Algae Filled Pools…A Health Hazard?

Currently, we have seen a lot of homes on the market that are short sales or foreclosures here in Brevard County Florida.  And, often times our buyers are looking at pool homes.  Well, often times foreclosures or vacant short sales and pools just don’t mix. The lender’s are often out of town, with no one to look after the pools.  They go unkept and untreated. The screened enclosures are torn, if there is one.  Sometimes the fences around these unsafe pools are broken down, or the gates are open.  It can be a hazard.  The pools breed mosquitoes, small snakes, alligators (should I say that? not usually) and all kinds of other creepy crawlie critters. It is a health hazard.

And, the biggest concern maybe the thought of the neighborhood kids sneaking into the backyard and playing in, around and near the pool.  It’s a scary prospect.

I have recently been working with an FHA buyer.  The pool and backyard of a particular home being offered for short sale that we were looking at was pretty bad.  The pool was half full with a green algae where we couldn’t see down to the bottom.  The mosquitoes were thick. The yard was a mess.  We questioned the lender on the pool, being that the buyer was going FHA with 3.5%. Would it or could it be an FHA problem?  The lender responded that if there was brown algae in the pool, it could be a qualifying problem for the borrower. FHA would not approve the property, as it was a health hazard.

Hmmm, interesting, as the buyer’s friend who works for a pool company said, “no problem, that pool has green algae in it, not brown.”

Brown algae? Green algae? Algae is algae.

The buyers have since ruled this property out for various reasons.

If the algae were gone, would it still be considered a health hazard and an FHA problem?

This article is authored by

Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

Palm Bay Florida Real Estate News

Sleep Escapes Me

As long as I can remember, I’ve always had a problem falling asleep at night. It takes me longer than most people.  I toss and turn and toss and turn, no matter how tired I am.  It runs in my family.  I have parents and 2 sisters that have the same problem.

When I lay down in bed at night, a little motor clicks on in my head, and the wheels are set in motion. You name it, and I’m thinking about it. My mind decides then, that I must solve the problems of the world.

Now people that don’t have problems falling asleep have a hard time understanding this. It makes no sense to them.  ‘Just close your eyes, and think of the mountains, the ocean, anything but what you’re thinking about.’  Well, now that’s something I had never thought of. NOT! (my 16 year old daughter would say). I suppose that if I could do that, I would. But, it just doesn’t work for me.

Perhaps, I should learn to meditate and do yoga.  I would love to learn how to do both.  I understand that you can gain complete control of your mind, and teach yourself to clear your head and to think about what YOU want to think about when you want to think it.

Hmmm, I may have to check into that!

But for now, I’ll just spend time late at night getting things cleared off my desk, and getting caught up.  There’s always so much to do at midnight.

It certainly beats laying in bed, and counting sheep.

As you can see from the picture, some have no problem sleeping anytime or anywhere, and snoring too!

Lucky dog!

This article is authored by

Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

Palm Bay Florida Real Estate News

A Dog or a Cat in A Rental

I got a call yesterday from a tenant looking for a rental. I asked several questions, and then asked the very friendly caller if she had any animals.  I really don’t mind renting to tenants with pets.  We either have terrazzo floors or ceramic tile, specifically for that reason.  Today, many people have pets. And, in some situations it’s hard to find one without one.

The caller told me that she had 2 dogs and 3 cats. Ouch! Pets are okay, but that’s a zoo! Too many for me.  We talked for a while longer and then kindly parted ways.

I don’t care to have a house full of animals. and actually I prefer to rent to tenants that have dogs, and not cats.

I have had difficulty in getting the cat smell out of a property.  I’ve known owners that had to treat the concrete under their carpets (after the carpets went to the trash) to try and rid the house of the smell of cats that spray, to no avail.  It makes for an unpleasant situation.

So, for me, I’d take a dog (depending on the size and type) over a cat in a rental house in most situations.

Do you have a preference, as to whether you rent to tenants with a dog or a cat or neither?

FOOTNOTE:  This post is based on my opinion through the experiences I have had. I am sure that different owners have had different experiences with all types of animals.

