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Daytona Beach River Front Condo For Sale

Daytona Beach Real Estate- Direct Intracoastal River Front Condo For Sale

The Glamorous Real Estate Life

Realtors live such glamorous lives. At least that's what many people think. How about a reality check?

Buy House in Ormond Beach Forida

Port Orange Real Estate Market Update

I've had so few real estate calls lately that I'd be checking to make sure my phone is working if it weren't for the calls I was getting from parties who were interested in renting my condo conversion project listing. So I decided to do a little research. I gleaned the usual revealing information from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for the Daytona Beach Area Association of REALTORS® and decided to share it with you.

As of November 15, 2007 there are 972 active MLS listings for Port Orange Florida. Here's the breakdown of the active listings.

• Houses 685
• Single Family Attached (IE Duplexes) 134
• Condos 87
• Manufactured Homes with land 60
• Condotels 4
• Homes selling for land value only 2

For the month of October there were only 40 sales. Here's the breakdown.

• Houses 28
• Manufactured Homes with land 7
• Single Family Attached 5

I guess this isn't showing me anything I didn't already know. So to further depress myself I decided to compare sales for the month of October each year for the last few years. Here's a graph of the data.

Read my other post about real estate listings and sales in Daytona Beach Shores.

To buy real estate in Port Orange FL, make a Smart Choice and contact Lisa Hill.

Daytona Beach FL Condos to Buy or Rent

I have a condo-conversion project listed, with 42 units available for sale. There are studios, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms units available, priced from $114,900 to $148,900.

• Before I get to the point, I'll insert a side not here and thank Rick Garcia for his assistance when I started working with this particular seller. You see, the seller lives and works in south Florida and kept bringing up methods of doing business there. Knowing I had seen quite a few condos listed on their Miamism and Active Rain blogs, I gave Rick and Inez Garcia a call. Inez was out in the field so Rick graciously answered all my rambling questions. Thanks Rick!

Now to get to the point of this post. With the Daytona Beach area's real estate sales becoming increasingly more slow, my seller decided he would rent or sell the units in Surfside Villas. Now Adams Cameron & Company does not do any property management, and the local property management companies I called did not even want anymore properties in their inventory. It seems the rental market, especially for beachside condos, is just as slow as the real estate market. But my seller decided he didn't need property management. He just needed someone to actually rent out the units. So with my brokers permission, I said I'd give it a shot.

We agreed on a commission (a percentage of the lease) for me to have potential tenants fill out the personal information documents, applications and background check authorization, and collect their deposits. My seller is preparing the actual leases. So the week before last, I took my first rental application, collected their money and now have to move our sales office. (I rented out my office. D'oh!) I was off to a great start!

And then the flakes started calling *sigh*. Since it's about a 20 minute drive from Port Orange, where I live and where my office is, to the condos located on the beachside/peninsula in Daytona Beach, I scheduled 3 appointments at 30 minute intervals so I wouldn't have to drive back and forth. Of my 3 appointments, only 1 showed up. I just spoke with all of them yesterday! Thank God I didn't have to drive back and forth 3 times!

Thankfully the one that did show up is very interested, has a steady job, was very nice, and looks like a quality tenant. But a word to the wise, be glad you work with real estate buyers instead of renters! So far, this whole rental adventure has shown me a much flakier clientel than I'm accustomed to. I can't imagine being in property management! Oh wait. Yes I can. I'm subscribed to Rich Kruse. I'm particularly fond of his post called Tenant Did What? or how about Robbed and Kidnapped at Gunpoint.

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings...

Condominium for Sale - Daytona-Beach, FL 32118 - Real Estate Video Tour

Moving to Daytona Beach? There are Plenty of Things to Do.

If you're planning to buy real estate in Daytona Beach Florida, or any of the surrounding cities, you'll be interested in some of the great things you'll find to do here.

Aside from the obvious tourist attractions such as NASCAR at the Daytona International Speedway, Bike Week and Biketoberfest, and the World's Most Famous Beach, there are many other interesting activities. How about watching a baseball game with the Daytona Cubs at Jackie Robinson Ball Park? Or maybe you'd like to tour the local museums and galleries.

