Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report February 2016

03.12.16 by

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report February 2016

Stuart Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34994, Condo Sales for February 2016

For February 2016 in the 34994 Zip Code area of Stuart, Florida :

 

There are currently 91 active condo listings (down by 11 condos from January).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report February 2016

32 Condo sales are pending and awaiting close or lender approval. (Increased by 4 condos from last month) 

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report February 2016

20 Condos Sold in February (Up by 5 condos from January).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report February 2016

The Stuart FL 34994 Condo market picked up steam for the second month of 2016 with strong activity in all areas.  Increases in both sales and pending sales, though down in inventory.

The one month absorption rate increased to 4.6 months compared to last month’s 6.8.   Back into a strong sellers market after last months’ balanced one.  Typically a real estate market is considered to be a balanced market with an absorption rate of 6 to 7 months.  Meaning neither the buyers or sellers have an advantage in the real estate market.

Last February the numbers were 95 active listings, 45 pending sales, and 12 closed sales.   Better closed activity this year with very similar inventory levels, with less pending sales though.

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report February 2016

Search for Stuart FL Condos by Price Below:

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

Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 – Condo, February 2016

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report January 2016

02.12.16 by

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report January 2016

Stuart Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34994, Condo Sales for January 2016

For January 2016 in the 34994 Zip Code area of Stuart, Florida :

There are currently 102 active condo listings (Up by 9 condos from December).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report January 2016

28 Condo sales are pending and awaiting close or lender approval. (Decreased by 1 condos from last month) 

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report January 2016

15 Condos Sold in January (Down by 2 condos from December).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report January 2016

The Stuart FL 34994 Condo market started the year with slower sales activity than the end of last year, but still better than this period from last year.  Nice to see a bit of an increase in inventory.  I hope this will continue.

The one month absorption rate increased to 6.8 months compared to last month’s 5.5.   Back into a balanced market.  Typically a real estate market is considered to be a balanced market with an absorption rate of 6 to 7 months.  Meaning neither the buyers or sellers have an advantage in the real estate market.

Last January the numbers were 111 active listings, 35 pending sales, and 9 closed sales.   Better closed activity this year with very similar inventory levels, with less pending sales though.

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report January 2016

Search for Stuart FL Condos by Price Below:

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

Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 – Condo, January 2016

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report December 2015

01.12.16 by

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report December 2015

Stuart Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34994, Condo Sales for December 2015

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

There are currently 93 active condo listings (Down by 3 condos from November).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report December 2015

29 Condo sales are pending and awaiting close or lender approval. (Increased by 5 condos from last month) 

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report December 2015

17 Condos Sold in December (Up by 4 condos from November).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report December 2015

The Stuart FL 34994 Condo made a nice comeback for December.  Somewhat surprising as we are not yet into the start of the peak seasonal condo market.  But, it’s welcome none the less.

The one month absorption rate dropped to 5.5 months compared to last month’s 7.4.   Back into a sellers market.  Typically a real estate market is considered to be a balanced market with an absorption rate of 6 to 7 months.  Meaning neither the buyers or sellers have an advantage in the real estate market.

Last December the numbers were 95 active listings, 29 pending sales, and 10 closed sales.   Better activity this year with very similar inventory levels..

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report December 2015

Search for Stuart FL Condos by Price Below:

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

Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 – Condo, December 2015

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report November 2015

12.11.15 by

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report November 2015

Stuart Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34994, Condo Sales for November 2015

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

 

There are currently 96 active condo listings (Up by 9 condos from October).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report November 2015

24 Condo sales are pending and awaiting close or lender approval. (Decreased by 4 condos from last month) 

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report November 2015

13 Condos Sold in November (Down by 2 condos from October).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report November 2015

The Stuart FL 34994 Condo market retreated a bit in November.  While this is not unexpected as we are into the off season for condos, it is still less than last year at this time.  Hopefully the increased inventory will result in some better activity as we come into the high season for condo activity.

The one month absorption rate increased to 7.4 months compared to last month’s 5.8.   Back into a buyers market.  Typically a real estate market is considered to be a balanced market with an absorption rate of 6 to 7 months.  Meaning neither the buyers or sellers have an advantage in the real estate market.

Last November the numbers were 90 active listings, 27 pending sales, and 18 closed sales.   Our current inventory surpassed last years’ which is a positive sign.  Unfortunately closed and pending sales were not as strong as they were last year.

