Brevard County Real Estate News, Sandy Shores Melbourne FL Realtor

Which One Will Get There First?

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:43:53 -0600

I couldn't help but think that if someone dropped a piece of food in between these two, which one would get it first? It seems that the poor tortoise didn't stand a chance.

But he had just finished a delicious lunch of carrots and greens.

But, in the story of the tortoise and the hare, didn't the tortoise win?

Slow and steady wins the race.

This photo cannot be reproduced without the express written permission of Sandy Shores, REALTOR.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County, Florida's Space Coast Real Estate & Investing

I specialize in Residential, Investment & Relocations. I can help with Short Sales and Foreclosures.

I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Quality Time with the Family = Priceless

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:56:25 -0600

We had a full holiday weekend. One that I won't soon forget.

I took a couple of days off and spent some quality time with my girls, which I love to do.

We cleaned and cooked and laughed and goofed off.

We were outside waiting in the cold at Staples at 5:20 AM on Black Friday morning, with at least a hundred other people.

The store opened at 6:00.

We were fortunate to get an HP laptop computer at a $300 savings, with a free printer.

Getting a bit bored with standing in line.

The next day it was off to a day at Busch Gardens, with our free passes.

These guys were on stilts and it was amazing to watch them.

This was a praying mantis on stilts. He was really eerie.

What fun is it without a piggyback ride?

This beautiful white peacock was begging for the popcorn in my hand.

Once he ate all my popcorn, he headed over to my husband with his bucket of popcorn.

The girls finally got to meet their new second cousin, April. They were tickled. And, April was tired.

After a whirlwind weekend, we came home and watched a couple of movies that we bought on Black Friday for $2.00 a piece and just relaxed.

Quality time with the family = priceless

I wouldn't trade it for anything!

I hope that you and yours had a wonderful holiday!

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County, Florida's Space Coast Real Estate & Investing

I specialize in Residential, Investment & Relocations. I can help with Short Sales and Foreclosures.

I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Seasons Greetings from the Busch Gardens Clydesdale

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:22:50 -0600

This photo cannot be reproduced without the express written permission of Sandy Shores, REALTOR.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County, Florida's Space Coast Real Estate & Investing

I specialize in Residential, Investment & Relocations. I can help with Short Sales and Foreclosures.

I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

A Peek at Nature's Beauty

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:48:16 -0600

This photo cannot be reproduced without the express written permission of Sandy Shores, REALTOR.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County, Florida's Space Coast Real Estate & Investing

I specialize in Residential, Investment & Relocations. I can help with Short Sales and Foreclosures.

I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Will You Allow A Buyer Early Occupancy on a Property When the Closing is Delayed?

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:00:30 -0600

Here in Florida typically on the day of closing, the buyer and the seller sit at the closing table and sign their documents. The seller must have their belongings completely out of the property. And, they must be prepared to hand the keys over to the buyer.

Customarily, the buyer does a walk through on the property before heading to the closing, to be sure that the house was as he last saw it. He should be sure that all the appliances and anything extra that was written into the contract is left with the house. And, obviously he wants to be certain that there was no major damage done while furniture was being moved out.

On closing day, sometimes the seller goes to the Title Company first to sign their papers as they have only a couple to sign. When they leave, typically they leave the keys with the Title agent who handles the closing. Later, the buyer goes in to sign their mountain of paperwork ( if they are getting a mortgage to finance the purchase). It can take an hour to get through all of the documents.

When the documents are signed by both parties, and the lender funds the loan, then the title company can release the keys to the buyer. The buyer gets possession of the home that day. The real estate agents on each side of the transaction are given their commission checks and the seller receives his check for the proceeds of the sale, if there are any.

This is a perfect scenario, but, what happens, if things don't go as smoothly as they should?

What if the closing gets delayed, a day, a week, or several weeks?

What if...

The package from the lender isn't to the title company in the proper amount of time?

Or someone forgot to order the survey? And it's needed for closing?

What if there is a named Tropical storm off the coast and the insurance company will not issue their policy until it clears the area?

What happens when the closing gets extended by a week?

And, the buyer has to be out of their apartment the day originally scheduled for closing?

Then what?

The next question from the buyer's agent is, "Will the seller's allow the buyer's early occupancy? Can they move into the property a week early?"

I don't care for early occupancy.

What if something happens and the buyer's loan doesn't close?

What if the buyer's get in, it doesn't close, and you can't get them back out?

What if something happens and an early occupant gets hurt in the house?

