Daytona Beach Real Estate Blog: October 2007

I previously wrote a post about a program sponsored by Xerox, along with several other companies, called "Let's Say Thanks" that allows us to send "Thank You" cards to our troops, for FREE, through a web site that was set up specifically for this purpose. You just go to www.letssaythanks.com and select from 59 different cards that were created by children. Xerox pays for the shipping and sends the card.

I'm bringing this up again because, being the cynic that I can sometimes be, I wondered if the troops were actually getting the cards. Well, yesterday I spoke with one of our servicemen who has been actively deployed, and asked him if they had received the cards that were sent through the "Let's Say Thanks" program. He said "YES", they were receiving them!

So I'm posting this information again, to remind everyone to support our troops; and to let you know that those in service ARE receiving what you send. They need our support, so please don't forget.

Don't blame our military for your personal beliefs about the war. These men and women are putting their lives at stake every day they're deployed and they need to know we care.

Another blogger here on Active Rain, Mike Mueller came up with the great idea for us to write about what we love about our jobs. I'm not sure if I can put how I feel into words, but here goes.

I think the best way to explain how I feel about selling real estate is to share how I got here. My previous job was at a manufactured home sales company in Port Orange. I was there for 6 years; in management in their DeLand office for the final 2 years. (I learned many things there, that led me to where I am today.) I thoroughly enjoyed managing my office and working alongside my agents. I led by example and I was good at it.

Unfortunately, I was feeling very limited by only being able to sell homes in mobile and manufactured home parks and I felt I had reached the pinnacle of what I could learn in that industry. I really wanted to expand my horizons.

The office I was managing in DeLand had previously had a real estate division which had been neglected for several years before I took over. (There was a separate real estate division in Port Orange.) So I went into partnership with the owner of the company (who had now become a friend), got my real estate license, hired a broker (who I met when I sold her a mobile home for her son), joined the Mid Florida Regional MLS, and opened a new real estate division. I was finally fulfilling my own vision for the future of the company.

But the office I had transferred from before I went into management (Port Orange), was in desperate need of a new manager, so after quite a bit of pressure from the owner of the company, I transferred back to that office, with plans to manage both Port Orange and DeLand, plus operate our new DeLand real estate division.

I was able to get a few real estate sales under my belt during that time, but I quickly burnt out from the pressure of having too much on my plate and not being able to dedicate my full attention to my new real estate brokerage, which was where my heart was. My vision was to grow the real estate side of the DeLand office I had passionately begun.

So that journey ended with my manufactured home boss/real estate brokerage partner/FRIEND buying me out of my portion of the DeLand real estate division, and wishing me well with my decision to make a move into full-time real estate sales at a brokerage where that was the primary goal. So I then hung my license with Prudential Transact Realty in Port Orange.

• I loved the corporate stability of a world-wide company, the endless possibilities, the freedom to set my own work hours, the constant learning curve, the challenge to succeed, the friendly competition between agents, the advertising, the meeting of new people, having no limitations, and of course helping buyers and sellers fulfill their real estate dreams.

I know I already stated this, but there are endless possibilities in the real estate industry. I was born and raised in the Daytona Beach area, so I have a large sphere of influence to tap into. It didn't take long for me to build my own referral network and obtain repeat clients. I no longer needed the large corporate name, but I had developed close friendships in that office. I was doing well, I won awards, I went to national conventions, I had a beautiful private office, and felt no need to move. But as always happens in life, things change. That's what happened in the atmosphere there. It was nothing major; just a slow, subtle shift that was moving farther from what I had grown to love at that company.

• I usually have a clear, personal vision for where I'm heading in my business. I guess it's no surprise that I eventually find myself ready to make a move, when my personal vision grows past the vision or boundaries of the company where I'm working.

So a few months ago, I finally transferred to Adams Cameron & Company. Adams Cameron is a local brokerage with 8 offices across Volusia County. It was started by Helen Adams in 1967 (the year I was born). Ironically, Adams Cameron also has a manufactured home division. So I now have the opportunity to sell ALL types of housing. (The photo of the manufactured home listed above is one of my current listings.) Adams Cameron has been the leading real estate brokerage in Volusia County for many years. This move has opened more doors for me than I could have ever foreseen, and brought me even more freedom and opportunities for growth.

