THE PROPERTY

Location: Ameritrail section of Chapel Trail (gated)
Price: $769,000
Beds/Baths: 4BR / 3BA
Square Footage: 2,420 sq ft living | 8,580 sq ft lot
Style: Two story, single family
HOA: $185/month (includes cable & internet)

Disclosure: This home is listed by Lyfe Realty Group. This analysis is for educational purposes to help buyers understand market value and property features in West Pines.

Listing and Photo Courtesy of Lyfe Realty Group

WHY THIS ONE CAUGHT MY ATTENTION

Finding an updated 4 bedroom in a gated West Pines neighborhood under $800K is becoming less common. This property represents what's currently available at this price point and what buyers should expect when shopping in this range.

What makes it notable:

  1. Recent renovations (kitchen remodeled in 2024)

  2. Major systems replaced (roof 2019, AC 2021)

  3. Significant outdoor space (3,000 sq ft screened patio)

  4. Gated community amenities (pool, parks, tennis)

Most properties in this price range require buyers to choose between these features. This one offers all of them, which is why it's worth examining as a market case study.

WHAT WORKS

1. The Kitchen Renovation Is Recent (2024)

The kitchen received a complete remodel this year:

  • Quartz countertops (durable, modern appearance)

  • New stainless appliances

  • Wine bar addition

  • Open layout connecting to living areas

Market impact: Kitchen renovations typically cost $40K–$60K. When comparing this property to others at similar price points, this represents immediate value since the work is complete.

2. Major Systems Have Been Replaced

  • Roof (2019) – Replacement cost typically runs $15K–$20K; this roof has 10–15 years of expected life remaining

  • AC (2021) – In Florida's climate, HVAC reliability is critical; this system should provide years of service

Analysis: The first 3–5 years of ownership often involve replacing aging systems. These replacements have been handled, reducing near term capital expenditure risk.

3. The Outdoor Living Space Is Substantial

  • 3,000 square feet of screened patio with built-in sink.

  • For context: Most properties in this price range offer 300–500 sq ft of patio space. This property provides six times that amount.

Practical uses:

  • Multiple functional zones (dining, lounge, recreation)

  • Year round usability (screened = insect protection, covered = weather protection)

  • Infrastructure for outdoor kitchen addition (plumbing already installed)

Market consideration: Outdoor living space is a premium feature in South Florida. Properties with substantial covered/screened areas typically command higher prices and attract more buyer interest at resale.

4. The Primary Suite Offers Good Space

  • Large bedroom (accommodates king bed plus additional furniture)

  • Updated bathroom with spa style finishes

  • Custom walk in closet with organization systems

Comparison: Many 4 bedroom homes at this price point have primary suites that are only marginally larger than secondary bedrooms. This configuration provides more distinct separation between the owner's suite and other bedrooms.

5. Functional Layout Features

  • Dedicated laundry room (full room, not closet space)

  • Full bathroom on first floor (convenient for guests or pool access)

  • Four bedrooms (provides flexibility for various uses: bedrooms, office, gym, storage)

6. Community Characteristics

Chapel Trail (Ameritrail section) has specific attributes:

  • 140 homes behind the gate (smaller, more intimate community)

  • Amenities: Pool, parks, tennis courts

  • School assignment: Chapel Trail Elementary, Silver Trail Middle, Flanagan High (Schools zones can change year to year. Always double check with school district to confirm.)

  • Turnover rate: Lower than many comparable communities

Market relevance: Gated communities with lower turnover typically indicate resident satisfaction. School ratings affect property values. Areas with higher rated schools generally see stronger appreciation and faster sales.

7. HOA Fee Structure

  • $185/month includes cable and internet.

Market comparison: Most gated communities in West Pines charge $250–$400/month for HOA fees. Cable and internet packages typically cost $100–$150/month separately.

Annual cost difference: $780–$2,580 lower than comparable communities, plus $1,200–$1,800 in bundled services = $2,000–$4,400 annual savings compared to similar neighborhoods.

