Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO's Blog

Ormond Beach Florida-Living in Paradise!!

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:53:57 -0700

Do you want to wake up every morning and be able to enjoy this, or maybe just a stroll on the beach? How about having your morning coffee on your balcony overlooking this view. Ormond Beach is a great place to live! Watch the sunrise over the Atlantic, and the sunset from one of many river front docks overlooking the Halifax River, part of the Inter Coastal waterway.

I think that this is one of the nicest areas, most beautiful areas in Florida. We are still a small town, but only a short drive to Daytona, and about an hour or so to Orlando and the Mouse house. We have the best of both worlds. We live in an area where you get to know your neighbors, and enjoy a peaceful traffic free beach. But if you enjoy the night life and attractions you can go for the day and then come home to your little piece of heaven.

Whether you enjoy participating in water sports or just watching while you enjoy relaxing on the beach this is the place to be. There's not many days a year that you can't enjoy the beach, even if it's just for a walk. Do you like fishing? Well you can fish just about anywhere for anything. You can throw a line in while you spend the day on the beach, or fish from a dock or bridge in the Halifax. If you have a boat your options are endless.

We have wonderful Winters, we get a little cold weather for a day or two, and then it's back to 70 degrees or so. The Winter is a great time to spend a day at a theme park, the cooler temperatures make the day much more enjoyable.

How could you not love this?

This is a picture of the Halifax river at sunset. We get to see these spectacular sights everyday. Do you ever get the opportunity to see manatees, otters, blue herons, egrets, whales, dolphins, seagulls, gators, deer, and maybe even a sea turtle? You can here. A few years ago my son and I had an otter cross the street in front of our car going from one canal to another while we were driving through the loop. The loop is a twenty-six mile circle (loop), and about half of it is the essence of old Florida. The wildlife is amazing, and you are just minutes from your home.

Well, I hope this made you want to come and see what Ormond Beach is all about!!

Memorial Day is really Memory Day!!!

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Sun, 25 May 2008 11:25:20 -0700

Lets All Remember Those Who Gave Their All!!

The Arizona Memorial

My husband and I were very blessed to be able to go to Honolulu a few years ago, and while we were there we when to Pearl Harbor. I was raised to know what Memorial Day stands for, but after visiting the Arizona Memorial I have a whole new perspective about this day, this day that was intended for us to remember and honor those that gave their ALL for us. So we can live in a country were we have freedoms that we don't even think about, that we often abuse and don't appreciate, and almost always take for granted.

Arlington National Cemetery

I think back to those who fought for our freedom from; England, France, Spain, and then the freedom for all Americans during the Civil War, for all the lives that were lost during two World Wars, two wars that were never declared war, but were called conflicts Korea and Vietnam, the first war with Iraq, and now another war with Iraq, and Afghanistan. I wouldn't begin to know how many have died through all these wars, and how many more will. But I do know one thing that they died for one reason they believed that freedom isn't free. It costs more than gas, than food, or anything else you can put a dollar sign on.

Twin Towers

Our freedom should be cherished; everyday even when we want to point fingers and complain, (and I'm not saying that we don't have things to complain about) but we should stop and decide what is really important. My mom used to say "If it won't matter a year from now, it is probably not that important." With the economy slow, gas prices ridiculously high, our dollar weak, a president, I won't go there, and candidates that are, well I won't go there either. We still have the best country in the world, a country worth fighting for. We should all be praying for our country and our leaders, even if we don't like their policies.

When I think of America, I think of Americans; not Italian Americans, or African Americans or Irish American... just Americans. Unless you are an American born Indian your ancestry came from somewhere else. The thing that has always made us a strong country was our unity! I fear we are losing that, I fear we are becoming the rich and the poor, the domestic and the foreign, those that think they should be able to do whatever they want to with no accountability, and those with no compassion.

I hope this Memorial Day we all stop and thank a veteran, pray for the families that have lost a veteran, and pray for our wonderful country. Pray that we become united and strong in purpose, that we know how blessed we really are and we appreciate our freedoms. I hope everyone will take a moment from your day and remember those that gave their ALL!!!!!

Mortgages????????????

