Melbourne Market Values A couple of days ago, I went out to meet with sellers about professionally marketing their home for sale.  I arrived at an attractive home, situated in a well appointed, upscale neighborhood. This home was a beauty.  It had numerous upgrades, and it was very apparent that this home had been well loved by it's caring owners. As I toured the home, trying to get a "feel" for the property, I was impressed with it's amenities.  We don't always see homes in excellent condition.  But, as I continued through the property, the owners were careful to enumerate the costs associated with all of the upgrades. I began to get that nagging feeling that these beautiful enhancements may come back to bite these owners in the behind. The owners were eager to hear what the house was ... 03/01/2011

I love visiting the Indian River Lagoon here in Melbourne, Florida. On this day, I found the waves lapping at the shore.  There's something peaceful, almost soothing about being near the river. Let me that for you Sandy Shores, Melbourne FL REALTOR Specializing in Residential, Investment and Relocation Real Estate Melbourne Real Estate / Palm Bay Real Estate ____________________________________________ Serving Brevard County Florida for 15 Years Melbourne, Palm Bay, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge, Titusville, Mims, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral ______________________________________________ I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property. 02/24/2011

Today, many buyers are looking for that "great deal." We've seen deals in various price ranges.  Investors have gotten back in the market. Some are looking for houses to use as rentals, while others that are a bit braver are attempting their hand at flipping, for a profit. Investors typically look at properties that need work, so they can build some sweat equity.  Some will buy a house that needs a new roof, or a new A/C, one that needs a new kitchen, new baths or maybe just new flooring and a coat of paint.  It depends on the amount of time, money and work each is willing to invest.  However, they all have one common thread - they are ALL looking for a great deal.   Investors are in the business of trying to make money. Remember, an investor makes his money when he buys. An investor m... 02/21/2011

As Melbourne Florida has been having some great pre Spring weather recently, it's been a great time to grab some pictures highlighting the beauty of our area.  This morning, my friend Paul Henderson commented on a slideshow I posted, yesterday, about another beautiful day in Melbourne.  Paul takes some absolutely gorgeous pictures showcasing his area. Paul asked if Melbourne ever has any bad days. Recently, we have been fortunate to have beautiful 75 degree weather.   The temperatures have been ideal.  When we've had cold weather, the cold snaps haven't lasted for more than a couple of days at a time.  This morning it was pretty foggy outside.  This is something we don't see very often.  Usually, the sun is peeking out, first thing in the morning. Actually, it's been dry around here, l... 02/20/2011

Today, a friend and I headed out to enjoy a pretty day in the Florida Sunshine. We crossed the Melbourne Causeway to Indialantic.  We figured we would go and see what was going on at the Boardwalk on 5th Ave. They were having a Skimboarding Contest.  There was quite a crowd.  There was a nice breeze and the waves were perfect good for the contest. We stayed for awhile and got some great shots. Then we decided to head over to the Downtown Eau Gallie Founder's Day Fish Fry.  It took a couple times around to find a parking spot. We sat and listened to the band that was playing for a bit. It was a bit of older southern rock - good stuff. There were some feet that were tapping. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and no humidity in the air. There was an art show with different artisans there a... 02/20/2011

On Saturday, February 19, 2011 the Founder's Day Fish Fry will be held in Historic Downtown Eau Gallie. There will be games, a car show and entertainment. Don't forget the fresh fish and the beer.  This years Founder's Day festival will focus on the Historic Downtown Eau Gallie's revitalization project.  It will highlight the city's history.  The city has been trying to restore this old section of town and breathe some life back into it, with a weekly farmer's market, a monthly art walk and an annual art show.  Last year the Historic Downtown Eau Gallie Arts District was added to Florida's Main Street Program.  The program is geared towards restoring and preserving Florida's old downtown areas. The fish fry will be from 12:00 to 4:00 PM with music till 6:00 PM. Fish dinners will be $10... 02/18/2011

Lansing Ridge is a large, popular community of approximately 440 homes located in Melbourne Florida. It is a comfortable setting with different styles and models of well maintained houses to suit a wide range of buyer's needs. There are currently 9 houses available for sale in Lansing Ridge, with asking prices ranging from $108,900 to $185,000. Two of these are short sales. The square footage of these range from 1320 feet of living space to 1875 square feet. Houses were built from 1991 to 1999.  Houses have 3 and 4 bedrooms, most have 2 baths, but a few have 3. There are currently 3 houses under contract. There have been 13 sales in Lansing Ridge in the past year, with sales prices ranging from $100,105 to $155,000.  Three of these were short sales.  The square footage of these range fr... 02/16/2011

  The Advantages of Buying Melbourne Florida Waterfront Real Estate Now!   With prices where they are right now, there's never been a better time to buy waterfront property in the Melbourne Florida area . Anyone who has ever been to the Melbourne Florida area has at one point in their lives considered a life of relaxation with only the sound of the sea and the ocean breeze to worry about. While this may sound like an unobtainable form of paradise, with the current pricing, it is actually much more realistic than it seems. Here are several reasons. 1. A second home that generates income. For those who already own a home and are happy living where they are, waterfront property in Florida's popular Melbourne Florida area area can be a lucrative investment. Each year, thousands of tourists ... 02/16/2011

Yesterday, I went to meet a prospective tenant at a rental I have listed.   We toured the property as the tenant asked several questions.  While discussing move in money, the woman asked, "Do you  know if this place is haunted?" It wasn't the first time the topic of ghosts has come up, and I'm guessing it probably won't be the last. A couple of years ago one of my tenants called to say she needed to talk.  I met with her the following day. She started with, 'I have been afraid to tell you this because I was afraid you would think I am crazy!' I couldn't imagine what she had to say. 'Well,' she continued, 'your house is haunted.  You've got ghosts here!'  What? Ghosts? I was taken aback. "What do you mean?" She said she had been aware the house had ghosts since December. It all started w... 02/11/2011

Yesterday, as I was coming out of the store, after picking up some things, I could feel a set of eyes looking my direction.  As I loaded my purchases into my van, I couldn't shake the feeling of someone looking at me.  As I looked up, I found this handsome pooch, sitting in the driver's seat, looking my way.  He was beautiful and he had the most telling facial expressions.  It made me feel as if I were looking at a person.  I snapped some great shots of this well mannered pooch, as he waited for his owner to come out of the store.  I smiled as I drove away.  Dogs are great and so full of character.  This one was no exception. Let me that for you Specializing in Residential, Investment and Relocation Real Estate. Melbourne Real Estate / Palm Bay Real Estate and the Surrounding Areas I b... 02/09/2011

I caught a glimpse of this guy resting on the brick wall at the entrance to the Fountainhead Neighborhood in Melbourne. He looked as if he were standing guard to watch all who drove in. Let me that for you Specializing in Residential, Investment and Relocation Real Estate. Melbourne Real Estate / Palm Bay Real Estate and the Surrounding Areas I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Real Estate. 02/05/2011

Brevard County Beaches A couple of days ago, my oldest daughter, Stephanie and I looked at each other and decided it was time to take a break. We had both been working all day, getting projects done around the house.  We threw on our blue jeans, grabbed a light sweater and decided to head across the causeway to the beach, in Indialantic.   When we got there, we saw that there were a few other people that had the same idea we did.  It was such a pretty, peaceful afternoon. The sun was shining, the waves were lapping at the shore and there was a slight breeze.  We only saw one boy in the water, skim boarding.  I always take my camera with me, anytime I go somewhere.  It seems that I often see things now, that I never saw before.  This day it seemed that there were birds, everywhere, enjo... 02/03/2011

On Saturday, February 5, 2011 the Melbourne and the Beaches Music Marathon will be held in Downtown Melbourne.  There will be a Florida Today 5K and 8K race that will begin at US 1 and US 192. Runners will run through the streets of Downtown Melbourne, cross the Melbourne Causeway and come back.  There will be 6 musical groups performing and a kid's can enjoy a moon walk bouncy house. Races begin at 7:00 AM for the 8K race, and 8 AM for the 5K race.   Let me that for you Specializing in Residential, Investment and Relocations. I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Real   02/02/2011

