Florida, Come on Down and Stay Awhile - 08/31/09 11:21 AM
I just finished reading Carla Muss Jacobs post discussing state mottos. 
 

For years, here in Florida we didn't officially have one.  Until July 1, 2006 when Governor Jeb Bush accepted In God We Trust as the state motto. After all, it had been on the state seal for years.
Florida's State seal was adopted in 1868 and later revised to be...
"... a Seal of the size of the American silver dollar, having in the center thereof a view of the sun's rays over a high land in the distance, a cocoa tree, a steamboat on water, and an … (12 comments)

Speechless Sunday- Sailing on the Indian River - 08/30/09 02:39 PM

I take pictures as I enjoy sharing them with others.  If you would like to use any of my photos, please ask. I am usually happy to accomodate the request,  however I would like mention that I took the photo.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
… (11 comments)

Hurry to Renew Your Motor Vehicle Registrations, Rates Are Going Up - 08/29/09 03:26 PM
Brevard County Florida vehicle registration fees are going up by as much as 50% and more on Monday, August 31 at midnight.
The county is raising fees in hopes of whittling down the state's $7 billion budget deficit.
The increases that will take effect will be driver's license renewals, annual vehicle registration fees, license tags and titles. Car registrations will increase from $100 to $225.
Car registrations can be renewed on Monday at the normal rates if they expire before December 1. Drivers have the option of renewing for 2 years at the current price.  A driver's license can be renewed … (8 comments)

Space Shuttle Discovery Liftoff - 08/29/09 01:43 PM
When many were sleeping, the Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center at 11:59PM last night.
The shuttle had tried 3 times earlier in the week to liftoff, but with some tropical storm remnants and a problem with a fuel valve caused delays. But, the 4th time was the charm.

This launch marcks one of the last seven missions that will fly, before the program retires in the next 2 years. There are hopes that the program could be extended until 2015.

The seven member crew headed to the International Space Station will be leaving an … (13 comments)

We Often Take For Granted How Truly Blessed We Are - 08/27/09 12:11 PM

This morning my husband and daughter, Sam came back from their workout at the gym.  They go 3 mornings a week and are usually home by at 6:45AM.  They both love it.  The gym is located in a large warehouse, a strip of storage units. 
Sam told me that as they were turning the corner, pulling up to the gym, the headlights in the dark caught the shadow of a person.  As they got closer, they could see a middle aged woman in only her bra and her underwear. She had soap in one hand and a garden house in … (25 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - Oh, The Serenity of it All - 08/26/09 10:15 AM

I take pictures as I enjoy sharing them with others.  If you would like to use any of my photos, please ask. I am usually happy to accomodate the request,  however I would like mention that I took the photo.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
… (12 comments)

How Many Passwords do You Have, And How Do you Remember them All? - 08/25/09 09:49 AM
Today, it seems that we have passwords for everything. On some days it feels like I have about a hundred of them, and I can't always remember what they all are. 
So what do you do?
According to talk show host, Clark Howard, there are some passwords to avoid. 
The top 10 are:
 1.  password
 2.  password 1
 3.  123456
 4.  abc123
 5.  letmein
 6.  monkey
 7.  qwerty
 8.  blink182
 9.  myspace 1
10. your name
These are the first passwords that a hacker tries, when they are attempting to access your account.
Clark also recommends that you don't use your … (27 comments)

The Real Estate Market Has Seen Some Positive Changes - 08/24/09 12:33 PM

Well, the good news just keeps coming in on the performance of the real estate market.  The National Association of Realtors has indicated that June marked the fifth month in a row that pending home transactions improved over the prior month.
If sales remain at the current pace, this year home sales may surpass last year's mark of a total of 4.9 million, at an annualized rate.  June home sales brought us to 4.89 million sales annualized.
We are seeing a dent in home inventories, including the number of foreclosed properties on the market. In June the inventory of homes … (6 comments)