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:25:22 -0700

Are you having a hard time getting your contracts to close? The mortgage industry has lost it's mind! Just kidding, they have just made our jobs a lot more difficult. Jeez, we have to earn our commissions, but first you have to understand the changes in mortgages. There have been so many changes in the last couple of months it is next to impossible for mortgage brokers to keep up. With that being the case imagine how hard it is for the rest of us.

If you are selling real estate I honestly feel you have to get a grip on all the changes in order to really be of help to your customers. I am working with Realtors that don't have a clue about what has happened, and the changes that have taken place. Like the term "declining market", and what that means to buyers and sellers. Do you know what has happened, and how to explain to your customers what it means to the sale of their home, or the purchase of one? If you don't then you need to learn, go ask a reputable mortgage broker someone you trust, and have used in the past. They won't mind telling you the criteria for obtaining a loan, and if they do then you probably need to take your business elsewhere.

I know it is hard to keep up with all the changes in our line of work, but it is really important that we all take the time to be informed. To make sure our information is correct and up to date, whether it's an FHA, VA, or conventional loan we need to at least understand how they work.

We're Almost at the End of January!!!

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:07:46 -0800

2007 is over and we're almost at the end of January. I think this is going to be a very good year!!! I have started it off on the right foot, with the right attitude. How about you? I talk to so many realtors who are still hanging on last years business. They are still thinking it will come back if I sit in the office and wait. I think it is time to develop new skills, new attitudes, and new techniques for 2008. I really think last year was the time, but it is never too late.

If you didn't make the sales last year that you needed to, and you are still doing business the same way this year, what makes you thing anything is going to change? You really better get moving or your going to miss out on some wonderful experiences. You need to be prepared to work hard for your money, the days of just letting your business run itself has been over for a long time. If you aren't ready to put in the time, effort, and money maybe you should look into a new career.

I am meeting wonderful people who now have a lot of financial problems because of a real estate market that took advantage of everything. Mortgage companies gave loans to people they knew couldn't make the payments. People bought homes they knew (deep down inside) they couldn't afford. Realtors had a false sense of security. Money was spent as if it were free, greed took over, and now there is a world of hurt. It is going to take a long time for the real estate market to recover.

So to all the Realtors who think business is just going to jump in your lap, and predict that everything is going to turn around in a year needs to think again. If your not willing to put in the hours, to acquire the training, to spend the money, and to work harder and kinder than you ever have in the past. You aren't going to make it. I really am trying to be helpful, but there are some of you out there who need to be done. Stop complaining and start changing. It is going to be a great!!

Ormond Beach Rich With History!

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:01:42 -0700

I know History is boring to some, we remember from High School all the dates we had to memorize just to past the test. Now that I don't have to remember the dates I find History interesting and exciting. I have a friend and customer who was born and raised here. When I say here I mean she was born in Holly Hill, because Ormond (Beachside) was nothing but palms, underbrush, snakes, gators, and mosquitoes when she was a baby. She was a teenager during World War II and I could listen to her stories for hours.

This is the Marker on A1A at the Watch Tower

I have lived here for over 33 years, and there is so much I didn't know about our wonderful area! Some of what I am writing I can substantiate, and some I can't so you can make up your own minds as to the validity of it all. We all know the long strip of land from Mantanza to Ponce Inlet is called a Peninsula, and a Peninsula is surrounded by water on three sides. Well the truth is we are an Island, surrounded by water on four sides. According to my friend that is because during World War II Mantanza was dredged so our Coast Guard could get some of the ships they were building in Ponce Inlet out to sea by two Inlets. This was to confuse the German U-Boats that sat off our shore and sunk most of the boats as they left Ponce Inlet. After dredging Mantanza the Germans had to watch two Inlets instead of one so more of our boats made it out.

This is one of only two Watch Towers left from World War II. Teenage boys spent shifts watching for German U-Boats. This tower was restored about 3 years ago, and is located in Ormond By the Sea.

Convoys of Army trucks used Rt 1 as there only means to transport food, medical supplies, weapons, and other supplies to our soldiers here in Florida. My friend told me of days when she couldn't cross Ridgewood Ave to go to school. She and her friends had to wait at least two hours and if they still couldn't get across, because of the convoys then they could go back home for the day.

