Susan Engle's Blog

Brevard County Relocation-Moving Guide

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:35:17 -0800

Brevard County Relocation-Moving Guide

Moving Guide and Checklist
This checklist has been carefully designed to help get you organized and ready you're your upcoming move.
8 Weeks before move:
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Look into getting moving and/or storage insurance to cover your items during the move. Begin to get estimates from moving companies. Shop around as much as possible to get the best rate. Remember to be as accurate as possible when giving information for your estimate.
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If you plan to move yourself, now is the time to reserve a rental truck. Again, it pays to shop around
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Get estimates for shipping your car.
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If you are moving overseas, check on possible quarantine and/or vaccination requirements for your pet.
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If you have small children, be sure to research child care options in your new area. Select and register children for local schools in your new area. Arrange transfer of immunization and records and transcripts.
7 Weeks before move:
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Make a Moving File to store receipts, records, and important papers related to your move.
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Check with accountant about which moving expenses are deductible.
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Begin removing unwanted or unneeded items from your attic, garage, basement, or storage.
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Plan to donate or sell.
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Check to make sure you have returned all borrowed items including video rentals and library books.
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Gather important documents (birth certificates, immunization records, insurance documents, etc..) and place them in a briefcase, strong box, or other secure place to insure that they do not get misplaced during the move.
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If you're using a mover, get in touch with your chosen moving company and set a date for the move. Fill out any necessary paperwork, and be sure to get moving insurance if you need it.
6 Weeks before move:
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Check that your car registration and driver's license are up to date.
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You may also need to notify your auto insurance.
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Make item donations, and collect receipts for tax purposes. Or, try selling your unwanted items online.
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Have garage sale.
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Notify your doctor, dentist, veterinarian, accountant, and financial planner of your move and ask for referrals in your new area. Collect records from them.
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Be sure your medical insurance covers the professionals in your new area.
___Forward or cancel any monthly services, subscriptions, or memberships.
5 Weeks before move:
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Contact current utility companies to cancel or transfer accounts to lower Keys utilities.
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Decide where you are going to stay your last night in town after all your items are packed for moving.
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Make sure you have transportation arrangements for your pet.
4 Weeks before move:
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Fill out an official change of address with USPS online.
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Notify all important business and personal contacts of your new address.
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Fill out changes of address for creditors and magazine subscriptions.
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Leave a forwarding address with the next owners or tenants of your home if possible.
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Buy boxes and packing materials if you are moving yourself.
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Reserve elevator, if necessary, for moving day.
3 Weeks before move:
Start packing! Begin with rooms of the house you don't use often and finish with the kitchen.
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Choose a room of the house to serve as a temporary storage area for packed boxes.
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Make an inventory of important and/or expensive items in your home as you pack. Try to take photographs of these items, if possible. You may need this inventory for insurance purposes in the event items get lost or damaged in the move.
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Check into storage options for those items you cannot move immediately and may need to store temporarily.
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Start involving your kids in the move. Make it exciting by having your kids pack some of their own things. Give them their own box to pack. Let them figure out new layouts for their rooms.
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If you have young children, arrange for a babysitter on moving day. You can concentrate on the move knowing your children are being cared for safely.
2 Weeks before move:
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Close any local bank accounts and open new ones in your new location. Try to get checks printed with your new address as soon as possible.
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Drain gas from any gas powered equipment before you pack it up. Try to make disposal arrangements for any oil, gas, old paint cans, or other hazardous substances you will not be able to move, use, or give away.
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Verify schedules with Realtor.
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Arrange to have your new home cleaned before movers arrive.
1 Week before move:
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Make backup copies of important files on your computer before packing it up.
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Service your car, especially if you're driving to your new place.
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Donate food items you don't consume to a shelter or food bank.
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Cancel newspapers.
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Confirm any travel plans or reservations you may have made for moving day (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.)
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Confirm arrangements with your moving company.
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Give plants a loving home
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Return cable boxes for TV.
Moving week:
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Be sure to have some cash on hand for the day of the move. You may need it to tip movers, buy snacks, etc. Keep in mind that many businesses do not accept out-of-state checks.
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Begin cleaning your house. Make sure you defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
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Pick up your rental truck and any moving equipment you may need (dollies, carts, furniture pads, etc.).
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Keep your pets confined on the day of the move. Make sure they are in a safe place away from the hubbub of the move with plenty of food and water.
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When you're finished, do a final walk-through of your old residence, checking closets, drawers, etc.
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Turn off all lights, turn off hot water heater, lock all doors and windows.
PACK THESE ITEMS IN A BOX TO GO WITH YOU
___A wall phone.
___Cell phone and charger.
___Extension cords, batteries.
___Tools-hammers, screwdrivers, nails, screws, scotch tape, duct tape, and a tape measure.
___Address book or PDA.
___Suffiencit cash or traveler's checks.
___Personal ID - driver's license.
___Cleaning materials-especially paper towels.
___Hand wipes and toilet paper.
___Light bulbs, a small lamp, flashlight.
___Alarm clock.

AT YOUR NEW HOME
___Take doors off hinges, clear paths for movers.
___Have your REALTOR suggest a local food delivery service for lunch/dinner on moving day.
___Make sure you have a cooler of drinks and toilet paper available on moving day
___Check each item off your inventory that movers bring into home
___Send in claims for damages during the move
___Make grocery shopping list for new home
___Test security and smoke alarms
___Obtain local emergency numbers and post them
___Take back rental truck with full tank of gas
___Get a professional to set up appliances (gas, electric or plumbing)
___Change locks on all doors. Call Realtor for locksmith referral.
___Find the right cellular phone service for your needs
___Feng Shui your home
___Go to the DMV for new plates and registration of vehicles
___Get a new propane tank for the grill and fuel for gas-powered tools
___File real estate documents in safe place-copy closing statement for accountant
___Join new homeowners association if there is one
___Buy new plants and flowers
___Throw a house warming party
___Find a new veterinarian, doctor, dentist, hair and nail salons. Again, your Realtor is the best place to head for recommendations.

