<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0">
    <channel>
        <title>National Realty of Brevard Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Brevard County's premier Florida Real Estate Blog. Valuable information about Housing Trends, Home Prices, Market Statistics, and more from National Realty of Brevard Inc.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/floridas-first-time-buyer-incentives.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/floridas-first-time-buyer-incentives.html</link>
            <author>gsbray@nationalrealtyfla.com (Gale Bray)</author>
            <title>Florida's First Time Buyer Incentives</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Florida has been labeled a progressive state before, when it introduced radical 'green' measures throughout the state, but this time its innovative idea is to offer help to first time buyers. Florida has recognized that younger people are being pushed out of the housing market, and are trying to rectify this with fairly substantial financial incentives.


This failure to accommodate young people in the realty market has happened because nationwide, most homes have become larger and more expensive. Consequently, they are too pricey for the average first time buyer.


A spokesman for a local builders association told the St. Petersburg Times that builders will still be building over-sized homes but there will also be an increase in smaller houses being built. This change in strategy is not seen as a fad by builders; it is simply sound economics as smaller homes are in short supply.


Building smaller homes in the Florida area could also be one way of keeping the younger generation active there. There have been extensive studies involving the affordability of house prices for young people. One recent study was carried out in Boston, Massachusetts. This is an area known for its lack of moderately priced housing.


Boston is the third most expensive property market in the nation and according to the 'Boston Globe' newspaper, young people are moving away in droves because of the house prices. This is costing Massachusetts the 'human capital' needed for future growth and economic expansion. This type of situation could easily be replicated in Florida because it is such a popular retirement area; approximately 17% of the population is over 55.


This youthful exodus has been recognized and hotly debated in Boston. Part of the blame has been laid at the local government's feet with their zone rulings favoring large residential lots. A study proved that homes built from 1998 to 2002 used an average of 1.3 acres per lot.


With the cost of a building lot in Boston quoted at around $300,000 and a house costing around $250,000, young people have no chance of owning a home.


Perhaps learning from Boston's mistakes, the news in Florida is that the government is trying to encourage more first time buyers. This will expand the younger segment of Florida society and consequently will also be likely to increase the permanent population.


The first time buyer program is designed to help those people who may have only a modest income. (There is a ceiling on the monthly salary.) Income limits are not rigid, but determined by the number of individuals living in the house.


The help that the state of Florida is offering is very worthwhile to look into if you are a first time buyer. Help can come in the form of assistance with the down payment, with the closing costs and in the provision of low, fixed rate mortgages.