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report November 2015

Search for Stuart FL Condos by Price Below:

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

Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 – Condo, November 2015

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report October 2015

11.11.15 by

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report October 2015

Stuart Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34994, Condo Sales for October 2015

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

 

There are currently 87 active condo listings (Up by 16 condos from September).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report October 2015

28 Condo sales are pending and awaiting close or lender approval. (Decreased by 7 condos from last month) 

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report October 2015

15 Condos Sold in October (Up by 4 condos from September).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report October 2015

The Stuart FL 34994 Condo market while still active is showing reduced activity as we head into the off season.  Though remaining in a good and steady balanced market vicinity.

The one month absorption rate increased to 5.8 months compared to last month’s 6.5.   Continuing to hover in the balanced market area.  Typically a real estate market is considered to be a balanced market with an absorption rate of 6 to 7 months.  Meaning neither the buyers or sellers have an advantage in the real estate market.

Last October the numbers were 94 active listings, 31 pending sales, and 16 closed sales.   Slightly stronger activity last year.  Though the greater inventory is probably a large factor in this.

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report October 2015

Search for Stuart FL Condos by Price Below:

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

Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 – Condo, October 2015

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report September 2015

10.10.15 by

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report September 2015

Stuart Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34994, Condo Sales for September 2015

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

 

There are currently 71 active condo listings (Down by 5 condos from August).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report September 2015

35 Condo sales are pending and awaiting close or lender approval. (Increased by 8 condos from last month) 

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report September 2015

11 Condos Sold in September (Down by 3 condos from August).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report September 2015

The Stuart FL 34994 Condo market while still active is showing reduced activity as we head into the off season.  The low inventory levels is quite apparent and I’m hoping this will reverse in the coming months or at latest by early next year.  Though even with the low inventory, pending sales increased for the month indicating better closed activity for the near future.

The one month absorption rate increased to 6.5 months compared to last month’s 5.4.  Slipping into a balanced market for the 34994 Stuart zip code condo area after many months of being a strong sellers market.  Typically a real estate market is considered to be a balanced market with an absorption rate of 6 to 7 months.  Meaning neither the buyers or sellers have an advantage in the real estate market.

Last September the numbers were 95 active listings, 42 pending sales, and 20 closed sales.   Better activity last year.  Though the greater inventory is probably a large factor in this.

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report September 2015

Search for Stuart FL Condos by Price Below:

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

Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 – Condo, September 2015

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report August 2015

09.14.15 by

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report August 2015

Stuart Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34994, Condo Sales for August 2015

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

 

There are currently 76 active condo listings (Down by 7 condos from July).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report August 2015

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

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report August 2015

14 Condos Sold in August (Down by 6 condos from July).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report August 2015

The Stuart FL 34994 Condo market while still active is showing reduced activity as we head into the off season.  The low inventory levels is quite apparent and I’m hoping this will reverse in the coming months or at latest by early next year.

The one month absorption rate increased to 5.4 months compared to last month’s 4.2.  Still in a seller’s market, but headed towards a balanced market..  Typically a real estate market is considered to be a balanced market with an absorption rate of 6 to 7 months.  Meaning neither the buyers or sellers have an advantage in the real estate market.

Last August the numbers were 105 active listings, 40 pending sales, and 22 closed sales.  Higher volume of sales and inventory last year.

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report August 2015

Search for Stuart FL Condos by Price Below:

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

Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 – Condo, August 2015

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report July 2015

08.12.15 by

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report July 2015

Stuart Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34994, Condo Sales for July 2015

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

 

There are currently 83 active condo listings (Unchanged from June).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report July 2015

24 Condo sales are pending and awaiting close or lender approval. (Decreased by 10 condo from last month) 

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report July 2015

20 Condos Sold in July (Down by 3 condos from June).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report July 2015

The Stuart FL 34994 Condo market showed strong activity for July 2015.  Inventory didn’t go down this month, which is really the only positive as sales slowed for the month.  Though still an active market especially since we are well into the slower months for condo sales.

The one month absorption rate increased to 4.2 months compared to last month’s 3.6.  Continuing as a seller’s market.  Typically a real estate market is considered to be a balanced market with an absorption rate of 6 to 7 months.  Meaning neither the buyers or sellers have an advantage in the real estate market.

Last July the numbers were 118 active listings, 40 pending sales, and 25 closed sales. For the 34994 zip code area of Stuart there was considerably greater activity in 2014, though the inventory was quite a bit larger as well.

