Townhouse For Rent/Lease in Lexington Lakes

Great Value

• 1,280 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm townhouse - $1,000.00 USD Monthly - Two-story Townhouse

Lexington Lakes, Stuart  -  Well maintained 2BR/2BA townhouse in Lexington Lakes. Tile in living areas. Laundry and garage in unit. Gated and patrolled. Ammenities include community pool, clubhouse with gym and tot lot. Close to 95, shopping, downtown.

Property information

Posted Monday, April 23, 2012 6:53 PM by Eric Slifkin | 0 Comments

Townhouse For Rent/Lease in Martin's Crossing

Furnished Annual Rental

• 1,532 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm townhouse "Like New" - $1,300.00 USD Monthly - Furnished Annual Rental

Martin's Crossing, Stuart  -  Like new two bedroom, 2.5 bath furnished townhouse w/garage in Martins Crossing. Steps to community pool. Minutes to everything! Also available seasonal or short term- call for rates (three month minimum).

Property information

Posted Wednesday, March 28, 2012 5:28 AM by Eric Slifkin | 0 Comments

Rent vs Own: 70% of Renters Think Owning Makes More Sense

WASHINGTON - March 27, 2012 - Fannie Mae's latest quarterly National Housing Survey focuses on the homeownership aspirations of Americans. Despite the recent housing crisis, most Americans continue to believe that homeownership is better than renting.

And while Fannie Mae's data finds that financial constraints and employment concerns may be keeping potential homebuyers on the sidelines, that could change. As employment picks up and the economy grows stronger, stabilizing home prices may entice Americans to buy a home in coming years.

Findings

• Across all education levels, Americans say owning makes more sense than renting. This belief is held consistently across all demographic groups.

• Nearly two-thirds of current renters say that they will buy a house at some point in the future.

• Non-financial factors, such as safety and quality of local schools, continue to be the top reasons for buying a home across all income groups.

• African-Americans and Hispanics are more likely to cite various benefits to homeownership, such as buying a home as a way to build wealth, as a symbol of success and civic benefits.

"In spite of the impact of the housing crisis on home values and homeownership rates across the country, Americans by and large still hope to become homeowners," says Doug Duncan, vice president and chief economist of Fannie Mae. "A point of concern for the industry is that some consumers find the mortgage shopping process difficult to navigate. If potential homeowners avoid the process because they believe it to be too complex, we will likely see a continued impact on homeownership rates."

Overall, certain groups (renters, those with lower levels of education, people with lower incomes, African-Americans and Hispanics) cite potential difficulties in getting a mortgage. Renters today are most likely to cite poor credit, complexity of the loan process and bad economic times as major reasons not to buy a home.

Financing problems

• Renters are consistently more likely than mortgage borrowers to think it would be difficult for them to get a home, and say financial reasons are the major reason they have not bought a home.

• African-Americans and Hispanics are more likely to indicate that getting a mortgage is difficult, regardless of income level. They're also more likely to cite bad economic times and the complexity of the mortgage process as major reasons not to buy a home.

• Groups with lower levels of education are more likely to say it would be difficult for them to get a mortgage than groups with higher levels of education.

• Hispanics are less confident than other groups about receiving information they need to choose the right mortgage.

Moreover, attitudes about homeownership as an investment, financial constraints and mortgage accessibility may mean that more Americans choose not to act on their aspiration for homeownership, thus potentially leading to lower homeownership rates.

Homeownership as an investment

• The margin of Americans believing homeownership has the highest investment potential has declined over the past several years.

• At the same time, the perceived safety of owning a home as an investment has trended downward, reaching a low of 63 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011.

• In turn, groups with higher levels of education and higher incomes are more likely to think buying a home is a safe investment.

© 2012 Florida Realtors®

Posted Tuesday, March 27, 2012 8:13 PM by Eric Slifkin | 0 Comments

Updated Home For Sale in The Meadows

The Meadows in Palm City

• 1,952 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - $199,000 - The Meadows in Palm City

The Meadows, Palm City  -  Remodeled 3/2/2 "Hampton" model with bamboo floors in living areas and Travertine flooring in kitchen. Newer granite counters and stainless appliances. Open plan with enclosed porch and oversize backyard. The Meadows is a pet friendly community, gated and patrolled with community pool, tennis, tot lot and tree-lined streets. Minutes to highways, shopping and "A" rated Martin County schools.

Property information

Posted Tuesday, March 27, 2012 7:29 PM by Eric Slifkin | 0 Comments

Great Starter Home at Southpointe in Stuart, Florida

Posted Saturday, March 24, 2012 7:06 PM by Eric Slifkin | 0 Comments

Custom Home on Two Acres

Posted Saturday, March 24, 2012 1:14 PM by Eric Slifkin | 0 Comments

Palm City Farms on Five Acres

Posted Saturday, March 24, 2012 11:44 AM by Eric Slifkin | 0 Comments

Musings About Palm City, Florida

The first time I drove through Palm City nearly ten years ago I knew it was where I wanted to buy my Florida home. As a transplant from suburban New Jersey I was seeking a family friendly town with tree lined streets, sidewalks, parks and the sense of community I enjoyed back home. I have not given it much thought since my move to Palm City in 2002, but was reminded of these qualities this week after several buyers made nearly identical comments while I showed them area homes and neighborhoods.

As we pulled into town off the I95 interchange, the first thing my clients saw was children playing and riding bikes. They were pleasantly surprised to see this and were excited to discover our little town. The scene was repeated later that day with my next clients. We arrived about 3PM and on queue kids poured out of the Hidden Oaks middle school (“A” rated, as are the nearby Palm City and Bessey Creek elementary schools). They gathered in groups for their walk home, which is not a common site in Florida where children are mostly bussed to school. My clients were further impressed to see people strolling, shopping and enjoying a snack at our local Panera Bread.

While touring Palm City’s homes and leafy neighborhoods both couples decided this was where they wanted to raise their family. Each chose four bedroom pool homes within walking distance of the middle school and minutes to I95.

This post has been authored by Eric Slifkin, REALTOR® serving South Florida’s Treasure Coast. You can reach me at 888-288-1765, or visit my Web site at www.TreasureCoastHomeSales.com. As your resource for information on new or resale homes throughout the Treasure Coast, please be sure to contact me about any home you may find on the Web, yard sign or ad and I will research the property, arrange showings and handle all the details.

Posted Thursday, September 16, 2010 8:32 PM by Eric Slifkin | 1 Comments

About Stuart, Florida

Posted Friday, April 03, 2009 6:24 AM by Eric Slifkin | 0 Comments

Stuart Area Rental Homes - Getting Your Property Rent-Ready

In the current real estate market, many home sellers out of necessity have become landlords.  If you are considering renting out your home, getting your property "rent-ready" as quickly as possible is essential to success in maximizing your rental income and finding a quality tenant in the shortest time possible.

When it comes to rental homes, you should consider the following:

• When leasing a property you only get one chance to make a good first impression. It is essential that the home look as good as possible before marketing of the rental begins.
  
• A rental in good physical condition will attract better quality tenants, who will pay higher rent and present fewer problems.
  
• Vacancies are expensive! Some maintenance costs can be recovered, but not vacancy - once it's gone it's gone.  A lost month's rent cannot be recovered.

In preparing your property for rent, inspect the home and note any repairs that may be needed.  This includes appliances, plumbing and A/C systems, which must be up to code and in good working order.  Broken windows, doors, cabinets and fixtures should also be repaired or replaced.  Next you will want a fresh coat of paint followed by a thorough cleaning including floors and rugs. 

Curb appeal is as important in a rental as a sale, so make sure the lawn is cut, shrubs trimmed and outside repairs completed. Patios, sidewalks and driveways should be power washed and the roof inspected by a professional roofer.

If there is a homeowners association, make sure to complete any required forms and obtain an application along with a copy of the rules and regulations for the tenant. You will also want to make sure you have gate clickers, garage remotes, pool and mailbox keys ready to go. If you are working with a Realtor®, he or she will need these items with the signed rental listing agreement.

Getting your rental property "rent-ready" will ensure you procure the best tenant, for the most rent in the least amount of time!

Posted Saturday, August 30, 2008 2:33 PM by Eric Slifkin | 1 Comments

Florida — renters' paradise? (article from TCPalm.com)

Posted Monday, August 04, 2008 2:07 PM by Eric Slifkin | 1 Comments

Tips For Renters

Selecting the right rental home and finding a property that meets your needs and budget can be complicated. Here are some tips to help you determine what’s most important to you and help you work your way through the rental process.

Assessing Your Needs

Carefully assessing your needs and knowing what to look for and what to avoid is the key to success in finding a rental home.  Your Real Estate Agent can provide detailed information on  target areas prior to your home finding trip, helping you maximize your time and efforts.

One of the most important steps in finding your new home is knowing exactly how much rent you can afford. Your rent should be no more than 30 percent of your gross monthly income (although there are exceptions to this rule).  

Advance Deposits And Fees
 
It is also important to remember that renters are typically required to pay a security deposit (usually one month's rent) in addition to the first month's rent prior to move-in.  Additionally, some renters are required to pay their last month's rent in advance.  This is usually the case when renting a home from a private owner.  A rental application fee, which can cost between $35 to $100 to process, is often required as well.  If there is a home owners association you can expect to pay an application fee ranging from $50 to $200.  Pet owners will also have to contend with additional security deposits and/or nonrefundable pet fees in the neighborhood of $250 or more for each dog or cat.

Inspecting The Property

When you have found a property that meets your needs, examine it carefully before you sign a lease.

-Windows should open, lock properly, and have screens.
-Sliding glass doors should open cleanly. Screens should be operable and intact.
-Check the roof for missing or curled shingles and ceilings and walls for water marks and other signs of leaks.
-Check plumbing and water pressure by flushing the toilet and running the faucets.
-Make sure any included kitchen appliances work properly (range, refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, etc.)

