Sherry Armstrong Daytona Beach FL real estate

I just read a very insightful and thoughtful article by George Mantor on RisMedia, about the homes of yesterday and today, and trends for tomorrow.

We find ourselves in the early 21st century with McMansions. The average 920 sq ft home of the 1950s has become 2,400 sq ft and in many places, 6,000 to 7,000 sq ft. Why?

Mantor states, "Well, because we wanted them, for one thing. They were the ultimate status symbol and maybe always will be. If a man's home is his castle, it darn well better feel like one.

"As much as a castle-sized home is a status symbol, it is also a symbol of wretched excess and the general contempt of its owner for those of us being crushed under the boot-heels of his enormous carbon footprint. Free market economy or not, no one is entitled to such a gluttonous amount of the planet's limited resources."

The homes of the affluent in the last 20 years are larger than they need to be, use more resources to create more materials, have too much of a negative impact on the enviroment, take up too much space, and require too much energy to maintain. He wonders, "How do you keep track of a kid in 7,000 square feet?"

The new reality is sustainability, reuse of existing structures, green alternatives. Homes of such size represent the end of an era, as we - as a nation - face the new reality of carbon footprints and the limits of developable land.

Mantor sees not only the need for, but the process of, "a shift away from building single family suburban homes in favor of multifamily housing as land around large metropolitan areas disappears and the limitations on energy discourage commutes longer than drivers in many metropolitan areas are now making. Today's long commutes are the result of moving business parks far from urban centers and the desire for ever larger homes.

"Coupled with the movement toward sustainability, a desire to reuse existing structures and a search for greener building alternatives, many communities are rethinking planning, zoning, and special use permits.

"In an effort to create more pedestrian friendly communities, more thought is being given to bringing lifestyle-elements such as jobs, services, and recreational opportunities to the residents, rather than have them drive elsewhere. Among the tools employed to achieve these results are adaptive reuse, live/work zoning and mixed use zoning."

Read his article for descriptions of what the communities of Seaside in Florida, downtown LA, San Elijo Hills in San Marcos, CA, Carlsbad, CA - are doing to meet our new reality. The home of tomorrow will be many things we don't even envision today (well, maybe Bill Gates does) but it won't be larger. We will move out of the "age of stuff" to a greener, more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Perhaps you will live in a smaller community and drive less and walk more. Or at least live in a home which is more sensitive to our limited resources.

It's exciting to think of the many opportunities which will arise in all phases of real estate to meet the sustainability model. And, of course, now is the best time in a generation to become a homeowner. Contact me for opportunities in the Daytona Beach area.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
www.sherryarmstrong.com
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com

p.s. George W. Mantor is known as "The Real Estate Professor" for his wealth building formula, Lx2+(U²)xTFP=$? and consumer education efforts. During a career that has spanned more than three decades, he has amassed experience in new home and resale residential real estate, resort marketing, and commercial and investment property. He is currently the founder and president of The Associates Financial Group, a real estate consulting firm. Mantor can be reached at GWMantor@aol.com.

If you are a 1st Time Homebuyer and want to take advantage of the great buyer's market in Daytona Beach right now, here are details on how the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit can help you purchase your first home.

1. Who Qualifies?
1st-time home buyers who purchase homes between Jan. 1 - Dec. 1, 2009. The purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the 3 years prior to the purchase.

2. Which Properties are Eligible?
The tax credit may be applied to primary residences, including single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

3. How Much is the Credit?
The maximum allowable credit is $8,000, and each homebuyer's credit is determined by 2 factors:
a) Price of the home - the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000
b) Buyer's income - single buyers with incomes up to $75,000, and married couples with incomes up to $150,000, may receive the maximum tax credit

The credit reduces a taxpayer's tax bill or increases his/her refund, dollar for dollar. The credit is fully refundable, meaning the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax owed. Claim the credit on IRS Form 5405.

4. If the Buyer(s)' Income Exceeds these Limits, Can She/He still get a Credit?
Yes, some buyers may still be eligible. The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $75,000-$95,000 for single buyers, and between $150,000-$170,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the credit decreases as the buyer(s)' income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income - over $95,000 for singles, $170,000 for couples - are not eligible.

5. Does the Tax Credit need to be Repaid?
The buyer does not need to repay the credit if she/he occupies the home for 3 years or more. However, if the property is sold during the 3-year period, the credit will be recouped on the sale.

6. When can the Tax Credit Claimed?
1st-time homebuyers who purchase a home prior to Dec. 1, 2009 can claim the credit on either their 2008 or 2009 tax return. The credit may not be claimed before the closing date.

7. Where Can You get more Information?
The National Assn. of Realtors web site, www.realtors.org, has a great deal of information about the credit, including a Q & A page, printable FAQ, and links to more answers from the IRS.

8. What Should You Do Now?
Take advantage of our great Buyer's Market! With inventories high, interest rates low, and the number of assistance programs available to buyers, NOW is the TIME TO BUY!

The even better news - HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan has decided to allow consumers to use the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit to help cover their down payment and closing costs on FHA-insured mortgages. Just announced today (RealEstateChannel.com), "The measures announced by HUD would allow FHA-approved lenders; federal, state and local government agencies; and FHA-approved non-profit organizations to supply home buyers short-term or "bridge loans" up to the amount of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit. Previously, the home buyer would have been unable to access the tax credit until they filed their next annual tax return or an amended 2008 tax return and received the refund from the IRS."

Really, what are you waiting for?

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

The NASCAR Foundation has partnered with the Motor Racing Network MRN and Sirius NASCAR Radio to take to the airwaves May 11-18 for a week-long celebration of NASCAR Day.

