There is a large surplus of homes for sale here in Brevard County and competiton is tough! What is the emotional tug that gets buyers to want YOUR staged lisiting?   THEY WANT TO ASPIRE TO THAT LIFESTYLE YOU HAVE PRESENTED IN YOUR PROFESSIONALLY STAGED HOME All buyers, whether they are forced to move due to jobs, finances, retirement, or locally for a home that fits their needs, unilaterally all look for a better home. Some want newer, fancier, or even a more prestigious dwelling. Most buyers have the same aspiring needs: To feel good about themselves To feel successful and to justify their hard work To feel better with their friends and family To enjoy their free time better To have a nice place for their children to grow up in or for them to retire to Given the fact that everyone want... 05/04/2008

In Florida, we have been fortunate over the past couple of years to avoid any major storms. It is still wise to be prepared under any circumstances. Did you know that Florida Disaster.org offers a FREE emergency family plan or business plan in the event of a hurricane? It only takes a couple of minutes to fill out your FREE family disaster plan. The plan will provide you with the following information: Your family meeting location and out of town contact information Checklist of kids items to remember to bring should you evacuate A plan for a family member with or with a disability A pet supplies checklist A food supply checklist A water and ice supply checklist First aid kit supply checklist Your local evacuation routes Your local emergency contact information Checklist of things to d... 05/03/2008

Did you know that you can get your free Experian credit score & report online?* This fun and easy to use website will also provide you with a free report that estimates the current value of your home, including the average amount of appreciation. It can also provide you with a budget report of your monthly finances. And you can get a rainy day fund report that indicates how much money you will need in reserve in case of emergency. *Please note: This score may be different than your actual FICO score.  05/02/2008

Living in Melbourne FL is a dream come true.  We enjoy all the benefits of true coastal living - cool sea breezes and beautiful beaches.   The lifestyle is quiet and laid-back, people are friendly;  "it's all good" here!    Do not, however, confuse us with an outdated  "Florida retirement area" moniker because we're much, much more.  We are often called "little silicon valley" for good reason.  A well-defined industry cluster, we are home to many major hi-tech corporations and the network of local "spin-off" companies is tremendous.  Young, hi-earning professionals flock to Brevard County for our tremendous employment opportunities.  The article in Florida Today (Business Section April 29, 2008) says it all.   "Brevard No 2 in the country with pockets of interrelated businesses" as rank... 04/30/2008

As a home stager I'm always looking for new eco-friendly ideas and products which I can use in my home staging business.  And as a concerned American consumer, I'm also looking for products that are made in the U.S.A.  Lights of America, based in California, manufactures quality light bulbs and lighting fixtures, using manufacturing industry standards, thus ensuring a reliable product.  If you, like me, are concerned about the economy and the environment, please check out their website.  Their prices are competitive with the big box stores, which currently seem to sell only light bulbs made in China.http://www.lightsofamerica.com/ 04/28/2008

Currently, in some areas of the country we are experiencing a decline in home values. Many areas are undergoing market corrections, trying to correct for the over inflated home sales in 2004-2005. In some areas we are hearing that homes values are dropping by $3000 to $5000 a month, or more.  Many sellers are placing their homes on the market at yesterday’s prices.  The home sits for a month, maybe two, with no showings and no offers.  So, the seller decides to reduce the price.   Well, if he started too high, his price reduction in a declining market may be a day late and a dollar short.  One or two more months go by, with few showings and no activity, another price reduction is in order.  But, is the seller in fact, too late?  Will his late price reductions move his overpriced listing... 04/19/2008

The Florida Association of REALTORS is currently running a campaign focusing on the market positives of living in and moving to Florida.  It's A Great Time to Buy in Florida and here's the reasons why: 1. Florida is expected to increase in population by 75% by 2030.  It is one of the 10 fastest growing states in the US. 2. People keep moving to Florida, 900 a day. 3. Thirteen of Florida's cities are on the Milken Institute's 2007  50 "Best Performing Cities" survey.  4. Florida unemployment rate is low, at around 4%. 5. There are plenty of jobs available in Florida. 6. Florida has great weather. 7. Grant Thrail, a professer of Economic Geography believes that the 2004-05 hurricanes were a fluke. 8. Gov. Charlie Christ continues to stay committed to finding solutions for higher insurance... 04/18/2008

