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Caveat Emptor, But It’s Not Just Buyers That Need To Beware

Lately I have been hearing more and more stories of tenants being scammed by people that pretend to work for or be the owner of a property for rent, taking money and in some cases even allowing them to move in to a property that is not really on the market for rent.  There have been several stories in the local news about this, and many on the internet.  I can’t say that I am actually surprised.  With all the properties that have been abandoned in these last several years, it was bound to happen.  The perpetrators gain access to the property, change the locks and list it online on Craig's List or similar sites.  They sometimes prepare phony leases and  ask the tenants to pay in cash, or money order, or do a wire transfer.  They may even go as far as pretending to be a real estate agent or broker.  Some of these properties are on the market for sale and somehow the scammer gets access to the lock box, or they may have been in foreclosure for years, and no one ever comes to check on them. In some cases the scammer just disappears after collecting the rent, never giving the tenants the keys, or they list a fake property, with tons of amenities on the web, for a really cheap price and with no photos. 

 

I had an owner call me a couple of weeks ago.  I used to manage his property about six years ago. We had rented to a family, with good jobs and good credit, and they lost their jobs, stopped paying and trashed the property. We had to file an eviction, and by the time we had possession back, the house was in really bad shape.  The owner did not have the money to make the needed repairs to make it rent-able again, and was starting the process of a divorce.  He said he was going to just let it go.  Fast forward six years, I hear from him, he wants to know how the current  rental market is. He is considering renting the property again, but has not even seen it in five years.  I looked it up, it has been in foreclosure for all this time.  This property is in a pretty nice area, and has a good amount of privacy. It would be the perfect home to use to pull a scam. Hopefully no one has.  He says he will be in town in the next month or so, and is going to check it out. Hopefully it will be empty. 

 

So what can a potential tenant do to protect themselves?  For one thing, they could only consider rentals that are listed by a real estate company.  But prior to giving the person any money, they should verify their license on the DBPR website(in Florida) or who ever is the licensing board in their state, if unsure they can contact the local Board of Realtors, and ask them. Once verified, hopefully the listing agent has already done their due diligence and confirmed that the person that signed their listing paperwork is indeed the owner, and that the property is not currently in foreclosure.  If they really want to rent a home that is listed by a private owner, they could do their own research and make sure the person renting it is who they say they are.  They could start out by asking the person for ID.  They could then look up the property on the Brevard County Property Appraisers website and once they verify that person owns it, they could check the Brevard County Clerk of the Courts site to see if there is a foreclosure filed. If they really want to be sure, they can drive by the property at different times to see if there is anything suspicious going on, like the property is still being shown, even after they were approved and paid their deposit.  A scammer is most likely not going to stop at one.  They can also talk to some neighbors, who may know the owner and/or the situation that is going on with the property.  Lastly, they should use common sense, if something seems too good to be true, it probably isn't. 

 

So what are some red flags for that may indicate a scam? 

1. The "agent" or "owner"  walks up to the house, and there is no sign or their vehicle.  They do this, so you can't get their license plate number. 
2. Their is a sign in the yard, but the "agent" or "owner"  tells you not to call the number on the sign.
3. The "agent" or "owner" seems nervous, can't answer questions about the property, asks for cash only, or wire transfer only. 
4. The "agent" enters through a door, other than the front.
5. The price for the home is far below market.  Do some research, what have other comparable homes in the area rented for? If the average price in the area, is $1200 and they are asking for $800, something is probably not right. 

It's sad that things like this happen.  So keep in mind, caveat emptor, but it’s not just buyers that need to beware.  

Some more Good news for Brevard County

We already knew that Brevard County’s home sales were up an average of about 9% over last year, with some areas like Satellite Beach being up about 20%.  Now there is more good new for us, as far as unemployment.  The attached article explains that Brevard unemployment rate drops to 7.4 percent, which is below the national average. 

With everything that this area has been through in last few years, with the demise of the Shuttle program, it's nice to see a positive headline.  Brevard County really is such a great place to live, from our beautiful beaches and rivers to our close proximity to Orlando.  I love this county and I am glad to see it coming back strong. 

Unemployment Rate Drops In Brevard County

What will they say at your Eulogy? What did you do with your Dash?

