Treasure Coast Insider

There's always something new going on in town. Sewall's Point happenings are abundant. With many exciting residents, Sewall's Point is a hotbed of amazing people and amazing things. Hope you enjoy getting to know the Town of Sewall's Point on a more personal level.

What a pleasant surprise when Curt Grimmer invited me to a house concert on January 26^th at his home. Curt opened his lovely home to friends and neighbors so we could all enjoy the beautiful country and bluegrass music of Robbie Fulks. Curt's been following Robbie's music for over 20 years and has seen him many times in concert nationwide. Curt says, "Robbie's an excellent writer."

Robbie's lyricism, music, charm, and humor made for a great evening. Playing acoustic guitar and accompanied by talented violinist Shad Cobb, we were all treated to some knee-slapping, foot-tapping fun! It happened because Robbie was between gigs (Orlando, then Miami) and asked his Facebook friends if anyone wanted to host a house concert. That's when Curt stepped up and created a great atmosphere in his home for all of us to enjoy.

Robbie's songwriting speaks to many of our hearts. In "Where I Fell," he sings of "the hollowed-out small towns in the US." The poverty of the 1930s in the South seeps slowly into your mind as you realize the meaning of the lyrics in his music and the truths they reveal. He's fond of Hank Williams and his early works. Some of his music speaks to that.

"Alabama at Night" is another fantastic example of his writing skills. It's about a sharecropper and his education. He received two Grammy nominations for Folk Album and American Roots Song, and his more recent Upland Stories earned year's-best recognition from NPR, Rolling Stone, and many others. You'll have to listen to them yourselves to understand his unique way of bringing his words to life in music.

Robbie learned guitar from his dad and banjo from Earl Skruggs and John Hartford Records. He attended Columbia for two years. Ronnie decided he'd rather be part of the Greenwich Village songwriting scene and, as he puts it, "other ill-advised pursuits."

He began playing Blue Grass in 1983 and taught at Old Town School of Folk Music for over a decade. He became a songwriter on Music Row in Nashville and helped define the "alternative country" movement of the 1990s.

His self-deprecating humor and earthy lyrics make for a delightful combination. He's had many appearances on radio and TV, including the Grand Ole Oprey, the Laura Ingraham Show, PBS's Austin City Limits, NPR's Fresh Air, and many more.

Robbie played along with some of the greats, and his theatrical credits include Woody Guthrie's "American Song" and Harry Chapin's "Cottonpatch Gospel." He's also juried guitar competitions, and his current tour will be in California in late February.

Robbie says he's fortunate he has a good relationship with all three of his grown children, the youngest of which is 20. He wrote "Needed" about kids growing up, and he has a twinkle in his eye when he speaks of them. There's a deep love there.

Thank you, Curt Grimmer, for opening your home to many Sewall's Point residents. The evening was beautiful. Meeting Robbie and Shad and lots of our great residents was a joy. We're so fortunate to have neighbors like you.

You can visit Robbie's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RobbieFulksOfficial

The Amazing Life of Santiago Perez by Mona Leonard, Content Coordinator, Sewalls Point Living

One of our dearest Sewalls Point residents, Santiago Perez, was born in Cuba and grew up in the 50s during a very turmoil-filled time, with Batista seizing power in 1952. Santiago always had a fascination and admiration for the United States. When Fidel Castro's ideas and popularity rose as the people revolted, Santiago was hopeful that Cuba would become more like the United States.

As he puts it, Santiago was "inquisitive" in his teens. He began flying. It started with watching his friend's father fly his 2-seater Piper and getting a few lessons. It was Santiago's idea to "borrow" the plane with his friend one day. He insisted he knew the plane "better" than his friend's father. Unfortunately, that day didn't end as well as expected—a rough landing, a reprimand, and a ban from that airport by the friend's father.

That didn't deter Santiago! His love of planes and flying continued, and at 17, he was fortunate enough to be gifted with an aircraft owned by the former President of Cuba, Carlos Prio Socarras. Santiago gained popularity with his flying skills and ownership of the plane.

