Florida Homes and Condos for Sale: December 2007

It is Christmas Eve and hopefully all the plans are in place for an enjoyable celebration with family and loved ones. With all the festivities and excitement going on I ask that we all take a moment and remember those who will not be home with their families.

As a former Navy officer I can remember the Christmas times I was away from home. That first one was the most difficult. Let's see..Christmas in Spain, Christmas in Greece, Christmas in South Korea, three in Japan, Christmas in Tunisia (north Africa...sail to the Rock of Gibraltar and hang a right), Christmas at sea on the USS Canisteo and a few others. I can't deny I have some nice memories from these experiences although at the time I preferred to be home.

So let's remember all those members serving our country as they are away from home and, some, in harm's way.

Let's also not forget those who will be serving their communities this holiday. The police officers (close to home as my son the "cop" will be working in Palm Beach County, Florida), the firefighters and paramedics, the dispatcher who answers that 9-1-1 call, the doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals. The clerks at that local convenience store who are available for that last minute battery purchase or gas for that trip to grandma's house. Gotta get that fill up on pump three! This not an all inclusive list, for sure. There are many others who will be working and not able to be with family and loved ones.

Most of us in the real estate related profession do have the luxury of setting our hours and scheduling our holiday time - just one of the rewards of the profession. For those who are serving us, let's remember them in our thoughts and prayers.

Please keep your holiday safe and enjoyable and remember the reason for the season - Christmas.

Sorry, no big photos or inspiring songs here. I thought about singing a Christmas Carol or two but I will leave that for those with talent!

Have a Merry Christmas!

I did a quick check of the MLS system used by our Brevard County, Florida Realtor's Board (Melbourne Area Association of Realtors). My search was for single family residential dwellings listed for sale with "short sale" as a criteria. The total within the MLS system was 459. I was amazed at the shear number. 

What is this thing called a "short sale?" Basically, a short sale is a situation where the lender is considering or will  consider a purchase price which is less than the money owed on the loan. This is pretty simplistic so if you are considering a short sale, please contact a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about your area and the process.

I drilled down a bit further and saw there were 32 properties listed as short sales in the Rockledge, Florida area (zip code 32955). This area also includes portions of the newer planned unit development, Viera (parts of Viera fall into the 32940 zip code). This number was not quite as astounding yet it was higher than I initially believed. And the prices? Well, they run the entire spectrum from a low of about $130K to a high in the low $600,000 range.

Because short sales have become such an issue, our MLS system, like many others, was modified to allow the seller's agent to indicate short sale so as to make it easier to find these properties. Some folks interpret a short sale as a potential bargain. This may be true. As a real estate agent I see the short sale as a process which can be time consuming and rewarding for my buyers. From the buyer's perspective as well as the real estate agent, patience is necessary when targeting short sales.

If you are interested in receiving information on some of the short sale opportunities in the Rockledge, Viera and Suntree areas of Brevard County, Florida, please feel free to contact me.

Gary Waters, Florida Licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida by telephone at 1-800-651-6940 or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com .

If you are considering purchasing a golf course home in the Rockledge or Viera areas of Brevard County, Florida, you've got plenty of choices! Right now the area has 64 properties, both condos and single family homes, for sale that are located on some of the best golf courses in this area!

Price ranges vary just as much as the degree of difficulty each golf course offers. The properties are dispersed among five, yes, five golf courses all within a five mile or so radius! The highest priced home is listed at $1,750,000 while the lowest priced property is only $162,000! That is quite a spread so there is a golf course property in Central Brevard for all budgets!

The $1,750,000 property, at 4500 square feet living area, is located on the very new and challenging Duran Golf Club in Viera. Others are located at the Viera East Golf Club , Turtle Creek Golf Club, Indian River Colony Club  , and the Rockledge Country Club. I have included links to each club for your convenience. It is hard to choose which is my best although I personally find Turtle Creek to be the most challenging - a real shot maker's course!

There are gated communities, an over-55 community, private clubs and public clubs represented among these courses. Also, just a few miles away are several other great courses. Among these are Baytree National Golf Club located in another Suntree area gated community and Manatee Cove at Patrick Air Force Base for military retirees and active duty personnel.

If golfing is your game, tee it up in Brevard County, Florida!