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
E-mail

Malabar Fl Beautiful Lakefront lot in Stillwater Preserve woth seller finacing

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:33:18 -0800

Beautiful Lakefront lot in Stillwater Preserve, a luxury gated community abound with flora and fauna. This is a great opportunity to own property. No building time restrictions, so no need to build right away. Developer is willing to hold paper. 10% down, 7% interest. Great opportunity to purchase a great piece of property at a fantastic price. Price and terms! Lots run along Corey Road and also interior lots inside in (Stillwater Preserve)

MLS# 502403
1360 COREY
MALABAR, FL 32950
Offered at:
$60,000

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
E-mail

Grant Fl Riverfront Home, just $350,000

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:30:03 -0800

Great opportunity to own a wonderful home with 100' direct river frontage. 192' pier w/covered 9000 lb. boat lift, elec. and water. Panaramic views of the Indian River; superior cabinetry, wood flooring, gas fireplace, spacious rooms w/walk-in closets & jetted tub & separate shower! Front & back porch have Old Chicago brick pavers. Exterior just painted 6-28-09. Don't miss this opportunity to own waterfront property at todays prices.

MLS# 527097
4840 HIGHWAY 1
GRANT VALKARIA, FL 32949
Offered at:
$350,000

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
E-mail

Palm Bay penthouse Condo just $450.000

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:26:22 -0800

Short Sale. BRING AN OFFER. This gorgeous executive penthouse is absolutely the best in price, location, amenities & superior upgrades. Bar none the best price in town! Views from river to ocean & enjoy views from all rooms. Upgrades include a Gourmet Kitchen, granite, marble, Venetian Plaster, window furnishings, gorgeous media room, hurricane shutters & so much more. Professionally decorated, no details missed. This is a one in a lifetime opportunity to own one of the finest penthouses.

MLS# 553197

Palm Bay, FL 32905
Offered at:
$450,000

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
E-mail

Palm Bay Florida Information

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 13:33:39 -0800

Palm Bay

Palm Bay is a growing community of approximately 100,000 that sits just south of Melbourne and in the Southeast portion of Brevard County or , “The Space Coast.” It includes large tracts of land both east and west of I-95, some frontage on the Indian River Lagoon (which is the ICW or Intracoastal Waterway), and on the east shades into adjoining (and currently more rural) residential areas of Malabar, Grant, and Micco extending south to Sebastian.

The whole area is basically new and is growing at a rapid pace. It’s a young city with an average age of 37 and an average household income over $40,000. New home construction at affordable prices is popping up everywhere. As of August 2005 there are some new homes and condos for under $200,000.

Palm Bay represents not just good real Estate value for prospective homeowners, but also other opportunities which those of you considering relocating to Florida may find attractive. For example, the City of Palm Bay is looking for commercial and industrial development to help balance the residential development that has already occurred within the City.

Finally, for information on employment opportunities please see the Melbourne, Brevard County employment page.
As a place to work and live, Palm Bay has a lot going for it. If you are thinking about relocating here, consider:

Palm Bay and its adjoining areas enjoy some 72 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, all of it dotted with various public beaches accessible north of Palm Bay from causeway bridges at Melbourne and Eau Gallie or south at the smaller SR510 bridge across the Indian River Aquatic Reserve at about the point of the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. This is a beautiful area.

Palm Bay has quite an incredible range of both indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities in addition to these big Atlantic beaches, including sailing, water-skiing, fishing, biking and tennis, golf, hiking, horseback riding and surfing, walking and birding.

With 169 parks, 23 golf courses, and 30 marinas throughout the Area, and not to mention several colleges and universities located nearby and offering diverse educational opportunities, you won’t be bored.

Oh, and one more thing. A quirky and quite wonderful distinction that sets Palm Bay apart from a lot of the Space Coast is its seemingly infinite variety of ethnic foods.

If dining out is something you like to do, restaurant choices range from Middle Eastern to Jamaican to Italian and French and much more. And if that’s not enough, there’s still other choices available in historic downtown Melbourne, a few minutes drive away.

Last but not least, if you (for some reason) need a big city fix, well, Orlando is just under an hour away. For access to the rest of the country and the world, Melbourne International Airport is about 20 minutes away.

For more stats on Palm Bay, please go to http://www.city-data.com/city/Palm-Bay-Florida.html
For more stats countywide (Brevard) go to the Melbourne general info links on this Website.
For Real Estate information and related businesses see the Real Estate section on this Website.

“Think about the possibilities of living in an area where most people go for vacation.”

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
www.brevardsbestagent.com

About Brevard County-Melbourne Florida

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 13:32:02 -0800

Melbourne

Historically, the place that gives this entire area its “name” is Melbourne, the oldest and best-known community on what Floridians call the “Space Coast”. Melbourne is right in the center of a long north-south corridor – coastal Brevard County – that is sandwiched between the St. Johns River Basin to the West and the Atlantic Ocean. It stretches from Palm Bay and other smaller communities in the south through Melbourne, West Melbourne, and Melbourne Village in central Brevard to Viera, Cocoa and Titusville in the north.

And it includes a half dozen beach communities on one long, fabulous barrier island stretching from Sebastian Inlet to Cape Canaveral. This “greater Melbourne” is one of the most rapidly growing residential areas in Florida, and it currently boasts the fifth most rapidly appreciating home property values in the entire United States [USA Today, Sept 2, 2005]!

Yet Melbourne itself is reminiscent of an older not so built up Florida.
The main streets are wide and the city is well maintained. It has Arts, Fine Dining Health and Educational facilities that compare with the best Florida’s larger cities offer. It’s just an hour from Orlando and three hours from Miami.

The location makes anywhere in the state very accessible. Even remote Key West is just a 5 or 6 hour drive. As to Outdoor and recreational opportunities, in my opinion it’s one of the best places in Florida. The beaches are not jammed, there is plenty of access and it’s not wall to wall development.

When you approach the Ocean over the high bridge across the Indian River (the Intra-Coastal Waterway or ICW), your view is sweeping. It is not blocked by condos and hotels, thanks to strict zoning laws enacted well before the current rapid growth and development. For one thing, there are 3- and 4-story height limits, unlike what you find throughout much of South Florida.

