3 Nights Discovery Tour At Del Webb

3 Nights Discovery Tour AT Del Webb

Join Us To Meet Your Future Retirement Community

Explore Stay Program Available!

Enjoy 3 NIGHTS DISCOVERY TOUR AT DEL WEBB NORTH FLORIDA COMMUNITY FOR $150!

2, 3 and 4 night stays

Fully Furnished Private Homes

Complimentary golf cart and beach bikes

VIP Access to all of the amenities including 38,000 sq.ft. Anastasia Clubhouse

Special Needs Accommodations

Welcome New Home Buyer to Riverwood by Del Webb a 55 Plus Resort Lifestyle Community in Ponte Vedra

A Private Coastal Community located 7 miles from the Atlantic Ocean

Choose from 9 decorated models of magnificent floor plans including a variety of two- and three-bedroom homes, ranging from 1,157 – 2,611 square feet.  Home sites available with tranquil nature preserve or water views. Community features a 38,000+ square-foot new Anastasia Clubhouse, a perfect setting for residents to socialize with friends and neighbors and offers indoor and outdoor pools, state-of-the-art fitness center, arts and crafts facilities, multi-purpose rooms, social café, grand ballroom with stage and outdoor courts for tennis, bocce ball and pickle ball.

Riverwood at Nocatee amenities include:

Aquacise: A water cardio and toning workout.

Cardio Low and Tone: This class consists of twenty minutes of low impact aerobic exercise.

Yoga: Gentle Yoga (on the floor) and Chair Yoga.

Hard Core Abs:  The workout includes standing, seated and floor exercises for both women and men.

TechnoGym Orientation:  Sign-ups are handled on a first come basis.

Wellness Orientation:  A one-on-one session with a personal trainer.

Personal Training:  Available upon request.

Group Fitness Punch Cards:  Available upon request.

Sandcastle Spa:  A place for residents to relax and enjoy a rejuvenating massage.

Resort Pool and Spa:  Indoor lap pool & resort outdoor pool and spa

Sawgrass Cafe:  Open Monday-Saturday

Clubs:  Bingo, Bridge, Book, Canasta, Dinner, Genealogy, Bead Buddies, Mah Jongg, Poker, Men’s Club, Women’s Club, Team Trivia, Helping Hands, Arts & Crafts, Bocce Ball, Tennis, Pickle Ball and much more.

Total Homes: 2,000

Sold Homes: 300

A unique Central Park featuring over 100 trees.  Gardening lots available for residents.

State-of-the art Fitness Center, Theater, Ball Room.

About the Author:  Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

Servicing:  Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach, Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Neptune Beach, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Augustine, Daytona Beach, Fleming Island and New York real estate.

View thousands of listings  www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com,  www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com,  www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.PGAVillage-Homes.com, www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com, www.HealthcareRelocationServices.com

Could That Must Odor Mean Leaks In Your Home.

Could That Must Odor Mean Leaks In Your Home. It doesn’t matter if your home is old or new, a basement can become damp and musty due to cracks in walls, humidity, and condensation. Visible cracks aren’t as easy to repair as problems with condensation and basement humidity, but you may be able to find and repair the source of basement dampness yourself – if the cause of the dampness and musty odor isn’t too serious. Even minor cracks are easy to repair.

A musty odor might only be noticed during certain times of the year. The odors usually go unnoticed during the winter when the furnace is running and might not be apparent during the summer months when the air conditioning is pulling humidity out of the home. A musty odor coming from the basement is most often noticed in spring and fall when utilities aren’t running and the windows are closed.

The first step is to find the source of dampness creating the musty odor but keep in mind there may be more than one source of dampness that could be causing the odor.

Condensation

Basement pipes can become covered in condensation especially during summer months. The condensation builds on cold water pipes until it runs down the pipes or drips onto the basement floor. Cold water pipes covered in condensation can definitely create a musty odor in the basement.  The best way to prevent and control musty basement odors caused by cold water pipes is to cover the pipes with an insulated pipe wrap.

