Category: News

Making the decision to sell your home is a task within itself. Then there’s the process of shaping it into what typical buyers are looking for. Whether it’s a quick fix or something to save for the weekend, here are 9 home projects to tackle before selling your home courtesy of Florida Realtors®.

1. Wash the Windows

Washing your windows is something that often gets put on the back burner, especially if you have kids or pets. Make it a habit to stay on top of this once showings of your home begin.

2. Do a Deep Clean

There’s cleaning, and then there’s deep cleaning. Although most people have a typical routine of chores around the house, it’s important to accomplish a solid deep clean of your space right before it hits the market. Don’t forget the nooks and crannies!

3. Declutter

Decluttering your space is one of those home projects that is beneficial in more ways than one. Not only does it leave you with little to hide during showings, but also less things to transport and unpack when it comes time to move.

4. Minimize Pet Paraphernalia

We love Fido and his Bark Box subscription, but potential buyers might not. Try to minimize the amount of toys, beds, leashes, and other pet items left out around your space when trying to sell.

5. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the easiest home projects to refresh the interior of your home is giving the walls a fresh coat of paint. Cover up any holes from hanging decor or scuffs from moving furniture, and be diligent about not creating new ones before closing.

6. Upgrade Cabinetry

The looks of your cabinetry can make or break the aesthetic of a room. Whether it’s outdated, painted, or missing a door, it might be time to upgrade your cabinets.

7. Add a Backsplash

A backsplash can be the focal point or the finishing touch. Consider adding a backsplash in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, etc. Tip: try to avoid busy patterns or eclectic designs specific to your personal taste so potential buyers can better envision living in and influencing the space themselves.

8. Address Pests

Pests are the guests in your home that nobody invited. Although these critters are to be expected, especially while living in Florida, be sure to address the pest situation in your home and get it under control before showings begin.

9. Increase Curb Appeal with Landscaping

You can only make a first impression once, and the curb appeal of your home is the first thing everyone sees upon arrival. Whether you are maintaining or upgrading, remember that the exterior landscaping leaves a lasting impression during a showing or Open House.

Do you have questions about selling your home, or any of the home projects listed above? Contact Water Pointe Realty Group and our agents will have the answers!

Water Pointe Realty Group is thrilled to welcome Kristen Olsen as the newest Realtor® in its Jupiter/Tequesta office.

Kristen was born and raised in Jupiter, Florida. As a native to the area, she has a deep understanding of how special the Jupiter/Tequesta community is and why people love living here. Kristen has a passion for the waterfront and country club lifestyle her area has to offer. She lives in Turtle Creek Club in Tequesta with her husband Dylan and their two beautiful daughters, Emily and Lucy.

Having attended and graduated from local schools, Kristen is very familiar with the local school system. She began her career in the financial service industry and worked in all aspects of the home buying process. Not only has this allowed her to build hundreds of relationships with members of the community, but also a complete understanding of the process early on.

Kristen is deeply immersed in her community and is committed to helping it grow and thrive. She has an innate ability to turn strangers into friends and bring people together to enjoy all of the amazing things Jupiter/Tequesta has to offer. Kristen and her husband are active members of their neighborhood country club. She is also on the board at Good Shepherd Episcopal School, serving as VP community relations. Her goal in this capacity is to bring families together and support local businesses. Kristen has a true passion for real estate! Whether you are buying or selling, she has a keen eye for helping you with all of your real estate needs.

Kristen Olsen is based at the Jupiter/Tequesta office located at 393 Tequesta Drive. She can be reached directly at 772-834-9693 or KOlsen@WaterPointe.com.

Arguably one of the greatest things about Florida is its weather. Residents and visitors alike are rarely limited on the outdoor activities they can enjoy. Even with a chance of rain, conditions are likely to clear up and make way for a brighter remainder of the day. Golf in the Sunshine State can be played year-round! Water Pointe Realty Group has put together an inclusive resource of golf courses and golf course communities located in Martin, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties.

Click on the name of the course, club, or community for more information – give one of our offices a call with any questions!