This article is authored by

Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

Palm Bay Florida Real Estate News

 

Hotwire Says Orlando Florida Top Vacation Destination

Hotwire.com has voted Orlando Florida, located just 40 to 50 minutes from Brevard County, as the top 2009 Travel Destination for travelers.  Hotwire comes up with a top ten list each year of destinations across the country that provide great value and entertainment.

So head on over to Orlando Florida just to get a glimpse of what we have in store for you,

Walt Disney World

Epcot

Animal Kingdom

MGM Studios

Islands of Adventure

Sea World

Wet N Wild

and all kinds of fun on International Drive

“The Hotwire Travel Value Index identifies the best destinations to stretch vacation dollars,” said Clem Bason, president, Hotwire Group. “With warmer weather and spring break coming up, it’s a great tool to use when looking for the best vacation and overall value. Orlando is this year’s city to beat and it shows through the amazing deals in this market,” said Bason.

Check out the most current deals in Orlando.

This article is authored by

Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

Palm Bay Florida Real Estate News

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men. 
They bear hardships and they carry burdens, 
but they hold happiness, love and joy. 

They smile when they want to scream. 
They sing when they want to cry. 
They cry when they are happy 
and laugh when they are nervous. 
They fight for what they believe in. 
They stand up to injustice. 

They don’t take “no” for an answer 
when they believe there is a better solution. 

They go without so their family can have. 
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. 

They love unconditionally. 
They cry when their children excel 
and cheer when their friends get awards. 

They are happy when they hear about 
a birth or a wedding. 
Their hearts break when a friend dies. 
They grieve at the loss of a family member, 
yet they are strong when they 
think there is no strength left. 
They know that a hug and a kiss 
can heal a broken heart. 

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. 

They’ll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you 
to show how much they care about you. 

The heart of a woman is what 
makes the world keep turning. 

They bring joy, hope and love. 
They have compassion and ideas. 
They give moral support to their 
family and friends. 

Women have vital things to say 
and everything to give. 

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, 
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH. – Author Unknown

 

Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

Palm Bay Florida Real Estate News

Mortgage Foreclosure Scams on the Rise

It seems that whenever people are in trouble, new scams crop up all over.

I recently received a phone call from Channel 13 News, here in Melbourne Florida.  The reporter asked me if I had any experience with consumers that had recently gotten caught in a mortgage foreclosure scam.  I personally do not know of anyone, however, I have heard that scams are becoming more prevalent throughout the state.

Florida Attorney General is calling a state of emergency and is working to help stop the rise in mortgage fraud and mortgage foreclosure scams. He wants all state agencies working together to try and get a handle on the situation.

The goal is to investigate fraud complaints more quickly.

The Attorney General has recently received more than 5000 complaints on mortgage fraud, credit relief and debt repair.

In 2008, Florida was the second highest ranking state in the nation in mortgage fraud.

This article is authored by

Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

Palm Bay Florida Real Estate News

“No, I Can’t Help you Sell Your House at That Price, It’s Unrealistic!”

We are hearing more and more stories in our current market about realtors that are getting tougher in the types of sellers they are willing to do business with. Homes today are just not selling for yesterday’s overinflated prices and realtors are putting their foot down. Many across the nation are now refusing those over priced listings that are no longer selling in today’s market.

Price is key in quickly moving a property off of the market, especially with the large numbers of short sale and foreclosures in some areas.  A typical seller just cannot compete. So, if that owner occupied property is not priced perfectly, it doesn’t stand a chance of moving off of this highly competitive market.

So don’t be surprised, when you hear that realtor say, “No, I can’t help you sell your home at that price. It’s unrealistic!”

This article is authored by

Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

Palm Bay Florida Real Estate News

First Time Homebuyers Are Out in the Market

According to the National Association of Realtors, home sales picked up in February 2009, just over January numbers.

First time home buyers accounted for more than half of all buyers in the market. They are usually in a better position to buy than others, as they do not have another home that they are waiting to sell.

Buyers are out searching for a deal and they are finding them.  Nearly 50% of homes that sold were distressed sales, either foreclosures or short sale properties. These distressed properties are coming with a price tag of about 20% less than a typical sale.

