Category: News

If you’ve been looking around your home thinking it could use a little “sprucing up,” you might be interested in seeing some data about what renovation projects add the most value to your home.

Likewise, if you’re in the market for a new home, this information may help you make a quick decision about a current listing, helping you beat out other buyers in this fast-paced market.

Here are our top four projects with a high ROI from the 2019 NAR Remodeling Impact Report:

1. New roof 107% ROI. Is it time for a new roof? 21 things to consider.
2. New hardwood floors 106% ROI. Do the wood floors need replacing? 8 ways to know for sure.
3. New garage door 95% ROI. A new garage door can transform a home’s exterior. Check out 10 tips for choosing the right garage door for your home.
4. HVAC replacement 85% ROI. Love the home but worried about the HVAC? Here are 10 questions to ask before replacing or repairing an older HVAC.

While renovations can be expensive, you’ll see most of that money again when you sell if you choose your projects wisely.

Water Pointe Realty Group is a strong advocate for our community and makes every effort to be involved as well as give back.

Hibiscus Children’s Center offers an opportunity to “Foster a Bear” in an effort to raise awareness and funding for their various programs. One of which is the Safecare Program, an evidence-based training program for parents in St Lucie and Indian River Counties who are at risk or have been reported for child abuse and neglect.

The Teddy Bear Campaign is a fundraiser that involves a cute, stuffed toy visiting the workplace over the span of 6 weeks with a commitment to raise a minimum of $250. The teddy for Water Pointe Realty Group, nicknamed “Little Bill”, was front and center in the Sewall’s Point office along with flyers and a handy tag emblazoned with a QR code to make contribution easy to this worthwhile cause. Little Bill made the rounds to the Water Pointe Rental Division as well as a couple of outings.

Bill Dean, Broker and the bear’s namesake, encourages the Realtors® and staff to get involved with causes they are passionate about, and they have responded enthusiastically. Water Pointe matched donations gathered to round out the total to $1,425.00.  “I am very proud of the significant contributions of time, talent and treasure that our Water Pointe agents give back to the community,” says Bill Dean.  “They never cease to amaze me.”

Realtor® Anne Warner was instrumental in bringing “Little Bill” into the offices.  Anne is active with the Hibiscus Children’s Center as well as several other community projects.  The Foster a Bear Campaign is ongoing.  Director of Special Events & Outreach Lori Swift can be reached at lswift@hcc4kids.org or call (772) 334-9311 x404. Please visit the website for information on how you can support this worthwhile endeavor, click HERE.

Water Pointe Realty Group is excited to announce two real estate agents have joined its Jupiter/Teqeusta office. Welcome Alexis Veclotch and Jaime Estrada!

 

About Alexis Veclotch

Alexis is a Florida native, born and raised in Naples. After living in Chicago and San Francisco, she returned to her roots and attended the University of Central Florida. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with emphasis in marketing. This provided her with valuable skills she uses daily in real estate negotiations, educating clients, and effectively marketing her listings. Before real estate, Alexis worked in sales for almost 10 years. With her extensive sales background, she has strong negotiation skills and is determined to find her clients their dream home.

The Veclotch family moved to South Florida and fell in love with a slice of paradise. It inspired Alexis to become a real estate agent and help others make this area home. She enjoys being outdoors and staying active. She lives in Tequesta Country Club with her husband, daughter, and 2 rescue dogs (with another baby girl arriving April 2022). In her free time, she enjoys sailing, running, cruising the Jupiter sandbars, traveling, and volunteering at animal rescues.

 

About Jaime Estrada

A graduate of the University of Florida, where she obtained both her bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate, Jaime prides herself on being diligent and thorough. With 20+ years of sales and marketing experience, Jaime will be an asset to you. She has renovated and built several homes, and is able to help clients see a “diamond in the rough” when they may not be able to visualize it themselves. She has a love for this industry and understands what true customer service should look like.

Tequesta was a perfect fit for Jaime with its abundance of waterways, nearby inlet, few fixed bridges, and a community that promotes local businesses and love for our oceans. She would love to share her favorite spots with you — just ask! Having lived in Florida for most of her life, when not working with clients you can find her and her family out on the water whenever possible. As a self-proclaimed foodie and baker, she loves creating treats for her friends and family.

There’s nothing quite like a small town. With plenty of sidewalks to meander, smiling faces to say hello to, and local shops to browse, everyone who visits these spots soon learns exactly what makes them sparkle—and what keeps people visiting year after year.

Stay awhile: The South’s best small towns may seem quaint at first glance (or too quiet to keep you entertained for a whole weekend), but you needn’t be worried about filling the hours. These places are reinventing themselves all the time while still celebrating what makes them unique. They’re spots where you can choose your own adventure: Relax and recharge or get out and explore. They’re filled with vibrant communities, dynamic businesses, and long-lived traditions that combine the creative and charming to irresistible effect.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed location for a weekend getaway or an inviting spot to put down roots, these spots are great places to start. Set your sights on the South’s small towns this season. You’re sure to receive a warm welcome.

