Daytona Beach FL Homes

Daytona Beach Tennis Program Receives Grant

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 21:37:00 +0000

Daytona Beach has received a United States Tennis Association-Florida (USTA Florida) "Share the Love" grant to begin using the QuickStart Tennis format for 10-and-under children at Daytona Beach's Derbyshire Sports Complex.

"This program is focused on providing inner-city kids with an opportunity to play tennis," said Joseph Chirillo, recreational coordinator for the City of Daytona. "Currently we have 50 youth from the ages of 5-14, both boys and girls, playing three days a week at the Derbyshire Sports Complex."

QuickStart Tennis is the new USTA-approved format for teaching children age 10-and-under, featuring smaller court sizes, racquet sizes, foam and decompressed balls, a simple scoring system, and net heights adjusted to ease kids into the sport.

The funding will be used to purchase QuickStart Tennis equipment for the city, which has struggled with recreational resources during the current economic conditions. Chirillo says prior to the grant, the young children in the program used donated adult-size racquets and regular high-bouncing balls which made it difficult to learn.

USTA Florida's "Share the Love" campaign is a $500,000 initiative on top of the organization's regular annual giving, to help fund tennis programs and projects throughout Florida communities during challenging economic times. Funding priorities for the USTA Florida 'Share the Love' initiative include QuickStart Tennis and Jr. Team Tennis (coordinator training, start-up, etc.), public facility funding (schools, parks, conversion to QuickStart courts, etc.), community tennis awareness (innovative pro-active start-ups, program expansion), school programs and senior tennis programs/projects.

Share the Love grant applications are still being accepted by USTA Florida at www.USTASharetheLove.com, or questions can be e-mailed to grants@florida.usta.com.

For more information on QuickStart Tennis in Florida go to: www.usatennisflorida.usta.com/USTA-Jr-Team-Tennis---New/23757_QuickStart_Home/

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

Scammers Hitting Daytona Beach Short Sale Sellers

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 00:38:00 +0000

The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors has put out an alert which applies to all areas of the state, in response to the huge number of short sales in Florida.

A short sale is when a homeowner needs to sell their home for less than what they owe on it. This can be a stressful and complex situation that leaves many homeowners vulnerable. At a time when plenty of Floridians are worried about their homes, some scammers are trying to bilk people out of cash and even out of their homes.

"When people are vulnerable, that's when people put their scams into work," said Glenn East, CEO of NEFAR.

Two Big Red Flags are

If someone asks you to sign over your home
If someone asks for a big fee upfront

If it seems to good to be true, it is.

If you have any questions about a proposal, call or email me - or, check it out with the state attorney general's office. Don't sign anything.

I have the experience and knowledge to help with your short sale or pre-foreclosure, and many references to support the help I've given to buyers and sellers. Just be cautious and very skeptical!

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com
www.activerain.com/blogs/sherrya

Manatee Calf Rescued in Daytona Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 01:59:00 +0000

As reported by the Orlando Sentinel, "A manatee calf, apparently orphaned by its mother, was rescued recently in Daytona Beach and is receiving care at SeaWorld Orlando.

"The female seacow, which is 3 1/2 feet long and 41 pounds, was bought by officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to the Orlando park's rescue and rehabilitation center on July 24. The calf remains in guarded condition, park officials said.

"She was rescued from a canal near the Caribbean Jack's restaurant in Daytona Beach. SeaWorld staff must bottle feed the calf every three hours with specially-designed nutrient-rich baby formula.

"Once she is grown and is eating the normal diet of vegetation, the seacow could be released back into the wild. SeaWorld has rescued 23 manatees and has released 11 this year."

(photo from SeaWorld Orlando)

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

2nd Daytona Beach Music Festival Attracting Big Names

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:59:00 +0000

The second half of the American Music Festival is coming to Daytona Beach Labor Day weekend. The Jonas Brothers will perform in the Ocean Center, along with superstar Usher and special guest Demi Lovato.

The entire complex is planned to be transformed from its temporary bleachers to an actual arena. The idea for the city is to make a big splash with big names with the hope that big things will follow.

The bandshell will also see more big name acts in the future, but its not being said who yet.

For more information on the American Music Festival, check out www.amf2010.com.

with Your Key to the Beach,
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

Daytona Beach Downtown Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:41:00 +0000

As reported by Mark Lane,of the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Daytona Beach city officials have unveiled a new Downtown plan. He makes the following points:

1. the new plan doesn't dismantle City Island
2. the new plan envisions walking spaces around downtown and Riverside Park with slower speed limits and a 2-lane road
3. the new plan leaves out public-private projects that would convert public land to private use, for the most part

4. the new plan includes retail kiosks in Riverfront Park

Lane concludes, "A functioning downtown is the best of both worlds: urban pleasures with smaller-town familiarity. If the experts knew how to make one work, they would have told us how three studies ago. But, at least this time, the city has a plausible plan that doesn't start by wrecking what we already have."

If you have an opinion about the new proposal, contact your city officials.

with Your Key to the Beach,
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com

Daytona Beach Building New Community Center

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:34:00 +0000

A new community center will be built in Derbyshire Park of Daytona Beach, with the goal of opening it to the public by May, 2011. Construction on the Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural and Educational Center, a 17,500-square-foot property on the east side of the park, is set to begin by September.

Public Works Director Ron McLemore said the design phase of the project, which includes the drafting of drawings and construction documents, is 90% complete. He anticipates bid and contract approval from the City Commission in September.

Plans for the building include a courtyard in the center, which will contain an amphitheater for theatrical and musical performances. The building will cost $2.5 million, with about $1.6 million coming from the general fund and the remainder coming from three grants, including a $600,000 Volusia County ECHO grant. The building is dedicated to former mayor Yvonne Scarlett-Golden, who was the first black mayor of Daytona Beach. She held office from 2003 until her death from cancer in 2006 at the age of 80.

with Your Key to the Beach,
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

(resource: MyHometownNews.net)

Daytona Beach and Shadow Home Inventory

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 23:40:00 +0000

A recent article on RealEstateChannel examines the term "shadow inventory" which many real estate market forecasters feel will affect our Florida foreclosure numbers for years to come. Author Kevin Brass explains, "Recent debate focuses on a report from Standard & Poor's, which suggests that it may take three years to absorb the current shadow inventory of distressed properties. More than $480 billion property falls into this category, which Standard & Poor's defines as 'outstanding properties that are (or were recently) 90 days or more delinquent, in foreclosure, or real estate owned (REO), but haven't yet hit the market inventory.'"

In our Daytona Beach area, we have higher numbers of foreclosed properties than in many parts of the country. If all of these homes entered the market at once, definitely they would impact pricing and supply vs. demand. But if we look at the numbers, the shadow inventory may not be as much of a problem as it seems.

Brass states, "For one, the size of this shadowy inventory is, in fact, shadowy. Nobody really knows how big it is, with estimates ranging from 2 million to 8 million homes. That's a big difference, and it's worth noting that many of the owners who fit Standard & Poor's description may not end up putting their homes on the market. And Standard & Poor's report makes it clear the problem differs wildly from market to market. In New York, for example, the analysis estimates there is 103 months of supply in shadow, light years ahead of the 34-month national average. In contrast, Phoenix, the lowest of the 20 markets studied, showed only 16 months of inventory.

"In fact, in many markets the inventory of publically available properties is shrinking. In Miami, for example, the number of residential listings in May was down 19.3 percent from a year earlier and 43 percent below August of 2008. Nationally, total inventory was down 3.4 percent in May, according to National Association of Realtors data.While the spring numbers were certainly skewed by consumers rushing to buy before the expiration of the federal tax credit, they don'suggest that there is a flood of listed property lingering on the market."

Another point Brass makes is that the distressed properties making up the shadow inventory are not all the same type of home. In Daytona Beach, we have condos, and single family, and waterfront, and golf course, and attached homes. Many foreclosures are homes which have not been taken care of, and the prices when these sell will not affect the Daytona Beach high-end home market.

Brass concludes, "Standard & Poor's looked at the national shadow inventory numbers and issued a stern warning, part of the new-found hard edge adopted by the ratings agencies in the wake of the mortgage crisis. 'Given this backlog, we believe that average home prices could fall again if demand doesn't rise in step with the potential influx of supply,' Standard & Poor's credit analyst Diane Westerback said in a statement.

