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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.

During the recent  Florida real estate boom on the Treasure Coast, Copperleaf was one of many upscale planned communities with prices running into the high six figure range.  But with a deepening housing recession sales activity dwindled and distressed homes proliferated.

At a recent “Brokers Open” I was pleasantly surprised to discover that  Centex has devised a whole new series of affordable homes with nine floor plans ranging from 1,698 through 3,300 square feet and priced from $229,990 to $296,990, giving first time home buyers an excellent opportunity to enjoy an upscale lifestyle at affordable prices.

What remains unchanged are the guard gated entry,  lushly landscaped grounds, heated community swimming pool and clubhouse with fitness center and catering facilities.

For first time home buyers seeking value in a luxury community Copperleaf is worth considering. The icing on the cake is its desirable Palm City location, “A” rated Martin County schools and easy access to major highways, shopping and entertainment.

The Violet Floorplan
Starting from $229,990 1,698 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms
1,698 Square Feet
3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms
2 Car Garage Attached
1 Story
Walk-in Pantry
Covered Patio
Walk-in Closet in Master
Dual Sinks in Master Bathroom

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.

When it comes to finding a tenant in the competitive Stuart, Florida rental market, flexibility in what you allow can expand your pool of prospective tenants and minimize vacancies. Here are some things to consider when seeking a tenant for your rental property:

Lease Terms

You may want to allow a shorter lease term or offer an early termination clause (you can charge a higher rent or require a cancellation fee). This works well for corporate transferees and relocating families who plan on purchasing a home. They also can be good tenants as their move is often subsidized or they have cash from the sale of their home.

Getting Creative

Offer a step-up lease for a desirable tenant who is unsure of the rent. A step-up lease starts at a lower rent and increases after a six month period. You may want to include verbiage that the tenant can cancel the lease without penalty at the end of six-months if he is unwilling to pay the rent increase.

-Be flexible about allowing small pets (with an additional pet fee or deposit).

-Allow the tenant to pay the security deposit over a period of several months.

About Credit Challenged Prospects

Due to the loss of a home and other issues arising from this economy, many prospective tenants will have damaged credit. You may want to be flexible on credit standards as many of these people have money and will need a home; it makes sense to try and find a way to work with them.

-Do not let a tenant with a poor credit history spread out his security deposit over several months.

-Be sure to perform a detailed background check.

-Set the ground rules going in. For example:

* The rent is due in full at the first of the month.
* The late fee goes into effect on the 4th.
* The eviction process starts on the 8th.
* If they vacate by the 15th, leaving the unit undamaged and broom-clean, their security will be returned, otherwise you will file suit.

I have been listing rental properties here in the Stuart area since 2003 with few problems. But I have had several evictions over the past year, largely due to the recession. That said, as a landlord it is important that you perform your due diligence and enforce tenant rules.