Stuart, Florida

Tucked between Vero Beach and Palm Beach, this quaint Intracoastal town [of Stuart] is a hidden gem along the coast, with Old Florida vibes and a reputation as the “sailfish capital of the world.” The laid-back feel and colorful boutique-lined downtown are draws for seniors, who make up more than a quarter of the town’s population.

 

To check out the rest of the lineup for the South’s Best Small Towns 2022, click here!
To plan your visit or learn more about the City of Stuart, click here!

 

Photo by MCHS Academy of Photography
Original content from Southern Living.

 

Located in Southeast Florida as the northernmost municipality of Palm Beach County, Tequesta boasts a genuine small-town spirit. If you are searching for a place that offers amazing friendliness, Atlantic Ocean access, an opportunity to relax or shop or play… look no further.

The Village of Tequesta was named after the Tequesta Indians; what started as the dream of one man back in 1955 has evolved over the years into an exceptional waterfront community. A splendor of shops, boutiques, various churches, parks, and restaurants call this region home — perfect for any lifestyle. Located along U.S. Highway 1 it borders the Atlantic Ocean to the East, the Loxahatchee River to the South, Jonathan Dickinson State Park to the North, and the Tequesta County Club to the West.

A mix of single-family home neighborhoods and condominium complexes attracts everyone from families to working professionals to retirees. With a population that now surpasses 6,200 people across 2.26 square miles, the Village of Tequesta is proud of its strong sense of community. Residents routinely participate in Village-sponsored events such as movies & concerts in the park, Tequesta Fest, and more.

Water Pointe Realty Group has an office conveniently located at 393 Tequesta Drive. Here you will find brokers Mark Eble, Ryan Billings, and a fantastic group of agents. Click to learn more info on this office location HERE.

If you are looking to spend the day with breathtaking ocean views, swimming or snorkeling, try a visit to Coral Cove Park. If you enjoy a quieter beach but still want the benefit of great snorkeling and paddleboarding, this is the place. The most prominent feature is the natural limestone, which is part of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. These rocks and the reefs are inhabited by marine wildlife including fish, sea turtles, eels, and marine worms. The beach is home to a large selection of shells for those interested in collecting. Covered picnic areas with tables, built-in grills, playground, and showers are all available at Coral Cove for your fun day at the beach.

Learn about one of Florida’s favorite sea creatures and pay a visit to Loggerhead Marinelife Center! This non-profit organization is committed to the conservation of ocean ecosystems through public education, research, and rehabilitation, with a focus on threatened & endangered sea turtles. The free-to-visit center is located in Loggerhead Park and features an on-site campus hospital, learning exhibits, gift store, and aquariums. Drop by Loggerhead Marinelife Center to check out the turtle nesting season activities.

Let the experts at Water Pointe Realty Group tell you everything you need to know about the Village of Tequesta – call us TODAY!

Water Pointe Realty Group is proud to congratulate Jill McCarthy – Thogersen on her newly acquired designation of Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS).

The CLHMS designation is recognized worldwide as the gold standard in luxury designations. It assures affluent buyers & sellers that the agents who have earned it have the knowledge, experience, competence, and confidence they require. Presented by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, the premier authority in training & designation in the luxury residential market, CLHMS is earned by members who have successfully completed their training and have documented sales performance in the top 10% of their market. Jill has also earned the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), which is considered a highly prestigious designation that only 3% of real estate professionals in the U.S. have earned.

A year-round resident of the Treasure Coast, Jill is very familiar with the market she serves. She believes that knowledge is power and the best way to serve her clients is to provide them with all the information they need to make well-informed choices when navigating any type of transaction. Her goal is always to build long lasting relationships with her clients and to represent their best interests – and this is evident by her commitment to continuing her education in order to serve them in every capacity.

“My clients are my priority so why not give them the best,” said Jill McCarthy – Thogersen. “I’ve had a very successful career thus far and I’m so excited to see what the future holds with the extra knowledge, benefits, and tools that CLHMS offers. I look forward to serving my clients in 2022!”

Jill is based out of Water Pointe’s Willoughby office and can be reached directly at 772-220-7877, JMcCarthy@WaterPointe.com, or www.Jill-McCarthy.com.

Water Pointe Realty Group is proud to welcome Ann Busbee as its newest Realtor® to the firm.

Ann Busbee is a Native Floridian from Panama City.  She spent her adult life in Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Annapolis, Maryland areas. She and her husband of 40 years, Wallace “Buz” Busbee sailed from Annapolis on their 34’ Sailboat named “Jezebel” when he retired from the Veterans Administration as Inspector General of Auditing in 1985.  The Busbees settled in Stuart in the late 1980s and began their real estate careers in the early 90s and opened Busbee Realty.  Ann served as a local chapter president of Martin County Women’s Council of Realtors®, and as director for the Realtor® Association of Martin County.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Ann to Water Pointe Realty Group,” says Bill Dean, managing broker for the firm. “To have a Broker Associate with Ann’s experience and distinguished reputation join with our firm is a real compliment.” 

