Brevard County Real Estate News, Sandy Shores Melbourne FL Realtor

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit has Been Extended

2009-11-07T14:41:31Z

HR 3548 was signed into law, extending the $8000 tax credit 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!

2009-11-05T12:15:34Z

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

2009-11-04T18:55:25Z

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?

2009-11-03T17:39:55Z

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

2009-11-01T11:01:39Z

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

2009-10-31T15:40:03Z

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...

2009-10-31T13:41:35Z

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

2009-10-30T18:58:07Z

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.

Ares 1-X Rocket Launch a Huge Success

2009-10-28T11:35:45Z

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

2009-10-27T10:49:48Z

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.

House Not Selling? ...A Tale of Revenge

2009-10-21T13:25:08Z

On the first day, she sadly packed her belongings in boxes, crates and suitcases.

On the second day, she had the movers come and collect her things.

On the third day, she sat down for the last time at their beautiful dining room table, by candlelight. She put on some soft background music, and feasted on a pound of shrimp, a jar of caviar, and a bottle of fancy white wine.

When she finished, she went into each and every room and carefully removed the ends of the large brass curtain rods. She proceeded to stuff half eaten shrimp, all the shells and caviar into the hollow center of the rods. Carefully she replaced the ends of the rods.

She then cleaned up the kitchen and left.

On the fourth day, the husband came back with his new girlfriend, and all was bliss…in the beginning…

Then, slowly, the house began to smell.

They tried everything: cleaning, mopping, and airing-out the place.

Vents were checked for dead rodents, and carpets were steam cleaned.

Air fresheners were hung everywhere.

Exterminators were brought in to set off gas canisters, during which time the two had to move out for a couple of days.

With the smell still pungent, they were forced to replace the expensive wool carpeting.

Nothing worked!

People stopped coming over to visit.

Repairmen refused to work in the stinky house.

The maid eventually quit.

Finally, they couldn't take the stench any longer, and decided they had to move. So, they put their home up for sale with a REALTOR.

After a couple of months, they couldn't find a buyer for their stinky house. So, they drastically cut their price.

Time passed, word got out, and eventually people stopped coming to look at the house.

Finally, unable to wait any longer for a purchaser, they borrowed a large sum of money for a mortgage and bought a new home.

They moved out and left the stinky house behind.

The soon to be ex-wife thought it was about time to call her husband to see exactly how things were going with him and his new 20 year old girlfriend. He proceeded to tell her the saga of the rotting house. She listened politely and said that she missed her old home terribly and would be willing to reduce her divorce settlement in exchange for getting her house back.

He knew that she couldn’t possibly have any idea how bad the smell really was, so he agreed on a price that was only 1/10th of the home’s value. But, he would only agree to this under one condition…that she sign the papers today.

She agreed. Within two hours his lawyers delivered the completed paperwork.

A week later the man and his girlfriend stood grinning ear to ear as they watched the moving company pack all of their furnishings to take to their new home.

In moving, the husband and new girlfriend took everything in the house.

They even took the curtain rods.

FOOTNOTE: True story or old wives tale? I don't know. Variations of this story have been circulating the internet for years.

We're Enjoying the Glorious Weather here on Florida's Space Coast

2009-10-20T18:13:04Z

The last couple of days have been glorious. We are experiencing some beautiful, crisp cool weather. It's been in the 60's in the mornings and has been getting up into the mid 70's during the day.

Now, I know that many are probably wondering what the heck I'm talking about, with crisp cool weather being in the 60's. I must be kidding, right? That's probably warm to some of you.

But, for us here in Florida this little cool snap has been quite a switch for us, as we've been having some hot, humid weather. I was going swimming in my pool, everyday, up until last week. Did I mention that I like the water to be around 82 degrees? Bathtub temperature, I know.

We've turned off the air conditiong, and opened all the windows. On Sunday night I was in blue jeans and had to throw a sweatshirt on. It's that thin Florida blood, I know. You'd never know that I was born in Illinois, would you?

So, we are basking in the glorious 70 degree weather. I've tried to get outside every spare moment that I can. My daughter, Stephanie and I have been taking the dog to the park for long walks. I love it.

But, as the days progress, we can feel that thermometer inching it's way up again.

I just hope that it doesn't go back to being too warm again.

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

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

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

Where Are Homebuyers Finding That "Perfect" House?

