tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237348002009-07-06T08:59:36.585-04:00In Rockledge, Viera, Suntree, Melbourne, and other Space Coast communities let Gary Waters, Florida Licensed real estate agent,Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida be your Realtor of Choice. Views expressed in this blog are entirely those of the author.Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comBlogger800125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-23024705039839820562009-07-06T08:33:00.004-04:002009-07-06T08:59:36.594-04:00<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SlHwRlWwOaI/AAAAAAAABYA/6mbD7-lxGE8/s1600-h/100_5058%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; display: inline;" title="100_5058" alt="100_5058" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SlHwSW7IGUI/AAAAAAAABYE/a7ATtB0b8_Y/100_5058_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="154" height="136" /></a> A long time ago in a place far removed from present day technology there was a boy. Perhaps seven or eight years old, he was visiting his grandfather in north Florida. <span style="font-style: italic;">And he was bored</span>. </p> <p>In the 60’s there was no Internet, no cable TV, and no air conditioning at this house. So this boy played with “granddaddy's dog.” Nearby there was a creek (OK, really a stream with very little water). </p> <p>Although told to not go down to the gully, he went. Granddaddy found out and “<em>inquired</em>” why. He responded. “<span style="font-style: italic;">because the damn dog did</span>!” Not a nice response.</p> <p>The boy in question was my younger brother. </p> <p><strong>Sometimes justifying behavior by pointing out what someone else has done is not necessarily a good strategy. </strong></p> <p><em>Take the prevalence of short sales in the current real estate market.</em> I read an article this morning on whether or not walking a way from a mortgage is a moral decision or not. <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-style: italic;">Some say that many are walking away from upside down mortgages because others are doing the same.</span><br /></p> <p><strong>It is not my responsibility to impose my judgment on a seller’s motive.</strong> My job when working with sellers is to provide the services necessary to sell the real estate.</p> <p><strong>Sometimes circumstances change and a person must sell.</strong> No one ever buys real estate with the intent of walking away or losing it. Most folks never enter into a mortgage with a plan to default.</p> <p style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Sometimes life happens. </p> <p><strong>And a short sale is a better alternative than a foreclosure proceeding.</strong> If a short sale is something you need to consider, please feel free to contact me.</p> <p><a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/" target="_blank">Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty</a>, Rockledge, Florida, 321-693-3850, working with buyers and sellers in Brevard County, Florida.</p> <p><strong><u>By the way – I think my brother got a spanking, not for going to the gully but using the word “damn!”</u></strong></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-2302470503983982056?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-56422369245523265712009-07-04T09:24:00.006-04:002009-07-04T09:44:17.939-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Sk9cHO4IJJI/AAAAAAAABXw/O35maq7_RjE/s1600-h/house+money.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Sk9cHO4IJJI/AAAAAAAABXw/O35maq7_RjE/s200/house+money.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354599761289159826" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">June 2009 single family home sales in Brevard County Florida appear to be well ahead of previous months. </span> This is <span style="font-style: italic;">preliminary</span> data I extracted from the <a href="http://www.brevardmls.com/">Brevard County MLS </a>system and is <span style="font-style: italic;">only as accurate as the the timely input by involved real estate agents</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">As of today there were about 620 single family dwellings sold in June 2009. </span> The average days on the market was 124 which is pretty consistent with the recent months. The average selling price was just under $153,000 while the average listing price was $164,626. The median price of sales was $121,975.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the Viera, Suntree, Rockledge areas of central Brevard County there were 107 single family units sold in June 2009.</span> While the average days on the market was pretty close to the county as a whole (117), the average selling price was $206,533 with a median selling price of about $175,000. T<span style="font-style: italic;">his higher number reflects the recent development in Viera.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Palm Bay area of south Brevard County had an average selling price of almost $99,000. </span>This reflects the large number of <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">short sales</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">REO/bank owned </span>properties in the south area of Brevard County.<br /><br /><big style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><big>What does all this say about the Brevard County market? Sellers are selling; buyers are buying at attractive prices!</big></big><br /><br />If you are in the market for a new home in Brevard County, Florida, I would be honored if you gave me a chance to be your <span style="font-style: italic;">Realtor of Choice in Brevard County</span>. Call me directly at 321-693-3850 or <a href="mailto:agent@moving2brevard.com">email me</a> at agent@moving2brevard.com.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.moving2brevard.com">Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent</a>, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida, conveniently located next door to Turtle Creek Golf Course.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-5642236924552326571?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-39395355439143763572009-07-03T07:02:00.000-04:002009-07-03T07:02:02.914-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Sk1tCQ47QAI/AAAAAAAABXY/f54V7MGEevE/s1600-h/for+sale.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Sk1tCQ47QAI/AAAAAAAABXY/f54V7MGEevE/s200/for+sale.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354055417674285058" border="0" /></a><br /><big><big>One of the first questions I ask someone when I am asked to make a listing presentation is, "what do you like most about your house?" </big></big><br /><br />I follow that question up with another easy one, "what do you like least about your house?"<br /><br /><big><big>Sometimes I don't have to ask the first question because many prospective sellers are quick volunteer their house's main <span style="font-style: italic;">positive</span> attribute.<br /><br /></big></big><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The second question is rarely disclosed voluntarily, if ever!</span><br /><br />Sometimes I may not ask as directly as the above sentences imply. I may frame it in such a way as "<span style="text-decoration: underline;">if you were going to remain in your house, is there anything you would change?" </span><br /><br /><big><big>This is very similar to the old employment interview question "what is your greatest strength?" and the converse, "what is your greatest weakness?" </big></big> [By the way , a listing presentation is my job interview.]