I know it has been a truly busy crazy 6 months for me too! First of all the Brevard market prices as predicted have started to fall. I have started performing Broker Price Opinions for Old Republic Default management services. These are ranging from short sale valuation to pre foreclosure valuations. Prices are falling about 4% per month. OK henny penny the sky is not falling...but the deals are starting to take place over here that have been going on in Orlando for the last 18 month. Value areas right now are north EauGallie homes and duplexes and Suntree Townhomes. If you are not happy with that stock portfolio a couple of rentals in these areas will be giving an easy 10-12% ROI. In case everyone did not know already yes my divorce was final March 8. Enough said. I would love to thank all of my friends and family that have supported me and helped me through this difficult time.
Went to watch the Pineapple Man triathlon this morning in Melbourne Beach and enjoyed it almost as much as partcipating. Kurt Spengler was 7th in his age group, Mitch Varnes was 20th , darn respectable in a very competitive race! I have become a member of the Cozy Cougars triathlon relay team doing the swim. I look to do my first individual sprint tri-athlon in Key West this December. I have not seriously started cycling but I am swimming and running 3-5 times per week as my schedule permits. My two fablulous team mates Kathryn Van Arsdall Varnes and Tammy Holmes Estrada are the strong partners that make us fly! Kathryn's husband Mitch is the brains behind the Surfcost Trifecta series (Next race the Dad's day Tri sponsored by Longdoggers!) and the Melbourne Beaches and Music marathon, now considered a world class racing event. He is helped every year by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra (part of the music:), and Thanks Mary Willis Daugherty for all of your help in making this happen. a special thanks to Mary for selling me her Explorer when my van was totalled earlier this year, she really is a lifesaver. Last but not least her salsa , Marys Downtown Salsa, once again was the fan favorite at Fiesta Brevard and is available for sale at Doubles( another favorite place of mine). I was at Doubles last night for a Scorp get together and ran into Gary Como and his wife. Their annual Golf tournament for Charity is the Saturday before Father's day. Lots of old friends coming in for that.
Currently I have recruited two new agents that are studying for their exams, in hopes that when business here takes off I will have the staff to accomodate it. If you have ever thought about selling real estate or have your license please talk to me. We have a branch office in Satellite Beach and our Home office in Davenport south of Celebration. I am currently studying to take the Broker's exam in the midst of all of this too. I have a new partner helping me with my technology so we look to be adding podcasts and or video in addition to getting the website up and running. anyone with any real estate questions that still does it all the old fashioned way is still welcome to call me at 321-216-6390. Special thanks to Alan at Truly Nolen, Kris Militano at Inspect and Save Home inspections and Pat Neve at the Sign Man for helping me out through these times with expertise and or service. I highly recommend them all.
As most of you have seen on my personal facebook page I have been on my soapbox about drilling for oil in the Gulf and or Atlantic off the coast of Florida. I have tried to make sure people understand that I am protecting my PRODUCT I sell FLORIDA...Beaches(clean ones), sunshine and low stress! Drilling is an oxymoron to all three of these. I do not want my views marred by rigs, I do not want people to ever think of tar on our beaches and most of all I moved back to the beach to relax and eventually retire. On that note I will end this blog with the Florida Association of Realtors page of information on Oil spill resouces and links. Florida resources for Gulf oil spill:
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – June 4, 2010 – Preparation is key now for home, business and environment. The following Florida resources offer guidance or direct help.
Landfall predictions
Projections from NOAA indicate weathered oil from the leading edge of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill could impact the Florida Panhandle as early as this week due to a shift in winds and currents.Any impact to Florida's shoreline will likely be highly weathered – tar balls, oil sheen, tar mats or mousse, a pudding-like oil/water mixture that could be brown, rust or orange in color.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is tracking the oil spill's movement. For an update, visit the NOAA website at: http://www.noaa.gov
If you spot oil on Florida's coastline report it to the State Warning Point at 1 (877) 2- SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335) or dial #DEP from most cell phones.
Onsite actions
A single website was created to coordinate federal efforts as well as BP initiatives: http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com
State and federal actions
The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a Level 2 or partial activation.
