July 2008 - Posts

Maxwell C King Center for the Performing Arts right here in Melbourne Florida
29 July 08 01:52 PM | Sandy Shores | 2 comment(s)

The Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts is located in Melbourne Florida right here in our own backyard, on the campus of Brevard Community College.  It has 126000 square feet, with 2000 seats, and a 200 seat black box theatre.

The Brevard County theatre features various types of shows including Broadway shows, ballets, muscials, dance, opera, singers, musicians, family shows and childrens programs. The theatre has brought some incredible talent, here to Brevard County Florida.

People travel from across the state to see some of the incredible shows at the King Center.  I'm spoiled, because my familly and I live only 5 minutes from the theatre. 

Some of the shows that are coming up at the King Center are Classic Albums Live: Dark Side of the Moon, Randy Owen: the voice of Alabama, Comedian Ron White, Singer Sara Evans, Jesus Christ Superstar, Monty Python Spamalot, Happy Days, Vince Gill and Peter Frampton.  I am certain they will have a wonderful Christmas show lineup. They always do! 

I have been fortunate enough to go and see Comedian Bill Cosby, Singer Peter Frampton, Denns DeYoung from Styx, Daryl Hall and John Oate, Riverdance (THAT WAS A PHENOMENAL SHOW), a Chrismas Carol, and several children's shows.

 

Have you seen any incredible shows at the King Center here in Melbourne Florida recently?

Visit my website and check and see what else Brevard County has to offer www.SandyShoresMelbourne.com. 

Filed under: Melbourne Real Estate, melbourme florida real estate, Maxwell C King Center for Performing Arts, sandy shores melbourne

Manatee Crossing in the Indian River Lagoon
27 July 08 06:16 PM | Sandy Shores | 4 comment(s)

 

Here in Melbourne Florida we are known for our manatees, or sea cows that swim in the Indian River Lagoon. 

 I love traveling to the river to see if we can spot a manatee or two.  Today, we were unable to see one.  But, we'll try again next time.

 Manatees look somewhat similar to a seal. They have a thin layer of hair on their body to help reduce build up of algae on their skin.

Manatees like the Indian River Lagoon because of it's shallow muddy waters.  They enjoy Florida in the winter months.  They have a very low metabolic rate, with very little internal body fat, thus the subtropical temperatures.  Some can be found as far north as Louisiana and Virginia in the summer months. They like water 3 to 5 meters deep.

 Here is a picture of 2 manatees that are similar to the ones we find here in the Indian River Lagoon in Brevard County Florida.

 

Filed under: Melbourne Florida Real Estate, brevard County Florida real estate, manatees in Indian River Lagoon

Do Your Clients Know How Important They are To You?
25 July 08 01:33 PM | Sandy Shores | 2 comment(s)

Our clients, buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords are invaluable to us!

But, do your clients know how important they are to you?

How often do you tell them?

During a transaction our job as real estate professionals we guide the buyer or seller through the home buying or selling process.  It is imperative to keep in regular contact with them, to be sure that every step of the transaction is handled precisely. The house should proceed to closing without a glitch, so we can  get paid for the hard work and expertise we have provided throughout the transaction. 

But, it doesn't stop there...once we walk out of the closing with our paycheck. 

Does your buyer or seller know how important they are to you? 

After all without them, you wouldn't have a paycheck!

Do they know how much you appreciate their business?

Sit down and handwrite a personalized thank you note to your client, telling them how important they are to you and how much you appreciate them. 

How many thank you notes have you written this month?  This year? 

I personally, try to write 5 thank you notes per week, to past customers, even customers that haven't purchased from me in a year or two. 

PEOPLE LOVE TO BE APPRECIATED...AND WHAT BETTER TOKEN OF YOUR APPRECIATION THAN A NOTE FROM THE HEART?

Any other ideas of how you share your appreciation with your clients?

Filed under: brevard County Florida real estate, mailing thank you cards, clients are invaluable to you, thank you notes

We Were Waterlogged and So Were Some of the Houses we Looked At!
23 July 08 12:53 PM | Sandy Shores | 4 comment(s)

We Were Waterlogged and So Were Some of the Houses We Looked At!

I always recommend that buyers be sure to take a drive by a property they may be thinking of buying, right after a hard rain storm, if possible.  Often times it can be quite telling.  It can give them an idea of how a property drains or, on the other how a property holds water.  