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report July 2015

Search for Stuart FL Condos by Price Below:

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

Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 – Condo, July 2015

To Buy or Not to Buy: First Time Stuart Home Buyer Question

07.29.15 by

To Buy or Not to Buy: First Time Stuart Home Buyer Question

 Granada Homes for Sale

Historically low mortgage interest rates have been a lifeline for many Stuart first time home buyers in recent years, keeping home ownership within reach for many who wouldn’t have otherwise been able to make the leap. For them, and for all the other than first time area home buyers, the fact that home values have continued to rise has been an added boon.

But, as just about every mortgage industry expert will tell you, the gig is almost up for those rock bottom rates. Yet the question for many first time home buyers remains: is it time to buy or not?

It’s a good time to take a hard look a few of the known facts—

According to web giant Zillow, as of Q1 2015, potential home buyers should expect to spend about 15% of their income on a mortgage for an average home in the U.S. When you compare this with the historical averages, it makes today’s rates temptingly low: the typical percentage has been closer to 21%. In terms of dollars spent monthly, that’s a big (and terrific) difference!

At the same time, the historical average has a typical renter shelling out 24% of income. Today, that’s closer to 30%…making first time home ownership that much more inviting.

Taken together, Zillow’s new calculations definitely appear to make finding a home to buy the more affordable option. On the other hand, it’s also true that a number of factors work against first time home buyers—in Stuart and nationwide. College debt, for one, is far more of an obstacle than it used to be. And the other side of those all-time high monthly rents in many places are making it that much harder for would-be first time home buyers to save for a down payment. But with the widespread phenomenon of growth in rents outpacing growth in home values, the rental affordability problem isn’t likely to improve any time soon. With mortgage rates likely to be on the increase as early as this fall, the long term outlook may not grow rosier as time passes. The implied takeaway: strike now while the iron is hot!

Whether this real estate foray is your first or tenth, if you’ve been considering taking advantage of this summer’s Treasure Coast home buying bargains, contact me today for an introduction to a qualified mortgage broker—and to discuss whether this might not just be the perfect time to start your search!

 How Today Stacks Up for Would-be Stuart First Time Homebuyers

Think Like a Skeptic When Picking a Jensen Beach Home for Sale

07.26.15 by

Think Like a Skeptic When Picking a Jensen Beach Home for Sale

Spacious 4 BR Jensen Beach Home

If you are among this July’s consumers who are actively shopping for a home for sale in Jensen Beach, you have probably already taken a look at the Martin County listings and most likely jotted down some addresses you’d like to examine in detail. Then, if you find yourself in the happy situation of finding more than one Treasure Coast home for sale that passes your first in-person tour visit, the tough question arises about how to pick between two or more quality homes. Should you depend upon your emotional leanings—even if a few practical details seem to point you in the opposite direction? Or should you simply let price be the determining factor? Or is there some other criterion the most experienced house hunters rely on?

Of all the factors that could go into that decision, truthfully, pointing out which are the most important is always a subjective exercise (all except for one I’ll bring up last). Here are some of the most useful ones:

  • Compare the neighborhoods, and take a close look the adjacent streets. Drive by the properties at different times of the day and at least once on a weekend. See how the neighbors keep their homes. Neglected lawns (or bars on too many windows) are not signs you may want to ignore—just as uniformly well-kept landscaping should count on the positive side.
  • Next visit to the candidates, do a consciously thorough walk-over. Pace the perimeter of the home and lot. Look for fencing issues you might need to address, or even how intrusive neighbors’ windows might be. Check for signs of water pooling anywhere on the lot with an eye to whether drainage problems could become an issue when the rains come.
  • If there is another home for sale on the street, drive the immediate area looking for more. If there is more than one home for sale, check the web to see if there are too many—or enough that it indicates that values are in flux. If it appears there are many—but no reason other than chance—it could be a good sign that your offer will be very welcome!

What is that less subjective factor (the one I said I’d bring up last)? It’s one that calls for becoming more skeptical than you really are: one that has you pretending to be a member of the public at large who doesn’t feel particularly drawn to either of the homes for sale you are comparing.