My sister shared this beautiful video with me.  It talks about the fact that what is most important in life, is not when you were born, or died, or even how long you lived, but what you did with that time in between.  They call that the dash.  This video really hit home for me, especially the question at the end about what will be said at my eulogy.   Saint Patrick’s Day was the 20^th anniversary of my Dad’s death.  I can’t really get my head wrapped around the idea that it has been that long.  He died young, only fifty nine, and he didn’t live long enough to meet my son or twelve other grandchildren, whose lives would have been so blessed to have him in it.  When he died I promised myself that I would be more like him.I would make him proud.  I would be kinder and more compassionate to others, as you never know what that person is going through.  Somewhere along the way, I forgot about that.  I needed to be reminded of what is really important in life.  Watching it helped me to remember just how blessed I really am, and also that it hasn’t always been that way.  I have been down and out, suffred losses and disappointments, and I remember how it feels.  I need to remind myself of that, when I start to lose patience with someone or be judgmental.  After all it’s not about getting to the finish line, it’s how you run the race(or the dash). 

At the end of this video,it asks you to think about what would be said at your eulogy.  I had to really stop and think.  What kind of impression do I leave on the people’s lives, with whom I interact?  Am I kind when I have to turn someone down that applied to rent one of my properties?  (Yes, I learned that lesson a long time ago). Do I lose patience with someone who moves a little slower than I would like, and therefore holds me up?   (Yes, I do this all the time).  Do I unselfishly give of myself, helping other people, even when there is no “real” benefit to me?  (Sometimes) Do I go out of my way to be kind, without really knowing a person’s story, but because that is how I would hope to be treated in their situation? (Sometimes)

Upon reflection, I realize that I do go out of my way to show kindness and cooperation with others.  It might be someone who needs to move in a hurry, (and I have to cancel plans, or rearrange my schedule), or an agent who can’t show a property, because she is ill, but has been working with the possible tenant for weeks, so I show her clients my listing, but pay her the commission.  I feel good about the fact that I am accommodating and flexible.   I have learned over the years, that it is so much easier to treat someone with kindness and compassion, rather than judgment and curtness.  My habit today is to be as helpful and non judgmental as possible (that hasn’t always been the case). I feel a lot better about the uncomfortable, or unpleasant situations, and so does the other person.  Sometimes in this business, we have to disappoint people, or see them disappointed, and our reactions to them in these situations, can make a big difference, in how they walk away feeling.  I feel good about the way I handle these situations today. 

I do have to admit though, that I could do more.  I have been very blessed in my life, and know that I have a lot to give to others, both strangers and loved ones and plan to start looking for more opportunities to practice kindness. 

I met someone today that I had never met before, and just had to get keys from her, and do a quick walk through, for a townhouse I am getting ready to list in Cocoa Beach.  She has been renting there for several years, and just recently bought a short sale on Merritt Island and was planning to be completely out today.  She seemed a little stressed and shared that her Dad, who lives up north, is sick and has taken a turn for the worse.  I told her how sorry I was, acknowledged how stressed she must be with moving, and going back and forth to see her Dad. She started to cry, and I felt awkward but couldn’t help but to reach out to her and console her.  I shared a little bit of my story about losing my Dad, and listened to hers.  There were a couple of things she missed with the cleaning, so I offered to allow her to keep the garage remotes for the weekend, and she seemed relieved, to have a little more time.  I wished her well, when I was leaving and told her that I would pray for her.  I was glad to have been in her path today, and hope that I made her day a little easier.  I feel pretty confident that she walked away with a good feeling about me, and that’s is the way I would want everyone with whom I come in contact with, to feel. 

I hope that when it comes time for my eulogy, it will be a little like the eulogy that my Dad had.  He was, and is remembered as a kind, honest hardworking person that would give a stranger the shirt off his back.  He cut the lawn for the ninety something women who lived accross the street from us, and brought her trash cans in and out.  He stopped and helped strangers broken down on the side of the road, he was loved by everyone who knew him.  His life and death are a good examples for me of both living your life in a way that you can be proud of, and enjoying every minute you have, because life can be cut way too short. 

What will they say at your Eulogy?  Are you proud of what you did with your dash?

Heres a link to a great list of things you can do to be kinder to people, from Wiki-How:   How to be kind.

Happy Easter!

Easter Egg Hunts & Festivities Brevard County Florida 2013

My days of enjoying taking my son to Easter Egg hunts or to see the Easter Bunny, are long gone.   I really enjoyed watching him get so excited and having fun with his friends or cousins. I remember his first Easter Egg hunt and watching him getting knocked out of the way by bigger kids, but still happy to get even one egg.

I am however, still looking forward to this Easter weekend, since my son, who is a Freshmen at The University of Florida, in Gainseville, will be coming home for the weekend. We won't be having any Easter egg hunts, but we will be spending some quality time together.   Since he has been away at college, he seems to appreciate me more when he comes home. If you do have a little one, or little ones, it’s not too late to get in on the fun and take them to an Easter Egg Hunt, to see the Easter bunny, or to other Easter festivities. There are still plenty of events this weekend, throughout the county, so you should be able to find something that works for you, the underwater Easter Egg hunt in Palm Bay, seems like it would be a lot of fun.

