This morning I met with a buyer to show her a charming home situated in a neighborhood within a block of the railroad tracks.  The house was impeccably maintained. After touring the inside and the outside of the home we went to look at the rest of the neighborhood.  We wanted to see how close the railroad tracks were to the house she was interested in.The railroad tracks run through various housing areas in the City of Melbourne.When considering a home purchase there are questions to consider.Where are the railroad tracks compared to the neighborhood you are thinking of buying in? How close are they to the house you are interested in?  Is there a buffer between the houses in the neighbor and the tracks?You may want to find out the train schedule. How many trains run day and night? If po... 06/19/2015

 There are oodles of condo complexes here. When considering a condo or townhouse purchase, there are questions to ask, before making that purchase.What is the ratio of investor owned units to owner occupied units?What is the delinquency rate? How many units are in foreclosure?  Does the homeowner’s association keep money in reserves to cover the fees for the delinquent units?Ask to review the association financials.  Is there money on reserve for maintenance? They may not provide you with the information until you have a unit under contract. And, then your purchase will be contingent on review of those documents.How much are the association fees? What do they cover? Are any utilities included? What is the cap amount on how high the fees can increase each year?Are pets allowed? How many?... 06/17/2015

Real Estate Reality TV… It's not RealI don’t watch much TV.  I suppose it’s because I can’t find anything to watch. Today, television is riddled with Reality TV shows. I don’t like Reality TV.  There, I said it.I don’t care for the Real Estate Reality TV shows.  They're on for their entertainment value.  It gives people a false sense of what’s real when they are ready to get in the market to buy, sell or to invest in real estate. If Reality TV portrayed real world experiences, people would stop watching and the shows would quickly fade off the air.Only on Reality TV… can you have an open house, the first day a house goes on the market with 10 different buyers getting into a bidding war. The house sells for tens of thousands over list price! Houses rarely sell at an open house. They typi... 06/16/2015

It seems that the simplest things are the best things in life. Watching the sun setting in the western sky is one of the simple things.What is it about a sunset? Every one of them is different than the one the day before. A sunset is the perfect close of another day. I love watching the sun setting. I would watch it every single day, if I could. There’s something magical about a sunset. When the sun starts setting, it’s as if someone has a rope tied around it and you can see it being pulled down into the horizon, right before your eyes.A sunset is a beautiful painting drawn across the sky that can never be duplicated.   06/15/2015

 I’m not a morning person. I wish I was. I would love to rise and shine at 5:00 AM and get my day going early. I am not one of those people that can bounce right out of bed when the alarm goes off. I have to hit the snooze button 3 times before I can get my eyes open. This morning I woke up to a lizard in the toaster. He was alive and kicking. Now, that's gross. I have no idea how he got in there. And, I'm not really sure what made me look in the toaster before I used it.Okay, so it was just going to be coffee, instead.  My sister, Jean, says I make the strongest cup of coffee she’s ever tasted. Well, apparently not today. I forgot to put the grounds in the coffee pot.Oh well.Isn't toasted lizard a delicacy in some countries?  06/12/2015

On Day One we were able to successfully market the Home on 136 Bluff Terr in Melbourne, FL. Our marketing program also located the buyer for this home. The buyer is moving in this weekend and is a first time home buyer who used the new FHA first time buyer program. It is helping many first time buyers not only have a larger down payment (up to $10,000) but also helps those with financial restrictions qualify for a home! (income restrictions do apply).This beautiful home has 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, wood floors throughout and a sparkling in-ground pool in the yard! If you have any questions about Melbourne, FL or Space Coast Homes please do not hesitate to call or email me...I would love to help! 06/11/2015

 Did you know that you can get your mortgage paid off early and save money? By making one additional principal payment each year on your 30 year fixed rate mortgage, you can cut approximately 8 years off of your loan and save tens of thousands of dollars.Have you heard about bi weekly mortgage payments?  These are when your mortgage payment amount is divided in half and you make the payment every 2 weeks, in effect adding one additional payment to your loan by the end of the year. Be careful though, often there is a set up fee and the lending institution charges a monthly fee to process the payment. You can create the same effect by making one additional mortgage payment each year. (This figure may vary depending on the type of your loan.)Are you thinking that you just don't have the ex... 06/11/2015

Here it is in the news again… another Realtor attacked. This time the potential buyer called a St. Petersburg FL Realtor and asked to see a home for sale. The agent met the man, toured the house and then he held a gun to her head. He called her husband asking for $50,000 in ransom money. The husband hung up on the attacker, thinking it was a prank call. Realtors can never be too careful when showing houses. Yesterday, I received a call from an out of state area code. The call went to my voicemail, as I was out with a client. The caller was scattered and incoherent, “I am calling on a house. I don’t know what city it’s in, but I saw it. The house number is 4958.  I don’t know the address. I think its Melbourne. No, it’s near Melbourne.’ His message was disjointed and rambling.  He contin... 06/10/2015

