Florida Treasure Coast Real Estate Resource

As a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) can you really compete in today's Real Estate Market?  Yes, FSBO's can compete but selling your home by yourself is not easy, despite the T.V. commercials you may have seen showing exuberant owners who successfully sold their homes.  When potential buyers see a FSBO, they think discount.  They know you're not an agent, and you are representing yourself,  just like someone going to court and representing themselves without an attorney.  If you are not a strong negotiator or able to handle the marketing, showings, paperwork, inspections and settlement procedures, you may feel more comfortable having a licensed real estate professional who will assist you in securing the sale and make sure all conditions are met.  That's where I can help.  For a flat fee or commission, I will assist you in completing the paperwork, and provide professional consultation throughout the closing process. If questions arise or changes need to be made, I am there to help you through the closing of the sale.  

Visit my FSBO Free Help Web site for more information about my For Sale By Owner services and download a free special report that explains in detail exactly what you need to do to sell your home and for top dollar... and do it yourself without hiring an agent!

Today I received the following question from a client about Stuart area Home Owners Associations:

Question:  "I see substantial variation in condo association fees.  How much of this is because they cover different things, and how much is because the facility is simply more expensive.  Are there specific things that are always covered?"

Answer:  "Condo fees do vary.  Factors that would affect your dues include insurance, common area maintenance, amenities and guard patrols. One of the most important factors is management and involvement of the association board.  An active and knowledgeable board will strive to control costs, monitor the property management company and maintain adequate reserves.  In my community we are self-managed with a full time property manager and grounds crew.  Our board is "hands on".  As a result our dues are about average for the area and we have had minimal assessments regardless of having endured three hurricanes and skyrocketing insurance costs".

Comment:  I have seen less than desirable communities with very high HOA dues.  It is important to read the association documents ("condo docs"), disclosures and ask questions to determine if the community is well run.  And don't forget the rules and regulations! 

Submit your question about Stuart Florida area real estate:

The greater Stuart, Florida real estate market has seen a significant increase in homes available for rent.  "For Rent" signs are appearing everywhere from condo communities to upscale neighborhoods where rentals are typically scarce.

This trend is largely driven by the depressed housing market - many sellers looking in vain for buyers have switched to renting in order to facilitate their relocation plans.  Investors, unable to flip their properties, have been seeking to offset their mortgage expense by renting until the market rebounds.

The rental and sales markets tend to move in opposite directions but homes for rent have also been slow to move.  With the increase in rental inventories, landlords have been hard pressed to fill vacant units and have had to reduce rents to compete.  Newer Stuart area condo and townhouse rentals can be found for less than $1,100/month.  Higher-priced home rentals have been especially challenging with some owners providing lawn and pool maintenance as an incentive for renters.

If you are a landlord in need of help with your rental property please visit my rental Web site at www.StuartBestRentals.com, where you may submit a Landlord Profile.  I will then contact you to schedule a time to see the property and discuss marketing your rental.  The site also features rental listings and a Tenant Profile form to assist renters in finding a home.