I take pictures as I enjoy sharing them with others. If you would like to use one of my photos, please ask, I am usually happy to oblige, however I would like to receive mention of having taken the picture.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
So often, in helping buyers find their first home, I can’t help but think back to my first home away from home. And, oh what a home it was! I was 21 years old. My first home was a mobile home. No, let’s just call it what it was, it was a trailer, a rickety old single-wide 12 x 60 foot trailer, that needed alot of tender loving care. It was downright ugly. It needed a good thorough scrubbing from top to bottom and a coat of paint.
It had red shag carpeting with red lights in the ceiling. The second bedroom was the size of a bathroom. It fit one single bed and a tiny little dresser. You had to practically climb on the bed to get into the closet.
And, it was on the railroad tracks. The master bedroom window was 10 feet from the train. On the other side there was a busy street. So, I lived at the railroad crossing!
Each time a train went by the whole place shook. The dishes clattered in the cupboards and the chandelier danced on the ceiling, threatening to come crashing down. We had to run across the living room to turn the TV up when a train was going by (it was before the days of remote controls – I know, I know, back in the stone age). Between the ding, ding, ding of the railroad crossing gates going down, the traffic stopping, the train whistle, and the train roaring by, I was ready to be put in a rubber room. Although I loved the thought of having a place of my own, after a couple of weeks I really disliked living there. I cried the first night I stayed there.
But, it was mine, all mine. I paid $3,500 for it, with my own money. I owned it free and clear and I paid $95.00 a month in lot rent to have it parked on a "prime" piece of real estate.
I spent a year a half there and never slept through an entire night, because of the train.
One day I decided it was time to move on, so I stuck a For Sale sign in the window and sold the place a couple of weeks later. The couple that bought it didn't mind the train. When I was showing it to them a train came roaring by. They said they were used to living by the tracks as they had for years. It was a match made in heaven.
I took my little profit and my sister and I pooled our money and built a home together. Now that was a real home!
My Dad gave me this picture when I lived in the trailer, as a joke. I have kept it throughout the years. I can now look back on it with fond memories of growing up and heading out on my own for the first time.
Do you remember your first home? What was it like?
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
The 2009 R.A.W. United Southern States Push Pull Powerlifting meet was held at The Gym this past weekend here in Melbourne FLorida. There were about 20 lifters competing.
Sam Shores had a 97 lb. bench press.
Shores had a 195 lb. deadlift.
There will be a R.A.W. United Powerlifting meet coming up on December 5 and 6 that will be held at West Shore Junior Senior High School in Melbourne Florida. Lifters will be competing from across the country. It is estimated that there will be about 75-85 competitors in this meet.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
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It's a bit cloudy and overcast today, as we are seeing the remnants of Hurricane Ida that passed through the panhandle of Florida yesterday. It was quickly downgraded to a tropical storm. For some, tropical storms and hurricanes mean waves. And, waves mean it's time to hit the beach to go surfing.
Today, with the Veteran's Day holiday, schools are closed. Hooray!
So many are at the beach, taking advantage of the waves that Tropical Storm Ida left behind.
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Full time professional serving your buying, selling & investing needs on Florida's Space Coast. I can assist with your short sale or relocation. I buy, sell, rent, own & manage investment properties.
Hi, I'm Sandy Shores...I am a Full Time REALTOR® since 1996. I have lived in the Lake Washington area of North Melbourne since 1975 and I love it here! I specialize in Residential, Investment Property and Relocations. I can help with your Short Sale, too. I work with buyers, sellers, and investors.
My broker has been in the business for nearly 50 years specializing in Residential, Commercial and Investment Property. He has been a wealth of knowledge for me. He owns and always has owned investment property of his own.
I began purchasing single family rental homes over 13 years ago and have continued to buy 1 to 2 properties per year since then. I believe that there is no better place to put your investment dollars than in real estate. But, remember, in real estate you don't get rich quick over night. You accumulate wealth over time, and real estate has it's ups and downs.
The real estate market is cyclical. We have seen the Brevard County, Florida Real Estate market come full circle. Currently, we are experiencing a market correction. Our property values went up by 180% in a 5 year period of time! Investors lost money in the Tech Stock Market Bubble. Many shifted to real estate. In 2005 homes were selling in Brevard for over inflated prices. Buyers were optimistic that the market would continue up. House flippers were buying and reselling for a quick profit. It couldn't last. New owners got their tax bills based on new assessed values.They didn't expect such a blow. We were then visited by a couple of hurricanes, sending insurance rates soaring. Then, owners interest only, 100% financed, negative amortization, adjustable rate mortgages readjusted upward ...that was the final straw. Owners had to sell. The market became saturated with houses for sale, thus it began on the decline. We are currently experiencing a market correction. Today, the buying opportunities are plentiful! Sellers that purchased 5 or more years ago, are still in a position to sell for more than they purchased their homes for. Interest rates are low and short sales and foreclosures are putting downward pressure on home prices. Many homes are becoming more affordable. These deals are being scooped up first. There are home buying opportunities available today.