What if the house catches fire?

What if they move in and find they don't like the house and change their mind about buying it?

What if an early occupant decides to start doing work to the property, such as painting and tearing up carpets, etc. and then find they can't close?

Then what?

There are a number of things that can go wrong with early occupancy.

So, your closing is delayed, and the buyer's agent comes to you and asks you if the buyer can move in one week early, what do you tell them?

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County, Florida's Space Coast Real Estate & Investing

I specialize in Residential, Investment & Relocations. I can help with Short Sales and Foreclosures.

I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

What's Swimming in Your Pool?

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:42:59 -0600

We woke up to another beautiful day here in Florida. The weather has been in the 70's to low 80's during the day with very low humidity. We have been fortunate to be sleeping with the windows open as it has been so cool.

I like to drink my tea on the back porch in the mornings. I found this little snake swimming around in the pool. He must have lost his way and wound up slithering his way into the water. Now I'm not real fond of slimey, slithering creatures, because I'm not really sure which ones are venomous and which ones aren't. And, I really don't care to know. My husband and daughter carefully scooped it out of the pool and returned it to a spot on the side yard in the bushes.

It's not uncommon for us, here in Florida to find these snakes hanging around in the yard.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County, Florida's Space Coast Real Estate & Investing

I specialize in Residential, Investment & Relocations. I can help with Short Sales and Foreclosures.

I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Market Report for Brevard County Real Estate

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:37:33 -0600

In looking at the recent real estate sales with the Melbourne Association of Realtors, it's interesting to see the number of homes recently sold and those that are for sale in various price ranges.

The breakdown is as follows:

Single family homes and condos, and townhouses sold in October 2009

up to $ 99,999 168

up to $199,999 144

up to $299,999 62

up to $399,999 21

up to $499,999 7

up to $549,999 1

up to $599,999 1

up to $999,999 0

$1,000,000+ 1

In looking at single family houses, condos and townhouses currently for sale in October 2009:

up to $ 99,999 940

up to $199,999 900

up to $299,999 590

up to $399,999 237

up to $499,999 135

up to $549,999 27

up to $599,999 53

up to $999,999 144

$1,000,000+ 86

The market is quite brisk in the up to $200.000 price range. However, when sale prices get up over $500,000 the market is currently stagnant in our area.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County, Florida's Space Coast Real Estate & Investing

I specialize in Residential, Investment & Relocations. I can help with Short Sales and Foreclosures.

I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Watch Out You Don't Get Shot by that Unsuspecting Seller

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:51:09 -0600

This week I was out with buyers showing houses in Palm Bay. I met them at a nice home that was advertised as a short sale. Earlier in the day I called the listing agent for showing instructions on the property. He told me to knock first and then to use the combination lockbox on the front door.

When my buyers arrived, we chatted for a couple of minutes, then headed for the front door. I rang the doorbell a couple of times. No answer. I tried the lockbox code. It didn't open. I tried it again, it still didn't open.

So, I called the listing agent. "Could you please confirm the lockbox code as I am unable to get in to see this property?"

"Okay, let me go through my list of codes of what it could be. Here try this one." I tried it. Nope, that didn't work. I tried it again. No luck again.

"Okay let's try this one. Maybe this is it," he said. I tried it, and low and behold, that was the one. It worked. I thanked him profusely, I rang the doorbell two more times and unlocked the door. "Hello, is anyone home?" I called out, as I always do.

All of the lights were off and the shades were drawn. It was quite dark inside. I began flipping lights on. As we walked into the dark kitchen we noticed that there were 2 pots steaming on the stove. Uh-oh, I thought, someone must be here. I looked at the buyers and they thought the same thing. "Someone has to be home with pots getting ready to boil over on the stove."

"Hello, hello, anyone home?" No answer again.

Feeling a bit uneasy we headed down the dark hall and flipped on a light. I stuck my head in the door of one room while my buyer stuck his head in the room next room.

"Sandy, there's a woman sleeping in the bed," the buyer sputtered. He talked so fast, I wasn't sure what he had said at first.

I turned around, and next thing I know, my buyers were racing through the house towards the front door.

The woman woke up.

We had alarmed her.

She came down the hall and I told her I was there to look at the house and I had spoken to her agent to set an appointment.

"Is this a good time?"

She starting swinging her arms above her head and screaming in a language other than English. I'm not sure what she was saying, but it was perfectly clear that we were not welcome in her home. I knew she wanted us out, NOW.