When will the Pineda Extension be Completed?   UPDATE:  PINEDA EXTENSION OPENED 05/02/11     After driving past the Grand Haven subdivisions that line the extension of the Pineda Causeway, motorists still find the barricades near the Brisbane subdivision, and wonder, "When will the Pineda Extension be completed?" The Florida Today recently reported that the Pineda Extension for I-95 would be open by the end of February; however, I was surprised by what I learned today when I called the office of Mary Bolin, District 4 County Commissioner, for an update. Commissioner Bolin's office said the project has been delayed and the Pineda Extension is now expected to open in late spring or early summer of 2011.  Brevard County's portion of the project is completed, and we are waiting for the Flo... 02/01/2011

Today I saw Big Bird and it wasn’t on Sesame Street While driving this morning to look at homes for sale in Melbourne, Florida, I met Big Bird in the East Bay Plantation subdivision.  Instead of yellow feathers, this big bird, known as the Florida Sandhill Crane, has a bald red crown, stands between 4 - 5 feet tall, and has a trumpeting call that can be heard more than a mile away. Sandhill Cranes can sometimes become territorial in a neighborhood and will defend it against other cranes.  Upon seeing its own reflection in the shiny car, this Sandhill Crane believes it has encountered another bird.  It is doing its best to defend the subdivision against the intruder.  I wonder how long the confrontation will last? Contact Laura Forman - Realtor, CDPE, for information about Melbourne, Flo... 01/31/2011

Melbourne FL Real Estate Yesterday, I headed out with a buyer to look at houses for sale.  I have been working with this client for a couple of weeks, now.  We have narrowed down the neighborhoods that she would like to call home, and she has a pretty good idea of what's she's looking for. There has been one house in particular that she has wanted to look at, with no luck. Each time I had called the listing company I got the same response, "It's not a good time.  They are in and out, so this won't work."  "What is a good time? Are the weekends not good at all?  Is there a time that would accomodate their schedule during the week?  Just let me know."  I asked.  Then my concerns became, 'is this a serious seller and would they even entertain an offer?' Well, finally this weekend, after a ... 01/31/2011

Today, approximately 85% of buyers begin their home search on the internet. And, studies indicate that they look for 2 to 3 weeks before contacting an agent to help in their search.  There is more information at a buyer's fingertips than ever before. And, today's buyer is sharp.  They do their homework and they know where to find the information they need. But wait, not so fast. Is it as simple as that? Well, not always. Real estate is local in nature.  And, a Realtor's job is to educate the buyer to the local market conditions and give them as much information as possible.  We want to assist a buyer in helping them find the house that suits their wants as well as their needs. The scope of the market has changed immensely over the past several years, due it's cyclical nature. And it wil... 01/29/2011

Melbourne FL Rentals While out on a listing appointment yesterday, talking to an owner about selling his Melbourne FL home, I received a phone call on a rental property. The caller was requesting additional information. At the time the call came in, I was going over comparable sales with the owner that wanted to sell.  I knew that shortly I would be in a position to break and get back to the rental caller.  But, within 15 minutes my phone rang again, same caller. This time the message was not nice.  I was informed that this was her second phone call on the rental and she demanded a call back ASAP. Hmmm, interesting approach.  I was a bit taken aback, as the calls came within 15 minutes of each other. Calls like this one tend to make be step back for a moment to see what's going to happe... 01/28/2011

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 establis... 01/27/2011

This picture was taken at the Melbourne Auditorium off of Hibiscus Blvd in Melbourne Florida. Melbourne FL Real Estate Search for Melbourne FL Homes for sale Brevard County Real Estate Photos Visit Sandy Shores, Melbourne Real Estate Agent, Google Profile page I specialize in Brevard County Real Estate - Residential, Investment & Relocations. We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale. I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Melbourne Real Estate & Investment Property   01/24/2011