There are several requirements to be met in order to qualify, including established credit worthiness and not having owned a home in the last three years. The program details can be found on the web listed as Florida's First Time Buyer Program and call a National Realty Real Estate Agent to help you sort out the details.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 26 Mar 2012 04:05:56 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/preparing-your-home-for-sale.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/preparing-your-home-for-sale.html</link>
            <author>gsbray@nationalrealtyfla.com (Gale Bray)</author>
            <title>Preparing your home for sale</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
When you decide to sell your home you should immediately begin referring to it as a house. You've become emotionally attached to this place and it's now time to say goodbye. Start detaching yourself by making some changes that will help you with the sale of the house. &nbsp;You probably have accumulated a lot of clutter over the years. This must be the first step.&nbsp;1.&nbsp; Un-clutter your home. Start by donating or giving away&nbsp; things that you've really no use for or you can rent storage space off premises to store it until you move, but prospective buyers need to see what the house looks like clean and uncluttered. This means going room to room and clearing everything out that makes it look disorganized. &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Neutralize the personal nature of your home. You may love the native tapestry on the living room wall from Bora Bora but I'll guarantee 95% of your prospects will have it on their mind when they leave your home and not in a good way. Knick knacks and generally all things that you've previously enjoyed should be stored away until after the sale, that includes grandma's spoon collection that takes up half a wall in the kitchen. Replace these things with neutral items or with a simple arrangement.&nbsp;3.&nbsp; Minor cosmetic work. Once you remove the clutter you will see all the things that you've been meaning to get to over the years. Painting where necessary, new carpet's, moldings repaired, cracked plaster and re-taping/ repairing drywall. When making these improvements think neutral colors for any coverings be it paint or carpets. If you have hardwood floors sand them and finish them. Area rugs can look amazing. Whatever you do, don't overdo it. Try and think like a buyer.&nbsp;4. Hire a professional cleaner. Once you have the house cleared you should hire a professional cleaning crew to wash the walls, windows, work over the kitchen and bathrooms, clean the floors and shampoo all carpets that don't need to be replaced. Your house should be spotless and kept this way for the duration.&nbsp;5.&nbsp; Staging each room. If your rooms are smaller, rearrange the furniture to make the room look bigger. For example removing some furniture is better than having too much cramped in. Set your furniture up in conversation pit style. Like a gourmet coffee house, make it cozy. Pull couches away from walls to give the appearance of depth. Remove wall clutter, one or two pictures but no more. Generally make it look inviting.&nbsp;6.&nbsp; Kitchen and bathrooms. These are the most important rooms in your home to a buyer. Make sure they are impeccable. Plumbing fixtures should be working properly and look like new or they should be replaced. Use a good cleaner or even a metal polish to make them gleam. Showers and tubs need to be spotless! Sinks and vanities need to be pristine and uncluttered. Kitchen cupboards should be orderly, doors opening and closing properly, drawers the same. I can't stress enough how important these two rooms are to your potential outcome.&nbsp;7.&nbsp; Doors and windows. First thing prospects see when they walk in your home is a door. Make sure its painted or cleaned up and that it will open and close properly. This goes for screen doors as well. Often screen doors are a problem people let go. Not anymore. Windows should all be cleaned and be sure if someone wants to open them that they work properly. If they have been painted closed as is the case with some older homes, now is the time to get them to open. Do whatever it takes. &nbsp;8.&nbsp; Garages and workshops. These are the second most important areas. Again remove all clutter from the garage and make it accessible so you can actually park your car in it! As for the workshop, try and organize it so the handy person prospect will appreciate what they can do with their "new shop" when they move in. It's all about your prospect picturing themselves in your house. &nbsp;9.&nbsp; Family effort. Everyone in your family needs to be on board with the presentation of the house. This means your children need to buy into the project and keep their rooms tidy. Everyone has to help maintain the appearance of the entire house. &nbsp;10.&nbsp; Odors and pets. Wow, is this ever important. If you have pets only you really love them. When you walk into a house with dogs or cats. many times you can immediately smell them, especially if you don't have your own. Keep litter boxes fresh and clean daily. Restrict your animals if at all possible to certain areas of the home until after the sale. Vinegar and water will do wonders when you clean their areas every other day until the sale is complete, and top it off with effective air fresheners wherever you need them. Vacuum often with carpet fresh powders to keep that clean, fresh odor.


