About Brevard County, FL

Breavard County Aamerican Rental FAQ's

02-09-10

Steve Neville: Real Estate Brokerage in Melbourne, FL

view my blog
Office: (321) 693-8026

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT QUALIFYING

In addition to the normal tenant/prospect requirements, we use two support guarantee mechanisms that allow us to set-up a secure tenant/landlord relationship when there are mitigating circumstances and a prospect does not meet our typical profile and we still want to rent to them.

I will be pleased to discuss our system add-ons, so-to-speak. They are standard and offered to all.
Why should I rent from your company?

- How do I apply to rent?
- Will I sign a lease?
- Why should I rent from your company?

We are a professional, knowledgeable, and courteous property management company. We work very hard to provide the highest quality resident services you'll ever experience.

We use professional vendors (painters, handymen, plumbers, carpet cleaners, etc) to ensure that your unit is in good condition. We inspect the work performed to ensure that everything is ready before you move in.
We are available 24 hours a day to handle emergency maintenance repairs.
We provide detailed Move-in and Move-out Inventory forms for proper documentation of the condition of your rental.
All deposits that are retained by us are kept in a FDIC insured bank.
When you sign your lease, you have a meeting with your property manager to go over all parts of the lease to help ensure that everyone is aware of their responsibilities under the lease.
All our property managers are licensed real estate professionals according to state requirements.

How do I apply to rent?

Check out our application guidelines to be sure you qualify, then complete our application form and submit it to us along with the application fee for the home you want. We'll process it and let you know the results.

Will I sign a lease?

Yes, for most of our properties you will sign a 12 month lease that covers our responsibilities to each other throughout our tenancy. We will go over each part of the lease to ensure you understand it. After your application is accepted, your deposit is received, and your lease is signed, we'll hand you the keys to your home! .

RESIDENT SELECTION CRITERIA

To guarantee compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Acts, a separate application is required for each applicant over the age of eighteen (excluding dependent children) who will reside at the property.
Realty Services Property Management Company does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status. Realty Services adheres to all federal, state and local fair housing and equal opportunity laws.
Applicants will NOT be accepted on a “first come, first served” basis.
The following are Aamerican property Management's criteria for qualifying an applicant as a resident and must be included with the application:

1. Application must be fully completed, dated and signed.
2. Application must be reviewed at the time of submission to ensure we have all information needed to determine eligibility.
3. Applicant must provide proof of identity with photo (such as a state driver’s license).
4. Applicant must provide a social security number or be able to verify that no number has been assigned.
5. A landlord history with a minimum of four years to verify proven payment history and that the applicant has never been evicted.
6. Family size must be in compliance with the available unit per HUD guidelines.

APPLICANTS MAY BE DENIED OCCUPANCY FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
a. Falsifying an application.
b. Incomplete application.
c. Poor rental history profile such as:
- Non-payment of rent
- Poor credit history within 5 years (such as delinquent real estate accounts from evictions, broken leases or utility bills)
- Joint bankruptcy or personal bankruptcy within the past 2 years or a bankruptcy that has not been discharged
- A filed eviction (unless a stipulation was adhered to)
- A history of violence to persons or property within the last 5 years
- A felony within 7 years, a sexual predator or sexual offender
- A history of poor or unsanitary housekeeping
- A history of drug-related activity by any of the applicant’s household members
- A history of unruly or destructive behavior by resident or a member of the resident’s household.
d. If an arrest record exists within seven years, it is up to the applicant to provide written verification from the proper authorities as to the final disposition of innocence or that the case was dropped.

APPLICANTS MAY HAVE AN ADVERSE REACTION FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. No employment
2. Residential verification of less than 2 years
3. No credit history
All sources of income must be verified.

Criminal and eviction records will be verified by an independent company.

Any exceptions to these criteria must be submitted in writing to the rental agent for presentation to the landlord for consideration. If approval is given for such exceptions, additional security, co-signers, and/or additional advance rent payments may be required.

ID Requirements:
All residents that will be living in the unit over 18 years of age must have current picture ID at the time of applying for the unit.

Credit History:
National Credit ratings cannot be higher than a 3 on all trade lines. All collections against you must show paid. (Over a three rating means not more that 60 days past due.) No Credit History is OK.

