It seems there has been a great turnout in early voting...it's been so crowded that Every early voting site in the state will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. through Friday, October 31st, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1st, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2nd.  Check your local voting location. I was thinking this morning I might go vote...until I felt the temperature outside...45 degrees, are you kidding me?  Now that the hours of early voting has been extended looks like I might wait for the later part of the day...when it warms up!  Don't forget to vote! Midori Miller and her team service all of Flagler and Volusia county which includes: Oak Hill, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Ponce Inlet, Port Orange, Daytona Beach, South Daytona, Daytona Be... 10/29/2008

Biketoberfest is over today. Tomorrow the city will feel deserted and smaller groups of bikers, who stayed extra day or two, will remind us of this event. I am always impressed by this show of the bikes, nikel and chrome, spotless and shining like a freshly mint quarter. Hotels, emptied by the noisy crowd, will take a few days to clean and get ready for occasional visitor. This is a very strange time, the weather finally has mercy on us from the heat and humidity of Florida summers, the water is warm and inviting and... it is deserted. I remember on the Black Sea when kids would return to schools, and the congestion eased, it was called "Velvet Season" and it attracted a nice crowd, quieter and more sophisticated... Why we do not have it, and only get beach bums aimlessly wandering the ... 10/19/2008

Last week I was supposed to close on a contract.....Hooray!  Well it seems there were a few delays...I can't blame the buyer...or the selling agent..or the loan officer.....there is no point in blaming.. The reality is... Approved for a loan?  You better close quickly because guidelines seem to be changing every day! While the loan was approved...a few conditions popped up...not extraordinary conditions but conditions you would not expect for an A + borrower.  Conditions that would require everyone to sit and wait... Not good especially when trying to close on a short sale. Times have changed...loans have changed..and so has the criteria to obtaining and closing a loan. Approved for a loan? Take my advice and close as quickly as you can..otherwise you may in fact..remain a tenant!  Inte... 10/18/2008

Daytona Beach Real Estate & Community Events blog. By Lisa C. Hill, "THE SMART CHOICE!" I'm a Daytona Beach native. I know. I'm one of the few. It seems like everyone here has moved here from somewhere else. And I certainly won't complain about that! Whoever wants to move to the Daytona Beach area, feel free to come on down! Just be sure to call me when you're ready to buy real estate here =) But back to the topic of being a native of the area. When you're born and raised in the same place, you sometimes don't notice the gradual changes. And then there are times when you drive down a street where you haven't been in a while and discover a missing building. It's like a shock to your system. And then there are locations where you've never spent much time, so when you venture into those a... 10/17/2008

Have you noticed lately that buyers start expecting that greedy developers, who "learned" their lesson, would now get real and start building luxury condos and homes at discounted realistic prices? Buyers believe that those greedy developers would have no choice but to rush building new condos on the ocean and sell them at, what they call "realistic" prices. I love the term "realistic"prices so why don't we together try to calculate a "realistic price" for a condo in Daytona Beach area. Like many of you, I am not a developer and do not know all the costs to a penny, so we may come a bit off, of course. Last direct oceanfront parcel suitable to build condominiums on the ocean was sold in November 2007. 2.6 acres sold for $34.5 Mil or $13 Mil per acre. Maximum density for residential cond... 10/16/2008

It seems leases must be expiring in our part of town because so many potential renters have been calling...calling on homes for sale...to rent...and in many instances...they are calling on short sales.  Is it because the home is vacant?  I do believe it is. Renters Be Very Careful! When I first moved to Daytona Beach, I rented a condo and after some time..being almost a year...a foreclosure notice came in..want to talk about stressful?  It was...and we moved but not before getting guidance from a sheriff and a lawyer. Little did we know...the mortgage wasn't being paid or the condo fees were not being paid. We had to move rather quickly and we did. Tenants that are inquiring about properties should know the truth...should not be mislead...after all paying first, last and security...and ... 10/15/2008

Daytona Beach Real Estate & Community Events blog. By Lisa C. Hill, "THE SMART CHOICE!" I was just commenting on a real estate blog post here on Active Rain, with the TV turned down pretty low. I tend to blog this way quite freqently. I don't really like to just sit and watch TV. Actually, I think I'm incapable of doing just one thing at a time. Anyway, I wasn't really paying attention to the TV until I heard a commercial that had just one statement that got my attention. It was about the real estate foreclosure market in Florida. With the presidential election coming up in just a few weeks, there have been a lot of political commercials on TV, and this was one of them. So I'm far from being completely convinced as to the validity of this statement. (It was, of course, just more mud sl... 10/15/2008