"But that's a big 'if.' A reasonable uptick in demand--fueled by, say, low interest rates and tax breaks--could easily offset the impact of the distressed properties, opening the possibility that the shadow inventory may turn into the equivalent of a dangerous hurricane that never hits land."

For a detailed analysis of your Daytona Beach property, call or email. I'm a specialist in short sale and distressed properties, and certainly can advise you on the shadow inventory of Daytona Beach.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

Daytona Beach 1st Time Buyers Get Extension to Close Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:18:00 +0000

After weeks of bickering, Congress extended the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers and the $6,500 tax credit for second-time buyers by three months to Sept. 30.

Legislators beat the existing June 30 deadline by only a few hours. President Barack Obama was expected to sign the legislation today or on the weekend.

Under the current terms, buyers had until April 30 to get a signed sales contract and until June 30 to complete the sale. The bill only allows people who already have signed contracts to finish at the later date. The extension only applies to people who had ratified contracts in place as of April 30 that have not yet closed. It does not create a new tax credit.

Congress had tried repeatedly in the past month to extend the deadline by putting the measure into a big bill that would have extended expiring tax provisions and unemployment benefits, but that bill kept failing test votes in the Senate. Finally, Congress put the measure into a separate bill, the Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act, H.R. 5623.

The National Association of Realtors estimates as many as 180,000 homebuyers who were under contract by April 30 missed the closing deadline, including 17,700 in California, 15,340 in Texas, 14,830 in Florida and 9,130 in New York.

If you want to buy this year in Daytona Beach, there are still great bargains plus the lowest rates in history. Contact me to discuss the opportunities in Daytona Beach real estate.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
http://www.ormondbeachscene.com/

Daytona Beach Buyers Need Patience to Purchase REOs

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:44:00 +0000

If you have made an offer on a bank-owned home (REO) and they have (finally) accepted your price, you are in for a wait, and need to be patient. For a number of reasons, the process for an REO escrow can take longer than a standard escrow. Knowing it can take longer to work through an REO escrow can help make the process much less stressful.

*The Seller of an REO - a Bank or Lending Institution - may have many properties in escrow at once. This means that what may seem like a simple response to a question can take days to be considered, much less answered.
*An accepted offer or contract may take several days to be uploaded onto the Seller’s online system where it will only then be listed as a “task” to open escrow.
*Banks must follow specific, strict procedures that can take longer than a standard escrow.
*The HUD process takes approximately five days after the Buyer has signed the loan.

When all parties - buyer, seller, and both Realtors, understand how these differences add time to the process, they can allow the escrow officers to focus their time on processing the transaction. Ultimately, your patience can lead to a successful (and less stressful) transaction for everyone.

There are many opportunities now in Daytona Beach for buyers and some great bargains in REO properties. But you need a Realtor experienced in the process to guide you through. I have a lot of experience in representing buyers in distressed property purchases. Let me know how I can help you add a bank-owned home to your Daytona Beach investment portfolio.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

Mortgage Rates to Help Daytona Beach Buyers

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:28:00 +0000

In Freddie Mac's weekly survey last week, all long-term mortgage rates except the 1-year ARM hit record lows. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.69%. Last year for the same time the rate averaged 5.42%.

"Mortgage rates for all but traditional 1-year ARMs hit all-time record lows this week in our survey while activity in the housing market slowed in May following the expiration of the homebuyer tax credit," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist. "Freddie Mac began collecting rates for 30-year fixed loans in April 1971, 15-year fixed mortgages in September 1991 and 5-year hybrid ARMs in January 2005. The record low for traditional 1-year ARMs of 3.36 percent occurred during the week of March 25, 2004."

Realtors have been emphasizing the low rates for over a year now - and they are now at the lowest they have been since records were kept. Don't miss this once-in-a-generation opportunity to buy Daytona Beach real estate at historic low prices and rates.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

Tips to Sell Your Daytona Beach Home Now

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:43:00 +0000

Summer is a great time in Daytona Beach to sell your real estate. We have folks from all over the country here for our weather, to get a tan, or enjoy the beach and boating. You want to make the most of marketing to those prospective buyers. Here are 5 tips as discovered by ZipRealty to use in the current market.

1. Parking - this is the most highly rated feature for buyers, and no off-street parking is an eliminating factor. Make sure your driveway is clean and clear of obstructions (lawn mower, kid's toys). If you are selling a condo, make sure the parking is clearly shown in your listing (including guest spots). Photos of the access to the driveway, and the garage are helpful too, as you can show how much room there is for storage.