<br /><br />Why ask these questions? As a seller we must emphasize (market) from a position of strength. Likewise, we need to de-emphasize any weakness. This may be done via staging, presentation, a fresh cpat of paint or something. This is not saying we should hide anything but we can minimize some characteristics!<br /><br /><big><big>Besides, the rule in real estate is disclose...disclose...disclose!</big></big> That is why sellers (in Florida) complete a questionnaire called a seller's disclosure (creative name, eh?).<br /><br />Selling your Brevard County, Florida, home? Give me a call to discuss how I may assist you in this process.<br /><br /><big><big>Besides, you know what my first two questions will be!</big></big><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-3939535543914376357?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-82424254933034749842009-07-01T21:16:00.000-04:002009-07-01T21:16:00.204-04:00<p><strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkvuYa3nG1I/AAAAAAAABXA/Kol6Pv4ND4I/s1600-h/MPj04096840000%5B1%5D%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; margin: 0px 10px 5px 0px; display: inline;" title="CBR001073" alt="CBR001073" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkvuYgkKnGI/AAAAAAAABXE/meUPsTWUlok/MPj04096840000%5B1%5D_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="260" height="260" /></a> I just got an email about protecting my tattoo from the sun.</strong> </p> <p>Being a Florida real estate agent I do spend my share of time in the sun! </p> <p><strong>However, it is <u>not true</u> that every Florida real estate agent has a tattoo. </strong></p> <p>I am not sure how I ended up on the receiving end of that email. If you are looking for real estate in Brevard County, Florida, drop me an email to <a href="mailto:agent@moving2brevard.com">agent@moving2brevard.com</a>.</p> <p>I assure you that once I receive your email address I will not be hounding you with emails and spam!</p> <p><a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/" target="_blank">Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent</a>, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge Florida. Serving the central Brevard communities of <em>Heritage Isle, Viera, Suntree, Rockledge</em> and the beaches!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-8242425493303474984?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-795153402027082232009-06-30T17:42:00.002-04:002009-06-30T17:42:00.738-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkpdT5M3O3I/AAAAAAAABWw/jUB1lzjXHwE/s1600-h/Ventura.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkpdT5M3O3I/AAAAAAAABWw/jUB1lzjXHwE/s200/Ventura.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353193703436925810" border="0" /></a><big><big>The Rockledge, Florida condo community of <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">The Ventura at Turtle Creek</span> has been generating a lot of calls for me lately. </big></big><br /><br />Do I have listings in the complex? No. Do I have buyers interested in the complex? Multiple.<br /><br /><big><big>It is exactly for that reason I sent letters to registered owners on units in <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Ventura at Turtle Creek</span> </span>in search of sellers! </big></big><br /><br />Sure there are a few units for sale in the complex right now. In the words of Mister Rogers, "<span style="font-style: italic;">Can you say overpriced?</span>" OK, not all are overpriced.<br /><br /><big><big>There is one unit in the complex that is a short sale.</big></big><br /><br />The view is not so great - parking lot! It is really close to the street so the noise may be a little bit of an issue if you are one who wants to sit on the screened patio/deck. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">But the price is pretty attractive ($109K).</span> It is a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">short sale</span>!<br /><br />If you are interested in a Rockledge or Viera area condo, check out <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">The Ventura at Turtle Creek</span>. gated community, next to the <span style="font-style: italic;">almost world famous</span> Turtle Creek Golf Course (OK, not that famous!), deserves a look. Every unit comes with either a single car garage or a carport. The club house and pool are top of the line. The buildings are 4 story however each building has two elevators!<br /><br />And if you are an owner looking to sell, call me!<br /><br /><big style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><big>Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida. Call me at 321-693-3850 or <a href="mailto:agent@moving2brevard.com">email me</a>.</big></big><br /><br /><br />Please check out my blog <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.gwatersc21.activerain.com.">Observations of a Viera Florida Realtor</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-79515340202708223?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-25002938807961841072009-06-30T08:29:00.005-04:002009-06-30T14:52:14.613-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkperkDZYDI/AAAAAAAABW4/CAbomaaWPz0/s1600-h/MMj02889210000%5B1%5D.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 144px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkperkDZYDI/AAAAAAAABW4/CAbomaaWPz0/s200/MMj02889210000%5B1%5D.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353195209588564018" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The </span><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Phillips Landing</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> subdivision in </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Rockledge, Florida</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> has been a hot bed of short sale activity recently. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> It was not that long ago, perhaps a couple of months, that over half of Phillips Landing listings were short sales!</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><br /><br />As of today there is only one short sale listing in Phillips Landing.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> But...and this is a big but....there are eight under contract (pending). Anyone who is remotely familiar with short sales is well aware that under contract is sometimes a long way from "closed." </span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><br /><br />There was one short sale that closed in early June - an 1878 square foot 3 bedroom, 2 bath 2 car garage property which sold for $143,500! </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> The current active short sale is a 4 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage home with 2,057 square feet under air for $169,900. That is an attractive price for a 2005 built home on the water in a newer development near excellent schools, beaches and more!</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><br /><br />Anyone considering relocating to Florida should consider central Brevard County. Located 45 minutes from the Orlando area, some of the top schools in the state, superb medical facilities including a new hospital being built in nearby Viera, 75 miles or so of Atlantic coastline, lots of recreation opportunities (golf, boating, cruises, professional baseball) and more!<br /><br />Take a look at the planned unit developments of Viera, Suntree, the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.cityofrockledge.org">city of Rockledge</a>, and the beach side communities and more.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.moving2brevard.com">Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent</a>, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> Call me directly at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-2500293880796184107?