2009-10-19T18:37:52Z

We've all heard that today over 80% of homebuyers are beginning their home search online. They spend about 2 to 3 weeks looking on the internet before contacting a real estate professional.

According to the National Association of Realtors buyers learned about the house that they eventually purchased as follows:

34 percent - from their real estate agent

32 percent - from the internet

15 percent - from the yard sign in front of the house or an open house

7 percent - from a friend, relative or acquaintance

7 percent - purchased through a builder or the builder's agent

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

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

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

All Is Quiet on the Banana River Lagoon

2009-10-18T10:05:25Z

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

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

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

Oktoberfest - Food, Fun and German Suds

2009-10-17T11:37:39Z

The 32nd annual Oktoberfest will be held in Melbourne this weekend.

There will be food, fun and entertainment.

Who doesn't love bratwurst & sauerkraut, funnel cake and potato pancakes?

And, for those beer lovers there will be Spaten Iager, Spaten Dark, Dinkel Acker and Hacker-Pachor.

The kids can enjoy the carnival rides and games.

They will have various bands performing throughout the weekend.

Today the festival runs from noon to midnight. It opens at 12:30 on Sunday.

So come and bring the entire family.

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

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

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

Have You Ever Received a "Sign" That A House is Right for You?

2009-10-15T11:55:21Z

I love working with homebuyers. They are so excited when they find that perfect property that suits their wants, their needs and especially their budget. When the home inspection and termite inspections have been completed and there are no major areas of concern, there is a sigh of relief.

The new buyer begins going through the house taking measurements and notes, placing furniture and getting those long honey do lists together. There will be old wallpaper coming down to be replaced with a new fresh coat of paint. The old carpets will come up to replaced by wood floors and tile.

It's so exciting. They lose sleep as they are considering how wonderful it will be to own their first home together.

It's such a treat to be a part of the process.

And while they are going through the process, buyers like to know that they have made the right choice, in the house they picked. Some get cold feet. Some second guess their choice. Some never look back...and just move forward in eager anticipation.

And sometimes, just sometimes, buyers receive a "sign" that shows them that the house they picked was definitely meant for them.

There is a beautiful, sweet, friendly little kitty that has become the welcoming committee for the local neighborhood at a home that my buyer has under contract. Each time we arrive at the home, within minutes, this little kitty comes out of nowhere to greet us. Her beautiful blue eyes are piercing! She purrs and rubs against us while we are talking, as if to welcome us to the area.

My buyer absolutely LOVES animals.

She is especially fond of cats.

She told me today, 'See, this is my sign that I have definitely picked the right house. This little kitty loves me!"

This little kitty has put her mind at ease, as she feels that she now knows she had made the right decision in the home that she has chosen to buy.

Animals work in mysterious ways, don't they?

Have you ever had a "sign" that reinforced that a house was the perfect one for you or for your buyer?

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

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

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

Wordless Wednesday - Stop the Car, Fast...I'd Better Get out Now

2009-10-14T18:51:07Z

FOOTNOTE: Bailey was fine in this picture. It was early in the morning and I had just gotten him up.

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

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

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

Dates are So Important to a Buyer

2009-10-14T08:29:12Z

When selling a home, buyers like to know dates. They like to know how old the roof is, how old the A/C is, how old the appliances are. Time flies and sometimes these dates slip away from sellers or they feel like they were just yesterday.

In selling a home it's really important to try and gather all of those important documents to pass along to a buyer or help a prospective buyer in making a decision on a home. It's great to have a property disclosure in which the seller completes and gives to the buyer. But, if you have the proper documentation, then there's no question as to how old or new a roof, air conditioning system, appliances or hot water heater is.

Recently, a buyer and I looked at a home that advertised a newer air conditioning system. In checking further and asking for documentation we determined that the air conditioning system was 13 years old. The original paperwork for the unit was all we needed to answer an important question. We were also able to see when and how often the unit had been serviced. We were also able to get an accurate date on the installation of the roof.

So sellers, gather all those important papers and keep them in one safe place. They are so important when it comes to properly marketing your home for sale.

Should Sellers Leave Their Home During Showings?

2009-10-11T12:30:57Z

Yesterday, a boisterous, opinionated seller drove my buyers and I out of his house.

This isn't the first time that I have experienced this type of situation.

Should listing agents ask their sellers to leave when buyers come to look at their home?

A buyer must feel 'comfortable' when they walk into a home.