This sounds like quite a bit of work and it is. Try and remember that by following these tips you could easily add five to ten thousand dollars to the sale price of your home, maybe more. A little elbow grease now will be a solid investment at the sale.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 09 Mar 2012 04:02:34 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/surf-fishing-in-brevard-county.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/surf-fishing-in-brevard-county.html</link>
            <author>tosuzz@hotmail.com (Suzette Mattes)</author>
            <title>Surf Fishing in Brevard County</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Well folks, its the end of January and the fish are jumping more than ever in Brevard County. The Whiting fish are out as well as Pompano and Blues. Cast a line or two or three and set it in a pole holder and watch your line bobble up and down! When you see&nbsp; movement other than the movement of the tide, reel it in. Most likely and without you feeling it, you will have something at the other end. Probably a Pompano at this time of the year or Whiting. You never know, could be a big Blue Crab or Salt Water Catfish.If your looking for more of an active fishing experience put a silver spoon on and cast until you catch a blue. Some people like casting out, sitting back, relaxing and waiting for that catch. Others, as I do,&nbsp; prefer the continuous casting out and reeling back in hoping to reel in 'The Big One!' (some call this a workout for fishermen. I call it Fishing!) At this time of year in Melbourne Beach, you're pretty much guaranteed a tug on your line.Surprisingly, tempting bait for Pompano and Whiting are sand fleas. It seems just about anything out there right now is tempted by the sand fleas. So, if you can't dig them up, go to the local bait shop and ask for sand fleas, a Pompano rig and START FISHING. If you need help on how to hook the sand flea or how to filet your delicious catch, just email me. I'm more than happy to help to assist you and I can post a Youtube video.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:46:43 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/something-to-consider-utilities-on-or-off.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/something-to-consider-utilities-on-or-off.html</link>
            <author>tosuzz@hotmail.com (Suzette Mattes)</author>
            <title>Something to consider:  Utilities on or off?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
So I have a been working with a client that is from out of country and I have shown over a dozen homes to in the Melbourne area. At first she was convinced that it was a short sale she was looking for. A nice home for a nice price. Wow, that would be terrific! It wasn't until about the third house that she was shocked with the condition of most of them and she quickly learned the difference of short sales and regular homes on the market. &nbsp;One question she kept asking was "are the utilities on"? "How can I tell if there is a leak anywhere if I can not have the water on"? Ahh. Bingo. Brings to mind a question. Should homeowners leave the utilities on while trying to sell the home?&nbsp;Of course every situation is different and is on a case-by-case basis depending on the homeowners financial situation. Some would agree to keep the power on so that the home shows better. I agree, it keeps the air circulating in the home and a feeling that someone didn't just abandon the house. It can get creepy in some of them, especially after dark with a flash light. It 's also common in Florida that when the electricity is off in a home it quickly gets a musty smell. Not too pleasant.&nbsp;Some would disagree and say that homeowners who are selling are already struggling to pay their bills and find no reason to keep it on baring another expenses. Does it boil down to whether or not they are taking an interest in the house being sold or are they just walking away. &nbsp;Something to consider!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:37:31 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/what-do-realtors-do-in-their-spare-time.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/what-do-realtors-do-in-their-spare-time.html</link>
            <author>beth@bethglover.com (Beth Glover)</author>
            <title>What do Realtors do in their spare time?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Well, Beth Glover with National Realty of Brevard, Inc, has a plant nursery where she grows native and tropical plants and opens her gardens to the public once a year to show her customers what can be done with the &ldquo;right plants in the right space&rdquo;. Why plant native plants in your yard? With a good landscape design, they should reduce cooling and heating costs, conserve water, use fewer fertilizers and improve the appearance and usefulness of the landscape. They provide a screen for privacy, shade for comfort, and provide cover for the wildlife.Did you know that how you care for your yard affects our local water bodies and water quality? When it rains and the water runs through your yard and down the storm drain, it may ultimately end up in the Indian River Lagoon. Along with the water it is picking up trash, leaves, dirt, fertilizer, pesticides, waste and oils. We can all take steps to reduce runoff by simply redirecting the down spouts of your gutters so they flow in the yard and not the driveway, by using only fertilizers that contain slow-release Nitrogen and no Phosphorus, pick dog waste and use rain barrels.It is not hard to create a native garden, it just takes some planning. You do not have to be a landscape architect or an artist to have a workable design. You have to take into consideration where your septic tank, drain field, sewage line, underground utilities and overhead wires are located.&nbsp; Just think of it as your out door rooms and go from there.Remember: &lsquo;Going Native adds beauty, requires less maintenance, uses less fertilizers, conserves water, adds cover for the wildlife and brings in the butterflies and bees.Why GO NATIVE? Because by working together to conserve and save, we will all be doing our part to ensure that our natural resources can be enjoyed today and by our future generations.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:39:10 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/what-should-i-do-if-i-am-having-a-hard-time-making-my-mortgage-payments.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/what-should-i-do-if-i-am-having-a-hard-time-making-my-mortgage-payments.html</link>
            <author>mariaakaps@aol.com (Maria Kaps)</author>
            <title>What should I do if I am having a hard time making my mortgage payments?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Call your lender immediately to see if they can offer a solution. Next, start a to-do list so that you will be ready to answer any questions your lender may ask.Start a file for records relating to your property. Keep very detailed notes of all the contacts you make, including the date you called and what resulted from the conversation. Collect your proof of income, photocopy at least 2 weeks of pay stubs, 2 years of taxes, and 2 years of bank statements or other benefits you receive. Having good records readily available is very important.Write all of the reasons you got behind on your mortgage payments. When you speak to your lender they will want an explanation of the events that led up to the financial problems, write all of these reasons down in a hardship letter.&nbsp;Get the current market value for your home. This bit of information is important in exploring all of your options. Call a Licensed Realtor and ask for a Current Market Analysis or a Broker Price Opinion of the property. Most Realtors will do this report at no charge to you. &nbsp;Get a closing agency to prepare a preliminary HUD for so you will get a close estimate of the proceeds you will receive or the balance due from you if you decide to sell your home.Sometimes the best solution to get out of a financial mess is to sell your property and find something more affordable. Between working with your lender and Realtor, they should be able to help you devise a solution!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 21 Aug 2011 01:52:11 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/orlando-theme-parks-universal-studios.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/orlando-theme-parks-universal-studios.html</link>
            <author>gsbray@nationalrealtyfla.com (Gale Bray)</author>
            <title>Orlando Theme Parks - Universal Studios</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Universal Studios is one of the
most notorious Orlando theme parks. This park is home to more than 400 acres of
rides, attractions, film sets, productions, and a variety of other things to
see and do. There are four different experiences to be had here, as well as a
wide selection of accommodations that are right on-site, making it easier than
ever for people to have a great time. There are more than 40 rides and plenty
of great attractions that are based on the most popular films and television
shows in today's pop culture. 


