Observations from a Viera Florida Realtor

Baytree Golf Course Home - $459,900

Wed, 07 May 2008 12:31:45 -0500

Absolutely wonderful home located on the 10th fairway of the gated Baytree National Golf Links in Melbourne, Florida - $459,900.

Conveniently located near great shopping, restaurants, beaches, Orlando (45 minutes), Viera recreational areas, great schools, and more! Custom built in 2000by Joyal Builders, this home features almost 2,200 square feet of living area under air conditioning, three bedrooms (plus an office), two baths, two-car garage and features all the touches you expect in a Baytree home!

Hurricane ready with electric shutters, even the screened porch has electric shutters, this home is move in ready! You will be impressed from the moment you pull into the circular driveway all the way to the spacious screened porch with golf course view.

Located only a few houses down the street from the community pool, playground, tennis courts and club house, this home offers the Florida golf course lifestyle you seek!

With a preservation area view across the street and the 10th fairway out back, you will enjoy your privacy on this .31 acre homesite. Inside you will find a split bedroom plan that has it all! With three sets of glass doors leading to the porch (from master bedroom, second bedroom and living room), the views are tremendous. Enjoy the view from the glass three-sided windows in the breakfast nook over looking the golf course!

The kitchen features white 42 inch cabinets with ornate molding, solid surface counters, plenty of pantry area and storage, and more. Lots of nice touches such as chair rails that adorn the great room and dining room, decorative molding over the kitchen cabinets, easy to maintain laminate flooring in kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms.

The master suite features his and her walk-in closets, a master bath with handicap accessible shower, dual vanities and separate water closet. This home was built so that you can access the laundry room from the master suite! This home promotes carefree living!

This home has it all...

All appliances including washer and gas dryer stay,
Tile roof
Sprinkler system,
Gated community, golf course living at its best!
Ceiling fans in most rooms,
Recessed lighting in kitchen and living room,
Plantation shutters throughout,
Built in cabinets in laundry room,
Triple sliding glass doors from living room to porch,
Solid surface counters in kitchen and bathrooms,
10 ft ceilings in living and dining rooms.

Offered for sale by Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. To view the MLS entry, please click here. For more information on this property, please contact me at agent@moving2brevard.com or by phone at 321-255-2600.

April 2008 Market Report for Viera, Suntree and Rockledge Florida

Fri, 02 May 2008 09:19:35 -0500

The April 2008 market report for the Viera, Suntree and Rockledge areas of Brevard County is provided in the table below. Data gathered from Melbourne Association of Realtors' web site.

Viera/Suntree/Rockledge	2008	2007
Single Family Units Sold	60	66
Average Selling Price	$292,642	$334,000
Average Days on Market	84	92
List-to-Sell Percentage	93%	95%

Additional April 2008 market reports:

Brevard County, FLorida , Ashwood Lakes(Rockledge), Auburn Lakes(Viera)

If you have specific questions regarding the Viera, Suntree or Rockledge market, please drop me an email to agent@moving2brevard.com or a contact me by phone at 321-255-2600. [By the way I am not going to make conclusions for the reader like the media does!]

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne Florida.

Brevard County Florida - a little something for everyone!

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 11:00:42 -0500

Brevard County - Florida's Space Coast - offers homeowners a lifestyle unmatched by other areas. OK, my Realtor friends in other areas may have a different opinion but they don't live here!

If you are looking for a 55+ community, look at what central Brevard County offers! Heritage Isle, what a place! A gated community with a 21,000 square foot club house facility, concierage services, lots of activities to support that active lifestyle. If you are retired and want an active lifestyle, check this place out! Lest I play favorites there are a couple other great 55+ communities including Grand Isle and Indian River Colony Club located in Viera as well.

If you are looking for a great place to raise your family with great schools and tremendous recreational opportunities, then Viera, Rockledge and Suntree is the place!

If you want to be on the beach or on the intracoastal waterways, look no further! With 70 miles of coast line, Brevard County offers wonderful beachside living!

If boating or sailing is your passion, the the Indian River offers offers it all including deep water access to the Atlantic Ocean! The nearby St. Johns River offers some great bass fishing!

Brevard County also offers some of the best year round golfing in the state. With Orlando International Airport only 40 minutes away, getting anywhere in the world from here is easy! Take a day trip over to Tampa (2 hours), Miami (3 hours), Disney World (1 hour). Take a cruise of of Port Canaveral, an inexpensive, nice little get away!

If you are considering a move to Brevard County, Florida, let me be your Realtor of Choice? I know the area. I know Florida....a full time real estate professional who is a Florida native, yep born in the Sunshine State! Please visit my "other blog" for more information on the local area. I proudly work with Century 21 Baytree Realty - one of the most respected real estate brokerages in the area! Brevard County, Florida - a little something for everyone!