Property Values Have Declined, But For Many Their Property Taxes Haven't - 08/22/09 05:00 PM

 
Well, I opened my mailbox today, and there they were, the dreaded "Trim", Truth in Millage Notices of Proposed Property Taxes. No one really knew how the declining values in 2008 and 2009 were going to affect our taxes.  We were all hoping for a decrease in taxes to fall in line with the decrease in property values, but for many that may not be the case, as this means less revenue than previous years to the taxing authorities.
On my primary residence, the market value dropped by over $30,000, although the assessed value increased by $100.  So, my … (14 comments)

Friday's Foto - Serene Sunsets at Lake Washington - 08/21/09 12:32 PM

I take pictures as I enjoy sharing them with others.  If you would like to use any of my photos, please ask. I am usually happy to accomodate the request,  however I would like mention that I took the photo.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
… (18 comments)

Before Saying "No" to That Renter's Policy, Talk to Someone that Has Suffered a Loss - 08/21/09 11:59 AM
When people sign a lease to rent a property of mine, I always remind them to get renter's insurance.  I explain that my insurance policy covers the building itself, the applicances and liability issues that may arise.  However, my policy does not cover their belongings in the event of fire, theft, and natural disasters.
Renters insurance typically covers your belongings in the event of:
fire or lightning strikes or smoke
wind or hail storms
explosion
theft
vandalism or theft
damage from vehicles or aircraft
riot or terrorism
falling objects
faulty plumbing, air conditioners, heating
These items may vary depending on what … (11 comments)

July Market Report for Brevard County Real Estate - 08/20/09 10:51 AM
According to the Melbourne Association of REALTORS here in Brevard County Florida,  Real Estate Statistics for July 2009 are as follows:
For single family residential units:
There were 570 new listings.
This is a decrease of 22.87% from July 2008 of 739 new listings.
Year to date in 2009 there have been 4113 new listings.
Year to date in 2008 there were 5608 new listings.
 
There were 347 sold listings.
This is a 13.40% increase from July 2008 of 289 sold listings.
Year to date in 2009 there are 2144 listings sold.
Year to date in 2008 there were 1877 … (5 comments)

Free Distemper Shots this Saturday - 08/19/09 11:35 AM

 
 
The South Brevard County Animal Services is offering free distemper shots for your pet. The event will be held this Saturday, August 22 from 9:00 AM  to noon at South Animal Care Center at 5100 W Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne.
 
The event was held last Saturday, also. There are a total of 400 vaccines available, because of a generous donation from an Orlando woman.
 
Distemper can begin in the nervous system of dogs.  It can destroy the respiratory or gastronintestinal system of the animal.
 
So, hurry on down Saturday, before the free vaccines run out.
… (9 comments)

Now is the Time to Review Your Insurance Policy - 08/18/09 09:45 AM

Hurricane season is upon us. And some homeowners haven't spoken to their insurance agent in years, nor have they updated their coverage!
Do you have enough coverage on your home?
This is an important question at this time of year for the southeastern part of the country.  Hurricane season began June 1 and ends November 30.
The tropics have been busy this past week with 3 named storms.

The cost to rebuild has increased over the years and the insurance company typcially determines how much coverage you should need based on this figure.  But what if you haven't … (8 comments)

Forbes Top 10 List of Recovering Areas - 08/17/09 10:07 AM
Forbes has determined that these metro areas boast gains in real estate sales over 2008:
1. Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida2. Lincoln, Nebraska 3. Colorado Springs, Colorado 4. Salem, Oregon 5. San Luis Obispo, California 6. Bremerton, Washington 7. Denver, Colorado 8. Redding, California 9. Santa Barbara, California. 10. San Jose, California
It's not surprising that 4 of these areas are located in California. In placing the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area at the top of the list, this certainly covers a very large portion of South Florida.
This article is authored by

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real … (12 comments)

Grand Opening of The Gym - 08/15/09 01:51 PM
The Gym has just opened here in Melbourne Florida.  It’s owner Spero Tshontikidis has a true passion for what he does.