Being his invincible self, which still shines through today, Santiago flew his Vultee over the beach during the annual boat races. Batista was still in power, and Castro's followers were making "plans" in the mountains. Batista's air force ordered Santiago to land the plane. He was held prisoner for four days, enduring unspeakable torture. They accused him of wanting to bomb the area. With no evidence, he was finally cleared.

That event would take Santiago's life in a new direction. Fearing further retaliation by the Batista intelligence forces, Santiago's friends suggested he spend time in Miami to let things cool down. At that time, many Cubans would gather in Miami to hear Castro speak. Santiago approached Castro after a speech and said, "I was almost killed because of you," implying the beach incident and subsequent arrest.

That event would take Santiago's life in a new direction. Fearing further retaliation by the Batista intelligence forces, Santiago's friends suggested he spend time in Miami to let things cool down. At that time, many Cubans would gather in Miami to hear Castro speak. Santiago approached Castro after a speech and said, "I was almost killed because of you," implying the beach incident and subsequent arrest.

Santiago returned to Cuba, and while in the Cuban air force, he was instructed to do something dramatic to support Castro and his plans. Santiago hired a helicopter and pilot in New Jersey and dropped propaganda fliers all over Yankee Stadium during the World Series!

Later, as Santiago became more involved with Castro's regime, he became more disillusioned. During that time, many movie companies were filming in Cuba. Actors including Lon Chaney, John Garfield, and Jane Mansfield filmed there, and Santiago had the good fortune of meeting them.

Imagine no smartphones or Internet coverage of the changes taking place in Cuba. Filming of the revolution became a hot topic and was soon prohibited. One movie company hid film canisters in a cave on the Isle of Youth (known as Isle of Pines before 1978), the second largest of the over 4000 Cuban islands.

To prevent confiscation at the airport, Santiago retrieved the canisters using his plane and subsequently took a bullet to his knee for his troubles. He was forced to land on the water and was rescued by a passing cargo ship, along with the canisters. The canisters were saved, and the film was later released in the United States.

When Castro officially became Prime Minister, Santiago said, "He didn't portray his true self until he was in power." Once Castro nationalized everything, shortly after taking office, Santiago decided to defect in the early months of 1959, landing in Miami in a fighter jet.

Santiago purchased, restored, and sold planes for many decades, owning over 17 different models, including two WWII Bombers (B25), AT 6, C 46, C 47, Cessna, and Piper. When he speaks of his planes, it's like hearing someone talk proudly of their children.

As a pilot, he met many dignitaries, including four US Presidents. George HW Bush insisted Santiago call him George. Out of respect for our president, he could never call him by his first name. Instead, Santiago referred to him as Mr. President. He has lived passionately, inquisitively, and proudly as a United States and Martin County resident for many years. He loves Sewall's Point and the people he calls friends and neighbors.

For Treasure Coast Insider info, call Mona Leonard, Blogger, at 772-530-6131.

Most of October, we head up to the panhandle to visit with friends and grab some fresh Florida oysters in the Apalachicola Bay area. On our last trip, we went to Panacea, Fl, to buy fresh Florida oysters from the water's edge. The owner of My Way Seafood, Debbie Logan, is a breast cancer survivor and is helped by her son and grandson, Jason and Jackson Thomas. Their store is the last in the area to offer fresh, never-frozen seafood for over 35 years.

They harvest, clean, and sell these delicious oysters annually. We put them on ice for the ride back to Stuart. We love inviting our neighbors over for a tailgate party. And shuck oysters with our favorite beverage. It's a great time to enjoy neighbors and friends before the busy hustle of the "season." Fresh oysters in Florida. It's a fall favorite for us. 

Fresh oysters in Florida are commonly eaten raw, with a few drops of lemon juice squeezed into them. Their nutritional content is mainly unaffected by any cooking or preparation methods.