New Construction in Heritage Isle - "THE" 55+ community Viera Florida

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 07:34:12 -0500

I put together a quick post yesterday on Heritage Isle, the 55+ community in Brevard County Florida. I tried to highlight the amenities the development offers its residents. Actually, it is not just amenities - It is a lifestyle!

As the post was getting too long I left out a couple of items I wanted to mention. Yes, the development is rather new. Yes, there are a lot of resales there with great offering prices. But there is also new construction properties available.

As a real estate agent I always make it a point to stop by the new home models with my clients. Some buyers prefer new, never lived in, homes. Sort of like buying a new car versus a slightly used car. Maybe it is that new house smell!

There are three builders actively constructing new properties in Heritage Isle. The prices range from the $100K's to about $300,000+. One of the builders, Tiffany Homes, is building patio/duplex type homes. These homes have a shared wall. Two other builders, Lennar Homes and Burgoon-Berger, are constructing new single family homes. I believe these are the same builders who built the re-sales.

If you are looking for a home in Heritage Isle in Viera Florida and would like information, please contact me. If you would like listings for re-sales, let me know. If you are considering a 55+ community in Florida, the Brevard County area deserves a look!

Heritage Isle - "THE" 55+ Community in Brevard County Florida

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:49:35 -0500

I have a buyer client coming in this weekend from Connecticut. At least I hope he makes it - I think he is flying American Airlines! He is coming to see 55+ communities in the Viera area.

He is also going to be looking at 55+ communities in the Vero Beach area which is 45 miles south of us. I did refer him to a real estate agent although I have confidence in he willlike our area.... But, you got to see the competition to know the great value Viera offers!

He will love our area! I am confident. I spent this afternoon re-familiarizing myself with the gated, 55+ community of Heritage Isle. What a great development!

No, it is not a development - it is a real community!

This community has it all! It is in the most popular area of Florida's Space Coast - Viera! It has an absolutely wonderful club houseand community facilities. There are structured activities..

The community pool is wonderful. In the club house I saw a "crafts" room. I saw a"Billiards room." I saw a few ballrooms. Actually I saw the band being set up for a variety show tonight. I saw a great dining room. I saw a fullltime staff person available to assist residents and guests!.. I saw---well, you must see the place, it is nice.

Even the tennis courts made me want to break out my racket. I have never played shuffleboard but it looked enticing. And the nearby Duran Golf Club and club house...I wish my game were better!

Nearby is some great shopping. The Washington Nationals' spring training home and home to the Brevard County Manatees' is a great ball park! The nearby health and medical facilities...easy access to I-95...only 40 minutes to Orlando...the beaches!

With the great prices being offered now, there is no reason why you should not consider Heritage Isle as your next residence if you are looking for great 55+ living along Florida's Space Coast!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne Florida.

Please read my blog at www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com .

Are you a "Seller" or "For Sale-r"?

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 07:51:11 -0600

Are you a seller or "For Sale-r"? I have had the fortune of speaking with folks who have had homes "listed" but have not sold. Thus, the listing has "expired." And I can truly say that every expired listing homeowner I have met with has been a "For Sale-r".

I believe folks who say they want to sell their homes fall into one of these two categories - "Seller" or "For Sale-rs". Both of these are different sides of the same coin.

What is the word I am thinking of? Oh, a dichotomy - two different, contradictory positions.

First of all, let me say that the"For Sale-r" is not always the cause for her or his condition. They are sometimes the unfortunate benefactor of poor advice, be it from a friend, neighbor, or their real estate agent. Yes, real estate agents do give bad advice on occasion.

So, what is a "For Sale-r"? Some or even all of these characteristics are or may be present in a "For Sale-r"....

List a house for sale at a price that is ~~probably~~ too high for the neighborhood.
Do nothing to prepare the home for showings [clean, de-clutter, take care of the little maintenance issues, curb appeal],
Don't allow an electronic lockbox - Potential buyers must give 24 hours notice for showings,
Owner (or agent) must be present for all showings,
Not willing to negotiate on an offer "less than list" price,

And, what is a "seller"?

Set a reasonable price considering the market,
Willing to negotiate an offer because you prepared when identifying price,
Have home staged,
Have your home clean,
Make it easy to show your home,
Have your home marketed not just listed in the MLS!

