuart FL foreclosures may be less omnipresent, but without question they continue to represent great investment potential—and not just for the national investment firms. If you’ve ever thought you would like to hear more about today’s opportunities, call me for an on-the-ground analysis!

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Will Stuart FL Real Estate Reflect Trend to Downsizer Nation?

04.28.15 by

Will Stuart FL Real Estate Reflect Trend to Downsizer Nation?

You would think that smaller homes would be skyrocketing in popularity right about now. Statistics show that the average number of people in American households is shrinking. Practicality would seem to dictate that a trend toward downsizing should be underway, with significant implications for Florida real estate.

downsizing

It’s no exaggeration to say that for as long as many Americans can remember, bigger has always been better. In terms of sheer floor space, the average American home increased from 1,900 square feet in 1993 to 2,400 two decades later. The reasons may have been both practical and psychological: for those who grew up in cramped quarters, space was the missing element—so elbow room and privacy became the essence of a desirable home. This was evident in our recent Stuart FL real estate ads, where spaciousness was emphasized wherever possible, from the photographs to listing copy.

In fact, it seems that the baby boomer generation hasn’t given up their fondness for abundant living space—at least not in droves. At least not yet.

A recent AARP real estate survey found that 84% of the boomers expressed unflinching preference for continuing to live in their current digs for as long as possible. That might make sense, at least according to the arithmetic you can deduce from a 2013 Census survey. It found that a large-scale move toward downsizing doesn’t usually begin in earnest until the Head of Household reaches age 75. The most senior members of the boomer generation were born after 1945—so that won’t happen for a while.

Still, there are stirrings to suggest that some have started to rethink ‘Bigger is Better.’ Instead of defining themselves by real estate square footage, they’re beginning to prospect for smaller solutions. It’s entirely possible that Downsizer Nation might be just around the corner!

The logic is certainly there. Many downsizers do so in answer to what emerges as a more or less unavoidable lifestyle decision. Empty-nesters no longer have children at home, and begin to find themselves cleaning, fixing, heating and cooling substantially empty space. Some may hanker to start some serious globe-trotting—meaning they’ll spend less time at home (ergo, even emptier space). Still others find their lives are more outdoor-focused than before.

The reality of the time, energy, and money that goes into maintaining a 5-bedroom home with multiple levels can begin to trump its “EREF” (Elbow Room Enjoyment Factor). There’s the cleaning, keeping interiors and furniture fresh, maintaining windows, furnaces, fans. Then there are the outdoor areas to consider. Mowing, raking, shoveling…for some, the enjoyment of that part of the outdoors can gradually generate more tedium than enjoyment. It can push some residents into new appreciation for a Stuart FL real estate solution that simply requires less to do.

Whether your family is expanding—or beginning to seriously contemplate the reverse—I hope you will give me a call. I’ll be able to show you many appealing properties from the current crop of Stuart FL real estate offerings!

Will Stuart FL Real Estate Reflect Trend to Downsizer Nation?

Balance Stuart Rental Income with Solid Budgeting

04.27.15 by

 Balance Stuart Rental Income with Solid Budgeting

 rental property

Owning a Stuart rental property owes its popularity to the distinctive financial attributes it offers investors. Like a dividend-producing stock, it’s a holding that stands to produce a regular income stream. It’s also a real asset in the truest sense of the word—one with solid collateral value. For adroit Stuart rental property investors, it’s also an asset that can build value over time.

When it comes to quantifying a Stuart rental property’s income-producing potential, after an investor has estimated the projected rental stream, there follows a less sunny exercise: expenses need to be taken into account. If a Stuart professional management service is going to be part of the equation, they will supply reliable budget parameters. If you will be managing the property yourself, doing a thorough job of nailing down this—the management budget—is as crucial to coming up an accurate bottom line as was projecting income.

Unless you are prepared to be at the beck and call of your renters 24/7, it’s a good idea to budget funds for a skilled general maintenance person. The ideal candidate can deal with a myriad of issues, from electricity outages to clogged garbage disposals. If the Stuart rental property is an apartment building or set of condos, it’s often a good idea for the maintenance pro to be kept on retainer. For single-property rentals, this handyman (or gal) can usually be hired on a job-by-job basis.

Specifics for every Stuart property differ, but it’s generally considered prudent to reserve between 10%-15% of gross rental income for maintenance and repairs. This part of your budget includes remuneration for your maintenance person. Getting a rental home back to status quo isn’t always easy—especially because it’s in both the landlord’s and renters’ interest to place a premium on speedy rehabilitation. That’s not cheap!

