I received a call from a man interested in purchasing Melbourne FL Investment Property.  Perfect, I thought, that's right up my alley, since I own investment property of my own.  We talked about different options and what type of property to buy: single family, duplex, triplex or apartment complex.  We also discussed how close a landlord should live to their tenants.  "How about a house on my street?  Or what about buying a duplex and living in half, while I rent out the other half?"  He was quite sharp and full of great questions.  It was an interesting conversation. Living near your tenants... is it a good or a bad idea?  First, that depends on you.  It could make it convenient for a tenant in dropping off the rent.  And, what about maintenance problems?  The tenant could walk right ... 09/17/2010

The Melbourne Community Orchestra   will perform The Colors of Music - The Magic of Musicals on  September 15 & 16, 2010.  This will be their first concert of the season. Music pieces will be performed from The Sound of Music, Chicago, The King and I, and many more. Be sure to bring the family and bring your picnic basket.  There will be picnic tables set up inside the auditorium, so dine and enjoy the live music of the Orchestra. Tickets are free. Get them at the door up to 15 minutes before the show. Or find them at these participating locations.   The concert will be held at the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne FL 32901  321-952-9949 Showtime is 6:30 PM and doors open at 5:30 PM.   Melbourne Real Estate Search for Melbourne Homes for sale Brevard County Real Estat... 09/15/2010

Satellite High School Scorpions vs. Eau Gallie High Commodores Final score 50 - 20, Satellite High!  Hooray for the Scorpions! I have heard the same comment several times since Friday night's game, 'Satellite High just got lucky!  Eau Gallie would have won.'  Hmmm, I have to think on that one.  They would have won, but they didn't.  Why is it when a team works together, plays a good game and wins, it's called lucky? I don't think it's called 'lucky' when there is a spread of 30 points! "Luck's a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get." -Ray Kroc "Luck is when opportunity meets preparation." The Satellite High Scorpions played an impressive game and the final score showed it.  When Eau Gallie blocked the Scorps from heading down the sidelines, Satellite changed their ... 09/12/2010

\ This picture was taken on the Eau Gallie Causeway overlooking the Indian River Lagoon in Melbourne FL. Brevard County Melbourne Real Estate Search for Melbourne 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 Investment Property.   09/09/2010

I've recently been working with buyers that are looking at Melbourne FL Homes for sale.  We've looked at several properties and have seen all types of different houses.  Some are well maintained. Some are put on the "keep" list, some are forgettable immediately upon leaving and some have been poorly maintained.   So often in showing houses the question arises, "does a house show better with furniture in it or when it's empty?"  Now I know that the staging experts would say that a house "shows" better when it has furnishings in it.  Furnishings help define a space, they show what a room can be used for. Well, the question came up a couple of days ago.  And, I think the answer is, "it depends on different variables."  It depends on the buyer, it depends on the type, style and size of the ... 09/07/2010

Looking for something to do on a rainy Labor Day?  Well, head on down to Brunswick Harbour Lanes Bowling Center. Today, it's just $.99 a game until 5:00 PM. Shoe rental is $3.99. On Sunday mornings from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM it's only $.99 a game. If you have your own shoes, you can save on shoe rental. Sunday night there's a $5.00 cover charge.  Bowling is an unbelievable $.25 a game and shoes are $.25 from 8:00 PM to midnight! Wow, what a great deal. Call ahead to find out what specials they are running. 321-242-2695 See you at the Brunswick Harbour Lanes in Melbourne. They're located almost at the corner of Sarno and Wickham Roads, directly across the street from Wal - Mart.  Melbourne Real Estate Search for Melbourne Homes for sale Brevard County Real Estate Photos Visit Sandy Shores... 09/06/2010

Pat (not her real name) contacted me at the beginning of the week.  She was fed up with her real estate agent.  She found me through an internet search of Melbourne Fl Real Estate.  During our first conversation I immediately sensed the frustration in her voice.  She and her husband were preapproved for a home up to $200,000 and are transferring to the Brevard County area.    They had been working with 2 different real estate agents (at 2 different times) and she said both situations turned out quite poorly.  She said the first agent they worked with told them every house they entered was "beautiful"  and that "it was perfect for them".  Pat got sick of hearing it.  The agent must have thought she was stupid. The second agent did not listen to her.  He showed them houses that he wanted... 09/04/2010

I can never get over the indescribable beauty of a sunset.  Every one is different than the one before and will be different than the next one.  It's as if the brush strokes were carefully painted on a blank canvas to form the perfect combination of colors.   This picture was taken standing at the end of the dock at the Lake Washington Park in Melbourne Florida. Lake Washington is the 41st largest lake in Florida and the largest lake in Brevard County FL, 4362 acres.  It is one of the lakes that makes up the St. Johns River. The John A Buckley water treatment plant sits near the mouth of Lake Washington.  The lake is Melbourne's most important source of fresh water. In addition to providing fresh water to the city of Melbourne the plant also serves other surrounding cities.  Boaters la... 09/03/2010

Grand Isle is an active adult 55+ community located in Melbourne, Florida.  It is part of the beautiful master-planned community of Viera, Florida and part of the Viera East Homeowner's Association.  This gated community is conveniently located near major transportation routes, medical facilities, beaches, shopping centers, restaurants, golf courses and boasts a luxurious club house which has 6,200 sqft of space.   Indoors - Residents can stay in shape by taking advantage of the fitness room.  There are Billiards, a community room, parlor, kitchen, and an art room to provide plenty of other opportunities for fun and social activities at Grand Isle.Outdoors - Residents can enjoy some friendly competition on the tennis and bocce ball courts, or get together for a game of shuffleboard. A ... 09/01/2010

Selling your Melbourne Florida home in today's market is different than it was in day's gone by.  Often owners hired an agent, slapped a sign in the yard, with a high price to go with it, hoping someone would come and make an offer. Well, times have changed, and so has the Melbourne FL real estate market.  Selling a Melbourne FL home can prove to be a daunting task. It takes the perfect combination of the right Real Estate Professional, the right price and a house in tip top condition. Today, buyers are often throwing out low ball offers to see what sticks. And, if a house has any deferred maintenance, then the price offered comes in even lower. So, the question becomes, "What do I need to do to help sell my Melbourne FL home?"  I like to provide sellers with a list of tasks that I rec... 09/01/2010

08/26/2010

08/24/2010

Summer vacation is officially over.  Monday was the first day back to school for Brevard County students.  I know that many weren't ready to end their summer fun.  My girls were looking forward to getting back into a regular routine.  And, oh what a routine it is, between dancing, cheerleading, bowling, hitting the gym for powerlifting and the track team I know that time will absolutely fly. The older they get it seems the quicker time goes.  This year my oldest daughter will be driving to school.  I have already seen the change it's brought to my life.  I love it and so does she! It's been incredible, because it frees me up to do so many more things. So here's to another terrific year of school! Here Stef and Sam were having fun trying on hats at Ron Jon Surf shop in Cocoa Beach. Sand... 08/12/2010

It's no secret that the market has declined in our area.  It's down from the over inflated prices at the peak of the market in 2005-2006.  And, often that can be a very large pill to swallow for many homeowners. Many had their life savings invested in their homes and they have watched the value plummet over a period of years.  We have seen a bit of stabilization in the market.  But, a house is only worth what a ready, willing and able buyer is willing to pay for it, and not a penny more. And, today buyers can be  tough. Education is key in dealing with owners that are considering selling their home.  And, sometimes it takes longer to convince sellers that they are holding onto to yesterday's prices.  I understand their frustration.  But, a house has to appraise at today's value, based o... 08/11/2010