Humidity

A humid basement, even without the appearance of obvious dampness, can cause a musty odor. If there doesn’t appear to be leaks in your basement try operating a dehumidifier. Most basements hold a lot of humidity anyway so consider attaching a hose to the dehumidifier and allow the excess moisture to drain into a working sump pump pit or a basement drain.

Leaking Pipes

What may appear to be condensation could in fact be a leaky basement water pipe.  Wipe condensation from water pipes and check pipe seams for slow leaks. You may only need epoxy compound to repair a slowly leaking pipe, however, if you suspect any leaks at all, call a plumber to inspect the problem.

Cracks

Cracks in concrete or cinder block basement walls aren’t uncommon. Even newer homes can develop cracks in basement walls that sometimes begin to leak. The leaks cause dampness which naturally creates a musty odor, but don’t panic if your basement wall has developed a crack. A restoration specialist may be able to patch it successfully and easily from the inside and patching a crack in a basement wall isn’t as difficult as you would think. The success of the patch will depend on whether or not the crack is active; an active crack will continue to widen and spread.

Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. Any suspected leaks or cracks should be investigated and patched before the problem worsens.

About the Author:  Millie Gil has been a successful Florida Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For real estate service and information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

View thousands of listings  www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com,  www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com,  www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.PGAVillage-Homes.com, www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com, www.HealthcareRelocationServices.com

Have you purchased a home or condo with a past life or some other use?

Have you purchased a home or condo with a past life or some other use?  Did you fall in love with a former firehouse, church, historic building, gas station, police station, water tank, schoolhouse, etc?   If your present home or condo had an unusual conversion, we’d love to hear from you!

Did you handle everything yourself?  Many homeowners believe they can go it alone and find themselves looking for a professional to save them.

But there are several crucial reasons for using a real estate agent.

First off, a real estate agent is trained in keeping an eye on how the market is moving and responding to different circumstances.

Second and most important, a real estate agent knows all the legalities, requirements and guidelines the buyer and seller must adhere to. You have no idea how many legal forms you are responsible for. You wouldn’t want to get caught with a voided contract after laying out tons of cash because you forgot a key item, would you?

Would you like to share your story and be featured on our daily real estate BLOG?  We welcome Guest Bloggers, please contact us for submission guidelines at communityinfo@comcast.net

About the Author:   Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

Cascades Home Reduced For Quick Sale! 411 NW Sunview Way, Port St Lucie, 34986

Offered at $219,900

411 NW Sunview Way, Port St. Lucie, Florida, 34986
CASCADES BEST DEAL!

2 Bedrooms & 2 Baths, Den/Office, 2 Car Garage, Lakeview

Cascades Home Reduced For Quick Sale! 411 NW Sunview Way, Port St Lucie, 34986
Contact us for a preview of this lovely home and  community tour of Cascades at St. Lucie West (772) 224-1634 or (772) 224-9011

Gorgeous Ruby model light and open with spectacular waterview from the family room and large master bedroom.  Professionally decorated with built-in spacious family room and den, neutral 18” diagonal ceramic tile in living areas

Nicely done gourmet kitchen with 42” cabinets, ceramic tile counters, large breakfast area inclusive with table, chairs and built-in angled for extra seating with cushions.  This lovely home features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths with den or office, 2 full bathrooms, formal dining room with great view of the wide lake.  A new gas heater installed in March 2011, natural gas range and interior heating, a Service America home warranty.  Plenty of closet space, two car garage, screened lanai overlooking beautiful lake.  This home is located in Cascades a 55+ resort lifestyle manned-gated community offering 24 hours service for privacy.  The Cascades offers it’s own 9-hole golf course, 10 lighted Har-Tru Tennis Courts, a  26,000 sq.ft. Clubhouse, outdoor pool & spa, fitness center, sauna, multi-purpose ballroom, media room, library, available to enjoy year round and much more! The community is conveniently located, minutes away from theaters, houses of worship, great restaurants, movie theaters, post offices and hospitals.

Rent or Buy and experience the lifestyle you deserve.  The Cascades at St Lucie West is a premier resort lifestyle active 55+ community featuring Mediterranean-style architecture and beautifully manicured grounds.

