Monday, April 28, 2008

Price Reduced on 4719 SE Salvatori Rd. in Port Salerno Village 3 BR 1/2 Duplex

Port Salerno, Martin County - Announcing a price reduction on 4719 SE Salvatori Rd., a 1,450 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "New Roof". Now MLS® $99,000 - Affordable Stuart home.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Stepping Up To Down Markets!

Remember the ancient curse, "May you live in interesting times"? While many are indeed cursing the current real estate climate, others see opportunities. In a "soft" market, the short-term options dwindle, but seasoned investors in for the long haul are positioned to take advantage.

In the words of billionaire J. Paul Getty, "Buy when everyone else is selling and hold until everyone else is buying." Just like the stock market, more money is often made in a down cycle than in an up market.

Slower times encourage sellers to be more open to negotiation. Combine acceptance of lower prices with currently low interest rates, and you've got the perfect recipe for bargains. Real estate is continually cycling, and it's guaranteed that prices will rise again. The time to get in is now, before that begins to happen.

A "buy and hold" strategy works in this market, while your property appreciates. While you wait, consider leasing it. The property can pay for itself with rent collected, and an investor that can pay off a small mortgage is in an excellent position indeed.

Learn from your real estate agent and tax advisor how a "1031 Exchange" can greatly reduce your tax liability when it does come time to sell your investment. Now is the time to get in, but be sure to know how you'll get out, too!
Understanding real estate dilemmas and their solutions is our business, and we’ll happily share our knowledge with you. Why not give us a call at (772) 323-6996 or visit us on the web at www.GabeSanders.com and www.TreasureCoastFLHomes.com. Our office is located at 2 N. Sewalls Point Rd. in Stuart, (Sewall’s Point) Florida; please ask for Gabe Sanders or Susan Maxwell.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Ocean Front Condo For Sale on Hutchinson Island


Rental Opportunities


• 680 sq. ft., 1 bath, 1 bdrm single story - MLS® $350,000 - Ocean Front
Hutchinson Island, Stuart - Enjoy breathtaking views and cool ocean breezes from the balcony of this lovely 1/1 tropical resort condo. This is a fantastic island get-away! Play on the beach and swim in your pool or join the Ocean Club at Marriot Resort and enjoy the added amenitiesof golf, tennis and fitness. This unit can also work for you while you are away. Short and long term rentals are welcomed and this unit has documented rental income of $15,000 per year for the past two years.


Thursday, April 24, 2008

Price Reduced on New Town Home with Beach and Boating Access on South Hutchinson Island



South Hutchinson Island, Hutchinson Island
Announcing a price reduction on 805 Mariner Bay Blvd, a 2,540 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "TownHome". Now $249,000 - Inludes 35' Dock Resv..


Property information

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Pool Home with Preserve and Lake Views for sale in Windemere, Jensen Beach, FL

Immaculate 2 possible 3 BR, Pool Home on oversized private cul-de-sac lot with preserve and lake views. Open spacious and light living areas with ceramic tile throughout. Newer appliances in kitchen with breakfast bar and dining nook overlooking the pool and preserve. This home is in move in condition and ready for new owners. Easy to use accordion hurricane shutters throughout home. Great location, only minutes to beaches, shopping and restaurants as well as Martin County's 'A' rated schools.



Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Who or what is Fannie Mae?

You could argue that if Fannie Mae had been around, George Bailey's Building and Loan would not have been in trouble, despite his absent-minded Uncle Billy, and he would not have needed an angel and the whole town to bail him out.

It would still be a wonderful life, but perhaps not as dramatic a life.

Fannie Mae's real name is the Federal National Mortgage Association and it is a federally charted corporation, owned by shareholders, that has one main mission: To make sure there is enough money around that any American who has the resources to buy a home can get a mortgage. But not just any American can pick up the phone and call Fannie Mae.

When you get a mortgage from your local lender, the lender is the one who will be in touch with Fannie Mae. Your local lender wants to make loans, because it makes money (interest) on loans. But each local lender can only make just so many loans with the money it has available. That's where Fannie Mae comes in.