I guess my post on this subject is quite different than most of the others, but I find it easier to convey my feelings by telling a story than by just making statements about my reasoning. We have bloggers here on Active Rain that seem to never write a bad post. Sally Cheeseman is the first to come to mind. She wrote an incredible post about Why she loves the real estate industry. And I don't think he's written a post on this subject, but Broker Bryant Tutas always writes with insightful creativity.

My reasons for why I chose this profession have never changed. It's the perfect career for my talents and personality. It taps into many different abilities that other jobs would not utilize. Where else can we help people fulfill their real estate dreams, continually learn and grow, make friends with people who are our immediate competition and not let that interfere with that friendship, and always better ourselves, while being challenged to succeed, even in the face of opposition and negative input on all sides? 

We are REALTORS® and we are strong! And these are things for which we should be proud!

Today I found a new question on my blog post about Real Estate Activity for the area of Daytona Beach Florida. This question was referencing why we're seeing so many expired listings each month in the Daytona Beach Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

To answer the question of why we have so many expired listings, let's look at the ratio of listings vs sales.

1. Approximately 7,000 listings on the market at any given time.
2. A YTD average of 259 sales per month. 

Long story short = 2.25 years of inventory. This obviously means we're going to keep seeing a lot of homes expire.

I'd also like to add a very important fact. The ONLY properties that are selling are the ones that are already priced below the competing properties. If any particular piece of real estate is priced similarly to the competing properties, it's probably not even going to be viewed.

I'm speaking from personal experience on this. My buyers are coming to me with their specifications of what type of house or condo they want to buy, along with the amount of money for which they're qualified to invest. When I search the MLS for those specifications, the buyers then select the properties they want to see from the lowest end of the price range. They're not interested in even looking at the ones that are priced in line with the others.

As for the sellers who price their house or condo similarly to the competing properties by justifying that decision with the fact that they have upgrades, these properties are most likely going to continue to sit on the market. Consider this: Those upgrades are not found in any of the primary MLS search fields. Buyers and REALTORS® only see the short list containing the basic facts such as location, size, age and price. There are simply too many listings on the market for buyers to read through the description of every property, in hopes of finding an upgrade they think is worth the difference in price.

• CHASING THE MARKET! That's what many sellers are doing. Instead of pricing their houses and condos where they will actually sell, they wait a few months before they reduce the price. The problem is, now the property values have dropped again. The new price adjustment just puts them back in line with the competition. As I previously stated, the only houses and condos that are selling are the ones that are priced BELOW the competition.

I really don't know how to stress this point anymore. Every REALTOR® that is still active in the marketplace knows this to be the case. We don't have any control over the real estate market conditions. We can only do our jobs in educating our buyers and sellers. Blogging is just one more way to do that. Hopefully this post will help someone out there who really needs a fast real estate sale.

If you're a real estate seller and you have been previously listed with a REALTOR® (or a licensed agent who is not a REALTOR®) who has not provided you with the necessary tools and/or information to accomplish your sale, make a SMART CHOICE today and call Lisa Hill!

Visit my real estate web site. 

This is just a quick post to give you a list of events to plan on attending in the Daytona Beach area. Daytona Beach has MANY events that go far beyond what the public is aware of.

Pretty much everyone knows about NASCAR, Bike Week, Biketoberfest, Spring Break, etc. But if you'll read my last post titled Moving to Daytona Beach? There are Plenty of Things to Do you'll find out about a whole lot more.

And NOW YOU CAN PLAN FOR THE EVENTS YOU WANT TO ATTEND OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS.