For another, there is lots of easy to find, easy to use “forever” beach access. Before development there was conservation, and Melbourne and its beachside communities have some of the nicest public beaches in all of Florida

Melbourne also has a great Old-Town, downtown area with specialty shops, antique stores, theaters, restaurants and more. There are dining places overlooking both the Indian River Lagoon (the IntraCoastal) and the Ocean. Another Old Town section, Eau Gallie, features art galleries and the county art museum.
In a recent study, with a major space employer in Melbourne, the employees had this to say.

Melbourne is a safe place to live
It has great weather and lots of sun
It’s easy to travel and get to work and there are good job opportunities..
There is a wide variety of recreational facilities.
It’s easy to get involved in the community.
It’s a great place for creative people.
Three out of four would recommend a friend or family member to relocate to Melbourne.
Melbourne has the amenities that a larger town would have yet it has a small town atmosphere.
I call it user friendly.
All that and the Real Estate is a good deal. As of this writing (summer 2005) single-family homes, minutes from the beaches can be had from 200,000 up.

Melbourne, and its landside communities of West Melbourne and Melbourne Village, plus its beachside communities of Indialantic, Melbourne Beach, and Floridana (going south), or Indian Harbor Beach and Satellite Beach (going north) is simply a great place to live. Ditto for the greater Melbourne area from Sebastian Inlet to Cape Canaveral. What a great place to relocate or retire to.

Check out the dropdown menus to the left for more information. Better yet, come down and take a look for yourself! See the google map to the upper right.

Melbourne Beach

When Ponce de Leon landed near Melbourne Beach in 1513, he became the first European to set foot in Florida.
Melbourne Beach is Brevard County's oldest beach community. It was established in 1883 by a retired Union general. Pineapples were grown there until 1895, when freezing weather wiped out crops and ended commercial farming there.
In 1921, the Melbourne Causeway was built, connecting Melbourne beach to the mainland via the town of Indialantic. In 1923 it was incorporated as a town.
The town's population oscillated until World War II, when it began growing steadily. Currently, it is largely residential, with an elementary school, some businesses, and many condominums in the unincorporated areas to the north and south.

In 2007, it was voted one of ten best bargain retirement spots in America.

This island, approximately 35 miles in length, stretches from Cape Canaveral to the north to the Sebastian Inlet (see The Sebastian Inlet State Park) to the south. Melbourne Beach is neighbored by the town of Indialantic to the north.

Personal income:2006

The median income for a household in the town was $57,035, and the median income for a family was $62,139. Males had a median income of $46,424 versus $34,028 for females. The per capita income for the town was $31,489.

Median home value was $425,500 in 2007.

Melbourne Beach is second in Brevard for per capita income and 124 out of 887 places.

Indialantic

No shirt, no shoes, no worries. There is nothing like a few days at the beach to set the world right.

No calls, no computer, no meetings. Sand on your feet, sun on your head, nothing on your mind except ... nothing. The biggest decision involves what to do this afternoon: Read? Walk on the beach? Swim in the ocean? Nap? All of the above?

No deadlines or layoffs or schedules. For your viewing pleasure, dolphins engage in synchronized swimming and pelicans perfect their dive-bombing and formation flying.

Indialantic, a little beach town near Melbourne. Indialantic, and its sister town, Melbourne Beach, are mom-and-pop kind of places, residential beach towns that once were common in Florida but became precious during the past 20 years as the state grew by 6 million residents.

People don't come to Indialantic looking for resorts or country clubs or honky-tonks. They come for the beach in its most basic sense--that wonderful place where the land meets the sea and the sea reaches out to the sky. The approach is simple: Sit down and enjoy it.

This vacation, we weren't interested in sightseeing or hiking or visiting museums or dashing from here to there by car. We wanted to plop down on the beach and stare at the ocean, a simple pursuit that is stupendously soothing. We wanted to devour books and magazines. We wanted to sip margaritas in the afternoon and doze by the pool.

A beach town such as Indialantic is ideal for such lazing. Overhead, the performance is continuous. Every morning, the steadfast sun awakens from the sea in a demonstration as spectacular as it is eternal. Many afternoons in the summer months, billowing clouds assemble into huge dark fists that soon hammer the air with lightning and unleash a river of rain. The demonstration of nature's might is magnificent and makes Central Florida the lightning capital of North America.

The storms aren't a threat, though, as long as you plan for them and stay out of their way: You don't want to be the tallest object on an open beach as a lightning storm swoops in.

Indialantic occupies a slice of the barrier island stretched as thin as taffy as it dangles down from Cape Canaveral 25 miles to the north. Rising only 10 feet above sea level between the Indian River and the ocean, the mile-wide town must stand on its tiptoes to stay above water when the occasional storm stirs up the Atlantic.

But most days are quiet in the neighborhood. There are no high-rise condos to block the view of the sea and blight the landscape. Most structures are two stories, a few rise to four stories.

Except for the mile or so of businesses lining U.S. Highway 192 and a few small hotels near the ocean, most of the buildings are houses. In other words, College Park by the Sea. If the ocean instead of Interstate 4 ran down the east side of College Park, the Orlando neighborhood would be Indialantic.

The leisurely pursuits of residents and visitors alike are flavored with salt air: surfing, surf-fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming. Only 16 miles down A1A is Sebastian Inlet, where the Indian River meets the Atlantic. The inlet is a favorite spot for surfers and fishermen.

During the summer months, the beaches of south Brevard County attract visitors from the sea: thousands of female sea turtles lumber ashore to bury eggs in sandy nests before returning to the waves. Park rangers lead small tour groups on "turtle walks" during June and July. The walks are so popular that reservations must be made weeks in advance.

It was during the decade of the 1920s that Florida became a tourist destination. Carl Fisher created Miami Beach and hyped the city in the national press. He popularized the notion of a vacation at the beach, easy and carefree. Florida, the land of sunshine, was booming. The ocean and the Gulf of Mexico lured visitors from across the South and Northeast.

Indialantic was born of the sun and the sea too. A bridge from Melbourne on the mainland was completed in 1921.