If you are looking to be a "seller" in the Viera, Suntree, Baytree and Rockledge areas of Brevard County, please give me a call. If you would like a free, no-obligation price right analysis, please let me know. Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty Melbourne Florida. Visit my web site www.moving2brevard.com

Cocoa Florida Home only $795,000

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:29:10 -0600

Take a look at this 2005 built pool home located near the historic Cocoa Florida area of Cocoa Village. Located only a couple of blocks from the Indian River this home offers quiet living in a central area that is close to everything.

Take a stroll down to Cocoa Village to see a play at the Cocoa Village Playhouse. Shop the many quaint and interesting boutiques. Grab some lunch or dinner at some of the fine dining restaurants such as Cafe Margeaux or The Black Tulip. Stop by one of the pubs for a little refreshment. Ride your bike or walk along the scenic and relaxing Rockledge drive. Quaint, quiet and quintessential Florida riverside neighborhoods!

Enjoy relaxing on your huge back porch (10X40 feet), actually either one since there is a first floor porch off the kitchen and family room and one on the second floor (Key West style) with French doors leading from two of the bedrooms! This home needs to be viewed. As you enter the home you are met by the beautiful oak staircase leading to the second floor loft or office space. Work at your desk and enjoy the view through the hurricane resistant glass windows as you relax in your privacy!

The open kitchen and family room open to the back porch and pool deck - great for entertaining a crowd! The main home features a formal living room and dining room and two full and one half bathroom. With lots of nice touches like tray ceilings, beautiful tile floors on the first floor and carpet on the second floor, all electric appliances, dual air conditioning systems, and much more. With a total living area 3247 square feet you will not be cramped for space! The main house features three bedrooms and a loft space on the second floor.

Stepping out back you see the "rest of the story!" The large inground pool, spa, and wonderful palms! The attached cabana bath and outside shower make for easy entertaining. And then across the pool you see the detached two car garage with a second floor one bedroom and one bathroom apartment or mother-in-law suite complete with kitchen, full bath, and balcony! All this privacy nestled among the palms and surrounded by privacy fencing!

To view the MLS entry, click here.

Offered for sale by Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida, 1-800-651-6940, email agent@moving2brevard.com .

Baytree Golf Course Community, Melbourne Florida - Only $774,000

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 16:32:58 -0600

Only $774,000! Fabulous six bedroom 4 bath home in the exclusive gated Baytree development in the Suntree area of Melbourne, Florida! Built in 2002 this home boasts 4295 square feet living area and 4894 total square feet.

This two-story home overlooks the 10th hole of the world famous Baytree National Golf Links featuring a Gary Player Signature Golf Course.

Additionally, this home is situated next to a preserve adding to the privacy. With a three-car garage, there is plenty of room for your golf cart! The over-sized heated

pool is designed to look like a tropical sandy beach! The Florida lifestyle in your backyard! This home boasts many features you expect to find in such a property - granite counter-tops, cherry cabinets, hand scraped wood floors, rounded corners, tile roof and more! Development includes community pool, clubhouse/recreation room, park area and tennis courts!

Ideally located, Baytree is close to shopping, medical facilities, the beaches, I-95 and Orlando (40 minutes) and great schools!

Offered for sale by Century 21 Baytree Realty, 8195 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne Florida. For more information about this property or any other Suntree or Viera Florida home, please give me a call. I can be reached by email at agent@moving2brevard.com .

55+ Communities in Viera Florida Area Present Unbelieveable Buyer Opportunities

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:53:36 -0600

I was conducting a little research yesterday, not specifically looking at the 55+ communities in Viera but afterwards I thought about the number of houses I saw for sale in Viera. This morning I decided to research this a little further.

My initial feeling was confirmed...there are lots of deals in the 55+ communities of Viera. One that struck me was the new Heritage Isle community. There were 55 properties for sale this morning (strictly coincidental it is a 55+ community.).

The prices ranged from a low of $174,000 for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath single car garage unit to $434,000 for a 4 bedroom, 3 bath, three car garage unit with a private pool. What a difference!

It does appear that most of the properties in Heritage Isle are listed in the low-mid $200,000 range. Most of the properties were constructed between 2004 and 2007 so it is all new. Some home have views of the new Duran Golf Club while some are on lakes, The nice thing about this community is you don't have to worry about the size of the yard...it is maintained for you! Association dues run about $900 per quarter.

I must also point out there are at least two other 55+ communities in the Viera area. Indian River Colony Club has 26 homes for sale. Grand Isle has 12 homes listed for sale.

The bottom line....if you are looking for a maintenance free, 55+ community, take a look in Viera, Florida. IT is near the beaches, new shopping and restaurants, plenty of restaurants, sporting events, Orlando Florida and more!

If you are considering moving to Brevard County, Florida and would like information, please contact me. I can be reached at 1-800-651-6940 (office) or by email at agent@moving2brevard.com .