I headed for the door, apologizing. "I'm sorry, to alarm you. I was unaware that anyone was home. I rang the doorbell several times, and there was no answer. I am sorry to have caught you at such a bad time."

As she continued waving her arms in the arm, suddenly she hesitated, she stopped and shook her head. Then, she began waving for me to come back in. "Are you sure?" I asked. She shook her head.

I called for the buyers to come and look at the home.

The seller began opening doors for us, all the while speaking in a different language.

We finished our tour and thanked her very much.

When we got outside the buyer's wife was shaking. "Are you okay?" I asked. "Oh my gosh, that scared me half to death. How often do you walk in on someone?"

"Not very often. Unfortunately, it's not the first time and it won't be the last."

As a seller I wouldn't want to come face to face with someone standing in my living room, without me knowing they were there. Although I had spoken to the agent and confirmed an appointment earlier in the day. And, I was standing out front talking with the listing agent, to get the correct lockbox code just minutes before we walked into the home.

Just another day in the life of a real estate agent.

I just hope one day I don't walk into the home of someone packing a pistol.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

October Market Report for Brevard County Real Estate

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:14:43 -0600

According to the Melbourne Association of REALTORS here in Brevard County Florida Real Estate Statistics for October 2009 are as follows:

For single family residential units:

There were 623 new listings.

This is an increase of 11.05% from October 2008 of 561 new listings.

Year to date in 2009 there have been 5909 listings.

Year to date in 2008 there were 7516 new listings.

There were 323 sold listings.

This is a 34.02% increase from October 2008 of 241 sold listings.

Year to date in 2009 there are 3110 listings sold.

Year to date in 2008 there were 2694 listings sold.

The average sale price in October 2009 was $148,791.

This is a decrease from October 2008 of $190,937.

Average days on the market were 107 days.

This is a 24.11% decrease from October 2008 of 141 days.

For all properties, including single family residential, condo and townhouse:

There were 868 new listings.

There were 393 sold listings.

Average sales price was $147,236.

Average days on the market = 122

Types of financing used:

121 conventional financing

152 cash

98 FHA

28 VA

0 Exchanges

3 Owner financing

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Welcoming a Brand New Day

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:06:24 -0600

I take pictures as I enjoy sharing them with others. If you would like to use one of my photos, please ask, I am usually happy to oblige, however I would like to receive mention of having taken the picture.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Do You Remember Your First Home? Boy, I Sure Do! And, It Wasn't Pretty!

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:10:41 -0600

So often, in helping buyers find their first home, I can’t help but think back to my first home away from home. And, oh what a home it was! I was 21 years old. My first home was a mobile home. No, let’s just call it what it was, it was a trailer, a rickety old single-wide 12 x 60 foot trailer, that needed alot of tender loving care. It was downright ugly. It needed a good thorough scrubbing from top to bottom and a coat of paint.

It had red shag carpeting with red lights in the ceiling. The second bedroom was the size of a bathroom. It fit one single bed and a tiny little dresser. You had to practically climb on the bed to get into the closet.

And, it was on the railroad tracks. The master bedroom window was 10 feet from the train. On the other side there was a busy street. So, I lived at the railroad crossing!

Each time a train went by the whole place shook. The dishes clattered in the cupboards and the chandelier danced on the ceiling, threatening to come crashing down. We had to run across the living room to turn the TV up when a train was going by (it was before the days of remote controls – I know, I know, back in the stone age). Between the ding, ding, ding of the railroad crossing gates going down, the traffic stopping, the train whistle, and the train roaring by, I was ready to be put in a rubber room. Although I loved the thought of having a place of my own, after a couple of weeks I really disliked living there. I cried the first night I stayed there.

But, it was mine, all mine. I paid $3,500 for it, with my own money. I owned it free and clear and I paid $95.00 a month in lot rent to have it parked on a "prime" piece of real estate.

I spent a year a half there and never slept through an entire night, because of the train.

One day I decided it was time to move on, so I stuck a For Sale sign in the window and sold the place a couple of weeks later. The couple that bought it didn't mind the train. When I was showing it to them a train came roaring by. They said they were used to living by the tracks as they had for years. It was a match made in heaven.

I took my little profit and my sister and I pooled our money and built a home together. Now that was a real home!

My Dad gave me this picture when I lived in the trailer, as a joke. I have kept it throughout the years. I can now look back on it with fond memories of growing up and heading out on my own for the first time.

Do you remember your first home? What was it like?

