Melbourne Real Estate News

Rental Rates in Melbourne Florida are Great... considering Manhattan

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:47:12 -0700

Rental Rates in Melbourne, Florida are great! Looking for a place to to live until you get settled in Viera, Suntree,

Rockledge, Satellite Beach or Patrick AFB? We can help. Check out this fantastic deal in Manhattan.

This guy's apartment is no joke. Its a 78, that's right, a 78 sf efficiency. Did I mention the fact that Rental Rates in Melbourne Florida are Great.

He claims he can get this outstanding Manhattan deal for $750 - $800 per month. Wow. I Love NY!

Kitchen? you ask. Nope. How about a bathroon? Negative. Gotta share. Seriously folks, Rental Rates in Melbourne Florida are Great.

Check out the video.

Call me today. It's an amazing time to buy. Many of my clients relocating to Patrick AFB or coming on board with Harris Corporation, Health First or another large contractor look to rent a home short-term prior to purchasing. Check out my MLS Search page for a basic search. For the real goodies, call me and I'll make a custom webpage that will crawl our official MLS for you. Rental Rates in Melbourne, Florida are great!

		Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor® Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Paradise® 232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903 321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message http://JosephRobinson.com

Searching the MLS for Melbourne Homes under $100,000

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 23:53:06 -0700

"Can you help us find Melbourne Homes under $100000?" If I had a quarter for every time I heard a Real Estate Investor or First Time Home Buyer ask that question, I'd be a very wealthy Realtor. The fact is, there are a number of Melbourne Homes under $100000. As of today a simple comb through the MLS of all mainland properties (single family, detached, active MLS listings) from Viera to West Melbourne, reveals a grand total of 129 Melbourne homes under $100000.

This number includes "normal" sales, short-sales, bank owned properties, handyman specials and homes located in 55+ communities. If you're considering and investment property or search for Melbourne Homes under $100000 the best way is to request a free automated MLS Listing Cart.

Contact me and I'll get you all set up. It takes a whopping 10 minutes. I'll ask you about the criteria you desire, plug it into the data base and that's it. Guess what? It doesn't have to be Melbourne Homes under $100000. We can set up an automated MLS query to search for Luxury home in Satellite Beach, Cocoa Beach, Indian Harbour Beach or Merritt Island. We can look for $200 - $300 homes in Viera or Suntree as well. Anywhere in Brevard County, we have you covered. I can even help find Melbourne Homes under $100000, if you're truly interested.

		Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor® Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Paradise® 232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903 321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message http://JosephRobinson.com

Is your buyer thinking of buying a short sale? What your buyer needs to know.

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:28:35 -0700

Check this out. My friend Pacita did a sweet little blog post on things to consider when going after a short sale. She's based in California but many of the principals hold true across the fruited plain.

Here in Melbourne, Florida, I teach the First Time Home Buyers Class for the cities of Melbourne, Palm Bay and Titusville. There is also downpayment assistance for Brevard County residents. The facts hold true.

Via Pacita Dimacali - ePRO, SRES, CDPE, Alain Pinel in Northern California (Alain Pinel):

Thinking of buying a short sale property?

Then you'd better understand what a short sale is, and what it will take to close that deal.

My buyer was looking for a good buy --- not merely a good deal -- but a good buy. Based on his criteria, I told him about several listings that may be suitable. The best one in terms of location, condition, amenities and price was a short sale.

Before writing an offer, I had to set expectations by first educating my buyer on short sale basics from a buyer's point of view.

What's a short sale?

Generally, it's a sale wherein the seller is selling the property for less than what is owed. And as such, the seller's lender will have to approve the sale, price, terms and conditions.

Who accepts the offer

The seller still decides whose offer to accept. Most lenders will only want to look at the best and highest offer. In multiple offer situations, highest offer doesn't always win -- which may be true with regular sales and foreclosures, too. The onus is on the seller to choose/accept the offer which has the best chance of getting approved by the short sale lender.

What are the terms and conditions that a short sale lender is likely to approve/disapprove?

Every short sale lender is different. But there are certain elements that are quite common.