JUST LISTED Gated Suntree Community Home $280,000

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:38:32 -0600

New listing in Summit gated community within the Suntree area of Brevard County, Florida. 2003 year built 3 bedroom two bath two car garage Tiffany Builder's Breckenridge model.

Situated on a wooded preserve enjoy the privacy on the enclosed back porch. This home features many upgrades, including tray ceilings, triple sliding glass doors leading to the porch, stainless appliances, solid surface counters, 42" maple cabinets, custom tile throughout except bedrooms, and much more!

Yes, there is a homeowner's association with monthly dues of $125. Why worry about cutting the lawn and trimming the shrubs? Why not worry about cutting the strokes from your golf score instead? The HOA dues cover the lawn maintenance/landscaping and nearby community pool/club house facilities.

If you enjoy golf then this is the location for you! Located near the Suntree Golf and Country Club, you are also minutes away from Duran Golf Club, Baytree National Golf Course and the Viera East Golf Course. This really is an ideal location for the golfer! Love the beach? With beaches only 10 minutes away you are never too far from the sun and the fun! Military retired or still on active duty? Just 10 minutes to the facilities at Patrick Air Force Base. Need quick access to Orlando Florida and Orlando International Airport? It is only a 40 minute drive!

Regardless of your needs, this location will certainly meet those needs if you are looking in the Central Brevard County area for a home. With excellent nearby schools, shopping and health-care facilities, the Suntree and Viera areas will certainly fit your lifestyle! For a map, click here.

If you are looking for a new home in Suntree or Viera, give me a call. I would welcome a chance to assist you in your search. Have a question about the area in general, just drop me an email to agent@moving2brevard.com .

Offered by Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent with Century 21 Baytree Realty, 8195 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne, Florida 32940, 1-800-651-6940.

55+ Communities in Viera Florida

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:39:45 -0600

Looking for a nice home in a 55+ community where the weather is great, the golfing choices amazing, easy access to the beaches, and a Florida lifestyle? Well here in central Brevard County (in the immediate area near Viera, Rockledge and Suntree) you will find it!

There are three really nice 55+ communities all in the Viera area.With listing prices running from about $130,000 to $475,000, the choices are abundant. As of today there are about 80 properties listed for sale in these three communities. And, if another area of the county is desired, there are others like the new development Alamanda Key in Melbourne.

The communities in Viera include

Indian River Colony Club,
Grand Isle,
Heritage Ilse.

There are some similarities and differences in these communities.

Similarities:

All are gated communities.
All are maintenance free.
All are situated in a very desirable location near golfing, shopping, great restaurants, major transportation routes and within 45 minutes of Orlando, Florida.
All have super amenities!

Differences: I

IRCC has a private 18-hole golf course within its gates.
Heritage Isles is next to the newest golf course in the area - Duran Golf Club.
Fees vary greatly from several hundred a month to much more (Services vary by cimmunity as well.)
Heritage Isle has new homes yet to be lived in. Grand Isle has been in place several years while IRCC was one of the first over 55 communities in the area.

So, if you are considering a move to Florida's Space Coast and a 55+ community is in your plans, please contact me for additional information. I would be happy to assist you!

Gary Waters, licensed real estate agent, with Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida, 1-800-651-6940 or by email at agent@moving2brevard.com .

December Market Report for Viera, Suntree and Rockledge Florida

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:43:51 -0600

The real estate market in Brevard County, Florida remains, as much of the nation, pretty soft. It is a great time to be a buyer! The number of homes sold in December 2007 were down about 30% from the year ago activity.

Although the number of properties sold in the central Brevard County areas of Rockledge, Suntree and Viera was not too far off from the 2006 activity, the median sales price was quite a bit lower ($200,000 vs. $261,900) than the previous year. Again, these prices indicate it is an excellent time to purchase your Florida home. This market is especially attractive to foreign buyers with the favorable exchange rate.

With 791 single family homes listed for sale in the Rockledge, Viera and Suntree areas, the choices are plentiful!

	December, 2006	December, 2007
BREVARD COUNTY
Properties Sold	493	336
Average Days on Market (DOM)	94	116
Median List Price	$214,900	$179,994
Median Sell Price	$206,000	$173,750
List to Sell Ratio	95%	92%

VIERA, SUNTREE, ROCKLEDGE
Properties Sold	71	65
Average Days on Market (DOM)	104	101
Median List Price	$275,000	$218,900
Median Sell Price	$261,900	$200,000
List to Sell Ratio	94%	92%

Data in this chart was compiled by the author from the Melbourne Association of Realtors website.

