Brevard Home Sales Continue Upwards!

Sales in November of single-family homes in Brevard County surged over the previous year, and trends indicate the housing market will close out 2012 strong.

Sales statistics for existing single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums were outlined in Thursday’s report by the Florida Realtors.

Closed sales for single-family homes rose nearly 20 percent in November, 589 compared with 492 the previous November.

The median price — the point at which half the homes sell for less, half for more — jumped 16.2 percent to $122,000 in that period. Closed sales of town homes and condominiums also increased.

Sales rose 15.7 percent in November, 147 vs. the previous November, while the median price edged up more than 22 percent to $115,015 in that period.

Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

“We have seen a gradual strengthening in the market,” said Jesse “Jay” Parrish, the incoming president of the Space Coast Association of Realtors. “There’s certainly reduced inventory, and my personal sense of the market is that it is improving. And it’s improving in the commercial sector as well.”

Economists and others pay close attention to the home sales as it, as well as unemployment data and consumer spending, are key components of the nation’s economy.

Statewide, closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 17,072 in November, up 24.4 percent compared to the year-ago figure. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in November was $150,000, up 11.2 percent from a year ago.

“Particularly striking in this market is the degree to which prices have risen,” said John Tuccillo, the chief economist for the Florida Realtors. “This might be expected to be the case for median prices as investors absorb the inventory at the lower end of the market, but average prices are up dramatically as well – and that suggests we’re seeing real appreciation occur in the marketplace, another sign of how solid Florida’s real estate recovery has become.”

In Brevard, the average sales price for single-family homes in November was $153,197, a nearly 10 percent increase compared with the previous November figure.

Local data also indicates inventory is running below last year. Single-family home inventories are 43 percent smaller than last year. That’s the case even with last week’s report that Brevard’s rate of foreclosure filings is the highest among the nation’s metro areas.

Nationally, the National Association of Realtors on Thursday reported that total existing-home sales- completed transactions for single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops — was 5 million, 14.5 percent higher than the 4.4 million-unit pace in November 2011.

Sales are at the highest level since November 2009 when the annual pace spiked at 5.4 million, the Washington-based organization said.

The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $180,600 in November, up 10.1 percent from November 2011, the national real estate group reported.

Cocoa Beach Pier New Year's Eve Party!

Join the thousands of revelers expected to ring in the new year at the 24th Annual ‘Rockin’ the Dock’ New Years Eve Party at the Cocoa Beach Pier. The Pier is holding “5 parties in one” at the historic Cocoa Beach landmark that stretches 800 feet in to the Atlantic Ocean.

Each of the restaurants and bars on the Pier will feature live entertainment, champagne toasts, balloon drops, and television screens showing other great parties simultaneously occurring around the world.

Tickets on sale now in Ocean Notions Gift Shop. Just $20.00 each.

Dine in the Atlantic Ocean Grille on Dec. 31 and receive a FREE ticket to stay for the party. 1 free ticket for each entrée purchased.

Please call 321-783-7549 for reservations.

Florida Housing Market Continues It's Upward Trend

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida's residential real estate market will continue its upward trend into 2013, though the pace of recovery may be slower than the U.S. as a whole, according to leading U.S. economists speaking at Florida Realtors^® 2013 Real Estate and Economic Forecast Conference Dec. 12 in Orlando.

"Florida's housing market is back, with great possibilities for the future – but those possibilities are only beginning to be realized," said Dr. John Tuccillo , chief economist for Florida Realtors.

Along with Tuccillo, conference speakers included Doug Duncan , senior vice president and chief economist for Fannie Mae; Leslie Appleton-Young , vice president and chief economist for the California Association of Realtors (CAR); and Pat Reass , a state-certified residential real estate appraiser at Appraisal Group MidFlorida LLC in Winter Haven.

Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan said, "We believe the housing market is on firm footing. … Most of the improvement we've seen has come from the supply side of housing. Distressed properties are coming down from about 5 million to more like 3 million."

Mortgage rates should remain low and not change much in 2013, he added, while banks likely will continue to maintain high lending standards and a tight credit environment.

"The trend has been established for the housing recovery, but robust growth awaits more jobs and a stronger economy," Duncan said. "Three years into the recovery, the current economic expansion is the weakest since World War II. Just over half of the jobs lost in the Great Recession have been recovered."