As teens there wasn't much to do as far as entertainment went, but there was a bowling alley on the boardwalk in Daytona Beach. It was opened on Fridays nights, and of course they were under blackout conditions for most of the war (especially on the beach). They entered the bowling alley through the first door which had the glass painted black. The entrance had no lighting, when they had the door completely closed then they would go through black out drapes that hung floor to ceiling. Then they had to make sure they were closed with no light peering through before the next people could enter the building. She said once inside they would have a wonderful time and not think about the war.

This is a picture of a German U-Boat in the Atlantic. Unterseeboot is German for (undersea boat) and that's why they are called U-Boats. This was taken from www.uboatsaces.com

With a little looking and investigating there is so much to see and explore right here in Ormond Beach and the surrounding area. There are Sugar Mill ruins, Forts, gorgeous gardens, Museums, restaurants, and so much more. What a great place to live!!

It's Been a Long Time!

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 17:49:58 -0700

I haven't written a blog in several months. I have many excuses, but none worth telling. I have to be honest I have been working very hard to make a living in this real estate market. I can't complain the year could have been a lot worse, and it could have been a lot better. I know there are a lot of agents who can't say the same. I have been very fortunate to have been able to keep my head above water, but it hasn't been easy.

I hear a lot of complaining, and very negative things from fellow agents about how terrible things are. I am not discounting that, for many things are terrible. We are almost at the end of this year, and now is the time to take a hard look at how we did business. How did we deal with our customers when they wanted to list their homes with price tags that we as professionals knew would never sell? How did we spend our marketing dollars? Did we spend them to please our sellers, or did we spend were we (as professionals) knew they would have the biggest impact? Are we still sitting open houses in areas that we know don't do any good? Are we telling people what they want to hear instead of the truth, no matter how hard it may be?

I know I have changed the way I do business right down to telling sellers NO! I turned down a listing yesterday, because I knew I could not sell the house for the money the owner wanted, and I told her that. I also told her I could give her the names of a 100 Realtors that would list it for her at that price (but it still wouldn't sell). My advise to her was to not put it on the market unless she absolutely had to, and if she did she needed to realize what it's value is. She told me she appreciated my honesty, and I had been very nice about the whole thing too. I think when the time is right she will call me back, we'll see.

I have also spent a lot of my marketing dollars on me this year. By that I mean my business, I have gotten as much education as time and money would allow. I know that things are going to get better and when they do I want to be ready!! Things are changing as I am writing this, interest rates are down 1/2 of a percent. I'm ready how about you??

Happy Mother's Day!

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Sun, 13 May 2007 09:35:32 -0700

I just want to wish all the moms, grandmas, aunts, sisters, and all the woman who have a positive role in the life of a child a Happy Mother's Day. You are such blessings to those you influence and love. Your job is long,relentless, painful, stressful, but most of all wonderful. Enjoy...

Investor Alert!

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Wed, 09 May 2007 15:02:34 -0700

This Ormond By-the-Sea home is in move in condition, and priced to sell! 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, Florida room, new well pump, sod, and furniture make this something you can't pass up. Only $148,000 Call Donna Dosch 386-235-3385 or visit www.DonnaDosch.com for more information.

I've Been Memed!

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Sun, 06 May 2007 12:51:51 -0700

First let me apologize to Anna for taking so long to do this, I am sorry!

1). OK, here is something you probably wouldn't know about me. I find it very hard to talk about myself. That is why it took me so long to do this (not very juicy, but true).

2) Lets see I was raised in Virginia and consider myself a southerner, but the truth be known I was born in Long Island, New York. I moved to Woodstock, Va when I was three, so I think I can be considered a Southerner. Please!!

3) I have worn many hats in the work world, (I get bored easily) I was food and beverage manager when I was 23 for the Sheraton in Ormond Beach. I also opened and managed a shoe store for the Knepper's called "Happy Foot" in Daytona Beach near the Volusia Mall. That was an interesting job, and they were and are good friends, and great people to work for. My husband owned a garage (auto repair) for almost 30 years here in Ormond By-the-Sea, he retired last year. I worked with him for 7 years at the shop. Pretty amazing really we were together 24/7 for 7 years and still like each other! Then about 2.5 years ago I got my real estate license, and joined Century 21 Sundance Realty. About 6 months ago I got my brokers licence and became a broker associate, and a couple of weeks ago I got my e-PRO. That brings us up to date.