1. The Volusia County Fair, November 1-11, 2007 at the Volusia County Fairgrounds.
2. The Halifax Art Festival, November 3-4, 2007, being held at the historic Downtown Marketplace on the Halifax River.
3. The DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts, November 17-18, 2007, being held in Historic Downtown DeLand.
4. The Annual Antique Car Show, November 22-25, 2007, held in the infield of the Daytona Beach International Speedway.
5. The Annual Turkey Rod Run, November 22-25, 2007, held at the Daytona Beach International Speedway.
6. The Elite Karting World Championships, December 27-30, 2007, Daytona Beach International Speedway.

If you have not yet made the decision to move to Daytona Beach Florida, or to buy a second home in Daytona Beach Florida, these are just a few more reasons to do so. If you'd like to see a list of available MLS real estate listings in the Daytona Beach area, follow the link. Or visit the home page on my web site at www.BuyDaytonaBeachRealEstate.com

If you're planning to buy real estate in Daytona Beach Florida, or any of the surrounding cities, you'll be interested in some of the great things you'll find to do here.

Aside from the obvious tourist attractions such as NASCAR at the Daytona International Speedway, Bike Week and Biketoberfest, and the World's Most Famous Beach, there are many other interesting activities.  How about watching a baseball game with the Daytona Cubs at Jackie Robinson Ball Park? Or maybe you'd like to tour the local museums and galleries.

If you're the outdoorsy type, you'll enjoy a day, or a camping trip at Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach. Or you can spend a day in Ponce Inlet at the park and lighthouse, then walk down to the beach and enjoy watching the boats come and go in the inlet. You can even rent jet skis or take tour boat rides. Or there's always the Daytona Beach Flea and Farmers Market which has been voted as one of the top 5 flea markets in the country!

If your tastes lean toward the arts, we have Seaside Music Theater. All of these are places about which I've previously written. You can follow each link to find more information. 

For this remainder of this post, I thought I'd let you know about another fun activity that's short but very sweet. Located in the heart of old Daytona Beach, in the newly renovated Historic District on Beach Street, overlooking the riverfront park is Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory. They offer FREE tours of the factory every hour, and hand out FREE samples! How great is that? I can tell you from first-hand experience that Angell and Phelps chocolates are heavenly! My car seems to go on auto pilot every time I attempt to drive by. I say "attempt" because I always seem to find myself parked in front of the store. When that happens, what else can I do but go inside? 

To be perfectly honest, Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory is such a mainstay in this area that I never knew it wasn't a nation-wide chocolate company. I only recently discovered it to be a local company that began in 1925 by two women; Riddell Angell and Cora Phelps. Apparently, they had a shop in Michigan at the beginning of WWII, but had to close their doors there. Since they had wintered in Daytona Beach, to our great fortune, they then moved here permanently and opened the chocolate factory we all love. How amazing is that? Think about it. Two women in the 1920's were able to open and operate a successful business that is still alive and growing, over 80 years later. Visit the Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory web site to read all about this inspiring heritage and history.

Also part of the Angell and Phelps experience is the Angell and Phelps cafe. This is wonderful dining, and includes the area's finest musicians playing jazz, pop and blues music. Each delicious dish is made with fresh, quality ingredients; there's a fabulous dessert menu; and a full bar featuring specialty martinis.

If you're a local resident, I'm sure you can attest to the mouth-watering goodness of Angell and Phelps fine chocolates and "Casual Gourmet" Cafe.

For those of you who have not yet moved here, visit my web site and view my featured mls listings for the Daytona Beach area. You'll find video and virtual tours as well as plenty of local information.

Make a SMART CHOICE today and contact Lisa Hill for all your real estate needs. 

Daytona Beach area guests and residents, if you're looking for a fun way to spend half a day, this weekend you can visit the annual Home & Garden Show at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center at 101 N. Atlantic Ave. 

Here are just a few items and ideas you'll find at this year's Home Show. 

1. Seminars by self-proclaimed professional organizer Ingrid Timbs.
2. Tips and Products for Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling from more than 20 exhibitors.
   
3. Unique "how-to" presentations on ways to replace old formica counters with new marble and granite counters.
   
4. Turning old items into works of art.
5. Tips on landscaping and the effects of the soil, water and environmental agents.
6. How mold and mildew can effect your health, and how to remove these toxins from your home.