Governor Charlie Crist has issued three Executive Orders since April 30, 2010, declaring a state of emergency in 26 coastal counties that may see impacts. To read the Executive Orders, visit: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm#auth
BP has opened claims offices in Florida. Visit the BP Claims Page toget addresses, phone numbers and to learn more: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/claims.htm
On May 18, 2010, the Small Business Administration (SBA) opened eight offices in the Panhandle. To date, these offices have issued a total of 150 loan applications. Find an office (PDF format) at: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/files/small_business_admin.pdf
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted water and sediment sampling to use as a baseline for monitoring air quality data should it be affected by the oil spill. Read the reports and get updates as released at: http://www.epa.gov/bpspill
Health effects
There are no indications of any health risks due to the Deepwater Horizon incident so far. The Department of Health and DEP are monitoring health and environmental impacts to Florida's beaches and will notice an advisory if conditions become unsafe. To read more about the possible health effects from oil, go to (PDF): http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/files/faq_doh_051010.pdf
Fishing and seafood
NOAA extended the boundaries of the closed fishing area in the Gulf of Mexico to the state water line in Alabama and the western tip of Florida's Panhandle. The federal closure does not currently apply to any of Florida's waters, and it's called a precautionary measure. For the latest update, check the Deepwater Horizon website at: http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com. Scroll to "Current Ops" at the top and click on "Fish and Wildlife Report."
Fishermen who wish to contact BP about a claim should call (800) 440-0858.
Report oiled wildlife to the Wildlife Distress Hotline at (866) 557-1401. For the safety of the public as well as the safety of animals, trained responders should conduct rescues.
Tourism
Florida's tourism website, www.VISITFLORIDA.com, posts up-to-the-minute information on the status of any city or region in Florida. Vacationers may also view live Twitter feeds of any changes. Learn more at: http://www.visitflorida.com/florida_travel_advisory/.
The Florida State Parks have not felt any effect, but updates on closings, if any, will be posted on their website: http://www.floridastateparks.org. Visitors can also get updates by calling 1 (850) 245-2157.
Tips for homeowners
Coastal homeowners have inundated the state with calls about what they can do to protect their property. The state has offered suggestions on what is allowed and what to avoid in a single (PDF) file: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/files/protect_shoreline_tips.pdf
Tips for businesses and consumers
The Attorney General's fraud hotline is open to receive reports of fraud or price gouging by individuals or companies trying to take advantage of the Gulf oil crisis. Call the hotline at: 1 (866) 966-7226.
The Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner gas price-gouging hotline is also operational. The toll-free hotline number is: 1 (800) HELP-FLA (1-800- 435-7352).
Coastal businesses should keep good records and make loss of earnings claims for damages incurred as a result of the oil spill. Businesses should file a claim with BP by calling 1 (800) 440- 0858. Learn more at http://www.myfloridacfo.com/oilspill/default.htm or by calling 1 (850) 413-3089 or toll-free at 1 (877) MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).
Volunteer opportunities
The Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service is encouraging Floridians and visitors to become a Coast Watch volunteer. To help or to get more information about scheduled beach cleanups and other volunteer opportunities at: www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org.
BP established a volunteer program and set up a toll-free number for those interested in volunteering. Learn more by calling BP's community information line at 1 (866) 448-5816.
Learn more about Florida's response
DEP launched a Twitter account, www.Twitter.com/FLDEPalert, dedicated to providing updates on Florida's response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
For a list of Unified Command, BP and Florida phone numbers, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm#numbers
The Oil Spill Information Line is available at 1 (888) 337-3569 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week. Additional phone numbers have also been established for persons with disabilities: (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770 (voice). © 2010 Florida Realtors®
Lets hope my next blog is next month, now that I have a little help it should be back to our regularly scheuled blog.
Sincerely,
Cynthia
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
CHANGE with the New Year
Happy New Year! Well some of us wanted change with the last election and boy did we get it!
My first listing of the year was input and withdrawn in 2 weeks, they simply decided to stay put and wait for the market to return. My opinion is the market is as good as it is going to get on pricing for the next 5 years. The tax credit is helping the bottom of the market but foreclosures are still at a record rate. NORMAL real estate is not selling well with the exception of the luxury market which is slower but still has cash buyers thanks to all those Bank of America bankers getting their bonuses.
BANK is still a four letter word. I am not sure if they are just pissed that the National Association of Realtors beat them in the lobbying game to keep them out of our business . But paybacks are hell and short sales are the payback. I currently have 20 deals under contract 17 are shortsales and I currently have three deals actually being negotiated. Bank of America has 5 of my deals and insists on using their un-user friendly Equator system and making Realtors/clients/customers input the info that their Customer non service agents should be doing. I have hired a negotiator with a title company that handles the paperwork end of this. Their are plenty of buyers and sellers but the banks are killing the deals that they made the poor underwriting decisions on. The lending has loosened up somewhat but has a long way to go to 1 in three deals are being killed in underwriting.