North Brevard 

Titusville:
The Isaac Campbell Senior Club and Brevard County Parks and Recreation are co-sponsoring an egg hunt at Isaac Campbell Sr. Community Center, 701 South Street in Titusville, on Friday, March 29, from 2-4 p.m. For more information, call (321) 264-5040.

A breakfast with the Easter Bunny, for children 10 and under, will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 30, at Sand Point Park, 101 N. Washington Ave., in Titusville. There will be a pancake breakfast, crafts and an egg hunt. Participants are asked to bring an egg carrier and a camera. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and this activity is limited to the first 150 registrants. Tickets are $3 for adults and $5 for children. Pre-registration is required at Sandrift Community Center. Call (321) 264-5037 for more information.

Cape Canaveral: 
On Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. sharp the Cape Canaveral City Park, located at Harrison & Magnolia. will be hosting an Easter Egg hunt for pre-school kids through 3rd graders, bring your basket and join in.  There will be prizes, refreshments, and the Easter Bunny will be there. For more information, call (321) 868 - 1226.

Mims: 
Cuyler Park will host an egg hunt on Friday, March 29, from 5-7 p.m. The park is located at 2329 Harry T. Moore Ave. in Mims. Central Brevard

Central Brevard  

Cocoa:
Brevard County Parks and Recreation, Central Area, will be hosting a free Spring Celebration Egg Hunt at the Joe Lee Smith Park Community Center from 4-5 p.m. Friday, March 29, 2013. This free event features two egg hunts. One hunt is for children up to 6 years old and one is for children older than 6. Children can participate in the egg hunt, make arts and crafts, and win prizes. Patrons are reminded to bring a bag or basket to collect eggs. The Joe Lee Smith Park Community Center is located at 419 Washington Street in Cocoa, Florida. For more information you can call the center at (321) 633-1872.

West Cocoa:
 Easter Egg Decorating for children 12 and under, on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 3:30 PM-5:30 PM at Cocoa West Recreation Complex, at 230 S Burnett Road, Cocoa. (321) 633-1987

Easter Egg Hunt for children 12 and under, on Friday, March 29, 2013 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Cocoa West Recreation Complex, 230 S Burnett Road, Cocoa. (321) 633-1987

Rockledge:  
The Twilight Easter Egg Hunt is a free family event for all ages including teens, at McLarty Park, located at 790 Barton Boulevard, Rockledge, Florida. (321) 633-1870.  The Egg hunts will start at 5:30 and the movie, "HOP" will begin at 7:30. There will be food vendors, and a special guest appearance by the Easter Bunny and his side kick “Peep” Make a Night of it! Don’t forget your flashlights!

Cocoa Beach:
On Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 11:00 am, at the Cocoa Beach Pier, there will be games, activities, and an Easter Egg Hunt for children.

The City of Cocoa Beach will also be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt, at the Cocoa Beach Team Sports Complex Ball fields, behind Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School for children ages 10 and under, on Saturday March 30, 2013, at 9:00 am. There will be an Easter Bonnet Contest and a Basket and Egg Contest.   Children will be divided in 3 age groups, ages 3 and under, ages 4-6 and ages 7-10. For information call (321)868-3252 or (321)868-3274. 

Merritt Island: 

The Central Area Brevard County Parks and Recreation will offer Breakfast with the Bunny at Kiwanis Island Park, 951 Kiwanis Island Park Rd, Merritt Island, from 9 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, March 30. This event is free thanks to sponsorship from Georgianna United Methodist and Destiny Christian churches. For additional information, call Kiwanis Island Park at 321-455-1380. 

Viera: 

On Saturday, March 30, 2013, the Viera Regional Community Center, is having a Craft Fair and Kid's Springtacular, this will take place from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. Admission is free for the Craft Fair. The Kid's Springtacular is $2 per child and free for adults accompanying the children. This event includes take-home crafts, games, bouncy houses, snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn and an Egg Hunt at 11:00 am. The Crafts Fair and Kid's Springtacular are sponsored by Brevard County Parks and Recreation. For more information, call (321)433-4891. 

South Brevard  

West Melbourne: 

On Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 11 a.m., there will be a free Easter Egg Hunt and a story time at West Melbourne Library, located at 2755 Wingate Blvd., West Melbourne. Call (321)952-4508 for more information. 