They must be able to look at the amenities of the home at their leisure.

They must be able to envision themselves living in the home. They must have time to get a 'feel' for the home.

Often times listing agents have sellers remove excessive family photos, so that a buyer can 'see' themselves living in a home.

Upon walking through the front door of a home yesterday, the seller gave us a speech and proceeded on with a story of a previous occupant who had lived in the home. As this story became long and more drawn out and not relevant to the property, we starting inching our way to the back door. Finally, we graciously interrupted him, excused ourselves and made a beeline for the backyard, without looking at the house first.

The seller followed us into the yard.

"What is up with this guy?" the buyer whispered. Upon returning inside, the seller followed us from room to room, smoking a cigarette. The home reeked of cigarette and sickeningly sweet cigar smoke. It was a bit nauseating.

The seller did not stop talking. He was loud, boisterous and a bit rude. It was an uncomfortable situation for the buyers.

After seeing only a portion of the home the buyers indicated that they were finished.

"Thank you," I said.

'You're not finished, you didn't see the whole house.'

"We're finished, " I responded.

He took one look at the buyers face, 'Well, I can see that she's more than ready to get out of here!'

My buyers ruled out this house because they really felt uncomfortable with this controlling seller, therefore they did not have an opportunity to see the entire property. (Not to mention the wife is allergic to cigarettes.)

So, sellers, please leave your home during showings. Or, if you are unable or uncomfortable in doing so, then step out into the backyard to allow the buyer some room to breathe and to get a true "feel" for the property. Otherwise, they will not be able to see the home in it's best light.

Often times sellers that stay and hover are not doing the home justice.

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

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

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

Friday's Foto- No Place From Here But Down

2009-10-09T08:33:01Z

I love blogging here on Active Rain.

But, I have been so busy this week working with first time homebuyers that are hoping to get in on the $8000 tax credit that I really haven't had a chance to write an article.

This picture was taken at the top of Sheikra at Busch Gardens, Tampa Florida.

I take pictures as I enjoy sharing them with others. (Just for the record, I didn't take this one, as I really don't like heights.) 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.

Will You Be the Next Victim of Identity Theft?

2009-10-06T12:10:04Z

With all the talk of identity theft today, do you ever wonder how vulnerable you really are to having your identity stolen? Radio and TV talk show host, Clark Howard says that the Identity Theft Resource Center is working with MyIDScore.com. Log on and take a test to determine how high your risk of having your identity stolen really is.

Click on the check my ID score banner. It will ask you to enter some of your personal information. Entering your social security number is optional. You may get a more accurate reading if you do.

Scores range from 1 to 1000. 1 is the lowest. 1000 is the highest. Anything over a 500 means you can be at high risk of having your identity stolen. Clark Howard says that if your score is over a 750 then freeze your credit report asap.

A Little Bit of Faith Goes A Long Way

2009-10-03T15:16:26Z

This story was emailed to me this morning and it absolutely touched my heart.

This dog was born on Christmas Eve 2002. *He was born with 2 legs.

He could not walk when he was born.

His mother did not want him, because he was different than the rest of her beautiful pups.



His first owner did not think that he could survive and was thinking of 'putting him to sleep'. But, he was blessed when he met Jude Stringfellow, who fell in love with him and took him under her wing.

She was determined to teach this precious little dog to walk by himself.

So she named him 'Faith'.




In the beginning, she put Faith on a surfboard to let him feel the movement.

She used peanut butter on a spoon as a lure to reward him for standing up and jumping around.

Jude's other dog encouraged Faith to walk by himself.

Amazingly, after only 6 months, with the love and devotion given to this sweet, determined little animal, Faith learned to balance on his hind legs and to jump to move forward.

After further training in the snow, he began to walk like a human being.


Faith loves to take walks now.

No matter where he goes, he attracts a crowd of people.

He is quickly becoming famous on the international scene and has appeared in various newspapers and on TV shows.

There is now a book entitled 'With a Little Faith' being published about him.

He was even considered to appear in one of Harry Potter movies.



His owner, Jude Stringfellow has given up her teaching job and has plans to take him around the world to show that even without a perfect body, one can have a perfect soul.

With determination, anything is possible.


In life there are always obstacles that we must overcome.

Faith overcomes them everyday.



We should each be thankful for every day set before us.

Faith is the continual demonstration of the strength and the wonder of life.