There are also two words that belong in any rental property management budget: property insurance. The right formula may include a sizeable deductible number (you’ve already budgeted an ample reserve for lesser emergencies), but it’s also vital to take into account the possibility of any large and unexpected emergencies that you or your maintenance person can’t handle alone. It may be common business wisdom, but over large parts of the country, this past harsh winter once again demonstrated the wisdom of the practice. Tenants are encouraged to insure their own property, both inside and outside the rental property, but the landlord’s policy should cover repairs to the entire structure, any small sheds on the property, landscaping damage, and the like.

This is the traditional time of year when many of the most promising investment properties go on the market. If you are looking to the future—a future that includes owning a lucrative Stuart rental property—now is the time to start looking…and to give me a call!

Your Stuart Realtor® Selection Should Include Team Chemistry

04.25.15 by

Your Stuart Realtor® Selection Should Include Team Chemistry

 BlueWater Realty Team

When you find yourself poised on the brink of any new real estate venture, there’s no more important initial step than seeking out a great Stuart Realtor® to round out your team. Without even thinking about it, everyone automatically knows that they want a real estate professional with the technical experience, communication skills, and local knowledge that such serious business requires. It also won’t hurt if your Realtor has bottomless reserves of energy and a positive attitude to match—as well as the sympathetic human traits that makes them a pleasure to work with.

There are lots of conventional channels that make it easy to identify perfectly well-qualified Stuart FL Realtors (and we are lucky to have many talented ones here in the area)—but when you’re looking for the one who will sync with you and your ultimate goals, that level of rapport will most likely take an extra proactive step or two to secure.

Positive word-of-mouth is a good way to start, but it’s realistic to remember that the one making the referral may or may not share your priorities in a working relationship. You will be working together for a while, and depending upon each other to make some significant decisions—some of which could be made under pressure. When the team has good chemistry going for it, those decisions will come easier. A few ideas that people have found helpful in finding the right Realtor:

Check out our BlueWater team‘s Open Houses

This is a good way to see us at work. Whether you are buying a home on Florida’s Treasure coast or selling your own, dropping in unexpectedly will allow you to listen to what they say and how they interact with prospects. Don’t hesitate to be upfront about your own situation: a great Realtor will be able to help other potential buyers and deal with you without missing a beat!

How we Use Social Media

You can also start conversations with us on social media to gauge how long it takes us to respond, whether or not we can give you detailed answers, and to see how we engage with other members of the public. This is a good way to tell if we use social media skillfully, building our brand while clearly valuing the people who interact with us.

Consult with Other Professionals

The opinions of contractors, mortgage brokers and repair people can be valuable, too. Professional people have an insider’s view of Stuart Realtors who work hard to get the job done efficiently.

Of course, fine-tuning your choice should include doing the conventional legwork, too. Look at our listings, ask us about our track record, read our reviews, and where we live. The rest is up to you. Needless to say, I hope we make the final cut!

Your Stuart Realtor® Selection Should Include Team Chemistry

Stuart FL Buyers Taking a Harder Look at Today’s Credit Score Models

04.18.15 by

 Stuart FL Buyers Taking a Harder Look at Today’s Credit Score Models

It may not be the first factor you look at when you begin planning to buy a Stuart FL house, but unless you are in the rare position of being able to make an all-cash purchase, sooner or later your credit score will become a prominent factor. That’s why this month’s get-together in Washington held some information that could ultimately become pretty important for both Martin County home buyers and sellers.

The meeting was held at the National Association of Realtors headquarters, with participants that included HUD Secretary Julian Castro, credit score industry representatives from FICO and Vantage Score, and other experts in research, government, and real estate. This might seem to be the kind of gathering (“Symposium,” in this case) that is usually more productive of eyes glazing over than much else, but for Martin County home buyers and sellers, this one was different.

credit reportThe subject was “Credit Access”—how companies determine the credit scores that guide lenders’ decisions on who will and won’t be offered home loans. The consensus was (and is) that current credit score formulas could stand some improvement. Secretary Castro’s Keynote set the table. He said that there is a recognized need to find new ways to construct credit scores that are more sensitive to “getting at” the bottom line responsibility potential borrowers have shown in their lives; credit scores that will predict how they will pay down their mortgages. “There’s been a disconnect there,” he said.

Given that this is the single reason that credit scores exist at all, that seems like quite a statement to make, particularly with the credit scoring companies right there in the room. No eye-glazing going on, I suspect.

Now it’s true that FICO and Vantage Score have already been fine-tuning some of their credit scoremethods. Local buyers may have already have seen their Stuart FL credit scores improving when non-recurring problems (like tardy medical bill payments) were de-emphasized. But on a wider scale, there was considerable discussion about the need to adapt to lifestyle shifts that are taking place. The way Americans live their lives—particularly the way they use technology—has changed, and will continue changing. Blanket shifts in lifestyles make some behaviors different predictive value than they used to have: for instance, many millennial and minority consumers “don’t use credit in the same way households did in the past.”