Put yourself into that mindset—then judge which of the homes will be easier to sell in a future where you have decided to move on. Deep-six your idiosyncratic leanings, and concentrate on elements that the majority of people would agree are those that add or subtract resale value. Experienced house hunters have bought and sold often enough that they are keenly aware of how much easier it is to sell a home that has universal appeal—even over one that’s more personally attractive. Keeping aware of the personal factors that may make you comfortable but which could adversely affect resaleability will help you determine a property’s future value to others (and, many would argue, that is the real value!)…

This summer, we’re fortunate to have a market that offers many Jensen Beach homes for sale offering exceptional value. I hope you’ll give me a call to help find your family’s next home!

Think Like a Skeptic When Picking a Jensen Beach Home for Sale

U.S. Report & Our Treasure Coast Real Estate Investment Outlook

07.25.15 by

U.S. Report & Our Treasure Coast Real Estate Investment Outlook

 

Last week’s reporting showed the same kind of upward movement that’s become commonplace for Treasure Coast real estate investment news watchers. A standout: Corelogic’s finding that national home prices in May increased by 6.3%, marking the 39th consecutive monthly year-over-year increase.

Actually, to a lot of us, that looked stronger than expected: the steady increase in U.S. sale prices had seemed to have leveled off in the 5% range for the most part…Corelogic’s own Chief Economist had prognosticated, “We expect house prices in our national index to be up about 5 percent in the next 12 months” just 30 days ago.

Those who track U.S. real estate investment performance for its Stuart FL implications, two other interesting observations were noteworthy. First, even including distressed sales, prices have now risen to within 8.4% of the April 2006 peak—what is generally considered an unsustainable “bubble.” Yet it’s impossible to find any expert who believes the current price levels are indicative of anything of the kind; nor that the expected continuing rises would expose those making residential real estate investments to equivalent risk levels. Except in a very few localities, there is scarcely any “bubble” speculation to be found—even as national price increases continue to outpace inflation.

Part of the reason is that supply continues to be tight; distressed property sales continue to decline; and overall U.S. economic conditions are perceived to be improving, however gradually. Corelogic also keeps track of sales and momentum for different price ranges, which perform differently, as real estate investment analysts know. The lowest-priced tier, which represents to most modestly priced 25% of homes, has now actually surpassed its pre-crisis peak…and the highest end of luxury residences (the top 25%) are within 5.7% of their peak.

The second point made in last week’s reporting was continuing good news for those whose real estate investment portfolios include rental properties. Apartment vacancy rates “are down to their lowest level since the 1980s” according to Economist Frank Nothaft. “Rents are up, and apartment building values are at or above their prior peaks.”

The robust performance wasn’t confined to multiple-unit housing, either. Following the housing crash—between 2006 and 2013—3,000,000 detached single family homes were added to the nation’s rental stock. They now make up 40% of the market. In terms of their real estate investment performance, the combination of rising rental rates and shrinking vacancy rates are exactly what investors hope to see. For regular homeowners, too—even those with no plans to sell anytime soon—those 39 straight months of steady price appreciation is comforting news. And if you are watching this summer’s Treasure Coast real estate listings for the investment opportunities they represent, I hope you’ll give me a call!

U.S. Report & Our Treasure Coast Real Estate Investment Outlook

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report June 2015

07.12.15 by

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report June 2015

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

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

 

There are currently 83 active condo listings (Decreased by 8 condos from May).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report June 2015

34 Condo sales are pending and awaiting close or lender approval. (Decreased by 4 condo from last month) 

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report June 2015

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

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report June 2015

The Stuart FL 34994 Condo market showed strong activity for June 2015.  Slightly less inventory and pending sales for June, while closed sales were up slightly.  This segment of the market remains quite active.

The one month absorption rate decreased to 3.6 months compared to last month’s 4.8.  Continuing as a very strong seller’s market.  Typically a real estate market is considered to be a balanced market with an absorption rate of 6 to 7 months.  Meaning neither the buyers or sellers have an advantage in the real estate market.

Last June the numbers were 111 active listings, 46 pending sales, and 23 closed sales. For the 34994 zip code area of Stuart there was considerably greater activity last year.

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report June 2015

Search for Stuart FL Condos by Price Below:

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

Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 – Condo, June 2015

Keeping an Eye on Mortgage Experiment for Palm City Buyers

07.03.15 by

Keeping an Eye on Mortgage Experiment for Palm City Buyers

Treasure Coast home buying activity may be going great guns, but for some would-be buyers, credit score woes are still a stubborn obstacle. That’s why we have been keeping an eye on the new pilot project that was announced late last year. This was the one called the “Wealth Building Home Loan.” It’s an experiment aimed at opening up home ownership options, particularly for first time home buyers. Bank of America and Citibank were first to sign up for the program, said to “take a fresh approach to affordable mortgage lending.” It sounds like a pretty good idea!

