We Would Not Be In This Mess If We Had Only....

followed your example!

The lessons of history are sometimes only remembered until the final exam is taken!  

Such is the case with our present economic and real estate condition.

Folks who lived through the great depression as well as World War II knew what hard times were like. 

They knew that one must live within their means and, when available, credit, if required, must be used wisely!

Hopefully the present generation will go back to the history books for a refresher!  And, let us not forget government spending as well!

No quite the real estate post I usually write but the point for home buyers is...buy within your means!

Gary L. Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding region.  Whether your interest lies in a 55+ community such as Heritage Isle, a golf course community such as Baytree National Golf Links or water front, give me a call!

What a Florida Native Can Learn From the Snow Up North!

Florida and snow usually do not appear in the same conversation although it has happened once this winter! Until I entered the U.S. Navy at age 20, I had never seen real cold or snow!

Things changed when I had the good fortune of living in Frederick, Maryland for several years. Snow quickly became a part of the winter lifestyle.

Dealing with the snow taught me two valuable lessons - maintain patience and keep a positive attitude!

When it snowed sometimes you had to modify your schedule.  Sometimes you had to be patient  (they will plow your street eventually)!

As a seller of a condo or house in Viera Florida, the same lessons can be applied. Be positive and enthusiastic about the process! 

You will get a buyer.  Real estate buyers are looking in Brevard County, Florida!  Be patient while your real estate agent does his job!

If you are considering selling a house or condo in Brevard County, especially Suntree, Viera and Rockledge, please contact me.

Let me show you how we can help you!  Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge Florida working exclusively with Century 21 Baytree Realty!

Read my blog Observations of a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent for more information on Brevard County, Florida.

Spring is Almost Here – Now Off the Couch!

In the fall and winter I find people do two things...

We all know when football season begins and cool weather arrives many find themselves watching TV and becoming more sedentary. And then they add their “winter weight!”

Also, during this time we ( I, as well) seem to neglect the exterior appearance of the house and yard!  Admittedly, in Florida you still have to mow the grass throughout the winter but the rest gets a bye!

As spring arrives, even if you are not selling your Brevard County Florida home, get off the couch, go outside and work on the landscaping, the curb appeal, add some paint and flowers. 

You may not be selling but the guy next door or the lady down the street is…so help them out.  Who wants to buy in a neglected neighborhood?

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge Florida working exclusively with the Realtors of Century 21 Baytree Realty. Email me at agent@moving2brevard.com or call me directly at 321-693-3850.

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale for information and tips on buying and selling real estate in Brevard County, Florida.

Viera Florida Real Estate Market – A Snapshot in time (February 2010)

Viera Florida, just north of Melbourne Florida, offers all types of living options. 

There are condos, town houses, single family homes, golf course communities, gated communities, guarded communities,  lake front living, 55+ communities, and rental communities as well. 

In Viera, there is something for all budgets and tastes!

A quick snapshot reveals:

• 296 Active listing single family homes with 27 of these listed as short sales.
• Highest priced single family home $1.95 million, lowest price $84,000 (Indian River Colony Club, 55+ community)
• Highest priced condo $209,500. 
• Lowest priced condo $49,900 for a one bedroom, one bath.
• 36 actively listed condos for sale in Viera.

For information on the Viera Florida housing market, please contact me at agent@moving2brevard.com.
Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, Florida, working exclusively with Century 21 Baytree Realty.

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale for more information on the Brevard County Florida real estate market.

You’re Buying a House not a Casket!

I have been involved in both of these transactions and they are not the same!  These events should evoke and involve a different set of emotions.

I have written several times about the home buying process and how it should not be an emotional decision.  While that is true it is not necessary to restrict yourself from having a bit of fun in the process!

You can relax, have some light conversation, have lunch for some local “taste," even laugh and still remain a serious home buyer!

Contact me if I can help you in any way. I am serious about your goal but we can still enjoy our time together!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge Florida working exclusively with the Realtors of Century 21 Baytree Realty. Email me at agent@moving2brevard.com or call me directly at 321-693-3850.

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale for information and tios on buying and selling real estate in Brevard County, Florida.

Market Activity Ravencliffe Subdivision in Viera Florida

Ravencliffe subdivision in Viera’s newer construction west of I-95 offers Brevard County Florida home buyers some of the most attractive homes and prices.

Located near excellent (newer) schools, restaurants, The Avenues Mall, Duran Golf Course, the new Viera High School, he new Viera Health First Hospital (opens next year)and more, Ravencliffe is the place to be if you are looking for larger, semi-custom built homes in an exclusive gated community!

As of February 2010 there are five homes for sale in Ravencliffe with most priced around the $450,000 mark!

For information on homes for sale in Ravencliffe or any other area in Viera, please drop me an email to agent@moving2brevard.com or call me directly at 321-693-3850.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, working exclusively with Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge.

Please read my blogs Florida Homes for Sale and Observations of a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent for tips and information on the Brevard County Florida real estate market.

Charolais Estates – Viera Florida: Market Report February 2010

Charolais Estates is a newer gated community in Viera Florida’s newer section west of I-95 in Brevard County.

As of February there are five active listings in Charolais Estates priced from $460,000 (a short sale) to $549,000.

These homes are larger (four over 3,000 square feet) with either 4 or 5 bedrooms so there is plenty of room! There are three short sale homes that have been under contract and are awaiting lender approval. 

Two homes sold  in Charolais Estates and closed in January ($422,500 and $520,000).

For information on homes for sale in Charolais Estates or any other area in Viera, please drop me an email to agent@moving2brevard.com or call me directly at 321-693-3850.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, working exclusively with Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge.

Please read my blogs Florida Homes for Sale and Observations of a Viera Florida Real Estate Agent for tips and information on the Brevard County Florida real estate market.

Why not make "one day when" tomorrow?

Many times we dream about that distant time referred to as “one day.”

• One day we will buy that new house…
• One day we will move to Florida and enjoy life….
• One day when I win the lottery…
• One day when something else happens!

One day when may never come….

I was reading a story on the Palm Beach Post website about Scott Wilson, only 23 who had recently graduated from the University of Central Florida who was killed when a driver ran a stop sign and broad sided his car.

I heard about someone yesterday who was on a heart transplant waiting list.  This person may be my age (50s).  Last June one of my friends suddenly passed away (only mid 50s).

Life is short and unpredictable.  Live it now.

Why not make "one day when" tomorrow?    Whatever it is you are going to do, why wait?

Overcoming Your Home's Plummeting Value...

I spoke to someone today about their Rockledge, Florida home. He had calculated the loss in value on his house and how much appreciation will be necessary to reach the point where his mortgage balance will equal property value.

According to his very basic calculation, it will take seven years of ten percent increases in value to break even.  

At that point he will have a house that is not upside down.  The truth is he will not get 10% appreciation.  I read last week an expert's opinion of appreciation over the coming decade will be possibly 1-2% a year.

Now I am not a financial wizard so I can not vouch for the accuracy of his figures.  However, based on sales prices and homes currently on the market in his Rockledge, Florida neighborhood,  my opinion is his estimate is probably in the ballpark. 

So what will he do?  He has considered a short sale.  His decision, like many in the same position, will be a difficult one.

If you are considering selling your Brevard County, Florida home but owe more on it that the market will pay, call me to discuss the possibility of a short sale.   

Sometimes a short sale is the best decision.

Gary L. Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, Florida  working exclusively with Century 21 Baytree Realty.  Email me or call me at 321-693-3850. 

Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale