Ormond Beach FL Homes

July Foreclosures Down from 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 21:46:00 +0000

Foreclosure filings in July dropped 9.7% from the same month last year, the second straight month of yearly declines, according to RealtyTrac, an online foreclosure marketplace.

After a 1% yearly increase in May, filings declined 6.9% on an annual basis in June and nearly 10% in July. Default notices were down from the previous year for the sixth straight month in July, as servicers and lenders have escalated repossessions (REOs) to near-record levels.

The bad news was there were 325,229 properties that received a foreclosure filing in July, a 4% increase from May. It also marks the 17th consecutive month that foreclosure activity exceeded 300,000, said James Saccacio, CEO of RealtyTrac. 92,858 properties went back to the banks as REO in July, the second highest monthly total since RealtyTrac began tracking them in April 2005. It's 1% below the peak in May when there were 93,777 REO properties reported.

On the metropolitan-statistical area (MSA) level, the top-10 areas are showing a "bumpy downward trend," according to RealtyTrac. While those areas all showed decreases from last year in July, five of them had decreases from the previous month.

I haven't seen any specific numbers for Ormond Beach foreclosures, but our inventory still includes a disproportionate number of short sale and bank-owned properties. Which means it is still a great buyer's market.

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

Florida One of Top 4 States in Foreclosure Filings

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 01:56:00 +0000

Florida, California, Nevada and Arizona continued to lead the nation in the most residential foreclosures from January through June of this year.

According to RealtyTrac, the leading statistical source for foreclosure data, 154 of the 206 U.S. metropolitan areas with a population of 200,000 or more posted year-over-year increases in foreclosure activity, even while foreclosure activity decreased in nine of the 10 metros with the highest foreclosure rates.

Florida, California, Nevada and Arizona accounted for all top 20 metro foreclosure rates. Florida led the way, with nine of the top 20 metro foreclosure rates, followed by California with eight, Nevada with two and Arizona with one.

James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac, said, "If unemployment remains persistently high and foreclosure prevention efforts only delay the inevitable, then we could continue to see increased foreclosure activity and a corresponding weakness in home prices in many metro areas."

The good news is that the Daytona-Ormond Beach area was not in the top tier. The bad news is the Orlando-Kissimmee market was #8.

There are always two sides to bad news. This is great for buyers, who are finally discovering the low prices and bargains available in Ormond Beach for waterfront and canalfront homes.

Contact me for some ideas on how you can take advantage of this market.

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

Ormond Beach FL Puts Beach Park on Ballot

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 23:45:00 +0000

The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports that residents will be voting on a bond issue to purchase 4 beachfront acres for $5.5M to create a beachfront park. The Ormond Beach City Commission voted Tuesday to enter into a contract with the Trust for Public Land to purchase 839 S. Atlantic Ave. - 600 feet along the beach, subject to approval by the electorate on a referendum ballot Aug. 24.

The article continues, "The county agreed in May to share in the cost of the purchase, up to $3.5 million, including a development plan, estimated to cost about $1 million. 'This is the time to take advantage of low prices,' said Bob Guido of Tallahassee, senior project manager of the trust, which has helped conserve more than 2.2M acres nationwide.

"The vacant property, formerly site of a Days Inn, across the street from franchise restaurants, has three appraisals: $6 million by Hamilton & Jacobs of Port Orange; $5.82 million by Cooksey & Associates of Ormond Beach; and $5.7 million by Pomeroy Appraisal Associates of Edgewater. 'The old hotel on the property has been removed. There's sandy vegetation on the property and a sea wall that goes across the front of the property,' Guido said. 'It's a flat piece of ground. Against the sea wall there appears to be a buildup of dunes. There could be an opportunity for dune restoration on the property.'

"More than 60% of a cross-section of 300 voters in a public opinion poll sponsored by the Trust supported buying land for a first beachfront park."

If you have an opinion, you will be able to express it with your vote in the August election.

