Stuart Florida Real Estate News

Inaugural Treasure Coast Walk Now for Autism Kick off Reception – a Huge Success

2008-11-15T19:43:00.001-05:00

This past Thursday we had the Inaugural Treasure Coast Walk Now for Autism Kick off Reception. What a rousing success! Well over one hundred participants attended and we are set up to have a very successful even on Saturday, February 21’st, 2009 at the Jensen Beach High School. Reception photos can be seen here.

My partner Susan Maxwell is the co-chair of this event. Susan’s son Mathew (11) has autism and attends public school in Jensen Beach where he is mainstreamed with regular students. During the kick off reception, he actually went to the podium and spoke in front of over 100 people. It was a tremendous accomplishment for this young man and many of us were holding back tears.

If you would like to know more about Autism Speaks, please visit their web site. For information about the inaugural walk in February please visit this site: Treasure Coast Inaugural Walk Now for Autism.

We would also appreciate any of you that may be in our area in February to come out an join our team for the walk. While economic times are definitely challenging, we would also appreciate your financial support. Susan, Stephanie Gray and I have set up the Premier Realty Group team for the walk. Contributions can be made on line at this location: Premier Realty Group Walk Now for Autism Team.

I thank you for your support in this very worthwhile endeavor.

Timing The Market, It’s No Mystery

2008-11-15T07:14:00.000-05:00

You don't need a crystal ball to try to predict the future of the real estate market. Every time there is a downturn, an upward trend always follows. The best course of action is to look at the causes, and make decisions based on unbiased facts and incontestable history.

As the choice of loan options grew these last few years, consumers could buy a home more easily. Wall Street took notice of all the hot action in real estate, and investment firms were able to shift the ownership of mortgages to their managers and clients.

Then about three years ago, the market began cooling, as incomes did not increase at the frantic pace that home prices did. Investors had created an atmosphere of unrealistically high appreciation. The perfect storm was brewing.

This cycle of up and then down seems more drastic now, because we enjoyed a longer than usual boom of activity, a full decade of it between 1995 and 2005. But demand still remains high, and although rising slightly, our historically low interest rates also help to fuel property purchases.

While there is no such thing as a national real estate market, we should be seeing improvement across the board as 2009 draws to a close. If you can, it's wise to buy now - before the ball lands back in the sellers' court and the desirable homes are gone..

If you’re considering purchasing a home, but feel ‘out of touch’ with what’s happening in real estate give us a call today at (772) 323-6996 or visit us on the web at http://www.gabesanders.com/ or http://www.treasurecoastflhomes.com/. Our office is located at 2 N. Sewalls Point Rd. in Stuart, Florida (Sewall’s Point); please ask for Gabe Sanders or Susan Maxwell.

Snug Harbor: Stuart Florida’s Hidden Waterfront Gem

2008-11-14T18:41:00.000-05:00

Located on the wide Saint Lucie River just east of the city of Stuart Florida is the unique subdivision of Snug Harbor. While the real estate market on the Treasure Coast has it’s problems, Snug Harbor remains a desirable community as recent sales can show.

Snug Harbor was the vision of a group of 10 Yachtsmen, many former Commodores of the Chicago Yacht Club back in 1943. They bought the land and platted the area in September 1944 as well as forming the Snug Harbor Corporation, which controlled the ownership of the lots.

In 1975 the deeds were distributed and/or sold to the then owners and a condominium form of ownership was established under the name of the Snug Harbor Yacht Club. With both waterfront and non-waterfront homes and estates, located just minutes away from the ocean by boat or car and also convenient to downtown Stuart, offices, restaurants and recreational areas, Snug Harbor is one of the finest communities in Martin County. There are only 72 home sites with a club house, deep water marina, boat ramp, trailer parking and tennis courts. There is an active association with social activities year round that make this community a very attractive place to call home.

Please feel free to contact Gabe Sanders (772-323-6996), a Snug Harbor resident and board member, if you would like any information about this wonderful community.

Price Reduced on 933 NW Waterlily Pl. in Windemere, Jensen Beach, Florida

2008-11-12T16:18:00.002-05:00

Pineapple Plantation, Jensen Beach - Announcing a price reduction on 933 NW Waterlily Pl., a 2,446 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $220,000 USD - Priced to Sell.