Six medium-sized oysters contain roughly:

• Calories: 50
• Protein: 6 grams
• Fat: 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 5 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

Raw oysters are also an abundant source of several vitamins and minerals. They're an excellent source of vitamin B12, which research has indicated plays a significant role in keeping your brain healthy. Other micronutrients include Vitamin D, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, and Selenium. 

These buttery, slippery, delicious pieces of heaven from the sea create a permanent briny memory your taste buds will never forget. For millennia, oysters have been a common theme for coastal locations. Roman history shows the wealthier population enjoyed oysters. Native American Indians also took advantage of this high-protein morsel.

Their dietary value has been recognized as far back as the dinosaurs. Over a decade ago, archeologists in South Africa discovered these bivalves were a source of high food value 164,000 years ago.

By the 1700s, New York became the center stage for oysters. Gaining more attention, New York was the largest producer of oysters in the world. The popularity of these shellfish has waxed and waned over the centuries. Improved harvesting techniques made them less expensive and more available to everyone.

In late 2020, the Apalachicola Bay oyster harvesting was halted until 2025. This area produces 90% of the fresh Florida oysters on the menu. Now with the uncertain future of fresh Florida oysters, only time will tell if conservation can prevent the over-harvesting of these delicious shellfish. 

For more information about fresh Florida oysters and other Florida topics, contact Treasure Coast Insider Blogger Mona Leonard at 772-530-6131 or www.monaleonard.com.

Buying your first home is an exciting, daunting, emotional time. Homeownership has always made more sense, and when interest rates are low, it's a wise time to buy. Over the long haul, real estate investments provide the greatest return on your money, even if it's your primary residence. Buying your first home means owning your real estate. Land ownership is the American dream. No matter what socioeconomic level you may currently find yourself at. 

That's why the rich and famous focus so much on their residences. Owning real estate is almost engrained in our psyche as humans. 

Buying your first home provides many tax benefits, and equity over time can make a huge difference in your overall wealth. Just a note, those benefits alone shouldn't necessarily be why you buy. Starting a family, succeeding in your career, pets, an inheritance, outgrowing a space, downsizing, or various other reasons will likely be a primary motivator for buying.

Clarifying your motive is essential to understanding your actual needs and wants. It helps to keep the essentials in check during the journey. One's health, rest, diet, exercise, and spiritual well-being are so essential to stay in the best possible condition you can be.

This may be the most significant investment of your life, so treat it accordingly and permit yourself to let the emotions go through you because you're likely to feel many if you're a first-time home buyer. So get pumped up because a few key points can mean the difference between a high negative stress situation, to a smooth transition with happiness through most of the journey. 

The key is preparation and expectation. Purchasing a home can be daunting. If you want the best chance of getting a home at a great price, you need to prepare in advance. Check out these five tips to prepare for buying your first home.

1. Know Your "Spend" - Buying your first home when your income is stable, and you have a high credit score can mean success vs. failure if you borrow money from a bank or private lender to purchase. The debt-to-income ratio should be less than 45% and have enough cash in the bank to cover closing costs, the down payment, moving expenses, and other expenses the purchase may create (i.e., paint, repairs, inspections, surveys, appraisals). Having a great lender is critical to your success, and knowing your numbers is the first thing on your list. 

2. Don't Rush - Create a timeline for your purchase to reduce the pressure this life change brings. If you're renting a home now and you're nearing the end of your lease, see if you can rent month-to-month until you've been able to close on your new home. Firm deadlines often have to be shifted for a variety of reasons. If the appraisal comes in late, the sellers have to stay a bit longer, or repairs to the house need to be made, most likely, your closing date will be extended. Be prepared for that possibility by planning. This often occurs when buying a home.

3. Location and Lifestyle - Important considerations might be commute time, schools, golf, beaches, churches, healthcare, nightlife, proximity to family and friends, and more. Different counties have different tax rates. HOAs can mean less maintenance, and if you're considering an HOA, factor the fees into your monthly expenses. 