If you're the outdoorsy type, you'll enjoy a day, or a camping trip at Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach. Or you can spend a day in Ponce Inlet at the park and lighthouse, then walk down to the beach and enjoy watching the boats come and go in the inlet. You can even rent jet skis or take tour boat rides. Or there's always the Daytona Beach Flea and Farmers Market which has been voted as one of the top 5 flea markets in the country!

If your tastes lean toward the arts, we have Seaside Music Theater. All of these are places about which I've previously written. You can follow each link to find more information.

For this remainder of this post, I thought I'd let you know about another fun activity that's short but very sweet. Located in the heart of old Daytona Beach, in the newly renovated Historic District on Beach Street, overlooking the riverfront park is Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory. They offer FREE tours of the factory every hour, and hand out FREE samples! How great is that? I can tell you from first-hand experience that Angell and Phelps chocolates are heavenly! My car seems to go on auto pilot every time I attempt to drive by. I say "attempt" because I always seem to find myself parked in front of the store. When that happens, what else can I do but go inside?

To be perfectly honest, Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory is such a mainstay in this area that I never knew it wasn't a nation-wide chocolate company. I only recently discovered it to be a local company that began in 1925 by two women; Riddell Angell and Cora Phelps. Apparently, they had a shop in Michigan at the beginning of WWII, but had to close their doors there. Since they had wintered in Daytona Beach, to our great fortune, they then moved here permanently and opened the chocolate factory we all love. How amazing is that? Think about it. Two women in the 1920's were able to open and operate a successful business that is still alive and growing, over 80 years later. Visit the Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory web site to read all about this inspiring heritage and history.

Also part of the Angell and Phelps experience is the Angell and Phelps cafe. This is wonderful dining, and includes the area's finest musicians playing jazz, pop and blues music. Each delicious dish is made with fresh, quality ingredients; there's a fabulous dessert menu; and a full bar featuring specialty martinis.

If you're a local resident, I'm sure you can attest to the mouth-watering goodness of Angell and Phelps fine chocolates and "Casual Gourmet" Cafe.

For those of you who have not yet moved here, visit my web site and view my featured mls listings for the Daytona Beach area. You'll find video and virtual tours as well as plenty of local information.

Make a SMART CHOICE today and contact Lisa Hill for all your real estate needs.

This beautiful 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home in Ormond Beach FL has just been reduced to $292,000. You'll love the charm and homey feeling as soon as you step into the front foyer.

This fabulous buy has 1 bedroom and a powder room downstairs, and 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs. All the rooms are large enough to accommodate full-sized furnishings.

One of the best kept secrets of this neighborhood is the hidden community pool and basketball court. Each of these homes backs up to this community area. Just open the gate from your back yard and take a dip in the pool. There's even a separate pool for this children.

If you don't want to walk the short distance from your private backyard, to this community area, you can enjoy the warm Florida evenings on your rear screen room, or throw some burgers on the grill and relax on your patio. Doesn't that tiki hut look inviting?

Be sure to view the video below, and check out my Daytona Beach area MLS listings.

If you have kids who are ready for college, the Daytona Beach area has plenty of them. We even have 2 of the top rated universities in the nation, close at hand.

If you're not familiar with how the different cities all link together in the Daytona Beach area, read my post titled Daytona Beach Florida-A Comprehensive Distinction Between the Surrounding Cities.

You may also be interested in some interesting facts about this area. If so, follow these links...

• Why Should You Buy Real Estate in Daytona Beach?
• A New Daytona Beach Fun Fact
• Daytona Beach Florida; Vacation and Second Home Destination

House for Sale - Ormond-Beach, FL 32174 - Real Estate Video Tour

The Code of Ethics, REALTORS® and plain old real estate agents

I just read a post on another blog site, and felt the need to address a few things.

The post I read was about the trademarked word "REALTOR®" and that writer's overall disagreement with the definition of the word, as well as some other personal grievances. That person appeared to be basing their opinions on the fact that the public doesn't realize that all real estate licensees are not REALTORS®. This individual was also stating that not all REALTORS® abide by the Code of Ethics. Now for my strong beliefs on this subject.

