Today, in various parts of the country, home sellers are having a difficult time moving their homes off the market as quickly as they would like to.  Some areas are experiencing an overabundance of homes on the market.  So, sellers are offering buyers incentives, such as paying a buyers closing costs and/or prepaids, offering painting, carpeting or remodeling allowances or throwing furniture into the sale.  Some owners are agreeing to owner financing or holding the mortgage for the new buyers.  But, what happens when all of these incentives still don't bring a buyer? Well, what about house swapping?  Some homeowners are now opting to swap their property with another owner/family. These swaps are handled much in the same way as a regular sale. Appraisals, inspections, and surveys are be... 07/05/2008

Happy 4th of July!  It truly doesn't get any better than this!  Today is the day to celebrate our country's independence and be proud of the fact that we live in such a great country!  But, it is also time to spend time with our family, go the beach, barbeque and later watch the fireworks! Well, here in Brevard County Florida we have some great spots to spend the day fishing.  But, always the reminder: the fish run at high tide, so that's the best time to go!  So, today we decided to spend the afternoon on South Melbourne Beach located at Spessard Holland Beach.  When we picked up bait from the local bait shop, the owner told us that a father and son had already caught 40 fish today!  We were astonished! The weather was beautiful, not too hot, the skies were a bit overcast and the surf ... 07/04/2008

Patriotism is alive and well in Melbourne, FL.  Our annual Independence Day barbeque is such a treat.  We're fortunate to enjoy a location directly across the river from our city's annual fireworks display.   We have front row seats to the biggest show in town on the 4th of July!  Friends gather to enjoy the warm summer evening, good food and great music.  When the fireworks begin our music turns to patriotic favorites.   All ages sing along as they watch the show.  The crowning moment of the evening comes when the entire group jumps to its feet for the National Anthem.  This demonstration of pride and patriotism sends chills up my spine.  What a joyous reminder of pride in our country and our freedoms.  I'm so proud to be an American.  Happy Independence Day! 07/03/2008

I love living in beautiful Melbourne Florida in Brevard County, because we have such gorgeous beaches. We only live 10 minutes away. Today, my family and I decided to go surf fishing on Melbourne beach Florida.  The sky was a bit overcast, the waves may have been a bit too high for a good day of fishing, but the breeze was beautiful and it wasn't real hot. We figured we would give fishing a try anyway. It seems that my 13 year old daughter typically does quite well fishing.  But, when I catch something it is usually a boot, a plastic or paper bag, seaweed, a blow fish or the like. And today was no exception.  I felt the pull on my line, and when I first started reeling it in I thought it was a stingray because of the motion in which it was trying to swim.  But, the tail puzzled me at b... 06/28/2008

Melbourne Historically, the place that gives this entire area its “name” is Melbourne, the oldest and best-known community on what Floridians call the “Space Coast”. Melbourne is right in the center of a long north-south corridor – coastal Brevard County – that is sandwiched between the St. Johns River Basin to the West and the Atlantic Ocean. It stretches from Palm Bay and other smaller communities in the south through Melbourne, West Melbourne, and Melbourne Village in central Brevard to Viera, Cocoa and Titusville in the north. And it includes a half dozen beach communities on one long, fabulous barrier island stretching from Sebastian Inlet to Cape Canaveral. This “greater Melbourne” is one of the most rapidly growing residential areas in Florida, and it currently boasts the fifth ... 06/28/2008

Is this it?  Is this the turn in the market that we have been warning buyers about? Are interest rates heading up?  Is it truly time for buyers to get off the fence and take that step to buy NOW before rates go up? This week the Federal Reserve opted not to cut the Fed Funds Rate again.  In the past, a cut in the Fed Funds rate often times was followed by a drop in mortgage interest rates.  However, that has just not always been the case, recently, as there has been so much money lost in all sectors of the banking and real estate industry.  We have seen rates sometimes fluctuating on a daily basis. But, what about the Fed's decision this week?  The Fed has been aggressively cutting interest rates, hoping to avoid recession.  They opted to not cut the Fed funds rate at all. What does thi... 06/27/2008

Today's buyers are navigating difficult waters.  Faced with tremendous inventory, lower prices, great interest rates, and willing sellers,  buyers are overwhelmed.  The moon and stars are beautifully aligned for them and yet it's not enough.   Today's only priority is getting a "great deal" or "stealing it".   What happened to the "location location" rule?  What happened to quality of life and nice neighbors? When did "are these sellers desperate?" become the major criteria in choosing one's home?  Caution:  very rarely will the perfect elements come together and still be a "steal of a deal".   Buyers should not succumb to the pressure of co-workers or friends bragging on their housing conquests.  If the deal is that great, they've compromised somewhere.  It's called the perfect storm f... 06/27/2008