Bankruptcy:
You cannot have filed bankruptcy in the last 18 months, and the bankruptcy has to have been discharged at least one year ago, from the date of application for a unit. Your credit history from the date of bankruptcy has to be perfect.

Eviction & Skip History:
No evictions or skip history in the last six years, No Exceptions!

Criminal History:
No citation or convictions in the last seven years for such crimes as Possession of Drugs with the Intent to Distribute, Rape, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Child Molestation, Burglary or Murder. No citations or convictions in the last year for such crimes as Possession of Drugs or Domestic Violence.

Incomes:
Single or Married: Combined income must be at least three times the rent on the unit they are renting.
Roommates: Each roommate must have an income of at least two times the rent on the unit they are applying for.

Employment:
You must have at least six months on the job. If less than six months on the job, then the previous employment has to be checked, and must be at least six months of employment on that job.

Rental History:
Must provide all information on your current and previous landlords for the last three years. Good rating from all landlords is a must!

Pets:
Pet policies vary from home to home. Most homes will allow one pet. No puppies or kittens. We have a pet agreement that must be signed saying you will be responsible for your pets and any damage that they cause. Additional deposits may apply.

Fair Housing:
It is unlawful to discriminate against any person based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or familial status. We strictly adhere to this policy.

You may pick up an application at our office or call and we will fax one to you. We ask that you drive by the property then call our office for an appointment to view that property. Our screening process is usually completed in one day after our office receives your application. We must have the $30.00 screening fee before we can process your application.

Utility Information Guide (often provided with “Reservation Agreement”)

.
GETTING SETTLED Getting Connected
.
Provided as a reminder and resource to assist new tenants in completing the transfer of all utilities to their own personal accounts prior to occupancy/lease starting date. You must pay for Waste management services

ELECTRICITY
Florida Power & Light Co. requires a deposit that varies according to a customer's credit rating. An initial service charge is included on the first bill. A certificate of occupancy following an electrical inspection is required for first service for a new home. To receive FPL service, call 723-7795 any time or go to www.fpl.com
GAS
Florida City Gas supplies natural gas to most of Brevard. The company requires a meter deposit that varies according to the amount of monthly gas usage. The meter deposit is refunded with interest after 12 months to customers with good payment records. A $50 startup fee is required. To begin gas service, call 800-993-7546. For new homes, call 632-1734. For further details, visit www.floridacitygas.com.
TELEPHONE
Contact Bell South at 888-757-6500 at any hour to set up residential service. A deposit amount is determined by the customer's credit report. Customers must give their address, Social Security and driver license numbers.
WATER. TRASH. SEWERS
Charges for sewer, water and deposit rates vary throughout the county. When service is disconnected, deposits are refunded. Charges for sewer, water and deposit rates vary throughout the county. When service is disconnected, deposits are refunded. Waste Management serves Palm Bay: 723-4455
Melbourne supplies water to its residents and those of Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne Beach, Melbourne Village and parts of West Melbourne.
The city requires a $43 water deposit and a $77 sewer deposit for mainland residents and customer on city water.
A $103 water and sewer deposit are required for beachside residents on county sewer.
Go to Melbourne City Hall, 900 E. Strawbridge Ave.
Call 727-2900 or 953-6390. Or visit melbourneflorida.org
West Melbourne, a $100 deposit is required to establish service and a non-refundable $10 service fee is added to the first bill. Billing for trash collection is included in the water-sewer bill. Deposit is refunded when service is disconnected. Call 727-7700 or visit www.westmelbourne.org. Go to West Melbourne City Hall, 555 Washington Ave.
Cocoa provides service from Port St. John south to the Pineda Causeway in north Melbourne, and includes residents of Merritt Island and Cocoa Beach. Charges vary. All customers pay a $20 administration fee that shows up on the first bill.
Cocoa residents may pay deposits of $50 for sewer plus $40 for water.
Customers on septic tanks pay only the $40 water deposit.
Go to Cocoa City Hall, 603 Brevard Ave., between 8 am and 5 pm weekdays.
Call 639-7500 or visit www.cocoafla.org
Palm Bay, a $40 water deposit and/or a $50 sewer deposit is required to establish service and a non-refundable $15.33 service fee is required. Billing for trash collection is NOT included in the water/-sewer bill. (Waste Management serves Palm Bay: 723-4455). Deposit is refunded when service is disconnected. Call 952-3420 or visit www.palmbayflorida.org. Go to Palm Bay City Hall, 120 Malabar Road, Palm Bay 32907 before 3:30 PM.
The Waste Management invoice will arrive in an envelope addressed to the owner at your new address – please pay this bill as it is your responsibility to do so.

