Gary Waters -Real estate agent Viera Suntree Melbourne and Rockledge FL

I know the title implies the time honored question...the chicken or the egg? But the answer is...the sale or the purchase?

I was speaking with someone a couple of days ago who had accompanied a friend to see a listing. She told me she had no real estate agent and had searched Google for "Short Sale Brevard County" and I was the first name in the results. This Internet stuff really does work!

She was unfamiliar with the "short sale" process but was curious. As there are literally hundreds of short sales in central Brevard County, Florida, I was happy to tell her all I knew. Some may say that took only a couple fo minutes...OK, funny!

I explained the process involved the purchase of a home where the sale is subject to third party (lender) approval. I discussed her current residence and if there was a need (or desire) to sell it before gaining mortagge loan approval. In her case I believe she may be able to qualify without selling but I recommended she discuss the scenario with a knowledgeable lender.

So, will the sale come first or the purchase? It will depend on her lender and intentions.

Some are now entering the market to take advantage of the lower prices. Some are taking a long term view and selling existing homes for less in exchange for purchasing a newer, larger home for less. Some are converting the older homes to rental properties.

If either of these scenarios fit your circumstance and goals, please contact me to discuss how I may assist you in buying or selling real estate along Florida's Space Coast.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida. Call me directly at 321-693-3850 or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com.

Please visit my blog Florida Homes For Sale.

As per my usual morning routine I took my Boston Terrier for a walk early this morning. I noticed an unusual truck parked in a driveway down the street. I think it belonged to a visitor.

The thing that caught my eye was the tag on the front. It had a simple message:

#2 Dad is #1 Dad

I am not sure what the message really meant. I thought perhaps it was a reference to a step-father. Perhaps it was a daughter-in-law's commentary on her dad-in-law. Perhaps it was someone (like me) who had lost a real father but was lucky enough to have a father-in-law who was always there for me! Perhaps it was from someone who had a fill-in foster father who they felt close to....regardless, the message was clear. In someones eyes, this man was a key figure in their life.

Fathers have an opportunity to share and shape lives. Being a father is special. Having a father is special. My father passed away 29 years ago. I became a father 25 years ago. There is lots of joy and some ocasional heartache in being the child as well as being the father.

So, on Father's Day 2009, enjoy your role, be it child or father!

The window of opportunity....can be large or it can be small. Take, for instance, the Atlas V rocket at Cape Canaveral with a targeted launch at 5:12 p.m. this afternoon. If that window is not available there will a couple of other windows of opportunity.... two more one-second opportunities follow at 5:22 p.m. and 5:32 p.m.

The real estate market is pretty attractive right now in Brevard County, Florida - Florida's Space Coast. There is a window of opportunity to get a good deal.

The interest rates have risen in the past but still are not what one would consider high. The prices are low. The short sale opportunity is plentiful if you have the patience!

Yes, there is a window of opportunity. Some windows are only open briefly...very briefly. I know while showing property in the past two weeks there have been several properties of interest that were snapped up just as my clients were getting ready to make an offer!

If this is your "window" for purchasing a home in Brevard County, Florida, please contact me. Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.

*Photo courtesy of Florida Today nespaper.

As a real estate agent who has been working in the Viera and Suntree areas of Brevard County, Florida I wanted to share this link to the Viera East Community Association web site.

This newly revised web site offers information on the local area, events, the various communities within Viera East, the Board of Directors, maps, association documents and more!

If you are in the market for a new home and Viera is a consideration, then take a look at this site as you do your research.

Then, when you are ready to buy in Viera (or neighboring Rockledge and Suntree), call me. If you have questions on Brevard County real estate, I want to be your resource.

Gary Waters, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida. Call me directly at 321-693-3850 or email me at agent@moving2brevard.com.

First we judge with our eyes. It may not be the most appropriate method however, human beings look first, then reason later.

Photos are really not a "nice to have" option for listings. I have a client who is about ready to make an offer on a condo. They are out of state but we notice one more listing in the same Rockledge, Florida condo complex.

She asks for photos. I have already shown several condo units in a previous trip. My client is a visual person.

Nothing in the MLS except "canned" photos. Actually the photos are not photos but rather "graphic representations" the builder used in their marketing materials. Nothing that connects the prospective buyer to the "THE UNIT."

I call and find it is owned by a real estate agent. When will real estate agents learn that buyers search the Internet? When will real estate agents learn that photos are not "optional?"

I had to make an appointment for this afternoon so I can go take the photos myself. For a price I will sell them to the owner/listing agent!

If you are selling your home, insist your agent take photos. Discuss a virtual tour of your property for the agent's Internet marketing campaign. If your agent will not take more than a photo of the front, find one who will!

Gary Waters, Floirda licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida - putting buyers and sellers together in Brevard County, Florida. Contact me at 321-693-3850 or by email to agent@movng2brevard.com.