The Buyer...
Buying a home is probably the largest purchase you will make in your lifetime! Having lived in Florida since 1968 and in Melbourne since 1975, I know the area and understand the market. The first step is in securing a reputable REALTOR®. I can guide you through the buying process. The next step is choosing a reputable local lender in the area in which you are buying. You should compare 3 written good faith estimates to see which lender can provide with the most affordable costs and best rate (without any hidden fees)! The lender can review financing programs to find which mortgage loan is best for you. Once you have a pre approval letter in hand, I am able to assist in showing you affordable, homes, in a good area, that suit both your wants and your needs.
It's important that you not overpay for the home. Are you buying it to live in it? How long will you live there? Will it be a second home? Is it an investment property? What are your investing goals? Will you be able to sell for the price you are paying today? Always consider resale, when buying. Upon choosing the right house, I will assist you in the maze of paperwork. I follow up on financing, inspections, survey, homeowners insurance, title work, repairs, etc, to be sure the contract successfully gets to closing.
The Seller...
My job is to professionally market your largest asset, your home, for sale. For some, this is an emotional experience. Your home holds your memories. I bought and sold my own home in 2001. I handled every aspect of the transaction, for both me as the seller, and the buyer of my house, as for me as the buyer and for the seller of the home I was buying. I understand the emotions tied to the transaction, having gone through it myself.
I understand the current market conditions, nationally, as well as localty. Is the market going up or down? This will affect pricing on your home. What are interest rates doing?
The house must be in "show" condition. If there are items that need attention, they must be addressed before it goes up for sale. It is important that we don't overprice the home for the current market.
The home must be properly advertised, accentuating it's positive features. With my marketing plan the goal is to create urgency to potential buyers. I will present various financing options to a new buyer to make the home affordable and easy to "get in".
My job is to net you the best possible price in the least amount of time, with the least amount of headaches and hassles. I must attract the REALTOR community and every approved buyer to your home! Once the contract has been negotiated and signed with a pre approved buyer, it is my responsibility to see to it that every aspect of it is completed to close the sale; from inspections, to title work, insurance and follow up. Then, I will stay in touch with you to keep you abreast of current market conditions.
Today, location and condition are important in getting a home sold, however, price is the most important factor in getting a home sold!
Sandy, Thank you so much for all of your help from start to finish, and making my dreams come true. You are a credit to your profession. You and your family are welcome at my home anytime!
- Cheers, Tony Ward, England
...Through perseverance, knowledge of the Real Estate Market and knowing our personal needs, Sandy was able to sell our property within thirty days. Her services and professionalism were a credit to the Real Estate profession. It was a joy to us because the property sold due to her knowledge of market conditions and her expertise. -Danny & Diane Sicilia, Melbourne
Sandy Shores is one of the finest real estate agents that I've had the pleasure to be associated with in my 45 years in the business. Sandy is far above the competition in knowledge and ability. And best of all, she has a true concern for the customers she comes in contact with. Sandy is 100% committed.
-Willard "Bill" Mallery, Palm Bay, Florida
Sandy's persistence and detailed market appreciation enabled out house to sell within one month of her hiring...Sandy's extreme job knowledge make difficult questions easily answered...Hiring Sandy Shores ensures you get the best Realtor for the job!
-C.E. Booton, Retired Major USAF 23 years, Navarre FL
Every time I hear of someone who is interested in buying a new home, I immediately begin singing my praises of you. You went far beyond the call of duty. I also rave about how you helped me, with a new business. work through more than a few major problems with the mortgage lender. I really thought it was not going to happen, but thanks to you any your hard work and diligence I am now sitting in my very own new home!
Sandy, you impressed me with your professionalism and even after the closing I could rely on you to help with some of the challenges of owning my first home. You really take the time to help, listen and suggest possible solutions. There are very few people who go out of their way for people the way you do. For professionalism you get an A+, for customer service, A+, and for knowledge in your field A+. If I ever sell this home or buy another, I want you as my Realtor. Thank you for everything! - Kathi Belger, Melbourne
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