VA Loans can help veterans achieve home ownership!

10.11.10 by

Florida’s Treasure Coast features dozens of prime locations for veterans to settle down after serving. And there may be no better way to use the VA Home Loan Benefit than to purchase a home along Treasure Coast, in great cities like Stuart and Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Active-duty service members and veterans have exclusive access to the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty program. Congress enacted the program in 1944 to abet returning World War II veterans in becoming homeowners, and accomplishing a sliver of the American dream.

Military families can use VA loans to buy a new home, refinance an existing home loan, upgrade a home or build on a property. When looking at property on the Treasure Coast, it’s key to remember that the maximum VA loan limit is $417,000. This means qualified service members and veterans can buy a home worth up to that amount at no money down.

Cited by borrowers as the program’s best perk, paying no money down is hard to come by these days. But that’s one of many advantages to the VA home loan program. Another immediate upside is the negotiable interest rate. Since the VA insures up to 25 percent of every VA loan, lenders are willing to lower interest rates. Furthermore, active-duty service members get capped interest rates.

Whether you want a home near Hutchinson Island or one more inland, a VA loan can save money in the long run, too. In addition to competitive interest rates, VA loan borrowers won’t pay private mortgage insurance every month. During the life of a loan, the absence of that monthly cost saves thousands of dollars. Other VA loan benefits include:
-No prepayment penalty
-Rolling a small VA funding fee into monthly payments
-Assistance to borrowers nearing default
-Favorable refinancing options
In addition to VA Loans, a program that can help military personnel afford a quality home is the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). When the government doesn’t provide housing to service members, it pays them BAH based on dependency status, pay grade and duty location. The government determines these payments based on civilians’ cost of living in your area.
BAH counts as reliable income, which helps qualify applicants for VA loans. Any form of reliable income makes for a more favorable debt-to-income ratio, which lenders will check before issuing VA loans.

Those who may be eligible for VA loans often fall into one of three categories:
-Service members who served 90 or 180 days of active duty during war or peacetime, respectively.
-Members of the Reserves or National Guard who served for at least six years.
-Spouses of those who died in the line of duty.
The first step in getting a VA loan is completing a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA or a VA-approved lender. COEs simply confirm that you meet the initial eligibility requirements.
If you’re looking to buy that Treasure Coast home with a breathtaking view, don’t hesitate to apply for a VA loan. The program’s myriad financial benefits make home-buying an enjoyment rather than a stressor.

This post comes to you from James Kelley of VA Benefit Blog. A law school student at the University of Missouri, James Kelley works to educate the public on government financing options for home purchases. He is a co-founder of Military Basebook, a facebook application that helps connect military members based on where and when they served.

For more information, visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.
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Castle Hill in Sewalls Point, Stuart, Florida

08.14.10 by

Castle Hill in Sewalls Point, Stuart, Florida

Castle Hill is an exclusive enclave of 46 homes and lots in prestigious Sewall’s Point in Stuart Florida.

This community sits in an unparalleled location only minutes from beaches and equidistant from both the Jensen Beach and Stuart causeways.  Close to marinas and launch facilities as well as shopping, restaurants and schools.

Residents of Castle Hill enjoy the good life with low HOA fees and a quiet family-friendly neighborhood for year-round Florida living.  Homes range from multi-million waterfront properties high on the deep Saint Lucie River to half-acre and larger dry home fronts with homes now starting in the high $400,000’s.

Castle Hill was established in the early 1990’s and remains one of the prime locations to call home on the Treasure Coast.

Here are the currently available homes for sale in Castle Hill in Sewalls Point, Stuart, Florida

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

 

Castle Hill in Sewalls Point, Stuart, Florida

Hobe Sound in Martin County, Florida

08.14.10 by
Hobe Sound in Martin County, Florida


Hobe Sound is the southern part of Martin County.  Located on the Atlantic Coast, south of Stuart amd north of Jupiter, Hobe Sound stretches along the coast between Port Salerno and Jonathan Dickinson State Park and includes Jupiter Island (one of the most prestigious and expensive places to live in the entire United States). The western border is not clearly defined though most development drops off only a few miles inland at Powerline Road where the current urban services boundary ends.

Hobe Sound was named after the Jove or Jobe Indians, a Native American group that occupied the area prior to the arrival of European explorers.  The Spanish pronounced it ‘Ho-bay’ and the name has now evolved to be Hobe (pronounced as it would rhyme with robe).

The earliest recorded European contact appears to be from 1696 when the British ship ‘Reformation’ sailing from Jamaica to Philadelphia sank in the area.  The 25 passengers and crew made it ashore and received aid from the Jove Indians.  One of the notable passengers, Jonathan Dickenson, was a passenger on the Reformation and now a beautiful large park and nature preserve in Hobe Sound, bears his name.


It was just after the start of the 20th century that Hobe Sound started to grow with the Florida East Coast Railroad of Henry Flagler coming through the area.