Hurricane season starts today and it promises to be an active one.  Here are some things you need to do now to prepare:1. Photograph everything you own.  Open drawers, closets, storage containers, you name it and take pictures.  Make sure to include all furniture, electronics, appliances etc.  On the back of each picture write the approximate cost of the major items and when purchased.  It will save you hours and hours and hours of time should you have a claim, trying to recreate what you own and what it cost.2. Have at least two sets of photographs.  Keep at home sealed in triple zip lock bags in the fridge.  The fridge is waterproof and pretty much fire proof.  Or put them in a fireproof safe.  The second set should be in the safe deposit box at the bank.3. Have duplicate copies of al... 04/12/2008

Remarks: This property is a Build to Suit property located next to the House of Power on Babcock St. just north of Palm Bay Rd. Currently zoned HC on the front half and the back half is Multi-Family. It is in the process of being rezoned to HC. Approx. 550 feet of frontage on Babcock. Traffic count is 34,090. Water and sewer available. Starting around $15.50 triple net.(tbd)Lease rate to be determined! Approx 112,000 sf of commercial space could be available.  MLS#  4941940 BabcockPALM BAY, FL 32905  04/11/2008

Remarks: Melbourne: $2,200,000: 3.04 Acres on the NE side of Pineda Causeway and Wickham Rd. sought after location prime for development, zoned BU-1. Busy intersection, perfect for retail/commercial use. High traffic, high growth section of the Wickham Rd. corridor.MLS#  4777750 WickhamMELBOURNE, FL 32940Offered at: $2,200,000 04/11/2008

Condominium, Unit 205 (available long term or seasonal-short term) Beautiful Newer Riverfront Condominium featuring 3 BR/ 3Bath, end unit has over 2400+ living square footage, with an enormous kitchen, formal dining and living room. Master bedroom is spacious with private access to wrap around balcony. Master bath has granite and superior tile through out, double sinks, separate shower and a large garden tub. River views are wonderful 24/7, enjoy watching the dolphins play, or watch the white Herons as they fish. Complex is gated and features a new fishing dock, white sandy beach, beautiful club house and pool. Superb quality and taste through out. Just minutes to shopping, local restaurants and to one of the finest beaches in Brevard County. $2200.00 per month. 04/11/2008

Brevard County has 97 public and private elementary and middle schools, 14 high schools, and 42 schools in an other classification. Some of the Listings: Colleges/Universities: Barry University Florida Institute of Technology University of Central Florida Webster University Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Junior/Community Colleges: Brevard Community College Keiser College Florida Metropolitan University Brevard Community College (BCC) serves all sections of the county with campuses in Cocoa, Melbourne, Titusville and Palm Bay. The college's president says, "We are proud that one of every two citizens of Brevard County is served each year with classes, culture or events by BCC. " Open Campus, a Patrick Center branch on the air force base and classes at Kennedy Space Center expand th... 04/11/2008

Relocating to Melbourne can offer you and your family a life of unparalled freedom, with endless summers and the future of your dreams. The economic climate is perfect at this time for Canadians and Brits investing into the States – the pound and the Canadian currency is strong against the US dollar making your choices in real estate endless. I am happy to assist you in every step of the way with your real property investment and to introduce you to those people who can help you find financial support for Brits and Canadians based on their credit status with no questions asked. I have prepared a number of useful links for you to browse through in an effort to answer those hundreds of questions you and your family may have at this time. Please use these links and make direct contact with... 04/11/2008

Profile Type: Residential Prop Type:   Status: Active      Photo Gallery   MLS#  4426156992 PREMONITIONMELBOURNE, FL 32940Offered at: $318,900    Area: 217 Viera West of I 95 County: Brevard Remarks:  Motivated seller! Bring all offers. Gorgeous decorator accents make this a one-of-a-kind. Trey ceilings, taller windows, tile on diagonal, new designer blinds on windows, designer paint and many extras! Community has tremendous Clubhouse with resort-style pool, 24 hr. workout faciltiy, full service kitchen, and multiple activity centers. Seller also has property listed for lease with purchase option. Home has never been lived in. Cant sell your home? Will consider trade, any condition..any area Res Type: Single Family Bedrooms: 3 Waterfront: No Baths: 2 Waterfrnt Type:   Half Baths: 0 Lot ... 04/09/2008

