"This house doesn't look like the pictures I saw." I've heard that before, many times. Last week while showing houses for sale, I pulled up to a house and thought I must be at the wrong property. "Is this it?' Are you sure?" by buyer prodded. We checked the street sign and the house number. They matched the listing. We checked the company on the for sale. It matched the listing. We checked the outside picture... it sure didn't look like the house we were sitting in front of.  How long had it been on the market?  Had the property deteriorated over time.. since it was listed?  It looked so nice in the pictures. But, no, we were at the correct address.  My buyer wasn't sure she wanted to go in.  "I don't think I want to waste my time looking at it." We decided to go in anyway.  We were cu... 08/13/2012

If you are looking to a Real Estate School serving Melbourne Florida to take your online real estate course, you've come to the right place. Rowlett Real Estate School is a full service real estate school serving Melbourne Florida with Florida State Approved, Fully Accredited Real Estate Courses Online to meet all your license requirements. It has never been so easy to get a Pre sales associate real estate license in Melbourne Florida and begin your new Real Estate Career in Melbourne.Rowlett Real Estate School has a passing rate for the Florida State Exam that is unsurpassed by any other course provider. 08/12/2012

This is a new series I am writing for sellers and buyers. It is designed to help those with questions or issues that come up when listing or purchasing a home. The subject we are going to delve into today is for sellers. When you sell your home it is always in your best interest to get the most bottom line dollars (for your pocket). What I mean by this is after all commissions and expenses are paid...you should look at what potential plan (or Realtor marketing plan) will fetch you the most money. The mistake many sellers make is to think it is always best to work hard negotiating the commission rate down so they can pay the lowest amount...therefore making a larger bottom line. In theory it sounds great...but before you go down that road I want to run a couple of issues by you that migh... 08/11/2012

Now that you own your brand new Marondahome, let us talk about some inexpensive ways to make it uniquely your own.  One of the best ways to customize your new home on a budget is with paint, especially if you provide the labor yourself.  There are many choices when it comes to interior painting, from exotic colors and faux finishes, to custom murals and effects.  One of the most important things to consider is your abilities and experience.  Interior painting is a very popular DIY project, however, proper preparation and planning is critical to obtaining a professional result. One of the first things to consider is the brand and type of paint to use.  Most interior paints that are designed for residential use have low V.O.C’s.  Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from... 08/02/2012

  Do you remember the Tootsie Roll Pop commercial from TV? The little boy goes up to Mr. Turtle and asks, "Mr. Turtle, how many licks does it take to get to the tootsie roll center of the tootsie pop?" And Mr. Turtle says, "I don't know, ask Mr. Owl." So, the boy takes the tootsie pop to Mr. Owl and asks the same thing. Mr. Owl takes 3 licks and then bites the lollipop. He tells the boy it takes 3 licks to get to the tootsie roll center of the tootsie pop. It reminds me of buyers of real estate...some people buy the first day they're out looking at houses, some people take their time, and some never buy at all. A buyer calls up and tells us they are looking for a house to buy. We show them a couple of houses and the first day out they write an offer and  buy a house. They're like Mr. Ow... 08/01/2012

  Often I receive phone calls from buyers that have an interest in coming to Melbourne FL to grab a "great deal on a foreclosed property."  They're often surprised to hear the low number of bank owned properties that are currently on the market, only 7.24%.  Many are pretty specific in saying they don't really want to buy a short sale property, as often short sales can take some months to get to closing. Currently 77.38% of the properties on the market are non distressed sales in Mebourne, FL. The chart includes single family residential, condos and townhouses. These are the types of properties that have sold in Melbourne FL in 2012. 63.53% have been standard/traditional (non distressed) properties. These properties include single family, condos and townhouses. Sandy Shores, Melbourne F... 07/31/2012

