After spending the better part of this beautiful Saturday in the office trying to catch up on paperwork, I began growing a bit stir crazy.  I had to get out and enjoy the perfect weather we were having. So, I headed out to Wickham Park with Bailey the Boxer.  There's wasn't a cloud in the sky.  The seagulls were flying high.  People were picnicing.  Kids were running, laughing and playing.  Teams were playing frisbee golf. Dogs were playing in the dog park. A band was belting out a good old country tune. We were experiencing 65 degree temperatures. The air was crisp, fresh and clean. It was another absolutely gorgeous day here in Melbourne Florida. Melbourne FL Real Estate Search for Melbourne FL Homes for sale Brevard County Real Estate Photos Visit Sandy Shores, Melbourne Real Estat... 01/22/2011

Melbourne FL REO Properties sold January 2010 - December 2010 246 Single family bank owned houses in Melbourne FL sold from January to December 2010.  These houses were on the market from 1 to 433 days.  List prices started at $9,000 and were offered up to $$895,000.  Sales prices ranged from $12,000 to $888,500.  Melbourne FL Short Sale Properties sold January 2010 - December 2010 There were 273 single family short sale houses in Melbourne sold from January to December 2010.  These houses were on the market from 0 to 810 days.  List prices started from $33,400 and were offered up to $669,900.  Sales prices ranged from $34,500 to $631,800. Buyers in Melbourne have gotten some attractive deals on foreclosures and short sale properties.  These houses are moving off the market.  And, ther... 01/21/2011

Melbourne FL Dining Grills Riverside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar now has a Melbourne location, just North of the Pineda Causeway, overlooking the Indian River Lagoon. The atmosphere is Key West casual and they boast an inside dining and outside deck.  Spend an afternoon on the open air deck, or grab a seat at the Tiki Bar, overlooking the Indian River, and enjoy the live entertainment. The prices are quite reasonable and the menu offers appetizers, chowder, sandwiches, and fresh seafood.  We had a delicious lunch. The food is quite good. Head on over to Grills. You won't be disappointed. Grills is located at 6075 N. US1, just north of the Pineda Causeway. Check for additonal information at Grills Riverside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar. Melbourne FL Real Estate Search for Melbourne FL Homes for s... 01/11/2011

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 01/02/2011

Yesterday, I received my Escrow Analysis Disclosure Statements in the mail.   At least once every twelve months your mortgage company reviews the amount of taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance, if applicable, being paid from your escrow account. In our area this is typically done in November, when taxes are paid and statements are mailed in December. If they have collected too much over the past 12 months, typically they will spread the overage throughout 12 months, and lower your escrow payment, thus, lowering your mortgage payment.  If the overage is too large, they will often mail a check back to you. If the mortgage company finds that there is a shortage in your escrow account, they have not been collecting enough each month to cover taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance.  The... 12/29/2010

Oh, the hustle and bustle of the season.  The busiest time of year... not always in real estate, but in other aspects of our lives. This time of year has us running this way and that.  There are so many wonderful things to enjoy.  And, it seems that we try to do them all.. We never stopped running (just like everyone else).  I'd like to think that everything got done perfectly. But, it didn't.  But, you know what? It didn't matter.  No one noticed.  I spent time with my family and friends and to me that is truly the most precious gift of all - quality time. When all the guests left on Christmas night and the dishes were washed, the mess was cleaned up, presents were put away, it was time to sit down.  I was content.  It really was a joyful holiday. And then, I thought,  we have somethi... 12/27/2010

  Merry Christmas to You and Yours! Here's wishing you a beautiful season and hoping you get some quality time with your family! 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 12/24/2010

In cold snaps like the ones we have been having here in Melbourne Florida there is always the concern of freezing pipes.  This morning we woke up to 28 degrees with a wind chill of 20 degrees. We're not used to that here, although we did have some unusually cold weather last Winter.  On some of the old houses that still have the old copper pipes, often this cold weather is all it takes to break those old, deteroriating pipes.  Or, they start popping pin sized holes in them.  My tenants have called and said they hear water running inside the house, when nothing is turned on.  I tell them to be sure everything it turned off.  Then, head outside to the water meter in the yard and check to see if it's spinning.  If it's spinning, a pipe has either broken or a weak spot has popped a hole in... 12/14/2010

The Melbourne Holiday Light Parade was held this weekend. It started at the corner of Hibiscus Boulevard and Babcock heading North and turned east on New Haven Avenue into the heart of Historic Downtown Melbourne. The streets were lined with people, as is always the case during this festive event. The weather was much milder than anticipated. In years past, I remember some very cold evenings, shivering while watching the parade. We all had light sweaters on. It was nice. After the parade we headed into Downtown Melbourne to enjoy the Candlelight Shopping Festivities. There were horse drawn carriage rides, dance exhibitions and street side vendors. Most shops and restaurants were open. We headed out to find Santa to grab a picture with him.  We came home with a large bag of candy from a... 12/13/2010