2. Master suite - this is the #1 "must have" for buyers right now. Be sure to photograph the bath and bedroom, and mention any amenities (such as sitting area) in your description. It's a must to stage not just the master suite but the entire home, so you market all the features to their best advantage.

3. Yard - especially this time of year, your yard or outdoor space should be highlighted and photographed showing plants and views. If you have a condo, use outdoor plants and furniture facing the view.

4. Location - you can't change your property's location, and you can't use words like "quiet" in the description because of the Fair Housing Law. But you can make sure photos of the street scene - or lobby, recreation center - are in your realtor's listing and online syndication. All buyers want to know what the neighborhood looks like.

5. Guest room - this is the 3rd most highly rated feature for buyers. If you have more than one bedroom, call another one the guest room and point out the features (lighting, ventilation, window AC unit).

These aren't tricks, but ways you can showcase your home to its best. Contact me not just for ideas but to discuss in depth what features in your area of Daytona Beach have brought the most value for sellers.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

Palm Grove - South Daytona Beach - Home for Sale - Reed Canal

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:23:00 +0000

Lovely 3 bedroom house located in area of established homes and offers formal living room, spacious family room kitchen with eating area, separate dining room, screened lanai (15 X 15), mature landscaping and 2 car garage. Located near schools, shopping, conveniences and only minutes to the beach or river. Ths home has been lovingly cared for and is close to parks, dining and entertainment. Level lot is 97 x 155 (15,035 SF) and offers room for a pool.

South Daytona is a small town outside Daytona Beach, occupied by locals more than tourists/visitors/students. Not much industry and close to schools, shopping, dining and the beach.

Directions: South on Nova Rd to Left on Reed Canal to Property.

For a preview, contact Sherry Armstrong, 386-679-3191.

Daytona Beach to Enjoy Merle Haggard in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:22:00 +0000

Merle Haggard, 73-year-old country music legend, guitarist and songwriter, will be in concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3, 2011 at Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd.

Tickets are $35-$50 plus service fee, and go on sale at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the auditorium box office and Ticketmaster. For more information, call 386-671-3462.

Haggard, who has released more than 65 albums, is known for such songs as "Sing Me Back Home," "Okie From Muskogee," "Silver Wings" and "Today I Started Loving You Again."
His latest album, "I Am What I Am," was released in April.

Here's Haggard's web site and a video of "Mama Tried."

Mark your calendar. Merle Haggard is just one of many top performers we enjoy in Daytona Beach. Come join us.

Your Key to the Beach,

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

House Passes FHA Reform Bill

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 18:30:00 +0000

The House of Representatives passed by a wide margin FHA reform legislation that would allow the Administration to adjust monthly premiums on mortgage insurance.This bill, H.R. 5072, FHA Reform Act of 2010, would strengthen the FHA loan insurance program while keeping it available and affordable to responsible home buyers.

Allowing FHA to raise the monthly insurance premium would let FHA lower the up-front premium that places a burden on cash-strapped borrowers at closing. During the legislative process, the House defeated an amendment that would have increased the FHA down payment from 3.5% to 5%, which would have disenfranchised more than 300,000 potential homeowners and would not have contributed significantly to FHA cash reserves.

If you are unsure what FHA insurance means to you, just call or email. I can recommend reputable, experienced lenders with our Daytona Beach real estate and get you started toward homeownership.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

National Rise in Home Prices bring Opportunity for Daytona Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:19:00 +0000

Clear Capital reports that national year-over-year home price gains climbed to 6.8%, quarter-over-quarter losses are trimmed to -1.8% and the national REO saturation rate dropped to 27.8%, a 14 percentage point improvement compared to the same time last year. "We continue to see sustained price growth throughout much of the country with yearly price gains reflecting the housing recovery off of last year's lows," said Dr. Alex Villacorta, Senior Statistician, Clear Capital.

He continued, "It is interesting to note, however, that this current momentum is a far cry from where we were a year ago," added Villacorta. "In June of last year, we reported a national yearly decline of 19.3 percent, whereas the present report shows a 6.8 percent gain. Similarly, the present REO saturation rate of 27.8 percent is a significant improvement from last year's 41.7 percent. This dramatic shift in price trends reflects the unprecedented volatility over the last couple of years and the delicate state of local real estate markets around the country."

