Stuart Florida Real Estate

The subprime mortgage mess has caused the demise or takeover of investment companies and banks. Now, the government has stepped in with a plan that could save other companies and banks as well as individuals who are in danger of losing their homes.

Though many details of the plan won't be worked out for some time, here is a simplified example of one way the bailout will work, according to realtytimes.com.

Say an investor bought a bond fund containing a pool of 100 mortgages. Now, 24 of them are delinquent, but 76 are still being paid on time. (The Mortgage Bankers Association says those delinquency numbers are close to the reality in mortgages today.)

Because of the delinquencies, the fund gets a bad reputation. The best offer to buy it is for about 20 cents on the dollar, in spite of the fact that 76 mortgages are still good.

At that point, the government could step in and buy the pool of mortgages for a more realistic price. Once it has done so, it can work with lenders and individuals to create new mortgages that would be more affordable. Over a couple of years, the plan might help 15 of the troubled mortgage holders save their homes and pay on time.

The bond fund would then be worth more money. The government could resell it, possibly at a profit. Financial guru Warren Buffet says that if this part of the program is done wisely, the government could make money on it.

Financial experts say it's too early to know how successful the programs in the bailout will be. But by buying up incorrectly valued mortgages at a fair price, the government will pump new money into the market, money that can be used for new home mortgages that could be obtained at lower interest rates. The Fed's recent half-point interest rate cut should help with that.

From a real estate standpoint, the plan could take a while to work. Over time, however, the results should be favorable both for distressed mortgage holders and for home buyers just coming into the market.

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.

Lifestyle!

That one word sums up the top factors in deciding between a condo or a single family house. And that word is loaded.

Typically, condos are the preferred dwelling of couples without children and retirees who don't want obligations. But whether they like their choice, comes down to how they want to live as much as where they want to live.

If you love city life - the action, the people, entertainment and the amenities - you might well love a condo in the center of a city. For your money, you'll be able to choose great city views and probably find a hip granite countered wonder with romantic bamboo floors. You'll also enjoy a property that you don't have to spend much time on. You won't have to mow grass, repair your roof, chlorinate the swimming pool, or keep the landscape manicured. You'll save lots of time, but you probably won't save much money. Every building has condo association fees that take care of the costs of shared areas. So condo living is not often inexpensive.

With a condo, while you own everything within your walls, it is still shared living and one of the most important questions you can ask yourself is how much privacy and control of your property you need to be happy.

It is one thing to say you don't want to mow the lawn. It's another thing to realize you have no say over when the lawn is mowed, or how the landscaping looks.

Those moving from a single-family home to a condo, might have to adjust to sharing a wall with other people. That doesn't mean there is a lack of privacy in a condo, but it is certainly a different kind of privacy than living in a home separated from the neighbors by a lawn.

If you like to garden, tend to the yard, and do small maintenance chores, you might prefer a house. If you are retiring, consider downsizing instead of condo life.

One question many potential condo buyers ask is whether condos are difficult to sell. The answer usually depends on the overall real estate market and condos follow the trends of the market.

But, generally, condos may be part of the new trend back toward urbanization, a trend expected to take hold so long as gas prices remain high and long commutes stay expensive. According to research by the Brookings Institution, the new condo buyers are looking for a 'walkable environment' and that market will grow with gas prices.

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

When it comes to real estate, Port St. Lucie offers something for everyone, with exceptional choices for busy families, senior citizens, golfers and seasonal residents.

What Does Port St. Lucie Real Estate Have to Offer You?

Traditional Neighborhoods: Port St. Lucie has been ranked as one of the cleanest, safest and fastest-growing cities in the United States . With that in mind, traditional neighborhoods are a popular choice in Port St. Lucie real estate. Ideal for growing families, traditional neighborhoods are made up of single-family homes-free-standing structures that share no walls with other homes. Port St. Lucie's neighborhoods are conveniently located, with a large selection of restaurants, schools, banking, healthcare services, shopping and entertainment opportunities nearby.

