So often, in helping buyers find their first home, I can’t help but think back to my first home away from home.  And, oh what a home it was! I was 21 years old.  My first home was a mobile home.  No, let’s just call it what it was, it was a trailer, a rickety old single-wide 12 x 60 foot trailer, that needed alot of tender loving care. It was downright ugly.  It needed a good thorough scrubbing from top to bottom and a coat of paint. It had red shag carpeting with red lights in the ceiling. The second bedroom was the size of a bathroom. It fit one single bed and a tiny little dresser. You had to practically climb on the bed to get into the closet. And, it was on the railroad tracks. The master bedroom window was 10 feet from the train. On the other side there was a busy street. So, I l... 11/13/2009

The 2009 R.A.W. United Southern States Push Pull Powerlifting meet was held at The Gym this past weekend here in Melbourne FLorida. There were about 20 lifters competing. Sam Shores had a 97 lb. bench press. Shores had a 195 lb. deadlift. There will be a R.A.W. United Powerlifting meet coming up on December 5 and 6 that will be held at West Shore Junior Senior High School in Melbourne Florida. Lifters will be competing from across the country.  It is estimated that there will be about 75-85 competitors in this meet. Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate Brevard County Real Estate & Investing I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property. 11/12/2009

Stunning Viera Florida Beauty with Lake Views! Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood $173,333 Single Family HomeFor Sale Main Features 3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 1902 sqftLot: 0.16 acre(s) Location 8576 Mizell DriveMelbourne, FL 32940 Sandy Shores (321) 253-4545sandyshoresmelbourne@hotmail.comhttp://www.SandyShoresMelbourne.com Listed by: Sandy Shores, Realtor Our recent listings Gorgeous setting, .52 acre property!Stunning Viera Florida Beauty with Lake Views!3012 Chica Circle, West Melbourne Subscribe to our listing feed See more Melbourne, FL real estate for sale 11/11/2009

HR 3548 was signed into law, extending the up to $8000 tax credit or 10% of the purchase price, offered to First Time Homebuyers, people that have not owned a house in 3 years.  The original tax credit was due to expire on November 30, thus we had been scrambling to help buyers find properties. Now a buyer has until April 30, 2010 to get a home under contract, and until June 30, 2010 to get that home to closing.   On December 1, the income limits on the tax credit will change from the original guidelines of $75,000 to $125,000 for single people.  And, from $150,000 for married couples to $225,000 Homebuyers cannot purchase a home for more than $800,000. Effective immediately an existing homeowner may qualify for $6,500 if they purchase a home.  Their principal residence must be owned f... 11/07/2009

I take pictures as I enjoy sharing them with others. If you would like to use one of my photos, please ask, I am usually happy to oblige, however I would like to receive mention of having taken the picture. Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate Brevard County Real Estate & Investing I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.   10/30/2009

  The Brevard County Quick Guide Part Three | Vera L. Koon | Realtor ~ 321.302.9588 ~ www.BrevardHomesToGo.com Welcome to the Space Coast!  Brevard County, known as the “Space Coast” because of its rich history with NASA and space exploration, has an abundance of interesting and exciting attractions and community events to make every day in this area a new adventure!  Whether you are relocating or just visiting, we are sure you will love this east coast Florida area.      Dining/Nightlife The Brevard County area features an array of local dining and nightlife spots and you can find many great dining and nightlife experiences no matter where in the Space Coast you are!  Brevard is home to over 1,400 area restaurants and nightlife establishments.   Whether you enjoy upscale dining like th... 10/29/2009

The last couple of days have been glorious. We are experiencing some beautiful, crisp cool weather.  It's been in the 60's in the mornings and has been getting up into the mid 70's during the day. Now, I know that many are probably wondering what the heck I'm talking about, with crisp cool weather being in the 60's. I must be kidding, right? That's probably warm to some of you. But, for us here in Florida this little cool snap has been quite a switch for us, as we've been having some hot, humid weather.  I was going swimming in my pool, everyday, up until last week.  Did I mention that I like the water to be around 82 degrees?  Bathtub temperature, I know. We've turned off the air conditiong, and opened all the windows. On Sunday night I was in blue jeans and had to throw a sweatshirt ... 10/20/2009