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

Ormond Beach 30-year Mortgage Rates still at Record Lows

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:52:00 +0000

Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac's chief economist stated, "Fixed-rate mortgages continued to hover at 50-year lows, thereby supporting homebuyer affordability and refinance activity. Over the past month, about four out of five conventional loan applications and more than one-half of FHA and VA loan applications were for refinance. Compared to the recent peak in 30-year fixed interest rates 13 months ago (week of June 11, 2009), current rates are a full percentage point lower. With today's rates, homebuyers would save about $1,500 in payments each year on a $200,000 loan compared to rates last June."

30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.57 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending July 15, 2010, unchanged from last week when it averaged 4.57 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.14 percent. This rate ties the all-time low reached last week in Freddie Mac's 39-year survey.

Call or email me to start looking at a home in Ormond Beach. Don't lose the opportunity to take advantage of these rates in your investment portfolio.

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

Ormond Beach Mortgage Rates Hit Another Historic Low

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 23:36:00 +0000

The average interest on a 30-year fixed mortgage dipped to a new record low of 4.57% this week, down from 4.58% just a week ago, according to Freddie Mac, which began tracking rates in 1971. Last week's rate represented another historic low.

Pessimists in the real estate market say the low rates may not provide much of a boost for housing sales, because many people do not qualify for new mortgages or have already obtained loans at low rates this year.

Don't be discouraged. If you want to take advantage of the low rates, high inventory, and great bargains available in Ormond Beach homes, call or email and let's talk.

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

Ormond Beach Homeowners Granted Flood Insurance Extension

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:23:00 +0000

Congress has reauthorized the National Flood Insurance Program, and Pres. Obama has signed the bill. Extending the flood insurance deadlines will help provide additional stability to real estate markets across the nation, especially combined with the extension of the 1st time buyer tax credit. The bill, HR 5569, retroactively reauthorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enter into new contracts for flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program through September 30, 2010.

Here are some sites with information on flood insurance for homeowners:

Information about flood preparedness and flood insurance

Claims Handbook

For Condos

Filing a claim

How to Buy Flood Insurance

Ormond Beach real estate offers an incredible inventory of oceanfront and riverfront homes now, at rates the lowest in history. Call or email me to see some of these great Ormond Beach properties.

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

Ormond Beach Short Sale - a Brief Explanation

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:35:00 +0000

A Short Sale is an option for a seller who must sell their home when the value of the property is just not sufficient to cover the balance owed to the existing lender. To "sell short," their existing lender(s), and any other existing lien holders, must approve the sales price, the sale terms, and payoff of their loan to be at a reduced amount.

The Short Sale process is as follows:
*The owner or their agent/negotiator must contact the existing lender.
*The lender will direct them to their website, or will advise how, to obtain specific forms, instructions and lender requirements.
*This group of documents, along with the lender’s financial forms (Short Sale Package*) is then sent to the lender as per the lender’s instructions.
*After the lender receives the package, it is assigned to a contact person in the lender’s Loss Mitigation Department. This process can take anywhere from two weeks to two months and sometimes longer.
*At this point the Loss Mitigation Dept then reviews the package and will contact the homeowner to request any additional items that may be required by the lender. This request is usually made verbally to the homeowner or negotiator but can sometimes be found via the lender’s website.
*The lender will then request a Broker’s Price Opinion (BPO) from an agent chosen by the lender.
*Once the lender has received the BPO as well as the Short Sale Package, they submit it for final review. When the lender has completed their final review, they may give approval "as is" or their approval may be subject to changes, such as sales price or terms. Or the lender at this time may decide that the seller did not have ample reason for the short sale, and therefore deny the request.

*Short Sale Package can consist of 100 to 200 pages including, but not limited to, the following items:
1. Listing Agreement
2. Short Sale Addendum
3. Offer to Purchase
4. Proof of Buyer’s funds
5. Owner’s Tax returns
6. Paystubs
7. Owner’s Bank Statements
8. Hardship letter from owner (explaining why the short sale is needed)

Remember that every lender and every situation is a different story. You need a Realtor proficient and experienced in short sales, who will stay in touch with the lender constantly throughout their process.

I have special training and education, plus experience, in Ormond Beach short sales. Contact me with your questions. Don't wait until your only choice is foreclosure.