Property information

Open House in Alice Street on Sunday

2008-11-11T12:23:00.000-05:00

Alice Avenue, Jensen Beach - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 208 NE Alice St. on November 16 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Property information

Open House in Locks Landing on Tuesday

2008-11-11T12:19:00.000-05:00

Locks Landing, Stuart - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 8057 SW Yachtsmans Dr. on November 18 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Property information

Staging Your Home - Raise The Curtains

2008-11-08T08:14:00.000-05:00

If you're selling in anything other than a hot market, you might find "staging" your home can help generate more interest and offers. You needn't spend thousands of dollars on improvements or professional consultants, however. There are several things you can take into your own hands to improve your home's appeal.

Begin by removing scatter rugs and knickknacks, which can clutter a room. In the kitchen, remove all appliances from the counters except the coffee maker and microwave. Set your dining table in a welcoming fashion, with plates, flatware and napkins.

You might be tempted to throw everything into the closets, but buyers will look there, too, so box everything up and place into storage. Focus on the "feature rooms" - the dining and living areas and master bedroom - keeping additional rooms as sparsely furnished as possible. Do your spring cleaning now, scrubbing the walls and floors and shining up those windows.

It has been estimated that one out of four homes listed are "staged," and "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Staging Your Home to Sell" states that you could gain up to $9,000 on a $200,000 house if it's properly presented. You might spend up to $100 per room in time and money, but that's a pretty small investment for that kind of return. Your real estate representative will have even more suggestions.

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, Florida (Sewall’s Point); please ask for Gabe Sanders or Susan Maxwell.

Walk Now For Autism - Treasure Coast Kick Off Reception

2008-11-07T15:41:00.000-05:00

My partner Susan Maxwell, who is the co-chair of the inaugural Treasure Coast walk now for autism event, would like to invite everyone to the Treasure Coast Kick Off Reception on Thursday, November 13, 2008 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Hutchinson Island Marriott located at 555 NE Ocean Blvd. in Stuart, Florida 34996.

Please RSVP no later than November 10, 2008. For more information contact Autism Speaks at www.walknowforautism.org/treasurecoast or at 800-6106227 or email treasurecoast@autismspeaks.org .

Autism speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism disorders, to funding research into causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism, and to advocating for the needs of affected families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child born with autism. Bob Wright is Vice Chairman, General Electric, and served as chief executive officer for NBC for more than twenty years.

Autism Speaks has merged with both the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) and Cure Autism Now (CAN), bringing together the nation's three leading autism advocacy organizations. Yo learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/.
For those of you on the Treasure Coast, Susan and I look forward yo seeing you at the Kick Off Reception if you are able to attend.

Gabe Sanders

e-PRO, REALTOR

Premier Realty Group
2 N Sewalls Point Rd

Stuart FL 34996

(772) 323-6996 Direct

(772) 287-1777 Office

(800) 915-8517 Toll Free

(888) 521-5674 Fax

http://www.gabesanders.com/

http://www.treasurecoastflhomes.com/

Another North River Shores Home Sold

2008-11-05T11:19:00.000-05:00

1733 NW Spruce Ridge Drive was sold by Susan Maxwell and Gabe Sanders. A wonderful opportunity for this first time home owner. Introduced to this area through the power of Internet marketting.

An updated pool home on an oversized 1/2 acre lot.

For more homes go to GabeSanders.com or TreasureCoastFLHomes

3 Castle Hill Way in Sewalls Point Florida Sold

2008-11-04T16:21:00.000-05:00

Another Home sold in Sewalls Point by Gabe Sanders and Susan Maxwell.

3 Castle Hill Way in the Castle Hill subdivision of Sewalls Point. A 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Pool Home with over 4500 sq. ft. under roof sold for $820,000

Wide Waterfront Estate For Sale in Jensen Beach, Florida

2008-11-03T16:11:00.000-05:00

Wide Waterfront w/Dock on Over an Acre

• 3,305 sq. ft., 5 bath, 4 bdrm single story - MLS® - Well Priced

Alice Avenue, Jensen Beach - Here's your opportunity to own on a spectacular wide waterfront home on over 1.1 acres on Alice Street in Jensen Beach. Deep water dock with room for multiple vessels just minutes from the inlet. Drive down a magnificent tree arched driveway to an over 3000 sq. ft. home. This home boasts a chef's dream kitchen featuring granite counters and stainless appliances. A large family/living area overlooking the pool and wide waterfront with your private sandy beach. The master suite also overlooks the waterfront with a huge cedar walk in closet and upgraded marble bath with Jacuzzi tub, dual sinks and dual head shower. Lots of storage room including a large 3 bay shed. Remaining sections of this home require some updating.