How It Works

The Wealth Building Home Loan is a mortgage that runs for 15 years at a fixed interest rate. Because the term is so short, equity builds rapidly. The payments are more manageable than any reality-grounded Palm City mortgage watcher would think because discount points can be used to buy the interest rate down to…well, “zero”! Since no down payment is generally required, home buyers can apply their available cash to purchasing those points. Since that sounds almost too good to be true, we’ve been keeping an eye open for progress reports.

Extra Help for Buyers with Modest Income

Qualifying for the mortgages would emphasize home buyer income rather than credit score. This would be a real godsend to the many people still rebuilding their credit after the economic downturn. Furthermore, interest would be set at three-fourths of a percent lower than the 30-year FHA rate—which makes sense, since shorter terms mean lower lender risk—with additional points to be offered at special bargain prices.

A Game-Changing Approach

The loan program is piloted through The Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, which secured underwriting from BofA and Citibank. It’s intended to be “a game changer,” because equity ownership takes place rapidly. Already in the first three years of a WBHL, 77% of the monthly payments pay off the principal, rather than the 68% that goes to interest under a standard 30-year mortgage. The effect is to accumulate a significant ownership stake almost from the word ‘go’—and more ownership equates to better loan performance.

When last checked, the program was in “pilot project” status (still in the initial shakedown phase) while the innovators who came up with the idea figure out how to make the loans widely available. So far, so good, apparently—we’ll keep an eye on developments to see if the program is greenlighted by the two underwriters.

In the meantime, Treasure Coast mortgage-seekers have a wide variety of currently available options for taking advantage of the great buys viewable on this morning’s Palm City listings. Give me a call for a no-obligation discussion of how you can take advantage of today’s opportunities!

Keeping an Eye on Mortgage Experiment for Palm City Buyers

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report May 2015

06.12.15 by

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report May 2015

Stuart Real Estate Snapshot for ZIP Code 34994, Condo Sales for May 2015

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

 

There are currently 91 active condo listings (Decreased by 2 condos from April).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report May 2015

38 Condo sales are pending and awaiting close or lender approval. (Decreased by 2 condo from last month) 

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report May 2015

19 Condos Sold in May (Unchanged from April).

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report May 2015

The Stuart FL 34994 Condo market showed strong activity for May 2015.  Slightly less inventory and pending sales for May, while closed sales remained unchanged for the third month in a row.

The one month absorption rate decreased to 4.8 months compared to last month’s 4.9.  Continuing as a seller’s market.  Typically a real estate market is considered to be a balanced market with an absorption rate of 6 to 7 months.  Meaning neither the buyers or sellers have an advantage in the real estate market.

Last May the numbers were 111 active listings, 50 pending sales, and 27 closed sales. For the 34994 zip code area of Stuart there was considerably greater activity last year.

Stuart FL 34994 Condo Market Report May 2015

Search for Stuart FL Condos by Price Below:

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

Stuart Florida Market Report ZIP Code 34994 – Condo, May 2015

Jensen Beach Golf and Country Club June 2015 Market Report

06.05.15 by

Jensen Beach Golf and Country Club June 2015 Market Report

 There are currently 7 homes and/or villas available for sale in the Jensen Beach Golf and Country Club.
List prices range from $269,000 to $399,000 or an average list price of $331,755 which equals $168.32 per square foot of living area.

9 homes are under contract awaiting the final sale.  List prices range from $200,000 to $375,000 for an average list price of $298,077 that equals $1150.90 per square foot of living area.

In the past 12 months, 38 homes have sold.  The sales prices ranged from $185,000 to $440,000 for an average sales price of $281,340 which works out to a price per square foot of  $151,92 at a 97% sales to list price ratio.

The Jensen Beach Golf and Country Club in Jensen Beach Florida is one of the most desirable communities on Florida’s Treasure Coast.  There are 656 homes and home sites spread out on over 240 acres of wildlife preserve with plenty of privacy and homes from four different builders.   Homes began to be constructed in 2000 and new homes from D.R. Horton and Renar Homes have been recently completed.  Previous builders included WCI Communities and Engle Homes.