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

R.A.W. United Southern States Push Pull Powerlifting Meet

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:40:41 -0600

The 2009 R.A.W. United Southern States Push Pull Powerlifting meet was held at The Gym this past weekend here in Melbourne FLorida. There were about 20 lifters competing.

Sam Shores had a 97 lb. bench press.

Shores had a 195 lb. deadlift.

There will be a R.A.W. United Powerlifting meet coming up on December 5 and 6 that will be held at West Shore Junior Senior High School in Melbourne Florida. Lifters will be competing from across the country. It is estimated that there will be about 75-85 competitors in this meet.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

8576 Mizell Drive, Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida's Space Coast

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:07:38 -0600

Sandy Shores, Realtor | M & M Real Estate, Inc | 321-253-4545

8576 Mizell Drive, Melbourne, FL

Welcome to Brevard County Florida! Lovingly maintained 1999 Holiday Builders Home! Original owner! Eat in kitchen w/breakfast bar! Open floor plan!

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $178,888

Year Built	1999
Sq Footage	1,902
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	2,312 sqft
HOA/Maint	$37 per month

DESCRIPTION

Lovingly maintained original owner home! Upgraded carpeting! Glistening ceramic tile! Great open floor plan! Inside laundry room! Screened porch with a beautiful view of the lake! Sprinkler system with reclaimed water! Temite bond. This home is a must see! Great central Viera location. Minutes to I-95, Wickham Road, new Avenues shopping mall and dining, new government center, new schools! Highly desirable area!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Tile floor	- Family room	- Living room
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Laundry area - inside	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Swimming pool(s)

- Playground

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Eat in kitchen with breakfast bar

- Stunning master suite w/garden tub & separate shower

- Automatic garage door opener

- Pull down attic stairs

- Not a short sale or foreclosure

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front view	Community pool
eat in kitchen	Living & family rooms
Dining area	Lake view

Contact info:

Sandy Shores, Realtor

M & M Real Estate, Inc

321-253-4545

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 11, 2009, 10:57am PST

Surfs Up! Time to Hit the Beach

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:43:22 -0600

It's a bit cloudy and overcast today, as we are seeing the remnants of Hurricane Ida that passed through the panhandle of Florida yesterday. It was quickly downgraded to a tropical storm. For some, tropical storms and hurricanes mean waves. And, waves mean it's time to hit the beach to go surfing.

Today, with the Veteran's Day holiday, schools are closed. Hooray!

So many are at the beach, taking advantage of the waves that Tropical Storm Ida left behind.

Living on A Busy Street

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:46:13 -0600

Yesterday, I got a call from someone driving by a home that I have for rent. The house is on a busy street. There's great visibility when it comes to renting it, and it's a great place to have a real estate sign. It's free advertising for me. I get a lot of calls on this house. But, not everyone wants to live on a busy street. It has a big fenced yard, with beautiful big shade trees. But, for people with little ones they may be afraid that their kids may run out into the street. That certainly is a valid concern.

The tenants that have lived in the house throughout the years have varied. Most had pets, but when I think about it, none of them had real small children. One tenant brought home a pet cow one day. Boy, was my phone ringing off the hook with neighbors calling about that cow. When I saw it, I had to chuckle. Now, I have to admit, I've never had a tenant bring a cow into a residential neighborhood, before. Oh, but with rentals there's a first time for everything.

None of the tenants that have lived in this house on the busy street seemed to mind the street out front or the traffic noise. I suppose that different houses suit different people.

Did I mention that the railroad tracks are 3 blocks away?

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit has Been Extended

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:41:31 -0600

HR 3548 was signed into law, extending the up to $8000 tax credit or 10% of the purchase price, offered to First Time Homebuyers, people that have not owned a house in 3 years. The original tax credit was due to expire on November 30, thus we had been scrambling to help buyers find properties. Now a buyer has until April 30, 2010 to get a home under contract, and until June 30, 2010 to get that home to closing.

On December 1, the income limits on the tax credit will change from the original guidelines of $75,000 to $125,000 for single people. And, from $150,000 for married couples to $225,000

Homebuyers cannot purchase a home for more than $800,000.

Effective immediately an existing homeowner may qualify for $6,500 if they purchase a home. Their principal residence must be owned for at least five consecutive years, in the past 8 years. These buyers may purchase a home immediately.

A buyer must own the home for at least 3 years in order to not have to pay back the amount of the credit.