Fans can tune in to Sirius for live updates and interviews with some of your favorite NASCAR celebrities. On NASCAR Day, Sirius will celebrate by broadcasting live from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. from the Sam Bass Gallery in Concord, N.C.

The NASCAR Day Radiothon on MRN, sponsored by AFLAC and Sprint, on May 16, will serve as the grand finale of a week of festivities that aim to raise much needed funds for The NASCAR Foundation and its Family of Charities. Fans in participating markets will be able to tune in to listen to stories of inspiration and hope from kids whose lives have been changed from the generosity of NASCAR fans, and to hear from their favorite Sprint Cup drivers and celebrities including Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Elliott Sadler, Ryan Newman and many more. Fans also will learn how they can help support NASCAR Day by calling 1-877-515-GIVE to donate now through May 18.

NASCAR Day is an annual celebration of the NASCAR community's spirit of giving. It is an opportunity for fans, corporations, schools and organizations across the country to donate to The NASCAR Foundation to raise funds to help thousands of children live better lives. Since 2004, NASCAR Day has united more than 400,000 fans and raised $6.5 million for charity, truly making an impact in the lives of those who need help the most.

How To Get Involved:

· Call 1-877-515-GIVE to donate via phone

· Visit www.nascar.com/nascarday to donate $5 and receive your 2009 NASCAR Day collectible pin

· Stop by a participating APlus at Sunoco location to donate $5 and get your pin

· Bid in the online auction at www.nascar.com/foundation

• Sign up for The NASCAR Foundation Volunteer Network

Daytona International Speedway will participate with the NASCAR Foundation to celebrate NASCAR Day. The Speedway and Daytona 500 Experience will celebrate from noon to 2 p.m. with food specials, raffles and music outside the attraction. The Florida Blood Centers also will be on site from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The pins will be available at the Daytona 500 Experience, and proceeds benefit Speediatrics, the pediatric care unit at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

The legislature will be in session one more week to finalize the budget, but many Florida Assn. of Realtors initiatives moved forward, and we are pleased with the results, such as:

1. SJR 532. This constitutional amendment will ask voters to limit increases in property tax assessments on all non-homestead properties to 5 percent annually. First-time homebuyers could benefit, too, with an additional homestead exemption up to $100,000.

2. HB 521, the bill that puts the burden of proving that a property tax assessment is correct on the appraiser, not the property owner, also passed both chambers and heads to the Governor.

3. In the area of property insurance, the Legislature capped rate increases at 10 percent per year for Citizens policyholders (HB 1495). The Legislature also repealed the requirement that, effective Jan. 1, 2010, sellers of property located in a wind-borne debris region, and which has an insured value on the structure of $500,000 or more, provide prospective buyers the structure's windstorm mitigation rating.

4. The growth management bill (SB 360) we supported passed as a big package. It includes a provision to encourage urban infill by eliminating transportation concurrency, one that allows for expedited comprehensive plan reviews and another that eliminates the development of regional impact process (DRIs) in urban areas. The bill also extends previously obtained permits and approvals by two years, creates a transition process for moving towards a mobility fee system, and streamlines and reduces inefficiency in our approach to growth management.

5. it appears that when the budget is finalized next week, we'll have $30 million for downpayment assistance to help "front load" the federal first-time homebuyer tax credit.

(News courtesy of FAR)

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor for Daytona Beach Area
Relocation Specialist, Ormond Beach
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting Season started May 1 in Volusia County, officially, and the number of nests has been declining steadily except for last year, primarily because of threats to the habitat.

Jennifer Winters, from the Volusia County Sea Turtle Program, said that nests are "Being lost to erosion and development. People uses deter them from using our beaches for nesting, as well as off-shore threats, such as fishing and even hunting in some countries." She added beachfront lighting for area homes and hotels as a major deterrent to nesting, and continued, ""Mamas won't come up if it's too bright on the beach," Winters said. "Babies will go toward the light rather than the turtle. So, more than a decade ago, the county enacted a lighting ordinance to protect the creatures."

The nesting season runs May 1 - Oct. 31. The Marine Science Center is hoping for a good year. The mothers come up the beach, bury the eggs in the sand, and the hatchlings - several weeks later - run back to the water. If you see a nest, or turtle/hatchlings in trouble, call the beach patrol. Don't try to help them yourself.

Here are some interesting facts on the loggerhead:

1) The lungs of the loggerhead sea turtle are adapted to permit a rapid exchange of oxygen and to prevent gasses from being trapped during deep dives. The blood of sea turtles can deliver oxygen efficiently to body tissues even at the pressures encountered during diving. During routine activity a loggerhead sea turtle dives for about 4 to 5 minutes and surfaces to breathe for 1 to 3 seconds. Sea turtles can rest or sleep underwater for several hours at a time.

2) The loggerhead turtle is known for its large head and horny beak. It also has large jaws and powerful muscles. Most loggerhead sea turtles have a reddish brown carapace and a pale yellow plastron (bottom shell).

3) The temperature of the nest determines whether the eggs will produce males or females. A cooler nest, below 82.5°F (28°C), will produce more males, and a warmer nest, above 85.1°F (29.5°C), will result in more females. If the nest temperature stays in between, there will be a more balanced number of males and females.

Hopefully we will be host this year to thousands of nesting loggerhead turtles. Isn't Daytona Beach a great place to live? Contact me for relocation information and real estate opportunities throughout Volusia County.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
www.sherryarmstrong.com
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191

(resource: WESH news)