8. Flood Zone Designation

  • Zone X (minimal flood risk)

Implications:

  • Flood insurance not required by lenders

  • Lower insurance premiums overall

  • Reduced risk of water damage

  • Broader buyer pool (some buyers exclude flood zones from searches)

CONSIDERATIONS

1. Polybutylene Pipe Disclosure

The seller is offering a $7,500 credit for future polybutylene pipe replacement.

Background:

  • Polybutylene pipes were commonly installed in homes built during the 1980s-1990s

  • These pipes can deteriorate over time and cause leaks

  • Replacement typically costs $5,000–$10,000 depending on home size

Options for buyers:

  • Request full replacement before closing, OR

  • Accept the credit and handle replacement post closing

Analysis: This is a disclosed issue with financial accommodation. It's preferable to discover known issues upfront with seller contribution rather than encountering them unexpectedly after purchase.

2. HOA Approval Timeline

Chapel Trail requires HOA approval for new owners. Typical timeline: 2–3 weeks after contract execution.

Planning consideration: Don't schedule movers or make commitments based on closing date until HOA provides final approval.

3. Two Story Configuration

The primary bedroom is located on the second floor, requiring daily stair access.

Long term consideration: If mobility concerns exist now or could develop over a 10+ year ownership period, this layout may present challenges. The first floor bathroom provides some flexibility, but daily bedroom access requires stairs.

MARKET ANALYSIS

Recent comparable sales in Chapel Trail (gated, similar size):

  • 4BR homes without updates: $720K–$750K (buyer faces $40K+ in renovation costs)

  • 4BR homes with updates: $800K–$850K (typically smaller lots or less outdoor space)

This property's position:

  • Updated kitchen ✓

  • New roof + AC ✓

  • Significant outdoor space ✓

  • Priced at $769K ✓

Market observation: At $799K, this property would likely see extended market time (60+ days). At $769K, it's positioned competitively within current market conditions.

AFFORDABILITY ANALYSIS

Purchase Price: $769,000
Down Payment (5%): $38,450
Loan Amount: $730,550
Interest Rate: 6.26% (current average)

Monthly Payment Breakdown:

  • Principal & Interest: $4,490

  • Property Taxes: $640 (1% annually in this area)

  • Homeowners Insurance: $400–$500 (Florida market rates)

  • HOA: $185

Total Monthly Cost: $5,715–$5,815

Income requirement (28% front-end ratio): $245,000–$250,000 annual household income
Income requirement (conservative 25% ratio): $275,000+ annual household income

BUYER PROFILE ANALYSIS

This property may appeal to:

✓ Buyers seeking 4 bedroom layouts
✓ Those prioritizing outdoor entertaining space
✓ Buyers relocating from smaller properties (townhomes, condos)
✓ Those requiring home office space
✓ Buyers wanting move-in condition properties
✓ Those seeking gated community amenities

NEGOTIATION FRAMEWORK (EDUCATIONAL)

If analyzing a purchase strategy for this property:

Starting position: $760,000 (1.2% below asking)
Credit requests: $7,500 poly pipe (disclosed) + $2,500 closing costs
Expected seller response: Counter at $765,000 with $7,500 credit only
Buyer counter-option: $763,000 with full $10,000 in credits
Likely outcome range: $763,000–$765,000 with $7,500–$10,000 in credits

Net position: $4,000–$6,000 below asking price, plus credits toward known repairs

Note: This is a strategic framework for educational purposes. Actual negotiations depend on market conditions, competing offers, seller motivation, and buyer circumstances.

EDUCATIONAL TAKEAWAYS

What this property teaches about the current market:

  1. Update quality matters – Recent renovations with modern finishes command premium pricing

  2. System age affects value – Properties with newer roofs and HVAC systems reduce buyer risk

  3. Outdoor space is premium – Significant covered/screened areas are increasingly valued

  4. HOA costs vary significantly – Always calculate total monthly costs, not just mortgage

  5. Flood zone matters – Zone X designation reduces insurance costs and expands buyer pool

  6. Disclosed issues with credits are manageable – Better than discovering problems post-purchase

Disclaimer: This analysis is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a formal appraisal, property recommendation, or guarantee of value. Property information is based on public records and listing data, which may contain inaccuracies. Prospective buyers should conduct their own due diligence, including professional inspections and independent market analysis.

Keep Reading

No posts found