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-31934743764107398842009-06-29T21:11:00.001-04:002009-06-29T21:11:01.228-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Skj2xrkPCfI/AAAAAAAABWo/LyO55Y5jzR4/s1600-h/MPj04392860000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Skj2xrkPCfI/AAAAAAAABWo/LyO55Y5jzR4/s200/MPj04392860000%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352799490498562546" border="0" /></a><big style="color: rgb(81, 52, 165);"><big style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Spouses are like houses... </big><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> </span></big><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">None is perfect but pick the wrong one and it could be costly and bring much pain! That is probably not the exact quote but it is similar to something I heard on the radio yesterday morning.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> I was listening to some home repair or inspection talk show guru while working in the garage and his words caught my attention. I am not sure if he was speaking from experience or repeating something he had heard!</span> <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">As for me, I am repeating!</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(81, 52, 165);"><big><big> Choosing the wrong house can be undone at some point.</big></big> </span><span style="color: rgb(81, 52, 165);"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">But no one wants to deal with it. And when it does come time to sell, you will have to put a positive spin on it!</span></span><br /><br /><big style="color: rgb(81, 52, 165);"><big>When shopping for a new house do your research! </big></big><span style="color: rgb(81, 52, 165);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Things to consider (</span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">although not all inclusive</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">) include:</span><br /><ul style="color: rgb(81, 52, 165);"><li>Neighborhood</li><li>Schools</li><li>Commute times to work</li><li>Tax rates</li><li>Rules - <span style="font-style: italic;">as in homeowner and condo associations!</span></li><li>Mortgage interest rates</li><li>Recreational venues</li><li>Churches</li><li>Crime rate</li><li>and anything you think is important!</li></ul> <big style="color: rgb(81, 52, 165);"><big>Do your research</big></big><span style="color: rgb(81, 52, 165);">. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How do you conduct your research? Use your real estate professional. Use the Internet. Check with local law enforcement agencies. Talk to neighbors. Knock on doors and ask questions. </span></span><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(81, 52, 165);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You do not want to deal with a bad choice!</span><br /><br /></span><big style="color: rgb(81, 52, 165);"><big>If you are buying or selling in the central Brevard County Florida area,</big></big><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> please give me a call. <a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/">Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty</a>, Rockledge, Florida. I can be reached directly at 321-693-3850 or by email at agent@moving2brevard.com.<br /><br />Please visit my blog <a href="http://www.gwatersc21.activerain.com/">Florida homes for sale</a>.<br /></span><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold;"> </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-3193474376410739884?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-73170275656388595092009-06-29T15:59:00.000-04:002009-06-29T15:59:00.788-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Skjcv-OKqrI/AAAAAAAABWg/eKcpaOQx0fc/s1600-h/MCj04413220000%5B1%5D.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Skjcv-OKqrI/AAAAAAAABWg/eKcpaOQx0fc/s200/MCj04413220000%5B1%5D.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352770873844214450" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I would guess that most neighborhoods have at least one property that has been foreclosed, abandoned or otherwise vacated during this real estate downturn.</span><br /><br />How do you handle or respond to these vacant homes in your neighborhood?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remember buyers are buying a neighborhood - not just the home!</span> I must admit that my street has a few of these. After all, when prices got so high it was bound to happen - <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">flips, flopped!</span><br /><br />Let's see...<br /><br />You can now feel OK about your dog doing his business in the vacant yard, right? Not!<br /><br />Or you could respond like my neighbor and pay the lawn guy to cut the abandoned property yard so as to maintain the neighborhood appearance.<br /><br />Neighborhood pride does still exist in Rockledge, Florida!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/">Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent</a>, <a href="http://www.c21baytree.com/">Century 21 Baytree Realty</a>, Rockledge, Florida, serving buyers and sellers in the Brevard County Florida area.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkjclEeQAWI/AAAAAAAABWY/MtJpniTHOoI/s1600-h/realtorlogo.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 58px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkjclEeQAWI/AAAAAAAABWY/MtJpniTHOoI/s200/realtorlogo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352770686543724898" border="0" /></a><br />Read my blog <a href="http://www.gwatersc21.activerain.com/">Brevard County Florida Homes for Sale</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-7317027565638859509?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-89704898472649751032009-06-28T21:21:00.000-04:002009-06-28T21:21:00.332-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkfmIvRqAlI/AAAAAAAABWI/hahQ9wercak/s1600-h/MPj03142600000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkfmIvRqAlI/AAAAAAAABWI/hahQ9wercak/s320/MPj03142600000%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352499719956988498" border="0" /></a><br />I like to review listings on Craigslist.com. It is interesting the things you will find posted for sale.<br />I see items with prices that leave me in total disbelief. <br /><br />Would someone really pay $100 for a three mega pixel digital camera? <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Would someone really pay $20,000 or $50,000 above the market price for a house?</span><br /><br />I am not an expert on digital cameras but I do know that a ten or twelve pixel digital camera is not a lot more than the price of that three mega pixel used camera?<br /><br />I do consider myself an expert on houses for sale in my market, especially the Viera, Suntree and Rockledge Florida areas. I know that any <span style="font-style: italic;">FSBO</span> seller that believes they can get above market price for their home is wrong.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I heard it said before that there is always a bigger sucker out ther</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">e. </span> Was it P.T. Barnum that remarked about a sucker being born every minute or something like that? Well, there are very few in this real estate market, I assure you. Why?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The answer is simple - information. </span>Information from Internet research, real estate agents, publications, tax records and other resources.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com">Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty</a>, Rockledge, Florida, serving the real estate needs of buyers and sellers in Brevard County Florida. I can be reached directly at 321-693-3850 or by email at agent@moving2brevard.