Property information

Price Reduced on 8057 SW Yachtsmans Drive in Locks Landing, Stuart, Florida

2008-11-03T06:45:00.000-05:00

Locks Landing, Stuart, Florida - Announcing a price reduction on 8057 SW Yachtsmans Dr., a 2,037 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "Solid CBS Construction". Now MLS® $374,000 USD - Custom Features.
Property information

Lexington Lakes Condo Sold by Susan Maxwell & Gabe Sanders

2008-11-02T15:18:00.000-05:00

Another sale in Lexington Lakes. Nicely appointed and upgraded Lexington Lakes Condo with Garage sold in October 2008.

Listed at $125,000 - Sold by Susan Maxwell and Gabe Sanders

For additional information visit us at TreasureCoastFLHomes.com

Renters, Is It Time to Buy?

2008-11-01T09:33:00.000-04:00

When one hears the word "foreclosure," images are conjured of families unable to meet their loan commitments, and forced to consider unpleasant options. However, it's not only homeowners that suffer from a foreclosure. Renters can be "out on the street" if their landlord defaults on mortgage payments.

A report from the Mortgage Bankers Association states that nearly 20% of recent foreclosures have been against investors who did not live in the property, and even tenants in good standing face having to vacate the premises if they're renting one of these properties.

Why mention this gloom and doom scenario? Because home values have declined, and buyers are seeing the best deals in many years. While unpleasant for sellers, price declines increase affordability for buyers, so if you've been renting, now is a fantastic time to turn that monthly payment into equity.

Interest rates have inched up, but still-historically low rates combined with very affordable housing yield a formula that should put you in a home that you own for the same amount you are now paying for rent. Not to mention that at a lower purchase price, you'll enjoy some great appreciation over the coming years.

Just because you're renting now, you’re not necessarily safe from suffering the consequences of a foreclosure. Take matters into your own hands and buy yourself some peace of mind.

If you’re currently renting a home or apartment and thinking about a possible move up to home ownership, but are unsure of the affordability and/or financial consequences, we can show you the numbers and help you determine whether it makes financial sense for you. Give us a call today at (772) 323-6996 or visit us on the web at www.GabeSanders.com or www.TreasureCoastFLHomes.com. Our office is located at 2 N. Sewalls Point Rd. in Stuart, Florida (Sewall’s Point); please ask for Gabe Sanders or Susan Maxwell.

Price Reduced on Stuart Florida Condo with Garage

2008-10-30T17:27:00.000-04:00

Lexington Lakes, Stuart - Announcing a price reduction on 201-1590 SE Sheffield Ter., a 1,417 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "2'nd floor condo". Now MLS® $115,000 USD - Affordable Living.
Property information

Price Reduced on 1066 SW 34th Ter. in Palm City

2008-10-29T18:39:00.000-04:00

Palm City, Martin County - Announcing a price reduction on 1066 SW 34th Ter., a 2,000 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $79,000 USD - A Work in Progress.
Property information

Build Your Dream Home in Palm City, Florida

1066 SW 34th Ter., Palm City, FL 34990 View Map

Charming "old-Florida" home awaits your creativity, vision, and passion for renovation. Get a head start on building your dream home with this CBS exterior and endless interior possibilities; 3 bedrooms or four, Florida room or den, large living room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, and two bathrooms. Construction permits are available. Owner estimates $60,000 for completion and the bonus is it will be done "your way". Large lot with some fruit trees and room for a pool. This property, surrounded by recently renovated homes, is just one mile from great parks and the Palm City boat ramp.

By renovating this existing structure considerable savings can be realized by not having to pay impact fees for new construction.

Excellent potential for an income producing home or your perfect home in Palm City's 'A' rated schools. Close to shopping, restaurants, schools and easy access for commuters.

Details

Asking Price:

$79,000

MLS:

339963

Sq. Feet:

2000

Lot Size:

.29 Acres

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Subdivision:

PALM CITY

Year Built:

1956

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Gabe Sanders & Susan Maxwell

e-PRO, REALTOR

Main 772-287-1777 Ext 242

Cell 772-486-4642

Dir 772-323-6996

Email Website

And Now, The Good News

2008-10-25T07:33:00.000-04:00

Consumer Reports recently published a survey, and the results indicate that there is, in fact, some good news in the real estate industry! While foreclosures and other economic factors still exert some negative impact, those buyers and sellers who have worked with real estate professionals expressed a high degree of satisfaction, both with their representatives and with their bottom line.