Golf Course Homes: With an ideal climate and dozens of magnificent golf courses to challenge all skill levels - from amateur to professional - Port St. Lucie is a virtual paradise for golfers of all ages. Golf course living is available in a range of values, from affordable single and family housing to luxury homes. Residents enjoy stunning golf-course views, membership benefits, and more. Featuring gentle rolling green hills, pristine lakes and abundant wildlife, golf course real estate in Port St. Lucie offers a unique charm that is attracting home buyers worldwide.

Gated Communities: Gated communities are self-contained neighborhoods of single-family homes, usually designed to meet the needs of groups with similar social or other interests, such as senior citizens. Typical amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, open green space and community buildings encourage active living and neighbor interaction. In the world of Port St. Lucie real estate, gated communities are enjoying increasing popularity as a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of urban living.

Condominiums: Condominiums, or condos, are apartment-style (i.e., units share walls with other units) properties within a building or complex. Condominium units, along with a fractional share of common buildings and grounds, are owned by individuals. With maintenance included in annual condo membership fees, this type of Port St. Lucie real estate is perfect for people who want the advantages of home ownership - without some of the typical hassles of home maintenance.

Waterfront Living: If you're in the market for prime Port St. Lucie real estate, you'll enjoy knowing that rivers, lakes and the majestic Atlantic coastline provide abundant opportunities for waterfront living on the Treasure Coast . From luxury homes with spectacular views of the water to ocean-front condominiums, Port St. Lucie has plenty to offer avid surf-and-sun lovers.

Landscaped RV Lots: You've never seen mobile living quite like this! If you're seeking affordable, low-maintenance real estate in Port St. Lucie, landscaped RV lots are an ideal choice. Beautifully landscaped grounds featuring spacious lots with room for lawn chairs and patio tables, utility hookups and amenities such as tennis courts, swimming pools and fitness centers. Here, snowbirds and other wanderers will find a home base with like-minded neighbors. RV communities are typically restricted to Class A motor homes with a minimum length of 25 feet.

Looking for Port St. Lucie real estate? Contact us today by filling out this simple form or call us at 1-772-323-6996. Let Gabe Sanders and Susan Maxwell help make your Port St. Lucie real estate experience a success!

While the biggest banks are suffering from a subprime mortgage fallout, community banks and credit unions haven't had big losses. They never made risky loans. Credit unions are different from other financial institutions because they are not-for-profit cooperatives. They are owned by the members and operated mostly by volunteer boards.

One financial analyst interviewed on Fox Business says the shareholders and board members in credit unions know their own money is at risk when they make a loan, so they are more conservative.

The capital in credit unions is at an all-time high, according to the Credit Unions National Association, Inc., in Madison, Wisc. It's a safety cushion that protects them against loss and that allows them to continue in spite of recessions or turbulent financial markets.

They are known for share accounts, which may pay a little more interest than bank savings accounts, and for their auto loans, which may cost a little less. Most also offer mortgages.

Credit Unions are particularly important right now because most banks have tightened their lending standards and may make loans only to people with the highest credit scores.

Some credit unions can refinance subprime mortgages, and offer other banking products no longer available from other lenders, including a five-year adjustable-rate mortgage. One reason: They don't pay dividends to shareholders. The money is reinvested in loans to meet the needs of their members.

The American Bankers Association encourages consumers trying to consolidate debt or refinance mortgages to contact community banks. While they are typically conservative, according to The Wall Street Journal, they have plenty of money to lend.

We know and understand all the new and innovative finance methods available on the Treasure Coast of Florida.  Why not 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.

Great advice that should be followed if you are selling your home.

Nestled on Florida 's spectacular Treasure Coast , Martin County, FL spans 40 miles of white sandy beaches along the Atlantic shoreline. This region includes the City of Stuart - also its county seat - as well as the Towns of Jupiter Island, Sewall's Point, Hutchinson Island , Hobe Sound and Ocean Breeze Park . Established in 1925, Martin County today is fast becoming a prime destination for home-seekers around the nation.