The Jensen beach Golf and Country Club is home to the Eagle Marsh Golf Course.   This is apublic course and all are welcome to play.  Inexpensive membership plans are available along with dining facilities, a snack bar and a pro shop.  More information about the Eagle Marsh Golf Club can be found on their web site.

Homes in the Jensen Beach Golf and Country Club range from smaller 2 BR attached villas of approximately 1300 plus square feet of living area and single car garages to spacious one floor and two story pool homes of just over 2500 square feet with 3 car garages.  In addition to the facilities associated with the Eagle Marsh Golf Club, there are two community pools and an active tennis club with 6 professional courts along with a local pro and active league play.

All of these amenities come at an incredibly attractive HOA fee of around $225 per month and include landscaping, trash pickup as well as basic cable TV service.

The Jensen Beach Golf and Country Club is attractively situated only 2 miles from the Indian River (the Intracoastal Water Way) and quaint downtown Jensen Beach, only across the causeway to the public beach of Jensen beach for those wishing to take advantage of the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.  Less than a mile to the west is the Treasure Coast Mall and the shopping and restaurant corridor of US-1.

For those with children, the ‘A’ rated Jensen beach High School is within walking distance from the front gate of the Jensen Beach Golf and Country Club.

Here are the currently available homes in the Jensen Beach Golf and Country Club

 For any questions you may have about the Jensen Beach Golf and Country Club, 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

Jensen Beach Golf and Country Club June 2015 Market Report

Treasure Coast Readers find few Housing News Jolts…until Tuesday

06.03.15 by

Treasure Coast Readers find few Housing News Jolts…until Tuesday

 Housing News

With our Treasure Coast’s housing news behaving pretty much in line with the rest of the nation’s—that is, exactly as expected for a brisk spring selling season—you don’t usually expect to see much eye-catching housing news in the national press. That’s why last week’s USA Today Money section’s front page story was interesting. Inside, there was more, too. Tucked inside the same section was “THE WEEK AHEAD” which provided a day-by-day schedule about imminent housing news releases—a welcome heads-up for any devoted Stuart housing news observer. I’ll get back to how that wound up working out later…

The lead housing news item, headlined “AS RENT GOES UP, SO MAY HOUSING MARKET,” centered on the sort of shift that can wind up being indicative of something: for the first time in at least five years, they found “a milestone that should spur the sluggish home-buying market.”

That milestone was a rise in U.S. median rent prices, which climbed 4% from a year earlier—the most robust increase since March 2013. A little less firm was what the ‘something’ that this indicated, but the balance of opinion seems to be that the climbing rent number will prod more renters into buying a place of their own. This seems a reasonable enough takeaway, and it’s one that is supported by history. Underlying that conclusion is another contributing factor: “multifamily construction fell off a cliff after the…financial crisis in the late 2000s…”, so the tightening availability of rentals also factors in.

The item ends with a slightly contrary (and logical) point: rising rents means it will be tougher for tenants to save up for down payments, all the more because rents are now rising faster than wages.

That earlier-mentioned “THE WEEK AHEAD” article on the second page had a list of real estate news reports that were scheduled to be released last week. It was headlined, “Data may point to warmth,” and was indeed more real estate news (rather than a weather update). But the optimism about warm spring weather possibly pointing to a rise in home builder sentiment was slightly chilled when the actual report came out: sentiment dropped two points in May.

Housing starts data were scheduled to be released on Tuesday—and this one turned out to be GREAT! The Census Bureau “surprised the market” with the strongest monthly report for starts and permits in 7 ½ years—soaring 20+% in April (with single family housing up 16% from March). So, one has to wonder: if home builders are less optimistic than predicted, why are they breaking out the hammers and saws so energetically? The housingwire.com website thought it represented a rebound from “weather-depressed” previous numbers…so maybe the “Data may point to warmth” headline had been right, after all.

The rest of the real estate news releases for the week were less interesting because they centered on reaction to the Federal Reserve’s release of the minutes of their meeting, which (let’s face it) are traditionally confusingly vague. But the week was slated to end with Friday’s Labor Department release of consumer prices, as indeed it did: price rises slowed to 0.1% from the 0.2% in March. Good news, also. All in all, Stuart readers had to come away from the spate of housing news with a considerably warmer feeling than they’d had for much of the winter.

For an up-to-the-minute update on how our Treasure Coast’s market compares with the rest of the nation’s – and how your own plans stand to fare – just give me a call any time or check out my market reports page on my website!