The Cascades offers it’s own 9-hole golf course, 10 lighted Har-Tru Tennis Courts, a  26,000 sq.ft. Clubhouse, outdoor pool & spa, fitness center, sauna, multi-purpose ballroom, media room, library, and card and billiards rooms available to enjoy year round, yoga classes, tai-chi classes, water aerobics, bridge class, bocce, scrabble, games, computer class, music & performing arts club, art and crafts, ballroom dancing, theater, travel clubs, mah jongg, Canasta,  book club, poker club, weekly events and much more! Gated entry with 24-hour controlled access for privacy. St Lucie West is the location of the New York Mets spring training program. The community is conveniently located, minutes away from theaters, houses of worship, great restaurants, movie theaters, post offices and hospitals.  Contact Bold Real Estate Group for a complimentary tour and let us welcome you to your dream home.  Your best investment opportunity is at The Cascades! Short Sales, Foreclosures and Rentals available. Single family homes priced as low as $134,900

Having the right real estate agent means having an agent who is committed to helping you buy, sell or rent  your home with the highest level of expertise in your local market. This commitment level has helped me build a remarkable track record of delivering results.

Nothing is more exciting to me than the gratifying feeling I get from helping people meet their real estate needs. You can count on me to always do what’s in your best interest. I pride myself on being honest, trustworthy, and knowledgeable in the real estate market. I know how important it is to find your dream home. Therefore I will make it my responsibility to help you achieve those goals.

Whether you are an experienced investor or a first time buyer, I can help you in finding the property of your dreams. Please feel free to browse my website or let me guide you every step of the way by calling or e-mailing me to set up an appointment today.

Concierge: Bold Real Estate Group will provide concierge services including set up of excursions and area information.

Dining and Shopping: Residents will find an enticing selection of restaurants in the area, ranging from light meals and fast food to gourmet dining. Nearby shopping venues include mainstream consumer retail outlets, shopping mall and specialty boutiques.

Health Care: Three nearby hospitals, Lawnwood Regional Medical Center, St. Lucie Medical Center and Martin Memorial Health Systems provide complete modern medical care including 24-hour emergency services. Martin Memorial’s St. Lucie West Walk-In Clinic is located in the St. Lucie West area.

About the Author: Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

Servicing:  Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach,  Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce,  Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Neptune Beach, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Augustine, Daytona Beach, Fleming Island and New York real estate.

View thousands of listings  www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com,  www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com,  www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.PGAVillage-Homes.com, www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com, www.HealthcareRelocationServices.com

Home | Homes For Sale | Homes Short Sale | Search Foreclosures | Open House | Homes For Rent | Renter’s Insurance | Cascades Resources | Cascades Events | Community Tour | Home Virtual Tour | Driving Directions | Cascades Q & A | Cascades Floorplans | Cascades HOA | Community News | Community Providers | Cascades BLOG | Sign-up for a Tour! | Buyer’s Resources | Dream Home Finder | Search MLS | Home Inspection | Home Warranty | Florida Relocation | Property Taxes | Tax Estimator | Insurance Quote | Buy A Short Sale | Seller’s Resource | Market Analysis | Short Sale Inquiry | Our Commitment | Outbound Relocation | Sold Homes Report | Jobs Opportunity | Senior Care Living | Workforce50.com | Retired Brains | Tradition | The Vineyards | Kings Isle 55 Plus | Magnolia Lakes | Sawgrass Lakes | Lake Forest | Lake Charles | Tesoro Homes | The Club SLW | Belmont SLW | Country Club Estates | Lakes At SLW | Viscaya Falls | PGA Village | Verano PGA | Seasons 55 Plus | Tampa Homes | Ocala Homes | Naples Homes | Fort Myers Homes | Jacksonville Homes | Ponte Vedra Homes | Orlando Homes | New Developments | Discovery Tours | Costa Rica Homes | Real Estate Glossary | Golf Course Finder | FREE Moving Quote | Market eNewsletter | Currency Converter | FREE Credit Score | Airport & Flights | About St. Lucie West | Connect Utilities | Global News | Books WebStore | Retirement Homes By State | Local Hospitals | Dining Guide | St. Lucie County Profile | New Developments | Cost of Living Data | Taxes by State | For Buyers | For Sellers | Homeowners | Mortgage Calculator | Mortgage Rates | Loan Quote | Get Pre-Approved | Mortgage Articles | Lending Sources | St. Lucie County | Martin County | Palm Beach County | Indian River | Broward County | Brevard County | Okeechobee County | Miami-Dade County | Referral Network | Real Estate Career | Real Estate School | Guest Bloggers | Contact Us | Testimonials | About Us | Our Blog | About Florida | Se Habla Español | Why Use A REALTOR® | North Florida Homes | Privacy Policy | Florida New Developments