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

Ormond Beach Homeowners get more Federal Funding

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:41:00 +0000

State Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada can begin to use $1.5 billion in “Hardest Hit Fund” foreclosure-prevention funding under plans approved recently by the Obama Administration. This aid will support innovative local initiatives to assist struggling homeowners in those states, as part of the first round of funding available under this new program.

“These states have identified a number of innovative programs that will make a real difference in the lives of many homeowners facing foreclosure,” said Treasury Assistant Secretary for Financial Stability Herbert M. Allison, Jr. “While we’ve made important progress stabilizing the housing market and keeping responsible families in their homes, the Obama Administration will continue to do everything it can to help those who are struggling the most during this difficult time. Today marks an important milestone for delivering relief to homeowners through the Hardest Hit Fund program.”

President Obama established the Housing Finance Agency Innovation Fund for the Hardest Hit Housing Markets (“Hardest Hit Fund”) in February 2010 to provide targeted aid to families in the states hit hardest by the housing downturn. The states approved to receive aid as part of the first round of funding provided through this program each experienced a 20% or greater decline in average housing prices.

Here are Florida's hardest-hit proposals ($418 million):

*Florida will offer mortgage payment assistance to the unemployed and under-employed while they seek re-employment.
*The state will also offer principal reduction or second lien extinguishment if necessary to achieve a mortgage modification.

If you are having problems paying the mortgage on your Ormond Beach home, contact me NOW. You have options. I have received special training in Ormond Beach distressed real estate problems, and can help you.

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

Struggling Ormond Beach Homeowners Have Options

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:34:00 +0000

More borrowers dropped out of the Obama administration’s foreclosure prevention program last month than were added, but many of those homeowners found private help from their mortgage companies, according to recently released data.

According to a post on RisMedia.com, "The number of mortgages with permanently reduced payments under the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) increased 15% in May 2010 to 340,459. The pace of temporary three-month modifications started in May slowed, with an increase of just 2.5% to 1,244,184.

"But cancellations of mortgage modifications continued to grow. Cancelled trial modifications rose 55% in May from April. More than a third of all trial modifications started since the program began last year—429,696—now have been canceled. Cancellations of permanent modifications also were up sharply, rising 70% to 6,357 in May from April.

"But overall, homeowners with permanently reduced mortgage payments have fared better in the program. The cancellations amount to just 1.8% of all the permanent modifications offered since it began last year.

"The administration’s report said that at the eight largest mortgage servicers, including Bank of America, CitiMortgage and JPMorgan Chase, nearly half of homeowners whose temporary government modifications were cancelled received an alternative modification.

"Of the 194,056 total cancellations for those servicers under the Obama administration’s plan, just 7% resulted in foreclosure actions. An additional 2% resulted in a short sale."

If you are an Ormond Beach homeowner having financial troubles, and finding it hard to make your mortgage payments, contact me NOW. You have options! I have special training in helping distressed homeowners and can help you.

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

Overpricing your Ormond Beach Home won't Help it Sell

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:01:00 +0000

In this market of falling prices and high inventory, it is a common mistake for sellers to price their property over the competition to try and get a little more. Especially if you are not a "short sale" seller, in other words don't have to sell, you think you should price your Ormond Beach home above those distressed properties.

Wrong.

Overpricing from the outset could actually force you to end up settling for a lower price than you would have received by setting a realistic asking price based on market research. There is a smaller pool of highly motivated buyers, and today's Ormond Beach buyers tend to be well educated about the market. Without the assumption of price appreciation, few buyers are willing to gamble and overpay for a home. In addition, credit tightening has reduced both the number of buyers who can qualify for a mortgage as well as the size of the mortgages available.