The real estate market "bottomed out in late 2008," Tuccillo said, according to Florida Realtors' market data, data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and other market research sources.

"Since the beginning of 2009, we've clearly seen a regrouping and a recovery underway," he said.

Median sales prices are consistently rising for both existing single-family homes and condo-townhome units across Florida. However, he noted the state's active distressed property (foreclosures and short sales) market is putting pressure on prices, resulting in smaller gains and a slower rate than what is being seen in California and the U.S. as a whole.

Other signs of Florida's steadily improving residential market, according to Tuccillo:

• Months' supply of single-family homes is below 6 months;
• Latest data (October 2012) shows 44 percent of closed sales were paid in cash, signifying strong demand from investors;
• Foreign buyers make up 19 percent of closed sales in Florida (October 2012);
• Traditional (non-distressed) sales now make up over 50 percent of Florida's closed sales;
• Closed sales include fewer REOs (real estate-owned) and more short sales; and
• Shadow inventory has been declining since 2009, though it remains a key factor in the state's housing market going forward since Florida is a judicial foreclosure state (meaning foreclosures go through a court process.)

Comparing Florida's residential market to California's and to the U.S. as a whole, CAR Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young agreed that the nationwide housing market is back.

"The latest NAR data shows very strong closed sales and rising prices," she said. "Low inventory is currently a challenge for the nation, for California and also for Florida in many areas. There's just not enough property for sale, particularly with investors buying properties for cash (29 percent of the market in California; 25 percent of the U.S. market). For California, we're calling 2012 the return of the traditional seller to the marketplace – in October 2012, 63.4 percent of our total sales were from equity or traditional sales."

In California, the current months' supply of existing single-family homes is 3.1 months, Appleton-Young noted. While the state is still dealing with lender issues such as tight credit, problems are being resolved at a faster pace, she said, and home prices are rising as a result.

Looking ahead to 2013, Appleton-Young said, "There is a tremendous amount of pent-up demand for housing. The number of new units is improving, but it's still low and isn't enough to meet pent-up demand. The housing recovery is gaining strength, but the long-term viability of the market and its recovery depends on jobs."

Where will Florida be in 2013? Assuming that the national fiscal problems are not resolved but are "postponed," Tuccillo said he expects employment in the state to grow by 10 percent in 2013; residential sales to increase by 10 percent; prices (same sales index) to rise by 5 percent; commercial activity to revive; and inventory to grow as the market improves.

"I think the improvement in the market and rising prices will bring more potential sellers back into the market," he said. "Signs point to a better year in 2013."

Florida Realtors^®, formerly known as the Florida Association of Realtors^®, serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 115,000 members in 63 boards/associations. 

Christmas in Space Coast!

By Jennifer Alvarez, Realtor®

Coldwell Banker Cocoa Beach Realty

realtor.jenniferalvarez@gmail.com   

www.cocoabeachrealty.com/jenniferalvarez

Looking for Holiday events around town?  Here are some great activities you have to choose from in our very own Space Coast... 

Cape Canaveral "Reindeer Run" on Saturday, December 1st 8:00am @Cherie Down Park 8492 Ridgewood Avenue, Cape Canaveral. 

17th annual run is the final leg of the Holiday Beach Classic Mini Series.  Proceeds from the event benefit the Brevard County Police Athletic League. Run includes award presentations and door prizes.   Contact r.lefever@cityofcapecanaveral.org or call 321-868-1226

"Lighting of the "Riverfront Park Christmas Tree" on Saturday, December 1st  5:00pm-9:00pm @the Riverfront Park in Historic Downtown Cocoa Village. 

An event where attendees can enjoy a variety of holiday entertainment on the main stage, visit with Santa Claus, play in the snow and watch "Arthur Christmas" on the outdoor big screen scheduled to start at 7:00pm. Stage entertainment and visits with Santa are FREE, for kid’s activities such as the bounce house, game area, snow play and etc. there's  a $5.00 activity band fee

"Melbourne Light Parade" on Saturday, December 8th 6:pm @912 E. New Haven Ave, Melbourne. 

Parade route begins at the Florida Marketplace and ends in downtown Melbourne.  Spectators are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or new unwrapped toys to the event (collected at the first float in the parade).