 

Jensen Beach Waterfront Home Leased

05.31.15 by

Jensen Beach Waterfront Home Leased

This beautifully updated wide waterfront home on Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach FL has been leased.

Waterfront Home on Indian River Drive This home is located at 12647 Indian River Drive in St Lucie County though the mailing address and schools are in Jensen Beach.

Waterfront Home on Indian River Drive

Enjoy beautiful views of the Indian River from your home or the observation deck on the water. 3 bedroom/ 2 bath home with tile, stainless steel appliances, granite, pantry, screen porch, plantation shutters, high elevation, over 1/3 acre of land close to downtown Jensen Beach.

 Waterfront Home on Indian River Drive

Waterfront Home on Indian River Drive

Discover the last vestiges of old Florida charm and the best values for wide waterfront homes and estate sized land in South Florida today! Twelve miles of paradise on a two lane country road along the Treasure Coast between the Island Life Of Jensen Beach and the Historic Town of Ft. Pierce. Most of the homes on Indian River Drive will have the wide views of the Intracoastal (Indian River) on the east side and the unspoiled beauty of the Savannahs Preserve State Park on the west side.

The blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean are just minutes away. The famous Hutchinson Island is viewed by all residents along this designated Florida Scenic Route.

The early settlers of the Treasure Coast recognized the Tropical Beauty of this bit of paradise. Long used as transportation route for the pineapple plantation owners to ship their product to various ports-o-call. The Intracoastal has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and is a safe haven for boaters. World class marine life is right at your doorstep and the fishing is some of the best in the world.

The high elevation along the drive adds drama and beauty to most homes along this scenic stretch of two lane road.

     Search for all Indian River Drive Homes for Sale

View Our Featured Listings!

Palm City Florida Real Estate presented by:

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

Jensen Beach Waterfront Home Leased

 

Coming Soon Jensen Beach Waterfront Home for Rent

05.25.15 by

Coming Soon Jensen Beach Waterfront Home for Rent

Coming soon and will be available on June 1!  This beautifully updated wide waterfront home on Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach FL.  Available for annual lease at only $2,100 a month.

Waterfront Home on Indian River Drive This home is located at 12647 Indian River Drive in St Lucie County though the mailing address and schools are in Jensen Beach.

Waterfront Home on Indian River Drive

Enjoy beautiful views of the Indian River from your home or the observation deck on the water. 3 bedroom/ 2 bath home with tile, stainless steel appliances, granite, pantry, screen porch, plantation shutters, high elevation, over 1/3 acre of land close to downtown Jensen Beach.

 Waterfront Home on Indian River Drive

Waterfront Home on Indian River Drive

Discover the last vestiges of old Florida charm and the best values for wide waterfront homes and estate sized land in South Florida today! Twelve miles of paradise on a two lane country road along the Treasure Coast between the Island Life Of Jensen Beach and the Historic Town of Ft. Pierce. Most of the homes on Indian River Drive will have the wide views of the Intracoastal (Indian River) on the east side and the unspoiled beauty of the Savannahs Preserve State Park on the west side.

The blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean are just minutes away. The famous Hutchinson Island is viewed by all residents along this designated Florida Scenic Route.

The early settlers of the Treasure Coast recognized the Tropical Beauty of this bit of paradise. Long used as transportation route for the pineapple plantation owners to ship their product to various ports-o-call. The Intracoastal has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and is a safe haven for boaters. World class marine life is right at your doorstep and the fishing is some of the best in the world.

The high elevation along the drive adds drama and beauty to most homes along this scenic stretch of two lane road.

     Search for all Indian River Drive Homes for Sale

View Our Featured Listings!

Palm City Florida Real Estate presented by:

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

Coming Soon Jensen Beach Waterfront Home for Rent

 

Goal of a Thorough Treasure Coast Home Inspection: Future Peace of Mind

05.23.15 by

 Goal of a Thorough Treasure Coast Home Inspection: Future Peace of Mind

Home-InspectorWhenever we think of how our Treasure Coast home staging professionals approach their craft, it’s all the positives that come to mind—how they transform a ho-hum living room into a welcoming showplace; a run-of-the-mill front porch into a curb appeal magnet, etc. That is true, but equally important are the negatives they address. Stagers locate and eliminate elements that detract.

This is all by way of pointing out that another element of the Martin County real estate industry—the home inspection part—provides an extremely positive contribution by zeroing in on negatives. It’s pretty darned important that a Jensen Beach home inspection do just that!

