Monday, January 31, 2011

Daytona Beach best sandy beach.

Sources: Fl. Dept. of State; Visit Florida; US. Census Bureau; Bureau of Economic  Business Research (University of Florida); State of Florida.com

   1,000 People move to Florida each day
12 International Airports
1,200 Miles of Sand Beaches
1,250 Golf Courses
1,800 Miles of Coastline
14 Deepwater Ports

For more information about real estate in Daytona Beach area or Ormond Beach, Port Orange area of vacation homes, condominiums or homes on the beach, river or golf course go to: http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com/

Why a home inspection?

If you are in the market to purchase a home it's imperative you have a home inspection as soon as possible.
Realtors are not roofers, or plumbing experts or electricians.
I strongly urge all my clients to have a home inspection as soon as possible before the mortgage process
starts.  If a major issue surfaces then the buyer has a few options:
the sales price may be renegotiated, ask the seller to make the repair to save the sale or ask the seller to put funds in an escrow account for the buyer to do their own repairs after closing.

For more information on homes for sale in the Daytona Beach area or Ormond Beach or Port Orange area of homes for sale, vacation homes or condominiums for sale ocean front or river front of vacation homes for the Datyona Beach area information go to: http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com/

FHA 203 (K) Loans help buyers more foreclosed homes.

If you want to purchase a foreclosure home that needs repairs you can use this type of loan to roll repairs into the mortgage. You can purchase "as-is" property even if it's not a foreclosure and finance the repairs and remodeling expense.
The loan is based on the value of the home after construction is finsished, and as with other FHA Loans, the required  down payment is only 3.5%.
Mortgage professionals can provide more information about FHA 203 (K) loans.
For real estate information on areas in Daytona Beach area and Ormond Beach homes for sale, vacation homes, condominiums and homes for sale visit: http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com/

Ocean front condominium for sale from $99,000

You can indeed afford a get a way condominium with ocean views starting at $99,000 with one bed room and one bath.

For a direct ocean front unit with a balcony starting at $139,000 with a one bed room and one bath.

Want more space then how about a two bed room two bath starting at $169,000 with ocean views.

For more detailed information go to: http//www.beachhomesdaytona.com

Florida weather.

Today is January 31, 2011 and it's going to be 75 degrees in the greater Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach area in Florida. While other parts of the country are experiencing snow, high winds and cold temperatures we are so blessed to have fantastic weather.
I'm a local realtor that helps families move across town or help out of area clients find an ocean front condo or vacation home. We have a gorgeous beach and very good bargains on real estate right now.
Visit http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com and click properties to view what is currently for sale.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Remodeling your kitchen.

Just because the economy is on the brinks right now, doesn’t mean that you have to put off your remodeling plans. No matter what your budget is, 2011 home renovation trends prove to have something for any budget. No matter what your budget is, you still can perform some type of renovation to your home and keep up with the trends for 2011. Change your faucets, add crown modeling, change your lighting, try some faux painting and you can change the looks of your home while raising its value. Who says you have to spend a fortune on remodeling? Save the big projects for when you have the extra money; make little changes that have a big punch. New trends are suggesting that instead of powering tons of colors and accent pieces into a room, homeowners are more likely to settle on a few, solid items of furniture and some accents. When it comes to furniture, natural fibers, recycled metals, and sustainable wood products and other “green” materials rush to the head of the class. The color of choice for accents, drum roll, is red. Note this is the accent color and not the entire room color as in years past.  Credit to Koolkit.com

For information on area homes for sale in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach vacation homes, golf course homes and condominiums area of Daytona Beach go  to http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com/

Daytona Beach - Ormond Beach homes for sale.

It makes no difference if you're just starting your Ormond Beach home search or you're fact-finding for local information, this website is your comprehensive Daytona Beach real estate resource. Here you have complete and free access to all of the listings for sale in the Daytona Beach, Daytona Shores, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, Palm Coast, Ponce Inlet, New Smyrna Beach, and the entire Greater Halifax Area. Plus, this site provides you exclusive online content and comprehensive Daytona Beach tools to help you begin your home buying journey. Start your home search: http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com/ go to properties.

Vintage homes by the beach.