 Some of the nicest homes we see are full of color. But, some homes with color are often too personalized for homebuyers.I recently showed a house that was beautifully decorated, throughout. An interior decorator had taken time in having gorgeous murals painted on the walls, giving each room a unique ‘feel’ of its own. Stepping into one room took you away to a tropical paradise, inside a tiki hut on a beautiful island. The murals were beautifully done. The house had a uniqueness all it’s own. The home was in impeccable condition, with a beautiful pool overlooking lush landscaping. It was realistically priced for the market.As we finished touring the home, the buyers said, ‘this house is not for us. There’s just too much work here that needs to be done.’ As we discussed further, the buye... 06/09/2015

 It's that time of year again... Hurricane Season. It's not something we talk much about, unless there's one heading our way and we're being warned to hunker down.When we look at listings of properties for sale, we don’t see the word ‘hurricane’ shutters. We call them storm shutters. Here in Florida, that seems strange, to me.  I guess it's so we remember they can be used in wind, or rain or sleet or hail, too.Well, the good news is that we’ve been fortunate that we haven’t had a major hurricane in our area since 2004.  But,  it always wise to be prepared.Did you know that Florida Disaster.org offers a FREE emergency family or business plan in the event of a hurricane? It only takes a couple of minutes to fill out the paperwork. The plan will outline the following information:>Your fami... 06/08/2015

2105 Lucille Lane, Melbourne in Croton Manor. MelbourneComfortable 4 bedroom, 2 bath, concrete block construction home built in 1966.Situated on quiet cul-de-sac.Large, long carport may fit 2 cars. Attached inside laundry room/storage shed. Diamond polished terrazzo floors and ceramic tile for easy cleaning. This home has 1372 square feet of living, with a total of 1632 square feet.  Enjoy the outside patio area, overlooking the large backyard. All grade level schools are within walking distance.One block North of Eau Gallie Boulevard.And minutes from I 95, US1, the Melbourne Airport, shopping, dining,Patrick Air Force Base, the Indian River and Beaches.Set sail on Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Disney Cruise Lines at Port Canaveral just 40 minutes away.Approximately an hour to Orlando In... 05/28/2015

Here is a list of upcoming events at the King Center in Melbourne, FLThe King Center is located at Eastern Florida State by Post Road and Wickham Rd. This is a great small venue for seeing plays, concerts or comedy acts from all over the world.The Phone is 321.242.2219. Tickets can also be purchased online by going to www.KingCenter.com  May Takin' It to the Streets 10:30 AM 7 Brevard Community Chorus 7:30 PM 9 John Mayall 8:00 PM 15 Classic Albums Live 2015 Summer Concert Series 8:00 PM 16 Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd - The Wall 8:00 PM 16 CHELSEA HANDLER LIVE! 8:00 PM 21 Nicole Cote School of Dance 10th Anniversary Recital DARE TO DANCE 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM 30June THE GIPSY KINGS FEATURING NICOLAS REYES AND TONINO BALIARDO With Special Guest Elijah Wolf 8:00 PM 12 HAPPY TOGET... 05/07/2015

  Events going on in Brevard:Every Thursday – Brevard County Farmer’s Market (3:00 -6:00 PM) Fresh products from local farmers and producers. 2500 Parkway Drive, Wickham Park Melbourne at the horse stables. Check out upcoming events from Brevard County Farmers Market, Wickham Park Melbourne.Every Thursday - Historic Cocoa Village, Cocoa Main Street has partnered with local businesses to offer Throwback Thursdays (open till 8 PM) A shopping and dining campaign offering discounts and Cocoa Main Street's VIP Discount Card program. For more information on Cocoa Main Street Throwback Thursday check here.   Ken Wilshire, 321-633-0806.Every Saturday (9 AM – 12:00 PM) The Indialantic Fresh Market, a Farmer’s and Producers Market, 1220 N. A1A, IndialanticEvery Saturday & Sunday - Downtown Melbou... 04/30/2015

 With the huge success and appeal of the Reserve at Lake Washington, many of the areas top builders have approached us about becoming a part of this great community.  We have the luxury of allowing in those who we feel are the best in the area.With that in mind, when we were approached by DiPrima Custom Homes we jumped at the chance. Having one of the areas top custom and semi-custom builders on board gives potential buyers an even greater opportunity to find exactly what they are looking for in a building partner.DiPrima has been building quality homes on the Space Coast for 54 years! They have a very loyal following and can build a home to satisfy the most discriminating buyer.If you would like to get more info on DiPrima Custom Homes, the Reserve at Lake Washington, or available lots... 04/23/2015