If you are considering a move to Brevard County, feel free to contact Gary Waters, licensed real estate agent, with Century 21 Baytree Realty, 8195 N. Wickham Rd, Melbourne Florida. Telephone 1-800-651-6940 (office) or by email at agent@moving2brevard.com .

Lessons from a Panhandler

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 11:35:05 -0600

I was down in West Palm Beach last week. Nice area, for sure. As I went out for my usual cup of Dunkin Donuts' coffee early in the morning I noticed the panhandlers out early working the major intersections. A bit of irony here - my son, the cop, does not drink coffee or eat donuts. What is this world coming to?

As I neared the Dunkin Donuts I noticed a wheelchair and sign out front. Standing in line in front of me was a gentleman who obviously was a panhandler. It must have been his tools of the trade out front. Regardless of profession, everyone deserves a break.

The guy looked to be physically fine, even joking with the clerk. He must have been a regular. His sign was interesting - "need $$$ for booze, why lie?" OK, there are lessons to be learned from everything we encounter.

What lesson can we as real estate professionals learn from this guy?

He was out early, hitting the pavement, drumming up business.
He was using the right tools to present himself to "his public" appropriately.
He was utilizing "truth in advertising."
He was expanding his network by speaking to strangers he encountered. He was smiling, giving the appearance of being happy at his place in time.
He was taking a break. Constant work does not produce the best results.

The point is we as real estate professionals need to be out doing the right things - not holed up in some office waiting for the phone to ring or the next buyer to walk in!

When looking for a real estate agent, the public wants an agent who is:

Out drumming up business.
Knowledgeable of their "territory."
Utilizing the right tools (Internet,appropriate dress,advertising,etc).
Honest - enough said on that.
Well known, constantly expanding their network.
Pleasant to be around. Clients spend a lot of time with "their agent." If they want to be near you because of that "sour puss" attitude, why would anyone else?
Uses time wisely.

Take a lesson from a panhandler! I was told by a teacher a very long time ago that we can all learn something from someone - even if that lesson is just how to survive in their shoes.

And, yes, I gave him a buck..... without judging him or his motives.

Let's not forget those who won't be home for Christmas

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 10:06:14 -0600

It is Christmas Eve and hopefully all the plans are in place for an enjoyable celebration with family and loved ones. With all the festivities and excitement going on I ask that we all take a moment and remember those who will not be home with their families.

As a former Navy officer I can remember the Christmas times I was away from home. That first one was the most difficult. Let's see..Christmas in Spain, Christmas in Greece, Christmas in South Korea, three in Japan, Christmas in Tunisia (north Africa...sail to the Rock of Gibraltar and hang a right), Christmas at sea on the USS Canisteo and a few others. I can't deny I have some nice memories from these experiences although at the time I preferred to be home.

So let's remember all those members serving our country as they are away from home and, some, in harm's way.

Let's also not forget those who will be serving their communities this holiday. The police officers (close to home as my son the "cop" will be working in Palm Beach County, Florida), the firefighters and paramedics, the dispatcher who answers that 9-1-1 call, the doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals. The clerks at that local convenience store who are available for that last minute battery purchase or gas for that trip to grandma's house. Gotta get that fill up on pump three! This not an all inclusive list, for sure. There are many others who will be working and not able to be with family and loved ones.

Most of us in the real estate related profession do have the luxury of setting our hours and scheduling our holiday time - just one of the rewards of the profession. For those who are serving us, let's remember them in our thoughts and prayers.

Please keep your holiday safe and enjoyable and remember the reason for the season - Christmas.

Sorry, no big photos or inspiring songs here. I thought about singing a Christmas Carol or two but I will leave that for those with talent!

Have a Merry Christmas!

Short Sale Opportunities in Rockledge, Viera and Suntree area of Brevard County, Florida

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:32:45 -0600

I did a quick check of the MLS system used by our Brevard County, Florida Realtor's Board (Melbourne Area Association of Realtors). My search was for single family residential dwellings listed for sale with "short sale" as a criteria. The total within the MLS system was 459. I was amazed at the shear number.

What is this thing called a "short sale?" Basically, a short sale is a situation where the lender is considering or will consider a purchase price which is less than the money owed on the loan. This is pretty simplistic so if you are considering a short sale, please contact a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about your area and the process.

I drilled down a bit further and saw there were 32 properties listed as short sales in the Rockledge, Florida area (zip code 32955). This area also includes portions of the newer planned unit development, Viera (parts of Viera fall into the 32940 zip code). This number was not quite as astounding yet it was higher than I initially believed. And the prices? Well, they run the entire spectrum from a low of about $130K to a high in the low $600,000 range.