4. What Are Your "Must-Haves" - Analyze neighborhoods and home types in advance. Your Realtor will help you determine what's a great buy through a Comparative Market Analysis. Upfront and be flexible. Remember, the value of your new home is determined by the most recent closed sales in the area, not active listings. A valuation expert can save you thousands at closing. Be flexible on what is a "must-have" when buying your first home. The less inventory on the market, the harder it will be to have an offer accepted. 

5. When you've chosen your Realtor and pre-approved for a loan, you're as ready as ever. Be diligent and look for good deals. Be prepared to act quickly when that deal appears. It may be gone before you know it! Buying your first home can be fun and very rewarding. Prepare ahead, and you're more likely to succeed. 

For more information about buying your first home, call Mona Leonard, Realtor, your Treasure Coast Living Blogger, at 772-530-6131 or mona@monaleonard.com.

Home remodeling projects that add value can provide significant returns, enhancing your living experience now, and when it comes time to sell, you can recover some of your investment. Below are the estimated returns on investment (ROI) for various home improvements. As the ROI percentages decrease, the potential resale value also diminishes. Remember, there are many reasons to remodel, and your enjoyment of the space is invaluable. If remodeling will make you happier, that benefit is priceless! Avoid costly renovations that do not offer a good return, and focus on projects that will hold their value. 

If you're thinking of selling soon, these remodeling projects with the greatest return can guide you in deciding whether or not you want to invest the time and money or sell without making changes. Selling a home for more may mean some updating. Here is the return on your investment if you decide on home improvement before selling.

• Manufactured Stone Veneer 94%
• Garage Door Replacement 93.8%
• Siding Replacement (fiber-cement) 80.5%
• Deck Addition (wood) 77%
• Kitchen Remodel (minor) 76.3%
• Siding Replacement (vinyl) 76%
• Window Replacement (vinyl) 73.2%
• Window Replacement (wood) 68.2%
• Entry Door Replacement (steel) 67%
• Deck Addition (composite) 66.6%
• Roofing Replacement (asphalt shingle) 60.7%
• Bath Remodel (midrange)60.1%
• Kitchen Remodel (midrange) 58.7%
• Roofing Replacement (metal) 56.1%
• Bath Remodel (upscale) 54.8%
• Master Suite Addition (midrange) 54.7%
• Major Kitchen Remodel (upscale) 53.9%
• Bathroom Addition (midrange) 53.1%
• Bathroom Addition (upscale) 52.8%
• Master Suite Addition (upscale) 47.7%

Once you're clear on whether or not your dream kitchen (or other remodel) is worth the investment, you'll be free to make an intelligent decision. Remember, home improvement is emotionally expensive too. When factoring expenses, design, materials, and more, including how much it will cost if you don't make the improvements. Your happiness and peace of mind are also valuable commodities. In many cases, putting a price on that isn't easy. 

Holding to remodeling projects with value makes you a more savvy real estate investor. and a more brilliant seller. That will pay off in dollars and cents when it's time to put the property on the market.

For additional information on remodeling projects that hold value, Contact Us or visit our website at www.monaleonard.com

Consider these real estate facts if you're considering going the For Sale By Owner route. According to the National Association of Realtors, the assistance of a professional Realtor provides not only a higher selling price. In the Stuart, FL area, it also may mean tens of thousands of dollars more for you. Although on its surface, For Sale By Owner may seem the intelligent way to save on the commissions, it can be a poor decision full of heartache if you're not versed in all aspects of real estate.

Let's see what it means to try to sell your home yourself. When selling a house, consider these factors:

1. Negotiating is tough

As a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) seller, the most challenging part is negotiating your sale price, especially if you're not skilled in real estate valuation and negotiation. Relying on your skill to finalize a contract opens the door to potential legal problems and a smaller profit on closing day.

2. Online marketing looks easy when professionals do it 

Without extensive knowledge of online marketing, your efforts as an FSBO may yield little results. Over 90% of buyers start their search online. To get Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and proper audiences, a skilled Realtor can blast your property to hundreds of sites exposing your home to the largest possible group of buyers. 