Nowadays the town of 3,800 residents is not so much a tourist destination as it is a slice of seaside suburbia. Which is exactly what makes it so pleasant to visit.

By Ken Clarke | Travel correspondent

Ken Clarke writes for the Orlando Sentinel, a Tribune Co. newspap

Satellite Beach

Just south of Patrick Air Force Base, Satellite Beach is centrally located within Brevard County. Because of its location, Satellite Beach is a favorite of military families and those loving the beach.

The city was first incorporated in 1957, and currently 10,938 people call it home. The impact of the space program and Patrick Air Force Base has contributed greatly to the development of Satellite Beach.

Satellite Beach has a wide range of neighborhood developments, including the upscale, exclusive community of Tortoise Island. The area's location provides for great outdoor recreation including boating, fishing, and trips to the beach. Conveniently situated between two major causeways, residents have easy access to shops, malls, restaurants and area golf courses on the mainland as well as within the city.

Given its beauty, location, great schools, and recreational opportunities, Satellite Beach has become a haven for those wanting it all.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Residents of Satellite Beach typically are affluent married couples between the ages of 45 and 64, and receive their income from salaries, rental properties, interest, dividends, retirement funds, or pensions. Many are business owners or managers. They live in suburban single-family homes valued above the national average. For entertainment, Satellite Beach residents typically play racquet sports, golf, visit museums, and travel.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Florida is really two areas, a beach town and a mainland town separated by yet a third town. And geographic terminology can be somewhat confusing too. Let’s try to sort it out for you!Cocoa Beach is a town on the barrier island located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Banana River Lagoon on Florida's Central East Coast, just south of Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center.

The city of Cocoa is on the western (mainland) side of the Indian River. Merritt Island, a long pointed piece of land and town parsing inland bay or lagoon waters into the Indian (Westside) and Banana (Eastside) “rivers” separates Cocoa from Cocoa Beach. Got that?

Cocoa Beach
This beach town has made it to the radar screen of most Americans with any knowledge of Florida. Like many of the towns in the area, it was more or less a service town for NASA and a nearby air force base, but has now really found its identity as Orlando’s beach, a popular resort town, and a main center of Space Coast night life.

Just six miles long and mostly less than one mile wide, Cocoa Beach is really an adventure in diversity. You can swim, surf, cruise out to sea on a gambling boat, catch a cruise to the Bahamas, enjoy the 800’ long Cocoa Beach Pier, choose fine dining or a beach joint, listen to music, find an art gallery or fly a kite. The place is laid back.

Other options here range from watching a space launch from the beach with hundreds if not thousands of folks from all over the world, to the intensely personal solitude of watching/photographing marine and bird life in their natural habitats. And then there’s good golf, boating, and fishing too.

When thinking about real Estate here, it helps to remember that Cocoa Beach is both a residential community and a tourist destination. The base population is just over 13.000 but it grows to as high as 30,000 during the tourist high season (January through March) and on many weekends.

The City of Cocoa
Located west of Merritt Island, this small multicultural city has a population of just over 17,000 and fronts 4 miles of the Indian River. The city was long a bedroom community for various NASA facilities and Patrick Air Force Base, but it’s in the process of reinventing itself. It’s still that, but it’s also a destination, a great place to live, and you can even commute to Orlando if you want to live here and work there. It’s got its own great shopping and other good shopping varieties at nearby Viera on the mainland side or Cocoa Beach or Merritt Island.
Recreational opportunities abound too: They include boating, fresh water fishing on the nearby St. Johns River and salt water fishing in the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean, golf, and minor league and major league baseball spring training. Because of its mainland location, Cocoa also has great access to Canaveral National Seashore (north of the Cape), to the NASA space complex at Cape Canaveral, and to nearby wilderness areas.

Cocoa has a unique downtown historic area which is referred to as Cocoa Village. Over 60 restaurants, art galleries, clubs, theater and unique shops in a great atmosphere make this an enjoyable place to spend a day or an evening for residents as well as tourists. Most weekends in Cocoa Village there are street celebrations, art exhibits, parties and fund-raisers.

All this and Orlando is a straight shot (about 45 minutes) on the Beeline expressway-highway 528. This proximity means that you have easy access to the smorgasbord of entertainment that a major metropolitan center can offer, including concerts, dining, sports, and other entertainment activities. Orlando’s major international airport is only about 30 minutes away; Melbourne’s, easier to use because it’s smaller, is about the same distance.

Cocoa really lets you have your cake and eat it too. World famous beaches, fishing, entertainment and shopping are right here or nearby. You can work locally, or easily commute to Melbourne or Orlando. This plus a quality lifestyle in a small town atmosphere makes Cocoa a stand out community. To top it all off, real Estate here still offers a good range of options and prices.

For more stats countywide (Brevard) go to the Melbourne general info links.
For Real Estate information and related businesses see the Real Estate section.“Think about the possibilities of living in an area where most people go for vacation.”

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
www.brevardsbestagent.com

Brevard County Investment Properties

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 13:29:20 -0800

Featured Investment opportunities:

Future Commercial
2.5 acres with city water, offsite retention.
$200,000.00
Contact: Susan Engle 321-543-8172
Location:
Northwest Corner of Malabar Road and Corey Road. Located between U.S. 1 and I-95.

Colonial Square
Office Condo. Brand New Project. 2025 Square Feet. Ready for Occupancy. New commercial development.
$486,000.00
Contact: Susan Engle 321-543-8172

Lots and Land for Sale

Plantation Oaks in Titusville
38 Lots. 50 X 125 High and dry. Residential Land. Gated, clubhouse, pool, sidewalks, several lakes and common area. Lawns Service is included.
Builders only $30,000.00 each
Contact: Susan Engle 321-543-8172
Location:
Located 30 minutes to Orlando, 20 minutes to Playalinda Beach, close proximity to commercial development

Builders Special in Plantation Oaks in Titusville. 38 Lots
50 X 125. Plantation Oaks is a gated community featuring a beautiful Clubhouse and pool, sidewalks and several lakes. Lawn Service included. Located just 30 minutes from Orlando, 20 minutes to Playalinda Beach, 2 minutes to shopping and an assortment of restaurants. Enjoy watching the Shuttle Launches from your own yard. Builders only. $30,000.00 each.