Wickham Park in Melbourne will be offering a day of Free Music in the Park this Sunday August 15, 2010 from 2:00 to 9:00 PM.   The bands that will be playing will be Beachside Rookies,  Night People, Blox Electric, Johnny Fever and Guitarist Diego Budicin.  This promises to be a fun time for the whole family.  Bring your blankets, picnic lunches and lawn chairs.  There will be food sold at the show.  The bands will be performing at the Wickham Park Ampitheater and is being hosted by Brevard County Parks and Recreation. Since Wickham Park is one of Bailey the Boxer's favorite place to take a walk.  Bailey and I will see you there on Sunday. Wickham Park is located 2500 Parkway Drive in Melbourne. Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate Brevard County Real Estate and Investing I s... 08/11/2010

These pictures were taken at the Front Street Park boat ramps at the Indian River Lagoon in Melbourne, FL. Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate Brevard County Real Estate and Investing I specialize in Residential, Investment and Relocations. We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale. I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.  Search for Properties for sale Visit my Google Profile page     08/11/2010

When you step up to this man made lake the turtles will come up for a bite to eat, because the local residents feed them.  And, the ducks are soon to follow.  This is a great place to head out to your screened porch and pull up a lawn chair for a moment of peace and quiet. This picture was taken at Golf View Condos in North Melbourne.  It is located just behind the old Albertsons Grocery Store at the corner of Lake Washington and Wickham Road.  One and two bedroom rental units are available from $600 to $800 per month. There are currently 5 2 bedroom units available for sale between $59,000 and $79,000. Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate Brevard County Real Estate and Investing I specialize in Residential, Investment and Relocations. We have a team of professionals to facil... 08/04/2010

Water damaged drywall ceiling repair in Melbourne,Florida. The Ceiling repair, Started by cutting out the water damaged drywall ceiling, install furring strips, tape, mud, skim coat, texture (orange peel), prime and paint ceiling Sherwin Williams-Super paint semi-gloss. Couldn't even tell there was ever a problem in that area when the reair was done.From my youtube page. 07/27/2010

The Florida Wildlife Hospital & Sanctuary: Could use some donations for baby bird season if you can do it. They're looking for Trash Bags (13, 33, & 39 Gallon) Flannel Recieving Blankets Astroturf (Daisy) Door Matts Garden Hoses and Nozzels Paper Towels Bleach (Unscented) Laundry Detergent Latex Gloves Rubber Dishwashing Gloves Bird Seed Distilled Water Sunflower Seed Heating Pads (Not Automatic Shut Off) The FWHS is located in Melbourne at 4560 North Highway US-1 Phone #321.254.8843 Click on the picture below for more information 07/25/2010

BREVARD COUNTY, ORANGE COUNTY, INDIAN RIVER, SAINT LUCIE, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS. WORK WITH ONE OF THE BEST AGENTS THAT SPECIALIZES IN THIS PROGRAM! RECEIVE UP TO $7500 FREE DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE - WORK WITH AN EXPERT THAT HAS THE FAST TRACK TO THESE FUNDS WITH ABSOLUTELY NO OBLIGATION TO PRE-QUALIFY. WORK WITH AN EXPERT AND OWN A HOME WITHIN 60 DAYS OR LESS AND STOP PAYING RENT! I HAVE HELPED HUNDREDS OF BUYERS ACHIEVE THIS ASSISTANCE AND RIGHT NOW IT IS A GREAT TIME TO PURCHASE A HOME. PURCHASE BANK OWNED HOMES, NEW HOMES IN VIERA, FLORIDA, MELBOURNE, FL ROCKLEDGE, SATELLITE BCH, OR ANYWHERE ALONG THE SPACE COAST, TREASURE COAST AND IN PALM BEACH COUNTY. I SPECIALIZE IN PROVIDING EXPERTISE, KNOWLEDGE & EFFICIENCY, FRIENDLY & HASSLE FREE REAL ESTATE SERVICE. I WORK... 07/08/2010