Price. An offer that is too low or below the investor guidelines is likely to be rejected or countered. Just because it's distressed or a short sale doesn't mean the buyer can get it with a significantly low-ball offer. You can deal, but not steal.

Find out how much is owed and to whom, check the comps in the area. Then go from there.

Close of escrow: For example, when the short sale lender grants approval, the lender typically sets an aggressive closing date, usually within 30 days. This makes it challenging for an offer with FHA loan and its 45 days or longer escrow period.

HOA: The lender may also refuse to pay for HOA documents, fines and delinquent fees. If the seller is delinquent, buyer (and seller) may be requested for a contribution to satisfy these demands.

Credits: The lender may also refuse to give credits for closing costs, repairs, replacement and/or warranty.

What does the buyer need to know?

Who is the lender? Some lenders are a lot harder to work with and may take longer than others to approve a short sale, while other lenders (like Wachovia) have a good track record of closing short sales.

How many liens are there, and are they by the same lien holders? Having one lien holder is tough enough. Having two is tougher. But when there are different lien holders, it can become extremely difficult to negotiate the short sale.

Liens against the property can be by anyone besides the banks: utility companies, the IRS, mechanic's liens. Each one of these has a claim against the property and has to be satisfied. If the seller is totally insolvent, the bank may need to offer payouts to these lienholders who may refuse or negotiate for more.

DOES THE AGENT HAVE SHORT SALE EXPERIENCE?

It makes a world of difference to work with a listing agent who has a track record of successful short sales. That agent knows what to do, and can avoid pitfalls and delays in the process.

By the same token, the buyer's agent must also have short sale experience to guide the buyer how to write an offer with a good chance of getting the short sale accepted and approved.

What notices has the seller received?

Notice of Default?

Notice of Trustee Sale? If the seller is just days away from being foreclosed, there may not be enough time to do a short sale.

Inspections and reports. If there are none, by all means, get them during your buyer investigation contingency period. With so little room to negotiate, the buyer must have all pertinent information to determine if he is getting a good value with the purchase.

Condition of the property. If there are safety hazard issues, the buyer may be able to justify asking for credits or repairs for a loan to be approved. For example, lenders and their appraisers may look for a functional kitchen which generally means having a working stove. There must also be a functional heating system.

How long will it take to get a short sale approved?

There is no one answer to this question. It's not unusual to wait 3-6 months, or even longer. It all depends on the lender, the situation, the market, the completeness of the short sale package, the willingness of all parties to negotiate and/or contribute. This where one must have patience, persistence and perseverance.

Can a buyer continue to look and write offers on other properties?

A buyer can...but this could also mean that the buyer was not acting in good faith when he wrote the offer on the property.

Good faith is defined as: Effort made, information given, or transaction done, honestly and without a deliberate intention to defraud the other party. However, good-faith does not necessarily mean "without negligence:. Also called bona fides, it is implied by law into commercial contracts.

Can a buyer walk away?

After offer acceptance: Like any sale, there are contingency periods after acceptance (or approval by the short sale lender) during which time the buyer is expected to do his due diligence in terms of buyer investigation, loan appraisal and loan approval.

Before offer acceptance: In several states, a buyer can stipulate how long his offer is good for.

For example, in California and per our short sale addendum, the buyer can specify that his offer is good for 45 days or longer from the time the seller accepts his offer until the time the short sale lender approves the short sale. If no approval is forthcoming, the buyer's offer expires.

There are NO guarantees.

BOTTOM LINE

If a buyer doesn't have the patience, perseverance, motivation and/or the time to wait...

Then the buyer should NOT buy a short sale.

		Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor® Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Paradise® 232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903 321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message http://JosephRobinson.com

First Time Homebuyer in Melbourne, Florida finds a perfect home - Now meet their parents.

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 22:31:44 -0700

I was working with a First Time Homebuyer searching for a home in Melbourne, Florida. They were a young couple who had made great financial decisions along the way were were ready to pull the trigger on a home. After an initial Needs Assessment meeting we determined that they were a fit for the First Time Home Buyers program.

