Check out our top open houses in Palm City this weekend. Click on the image for more info on this week's featured open house listing, or call us at 772-678-1600 to learn more about homes for sale in Palm City, Florida.

Palm City Open Houses this Week

Featured Open House

Updated 4-bed/2-bath ''Greenbriar'' Model in the Sanctuary at Hammock Creek with a newer roof, tile floors, and luxury en-suite bath.  MLS# RX-10876591.

Open Sunday, April 16, 1-3 PM. More Info

4980 SW Hammock Creek Drive • Open Sunday, April 16, 1-3 PM. More Info

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.

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 instantly see how the market is doing in any Treasure Coast city. 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.

Wondering if a Fixer-Upper is Right for You?

Fixer-uppers are everywhere, even in wealthy enclaves. What sets them apart is the price. They have lower market value than other houses in the immediate area because they have either been poorly maintained or abandoned.

As an investor, your needs are different than a typical home buyer. So when it comes to buying an investment property to flip or rent, there will be many questions along the way.

• Can you afford the renovations?

• Will you enjoy the process?

• Is the home a good deal?

Determining if a property that interests you is a wise investment will require a lot of work. First, you will need to figure out what the average home in the area sells for, as well as the cost of the most desirable ones.   

Experts suggest that novices avoid run-down properties needing extensive work. Instead, they recommend starting with a property that only needs minor cosmetic work – one that can be completely refurbished with paint, wallpaper, new floor and window coverings, landscaping, and new appliances.

Also, remember that a home price that looks too good to be true probably is. Find out why before pouring your hard-earned money into it.

When looking for a fixer-upper, some experts suggest you follow this basic strategy: find the least desirable home in the most desirable neighborhood. Then decide if the expense needed to repair the property is within your budget.

If you're ready to take on a fixer-upper, message me, and let's get the ball rolling. You can reach me at 772-678-1600 or visit my Web site. As your resource for information on Treasure Coast real estate, please be sure to contact me about any home you may find on the Web, yard sign, or ad, and I will be happy to research the property, arrange showings and handle all the details.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2015. All rights reserved.

The odds are that if you own a rental property, you acquired it deliberately as an investment after careful planning and research. But many owners of income properties did not choose to be landlords. Instead, these "accidental landlords" could be someone who ended up with two homes after getting married or inherited a house from a family member and decided to take advantage of a hot rental market.

In some cases, a house may have little or negative equity. Renting it out while the property appreciates may be an option and can help prevent foreclosure.

Becoming an Accidental Landlord

Suppose you've become an accidental landlord; congratulations! Income property can be a highly profitable investment that offers long-term and immediate returns. But it's important to remember that regardless of how you ended up with your income property, it's vital that you manage your investment to ensure that it generates the best returns possible.

Seek Professional Help

I am not talking about seeing a psychiatrist (your friends may suggest this). But suppose you are about to become an accidental landlord. In that case, you must understand the process, including how to screen prospective tenants, prepare a lease, and understand tenants' rights about repairs, collections, and evictions. While this may seem overwhelming at first, professional help is available. For example, a Realtor experienced in procuring tenants, coupled with a competent property manager and real estate attorney, can minimize the stress of renting out your property, which is essential if you are out of town or plan to relocate.

Talk to Your Accountant

Often rent that a property will generate will not cover the total monthly overhead of owning the asset. Still, this negative cash flow may give you a valuable tax deduction. Also, as the value of your home rises (along with the rent), cash flow can go from negative to positive. Be sure to talk to your accountant to discuss the benefits of owning an income-producing property.

Update Your Insurance Policy

Updating your insurance should be one of the first things you do when becoming a landlord. Rental insurance is very different from homeowner's insurance, and you'll want to ensure that you consult your insurance carrier to tell them that the property has become a rental.

Tenant Screening

Screening is crucial when it comes to procuring a tenant. Tenant screening can be outsourced and should include credit, eviction, criminal background checks, nationwide eviction, sex offender, and criminal reports. The tenant typically pays for a screening report as part of the application process.

Run the Numbers

Do your research and find out the fair market rent for your property. You should also calculate your expenses, including maintenance, taxes, utilities (if applicable), vacancies, insurance, and property management fees, to name a few.

Assemble Your Team

A team of professionals can help minimize problems along the way. Be sure to select local real estate experts to fill your vacant rental and manage the process.

Eric Slifkin, a Broker Associate, founded the Slifkin Team at Keller Williams Realty. Eric and his team of experienced agents serve South Florida and the Treasure Coast, including  Stuart, Port Saint Lucie, and the Palm Beaches.

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.