Well, yesterday I was out showing houses with a buyer.  The sky was clear when we started out, but quickly the black clouds began rolling in.  The sky looked menancing.  The wind started howling and the thunder and lightning soon followed.  We looked at a couple of homes, and then the torrential downpour began.

Now, mind you, I always tell buyers to check homes AFTER a big rain, I really don't recommend they check them in the middle of a torrential thunder and lightning storm! It was absolutely pouring! I couldn't see anything 2 feet in front of me.  For me, this is typically the kind of weather where I stay inside and OFF the roads.

We were in an area with oodles of endless streets that seem to stretch for miles.  We pulled up to the next house on our list, and I couldn't even pull in the driveway, it was completely underwater!  So, I parked across the street. 

My buyer is great and so easy going. I asked her what she wanted to do. We decided to try and wait it out.  We waited for 10, then 20 minutes.  We moved on to the next house.  She didn't want a house that she couldn't pull into the driveway after a storm.

In arriving at the next 2 homes we made a mad dash for the front door and headed in.  Luckily, I had an extra duffel bag, filled with towels.  We dried off before going all the way in.  Those 2 houses were fine.

As the rain began to taper off and we both looked like little wet rats, we continued on to the next three houses and here's what we found:

House #1) The back patio was completely underwater and it was an inch from coming into the house.

House #2) The living room ceiling was leaking on the carpet in 3 places.

 

House #3) The front culverts were full with nearly 3 feet of standing water.  And various sections of the yard looked like mini swimming pools. (This scared her as she has a 2 year old daughter.)

The rain finally stopped as we looked at our last 2 properties for the day.

I don't typically show houses in the middle of a mini monsoon, but it is hard to schedule showings around our afternoon storms, here in Florida.  However, yesterday was really an eye opener for me AND MY BUYER. 

Out of 8 properties, my buyer immediately ruled out 4 houses due to the rain and drainage issues.  (Now, let me qualify this by saying that we have had inordinate amounts of rain over the past month here in Brevard County FL.)

However, after yesterday, I'm wondering if I should rethink my strategy...and begin to make it a policy to only show houses in the rain!

 

Filed under: Brevard County Florida real estate, florida real estate, showing houses in the rain, thunderstorms

Let's Have a Sleepover First, Before You Buy My Home...
18 July 08 02:37 PM | Sandy Shores

 

A buyer sleepover, before you buy a home?  Well the idea is beginning to crop up all over the country...

Some sellers are offering a buyer the opportunity of sleeping over, in their home, prior to a buyer purchasing the home.  This gives the buyer an opportunity to get a "feel" for the home, the area, and the ambience of the property.

But, is this a good idea? 

Is this putting the seller's in a precarious position?

Or, you might say, what's the big deal? 

Isn't it just like taking a test drive in a car before you buy it?

It's allowing the buyer to experience the positive aspects of the property, isn't it?  But, how do you really do that when you're sleeping? Shouldn't it be done during the day, or over a weekend?

On the other hand, it's also allowing the buyer to find out the negatives of the property before they purchase it, too...

Is it just like early occupancy?  The buyer takes possession of the property prior to the closing.  But, they move into the home, along with their possessions, before the closing.  Personally, I do not care for early occupancy arrangements.  Often times they can get quite sticky, if the buyer is unable to close or something turns up at the last minute, and the buyer chooses not to close. Then, the seller has to get the "buyer" back out of their house.

On the other hand is a buyer sleepover any different than a lease option?  The owner agrees to sell the home at a future date for a specified amount of money.  The tenant/future buyer lives in the house for an agreed upon period of time, often times a year and pays the owner rent.  Often, a portion of the money is applied as option money towards the purchase. At the end of the specified time period the option to buy is exercised, and the parties proceed to closing.

So, what do you think about buyer sleepovers, are they a good idea or not?

Filed under: Brevard County Florida real estate, buyer sleepovers good idea or not

You Asked for Affordable Homes in Melbourne Florida...We've Got Them!
17 July 08 03:29 PM | Sandy Shores

Here in Melbourne Florida located in Brevard County many buyers are still sitting on the fence...not sure what to do. 

What should I do, they ask? 

Should I buy now?

Should I rent? 