Here are just a few of the reasons you should never expect to get more than the market (or overprice your home):

1. Fewer buyers looking. There are many ways online now for buyers to find values in your neighborhood. They won't waste their time looking at a home obviously priced above sales.
2. You will help your competition. Your higher price will drive buyers to the homes in your community which are priced aggressively.
3. You risk stagnation. The effects of #1 and #2 will be to leave your property "sitting on the sidelines." You will have a longer market time, and realtors won't watch your home for a price reduction - they will show their buyers the new listings that are priced right.
4. You brand yourself as an unrealistic seller. This means tougher negotiation. With so many houses on the market, buyers won't work any harder than they have to for a home, or their agent spend any more time than needed.
5. Appraisals - if your price is above the market, it won't appraise for the buyer's mortgage. Who will make up the difference - you?

First, you need to contact a Realtor knowledgeable about sales prices in your community of Ormond Beach (me). Together, we'll create a pricing plan. When pricing your home, the best strategy is to remain objective and compare your home closely to similar properties on the market. Take the opportunity to visit open houses and pay attention to recent sales in your area.

Together we'll review recent Ormond Beach sales and discuss market trends. Then we will decide on a marketing plan to get you the best price you can in today's market. Call or email to discuss your Ormond Beach real estate options.

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

Ormond Beach Seafood Fest June 19-20

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:09:00 +0000

The 1st Annual Ormond Beach Seafood Festival will be held this weekend, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Drive (southeast corner of the Granada Bridge), Ormond Beach.

Area restaurants will serve up seafood favorites, more than 20 musical groups will perform and there will be children's activities including bounce houses and face painting.

Musical performances include headliner Terry Sylvester formerly with "The Hollies," zydeco, jazz, Florida folk, bluegrass, Bahamian group Junkanoo Near You and more.

Visit the OrmondBeachSeafoodFestival.com for information, or call 386-451-2138. Admission is $3; children younger than 12 free. Want to volunteer? Call 386-299-8544.

Sounds like it will be a fun weekend event. Come join us in Ormond Beach!

with Your Key to the Beach,

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

Halifax Plantation of Ormond Beach - Golf Course Home for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 18:59:00 +0000

Enjoy golf course living in this Shadow Woods Ceadar model on the 18th fairway of Halifax Plantation.

This 3 bedroom/2 bath home includes a fireplace, big kitchen with ample storage, den, front and back porches, central air, a beautiful view of the golf course, 1900 SF living area, and a 6240 SF lot.

Included are appliances, window treatments and ceiling fans. Community amenities include 18 hole golf course, Jr Olympic pool, exercise room, and tennis.

Priced at $209,000, the Halifax Plantation golf course home is a great buy. This is not my listing, but I can help you preview any golf course home for sale in Ormond Beach. Call or email and take advantage of these low prices for golf course living.

Sherry Armstrong
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com

www.daytonabeachscene.com

Using Outdoor Spaces to Expand your Ormond Beach Home

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:30:00 +0000

We have the weather and lifestyle to use our outdoor living spaces in Ormond Beach for entertaining, relaxation, and to expand the square footage of our homes. Here are some ideas from Lowe's to help blend your indoor and outdoor areas, and create a space to welcome guests and residents alike.

1. If you have room, add a gazebo, or covered structure separate from a patio. This can provide a contemporary feel, and using a rust-free aluminum frame and water-repellent canopy make it durable enough for year-round use.

2. Move your dining table and chairs outside. This will give you a more modern look, and free up indoor space.

3. If you are limited on space, consider a patio set, just a small table and chairs you can use both as a gathering space and for casual eating.

4. Outdoor lighting can set off your outdoor spaces and make them special, as will outdoor landscaping. Use tiki lamps, hanging bulbs, chains around plants - there are many ways to make the outdoors more inviting after the sun sets.

If you'd like to find an Ormond Beach home where you can use the outdoors as a living space, call or email. There are plenty to choose from at low prices, and I will help you find what you want.