Golf Courses in Martin County

• Jensen Beach Golf Club
• The Shores of North River Golf Club
• The Cape Club of Palm City
• The Crane Watch Club
• Floridian National Golf Club
• Palm Cove Golf & Yacht Club
• Martin Downs Country Club
• Monarch Country Club
• Hammock Creek Golf Club
• Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Club
• The Ocean Club at Hutchinson Island Marriott
• Sailfish Point Golf Club
• Sailfish Sands Golf Course
• The Yacht & Country Club
• Willoughby Golf Club
• Miles Grant Country Club
• The Champions Club at Summerfield
• The Florida Club
• Mariner Sands Country Club
• Heritage Ridge Golf Club
• Loblolly Golf Club
• Lost Lake Golf Club
• McArthur Golf Club
• Medalist Golf Club
• Hobe Sound Golf Club
• Eaglewood Country Club
• Jupiter Island Club

Golf Courses in Palm Beach County

• Jupiter Hills Club
• Riverbend Country Club
• Turtle Creek Club
• Tequesta Country Club
• The Dye Preserve Golf Club
• Jupiter Country Club
• The Golf Club of Jupiter
• The Loxahatchee Club
• Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club
• Jupiter Dunes Golf Club
• Bear’s Club

Golf Courses in St. Lucie County

• PGA Golf Club
• The Tesoro Club
• Trident Golf Club at Club Med Sandpiper Bay
• The Saints Golf Course
• Spanish Lakes Golf Village
• Santa Lucia River Club at Ballantrae
• Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club

Water Pointe Realty Group is excited to announce personnel changes within its Rental Services Division and Hutchinson Island office.

Sue Bonnell has served as Senior Rental Agent and has now been promoted to the position of Rental Services Manager. Sue certainly possesses the knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to take over the department and continue to improve its operation into the future. Water Pointe is confident that her talent and dedication to the services the firm provides will continue to be well received by all.

Denise Lee has served Water Pointe well as Brokerage Services Coordinator. She has accepted a new position as Rental Services Operations Manager for the rental team. She will assume responsibility for the banking and financial operations of the department. In addition, she will be the primary contact interface with the vacation rental software, affiliate booking venders, and credit card processors. Denise’s managerial experience prior to her joining the Water Pointe family provides her excellent experience to assume her new responsibilities.

Jackie Prussing has served as a part-time administrator at Water Pointe’s Willoughby office. She has decided to come work full-time for the firm and will be taking over as Brokerage Services Coordinator. Jackie has proven herself to be a tremendous resource to the firm. The broker/owners are thrilled she has chosen Water Pointe as her full-time career.

Jeanette Gore has been a valuable member of the Water Pointe family for many years in administrative and rental roles. She has been promoted to Senior Rental Agent in recognition of her department experience and commitment to the Rental Services team.

“We are pleased to expand our staff and the Rental Services team with these well-earned additions and promotions,” said Steve Osburn, Broker/Owner of Water Pointe Realty Group. “We are confident that our growing ‘Vacation Hutchinson Island’ department will be well-equipped to deliver the excellence that our clients have come to expect.”

The new roles for Sue, Denise, and Jeanette became effective July 9th. Jackie will assume her full-time position starting August 8th. Water Pointe Realty Group’s Rental Services Division is based out of its Hutchinson Island Office, located at 660 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL. Search for rentals at www.VacationHutchinsonIsland.com

Martin County Realtors® of the Treasure Coast announced the election results for its 2022-23 Board of Directors. Water Pointe Realty Group congratulates Marissa Corbo on being reelected to her position as a director.

MARTIN COUNTY REALTORS® PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT 

Marissa has served Martin County Realtors® in several capacities over the years. Her continuous involvement has made her dedication to both the association and her colleagues evident. Here is a brief overview of her participation:

• Director – MCRTC Board of Directors – 2022/2023, 2021/2022, 2020/2021, 2019/2020, 2018/2019
• Committee Member – MCRTC Government Affairs – 2018/2019 & 2019/2020
• Committee Member – MCRTC Affiliates Committee – 2019/2020 & 2020/2021
• MCRTC Membership Appreciation Task Force – 2019
• Chairwoman – MCRTC Affiliates/YPN Committee – 2018/2019
• Vice Chairwoman – MCRTC Affiliates/YPN Committee – 2017/2018
• MCRTC Leadership Academy Graduate – 2016

CAREER

In 2001, Marissa’s real estate career began as an assistant learning the ropes of the industry. She acquired her sales associate’s license and became a buyer’s agent in 2003, and joined Water Pointe Realty Group in 2008. She then moved on to acquire her Broker Associate License in 2015. Today, she proves herself to be a valuable asset to not only her firm, but Martin County Realtors® as a whole.

EDUCATION

Education is extremely important to Marissa. She currently holds 4 industry recognized designations: Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Council of Residential Specialists (CRS), and Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI). Marissa continues to educate herself on the various facets of the real estate industry.

 MCRTC BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022-23

Congratulations to the 2022-23 board of directors. The annual installation & awards luncheon will take place on Friday, September 23 at Willoughby Golf Club.