Palm Bay: 

The annual Underwater Egg Hunt will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 31, at the Palm Bay Aquatic Center, located at 420 Community College Parkway. 

Melbourne: 

There will be an Easter Egg Scramble on Saturday, March 30, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m., at the Crane Community Center, located at 1440 Mosswood Drive. There will be eggs filled with goodies and even a chance to win a prize! The Easter Bunny will be hopping around to meet and greet all. There will be additional chances to WIN PRIZES, by purchasing a $1 raffle ticket. Coffee and Juice will be provided. The children will be grouped into age appropriate groups: from 1-2 years, 3-4 years, 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-11 years and 12-14 yrs. Volunteers are welcome, aged 15+ - contact Jerri Woodring at 255-4609. Tickets can be purchased starting March 1 (Tickets are nonrefundable) Check In Time is: 9:15AM. The first hunt will begin at 10:00AM for 1-2 years, with the following age groups approximately every 10-20 minutes. Only $4 for Advance Tickets; $5 at the door For additional information, you can call 255-4609. So go out and enjoy our cool, comfortable weather, while it lasts. 

 HAPPY EASTER!

What the Brevard County Rental Market Looks Like Today

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There are 605 active residential unfurnished rentals listings right now in Brevard County Florida.  They range from a two bedroom one bath 676 square foot apartment in Melbourne, listed for $300 a month, to a five bedroom, four full, and two half bath 5098 square foot house in Indialantic.  The rental market in Brevard is pretty good right now.  The average DOM (days on the market) for listings currently active is only 68, and the average rental price is $1,134. 

In the past thirty days, 451 unfurnished residential rental listings were leased with an average DOM of just 58.  This is a much better number than last year for the same thirty days, which was an average DOM of 89 days.  That is a difference of thirty-one days.   These rental listings ranged from a one bedroom one bath 600 square foot apartment in Titusville, that rented in just eight days for $425; to a 3620 square foot, three bedroom three and a half bath, oceanfront condo in Indialantic, that rented for $3,000, but was on the market for a whopping 198 days.   The condo that rented for the second highest amount was a four bedroom, three and a half bath 3288 square foot, oceanfront, in Satellite Beach, which rented for $2800 and was only on the market for thirty-six days. 

Sixteen of the listings were rented for $2,000 or more and these properties averaged 72 DOM, with an average rental price of $2,428.   That leaves 435 listings that rented for less than $2,000 a month in the last thirty days, with an average rental price of $999.    The average rental price overall for the county was $1,050 a month.  Which is a ninety-four dollar increase for the same thirty days last year.   

 In looking at these numbers, I think it is fair to say, that we are starting to see a turnaround in the rental market here in Brevard County.  I for one am quite happy to see it.  Please keep in mind, that these numbers are based on long-term residential unfurnished listings only, which is the area that I specialize in.  

Brevard County is a great place to live, move to or invest in.  I am so glad that I can call it my home. Just click here for more information about Brevard County, Florida.  

Tax Breaks, yet another good reason to be a homeowner!

Tax Breaks, yet another good reason to be a homeowner!
Many potential homebuyers are still sitting on the fence, wondering if they are better off continuing to rent, live with Mom & Dad, or should they buy a home? There are a lot of risks with owning a home, but there are a lot of benefits too. The pride that comes with owning your own home is a great benefit in terms of happiness. It can provide a person or family with a sense of stability, permanence and roots. It can give you a sense of freedom in that you can make choices in your home environment in a way you can't when renting, or living with others.
Tax Breaks, yet another good reason to be a homeowner!

In addition to the emotional benefits that come from owning your own home, tax breaks can be a pretty good incentive to buy. To begin with you can write off your annual property taxes, and the points paid in the year you bought the house, even if the seller paid them for you.

A lot of people don't realize that you can deduct the interest on up to $100,000 in home-equity debt each year, no matter what you use the money for. doing this can give you a low-interest alternative to a car loan or student loan, as long as you make sure that you can afford to continue to make the payments so you don't put your home at risk.
You can also use the cost of major home improvements to increase your tax basis when you sell. Although, most people don't actually owe income taxes on profits made from a home sale anymore. As long as you've lived in the house for at least two out of the past five years, you can exclude $250,000 from the profits of your home from your taxes if you're single; $500,000 if married filing jointly.
Tax Breaks, yet another good reason to be a homeowner!
The tax break for energy-saving improvements is back. If you installed new windows or doors to your home, or made other qualifying improvements in 2012, you may be eligible for a tax credit. Or, you can make the improvements this year and be eligible. Click here fro more information Tax breaks for homeowners.
Information found on MSN Money. To read more: MSNMONEY.com