I was poor as a child..considered below poverty level but as a kid..you really don't understand..all I knew I was rich with love...a love so strong a mother sacrificed her children to allow them a better life...I remember...I don't forget...and sometimes I cry. I think about what could have happened...appreciation for the egg sandwich we ate for dinner just about every night...or the bread milk and sugar..our breakfast bowls consist of...as a child..I ate it... as an adult... I never understood how I could...thank goodness I wasn't spoiled...I appreciated it...the soggy wet sugar bread..and to think I really believed it was poverty for a good part of my life! The highlight of the week came when the Salvation Army came by...relief...generosity..and good food.  A full course meal..to me f... 10/15/2008

My wife and I will be participating in a Charity Walk for the American Cancer society next weekend on Saturday October 25. The Walk is called Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. We have participated since we relocated to Port Orange Florida (near Daytona Beach in Volusia County) in 2004 from Rochester, NY. It is one of the many ways that we try to give back to our new community as well as to help fight against a terrible disease. The event is well run and attracts a huge number of people for the walk as well as the ceremonies. I never expected to see such a large crowd the first year I participated, let alone the outpouring of generosity and emotions.   It is now a tradition in our family and it is marked on our calendar as soon as the new date is released. I am new to AR, so I hope t... 10/14/2008

Aliki Condominiums2828 North Atlantic AveDaytona Beach, FL 32118. 120-unit Condominium built in 1973 is one of the most popular condominiums in Daytona Beach. 21-story building has undegone substantial renovations, and is now ready to please owners and guests. 2 bdr/2 bath units have floor -to-ceiling windows and wrap around balconies. 3 months ago our listing there was the least expensive in the building at $324,900. We had several showings but no real takers. My client can't reduce any more, as he has a mortgage and reducing would mean taking a short sale route, and he does not want to do it. On the left side of the table are today's listings, starting from an astounding $225,000. These prices were in 2003. On the right side I am showing for what units in this building were selling at... 10/12/2008

So I thought I had heard of everything until today, the listing machine cornered me and told about his latest fund raiser.  Hospice of Volusia/Flagler's 1st Annual Rubber Duck Race..and guess what?  I adopted a lucky duck..for $5.00 you can adopt your own rubber duck.  No not for your tub...but for the rubber ducky race!   Race To Win A Prize! Help make a difference in a child's life! Event Schedule Sunday October 26, 2008 At the Jackie Robinson Ballpark, Daytona Beach, Florida.  East Orange Avenue and Beach Street on the Halifax River. 11:00 am-4 pm-Music, entertainment, arts and crafts, face painting and clown...and old fashioned fesitival. At 2 pm...the races begin.. 3 pm Winners will be announced. There are so many prizes so go check out www.hovfduckrace.org....and hopefully my rubb... 10/07/2008

Daytona Beach Real Estate & Community Events blog. By Lisa C. Hill, "THE SMART CHOICE!" For all our senior residents and anyone with elderly loved ones, here's something you'll enjoy. On Thursday, October 2, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., come enjoy the Lovin' Life Senior Expo at the Daytona Beach Volusia Mall on International Speedway Blvd. Admission is FREE! And there will be... Seminars Giveaways Screenings Demonstrations Much More Also, the Daytona Beach Fire Department will be on-site, offering Flu Shots. Medicare is accepted! The Seminar Schedule is as follows... 11:00 a.m. Physical Therapy with Spinal Decompressions, Daytona Apine & Rehab by Dr. Antos 11:15 a.m. Volunteer Opportunities, at the Talking Books Library 11:45 a.m. Introduction to Pranic Healing, by the Pranic Hea... 09/29/2008

Plaza Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach. Life After Bankruptcy I recently received an e-mail from an owner of the unit in the Plaza Resort & Spa. No, I was not his agent when he bought the unit there abut two years ago. With the real estate market as it is, a terrific buy in 2005 turned into a heavy liability. Gorgeous direct oceanfront studio.  Maintenance fee since he purchased the unit more than doubled. With the price iin high $200s the mortgage payment plus Maintenance plus taxes are not covered by the rental income, and he needs to reach into his pocket to subsidize it. And then the news, the Management company filed for Chapter 11. Sad story, but rather common lately. The rental check came, and it bounced back. He called and did ot get to anybody. Called the owners liaison, but did n... 09/29/2008

