Merritt Island, FL

I am finding that properties are moving here. Over the last couple of weeks I've worked with a buyer in the $150-$250K range, about half of the listings he wanted to see went under contract within a week. I've been working with 2 buyers in the $300-$500K range and have been seeing almost a 1/3 of the properties they selected to see going under contract within a week or two. I have not had the same problem with my buyers in the range of $600-$850K.

Today's paper said that foreclosures are down for the 2nd straight month in Brevard county. The Florida Association of Realtors released a report showing that the 1st quarter of this year, as compared to the 1st quarter of 2008 saw a 27% increase in sales and a 28% decrease in price. I think there is a rush for buyers to get into homes at the current interest rates and low prices before school starts, but I am guessing that sellers who are unable to sell during the summer rush may be more eager to sell in September. Just keep an eye on interest rates because they have been rising.

If you would like more information about homes in Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach or surrounding areas feel free to e-mail hdelvenne@yahoo.com or call me at 321-289-8953.

Heidi Delvenne

Watching a space launch in person is a fantastic experience - the crowds, the excitement, the cheering, the anticipation, the countdown, and the sense of accomplishment. Add to this everything that it takes to get to this point. How can you help but be inspired?

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Florida Today continues to report that sales have picked up in Brevard county. There is speculation, or at least hope, that we have hit bottom or are very close to bottom. What I do know is that since my last post on waterfront homes in Merritt Island, the sales have doubled. According to the MLS, over the last 90 days 31 waterfront homes sold. The majority of these are canal-navigational homes on Sykes Creek.

Waterfront homes sold in Merritt Island over the last 90 days:

• Between $190,000 and $300,000 12 homes were sold
• Between $300,000 and $400,000 15 homes were sold
• One sold for $475,000
• One sold for $540,000
• One sold for $1.36 million
• Ones sold for $2.6 million

At the height of the market, in 2004 and 2005, a home that is now selling for about $300,000 was selling for around $500,000. Short sales and foreclosures have driven home sales down and it seems that sellers have finally realized that they need to price their homes accordingly. If you are looking at buying a waterfront home there are a lot of choices. Interest rates are historically low. And you may benefit from the stimulus package. The latest report I have seen on the proposed housing stimulus offers an $8,000 tax credit (you do not have to re-pay this amount, it is a true tax credit) for purchasing a home, however this will be phased out for couples earning more than $150,000 or single people making more than $75,000. This report can be found at: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-021309.cfm

Here is a break down of Merritt Island waterfront homes currently on the market today:

• 20 homes between $180,000 and $250,000
• 22 homes between $250,000 and $350,000
• 16 homes between $350,000 and $450,000
• 19 homes between $450,000 and $650,000
• 26 homes between $650,000 and $850,000
• 6 homes between $850,000 and $1million
• 19 homes over $1million

If you are considering a move to Merritt Island, Florida check out this list of links for information on schools, parks, the Chamber of Commerce and more. Please call me for additional information on homes in Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding areas.

Heidi Delvenne

Licensed, Florida REALTOR®
Florida Properties For Sale, LLC
321-289-8953 hdelvenne@yahoo.com www.HeidiDelvenne.com

I love driving along the Indian River Lagoon, it is so peaceful and there is so much to take in. South Merritt Island in Brevard County Florida is a magical place to live, work, and play. Mangos and avocados are plentiful in Merritt Island and residents often place them out by the road in carts. All you have to do is pull over and get some! Although I don't live on the island, I will be working in South Merritt Island this weekend. No, I have not given up on real estate, quite the opposite. I am so blessed to be interviewing for the job of listing and selling a beautiful home there, and I get to drive along the Indian River as I go to work!

While quiet and laid back, South Merritt Island in Central Florida is just minutes away from a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment! Not enough shopping at Merritt Square Mall? Why not take in a movie or two. If you love the water, you can live in Merritt Island and be a little over ten minutes from Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, and Ron Jon's. You will welcome your drive back home winding along the river bank on South Tropical Trail after your full day of activities.

Free avocados and mangos. I love what I do, and I love living near places like south Merritt Island. I can't wait to drive to work this weekend!

(I am getting ready to go now, and I am so excited! It is going to be a GREAT day no matter what, at the very least I can get some avocados and mangos, while I watch dolphins frolic in the Indian River Lagoon!)

Denise Shockey RE/MAX Absolute

321-446-4994 www.deniseshockey.com