THE BRIGHT SIDE... prices have never been better and the deals are being grabbed up quickly by cash buyers. Satellite Beach single family home pricing is ranging form the high 90's in the Sea park area to the latest 2 million dollar closing oceanfront north of the Publix. Good values 1/1 Sea Park condos in the high 50's , town homes in IHB and Indialantic in the 120-140 range. Great deals in the South Beaches and Floridana area 200 plus range. Rents are dropping although I expect SB to regain stronger rentals after the proposed closing of Hoover and a redraw of district lines for middle schools are looking to push south beaches kids to the mainland at Stone. Many of you know me from Delaura and Satellite. Very few of you know I went to Stone in the sixth grade. After two of my friends were assaulted in the library and the admin did nothing. My parents committed to building our home on Coconut st.. HEY BREVARD COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD bus the Stone kids out of the ghetto not the other way around MORONS! The weather is awesome and Satellite Beach is still a great place to live. Congratulations to DeLaura Middle as being the #2 middle school in the state.
Now is a great time to open a business or storefront as the commercial space is at an all time low, contractors and build out costs have dropped. Sea Island Construction , MH Williams, Militano Construction and Scott Thompson are some good local guys ready to help with your building needs. Dos Amigos recently opened Little Dos in Satellite Beach on the corner of Park ave and A1A. Their El Cheapo menu is the best bargain for lunch going! (This makes 4 restaurants beachside for these owners.) City Tropics has opened a sister restaurant Sand on the Beach located near ocean ave and A1A that has great drink specials, a lobster reuben and yes a facebook page try it you will like it on the Ocean. (This makes 4 unit s beachside for this owner also) Ichabods dockside is almost beachside and I recently tried it for dinner and such a great sunset makes it a casual relaxing place. Of course for Just Lovely their is the reliable phenomenal food at the Chart House being raised in the Disney Corporate fold of food an beverage I can say it was the best meal I have had in 10 years. Don't forget to pick up homemade Salsa from Mary's downtown Salsa in the downtown Melbourne Village. These businesses are still thriving please patronize them. (By the way the most of these businesses have no idea I just plugged them.) Just remember if you dream it you can do it.
Super Great Reason to Live Beachside.....The IHB pool I have been swimming laps in since my great friend induced me into swimming pool one morning at 530 a.m. yep they open their fab heated pool during the week that early and charge $3 per day or $140 per year if you are a NON resident. I love it and they are open 7 days a week so it is a cheap wonderful way to get into shape. Remember next month is Valentines Day, SHOW SOME LOVE!
My first listing of the year was input and withdrawn in 2 weeks, they simply decided to stay put and wait for the market to return. My opinion is the market is as good as it is going to get on pricing for the next 5 years. The tax credit is helping the bottom of the market but foreclosures are still at a record rate. NORMAL real estate is not selling well with the exception of the luxury market which is slower but still has cash buyers thanks to all those Bank of America bankers getting their bonuses.
BANK is still a four letter word. I am not sure if they are just pissed that the National Association of Realtors beat them in the lobbying game to keep them out of our business . But paybacks are hell and short sales are the payback. I currently have 20 deals under contract 17 are shortsales and I currently have three deals actually being negotiated. Bank of America has 5 of my deals and insists on using their un-user friendly Equator system and making Realtors/clients/customers input the info that their Customer non service agents should be doing. I have hired a negotiator with a title company that handles the paperwork end of this. Their are plenty of buyers and sellers but the banks are killing the deals that they made the poor underwriting decisions on. The lending has loosened up somewhat but has a long way to go to 1 in three deals are being killed in underwriting.
THE BRIGHT SIDE... prices have never been better and the deals are being grabbed up quickly by cash buyers. Satellite Beach single family home pricing is ranging form the high 90's in the Sea park area to the latest 2 million dollar closing oceanfront north of the Publix. Good values 1/1 Sea Park condos in the high 50's , town homes in IHB and Indialantic in the 120-140 range. Great deals in the South Beaches and Floridana area 200 plus range. Rents are dropping although I expect SB to regain stronger rentals after the proposed closing of Hoover and a redraw of district lines for middle schools are looking to push south beaches kids to the mainland at Stone. Many of you know me from Delaura and Satellite. Very few of you know I went to Stone in the sixth grade. After two of my friends were assaulted in the library and the admin did nothing. My parents committed to building our home on Coconut st.. HEY BREVARD COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD bus the Stone kids out of the ghetto not the other way around MORONS! The weather is awesome and Satellite Beach is still a great place to live. Congratulations to DeLaura Middle as being the #2 middle school in the state.