"Cocoa Beach Christmas Boat Parade"  on Saturday, December 13th 6:pm @the Banana River in Cocoa Beach.  The 30th Annual Parade will float through the canals of Cocoa Beach The parade starts at 6:00pm at marker 101 on the Banana River, in Cocoa Beach.  Scheduled to proceed east to Sunset Bar and Grill, then south through the residential canals in the city, and ending at the west end of the Cocoa Beach Golf Course.  Sponsored by the Cocoa Beach Boating Club, awards will be given for best decorated boat over and under 30 feet. For questions or more information, call Walt Blazer, (321) 783-1207.

Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" on Saturday, December 22nd 7:30pm @King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne. 

Musical version with an ensemble of 28 performing a full array of timeless carols such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Away In a Manager” and “Here We Come A-Wassailing” interwoven within the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge and all the other characters from Dickens' 1843 novel.  With the colorful scenery, elaborate costumes recreating the Victorian period;  exceptional voices, lively dancing and neat special effects... collectively create a wonderful holiday treat for the entire family!

Hope to see you there!

Realtors: A Well Earned Reputation That Is No Longer Deserved

Ask the average citizen about realtors and the responses received will be less than lavish. Shady, cut-throat, lazy, greedy, and these will account for the less imaginative terms. Do realtors deserve this reputation? They certainly did. Do they presently deserve this reputation? Not at all, but you can’t simply change people’s opinions without work.

Now before you decide to light your fiery torches, grab your pitchforks, and march in my direction, realize this does not apply to ALL realtors, but I’m sure it relates to someone you know or have worked with. Remember, only few bad apples ruin the bunch, and when the general public is looking for a scapegoat, that is all they need.

During the realtors “hay-day”, everyone jumped on the realtor band wagon. Being a realtor was easy. Get your license and make money, lots of money. In some cases, realtors didn’t even really have to know what they were doing, and in many cases didn’t. Bad decisions were made with no consequence. Well, not immediately anyway. Like anything moving too fast and out of control, our profession jumped the tracks and the gravy train came to a crashing halt.

Unfortunately, the problem was so inflated that the casualties affected the whole country. People lost their jobs, their homes, and their faith in the American dream. Normally, I am a little over dramatic, but unfortunately, this time I am dead on. Now of course realtors can blame the banks, and the mortgage brokers, which they have, but realtors need to realize that their clients are their responsibility. They need to protect their clients. They simply didn’t (not all of you…).

The reputation, as a generalization, was well deserved. What then public does not realize is that the primary fatalities of that train crash were those realtors. The ones that survived were the hardworking, honest ones. Unfortunately, they are also the ones living with the aftermath of the catastrophe. The question is, what do we do?

Well, the market has shown improvement and is definitely on its way back. As realtors, we now have to show extra care. It’s not just about making a buck; it’s about keeping our profession alive and healthy. I was once told, “Don’t worry about making money, worry about doing the best job possible. If you do that, then the money will come, and you set be set with a foundation that will last.”

Be honest, moral, and make decisions based on what is best for your client. It is up to all of us to repair our reputation and once again thrive in our given profession.

U.S. Mortgage Rates Close to Record Lows!

Mortgage rates were little changed, keeping borrowing costs close to record lows after home prices increased in more U.S. cities.

The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage climbed to 3.4 percent in the week ended today from 3.39 percent, Freddie Mac said in a statement. The average 15-year rate fell to 2.69 percent from 2.7 percent, according to the McLean, Virginia- based mortgage-finance company.

Low interest rates are making real estate more affordable, while rising demand is bolstering values. Single-family home prices climbed in the third quarter from a year earlier in 120 of 149 U.S. metropolitan areas measured, the National Association of Realtors said in a report yesterday. In the second quarter, 110 areas had gains.

“There is absolutely a direct relationship between falling interest rates and rising prices,” Keith Gumbinger, vice president of HSH.com, a Pompton Plains, New Jersey-based mortgage-information website, said yesterday in a telephone interview. “More borrowers can come out and participate in markets that would have been considered too expensive for them.”

The 30-year average reached an all-time low of 3.36 percent last month, while the 15-year hit a record of 2.66 percent, according to Freddie Mac.

Port Canaveral Welcome Center!

PORT CANAVERAL — Port Canaveral officials are urging the public during the next several months to visit a special observation desk in the Cove area and watch the construction of a $16 million-plus welcome center.

That’s to see the the outside progress.