Here in Brevard County, there are a number of programs available. The City of Melbourne, the City of Palm Bay, the City of Titusville and Brevard County each have their version of downpayment assistance for First Time Home Buyers. In addition to these programs, we also have the $7500 or $5000 bond that is available through designated lenders.

We set up a personalized MLS website for them that automatically populated itself with listings matching their criteria. We had a solid pre-approval letter from a local lender who was experienced in working with our First Time Home Buyer Programs and got them signed up for the mandatory class with Community Housing Initiative. I happened to be teaching the class that month so everything was going perfectly.

We looked at about 20 homes before the found “the home”. They loved it and then the wife looks at me and says, “My dad, would like to see it before we sign anything.” The husband gives me this look that says he is NOT down with dad coming but apparently he has no choice in the matter. I welcomed the opportunity to show it, under one condition. They go through my parent training course. Been down this road before - it’s better when kids are prepared.

Parents want to feel like they are protecting you. (They point out flaws)
Parents want to show you their “wisdom” and “knowledge” (They tell you horror stories)
They may simply not like the home.

When this happens, discretely look at me and wink. Your parents are just being parents. Hug your dad and thank them for his input. Keep your focus. You’re making an offer on this home because:

The location is right.
The layout is right.
The price is right and the risk is manageable.

Remember, you’ll be living here (not your parents).

The parents performed beautifully and it was all my buyers could do not to openly laugh a few times. Her father caught a significant feature I missed and actually helped seal the deal. All in all, I ended up with a very happy First Time Homebuyer who purchased a beautiful home in Melbourne, Florida.

		Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor® Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Paradise® 232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903 321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message http://JosephRobinson.com

Don't Get a Mac !! ... Yet.

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:33:00 -0700

All the data and intel is pointing to the release of a slew of new Real Estate Power Tools from the good folks in Cupertino. Apple Insider and others seem to think the next wave should include two very substantial offerings and may happen as early as this Wednesday.

Welcome to Lion

Apple's newest operating system, Mac OX X 10.7 (Lion) looks to be simply amazing and should come standard on new Mac's, iMacs, Mac Mini's and the MacBook Pro and Air.

Lion will appear in the Mac App store for a whopping $29.99. There is a catch. If you haven't updated to Snow Leopard (Mac OS 10.6.8) you'll need to do so. Lion will only be sold via the Mac App Store and the Mac App Store can only be installed on 10.6 and beyond). Are you ready for Lion? Click on your Apple Logo and select "About this Mac". Click Here for more details.

The New MacBook Air

Most reports on this new Apple notebooks should bring a smile to a Realtors face. This this is going to be sweet, fast and sexy. Features we're hoping for include:

Speed! - The new Sandy Bridge Processors
Speed! - The new Thunderbolt data port
Speed! - Solid-State Flash Hard drive
Speed! - 4GB of ram minimum

		Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor® Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Paradise® 232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903 321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message http://JosephRobinson.com

Mac Software SuperBundle - Summer 2011

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:22:21 -0700

How does $350 worth a software for $50 bucks sound? Yeah... that's what I said.

One of the beautiful things about the new MacPro, iMac, Mac Mini and MacBooks computers is that they run in Intel chips. That means you can install Windows on you Mac and run Windows in a window on your Mac. Hugh? Yep. it sweet. My preference is VMWare but that's for another blog. Here's the deal. Parallels is usually $80 all by itself.

You'll also also receive Money 4 Financial Software, Yummy FTP and seven other apps. My be worth a check it out.

		Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor® Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Paradise® 232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903 321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message http://JosephRobinson.com

Knock, Knock... Hello, I’m a Realtor. My Client Would Like to Buy Your Home.

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 03:21:46 -0700

I had an amazing client. She had the perfect home in her mind. The home had to be in Viera or Suntree, Florida. It had to have a pool and be on the water. Concrete block construction was a must with an open kitchen and a three car garage. Did I mention that the home had to face east?

As a Realtor in Melbourne, Florida there were a few choices. Looking at Suntree Real Estate and Viera Real Estate I was able to keep a few homes in front of her. The husband only cared about the three car garage and concrete block construction.