For the past two days I showed twelve homes 1960's era vintage homes in Ormond Beach to a client shopping for new residence in Ormond Beach, Florida. The most common element we found was the real wood paneling throughout different rooms either on an entire wall or a partial wall. Beach side homes located within walking distance to the beach vary in architectural style as in year built. Rooms are larger in size than modern earlier built homes. Terrazo floors are popular and typical for vintage 60's era. Ormond Beach homes back then did not have air conditioning so these cold concrete floors felt cooler under foot.
Ormond Beach homes vary in size from beach side cottages with two bedrooms and one bath to ocean front mansions with luxury features and private pools and grand garages.
For more information of homes for sale of vacation homes, ocean front homes, golf course homes in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach go to: http://beachhomesdaytona.com/

Thursday, January 27, 2011

More money saving tips from Dulce Monahan

 Dulce Monahan, CRS , Realtor 386-852-9420 
Visit http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com/  to search current listings available now.
Certified Residential Specialist
Adams Cameron & Co Realtors
Did You Know?
If every American home replaced just one light with a light that's earned the ENERGY STAR, we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year, save about $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year, equivalent to those from about 800,000 cars.
About ENERGY STAR Light bulbs (CFLs)
*      
Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Lighting products that have earned the ENERGY STAR deliver exceptional features, while using less energy. Saving energy helps you save money on utility bills and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change.
                                    An ENERGY STAR Qualified Compact Fluorescent Light bulb (CFL):
                               *can save more than $40 in electricity costs over its lifetime
       *uses about 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and lasts up to 10 times longer
       *produces about 75% less heat, so it's safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.
                        ENERGY STAR Qualified Compact Fluorescent Light bulb (CFL):
*       About ENERGY STAR Light bulbs (CFLs)  Visit this website for more details: www.energystar.gov


If you know someone that is in the market to buy or sell please pass on my name.
        Email: dulcesellshomes@hotmail.com
Thank you,
For homes in the area of Daytona Beach area of homes go to:http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com

When selling your home take note!

Here is a great way to refresh concrete driveways.The German owned Ardex Engineered Cements strikes a beautiful chord with this product. Cost effective, easy to install for the do it yourselfer. It leaves the driveway looking like it was just poured. Thre are also solutions for the cracks, spalling, and other undesired concrete issues.You can call 910-399-4061 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              910-399-4061      end_of_the_skype_highlighting for general product information and assistance. This product can be ordered at http://www.floortexintegrated.com.
http://www.ardex.com/productDetail.asp?ContentParentID=2&ProductCategoryID=24&ProductID=27

For information on homes for sale in Daytona Beach area of homes for sale in an area by the beach, vacation homes, golf course homes, ocean front homes, river front homes go to:http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com/

The value of owning your own home!

American Attitudes About Home Ownership

According to a NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® survey of 3,793 adults conducted by Harris Interactive and released in January 2011, home owners and renters agree that home ownership benefits individuals and families, strengthens our communities, and is integral to our nation’s economy.
Here you’ll find highlights from the research report plus easy ways to share the information.
Among the findings of NAR’s “American Attitudes About Homeownership” survey:
  • The vast majority of both home owners and renters say that owning a home is a smart decision over the long term. Even in today’s challenging economy, 95% of owners and 72% of renters believe that over a period of several years, it makes more sense to own a home.
  • Home owners are much more likely to be satisfied with the quality of their family and community life than renters. While more than half of owners (56%) are “very” or “extremely” satisfied with the overall quality of their family life, only about one-third (36%) of renters report the same levels of satisfaction. Also, 43% of home owners are “very” or “extremely” satisfied with their community life, compared with 30% of renters.
  • An overwhelming majority of home owners are happy with their decision to own a home. A full 93% of owners surveyed would buy again.
  • Most renters aspire to home ownership. The majority of renters (63%) say they are at least somewhat likely to purchase a home at some point in the future. Among them, young adults (18- to 24-years-old) have the strongest aspirations for home ownership.
For information of area homes for sale in Daytona Beach area of homes for information of vacation homes,
golf course homes, river front homes, ocean front homes, condominiums go to:http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com/

Positive outlook for the housing market 2011

Pending Home Sales Continue Recovery, Gradual Improvement Seen in 2011

Washington, DC, December 30, 2010
Pending home sales rose again in November, with the broad trend over the past five months indicating a gradual recovery into 2011, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.
The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator, rose 3.5 percent to 92.2 based on contracts signed in November from a downwardly revised 89.1 in October. The index is 5.0 percent below a reading of 97.0 in November 2009. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which normally occur with a lag time of one or two months.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said historically high housing affordability is boosting sales activity. “In addition to exceptional affordability conditions, steady improvements in the economy are helping bring buyers into the market,” he said. “But further gains are needed to reach normal levels of sales activity.”