Nearly 10,000 consumers were surveyed, and nearly three-quarters of those buyers and sellers reported that they were very or completely satisfied with their agent. More good news: 86 percent of sellers who listed with a professional made the sale! (Many of the remaining percentage still had their homes on the market at the time of the survey.)

Other results showed what all agents already know, because over four-fifths of consumers who listed through a broker netted an average of only $5,000 less than their asking price. On the flip side, two-thirds of buyers who used a representative paid about $5,000 less than their purchase's original listing price. (The remaining third, who negotiated on their own, ended up paying very close to the asking price.)

So what do all these statistics mean to you? Regardless of your market’s conditions, when you face the need to buy or sell your home, you'll get the best results when you seek the representation of a qualified real estate professional!

If you have a real estate need in Martin County or Port Saint Lucie, let us help you. Give us a call at (772) 323-6996 or visit us on the web at www.GabeSanders.com or 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.

Lot / Land For Sale in Sewalls Point

2008-10-24T17:25:00.000-04:00

Custom Estate Home Plans Included
• lot / land ".66 Acres" - MLS® $675,000 USD - Land with Water Views

Sewalls Point, Sewall's Point - Located in the prestigious Castle Hill subdivision of Sewall's Point, this oversized .66 acre residential lot only feet away from the wide Saint Lucie River is available for your dream home. Potential wide water views from a two story home. Complete building plans included for a 6800 sq ft(4553 AC sq ft) home designed by M.A. Corson - Architect. Castle Hill is one of the premier neighborhoods in Stuart, Florida and Martin County with great "A" rated schools and easy access to the beaches, recreational areas and shopping.

Property information

Price Reduced on 3685 SE Cambridge Drive in Willoughby

2008-10-22T11:02:00.000-04:00

Willoughby, Stuart - Announcing a price reduction on 3685 SE Cambridge Drive, a 3,036 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm single story "Solid CBS Construction". Now MLS® $415,000 USD - Spacious Golf Course Home.

Property information

Price Reduced on 933 NW Waterlily Pl. in Windemere, Jensen Beach, Florida

2008-10-20T18:31:00.003-04:00

Pineapple Plantation, Jensen Beach - Announcing a price reduction on 933 NW Waterlily Pl., a 2,446 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $235,000 USD - Priced to Sell.

Property information

Wake Up From The American Nightmare

2008-10-17T18:49:00.000-04:00

Effective October 1, 2008, a housing bill was passed to help both troubled borrowers and lenders. At-risk borrowers whose loans originated between January 2005 and June 2007 may be eligible to refinance their unaffordable mortgages into low-cost, fixed-rate loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

Whether current or in default, at least 31% of the borrower's monthly income must be tied to paying the mortgage debt. Other requirements come in to play that have to do with the total debt owed and any secondary financing.

Borrowers may get information from their current lender or an FHA-approved lender (found on the website for the Department of Housing and Urban Development). Each loan will be considered for underwriting after a new appraisal is performed and income and credit history is again documented and verified.

Be aware that there are many requirements for approval that, once secured, include many additional terms, such as insurance premiums and profit sharing on appreciation. If you sell or refinance within a one-year period, you must pay the FHA 100% of your profits. That percentage drops 10% each additional year, down to 50% after five years.

Keep in mind, however, that savings can still be substantial on these lower interest, fixed-rate loans, which will never readjust like subprime mortgages can every six months. Homeownership can again be the American dream, not a nightmare.

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, Florida (Sewall’s Point); please ask for Gabe Sanders or Susan Maxwell.

Bring It On Home!

2008-10-11T08:48:00.000-04:00

Buyers and sellers develop a natural sense of excitement as a transaction's closing date nears. While most aspects should run smoothly, it's wise to be prepared for unexpected delays. Anticipating potential problems before they develop could save untold time and stress.

One pitfall might be the title search. The title is simply legal proof of a property's ownership, but issues such as death, divorce, and liens can cloud the final result. Meet with an attorney to determine and resolve any problems.