There's so much more. Every year there are cooking shows, taste tests, real estate booths, door prizes, drawings, miscellaneous samples and much more. It's always an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Admission is free and the show is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The show runs October 25-28. You can park in the nearby parking garage. For more information, call 386-672-0273 or 386-323-5612. You can also go to www.daytonabeachhomeshow.com.

If you need real estate information for the Daytona Beach area, visit my web site at www.DaytonaBeachHomeSales.com  

I think I posted information about this site a while back, but since I just ordered some new products, I thought I'd share again.

If you've never ordered anything from Zazzle.com, you don't know what you're missing. Not only can you order great promotional products, you can earn income from your designs. Or you can keep your designs private if you'd rather not. But it's really nice when you get a surprise check in the mail, because someone else liked your creations.

It's fairly easy to use: just choose you product and color, upload your images, drag them into position, add text, pick your font type and color, then add the item(s) to your cart.

You can also add a gallery to other sites, to help with product promotion. Below, is my gallery of products I've ordered, minus my personal logos, which I'm not sharing ;) If you want to use my little house logo, you can add whatever text you like onto the sign.

ENJOY!

I know that many Active Rain users have already posted variations of this subject, but due to the continued decrease in real estate market activity, I felt pressed to write this post as a warning to my friends & colleagues in the real estate industry.

As real estate professionals, we all know that in spite of what the media would have people believe, the job of a REALTOR® is not about pulling a few listings from the MLS, then driving around showing houses, then collecting a paycheck. We know that showing properties is a minuscule part of our jobs. (Buyers and sellers, read my post titled The Long and Winding Road to a Real Estate Closing.)

REALTORS® and real estate agents also know that the internet has become a valuable resource.  (Buyers and Sellers, read The Code of Ethics, REALTORS® and plain old real estate agents if you don’t know the difference between REALTORS® and real estate agents/licensees) Successful agents don’t rely on old business models. Many of today’s successful REALTORS® and real estate agents have found it necessary to channel the majority of their advertising dollars and time into internet marketing for their listings. This does not, in any way mean that internet-only transactions will become the preferred method of buying and selling in the near future. Since real estate is such a unique industry, it doesn’t fit into the same mold as stock trading or product purchases. Real estate is both tangible and stationary. It‘s also about people’s homes. And when people are buying and selling homes, emotions are running high, making it hard for either side to be objective. When a transaction is emotionally charged on both ends, a knowledgeable intermediary with experience and people skills, makes everything go more smoothly, thus eliminating the likelihood that internet-only transactions will become the buying and selling preference any time soon.

That being said, here are some facts. 

• Print advertising no longer produces the results it once did.
• Direct mailing doesn’t provide the necessary return on the investment.
• Even e-mail drip marketing has fallen by the wayside, since agents started bombarding customers and other agents with e-mail flyers. Most of those senders and/or flyers are now blocked by spam filters.

This brings me to web sites and blogging. I’ve already stated that many successful agents are using the internet to market their listings. While this is true, there are many more agents who have not yet faced the reality that they must increase their web presence more and more. And the companies who offer SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for a fee, on behalf of these agents, are usually not going to produce the desired results. They’re also going to be very costly.

This leaves those agents with very few choices. Either learn about SEO (I suggest you do it now, while the market is slow!) or hire a knowledgeable assistant. I don’t think you want me to tell you the last option. But then, it’s probably not necessary since at this point the decision may have already been made for you. If it hasn’t, then stop procrastinating and do what needs to be done... before it’s too late.

FYI- You can probably find all the SEO information you need, right here on Active Rain! You can also follow this link for more information on real estate and the internet. This includes info on Web 1.0 (old school internet marketing) Web 2.0 (present day internet strategies) and Web 2.x (future internet strategies).

This beautiful 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home in Ormond Beach FL has just been reduced to $292,000. You'll love the charm and homey feeling as soon as you step into the front foyer.

