Another Bank of America Short Sale property listed and Sold 03/07/2012

If you have read a few of my blog posts you will know I am an Italian-American guy...born in NYC...transplanted to the Space Coast. I was recently on the prowel for a good Italian bakery so I could fill a craving I was having for Pignoli Cookies (picture added so you will understand my desire...those are pine nuts on the top). I had heard about an Italian restaurant/deli/bakery called Pane E Vino next to The Oaks Movies...and I thought I would combine two of my favorite passtimes...eating Italian pastries and going to the movies. I stopped by Pane E Vino and bought a 1/2 lb of Pignoli Cookies. I noticed the deli counter and restaurant...as well as the specials (they had eggplant parmigiana subs...my favorite). I took my 1/2 lb of cookies and headed to see the movie. About halfway throu... 02/27/2012

Claude Edge Front Street Park is a heavily used park that fits in directly on the west side of the Indian River...and the south side of the Melbourne Causeway.The address of the park is: 2210 Front St. Melbourne, FL 32935 The community center phone number is: 321-674-5700 The park has quite a few amenities including fishing piers, boat ramps, picnic areas, shuffleboard, benches and a pavilion. A community center is also located on the grounds. The Front Street Community Center has a couple of available rooms as well as kitchen facilities. The park is open from 7am to 7pm (all night for those with permits) and is heavily used by runners, joggers and walkers who like to go over the river and back. Since Front Street Park also has multiple boat ramp docks it is heavily used by those with ... 02/23/2012

No one would deny Duffy's is a sports bar...the place is loaded with spprts helmets, pictures and memorobilia...some very cool stuff as well (if your a sports fan). With any sports bar we come to expect certain things....lots of large screen TV's...check. Cold beer that is easy to get...check. A menu filled with sports bar favorites like burgers and chicken wings...check. All that being said Duffy's is just an average place to see a game...not your second choice (to having live event tickets). Duffy's is a South Florida Chain...in fact the only Duffy's above Port St Lucie is in Melboure. The food is standard sports bar...the burgers and sandwiches are OK...the wings...not so much. Too much breading and somewhat overcooked. The prices are higher then the compitition...10 wings for $9.99... 02/20/2012

Source of image: Wikipedia Carolyn Smith, Realtor – More great news for the Brevard County real estate market! The Melbourne, FL area has made the top 10 list of areas with the largest increase in median single family home prices for the last quarter of 2011.  According to the National Association of Realtors, home prices in the Melbourne, FL area rose 8.3% from the last quarter of 2010 to the last quarter of 2011. This puts the Melbourne, FL real estate market in the number six position of best housing markets, out of the 149 markets tracked by the National Association of Realtors. Median single family home prices rose in only about 20 percent of the 149 markets, and the Melbourne, FL area was not only among this 20 percent, it was number six on the list! Nationally, the median single... 02/19/2012

I have been blogging quite a bit about why buyers who are looking to invest their money....or might be looking to relocate to an area that is on the real estate upswing...should consider the Space Coast of Florida...Including Melbourne, Indialantic, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Viera, Suntree and Melbourne Beach. Lets face it...price declines from 2005-2010 created big discounts in our local real estate market (just like many other areas around the Country) and low interest rates just add to the value. In 2011 my area actually had an increase in value of almost 5% vs. 2010...so those in the know already knew what was coming. The study I am writing about was done by Industry leader Trulia...and reported by Inman. The criteria for the study is search demand...in this particular... 02/15/2012

I love Historic Downtown Melbourne...it has really come a long way from when first moved here in the mid-80s. One of my favorite places to hang out when I am trying to view the beautiful (in an ugly sort of way) Manatees (some call them sea cows) is Bean Park. The Manatee is on the endangered species list so this is a real treat for us here in on the Space Coast. Bean Park is located at 1208 East Melbourne Ave on the south side of Downtown Melbourne. It is a riverfront part (runs along Crane Creek) that has been beautifully landscaped grounds as well as plenty of parking within a short walk. Amenities in Bean Park include: Pavilions (two of them) BBQ Grills Lots of park benches Great Manatee viewing Plenty of parking Wonderful waterfront views Walk to restaurants for lunch You can actua... 02/14/2012

This Is Winter Today we experienced one of those chilly mornings that we call "Winter".  As you can see it only reached 59 degrees before noon, but the sun is shining!  Fortunately we will be back to 80 degrees soon. If you have had enough of the northern version of Winter, I can help you relocate to sunny Florida.  Why wait? For information about buying or selling property in Brevard County, contact Melbourne Real Estate Agent, Laura Forman (321) 917-2162.Visit my website to search for property anywhere in Brevard County, Florida with no obligation. 02/13/2012

Many people who fly into Central Florida come through the very busy...and very large Orlando International Airport. Orlando is a great place to visit and I love going over as often as I can...but I must admit...I am a hater of large airports in general...parking is a pain...taking trains to planes...long lines for security...all to get to the mountains, beach, city etc... For the opposite reason you just have to love Melbourne International Airport. This is a small airport that allows you to fly through the big airports without dealing with many of the above mentioned issues. MIA has two major carriers...Delta and U.S. Airways...as well as some smaller regionals. They fly mostly connecting flight through Atlanta (Delta Hub) and Charlotte (U.S. Air Hub). These two large hubs can take yo... 02/09/2012