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-8970489847264975103?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-69904107490304026852009-06-28T17:30:00.005-04:002009-06-28T17:50:32.099-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkfkbTwuKfI/AAAAAAAABWA/OJR8RGioLPc/s1600-h/MPj03413900000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkfkbTwuKfI/AAAAAAAABWA/OJR8RGioLPc/s200/MPj03413900000%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352497839965350386" border="0" /></a>I attended my family reunion yesterday in Lake Butler, Florida. I had been unable to attend for a few years but I decided to head north a few hours and check in with the family this time. Why?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Because ones priorities must be in order to keep life in balance. </span><br /><br />A few months a go I attended the funeral of a cousin. She was 45 years old. Two weeks ago I attended the funeral of one of my friends. He was 56 years old.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Life is not always easy. </span> You must know what is important.<br /><br />So yesterday I visited with my aunts, uncle, cousins, and even some <span style="font-style: italic;">unknown relatives. </span>I saw my brother and his family from North Carolina. I saw my sisters and their families. I saw relatives I had not seen 10 years!<br /><br />I made it home last night very late. But it was well worth it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Take some time when the opportunity presents to spend some time with family. </span>Work will wait - until tomorrow!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com">Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent</a>, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida. Call me for your Viera, Rockledge and Suntree Florida real estate needs.<br /><br />Read my blog <a href="http://www.brevard-homes-for-sale.com">www.brevard-homes-for-sale.com.</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-6990410749030402685?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-53153021412808925692009-06-26T09:40:00.000-04:002009-06-26T09:40:01.668-04:00It is Florida in June. Florida in June is hot. No surprise there.<br /><br />The Brevard County Florida housing market is hot. A bit of a surprise there? Not really.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prices have dropped for some time.</span> Now the median price for a single family home in Brevard County is $123,700 (resales).<span style="font-style: italic;"> That is a 24% drop over the same time last year.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkS7aNGYhkI/AAAAAAAABV4/Ct1QRyiLG3E/s1600-h/price.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 70px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkS7aNGYhkI/AAAAAAAABV4/Ct1QRyiLG3E/s320/price.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351608316090418754" border="0" /></a>I am sure the short sale market continues to impact pricing. Although prices have continued to drop t<span style="font-style: italic;">he recent increase in interest rates has an off-setting effect. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pricing is king when selling anything. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;">Sellers know it; buyers expect it.</span><br /><br />Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge , Florida. Your central Brevard County (Viera, Suntree, Rockledge, Melbourne, Merritt Island) Realtor of Choice.<br /><br />Read my blogs <a href="http://gwatersc21.activerain.com">Observation of a Viera Realtor</a> and <a href="http://www.brevard-homes-for-sale.com">Florida Homes for sale</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-5315302141280892569?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-59278108234206387802009-06-23T08:35:00.005-04:002009-06-23T09:45:37.722-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkDcOYD_D8I/AAAAAAAABVo/T3dt_FCSK08/s1600-h/MPj04383970000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkDcOYD_D8I/AAAAAAAABVo/T3dt_FCSK08/s200/MPj04383970000%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350518496851595202" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Yesterday was almost a hundred degrees in Melbourne, Florida.</strong> What makes a day more tolerable when it gets so warm? A pool, of course!<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span> <p><strong>Timing is what real estate is all about.</strong> If you have time you could hop over to the beach or swim in your own pool. Don’t have a private pool?<br /></p> <p>Lucky for you I have the great 2001 4 Bedroom/2 bath Viera home with a screened enclosure, solar heated [winter comes] inground pool for only $198,900!</p> <p>Features built-in<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkDcDZud0BI/AAAAAAAABVg/kk4ejGbuvtU/s1600-h/Deercroft+pool+and+porch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SkDcDZud0BI/AAAAAAAABVg/kk4ejGbuvtU/s200/Deercroft+pool+and+porch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350518308319645714" border="0" /></a>s, ceiling fans (5), walk-in pantry, 20 inch ceramic tile in foyer, kitchen and family room and more. Trussed porch. Master bath has garden tub and shower. Hurricane shutters, security system, inside laundry room. All appliances stay! </p> <p>Close to I-95, Avenues Mall, restaurants, excellent schools including new Viera High, Space Coast Stadium. Exceptional Value in an exceptional location. Located in the Bayhill subdivision of Viera, east of I-95, near the Viera East Golf Course at 2397 Deercroft Drive.</p> <p><a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/">Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent</a>, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida. Call me for your real estate needs in central Brevard County Florida, especially Viera, Suntree, Baytree Golf Community and Heritage Isle!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-5927810823420638780?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-23978381847505270702009-06-22T16:38:00.000-04:002009-06-22T16:38:01.853-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Sj_EFnN7KcI/AAAAAAAABU8/OwdNi2xZlXE/s1600-h/MCj04347350000%5B1%5D.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 180px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Sj_EFnN7KcI/AAAAAAAABU8/OwdNi2xZlXE/s320/MCj04347350000%5B1%5D.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350210483045214658" border="0" /></a><br />If you are considering selling your condo located at Rockledge, Florida's<span style="font-weight: bold;"> The Ventura at Turtle Creek </span>complex, please let me know. Perhaps you are a FSBO at The Ventura at Turtle Creek and I have not found your advertisement?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I have buyers</span> who have been looking and are ready to purchase. Your unit (view, price, etc) may not be an exact match but you will never know unless you let them know about it.<br /><br />Send me an email at agent@moving2brevard.com or call me at 321-693-3850. <a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/">Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent,</a> Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Considering a move to Brevard County, Florida, especially Viera, Suntree or Rockledge, call me please!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-2397838184750527070?