Here is my new video. It is about the four different types of real estate representation a seller can choose when selling a home here on the Space Coast. I go into FSBO's, Entry Only into the MLS, Limited Service Brokers and Full Service Brokers. The idea behind the video is to inform potential sellers on what type of agent and agency they can hire...and to allow the seller to distinguish between real estate firms and models that are available to them. 10/21/2013

One of the best things about being on the beautiful Space Coast of Florida is the fresh fish and seafood I find at Moon's Seafood at 461 North Harbor City Blvd (US1) in Melbourne.  Also known locally as Moon's Amazing Seafood. Nick Moon opened Moon's Amazing Seafood in 1985, with a goal to find every "viable path to buy and produce high-quality seafood and sell it with the highest ethical standards-- with no unpleasant surprises".  In my opinion, Moon’s Amazing Seafood has accomplished that goal. Over the years Moon’s Amazing Seafood has not only operated the retail store on US1, but also a fish dock, fishing boats and run a wholesale distribution center.  The benefit of that to you and mec, the buying public, is a market that has a broad base of experience and in depth of knowledge of ... 10/21/2013

It is no secret that both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts are very susceptible to big storms. Tropical storms, tropical depressions, hurricanes, etc...they can all impact our coastlines almost any month of the year. Historically the Space Coast has been impacted by fewer large storms than many other areas within our State. I have even had potential clients tell me they fear buying along the coast because they think we might be "due" for a named storm...worried maybe our "luck" may run out. ...to set the record straight...it really isn't luck that keeps the majority of big storms away from the Space Coast. It happens to be the gulf stream! The shape of Florida brings the Gulf Stream directly up the coast until it reaches just north of West Palm Beach. At that point the State cuts back west... 10/20/2013

Boo at the Brevard County Zoo is being presented by none other than Bright House Networks.  Additional sponsors for the Boo at the Zoo are Walmart, Pepsi, Sky Advertising as well as many other local businesses and organizations.This year at Boo at the Zoo, guests will enjoy an evening of mystical wonderment throughout the Brevard County Zoo.  Children will be able to enjoy a variety of fun Halloween activities, including trick or treating in a safe environment.  Additional experiences include:   Zoola! Mystical performances each evening.   Zoola! is well known at Boo at the Zoo.  There is magic, comedy, illusions, juggling, and comedic mime.  Zoola! promises to be full of non-stop laughter and an exciting time for all! These characters perform on the main stage in front of the Paws On ... 10/18/2013

Is This The Right Time To Sell Your Home?                                       Should you sell your home now or should you wait? Here are some reasons why this is the perfect time to sell your home: There is a Higher Demand for Homes on the Market        One of the most basic concept of economics is supply and demand. According to the Florida Association of Realtors closed sales of single family homes in Brevard County, FL for August 2013, are up by 11.5% since August 2012. The report also shows that there is only a 4.1 month inventory currently available in the market. In a normal market there is about a 6 month supply of homes. So we can see that available inventory is somewhat low. There are buyers out there who are seriously looking to purchase a home. Sellers of homes sold recentl... 10/18/2013

A REALTOR can be a wealth of knowledge to a prospective buyer.  REALTORS build relationships with customers and often buyers feel that they can talk to them about anything. Due to various laws there are many questions that REALTORS cannot answer. For example REALTORS cannot comment on- - demographic statistics, such as the cultural make up of a neighborhood. - sex offenders in a neighborhood. - crime statistics in a neighborhood. REALTORS are forbidden from steering a buyer to or away from a specific area. In our area of Brevard County Florida we had seen such a population boom that our school districts and boundary maps were continually changing.  So, when a buyer moved to a specified area, we were uncertain as to whether their home will be included in their school district of choice t... 10/18/2013

        So many owners have pets today.  I recently read an article that said that over 75% of homeowners have some type of pet.  That means dogs and cats, guinea pigs and gerbils, turtles and fish, birds and snakes.  Well, whatever type of pet you have...we can all agree that we all love our pets.  After all, they're part of the family, aren't they? But, when it comes to selling your home, buyers don't want to be reminded about your sweet little furry critter. Not everyone appreciates your pet like you do. There is no bigger turn off when walking through the front door of a home than the "smell" of your pet.  I have seen buyers turn on their heel and walk right back out if they even catch a hint of a smelly pet. So, sellers, be very careful that your home is deoderized and ready to "s... 10/17/2013

      HALLOWEEN 2013 14th Annual Halloween Family Fun Night The City of Melbourne, FL will host its 14th Halloween Family Fun Night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at Eau Gallie Civic Center, 1551 Highland Ave., Melbourne. Features include costume contest, carnival styles games, DJ, snacks, storytelling, and more.   Ghostly Gekko 5k Start time: 6:30 p.m. Fun to be had by all at the Halloween themed race! Best Halloween costume contest, goodie bags to all finishers! Food provided by Squid Lips! Random giveaway of Halloween Horror Night tickets and 1 hotel night stay for 2! Race Fee: (Before Early Registration Date): $28 Early Registration Date: October 21st Race Fee: (After Early Registration Date): $31 From US 1, turn east on Eau Gallie Blvd. Turn left onto Highland St. Park at the Eau G... 10/16/2013

     Home buyers decide whether or not to look inside a house based on its curb appeal or the exterior appearance of a property. What they see when they drive by, or when they arrive for a showing sets the tone for that first impression. It often determines if a buyer wants to go inside. To prepare the house for sale, first you have to detach yourself from the property. We are all proud of our homes, but when getting ready to sell, you must try to detach yourself from the house and remember that this is a business transaction. Try to look at your house in the same way a potential home buyer may. The next time you come home, stop across the street or far enough down the driveway to get a good view of the house and its surroundings. What is your first impression of the house and yard are... 10/16/2013