Today, Hobe Sound consists of a wonderful downtown area with quaint shops and restaurants.  Numerous types of residential areas from multi-million dollar homes on Jupiter Island, to upscale Yachting Communities, Golf Course communities and very modest manufactured home communities.  With quick and easy access to Palm Beach County and parts South as well as Stuart to the North, Hobe Sound is a truly desirable area to visit or call home.

Hobe Sound in Martin County, Florida

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

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

For more information about Florida’s Treasure Coast Real Estate, visit us at:

Search the MLS for Free

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you’ll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You’ll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that’s listed in the MLS!

Stuart Florida Real Estate 

Call 772-323-6996 for information

Town Home in Holly Creek Has Been Sold

07.13.10 by

Town Home in Holly Creek Has Been Sold

Just 2 miles from the Indian River (Intracoastal Waterway) and across the Jensen Beach Causeway to Ocean Access this townhome in Holly Creek is one of the best locations on the Treasure Coast.

This townhome in Holly Creek features lots of room with 2 BR, 2.5 Bath, and 1 car garage with additional parking.  Both bedrooms feature individual baths.  New AC and the refrigerator has a water filter system. Private lanai and lushly landscaped grounds.  This is a perfect starter home or a wonderful Florida vacation home during the cold northern winters.  This home is in move-in condition and ready for immediate occupancy.  This home can qualify for the first-time home buyers tax credit.   Low fees include professional landscaping.

A large heated pool and two professional tennis courts adjoin the spacious clubhouse that has party and banquet facilities available for residents to use.

Numerous small lakes and lush landscaping make this townhome in Holly Creek a desirable place to call home or a possible vacation retreat from those cold northern winters.

Search Town Homes in Holly Creek for Sale Here

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

Stuart Lakefront Condo in Vista del Lago has been Sold!

07.09.10 by

Updated 2’nd floor end unit with lovely lake views from this spacious 2 Br, 2 Ba, 55+ Condo.  Situated near the clubhouse with an exercise room, billiards, ping pong, barbecue grills, bike/walking trails, and a heated pool in this wonderful active adult community. Great location only minutes to extensive shopping (including the Treasure Coast Mall), restaurants, and downtown Stuart and Jensen Beach.  Only minutes to the beaches and waterways of Martin County.  Low taxes and monthly maintenance include insurance. This exceptional unit comes fully furnished and is ready for a quick sale and immediate occupancy.

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

Active Weekend Planned for Martin County, Florida

07.09.10 by

If you’re looking for a good time this weekend around the Treasure Coast of Florida, there are lots of options for you.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday (July 9, 10 & 11), Stuart’s Lyric Theater will be hosting performances of the classic rock opera ‘Tommy’. Performed by the powerhouse, award-winning teens of StarStruck Performing Arts Center. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.  Tickets are $20.  More information is available at the Lyric Theater.

Hobe Sound is hosting the Hobe Sound Barbecue Festival from noon to 6 pm on Saturday, July 10th.  Located at Bridge Road and State Road A1A in downtown Hobe Sound.  This festival features professional competitors from around the state hoping to win the $10,000 in prize money.  In addition, a second, ‘backyard competition’ will be held for local restaurants and enthusiasts for bragging rights.  There will be arts and crafts, entertainment and food galore for the entire family.  

At the Blake Library in Stuart, the Central Florida-based ensemble Friends of Jazz will be performing at 2 p.m. Saturday.  The ensemble features vocalists Tammy Georgine and Bob Fowler along with Greg Taillon on bass, Dave Crockett on piano, Ronnie Hart on drums and Ross Humphries on woodwinds and brass. The event is free and open to the public.  More information and events schedule can be found on their website or visit our website or call us at (772) 888-2885.

Are You Ready to Own a Home?

12.19.09 by

As I’m sure you’ve already heard, conditions are ripe to become a homeowner, and if you may be interested in buying a home on the Treasure Coast of Florida, here is some help to determine if you’re ready. The price of a home is by far the largest factor, but don’t make the mistake of forgetting about loan fees and closing costs, which will add to your total financed amount and your monthly cost.

All lenders are much stricter in their current lending practices. Your first step will be to polish up your credit report. A higher score gives you more power when it comes to negotiating terms and interest rates.

Similarly, a larger down payment will positively affect your mortgage terms and reduce the amount you have to finance. If you can’t manage 20% down, you will likely have to pay a monthly mortgage insurance premium.

Upon preapproval from a lender, you’ll know how much loan you qualify for, and how much is required for the down payment. It’s best to secure preapproval before you begin looking at homes, especially since sellers will see your offer as a solid one worthy of consideration.

In addition to newer fees being assessed on loans to less than stellar applicants, there are standard closing costs associated with the purchase, including appraisals, legal fees, credit reports and more. All are included upfront on your settlement statement and some may be negotiable. If you’re ready, give us a call today and we’ll get you on the road to homeownership. Prices and interest rates are very attractive now and home ownership is more affordable now.

the Gabe Sanders real estate team

Stuart Florida Real Estate

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

Search the Martin County MLS