The center’s designers offered the public a view of what’s going on inside the center — seven floors showcasing the Brevard County’s ecological jewels, its relationship with the space industry, boating and surfing and a maritime history going back 12,000 years.

On the top floor will be an observation deck where people can watch cruise and cargo ships enter the port as well as capture breathtaking views of the Space Coast.

“I’m very excited,” said Stefanie Mattia, group sales coordinator for Courtyard by Marriott in Cocoa Beach and chairwoman of the Port Canaveral Association.

“I’ve been out here for more than 15 years and to see a plan like this in the Cove come to fruition is just wonderful,” Mattia said.

“I think it’s exciting, not only for the cruise passengers but Central Floridians as well,” said Keith Smith, marina master for Bluepoints Marina in the port. “This is really good stuff.”

The welcome center, located on Port Canaveral’s south side near the entertainment district known as “the Cove,” is being designed as a modernistic attraction that attracts visitors who may be waiting for a cruise to depart, but also act as a Brevard showcase for tourists.

One floor of the center also will be available for conferences and social events.

The center’s scheduled opening, July 2013, is meant to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon's landing on Florida's coast. Some historians believe he may have landed near Melbourne Beach.

At one of two public meetings to review the welcome center, the project’s designer, Jan Faulkner of Haley Sharpe Design, discussed plans for each of the seven floors and the intention to use local artists, photographs and exhibitions to promote the area’s history and present.

Another group of individuals are fast-tracking the development of state-of-the-art interactive exhibits. In total, they predict about $2.5 million in exhibits at the center.

And the open-air observation desk, with views of the ocean, the port, the space center and other attractions is meant to serve as a tourism brochure of sorts.

“It’s going to be a springboard to go out and explore the area,” Faulkner said of the expansive views of Brevard that will be visible from the deck.

Sindy Smith, manager of the Cove Marketplace, said the welcome center and the visitors it will attract means the vendor market, located next to the structure, likely will go from a seasonal operation to one that’s open year round.

“I’m very excited,” Smith said. “It definitely means more employment, more opportunity and more new beginnings.”

Cost-Effective Ways To Stage Your Home to Sell!

By Jennifer Alvarez, Realtor®

Coldwell Banker Cocoa Beach Realty

realtor.jenniferalvarez@gmail.com

www.cocoabeachrealty.com/jenniferalvarez

Staging your home is a key factor in its marketability and price validation.  Budget should not play a role, as there are different types of staging.  Most cost-effective method is simply removing and packing-away items.  You can either hold a yard sale to purge the items or move them into the garage or a storage unit/container.

            ◊ Remove all family photographs and memorabilia's...  

                        Allows buyers to visualize their personal possessions in the home.

            ◊ Put-away Seasonal things such as clothes, accessories, decors items, linens, etc...

           

                        Makes your closets and cabinets appear larger.

            ◊ Clear counter tops in the kitchen and bathroom... 

                        Provides a feeling of a clarity and well-being.

            ◊ Furnish each room appropriately, with properly sized furniture and theme decor as it applies to the subject room... 

                        Offers the feeling of a welcoming "HOME".

            ◊ Be attentive to scents and odors.  Exercise discretion when preparing meals the days your            home is being shown, or on a night before an open house is to be hosted.  Minimize pet odor with frequent cleaning; vacuum with carpet cleaner, mop with scented liquid regularly, and keep a bottle of "Febreeze" and/or a can of "Lysol” handy to spray just before an appointment... 

                        This will help allow your house to be a consideration to all buyers, even to those with allergies to animals or are simply not partial to pets.  

   

This little extra effort will help in reaching the main goal...selling your home as soon as possible, for as much as possible!

Slater Brothers Invitational October 26th - 28th!

Cocoa Beach, Florida, is expected to be the site of a charity surf and skate event the weekend of Friday, October 26, 2012. The event is being presented by Brighthouse Networks in association with the famed Slater Brothers. Here are a few more details:

Surf Event Basics

The Slater Brothers Invitational is an annual event that is designed to raise awareness and funds for the World Skin Cancer Foundation. It is scheduled to take place Friday, October 26, 2012 through Sunday, October 28, 2012 in Cocoa Beach, Florida. The event is expected to include an invitation only surfing competition, a skateboarding competition, a live concert, complimentary skin cancer screenings and a Slater Brothers Look-Alike Contest. Surf fans that are unable to visit Cocoa Beach in person will have an opportunity to watch both the surf and skate competitions via the event's website. I, for one, am looking forward to it.