OFFICERS
Dan Carmody, President
Stephen Ngo, President-Elect
Christy Bearse, Vice President
Sandy McAlister, Secretary-Treasurer
Andy Spear, Past-President

DIRECTORS
Marissa Corbo
Mark Hufnagel
Lorna Moodie
Michael Ponte
Anne Schmidt
Rosi Shepard
Catherine Winters

Water Pointe Realty Group hosted an Economic Forum gathering highly knowledgeable individuals in the real estate and financial fields.  The event was created to provide attendees insight on what to expect from our local economy moving forward.  The event took place on Thursday, June 30 at the Martin County REALTORS® of the Treasure Coast auditorium.

Organized by Broker Dave Derrenbacker, with the support of his fellow partners at Water Pointe, the Forum was the first of its kind to be hosted by the firm. There was a significant turnout of Water Pointe agents and invited guests. All were eager to gain a better understanding of where the economy is heading. The panel consisted of Ryan Strom of Team Parks Inc, Reina Ramos of City National Bank of Florida, George Haley of SouthState Bank, Ted Astolfi of Economic Council of Martin County, Mike Dadko of Sailfish Wealth Management, and Jeff Miller of Treasure Coast Management Specialists.

“One of the most informative economic summits I have attended over the past couple of years. It was an insight into our local community and our economy from five different sectors of our business. Very well done,” states Broker Associate Dan Brady, Director at Martin County Realtors® of the Treasure Coast.

In an economy, and specifically an industry that has been unpredictable over the last couple years, it is imperative for peers to come together to learn about the latest developments and standards. REALTORS® have a shared goal of servicing their clients and community in the best way possible. The attendees of this Economic Forum have taken a step toward expanding their knowledge for the benefit of their customers.

Martin County REALTORS® of the Treasure Coast works tirelessly to support local agents. The association creates an inclusive environment that welcomes collaboration by making its facilities and resources openly available to members.

Water Pointe Realty Group congratulates Phyllis Choy on her recent book drive to promote literacy. Donations were made to Thelma Pitman Preschool, the Edna Runner Tutorial Center, and Drexel Senior Public Housing Development.

Phyllis facilitated a very successful drive last year. She surpassed her initial goal of 400 new books and in the end collected more than 1,100 books for the children of Belle Glade & Pahokee. Phyllis was even featured on WPTV News Channel 5 for her efforts!

“The book drive promoting literacy was a thought that occurred to me during the pandemic — how can I help when public libraries are all closed,” she said. “As a Commissioner with the Palm Beach County Housing Authority, I knew many of our residents could not afford to purchase new books. My goal was to collect and distribute donations throughout public housing sites in Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay. The generosity was overwhelming.”

After the impact that was made in 2021, Phyllis decided to do it again. This year, however, the books she collected were donated to both children and senior citizens. Over 600 children’s books were delivered to Thelma Pitman Preschool as well as the Edna Runner Tutorial Center. Another 600 books and tablets were delivered to the Drexel Senior Public Housing Development.

“This year the focus was on children in Jupiter and seniors in West Palm Beach,” Phyllis said. “Literacy is a must for all ages! The generosity and kindness shown by everyone who donated books is so very appreciated.”

In total, Phyllis Choy has received more than 2,300 book donations over the last two years. Her efforts are imperative to the communities she serves and many people would not have access to literature otherwise. Water Pointe Realty Group is extremely proud of Phyllis and her passion for helping others.

Congratulations to Sean Quinn of Water Pointe Realty Group for his participation in the 2022 Madison’s Miracles Celebrity Chef Event.

Everyone loves the entertainment of eating at a hibachi restaurant, but not often do you get to enjoy that experience from one of your friends. Madison’s Miracles hosts the annual Celebrity Chef Event to allow individuals from around the community who are passionate about its mission to help raise funds and awareness. Participants are trained by a hibachi chef prior to the event, and a winner is chosen based on fundraising as well as team spirit.

Madison’s Miracles is a nonprofit organization. It provides support and resources to grieving parents who have experienced still birth and infant loss. More specifically, it is known for working toward getting Cuddle Cot placements at hospitals across all 50 states. The organization also provides grieving packets, workshops, support groups, remembrance events, expense assistance, and grief counseling.

Sean Quinn was surrounded by friends and family at his Star Wars-themed table. The event was held June 6 & 7 at Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse in Stuart. While laughs and memories were shared by all, he was able to raise a total of $1,233.00 for Madison’s Miracles.

“Celebrity Chef? Sean Quinn was not only our Celebrity Chef, but a professional chef,” said Debra Duvall, Broker/Owner of Water Pointe Realty Group. “The food was cooked to perfection, his culinary skills excelled and he even made the perfect onion volcano! Who knew one of the top Realtors® in Stuart was also an entertaining chef — all for a good cause and supporting our community.”

Photos courtesy of Madison’s Miracles, taken by Liz McKinley