Faith's owner is hoping that her story will be spread across the world. So, we can all have a little bit of Faith and see that nothing is impossible, especially when someone believes in you! Love goes a long way!

*FOOTNOTE: I wanted to do additional research on Faith, as I was so taken with the story of this woman that chose to adopt this helpless little pup. It seemed to me she looked like a little girl dog. I did find that Faith is a female dog. And, she was actually born with 3 legs, the front one was deformed, so it had to be removed.

Friday's Foto -A Walk to Remember

2009-10-02T19:42:38Z

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

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

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

Property Descriptions - 'Needs a bit of TLC'...I Guess That Depends On Who's Looking at It

2009-10-01T09:17:23Z

This week I have been out showing properties to several different buyers. They are looking at homes under $125,000. And, and they are hoping to get in under the November 30 deadline for the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit.

All are preapproved, FHA buyers, and two of them are getting bond money.

We have seen some beautiful properties on the MLS. And, my buyers were excited to get out to these homes to go inside and take a look.

But, I had to keep checking the addresses on the houses we were pulling up to.

Surely, this couldn't be the house described in the MLS listing. And, surely this must be a picture of a different property.

Now, I know that in the MLS it's important to present a house in the best possible way, to make it appear as attractive as possible, so that buyers want to go out and look at it.

That's the key, isn't it? To get the buyer in the house? Right?

A buyer makes a decision to purchase a property once they are inside a home... the minute they walk through the front door. They 'know' if that's the house for them. They don't make a decision to buy while sitting in their living room, searching the internet.

So, my buyers and I pulled up to this nice home that had attractive pictures in the MLS and was described as, "needs a little cleaning." When I opened the front door my buyer immediately grabbed her mouth.

"Oh my ...! We stood on the front step, frozen.

Every window was broken out of the back of the house and shattered into a million tiny pieces. The house was filled with piles and piles of leftover debris, from a previous occupant. "This is the filthiest house I have ever seen in my life," my buyer gasped. We hadn't even stepped inside yet. The house was disgusting. We were scared to walk on the carpets. The electricity was off and I did not care to go in. I didn't know "who" or "what" could be living in this property. Needless to say, we left, without entering the property.

I wondered, again, if I read the property description correctly.

"This cannot be the house that I saw in the pictures," the buyer insisted. That was the second time in 2 days that a buyer made a comment about the pictures online, looking completely different than the house.

"Who takes the pictures for these homes. They look so good online." my other buyer prodded. A couple of the homes we looked at had no interior photos online.

We later pulled up to a home described as "a real gem." I had to double and triple check the house number to be sure we were at the right place. I couldn't help but wonder, 'how long ago had the exterior picture of this house been taken?' The exterior picture looked attractive. But on the house itself, the shutters were falling off. We could barely see the front of the house for the overgrown bushes, trees and shrubs. The roof was missing oodles of shingles. We trudged our way up the walk. We stepped inside the living room and the stench was sickening! We wondered what had died inside this house. The walls and carpets were covered with black grease and grime.

"This one is a real gem, alright," the buyer said.

Now, don't get me wrong. I have no problem with homes that are fixer up specials. We work with investors that would welcome the opportunity to purchase a property that needs work for the right price. I have investment properties of my own.

But, tell me in the listing that it's a fixer up. Otherwise, it's a waste of time for these buyers to look at these places. These types of homes would never be approved under FHA guidelines.

With as busy as we are today, it would be impossible to preview each property, prior to viewing it with a buyer. I tell my buyers to do a drive by, if they have a chance, so they can see if they like the area, first. Often times this rules out many properties. Having seen so many of them with other clients, this helps to rule them out ahead of time for particular buyers.

I looked at 9 properties with two buyers in 2 days. All of the listings indicated that they would accept FHA/VA financing. With my guess, 4 of them would have qualified for FHA or VA.

In our area, right now, houses under $125,000 are selling quickly! Attractive homes, at good prices are selling within days, with multiple offers. Investors, first time homebuyers, out of area buyers and international buyers are scooping them up!

So, we know that the pickins' are slim right now. There are not a lot of clean houses to choose from.

I have to wonder, when I look at a listing and see, "Needs a little TLC, does that mean the house needs a bulldozer, instead!

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

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

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

Speechless Sunday - Let's Go Fishing...but on Which One?

2009-09-27T12:00:44Z

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

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

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