Jamie 's Blog

FLorida Investment Strategy, Investing safely in a Shaky Economy

2008-10-09T18:47:53Z

FLORIDA INVESTMENT STRATEGY - INVESTING SAFELY IN A SHAKY ECONOMY

Stocks, bonds, currencies, commodities, buildings, houses, land,...?
Investing safely in today's economy is an uneasy task: the past became untrustworthy and the
future is uncertain. While in turmoil lie opportunities, a normal reaction is to wait until the dust
settles. Unfortunately, waiting is a major mistake since (1) it is still betting on the past, and (2)
unique opportunities will be missed forever. With security as a key factor in mind, here is FSI
investment strategy recommendation.

Do invest in what will be valuable when the market turns around.
What will thus be valuable then? Let's address that question logically.

Investment: financial paper or tangible assets?

Because of their current extreme volatility, one should avoid all investments materialized with
ink on paper, such as stocks, bonds or currencies. Instead, one should consider tangible
assets as they will resist better during the chaos. Moreover, today some assets can be
acquired at bargain prices.

Tangible assets: commodities or real estate?

Gold, oil and other some other commodities have been fluctuating in the opposite direction
of the dollar. Prices are high and their market changes daily in unpredictable directions. Real
estate has always been where wealths were made, especially during troubled times. Today,
one can take advantage of heavily discounted properties.

Real estate: commercial or residential?

So far, the commercial market resisted relatively well in the current economy and bargain
prices cannot be found there. Moreover, let's keep in mind that commercial real estate
requires important investments. Today, while it is a sleeping gold mine, the residential market
is still on hold.

Residential: home or land?

Some homes and land can be acquired at about half their recent peak values. Now is the
time to buy, even if prices might drop a little more. Once the market becomes aware of the
buying time, there will be a rush on the bargains and they'll be picked up fast. Homes require
a lot of management (finding tenants, collecting rents, maintenance, insurance, ...). Land is
management free and moreover, investments are in much smaller amounts.

Land: raw or subdivision lot?

Once the market turns around, builders will need developed lots right away. Raw land will
have to wait longer than fully developed lots as they will need some time to be ready. So,
the answer is investing today in fully developed lots in marketable existing inhabited
subdivisions.

Subdivision lots - Evaluation criteria (outline)
Marketability, profitability, practicality

How to evaluate marketability?

Location, location, location - Inhabited area. First-time homebuyers
Market growth
Price

How to evaluate profitability?

Appreciation - Larger than carrying and closing costs
Exit strategy
Return on investment

How to evaluate practicality?

Management - Maintenance free better than ongoing management
Stability - Land will always be there. Permanence in disasters
Ownership - Fully owned free and clear. Own it and forget it!

This outline will be developed in the next article. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact us
to learn more about safe and profitable investments.
All the best,

Serge Polakoff
Florida Investment Strategy, Inc.
Serge Polakoff, Founder and CEO
1.323.654.9040 spolakoff@earthlink.net
http://web.me.com/sergepolakoff
September 24, 2008

New Listing: 5 Acre Gated Estate Home, Longwood, Florida

2008-08-24T10:13:04Z

Jamie DiSalvatore | Realty Executives Orlando | 407-478-1930

1411 Delk Road, Longwood, FL

Exquisite 5 Acre Gated Estate

5BR/5BA Single Family House

offered at $1,195,000

Year Built	1974
Sq Footage	5,705
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	5 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	5 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Virtual Tour: http://www.TourFactory.com/373000

Markham Woods Area! Great Schools! Spectacular views of serenity surrounding this lovely gated estate home located on 5 acres features 4 bedrooms/4 baths. This elegant home boasts exquisite wood flooring and custom built-ins throughout. Designer gourmet kitchen offers everything a chef could imagine including granite counter tops, two sinks and a wine fridge. The oversized master bedroom suite is bright and cheerful and has a hidden master closet with custom built-ins and bureau as well as a master bath with ceramic tile work, 2 sink vanity, dual shower heads and garden Jacuzzi tub. This luxurious home also offers extensive crown molding, extraordinary study/den/office, bonus room, brick fireplace and a large screened in porch.

http://www.ElegantFloridaProperties.com

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Office/Den
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Granite countertop
Washer	Dryer	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Jamie DiSalvatore

Realty Executives Orlando

407-478-1930

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 24, 2008, 5:58am PDT

RENTAL: Harbour Village Golf and Yacht Club, Ponce Inlet, FL

2008-08-17T12:16:47Z

Jamie DiSalvatore | Realty Executives Orlando | 407-478-1930

3304 S. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, FL

Upstairs = $1500 Downstairs = $500

Retail/Commercial

$1,500/month

Sq Footage	2,816
Parking	Unspecified

DESCRIPTION

RENTAL: $1,500/month for the upstairs, $500/month for the downstairs. Busy location! Retail, office, restaurant. Zoning allows for a variety of commercial uses. Daytona Beach Shores just north of Dunlawton. Directly across from the Atlantic Ocean. Ocean views and beach access ramp across the street.

