Your Valencia Riverland Real Estate Expert

Start with a buyer consultation a short, nopressure call where we discuss your timeline, budget, must-haves, and which Valencia floorplans match. From there, I send you a curated list of active listings and pre-construction options, schedule tours (in person or via FaceTime for out of state buyers), and connect you with mortgage and inspection partners.

Valencia at Riverland is a 55+ community, so most buyers are purchasing a primary residence, not a rental property. Long-term resale demand in Florida's active-adult communities has remained steady, driven by ongoing migration from the Northeast and Midwest. That trend is not slowing down. For buyers thinking long-term, the floorplan, lot position, and proximity to community amenities matter more than when you buy.

New construction at Valencia at Riverland means buying directly from GL Homes, fixed builder pricing, design center upgrade choices, and a 9–18 month build timeline. Resale means buying an existing home with completed landscaping, established neighbors, and immediate occupancy. The math depends on inventory, incentives, and how long you can wait. I run both options side by side so you can decide on facts, not guesses.

Florida buyer closing costs typically run 2%–4% of the purchase price covering title insurance, lender fees, recording fees, prorations, and prepaid items like homeowner's insurance and property taxes. New construction often shifts some costs to the seller (the builder); resale terms are negotiated transaction by transaction.

Following the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer-agent commissions are no longer published on the MLS in Florida and must be negotiated directly between buyer and agent via a buyer-broker agreement. Seller commissions remain fully negotiable. I walk every client through the agreement and what's included before any showings begin, no surprises.

Median days on market in St. Lucie County is roughly 60 days as of April 2026, but well-prepared listings in Valencia at Riverland, PGA Verano, and Astor Creek often go under contract in 30 days or less. Price, presentation, and out of state marketing reach are the three biggest factors.

Yes, most of my clients do exactly that. We handle the entire process remotely: FaceTime tours, recorded community walkthroughs, video inspections, e-signed contracts, and mobile notaries for closing. Many out-of-state buyers close before their first in-person visit to the home.

Florida has no state income tax, and St. Lucie County property tax rates are competitive within the Treasure Coast. If you make Florida your primary residence, you may qualify for the Homestead Exemption (up to $50,000 off assessed value) plus Save Our Homes assessment caps. I refer every client to a CPA before closing for full personalized guidance.

Valencia at Riverland HOA fees fund the clubhouse, fitness center, pools, pickleball, tennis, landscaping, gated security, and the social programming calendar. For most 55+ buyers, the value is in the lifestyle, but I show every client a line-item breakdown so you understand exactly what you're paying for vs. what other Port St. Lucie communities offer.

The standard path starts with mortgage pre-approval (1–3 days), then a buyer-broker agreement, then home shopping. Florida first-time buyers may qualify for FHA loans (3.5% down), conventional loans (3–5% down with PMI), or Florida Housing programs offering down-payment assistance. I have a short list of local lenders who close on time and don't surprise buyers at the last minute.

Escrow is the neutral holding account where your earnest money deposit sits until closing, and where final funds change hands at closing. In Florida, it's typically held by the title company or closing attorney. Escrow protects both buyer and seller: funds aren't released until every contract contingency is satisfied.

Comps (comparable sales) are recently sold homes similar in size, age, location, and condition to the subject property. I pull comps from the local MLS, typically the most recent 3–6 months within the same community, and adjust for differences (lot premium, upgrades, view) to land on an accurate market value. It's the foundation of every list-price and offer recommendation.

A contingency is a condition that must be met for the contract to move forward common ones include inspection, financing/appraisal, and the sale of the buyer's current home. Each contingency gives one party an out if conditions aren't satisfied. I walk through every contingency clause line by line before you sign anything.

It depends on your financial picture and timing tolerance. Selling first gives you a clean budget and stronger negotiating position; buying first lets you move once, not twice. Bridge loans, HELOCs, and contingent contracts are all on the table. I help every client model both paths before committing.

Call or text 772-732-2800, email ann.chauss@cbrealty.com, or book a 30-minute consultation directly on my calendar. I respond to every message personally, usually within a few hours.