Now is a great time to open a business or storefront as the commercial space is at an all time low, contractors and build out costs have dropped. Sea Island Construction , MH Williams, Militano Construction and Scott Thompson are some good local guys ready to help with your building needs. Dos Amigos recently opened Little Dos in Satellite Beach on the corner of Park ave and A1A. Their El Cheapo menu is the best bargain for lunch going! (This makes 4 restaurants beachside for these owners.) City Tropics has opened a sister restaurant Sand on the Beach located near ocean ave and A1A that has great drink specials, a lobster reuben and yes a facebook page try it you will like it on the Ocean. (This makes 4 unit s beachside for this owner also) Ichabods dockside is almost beachside and I recently tried it for dinner and such a great sunset makes it a casual relaxing place. Of course for Just Lovely their is the reliable phenomenal food at the Chart House being raised in the Disney Corporate fold of food an beverage I can say it was the best meal I have had in 10 years. Don't forget to pick up homemade Salsa from Mary's downtown Salsa in the downtown Melbourne Village. These businesses are still thriving please patronize them. (By the way the most of these businesses have no idea I just plugged them.) Just remember if you dream it you can do it.
Super Great Reason to Live Beachside.....The IHB pool I have been swimming laps in since my great friend induced me into swimming pool one morning at 530 a.m. yep they open their fab heated pool during the week that early and charge $3 per day or $140 per year if you are a NON resident. I love it and they are open 7 days a week so it is a cheap wonderful way to get into shape. Remember next month is Valentines Day, SHOW SOME LOVE!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Take care of yourself in health,fiscal responsibility and spirit
It has been a hectic holiday season for me. Not for the usual reasons. My sister was diagnosed in October with invasive, aggressive breast cancer. This insdious disease had the audacity to enter my family! No, no family history, my sister is 44. Fourteen months ago she had a perfectly clean mammogram, two months ago she had a biopsy that revealed what they thought was 2 cm stage zero tumor. She had a lumectomy and they removed an 8cm tumor.. they did not get it all. Rather than have an additional lumpectomy and introduce more toxin(chemo and radiation) into her body she chose to have mastectomy last Friday. What a truly horrible operation, I have immense respect for anyone that has endured this. I got to be nurse to my little sister the RN last week and hopefully her results Monday will reveal not a thing left. PLEASE GET THOSE ANNUAL SCREENINGS, it may save your life.
What does all this have to do with Real Estate some of you are saying. Nothing and everything. This week off enabled me to recharge, my gracious clients let me take this time off to be with my sister, and it gave me time to get caught up and write my blog. It also gave me time to go through the 45 pages of Treasury dept rules for banks regarding short sales and ponder the effect this will have on the market in general.
To say the rules have changed in Real Estate would be like saying hurricanes make waves. These changes are Tsunami like! Bad things have always happened to good people, but we used to know a few folk that had hit hard enough times that they would lose their home. This market shift has already hit Orlando with service related/tourism related jobs. The really great Realtors are getting the education to deal with a whole different type of business model. One in three deals are not closing, due to the fiscla policies of banks that have already been bailed out or those that really aren't interested in keeping their client bases. Property values were already down 60% as of September, values have fallen an additional 10% since then. Ahome that sold new in 1996 for 72K currently has a contract offer at 79K and the last three sales in the neighborhood were 64K, 69K and 79K. The house that sold for 64K sold for 240K at the top of the market. Brevard county is holding onto its value, partly because of slower turnover value (not as busy of a market), partly because most bank owned properties do sell on the courthouse steps here.
We have a broader pool of investors that actually understand what they are getting on the steps, and there is not as much as is available. The last auction on the steps in Orlando I went to there were 66 properties, 7 investors to bid and only one person bid... me. I got a great 5 bed 3.5 bath for my investor that owed the bank 386K for $117,350. There are great deals to be had. My concern for the Brevard market is if the space industry folk have not saved enough, we will have a similar property meltdown as Orlando is experiencing. Suze Orman recommends an 8 month cushion in case of emergency, I will go further and say 14 months is more like it. If you are selling or thinking of selling make sure your agent has the Real Estate Marketing and the Financial education to get your home sold. If you are lucky enough to be buying a home in this incredible buyers market(I recommend everyone buy another with the tax credit out there until April) make sure your agent understands the available financing and how the taxes and hazard insurance will affect your payment. Do not use an agent from out of the area. Knowing an area and its drawbacks and benefits are key to helping you the buyer make a good buying decision.