Mandalay Grove is our brand new single-family home subdivision in the beautiful and prestigious Merritt Island, Florida.  Mandalay Grove is gated with Estate-sized lots and is located only 5 minutes from the beach in the tropical paradise of Merritt Island.  Our homes come complete with Tile Roofs, Paver Driveways and Luxurious Granite Kitchens included in the price. This neighborhood is as good as it gets in Brevard County; close to fantastic shopping and dining, I-95 and major employers.  We have a beautifully furnished Madison model that we invite you to come and see during our Grand Opening celebration month! ... Read the rest of the article on our Maronda Homes Blog ... 07/30/2012

nShare While out showing houses the other day, my buyer asked, "have you ever seen a haunted house?"  Well, funny that you ask, I responded, as I remembered the day my tenant called me frantically. She said she needed to talk right away.  So, I got in the car and headed right over. When I got there, she immedately started with 'I have been afraid to tell you this because I knew you would think I am crazy!' I couldn't imagine what she had to say. 'Well, she continued, 'your house is haunted.  You have ghosts here!'   I was sure that I hadn't heard her correctly.  "What?" "Your house is haunted." She went on to say that the house had ghosts in it since December.  It started with Christmas tree ornaments flying off the tree and across the room.  Then, pictures would fly off the walls and a... 07/30/2012

  Sunday 7/29 was the grand opening of Jersey Mikes Subs in Melbourne, FL. It is a Sub Sandwich chain with around 750 locations to date...but this was the first local shop for Jersey Mikes. The location is right on the corner of Hibiscus and Babcock...on the side of the Harris (for long time residents it is the location of the old Montgomery Wards) building. A couple of things I liked about Jersey Mikes: 1. They have a nice children's menu with plenty of options.2. They offer multiple sizes so you do not have to buy a huge sub if you are not starving.3. They offer a great selection of Northeast style subs like Cheesesteak and Chicken Parm.4. They offer both hot and cold subs.5. They offer the sandwiches in wraps and bowls. Jersey Mikes offers a large dining room as well as take out. You... 07/29/2012

My Mom, My boy and I went to Manatee Park (known as Bean Park) to see if we could view a Manatee feeding. This is maiting season for these enormous mammals (known as sea cows). We not only saw a couple of Manatees in the water (no maiting...lol)...we also saw about 5 dolphins jumping by the nearby bridge (seen pictured in the background. The park is located on the southern side of historic downtown Melbourne...if you are in the area don't miss it! 07/26/2012

Carolyn Smith, Realtor – Melbourne, FL Real Estate: Just Listed! Lovely Home in Pine Creek, 55+ Gated Community Welcome Home to Pine Creek, in sunny Melbourne, Florida! Absolutely lovely home located in Pine Creek, an active 55+ gated community in Melbourne, Florida. This single-family Pine Creek home has 2 bedrooms plus a separate study, 2 bathrooms, and a 2 car garage. The fabulous open floor plan of this 1,545 square foot home features vaulted ceilings in the living room, plus a formal dining room that opens to the bright, spacious kitchen. Additional features of this Pine Creek home include plantation shutters, neutral decor, 18-inch tiles in the main living areas, high ceilings throughout, and attractive architectural details. This home has been impeccably maintained both indoors a... 07/23/2012

Carolyn Smith, Realtor – Things To Do in Brevard County, FL: Weekend Events in the Melbourne, Florida Area Things to do in Brevard County, FL – Enjoy both music and art this weekend at Friday Fest in Downtown Melbourne and the Indialantic Craft Festival at Nance Park in Indialantic! Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Brevard County, Florida? There are a couple of noteworthy events happening this weekend in Brevard County that I want to share with you… Friday Fest in Downtown Melbourne and the Indialantic Craft Festival at Nance Park in Indialantic, Florida. Tonight, Friday July 13th, enjoy live music and fun activities at Friday Fest in Downtown Melbourne. This family street party is held on the second Friday of every month in beautiful Downtown Melbourne, Florida. Friday F... 07/13/2012

Kingsmill, located just off of Lake Washington Road is a quiet, well maintained community of over 300 houses built between 1986 and 1988. It is situated between Parkway Drive and Aurora Road, just west of Wickham Road in Melbourne Florida. Kingsmill is just minutes to shopping, dining, churches and schools. Publix grocery store is within walking distance. Access to I-95, US 1 and the causeways to the beach are within 5 minutes. View Map The west end of the community boasts custom built homes by Joyal and Tiffany Builders. Several of the homes are situated on half acre sites. The other homes in the neighborhood were built by Maronda Homes. Kingsmill association fees are currently $135 per year, per house. This covers maintenance of the common grounds, the 2 parks, and the retention ponds... 07/12/2012