Because short sales have become such an issue, our MLS system, like many others, was modified to allow the seller's agent to indicate short sale so as to make it easier to find these properties. Some folks interpret a short sale as a potential bargain. This may be true. As a real estate agent I see the short sale as a process which can be time consuming and rewarding for my buyers. From the buyer's perspective as well as the real estate agent, patience is necessary when targeting short sales.

If you are interested in receiving information on some of the short sale opportunities in the Rockledge, Viera and Suntree areas of Brevard County, Florida, please feel free to contact me.

Gary Waters, Florida Licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida by telephone at 1-800-651-6940 or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com .

Golf Course Homes Abundant in Rockledge and Viera Florida

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 15:33:41 -0600

If you are considering purchasing a golf course home in the Rockledge or Viera areas of Brevard County, Florida, you've got plenty of choices! Right now the area has 64 properties, both condos and single family homes, for sale that are located on some of the best golf courses in this area!

Price ranges vary just as much as the degree of difficulty each golf course offers. The properties are dispersed among five, yes, five golf courses all within a five mile or so radius! The highest priced home is listed at $1,750,000 while the lowest priced property is only $162,000! That is quite a spread so there is a golf course property in Central Brevard for all budgets!

The $1,750,000 property, at 4500 square feet living area, is located on the very new and challenging Duran Golf Club in Viera. Others are located at the Viera East Golf Club , Turtle Creek Golf Club, Indian River Colony Club , and the Rockledge Country Club. I have included links to each club for your convenience. It is hard to choose which is my best although I personally find Turtle Creek to be the most challenging - a real shot maker's course!

There are gated communities, an over-55 community, private clubs and public clubs represented among these courses. Also, just a few miles away are several other great courses. Among these are Baytree National Golf Club located in another Suntree area gated community and Manatee Cove at Patrick Air Force Base for military retirees and active duty personnel.

If golfing is your game, tee it up in Brevard County, Florida!

Interested in any Melbourne, Viera, Suntree or Rockledge, golfing community, please feel free to contact me. Gary Waters, licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Email me at agent@moving2brevard.comor reach me by phone at 1-800-651-6940.

Call me old fashioned but.....

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:37:16 -0600

I am sure there is a post here...I just have to find it! This afternoon I went to the dentist to have a permanent crown inserted or attached or however you describe it. I am not a good patient - ever. Anyway, the technician asked me if I wanted anesthesia. She volunteered that about half the time people get through the procedure just fine without it. I thought, if half can do it, I can. So, I made the decision to "John Wayne" it.

Well, I made it through OK but there was some definite sensitivity, probably exacerbated by my nervousness. In the end, all was fine. This got me to thinking about the current housing situation.

If we have been around any length of time we have, over the past several years, sold some homes that are currently not valued at the purchase price. Some folks are now nervous. Those with adjustable rate loans have seen their payments rise. Most are making the payments, barely. Selling now to get out of the situation is not really an option without damaging their credit history. So, what does a person do?

Now this is a stretch but it goes back to my dental experience. Most will be able to handle the minor discomfort. Although sensitive to the pain, most will "John Wayne" it. In the end, over time, the pain will subside. The market will rebound. The property values will climb - eventually.

So, if you find yourself in that situation, if at all possible, refuse the easy way out. A short sale or a foreclosure may be the anesthesia for the immediate situation but the discomfort will not last.

Considering a move to Brevard County, Florida. Give me the opportunity to be your Realtor. I promise to make the experience as pleasant as possible.

Gary Waters, Realtor, Century 21 Baytree Realty, 8195 N. Wickham Rd, Melbourne, Florida 32940.

Using Your Realtor when making a move to Florida

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 11:44:06 -0600

Thinking about re-locating to Florida? Why not? The weather is great (80 and sunny today, December 9th), no state income tax, very affordable housing, plentiful recreational opportunities. The reasons for making the "Sunshine State" your primary residence or winter home are abundant. But if you have never spent a great deal of time here, how do you decide what part of the state to make home? After all, Florida is a pretty big state -just try driving from Pensacola in the panhandle to Key West!

Florida, like many of the other states, has several distinct "cultures." Want the small town, old south atmosphere? There are some great areas in north Florida as well as the Panhandle. As a Florida native I have lived in, or at least visited most areas, of the state. Try small towns like Palatka or Lake City?

Want the more active, metropolitan areas? Take a look at the Palm Beach County and Miami areas. Want to be near the active tourist areas? Then central Florida and the Orange County, Volusia County and Brevard County areas would be well worth a look. Actually, there are several surrounding areas near Orlando that offer a quality lifestyle and easy commute to Orlando and its attractions.