His gift is in giving back to his community. He works with kids and coaches them on powerlifting: squats, deadlifting and bench press.  Tshontikidis’ philosophy is to keep them happy, healthy and busy and it keeps them off the streets.

He opened The Gym, a warehouse, where families can come with their kids to lift weights and exercise. Family comes first to Tshontikidis.  Both of his teenage sons work with him at The Gym.

Tshontikidis is the … (10 comments)

Can I Interest You in Some Florida Swamp land? - 08/15/09 12:52 PM
I received the phone call yesterday. The buyer was calling from up North. She has been watching the real estate market and has decided that Brevard County would be a great place to invest in some real estate. She's right, it is a great time to buy in Florida.
I asked her what she was looking for. She indicated that she would like a 3 or 4 bedroom, 2 to 3 bath, 2 car garage, situated on at least half an acre.  She would like 1800+ feet of living and minor repairs needed, preferably none.  I told her that I would … (6 comments)

Bogus Real Estate Offers are Bogging Down the System - 08/15/09 10:06 AM
Well, it seems that many of the short sale and bank foreclosure 'players' are out in full force these days. And, many are making up the rules of the game as they go.  They are trying whatever they can to 'win' the 'bid' on many of these bargain priced properties.
So, often in today's market we find ourselves in multiple offer situations, particularly on properties priced below the $130,000 mark. And, the offers run the gamut of reasonable to outrageous.
We list a short sale property at $128,950 and the offers start coming in.  The house is in great condition
Here's … (4 comments)

Satellite High School Marching Band and Scopionettes Car War - 08/15/09 06:55 AM
The Satellite High School Marching Band and the Scorpionettes will be having a car wash today.
It will be from 9:00 - 12:00.
It is located at the Taco Beall at the corner of Scorpion Ct and Highway A1A in Satellite Beach.
The band is asking for donations to wash each vehicle.
The proceeds will help curb operating costs for the band.
Come on over and bring that car, van or truck that needs a wash today.
 
This article is authored by

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, … (4 comments)

We're Getting Tired of Hearing All those Excuses - 08/14/09 11:40 AM
"Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making EXCUSES"
George Washington Carver
Have you ever gone somewhere and someone told you,
'Well, we've always done it that way'? or
'I don't have enough time.'
'Well, it's just what I do.'
'We do it this way because we have to.'
"I didn't know I was supposed to do it.'
'It's the store's policy.'
'We've never done it any other way.'
'I can't help it, it's just the way I am.'
'There's nothing I can do about it.'
'I never figured out how to do it.'
'It's … (9 comments)

Time is Running Out - 08/13/09 03:48 PM
It's the middle of August. and First Time Homebuyers have until the end of November to close on a home in order to remain eligible for the $8,000 First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit.
Is there enough time to find a house and close by then?
The answer probably depends on who the buyer is purchasing the property from. If the purchase is through an individual seller, then there may not be any problem in meeting the deadline.
However, it may be different when considering a short sale or foreclosure.
Agents are asking the same question.  And, one may not really know … (9 comments)

Hang on for the Ride of Your Life - 08/13/09 09:48 AM
Life is like a ride on a roller coaster. 
There are ups and then there are downs. 
The higher we ride up, the further we must go down. 
It's the laws of nature at work.

And, everyone deals with the ride differently.

Some are hanging on to the edge at the very top, looking down, holding their breath because they know what's coming next.
Some are terrified and can barely compose themselves.
Others are absolutely fearless. They feel the rush of adrenaline because they are living in the moment, wherever it may take them.
And, others are standing on … (15 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - Help, I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up - 08/12/09 08:36 PM


I take pictures as I enjoy sharing them with others.  If you would like to use any of my photos, please ask. I am usually happy to accomodate the request,  however I would like to receive a link back to the photo.