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-44134253511972976982009-06-21T13:21:00.000-04:002009-06-21T13:21:00.631-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Sj4oyeASaxI/AAAAAAAABU0/jMYEsGGNk04/s1600-h/MPj04009680000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 217px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Sj4oyeASaxI/AAAAAAAABU0/jMYEsGGNk04/s200/MPj04009680000%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349758254875568914" border="0" /></a>If you are considering a purchase, <span style="font-style: italic;">any purchase for that matter</span>, that will require financing then the interest rates are (or should be) an issue. <br /><br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">I am real estate agent - not a mortgage lender.</span>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How does the change in rates impact your payment? </span> <br /><br />On a $120,000 mortgage amortized over 30 years the changes in the monthly payment are:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5.0% $644 </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />5.25% $662 </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />5.5% $681 </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />5.75% $700 </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />6.0% $719<br /><br /></span>Depending on the price range of your purchase the change in interest rates could add up to a sizable addition to your payment. Talk with your lender if you are considering a purchase. Get the mortgage in place before you call start seriously looking for that property. Get the mortgage rates locked in with a payment you are comfortable with!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Then call me</span> if you are buying in Brevard County, Florida!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/">Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent</a>, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-4413425351197297698?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-6712322094510083932009-06-20T12:54:00.003-04:002009-06-21T08:21:23.070-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Sj4lrg10whI/AAAAAAAABUs/VB8PcymM6D0/s1600-h/MPj04387160000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Sj4lrg10whI/AAAAAAAABUs/VB8PcymM6D0/s200/MPj04387160000%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349754836843020818" border="0" /></a>I was reading in this morning’s <em>Florida Today</em> newspaper that <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Burgoon</span>-Berger Construction Company was now planning to build homes in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rockledge's</span> Phillips Landing subdivision.</span> <p>Most of the homes in Phillips Landing were built by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Condev</span> Corporation who I believe developed the subdivision off <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fiske</span> Blvd around 2004 or 2005. </p> <p>Another major builder in the development was <span style="font-weight: bold;">Adam’s Homes</span> of Florida. During the height of the real estate boom these homes were selling above $300,000 while starting at above $200,000.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Times have changed. </span> As of today there are about 8 re-sales in Phillips Landing listed from $169,900 to $239,900. Of these, 4 are short sales. There are 6 other short sale homes under contract but yet closed. On June 1, 2009, a short sale sold for $143,500 – a nice price for an 1878 sq ft home!</p> <p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Burgoon</span>-Berger is projecting to build about 40 homes from about $181,000-$243,000. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Burgoon</span>-Berger has also built (and is still building) in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Viera</span>’s premier 55+ community, Heritage Isle.</span></p> <p>For information on homes for sale in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Rockledge</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Viera</span>, Florida, please contact me at 321-693-3850 or by email <a href="mailto:agent@moving2brevard.com">agent@moving2brevard.com</a>.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/">Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent</a></strong>, Century 21 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Baytree</span> Realty, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Rockledge</span>, Florida.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-671232209451008393?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-31910171827831713312009-06-19T23:07:00.000-04:002009-06-19T23:07:00.797-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjwbIxNCIfI/AAAAAAAABUc/95YY0GNc-xk/s1600-h/Short%2Bsale%2Bsign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjwbIxNCIfI/AAAAAAAABUc/95YY0GNc-xk/s320/Short%2Bsale%2Bsign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349180294870213106" border="0" /></a>I receive a lot of inquiries from folks who are curious about this thing called a “<strong>short sale</strong>.” Those of us in the real estate business are very familiar (<em>or should be</em>) with the process. <p>This is the condensed version. If you have specific questions, email me, call me…give me a chance to answer your question. By the way, if I do not know the answer, I know some real knowledgeable professionals I can refer.</p> <p><strong>First of all, a “short sale” is a situation where a property is being sold by the homeowner however the sales price will likely be less than the mortgage owed.</strong></p> <p>This situation may be the result of the tremendous drop in values over the past few years. It may be the result of a homeowner taking out a line of equity. <span style="font-style: italic;"> Regardless of the reason, the money borrowed (and owed) on the property is more than the probable selling price.</span></p> <p><strong>There is no finger of blame to be pointed in these situations.</strong> Life happens. People lose jobs. People lose a loved one who was a major breadwinner. Job transfers require a home be sold. "Stuff" happens.</p> <p><strong>If you are in central <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brevard</span> County and a <span style="font-style: italic;">short sale</span> may be in your future – as a buyer or seller - call me to discuss how I may assist you.</strong></p> <p>Gary Waters, Century 21 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Baytree</span> Realty, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rockledge</span>, Florida. Call me directly 321-693-3850 or email me at <a href="mailto:agent@moving2brevard.com">agent@moving2brevard.com</a>.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-3191017182783171331?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-41130107210277980382009-06-19T20:06:00.000-04:002009-06-19T20:06:00.676-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjwaiCtA8SI/AAAAAAAABUU/j7hjy88Q9QQ/s1600-h/MPj04373300000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjwaiCtA8SI/AAAAAAAABUU/j7hjy88Q9QQ/s200/MPj04373300000%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349179629552857378" border="0" /></a><strong>The decision to purchase a new home is a big one.</strong> For many of us, the decision to purchase a home is one of the most expensive decisions we will make in our lives. <div> </div><br /><div>A friend of mine once quipped that the decision to marry his <em>first</em> wife was the most expensive decision he ever made. I think he was referring to the alimony!</div><div> </div><br /><strong>For a first time home buyer the decision to take that step is difficult.</strong><br /><br />The unknowns are plentiful while the knowns are scarce. Still, a well reasoned approach will result in the right answer.