This month's improvement is reflected across all four U.S. regions, with the Midwest experiencing the largest jump (4.5 percentage points). While quarterly prices remain negative in three of the four regions, yearly gains remained intact.

Although real estate prices continue to decline in our Daytona Beach area, this offers outstanding opportunities for investors and owner-occupant buyers. Contact me for real estate information on any Daytona Beach community or condo complex.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

Price Reduced - Grand Hickory Circle - Holly Hill - Near Daytona Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:08:00 +0000

1024 Grand Hickory This single story home in Holly Hill is comprised of two generous sized bedrooms, a large eat-in kitchen, and living room/dining room combination with cathedral ceilings plus a study area that could easily be converted to a third bedroom if desired. Outside you will find a 10 x 28 screened porch and a large privacy fenced yard. End unit sits on an extra deep lot. Close to schools, shopping, restaurants, medical facilities and conveniences. This one owner home has been impeccably maintained and is ready to move in!

For a private showing, contact Sherry Armstrong, Realtor, 386-679-3191.

Walk Scheduled to Raise Oil-Spill Awareness

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:02:00 +0000

A local march is planned for tomorrow, Sunday, 10 AM, beginning in front of Frank Rendon Park, 2705 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores. They plan to walk north along the beach as far as the Daytona Beach Pier.

The event was organized by Helena Cunningham, a Holly Hill native and Stetson University student. The idea for the march was born when she and another student were talking on Facebook about how upset they were over the spill. An executive chef at a Daytona Beach sushi restaurant, Cunningham said she couldn't believe her co-workers seemed to have no idea "how horrible it is. Let's do something about it," she said to her Facebook friend, and the idea for the march was born.

Several local environmental groups plan to participate, including the Volusia-Flagler Sierra Club.

Cunningham said she originally thought about protesting at a local gas station but decided to conduct a march on the beach because it's the one local area that could be impacted if the oil slick gets into the Gulf Stream. She wanted to do it on Memorial Day weekend, when the beach will be the most crowded and the march would have the greatest impact.

In case of heavy rain, Cunningham said the march will take place on Monday. For more information, contact her at ninasummer1@yahoo.com.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

Volusia County Oil Slick Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sun, 23 May 2010 02:18:00 +0000

Now that the Gulf Coast oil has entered the Gulf Stream and may reach the eastern shores of Florida, counties along the ocean are readying plans to deal with the disaster.

Watch a video of Volusia County's Oil Slick plan here. Officials are worried the oil may eventually reach the Intercoastal Waterway through Ponce Inlet, the waters of which are even more vulnerable than the Atlantic. "If it gets on the mangroves ... it gets in the grasses and the marshes, it could sink down into the oysters ... it does a whole lot more damage to the ecology," said Charlie Craig, Emergency Management Director.

Emergency officials said they will consider placing containment booms in Ponce Inlet, should the need arise.

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

Daytona Beach Music Festival in June

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:43:00 +0000

Daytona Beach American Music Festival this year will feature Usher, Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, the Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood, Demi Lovatto and Selena Gomez, among others. The festival will be presented by CCF, the Community Cultural Foundation, which also presents the Daytona Beach International Festival and its showcase act, the London Symphony Orchestra.

There will be 2 rounds of concerts, June 25-27, and Sept 3-5. Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 29, and will range from about $39 to $99.

The shows are hoped to be the first step in redefining Daytona Beach as more than a place for burley bikers and party-'til-you-drop Spring Breakers. The plan is to hold all of this summer's concerts in the Main Street area of Daytona. That section of town was chosen because $125,000 of that neighborhood's city redevelopment fund, fueled by property tax dollars, is going toward promotion of the shows and the core tourist beachside area. The June concerts will be held at and around the oceanside Bandshell, and the Labor Day shows on a Main Street stage at the Peabody Auditorium and in the Ocean Center.

Several large businesses in town -- including Bright House Networks, Halifax Health Medical and The News-Journal -- are paying for corporate sponsorships, explained Manuel Bornia, president of CCF. City commissioners asked Bornia to lead a volunteer, grass-roots marketing blitz to redefine three areas in the city that need revitalization: the Midtown neighborhood, downtown around Beach Street and the Main Street area. These concerts are one part of Bornia's efforts.