A yard sign, for example, will only draw the people who see it or are told about it. A DIY approach conveys an unprofessional, unknowledgeable seller, the buyer automatically thinking they will get a deal. In other words, buyers discount FSBOs.  

An agent will give you broad exposure through marketing, multiple listing services, professional photography, and advertising, to name a few. A good Realtor may have a database of thousands of buyers, directly showcasing your home. An agent also has the means to share with other agents so that they can share with their clients.

When you list your property with an agent in the Stuart, FL, area, you get over 40,000 agents helping you sell your house. FSBO sellers would have to shell out big bucks for these benefits and still might not reach the most critical audience.

3. Determining the best asking price

Those who put their homes on the market as an FSBO typically set a price from online assessment tools or the opinion of a friend or neighbor making claims to high offers (boasting). These methods will likely put the listing price way off.

There's no substitute for actual market knowledge and assessment. Your Realtor brings all that knowledge and experience to the process. Pricing strategies from a seasoned agent can earn you much more money upon sale.

Overpricing can cause a listing to go stale on the market, and buyers wonder why, even if you lower the price later. Buyers will likely pay a lower price for a stigmatized property, a home on the market for a long time. 

A real estate agent provides an accurate home value based on a comprehensive market analysis to help you arrive at the right listing price. The goal is to ensure you're pricing your home in the sweet spot—not too high so that you are turning off potential buyers and not too low so you are leaving money on the table. 

Your home will get the most bang when it comes on the market. Blasting it out everywhere through all means possible can get you multiple offers and a bidding war, garnering a well-above-asking sale price!

4. Estimating how much money to spend prepping

Overestimate, and you waste money. Underestimate, and you end up selling for less. Objective assessment by sellers can be complex.  

Sometimes, it's the small things that count the most. An amateur paint job, a broken light switch, or an overgrown yard might be the one thing that causes buyers to walk away. Then again, spending money on items that don't improve the property's value can mean tens of thousands of dollars or more wasted by over-improving.  

A professional Realtor has an eye for detail to advise on simple, budget-conscious improvements or repairs. Agents know how to spend the least money to get the best outcome by creating the best home presentation possible. Properly staging the property to appeal to the largest audience is a big plus too.

5. Showings are a drag

FSBO sellers don't realize how draining it can be to set up showings. In addition to potential buyers, you have to deal with both "looky-loos" (gawkers with no intention of buying the house) and "sharks" (investors looking to flip your home for a profit). These buyers may not be capable of buying and have not even spoken yet with a lender. 

Sellers who advertise their FSBO will quickly be inundated with calls from real estate investors looking to save the same commission the seller hopes to save. Unfortunately, these offers are typically meager and could lead to no sale.

How an agent can help: Your agent will handle all the scheduling and staff the tours for you, so all you have to do is quickly tidy up and vacate. Buyers can get uncomfortable with a seller hanging around during the showing. If you're selling a second home, investment, or inherited property, showings can become challenging to achieve long distance.

Agents also weed out unsuitable offers and collect feedback that potential buyers might be unwilling to share directly with the seller. This feedback can be invaluable to the transaction.

6. Preparing your paperwork 

Leave the paperwork to the pros. The closing process can entail more than 20 pages of complicated paperwork, including the contract and addendums designed to cover all situations that could go wrong.

For example, houses built before 1978 require an addendum regarding lead-based paint. Having a background in law or contracts may be the only exception. A do-it-yourself approach may cost much more than money should the outcome result in litigation.

House selling has nuances that, if overlooked, can cost you at closing. Did you know some properties have difficulty getting flood insurance? When selling a house, see the age of appliances, A/C, and water heater before you list. 

Your agent will handle all property disclosures and documentation to avoid future liability. Realtors follow a strict Code of Ethics and comply with federal, state, and local laws. Your agent handles all aspects of transaction coordination.  

7. Knowledge of service providers

Realtors can refer you to their network of top-quality lenders, lawyers, inspectors, appraisers, and repair people to ensure you get the best result in every stage of the selling process. 