Lord knows, we searched, and searched. I dearly love this lady and her husband. Part of the Greatest Generation. Wise with their money, amazing stories of war, the depression, past jobs and his service with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. They knew everyone in town and everyone I meet speaks highly of them. I really wanted to do this right.

We searched for months and yet she never seemed discouraged. Finally, we found the perfect home but the husband would not budge on the very low offering price he had in mind. I explained to him that if we low-balled this one, his wife would kill him. He wouldn’t budge, we lost it and, yep she just about killed him. He learned and we continued to look but could never find a home to match the one we “lost”.

One day I was sitting with her and asked with a smile, “Where is this magical house?” She took my hand and said, “Get in the car. I’ll show you.” Bless God, she did. Drove me right to the place and said, “That’s it.”

I went back to my office and ran the numbers. I sat with the two of them and said, “No shenanigans. Let’s review these comps. I’m going to knock on the door and show the owners the same thing I showed you. We’ll make a fair offer and see what happens.”

Two hours later I was standing on the doorstep of the Mystery House with a contract in hand. I knocked, the door opened and I simply said, “Hello. My name is Joseph Robinson. I’m a Realtor here in Melbourne and I have a client interested in buying your home. Would you like to look at the offer?” They invited me in. I reviewed all of the comps and the offer and the wife began to shake. Suddenly she simply burst into tears. Wow. As her husband consoled her he began to explain.

They missed their children in Jacksonville. They had a terrible experience trying to sell the home before. They hated the idea of the people coming through the house and dealing with all the mess. They were ready. They asked me if they could sleep on it. The next day they signed. The buyers were beside themselves. They told everyone. I sold three properties for them and one for each of their children.

This strategy has worked for me a few times now. Nearly every property you see has a price. Next time, your client has the perfect home in mind, You may want to simply ask, “Have you seen this home somewhere?”

		Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor® Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Paradise® 232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903 321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message http://JosephRobinson.com

Am I a "Realtor Snob"

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:56:42 -0700

Being a Realtor in Melbourne Florida, you come across very diverse communities, ecosystems and types of housing. I rarely "do" rentals but I seem to have stumbled across a wave of them this month. I began helping one single mom that needed assistance getting into a rental she desired. I help her get into a rental and so far she has sent me three QUALITY referrals.

I have two other clients that are looking for rentals as well. As with my buyers, I sat with them and reviewed their desires and created a web-based listing cart tailored to their needs. I can do that from my iPhone via a LogMeIn Ignition while sitting in their living room or at a Starbucks.

After sitting with the first client, I realized they had the capacity to purchase. I teach a First-Time Home Buyer Class once a month and they will be attending. I've connected her with a local reputable lender and I'm certain we can get them at least $7500 in downpayment assistance via US Bank Corp and possible much more with County or the City of Melbourne Purchase Assistance Program.

The last "renter" is completing an app today. She told me, "I've worked with Realtors before. They treated me like a second class citizen. Thanks for not being a Realtor snob." Six months from now, her credit will be solid and she'll begin looking to purchase a home. I think she may just call me.

Unless your Real Estate business is focused on property management, you're probably not going to make a killing on rentals. Yes, my family has to eat as well. You just may want to consider others that may need assistance. Good seed sown is good seed reaped.

Addendum:

Since posting I've had questions on my process with renters. In general, I only show rentals that are advertised on the MLS. As you know, it would be too difficult to research all non-MLS rental opportunities. Before I move forward, I educate them on buying vs. renting and see if I can convert them to a buyer. Our FTHB programs can provide $7k - $25k of downpayment assistance. If they can convince me that rental is the best route for them, we'll move forward.

The typical rental on our MLS tends to pay around 25% of the first month lease. I'll meet with the renter first and get a "feel" for whether this person is truly ready to get moving. I set them up with an automated listing cart through our MLS system where they are magically notified of rentals (meeting their criteria) as they hit the MLS. The potential renter receives an email each time a new property is added to their listing cart. At that point I advise the renter to 1) drive by properties they are interested in and 2) narrow the list to 4 homes. Then we'll schedule the appointment and view the properties.