There are always pockets of good news even when times are tough. There are many that are having to work twice as hard for half the business but at least there is business. The opportunity is out there for a select group that has the optimism, the drive, the passion, the commitment and the have the spirit to share and give back. Let's all take a hard look at being more thankful and optimistic in 2010. Most important thing to remember is each and every one of us control our own destiny! So make today the day you draw a line and stop letting negative get you down. Believe in yourself and not just for 1 day, stick with it, I know you can accomplish what you put your mind to! Just remember to pay it forward and help someone else!! NOW IS YOUR TIME! Steve Vitani www.SteveSellsFlorida.com   12/12/2010

I took this picture of the Indian River Lagoon in Melbourne FL this morning. It was nearly 10:00 AM and I was heading over to the beachside.  We don't get much fog here and when we do it's unusual to see it linger into the late morning. I wondered if it was going to stay dreary, but it cleared up and turned into a gorgeous day. 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. 12/11/2010

I was driving through the old section of Downtown Eau Gallie in Melbourne yesterday and this old house caught my eye.  It is situated on a street lined with beautiful old historic homes and buildings.  I love the old historic districts, as every house or building seems to have a different story to tell. I had to stop and turn around to grab the shot. I couldn't help wonder about the history of this crooked little house. I wondered who built it and what the family was like that was lucky enough to have lived in this charming home.  Then, I wondered if someone would come along and scoop this old place up and put some elbow grease and a bit of love into it to bring back it's character. All this old beauty really needs is a new breath of life, a second chance. But, on the other hand, would... 12/09/2010

Last night the weather reports indicated that we may be having the coldest night since 1977 with hard freeze warnings in the 30's.  They anticipated temperatures in the 20's with the wind chill.  When I got up this morning my outside thermometer indicated a brisk 38 degrees.  It was cold. Cold weather isn't my favorite.  My parents moved us to South Florida in the late 1960's from Illinois to get away from the cold.  And, I've been in Florida ever since.  That's why many people move to Florida, isn't it?  To get away from the cold.  On nights like this, remember to bring in your plants or cover them.  And, bring those pets in, too.  I put a sweatshirt on Bailey, my boxer. We're hearing that tonight is going to be another cold one. I guess I better get another blanket on the bed and gra... 12/07/2010

This morning when I got up I headed to the Farmers Market to pick up some fresh produce, my favorite.  Everything looked so good.  And, the prices were reasonable too. The Eau Gallie Farmer's Market is open every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the corner of Eau Gallie Blvd and Highland Avenue in Downtown Eau Gallie.  It is located just a block from the Eau Gallie Pier overlooking the Indian River Lagoon.   I couldn't help but think how fortunate we are, here in Melbourne Florida, on this gorgeous December day. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. 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 & Reloc... 12/04/2010

The holidays are upon us and what better way to get into the festive mood than heading over to Historic Downtown Melbourne for some Candlelight Shopping every Saturday night until Christmas Shops and restaurants will be open from 5:00 to 9:00 PM On December 4th come and enjoy the festivities:  "Father Christmas" and Cookie the Clown  Kids can get airbrush tattoos  Kids Airbrush Tattoos & More  Take a Horse & Carriage Ride with a loved one  Rebecah & Rachel Waldorff will be playing the Violin & Flute  Kindred Spirits - Celtic Folk  Brian & Gary will be featured on Drums & Keyboard (Melbourne Arcade)  Catch the glimpse of a Bagpiper. What do they wear under those skirts?  Calvary Chapel of Sebastian Carolers will be performing  Come and ride the "Sunshine Express" Kids Train Rides ($1.00 ... 12/03/2010

I never get tired of watching a sunset at the end of a beautiful day.  Every one is different than the last and will be different than the one the following day. This picture was taken at Lake Washington 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. 11/29/2010

This picture was taken at the Indian River Lagoon in Melbourne Florida. The clouds were incredible shades of pink and light blue.  The pink from the sky reflected perfectly on the water. It was a gorgeous. 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. 11/27/2010

As I've been working today, trying to get things done before the holiday weekend I am reminded that it's time to give thanks for all that we have in our lives. It's time to remember all of life's wonderful blessings. My life has changed in so many ways over the past couple of years.  There have been some incredible highs, as well as some heart wrenching lows.  The tough times have given me more strength and resolve.  They have helped me learn to become more determined and more resilient and to move forward no matter what.  I have lost loved ones, but life must go on.  They say for every low, there is an equal and opposite high. The wonderful times have brought incredible joy to my heart.  I have grown and I have become, what I hope to be, a better person.  I have gained so much.  I hav... 11/24/2010

This picture was taken 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. 11/20/2010

A house is only worth what a ready, willing and able buyer will pay for it. Some buyers are throwing out low ball offers, and hoping they will stick; that they'll get a seller to take their price.  And, sometimes they do. Turnabout is fair play. At the peak of the market in 2005-2006, sellers were naming their outrageous price, and selling their homes within days for top dollar, often above asking price, AS IS, agreeing to do no repairs.  So, now buyers have shifted gears due to the drop in the market values. However, it can be quite a contrast between what a buyer is willing to pay and what the current market value of a property is.  'But, this is all I want to pay for a house.'  I understand the sentiment.  A buyer wants to purchase a house within their budget.  However, that does no... 11/19/2010