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>I am not one to encourage anyone to extend themselves beyond their comfort level. Many of us have done that (<span style="font-style: italic;">or thought we had</span>) at some point and it is<em> not a good feeling</em>.</div><div> </div><br /><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">So, is it a good time to buy a house in Viera, Rockledge or Melbourne, Florida? </span> It may just be the time. And then again, it may not be. Only you, the buyer, can answer that question.</div><br /><div> </div>If you are considering a purchase, call me if you have questions. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Sure there is the $8,000 tax credit available for first time buyers.</span> Sure, the prices are very attractive. Sure, there are short sales available.<br /><div> </div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/">Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty,</a> Rockledge, Florida, 321-693-3850.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-4113010721027798038?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-690364533123782682009-06-19T15:18:00.002-04:002009-06-19T19:18:36.122-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Sjwcopj_ouI/AAAAAAAABUk/hpPSH9Rv88w/s1600-h/Unkowns.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Sjwcopj_ouI/AAAAAAAABUk/hpPSH9Rv88w/s200/Unkowns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349181942086476514" border="0" /></a><strong>The short answer (no pun intended) is a long time sometimes! </strong> <p>If you look at the <a href="http://www.brevardmls.com/">Brevard MLS system</a> you will find some very attractively priced homes. And some folks looking for deals in this market are considering selling their current homes for less so they can take advantage of buying more home now. </p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Many of these homes are listed as a “short sales.” </span> In a <span style="font-style: italic;">short sale</span> the probable selling price will be less than the mortgage so the lender (third party) will have to approve any contract. </p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">In a short sale a lender may consider multiple offers. </span>You may not be the only one who puts an offer on the table. In a short sale, the lender may reject all the offers. </p> <p><span style="font-style: italic;">Because of the uncertainty of closing the deal, </span>buyers of short sales need flexibility in their schedules! <strong> </strong>It may take 60-90 days. Some close sooner; some seemingly drag on forever!</p> <p><em><strong><u>If you have the patience, a short sale may be worth looking into!</u></strong></em></p> <p>If you are in central Brevard County and a short sale may be in your future – as a buyer or seller - call me to discuss how I may assist you.</p> <p><a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/">Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty</a>, Rockledge, Florida. Call me directly 321-693-3850 or email me at <a href="mailto:agent@moving2brevard.com">agent@moving2brevard.com</a>.</p> <p>Please read my blog at <a href="http://www.gwatersc21.activerain.com/">www.gwatersc21.activerain.com</a>.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-69036453312378268?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-77387424752247338032009-06-17T23:20:00.000-04:002009-06-17T23:20:00.272-04:00<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjmKa4gTkcI/AAAAAAAABUE/DtyStP9WFkY/s1600-h/MPj04307920000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348458226928292290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjmKa4gTkcI/AAAAAAAABUE/DtyStP9WFkY/s200/MPj04307920000%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>I am the first to admit that we can’t control all things in our lives.</strong> After all, you did not choose to have that sparkling personality, did you? Anyway, I digress.<br /><br /><p><strong>As I was driving to the office today I noticed the folks walking our 5 mile sidewalk course here in Rockledge, Florida.</strong> All shapes, all sizes. I saw a lady that was rather “large.” I thought to myself, <em>“how did you let that happen to you?”</em></p><p><strong>That is not an accusatory question.</strong></p><p><u>Sellers who are “upside down” and needing to sell their homes as “short sales” ask themselves the same question.</u> Not in an accusatory, antagonistic way.</p><p><strong>Sometimes things happen we do not foresee.</strong> </p><p>As a youngster I was always a bit “husky.” OK, I liked to eat and it was encouraged in my family! Did I let “husky” happen? I did not know any better. [Eventually I lost a lot of weight and kept it off for about 30 years!] </p><p>Many home owners find themselves in the same situation. The mortgage rate has risen. Jobs have been lost or salary cut. Costs have crept upward. Like my "husky" issue, some did not know any better.</p><p><strong>If you are in a situation where you need to sell your home</strong> but you are upside down, call me to discuss the possibility of a short sale.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjmLC6PYuRI/AAAAAAAABUM/xDTGyvJBNlU/s1600-h/MPj04384820000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348458914588965138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjmLC6PYuRI/AAAAAAAABUM/xDTGyvJBNlU/s200/MPj04384820000%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/">Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty</a>, Rockledge, Florida, serving buyers and sellers along the Florida Space Coast.</p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-7738742475224733803?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-68736694526026221662009-06-16T10:15:00.000-04:002009-06-16T10:12:30.315-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjenQIZROWI/AAAAAAAABTs/QP-6c7U0d9w/s1600-h/MPj03997780000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjenQIZROWI/AAAAAAAABTs/QP-6c7U0d9w/s200/MPj03997780000%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347926978098968930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">It seems that fairy tales always have the same ending. </span>After much struggle, trial and tribulation, the major character conquers all! <p><span style="font-style: italic;">If only life really did mimic the arts!</span><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;">But it does not.</p>The American Dream of home ownership became a reality for a lot of new buyers during the past three to five years. <span style="font-style: italic;">Folks were buying more house than they ever thought they could afford!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Then it happened.</span> The adjustable rates were adjusted! The zero down loan with the very low payment went through the roof. To exacerbate the issue, job loss became an issue.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">No one expected this economical "perfect storm."</span> Thus, our "<span style="font-style: italic;">short sale</span>" and <span style="font-style: italic;">REO</span>/<span style="font-style: italic;">bank owned</span> real estate market!<br /><br />And, here in Florida, specifically Brevard County, we have our share of short sale properties. A few questions and answers....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Q1</span>. How many short sale listings are active? 949<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Q2</span>. How many short sale listings sold in May 2009? 89<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Q3</span>. How many active short sale listings in Palm Bay/South Brevard? 314<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Q4</span>. How many active short sales in the Viera / Rockledge areas? 