8. Understanding commissions

If you go the FSBO route, most Realtors won't show your property to potential buyers because they think they won't get paid. Decide upfront if you're willing to cooperate with agents assisting buyers and expect to pay a percentage of the sale in commission fees. If you're unwilling to cooperate with buyer's agents, you'll lose the leverage of over 40,000 agents in South Florida assisting buyers. 

Buyers mentally shave off whatever commission they think you'd have paid a Realtor. Is all of the hassle of selling your home yourself worth it? Will you negotiate a better sale price than a professional? Statistically speaking, no. According to the National Association of Realtors, you'll likely have less money for all your trouble.

House selling can be fun if you're informed and a nightmare if you only think you know what you're doing. Don't risk thousands of dollars in a higher selling price because you feel the commission is too high. According to the National Association of Realtors, it's well worth hiring an agent. Statistically, you'll get more money at closing when you work with an agent. 

For more information about For Sale By Owner, contact our Treasure Coast Insider Blogger Mona Leonard at 772-530-6131 or email mona@monaleonard.com

It's a seller's market when the amount of homes on the market is low and days on the market (DOM) are expected. This can mean bidding wars and homes selling for well over the asking price—a seller's dream. It's a seller's market when the DOM is less than six months. The less the DOM, the stronger the seller's market.

The benefit for sellers can be highly advantageous. If interest rates are low and banks are lending, demand increases even more, creating a buying frenzy that's fun for sellers and frustrating for buyers. This occurs due to standard real estate inventory.  

With historically low DOM in 2021 in the Stuart, FL area, sellers can name their prices. With a median time to contract is nine days, sellers barely have time to complete photos before qualified buyers begin making offers. The key is in pricing your house to sell with a market value listing price. 

It's a great time to sell when the lack of supply of homes gets extreme. The more the supply diminishes, the higher the sale price. This is an essential supply and demand scenario.

Surviving a Sellers Market If You're Buying

If you're hunting for a home in a market with low inventory, there can often be a bidding war for properties in your price range. Follow these tips to maximize the chance you'll close.

1. Treat your hunt seriously

House hunting must be your priority, not your weekend hobby. Check new listings regularly, be prepared to drop everything to view a home when it hits the market, and be ready to make a quick decision.

2. Bring paperwork, not promises

Want to be taken seriously by the seller? When you visit homes, bring a mortgage pre-approval letter, and a proof of funds form from your bank showing you have enough to cover the down payment. 

3. Consider waiving what-ifs

Home buyers often include contingencies when making an offer so they won't lose their deposit if, for example, the home doesn't pass inspection. Waiving contingencies could help you close a deal, but this is not a move for the faint-hearted. To gauge your risks, consult your Realtor.

4. Don't play hardball

This isn't the time to try to lowball on price. Bid aggressively while keeping within the parameters you've set for purchasing. 

5. Broaden your search

You'll increase your chances of finding a property if you're willing to consider homes outside your ideal neighborhood and houses that may need remodeling or renovating.

You know it's a seller's market when DOM is less than six months. Know the market you're in before listing or buying. Knowing the market helps you achieve your real estate goals to obtain the best value!

For more information on this and other topics, contact Treasure Coast Insider Blogger Mona Leonard at 772-530-6131 mona@monaleonard.com

Downsizing considerations for seniors can seem daunting. Lifestyle adjustments may seem uncertain and complex. It's also a chance to establish a healthy environment to cope with changes. Whether that comes from financial, emotional, or physical concerns, downsizing considerations for seniors means change. Enjoy the total quality of life in your golden years.  

Ensure A Safe Landing

Chances are you're aware of the gradual changes that go hand-in-hand with growing older. Sometimes that can mean needing assistance with some daily basics, and if you should reach a point you could use a bit of help each day, assisted living can be a dream come true.

Seniors who require help with things like bathing, dressing, and getting in and out of bed can benefit from having services nearby. At the same time, it's a lifestyle-oriented toward freedom and self-sufficiency - you don't have restrictions and help when needed.