Thanks to Fannie Mae, your lender doesn't have to wait 30 years until you pay off your mortgage so that it can make a new loan to another family. Instead, your lender can sell your loan to Fannie Mae, make some money on the loan, and then loan someone else in your community money for a home.

Fannie Mae makes money because it can borrow at the best possible rate, a better rate than you get on your mortgage. Fannie Mae buys your mortgage for a lower rate than the lender is charging you, then holds your mortgage (or maybe even sells it again) until you pay it off.
In the meantime, you keep right on paying your local lender, just as you have always done.
Of course, Fannie Mae is the mega player in the mortgage paper world. It makes still more money by packaging up your loan with others and selling it in a bundle to investors, pension funds and other groups. Fannie Mae guarantees that the investors get their money, even if you default on your mortgage.

This is where Fannie's government relationship comes into play. If a vast number of people default at one time and overwhelm Fannie Mae, then she has a great ace-in-the-hole: Your tax dollars. The U.S. government has never explicitly guaranteed that if Fannie Mae failed, tax dollars would be used to prop up the corporation. But most people think that is what would happen.

Today, more than 70 percent of American families own their homes. Not a bad track record, even though Fannie Mae is often criticized as a titan that fights regulation and uses its own size and complexity to avoid close scrutiny.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Price Reduced on 5269 SE Jennings Ln. in Martin's Crossing


Martin's Crossing, Stuart - Announcing a price reduction on 5269 SE Jennings Ln., a 1,076 sq. ft., 2.5 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story "Townhome". Now $162,500 - Price Drastically Reduced - Seller wants an offer!


Price Reduced on 14 SE Norfolk Blvd. in Fishermans Cove


Fishermans Cove, Stuart - Announcing a major price reduction on 14 SE Norfolk Blvd., a 1,131 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story "Solid CBS Construction". Now $89,900 - Seller says 'Make an Offer!'


Saturday, April 19, 2008

Choosing a REALTOR®!

Are you aware that over two million people in the United States have real estate licenses? With that many practitioners, the seed quickly separates from the chaff, with a small percentage rising to the top in quality service to buyers and sellers.

As you consider the mountains of documentation, financing, negotiating, marketing, inspections and the like, where would you begin to locate the agent best suited to your needs? It makes sense to start at home, with those individuals who participate in neighborhood organizations, local government, charities, etc.

It makes sense to work with someone who is active within and knowledgeable about the local community. More information for your choice of representative can be found through open houses, advertising, and referrals and recommendations from other agents, neighbors, and local business leaders.

Once you've interviewed and selected a real estate agent, make sure your relationship is clearly defined and documented. Some agents represent sellers, while others exclusively represent buyers. Make sure your representative explains how he or she works with all parties to the transaction, and provides a complete "agency disclosure" to document your relationship.

Then your agent will begin discussion of local market conditions and how they come to bear upon your listing or your purchase. A carefully selected representative from your community will provide all the information you need to move forward with confidence.

If you need information to help you solve a real estate puzzle, call us at (772) 323-6996, or visit us on the web at www.GabeSanders.com or www.TreasureCoastFLHomes.com. We’ll be happy to share our knowledge with you at no cost or obligation, and if we aren’t sure of our answer we’ll direct you to the best Martin or Saint Lucie County resource. Our office is located at 2 N. Sewalls Point Rd. in Stuart, (Sewall’s Point) Florida; please ask for Gabe Sanders or Susan Maxwell.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Townhouse For Sale in Lexington Lakes, Stuart Florida


• 2,126 sq. ft., 2.5 bath, 3 bdrm townhouse "Centex Homes" - $175,000 - Fantastic Value
Lexington Lakes, Stuart - It doesn't get much better than this! Live in the heart of Stuart and enjoy the amenities of Martin County and its 'A' rated schools, beaches, parks and shopping. Constructed in 2006 this newer 3 bedroom 2.5 Bath and Garage town home with low monthly fees that cover hazard insurance, outside maintenance, heated pool, clubhouse, fitness center and more. Featuring upgraded granite counters, wood cabinets, upgraded appliances, ceramic tile in all living areas, and more. Plenty of storage space as well as an open rear patio overlooking a grassy lawn with room to roam. Maintenance free living for a young family or the perfect vacation home. Seller financing is possible as is some seller concessions.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Waterfront Home on Peninsula Lot will be Open Tuesday Morning


Mapp Road, Palm City - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 1217 SW Fast Street on April 15 from 9:45 AM to 12:30 PM.