 Events going on in Brevard:Every Thursday - Brevard County Farmer's Market (3 PM - 6 PM). Fresh products from local farmers and producers. 2500 Parkway Drive, Wickham Park Melbourne Check out upcoming events from Brevard County Farmers Market, Wickham Park Melbourne.Every Thursday - Historic Cocoa Village, Cocoa Main Street has partnered with local businesses to offer Throwback Thursdays (open till 8 PM) A shopping and dining campaign offering discounts and Cocoa Main Street's VIP Discount Card program. For more information on Cocoa Main Street Throwback Thursday check here.   Ken Wilshire, 321-633-0806.First Friday Eau Gallie Arts District in Downtown Eau Gallie (5:30 PM) browse local businesses that stay open late. Grab a bite to eat. Highland Avenue in Downtown Eau Gallie.First Frid... 04/16/2015

Events going on in Brevard:Every Thursday - Brevard County Farmer's Market (3 PM - 6 PM). Fresh products from local farmers and producers. 2500 Parkway Drive, Wickham Park Melbourne Check out upcoming events from Brevard County Farmers Market, Wickham Park Melbourne.Every Thursday - Historic Cocoa Village, Cocoa Main Street has partnered with local businesses to offer Throwback Thursdays (open till 8 PM) A shopping and dining campaign offering discounts and Cocoa Main Street's VIP Discount Card program. For more information on Cocoa Main Street Throwback Thursday check here.  Email at office@coocamainstreet.com or call Ken Wilshire, 321-633-0806.First Friday Eau Gallie Arts District in Downtown Eau Gallie (5:30 PM) browse local businesses that stay open late. Grab a bite to eat. Highlan... 04/09/2015

Did you know that you can cut years off of your mortgage and save thousands? By making one additional principal payment each year on your 30 year fixed rate mortgage, you can cut approximately 8 years* off of the length of your loan and save tens of thousands of dollars.Have you heard about bi weekly mortgage payments?  These are when your mortgage payment amount is divided in half and you make the payment every 2 weeks, in effect adding one additional payment to your loan by the end of the year. Often times they cost a hefty fee to set up and the lending institution charges a monthly fee to process the payment. You can create the same effect by making an additional mortgage payment each year.**Are you thinking that you just don't have the extra money to mail in an additional principal ... 04/08/2015

Before buying a house remember to take a second look inside and out.  And, ask questions, and then ask some more.Today, home buyers are smarter and more educated than ever. They have the internet at their fingertips and they know how to do their legwork in researching homes for sale. But, it's important to ask questions before buying a house.Things to consider are:How high does the house sit compared to the middle of the street?Is there sufficient drainage?Are there signs of standing water; mold and mildew on sidewalks, on patios or near the house?Is the property close to or on a main street? How much traffic travels on the street?Are there vehicles parked out in front along the street? Is parking allowed on the streets at night?Where do boats have to be parked?What do the neighboring p... 04/07/2015

5243 Outlook Drive, Melbourne FL 32940 This stunning home situated in gated Deer Lakes is a beauty. Tiffany Homes Carmel model built in 2004. Deer Lakes is a gated neighborhood just off of Wickham Road between Post Road and the Pineda Causeway. This home has sparkling ceramic tile flooring in the main living areas and laminate flooring in the bedrooms. The open kitchen with breakfast bar, eat in nook and pantry opens to the main living area of the home. Master suite has shower and double sinks with outside door leading to the pool. The home boasts pride of ownership throughout.  Sit back and enjoy the incredible sunsets overlooking the lake and the solar heated pool. This is Florida living at it's best. Deer Lakes boasts a community pool and playground. Lawn  and shrub maintenance is in... 04/02/2015

Events going on in Brevard: Every Thursday - Brevard County Farmer's Market (3 PM - 6 PM). Fresh products from local farmers and producers. 2500 Parkway Drive, Wickham Park Melbourne Check out upcoming events from Brevard County Farmers Market, Wickham Park Melbourne. Every Thursday - Historic Cocoa Village, Cocoa Main Street has partnered with local businesses to offer Throwback Thursdays (open till 8 PM) A shopping and dining campaign offering discounts and Cocoa Main Street's VIP Discount Card program. For more information on Cocoa Main Street Throwback Thursday check here.  Email at office@coocamainstreet.com or call Ken Wilshire, 321-633-0806. First Friday Eau Gallie Arts District in Downtown Eau Gallie (5:30 PM) browse local businesses that stay open late. Grab a bite to eat. Hig... 04/01/2015