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Are you seeking information on new homes and builders along the Treasure Coast? We can help you find the right new home, new home community, or custom builder you seek and represent you as our client. Click here to explore new home construction listings featuring the area's premier home builders.

Top Reasons to Buy a New vs. Resale Home

• Modern floor plans
• Latest designs and materials
• Ability to customize or upgrade
• Innovative/green home features
• Energy efficient construction
• Low maintenance - fewer repairs

Contact us today for all Port St. Lucie area homes for sale. Then, call 772-678-1600 to learn more about Treasure Coast living. Get in Touch

Negotiating Repairs with an AS IS Contract

Are you buying a new home? Your home inspection may reveal defects you feel should be the seller's responsibility. If your purchase agreement were written on an "as is" contract, this would typically involve some negotiation, as the seller generally is not obligated to make any repairs under the terms of an as-is agreement. Scroll down to see what FloridaRealtors.org says about negotiating repairs with an "as is" contract.

One of the most popular contracts Florida Realtors has available for members is the Florida Realtors/Florida Bar "AS IS" Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase ("FR/Bar AS IS"). As the name implies, the seller listed the property "as is," meaning the seller is not obligated to make repairs.

However, many Florida Realtors Legal Hotline calls involve a buyer requesting repairs from a seller after the inspection results come in during the inspection period. While nothing prevents parties from renegotiating an existing contract's terms, understanding the nuances and risks is essential to facilitate a smooth transaction.

It's imperative to recognize this: There is no obligation on the seller's part to make any repairs or even respond to a repair request. Read More

In talking with real estate professionals across the country, I noticed that most of them are expressing concerns about dwindling or dismal inventory for sellers to consider.

Most advise that if potential buyers learn about a property that appeals to them, they should run - not walk - to check it out. Even the first to know of a new listing should be prepared to negotiate against other aggressive and possibly well-financed contenders.

In the following segments, we'll look at what prospects need to know when they are pursuing or competing to get into a new home in a tight inventory market. We'll also provide some insight to sellers who want to get their prices.

For sellers who want to respond to lowball offers, instead of getting into a debate about money, try sweetening the pot with a variety of counter-offers, including:

• We are paying for some buyers' title insurance, closing costs, and points.
• Pay homeowner's association fees for a year.
• Look into buying down the buyers' mortgage rate for the first year.
• Cover a year's cost for a lawn maintenance/snow removal service.
• Pay or provide an allowance toward moving expenses.
• Provide the buyers with a home warranty.
• Pay for the lawn and pool services for a year.
• Offer a golf club membership, pool membership, or cable subscription.
• Offer an allowance to repaint, new carpeting, or window treatments.

Incentives, especially for first-time homebuyers, can often do the trick.

Even in declining markets, it is essential to be aware of comparable properties and to price one's home to entice potential buyers to view it and ultimately bid on it.

Sellers should reject the temptation to hold out for a top dollar or price the home at the upper end of what the market will bear. To get a sense of what similar homes are selling for, I recommend the following:

• Attending open houses
• Perusing online local listings
• Ask a real estate agent to prepare a home value estimate using comparable MLS-listed properties.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Whether buying or selling a home on the Treasure Coast, we are always happy to meet with you to discuss your wants and needs with no obligation.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2013. All rights reserved.

6 Steps to Ensure a Successful Real Estate Transaction in Any Market

Passively waiting for the right time to buy can cost you thousands of dollars and the home of your dreams. Unfortunately, attempting to time the market is one surefire way to miss the boat on your perfect house and the right investment opportunity that comes along the way.

What are savvy real estate buyers doing now to uncover real estate opportunities? Simply put, they are active. While they may not necessarily be buying, they are actively researching listings, viewing homes, staying up-to-date on market indicators, and undertaking other proactive efforts to increase their chances of making the best purchase decision-whether that be today, tomorrow, or later this year.

Consider these steps to ensure a successful real estate transaction in any market:

1. Ensure Your Goals Are Realistic. Be sure you are clear on what you want to buy and why. Is it an investment property, a dream home, or somewhere in between? As your criteria for that perfect home increase, you may have to pay a little more to meet your standards. Be prepared to weigh possible cost savings versus quality-of-life benefits. If you have an investment property, ensure you have cash flow in mind with an acceptable return on investment plan before you buy.

2. Know the Properties. No matter the market conditions, continue to search for the right property and view listings in person. Even if you are not ready to buy today, this will help you learn the market and the property available in your price range. Then, when the right opportunity comes along and the timing works, you'll be best prepared to make an educated rather than an emotional decision.

3. Know Your Financing Options. Many buyers want to find the "perfect" home before having their credit pulled, which can backfire when an offer is on the table and time is of the essence. Therefore, it's wise to get pre-approved for a loan even before you view your first home and to get a pre-approval letter. Then, once approved, check in with your lender every few weeks to see how your rate and program are doing.

4. Know the Market at All Times. Have a detailed talk with your agent about the current state of the market at the onset of the relationship and regular intervals after that. Also, discuss what can be foreseen up ahead. Your REALTOR will have their finger on the pulse of the changing landscape and, thus, is an invaluable resource. Then, on your own, locate information sources outside of mass media. Real estate markets follow fundamentals like stocks do, offering infinite analysis possibilities.

5. Have a Purchase Game Plan. While it's certainly prudent to wait until you're comfortable executing a property purchase, it's imperative to know, in specific terms, precisely what economic indicators are impacting your decision and why. This will help it become crystal clear when it's time to make your move, and you can do so confidently.