A representative from Moody’s Analytics pointed out that most conventional loans are currently made to borrowers with credit scores about 740—which is 20 points higher than was the case during the housing boom. In today’s tougher economy, that makes it likely that some Stuart FL buyer’s credit scores would benefit if HUD is able to follow through on its efforts “to improve credit access to Americans” without adding to lender risk.

It’s in everyone’s interest that credit ratings be accurate predictors of repayment patterns. With interest rates continuing to be at bargain basement levels, it couldn’t be more important, because it also continues to be a fantastic time to be in Martin County’s real estate market—and to give me a call!

 

 

Is Buying New the Best Choice for Your Stuart FL Home?

04.10.15 by

Is Buying New the Best Choice for Your Stuart FL Home?

When it comes to buying a home in Martin County FL, almost the first thing most of us do is to check the online listings to see what’s out there that catches our eye. That quick first look will usually reflect some preferences most of us don’t even bother to think about (that is, until we’re buying a home).

home buying

Sometimes they stem from our earliest childhood memories—the impressions that shape what ‘home’ should look like. Sometimes, those preferences have developed over time as an expression of our personal style. One preference can be a real trouble-maker if a couple discovers that their outlooks don’t match. It’s the one about which kind of home is more appealing: a brand new one (actually, the National Association of Home Builders defines a “new” home as one less than four years old) or an older, established home.

People who automatically tilt toward new homes can be following straightforward reasoning that goes without question. They don’t shop for used clothing; they know when they need another automobile they’re only interested in the newest model—so why in the world would they be drawn to a home that’s a hand-me-down?

People on the other side of the preference divide find new constructions lacking in the warmth and history an older home embodies. Out in the yard, they see fresh cement walkways and new plantings as pale imitations of the majesty of the grand, mature landscaping found in well-established neighborhoods.

However, I’ve often found that when my clients are buying a home in Martin County FL, their new vs. established home leaning will sometimes disappear in the face of some immediate practical advantages. A few points:

More than 70% of single-family homes were built prior to 1990, according to Realty Trac. The result is more than twice the variety from which to choose.

Older, established properties are synonymous with close-knit communities where residents know one another and their children. And often, in some locations, the older neighborhoods are in the most desirable locations.  Buying a home in such a neighborhood can mean great support, community and location.

New developments can create a fresh gathering spot for families who are all starting out together. The opportunity to build new institutions shaped to modern preferences can mean the establishment of a host of lasting friendships, in some cases bolstered by shared community recreational facilities.

Older homes can have larger lot sizes owing to lower land prices in the past. Then there are those shade trees that have been growing for generations…

Most new homes have been designed to accommodate our modern addiction to acquiring stuff. If a walk-in closet in a must, an older home is less likely to fill the bill.

Older homes are generally more expensive to maintain. According to the American Housing Survey, 26% of owners of older homes spent more than $100 a month on upkeep—while just 11% of the owners of new homes spent as much. In fact, 73% of the new home owners spend less than $25 a month for maintenance.

Ultimately the decision to buy an old or new home will come down to a combination of personal taste (“I don’t care: I love this home!”) and/or requirements (“I can’t live without _________”).

The takeaway: if you are planning on buying a Stuart home, don’t automatically eliminate all the new ones or all the older ones. Give me a call: let’s take a look!

Is Buying New the Best Choice for Your Stuart FL Home?

Just Listed Spacious Coral Point Pool Home

03.13.15 by

Just Listed Spacious Coral Point Pool Home

New on the market is this spacious Coral Point Pool Home in Rocky Point.  Listed for $689,000 by the Gabe Sanders BlueWater Realty Team.

Spacious Coral Point Pool Home

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.

Spacious Coral Point Pool Home

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.

 Spacious Coral Point Pool Home Spacious Coral Point Pool Home Spacious Coral Point Pool Home

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Just Listed Spacious Coral Point Pool Home

Bayview Condos Indian River Plantation March 2015 Market Report

03.06.15 by

Bayview Condos in Indian River Plantation

Bayview in Indian River Plantation

Bayview in Indian River Plantation is one of the newer condominium complexes on Hutchinson Island in Stuart Florida.  Bayview is a gated sub-complex of the Indian River Plantation Marriott Resort and consists of 4 semi-circular buildings totaling 129 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom and 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condos.  Living space ranges from 2,105 sq. ft. to 1,204 sq. ft.