This fabulous buy has 1 bedroom and a powder room downstairs, and 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs. All the rooms are large enough to accommodate full-sized furnishings.

One of the best kept secrets of this neighborhood is the hidden community pool and basketball court. Each of these homes backs up to this community area. Just open the gate from your back yard and take a dip in the pool. There's even a separate pool for this children.

If you don't want to walk the short distance from your private backyard, to this community area, you can enjoy the warm Florida evenings on your rear screen room, or throw some burgers on the grill and relax on your patio. Doesn't that tiki hut look inviting?

Be sure to view the video below, and check out my Daytona Beach area MLS listings.

If you have kids who are ready for college, the Daytona Beach area has plenty of them. We even have 2 of the top rated universities in the nation, close at hand.

If you're not familiar with how the different cities all link together in the Daytona Beach area, read my post titled Daytona Beach Florida-A Comprehensive Distinction Between the Surrounding Cities.

You may also be interested in some interesting facts about this area. If so, follow these links...

• Why Should You Buy Real Estate in Daytona Beach?
• A New Daytona Beach Fun Fact
• Daytona Beach Florida; Vacation and Second Home Destination

This is going to be a quick, fun post about the Daytona Beach area. But to start, it's usually necessary to point out the fact that what people believe is all Daytona Beach, is actually several small cities, all within close proximity to each other, with Daytona Beach being in the center. Here's a brief layout of the cities, starting on the north end of Volusia County...

1. Ormond by-the Sea (on the beachside only)
   
2. Ormond Beach (on the mainland and the beachside)
3. Holly Hill (only on the mainland)
4. Daytona Beach (on the mainland and the beachside)
5. Daytona Beach Shores (only on the beachside)
6. South Daytona (mainland only)
7. Port Orange (on the mainland, with a tiny little section on the beachside-most locals don't even know this!)
8. Wilbur by-the Sea (beachside only)
9. Ponce Inlet (only on the beachside)

While not part of the Daytona Beach grouping, I sell real estate in New Smyrna Beach and Edgewater also, since they're a few miles away and are still part of Volusia County.

Now for some fun facts. Did you know that you can drive your vehicle on Daytona Beach? Just be careful not to violate any of the Conservation Laws in regards to the sand dunes and sea oats. And be especially careful about the laws regarding the sea turtle nests, eggs and hatchlings.

And did you know that the Daytona Flea and Farmers Market was named one of America's Top 5 Flea Markets by USA Weekend? That's pretty impressive considering the size of this area.

If you're looking for things to do, from visiting state parks to cultural events to ball games to museums and art galleries, you can find everything you need here.  

If you're interested in buying or selling real estate in this area, I'd love to help! Make a SMART CHOICE and call Lisa Hill today! 

I just read a post by a REALTOR®, who I won't mention by name since I have a strict policy of not  publicly airing any differences. But I did feel the need to address a few things.

The post I read was about the trademarked word "REALTOR®" and that writer's overall disagreement with the definition of the word, as well as some other personal grievances. That person appeared to be basing their opinions on the fact that the public doesn't realize that all real estate licensees are not REALTORS®. This individual was also stating that not all REALTORS® abide by the Code of Ethics. Now for my strong beliefs on this subject.

Let me start by saying, I am proud to be a REALTOR®! For anyone reading this post who is not aware of this, the word REALTOR® is trademarked and there are specific rules on how the word can and cannot be used. For starters, the word REALTOR® must be written or typed all in capitalized letters, and must be immediately followed by the "®" symbol that indicates it's a trademarked word. Click this link for more information on the specifics of the laws regarding the use of the word REALTOR®.

As for how I feel about being a REALTOR®... the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and local REALTOR® Associations were created to separate those who subscribe to a Code of Ethics from those who do not.

One of the points made in the other blog I read, was that not all REALTORS® abide by the Code of Ethics as they're supposed to. This person thought that since all the REALTORS® were not following this code, then it should be done away with, because there were too many rules to follow anyway. I wanted to beat my head on my desk when I read that. Those rules are there for quality control, and to protect the client. They're also there to maintain professional standards in our industry.

