Husband and wife Helen Carr and Bill Marakis, who live in Pointe West, built a home near their house thinking they would rent it, but decided later to sell it. Their 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 1,700-square-foot property at 1370 Bunker Court is now on the market, offered by Chip Landers of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services for $269,900.

The couple realized the market has changed, with rent creeping higher than mortgage payments for houses of similar quality and size. People are deciding to buy in order to save money while also building equity.

Landers said owner financing offered by Carr and Marakis, whereby they will receive monthly payments similar to rent, will still give them investment income, and may help buyers who are in a position to purchase now but who were affected by the recession. “They have lived in two houses and bought two investment homes in Pointe West,” Landers said of the entrepreneurial couple. “Obviously they consider reinvesting in the community worthwhile.”

Pointe West is a “traditional design” neighborhood that puts the garage in the back of the house on an alley, making streets more walkable and delightfully old fashioned. Greenbelts and alleyways add more paths and opportunities for recreation and meeting friendly neighbors. Large shady porches encourage coffee and cocktail get-togethers.

On Bunker Court, the front porches of four single-family homes overlook a greenbelt. Because the couple’s house is at the end of the court, extra parking for guests is available near the front door, in addition to the two-car garage and driveway in the back. The corner lot is oversize, big enough for a private pool, although the heated community pool is just a stone’s throw away.

“It’s not a gated community, but it’s self-enclosed,” Landers said. “People are not driving through here. The walkability of the neighborhood appeals to everyone – retirees, families and second-home seasonal residents who want to step outside to a park-like setting.”

The neighborhood also is dog-friendly.

DR Horton built Carr and Marakis’ recently completed house. The builder package includes 9-foot ceilings, granite counters and maple cabinets with a cherry finish, and brushed-nickel pulls in the kitchen and bathrooms. The floors are large ceramic tile in the communal rooms with carpeting in the bedrooms. The taupe, brown, rust, beige, gray and cordovan finishes are a handsome combination. Ceiling fans are in every room. Outside plantings are a cut above, too, with oak, palm trees, gardenia and hibiscus already spreading shade.

“The utilities will be low, probably less than $200 a month,” Landers said, “because this section has natural gas, which is not true for the newest section in Pointe West, the East Village. The dryer, stove and water heater are on gas. The electric is [provided by] Florida Power & Light.”

The yard has a well for irrigation, which will keep water costs down.

The spacious house will appeal to families with children as well as retirees who want to spread out a little. The communal rooms are combined in an open floor plan, allowing the owner to configure living, dining, breakfast nook and family room locations. A den is set off by an open archway and includes a large closet. A laundry room is off the open kitchen area.

The split floor-plan has two bedrooms and a bath on one side of the house and the master suite on the other.

A tray ceiling distinguishes the master bedroom, as well as a walk-in closet and larger bathroom. The double sink vanity, garden tub and ceramic-tiled, walk-in shower, as well as a water closet that provides extra privacy, will give couples plenty of grooming room. Guest and master bathroom vanities are 42 inches high, with more storage below and less stooping above while brushing your teeth.

The homeowners’ fee is a low $155 a month and includes yard maintenance and the community pool.

“You can put in more plants, subject to approval,” Landers said, “and they’ll take care of them too.”

To soak up the ambiance of the serene and lovely neighborhood, appreciate the wafting breezes on the shady front porch, run your hand over the rich granite counters and pace out the walk-in closet, stop by during Landers’ open house, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, July 22.

Vital Statistics

Address: 1370 Bunker Court
Neighborhood: Pointe West • Year built: 2018
Home size: 1,700 square feet • Lot size: 70 feet by 140 feet
Construction: Concrete block with stucco
Bedrooms: 3 • Bathrooms: 2
Additional features: Brand new, owner financing, attached two-car garage and driveway, covered porch, granite counters, breakfast bar in kitchen, tile floors, irrigation well, natural gas for stove and water heater with hook-up for dryer, corner lot
Listing agency: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Listing agent: Chip Landers, 772-473-7888
Listing price: $269,900