More Vacant Land For Sale
To see a Larger Map Click Here or Click on the Image below
Click HERE for a Virtual Tour of the property

4. Stillwater Preserve. A luxury gated communitywith 74 lots. 130 acres of pristine Florida landscape and fauna, eight lakes with an eco-sanctuary and tributary running through it. City water, curb and gutter, underground utilities and sidewalks, all situated in a exclusive location. 10 remaining lots.

Owner Financing $100,000.00 each
or 9 lots @$55,000.00 $495,000.00

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
www.brevardsbestagent.com

Brevard County Rentals

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 13:26:29 -0800

Brevard County:

Rental Leases

Venetian Bay Condominium, Unit 205 (available long term or seasonal-short term)
Beautiful Newer Riverfront Condominium featuring 3 BR/ 3Bath, end unit has over 2400+ living square footage, with an enormous kitchen, formal dining and living room. Master bedroom is spacious with private access to wrap around balcony. Master bath has granite and superior tile through out, double sinks, separate shower and a large garden tub. River views are wonderful 24/7, enjoy watching the dolphins play, or watch the white Herons as they fish. Complex is gated and features a new fishing dock, white sandy beach, beautiful club house and pool. Superb quality and taste through out. Just minutes to shopping, local restaurants and to one of the finest beaches in Brevard County. $2200.00 per month.

Newly remodeled condominium in Eau Gallie.
138 San Juan Circle. 1 BR/ 1 Bath, formal kitchen and living room. New tile, paint, appliances, window treatments and more. First floor unit with smallporch. Unfurnished and ready for immediate occupancy. Complex has an enormous pool and is walking distance to restaurants and less than five minutes to the beach & shopping. $625.00 per month.

Indian River County Rentals:

Brand New Vero Beach Home, located in "Lakes of Sandridge.
This gorgeous 5 BR/2.5 Baths, 2+ extended garage, screen porch and so much more. This home is very spacious featuring formal living and dining rooms, huge familyroom, loft area also. This home is a great value for the size and quality of home. $2400.00 per month.

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
www.brevardsbestagent.com

Malabar Lakefront Lot just $60,000

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:31:49 -0800

Remarks: Beautiful Lakefront lot in Stillwater Preserve, a luxury gated community abound with flora and fauna. This is a great opportunity to own property. No building time restrictions, so no need to build right away. Developer is willing to hold paper. 10% down, 7% interest. Great opportunity to purchase a great piece of property at a fantastic price. Price and terms! Lots run along Corey Road and also interior lots inside in (Stillwater Preserve)

MLS# 502403
1360 COREY
MALABAR, FL 32950
Offered at:
$60,000

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
www.brevardsbestagent.com

Palm Bay Fl Condo with 2400 sq ft for sale

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:28:50 -0800

Remarks: Ready to Sell!! Beautiful End unit, over 2400+ sq. feet, wrap around balcony. Huge kitchen, formal living & dining area. Granite and marble upgrades through out; Large Master Suite w/balcony access. Constant gorgeous views, Community Pool and Clubhouse, Fishing Pier and garage parking. Great Location and a must see! Best Priced unit in Venetian Bay

MLS# 541068

Palm Bay, FL 32905
Offered at:
$350,000

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
www.brevardsbestagent.com

Titusville 4/3 home for sale-just $137,500 WOW

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:25:22 -0800

Remarks: Great Gated Community close proximity to the Cape & 30 minutes or less to Orlando. Solid Poured Concrete with 10 year structural warranty, R-30 ceiling Insulation, gas heat, 12 seer A/C system, screened porch, sprinkler system-reclaimed water.This was the Model Home for builder & has never been lived in. Great Community pool & clubhouse, Rv & boat storage available. Lawn service & spraying included in HOA fee $282.50 per quarter. Fantastic Location

MLS# 506026
908 Macon
Titusville, FL 32780
Offered at:
$137,500

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
www.brevardsbestagent.com

Grant Fl Waterfront home with owner financing

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:21:49 -0800

Remarks: ***OWNER FINANCING!*** Great opportunity to own a wonderful home with 100' direct river frontage. 192' pier w/covered 9000 lb. boat lift, elec. and water. Panaramic views of the Indian River; superior cabinetry, wood flooring, gas fireplace, spacious rooms w/walk-in closets & jetted tub & separate shower! Front & back porch have Old Chicago brick pavers. Exterior just painted 6-28-09. Don't miss this opportunity to own waterfront property at todays prices.

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
www.brevardsbestagent.com

Cocoa Beach General Information

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:44:50 -0800

Cocoa Beach

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
www.brevardsbestagent.com

Melbourne Fl-Satellite Beach

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:42:45 -0800

Satellite Beach

Given its beauty, location, great schools, and recreational opportunities, Satellite Beach has become a haven for those wanting it all.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
www.brevardsbestagent.com

Melbourne Fl-Indialantic

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:40:07 -0800

Indialantic

No shirt, no shoes, no worries. There is nothing like a few days at the beach to set the world right.

No deadlines or layoffs or schedules. For your viewing pleasure, dolphins engage in synchronized swimming and pelicans perfect their dive-bombing and formation flying.

The storms aren't a threat, though, as long as you plan for them and stay out of their way: You don't want to be the tallest object on an open beach as a lightning storm swoops in.

But most days are quiet in the neighborhood. There are no high-rise condos to block the view of the sea and blight the landscape. Most structures are two stories, a few rise to four stories.

Indialantic was born of the sun and the sea too. A bridge from Melbourne on the mainland was completed in 1921.

Nowadays the town of 3,800 residents is not so much a tourist destination as it is a slice of seaside suburbia. Which is exactly what makes it so pleasant to visit.

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
www.brevardsbestagent.com

Melbourne Beach fl

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:38:05 -0800

Melbourne Beach

In 2007, it was voted one of ten best bargain retirement spots in America.

Personal income:2006

Median home value was $425,500 in 2007.