4) I home-schooled my kids for 8 years too. Those were some of the best years. We made lots of memories, and did lots of work. My kids got a lot of opportunities they would not have had in regular school. The met Jeb Bush and got to speak with him when he ran for Governor the first time and lost to Lawton Chiles.

5) We always have a Christmas Eve open house and in 2004 my best friend booked a trip to Hawaii from my computer on Christmas Eve. She is from Oahu so my husband and her put their heads together and we left the day after Christmas for Honolulu. We stayed at the Sheraton Moana Hotel in Waikiki Beach for a week. 2004 had been a very tough year for us and this was the perfect vacation. Oh yea, we paid for it.

Well nothing juicy, but I'm happy and I really enjoy selling real estate, and being a part of Century 21 Sundance it's a great company with some really wonderful people in it.

Staying on Top

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Fri, 04 May 2007 07:19:36 -0700

The one thing that always stays the same in the real estate business is it's never dull or boring! Every transaction is different. I honestly learn something new everyday. You really have to stay on top of learning curve to make in this business. I don't think you can ever have enough education or experience in real estate. I am learning to be more organized (this has not been one of my strongest areas in the past). I am spending a lot more of my marketing dollars on education and organization. I know some people think this money shouldn't be called marketing money, but the end results are priceless.

I know there really has been a dry spell for a while, and it so easy to become down, lax, and even lazy when business has been slow. Now is the time to hon those skills and learn new ones if you want to stay on top. I am getting a lot more activity on my web-site, and they are leaving more information to get in touch and have an open line of communication. Sometimes it is very easy to feel overwhelmed by it all, but there are ways to keep it all in check. Talk to other agents ask them what software they use, or what piece of technology gets the most bang for the buck. Most people are happy to help or give advice. Do your homework it will pay off in the end, but be patient all good things are worth waiting for.

We are in a wonderful business and have the opportunity to meet and become friends with many people. People who start out as customers and become much more. I have very blessed to meet so many wonderful people, and develop friendships that will last for years to come. So take the time now to bulid relationships and you will reap the benifits in the future!!!

Life Is Good!!!!!

Happy Easter!

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 19:50:05 -0700

Tomorrow is the most special day, Easter day. What a blessing it is to know that such a sacrifice was made for us, all of us. It doesn't matter who you are or where you came from Jesus died for you, so that you would not know death. It is my pray that everyone has Jesus in their heart, and that all of us give thanks for the blessings God has given us. God Bless and have a wonderful Easter!!

When Buying a New Lap Top

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 20:08:27 -0700

Be careful when purchasing a new laptop to use as a wireless device with an air card. There is no technology yet for Vista, it was suppose to be ready last November and now it is projected to be ready by April 1, 2007. There are a few good deals out there for laptops that run XP, and you can connect them with an air card. Personally I prefer XP it is as good as Vista without all the snags that Vista is having and will continue to have for quite some time. I want this laptop to use as a "mobile office" for listing presentations and for buyers when showing property. Cingular, Sprint and the rest of the cellular companies seem to be scrambling to get up to speed with the new technology, and you probably won't be told of the problems by the store were you go to purchase the computer. There are also now 2 size ports for your wireless cards, the new devices that use the smaller port is pretty useless too, the cell companies do not have cards for it yet either. So beware when purchasing new equipment you might not be able to use it for what you planned!

Technology

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 22:03:32 -0700

What a mystery it is. We have a wonderful trainer in our real estate office, Midori Miller. She works in all three of Century 21 Sundance Realty offices (everyone from the Sundance team needs to remember to thank Nancy for Midori), there are times we almost pull her apart. She has a wonderful knowledge of technology, and an even better way with people. I don't think there is a person in any of our offices that has not benefited from her in one way or another. Those of us that didn't have a clue about computers are now somewhat literate, those of us that knew a little are now quite knowledgeable.

We all have web sites (which would not have happened if it weren't for Midori), and we can manipulate most of the sites that allow us to advertise our listings. I personally what to thank her for all her help, and hand holding. I know it must be tough sometimes to needed by so many needing people, but she does a great job. Thanks Midori!!!