Unfortunately, that writer was correct that there are a few REALTORS® who are not abiding by our Code of Ethics. But when a REALTOR® is found in violation, they can be penalized. This leads me to a comparison here. 

Our country has laws that must be obeyed. We don't decide to do away with our laws because some people are breaking them. Those laws are there to protect the people. When people break the law, they're at the mercy of our judicial system. We expect the police and courts to uphold our laws and fight for them at all costs, in order to maintain the high standards that were originally intended. Just because some people don't understand, or they disagree, or they break these laws for whatever reason, it does not excuse their behavior. It's the same with the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.

To me, being a REALTOR® is something of which I can be proud. I like knowing we are being held to a higher standard than those who do not subscribe to our Code of Ethics.

I'm not bashing anyone who is not a REALTOR®. I realize that the costs of joining a REALTOR® Association and Multiple Listing Service (MLS) can be a large expense for someone who is just starting out, or has had personal hardships that have affected their business, etc. I am however, defending my membership and loyalty to this institution. I don't believe that anyone can say it's not in the best interests of our clients, for them to be represented by an actual REALTOR®. How else can the client be assured...

• That their offer will be submitted as quickly as possible?
  
• Or that they will not be misled about the market value of a property?
  
• Or that their interests will be promoted and protected?
  
• And that if these guidelines are not followed by their REALTOR®, there are legal avenues that can be pursued?
  
• (I could  go on, but I'll let you follow the link above, to read the entire Code of Ethics)

Now, to address the copyrighted word "REALTOR®" and why it should continue to be protected, here are other examples pertaining to copyright laws: 

• When I make a video, I can't use copyrighted songs as background music.
  
• I can't use clips from other people's videos within mine without their expressed permission.
• In my blogs, I can't use copyrighted photos I find on the internet to spice them up.
  
• I can't use someone else's articles, without their expressed permission.
  
• When I register a domain name, I can't register a copyrighted name.

These examples all fall under copyright laws. Violators leave themselves open to law suits. The word REALTOR® is also protected under these laws. Just because some of the people in the public are not aware of this is no excuse. Let me give a simple example....

• If you commit a traffic violation and a police officer pulls you over and gives you a ticket, but you had not been aware that you were breaking any laws, do you think the officer cares? You're not likely to get out of paying a ticket just because you weren't paying attention, or weren't familiar with the laws of that area.

I recently posted a blog with links to public domain photos, since the copyright laws were nowhere to be found, regarding photos on the internet. I had to spend 2 hours researching this subject, just to find a clear answer. But if I have photos in my posts that are copyright protected, and I get sued by the owner of the photos, I'm not likely to be let off the hook because I didn't know the law. It's my responsibility to do the work and know the law.  

In summary, the word REALTOR® means we're held to a higher standard. I like that. The word REALTOR® is  copyright protected. I like that too. If it were to become interchangeable with all real estate licensees, then how would we differentiate between those who subscribe to a Code of Ethics and those who just have a license?

Perhaps we should ALL be putting forth a concerted effort to educate the public. Because there is a difference! And it's important!

This thought just hit me. What would happen if every one of us posted a blog stating the definition of the word REALTOR®, along with the copyright explanation? Elaborating on why we're proud to be REALTORS® would be even better, but just the definition and a brief summary of it's copyright would set the search engines on fire! What an awesome way to educate the public and show our pride for our professional standards.

This month, our FAR/BAR Contract for Sale and Purchase, and our FAR/BAR As-Is Contract for Sale and Purchase underwent major revisions.

If you're a real estate buyer or seller, be sure to only work with a REALTOR® who is educated on these changes. Hiring a REALTOR® who is not familiar with the legalities and specific verbiage of our contracts, is asking for problems with your transaction. Basically, the REALTOR® who is most knowledgeable and has the greatest comprehension of the meaning of each clause of the contract, is going to have the advantage in the negotiating process, and in the period of time between contract and closing. This is a well known fact, among top-producing agents.