Come join us in Daytona Beach. Visit my web site and order your Free Relocation Package. You'll see how great it is to live here in Daytona.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

Daytona Beach FishStock Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 15 May 2010 23:48:00 +0000

The Daytona Beach News Journal's FishStock Contest is open for entries. The Journal is a sponsor of FishStock, one of the largest fishing tournaments and festivals in the country. Enter the contest now through May 21, you must be 21, and limit is one entry per person. The grand prize winner will receive

One nights stay for two people @ Mosquito Lagoon Fish Camp ($112.50 value)*

1/2 day back-country guided fishing trip for two people with Mike Mann ($350 value)*

$50 Inlet Harbor Dinner Certificate

$150 Fin Nor rod & reel combo

One year subscription to Sport Fishing magazine ($9.99 value)

Sport Fishing magazine fishing shirt ($49.99 value)

Grand Total Value = $723

Drawing will be Monday, May 24, at 11 AM. Prize winners will be notified by phone. You can submit an entry online at the News Journal site.

FishStock will be held Memorial Day weekend, May 27-30 in New Smyrna Beach. there will be fishing tournaments, a boat show, kid's activities, seminars, music, and food.

Marinas along the north causeway and in downtown New Smyrna Beach are convenient to FishStock, and ramp access to the Indian River makes NSB a prime fishing destination. You can launch from the New Smyrna Beach Public Boat Ramp on Washington Street next to FishStock and in a half an hour, be in the Atlantic where everything from dolphin,wahoo, and billfish wait for you.

If your boat requires a lift, use the Fishin Cove or Smyrna Marina on Riverside Drive, the Inlet Cove Marina in Daytona Beach or head over to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Marina.

For light tackle action, head south on the Intracoastal Waterway to discover the backwaters of Mosquito Lagoon where you can get lost in some world-renowned shallow water fishing for trophy reds and trout. As always, check with the local tackle shops and captains for what's biting on what rigs.

If you're seriously considering a fishing trip while taking in FishStock, here are some suggestions.

*Offshore
Out of Ponce Inlet, anglers find good numbers of dolphin in the 5-to 10-pound range starting at about the 180-foot mark. Sailfish and wahoo action remain good in the 220- to 300-foot zones. Amberjack, red snapper, and gag grouper hit live pinfish on the 21 and 28 Fathom ridges and on most of the wrecks in these same depths.

*Inshore
Flounder, jack crevalle, bluefish and pompano hit live shrimp, finger mullet and mud minnows at the inlet and along the beaches. Black drum to 10 pounds and sheepshead to 4 pounds feed on fiddler crabs and oysters around area bridges. Redfish, black grouper, speckled trout, tarpon, triple tail, snook, spots and Spanish mackerel are just a few of the species found in the Intracoastal Waterway and the Mosquito Lagoon. They can be taken year round on light tackle, using live bait or artificial lures and with a flyrod using a medium tippet and a chartreuse clouser.

Come enjoy the fishing and take a look at real estate in New Smyrna Beach.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

(resource: FishStock.com)

Volusia County Receives ECHO Grants

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 08 May 2010 19:11:00 +0000

On April 15, the County Council awarded almost $3.7 million for eight projects under the county's ECHO program, including one grant of $1.6 million for reconstruction of a flood-damaged wing at the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach.

The May, 2009 floods were caused by record rainfall before the start of the normal rainy season. The Executive Director of the museum, Wayne Atherholt, said, "It's built about 30 inches below the ground level. If that were rebuilt today, it would have to be 30 inches higher." He said rebuilding the damaged 20,000-square-foot portion of the museum will cost about $6 million.

Other ECHO project receiving funding include

Gateway Center for the Arts, enhancements, $57,000
Volusia County Parks and Recreation, Dahlia Beach Park, $92,751
City of New Smyrna Beach, Phases I and II of the Cross Volusia Trail, $281,853
Volusia County Parks and Recreation, Sun Splash Park, $213,754
Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Mosquito Lagoon Marine Enhancement Center, $600,000
City of DeBary, Rob Sullivan Park, $250,000
City of Daytona Beach, Midtown Cultural & Education Center, $600,000

Each of the applicants received ECHO grants equal to the amounts they had requested.