The new law also requires new buyers to submit proof of their new home purchase with their tax returns, as there has been so much fraudlent activity in the program already.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

I Own this Land, I Own the Road and Now I Own You! Welcome to the Neighborhood!

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:15:34 -0600

Yesterday, I had a first time homebuyer close on their new home. They were tickled. They purchased a cozy house that has been lovingly maintained by the same owner for over 30 years. They were happy to find an affordable property in an area of well maintained homes.

Prior to closing, the buyers visited the neighborhood and walked the perimeter of the property several times to envision their plans for a garden, picnic area and perhaps a new fence. They were kindly greeted by the next door neighbor. He was cheerful in providing his name and his occupation (as he works in a division of law enforcement).

With his powerful demeanor he was careful in pointing out that he has been in the neigborhood for a long period of time, and he likes things to be a certain way. As he carefully pointed out his likes and dislikes of each of the neighbors, he was specific in going over his rules in this non deed restricted neighborhood.

The buyers were informed that he likes to go to bed by 9:00, so there will be no noise after 9:00.

He was gracious in informing them that the well on the property line (that was put in by the seller of the property they're buying) is a shared well, but he will be kind enough in allowing them to use it.

A fence between the properties would not be a good idea, as there has never been a fence between the properties in prior years. A fence would mean that he would have to remove his garden or lose access to the garden that he planted in the neighbors yard (of their new house). He would also lose access to the controls on the well if a fence were in place. And he'd be watching if they considering putting a fence up.

The seller's daughter told us that he pushed her 80 year mother around every chance he could. Now this is really sad.

It reminds me of the big bad bully on the playground. I thought all that silliness stopped in grade school!

Ugh!

Some people don't like change. They become set in their ways and they grow accustomed to things being a certain way. They are happy to have things stay the way they've always been. I understand that.

But, my goodness, what a warm welcome to the neighborhood!

The buyers for this property are dear people! In their excitement, they laughed off their conversations with this belligerent man. One of them told me that he has no problem in telling this neighbor what he thinks. Since I have known him for years, I have never seen him not speak his mind. And, I'm certain that sometime, someday, he is going to have to do just that.

Well, congratulations to the buyers in the purchase of their comfortable new home!

But, unfortunately I can see some head butting coming in the near future. And please, no fist fights!

Best of luck!

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

It May Cost You More to Appeal Your Property Taxes

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:55:25 -0600

We received our property tax bills in the mail this week. And, already some disgruntled owners are heading to the tax assessors office to file an appeal, as they feel their taxes are unjust and too high. Owners are frustrated as their taxes on their homesteaded properties are rising in a real estate market that has experienced a downturn.

In September 1995 the Governor approved a rule #12-8.0062 to allow the property appraisers office to increase the assessed value of a homesteaded property even if the market value of the property decreases. The amount of this increase can only be 3% per year or the percentage change of the CPI, whichever is less. This can be done as long the assessed value of the property remains less than the market value of the property. So, in a declining market, a homesteaded property may receive an increased tax bill. Many owners are unhappy with this.

We are hearing that fees for applying for an appeal on your tax bill could be tripling in some counties in Florida.

Property taxes on non owner occupied, investment properties or second homes have a cap of 10% on the assessed value of a property. The tax assessors office implemented this change this year. However, the owner of the property must be the same person since January 1, 2008.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Are You Finding that Short Sales are Closing More Quickly and the Process is Becoming More Streamlined?

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:39:55 -0600

I recently read an article that indicated that in today's market short sales are becoming one of the most popular ways to help sellers in disposing of a property that they owe more money than it's worth. The article went on to say that the short sale process is becoming more streamlined, as lenders are getting a better grasp on how to handle these types of sales. In some areas more internet programs are being added, as well as additional staff to deal with the large amount of short sale properties. I think that there are many more real estate professionals that have fine tuned their short sale skills, also.

Some agents are indicating the short sale process is taking less time than before and that lenders are more approachable and more eager to work with a distressed seller. Is this true? On one of the files we are working on, the lender has been wonderful to work with. They have been johnny on the spot, prompt and quite proficient.

On another file, the same lender has been dragging their feet in signing a contract after they provided us with an approved short sale price. The buyer and seller were asked, by the lender to sign the agreed upon contract 3 weeks ago, and get it right back to them. We did, And, we are still waiting for the lender to sign off on the contract. The buyer is waiting as he is ready to do inspections.

A short sale stays on your credit for about 2 years, whereas a foreclosure can stay on your credit for up to 5 years.