Friday, April 11, 2008

AVOID THE RED TAG ON YOUR HOME !

Have you ever noticed clothing sales that advertise “seconds” at greatly reduced prices? The “second” quality merchandise may exhibit flaws like uneven seams and pulled stitches, and capitalizes on the slightly lower quality in exchange for a lower price.

Much like those “mark downs,” a home being offered for sale with obvious flaws also invites a lower price. Homebuyers, like other savvy shoppers, quickly become aware of needed repairs, and then begin scrutinizing the home for other defects.

If you plan to sell your home and expect to receive full price, be certain that all needed repairs are completed before the “For Sale” sign appears out front. If you don't, expect to receive about $2 less for each $1 in needed repairs.

Protect your investment by asking a professional for advice. Should you call us, we will walk through your home as a buyer would, making notes of all apparent defects that attract attention. This could range from a cracked windowpane to carpet in need of replacement. No matter what the flaw may be, if it attracts attention, it also becomes a point on which the buyer may negotiate a lower sale price or even worse, not consider your home at all.

We can guide you further by providing marketing tips to make your home more attractive to buyers. Remember that in this market, only by offering a “first quality" home, you may expect to receive the best price.

If you’re planning to sell your home soon and want to know how we plan to ‘market’ your home, give us a call at (772) 323-6996 or visit us on the web at www.TreasureCoastFLHomes.com. Our office is located at 2 N. Sewalls Point Rd. in Stuart, (Sewall’s Point) Florida; please ask for Gabe Sanders or Susan Maxwell.

Price Reduced on New Hutchinson Island Town Home with Beach and Deep Water Marina


South Hutchinson Island, Hutchinson Island - Announcing a price reduction on 805 Mariner Bay Blvd, a 2,540 sq. ft., 2.5 bath, 3 bdrm + den, 2 story "TownHome". Now $279,000 - Inludes 35' Dock Resvation.

Fishermen and Boater's Paradise Home for Sale in Stuart, FL




• 3,184 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - $449,000 - Reduced


Rocky Point, Stuart - Fishermen and Boater's paradise! Completely modernized and updated 3BR CBS home with screened heated pool. Updated kitchen with granite counters, center island with wine cooler and cook top vented to outside, newer appliances, large pantry, breakfast bar and dining area. Split plan with open concept living room, dining room and family room with a gas fireplace. Spacious bedrooms all with walk-in closets. Side load garage, 10 x 24 storage shed, RV/Boat parking and additional off street parking. 1 yr. dock lease for up to a 30' boat upon purchase. Private protected marina and launch ramp deeded to this home. Less than 2 miles to the Ocean from ramp or deep water marina.

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Price Reduction on Newer 5 Acre Estate Home in Palm City Florida

Palm City Farms, Palm City - Announcing a price reduction on 5354 SW Woodham St., a 4,826 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "Solid CBS with Hardi-Plank exterior". Now $599,000 - Estate Home on 5 Acres.


Tuesday, April 08, 2008

HOMESAVER ADVACE PROGRAM

Have you fallen behind on your mortgage payments? Fannie Mae, the nation's big mortgage financing company, recently announced a new kind of loan called the HomeSaver Advance.

This loan is designed for people who have fallen behind on mortgage payments because of divorce, job loss, or illness. While your local lender will usually give its good customers time to catch up with payments, their limit is typically two years. After that time, you must be in good standing.