Custom Home Building is just like any art. It takes time, effort, and above all, inspiration. As a custom home builder in Melbourne, Florida, Stanley Homes designs and builds with distinction, adding custom quality and the type of excellence only three generations of custom builders can provide. However, no home builder can implement the planning, construction and design without a clear vision. And that vision ultimately comes from you. In order to custom build your home, Stanley Homes needs you; every thought, every idea and every detail that you are envisioning. Stanley Homes can then create your home with everything you have imagined since the first day you considered a new custom residence. Stop what you’re doing. Take a moment and consider the following list of steps that will take... 06/26/2008

Here in Melbourne Florida, located in Brevard County there are currently First Time Homebuyer Programs available.  I wish I was a first time buyer! New buyers are receiving down payment and closing cost assistance to make it easier to get into their first home. Home prices have been gradually becoming more realistic and smart buyers are snapping up deals. Currently there are 270 homes for sale priced $150,000 and below in Melbourne, Florida.  In January 2005 at the peak of our market there were less 4 homes available for sale in the North Melbourne area priced below $200,000, and none of those were priced below $150,000!  Our market has certainly come full circle. So, don't miss the opportunities available today. The last 4 buyers that I have worked with have used First Time Homebuyer P... 06/24/2008

Here in Brevard County Florida our rainfall levels are still below average for this time of year.  But, over the past week we have been getting some very heavy showers in the afternoon, including heavy thunder and lightning. Our average rainfall amounts are 17-18 inches for this time of year.  However, we have only had about 12 1/2 inches of rain so far.  It seems that our rain usually picks in July and August.  In the afternoons around 3:00 in usually starts to get cloudy.  And then we get a 30 to 45 minute shower, that cools everything off and then it clears right back up.   We love to see when we finally get the rainfall that we need.     06/21/2008

My sister Jean from Ft. Walton Beach is visiting us for about a week, here in Melbourne Florida.  So, my teenage daughters and I have decided that we are going to drive over to Orlando to visit one of their many theme parks.  Here in Brevard County we are only about 45 to 55 minutes away from most of the major theme parks in Orlando.  Our dilemma is that there are so many fun theme parks in Orlando, we have a hard time figuring out which one we want to go to.  There is Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Sea World, Universal Studios, Wet N Wild,  Blizzard Beach, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure.  Our favorite park is Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom. We love living in Brevard County Florida, home of the Kennedy Space Center and World Famous Cocoa B... 06/19/2008

Marriott Hotels recently opened a new Residence Inn at the corner of Babcock St and Hibiscus Ave in Melbourne Florida. The new hotel is just one mile from the Melbourne Airport. It is only minutes from Downtown Melbourne, Holmes Regional Medical Center and Florida Institute of Technology. Having lived in Melbourne since 1975 I have seen so many changes in the past 33 years. My husband and I were shopping across the street from the new hotel this past weekend. It seemed so odd to me to see such a huge beautiful building situated directly in front of what used to be the old Brevard Mall, many, many years ago.  It used to be the only mall in Melbourne, a tiny one, with only 2 major department stores, JC Penneys and Sears. I remember as a teenager being dropped off at the mall by my parent... 06/18/2008

Recently I got a call from a previous customer of mine, asking me to do a Free Market Analysis on her home. Currently, we are receiving many of these requests, as Brevard County Residents are trying to interpret the information that they are hearing on the local news and on the streets. There is so much mis information coming from everywhere today. As I hadn’t seen her in a couple of months, we spent some time playing catch up and talking about how time felt as if it was just getting away from both of us. As our children grow older, it seems that time only goes faster. As we began talking about current market conditions and prices in Brevard County she began to tell me what was happening around her neighborhood. She told me what houses on her street had been selling for. As, I checked ... 06/17/2008

In real estate everything we do has our picture attached to it. After all, isn’t it a REALTOR'S job to have customers recognize us by looking at a picture? Isn’t that part of our branding when we advertise? We look at websites and blogs and house listings and agent flyers and business cards with REALTOR pictures all day long. We want people to grow accustomed to seeing our familiar faces. But, how many times have you finally met a REALTOR after talking on the phone with them, or seeing their print advertising for months, and you wondered who the person walking up to shake your hand was? The first thought is, this person looks nothing like their picture. HMMMM. Well, I always assumed that the REALTOR had a picture taken,  put it on their card, and just kept having the cards reprinted. I... 06/13/2008