The surfing portion of the event is slated to run all three days, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., in Cocoa Beach. Participating surfers are expected to be competing for a top prize purse of $1,000. Both longboard and shortboard heats are planned. The heat draw has yet to be revealed. However, the competition has a history of attracting top name pros and amateurs alike. Surfers that have attended the event in the past include Rob Machado, Shea Lopez and the Hobgood Brothers. As such, I suspect that this year's surfing competition should attract top name surfers as well. Surf fans should keep an eye on the event's website for updates.

Other Event Basics

The concert portion of the event is anticipated to take place on Friday, October 26, 2012 at Coconuts on the Beach. The group scheduled to perform is Pepper. Tickets may be purchased through Coconuts on the Beach. The skate portion of the event is also expected to kickoff on Friday with an open practice and a best trick jam. Skaters interested in participating in the event should contact Cocoa Beach Skate Park's Scooter Newell. Additional details about all the events on tap for the weekend are posted on the Slater Brothers Invitational's website.

About the Cause

The World Skin Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization. It has been in operation since 2005. Several events are often held throughout the year to help further the organization's work in the fight against skin cancer. The Slater Brothers Invitational is just one of them. Surf fans can find out more about the organization's activities online.

U.S. Navy Ship To Be Named After Neil Armstrong

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today that the first Armstrong-class Auxiliary General Oceanographic Research (AGOR) ship will be named Neil Armstrong, after the first man to walk on the moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission who died last month at age 82.  

Mabus named the future R/V Neil Armstrong (AGOR 27) to honor the memory of Neil Armstrong, best known for being the first man to walk on the moon. Armstrong was an aeronautics pioneer and explorer for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) serving as an engineer, test pilot, astronaut and administrator.  Armstrong also served as a naval aviator flying nearly 80 combat missions during the Korean War.  

"Neil Armstrong rightly belongs to the ages as the man who first walked on the moon.  While he was a true pioneer of space exploration and science, he was also a combat-proven naval aviator," said Mabus.  “Naming this class of ships and this vessel after Neil Armstrong honors the memory of an extraordinary individual, but more importantly, it reminds us all to embrace the challenges of exploration and to never stop discovering.”

 

Armstrong’s widow, Carol, will serve as the ship’s sponsor. 

The Armstrong-class AGOR ship will be a modern oceanographic research platform equipped with acoustic equipment capable of mapping the deepest parts of the oceans, and modular on-board laboratories that will provide the flexibility to meet a wide variety of oceanographic research challenges.  These make them capable of supporting a wide range of oceanographic research activities conducted by academic institutions and national laboratories.  Additionally, the research vessel will be outfitted with multi-drive, low-voltage diesel electric propulsion systems.  This upgraded system will maintain engine efficiency while lowering maintenance and fuel costs. 

 

Armstrong-class AGOR ships will be 238 feet in length, have a beam length of 50 feet, and operate at more than 12 knots.  AGOR 27 is currently under construction by Dakota Creek Industries, Inc. in Anacortes, Wash.

Top 10 GREAT Reasons To Live in Space Coast Florida!

By Jennifer Alvarez, Realtor

Coldwell Banker Cocoa Beach Realty

realtor.jenniferalvarez@gmail.com

10. The Weather

Great warm Summers, comfortable Falls, relaxing Winters, and pleasant Spring-time.  No Snow to Shovel!!!

9. The Beaches

Easy access to the beach from anywhere in the area. 

8. Proximity to Theme Parks and Major Attractions

Home to the internationally known Kennedy Space Center, the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, the Cocoa Beach Pier, Brevard Zoo, and the major Port Canaveral cruise port (Disney Cruise line, Royal Caribbean, etc.);  and just moments from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World in Orlando. 

7. Its Centralized Location.

Being in a central location, it's just a short drive to anywhere in Florida...to Miami, The Florida Keys, Tampa/Clearwater, Daytona, and the state capital!

6. Year-round Active Lifestyle

Water activities such as Boating, festivals, fishing, summer & winter camps.  Ability to take walks, jog, swim, play tennis, and golf anytime of the year.  Annual sports to participate in, as well as events for spectators..such as surfing, swimming, track, football, baseball, basketball, skateboarding, etc. 