The PHSI in the Northeast increased 1.8 percent to 72.6 in November but is 6.2 percent below November 2009. In the Midwest the index declined 4.2 percent in November to 78.3 and is 7.7 percent below a year ago. Pending home sales in the South slipped 1.8 percent to an index of 91.4 and are 7.2 percent below November 2009. In the West the index jumped 18.2 percent to 123.3 and is 0.4 percent above a year ago.
“If we add 2 million jobs as expected in 2011, and mortgage rates rise only moderately, we should see existing-home sales rise to a higher, sustainable volume,” Yun said. “Credit remains tight, but if lenders return to more normal, safe underwriting standards for creditworthy buyers, there would be a bigger boost to the housing market and spillover benefits for the broader economy.”
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is forecast to rise gradually to 5.3 percent around the end of 2011; at the same time, unemployment should drop to 9.2 percent.
For perspective, Yun said that the U.S. has added 27 million people over the past 10 years. “However, the number of jobs is roughly the same as it was in 2000 when existing-home sales totaled 5.2 million, which appears to be a sustainable figure given the current level of employment,” he explained.
“All the indicator trends are pointing to a gradual housing recovery,” Yun said. “Home price prospects will vary depending largely upon local job market conditions. The national median home price, however, is expected to remain stable even with a continuing flow of distressed properties coming onto the market, as long as there is a steady demand of financially healthy home buyers.”
Existing-home sales are projected to rise about 8 percent to 5.2 million in 2011 from 4.8 million in 2010, with an additional gain of 4 percent in 2012. The median existing-home price could rise 0.6 percent to $173,700 in 2011 from $172,700 in 2010, which was essentially unchanged from 2009.
“As we gradually work off the excess housing inventory, supply levels will eventually come more in-line with historic averages, and could allow home prices to rise modestly in the range of 2 to 3 percent in 2012,” Yun said.
New-home sales are estimated to rise 24 percent to 392,000 in 2011, but would remain well below historic averages, while housing starts are forecast to rise 21 percent to 716,000.
Yun sees Gross Domestic Product growing 2.5 percent in 2011, and the Consumer Price Index rising 2.3 percent.
The National Association of REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
# # #
*The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.
The index is based on a large national sample, typically representing about 20 percent of transactions for existing-home sales. In developing the model for the index, it was demonstrated that the level of monthly sales-contract activity parallels the level of closed existing-home sales in the following two months. There is a closer relationship between annual index changes (from the same month a year earlier) and year-ago changes in sales performance than with month-to-month comparisons.
An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001, which was the first year to be examined as well as the first of five consecutive record years for existing-home sales.
NOTE: The next Pending Home Sales Index will be released January 27, and existing-home sales for December will be reported January 20; release times are 10:00 a.m. EST.
REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Not all real estate agents are REALTORS®. All REALTORS® are members of NAR
For homes for sale in the area of Daytona Beach, vacation homes, condominiums, golf course homes and homes by the beach go to:

http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

If you are selling your home take note!

Details
You may not be able to convince sellers to shell out money to professionally stage their home, but getting it sparkling and clutter-free requires little more than elbow grease. After clearing away clutter, polish the hardwoods, clean the countertops, and dust the light fixtures. You can make a stainless steel sink shine with thrifty cleaning remedies such as baby oil or club soda, according to DoItYourself.com. Fisher likes Howard Products’ line, which includes Restor-A-Finish (about $5 per can). It comes in various wood finishes and can be used to polish cabinets and even blend out minor scratches and imperfections.

Tips:
Box it up. Most people pack up after they sell the house, but why wait? Sellers should start packing as early as possible—ideally, before they put the home on the market.

Show off the laundry space. Buyers will be impressed if the laundry room is fresh, inviting, and organized. Make sure light bulbs are working, and hide soaps in a cupboard or line them neatly on a shelf.