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
 
 
 
… (15 comments)

Hurry on Over! - 08/11/09 01:54 PM
Steak n' Shake is a name that has been around since 1934, when Gus Belt founded the first restaurant.  Back then steaks were ground into hamburger at the food counter, right in front of the guests. Some say the steakburger is the finest burger in the world.
 

Steak n' Shake is also known for it's rich, hand dipped shakes, made from fresh ice cream.

The first restaurant featured only a counter, where diners could grab a seat, and then eventually grew to curb service, where customers could pull up in their cars. 

Steak n' Shake has grown … (18 comments)

Brevard County Beaches are Mesmerizing - 08/07/09 06:56 PM
I just finished reading Mary Douglas' post about the beach.  She lives in beautiful Colorado, a place where I have never traveled to, but hope to get there someday.  She indicated that she took a 220 mile ride to get to the beach.  It looks like she had an absolutely perfect day.  She walked in the sand and got her feet wet.  It looked well worth the trip. Mary posts stunning pictures of the majestic mountains and valleys in her gorgeous state.  She shows us places that we don't see here in Florida. Places we only dream of visiting.
Every part … (17 comments)

First Time Homebuyer Forum Being Held In Melbourne - 08/07/09 06:55 PM
On Saturday August 8, 2009 a first time homebuyer forum will be held at the Maxwell King Center for Performing Art located on the  Brevard Community College campus from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It is located at the corner of Wickham and Post Road in Melbourne, FL.  Information will be provided from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  They will explain buyer assistance programs, the first time homebuyers credit and FHA loans.
There will be bankers, representatives from HUD, Realtors and credit counselors present.
The purpose of forum is to increase awareness and promote interest in the real estate … (0 comments)

Are We Seeing A Change in How Short Sales are Being Handled? - 08/07/09 05:18 AM

We have been hearing the same thing...that the government is trying to do all that it can to simplify and expedite the short sale process. But is it happening?
It seems that some banks are claiming that the short sale process is taking so long because many are still learning how the process works, both bank employees and real estate agents.
The government is indicating that they would like to standardize short sale forms, across the board for all banks. It has been estimated that only about 1/2 of all short sales close. 
And banks such as Wells Fargo are … (17 comments)

Landlords Nightmare - Tenant Leaves Tens of Thousands of Empty Beer Cans in Townhouse! - 08/06/09 05:18 PM
 
Unbelievable! 


A single guy lived in this townhouse for 8 years in Utah. The landlord thought he was a perfect tenant because he never called or complained. 
 

 
These pictures don't do the townhome justice, as the real estate company had already started moving some of the cans out of the property. 
 

The tenant had tunnels that he made to get to the kitchen, the bedroom and the bathroom.
Other than having a minor drinking problem, the tenant paid his rent every month on time.

 
  The water … (20 comments)

Just Enjoying a Day in the Sun - But, Don't Get Too Close! - 08/05/09 06:35 PM

We saw these 2 alligators at Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida's Largest Zoo.
Alligators are found mostly in the southeast United States including Florida and Louisiana. There are over a million alligators in each state. The state of Louisiana has the largest population of alligators in the US.
The average alligator is 13 feet long and 800 pounds. Some get bigger than a thousand pounds.  Alligators can live to 50 years.
The trainers were in the cage with these 2 gators when I snapped the picture.
This article is authored by

Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard … (10 comments)

 
Sandy111 Rainmaker_large

Sandy Shores Broker-Associate, Melbourne /Palm Bay, Brevard County FL Real Estate

Melbourne, FL

More about me…

M & M Real Estate Inc. / Florida's Space Coast

Address: Melbourne, Palm Bay, Indian Harbour, Satellite Beach, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge, Titusville, Cape Canaveral FL

Office Phone: (321) 733-6080

Cell Phone: (321) 253-4545

Email Me

Melbourne Real Estate and Brevard County FL Real Estate and Investing. _________________ Sandy Shores on Zillow Sandy Shores…


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