ECHO is an acronym for "environmental, cultural, historic or outdoor-recreational." It is a county program to help nonprofit organizations or local governments acquire or develop projects in those areas.

The Volusia ECHO program derives its funding from a special property tax of one-fifth of a mill, or 20 cents per thousand dollars of taxable value. The tax was approved by county voters in 2000. Since its inception, Volusia ECHO has spent more than $48 million on eligible projects. Learn more at Volusia ECHO Grants-in-Aid.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

Daytona Beach Real Estate - Life after the Tax Credits

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 01 May 2010 23:22:00 +0000

By last September, CNN reported that 1.4 million Americans had taken advantage of the 1st time home buyers tax credit. That number probably exceeds 2 million, 7 months later. There is no question that the credits spurred sales, and the papers this week have been full of reports of a last-minute frenzy of looking and writing offers.

In California, one of 2 sister states at the top of the list with Florida for its high number of bank-owned (REO) and distressed properties (including short sales), the California Assn of Realtors said 50% of all transactions in the state in 2009 were distressed.

You, as a buyer who may have missed out on the government stimulus, can still take advantage of the situation. You can deal in foreclosures, or deal in investments, but they are both an opportunity. There are some tremendous buys out there in all price ranges. Even wealthy people have financial setbacks, and that puts some high-end homes on the market at prices that will never be seen again. Distressed properties truly are an equal opportunity field.

Many agents don't want to deal in foreclosures or short sales - but I have special training in this field and a lot of belief that buyers can pick up some exceptional properties in today's market. Yes, the bank may take awhile to respond to your offer - so you just keep looking. Yes, it's more paperwork and needs persistence - that's my job, and I do it well. After all, if 50% of sales are REO and short sales, not wanting to look at them wipes out 50% of your chances to find a Daytona Beach home.

So let's work together to find you the best property - whether it is a Daytona Beach short sale, pre-foreclosure, REO, or just a "plain old home" where the seller wants to sell. I'll help you find what you want and consider our whole market for your needs. Just call or email.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

Daytona Beach Buyers - Don't Make These Mistakes

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:01:00 +0000

Even though the 1st Time Buyer Tax Credit expires next week, real estate industry experts still predict a strong year for sales to 1st Time Buyers. Prices are down, rates are way down, and inventory high so the choices for new buyers are outstanding.

If you are in this group, though, or want to be, don't make these mistakes:

1. Don't ignore a low credit score - you will pay thousands of dollars more in interest rates over the course of your loan. Work on increasing your credit score and keep it there before you buy.
2. Don't buy other large items before you apply for your home loan, or during escrow. First, your score will go down if you buy a car or furniture or apply for credit cards before you apply for a loan. Second, lenders continue to check your credit up to the day before closing. You don't want to look like a big spender right before you want to close on your new home.
3. Don't try to save on the inspection. This money is the most important expense you will have for the purchase. Get a good inspector, and pay attention to what he or she finds. Also, if you need a pest inspection, get that too. A few dollars spent here will really save you thousands in later years when you discover things early that need to be fixed.
4. Don't make an offer without contingencies. No realtor would write a contract without contingencies, but you might go directly to a seller and not include these in a contract. Don't! Give yourself outs for the inspection, for the title, for a rise in interest rates - even if you are buying from a friend or relative. Protect yourself.
5. Don't buy without adding up all the peripheral costs and making sure you have enough - for bank fees, for insurance (especially), for repairs, and any improvements you want or need to make to be comfortable.

Remember - as a buyer, you don't pay the real estate commission. So there is no reason not to use a Realtor to protect you and represent you. Let's work together - call or email me to talk about Daytona Beach real estate.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

Investor Interest Rising - this will help Daytona Beach Real Estate

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 01:19:00 +0000

According to a new Move, Inc., survey, interest in real estate as an investment has more than tripled in the past year. In fact, 17.2% of potential home buyers today say they plan to purchase a home in the near future as an investment compared to just 5.6% in March 2009.

RisMedia released details of the survey, which is good news for our Florida market. Some of the highlights are:

1. "The survey found just over ten percent (12.3%) of Americans planning to purchase investment property in the near future say they will pay for the property using 100% cash, and 12.8% will use cash for more than 50% of the purchase price and finance the rest. Almost half (49.2%) say they will buy the property with less than 50% cash down and finance the remainder. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that one in three U.S. homes are owned free and clear, without a mortgage.