Financing can also present snags. If the buyers can't qualify for a loan, the deal falls through. Buyers should begin their mortgage education well in advance of their home search, and sellers should ask a price in line with the home's appraised value. If the appraisal is much lower than the contract price, the lender will likely reject the loan application.

The best situation for buyers (and sellers) is to have a loan pre-approval in hand. It starts with the loan officer performing a review of the buyer's credit, income, and asset v. liability status. A letter of pre-approval should indicate exactly how much home a buyer can afford, and should put sellers more at ease with pre-qualified buyers.

There are myriad aspects to closing the deal, so it’s best if you are prepared. Go over each item, specifically any possible problems with your real estate agent. Knowing in advance can help avoid situations that can cause the transaction to fall apart.

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 http://www.gabesanders.com/ and http://www.treasurecoastflhomes.com/. Our office is located at 2 N. Sewalls Point Rd. in Stuart, Florida (Sewall’s Point); please ask for Gabe Sanders or Susan Maxwell.

Fixer Upper For Sale in Palm City

2008-10-09T19:35:00.000-04:00

2,000 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $89,900 USD - A Work in Progress

Palm City, Martin County - Charming "old-Florida" home awaits your creativity, vision, and passion for renovation. Get a head start on building your dream home with this CBS exterior and endless interior possibilities; 3 bedrooms or four, Florida room or den, large living room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, and two bathrooms. Construction permits are available. Owner estimates $60,000 for completion and the bonus is it will be done "your way". Large lot with some fruit trees and room for a pool. This property, surrounded by recently renovated homes, is just one mile from great parks and the Palm City boat ramp.

By renovating this existing structure considerable savings can be realized by not having to pay impact fees for new construction.

Excellent potential for an income producing home or your perfect home in Palm City's 'A' rated schools. Close to shopping, restaurants, schools and easy access for commuters.

Property information

Heads or Tails?

2008-10-06T12:39:00.000-04:00

They say that no coin is so thin that it doesn't have two sides, and home prices are not so different. Many who invested like mad in real estate the last few years felt the giddiness of buying low and selling high. Investors are feeling the pinch now, but what about the regular folks who buy and sell their homes not for profit, but simply because they want security for themselves and their families?

Sellers want rising home values, but buyers need affordable housing. Unfortunately, these two concepts are often mutually exclusive. Sellers may not feel as positively about the markets right now, but as long as your house is your "home," you shouldn't be feeling as much pressure as someone who bought a property simply to "flip" it for profit.

If your income remains level, and home prices are falling, it actually makes you richer. How so? Because now you can buy more home for the money.

Ultimately, lower home prices will benefit buyers and the economy. Imagine what your children or grandchildren would be facing if home prices had continued their meteoric rise of a few years ago.

It's easy to see that affordable housing is more important than wild appreciation (which must correct itself eventually). Widespread homeownership results in economic growth, so try to understand and not to fear lower home prices.

Want more information? Call or visit us for a detailed pricing analyses of available homes in our area, at (772) 323-6996 or visit us on the web at http://www.gabesanders.com/ or http://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.

Sheltering You And Your Income!

2008-10-04T09:14:00.000-04:00

It's easy to be swayed by all the negativity swirling around in the real estate industry. However, home ownership offers benefits you just can't get from other forms of investment, regardless of market conditions. In particular, the US tax code makes buying and owning a home a great deal.

First, you can deduct from your income the interest paid on your mortgage. That applies to second homes, too. You may even be able to deduct your loan's insurance premiums. If you've taken out a home equity loan, that interest is also deductible, regardless of how you've used the money.

If you've sold or plan to sell your home, profits up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for married couples) are free from taxation. While some restrictions apply, you won't get that kind of bargain on the sale of stocks, bonds, or other investments.

Now to get back to that mortgage interest deduction: it's almost guaranteed that if you hold a home loan, the interest deduction will help you reach the threshold for claiming all sorts of other itemized deductions above and beyond the standard amount allowed.

So just simply owning a home puts you in the happy position of being able to claim myriad other deductions from your taxable income. Real estate agents are not tax advisers, but they recognize a good deal when they see one!

If you’re considering purchasing a home, but feel ‘out of touch’ with what’s happening in real estate give us a call today at (772) 323-6996 or visit us on the web at http://www.gabesanders.com/ or http://www.treasurecoastflhomes.com/. Our office is located at 2 N. Sewalls Point Rd. in Stuart, Florida (Sewall’s Point); please ask for Gabe Sanders or Susan Maxwell.