see additional photos below

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Renter contact info:

Jamie DiSalvatore

Realty Executives Orlando

407-478-1930

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 17, 2008, 6:48am PDT

4045 S. Atlantic Ave, Wilbur-By-The-Sea: Seaside Hamlet

2008-08-17T12:15:03Z

Jamie DiSalvatore | Realty Executives Orlando | 407-478-1930

4045 S. Atlantic Ave, Wilbur By The Sea, FL

Seaside Hamlet

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $2,500,000

Year Built	1920
Sq Footage	3,366
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	16,000 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Virtual Tour: http://www.tourfactory.com/417180

Seaside Hamlet! Wonderfully perched above the sandy beach and crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean with commanding views. Tastefully renovated with luxurious detail, maintaining all the Old-Florida charm and offerings of today’s high-end amenities. Gated secure Martha’s Vineyard style home, built in the 1920’s, this beachfront paradise boasts incredible views offering 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. The designer kitchen blends stainless steel Viking appliances, granite countertops, a Butler’s pantry, the unique cork floor, a center island made from Tiger-Wood found in the jungle of Africa, and opens up to a formal dining room with expansive views of the coastline. The formal living room has a fireplace and extensive wood work with intricate beam work and visual offerings you would expect of European craftsmen, original Heart-of-Pine from the 1900’s, wood in-laid ceilings, walls and floors. The entire upstairs is dedicated to the master retreat and provides a romantic fireplace, separate loft sitting room with a walkout to the expansive deck boasting breath taking panoramic views and a master bath with a Jacuzzi tub, steam shower, custom tile and glass work. Follow the winding path of field stone to your own private access to the beach below.
Wilbur by the Sea is a no-drive beach. This is prime real estate with 100 ft beach front and a protective sea wall. A rare find with $1M + in renovations. Considerable possibilities for the basement: in-law apartment, guest suite, game room. This is a must see for the discriminating buyer.

More info at www.ElegantFloridaProperties.com

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Fireplace	High/Vaulted ceiling
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Family room
Living room	Office/Den	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Granite countertop	Stainless steel appliances
Basement	Washer	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Jamie DiSalvatore

Realty Executives Orlando

407-478-1930

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 9, 2008, 11:08am PDT

Vacant Commercal Land: Busy Daytona Beach Shores

2008-08-17T12:10:34Z

Jamie DiSalvatore | Realty Executives Orlando | 407-478-1930

3302 S. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, FL

Vacant Land, Commercial Zoning

14,374 sqft Vacant Land

offered at $299,000

Lot Size

14,374 sqft

DESCRIPTION

Virtual Tour: www.tourfactory.com/409782

PRICE REDUCED. Vacant land! Ready for development! Located in Daytona Beach Shores, directly across from the Atlantic Ocean and A1A minutes from the Dunlawton Bridge and Ponce Inlet. 100’ Frontage, 145’ Depth. Office building next door also available. Assemblage of parcels possible. Zoning allows for a variety of commercial uses. Ocean views and beach access ramp across the street. Great retail location, shopping center, restaurant…
More info: www.ElegantFloridaProperties.com

see additional photos below

LOCATION FEATURES

Directly across from the Atlantic Ocean on A1A

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Minutes from the Dunlawton Bridge and Ponce Inlet

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Jamie DiSalvatore

Realty Executives Orlando

407-478-1930

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 9, 2008, 11:08am PDT

Commercial Building: Busy Daytona Beach Shores

2008-08-17T12:09:11Z

Jamie DiSalvatore | Realty Executives Orlando | 407-478-1930

3304 S. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, FL

Busy Location! Retail, office, restaurant Across from the Beach. For lease

Retail/Commercial

offered at $299,000

Year Built	1974
Sq Footage	2,816
Floors	2
Parking	Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	10,889 sqft
Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Virtual Tour: www.tourfactory.com/411268

PRICE REDUCED: Busy Location! Retail, office, restaurant… Zoning allows for a variety of commercial uses. This property is offering an assemblage of two parcels totaling 132’ of frontage on A1A. Vacant lot adjacent is 100’ frontage x 145’ deep. Directly across from the Atlantic Ocean in Daytona Beach Shores just north of Dunlawton. Ocean views and beach access ramp across the street.
More info: www.ElegantFloridaProperties.com

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Directly across from the Atlantic Ocean on Dayton Beach Shores

LOCATION FEATURES

Minutes from Dunlawton Bridge and Ponce Inlet

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Jamie DiSalvatore

Realty Executives Orlando

407-478-1930

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 9, 2008, 11:08am PDT