Golf Course Living at Cascades St. Lucie West

Golf Course Living at Cascades St. Lucie West.   Wow! Imagine how great living on a Golf Course can be?

If you’re a lover of golf then waking up to walk to the course or simply strolling along watching others play can be pure heaven – or is it?

The Pro’s of Golf Course Homes

Well – Golf Course Homes are very nice because of the view, privacy and the open space behind your home. Looking out at a slowly undulating golf course fairway with trees and grass is very relaxing and stress relieving.  It is like having a park outside your back door!

When your backyard opens out onto an even larger expanse of green grass that someone else takes care of – it can be fantastic!  (even if you do not play golf!)

It means that you do not have any close backyard neighbors looking into your backyard or peering down from their windows into your personal, private space.  Usually you only have neighbors on each side of your house or perhaps across one corner if you live near a green.

The closest neighbors in back are usually across the fairway.  How far away they are will depend on how wide the fairways on that course or golf hole are.

If you like to play golf and belong to the course that you live on it is even better because you don’t have to drive to the course.  Check the community regulations on whether you can have your own golf cart, or if you can just walk the course and pull or carry your bag.  Figure out the total cost per month based on how many times a month you will be playing and the monthly fees and cart charges.

Many communities are very family oriented and most of the children that live there can start learning to play at a very young age, and can play after school!

But living on a golf course does have it’s disadvantages —

The Disadvantages of Golf Course Homes

Your house may be hit by golf balls!  Yes, this does happen and depending on how narrow the fairways are and the placement of your house along the course it may happen really often.  Home owners insurance may or may not pay for damage to your home from golf balls hitting it.

Windows can be broken, house siding can be hit & pitted, screen porches torn & furniture damaged.

Probably the most difficult thing to fix is the divots in the stucco siding of a home from golf balls hitting it. Many people discover numerous pock marks in their siding from the golf ball impacts.  And they must be filled and painted before the home can be sold.

Noise from Golf Course Maintenance!   Do not expect to sleep in on the weekends!  The guys come around between 7AM & 8AM to cut the grass, groom the bunkers and change the pin locations.  Sometimes they even come around before it is light out and the new equipment has headlights that can shine directly in your bedroom windows facing the back of the house and golf course.

Animals – having more nature in your backyard means more animals and creatures.  Any golf course ponds naturally attract frogs, toads, birds, snakes, etc.  These can be tremendously fun to watch, but you have to be wary of what may be in your yard and fences will not keep everything out.  The animals in ponds can also be incredibly noisy at various times of the year.

Spraying – Golf Courses have to fertilize, and control weeds.  The overspray can reach easily into your yard and impact your plants.  Be careful what you plant along the back edge that adjoins the area maintained by the golf course.  The weed killer that they spray can cause bushes to turn totally brown and lose their leaves.

The thought of Golf Course Living is a dream but in reality it could drive you up a wall if you’re not prepared for everything that comes with this luxury lifestyle.

About the Author: Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net or visit www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com