Melbourne Beach is second in Brevard for per capita income and 124 out of 887 places.

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
www.brevardsbestagent.com

About Brevard County Florida transportation

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:31:47 -0700

Melbourne is located about midway on the eastern coastline. Its location makes it easy to get anywhere in the State. Miami is just three hours away. For distances between cities go to
http://www3.dot.state.fl.us/mileage/default.asp

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AUTOMOBILE
These major north/south routes are important arteries that connect a number of communities: Titusville in the north; Cocoa , Cocoa Beach and Rockledge in central Brevard; and Melbourne, Melbourne Beach and Palm Bay in the south
Interstate 95 skirts Brevard County on its north/south trip from Maine to Miami. Interstates & Highways

Running from Maine to Miami, I-95 is the most heavily traveled north-south interstate on the East Coast, and for the convenience of businesses and residents alike, it runs directly through Brevard County.
State Road A1A along the coastline.
US1 In the barrier islands (Melbourne Beach to Port Canaveral.
East West routes
State Road 405 to the north, which traverses the NASA Causeway to the space center

S.R. 528 (the Beeline Expressway) in the center of the county. For goods and persons traveling to Orlando, Tampa and all points west, SR- 528 directly links to other major Florida highways like I-4 and the Florida Turnpike.
S.R. 524 (the Bennett Causeway), merges with the Beeline, crosses the Indian River to Merritt Island and then the Banana River to the town of Cape Canaveral and Port Canaveral.
State Roads 502 (Barnes Boulevard) and 509 (Wickham Road) serve Vierra and Melbourne.
S.R. 518, connects Melbourne with the beach communities of Indian Harbour, Canova, Indialantic and Melbourne Beach.
S.R. 509 travels north/south through the county's southern section and connects with Eau Gallie Boulevard.
Airlines

At least five airlines serve passengers at Melbourne International Airport. Melbourne’s main carrier is Delta with service to Atlanta, Wash DC and New York/
Orlando International, is just 50 miles and about 45 minutes away via the Beeline Expressway (S.R. 528). From either place you can fly almost anywhere.
Smaller executive airports are scattered around the region, including the Space Center Executive Airport.
Cruise ships

The state's third-largest cruise-passenger port, Port Canaveral, also handles lots of space-related and commercial cargo at its deep-water facility. The East Coast Railroad carries freight by rail. Greyhound buses also provide transportation in the county.

Rail Service

Running directly through Brevard County, Florida’s East Coast Railway connects with Norfolk Southern and CSX and provides another ground-based transportation option for business.
There are Amtrak stations located in Delray beach, Tampa and Jacksonville.
There is also a unique car Auto Train (Amtrak) located in Sanford Florida.
The Auto Train offers rail transportation for passengers and their personal vehicles between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.) and Sanford, Florida, near Orlando.
Passengers are allowed to take their automobile, small van, light duty truck, or motorcycle when they travel north or south.
Wide coach seats or private first-class sleeping compartments and dining cars and meals are offered.
Reservations required. See your travel agent, call 1-800-USA-RAIL, 1-877-SKIP-I-95, or visit tickets.amtrak.com for reservations and fare information.
In conclusion, whatever mode of transportation you need, be it for personal or for business, Melbourne is in a great location and has the transportation options.

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
E-mail

www.brevardsbestagent.com

About Brevard County Florida weather

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:28:52 -0700

About Brevard County weather

You can lay in the sun on 33 miles of beaches at least 300 days a year.
True, it rains at least a little 115 days of the year, but most of the county's average annual rainfall of 50.2 inches falls on sultry, mostly sunny summer afternoons--just in time to cool the air and freshen the spirits. A balmy 73 degrees Fahrenheit is the average year-round temperature. In January, the temperature averages 62 degrees, in August 81.5 degrees.

For more specific information regarding weather, wind, rain as it applies to each month go to the following site.
http://www.city-data.com/city/Melbourne-Florida.html

Another nice thing about the climate here is that it does cool off at night as compared to the more Southern parts of Florida. In Melbourne for example, we see a 20 degree drop day to night whereas in the Keys it averages 10 degrees.
All in all the weather here is great.

To see average January temperatures across the United States go to http://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/thematic-maps/usa-temprature-january.html

Compare these to Melbourne.
Remember we spend the majority of our life indoors…sleeping and working. So when we are off, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to spend it outside in nice weather!

More about Hurricanes:

I moved to Melbourne Florida (central east coast) partly because the area NEVER got hurricanes (and in fact the whole northeast and central Florida coast is in a geographical bight that in fact does not get hit, but Melbourne is on the cusp, a bit south).

In fact, Lots of people have moved here from other parts of Florida in part because there aren’t many weather dangers here. True, we DID have a couple of hurricanes in 2004, but it had been decades before that.
Moreover, if you lived inland just a few miles that summer of 2004, because of the buffer of the long barrier island and the wide ICW/Indian River Lagoon, the net effects of the hurricanes were pretty mild.

In any case, the likelihood per the historical record of that happening again remains very low. The reality is that the weather on both Florida’s east and west coast is great, and you really don’t have to worry yourself through hurricane season, like folks perhaps do in some other parts of Florida (the Keys, the north coast of the Gulf of Mexico).
Bottom line? I would be remiss if I did not tell you that hurricanes are a potential fact of life. But what I’ve outlined above underscores the reality that the very occasional occurrence is the exception, absolutely not the summertime rule.