Spring-What a wonderful time of the year!

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 19:49:26 -0700

Here in Ormond By-the-Sea Florida the weather is gorgeous, the temperatures are perfect, the flowers are growing, and real estate is keeping me busy. What a great time of the year. We should all be in our yards planting flowers, and making everything fresh and tidy. I love seeing the trees getting their new, very vivid green leaves, and color popping up everywhere. We are so blessed to live in such a wonderful place. We don't shovel snow, we really only buy winter clothes because it is fun to wear sweaters and long pants for a change. We have so many historical sights, beautiful gardens, and museums to see and, we get to use the theme parks when it is convenient and the prices are lower. Our vacations usually take us to the mountains to get away from our year round vacation homes. Life is good and we all need to appreciate it. Have a great Spring and enjoy how fortunate you really are!!!

Business Seems to be Getting Better!

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 20:01:03 -0800

Am I imaging it, or is real estate really picking up, at least a little? Business seems to be getting better, no it really is getting better. We must keep in mind the word "getting". We are in the middle of bike week here in the Daytona Beach area and I know that is part of it, but I am hearing from buyers in other parts of the country, and other counties. Wow, buyers! I love it and need it.

Tallahassee is attempting to do something with our out of line property taxes, (just lowering the millage would obviously be too simple). They are also trying to lower insurance rates. Hopefully this will help stabilize the market for the long term, but for the moment I am just going to enjoy this bit of relief.

Sellers don't you really want to sell your homes?

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 21:28:47 -0800

Here in Florida we enjoyed a wonderful sellers market, but times have changed and so did the market. I think it is very unfortunate that most sellers can't accept that the value of their home is lower than it was in 2005. In many instances much lower. It is a challenge to make homeowners who want, or need to sell their homes, understand that in order do that, in a reasonable period of time they are going to have to lower their prices. We are starting to see more buyers now, and if your home is priced too high you are really going to loose the opportunity to sell!!

When you first list your home it is very important to price it correctly. A new listing gets a lot of attention when it first comes out, and if the price is right then you will see offers come in. The logic that we can lower it later is bad logic. When you list too high you loose your footing right from the beginning. In a buyers market their is a lot of inventory, (that's why it's a buyer market). If a buyer has 200 homes to choose from they will inevitably look at the largest for lowest price. That's just human nature. Sellers do YOURSELVES a favor and listen to your listing agent. Price is the biggest part of the selling equation, so get it right the first time!!!!

Do you think sales will get better?

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 20:27:44 -0800

I think we are hearing mixed reviews on what the real estate market is going to do in the near future. I know there is talk that interest rates should hold steady at least until Fall and that the market should pick up this year and get even better in the Fall. I think here in Florida that may very well be true. What is going on in other parts of the country? How bad is it in certain state and how good is it in others. When we hear the news they give us a general over-all view as though the whole country is a like a cookie cutter and we all do the same thing. I think we all know that is not true. Some parts of the country always does better or worse than others for some reason.

I would like to hear from other realtor's in other states; where do you think your market is headed. Is this year going to be better than last year? Is it better or worse already? I am curious to know when your best selling seasons are. It would be interesting to know if your sellers are leaving the area for warmer climates, or maybe better jobs... I know a lot of long term residents of Florida are moving to the North, as in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia etc... I look forward to hearing from agents in other states.

What is the Law on PMI?

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 19:23:35 -0800

As of July 1999 lenders are required by Federal Law to cancel Private Mortgage Insurance once the loan goes below 78% of the original loan amount and the borrowers have a good payment history. If one of your customers has a loan made after July of 1999 the borrower has the right to cancel their PMI once their homes equity reaches 20%. I have been made aware of a situation were the lender said the PMI was for 5 years regardless of the homes equity. This loan was an FHA loan and the home was purchased in 2005. The PMI payment is lower now than it was when the home was first bought.

If there is anyone out there who has more knowledge about the law and PMI I would love to hear from you. My customer is in a quandary as to what to do, and I don't feel comfortable giving him advice on a matter that I am not totally clear about. So if you can help I would appreciate it. Thanks!!!

