Have you all been feeling like there just isn't enough time in the day--with all the buyers, listings, learning and more learning about foreclosures, short sales and so on and so on?

I think the time has come for everyone to stop and take some time to enjoy this wonderful world we live in.  The movie "The Bucket List" got me thinking!  Why wait until we've been told we are going to die--we all are anyway. 

So, how about this?  Start making a list--maybe we can call it something different--I'm open to suggestions--of things you haven't done or have done and would like to do again.  Assign one day per week--I know, who has a day!  Well, you have to make the time just like you make the time to get your work done.  On that one day you do the first thing on your list of fun activities, challenging, fun activities, maybe even fearful, fun activities.  Then each week, choose your activity and check it off your list.

We only go around once and I don't want to be sitting at death's door saying "Gee, I wish I had done this or that, but there was never enough time".  Make time--it'll help you live a happier, healthier and possibly a longer life and therefore you can keep adding more things to your list!

Enjoy each and every item on your list and I guarantee, you will feel so much better--maybe even better enough to be able to tackle all the hard work ahead of us!  Take time for yourself NOW!  Live, Love and Be Happy!!

Hi all!  Well here we are in our gorgeous spring weather--temperatures in the upper 70's to low 80's, soothing tropical breezes blowing through your hair and the smell of jasmine and citrus scenting the air!

Do I love it here--you bet!

Why not take the second chance for an opportunity of a lifetime.  Homes are still selling for no more than half their value in 2005-2006.  A client of mine bought a home for $170,000 that has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, heated and screened inground pool, master bathroom to die for, kitchen with Viking appliances and a floor plan that utilizes every inch of space.  This home sold for close to $400,000 in 2005!  Ask me if they are happy--again, you bet they are!

Not only is our real estate market in Brevard County FL heavy with foreclosures and short sales, the auctions are becoming just as big.  I recently walked my clients through the auction process--and I would definitely suggest using a Realtor for this process--not only did they get a wonderful home for well under $100,000, almost two-thirds less than the original sale price and they are closed in less than a month!  Are they happy--absolutely!  So if you are ready to buy, think about an auction, but don't forget--get a Realtor as it can be tricky!

If you would like to be among the buyers who can say "I might have missed out on the great prices in Florida in 2000-2002, but I didn't miss out this time!"  With interest rates still at incredible lows and prices dating back to 1999, what are you waiting for?

Call or email me!

I think I'm living in the mecca of bank owned properties in the world!  Where else but Palm Bay, Melbourne and Sebastian can you find a home that because of mortgage rates and prices of homes, you will pay less for your mortgage than in the 1970's?  It's true.  Where else can you find a concrete block home (most desirable) with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a 2-car garage built somewhere after 2000 on a quarter of an acre of land for less than $150,000.00--right here in Palm Bay, Melbourne and Sebastian FL.  Even if it's your winter home--the time is right now.  Our prices have leveled off and it appears that some prices are even taking a small upswing.  Don't miss out on the opportunity to live in paradise--gorgeous weather, great schools, lots to do and friendly people.

There are also many high end homes that now are being offered for half price.  It's like a half price sale--condos and single family homes that sold in 2005-2006 for $2,000,000.00 are now being marketed for $1,000,000.00 and sometimes up to 70% of the value.  So, even if you are looking to buy a very upscale home on the beach or river, it is still the time to do it.

It annoys me when people advertise to others that for a small amount of money and sometimes, a larger amount, they will receive foreclosed or bank owned properties!  PLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEE!  Nobody needs to pay for any of this information. Just ask a Realtor, including myself, for a list.  I certainly won't charge you a penny.  I will provide it to you free of charge.  I want more northerners to enjoy summer all year long!

So, come on and make the decision that now is the time to buy that home and, especially, if you are tired of the cold winters up north, you won't regret your decision.  Buy a home, not as an investment in money, but as an investment in yourself.  It's time to have more outdoor time and quality time for yourself and your family.  Florida is the place to do just that.