Should I wait? 

Is the market going to continue on the decline? 

When is the market going to change?

All of these are excellent questions...if only we knew exactly how the market was going to respond.

My question is, What are you waiting for? 

If prices decline, but interest rates begin to go up due to the recession, with fear of inflation, then what were you waiting for?  It may just be a wash. 

Lower prices + higher rates = Unnecessary money paid out in rent, because they waited, and could have owned?

I did a little research myself to see if homes today truly are affordable here in Melbourne Florida located in Brevard County and here's the information that I found:

In Melbourne Florida there are currently 247 homes for sale priced $100,000 or below. There are 797 priced $200,000 and below!

In Brevard County there are currently 1381 homes for sale priced $100,000 or below and a total of 4,910 homes for sale priced $200,000 and below!

Interest rates are still historically low.  And, none of us know just how long they will stay that way.  Prices have been steadily declining.  How much farther will they go, well, it may make no difference at all if interest rates begin going up, due to the losses in the economy. 

Don't wait too long...remember, hindsight is always 20/20!

 

 

Filed under: Melbourne Florida Real Estate, florida real estate, brevard County Florida real estate, buy now or wait, affordable homes in Melbourne Florida

Buyer Incentives, Are they Effective?
14 July 08 12:18 PM | Sandy Shores

 Free car, free boat, free furniture...just buy this house. Catchy idea...or is it? 

Here, in the Brevard County Real Estate Market, sellers and REALTORS have again shifted gears.  Their goal is to keep pace with our competitive, ever changing real estate market.  So, some are advertising buyer incentives.  They are offering something of "value" to entice a client to buy a specific home.

 Today, REALTORS know they must do everything to make their property listings appear "different" from similar homes offered for sale.  So, they're advertising free sailboats, cars, furniture and more.  Some builders have been offering free swimming pools.  If a buyer likes a house, and the builder is offering a free pool, that may be enough of an enticement for him to proceed ahead with the purchase.  But, on the other hand, the buyer isn't going to buy a house he doesn't like just to get a pool.

 So, are incentives effective?  Are homes offering these "extras" selling more quickly than homes that aren't?  After all, everyone likes something for nothing. Or, is it for nothing?  Maybe buyers are smarter than this.  Perhaps, the thinking is that if the seller is throwing in an extra, aren't those items just increasing the price of the home?  In some cases, they may be.

 Aren't buyers really just interested in affordability? 

 Home prices today have become more attractive, relative to prices at the peak of our market in 2005.  However, with increased property taxes and insurance rates, buyers want and need affordability. If the buyer can't make the mortgage payment on the home they are considering, an added extra will be of no benefit.  So, some are saying, forget the incentives and just drop the price of the house.  In reality, the lower price tag on the property may, in fact, be the added "extra" the buyer needs in order to qualify to buy the home and proceed ahead.

So, are there incentives that are a benefit to the buyer and help a house move more quickly off the market, than a home without them?  It depends on the individual buyer's motivations and needs.  One incentive may work well for one buyer, but may make no difference at all to another.

 Some sellers are offering to pay a percentage of a buyer's closing costs and prepaid items, allowing the buyer to bring less money to closing.  Some are offering to buy down the interest rate, affording the buyer a lower rate and monthly payment. For many first time homebuyers these options can be quite attractive in helping get them in a home with little money down or with a lower monthly payment.

 Some sellers are offering to pay a buyer's mortgage payments or homeowner association fees for a specified period of time.  Repair allowances are being offered for cosmetic items, as well as free home warranties on appliances.

 REALTORS are also being teased with goodies. Buyer's agents are being lured to show specific homes with the promise of larger commission check, a bonus or a free vacation.  

Agents representing sellers should always be sure that specific incentives are allowed in their area, before advertising them.

 Another twist today is sellers presenting buyers with reverse offers.  If a buyer looks at a home several times, the seller and their listing agent may prepare an offer, in writing. It  indicates the price the seller will accept for the home.  Often times, it can show a buyer how serious the seller is about moving his home off the market.  Sometimes, it gets the buyer off the fence and spurs him into action.

 We are also seeing owner financing options offered by motivated sellers. Some owners are agreeing to hold the mortgage for a buyer, interested in their property.  This can save the buyer substantial fees on lender costs, which can prove to be a cost effective choice.