Interested in any Melbourne, Viera, Suntree or Rockledge, golfing community, please feel free to contact me. Gary Waters, licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Email me at agent@moving2brevard.comor reach me by phone at 1-800-651-6940.

 

I am sure there is a post here...I just have to find it! This afternoon I went to the dentist to have a permanent crown inserted or attached or however you describe it. I am not a good patient - ever. Anyway, the technician asked me if I wanted anesthesia. She volunteered that about half the time people get through the procedure just fine without it. I thought, if half can do it, I can. So, I made the decision to "John Wayne" it.

Well, I made it through OK but there was some definite sensitivity, probably exacerbated by my nervousness. In the end, all was fine. This got me to thinking about the current housing situation.

If we have been around any length of time we have, over the past several years, sold some homes that are currently not valued at the purchase price. Some folks are now nervous. Those with adjustable rate loans have seen their payments rise. Most are making the payments, barely. Selling now to get out of the situation is not really an option without damaging their credit history. So, what does a person do?

Now this is a stretch but it goes back to my dental experience. Most will be able to handle the minor discomfort. Although sensitive to the pain, most will "John Wayne" it. In the end, over time, the pain will subside. The market will rebound. The property values will climb - eventually.

So, if you find yourself in that situation, if at all possible, refuse the easy way out.  A short sale or a foreclosure may be the anesthesia for the immediate situation but the discomfort will not last.  

Considering a move to Brevard County, Florida. Give me the opportunity to be your Realtor. I promise to make the experience as pleasant as possible.

Gary Waters, Realtor, Century 21 Baytree Realty, 8195 N. Wickham Rd, Melbourne, Florida 32940.

 

Thinking about re-locating to Florida? Why not? The weather is great (80 and sunny today, December 9th), no state income tax, very affordable housing, plentiful recreational opportunities. The reasons for making the "Sunshine State" your primary residence or winter home are abundant. But if you have never spent a great deal of time here, how do you decide what part of the state to make home? After all, Florida is a pretty big state -just try driving from Pensacola in the panhandle to Key West!

Florida, like many of the other states, has several distinct "cultures." Want the small town, old south atmosphere? There are some great areas in north Florida as well as the Panhandle. As a Florida native I have lived in, or at least visited most areas, of the state. Try small towns like Palatka or Lake City?

Want the more active, metropolitan areas? Take a look at the Palm Beach County and Miami areas. Want to be near the active tourist areas? Then central Florida and the Orange County, Volusia County and Brevard County areas would be well worth a look. Actually, there are several surrounding areas near Orlando that offer a quality lifestyle and easy commute to Orlando and its attractions.

Really laid back and want to escape a lot of the hectic pace? Take a look at Key West. A definitely different lifestyle, for sure! You will find similarly special areas throughout the state. Out west in the panhandle, Pensacola offers a great way of life.

When you think of Florida, whether it is beaches or tourist attractions, or whatever, take a look at all Florida has to offer you. How do you get information on a specific area? Easy. Search Active Rain  for a Realtor in your target area and give them a call. Realtors are knowledgeable about their market areaand, if some other area interests you, most Realtors can refer you to a quality Realtor in that area. Call me, I know some great professional agents all over the state!

When considering a move to Florida, use a local Realtor - the local expert!                                                                                         

 

In Brevard County, FLorida, I am your expert!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent with Century 21 Baytree Realty, 8195 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, FLorida 32940. Contact me by email at agent@moving2brevard.com .

Considering a move to Rockledge, Florida? If so, this house is a must see! Built in 1998 this 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage pool home boasts a bright open floorplan with vaulted ceilings. Just in case you missed it - this is a heated inground pool home for only $222,900! What a deal!

Need a couple of other great charactersitics about this property to further demonstrate the VALUE? How about a large lot! This home is located in the Meadow Creek subdivision on .3 acres. One of the nice things about the Meadow Creek subdivision - it is only one street! Yes, as you enter the development you will find there is a rather large lake in the center with a dock and homes along the stree circling the lake. No through traffic!  Click here for a map!

