According to the Melbourne Association of REALTORS here in Brevard County Florida
Statistics for October 2008:
For single family residential units:
There were 561 new listings.
This is a decrease of 27.61% from October 2007 of 775 new listings.
Year to date there were 7516 new listings.
There were 226 sold listings.
This is a 1.80% increase from October 2007 of 222 sold listings.
Year to date there are 2672 listings sold.
The average sale price was $192,766.
This is a 9.17 decrease from October 2007 of $212,226.
Average days on the market were 138.
This is a 12.20% increase from October 2007 of 123 days.
For all properties, including single family residential, condo and townhouse:
There were 910 new listings.
There were 280 sold listings.
Average sales price was $175,198.
Average days on the market were 151.
This article is authored by Sandy Shores, Melbourne FL REALTOR.
It is the exclusive property of, and may not be used without the written permission of Sandy Shores, Brevard County, Florida Space Coast. All information is believed to be accurate, but is not warranted. Copyright 2008.
According to the National Association of Realtors Florida still leads the nation in the number of foreign homebuyers it attracts. From May 2007 to May 2008 one in four international buyers made their puchase here in Florida, just over 25%. California ranked 2nd and Arizona ranked third.
These buyers are coming from Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, China, India and Germany. They have been attracted by the declining market many areas of Florida have been faced with.
Studies have shown that 43% of foreign buyers buy with cash, compared to approximately 7% of Americans.
55% of homes bought by foreigners are used as a primary residence. While over 31% purchase for vacation as well as investment purposes. And only 13% are purchased for investment.
This article is authored by Sandy Shores, Melbourne FL REALTOR.
It is the exclusive property of, and may not be used without the written permission of Sandy Shores, Brevard County, Florida Space Coast. All information is believed to be accurate, but is not warranted. Copyright 2008.
Due to Tropical Storm Fay in August of this year Brevard County School students here in Florida missed 4 days of school. It was determined that these days must be made up. 2 of the make up days were put on the calendar for December 22 and December 23, 2008!
Parents, students and teachers were up in arms about this decision. Many had already made their holiday plans, months ahead of the decision to make these days up on these dates. Many had already purchased tickets to go out of town or out of the state, to spend the Christmas Holiday with their families.
Yesterday, the Florida Education Commissioner concurred with the Brevard County School Board that these days would not be required to be made up. Today, many parents and students are thrilled to hear the news.
The concern was that students may not have the required legal number of hours for this semester in the classroom.
In one week we will celebrate Thanksgiving. It came so quickly this year, in just the blink of an eye. Time just got away from me.
It's at this time of year we must truly take a moment out of our busy lives and take time to reflect. We have so much to be thankful for.
My sister, Jean and her husband, Charley will be coming in from Ft Walton Beach to visit us here in Melbourne Florida. They are arriving Sunday to spend the week with us. I love my sister dearly, She always tells me that she is my best audience, because she laughs at ALL of my stupid jokes (I'm not very good at delivering the punch line).
And, my brother in law, Phil and sister in law, Eileen will be coming in from Georgia on Wednesday for a couple of days. My girls love seeing and spending time with both of them.
I am blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I am really looking forward to bringing everyone together and taking a couple of days to enjoy the special people in my life.
I hope that all of us are able to take time to reflect and be thankful for the wonderful gifts we have in our families and friends.
I recently read an article regarding taxes on short sale and bank foreclosure properties. I found it interesting, as the last several buyers that I have worked with have purchased homes that were either bank owned or getting ready to be bank owned.
New owners hope that their new home will be assessed based on the new lower price they purchase the property for at time of sale. But, we are hearing that may not be the case in Florida.
There are many things taken into consideration when assessed values are calculated. In Florida the tax assessors office compares prices of similar homes that have sold in an area to determine values. These comparisons will NOT include any foreclosure or short sale properties.
In some areas of Florida assessed value could be approximately 85% of market value.
Tax bills in Brevard County Florida were mailed out the first of November. The assessments are based on property values in January of this year.
NOTE: Please check with the tax assessors office in your area to determine how taxes are calculated in your area.
 |
|
|
Residential, Investment & Relocations Serving all of your buying, selling and investing needs in Brevard County Real Estate. I also buy, sell, rent, own & manage investment property.
Hi, I'm Sandy Shores...I am a Full Time REALTOR since 1996. I have lived in Melbourne since 1975 and I love it here! I specialize in Residential, Investment and Relocations. I work with buyers, sellers, and investors.
My broker has been in the business for nearly 50 years specializing in Residential, Commercial and Investment Property. He has been a wealth of knowledge for me. He owns and always has owned investment propertie of his own.
I began purchasing single family rental homes over 12 years ago and have continued to buy 1 to 2 properties per year since then. I believe that there is no better place to put your investment dollars than in real estate. But, remember, in real estate you don't get rich quick over night. You accumulate wealth over time, and real estate has it's ups and downs. 8 to 10 years ago homes were at $30K to $50K, today those prices have gone up.