Each time our contracts are revised, the new verbiage of the contracts is intended to help clarify areas that have been unclear, or that have caused confusion since the last revision. Many of the changes have done just this. But in this revision, the financing clauses have been completely re-written. A REALTOR® who is not aware of these changes, or who has not studied these changes, will find themselves offering bad advice to their clients, and leaving themselves and their clients open to law suits.

Our local Association of REALTORS® offers classes to educate our REALTOR® members, each time our contracts are changed. I find these classes to go beyond a standard educational class. I have always walked away with intricate knowledge of the ins and outs of each clause, that enables me to have a competitive advantage over my competition. This gives my clients the advantage if the other party tries anything unscrupulous. 

If you're considering buying or selling real estate in Daytona Beach, South Daytona, Ormond Beach, Ormond by-the Sea, Port Orange, Wilbur by-the Sea, Daytona Beach Shores, Holly Hill, New Smyrna Beach or Edgewater,  I have sold houses and condos in all of these cities. I'm a member of both the Daytona Beach Area Association of REALTORS®, and the New Smyrna Beach Board of REALTORS® and have access to both Multiple Listing Systems (MLS).

Make a SMART CHOICE today and contact Lisa Hill for all your real estate needs. 

www.LisaHillRealtor.com

The bikers are here! Daytona Beach Biketoberfest 2007 has not officially started yet, but the bikers decided to kickoff the party early. The condos I have listed in Surfside Villas in Daytona Beach, are located only a couple of blocks from Main Street, so I've been encountering plenty of friendly bikers over the last few days. I can't wait to see how many show up this weekend!

If you've never been to Daytona Beach Bike Week or Biketoberfest, you don't know what you're missing. Of all the special events we have, our bikers are by far the friendliest bunch. 

Each year in late February and early March, we have Bike Week. Bike Week actually lasts about a week and a half. It runs through 2 weekends. Biketoberfest, held in October, of course, is just an extra long weekend. It only officially runs from Thursday through Sunday, but they do like to socialize, so if the weather's nice, they show up early. Since the weather's been great, it looks like we're going to have a great turnout.

If any of you are planning to attend this year's Biketoberfest, I hope you have a great time. And if you'd like to have your own place to stay for Bike Week 2008, or any other time of year, call me to schedule an appointment to see the beautiful condos at Surfside Villas. I'm sure you'll want to show off your bike on Main Street, but you might like the option of leaving your bike at your condo and taking a leisurely stroll down Main Street. Then you won't have to worry about drinking and driving either!

Be safe! And enjoy your vacation!

If you're interested in buying real estate in the Daytona Beach area, I'd love to help. View MLS listings on my web site. These are my own listings, but I can show and sell anything that's listed in the Daytona Beach or New Smyrna MLS systems.

Qualified Buyers are welcome! Come and see this large 4 bedroom, 2 bath house in a convenient South Daytona location, close to schools, shopping, banking and more.

Open House Sunday, Oct, 14, 2007  from 1:00-4:00.

1678 Louisiana Ave., S. Daytona

This house has fabulous, original Terrazzo floors throughout, and a brand new kitchen and bathrooms. All rooms are large, as is the yard. Reduced to only $187,000. Don't wait!

For detailed information go to www.DaytonaBeachHomeSales.com

Qualified real estate buyers are welcome! Come see this beautiful house in the Daytona Beach area.

This is a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Colonial style house in desirable Ormond Beach, FL, for $299,900. This owner is motivated, so come take a look and make an offer! Watch the video for a few photos. But the video pales in comparison to this gorgeous home! This house will only be open today (Sunday, October 14, 2007) from 2:00 to 4:00 so make your plans now! I look forward to seeing you at 481 Andrews Street, Ormond Beach.

For all your real estate needs, make a SMART CHOICE and call Lisa Hill. www.DaytonaBeachRealEstateSales.com

If you're interested in buying or renting a condo in Daytona Beach, at an affordable price, but don't want to settle for lower quality finishes, then these are the perfect condos for you!