TO ALL ACTIVERAINERS AND REALTORS MY CONCERN TODAY IS WITH ALL THE SYNDICATION THAT IS AVAILABLE TO US AND THE HUGE USUAGE OF THE INTERNET WHY ARE SO MANY REAL ESTATE AGENTS CONTINUALLY LETTING THEIR CLIENTS DOWN BY NOT SUPPLYING MORE THAN 1 PHOTO WITH THEIR LISTINGS. THE FIRST JOB WITH A NEW BUYER OR RENTER ONCE YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR IS TO EMAIL THEM SOME CHOICES FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION AND THEY ALWAYS WANT TO SEE PICTURES. SO WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU FIND A LISTING WITH NONE OR JUST ONE PHOTO YOU SKIP OVER IT AND SELECT ANOTHER LISTING. THE OLD ADDAGE "A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS" COULD NOT BE MORE APPLICABLE IN RELATION TO REAL ESTATE.SO I HAVE A PLEA, PLEASE PLEASE TAKE PLENTY OF PHOTOS BECAUSE YOUR VIEWINGS WILL INCREASE AND YOUR LISTING WILL BE SOLD OR RENT... 10/20/2009

The 32nd annual Oktoberfest will be held in Melbourne this weekend.  There will be food, fun and entertainment. Who doesn't love bratwurst & sauerkraut, funnel cake and potato pancakes? And, for those beer lovers there will be Spaten Iager, Spaten Dark, Dinkel Acker and Hacker-Pachor. The kids can enjoy the carnival rides and games. They will have various bands performing throughout the weekend. Today the festival runs from noon to midnight. It opens at 12:30 on Sunday. So come and bring the entire family.   Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate Brevard County Real Estate & Investing I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property. 10/17/2009

FOOTNOTE: Bailey was fine in this picture. It was early in the morning and I had just gotten him up. I take pictures as I enjoy sharing them with others. If you would like to use one of my photos, please ask, I am usually happy to oblige, however I would like to receive mention of having taken the picture. Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate Brevard County Real Estate & Investing I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.   10/14/2009

I take pictures as I enjoy sharing them with others. If you would like to use one of my photos, please ask, I am usually happy to oblige, however I would like to receive mention of having taken the picture. Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate Brevard County Real Estate & Investing I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.     09/20/2009

The orginal building for the Second Advent Church situated in old Eau Gallie, Florida still sits at the corner of 1598 Highland Avenue. Can you imagine, back in 1914 there were only 30 church members? Today, this old church building serves as St. Paul's Thrift Store. I love shopping for a deal. You never know what kind of bargain you'll find when you go in there.  They carry clothes, shoes. belts, bags, dolls, toys, nick nacks, pictures, books and so much more. They have a shed out back with some miscellaneous pieces of furniure. Donations are welcome. Their hours are Monday thru Saturday, 10:00 to 4:00.   Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate Brevard County Real Estate & Investing I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.     09/02/2009

I take pictures as I enjoy sharing them with others.  If you would like to use any of my photos, please ask. I am usually happy to accomodate the request,  however I would like mention that I took the photo. Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate Brevard County Real Estate & Investing I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property. 08/21/2009

The Gym has just opened here in Melbourne Florida.  It’s owner Spero Tshontikidis has a true passion for what he does. His gift is in giving back to his community. He works with kids and coaches them on powerlifting: squats, deadlifting and bench press.  Tshontikidis’ philosophy is to keep them happy, healthy and busy and it keeps them off the streets. He opened The Gym, a warehouse, where families can come with their kids to lift weights and exercise. Family comes first to Tshontikidis.  Both of his teenage sons work with him at The Gym. Tshontikidis is the founder of RAW United Powerlifters. It is a federation of young men and women from across the US that have one thing in common…their love for lifting.  Lifters range from 10 to 75 years old. He has frequent meets where all the lifte... 08/15/2009