73<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Q5</span>. How many short sale listings are under contract/awaiting a decision by bank? >700<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">There are a lot of short sale opportunities in Brevard County </span>(included in short sale numbers are the REO properties that have already been foreclosed). <span style="font-style: italic;"> If you have the time (patience), a short sale purchase may be worth considering.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/">Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty</a>, Rockledge, Florida. Call me if you are in the market for a "short sale." If you are an owner who may be considering a short sale of your own home, call me, please.<br /><br />Read my other blogs at <a href="http://www.brevard-homes-for-sale.com/">www.brevard-homes-for-sale.com </a>and<a href="http://www.gwatersc21.activerain.com/"> www.gwatersc21.activerain.com.</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-6873669452602622166?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-60524764903024432372009-06-14T16:36:00.000-04:002009-06-14T16:36:00.996-04:00<strong>Over the past couple of days I have read several articles on “Gimmicks that will get your house sold!”</strong> <p>Let’s see what some of these suggestions are….. </p> <p>Over in Orlando I saw an advertisement where you buy the house, the seller will throw in an older Rolls Royce. I believe it was in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Titusville</span> where there was this builder that would throw in a car a few months ago.</p> <p>Another “gimmick” is the <span style="font-style: italic;">lease option</span>. This is not really what I would call a gimmick but rather a legitimate technique used by many sellers. It is almost like a try before you buy deal!<br /></p> <p>Some less extreme “gimmicks” include the provision of a<span style="font-style: italic;"> home warranty</span> (I always have my buyers ask for one), the <span style="font-style: italic;">payment of closing costs</span> (or at least some closing cost assistance), and the escrow/payment of <span style="font-style: italic;">condo fees </span>to cover several year’s dues.</p> <p><strong>This is a competitive market and a seller has to do what they must to sell.</strong> Here is a <span style="font-style: italic;">guaranteed</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> “gimmick” </span>that will sell your house:</p> <ol> <li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><strong>Preparation</strong>. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Get it in top condition before placing it on the market.</span></li> <li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><strong>Price. </strong> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Make it as competitively as possible.</span></li> </ol> <p>Do those things and you will get an offer! You will probably be asked to provide a warranty or even closing cost assist<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjUUBpuicMI/AAAAAAAABTk/-IbIMsOd_-0/s1600-h/price.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 56px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjUUBpuicMI/AAAAAAAABTk/-IbIMsOd_-0/s320/price.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347202151185805506" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ance</span> which is OK. <strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>Because when you are negotiating you have a chance to get it sold!</strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Baytree</span> Realty, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rockledge</span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: bold;">, Florida, serving buy</span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ers</span> and sellers along Florida's Space Coast.</span></strong></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-6052476490302443237?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-11292223226582170872009-06-14T11:51:00.001-04:002009-06-14T11:51:00.265-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjUQwjUqBwI/AAAAAAAABTU/vNnTLczBmT4/s1600-h/MPj04310080000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjUQwjUqBwI/AAAAAAAABTU/vNnTLczBmT4/s320/MPj04310080000%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347198558873978626" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I posted an article on one of my other web logs a few days ago about using photos when selling real estate. I titled the post </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1111909/first-we-judge-with-our-eyes"> "First we judge with our eyes."</a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I received several comments to that post including that including photos is real estate 101! Sure, it is a basic rule of marketing. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><br />The fact is that unless you are Disney, then imagination is not a key marketing tool for you (or your real estate agent) to use when selling your home!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I thought about it further this morning as I was reviewing the new postings on </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www.craigslist.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Craigslist</span>.com.</a> You know even <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Craigslist</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> allows searchers to exclude postings that have no images!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www.realtor.com/">Realtor.com </a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">there is the ability to have up to 25 photos appear in your listings. My office, </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www.c21baytree.com/">Century 21 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Baytree</span> Realty</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, wants all of our listings to have the maximum photos allowed (our subscription allows 25). The </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www.century21.com/">Century 21 website </a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> requires a </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">minimum </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">of six photos.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">With all these sites requiring (or allowing) lots of photos, why would a seller not insist their agent use them?</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> If your real estate agent is not using all the photo space allowed, ask them why?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">I work with buyers and sellers in the </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Brevard</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"> County Florida area, especially the communities of </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Viera</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rockledge</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Suntree</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Pineda</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">, Cocoa and Merritt Island. If you are in the market as a buyer or seller, please give me a chance to be your real estate agent!</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/">Gary Waters, Century 21 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Baytree</span> Realty,</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Rockledge</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">, Florida, 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-1129222322658217087?