Leading me to the Spirit of Real Estate. In Sales of any type you are titled as a producer. Produce or perish. I believe in higher education it is publish or perish. In my early days of Real Estate the Orlando Board required all new Realtors to take a 3 hours ethics class. I asked my broker why and she said it was required. She did remark with smirk as I exited her office "You've either got 'em or you don't" Which leads me to my trip back from my sisters. The customer service that I received from US Airways on my trip there and back had conveinced me to avoid flying them ever again if at all possible. As I opened the in-flight magazine the CEO writes the intro about this new book on the "How" that is the why of business. How we will succeed as a nation in the new economy of quicksilver change....we will exceed our customer and clients expectations. Exceed your health, friends, family, financial and your business expectations and your Spirits will exceed yourexpectations for the New Year. A very simple resolution. Happy Holidays and I would love to hear your feedback.
What does all this have to do with Real Estate some of you are saying. Nothing and everything. This week off enabled me to recharge, my gracious clients let me take this time off to be with my sister, and it gave me time to get caught up and write my blog. It also gave me time to go through the 45 pages of Treasury dept rules for banks regarding short sales and ponder the effect this will have on the market in general.
To say the rules have changed in Real Estate would be like saying hurricanes make waves. These changes are Tsunami like! Bad things have always happened to good people, but we used to know a few folk that had hit hard enough times that they would lose their home. This market shift has already hit Orlando with service related/tourism related jobs. The really great Realtors are getting the education to deal with a whole different type of business model. One in three deals are not closing, due to the fiscla policies of banks that have already been bailed out or those that really aren't interested in keeping their client bases. Property values were already down 60% as of September, values have fallen an additional 10% since then. Ahome that sold new in 1996 for 72K currently has a contract offer at 79K and the last three sales in the neighborhood were 64K, 69K and 79K. The house that sold for 64K sold for 240K at the top of the market. Brevard county is holding onto its value, partly because of slower turnover value (not as busy of a market), partly because most bank owned properties do sell on the courthouse steps here.
We have a broader pool of investors that actually understand what they are getting on the steps, and there is not as much as is available. The last auction on the steps in Orlando I went to there were 66 properties, 7 investors to bid and only one person bid... me. I got a great 5 bed 3.5 bath for my investor that owed the bank 386K for $117,350. There are great deals to be had. My concern for the Brevard market is if the space industry folk have not saved enough, we will have a similar property meltdown as Orlando is experiencing. Suze Orman recommends an 8 month cushion in case of emergency, I will go further and say 14 months is more like it. If you are selling or thinking of selling make sure your agent has the Real Estate Marketing and the Financial education to get your home sold. If you are lucky enough to be buying a home in this incredible buyers market(I recommend everyone buy another with the tax credit out there until April) make sure your agent understands the available financing and how the taxes and hazard insurance will affect your payment. Do not use an agent from out of the area. Knowing an area and its drawbacks and benefits are key to helping you the buyer make a good buying decision.
Leading me to the Spirit of Real Estate. In Sales of any type you are titled as a producer. Produce or perish. I believe in higher education it is publish or perish. In my early days of Real Estate the Orlando Board required all new Realtors to take a 3 hours ethics class. I asked my broker why and she said it was required. She did remark with smirk as I exited her office "You've either got 'em or you don't" Which leads me to my trip back from my sisters. The customer service that I received from US Airways on my trip there and back had conveinced me to avoid flying them ever again if at all possible. As I opened the in-flight magazine the CEO writes the intro about this new book on the "How" that is the why of business. How we will succeed as a nation in the new economy of quicksilver change....we will exceed our customer and clients expectations. Exceed your health, friends, family, financial and your business expectations and your Spirits will exceed yourexpectations for the New Year. A very simple resolution. Happy Holidays and I would love to hear your feedback.
Friday, November 6, 2009
I'm late I'm late
Sorry I am late this week I try to get it all up on Tuesdays but hey the weather here has just been great and I don't know I wish I could slow down and enjoy it! First for everyone who has face book find the page Merritt Island's Dragon point. Why? well if you remember it, you will know a hurricane got it eventually. But.....The house and land are for sale as a fixer upper bank owned property this is the link to the listing at 1.55 million http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmfr.mlxchange.com%2FPub%2FEmailView.asp%3Fr%3D1188465989%26s%3DMFR%26t%3DMFR&h=f1c4ccf75c1bd3651670f4abb749c089. I had a whirlwind week, went to St. Louis to drive to St. Robert to be at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Did you know you can rent a 3/2 house for $400 per month there. where? yes the middle of nowhere:) Cheap but not very convenient.