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

Ormond Beach - Private Compound for Sale - So Old Kings Rd

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:06:00 +0000

Experience the serenity of privacy while living in the heart of Ormond Beach. This exclusive family compound consists of: Custom built gorgeous 3 Bd/2 Ba main home with 2-Car Garage, 4 Bay Garage is 2900 sq ft for RV, Boats, Cars, and toys. 14 ft ceilings: 1door-12.5’ X 12’, 3 doors are 12.5’X10ft’. Heated and cooled, 7 ton lift, 200amp service, 2 offices and full bath. Guest House is 2 Bd/2.5 Ba with office and 1-Car Garage, intimate pool area with media room/bath house. Guest house is perfect for multi-generational families or for guests. Main House is beautifully appointed with saltillo tiles, volume ceilings and French doors, a gourmet chef's kitchen with a 6-burner gas stove and custom cabinetry. Spacious master suite overlooks pool and spa. Master bath has custom cabinets, dual sinks, soaking tub and large shower. Beautiful details, fixtures and finishes throughout. .Large lot is approx 211 X 215 and completely fenced for privacy and security. All sizes approximate.

Contact Sherry Armstrong, Realtor, 386-679-3191, for a private showing.

Ormond Beach to Benefit from BP Tourist Money

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:10:00 +0000

BP Plc has opened its wallet and given the state of Florida another $25 million check to spend on tourism advertising over the next two to three months. The $25 million tourism grant is in addition to $25 million BP earlier in May gave Florida to help implement an area contingency plan

Some financial industry analysts estimate the London-based oil company will wind up spending $1 billion to clean up the oil spill in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and compensate residents in those states, according to various published reports.

Directly affecting the tourist dollars that support Ormond Beach, Gov. Charlie Crist said, "As one of the world's favorite travel destinations, we will use every marketing resource available to spread the word that Florida's beaches are clean, our fish are biting, and the Sunshine State is open for business."

The beach is Ormond Beach's greatest asset. Let's protect and preserve this beautiful natural resource which supports our community.

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

Home for Sale on Plantation Bay Golf Course, Ormond Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sun, 23 May 2010 02:03:00 +0000

Here's a spectacular home just listed on the golf course in the gated community of Plantation Bay with views of two lakes and the green. Built by Centurion Homes, this is the Villa Ravello II model with pool, screened patio, 3-car garage, 4,124 SF interior, and a large lot of 29,210 SF. Built in 2007, the home features 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, fans, fireplace, wet bar, great room, hot tub, screened balcony on 2nd floor, gourmet kitchen, and large master suite.

Buyers of this home will receive their choice of either a $13,000. discount towards the initiation fee for a full golf membership to Plantation Bay County Club, a $2,350. discount towards the initiation fee for a sports membership, a $900. discount towards the initiation fee for a fitness membership, or a $100. discount toward the initiation fee for a clubhouse membership, provided buyers join with in 30 days of closing. Discounts apply upon application approval.

All this for an asking price of $995,000, a reduction of $400,000 from the original list price.

I'm not the listing agent, but can show you this home in Plantation Bay or any golf course home of your choice in Ormond Beach. Let's work together to give you the golf lifestyle you have always wanted.

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

http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
http://www.daytonabeachscene.com/

Ormond Beach Homeowners Optimistic about Values

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:53:00 +0000

Zillow.com found that about half of US homeowners, those in Florida included, feel the value of their homes increased in the 1st quarter, 2010.

This statistic, however, also means about 50 percent of those surveyed think their home's value declined in the past year. Zillow's calculations conclude that 65 percent of U.S. homes actually declined in value.

To the extent home owners are overconfident about the value of their home, Zillow says, they could feel encouraged to put their home on the market. If a lot of them did so and their home values aren't as high as they think they are, it could have the effect of pushing down prices, feels Zillow’s Chief Economist Stan Humphries.

If you would like a professional opinion on the value of your Ormond Beach home, call or email me. Every neighborhood and community is different, and I can provide you with a thorough analysis of Ormond Beach real estate market trends.

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

Ormond Beach Wildflowers

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sun, 16 May 2010 00:03:00 +0000

Volusia County leaders have agreed to preserve the county's wildflowers along county roads. The County Council passed a resolution stating that the wildflowers are environmentally significant and county road maintenance programs should allow the blooms to flourish and set seed before being mowed.

A change in the road management program could not only make the roads more scenic, but would also save costs with less mowing, said Lisa Roberts, executive director of the Florida Wildflower Foundation, based in Maitland.