More Info and observations:

Despite four devastating hurricanes in 2004, the number of Florida visitors rose 7% to an all-time high of 79.8 million last year and is on target to hit 80 million this year. Florida tourism generates about $57 billion annually and employs 912,700.
If you live on the coast you stand the greatest chance of having one affect you. Some areas of Florida have gone fifty years plus without one but you never know.
As a resident having lived in the Keys and now in central Florida I’ve been through them.
In my opinion, the best thing you can do is buy a home that was built after Andrew-August 92 that was built to stricter building codes. Have window protection and a backup generator and make sure your insurance is up to date. If they ask you to leave, do it!
Realize-If you live in an older home that was not built up to the stricter building codes (After Hurricane Andrew-August 1992) or you live in a mobile home you stand the best chance of having major structural damage.
Living on the beach in a mobile home is asking for it. Although, you may never have a problem, you’re still definitely taking your chances. Barrier islands and open-water beaches are the most prone to damage.
Having lived in California, I prefer the threat of a hurricane however as opposed to an earthquake. At least you have a warning.
For current information about hurricanes go to http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
For 2005 climate info by areas go to http://www.coaps.fsu.edu/climate_center/LCD/2005LCD.html
For current weather forecasts by cities go to http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/fl/fl.html
*Living in a waterfront home typically means that you will pay a higher Insurance premium. The insurance is higher due to flood and wind concerns.
Part of this is also because the pricing on these homes is higher so there is more value to insure against.
Having said all this, I can’t imagine living elsewhere. It is really great to wake up and it’s sunny out.

We spend over half our lives indoors…so when you do go outside, wouldn’t it be nice if it was warm and sunny?

To see average January temperatures across the United States go to http://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/thematic-maps/usa-temprature-january.html

We spend over half our lives indoors…so when you do go outside, wouldn’t it be nice if it was warm and sunny?

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
E-mail

www.brevardsbestagent.com

Titusville Gated Community 3/2 home just $159,900

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:25:53 -0700

Great Gated Community close proximity to the Cape & 30 minutes or less to Orlando. Solid Poured Concrete with 10 year structural warranty, R-30 ceiling Insulation, gas heat, 12 seer A/C system, screened porch, sprinkler system-reclaimed water.This was the Model Home for builder & has never been lived in. Great Community pool & clubhouse, Rv & boat storage available. Lawn service & spraying included in HOA fee. $282.50 per quarter. Fantastic Location.

$159,900

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
E-mail

www.brevardsbestagent.com

Grant Fl home with 100' direct river frontage and owner Financing

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:21:57 -0700

***OWNER FINANCING!*** Great opportunity to own a wonderful home with 100' direct river frontage w/covered boat dock & slip; holds 9000 lbs, elec. and water. Panaramic views of the Indian River;superior cabinetry, wood flooring, fireplace, spacious rooms w/walk-in closets & jetted tub & separate shower! Cool back yard with pavered back porch. Exterior just painted 6-28-09. Don't miss this opportunity to own waterfront property at todays prices.Non-stop gorgeous views 24/7

$380,000

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
E-mail

www.brevardsbestagent.com

Melbourne fl townhome short sale

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:54:40 -0700

This Property is a short sale. Centrally Located Townhome in Cypress Springs Condo. This 3bedroom 2 Bath offers Master bedroom on the first Floor. Master Bath has His & Her Sinks as well as Large Walkin Closet.2nd & 3rd Bedrooms are Upstairs. Quiet community central location close to Shopping & Schools . Association Fees includes cable, water, insurance, pool, landscape maintenance & rec/fitness area. This unit is move in Ready and we have a team Dedicated to moving the process quickly

MELBOURNE, FL 32901
Offered at:
$62,500

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
E-mail

www.brevardsbestagent.com

Buying a waterfront home

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:50:49 -0700

Buying a waterfront home

Things to consider when buying any waterfront vacation home.

First off, congratulations at looking toIndian River County for a possible permanent or vacation home. The good news about Brevard countyfrom an investment angle are:

There is only so much waterfront or Coastal property available.
Indian River county has strict environmental laws that affect building permits. This means there are only so many homes and always will be a limited number of homes here.

Is there a view?
Views really do matter. An unobstructed Ocean view adds as much as 60% to the value of a home per the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics. Proximity to Golf courses or a park can add as much as 20% to a homes value. This is per an article by a much published author named Soren Anderson, a writer from Manchester College.

Consider the recreational activities…
The What and the When.
For example in a Ski resort area, your options are limited due to weather considerations and the total amount of activities available is definitely less.
*InBrevard County, about the only thing you cannot do year round are mountain climbing and white water rafting.

Boating access and controlling depth
Is there direct boating access on the property? If so, how large a boat can you have behind the home? This is determined by what we in the Keys call controlling draft or depth. For example: If a boat is under 30ft in most cases 3 ft draft is OK. Draft means...what is the lowest water depth you have to go through to get to open or deep water.If you have a sailboat or 50 ft boat you will need deeper draft such as 5ft.
Now ..obviously if you have a 50 ft sailboat behind your home, the canals or waterways have to provide you with turn-around room.
If the access is deep draft, then expect prices to go up. If there is no water access at the home or the draft is for kayaks only, in most cases expect a drop in price.
If there is no direct water access...how far is the nearest boat ramp or is there a boat slip available? If so, is it included and what is the draft out of the boat slip.
So the boating issue has a very direct effect on pricing here. Neighborhoods with bigger canals and deep draft boating are generally home to the Million dollar and plus homes.

Nearby Medical and shopping options
These are very important considerations. If there is an accident, how far away is a hospital?

If you need groceries or restaurants, what is nearby?
Oftentimes vacation properties can be secluded and don’t offer easy access to the above. At first being remote can seem as desirable, but in the end it can grow old quickly.
This also affects home values by the way. If you can have the vacation feel and recreation, yet have amenities nearby, the prices go up.

How much room do you need?
If you own a home with nearby recreation and sightseeing, expect people to come out of the woodwork. Everyone will be your friend. Larger homes, with more bedrooms, a 3/2 and up always rent better. So if you can, get a home with extra space.

Type of Construction or is it built to last.
The age of the home will determine the building code that it was built to. In the Keys newer homes have to be built to strict specs as to wind handling characteristics.
Also, look for low maintenance homes.

Finding renters
Does the home have good rental potential and is there local rental management available?
This is a very important consideration, both for long term and short term vacation rentals.
Remember, even if you don’t want to rent, this can be an important consideration for a future buyer or if your situation changes.

Home maintenance.
Are there nearby electricians, plumbers, appliance stores and general contractors.
If anything does happen, the prices to have things repaired or replaced will be less if there is competition and service people are nearby.
Check with the REALTOR you are talking with to get a Vendor list of who the Real Estate company uses to service their rentals and offices.