 Bayview Condos in Indian River PlantationBayview Condos in Indian River Plantation

Most units have sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway also known as the Indian River.   Great location only minutes away from the Saint Lucie Inlet.  For boaters, there’s a full service Marina located on the grounds of the Indian River Plantation with slips available for lease.

Bayview Condos in Indian River Plantation Bayview Condos in Indian River Plantation

Bayview has a private heated pool and spa overlooking a lake as well as lovely manicured grounds for picnics or just a stroll by the water.  There’s also covered parking for all residents.

Bayview Condos in Indian River Plantation

Unit owners have the option of joining the Marriott Beach Club which allows access to an 18 hole golf course, another community pool and fitness center, professional tennis club and courts as well as access to a private beach resort on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Association fees were in the neighborhood of $380 to $400 per month as of March 2015.  Fees include use of all Bayview facilities as well as exterior maintenance and upkeep and insurance.  Water, Sewer and basic cable TV service is also included.

For March 2015, there are four active listings in Bayview.  List prices range from $310,000 to $395,000 for an average list price of $342,500 which equals $255.11 per sq. ft. of living area.

There is one condo under contract and awaiting settlement.  It is listed for $328,500 which equates to $239.08 per sq. ft. of living area.

In the past 12 months, 5 condos have sold in Bayview with sales prices ranging from $299,000 to $530,000.  The average sales price was $389,200 which equals a $259.64 price per sq. ft. of living area.  Sales equaled a 94% list to sales price ratio.

None of the above activity in Bayview was a distressed sale.  No foreclosures or short sales.

Additional Indian River Plantation Condos you may wish to consider: 
Beachwalk – Dunes Club – Fairway Villas – Inlet Village – Lakeside – Ocean House – Ocean Terrace – Plantation Club Villas – Plantation House – Resort Villas – River Village – Riverbend – Riverwood – Tennis Villas

Vista Pines March 2015 Market Update

03.04.15 by

Vista Pines March 2015 Market Update

For March 2015 all of the recently available condos in Vista Pines have either been sold or under contract.  There are no active listings at this time.

There are three condos pending, awaiting settlement.  Prices range from $39,900 to $57,900 for an average of $48,933 which equals $54.13 per sq. ft. of living area.   None of these condo listings are distressed sales.

In the past 12 months, there have been 25 sales in Vista Pines.  Sales prices ranged from $27,000 to $74,500 for an average sales price of $44,456 or $46.92 per sq. ft. of living area.  These sales averaged in at 93% of list price and two of these sales were bank owned foreclosures.  There were no short sales.

Vista Pines Condos in Stuart FL

 

The Vista Pines condominium complex consists of over 517 condos very conveniently located on SE Ocean Blvd. just in between the downtown Stuart area and the beaches of Hutchinson Island.  Also, close to restaurants, grocery stores and medical facilities that are within walking distance for many.

Vista Pines Condos in Stuart FL Vista Pines Condos in Stuart FL

Vista Pines condos were first built in 1970 and the last one was completed in 1973.   All the buildings are two story and contain both 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath and 1 Bedroom 1 Bath units.  Sizes range from 1,089 sq. ft. of living space down to 679 sq. ft. 1 bedroom units.  Buildings are situated to maximize privacy and for serene views of green space.

Vista Pines Condos in Stuart FL Vista Pines Condos in Stuart FL

There’s an active clubhouse with a large swimming pool as well as shuffleboard courts.  No pets are permitted in Vista Pines and this is an age restricted (55+) community.  The HOA fees as of August 2014 were from the low $200’s for a 1 Bedroom unit to just over $300 per month for 2 Bedroom condos.

Vista Pines Condos in Stuart FL Vista Pines Condos in Stuart FL Vista Pines Condos in Stuart FL

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Indian Pines Condo in Stuart FL Under Contract

07.13.14 by

Indian Pines Condo in Stuart FL Under Contract

Excellent opportunity and value for this lake view, ground floor condominium in Indian Pines of Stuart FL. This is a very rare three bedroom, two full bathroom unit with rear screened patio. The interior features a recently updated kitchen with newer cabinets & counter-tops, all appliances including washer/dryer, and updated baths.

Indian Pines is centrally located in Stuart FL just west of US-1 with easy access to the beaches and waterways of Martin County and close to shopping and restaurants as well as historic downtown Stuart. Easy access to I-95 for those commuting or wanting to visit points to the North or South.

All ages are welcome in Indian Pines and this is a pet friendly community. Amenities include a community pool, tennis court and clubhouse as well as spacious common areas around two lakes.  HOA fees vary depending on the size of the unit and run from $300 to $400 per month as of July 2014.

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Indian Pines Condo in Stuart FL Under Contract