Focus their attention. Pick a focal point for each room. For example, the focal point of a bedroom is usually the bed, and for a music room, it’s the piano. If a room is mostly empty, you can help draw attention to a corner with a plant or mirror.


Floors
Hardwoods are on most buyers’ wish lists (red oak being the most popular, according to the National Floor Trends 2010 market study). Hardwood flooring averages about $5 to $15 per square foot, plus about $2 to $8 per square foot for installation, so it’ll be pricier than vinyl, carpet, or other options. But it can make a huge difference. You may find less expensive hardwoods by going directly to installers, who buy their inventory wholesale, Fisher notes. If it’s a small area, the upgrade won’t be as expensive, says remodeling industry expert Bill Millholland, an executive vice president with Case Design/Remodeling Inc. To imitate the look for less, try vinyl or Bamboo flooring, a sustainable resource that resembles wood but averages $4 to $6 per square foot.

For real estate information for Daytona Beach area of homes for sale by the beach, golf course, vacation homes and condominiums go to:http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com/

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Creating stable neighborhoods.

Homeowners move far less frequently than renters, and are invested in the same neighborhood and community for a longer period. Whele 7.4 percent of owner-occupied residents moved from 2002 to 2003, nearly one-third of renters changed residential location.
Datyona Beach homes area of vacation homes, golf course homes and condominiums visit:
htpp://www.beachhomesdaytona.com

Monday, January 24, 2011

Benefits of homeownership

Some fo the most significant benefits of owning your own home involve your personal contentment. Buying a home is a major goal for most Americans and represents a significant accomplishment. Maintaining and improving a home provides a great sense of satisfaction for many owners. It can also afford you much more personalization so that your home can reflect your individuality. Homeownership provides greater financial stability, which in turn contributes to personal well being.
For all your real estate needs in the greater Daytona Beach area of real estate for vacation homes, condominiums and golf course homes go to: http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com/

Friday, January 21, 2011

One more cost effective home improvement.

The new laminate countertops

Forget everything you thought you knew about laminate. These countertops from Formica mimic the look of granite without the hefty price tag.

Credit: Formica Corporation


Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/slideshows/10-tips-give-your-kitchen-low-cost-facelift/#ixzz1Bh0G5Iyd
 
For all your real estate needs for Daytona Beach homes, vacation homes, condos or golf course homes please visit: http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com/

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Short sales in the real estate market

If you are a buyer seaching for homes for sale don't overlook short sales.
It's a process where the current owner still has to sign the purchase contract and agree to the buyer's offer and then the seller's bank has to approve the sale.
In some cases the owner still lives in the home which is a good thing because the heat or air conditioning is still being used and the lawn is being maintained.
The buyer has to wait for the process to move through various channels which may take a few months.
Still a good opportunity for the buyer to purchase a nice home.
For all your real estate needs for Daytona Beach area of homes for sale, condominiums, vacation homes, golf course homes please visit: http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com/

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Best house keeping idea!

Who does not have a missing matching sock in their drawer? Most everyone.
Any sock that no longer has it's mate use as a dusting rag.
Just insert your hand and go at it!
If the sock right side of the sock is rough turn it inside out and use that side instead.
Cheap fast and super easy way to get your dusting done especially in tight areas like
behind stuff on your desk.
For all your real estate needs in Daytona Beach area for homes, vacation homes, condominiums or golf course homes please visit: beachhomesdaytona.com

More home tips!

Green Your Kitchen Space

Try Reusable Towels

Paper towels cause waste -- even if you stick to the recycled brands. Microfiber towels grip dirt and dust like a magnet and don't let go. After use, toss the towels into the laundry and reuse over and over.

For all your real estate needs in Daytona Beach for homes, condominiums, vacation homes, golf course homes please visit: http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Attics and Garages

If your home has either or both of these features now is a great time to get organized.
Any additional pieces of furniture stored in any of these areas that you have not used in over a year then it's time to donate or throw out.
Garages not only store our cars but all of our gardening tools and equipment.
To keep all of these items organized keep like items in the same area.
Rakes, shovels etc can be put in a tall plastic bin in the same corner.
Smaller items like tools, nuts and misc.,l hardware store in clear containers.