 So, what is a seller to do? Don't mistakenly assume that an overpriced listing in today's market will sell, because it has some fancy incentive.  Buyers are too smart for that.  Make no mistake about it, in today's market, a home must be competitively priced and in show condition for it to be seen and for it to sell. No incentive in the world will move an overpriced property. 

 

 

Filed under: Brevard County Florida real estate, Melbourne Florida Real Estate, are they effective

So Many Years, So Much Time, So Many Lost...
11 July 08 04:36 PM | Sandy Shores

 

 

Well, I almost fell out of my shoes the other day when I opened the mailbox.  I couldn't believe my husband was getting an invitiation to his 30 year class reunion at Satellite High School here in Brevard County. We've lived in Melbourne Florida for almost 40 years now.

30 years have passed already?

Are you sure?  No, it can't be...

I had to stop and think for a minute...1978..2008, okay, I'll bite. The numbers added up.  Now, I must admit, he graduated a couple of years earlier than I did.  But, still....unbelievable!  It has been 30 years since high school graduation?  It seems like yesterday. 

Where does time go?  How did we get here? We started reminiscing about the past, with our teenage daughters.  We decided to go to the reunion website...and through the photo albums on the site, and there was my husband, Steve.  We were in stitches.  "Dad, that was you?  Oh my gosh.  Look at your hair!," my 13 year old wailed. It was so funny.  My girls couldn't stop laughing. We laughed about past fun, past friends and past things we did.

Then, we shifted to the in memory of pages on the reunion website and we were stunned! 

There were 27 graduates that had already passed away! 

We couldn't believe it! 

My husband knew 24 of them, 12 were close friends of his. He hadn't heard about several of the losses. How did time get away and he lose touch with so many, as our lives changed throughout the years?

We sat in disbelief.  We weren't even 50 years old yet!  And, all these people had already passed on.  He was absolutely shocked!  The mood completely changed...and our conversation shifted gears.

It made us remember that life is sooo short, and time is sooo precious.  I truly believe that sometimes life gets in the way of living!

Enjoy today, because none of us knows what tomorrow may or may not bring us!

Filed under: florida real estate, satellite beach real estate, satellite beach high school

Brevard County Schools Tied for Second in the State of Florida! WOW!
10 July 08 11:56 AM | Sandy Shores

Well, here I am again...bragging about Brevard County Schools.  So often, buyers ask me about the quality of schools here in Melbourne Florida.  Parents and caregivers are always interested in knowing their children will be attending top rated schools within a community. I am always pleased to sing praises of our Brevard County School System. 

Here in Brevard all schools received at least a grade of an A or B, for the first time in 10 years! 90% of Brevard's 91 schools received A's!  This is the third year in a row that all 12 of Brevard's middle schools received an A!

Brevard County Schools with a letter grade A were tied for second best schools in the state!  Incredible! We are absolutely tickled with this news!

This year more schools earned grades of A's or B's in Florida than in previous years. Almost 75% of Florida schools received higher than a grade C.

Grades are determined by the Florida Department of Education through test grades on the FCAT or Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.

Filed under: brevard county real estate, Melbourne Florida Real Estate, Brevard County Florida schools

Is Your Web Address on Every Piece of Advertising you Hand Out?
08 July 08 03:47 PM | Sandy Shores

Well, I may be pointing out the obvious...

but, Is your web address on every piece of advertising you hand out or mail out to clients? 

Is it on your business card? 

Is it on all of the flyers you print?

On all of the postcards you mail? 

On all of the CMA's you do for clients? 

Your yard signs?

The pens you and mugs you hand out?

Is it on your Youtube? My Space Site? Linkedin?  Bebo account? Your active rain account? All your blog sites?

We all know that internet advertising is the way of the future, but are you easy to find on the internet? 

Do your clients even know that you have your own website or your own blog? 

If we don't remind them, no one else will....

 

 

Filed under: advertising yourself, realtors advertising, website address

If You Don't Want to Sell it, Take it Off the Market!
07 July 08 06:50 PM | Sandy Shores

Last week, I was out showing houses with a client here on the east coast of Florida.  We had about 6 homes to look at.  One home in particular was a short sale that had been on the market for over 60 days. The listing said something to the effect of "motivated owner, needs to get out, bring all reasonable offers today." In the morning, I called the listing agent's office and cell phone, left messages on both.  A couple of hours later I had heard nothing back, so I called again, and left a message on each phone number again. 

I picked my client up and we began looking at homes.  I called the listing agent's office again, to try and set up the short sale appointment, was told the list agent was unavailable and no one else could help me.   

We left the short sale for last.  When we were finished looking at the other homes we headed for the short sale.  My client loved the way it looked on the internet, she wanted to see it. We headed that way. No return call, yet, so, I called again, call #6. I was put on hold ..10 minutes...no agent...I hung up and called back.  Another 8 minutes, I was finally connected with the list agent.  She called the owner and told me that this was not a good time, the owner just got home and was leaving any minute. He must be there for showings because of his large dog.  I would have to come back in the morning. My client, nor I, were available the next morning. 

So, we drove to the house.  My buyer was interested and the owner's truck was in the driveway. I called again.  I was put on hold.. 10 minutes again till the list agent got on the line.  I must admit, by this time my patience was pretty much gone. Either he has to sell or doesn't, I said to the other agent.  Isn't this a short sale?  She told me she just couldn't call the owner again and bother him! I told her if she couldn't call him, please give me the number and I would be more than happy to call him, I had a preapproved buyer looking to write an offer on a home today!  Begrudgingly, she put me on hold, came back and said it was okay to show the home.  The owner graciously answered the door with a soda in one hand and a 120 pound german shepherd in the other.  He asked if we could wait outside while he put his dog out back. He was very nice.

Was the agent doing this owner a disservice, when he was a short sale and MUST sell?  Or was the owner reluctant, like some often are, in a short sale situation?  It seems to me that being a short sale, there should be a sense of urgency on the part of the agent and the owner, to get that home sold and closed. And, if there's not...don't advertise that there is.  If the agent or owner doesn't want to sell the house, take it off the market and don't waste anyone else's time.

 

Filed under: brevard county real estate, if you don't want to sell it, take it off the market

If You Can't Sell it, Should you Swap It? Does it Work?
05 July 08 02:49 PM | Sandy Shores | with no comments

 

 Today, in various parts of the country, home sellers are having a difficult time moving their homes off the market as quickly as they would like to.  Some areas are experiencing an overabundance of homes on the market.  So, sellers are offering buyers incentives, such as paying a buyers closing costs and/or prepaids, offering painting, carpeting or remodeling allowances or throwing furniture into the sale.  Some owners are agreeing to owner financing or holding the mortgage for the new buyers.  But, what happens when all of these incentives still don't bring a buyer?

Well, what about house swapping? 

Some homeowners are now opting to swap their property with another owner/family. These swaps are handled much in the same way as a regular sale. Appraisals, inspections, and surveys are being completed on these properties. Owners are getting mortgages to purchase their newly swapped homes.  If there is a difference in value between the 2 properties, then the property of higher value is given a larger mortgage or it means more out of pocket money for that swapper.

Is house swapping just a craze? Or is it here to stay? Is it effective? 

 

Filed under: Brevard County Florida real estate, house swapping, difficulty selling

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This! Happy 4th of July!
04 July 08 08:11 PM | Sandy Shores | 1 comment(s)

Happy 4th of July!  It truly doesn't get any better than this! 

Today is the day to celebrate our country's independence and be proud of the fact that we live in such a great country!  But, it is also time to spend time with our family, go the beach, barbeque and later watch the fireworks!

Well, today we spent the afternoon on Melbourne Beach located here in Brevard County Florida.  The weather was beautiful, not too hot, the skies were a bit overcast and the surf fishing was incredible!  My daughters were getting a bite on their lines just as fast as they threw them in the water.  Today, was the best day we have ever had surf fishing on South Melbourne Beach. Typically, we catch one to three fish each time we go.  Today, they pulled in over 20 whiting in a 2 1/2 hour period of time! Although, we threw about 8 back because we thought that they were just too small. Tonight we will be enjoying fresh fish for dinner - my favorite!

I love living in Melbourne Florida, because we are 10 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful sandy beaches!

So far, today has been a perfect 4th of July!  Family, food, fun!  And later, fireworks!  What a great way to spend a holiday!  Happy 4th of July to all of you!

Filed under: melbourne beach florida, melbourne beach florida fishing, happy 4th of july