She is highly respected by her peers and is very loyal to her clients, customers, friends and family. Ann will continue to lend her expertise and an ear when needed.

Her hobbies include working out at the gym early in morning, walking her neighborhood, and reading.

Ann Busbee is based at the Sewall’s Point office, 3727 SE Ocean Blvd. She can be reached directly at 772-485-0743 or AnnBusbee@WaterPointe.com

Each year, the Business Development Board of Martin County presents the Charlene Hoag Leadership Award. The recipient is an individual who has worked in Martin County for at least a decade and holds characteristics including devotion to family and vocation, commitment to servicing the community, and leadership toward the goal of improving our quality of life. This person has made outstanding contributions locally, demonstrated high ethics standards, held a strong sense of community responsibility, and made a difference in Martin County by giving selflessly to others.

Water Pointe Realty Group was proud to honor Broker/Owner Debra Duvall as last year’s recipient of the Charlene Hoag Leadership Award, and this year we are excited to honor another one of our own! Congratulations to the 2021 Charlene Hoag Leadership Award winner – Janice Norman.

“[Janice] has been a pillar of the Martin County community for decades,” said Debra Duvall at the Martin County Business Awards Luncheon on November 5. “[She has] had a broad range of leadership responsibilities over the years and has served on many boards, nonprofits, and business organizations.”

Janice Norman has lived on the Treasure Coast for over 30 years and actively gives back to Martin County. She is the past chair of the Stuart – Martin Chamber of Commerce; past president of Catch the Wave of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting human trafficking; is a graduate of LEADERship Martin County; recipient of the Martin County Realtors® Association Distinguished Service Award in 2019 and Community Service Award in 2007; and has held offices in many nonprofits such as Visionary School of Arts, Soroptimist International of Stuart, and past chair of alumni board.  She also was named a Woman of Distinction for volunteerism from Soroptimist International of Stuart in 2017.

When speaking of Janice, Debra Duvall stated “I see someone who very much exhibits all that Charlene represented. [She] has shown no signs of slowing down over the years and faithfully follows God’s lead, which most recently led [her] to starting a Christian leadership group.” The Christian Business Breakfast is a monthly gathering created to bring together Christians in business to support one another.

Water Pointe is the first business to have two recipients, and Janice’s husband Ken was also the recipient in 2006.

 

 

PICTURED IN MAIN IMAGE:

Joan Goodrich – Executive Director, Business Development Board of Martin County

Nick Blount – Charlene Hoag Leadership Award winner 2010

Ted Astolfi – CEO Economic Council of Martin County, and Charlene Hoag Leadership award winner 2017

Janice Norman – Water Pointe Realty and Charlene Hoag Leadership award winner 2021

Debra Duvall – Water Pointe Realty and Charlene Hoag Leadership award winner 2020

Ken Norman – McCarthy, Summers, Wood, Norman, Melby & Schultz, P.A. and Charlene Hoag Leadership award winner 2006

Bill West – West Advisors and Charlene Hoag Leadership award winner 2018

Water Pointe Realty Group is proud to welcome Yara Bashoor to the firm.

Not quite a native, Yara moved to Florida as a young child in 1976. Growing up in Fort Lauderdale, she developed a natural love for the Florida lifestyle and all the area has to offer.

Yara’s education includes a Bachelor of Architecture from University of Miami, 1990, and a Juris Doctor, Magna Cum Laude, from Nova Southeastern University, 1996.  She practiced law in Florida and California for over 15 years. Yara also launched a successful handbag company that operated until 2020.

In 1993, while in law school, Yara purchased her first investment rental property. It was an old, little house zoned for residential and office use in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Throughout her life, the one constant has been investing in residential and commercial properties in Broward County and Martin County, Florida. Over the years, Yara learned the business and excelled in her own personal real estate endeavors and now she is thrilled to assist clients and customers with the buying and selling of real estate.

“We are excited to announce the addition of our newest associate – Yara Bashoor,” said Bill Dean, managing broker. “Yara will be pursuing a full-time career in real estate, and I am sure with her background, she will be a tremendous asset to her customers.”

Yara is well traveled and fluent in Spanish. She lived in Colombia as a child and is quite conversant in French having studied the language during her summers as a teenager in the South of France.

Her favorite hobby is flying a Cessna 172 from 3,000 feet above exploring the beautiful Treasure Coast.

Yara is based from the Sewall’s Point office located at 3727 SE Ocean Boulevard, Suite 100. She can be reached directly at 772-238-0475 or Yara@WaterPointe.com