Information herein is provided to assist tenant(s) with utility transfer and is neither guaranteed nor represented to be updated and/or completely accurate.

.

Excerpt From Tenant Letter

1. See Web – Link: Online rental payments You may immediately return the enclosed stamped and addressed envelope with your post-dated check (1^st of the Month) and we will keep track and post on the first.

2. For qualifying tenants only, when you are ready to buy a home from our inventory, we will pay towards your closing costs. Qualifying simply means paying on-time and caring for the property you live in as you do.

You may work with Bill Mainord (an experienced sales associate) or me to place an offer on a property. This accommodation is offered for our inventory homes only when you work directly with Bill (952-7134) or me

3. The footnote at the bottom of the page is your reminder to manage your lease term and provide the required notices when you make a determination to terminate at the end of your lease. Under Florida law, we are required to give you this notice. Seasonal residents, by agreement, have already given notice. Early termination before the termination date is handled with the “Early Termination Addendum – you have it.

4. See Web for a variety of use and official information – Link: Emergency advisory PLEASE know, ahead of time: your emergency evacuation routes, emergency shelter locations, hospitals, your personal obligations concerning securing your house, etc. in the event of a hurricane, tornado, etc.

5. See Web for online access – Link: Maintenance request Please communicate with us during business hours – 7:30 AM until 5:00 PM. In an EMERGENCY ONLY it is reasonable to call evening after business hours until 9:30 or on Saturday or Sunday. Please keep in mind that calling off hours usually only accomplishes delivering the problem as most businesses do not respond during those hours. Email: nevillesj@earthlink.net.

Check Out Inspection Requirements Addendum

CHECK OUT INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

Check out inspections of homes are made between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. Please call and make an appointment with our office after everything on this list is done. All of your furniture and personal items must be removed from the house and yard before an inspection can be made. You may not stay in the house after the inspection is completed.

Naturally, for a furnished and equipped seasonal rentals all of the owner's inventory would remain and be left in acceptable condition.

To get a refund of your security deposit you must:

Remove all personal items and trash from the house and yard.
Clean all appliances thoroughly. Replace stove pans and rings with new ones, aluminum foil is not allowed.
Clean and disinfect the sink and kitchen cabinets.
Have the carpets professionally steam cleaned and save the receipt as we will need it for our files. The company used must be approved by Property Management, please call ahead for approval before having the carpets cleaned. The carpets should be the last item cleaned in the home before the inspection is made.
Strip tile floors of all built up wax. Remove stains and marks. Finish floors appropriately.
Wash walls carefully; pay special attention to areas around light switches, hallways, and doorways. Remove all fingerprints and dirt. All light fixtures must have light bulbs installed.
Clean all windows inside and out and secure all screens.
Make needed repairs to screens and screen doors.
Clean and disinfect the bathroom(s) thoroughly.
Mow, trim, edge, rake and water the yard day of check out.
Repair or have repaired any damage you or your pets have caused.
Continue telephone, electric and water service until the actual end of the lease period however be certain you include our inspection appointment for your providing utilities. These must be on for our final inspection.
Make arrangements to have all the trash hauled away. No deposits can be refunded until this is done.
Have the pool clean and chemically balanced if you have one.
Have the premises fumigated for fleas by a licensed exterminator, if you have had a pet. Save the receipt. Have carpets professionally cleaned and provide the paid receipt/invoice.
Proof of your paid water bill is also required before the security deposit can be returned.

SECURITY DEPOSITS WILL BE DISBURSED WITHIN 15 DAYS OF the later of CHECKOUT or end of lease.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION

Alternately, you may provide funds and authorize Aamerican Property Management to do end of lease/inspection preparation.

steve
Steve Neville
Broker-Property Manager
Aamerican Property Management
144 Ocean Terrace
Indiatlantic Fl, 32903
Cell-321-693-8026
Fax-321-724-5380

http://www.bestbrevardrentals.com
http://www.aamericanhomecareservices.com
Email Me

0 Comments

Interesting stuff; watch this video

02-09-10

Steve Vitani -Realtor Viera Suntree Rockledge Melbourne

view my blog
Office: (321) 749-9394

Mobile: (321) 749-9394

http://www.thinkbigworksmall.com/mypage/player/tbws/23088/1459883

I know the government is trying to revamp the HAMP program but if this kind of stuff in the video is happening, then what is the incentive for induced loan mods? Maybe now that the FDIC is having to borrow from the FED might be the catalyst?