The Founders Day parade and Festival are tomorrow for Satellite Beach, check the parade out at 11AM and a variety of booths afterward at the Schecter Center (the Old Winn Dixie to the rest of us) I just learned that our fair town was founded in 1964(one of my favorite years) So our fair towne is 45 years old tomorrow HOORAY! I just would like to say thanks to the city for raising all of us kids and letting us grow up in an absolute tropical paradise. Thanks to City Fathers and IHB, Indiatlantic and Mel beach for buying coastline for parks, for limiting condo heights and for limiting growth in a good well planned way. THANK YOU! Satellite Beach just gave a facelift to all of its smaller beach accesses that have parking they are well landscaped and the parking is still free. (DON"T TELL ANYBODY). short term Rentals are limited to East of A1A and were grandfathered in by the city. Satellite Beach is a definite place to relocate and raise kids, not necessarily a hopping vacation spot. That said, the Las Olas Timeshare on A1A is absolutely beautiful for a relaxing get away from it all vacation.
Looking to Retire? This is the coast for you, 5 minutes from water at almost any point, great fishing, golf,boating, birding and cycling. Or the most amazing relaxing beaches anywhere! The Archie Carr national wildlife preserve protects our sea turtles nesting areas. This is one of the most fabulous things in nature to see and they come back every year like clockwork. Housing Beachside is running 160K to 5 million very few HOA's and the taxes are relatively low.
OOPS forgot the Space Center. See a Shuttle launch, truly a breathtaking event! Ares rockets are next and hey if the people in Washington could understand we would see the mission to Mars coming soon. Prices are low and stable the time to buy here is NOW.
If you want to buy a short term rental , we have rules but we also have a unique high demand location come see why! Oh and last but not least a shout out to my newest pages on facebook: Pat Neve the Sign Man in Melbourne, Kris Militano's Inspect and Save a licensed General contractor for all you inspecting, remodeling and building needs, As always Erica you are the Pink Flamingo! Go Buy something....Hint: next week the new homebuyer tax credit and how it can help you!
The Founders Day parade and Festival are tomorrow for Satellite Beach, check the parade out at 11AM and a variety of booths afterward at the Schecter Center (the Old Winn Dixie to the rest of us) I just learned that our fair town was founded in 1964(one of my favorite years) So our fair towne is 45 years old tomorrow HOORAY! I just would like to say thanks to the city for raising all of us kids and letting us grow up in an absolute tropical paradise. Thanks to City Fathers and IHB, Indiatlantic and Mel beach for buying coastline for parks, for limiting condo heights and for limiting growth in a good well planned way. THANK YOU! Satellite Beach just gave a facelift to all of its smaller beach accesses that have parking they are well landscaped and the parking is still free. (DON"T TELL ANYBODY). short term Rentals are limited to East of A1A and were grandfathered in by the city. Satellite Beach is a definite place to relocate and raise kids, not necessarily a hopping vacation spot. That said, the Las Olas Timeshare on A1A is absolutely beautiful for a relaxing get away from it all vacation.
Looking to Retire? This is the coast for you, 5 minutes from water at almost any point, great fishing, golf,boating, birding and cycling. Or the most amazing relaxing beaches anywhere! The Archie Carr national wildlife preserve protects our sea turtles nesting areas. This is one of the most fabulous things in nature to see and they come back every year like clockwork. Housing Beachside is running 160K to 5 million very few HOA's and the taxes are relatively low.
OOPS forgot the Space Center. See a Shuttle launch, truly a breathtaking event! Ares rockets are next and hey if the people in Washington could understand we would see the mission to Mars coming soon. Prices are low and stable the time to buy here is NOW.
If you want to buy a short term rental , we have rules but we also have a unique high demand location come see why! Oh and last but not least a shout out to my newest pages on facebook: Pat Neve the Sign Man in Melbourne, Kris Militano's Inspect and Save a licensed General contractor for all you inspecting, remodeling and building needs, As always Erica you are the Pink Flamingo! Go Buy something....Hint: next week the new homebuyer tax credit and how it can help you!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Hi to everyone New and Old!
Hi to everyone new and old! Just a quick note: this was an exhausting week, I ended it with convincing yet another person to fall in love with Brevard county. It is really great to enjoy this through someone's eyes that has never been here. She is a professional photog and I am hoping lots of what she snapped will end up on my website. She was completely devastated by the beauty of Sebastian and the quaintness of Melbourne Beach. She kept saying " I can't believe this is all here!"