First time home buyers are also out right now taking advantage of the $8000 first time homebuyer tax credit. This chart highlights the differences between the previously established $7500 tax credit and the now revised $8000 tax credit.

Home sales are anticipated to increase even more in the Spring.

This article is authored by

Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

Palm Bay Florida Real Estate News

Okay It was Me, I Did It, I’ll Admit, I’m Guilty, and All the Neighbors Know I Did it Too

I was out showing houses on Tuesday. We were looking at gorgeous townhomes in Satellite Beach Florida. Oh, so much to choose from. On one of units I was told by the listing office that there was an alarm system on the property, and they gave me the alarm code to disengage the system.

The listing agent on this property was smart.  She had a note on top of the electronic lockbox that said, ‘You need the security code to disarm the alarm system before entering.’  Smart idea, I thought. Okay, I had been told twice that there was an alarm system that needed to be disengaged. I was ready, I had the code written down.

We got into the property and nothing, there was no light flashing on the security system and there was no beep, beep, beep, beep indicating that the system was actually engaged. Maybe it was already off. I certainly didn’t want to turn it on by accident.  (Okay, there, that was my excuse). I moved over to the keypad to take a closer look, seemed like we’d been in the house for less that 5 seconds and the siren starting screaming.  OH NO! I disengaged it within 3 siren screams.  Oh great, the knuckle head realtor set off the homeowner’s alarm system, and I was that knuckle head. Ugh.  Thankfully, this was my first time setting off a homeowner’s alarm system (and hopefully the last time).  The home phone rang immediately (the alarm company calling). 

I could see it now, police coming, ‘M’AM come out, put your hands up and feet spread apart! 

I immediately called the listing agent directly.  She told me to call 911.  911. I thought 911 was for emergencies? I did.  I told her that I was a realtor, showing a property and I set the alarm off in error. “What was the name of the street?” Could you spell that?” I did.  I will connect you to the Satellite Beach Police Department.

I looked at the mother and her 3 year old that I was showing houses to.  The 3 year old was hiding in a corner.  “What are you doing, Sarah?”  “The police are coming, so I’m hiding.”  Oh great I thought, nightmares for her for a week!

The Satellite Beach Police Department told me they would stop the officers enroute to the property.  That would be good, I thought, and save me a bit of further embarassment.  Good deal, we’re all set.  I cracked a couple of jokes with the buyer, and I talked again to the other agent who had spoken to the owner.  My buyer was terrific, she just took it in stride.  I love her!

Two minutes later, up walks 2 police officers. No guns drawn (thank goodness).   They were very polite and gracious and were gone in another 2 minutes.  Fiasco ended, thank goodness. No trip to jail (thank goodness)-LOL.

Later that day, I talked to the listing agent on the property, as she was calling for feedback. I apologized profusely for setting the alarm off.  She told me she headed out to the property shortly after we were there.  And guess what?

SHE ACCIDENTALLY SET THE ALARM OFF HERSELF – NO KIDDING!

She laughingly said that I had jinxed her for that day.

I hung up with a chuckle and a little smile on my face.  Too funny.

This article is authored by

Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

Palm Bay Florida Real Estate News

We Often See Different Things the Second Time Around

This morning I was out with a buyer. It was our third time looking at townhomes for sale.  Some of the properties were second showings for us, as we had previously seen some of them one of the other times we were out. 

It’s always interesting to see a buyer’s reaction when they are viewing a property for a second time, on a different day. 

Homes look different the second time around.  Rooms look bigger or they can look smaller.  Or buyers didn’t remember certain aspects of a property.  The property can look nicer the second time around or ‘boy this one was a real dog, what was I thinking?’ Buyers see things in homes the second time around, that they didn’t  see their first time out.

Often times their perspective is different than it was the first time out. They have seen more properties for sale. So, they usually have different expectations after they have viewed several properties. Now they have a better idea of what their money can buy them. They are able to more quickly weed out the homes they just don’t like, the second time around.

I always like to hang back and watch the dynamics of a buyer taking a second look at homes.  It’s a learning experience; they are growing and evolving and becoming educated buyers in our market. I LOVE IT!

This article is authored by

Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate

Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

Palm Bay Florida Real Estate News