On Saturday August 8, 2009 a first time homebuyer forum will be held at the Maxwell King Center for Performing Art located on the  Brevard Community College campus from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It is located at the corner of Wickham and Post Road in Melbourne, FL.  Information will be provided from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  They will explain buyer assistance programs, the first time homebuyers credit and FHA loans. There will be bankers, representatives from HUD, Realtors and credit counselors present. The purpose of forum is to increase awareness and promote interest in the real estate market. This article is authored by Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate Brevard County Real Estate & Investing I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment P... 08/07/2009

Picture this:  beautiful three story condo, two car garage, private elevator, spectacular view of the Indian River in Brevard County FL, priced in the mid $200's.  Sounds wonderful doesn't it?  What the description doesn't tell you is that there is no direct entry into the complex.  One must drive through an older single home neighborhood to access the complex.  And what the description also doesn't tell you,  in addition to the spectacular view, most units also have a spectacular view of the gas station next door.  Nor does the description tell you the complex is located just feet from a major highway.  The units are beautiful, the floor plans are awesome, as are the room sizes, and don't get me started on the private elevator in each unit, to die for.  But the minute you step outside ... 08/03/2009

Pinching pennies has become  a necessity in today's economic times.  We clip coupons, look for sales, and hold back on spending.  But can you afford to skip an all important step when putting your house on the market?  The answer is a resounding "no!" Most home sellers think a home, is a home, is a home.  Their home serves their purpose, is arranged to suit their lifestyle, and truely believe that everyone that walks in the door will buy into the old saying "home is where you hang your hat."  Well thats mostly true. But hanging your hat in someone else's home, does not automatically make that home yours.  And potential buyers are keeping that in mind when they view your property.  Within 10 seconds of walking in the front door they will most likely make the decision that your home is no... 07/27/2009

Friendship is friendship and goes way beyond trivial matters such as a free, over the phone, staging consultation.  One of my best friend's is putting her house on the market in the DC Metro area.  They've totally retrofitted the house, new windows, doors, roof. Its an older home and needed the work.  Soon they will pack up and move to their retirement home in another state, leaving the house vacant, and to the mercy of potential buyers who "might" be able to see the home's potential. I recently counciled her on the benefits of home staging.  Minimal cost, maximum punch!  Leave a few pieces of furniture, the blinds, some accessories.  Stage the kitchen and bathroom with things you don't need, or go to a discount store and purchase some attractive items. The answer to all my suggestions ... 07/27/2009

You've decided to move, either down size, or up size, but what to do about the lazy real estate market.  You know you're competing with foreclosures and short sales, not to mention For Sale By Owner and MLS properties.  What can you do, in frugal times to make your house shine? My first recommendation would be to run the numbers and figure out how much you can afford to spend to prepare your home.  $100 or $1000, it makes no difference.  Any amount you can put toward proper preparation, is money in the bank if you sell your home in a timely manner. As a home stager, my second recommendation would be to let your fingers do the walking through Google and find a home stager in your area.  We're here to give you the tools you need for proper preparation.  If you only have $75 to spare, put ... 07/27/2009

What happened?  You got an estimate of your closing costs to close on your new home.  You went through all the motions of obtaining financing.  You got to the closing table or maybe you were lucky enough to know a day ahead of time that you do not have enough money to close the transaction.  Has this happened to you?  What do you do?  Many times borrowers are faced with this dilemma of where to find the additional funds at the last minute.  The most recent person to call us was $1500.00 short at his closing and we were not involved in the transaction!  In 33 years in the mortgage business, we've learned that there are others in the industry who are not as professional as they appear to the unknowing consumer. An estimate is just that...an estimate.  In today's society we've all learned ... 07/23/2009