Home | Homes For Sale | Homes Short Sale | Search Foreclosures | Open House | Homes For Rent | Renter’s Insurance | Cascades Resources | Cascades Events | Community Tour | Home Virtual Tour | Driving Directions | Cascades Q & A | Cascades Floorplans | Cascades HOA | Community News | Community Providers | Cascades BLOG | Sign-up for a Tour! | Buyer’s Resources | Dream Home Finder | Search MLS | Home Inspection | Home Warranty | Florida Relocation | Property Taxes | Tax Estimator | Insurance Quote | Buy A Short Sale | Seller’s Resource | Market Analysis | Short Sale Inquiry | Our Commitment | Outbound Relocation | Sold Homes Report | Jobs Opportunity | Senior Care Living | Workforce50.com | Retired Brains | Tradition | The Vineyards | Kings Isle 55 Plus | Magnolia Lakes | Sawgrass Lakes | Lake Forest | Lake Charles | Tesoro Homes | The Club SLW | Belmont SLW | Country Club Estates | Lakes At SLW | Viscaya Falls | PGA Village | Verano PGA | Seasons 55 Plus | Tampa Homes | Ocala Homes | Naples Homes | Fort Myers Homes | Jacksonville Homes | Ponte Vedra Homes | Orlando Homes | New Developments | Discovery Tours | Costa Rica Homes | Real Estate Glossary | Golf Course Finder | FREE Moving Quote | Market eNewsletter | Currency Converter | FREE Credit Score | Airport & Flights | About St. Lucie West | Connect Utilities | Global News | Books WebStore | Retirement Homes By State | Local Hospitals | Dining Guide | St. Lucie County Profile | New Developments | Cost of Living Data | Taxes by State | For Buyers | For Sellers | Homeowners | Mortgage Calculator | Mortgage Rates | Loan Quote | Get Pre-Approved | Mortgage Articles | Lending Sources | St. Lucie County | Martin County | Palm Beach County | Indian River | Broward County | Brevard County | Okeechobee County | Miami-Dade County | Referral Network | Real Estate Career | Real Estate School | Guest Bloggers | Contact Us | Testimonials | About Us | Our Blog | About Florida | Se Habla Español | Why Use A REALTOR® | North Florida Homes | Privacy Policy | Florida New Developments

Housing affordability hovers near record level

Housing affordability hovers near record level

August 22, 2011 – Aug. 22, 2011 – Nationwide housing affordability during the second quarter of 2011 hovered for the 10th consecutive quarter near its highest level in the more than 20 years, according to National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI).

According to the HOI, families earning the national median income of $64,200 could afford 72.6 percent of all new and existing homes sold in the second quarter. The affordability measure dipped slightly from the record high of 74.6 percent set in the first quarter, but it remained above the 70 percent threshold initially achieved in the first quarter of 2009.

“At a time when homeownership is within reach of more households than it has been for more than two decades, and interest rates are at historically low levels, the sluggish economy and the extremely tight credit conditions confronting homebuyers and builders remain significant obstacles to many potential home sales,” says Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). “That said, however, some housing markets across the country have stabilized and are beginning to show signs of a budding recovery.”

Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, Ohio-Pa., was the most affordable major housing market in the country during the second quarter of the year. In Youngstown, 93.7 percent of all homes sold were affordable to households earning the area’s median family income of $54,900.

Also ranking near the top of the most affordable major metro housing markets were Syracuse, N.Y.; Indianapolis-Carmel, Ind.; Dayton, Ohio; and Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.

Among smaller housing markets, the most affordable was Kokomo, Ind., where 95.8 percent of homes sold during the second quarter of 2011 were affordable to families earning a median income of $59,100. Other smaller housing markets ranking near the top of the index included Wheeling, W.Va.-Ohio; Lansing-East Lansing, Mich.; Bay City, Mich.; and Sandusky, Ohio.

New York-White Plains-Wayne, N.Y.-N.J., led the nation as the least affordable major housing market during the second quarter of 2011. In New York, 25.2 percent of all homes sold during the quarter were affordable to those earning the area’s median income of $67,400. It marks the 13th consecutive quarter that the New York metropolitan division has held this position.

Other major metro areas near the bottom of the affordability index included San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, Calif.; Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, Calif.; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif.; and Honolulu, respectively.

Ocean City, N.J., where 40.9 percent of the homes were affordable to families earning the median income of $70,100, was the least affordable of the smaller metro housing markets in the country during the second quarter. Other small metro areas ranking near the bottom included Laredo, Texas; Santa Cruz-Watsonville, Calif.; San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, Calif.; and Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Goleta, Calif.

© 2011 Florida Realtors®

Reprinted with permission. Florida Realtors®. All rights reserved

Can You Trust Your Title-Escrow Company?