Really laid back and want to escape a lot of the hectic pace? Take a look at Key West. A definitely different lifestyle, for sure! You will find similarly special areas throughout the state. Out west in the panhandle, Pensacola offers a great way of life.

When you think of Florida, whether it is beaches or tourist attractions, or whatever, take a look at all Florida has to offer you. How do you get information on a specific area? Easy. Search Active Rain for a Realtor in your target area and give them a call. Realtors are knowledgeable about their market areaand, if some other area interests you, most Realtors can refer you to a quality Realtor in that area. Call me, I know some great professional agents all over the state!

When considering a move to Florida, use a local Realtor - the local expert!

In Brevard County, FLorida, I am your expert!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent with Century 21 Baytree Realty, 8195 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, FLorida 32940. Contact me by email at agent@moving2brevard.com .

Rockledge Pool Home only $222,900

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:55:04 -0600

Considering a move to Rockledge, Florida? If so, this house is a must see! Built in 1998 this 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage pool home boasts a bright open floorplan with vaulted ceilings. Just in case you missed it - this is a heated inground pool home for only $222,900! What a deal!

Need a couple of other great charactersitics about this property to further demonstrate the VALUE? How about a large lot! This home is located in the Meadow Creek subdivision on .3 acres. One of the nice things about the Meadow Creek subdivision - it is only one street! Yes, as you enter the development you will find there is a rather large lake in the center with a dock and homes along the stree circling the lake. No through traffic! Click here for a map!

What a great location! Located just a quarter mile or so from the Turtle Creek Golf Club and about two miles from the Viera East Golf Club, you have easy access to lots of golf! Lots of great shopping is only minutes away at The Avenues Mall in Viera. Great restaurants, schools, easy access to I-95, Space Coast Stadium (spring training home of the Washington Nationals) and more! Only about 15 minutes to the beaches, 45 minutes to Orlando and the Orlando International Airport.

And for only...get this now....$222,900!

Suntree Pool Home only $299,500

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:51:07 -0600

Enjoy the sunny (and warm, even in December) Florida lifestyle in your custom courtyard pool home. Picture yourself in a very private location on a .51 acre lot among fruit trees and lush landscaping in this home which provides the type of Florida living they write about!

Built in 2000, this three bedroom two bath two car garage pool home is ideally located in the Suntree Bay subdivision of north Melbourne Florida. Click here for a map of the neighborhood.

As you step into the dramatic front entrance greeted by the courtyard pool, you will be drawn to this meticulously kept home. A freshly painted exterior, new flooring, a new 17 SEER Carrier Infinity AC system, outside pool shower and a lot more!

This home is truly unique and must be seen if you are looking for the perfect Viera and Suntree area home!

Offered for sale by Century 21 Baytree Realty, 8195 N. Wickham Rd., Suite 100, Melbourne Florida 32940. For information on this home contact Gary Waters at 321-255-2600 or toll free at 1-800-651-6940.

Looking to relocate to Brevard County Florida? Call the Rockledge, Viera and Suntree experts at Century 21 Baytree Realty!

Rockledge, Viera and Suntree Home Sales Report for November 2007

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:57:51 -0600

Well, it is now December. What a year this has been! Sales of properties in the central sections of Brevard County (Rockledge, Viera and Suntree) have been a little stagnant this year with prices falling and transactions slipping as well. This is not a real surprise as the home market has been pretty much consistent with the rest of the country.

During the month of November there were 352 transactions closed. The median selling price was $185,000. Amazing what values there are in today's market! This sales price represented about 93% of the seller's asking price. With average days on the market hovering near 108 days, sellers are in there for the long haul!

The Rockledge, Viera and Suntree area of Brevard County is my most active market segment. Here there were 44 properties that closed in November with a median sales price of $240,000. Days on the market was consistent with the rest of the county at 113 days.

How does this compare to teh November 2006 period for Rockledge, Suntree and Viera? Glad you asked! In November 2006 there were 72 closings with a median sales price of $267,500. The days on the market last November? 89 days. That is about 10% lower this November. What a difference a year makes!

The inventory of homes in Brevard County remains high, the inventory is around 7400 properties. This is a large inventory but it is a little less than where it was...closer to the 8000 mark.

What do these numbers tell you?

The inventory is high;
Sellers are negotiating;
The values are out there!

If you are considering a move to Brevard County Florida, please give me a call! Gary Waters, Realtor, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida 32940. Call tollfree 1-800-651-6940 , or drop me an email at agent@moving2brevard.com .

Statistics from a report generated by the author from the MLS of Brevard, Inc.

I just Don't Do It as much as I used to....