Brevard County Florida Schools Ranked at the Top on FCAT scores, again! Scores will be officially available to students on June 12, 2008 at www.fcatparentnetwork.com In Florida students in grades 3 through 10 are required to take the State Standardized FCAT, the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, in math and reading. A level three on the FCAT means that the student is working at grade level. A level 1 or 2 means that the students are encouraged to attend 4 weeks of summer school. In Florida, in 6th grade, 6 out of 10 of the top scoring classes were from right here in Brevard County. This is the 8th year in a row that Brevard 6th graders ranked at the top of the state of Florida in FCAT scores. Brevard was 5th of 67 districts in all grades for students passing the reading portion of... 06/12/2008

  Here in the Beautiful Lake Washington Area of Melbourne Florida there are so many breathtaking spots to enjoy. Earlier this week, in my blog, I mentioned that  I was going to take time to stop and smell the roses. And, yesterday, I did.I love bicycling. Years ago, my sisters and I used to get on our bikes 5 times a week and ride 15 to 18 miles. I loved it! We trained for bike rallies, and traveled out of town every other month and rode in 30 to 50 mile rides. Now, mind you, I never finished in a 50 mile rally, but I rode as far as I could, and loved every minute of it. I was always exhausted, but the next day, I felt incredible.About 6 months ago I got back on my bicycle and started riding 7 miles, 3 times a week, out to Lake Washington and back. Then, as I often say, Life gets in the... 06/06/2008

    Welcome to www.WindsorEstateBeauty.com   This beautiful 4 bedroom pool home, (2 master suites) is in immaculate condition. Enclosed in a wonderful community, close to wonderful schools, colleges & commercial district. Minutes to Indian River & Florida's best beaches. Fantastic kitchen with gorgeous cabinetry & appliances, breakfast area overlooks incredible pool,formal living & dining create private locations separate from large family room. 2nd Master suite/mother-in-law quarters or teenager retreat is upstairs. Don't miss this one! . For a Google Map Click Here Int Features: Breakfast Bar , Closet- Walk Ins , Formal Dining Room , Formal Living Room , Ground Flr Mst BR , Kitchen-Eat In , Open Floor Plan , Window Treatments , Family Room Ext Features: Fence - Private , Screened , Sp... 06/06/2008

  Have you had your My Safe Florida Home Inspection done yet? Well, I just had my Free Wind Inspection  completed and I just received my updated insurance bill.  I was tickled! My annual insurance premium dropped by over $500!  I couldn't believe it!  I do have a new roof on my home. It is less than 3 years old.  I had to have it replaced after Hurricane Jeanne and Frances. My Safe Florida Home program is still offering free wind inspections to Florida homeowners who qualify. The program can offer advice on what areas of your home are potentially at risk in case of a hurricane. And, it can often provide substantial discounts on your homeowners policy. We have seen owners save hundreds. The inspection contains 8 questions, 7 are roof related and the 8th pertains to windows.  You must app... 06/04/2008

The other day I was out around town, here in Brevard County Florida, running errands.  I had books to drop off at the public library. Twice a week for the past 12 years I have dropped off my daughters at dance classes, directly across the street from the library.  But, typically I'm in a hurry to get to an appointment, show a house or get back to the office. That day, for some reason, something caught my eye on the river, so I stopped for a minute.  I was so glad that I carry my camera with me, because that day I saw sights that sometimes I forget are there. Looking out across the Indian River Lagoon, I saw 4 sailboats, and people on the pier fishing.  A pelican was diving to catch fish.  And I saw a little boy, about 3 years old, with a big smile and sunglasses, carrying a brand new f... 06/03/2008

If the answer is "indefinitely" read no further.  If you're not willing to wait, or can't afford to wait, you need the services of a certified "home stager."  STAGE it RIGHT! is a local home staging company located in Brevard County Florida.  We have served savvy homeowners and real estate agents since 2006, and prepared both occupied and vacant homes for sale.  When the market is soft, owners and agents need to pull out all the stops in order to get that much needed sale.  STAGE it RIGHT! is here to help.  For more information about our services and to get a "ballpark" price, please call us at (321) 956-2495. STAGE it RIGHT! is licensed, insured, and certified, and we were nominated for the prestigious honor of "rookie stager of the year 2007" by the nationally respected Real Estate St... 06/02/2008