Open houses, a good marketing tool or not?

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 19:13:33 -0800

Open houses have become an issue with one of my listings. I have very mixed opinions about them, a couple of years ago I think the may have been a better tool than they are today, the reason I say that is, there weren't as many homes on the market (Ormond Beach Florida) and we had a lot of buyers. Now on an average weekend you can see as many as 20 or more open house signs all within a few blocks of each other. Sometimes there will be 2 or 3 on one corner. It begins to look and feel very desperate to me. I would love to know if open houses work in other areas.

Broker Opens are also something that I don't feel are of much use today. You spend a lot of money on food and beverages, maybe even some kind of door prize, and you might if you are lucky get 2 or 3 others agents/brokers show up. Most offices have their fair share of listings so they really don't need to see yours. Am I wrong? What do you think?

Parenting the Only Job You Can't Quit!

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 19:35:15 -0800

I know this isn't about real estate, but it is probably something most of us can relate to. My mom used to say the "being a parent was the only job you can't quit", and boy was she right. My kids aren't kids anymore they are adults. Well age wise they are adults, I have 2 one of each kind. One of them is very responsible and does what he should most of the time. He makes you proud and grateful that at least one of your kids has some common sense. The other is my free spirit (we probably all have one of those), they keep life interesting, and they keep you on your toes. BUT they can be very draining and worrisome. They enjoy life almost too much. Sometimes they make you wish you had been more adventurous when you were their age and then they scare you half to death. When their lives fall apart they fall apart big. They never seem to have small problems, just large ones. I guess God gives us these kids to make our lives full, and to give us a reason to feel all the emotions He allows us to have.

For all of you who have a free spirit, love them lots, pray for them hard, laugh with them, cry with them, be mad enough to ring their necks, and then give thanks for them. Oh yea, give a thanks for the one you can always count on to help keep you sane too!!!

Now Probably is the Time to Buy: Looks Like Interest Rates Will Hold For a While

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 06:52:33 -0800

Now really may be the time to buy that new home or second home if Ben Bernanke the Federal Reserve Chairman predictions are correct. Home prices here in Ormond Beach and the Daytona area are definitely down as they are in many areas. Interest rates are still pretty low, and the economy is growing at a fairly steady rate. When you take all those factors into consideration the smartest thing to do might be taking advantage of the current market.

I know some people are waiting, because they think that the prices are going to continue to go down, that may be true in some areas, but on the coast there is just so much property. I feel prices are becoming stable. Sure you are still seeing homes that are overpriced for the times, but most of those homeowners paid too much for their homes to begin with or they are still wishing for the house fairy to make it a sellers market again.

I do think this buyers market will come to an end at some point in the not to distant future, but for the moment buyers you should take advantage of the situation. When we hear national statistics on how much home prices have declined I think we get a false picture of our local situation. I see prices down by 25% or more in most cases. The national average hasn't shown that to be the norm for the country as a whole.

So all of you up North who have been considering a move to Florida now might be the time to really give that some consideration. When you can pick up a 2 bedroom 1 bath beach-side home for around $150 to $180 depending on it's upgrades and condition, or a 3 bedroom, 2 bath for $250 to $300 some with pools or larger floor plans. If you compare those homes prices to 2005 when the smaller 2 bedroom, 1 bath homes were selling (in a very short period of time) for $235 to $285, and the larger 3 bedroom homes were well over $300 and up. These prices are really down and the selection is great. Call me or visit my web site I have hundreds of houses for you to see.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke signaled Wednesday that he is comfortable with current interest rates as long as inflation is moderate. The economic outlook for this year and next appears favorable," the Fed said, as the slowdown in the housing market is expected to diminish this year, while gains in real wages, along with employment gains, "should support a solid rise in consumer spending." He said it is "encouraging" that inflation expectations "appear to have remain contained" The Fed has kept interest rates steady at 5.25% since last summer, a stretch covering five Federal Open Market Committee meetings, and is widely expected to keep them steady at least through the middle of the year. According to an article in RisMedia on February 15, 2007

Ok Race Fans, How bad do you think "Mikey" was cheating?