2. "Nearly half of these potential real estate investors (46.5%) say they plan to own the property for six or more years, 16% expect to hold the property between two and five years, while 10.6% plan to own the property between six and 24 months.

3. "While interest by potential home buyers in purchasing a foreclosure to live in themselves has dropped 31.1% in the past five months to 26.5%, this newest Move survey found interest in purchasing a foreclosure as an investment is on the rise. In fact, interest in purchasing a foreclosure as an investment to fix it up and resell it rose from 11.3% in October 2009 to 16% in March 2010, a 42% increase.

4. "Approximately half (49%) of all homeowners would buy another home today if they could sell their current home for what they paid for it or more. This is especially true for homeowners ages 25 to 34 (68.2%)."

The good news is that a median income family today, $52,029, can afford approximately 70% of the homes for sale on the Move Network.

And we know Florida has plenty of homes in that 70%. Investors - don't wait while rates and prices start up. Contact me to day to discuss how you can find a home for sale that is a great bargain and will appreciate in our Daytona Beach market.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com

New Help for Real Estate Market - Daytona Beach in 1st Round

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 23:19:00 +0000

Building on the first Housing Finance Agency Innovation Fund for the Hardest Hit Housing Markets (the “HFA Hardest Hit Fund”), the Administration recently announced an expansion of the initiative to target five additional states with high shares of their populations living in local areas of concentrated economic distress.

This second HFA Hardest Hit Fund will include up to $600 million in funding for innovative measures to help families stay in their homes or otherwise avoid foreclosure in states that have been hit hard by concentrated economic distress. The first HFA Hardest Hit Fund targeted five states with home price declines greater than 20%, including Florida. The second HFA Hardest Hit Fund will target five states with high concentrations of people living in economically distressed areas, defined as counties in which the unemployment rate exceeded 12% in 2009. These include North and South Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Oregon.

President Obama announced the first HFA Hardest Hit Fund on February 19, 2010, with up to $1.5 billion in funding for innovative measures to help families. States that were allocated funds under the first HFA Hardest Hit Fund were not eligible for the second HFA Hardest Hit Fund, so this makes 10 states which will benefit from the new government programs.

As reported by RisMedia, "The HFA Hardest Hit Fund is designed to allow the maximum possible flexibility to HFAs in designing programs that are tailored to the needs of each participating state. To be eligible for Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) funds, all programs must promote the purposes of EESA and be consistent with its requirements. Section 2 of EESA provides that the purposes of EESA are to restore liquidity and stability to the financial system and to use TARP funds in a manner that, among other things: Protects home values; Preserves homeownership and promotes jobs and economic growth; and Provides public accountability.

"The objective of the HFA Hardest Hit Fund is to allow HFAs to develop creative, effective approaches that consider local conditions. To provide guidance to HFAs in designing programs, Treasury has outlined some of the possible types of transactions that would meet the requirements of EESA. States are encouraged to submit proposals that provide targeted relief to areas or localities with high concentrations of economic distress, but each state should respond to local conditions:

"Unemployment Programs – Programs may provide for assistance to unemployed borrowers to help them avoid preventable foreclosures.

"Mortgage Modifications – Programs may provide for modification of mortgage loans held by HFAs or other financial institutions or provide incentives for servicers/investors to modify loans.

"Mortgage Modifications with Principal Forbearance – Programs may provide for paying down all or a portion of an overleveraged loan and taking back a note from the borrower for that amount in order to facilitate additional modifications.

"Short Sales / Deeds-In-Lieu of Foreclosure – Programs may provide for assistance with short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure in order to prevent avoidable foreclosures.

"Principal Reduction Programs for Borrowers with Severe Negative Equity – Programs may provide incentives for financial institutions to write-down a portion of unpaid principal balance for homeowners with severe negative equity.

"Second Lien Reductions – Programs may provide incentives to reduce or modify second liens."

This is not a complete list. For more information, visit the government site Financial Stability.

I can't say it often enough - if you are having problems paying your mortage, contact me NOW. You have options to foreclosure!

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.daytonabeachscene.com
www.ormondbeachscene.com