Let me start by saying, I am proud to be a REALTOR®! For anyone reading this post who is not aware of this, the word REALTOR® is trademarked and there are specific rules on how the word can and cannot be used. For starters, the word REALTOR® must be written or typed all in capitalized letters, and must be immediately followed by the "®" symbol that indicates it's a trademarked word. Click this link for more information on the specifics of the laws regarding the use of the word REALTOR®.

As for how I feel about being a REALTOR®... the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and local REALTOR® Associations were created to separate those who subscribe to a Code of Ethics from those who do not.

One of the points made in the other blog I read, was that not all REALTORS® abide by the Code of Ethics as they're supposed to. This person thought that since all the REALTORS® were not following this code, then it should be done away with, because there were too many rules to follow anyway. I wanted to beat my head on my desk when I read that. Those rules are there for quality control, and to protect the client. They're also there to maintain professional standards in our industry.

Unfortunately, that writer was correct that there are a few REALTORS® who are not abiding by our Code of Ethics. But when a REALTOR® is found in violation, they can be penalized. This leads me to a comparison here.

Our country has laws that must be obeyed. We don't decide to do away with our laws because some people are breaking them. Those laws are there to protect the people. When people break the law, they're at the mercy of our judicial system. We expect the police and courts to uphold our laws and fight for them at all costs, in order to maintain the high standards that were originally intended. Just because some people don't understand, or they disagree, or they break these laws for whatever reason, it does not excuse their behavior. It's the same with the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.

To me, being a REALTOR® is something of which I can be proud. I like knowing we are being held to a higher standard than those who do not subscribe to our Code of Ethics.

I'm not bashing anyone who is not a REALTOR®. I realize that the costs of joining a REALTOR® Association and Multiple Listing Service (MLS) can be a large expense for someone who is just starting out, or has had personal hardships that have affected their business, etc. I am however, defending my membership and loyalty to this institution. I don't believe that anyone can say it's not in the best interests of our clients, for them to be represented by an actual REALTOR®. How else can the client be assured...

• That their offer will be submitted as quickly as possible?
  
• Or that they will not be misled about the market value of a property?
  
• Or that their interests will be promoted and protected?
  
• And that if these guidelines are not followed by their REALTOR®, there are legal avenues that can be pursued?
  
• (I could go on, but I'll let you follow the link above, to read the entire Code of Ethics)

Now, to address the copyrighted word "REALTOR®" and why it should continue to be protected, here are other examples pertaining to copyright laws:

• When I make a video, I can't use copyrighted songs as background music.
  
• I can't use clips from other people's videos within mine without their expressed permission.
• In my blogs, I can't use copyrighted photos I find on the internet to spice them up.
  
• I can't use someone else's articles, without their expressed permission.
  
• When I register a domain name, I can't register a copyrighted name.

These examples all fall under copyright laws. Violators leave themselves open to law suits. The word REALTOR® is also protected under these laws. Just because some of the people in the public are not aware of this is no excuse. Let me give a simple example....

• If you commit a traffic violation and a police officer pulls you over and gives you a ticket, but you had not been aware that you were breaking any laws, do you think the officer cares? You're not likely to get out of paying a ticket just because you weren't paying attention, or weren't familiar with the laws of that area.

I recently posted a blog with links to public domain photos, since the copyright laws were nowhere to be found, regarding photos on the internet. I had to spend 2 hours researching this subject, just to find a clear answer. But if I have photos in my posts that are copyright protected, and I get sued by the owner of the photos, I'm not likely to be let off the hook because I didn't know the law. It's my responsibility to do the work and know the law.

In summary, the word REALTOR® means we're held to a higher standard. I like that. The word REALTOR® is copyright protected. I like that too. If it were to become interchangeable with all real estate licensees, then how would we differentiate between those who subscribe to a Code of Ethics and those who just have a license?

A Daytona Beach Fun Fact

If you're planning to buy real estate in Daytona Beach FL, you'll have something unique to brag about, to all your out-of-town friends.

The Daytona Beach Flea Market is one of America's Top 5 Flea Markets, according to USA Weekend.