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:14:34 -0600

I just don't do it as much as I used to.....Things sure do change!

OK...what is it? There are many answers to that question....just a few here:

Take as many listings. As the market has changed, so have I. Marketing homes is hard work. Taking on less than highly motivated clients, pricing outside of the market, and having stagnant listings is a thing of the past!

Sell as many homes. Buyers are fewer but the ones who are out there seem to be more motivated. They understand value. There are not as many but the quality may be a little higher!

Buy a new car as often.These are not the times for extravaganzas. Hey, a rusty ride beats a well dressed walk!

Now there are some things I do more often that I used to....Things do change!

OK...what are they? Again, there are many answers to that question...just a few here:

Post, comment, write several blogs.The internet is the place to be today!

Direct mail.Yes, I am sending more direct mail. It may be the old fashioned way but, hey, I am just an old fashioned sort of guy!

Hand out more business cards.Everybody gets one. Buying more business cards is a heck of a liot cheaper than print ads! (and, in my experience, a lot more effective!)

Talk to strangers.Yep, mom always tells us to not talk to strangers but hey, it is a necessary part of the job. (This is the part where I put on my career adviser hat...if you got a youngster that likes to talk to strangers, there are only a couple of career choices...Realtor or politician! OK, a sad attempt at lightheartedness!)

As it has been written so many times, the market is not bad it is only different. Because it is different, there are some things you just don't do as much as you used to....There once was a song about "the old gray mare..she ain't what she used to be." Well, nothing is!

The Skies will Light Up Tonight in Brevard County Florida

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 10:11:00 -0600

Tonight the skies will be well lighted for a little while. Tonight the Kennedy Space Center will be launching one of the big boys - a Delta IV rocket. The launch window is from 8:39 p.m. to about 10:40 p.m. If you have never witnessed a night launch, it really is spectacular. Although a night time shuttle launch is a little bit more exciting, seeing a rocket launch at night is still something! The view from Cocoa Beach or the Cocoa Beach Pier is unbelieveable.

If you can't be here, here is a link to Florida Today which has the info as well as a launch web cast. A lot of folks work at Kennedy Space Center and the associated space related companies so these launches are important to the entire Spacecoast.

Hopefully, the winds will be down....and the launch will go!

Gated Community Four Bedroom 1 Acre lot Rockledge Florida $419,900

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 09:49:22 -0500

What if you could find a gated community, centrally located, less than 50 homes, on one acre lots for $419,900? Well here it is! Located in central Brevard County along Florida's Space Coast, you will find the city of Rockledge. What a great community! For more information on Brevard County, click here. Back to this great property!

This custom built 2001 home has a lot of touches you find in much more expensive property. Within a few hundred feet of this home is a new construction that is listed for almost $700,000! There are two vacant lots for sale in this subdivison as well for $179K and 199K. So there you have it, folks. The land is not cheap and the homes are not either! But, this one is a deal!

Features of this home include bamboo wood floors, beautiful and unique mother of pearl kitchen cabinets, brushed nickel fixtures, rounded corners, tall ceilings and many more great details. With a kitchen that boasts granite counters and Energy Star appliances, this home is not like any others you will find in Rockledge!

From the white tile roof to the side entry garage, the curb appeal is tremendous! Keep that grass green with the sprinkler system which draws its water from the reclamation area behind the property. Enjoy the hot tub out back in privacy with a great nature view. The solar-assisted hot water heater is certainly to help keep those electric bills down in the summer!

With a formal living and dining room this home offers a layout that is made for entertaining. For a look at the MLS entry, please click here. Not familiar with the Rockledge area, here is a map.

For more information on this home or any properties in Viera, Rockledge and all of Brevard County, Florida, contact Gary Waters, Realtor, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne Florida. Telephone 321-255-2600

Greens at Viera East Condo $143,900

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 14:16:23 -0500

This two bedroom two bath ground floor condo unit is located in the very desirable area of Brevard County, Viera. With 1092 square feet of living area, there is plenty of room in this unit. Feature an open floor plan. This unit is conveniently located across from the Clubhouse and pool. Other amenities included putting green, hot tub/spa, jogging and bike trails, and fitness center. This unit is currently leased until January 31, 2008.

Close to beaches, great shopping, several excellent golf courses and schools. Orlando and its attractions are less than an hour away. Whether you are looking for a primary residence or an investment property, The Greens at Viera East deserve a look! To review the Brevard County Florida MLS entry, click here.

For information on the opportunities for buyers along Florida's Space Coast, contact Gary Waters, Realtor, Century 21 Baytree Realty, 1895 N. Wickham Rd., Suite 100, Melbourne, Florida 32940. (321)255-2600