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-69729304301155978202009-06-10T18:04:00.006-04:002009-06-10T18:04:00.113-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjADWldQWII/AAAAAAAABTE/W2HLTz90AG8/s1600-h/MCj04413210000%5B1%5D.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjADWldQWII/AAAAAAAABTE/W2HLTz90AG8/s200/MCj04413210000%5B1%5D.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345776444235602050" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I was reading an article this morning by another real estate agent who uses the premise of looking for the negative in a property - not the positive.<br /><br />I can understand that as a buyer you want to know what the drawbacks are about a house's layout, the neighbors, the traffic, the condition, the traffic flow in the house, etc. Some become overwhelmed by the location, price or whatever and don't consider the negatives.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjADi3LwECI/AAAAAAAABTM/VJshDaK0ghQ/s1600-h/MCj04413220000%5B1%5D.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/SjADi3LwECI/AAAAAAAABTM/VJshDaK0ghQ/s200/MCj04413220000%5B1%5D.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345776655152451618" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I use a very similar approach when working with buyers, more frequently with first time home buyers. I advise buyers to consider three things when considering a property:<br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>the "must have" [positive], </li><li>the "can have" [neutral] and<br /></li><li>the"can't have" [negative].</li></ul>This approach helps them focus on the "reality" of the property. Anyone who has ever been a seller (or a buyer) knows that sellers always focus on the positive. On the other hand I have seen some buyers who were extremely focused on the negative (while really liking the property, hoping to support a low ball offer!).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Putting it on paper sometimes helps to sort everything out.</span><br /><br />If you are ready to look for a home in Brevard County, give me a call. If you are a first time home buyer, take advantage of the governement's $8,000 tax credit!<br /><br />I would welcome a chance to discuss the process and the market. <a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/"> Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty</a><a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/">, 1211 Admiralty Blvd., Rockledge, Florida.</a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-6972930430115597820?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-25336092069071572602009-06-10T16:41:00.000-04:002009-06-10T16:41:00.383-04:00<div>I was reviewing listings this morning in the <em>Capron Ridge</em> development of Viera, Florida. Specifically, I was checking the prices on a couple of 1/2 duplex (patio style/villa) homes I had shown a couple of weeks ago.<br /><br />Never lived in, these two units were built a couple of years ago, near the club house and pool, really nice....with a price drop of about $25,000 since then. </div><br /><div>As I reviewed all the listings I noted a "higher end" home listed for about $500K. It is a large home, 3,600+ square foot, pool, three car garage. Looked nice!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And in the same development as several foreclosures and short sales (</span><em style="font-style: italic;">considerably smaller</em><span style="font-style: italic;">) listed at less than $150,000! </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Si_KgMlm5rI/AAAAAAAABS8/HJtJWmCrzJw/s1600-h/MPj04118270000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345713937195656882" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 99px; height: 140px;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Si_KgMlm5rI/AAAAAAAABS8/HJtJWmCrzJw/s200/MPj04118270000%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Si_KV3_FivI/AAAAAAAABS0/dPP3GVocfRI/s1600-h/MPj04276400000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345713759866686194" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 138px; height: 115px;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Si_KV3_FivI/AAAAAAAABS0/dPP3GVocfRI/s200/MPj04276400000%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a>I have always considered it a better choice to buy a home somewhere near the mid to lower range for any neighborhood. Like a fast food meal, going "large" may be more fulfilling at the time but later on, it may cost you.<br /><br />The values of the larger homes may make your smaller dwelling more desirable when you sell. On the other hand, a neighborhood of predominantly small dwellings may make your very large home less desirable when you consider selling.<br /><br />J<span style="font-style: italic;">ust something to keep in mind while shopping for a new home in </span>Viera<span style="font-style: italic;"> and </span>Rockledge<span style="font-style: italic;">, Florida. </span></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com">Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent</a> Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-2533609206907157260?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23734800.post-20604152267822332342009-06-10T08:33:00.006-04:002009-06-10T08:47:13.600-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Si-q53yXPEI/AAAAAAAABSs/poBs2B69LI8/s1600-h/MPj04393920000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xBPbY64cCB8/Si-q53yXPEI/AAAAAAAABSs/poBs2B69LI8/s200/MPj04393920000%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345679193916521538" border="0" /></a><br />Reading my <span style="font-style: italic;">Florida Today</span> newspaper this morning I noticed back in the "Local" section and article titled "Magazine gives five schools high marks."<br /><br />It looks like <span style="font-style: italic;">Newsweek</span> magazine has put together its annual <span style="font-weight: bold;">1,500 Best High Schools for 2009 </span>list. It does seem like there is a list for everything. Just a couple of weeks ago I saw where the magazine "Where to Retire" had placed the local 55+ community <span style="font-style: italic;">Heritage Isle</span> in the the top 100 retirement spots in the nation.<br /><br />The top Brevard school in the rankings was Melbourne's <span style="font-style: italic;">West Shore Jr./Sr. High</span> which moved up to 77 from last year's 205.<br /><br />Other high schools in the top 15 included <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr.</span> (189),<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Merritt Island High</span> (518), <span style="font-weight: bold;">Satellite High</span> (877) and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Rockledge High</span> (1,413).<br /><br />Brevard County schools are among the best in the state so this is no real surprise. Well Done!<br /><br />If you are considering a move to Brevard County, Florida, please contact me if I can assist you in any way. <a href="http://www.moving2brevard.com/">Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent</a>, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.<br /><br />Contact me by phone at 321-693-3850 or email agent@moving2brevard.com. Read my blogs at <a href="http://www.gwatersc21.activerain.com/">www.gwatersc21.activerain.com</a> and <a href="http://www.movingbrevard.blogspot.com/">www.movingbrevard.blogspot.com.</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1292020791768399"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "336699"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_url = "008000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23734800-2060415226782233234?l=moving2brevard.blogspot.com'/></div>Gary Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01565449159024268567noreply@blogger.com