There is a wide range of amenities assisted living communities offer. You can enjoy everything from laundry and transportation services to group activities, exercise rooms, gourmet meals, and on-site beauticians.

Along with this array of options comes a broad price range, with facilities in Stuart typically costing $1500 to $8495 per month. These include memory care, assisted living, and nursing homes. Independent living and residential home care. Those prices don't necessarily reflect quality, and since there is so much variety, your best bet is to visit communities in person. 

Smaller Home = Living Large

There are many critical financial benefits seniors can gain from downsizing. For one thing, it's a chance to release the equity in your home and apply it to your life. If you have unused space, you're no longer tied to it - you don't need to heat, cool, or maintain it, so it lowers your utility bills, upkeep, and taxes.  

You can move to a home closer to places and people that improve your overall quality of life, such as transportation services, health care facilities, and grandchildren. On top of all that, if you pay for services like lawn care or handyman help with less property, you can also cut those costs. If you're tending to those things yourself, it allows you to have free time and energy for other things, such as hobbies, friends, and family members.  

Choosing a New Home

If you elect to find a smaller house, there are a handful of things to look for that help make aging in place go more smoothly. Regarding the basic structure, stairs can be challenging as you age, so a one-story home is desirable. There are also several features to consider, which could either be found in existing homes or easily added.

Flooring that's easy to care for is a perk, as well as wider-than-average doors and hallways. When renovations, if you need to make one room your top priority, it should be the bathroom. Adding grab bars, a taller toilet, and bath seating can go a long way toward helping you stay safe.  

Allow Ample Time

Moving is a funny thing. It seems like it takes far longer to pack, make all your arrangements, and manage the move than anyone ever expects. Bearing that in mind, start planning your move well in advance. If you have a lot of belongings and have lived in your home for a while, start de-cluttering early on.  

Cutting down on belongings can be especially difficult, as it involves sorting through emotions attached to things and deciding what is necessary for your next phase in life. Try enlisting a friend or two to provide impartial input, and pack as you go. To help you with boxing things up, use this handy packing checklist.

Downsizing considerations for seniors can bring many beautiful perks, but some challenges are involved. Sort your options carefully and give yourself ample time for the process. Ultimately, you'll be rewarded with a better quality of life in your golden years.

For more downsizing considerations for seniors, contact Mona Leonard, your Treasure Coast Insider blogger.

For the 2021 school year, Stuart Fl area schools include 38 public schools serving 18,971 students in Martin County, FL. Martin County has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Florida. Stuart Fl area schools proudly hold a high rating academically.

Martin County’s rich tradition of academic excellence continues, as the Martin County School District has been named an Academically High-Performing School District by the Florida Department of Education for the third consecutive year. The District is one of just 16 school districts - and the only District on the Treasure Coast - to earn the prestigious award.

The top-ranked public schools in Martin County, FL, are Bessey Creek Elementary, Clark Advanced Learning Center, Hidden Oaks Middle School, and Palm City Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.

Martin County, FL, schools have an average math proficiency score of 66% (versus the Florida public school average of 59%) and a reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 56% statewide average). Schools in Martin County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 20% of Florida public schools.

With A ratings, Stuart, FL, area schools are some of the best on the Treasure Coast. There are excellent private and public schools to choose from. For several years, overall, the Martin County School District has proudly held, in 2018-2019, it was ranked 12th of 67 counties, according to a school district news release. Eleven of the 21 public schools are A-rated as of the school year ending 2019. 

For many years, the Martin County School District has had a reputation for being in the top 10 school districts in the state.  In most categories, the District ranks among the top 7 districts in the state. Here's a breakdown of the educational rankings of Stuart, FL, area schools. Here are the Martin County School ratings. 

Bessey Creek Elementary 

Top 5%  #1 in math and reading for the District. With a student/teacher ratio of 14, attention and detail make this school a top pick. 