...obviously many of the visitors to the Space Coast come for the beaches or to see a rocket go up at Cape Canaveral. They may fly into Melbourne International Airport or Orlando International Airport...and in many cases drive right by the Brevard Zoo...and that would be a shame because the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, FL is a wonderful example of what a regional zoo in the United States can be. The zoo is broken down into five sections...all worth seeing no matter what age you or your guests are. 1. Expedition Africa...my favorite with some amazing animals...Giraffe and White Rhino are highlights.2. Wild Florida...this is where you can see a gator or an American Croc3. Austral-Asia...see a kangaroo here!4. La Selva...a wide array of animals from South America can be found here.5. Paws on... 02/06/2012

We have a large number of people who have moved to the Space Coast from the Northeastern part of the U.S...because of this we have quite a few New York-Philly-Boston style restaurants...Don Giuseppe's is a Northeast style Southern Italian restaurant on Wickham Rd north of Eau Gallie Blvd in Melbourne, FL. It also happens to be one of the Space Coast's better Italian restaurants. Don Giuseppie's offers a very traditional Southern Italian menu...Chicken, Veal and Eggplant Parmigiano, Manicotti, Ravioli, Lasagna, Stuffed Shells...lots of veal, chicken and pasta options as well. They also offer a large...and very good pizza menu.The prices are good...the portions are large...and the staff is very friendly. They offer a variety of sauces from a very good marinara to a meat sauce that is one... 02/04/2012

Fairview Estates, Lake Washington Area, Melbourne FL Fairview Estates is a small, well appointed community of just under 60 custom built, single family homes, situated on half acre lots or larger. Fairview feels like country living in the city. As of this writing there is no Homeowners Association in place. Fairview is located south of Lake Washington Road, one block west of Wickham Road. Location is key in this desirable neighborhood. Walk to shopping, Burger King, Taco Bell, Ice Cream, Dunkin' Donuts. Just minutes to I-95 and US 1 and the Maxwell C King Center for the Performing Arts. Fairview is situated near top rated Brevard County Schools. There are currently no houses for sale in Fairview Estates. And, currently there are no houses under contract. Fairview is a well established n... 02/02/2012

Off the Traxx is a sports bar/restaurant/pizza joint in Historic Downtown Melbourne. This is a large place with lots of seating, bar seats...and plenty of space to dance. Off the Traxx seems to be a starting point for many of the locals who eat at Off the Traxx...get a couple of beers...watch the end of a basketball or baseball game...and then head up the block to Matts, Foo Bar or Megs. The food is a notch above your average sports bar and they have great specials including ladies night on Wednesday starting at 9pm. The full menu is extensive and includes pizza, wings, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, as well as higher end options like mahi mahi, steak, chicken and some pretty good ribs. FYI...the french onion soup is really good...a great starter on one of the 10 cold nights we have every... 02/01/2012

  Sandy Shores, Melbourne FL REALTOR® 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 15 Years Brevard County Resident for 36 Years Melbourne, Palm Bay, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Canaveral Groves, 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 and "Like" Us There       01/20/2012

...because I write quite a few restaurant reviews for my website and blog (ok...so I love eating out...and this is a great way to get a write off on my taxes) I am often asked my opinion on...what is the best (fill in food category) restaurant on the Space Coast. When the gets around to Sushi the conversation will always include Banzai Sushi & Thai in Melbourne, FL. Banzai has extensive Thai and Japanese offerings including some of the best Sushi on the Space Coast. They also offer some great lunch specials priced from $6.95...and lunch boxes priced from $10.95. The Sushi is always fresh and the I just love to add a Seaweed Salad. The menu and options for both Thai and Japanese food are so extensive I will just put up a link to the website and you can check the food offerings out for y... 01/20/2012

Sandy Shores, Melbourne FL REALTOR® 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 15 Years Brevard County Resident for 36 Years Melbourne, Palm Bay, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Canaveral Groves, 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 and "Like" Us There 01/18/2012

Morning Has Broken Over Melbourne, Florida Sometimes a song describes a feeling captured in a moment, and a photo can invite you to re-live that moment in time.  This photo reminds me of a song made famous by Cat Stevens. "Morning has broken like the first morning..." Melbourne resident, and my good friend Christy, took this beautiful sunrise photograph from her home this morning overlooking Ballard Park across the Eau Gallie River. "Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven..." Even though the day's weather forecast called for rain later in the day, nothing could diminish the enjoyment of the fiery-red glow painted on the water's surface. "Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning..." I imagine my friend being energized by the beautiful morning, enjoying a good cup of coffee, and r... 01/11/2012

Makoto's Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar in Melbourne, FL has an interesting story. It was one of my favorite restaurants when it was located in a hotel directly on U.S.1 some years back. My friends and I would head over in large groups and enjoy the wonderful food, great party rooms and talented chefs. It burned down in the early 1990's (if I remember it was a kitchen fire) and disappeared for a time. My friends and I were all quite happy when the restaurant reappeared in its present location at 785 Babcock St. Makoto's feels like a Japanese steakhouse should...the colors, tables, bar area and private rooms are all beautifully done and hearken back to Japanese restaurants from the 1960's. The new full sushi bar is quite good and they have decent lunch specials. It seems like every Jap... 01/09/2012

Welcome 2012! I'm ready! Let's make incredible things happen this year! A Happy New Year to All!   Sandy Shores, Melbourne FL REALTOR® 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 15 Years Brevard County Resident for 36 Years Melbourne, Palm Bay, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Canaveral Groves, 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... 01/01/2012

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 Larger 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 ... 12/30/2011