Volusia roads are already prolific with the native blooms, especially along the 260-mile River to the Sea Loop, a driving and cycling trail established in 2008. Volusia's county seat, DeLand, also hosts the state's largest wildflower festival, which attracted an estimated 9,000 attendees in March.

Volusia is the first Central Florida county to support the resolution, which has been accepted by Leon, Wakulla and Gadsden counties in Florida's Panhandle.

Come enjoy our lifestyle in Ormond Beach.

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

It's Turtle Nesting Season in Ormond Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 01 May 2010 23:16:00 +0000

May 1 marks the start of sea turtle nesting season along Florida's Atlantic coast, to run through October.

Volunteers and wildlife managers are hoping sea turtles that were released a year ago will return to give birth along the Volusia County shoreline. They saw a lower than average number of nests last year, so will patrol the beach and fence off active nests to protect them.

Beachfront businesses and homeowners will be required to keep lights from shining on the beach, which can cause the turtles to get distracted and crawl toward the light.

Learn more at the Sea Turtle Preservation Society.

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

Ormond Beach Sellers in Trouble - Understand your Credit Score

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:16:00 +0000

How will a delinquency on your mortgage affect your credit score? We all know how important that FICO score is - from getting car or health insurance, at good premium rates, to getting a mortgage. But if you fall behind on that home loan, what will happen to your FICO score?

Here's a recent article released by our Florida Realtors Assn which gives some good information (published by 2010 Information, Inc., source CNN):

"Fair Isaac, which developed FICO scores, used a comparison between two people to explain how mortgage delinquencies affect credit scores.

"Fair Isaac derived these numbers from a theoretical calculation based on hypothetical borrowers – one with an initial score of 680 and one with an initial score of 780. FICO scores range from 300 to 850.

"The hypothetical person behind the 680 score had six credit accounts, while the person with the 780 score had 10. The consumer with the 780 score had no missed payments other than the mortgage; the 680 example had two late payments before they failed to pay the mortgage.

"After a mortgage payment problem, the two scores would look like this:

*After a 30-day delinquency, the 680 score drops to somewhere between 620 and 640; the 780 score declines to 670 to 690.
*After a 90-day delinquency, the 680 score falls somewhere between 595 and 610; the 780 score goes to 645 to 665.
*After a foreclosure, short sale or deed-in-lieu, the 680 goes somewhere between 575 and 595 and 780 drops to 620 to 640.
*After a bankruptcy, the 680 drops somewhere between 530 and 550; the 780 declines to 540 to 560. "

Ormond Beach sellers - let's talk about your alternatives before you get in a deep hole on your payments. You have options to foreclosure, and I'm a specialist in helping sellers who need a short sale. Let's work together before your FICO score gets too low.

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

Ormond Beach May Get Beach Park

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

Ormond Beach is the only city in the county that has no parks or large parking lots along the shoreline. That may soon change.

The four-acre site where a hotel once stood, along South Atlantic Avenue between Milsap Road and Harvard Drive could become the first beachfront park in Ormond Beach. The Trust for Public Land, a conservation group, is helping negotiate the final details. It could be done by next week and owned by the city by fall. The county property appraiser valued the land this year at $3.4 million, which is half of what it was just two years ago.

The Trust for Public Lands is planning a phone survey for later this month to figure out if citizens want this. If they do, it would probably be a city and county partnership to buy it.

If you have an opinion, contact the Trust.

Florida State Office
306 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 222-7911(850) 222-7911
E-mail

Media Contact
Tim Ahern
(415) 495-5660

Northeast Florida Office
1022 Park StreetSuite
401Jacksonville, FL 32204
(904) 358-0114
E-mail

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.daytonabeachscene.com

Research Shows Housing Prices May be Nearing Bottom

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 23:29:00 +0000

New York City's Barclays Capital is reading the signs: home prices are stabilizing (with huge regional differences), loan modification efforts have increased, banks are more aggressively trying to dump their foreclosure portfolio. Could these mean the market is nearing bottom?

Barclays analyzes earnings from 20 banks, regional and national, to determine expectations of the housing market. While the 2010 outlook is mixed, many lenders agree home prices appear to have stabilized in several regions of the country. Certain markets - Arizona, Nevada, and parts of Florida predominantly - continue to exhibit softness in property values.