What a great location! Located just a quarter mile or so from the Turtle Creek Golf Club and about two miles from the Viera East Golf Club, you have easy access to lots of golf! Lots of great shopping is only minutes away at The Avenues Mall in Viera. Great restaurants, schools, easy access to I-95, Space Coast Stadium (spring training home of the Washington Nationals) and more! Only about 15 minutes to the beaches, 45 minutes to Orlando and the Orlando International Airport.

And for only...get this now....$222,900! 

Enjoy the sunny (and warm, even in December) Florida lifestyle in your custom courtyard pool home. Picture yourself in a very private location on a .51 acre lot among fruit trees and lush landscaping in this home which provides the type of Florida living they write about!

Built in 2000, this three bedroom two bath two car garage pool home is ideally located in the Suntree Bay subdivision of north Melbourne Florida. Click here for a map of the neighborhood.

As you step into the dramatic front entrance greeted by the courtyard pool, you will be drawn to this meticulously kept home. A freshly painted exterior, new flooring, a new 17 SEER Carrier Infinity AC system, outside pool shower and a lot more!

This home is truly unique and must be seen if you are looking for the perfect Viera and Suntree area home!

Offered for sale by Century 21 Baytree Realty, 8195 N. Wickham Rd., Suite 100, Melbourne Florida 32940. For information on this home contact Gary Waters at 321-255-2600 or toll free at 1-800-651-6940.

Looking to relocate to Brevard County Florida? Call the Rockledge, Viera and Suntree experts at Century 21 Baytree Realty!

 

Well, it is now December. What a year this has been! Sales of properties in the central sections of Brevard County (Rockledge, Viera and Suntree) have been a little stagnant this year with prices falling and transactions slipping as well. This is not a real surprise as the home market has been pretty much consistent with the rest of the country.

During the month of November there were 352 transactions closed. The median selling price was $185,000. Amazing what values there are in today's market! This sales price represented about 93% of the seller's asking price. With average days on the market hovering near 108 days, sellers are in there for the long haul!

The Rockledge, Viera and Suntree area of Brevard County is my most active market segment. Here there were 44 properties that closed in November with a median sales price of $240,000.  Days on the market was consistent with the rest of the county at 113 days.

How does this compare to teh November 2006 period for Rockledge, Suntree and Viera? Glad you asked! In November 2006 there were 72 closings with a median sales price of $267,500. The days on the market last November? 89 days. That is about 10% lower this November. What a difference a year makes!

The inventory of homes in Brevard County remains high, the inventory is around 7400 properties. This is a large inventory but it is a little less than where it was...closer to the 8000 mark.

What do these numbers tell you?

• The inventory is high;
• Sellers are negotiating;
• The values are out there!

If you are considering a  move to Brevard County  Florida, please give me a call! Gary Waters, Realtor, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida 32940. Call tollfree 1-800-651-6940 , or drop me an email at agent@moving2brevard.com .

Statistics from a report generated by the author from the MLS of Brevard, Inc.

I just don't do it as much as I used to.....Things sure do change!

OK...what is it? There are many answers to that question....just a few here:

Take as many listings. As the market has changed, so have I. Marketing homes is hard work. Taking on less than highly motivated clients, pricing outside of the market, and having stagnant listings is a thing of the past!

Sell as many homes. Buyers are fewer but the ones who are out there seem to be more motivated. They understand value. There are not as many but the quality may be a little higher!

Buy a new car as often.These are not the times for extravaganzas. Hey, a rusty ride beats a well dressed walk!

Now there are some things I do more often that I used to....Things do change!

OK...what are they? Again, there are many answers to that question...just a few here:

Post, comment, write several blogs.The internet is the place to be today!

Direct mail.Yes, I am sending more direct mail. It may be the old fashioned way but, hey, I am just an old fashioned sort of guy!

Hand out more business cards.Everybody gets one. Buying more business cards is a heck of a liot cheaper than print ads! (and, in my experience, a lot more effective!)

Talk to strangers.Yep, mom always tells us to not talk to strangers but hey, it is a necessary part of the job. (This is the part where I put on my career adviser hat...if you got a youngster that likes to talk to strangers, there are only a couple of career choices...Realtor or politician! OK, a sad attempt at lightheartedness!)

As it has been written so many times, the market is not bad it is only different. Because it is different, there are some things you just don't do as much as you used to....There once was a song about "the old gray mare..she ain't what she used to be." Well, nothing is!