With the HomeSaver Advance program, you can get a 15-year loan at 5 percent interest that covers delinquent payments. You won't be required to make a payment on the loan for six months.

You won't get the money directly. Your loan servicer, the company that provides billing and payment services for your lender, will get the money.

To qualify, a borrower must have a loan that is at least six months old that was sold to Fannie Mae by the original lender. This is the case with about 23 percent of mortgages nationwide.
You must also be behind in payments in an amount equal or greater than two full payments of the mortgage principal, interest, taxes and insurance.

You must show your situation has resolved itself and that you will be able to carry another loan.

Saturday, April 05, 2008

JUMP-START YOUR HOME’S HEART!

As a seller in the current real estate climate (or any market, for that matter), you know that your home's features must stand out against those of the competition. First you need to understand what buyers are looking for, and then you must decide how much money and elbow grease to invest to make those wishes come true.

History shows that the kitchen is the best place to make your impression, and it can be done for less than a king's ransom. Got old linoleum, vinyl or chipped tiles on your kitchen floor? You can install laminate that looks like new tile, stone or wood for just $1 to $5 per square foot!

You can show off your flooring with updated light fixtures. Under-cabinet lighting is easily installed, and a gorgeous overhead light will brighten things up for less than $100.

A coat of fresh paint and some new hardware are very reasonable ways to go if you want your old cabinets to impress new homeowners, and chipped appliances can be re-enameled to their original luster. It may cost just a few hundred dollars, but you'd be well advised to hire a professional for this kind of refinishing.

For more budget-wise suggestions, ask us to do a "walk through" of your home before the first potential buyers come through that front door!

If you’re planning to sell your home soon and would like accurate and up to date information on its current value, give us a call at (772) 323-6996 or visit us on the web at www.TreasureCoastFLHomes.com. Our office is located at 2 N. Sewalls Point Rd. in Stuart, (Sewall’s Point) Florida; please ask for Gabe Sanders or Susan Maxwell.

Friday, April 04, 2008

Wide Water Open House in Jensen Beach on Sunday, April 6




Rio, Jensen Beach- We invite everyone to visit our open house at 646 NE River Ter. on April 6 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Updated Home for Sale in Palm City, Florida




• 2,077 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $265,000 - Reduced


Hideaway Isles, Palm City - Located in the secluded waterfront community of Hideaway Isles is this absolutely wonderful updated Key West style home. Remodeled kitchen with porcelain tile and new stainless appliances. Beautiful new wood floors and fresh paint in most of the home. The living room features a wood burning fireplace and opens to a screened patio. There's an oversized fenced yard with plenty of room for a pool and lots of space out front for your boat or RV. Classy, side entrance garage with a utility room. This is perfect home for the young family looking for Palm City's "A" rated schools and a private location.Offers are subject to lender approval (Short Sale)

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Newer 4 BR Pool Home in Jensen Beach, FL (The Pines)


• 2,926 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm single story "Solid Concrete Construction" - MLS® $389,000 - Reduced
The Pines, Jensen Beach - Beautifully decorated Osprey model on a serene, private preserve lot with southwest exposure. Large 18x32 salt water chlorinated pool with swim deck. Interior boasts 4 BR, 3 BA, formal living room, dining room and family room, decorative crown moldings, tray ceilings, plant shelves, gourmet kitchen with 42 inch cabinets. 18' tile on the diagonal and upgraded carpet BR's, master suite has his and her closets, master bath dual sinks and Roman tub, custom window treatments and Plantation shutters throughout. Close to beaches, parks, library, mall & a walk to Jensen beach High School, This home has it all! Owner/agent.
Property information

Newer 4BR Home For Sale in Becker Area

• 2,941 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm single story "Solid Concrete Construction" - MLS® $175,000 - Newer 4BR for under $200K
Becker Area, Port Saint Lucie 34983 - Unbelievable Value! Built in 2006. CBS. Four bedrooms, 2 baths & 2 car garage, in desirable west Becker road area. Close to new Publix, Starbucks & Turnpike Interchange. Hurry this one won't last!
Property information