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:53:41 -0800

Wow!! they are really getting nailed, and it sounds like they deserve it. Nascar is really holding firm to their rules and punishments on cheating. Mikey Waltrip has been running on his "Oh I'm cute" attitude for a long time, but I don't think it is going to make a bit of difference who he is or what he does he's not going to talk his way out of this one. Nascar just loaded his NAPA Toyota into their trailer and are going to tear it apart some-more in their own garage. I'm not taking bets, but I have a feeling if they find anything else wrong with that car Mikey might be the next one escorted from the Daytona International Speedway.

He lost 100 driver championship points and the team was fined $100,000. I guess letting Buffy be the car owner was suppose to be advantageous to their racing team and profits, but it looks like that has come back to bite them too. As car owner she has been penalized, she has lost 100 car owner championship points. It will be interesting to see all this play out. I doubt with a back-up car that does not even come close to the 500's criteria for areodynamic's, and that he hasn't even driven will make it into the race. That is even if the team can get it ready before the twin 150's tomorrow. We'll see.....

Sellers need to understand the value of their homes.

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 20:07:34 -0800

How frustrating is it to do a CMA and take it to a listing appointment and have the sellers think you are lying to them about what their home is worth. I truly wish that all houses were worth $100,000 more than they are. I also wish buyers didn't care what the market is doing, or what condition the house is in, or what year the house was built... but they do. Buyers educate themselves before they go shopping for a new home. They have the internet just like brokers do. They do a lot of investigating about the area they are interested in. They pride themselves in knowing the market before they purchase that new home.

There are thousands of homes for sale in almost every MLS, the competition is fierce, and as agents we need to educate our sellers. They need to understand how taxes and insurance works, what a mortgage payment will be. How much time and money it really does take to sell their home, especially when it is over priced. Unless we take the time to educate them and really know that they understand what we are talking about, we are doing our sellers an injustice. We are also doing ourselves an injustice (realtors), because the agents that do do an honest CMA, and are willing to take the time to educate their sellers are fighting an uphill battle. There are plenty of realtors willing to tell sellers just about anything in order to get the listing. When this happens there is no one to blame but yourself for having an unhappy customer who is now going to tell people how inept you are. Then they are going to list their home with another agent at the right price (after you have spent a lot of time and money) and the other agent will get it sold. So lets do ourselves a favor and all start doing what we should have been doing all along and tell our sellers the truth even if we don't get the listing.

Wow Only 2 Days!

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 21:02:30 -0800

I have been married so long that my husband and I exchanged Valentines cards and candy in a store the other day, laughed read the cards, said thank you and put it all back. If was fun and saved us at least $30 bucks lol. I have really been blessed for 31 years with a wonderful husband, I know that is very politically incorrect, but it is true. We don't need a day to be special to each other, that is what is normal and should be for all couples. It is very sad that marriages fall apart so easily today, no one is willing to tough it out. When your young it is easier to walk away than stay and make it work. Sometimes the fight is worth the making up!! I know we had our share early on, I call them the getting comfortable days (years), when both of you want your own way about everything. Those are the times that you forget what you vowed when you got married, the cherish, honor, respect, and love part. Those are the times that we are selfish and thoughtless, but if you stick it out the selfishness and thoughtlessness go away and you learn how to cherish, honor, respect and love each other.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Valentines Day!!!!!

To all Furture Florida Home Buyers

Donna Dosch, Broker Associate, CRS e-PRO (Century 21 Sundance Realty) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 20:43:59 -0800

I really feel now is the time to buy!! There are so many homes on the market for several reasons; some need to move back home to family because of age or health, some are of retirement age and want to cash out for a smaller home, but whatever the reason home prices are down and there's still a lot of negotiating room.

Florida real estate is bound to go back up in price. Just look at the winter you guys are having up North. Upstate New York has 11 feet (not inches) of snow. I have lived here too long I can hardly remember what a few inches of snow is like I can't imagine having to deal with 11 feet of it burrrrrr!!

If you have been considering buying a home in Florida don't procrastinate, this buyers market could turn it's self around to a sellers market faster than you think. There are a lot of projections about the real estate market some think it may take 2 or 3 years for Florida prices to make a big comeback, others are predicting that sales are going to pick up this year. I know I am seeing more buyers that I did last year.