Can You Trust Your Title-Escrow Company?

Every homebuyer and seller needs the services of a Title and Escrow Company.  For the most part, your Realtor has dealt with the same companies year after year but there are times when the seller or buyer will want to use the services of a new company.  Should you be worried or is every title and escrow company basically the same?

The escrow company ensures that no funds will be released until all paperwork has been signed, documents delivered and instructions and contingencies completed correctly.  They safeguard your money until all conditions for both parties have been met.  And although each transaction is basically the same each escrow company might not follow the same route when preparing to close your escrow account.

Most real estate brokers will be delegated this duty of choosing a title escrow company and will recommend a company they have dealt with numerous times; however, you have the right to choose any title escrow company you feel comfortable with.  You should ensure they are licensed, competent and experienced. This is very important because choosing the right escrow title company will make the difference between a smooth transaction, loss of money, inflated fees and delays to close on your property. Remember, this company will be holding thousands of dollars for you. Would you trust just anyone to hold that amount of money?

Escrow corporations must be licensed however there are times when some companies are exempt and many see this opportunity to use funds in an unorthodox manner.  What would happen if your funds were “borrowed” to close on another transaction?  What would happen if your funds weren’t available for any reason when it came time for your settlement?

Any homebuyer or seller should take a proactive approach in questioning which title escrow company they are using. Ask the following questions to your satisfaction before committing to use that company.
1.    What are all the title escrow fees?
2.    How long have you been an escrow officer?
3.    Do you have an assistant to help in your office?
4.    Do you have an assistant? Are they familiar with the files?
5.    Are you comfortable closing “creative or difficult” real estate transactions?
6.    Can you do “subject to” closings, simultaneous closings, etc
7.    What are your hours of operation? If needed, are you willing to stay late?
8.    If needed can you meet clients for settlements away from your office?
9.    What recording times are scheduled for your company?
10.   How do you handle escrow collection accounts?
11.   Will you insure an all inclusive deed of trust?
12.   Do you have a notary available?
13.   What are your funding options?
14.   Do you have an after hours service for title information?

You want to simply ask everyone in this transaction “Will my money be safe.” If there is ever any hesitation to that answer keep looking for another title escrow company.  You’d rather be safe than sorry.

About the Author:  Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

View thousands of listings  www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com,  www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com,  www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.PGAVillage-Homes.com, www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com, www.HealthcareRelocationServices.com

411 NW Sunview Way, Port St. Lucie, Florida, 34986-Cascades Best Deal!

Offered at $221,900

411 NW Sunview Way, Port St. Lucie, Florida, 34986
CASCADES BEST DEAL!

2 Bedrooms & 2 Baths, Den/Office, 2 Car Garage, Lakeview

Contact us for a preview of this lovely home and  community tour of Cascades at St. Lucie West (772) 224-1634 or (772) 224-9011

Gorgeous Ruby model light and open with spectacular waterview from the family room and large master bedroom.  Professionally decorated with built-in spacious family room and den, neutral 18” diagonal ceramic tile in living areas

Nicely done gourmet kitchen with 42” cabinets, ceramic tile counters, large breakfast area inclusive with table, chairs and built-in angled for extra seating with cushions.  This lovely home features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths with den or office, 2 full bathrooms, formal dining room with great view of the wide lake.  A new gas heater installed in March 2011, natural gas range and interior heating, a Service America home warranty.  Plenty of closet space, two car garage, screened lanai overlooking beautiful lake.  This home is located in Cascades a 55+ resort lifestyle manned-gated community offering 24 hours service for privacy.  The Cascades offers it’s own 9-hole golf course, 10 lighted Har-Tru Tennis Courts, a  26,000 sq.ft. Clubhouse, outdoor pool & spa, fitness center, sauna, multi-purpose ballroom, media room, library, available to enjoy year round and much more! The community is conveniently located, minutes away from theaters, houses of worship, great restaurants, movie theaters, post offices and hospitals.

Rent or Buy and experience the lifestyle you deserve.  The Cascades at St Lucie West is a premier resort lifestyle active 55+ community featuring Mediterranean-style architecture and beautifully manicured grounds.