Going to the FAR convention? I'll be there Today, Thursday..  Friday afternoon off to South Florida for a little R & R. I won't be blogging but I might see you on twitter!   C U Soon! Have a wonderful weekend! Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Manager. If you are interested in a career in real estate please contact me! All calls and inquiries are confidential. CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty is located in Volusia County with 3 office locations to better serve the public. Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and Ormond by the Sea. midorimiller@yahoo.com 09/24/2008

Daytona Beach Resort & Conference Centeris a 322 gues rooms and suites condo-hotel in North Daytona beachside very close to Ormond Beach. This is a conversion still in process, as they are showing 30 units for sale by developer. Below you can see Active Listings for studios and suites (1bdr units). Sales are not very impressive, from January 1, 2008 and until today 7 Studio Units sold from $70K to $98K (quite a contrast for the Active Listings). For the same period of time there were 4 suites sold ranging in price from $145K to $170K. Sales were approximately 9% under the asking price. STUDIO UNITS FOR SALE   SUITES FOR SALE Unit# Bedr Baths Size Price   Unit# Bedr Baths Size Price 409 0 1 308 $89,000   707 1 1 682 $145,000 527 0 1 308 $98,000   817 1 1 682 $184,900 519 0 1 308 $118,000... 09/20/2008

Daytona Beach Resort & Conference Center at 2700 North Atlantic Ave in Daytona Beach is one of the largest condo-hotels in the area with its 322 studios and one-bedroom units. And one of the nicest condo-hotels in  area. Marble foye, a lot of glass, mirrors, high guality carpet in the hallways, this Condo-Hotels can impress. With 442 ft on the ocean, the resort sits on 90,000 sf of beahfront in one of the most prestigious areas of Daytona Beach - across the street from Bellair Plaza, the largest shopping center on the Beachside, anchored by Publix Supermarkets. Area of the best reastaurants in town. You do not need to have a car in that location. 32,000-sf oceanfront paved pooldeck. 4 heated pools, one of which is indoor. Well-equipped Gym, Terra Acqua Day Spa, Sauna, Jacuzzis, gift sh... 09/19/2008

Kevin Fishback, Your Host and Midori Miller Co-Hosts "The Red Pill"...WPUL..Daytona Beach Florida Topic: "What You Wish You Would Have Known As Your Younger Self!" Midori talks Business, Relationships, Marriage and School! Boomp3.com   Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Manager. If you are interested in a career in real estate please contact me! All calls and inquiries are confidential. CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty is located in Volusia County with 3 office locations to better serve the public. Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and Ormond by the Sea. midorimiller@yahoo.com 09/18/2008

Recently I have had much interest in the Presidential Election.  More so this year than any other election....to me this year...our votes really count.  I have actually heard of people not planning on voting..due to the choices of our candidates and that disturbs me.  You think your vote does not matter...but truly every vote counts and your voice should be heard. Now I am not about to get into politics but I am going to send a message out...when you make that decision to vote..its for 4 years...it will impact your life..your children's life...and world in which we live. Do people base their decisions on Michelle Obama's fashion?  How about Sarah Palin's snappy fashionable glasses...yes..media has covered it... All of it...as if they were celebrities!  And the truth is..it really scares... 09/17/2008

The article titled "Daytona Shoreline Hotel Tycoons File for Chapter 11" was published in Orlando Sentinel September 13. This is the latest bad news in the saga of the slow real estate market. This time it hit the developers of many hotels in the area, inlcuding The Plaza Resort & Spa. Charles Bray & Joseph Gillespie came to Daytona Beach area in 1998, at the time of a slow market like today's, but they had a vision and grandiose plans. Actually nobody else had a vision like they had for Daytona Beach oceanfront. They drove the beach, and Atlantic Ave then was not a pretty site, but they not only had the money, they could see beyond the rundown properties on both sides of the street, and saw the potential, and saw the future. They courted the owner of The Plaza Hotel, an imposing, thoug... 09/17/2008

Nancy Dance is my boss, the owner of CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, President of the Daytona Beach Area Association of REALTORS and an extraordinary broker.  She means a lot to me and so many others.   When you look at her you know...she knows her business...when you listen to her talk you know...she knows life..but most of all when you experience her smile...she reminds me..to enjoy life..to me she's a warrior.. I admire her.. I respect her but most of all I really appreciate her. She is opinionated...she is warm..she is tough.. No we don't always see eye to eye and sometimes I can be quite harsh..but today I want her to know She is loved and needed She inspires so many She has a drive that I can't explain Her compassion and empathy is unique Her business sense ...WOW! Most of all she is ... 09/09/2008