Picture this: it’s just under a year since you bought your home, but what started out as a dream home is beginning to take on aspects of a nightmare. Cracks have appeared in the foundation (were they there all along?); asphalt tiles are raining down onto the driveway (am I seeing gaps up on the garage roof?); and puddles are springing up underneath the network of pipes that (now that I’m looking closely) do seem to show a bit more rust than they probably should…

This is the kind of evolving nightmare no Treasure Coast home buyer should have to deal with. A thorough home inspection unearths problems before you close on the home—so while it may require an investment of a few hundred dollars, it’s the most sensible way to prevent expensive (but foreseeable) maintenance surprises down the road. Going about tapping a professional whose home inspection credentials measure up won’t take an undue chunk of your time:

·         Survey the ratings

This is an area where the Better Business Bureau is truly invaluable. Likewise, customer feedback sites like Angie’s List offer reviews of Treasure Coast home inspection services that are full of useful information. The only detail that’s less attention-worthy is cost. When you’re in the process of investing hundreds of thousands of dollars, paying a bit extra for a superior home inspection is “pound-wise.”

·         Note ties to the Martin County community

Home inspectors who have maintained strong ties to the Treasure Coast business community have their reputation riding on the line with every inspection. Their incentives are perfectly aligned with yours for providing a thorough inspection with written findings that will hold up over time.

·         Consider a structural engineer or another specialist

If there’s a question about the structural integrity of the home, look for an inspector with engineering credentials. Likewise, if there are questions about other areas of the house (like the electrical system), be open to calling in an appropriate specialist to take a look. It’s really your peace of mind that will benefit.

When you choose me as your Realtor®, I will also be happy to recommend several Treasure Coast home inspectors who have demonstrated their skill and reliability for my clients over the years. I hope you won’t hesitate to give me a call!

Low Credit Score? You Can Still Buy Your First Martin County Home!

05.22.15 by

 Low Credit Score? You Can Still Buy Your First Martin County Home!

 credit score

They really ought to teach this stuff in school: real-life, day-to-day economics. Martin County youngsters out on their own for the first time are usually left to trial and error when it comes to mastering things like how to lay out a personal budget or use credit advantageously. Or even how to go about selecting a bank, or opening a checking account…

So when it comes to buying their first Stuart home, it’s very common for newcomers to put off confronting the whole daunting issue. When you’re still new to your career, tackling a purchase involving years’ worth of income channeled through a maze of unfamiliar procedures is easy to put off. But when the delay stretches well past the point in their financial lives when it would be clearly advantageous to own rather than to continue renting, it’s the same thing as throwing hard-earned cash overboard.

They really ought to teach this stuff in school! That having been said, here is a broad-brush, very basic rundown of the lay of the land aimed at first time Treasure Coast Florida home buyers:

Since the asking price for even the most modest Martin County home is a number with multiple zeros on the end, you might assume that common sense indicates it’s out of reach. All the more so if early mistakes handling credit cards or student loan troubles have damaged your credit score. The good news is that potential home buyers with less than outstanding credit can still buy that first home—given some careful financial planning and research on your part.

  • The most important factor banks use to determine your mortgage eligibility is your FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation) credit score. The numbers range from 300 to 850, are based on a number of factors including how much debt you have and your payment history. In general, borrowers will need a credit score of at least 650 to qualify for a conventional home mortgage loan.
  • BUT, it’s not the only factor. Although your credit score tops the list of elements that determine your eligibility for a mortgage, banks will also consider the amount of money you can commit to a down payment. Saving up may delay your first home purchase, and definitely takes discipline…but today, the amount you need is changing. Different lending institutions have different rules for determining eligibility, and some offer-
  • Non-conventional loans. Today, first-time home buyers with relatively low credit scores can often secure such loans. You should research Treasure Coast FL banks to find those currently offering non-conventional loans to borrowers with qualifying credit histories. You should also consider a Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loan, which eases credit requirements. For example, you might qualify for an FHA loan with a credit score as low as 580 with a down payment of just 3.5%!
  • You can also use money from an IRA for your down payment. In other circumstances, withdrawing money from your IRA before age 59 ½ means paying a 10% penalty, but that rule doesn’t apply when you use your IRA to purchase a first home!

Bottom line: a low credit score doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t buy your first Martin County home. I’m here not only to help you find a home, but to help clarify the options that make possible that dream of owning your first home. Call me anytime!