Orlando theme parks offer something different for everyone, and
Universal Studios is the place to be for the movie buffs of the world. This
theme park has so many different attractions and rides to explore that everyone
is sure to find something that they love. People who are staying at resort
hotels within the Universal park area can get exclusive access to rides and
free experiences that other guests are going to have to pay for or that they
simply don't get access to. While most people, including Real Estate Agents, think of terror when they think
of Universal, there is a lot of action, adventure, and just plain fun to be
had, as well. 


There are six different themed
areas in Hollywood back lot, which is one of the most popular areas of the
park. This is home to a variety of movie-themed attractions and rides,
including Woody Woodpecker's KidZone where children can have a great time at
the park. Islands of Adventure is another park that is offered at Universal
Studios, and this is home to many comic book and cartoon heroes that have made
themselves known in the movies and television throughout history. There is
something for all ages and interests at every park, which is what makes
Universal such a great place to be. 


Whether your children are
beyond the magical age of Disney enjoyment or you simply have a taste for a
more thrilling and entertaining holiday, Universal Studios is among the best of
the Orlando theme parks when you want something a little more
adventurous. There is also a water park on the Universal Studios acreage,
allowing for a full-service theme park experience for anyone who wants it.
Family fun, film and TV entertainment, and a wild adventure are all waiting for
you at Universal Studios Orlando, which is a top-rated theme park in the
nation.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 06 Aug 2011 06:45:24 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/have-you-missed-mortgage-payments.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/have-you-missed-mortgage-payments.html</link>
            <author>jamesbiggin@aol.com (Jim Biggin)</author>
            <title>Have You Missed Mortgage Payments?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Not Yet, But About to be Late?


Your not alone, homeowners across the
country are experiencing difficulties paying their mortgage. Based on a recent
study by Lender Processing Services (LPS) 6.38 million people were at least 30 days
late.


The most important thing a home owner
should do is act quickly. The faster a homeowner reacts the less challenging it
will be to resolve. If you are not late on your payments yet but will be soon,
communicate with your mortgage lender.&nbsp; 


Due
to the mortgage crisis most lenders are now taking a more proactive stance to
decrease there loan losses.




If you are 30 to 60 days late: Your lender
will attempt to contact you by phone and by mail.






If you are 90 days late: Most lenders will
contact you by mail demanding all past due amounts be paid within 30 days, and
some will start the foreclosure process.






120 days late or more: most lenders will
turn it over to their attorneys for foreclosure, and in most cases the
homeowner will be responsible for past due amounts as well as attorney fees.





If a homeowner has experienced a hardship
such as, loss of your job or loss of a spouses job, divorce, job transfer,
death of a spouse. There are several alternatives to foreclosure.


Contact me for a free report on 10 options that
homeowners have if they are in a mortgage they no longer can afford, it will
out line the pros and cons of different options available to you


It is my goal to help homeowners stay in
their home or help them relieve the stress of a mortgage they can no longer
afford and regain financial stability faster, with out going through the
financial damage of a foreclosure.



So if you or someone
you care about has a mortgage they no longer can afford please contact me I can
help navigate through this process.