We'll pick one and fill out the application together, I scan the pages on the iPhone and email the app on the spot to the listing office. The client will get a certified check one of us will take it to the office as well. We'll see what happens from there.

		Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor® Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Paradise® 232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903 321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message http://JosephRobinson.com

What's all the fuss over the Mac, iMac and MacBook Pro?

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:43:03 -0700

Yep... I said that three years ago. Then I got a little more serious about doing video and a friend of mine who creates and produces films and commercials "encouraged" me to go Mac. I gave it a whirl. At first it seemed like everything was backwards. It took me a few days but then it hit me... and it's been hitting me ever since.

I'm a bit of a techie. I love the smell when you peel the plastic of a new piece of hardware. I love when I can spend a few minutes on a client, friend or family member's pc and breathe new life into it. Then I got a mac.

Slowly I began to realize how much I enjoyed using the computer... not fixing it. You see with Windows there is constantly something that needs to be fixed, cleaned, updated, locked down, quarantined, uninstalled, reinstalled, etc. etc. etc.

Now I just enjoy using my Mac. Looking back I think I can help those who may be on the fence...

1. Freedom from PC viruses

The Mac Operating System (OS) uses a different architecture than Windows. In general, Windows stores your information in the same places. If I'm a bad guy creating a virus to trojan to ruin your day, I have a pretty good idea of where you're storing your important information. Once I find a way in, I can do serious damage. The Mac OS uses a technique called "sandboxing". Each app gets it's own sandbox to play in. It only gets rights to certain actions and files on your mac. The Library on your Mac places apps and files in random places on your Mac. Mac mail, Safari and other apps prescreen your downloads as well.

2. Quality of hardware

Apple computers make intelligent and beautifully manufactured products. I am a power user and I've never had a PC that was built with the same attention to detail in such an elegant frame.

3. Quality of software

My Mac stuff just works. Besides the apps that are preloaded, there are so many other free apps you can download to do other things.

4. Preloaded Software

My experience has been that I can pay less for a PC. But... then I have to go and buy all of the software so I can do "stuff". The Mac family of computers come with most of the software you need and love. Don't be fooled. These included apps are really good for the average user. Apps like iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, FaceTime for Mac, iTunes, Mail, Address Book, Garage Band and the Calendar are fantastic.

5. Support

Apple support is incredible. They always seem to give you the benefit of the doubt and simply ship a replacement. That's been my experience and that of my friends as well for Mac and iOS devices like the iPhone, iPod and iPad.

6. It runs Windows

The newer Mac Computers run on an Intel Processors. For less than $100 you can purchase VMWare (or Parallels) and run any of the Windows Operating Systems including XP, Vista and 7. So if your MLS or Board is tied to Windows only software, you can have your cake and eat it too! I do.

7. The Mac OS

This is so hard to explain. There are so many simple short cuts and features like Spotlight and Quick view. I'll just have to save that for another post.

8. Synchronization

Having a simple way to keep my contacts, calendars, emails, bookmarks and encrypted passwords the same across devices was next to impossible in the Windows environment. Don't even get me started on Windows Mobile and Active Sync. On the Mac it's simple. I can sync between my iPhone, Mac and my work PC. It just works.

9. These numbers don't lie.

One out of every 5 PC's sold is a Mac. The chart below shows the numbers - Microsoft vs. Apple. One of them is kicking posterior. Might be a good time to check it out.

source: http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-comparison.aspx

		Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor® Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Paradise® 232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903 321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message http://JosephRobinson.com

BlackBerry FOB of the GE Supra eKey Lock boxes

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:31:44 -0800

Hello folks,

Here's a quick link for and my review of the new BlackBerry FOB for GE Supra.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23gXMa0nwlo

Enjoy!

		Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor® Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Paradise® 232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903 321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message http://JosephRobinson.com

Realtor.com launches a Neighborhood Search Tool

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 05:47:38 -0800

Here's an interesting link. Our Realtor.com president Errol Samuelson talks about the new neighborhood search tool. It maps thousands of neighborhoods across the US. Click HERE to check it out.

		Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor® Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Paradise® 232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903 321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message http://JosephRobinson.com

Foreclosure Ruling may set a new Legal Precedent

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:09:10 -0800

On November 16 U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko (Cleveland, OH) threw the entire mortgage community a curveball. A total of 14 foreclosure cases were brought into his courtroom, not an uncommon practice these days. He responded by dismissing every one. What was the reasoning?

The judge maintains that the seizure of property through foreclosure must be initiated by the owners of the property. These properties were held as mortgage debt in securities and the cases were begin brought "on behalf" of the mortgage investors. These particular actions were represented by Deutsche Bank National Trust Company.

The ramifications of this case will be interesting to watch as Florida and California are the current leaders in the Real Estate foreclosure market.

		Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor® Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Paradise® 232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903 321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message http://JosephRobinson.com

Tools for Protecting Your Credit

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:33:59 -0800

Depending on your real estate time horizon you will want to consider the option you have to foil credit thieves. You won't hear much about it from anyone who wants to lend you money, but you have some pretty cool new weapons available to protect your identity and your good credit.

Credit freezes allow you to lock down your information. Once you lock it down you will receive a "code" with which you can thaw your credit in the event you need to apply for credit. The big three credit companies are now all participating.

Equifax

TransUnion

Experian

LifeLock

If the idea of freezing your credit is too severe consider Lifelock. This company protects you by setting credit alerts on your account with the credit bureaus and prompt them every 90 days to keep it current. They will work to remove your name from pre-approved credit card lists and order free reports for you each year. Let's say all someone still manages to get your information. They say that they'll do "whatever it takes" to get your identity repaired.

		Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor® Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Paradise® 232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903 321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message http://JosephRobinson.com

Real Estate Market Report for Brevard County

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:33:08 -0800

The Melbourne Area Association of Realtors keeps statistics on the Real Estate market by tracking property movement on the Multiple Listing Services (MLS). The numbers may surprise you. Melbourne Area and Space Coast Area of Realtors share the same MLS. These stats cover Brevard County, Florida communities including (but not limited to) Palm Bay, Melbourne, Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbor Beach, Merritt Island, Satellite Beach, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Port St. John, Cocoa Beach, Titusville and Mims.

Average Sales Price for residential homes was $246,518 in Sep 06. Since then the market has adjusted the average price to $233,935 or 5.1% drop.

Average Sales Prices for Condos was $269,547 in Sep 06. A year later (Sep 07) the average price is $282,085.

You won't hear these numbers trumpeted in the media but facts are facts. In terms of volume, Sep 06 showed 394 residential home sales as opposed to 249 home sales in Sep 07 and 364 in Oct 07.

		Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor® Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Paradise® 232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903 321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message http://JosephRobinson.com

What's going on with the Tax Cut Bill?

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:32:02 -0800

The ink in on the paper and it's time for us to vote. Taxes and insurance are major factor affecting the Real Estate market as well as the public's decision to buy or sell homes or condos. Today, Gov. Christ signed the new tax cut bill which will make the proposed cuts (approved by the House and the Senate on 10/29) law pending the approval of the citizens of Florida. This bill does not do everything we'd like to see happen but it certainly does provide the tax-payer some relief.

So what's the skinny on this law? There are four basic provisions.

The homestead exemption is to be increased (school district taxes excluded)
Owner of homestead properties may transfer up to $500k of their "Save-Our-Homes" benefits to their next homestead property.
The transfer above included a $25,000 exepmtion for tangible personal property
The law also provides some relief to non-homesteaded real property with caps on increases

For the long version, here's the offical Tax Ballot Summary.

Voters will be able to express their opinion on January 29th primaries for the Presidential Election. You'll want to keep a eye on your county or municipal taxes. It would be very convenient for these taxes to raise enough to offset the gains we receive from this new law.

For additional information on Proposed Amendments visit VoteSmartFlorida.org.

		Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor® Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Paradise® 232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903 321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message http://JosephRobinson.com