The Cascades offers it’s own 9-hole golf course, 10 lighted Har-Tru Tennis Courts, a  26,000 sq.ft. Clubhouse, outdoor pool & spa, fitness center, sauna, multi-purpose ballroom, media room, library, and card and billiards rooms available to enjoy year round, yoga classes, tai-chi classes, water aerobics, bridge class, bocce, scrabble, games, computer class, music & performing arts club, art and crafts, ballroom dancing, theater, travel clubs, mah jongg, Canasta,  book club, poker club, weekly events and much more! Gated entry with 24-hour controlled access for privacy. St Lucie West is the location of the New York Mets spring training program. The community is conveniently located, minutes away from theaters, houses of worship, great restaurants, movie theaters, post offices and hospitals.  Contact Bold Real Estate Group for a complimentary tour and let us welcome you to your dream home.  Your best investment opportunity is at The Cascades! Short Sales, Foreclosures and Rentals available. Single family homes priced as low as $134,900

Having the right real estate agent means having an agent who is committed to helping you buy, sell or rent  your home with the highest level of expertise in your local market. This commitment level has helped me build a remarkable track record of delivering results.

Nothing is more exciting to me than the gratifying feeling I get from helping people meet their real estate needs. You can count on me to always do what’s in your best interest. I pride myself on being honest, trustworthy, and knowledgeable in the real estate market. I know how important it is to find your dream home. Therefore I will make it my responsibility to help you achieve those goals.

Whether you are an experienced investor or a first time buyer, I can help you in finding the property of your dreams. Please feel free to browse my website or let me guide you every step of the way by calling or e-mailing me to set up an appointment today.

Concierge: Bold Real Estate Group will provide concierge services including set up of excursions and area information.

Dining and Shopping: Residents will find an enticing selection of restaurants in the area, ranging from light meals and fast food to gourmet dining. Nearby shopping venues include mainstream consumer retail outlets, shopping mall and specialty boutiques.

Health Care: Three nearby hospitals, Lawnwood Regional Medical Center, St. Lucie Medical Center and Martin Memorial Health Systems provide complete modern medical care including 24-hour emergency services. Martin Memorial’s St. Lucie West Walk-In Clinic is located in the St. Lucie West area.

About the Author: Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

Servicing:  Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach,  Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce,  Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Neptune Beach, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Augustine, Daytona Beach, Fleming Island and New York real estate.

View thousands of listings  www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com,  www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com,  www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.PGAVillage-Homes.com, www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com, www.HealthcareRelocationServices.com

The Do’s And Don’ts Of Buying A Home

The Do’s and Don’ts of Buying A Home.    If you think you’re ready to buy a home it’s important to prepare yourself and spend some upfront time doing a little homework to see just how prepared you really are to become a homeowner.

The Definitely Do’s

Get pre-qualified before you go:
By pre-qualifying with a knowledgeable mortgage consultant you’ll know exactly what price range you can afford. Many times buyers get excited about a home they have found; and want to make an offer. However, if you don’t have a pre-qualification certificate the seller may not seriously consider your offer. There may be other offers on the table at the same time. The seller then would most likely accept the one from the buyer who is pre-qualified.

Get your documentation in order:
By providing all the necessary documents promptly, your process will go quicker and smoother, and that’s what you want. Here are some items you will need. If you are employed by a company, you will need to provide your last 2 years W2’s, your last month’s pay stubs, and the last 3 months statements for checking accounts, savings accounts, money markets, stocks, bonds, and retirement accounts. If you are self-employed, you will also need your last 2 years personal and business tax returns, and your year to date profit and loss statement.

You Definitely Don’t Want to

Have a negative history of bill payments:
There is no single element that can so dramatically impact the success of an application as your credit history. Mortgage representatives are going to scrutinize your bill paying history. Another thing, of course, is your personal savings. People should have a good disciplined savings pattern and that’s going to translate into how you’ll handle homeownership.

Don’t finance any expensive purchases that will add to your monthly debt:
When applying for a mortgage, your income and expenses need to be at a certain ratio. By adding more debt to your existing monthly outlay, your ratios could increase to a point of being detrimental.