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 24 Jul 2011 08:20:29 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/orlando-theme-parks-universals-island-of-adventure.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/orlando-theme-parks-universals-island-of-adventure.html</link>
            <author>gsbray@nationalrealtyfla.com (Gale Bray)</author>
            <title>Orlando Theme Parks - Universals Island of Adventure</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Islands of Adventure is a sister
park to Universal Studios, and has a variety of attractions for people who
really want the most thrilling holiday that they can get at a theme park.
Although Florida is full of attractions and theme parks, this one
consistently ranks as a popular choice among people of all ages. 


Almost every one of the Orlando theme parks has a specific theme or type of character that
the park is modeled after, including Islands of Adventure. This park is home to
Marvel Comics rides and characters, including things like the Incredible Hulk
Coaster, Marvel Superhero Island, and the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. There is
something to see and do for everyone, but you'd better like adventure if you
come to this park. The rides are designed for maximum thrills, and are not for
the faint of heart. Although there are some milder rides in the park for young
children and those who want something a little less intimidating, the focus
here is mostly on adventure. 


When you are choosing the right Orlando theme parks for your vacation, you have to take the time
to explore all of the options that are available. Islands of Adventure is a
great choice for anyone who enjoys Marvel Comics or who is just looking for an
adventure-filled time at a great theme park. Whether you are looking for
something for a family, a group of friends, or any type of people, there is
definitely adventure to be found here for your holiday. 



Universals Islands of
Adventure is a great vacation stop for anyone in the area. The cost of
admission is well-worth what you get for the money and the attractions are sure
to impress everyone who visits. Most of the information regarding this park is
identical to Universal Studio, but you can find out information by calling the
Guest Services department and talking to them. You can also find out more about
visiting this park by checking out the website. If you want the best thrills of
Orlando theme
parks, this is definitely one park to put on your list when you are in Florida and looking for a good time.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 01:15:59 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/fishing-in-brevard-county.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.nationalrealtyfla.com/blog/fishing-in-brevard-county.html</link>
            <author>tosuzz@hotmail.com (Suzette Mattes)</author>
            <title>Fishing In Brevard County</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
For sometime now, friends and family have been asking me to go fishing with them. They would go day or night, weekday or weekend, from dusk to dawn it didn't matter. Being the&nbsp;"sterotypical" woman&nbsp;I was hesitant for a long time until I heard about the fun they were having and what they were catching. They had been shrimping and fishing&nbsp;in the Banana River as well as the Indian River both located on the East Coast of Florida. Did you know that you can catch shrimp in these rivers by traps and in the hundreds sometimes in just a few hours? These shrimp are no little guys either, they are jumbo shrimp&nbsp;and delicious! I didn't know until I tasted them at a friends house and "WOW" they were delicious.

You might be thinking to yourself "I'm not eatting what comes out of that river" but you would be so suprised, I promise,&nbsp;don't snub your nose up just yet.

Florida is the fishing capital of the world for it's abundance of fishing resources and outdoor activities. The Indian River as well as the Banana River are home to several fish some of which are red fish, seatrout, catfish, bluegill and snook. With&nbsp;so many spots to fish, you can easily find yourself in a quiet and relaxing fishing hole. You can fish along the causways, under the causways or off just about any dock!

I recently went fishing with some friends and caught a few catfish and bluegill but threw them all back because they were all too small. Florida, like many states, has rules and regulations about the size and type of fish that you can keep. Aside from fishing, Brevard County has a vast amount of outdoor activities to enjoy and fishing is just one of many!

If your more of a deep sea fisher then we have Cape Canaveral and world famous
Cocoa Beach&nbsp;just around the corner to give you that deep sea charter fishing experience!&nbsp;&nbsp;For you women out there who don't&nbsp;care much for the part of taking the fish off the hook or&nbsp;touching the
fish,&nbsp;you don't need to worry because&nbsp;usually the capain or the mate on the charter can do it all for you! You pretty much just bait your hook of which they have it already cut up for you. They take it off, clean it and filet it. You just take it home and cook it, or take it to one of many of Brevard County's fine restaurants and ask if they will cook up your very own catch of the day!
Yummy!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2011 07:01:25 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
    </channel>
</rss>