That's quite an achievement, considering the size of this town, compared to the other top 4, which are the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, CA, the Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles IL, the Austin County Flea Market in Texas, and the greatest American flea market, in Brimfield, MA.

The Daytona Flea and Farmer's Market boasts 3.5 miles of aisles packed with clothes, jewelry, electronics, antiques, collectibles and more. You'll even find a dollar store in the air-conditioned, indoor section.

And don't forget about the funnel cakes, ice cream, hot dogs and giant pretzels. Or you can sit down and eat in 2 different air-conditioned restaurants.

The Daytona Flea and Farmer's Market is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, year-round and has several acres of parking. Whatever you're looking for, you'll probably find it here!

Whenever you're ready to move to Daytona Beach, just give me a call. I'd love to help. Visit my web site to view Daytona Beach MLS Listings.

2 Bedroom Daytona Beach Condo For Sale

For everyone who's interested in investing in real estate in Daytona Beach Florida, here's another available condo in Surfside Villas. This one has 2 bedrooms and a great view from the private 3rd floor balcony. Click here to view a studio unit.

This Daytona Beach condomium project has been completely remodeled. All units have sliding glass doors, 16 inch tile, beautiful kitchens and bathrooms with maple cabinets and granite counters. Appliances are Frigidaire stainless steel.

Enjoy cool ocean breezes from your personal Daytona Beach condo, just 2 blocks from the ocean. Buy this one for $158,900

View this listing at www.DaytonaBeachHomeSales.com

For other information about the Daytona Beach area, follow these links...

Why should you buy Daytona Beach real estate?

Daytona Beach Colleges-Real Estate Investor Alert!

Nascar, Bike Week, Biketoberfest- A few more reasons to buy your second home in Daytona Beach FL

Beautiful New Smyrna Beach Community

For anyone who's been considering buying real estate in New Smyrna Beach Florida, you should know about the beautifully upscale Venetian Bay Town & Country Club. This elegant development has a distinctive Italian feel and several different subdivisions.

The Venetian Bay master community is like a self-contained city unto itself, featuring a downtown shopping center and restaurants, a fitness center, community pool, nature trails, a golf course, country club and more. Featured builders are Paytas Homes, Johnson Group Homes, Engle Homes, KB Homes, & Tiffany Homes. Prices range from the $200,000s to over $1,000,000.

This weekend I found some very interesting and unexpected surprises while doing a market analysis for a home owner who is considering selling their house in Venetian Bay.
Aren't they adorable?
If you're interested in buying real estate in Venetian Bay or any area of New Smyrna Beach, contact Lisa Hill today!

www.NewSmyrnaHomeSales.com

These Prices Just Keep Getting Better

If you're looking to buy a house in the Daytona Beach area, here are a couple of great possibilities.

4 bedroom, 2 bath house in South Daytona. Was priced at $195,000, drastically reduced to $187,000. Make this your new home. For complete details, read the post here 1678 Louisiana Rd., South Daytona, FL

Or how about this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on 1 acre in Port Orange? Previous asking price was $379,900. Drastically reduced to $349,000. For more information on this house, read the post found in this link: 822 Bayridge Lane, Port Orange, FL

For more information about living in the city of Port Orange, try these articles...

• Picture Yourself in Port Orange
• Plan A Fun Outing in Port Orange
• Port Orange City Center and Family Days

XX

Memories of Ponce Inlet Florida-The Grand Old Lighthouse

As I've stated in previous posts, I'm a native of the Daytona Beach area, and am knowledgeable about many fascinating historical facts. But I still enjoy researching and sharing the new things I learn.

In a recent post, I was sharing some childhood memories of the time my family spent in Tomoka State Park, in Ormond Beach. As I let my mind wander to other pleasant memories of my childhood, I found fond memories of the lighthouse and park at Ponce Inlet. The best part about these memories are not just of my own childhood, but from a parental perspective as well. You haven't truly enjoyed life until you've witnessed something through the eyes of a child.