Before Signing The Lease

Once you’ve decided on a property, the landlord will probably ask you to fill out a rental application. This form will request information such as:

-Previous and current employers and landlords
-Salary history
-Banking information
-Credit card information
-Social security number
-Personal (non-work related) references

This information allows the landlord to check your credit history (usually through a credit bureau) and your relationships with former landlords.

The Rental Agreement Or Lease

Before you occupy your new rental property, you will be asked to sign either a rental agreement or a lease. A lease specifies a fixed term and monthly payment, for example, a one-year lease at $1,000 per month. Rental agreements are sometimes known as "month-to-month" arrangements.  Either you or the landlord may end the arrangement at any time with proper notice (specific notice requirements vary by location).  Similarly, the landlord can adjust the rent with proper notice (again, the laws and regulations vary by area.)  A lease is usually the more favorable option, as it guarantees a fixed rent for a longer period. However, if you are uncertain how long you will be renting, a rental agreement offers more flexibility.

Lease Basics

A lease is a binding legal document that states that a tenant can occupy property owned by the landlord under specified conditions.  Although leases vary, they usually specify the following:

-A full description of the rental property
-The amount of each rent payment and the due date, including late charge and grace period information
-The amount of the security deposit, and the conditions under which it might be retained by the landlord
-Services to be provided by the landlord (landscaping, repairs, etc.) and tenant responsibilities
-Rules and regulations that the tenant is expected to follow while renting the property
-Available amenities or services (trash removal, swimming pool, laundry facilities)

Clauses Requiring Your Attention

One of the most important parts of a lease is the Termination Clause, which describes what will happen at the end of your lease. Some leases renew automatically unless you notify the landlord that you plan to leave. Other leases simply transform into a month-to-month rental agreement.  If you anticipate being relocated by your company sometime in the near future, we recommend having the following language built into your lease:

"In the event the lessee is relocated by his or her corporation, the lessee may terminate this lease upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to lessor with no lease termination penalty."

Other clauses to watch for include those that address automatic rent escalation and transfer of repair duty from the landlord to the tenant.  No smoking clauses are also common and strictly enforced.

Posted Sunday, August 03, 2008 5:21 PM by Eric Slifkin | 0 Comments

Helping Out-of-Town Buyers Purchase Stuart, Florida Real Estate

The Internet has empowered out-of-town home buyers with the ability to search for homes on line much the way Realtors do. Current Web technologies allow prospective buyers to search for properties in the comfort of their homes while saving time and money traveling to their target areas. This applies to the Stuart area real estate market as well - Realtors and home sellers alike can upload their listings to a myriad of real estate Web sites or portals for prospective buyers to see with multiple photos, virtual tours and even videos of their homes.

Out-of-town buyers searching for Stuart, Florida real estate on line should never underestimate the importance of hiring a local Realtor to assist in identifying suitable properties and making the home buying process as stress-free as possible. As an out-of-town buyer, you will benefit from taking advantage of a local agent's expertise and knowledge of the area he or she serves. This is especially true when buying new construction, where having a local representative will help to ensure your new home is built to your specifications.

Working With A Realtor

A Realtor's job is first and foremost to assist you in identifying suitable homes. A Realtor will typically posses an in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market, neighborhoods, and available inventory. Your agent will also walk you through the entire transaction from research to settlement.

What Should Out-Of-Town Buyers Look For In A Realtor?

As a potential out-of-town buyer of Stuart, Florida real estate, there are several qualities you should look for in a local Realtor:

-Your Realtor should maintain communication with you throughout the process even though your purchase may be months away. He or she should be enthusiastic in talking to you about the Stuart area real estate market, neighborhoods and homes that suit your needs.

-The Realtor should update you with the latest listings and get your feedback before your first buying trip to Stuart. Though some of the properties may be sold or under contract by the time you arrive, your comments and selections will help narrow down showings to the best homes for you.

-Your Realtor should include in the showing schedule a tour of the Stuart area, which will help you to familiarize yourself with our neighborhoods and decide on a particular location.

-Patience is one of the most important traits that a Realtor can possess. Your agent should not try to influence your decision about a particular Stuart area home but help to weigh the pros and cons of deciding on a particular property or moving onto something more desirable.

As an out-of-town buyer, when it comes to selecting a Realtor you want to go with someone who will look out for your needs before, during and after the sale.

 

Posted Monday, July 28, 2008 7:43 PM by Eric Slifkin | 0 Comments

Obstacles to Short Sales

Strenuous obstacles to short sales compound headaches for homeowners - the Palm Beach Post got this one right.  It should be required reading for agents and short sellers.  Read the Palm Beach Post Article

Posted Monday, July 07, 2008 11:00 PM by Eric Slifkin | 0 Comments

Palm Beach Post Interactive Dining Guide - Palm Beach Gardens

Palm Beach Gardens is becoming the regions latest shopping / mecca.  Check out the Palm Beach Post's Interactive Dining Guide to restaurants and watering holes along popular PGA Boulevard.

Posted Thursday, July 03, 2008 7:24 AM by Eric Slifkin | 1 Comments