The Perfect Place to Call Home

Why are so many people looking to buy real estate in Martin County ? Simply put, the area is a virtual tropical paradise that offers a little bit of something for everyone. In addition to a nearly ideal climate, Martin County offers excellent schools, a healthy economy and glorious natural scenery known for its head-turning beauty. With a burgeoning population of approximately 140,000, this cluster of friendly communities is renowned for its goldmine of recreational opportunities such as world-class golfing, boating, fishing and watersports. And let's not forget the beaches, from Jensen Beach to Bathtub Beach to every shore in between. Uncrowded, pristine and just a short drive away, the region's breathtaking coastline provides ample sun, fun and relaxation for lucky Martin County residents all year round.

If you're considering relocating to Martin County , one of the first steps is deciding on which type of home you'd like to buy. From traditional neighborhoods to exclusive gated communities, the area offers a diversity of living choices for all types of families, lifestyles and budgets. Below is an overview of the home options you'll find when exploring Martin County .

Types of Martin County Homes

Traditional Neighborhoods are a popular choice for those seeking Martin County real estate. Ideal for growing families, these "old-fashioned" neighborhoods are made up of free-standing, single-family homes.

Private Gated Communities are self-contained neighborhoods of single-family homes, typically designed for groups with similar interests or lifestyles. Gated community homes in Martin County are enjoying increasing popularity, offering a peaceful and safe refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Condominiums are apartment-style properties within a building or complex. Since maintenance is included in annual condo fees, this type of Martin County home is perfect for those looking for the benefits of homeownership - without the hassles of upkeep.

Waterfront Homes are a highly sought-after type of Martin County real estate. From luxury homes with spectacular views of the water to charming oceanfront condominiums, waterfront real estate is the crème de la crème of Martin County living.

Landscaped RV Lots are an ideal choice for affordable, low-maintenance Martin County real estate. They offer beautifully landscaped grounds, spacious lots and top-notch amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and fitness centers.

Golf Course Homes are a unique and fast-growing type of Martin County real estate, featuring masterfully designed courses for all skill levels. Golf course homes are available in a range of values, from affordable single and family housing to luxury residences.

Search for Your Ideal Martin County Home

There is currently a wealth of beautiful homes for sale in Martin County . If you're considering relocating to the area, be sure to explore Premier Realty Group's exclusive listings or search the MLS listings to find residential homes, condos and townhouses, land and other types of exciting real estate available throughout the region.

Interested in Martin County homes? Contact us today by filling out this simple form or call us at 1-772-323-6996. Let Gabe Sanders and Susan Maxwell help make your Martin County real estate experience a success!

When you hear the term "home inspection," you're likely to think of the electrical system, plumbing, roof and foundation, and smaller items like cracked windows or drafty doors.  However, it's the elements in the home that cannot be seen that demand special attention on the part of buyers and sellers and the inspector they choose. 

First, there's radon, a colorless and odorless gas that seeps up from the ground and has been labeled as a cause of cancer.  Any home, but particularly those with basements, should be tested for high levels of this gas. 

Next is asbestos, a fibrous material once used for insulation, but banned in 1985.  Homes built before then should be tested, and care should be exercised not to disturb this material when remodeling these older homes. 

Another threat is lead, a toxic metal that was widely used in paint, pipes, and other materials.  Any home built before 1978 should be tested for its presence, and any lender offering HUD-insured mortgages will require a lead-safe certification for these older structures. 

Another culprit is groundwater contamination, a particular concern for homes with older septic systems or underground oil tanks, or homes near industrial facilities.  Also search for hazardous products stored in and around the home, making certain that they are removed before transfer of the property to new owners.  Be smart and be safe!

More information and homes at
TreasureCoastFLHomes.com

Gabe Sanders & Susan Maxwell
772-323-6996     772-486-4642