Brevard County Florida is celebrating again. The schools are continuously earning top awards.
Five of Brevard's schools have been included this year on Newsweek's 1500 Top High Schools, putting them in the top five percent of schools across the nation.
West Shore Jr/Sr High School ranked number 78 on the list.
Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High School ranked number 191.
Merritt Island High ranked number 529.
Satellite High ranked number 907.
Rockledge High ranked number 1486 this year.
The findings are based on a ratio of the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Cambridge tests taken in 2008 divided by the number of seniors graduating.
These tests are given on college level classes. But, how well or poorly the students did on the tests is not a factor in determing the schools placement on Newsweek's list.
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 orginal building for the Second Advent Church situated in old Eau Gallie, Florida still sits at the corner of 1598 Highland Avenue.
Can you imagine, back in 1914 there were only 30 church members?
Today, this old church building serves as St. Paul's Thrift Store.
I love shopping for a deal. You never know what kind of bargain you'll find when you go in there.
They carry clothes, shoes. belts, bags, dolls, toys, nick nacks, pictures, books and so much more.
They have a shed out back with some miscellaneous pieces of furniure.
Donations are welcome.
Their hours are Monday thru Saturday, 10:00 to 4:00.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
I just finished reading Carla Muss Jacobs post discussing state mottos.
For years, here in Florida we didn't officially have one. Until July 1, 2006 when Governor Jeb Bush accepted In God We Trust as the state motto. After all, it had been on the state seal for years.
Florida's State seal was adopted in 1868 and later revised to be...
"... a Seal of the size of the American silver dollar, having in the center thereof a view of the sun's rays over a high land in the distance, a cocoa tree, a steamboat on water, and an Indian female scattering flowers in the foreground, encircled by the words, 'Great Seal of the State of Florida: In God We Trust', be and the same is hereby adopted as the Great Seal of the State of Florida."
Florida has flown many flags over the years, but in 1900 the current flag was adopted.
It's not surprising that the state reptile is the alligator. We really don't see many of these guys except in zoos.
Florida's marine mammals are the manatee, also known as sea cows.
And, Florida's State Flower is the Orange Blossom.
Florida's State beverage, is my favorite, orange juice. Yum Yum. There's nothing better than fresh squeezed orange juice, especially when it comes off your own trees.
And, Florida's favorite destination, you guessed it...the beaches. ( I threw that one in.)
A visit to Florida isn't complete without a trip to the beach. Surfs up, the waves were 6 feet on Friday, but settled down to 2 to 3 feet yesterday. There have been alot of happy surfers around these parts lately.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
I take pictures as I enjoy sharing them with others. If you would like to use any of my photos, please ask. I am usually happy to accomodate the request, however I would like mention that I took the photo.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
Brevard County Florida vehicle registration fees are going up by as much as 50% and more on Monday, August 31 at midnight.
The county is raising fees in hopes of whittling down the state's $7 billion budget deficit.
The increases that will take effect will be driver's license renewals, annual vehicle registration fees, license tags and titles. Car registrations will increase from $100 to $225.
Car registrations can be renewed on Monday at the normal rates if they expire before December 1. Drivers have the option of renewing for 2 years at the current price. A driver's license can be renewed at today's rates if it expires in the next 18 months.
To avoid long lines on Monday you can visit the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles Website and do your renewals there.
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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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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