Profile Type: Residential Prop Type:   Status: Active      Photo Gallery   MLS#  4846584231 CAREYWOODMELBOURNE, FL 32934Offered at: $589,000 Click here for a  Virtual Tour   Area: 321 Lake Washington County: Brevard Remarks:  SUPER REDUCTION!!!!!Light and open 2 story custom home on 1+ acre treed lot. Pool enclosure includes huge concrete 2nd story balcony, gas grill and pool with tropical plantings overlooking treed backyard. Oversized 2 car garage with enough room for third car and work bench. Ample closets, walk in insulated attic storage and walk-in pantry. Concrete storm room, custom hardwood cabinets w/seamless counter tops. ceiling fans, CAT 5E wiring for internet throughout. Surround sound and more Res Type: Single Family Bedrooms: 5 Waterfront: No Baths: 3 Waterfrnt Type:   Hal... 04/09/2008

Profile Type: Residential Prop Type:   Status: Active      Photo Gallery   MLS#  5025915660 WILLOUGHBYMELBOURNE, FL 32934Offered at: $2,200,000    Area: 321 Lake Washington County: Brevard Remarks:  CUSTOM BUILT EXEC. HOME OFFERS 6 BDRM., 5.5 BA, 4 CAR GARAGE, SITUATED ON 5 ACRES ON LAKE. THIS HOME WAS CUSTOM BUILT & FEATURES 9800 SQ. FT. UNDER AIR. EXQUISITE POOL/SPA WITH SUMMER KITCHEN. VERY SPACIOUS MASTER SUITE WITH 2 HUGE WALK-IN CLOSETS. GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, CUSTOM DETAILING, AND FIREPLACE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE EXTRAS. Res Type: Single Family Bedrooms: 6 Waterfront: Yes Baths: 5 Waterfrnt Type: Lake/Pond Half Baths: 1 Lot Dim: X Split Bed: Yes Acreage:   Year Built: 2007 Furnishings:   Home Warranty:  Yes Living SqFt: 9800 Fireplace: Yes Total SqFt:   Pool: Yes   Approx Dimensions... 04/09/2008

Back to the same old question, Where is the market going?  Should I buy now or wait?  Ask 20 people…you’ll get 20 different answers. We know that millions of dollars have been lost in the economy in all sectors.  Interest rates change almost everyday.  These rate fluctuations can affect how much you can borrow and how much your monthly mortgage payments on a home will be.  Many economic and political factors affect rates, and sometimes the experts don’t know why rates perform as they do.  Sometimes rates can rise even when the Federal Reserve cuts short term bank rates.  The Fed cut the Fed funds rates by ¾ of a percentage point in March 2008. This cut the fed funds rate to 2.25% - the lowest since 2004.  This is the 6th rate cut since September 2007.   Normally, banks in turn would imm... 04/03/2008

                                                                                                                           I recently read an online article that today,  there is a 500% more chance that a home will be seen on the internet versus print advertising. Over 80% of home buyers are beginning their search on the internet. They are searching for 2 to 3 weeks before  contacting an agent.  88% are interested in a property they see online. And 78% of Real Estate agents are finding their buyers online.  So, happy blogging!    04/03/2008

     Today, some people are in favor of renting, rather than buying. The Brevard County Florida housing bubble is creating new risks for some tenants.  In addition to some other areas of the country. Many houses and condos are available for lease.  Owners are forced to rent them out.  They haven’t been able to sell them for the peak prices they paid in 2005.      Landlords are renting at a deficit. They are paying more in monthly mortgage payments, taxes, insurance & association fees than they are receiving in rent.  Their sentiment…some money is better than no money. But, how long can they continue to pay out?  Often times, for a very short period of time.   Then, tenants are losing their homes.  They are paying their rent.  But, landlords are unable to keep up with the mortgage payme... 04/01/2008

As March fades into April, the official beginning of hurricane season is just around the corner.  Now is the time to begin planning our escape!  Well if not our escape, at least the means to make life a bit easier when the lights go out for extended periods of time, without having to run a polluting, noisy generator.I purchased a portable array of three solar panels, which can be used to charge a 12v car or marine battery.  The panels come with a "plug in box" with which you can plug in small appliances from 6v to 12v, a cell phone plug in, and a cigarette lighter plug in for 12v appliances.  In addition we purchased a 12v coffee maker, and a 12v stove, used by boaters and RV owners.    Because marine batteries are "deep cell" batteries, they draw less electricity and will last longer w... 03/27/2008