She was frankly amazed at all this county has to offer. Drove down to Sebastian and ended in SB just due to super tight scheduling. Saw the new Montecito subdivision, very nice well built Mercedes Homes. She just really found it all awesome. I got the OK from the State for the branch office (1170 A1A, Satellite Beach, Florida! ) and will be at the Space Coast Board on Monday. Have a marvelous week and Oh yeah the swells at the Buccanneer Condos were awesome today!
Fixer-Uppers Made Easy
If you've been passing up on buying a home because of the expense of anticipated cosmetic repairs, you're missing out on a great opportunity. Sure, it used to be that if you bought a home and then applied for a home equity loan to pay for repairs, the result would be two separate loans (or worse, a mortgage plus a short-term loan for repairs that often had a much higher interest rate). This is not the case anymore if you qualify for an FHA Streamlined 203(k) loan. The Department of Housing and Urban Development's FHA Streamlined 203(k) loan allows qualifying home buyers to finance up to an additional $35,000 into their mortgage to improve or upgrade their home before move-in. With this product, home buyers can quickly and easily tap into cash to pay for property repairs or improvements, such as those identified by a home inspector or FHA appraiser. And the best part is, the additional funds are combined into your mortgage, so you only have to worry about one loan. There are, of course, rules and guidelines we have to follow, and not every repair qualifies. But if you or anyone you know are interested in taking advantage of this great opportunity, give us a call, and we'll gladly provide you more information about this valuable program.
School Loan Forgiveness Program
Are you having trouble paying back your federal student loans or you just aren't looking forward to 25 years of monthly payments? Well, according to www.FinAid.com, you could qualify for the government's Loan Forgiveness program, which cancels all or part of qualifying federal student loans based on your work or volunteer service. Created by The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, this program is designed to help certain borrowers with their educational expenses. To qualify, you must: perform volunteer work (AmeriCorps., Peace Corps., and Volunteers in Service to America); perform military service; and teach or practice medicine in certain communities. Ask your Human Resource professional if you qualify or visit FinAid's website. There's also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program that discharges any remaining qualifying educational debt after 10 years of full-time employment in certain positions of public service. Jobs include: emergency management, government (excluding members of Congress), military service, police officers and fire persons, public health workers (including nurses, nurse practitioners, nurses in a clinical setting, and others), public education, early childhood education, social work in a public child or family service agency, and many more.
Social Security Suffers
For the first time in 35 years, it's expected that Social Security beneficiaries will receive no cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase next year. Since the automatic COLA went into effect in 1975, beneficiaries have never failed to receive an increase, raising concerns that millions of beneficiaries will suffer a lowered standard of living since, according to The Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicare Part D (prescription plans) and Medicare Part C plans are expected to increase. In addition, about 60% of Medicare Part D plans are expected to have an annual deductible in 2010 while only 45% had an annual deductible last year. To address these concerns, legislation has been introduced to provide an increase independent of the automatic benefit adjustment, including H.R. 3557, which seeks to provide a 2010 benefit increase based on the average COLA from the past 10 years. The projected increase in Social Security benefits would average $35 per month, or $420 annually. Congress is also considering creating a one-time payment of up to $250 for singles and $500 for couples. At the time of the writing of this article, however, no such bills have passed, so it's important to review these programs carefully.
She was frankly amazed at all this county has to offer. Drove down to Sebastian and ended in SB just due to super tight scheduling. Saw the new Montecito subdivision, very nice well built Mercedes Homes. She just really found it all awesome. I got the OK from the State for the branch office (1170 A1A, Satellite Beach, Florida! ) and will be at the Space Coast Board on Monday. Have a marvelous week and Oh yeah the swells at the Buccanneer Condos were awesome today!
Fixer-Uppers Made Easy
If you've been passing up on buying a home because of the expense of anticipated cosmetic repairs, you're missing out on a great opportunity. Sure, it used to be that if you bought a home and then applied for a home equity loan to pay for repairs, the result would be two separate loans (or worse, a mortgage plus a short-term loan for repairs that often had a much higher interest rate). This is not the case anymore if you qualify for an FHA Streamlined 203(k) loan. The Department of Housing and Urban Development's FHA Streamlined 203(k) loan allows qualifying home buyers to finance up to an additional $35,000 into their mortgage to improve or upgrade their home before move-in. With this product, home buyers can quickly and easily tap into cash to pay for property repairs or improvements, such as those identified by a home inspector or FHA appraiser. And the best part is, the additional funds are combined into your mortgage, so you only have to worry about one loan. There are, of course, rules and guidelines we have to follow, and not every repair qualifies. But if you or anyone you know are interested in taking advantage of this great opportunity, give us a call, and we'll gladly provide you more information about this valuable program.