5. Many Activities On-hand

There are a number of historic sites such as Cocoa Village, Downtown Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, and Eau Gallie; and Port Canaveral home to many restaurants and retail business. Numerous acclaimed local and chain restaurants, shopping malls, outlet centers,  museums, cultural venues, art galleries, cruises, and nationally recognized events.  While still allowing the enjoyment of the natural habitats Space Coast has to offer with its several parks, nature preserves, national wildlife refuge, natural animal habitats, and organic beaches. 

4. Home Prices and Taxes.

Although not necessary the cheapest prices in the nation, however based on lifestyle, location, and size of property you get lots of value for your money!  Not to mention the Taxes...No (Personal) Income Tax, therefore you get to keep more of what you earn, lower taxes than in many cities in Florida and throughout the county, and not to mention "Homestead Tax Exemptions".

3. Esteem Schools

Historically there have been, and continues to be, a broad number of schools acknowledged for its high ranking in several analysis for their education and testing results. 

2. Up-and-Coming Area!

Originally known predominantly as retirement community...based on the information gathered by the Florida Space Coast Demographics Data Center in 2009, the population experienced on a 20% increase since year 2000 with just over 45% of the populations being between the workforce ages of 20 and 54.  Major companies have recently made Space Coast their home, such Bertram (renowned yacht Manufacturer) with its new facility in Merritt Island, said to create 221 new jobs and a total economic impact of over $26.3 million a year; as well as BlueWare (a national Healthcare IT Company) relocating its operations to Melbourne, expected to hire 190 full-time employees over the next four years and a total annual economic impact of over $22.4 million.  Lynda Weatherman, President  & CEO of Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast reported "In the last 18 months alone, dozens of companies, including internationally renowned firms like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Embraer, and AAR Corp., have established or expanded operations on the Space Coast, generating over 2,300 jobs and over $240 million in capital investment. Harris Corporation announced a $100 million campus renovation - ensuring that this Fortune 500's world headquarters remains and grows on the Space Coast. New construction currently underway at Kennedy Space Center, Port Canaveral, and the Air Force Technical Applications Center totals over $360 million in capital investment. Kennedy Space Center is not closed for business. Unmanned rockets are still being launched; commercial crew capsule development is underway. Since the Apollo era, space was not our final frontier - it was only the beginning." 

1. Number 1 Reason to Live in the Space Coast...Overall Way of life!

As a whole the residents work diligently in their subsequent professions, taking pride in the growth and reputation of their community.  Additionally, while the Space Coast houses a large population of some of most highly intelligent and exceedingly skilled professionals in the nation, alongside a proud hardworking party, and is quarters to some of the country's most gorgeous estates...there is still a common standard of living that displays general kinship and camaraderie amongst each other; and just an overall courteousness. 

Space Coast is just on the whole the perfect place to live where you have to the ability to balance work & play!!!  

Why Use a Realtor?

How often have you seen a sign like this: “FOR SALE BY OWNER”. Have you ever wondered, why use a realtor at all? Why pay someone to put a sign on my lawn when I could do it myself.

Well, if that was the only thing realtors did, we would all be out of a buisness. My name is Arthur Infeld and I’m a realtor on the Space Coast of Brevard County, and if you give me just a moment, I will explain to you why you should use a realtor.

Many people believe simply because they are allowed to sell their home without a licensed real estate agent, they are better off saving money and doing it themselves. Well you also have the legal right to defend yourself in a court of law without a lawyer to save money, but you wouldn’t do that with the fear of not knowing the law and losing. Much like lawyers, realtors are required to know the laws to protect you, your money, and home. And unlike lawyers, realtors only get paid once your home has been sold.

Realtors are effective, based not only on their knowledge of real estate and the market, but also have the proper tools to make selling your home smooth, easy, and fun.

First we can aquaint you with the market and recognize the competing properties. This means not overvaluing your property and having it spend to much time on the market. More importantly , this means not underpricing your property and losing money.

Once on the market, realtors have the proper avenues to market and effectively advertise your home. The more people who know your home is on the market, the higher the demand. With demand high for your property, the better chance of moving it quickly and at a price you will be happy with.

Ofcourse once you have a potential buyer, your realtor will be able to evaluate whether or not they are financially feasible to be considered serious.