Our market in Florida is a good example of one of the conclusions of the analysts: the plethora of foreclosures already in the pipeline will likely weigh on the housing market for the foreseeable future.

Still, conclusions of the Barclays report indicate "The prices of real estate and the write-downs have been so significant that people are now starting to say maybe the bottom has been reached or maybe we're on the upside of that depending on the market. "

Our Ormond Beach home sales have significantly increased, but prices have not. Supply and demand will eventually exert some pressure, as inventory decreases. Contact me for ideas on how to take advantage of the Ormond Beach real estate market as it nears bottom. Search Ormond Beach homes for sale and let me discuss the best bargains you can find.

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

Ormond Beach Dolphin Rescued

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 22:55:00 +0000

A male Wayward Dolphin, that recently swam into the fresh water of Tomoka River near Ormond beach, was rescued and relocated by Seaworld Orlando. After a veterinary health assessment, the 12-person team successfully completed an 8-hour rescue mission, moving the animal to the Intracoastal Waterway.

According to Seaworld's official blog, as the dolphin was exposed to fresh water, lesions began to form on his skin, which necessitated his being relocated to salt water. The lesions should eventually disappear now that it has returned to it's natural habitat.

The successful venture was made possible by a collaborative effort between SeaWorld, NOAA Fisheries Service, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, The University of Florida and Volusia County.

Watch the YouTube video of the rescue here.

Isn't living by the water in Florida great? To share our world with dolphins? Wow!

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

Mortgage Rescue Plan will help Ormond Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 19:49:00 +0000

The government has released yet another plan to help troubled homeowners and rev up the real estate industry. Here are the key points:

As much as $14 billion of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) will be made available to pay for writing down second liens for loans whose borrowers refinance through the Federal Housing Administration.
Lenders that facilitate refinances through the FHA will be required to write down the principal of the first mortgage by at least 10 percent so the home owner has a loan-to-value ratio no higher than 97.75 percent.
Lenders of second liens will be offered incentives of 10 cents to 21 cents per dollar of principal they write down in connection with an FHA refinance.
Borrowers who lose their jobs can apply to have their mortgage payments reduced for three to six months while they search for a new job.
Borrowers with a payment still greater than 31 percent of income after they find a job will be considered for a permanent loan modification.
To encourage more short sales and “deed in lieu” of foreclosure transactions in which the lender settles the loan for less than is owed, the government will double assistance to borrowers to $3,000 and increase incentives to subordinate lien holders and investors to $6,000.

I recently received my FSP designation (Five Star Professional, of the Five Star Institute of Default Servicing) and also hold the CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert). You DO have options to foreclosure.

If you are having problems paying your mortgage, act now and give me a call. We can sell your home so you can get on with your life.

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

It's No April Fools Joke - Volusia County to Grow Marijuana

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry Armstrong) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 19:43:00 +0000

Just in time for spring planting, DeLand and Volusia County have received a federal grant to plant marijuana in neighborhoods and gateway corridors.

The grant, announced Thursday at DeLand City Hall, will pay for planting cannabis along Woodland Boulevard and New York Avenue in Downtown DeLand, and along Indiana Avenue between the Athens Theatre and the Justice Palace. Some of the plants will border the grounds of City Hall and the DeLand Police Station, Mayor Bob Agar said.

As reported by the BeaconOnlineNews, "It's a joint effort," City Manager Michael Plus explained, as a cloud of heavy, sweet smoke hung in the air of the City Commission chamber. "There will be no local dollars going into the grant program, but city crews will provide in-kind services in testing and planting the special herbs.'"

The U.S. Department of Agriculture grant has a street value of $1 million, and is part of the Weed and Seed Program in which DeLand has participated for several years.

Florida's congressional delegation secured the grant, as the last of its kind before the program is rolled into a larger single-source federal program to provide drugs under the new health-care-reform act passed by Congress and signed by President Obama.

"You might just call it pot luck," U.S. Rep. John Nica said.

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