School Loan Forgiveness Program
Are you having trouble paying back your federal student loans or you just aren't looking forward to 25 years of monthly payments? Well, according to www.FinAid.com, you could qualify for the government's Loan Forgiveness program, which cancels all or part of qualifying federal student loans based on your work or volunteer service. Created by The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, this program is designed to help certain borrowers with their educational expenses. To qualify, you must: perform volunteer work (AmeriCorps., Peace Corps., and Volunteers in Service to America); perform military service; and teach or practice medicine in certain communities. Ask your Human Resource professional if you qualify or visit FinAid's website. There's also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program that discharges any remaining qualifying educational debt after 10 years of full-time employment in certain positions of public service. Jobs include: emergency management, government (excluding members of Congress), military service, police officers and fire persons, public health workers (including nurses, nurse practitioners, nurses in a clinical setting, and others), public education, early childhood education, social work in a public child or family service agency, and many more.
Social Security Suffers
For the first time in 35 years, it's expected that Social Security beneficiaries will receive no cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase next year. Since the automatic COLA went into effect in 1975, beneficiaries have never failed to receive an increase, raising concerns that millions of beneficiaries will suffer a lowered standard of living since, according to The Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicare Part D (prescription plans) and Medicare Part C plans are expected to increase. In addition, about 60% of Medicare Part D plans are expected to have an annual deductible in 2010 while only 45% had an annual deductible last year. To address these concerns, legislation has been introduced to provide an increase independent of the automatic benefit adjustment, including H.R. 3557, which seeks to provide a 2010 benefit increase based on the average COLA from the past 10 years. The projected increase in Social Security benefits would average $35 per month, or $420 annually. Congress is also considering creating a one-time payment of up to $250 for singles and $500 for couples. At the time of the writing of this article, however, no such bills have passed, so it's important to review these programs carefully.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Best time to see the Beach is NOW
Good morning....brrrrr.....49 degrees this morning and it is sunny and beautiful. One of my friends said he used his fireplace last night. (Yes they build houses with fireplaces in Florida, Virginia) I plan on a walk on the beach today. Fall is always my favorite time here, I guess it is like summer everywhere else. the great thing about the beach right now is the snowbirds are not quite here and the summer tourists are definitely gone. Not a soul...except me. The smell of the salt is crystal clean. The wind is burning your face, you know it you just can't go in yet. A couple of sandpipers chase the shore looking for sand crabs. This is what makes you know all will be right with the world for the rest of the day, week or month. Aquarina had an absolute auction of 20 units in their condos last week and sold the rest out!!!! Lowest price was around the 150K mark. There is a townhouse near Dakine listed for 285K 3/2 on each side...ocean view from the patio across A1A. The deals are here still expect to kepp finding them for about another year. Meanwhile I will just take a deep breath of Ocean Air and sigh and wish you were here. Sand and smiles across the miles
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Working on the Beach
I just read that they are getting closer to a netbook/tablet that I will be able to work straight from my towel. Being self employed as a Realtor, whenever I travel I look at property. Today I had to find a doctor and quick. My youngest had pharyngitis and an icky infection. I popped over to OMNI Urgent Care in almost West Melbourne(You know just west of the Melbourne Square mall. ) After a one hour wait and and 5 cell phone calls from clients here and abroad, Dr. Mayor -Davies fixed her right up with a Z-Pak. West Melbourne has grown immensely and is a city unto itself. It now reaches out to I-95 in what used to be the sticks to most of us. DiPrima, Mercedes Homes and JerJef all build just north in the area of West Eau Gallie. East Eau Gallie is now an arty district becoming quite a nice Friday or Saturday night date. After a nap for her and more work and phone calls for me we popped down to Melbourne Beach. Pulling up to an access just south of the Longboard Shop we trotted down to a perfectly flat day with onshore break. The baitfish and mullet were running. A cute guy half my age with a mohawk was engrossed in his book and tanning. A group down the beach was fishing and resting under umbrellas. The dad fisherman went and picked his baby up from under the umbrella and carried him out to the surf. He dipped this four or five month old baby in the surf a few times and in a way baptized that child as yet another barrier island kid. Oceanfront ranges from condos to mansions all the way down the coast. Current Pricing runs 250K to about 3 million. I hiked back to the car to make a call to London(I could not hear her over the ocean waves) and explain the short sale and foreclosure process to my newest listing.
Next week: The Chinese are here and the dragon is gone but the tip is now for sale. Until next time Welcome Back to the Beach.
Next week: The Chinese are here and the dragon is gone but the tip is now for sale. Until next time Welcome Back to the Beach.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