Clark Advanced Learning Center 
Top 10%

Hidden Oaks Middle School
Top 10% 

Citrus Grove Elementary
Top 20%

Seawind Elementary
Top 30%

Jensen Beach High School
Top 30%

Stuart Middle School 
Top 30%

Crystal Lake Elementary
Top 30%

Felix A. Williams Elementary
Top 30%

Jensen Beach Elementary
Top 30%

Seawind Elementary
Top 50%

Martin County High School
Top 50%

Murray Middle School 
Top 50%

Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School 
Top 50%

Southfork High School
Top 50%

Private Schools 

In the 2021 school year, ten private schools are operating in Martin County. 80% of private schools are religiously affiliated. Community Christian Academy, Hobe Sound Christian Academy, and Redeemer Lutheran School are among the state's top 20% of private schools. 

Other private schools include First Baptist Christian School, The Pine School, St. Joseph Catholic School, Bridges Montessori, and St. Michael's Independent School. 

Schools in the Stuart, FL, area have excellent reputations, and the curriculum keeps them ranked highly among all Florida schools. For more information on Stuart, FL, area schools, contact the Treasure Coast Insider Blogger Mona Leonard at 772-530-6131 or email her at mona@stuarthousesforsale.com. 

Prepping for a virtual showing takes a few minutes and can mean a higher selling price. The Post-Covid-19 real estate market is a mix of in-person and virtual showings. With people moving here from other states, it's often difficult for those buyers to physically look at houses here. The solution is a virtual showing scheduled by the buyer's Realtor. If you're selling, here are some tips on prepping for a virtual tour.

1. Ensure your front entrance is clean, tidy, and eye-catching. This is the very first impression buyers will have. Pressure wash the driveway, walls, and walkways if it's needed. In the Florida humidity, this is a must. Be sure your windows are clean inside and out. This alone can increase your sale price by 10%. Well worth the effort. Touch up the paint where needed.

2. Clutter can prevent a buyer from viewing the property as a potential purchase. Some people are unable to see beyond clutter, so remove it. Emphasize the great features in the house, not piles of paperwork, knickknacks, or toys. Having a spotless house will allow buyers to view it as their own. 

3. Remove your favorite family photos and memorabilia to help buyers view the home as theirs (a prerequisite to making an offer). It's difficult for buyers to picture living in the house if they see you everywhere. 

4. Make the atmosphere light and bright by turning on lights and opening doors. By doing this, the Realtor can video or live stream the showing without touching many surfaces. It also makes a much better virtual showing because the agent can slowly move through the rooms without video interruptions looking for light switches and unlocking doors.

5. Let the sunshine in! Open blinds, draperies, awnings, and shades. Letting as much light into the house as possible allows the camera to focus on each room's beautiful details. Let it shine!

6. Remove all signs of your pet. In the same way, you depersonalize the house and remove pet bowls, beds, and toys. Not all people are pet people. You want to appeal to the largest audience possible.

7. Keep your yard mowed and your trees and bushes trimmed. 

8. If a buyer's Realtor will show the house virtually, tell them any unique details and personal stories. They can relay that information to the buyer via video or live stream. 

9. Safety and flow are essential, so plan a clear route around your home for the video. Show off each room and ensure the way is clear of any trip hazards.

Here's an example of a recent video I took for a client in New York. Real estate isn't just about the house, condo, or townhouse. It's about the neighborhood and what makes it a great place to live. Buyers get a complete feel and understanding of the area by sharing the community and other amenities. In this case, we made three videos: one of the house, one of the neighborhood, and one of the day dock the community enjoys. By taking three separate videos, our customers could see the entire area and amenities and decide. Virtual showings are uploaded to YouTube, Facebook, and other social media venues, so it's easy for potential buyers to see your property.

Prepping for a virtual showing may take a little time and are worth the effort when selling. Get the best possible value for your property by preparing for virtual showings. For more information, contact Treasure Coast Insider Blogger Mona Leonard at 772-530-6131 mona@monaleonard.com