Just enjoying the beautiful weather we're having here in Melbourne. This picture was taken on the south side of the Melbourne Public Library looking out at Holmes Regional Medical Center.   Sandy Shores, Melbourne FL Broker-Associate M & M Real Estate, Inc. Residential, Investment and Relocations We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale. Melbourne Real Estate / Palm Bay Real Estate 321-253-4545 or 321-733-6080 SandyShoresMelbourne@hotmail.com ____________________________________________ Serving Brevard County Florida for 16 Years Brevard County Resident for 37 Years Melbourne, Palm Bay, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Canaveral Groves, Merritt Island, Titusville, Mims, Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canavera... 07/12/2012

Bruce Lee FoundationDan Inosanto Martial Arts AcademyElite Martial ArtsDid you know that the Bruce Lee Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity formed in 2002? They have an interesting mission: "To perpetuate and preserve the legacy of Bruce Lee by creating a home where the totality of his legacy, his martial art, his philosophy, and his life example, can continue to thrive for generations to come." I like that because I'm a huge fan of his work and am the proud owner of his books, photographs and movies.If you spend some time exploring on the BLF website you will discover some interesting quotes that may trigger an interest in studying JDK. For example:Quote #1: "Jeet Kune Do’s stance, footwork, and major strategic points come from fencing.  A key principle in fencing, the stop-hit, is... 07/09/2012

    Sandy Shores, Melbourne FL Broker-Associate M & M Real Estate, Inc. Residential, Investment and Relocations We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale. Melbourne Real Estate / Palm Bay Real Estate 321-253-4545 or 321-733-6080 SandyShoresMelbourne@hotmail.com ____________________________________________ Serving Brevard County Florida for 16 Years Brevard County Resident for 37 Years Melbourne, Palm Bay, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Canaveral Groves, Merritt Island, Titusville, Mims, Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral ______________________________________________ I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property. Visit me on my Google Profile Page Visit Melbourne FL Real Estate Talk on Facebook... 07/09/2012

The beauty and the peacefulness surrounding this statue are mesmerizing.   Sandy Shores, Melbourne FL Broker-Associate M & M Real Estate, Inc. Residential, Investment and Relocations We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale. Melbourne Real Estate / Palm Bay Real Estate 321-253-4545 or 321-733-6080 SandyShoresMelbourne@hotmail.com ____________________________________________ Serving Brevard County Florida for 16 Years Brevard County Resident for 37 Years Melbourne, Palm Bay, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Canaveral Groves, Merritt Island, Titusville, Mims, Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral ______________________________________________ I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property. Visit me on... 07/05/2012

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July.    Sandy Shores, Melbourne FL Broker-Associate M & M Real Estate, Inc. Residential, Investment and Relocations We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale. Melbourne Real Estate / Palm Bay Real Estate 321-253-4545 or 321-733-6080 SandyShoresMelbourne@hotmail.com ____________________________________________ Serving Brevard County Florida for 16 Years Brevard County Resident for 37 Years Melbourne, Palm Bay, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Canaveral Groves, Merritt Island, Titusville, Mims, Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral ______________________________________________ I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property. Visit me on my Google Profile Page Visit Melbour... 07/03/2012

. Tomorrow is the 4th of July. The City of Melbourne will be co sponsoring a parade beginning at New Haven Avenue by the railroad tracks, heading West to Oak Street and then north to the Liberty Bell Museum.  The parade begins at 10:00 AM. A fireworks display will begin at 9:00 PM over the Indian River Lagoon.  Front Street Park in Melbourne will be a great spot to grab a front row seat for the show.  There will be free buses that will take patrons from the Melbourne Auditorium at 625 Hibiscus Blvd, Melbourne to Front Street Park. Hope it's a safe and Happy 4th of July.   Sandy Shores, Melbourne FL Broker-Associate M & M Real Estate, Inc. Residential, Investment and Relocations We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale. Melbourne Real Estate / Palm Bay Real Estate 32... 07/03/2012

We have quite a few celebrations planned in the Melbourne Florida area...here is a list of options: 1. Palm Bay: They have a Splashes and Sparks Fourth of July celebration that will be from 5 to 9 p.m. on July 4th ( BCC at 250 Community College Parkway in Palm Bay). the fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m and admission is free. The event will include music, food, vendors, bouncing houses, kids water slides, a bike parade for kids, kids face painting...and of course games and fireworks. 2. Melbourne: Melbourne’s 4th of July fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. Wednesday. They are at Front Street Park, 2210 Front St. You can Call 321-953-6282 for more info on the fireworks and parking. 3. Viera: At Space Coast Stadium...the Brevard County Manatees are playing the Tampa Bay Yankees at 6:35 p.m. (5... 06/28/2012