The real estate market is cyclical. We have seen the Brevard County, Florida Real Estate market come full circle. Currently, we are experiencing a market correction. Our property values went up by 180% in a 5 year period of time! Investors lost money in the Tech Stock Market Bubble. Many shifted to real estate. In 2005 homes were selling in Brevard for over inflated prices. Buyers were optimistic that the market would continue up. House flippers were buying and reselling for a quick profit. It just couldn't last. New owners got their tax bills based on new assessed values.They didn't expect such a blow. We were then visited by a couple of hurricanes, sending insurance rates soaring. Then, owners interest only, 100% financed, negative amortization, adjustable rate mortgages readjusted upward ...that was the final straw. Owners had to sell. The market became saturated with houses for sale, thus it began on the decline. We are currently experiencing a market correction. Today, the buying opportunities are plentiful! Sellers that purchased 5 or more years ago, are still in a position to sell for more than they purchased their homes for. Interest rates are low and short sales and foreclosures are putting downward pressure on home values. Many homes are becoming more affordable. These deals are being scooped up first. There are home buying opportunities available today, however it is so important that buyers understand today's market.
The Buyer...
Buying a home is probably the largest purchase you will make in your lifetime! Having lived in Florida since 1968 and in Melbourne since 1975, I know the area and understand the market. The first step is in securing a reputable REALTOR. I can guide you through the buying process. The next step is choosing a reputable local lender in the area in which you are buying. You should compare 3 written good faith estimates to see which lender can provide with the most affordable costs and best rate (without any hidden fees)! The lender can review financing programs to find which mortgage loan is best for you. Once you have a pre approval letter in hand, I am able to assist in showing you affordable, homes, in a good area, that suit both your wants and your needs.
It's important that you not overpay for the home. Are you buying it to live in it? How long will you live there? Will it be a second home? Is it an investment property? What are your investing goals? Will you be able to sell for the price you are paying today? Always consider resale, when buying. Upon choosing the right house, I will assist you in the maze of paperwork. I follow up on financing, inspections, survey, homeowners insurance, title work, repairs, etc, to be sure the contract successfully gets to closing.
The Seller...
My job is to professionally market your largest asset, your home, for sale. For some, this is an emotional experience. Your home holds your memories. I bought and sold my own home in 2001. I handled every aspect of the transaction, for both me as the seller, and the buyer of my house, as for me as the buyer and for the seller of the home I was buying. I understand the emotions tied to the transaction, having gone through it myself.
I understand the current market conditions, national, as well as local. Is the market going up or down? This will affect pricing on your home. What are interest rates doing?
The house must be in "show" condition. If there are items that need attention, they must be addressed before it goes up for sale. It is important that we don't overprice the home for the current market.
The home must be properly advertised, accentuating it's positive features. With my marketing plan the goal is to create urgency to potential buyers. I will present various financing options to a new buyer to make the home affordable and easy to "get in".
My job is to net you the best possible price in the least amount of time, with the least amount of headaches and hassles. I must attract the REALTOR community and every approved buyer to your home! Once the contract has been negotiated and signed with a pre approved buyer, it is my responsibility to see to it that every aspect of it is completed to close the sale; from inspections, to title work, insurance and follow up. Then, I will stay in touch with you to keep you abreast of current market conditions.
Today, location and condition are important in getting a home sold, however, price is the most important factor in getting a home sold!
...Through perseverance, knowledge of the Real Estate Market and knowing our personal needs, Sandy was able to sell our property within thirty days. Her services and professionalism were a credit to the Real Estate profession. It was a joy to us because the property sold due to her knowledge of market conditions and her expertise. -Danny & Diane Sicilia, Melbourne
Sandy Shores is one of the finest real estate agents that I've had the pleasure to be associated with in my 45 years in the business. Sandy is far above the competition in knowledge and ability. And best of all, she has a true concern for the customers she comes in contact with. Sandy is 100% committed.
-Willard "Bill" Mallery, Palm Bay, Florida
Sandy's persistence and detailed market appreciation enabled out house to sell within one month of her hiring...Sandy's extreme job knowledge make difficult questions easily answered...Hiring Sandy Shores ensures you get the best Realtor for the job!
-C.E. Booton, Retired Major USAF 23 years, Navarre FL
Every time I hear of someone who is interested in buying a new home, I immediately begin singing my praises of you. You went far beyond the call of duty. I also rave about how you helped me, with a new business. work through more than a few major problems with the mortgage lender. I really thought it was not going to happen, but thanks to you any your hard work and diligence I am now sitting in my very own new home!
Sandy, you impressed me with your professionalism and even after the closing I could rely on you to help with some of the challenges of owning my first home. You really take the time to help, listen and suggest possible solutions. There are very few people who go out of their way for people the way you do. For professionalism you get an A+, for customer service, A+, and for knowledge in your field A+. If I ever sell this home or buy another, I want you as my Realtor. Thank you for everything! - Kathi Belger, Melbourne
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2008 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
