Jackie Cross

Though it has been my experience that many of the short sales in our area do not ever close before foreclosure takes place this one is a sucess. We just made it under the auction wire by only a few days. The bank set a deadline of last Friday for the funds to be presented and trasfered to them after accepting a very low offer and having to negoitate the HOA fees. The HOA fees and taxes had not been paid for 3 years contributing further to the banks loss on the sale. They accepted a sales price of $75,000 for a unit that they were owed a total of over $200K. After all expenses on the HUD they made only a little over $40K toward the $200K. Quite a loss.

This condo was in the Promenade section of the new area known as Tradition here in Port St Lucie. We are seeing prices falling into those of the late 1990's to early 2000's values. Great for buyers who are snapping up the bargains. If you are sitting on the fence don't. These prices will not last forever.

Having a unit for sale in a historic building can be fun and informing. In searching out the history to Casa Caprona, originally called Marketplace Apartments, I have come across many interesting tidbits of information.

One was regarding David Putnam who lived in Casa Caprona and was stepson to Amelia Earhart. He was tutored to flying by her technical advisor. He began flying at an early age and was active in establishing Northeast Airlines. Amelia would use the local airport nearby Casa Caprona to fly into the Ft Pierce area for visits. David was also grandson to the founder of Crayola Crayons, just another interesting tidbit.

The complex of Casa Caprona was greatly damaged during the hurricanes of 2004 but has been fully restored. To look at it now it has the original splendor of the 1920's when it was built. Located on the north end of Ft Pierce within a few miles of many local beaches it makes a great winter retreat.

The particular unit I have listed has been well restored with refinished wood floors, remodeled bath with slate tile & custom vanity, kitchen has new wood cabinets & granite counters. The rooms are large with volume ceilings, living room has a stone wood burning fireplace, an additional balcony overlooks the rear gardens.

Come live in this great unit and make your own history. Listed now at $79,000

For more information call Jackie Cross of All Florida GMAC Rel Estate at 772-971-8543

This home will now become home to a nice family who will make the repairs and enjoy living in it.

Final sale price was $50,000. Both buyer and seller are happy.

Handyman Special ? Not So Special

Not for the mild do it yourself-er this home needs a lot. Though it is priced low at $60,000 with some room to negotiate this 2 bedroom, 2 bath CBS home needs someone who is up to the challenge.

Most of the work will be cosmetic, paint, flooring (terrazzo floors are covered by carpet but perhaps could be salvaged), both baths need work, AC is old and a gas unit, the structure on the rear porch needs to be removed as it was not permitted,......should I say more?

So now that I have told you what is wrong with the home lets take another look, the layout is great, rooms are nice size, sliders open up the home to a large screen porch area, located on a nice street in the Sandpiper area, convenient to shopping, easy drive to turnpike and just minutes to the local beaches. This home has potential. If you are looking for a home or investment or know someone that is please give me a call, Jackie Cross of All Florida GMAC Real Estate, 772-971-8543

Open Today from 1 PM - 3 PM

There will be an Open House today at 38 Harbour Isle East, Unit 301. This is a nearly 2000 sq foot condo overlooking the inlet on Hutchinson Island. Built in 2005 the unit is in excellent condition though it is a bank owned property. The kitchen has granite counters, tile floors, 42"+ cabinets, recessed lighting, and all appliances, The large great room leads out to a Florida Room with panoramic water views. Master suite has grand master bath with roman tub, separate shower and 2 walk-in closets. Large utility room with extra storage room (or room for an office) upgraded washer & dryer stay as well.

The community has a resort style clubhouse with pool and spa and a state of the art fitness center. The marina can accommodate large vessels (separately operated)

You can call me for directions: 772-971-8543

Jackie Cross

All Florida GMAC Real Estate

Got a call yesterday from one of my contacts at the bank. She tells me that the Bond Money used for down payment assistance here is going on moratorium, "6-8 weeks". Since I have 2 sets of buyers working with this program she wanted me to know ASAP. Apparently they feel there may be some changes coming down due to the bailout monies. Whether the program will improve or not she could not tell me. What it does now however is put my buyers in jeopardy of not being able to buy home as soon as they wanted. Both sets had very much looked forward to having new homes within a few weeks.

If you or your buyers are in the process of buying a home with Bond Money or any other kind of assistance you ay want to call your lender to get an update. If anyone out there has any additional information please send it along to me....