Hi all!  Haven't blogged or a while as I was very busy working with my buyers and sellers over the summer.  I do think it will slow down a bit after the $8,000 tax credit ends, but maybe not!  I am always optimistic.  For all the potential buyers out there sitting still on the fence, believe me, those buyers who did jump in and find their home, many found their dream homes.  They were in awe at what beautiful homes were available to them in the exact price range they were looking in.

For those who haven't decided yet, I say now is the time.  A second opportunity has been afforded you and I don't want you sitting there a year from now with that incredible 20-20 hindsight saying "wow, I really SHOULD HAVE taken that step and found a home while prices and interest rates were so good".

I am anticipating that with schools soon getting out, families will be thinking more seriously about making a move now.  Not only are interest rates historically low, but lending is available and for the first time home buyer, the $8,000 tax credit will be a help.

For the sellers who paid too much for their home, I hope they realize they more than likely will sell for less, but the next home they buy will be worth more in years to come--so lose a little on one side and make it up on the buying side!

I am remembering my sweet mother today and wish I could give her a big hug, but she is out of my arms reach.  Remember, if your Mom is still living or even if she's not, mother's are not given instruction manuals.  They do the best they can with what they have.  You may say, well, that's not good enough and come up with every excuse in the book for harboring negative feelings.  There is always an exception to the rule and your mother is always that exception.

Happy Mother's Day to all women!

Today something happened to me that has made me feel physically sick.  I thought I was so aware of how the economy is affecting people.  Well, I was wrong.  It's different when you see something on the news, but when it hits you smack in the face, reality is, it hurts.

I ran into a woman today who used to work at one of our local hospitals--nice job as a customer service rep--loved what she did.  After exchanging niceties, she asked me if she could borrow $10.00.  Before I answered because I was taken back, I asked her to talk to me.  She did.  Actually words just poured out of her mouth. She told me that she had lost her job, her husband was working at Kentucky Fried Chicken, but just got laid off, her rent had not been paid on her mobile home and she didn't know it, until she got a registered letter saying she would have to leave in 30 days.  She has two wonderful dogs too.  She asked her husband why he hadn't paid the rent and he said, he forgot. . .I'm sure that wasn't true. One morning when she got up, she went into the living room and noticed her TV was gone.  When she asked her husband what happened to it, he said he sold it.  She asked well, where's the money?  He said he spent it!  I know this woman is hurting and scared, but I also know that her husband is feeling the same fears although he probably has nobody to talk to.

What is happening to so many people just breaks my heart.  I ask that you think about your life.  Is it as bad as this woman's?  If not, you need to reach out to these people.  They are everywhere, but most are too embarassed to let anyone know.  We all need each other and we need to know that it's okay to tell people you aren't okay.  It's okay to ask for help.  Sure people will say no, but there are people who will say yes.

Look around you.  There are so many people hurting.  Maybe you are one of them.  Reach out to someone who will listen if it's you or reach out to people you meet as they may be hurting.  Most will not open up easily because they are just, like I said, embarassed.  Many are depressed and feel hopeless.  Let those in need know that you care.  Maybe you don't have money to help, but listening will go a long way towards helping people heal.  We aren't miracle workers, but you never know how your words and compassion can possibly be the helping hand someone in need deserves.

Count your blessings and be grateful for what you do have.  There is always someone who is worse off than you and we need to recognize how many people are suffering.

Until my next post, God Bless and reach out to everyone around you.  You never know, that person could be your next door neighbor.

If you are like me and so many others, then I know stress is definitely changing the way you think.  The key words are how you are thinking.

Stress can actually be good because if handled correctly, it can point you in a direction you never thought about.  What appears to be happening and I see it all the time is that stress due to job loss, death, financial problems or other things is causing us to feel paralyzed, depressed, hopeless and is shattering our dreams and even changing the way we think.  Were you happy, in love, grateful before the economy took its toll and now you feel sad, depressed, unhappy, out of love, ungrateful?  You can change how you feel and think!

Two months ago, my husband passed away.  I can hear you offering your condolences and I thank you for them, but what has happened because of my husband's passing is what I want to talk about.

Not only did I lose my husband, I lost his income, our house, my dreams and all that was attached to him.  Then it dawned on me.  I must depend totally on myself.  There is no life insurance as he had been sick for a while.  I felt alot of pressure and could feel myself falling into a "woe is me" attitude.  I felt depressed and scared about being on my own and having to support myself. 

I found as I opened up to people about my loss, I got tremendous support and found within myself the courage to tackle life head on.  After all, it's my life and I decided not to let it get me down.  One of my friends when I thanked him for his inspiration because it helped me move forward responded with "you inspired yourself".  Now that was definitely true and made me feel good.  The inspiration I feel has spurred me on to start this blog in hopes or helping not only myself but others.

My intent is to make this an ongoing blog so that I can share information that I hope will be helpful to all of you out there in Internet Land who need to get on with their life after being dealt a severe blow from the economy or from life itself.  Maybe you need support or just a different way of looking at things.  Change happens and the events of life seem to hit us just when we think everything is grand.

On my website there is a tab that says Inspirational where you will find some helpful links to stress busters along with some great quotes from great people.  Check them each out and see if they help. 

My favorite link is The Secret and the bottom line of the revelation of The Secret is that we all have within ourselves the power to make our lives better--that's the secret.  It doesn't come from anyone else, just each one of us.

So, if stress is getting the better of you and you need some help, I hope you'll follow my blog as I unveil how I'm dealing with it, give you some tips and hopefully, reach out to you and help you survive these tumultuous times.  One thing for sure is that in six months, you will either be happier or sadder.  Nothing stays the same and it is up to you and only you to make your life the best it can be.  Material things don't matter as long as we have enough money to keep us going and you will be amazed at how much less you actually need.  It's an eye opener.  Always be open to new ideas and different ways to live your life.  Remember, don't sweat the small stuff, none of us get out alive--so enjoy what you do have and once you start feeling grateful for the smallest things, your life will change for the better.

My first feeling of gratefulness is living here in Florida where it is warm, sunny, tropical and a wonderful place to feel those happy feelings again.

Feel free to share what's going on in your life--it really does help!

The new Coldwell Banker On Location on youtube launched today.  Check it out.  Not only is Coldwell Banker leading the real estate Internet space, it now has stepped it up another notch!  I am proud to be a part of this great company.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1AKZDhUrLY&feature=player_embedded

  Hello to my fellow ActiveRainers as well as any other people who read this.  As a Realtor in Brevard County which is on the east coast of Florida, within a 45 minute drive of Orlando, I have seen our home prices shoot up like rockets and now fizzle out like a dead firecracker!

I know many people have been hurt by the economy and the stock market and their retirement accounts.  This has put buying a home in Florida on the back burner or maybe even cancelling the idea altogether.

What I find sad is that I see people whose goal was to finally, one day retire in Florida or even just move there because the weather is idyllic, having to toss their hopes in the air.  For those people I say, where can you buy a home for under $200,000 that is bright, open, with a pool, made of concrete block and many other wonderful details?  In Florida of course.  We are operating on home prices back now as far as 2000.  Even if prices decline slightly more, an investment now is a giant leap for anyone wanting to make that move to Florida.

I am a NJ girl for most of my life, then moved to Cape Cod, MA and finally, in 2003 made the move the Florida and I just love it.  I read the blogs about how home owners in the north who are trying to sell must contend with removing any ice or snow so they negate getting sued!  You won't have to do that in Florida.  Nor do you have to worry about slipping on the ice if you enjoy walking your dog.  Nor do you have to worry about skidding into the car in front of you due to the black ice.  Those are just some of the things that have made my life living in Florida "My Dream Come True".

So, if you are one of the lucky and wise ones who still have money to invest, do it now and call me to assist you.  You won't be disappointed.