10/15/2013

  Reverse Mortgages Can Help Divorced Seniors "...the increased occurrence of “gray divorce" [...] has been identified as a significant 21st century divorce trend...even though the overall divorce rate is actually declining, it’s on the rise among older generations," begins an article in Forbes magazine. In truth, the rise of gray divorce presents its own set of problems for both women and men of a certain age who have been dependent on another person for the better parts of their life. It's not to say that seniors who divorce later in life cannot fend for themselves, but it does present certain challenges that newer generations may not have to contend with if they get divorced. Consider the breadwinner/housewife scenario as outdated as it may seem. A husband, who has been dependent on ... 10/15/2013

One of the big advantages of living in Florida is the long growing season.  I love to cook, so getting really fresh ingredients is key for me.  One of my favorite places on the Space Coast of Florida is Downtown Produce.  Located in a semi industrial area at 7856 Ellis Rd, Downtown Produce fills a niche market on the Space Coast that is as close to Whole Foods as you are going to get!There are several aspects of Downtown Produce that cause me to drive out of my way to shop there.  First of all, as the name implies Downtown Produce carries a wide variety of produce.  In fact, I have been told that they supply many of the Space Coast's top restaurants.   One of the more enjoyable and unique aspects of shopping at Downtown Produce is that every day they have a different beer on tap for you... 10/14/2013

10/14/2013

Carolyn Smith, Realtor & Bridget Sentz, Realtor ~ Coastal Estate Team – Melbourne, FL Real Estate: Just Sold in Heritage Isle, 55+ Community in Melbourne, FL Just Sold! Heritage Isle Townhome in Melbourne! The Coastal Estate Team just sold this lovely townhome in Heritage Isle, an upscale 55+ community in Melbourne, FL. With an open floor plan boasting over 1,500 square feet, plus a screened lanai and a one car garage, this impeccably maintained townhome offers 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, plus a versatile flex room. This home features vaulted ceilings, extended tile areas, walk-in closets, wood cabinets, corian countertops, accordion hurricane shutters and much more!  The new owner of this home will be overjoyed with the location, right next to Heritage Isle’s 20,000 square foot clubhouse w... 10/14/2013

I am often asked this question when I go on a listing appointment. The prospective sellers may be looking at multiple agents...and they are trying to determine which way they should go. Here is my two cents (and why I choose to work with Coldwell Banker): First let me start by saying the most important part of your choice should be the specific agent. If you choose a large firm, small firm, boutique firm...or a single agent shop...if the agent is bad...you will get poor representation. The advantage of being with a large firm in this particular situation is you can call the broker (the agents boss) and in many cases get some assistance in rectifying the situation. I must also add a caveat...do not just choose your agent by the website they have. I know an agent who spent thousands of do... 10/11/2013

I wanted to congratulate Carla on her new home purchase in West Melbourne, FL. It is an absolutely beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bath home...plus a french door study! It was one of those homes...that when you walked in you just knew the seller was crazy about the home. Everything was unbelievably clean and organized! Carla is going to put in some beautiful wide plank wood floors in the living areas...otherwise it is in perfect move-in condition. The granite counters and stainless appliances were in perfect shape...and the home is only 1 year old! This is such a great home for her and her family! 10/08/2013

I am so excited about the Keller Williams mobile App. This is a useful App for both SELLERS & BUYERS. DOWNLOAD MY FREE MOBILE APP and SEARCH HOMES ON THE GO Download the app from iTunes Store (iphone, ipad, ipod) or Google Play (Android users) Search for "Keller Williams Realty". enter code KW273POJ4 when you install the KW app. That's it ...you are done.      http://app.kw.com/KW273POJ4 Enter my agent code KW273POJ4 at the startup of the app or via the "My Agent" button on the main menu. Once you've entered my code, you can contact me directly with questions or requests regarding any property in Brevard County including Melbourne, West Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Palm Bay, Cocoa, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne Beach.   Now a... 10/03/2013

      Is your home located in a flood zone?  Do you know? How do you find out if it is? Usually at the time you purchase your home, you are notified whether your house is located in a flood zone.  If it is, your lender will require you to purchase a separate flood insurance policy to cover the property in case of rising ground water. However, if it is determined that your house is not located in a flood zone, did you know that you can still purchase flood insurance?  The premium amount varies depending on your home and its location. According to The National Flood Insurance Program, some questions that you should be sure to ask your insurance company are... Can you confirm what flood zone I am in? Does my community participate in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating Sy... 10/03/2013

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time passes. My girls, Sam and Stephanie and I visited with my dear friend of 24 years, Jennifer and her family. Jennifer was there the day Stephanie was born almost 21 years ago.  She has watched my girls grow up.  And now it's time for us to watch her little boy, Luke Henry, who is filled with energy, excitement, joy and giggles, grow up.  Jen and Chad you are amazing parents. And, you are all so truly blessed to have each other.   10/02/2013

The new law has been rolled out here in Florida putting a ban on texting while driving.  Drivers cannot use a cell phone or a tablet while their vehicle is in motion.  It could be a $30 fine for the first offense. A second violation in five years will cost $60 and add 3 points to your drivers license. The law includes reading or sending a text, email or instant message on a smartphone while driving. This means police have to stop drivers for another offense in order to write a ticket for the texting. The law allows texting at a red light or in a traffic jam. Florida is the 41st state to put this law into effect. How is this going to affect your drivers?   10/02/2013