Don’t get in over your head:
When buying a home, it’s easy to let your imagination run wild with possibilities. Don’t try shooting for that six-bedroom house on the beach if it’s going to be too much of a stretch on your current budget. You can number crunch and daydream all you want but at the end of the day, can you afford that monthly mortgage payment along with all the other homeowner responsibilities? It’s a good idea to know what your goals are and what you can afford, before you set out to buy.

If you’ve missed the mark on any of these Do’s and Don’ts of buying a home, do not let that dissuade you and wipe away your dreams; meet with a professional and outline a plan of action to see where you stand and what you need to accomplish to become a homeowner.

About the Author: Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

Servicing:  Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach,  Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce,  Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Neptune Beach, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Augustine, Daytona Beach, Fleming Island and New York real estate.

View thousands of listings  www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com,  www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com,  www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.PGAVillage-Homes.com, www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com, www.HealthcareRelocationServices.com

7 Steps to Take Before You Buy a Home

7 Steps to Take Before You Buy a Home

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: February 10, 2010

By doing your homework before you buy, you’ll feel more content about your new home.

1. Decide how much home you can afford

Generally, you can afford a home priced 2 to 3 times your gross income. Remember to consider costs every homeowner must cover: property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and community association fees, if applicable, as well as costs specific to your family, such as day care if you plan to have children.

2. Develop your home wish list

Be honest about which features you must have and which you’d like to have. Handicap accessibility for an aging parent or special needs child is a must. Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances are in the bonus category. Come up with your top-five must-haves and top-five wants to help you focus your search and make a logical, rather than emotional, choice when home shopping.

3. Select where you want to live

Make a list of your top-five community priorities, such as commute time, schools, and recreational facilities. Ask your REALTOR® to help you identify three to four target neighborhoods based on your priorities.

4. Start saving

Have you saved enough money to qualify for a mortgage and cover your downpayment? Ideally, you should have 20% of the purchase price set aside for a downpayment, but some lenders allow as little as 5% down. A small downpayment preserves your savings for emergencies.

However, the lower your downpayment, the higher the loan amount you’ll need to qualify for, and if you still qualify, the higher your monthly payment. Your downpayment size can also influence your interest rate and the type of loan you can get.

Finally, if your downpayment is less than 20%, you’ll be required to purchase private mortgage insurance. Depending on the size of your loan, PMI can add hundreds to your monthly payment. Check with your state and local government for mortgage and downpayment assistance programs for first-time buyers.

5. Ask about all the costs before you sign

A downpayment is just one homebuying cost. Your REALTOR® can tell you what other costs buyers commonly pay in your area—including home inspections, attorneys’ fees, and transfer fees of 2% to 7% of the home price. Tally up the extras you’ll also want to buy after you move-in, such as window coverings and patio furniture for your new yard.

6. Get your credit in order

A credit report details your borrowing history, including any late payments and bad debts, and typically includes a credit score. Lenders lean heavily on your credit report and credit score in determining whether, how much, and at what interest rate to lend for a home. Most require a minimum credit score of 620 for a home mortgage.

You’re entitled to free copies of your credit reports annually from the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Order and then pore over them to ensure the information is accurate, and try to correct any errors before you buy. If your credit score isn’t up to snuff, the easiest ways to improve it are to pay every bill on time and pay down high credit card debt.

7. Get prequalified

Meet with a lender to get a prequalification letter that says how much house you’re qualified to buy. Start gathering the paperwork your lender says it needs. Most want to see W-2 forms verifying your employment and income, copies of pay stubs, and two to four months of banking statements.

If you’re self-employed, you’ll need your current profit and loss statement, a current balance sheet, and personal and business income tax returns for the previous two years.

Consider your financing options. The longer the loan, the smaller your monthly payment. Fixed-rate mortgages offer payment certainty; an adjustable-rate mortgage offers a lower monthly payment. However, an adjustable-rate mortgage may adjust dramatically. Be sure to calculate your affordability at both the lowest and highest possible ARM rate.

More from HouseLogic

Learn how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgages can help you save on financing

Learn more about the costs of homeownership

Other web resources

Homebuyer counseling resources

Get a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has thrice survived the homebuying process. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.