Post your feedback

Steve Vitani

www.stevesellsflorida.com

Power Realty, LLC

Florida

0 Comments

Denny's Free Grand Slam Breakfast on February 9

02-08-10

Sandy Shores, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL, Brevard County Real Estate & Investing

view my blog
Office: (321) 733-6080

Mobile: (321) 253-4545

Denny's Free Grand Slam Breakfast February 9 Tomorrow morning, the chain restaurant, Dennys will give away FREE Grand Slam Breakfasts from 6 AM to 2 PM across the country. A Grand Slam is two eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 pieces of bacon and 2 pieces of sausage. Yum yum!

Last year 2 million free breakfasts were given away. This year the company is looking to top that with 3 million free breakfasts.

This gets new diners into the restaurants, that may have otherwise never stepped foot inside.

If you're unable to wait in what they expect to be long lines, Denny's has said they will give rain checks.

Read the full story here.

See you at Denny's in the morning.

7 Comments

Charolais Estates Viera, Fl Complete Market Update

02-08-10

Steve Vitani -Realtor Viera Suntree Rockledge Melbourne

view my blog
Office: (321) 749-9394

Mobile: (321) 749-9394

There have been 7 properties sold in Charolais Estates since Jan, 2009.

Low Price $422,500 just closed within the past 2 weeks

High sale of $780,000 in 2009

The average sale per square foot (Living) is now at $165

Average days on market are at 233.

4 out of the 7 Homes were Short Sale

There are currently 6 active for sale homes in Charolais Estates and 3 Pending (all 3 of which are Short Sale) Of the Actives for sale the asking prices are from $460,000 for the low and $1,090,000 for the high.

If you would like more detailed information about this community or other surrounding communities, please feel free to email me anytime steve@stevesellsflorida.com

Steve Vitani

Power Realty, LLC

www.SteveSellsFlorida.com

0 Comments

To Buy or Not To Buy?

02-08-10

Steve Vitani -Realtor Viera Suntree Rockledge Melbourne

view my blog
Office: (321) 749-9394

Mobile: (321) 749-9394

So is this really the year to make that move up or purchase for the 1st time? I know, we have heard this each of the last 3 years as the market has continued to slide. After all a broken clock is right twice daily, so maybe the clock will be right after this :-)

There are always two sides to this kind of subject. I can only hope that to those out there do not put off their purchase because they think rates will stay low or they think home prices will keep falling. Now is the time to take advantage of a home in the area you want to live in, on the street you want the home site you want. Real Estate is a long term investment and to be able to buy a home at price levels not seen in years, in some areas prices are 50-60% below the peak price. Couple that with super low rates plus tax credits makes this the chance we may not see for a very very long time.

If we dig deeper than just emotions we can find some strong facts that would support a very favorable time for those looking to buy a home. The slow down of home building due to all the short sales and foreclosures have forced home builders to become much more lean in order to compete with the short sales and bank owned properties. New Home Builders are able to make some really good deals right now, this can be a great time to get a home with Lot's of upgrades and the energy efficiency that many other homes do not have.

In parts of Florida some areas the home builders our at prices below where they were before the boom started in 2002-2003. There are home builders that offer homes starting at $99,000 complete with homesite. These are fantastic deals for FIRST TIME BUYER that can have a payment for under $800.

For the higher price homes there are also some really good deals, there are many homes that were over $1 million now selling for close to $500,000 due to the overwhelming supply we had caused from the easy lending back up to 2006. Once again the home builders have been virtually shut down for the last 3 years and since the supply has come down along with prices. The home builders are offering huge discounts in this price category and even in some cases you can build a new home for less than what a resale would go for. This type of situation is what it will take to re balance the markets again. in 2001-2004 you were able to build new for less, thus the influx of new home buyers building and then flipping at higher prices.

If your clients might be in the market for a new home In Central Florida, please send a message and I will send you some information and help in anyway possible. LET'S SELL HOMES!!!

Steve Vitani

www.SteveSellsFlorida.com

Power Realty, LLC

0 Comments