For all your real estate needs in Daytona Beach for homes, condominiums vacation homes please click on:  beachhomesdaytona.com

Want to give your home a fresh look?

With the holidays behind us you look around and you want to make changes in your rooms.
Where to start?
Have a small budget?
One idea is to move your wall art around to different rooms. NO COST!

The master bedroom should be simple in decor and have calming colors so you feel rested
in that space. Think about repainting the room in neutral walls. House paint is the biggest ban for your dollar.
Look through magazines at the home improvement center to get ideas.
Invest in painters tape and  good tools. Clean your roller and brush well after the job is done to insure more use later.
If possible move the bed to another wall.
Take away anything from the room that distracts from a calming environment.
Give your wood furniture a good clean with an appropriate wood oil.
This will bring new life back into the wood.
Furniture dries out in the winter when the heat is turned on.
For information on real estate in the  Daytona Beach area and surrounding communities please click here:
http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com/

Monday, January 17, 2011

Selling your home

If you are selling your home there are a few items to keep in mind.
Pack up all of your family photos. When I'm showing homes to potential buyers family photos are distracting their attention from the more important issues: such as square footage, storage etc.
Give your bathrooms a deep clean. If the caulking around the tub is not sparkling white then remove the old caulking and put in new. If necessary hire a handyman to do this. The same applies to grout between tiles. If the home is more than ten years of age you might have to repair the grout.
Don't overlook the kitchen in terms of a deep clean too. The oven folks included. Buyers look in the oven. Yes, they do.
Buyers have many homes to select from right now. Your home may not have all the latest upgrades but, you can score more points if the home smells good and is very clean and decluttered.
To wrap up these few items: pack and clean your home if you need to sell. Good Luck!
For the best deals in real estate for Daytona Beach area and surrounding communities please visit: beachhomesdaytona.com

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Best real estate deals in Daytona Beach, Fl.

Ocean view condos from $45,000
This is called a condotel and you can rent it out when not in use.
A monthly fee and property taxes apply.
Pool and easy stroll to the beach included.

Visit beachhomesdaytona.com and go to "search properties"

Call me direct with questions. Dulce Monahan, Realtor
386-852-9420

Saturday, January 15, 2011

More clever ways to save money!

Give your dog a gleaming coat by spraying or rubbing with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar to 1 quart water. As a bonus, you save the cost of an expensive shine product used on show animals. (Works even on a horse!)

Keep a dog from scratching its ears by wiping them out regularly with a soft cloth dipped in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Remove skunk odors by wiping down the animal with a 50-50 solution of white distilled vinegar and water, followed by a plain-water rinse. Repeat if necessary.

Discourage a cat from sitting on a certain windowsill or other surface
, or from scratching upholstery, by spraying white distilled vinegar on the item. Test first on an unnoticeable area to be sure there won’t be a discoloration.

Keep a cat out of a garden area by placing paper, a cloth, or sponge there that has been soaked in white distilled vinegar.

Get rid of the deposits and water lines that form in aquariums and fish bowls by wiping them down with white distilled vinegar and following with a good rinse. For stubborn deposits, soak for several hours or overnight.

Keep the birdbath clean by scrubbing it often with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse well.

Keep flies away from horses or other outdoor pets by spraying a mixture of water and white distilled vinegar around the area where the animals are.
For all your real estate needs please visit my website: http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com/
For beach homes, vacation homes, condominiums or foreclosure properties please log on and search properties in the Greater Daytona Beach Area, including Ormond Beach, Port Orange, Daytona Beach Shores and Ormond by the Sea.

Friday, January 14, 2011

The many uses of white vinegar.

I decided there had to be a better way to clean around the house without using harsh chemicals which are much too expensive. Using an old spray bottle I use two parts white vinegar (cheap) to one part water.
It works well in the bathrooms and on mirrors and windows. Pour straight vinegar into your dishwasher dispenser on a rinse cycle.
By the way for the for the best search of real estate for Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach and Port Orange, Florida visit: http://www.beachhomesdaytona.com/. Click on search properties to view homes for sale in any price range.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Be clever and save money!

***Dare to Repair***by Julie Sussman: This book offers a do-it-yourself guide to fixing almost anything in the home. Also check out your local home improvement store for quick tips on house maintenance.
Be clever and save money!