Real estate professionals, are you finding that short sales are taking less time than before and that banks are more agreeable to working a deal with an owner today? I think it depends on the lender and the mitigator assigned to the file.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Is It That Time Again? Property Tax Bills Are in the Mail

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:01:39 -0600

Brevard County Property 2009 tax bills are in the mail. The bills are for the period covering January 1 to December 31, 2009. Home and property owners that don't have their taxes escrowed by their mortgage company have until March 31, 2010 to pay their bills. If the bill is paid in November owners receive a 4% discount. If paid in December the discount is 3%. And so on.

Mortgage companies that electronically receive the tax bills must pay the bills prior to November 30.

This year there was a $64 Million decrease in total taxes billed from 2008 to 2009, with the 378,359 tax bills sent.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

A Halloween Tale that Will Make You Die Laughing

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:40:03 -0500

One late Halloween night, a man is walking home alone.

Behind him he hears: BUMP BUMP BUMP

Walking faster he looks back and through the fog he sees the image of an upright casket banging it's way down the middle of the street toward him.

BUMP BUMP BUMP

Terrified, the man begins to run as fast as he can.

The casket is crashing down the street towards him.

BUMP BUMP BUMP

He begins running faster.

He reaches his home, reaches the door, fumbles with his keys, opens the door, rushes in and slams and locks the door behind him.

BUT, the casket comes crashing through the door.

The casket lid begins opening and slamming shut.

SLAM BUMP

It's right behind him.

The terrified man rushes upstairs to the bathroom. He locks himself in. His heart is racing. His head is spinning. He is short of breath.

With a loud crash the casket comes breaking down the door.

The casket is coming right FOR him!

The man screams in terror and he doesn't know what to do. He looks around. He reaches for something, anything that he he can get his hands on. But, all he finds is a bottle of cough syrup. Desperately he throws the bottle of cough syrup straight at the casket and...

ARE YOU READY FOR THIS??????

The coffin stops.

Get it, coffin...stops...

Pretty bad huh? This reminds me of the kind of jokes my older sister Jean tells.

The punch line just kills you!

Get it? Kills you...

Okay, that was bad, I know.

My friend Ed from Texas sent this one. Thanks Ed!

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween.

I'd Like to Buy A House Today... But, Wait...

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:41:35 -0500

I am on my way out to show houses.

This first time home buyer has been actively looking for a house for over 2 months in a 5 mile radius of Palm Bay. She has realistic expectations. She and her husband aren't looking for a home that is out of the ordinary. She'd like a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage about 1500 square feet of living. In the under $125K price range she should be able to find what she is looking for. She is an FHA buyer, so to stay within FHA guidelines the home she chooses must have a newer roof, newer A/C unit, some type of heat, a stove, no broken windows, and if it has a pool it can't look like a swamp monster lives in it.

Easy right?

Well, maybe not right now.

We have looked at every house in her price range in the area she would like to live. Many are short sales or foreclosures. Many of the foreclosures will not qualify for FHA because of their poor condition. We have checked and double checked the list of houses for sale and haven't yet found a property that works for them.

I remember not that long ago, we were in a buyer's market. There was an huge inventory of homes available for sale. Buyers had no problems finding a property to suit their wants and their needs. But, in some areas and price points in Brevard County today, that has changed. We are finding there is a shortage of good, clean affordable homes under $125K.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Just Catching the Sunrise

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:58:07 -0500

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Ares 1-X Rocket Launch a Huge Success

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:35:45 -0500

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it Superman?

No, actually I think it's a bug that landed on my lens while I was taking the picture.

This was a successful mission. This rocket can be flown with or without people in it.

This test launch will allow NASA to determine if this rocket design will later replace the space shuttle.

Here's the full story with an incredible video of the launch.

These pictures were all taken in the driveway of my home. We are approximately 35-40 minutes from the Kennedy Space Center.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.

Ares 1-X Rocket Launch Scrubbed This Morning

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:49:48 -0500

The Ares 1-X test rocket launch was scrubbed at 11:30 AM. The launch was scheduled for 8:00 AM and kept getting delayed due to weather issues. NASA was awaiting clouds to clear in order to launch the rocket. As it got later in the morning the winds starting picking up. At one point, when the weather cleared a cargo ship was out in the ocean in the launch zone, thus they could not proceed.

NASA will decide whether or not it will try to launch the rocket again tomorrow.

Footnote; We took this photo this morning as we were crossing the Eau Gallie Causeway, about 30 minutes south of the Kennedy Space Center.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.