Remember your realtor is there to make sure that the whole process of selling your home goes smooth from putting it on the market till all legal contracts are correct and signed.

Your buyers will have someone on their side. You should have some one on yours.

Arthur M. Infeld 

Realtor Associate

Coldwell Banker

Cocoa Beach Realty

5675 N. Atlantic Ave. #102                  

Cocoa Beach, FL. 32931

(321) 262-9745

Email: realtor.arthurinfeld@gmail.com

Cocoa Beach Air Show Soars into Town September 22-23!

f you love airplanes, action – or just a fun-packed day at the seashore, here's an event that’s sure to tickle your rudders.

The 2012 annual Cocoa Beach Air Show soars into town Sept. 22-23, 2012, providing a unique chance for beachgoers and enthusiasts to watch both civilian and military aviation in action.  The theme of the event is the "Year of Extreme Flight," so as you can imagine it’s going to be exciting.  

The U.S. Marine Corps will showcase a full capabilities demonstration of the V-22 Osprey, an aircraft designed to fly like a plane but also to take off and hover like a helicopter. The Cocoa Beach Air Show was selected as only one of 10 shows in the nation to feature this exclusive air craft demonstration – and I can’t wait to see this bird fly! 

Many viewing areas are free and open to the public.  Premium viewing tickets start at $19.  For more information on VIP tickets, where to stay and show line-up, visit http://www.cocoabeachairshow.com 

Welcome Jennifer and Arthur!



"With me you are not only getting a Real Estate specialist with over 12 years of experience, but with my expertise in Marketing and Event Management you are getting a Personal Public Relations Specialist for your home".  

Born and raised in Florida I hold a savvy knowledge of Central and South Florida.  As a Real Estate professional this allows you the security that I can provide you with true, in-depth information on home buying, home selling, financing and investing in real estate in Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Cape Canaveral, Rockledge, Viera, Melbourne, Indialantic, Indian Harbor Beach, and Satellite Beach.  With over 12 years of Real Estate experience I have had held steady production ratio in residential and commercial sales and rentals through sharp marketing skills and ability to successfully cultivate prospects. I pride on the actuality that most of my business is generated from repeat clients or referrals. I have built my business on developing relationships, which thankfully has earned me a career of true longevity and lasting testimonies. 

I also hold over 15 years of experience in Project Management and Business Development.  As Project Manager a vital element was generating a line of  investigations, assembling data, and deciphering  information into a systematic format. In Business Development the objective was strategizing and service clients.  The development of the client/company’s public image and recognition were carried out through vigorous marketing campaigns, community outreach, networking and generating special events.   Which are all elements I incorporated with my buyer’s and seller’s transactions TODAY. 



    Real estate is a business of people. Relationships of communication and understanding. I have spent the last twenty three years in the business of one on one relationships. Now I'm bringing that experience to real estate.

    I have spent the majority of my working career in the service industry. I have managed restaurants and been involved with event coordination with high end corporations. Essentially my job was to figure out what the client wants and make it happen. Along with my expertise in design and an architectural degree from University of Miami, just let me know what you are looking for and I deliver, and if it's a property you want to sell, I will find you its perfect match.

$2 Brevard Zoo Admission in September!

Brevard Zoo is offering four discounted zoo admission days in September. Admission each Tuesday -- September 4, 11, 18, and 25 -- will be just $2 per person all day long.

The $2 admission price applies to anyone who is not already a member of Brevard Zoo and is 2 and older. Zoo members and children under 2 still receive free admission into the zoo. Brevard Zoo’s hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last admission at 4:15 p.m.

Additional charges apply to activities inside the zoo including feeding giraffe and lorikeet, kayaking or paddle boating, and riding the train.

For more information about Brevard Zoo, please visit www.brevardzoo.org or call (321) 254-9453.



I Dream of Jeannie Honored!

It’s been more than 40 years since Jeannie and Major Nelson said “I do” in Cocoa Beach, but city leaders say it’s time to celebrate the sitcom that helped immortalized the 1960s Space Coast era.

A public ceremony will be held to install a historical sign that honors “I Dream of Jeannie” at Lori Wilson Park.

The sitcom was set along the Space Coast and followed the lives of Jeannie, a genie, and Nelson, a NASA astronaut.

Former mayor Joe Morgan has pushed to get a historic marker installed at the park for years. Now, with a nod and a wink, city leaders are ready to do just that.