Rules and Regulations
Make sure you are clear on and have copies of any deed restrictions or condo docs as to what is allowed and what is not. Too many rules can be appetizing for some but a turnoff for future buyers. For example if you have children who will want to use the property in the future as a college break, lots of communities can prohibit it.

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
E-mail

www.brevardsbestagent.com

Florida Homestead exemption

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:48:15 -0700

Homestead exemption

New 2008 property tax Reforms:
In a January 2008 ballot measure, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment that introduced several changes to our state's property tax system. The four changes may affect the amount of tax you owe:
Increased Homestead Exemption: If you're currently receiving a $25,000 homestead exemption on your property taxes, you will automatically be upgraded to a $50,000 exemption this year. If you are a homeowner and do not currently receive the exemption, you may file your application in person along with a $15 late fee, through mid-September.
Save Our Homes Portability Cap: You may now trasfer up to $500,000 of your property tax cap to a new home when you move. To take advantage of this benefit, you must file a Homestead Exemption and Portability Application.

Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption: If you're required to file a Tangible Personal Property Tax Return, you're entitled to a $25,000 exemption on business equipment.
Non-Homestead Cap: Beginning next year, those properties not eligible for a homestead exemption may apply to receive a 10% cap on property tax increases.

Homestead Exemption Overview:
FILING PERIOD JANUARY 1 – MARCH 1
Florida law requires that application be made by March 1st to be eligible for the $25,000 Homestead Exemption. Only new applicants or those who had a change of residence need apply. Automatic renewals are mailed in January each year.

In Florida, $25,000 of the assessed value of your home is exempt from real estate taxes, but you have to meet certain criteria to be eligible for the exemption. First you much have the title or record to your property as of January 1, and reside on the property. You have to be a legal and permanent resident of Florida as of January 1. When applying for the exemption status, bring along a copy of your deed or tax bill, and a Florida county voters registration or Declaration of Domicile. If you drive, you must also bring your Florida driver's license and automobile registration. New applications must be submitted in person at the appraiser's office, but renewals may be done by mail. For further information, consult the County Property Appraiser's Office.

Real Estate Taxes

All residents are subject to county taxes, but each city or special district levies taxes within its boundaries. City, special-district, and county taxes are combined in one tax bill. Real estate taxes are assessed as of January 1 each year. They are due and payable on November 1 and become delinquent if not paid before April 1 of the following year. Florida law holds the taxpayer responsible for receiving and paying tax bills in full. For additional information contact the County Property Appraiser's Office.

Establishing Residency

To establish residency, you may register to vote or file a Declaration of Domicile, which is an affidavit available at the CountyCourthouse. Filing one copy with the Circuit Court provides a record of your intention to make Florida your home. Simply moving to the State does not guarantee legal residency. For more information contact the County's Clerk of Circuit Court.

What is Homestead Exemption?
Florida Law entitles every person, who has legal or equitable title to real estate and maintains it as his/her permanent residence, to apply for a $25,000 homestead property tax exemption. A partial exemption may apply if the ownership of the applicant is less than 100%.

Am I eligible to file?
You must meet the following requirements as of January 1st:

Have legal or beneficial title to the property, recorded in the Official Records of County
Residency on the property
Be a permanent resident of the State of Florida
Be a United States citizen or possess a Permanent Residence Card (green card)

When do I file?
The deadline to file an application for exemption is March 1st. Under Florida law, failure to file for any exemption by March 1st constitutes a waiver of the exemption privilege for the year.
Regular filing is January 2nd - March 1st.
Pre-filing for the coming year is March 2nd - December 31st.

How do I file?
Take copies of the required documentation to your Exemption Department:Generally at the County or City Court House

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
E-mail

www.brevardsbestagent.com

Real Estate inspections--what to expect

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:46:16 -0700

Inspections.

Home inspections and what they should cover
Siding: Look for dents or buckling
Foundations: Look for cracks or water seepage
Exterior Brick: Look for cracked bricks or mortar pulling away from bricks
Insulation: Look for condition, adequate rating for climate (the higher the R value, the more effective the insulation is)
Doors and Windows: Look for loose or tight fits, condition of locks, condition of weatherstripping
Roof: Look for age, conditions of flashing, pooling water, buckled shingles, or loose gutters and downspouts
Ceilings, walls, and moldings. Look for loose pieces, dry wall that is pulling away.
Porch/Deck: Loose railings or step, rot
Electrical: Look for condition of fuse box/circuit breakers, number of outlets in each room.
Plumbing: Look for poor water pressure, banging pipes, rust spots or corrosion that indicate leaks, sufficient insulation
Water Heater: Look for age, size adequate for house, speed of recovery, energy rating.
Furnace/Air Conditioning: Look for age, energy rating. Furnaces are rated by annual fuel utilization efficiency; the higher the rating, the lower your fuel costs. However, other factors such as payback period and other operating costs, such as electricity to operate motors.
Garage: Look for exterior in good repair; condition of floor—cracks, stains, etc.; condition of door mechanism.
Basement: Look for water leakage, musty smell.
Attic: Look for adequate ventilation, water leaks from roof.
Septic Tanks (if applicable): Adequate absorption field capacity for the percolation rate in your area and the size of your family.
Driveways/Sidewalks: Look for cracks, heaving pavement, crumbling near edges, stains.
www.REALTOR.org/realtormag Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® . Copyright 2003. All rights reserved

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
E-mail

www.brevardsbestagent.com

Titusville Building Lots for sale

Susan Engle (Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:20:44 -0700

Plantation Oaks in Titusville. 38 Lots
50 X 125. Plantation Oaks is a gated community featuring a beautiful Clubhouse and pool, sidewalks and several lakes. Lawn Service included. Located just 30 minutes from Orlando, 20 minutes to Playalinda Beach, 2 minutes to shopping and an assortment of restaurants. Enjoy watching the Shuttle Launches from your own yard. Builders only. $30,000.00 each.

Susan R. Engle
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt
907 US Highway 192
Melbourne, FL 32901
Direct: (321) 951-3300
Cell: (321) 543-8172
Fax: (321) 951-3080
E-mail