6. Understand the Timeline. While great deals are abundant in today's market, nobody said it would be easy to land one for yourself. Be prepared for bidding wars, bank delays, and other challenges, particularly on short sales and foreclosures. Learn in advance the average timeline involved with each type of transaction based on prior 30 to 60-day statistics so that you may strategically plan your efforts.

Questions about our local real estate market? 

Contact us today to learn more about homes for sale or selling a home on the Treasure Coast. Whether buying or selling a home on the Treasure Coast, we are always happy to meet with you to discuss your wants and needs with no obligation. Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate, Keller Williams Realty. Info: 772-678-1600.

Treasure Coast Housing Trends Update

Create a Market Report for Any Treasure Coast Neighborhood

Our custom market reports provide the latest statistics for communities, neighborhoods, and subdivisions along the Treasure Coast to Palm Beach real estate corridor. Use our market reports to see how the market is doing in any Treasure Coast city. 

Using our market reports, you can make informed selling or buying decisions with information on for-sale properties, properties under contract, and recently sold properties.

Instant Market Reports

Create a custom market report that includes sold homes and properties for sale with inventory counts, days-on-market price per square foot, challenged properties, and more. Create a Market Report

We offer a turn-key approach to managing your real estate needs from the Treasure Coast to the Palm Beaches and beyond.

Get in Touch

Contact us or call 772-678-1600 today to schedule a free consultation. Whether buying or selling a home on the Treasure Coast, we are always happy to meet with you to discuss your wants and needs with no obligation.

Defer Your Capital Gains, Master the 1031 Exchange, and Grow Your Property Investment Future

If you're a homeowner or property investor, you've likely heard of a 1031 exchange. A 1031 exchange is when a property owner "swaps" one property for another of equal or more excellent value to defer the capital gains tax accumulated on the original property.

There are many rules involved in 1031 exchanges, and both buyers and sellers need to understand the intricacies of 1031 before actively trying to benefit from this process. Download our guide to learn about the 1031 Exchange, including:

• How a 1031 Exchange works,
• Essential Rules for a 1031 Exchange
• Common Misconceptions of Section 1031
• Download the Guide

We offer Florida home investors a turn-key approach to managing their real estate needs from the Treasure Coast to the Palm Beaches and beyond.

Contact us or call 772-678-1600 today to schedule a free consultation. Whether buying or selling a home on the Treasure Coast, we are always happy to meet with you to discuss your wants and needs with no obligation.

Join Us  at Our Open House From 1-3 PM Saturday, April 8, 2023

4980 SW Hammock Creek Drive, Palm City, FL 34990

4-bed/2-bath ''Greenbriar'' model in the Sanctuary at Hammock Creek in Palm City. This immaculate home has many upgrades, including all-tile floors and an ensuite luxury bath. Check out this beautifully maintained and ready-to-move-in property at our open house on Saturday, April 8th, from 1-3 PM. 

MLS# RX-10876591 Call 772-288-1765 for Gate Access

Are you listing your home for sale? One of the process's first (and most important) steps is the photo or video shoot. Displaying top-notch images ensures maximum exposure on property Websites and MLS searches.

Use the checklist below to prepare for your photo shoot. Following this guide ensures your listing will look its best!

Pre-Photo Shoot Checklist

Download the Pre-Photo Shoot Checklist

Questions about our local real estate market? Contact us today to learn more about homes for sale or selling a home on the Treasure Coast. Whether buying or selling a home on the Treasure Coast, we are always happy to meet with you to discuss your wants and needs with no obligation. Eric Slifkin, Broker Associate, Keller Williams Realty. Info: 772-678-1600.

The Sanctuary at Hammock Creek

Just listed: 4-Bedroom "Greenbriar" model. Click or call 772-678-1600 for info.

Just Listed in the Sanctuary is this 4-bed/2-bath ''Greenbriar'' model, an immaculate home with many upgrades, including all-tile floors. Ready to go! Learn More

Get in Touch. to see this property or join our interest list today for all Hammock Creek homes for sale. Then, call 772-678-1600 to learn more about Treasure Coast living.

Five Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent

Not all real estate agents are the same!

Interviewing several agents before selecting one is always a good idea. However, knowing what to ask in the interview can be challenging. Here are some questions that can help you qualify the best agent to help you achieve your real estate goals.

1. Can you send me some information about yourself? Look for professionalism and consistency. What are their accomplishments? See how they approach their work. Ask about their team's dynamic and actions if they're a newer agent.

2. How long have you been in real estate? While longevity is necessary, the number of transactions they close or are involved in is even more telling. So feel free to ask: "How many homes have you sold in this area?"

3. What will you do to keep me informed? Will the agent be able to meet your expectations? First, determine how much communication you want, and then find an agent who will give you the attention and time you deserve.

4. Can you provide me with further resources I may need? From market reports and pricing trends to school performance and crime statistics, top agents should have resources or know where to find them.

5. Seller only: Can you share your plan to market my property? Many agents will put your home in the MLS and wait for it to sell. An excellent agent should have a detailed plan of how to get your home exposure on social media, to their local networks, and more.

Get Started

Our five questions to ask your Realtor help ensure you work with the best possible agent. Armed with that information, you're ready to start interviewing agents.

Related article: Five Attributes of an Amazing Agent

We'd love an opportunity to win your business. Schedule a free consultation today to discover how true market experts can help you achieve your real estate goals!