While I have fond memories of my own childhood days; of my grandmother buying me trinkets in the gift shop, and of running as fast as I could across the park, to stand and look up in awe, at the towering red lighthouse; then the wonder of looking down and across several cities, after climbing the 194 steps of the circular stairway all the way to the top, those memories pale in comparison to the memories of swinging on the swings with my own daughter when she was younger, and buying trinkets for her in the gift shop, then gasping for breath as I once again climbed 194 steps to the top of the lighthouse, and seeing the terrifying joy in her face and she stood in the open air and looked down over several cities, and out across the inlet toward the Atlantic Ocean.

If you've never been to the lighthouse park at Ponce Inlet, I highly recommend you do so, no matter what your age. It is a gorgeous tower, built in 1886 in what was once called Mosquito Cove. (I think Ponce Inlet is a much better name!) The Ponce Inlet lighthouse is the second-tallest in the United States and can be seen from 19 miles away. It was decommissioned in 1970, but in 1982 it was fitted with a new navigational beacon and is once again active.

You can also take a walking tour of the grounds, or walk down to the beach and climb out on the jetty rocks, picnic at the covered picnic tables and play in the dunes. (Only the ones that are allowed. See my post about beach conservation)

If you're considering investing in real estate in Ponce Inlet, Florida, visit my web site or call me for MLS listings. It's a great place to call your first or second home.

You may also be interested in my blog about the distinction between the different cities in the Daytona Beach area. or about the city of Port Orange which is just over the bridge, on the mainland side of the Intracoastal Waterway.

New Home Owner's Association Laws

This is important information for anyone who owns real estate that is governed by deed restrictions and/or covenants and restrictions.

As of July 1 2007, during the Legislative Session, amendments were passed that changed the procedures that Home Owner's Associations must follow when collecting delinquent assessments. These changes are to the benefit of the home owners.

The new law states that before a claim of lien can be filed against a parcel owner for unpaid assessments, the real estate owner must be given written notice of the past due assessments, plus, the HOA must give another 45 day notice of it's intention of foreclosure before they can file a foreclosure lawsuit.

There is additional language in this act that says a parcel owner is liable for all unpaid assessments that came due, up until the closing, along with the previous owner.

More language of this act says that payments made will be applied

1. to any interest accrued
   
2. to any late fees
   
3. to any any reasonable attorney's fees
4. to the delinquent assessment

However, the Lender's Lobby is planning to appeal this amendment because of one more bit of verbiage. Mortgagees are also now liable to pay HOA's for all unpaid assessments due at the time of the title transfer.

This is good news for owner's of real estate in HOA governed communities, if they need additional time to get caught up on any unpaid assessments. It will be interesting to see if this amendment stands, once the Lender's Lobby makes their appeal.

.

Picture Yourself Living in Port Orange Florida

As a native of the Daytona Beach & Port Orange areas, I feel especially qualified and privileged to blog about all of Volusia County. But I have chosen to make my home in Port Orange, and most of my business comes from people who want to buy or sell real estate in Port Orange. The motto for Port Orange, FL is "Unique by choice, not by chance". That's the perfect theme for this beautiful, friendly city.

Port Orange is a great place to live, since it's located just 5 miles south of Daytona Beach, FL. We have the perfect proximity to special events, but are not in the thick of things when we're ready to get away.

If you're considering buying real estate in Port Orange, we have the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic Ocean and many new housing developments, as well as older homes if you like something more traditional. For real estate info, go here Move to Port Orange Florida

The schools in Port Orange are top notch. My daughter is now a senior at Spruce High School and has excelled there over the last 3 years. Prior to that she was a member of the first class to graduate from Creekside Middle School since it's doors opened in 2001.

Port Orange is a popular place to live for all ages, since we have theaters, restaurants, doctor's offices, pharmacies, banks, a hospital, churches, shopping, and even a Go-Cart track, all within close proximity to our homes. And let's not forget, unless you buy a house or condo directly on the beach, the Atlantic Ocean and I-95 are still just minutes away.

I would highly recommend Port Orange to anyone seeking Florida's warm, sunny climate and a friendly, small-town community. Visit my web site to search for local listings MLS Listings Port Orange FL

Click here if you're considering selling real estate in Port Orange