Located in the redevelopment district on the peninsula, Surfside Villas is a completely remodeled condominium project with 24 available units. Each cozy unit has 16 inch tile throughout, and sliding glass doors in the living room. Upstairs units have private balconies.

Each beautiful kitchen has granite counters, Frigidaire stainless steel appliances and maple cabinets. No expense was spared in these kitchens!

There are 2 bedroom, 1 bedroom and studio units available from $114,900 to $148,900

Why pay rent when you can buy your own piece of Daytona Beach? From Surfside Villas, you can walk to the beach, boardwalk, river and dining.

No one can truly predict how long this buyer's market will last. Don't wait and miss out on these superbly remodeled condominium units! For more photos and virtual tours of this project, go to www.BuySurfsideVillas.com.

You can also view Daytona Beach Area MLS listings or visit my web site Daytona Beach real estate.

For all your real estate needs, make a SMART CHOICE and call Lisa Hill with Adams Cameron today!

If you're buying or selling real estate, you may not be aware of the many changes that have been occurring in the industry, and in the local market.

As you may know, real estate is a constantly changing market. While national and state reports are helpful, each city and even neighborhood has it's own current status that cannot be predicted on a national level. The REALTORS® at each Association of REALTORS®; the ones who are in the field and actually producing results, are the most knowledgeable about that particular market. 

That being said, below, you'll find links to some of my blog posts that are filled with helpful real estate information. Each post has unique details about that particular subject header. Select the ones that are important to your current situation, or read them all to gain personal knowledge. I hope you find these to be extremely helpful.

• Changes in Florida Real Estate Contracts and Laws

• The Importance of Contingencies in Real Estate Contracts

• The Long and Winding Road to a Real Estate Closing

• New Home Owners Association Laws (HOA)

• It Appraised For How Much?
  

• Choose Wisely When Selecting Your REALTOR®

• All REALTORS® Are Not Created Equally

I received a Citizen Alert e-mail from the Port Orange police department that there is a couple targeting homes in Port Orange, with "For Sale" signs in their yards. Follow the link above, for the description of the couple.

The system they're using is to show up unannounced, claiming that they are interested in buying a home. The male is doing most of the talking. 

Once inside the house, the female will wander off, as if looking at the house. After they leave, sellers are discovering that they are missing their credit cards.

If you have any information on this couple, please contact Detective Sgt. Wayne Dorman at (386) 506-5881. If you have any questions, please contact Officer Dave Miller at 506-5822 or by e-mail at dmiller@port-orange.org.

I have just begun receiving these alerts, and will pass them along, if they appear to pose an immediate threat to the people of our area; especially if they are real estate related.

Maybe the question shouldn't be CAN your real estate agent do this, but WILL they? 

If you're selling real estate in the Daytona Beach area, you need to choose a REALTOR® who is using all the tools they have at their disposal, to get your listing sold! I say this because 95% of them are not.

Real estate Buyers and Sellers; You'll find it to be in your best interests to read this post all the way through.

Most real estate buyers and sellers, and even REALTORS® from other areas are surprised at what our Daytona Beach Area Association of REALTORS® and MLS have to offer. The REALTORS® just need to use the tools that are available to them, for their clients. 

• First, let me give you some background or what we can do for our real estate buyers, then I'll elaborate on how this pertains to our sellers...  

In our Daytona Beach area MLS, REALTORS® have the ability to setup a buyers' criteria, so that buyer receives EVERY listing from our MLS, within that buyers' specifications, as soon as it comes on the market, via e-mail. That buyer's REALTOR® just has to enter the buyers' criteria into the system and setup an account for them. The buyer also receives listings that have price reductions, if that property was previously above their set criteria, and it drops down into their price range. This means that properties that are listing with REALTORS® who are members of the Daytona Beach Area Association of REALTORS® will be sent to every buyer that has been setup in our MLS database prospect manager. (Hang in there. This is about to get a lot more interesting.)

The next step in this process is the buyer's ability to login to the account that their REALTOR® has setup for them in our MLS, and delete listings they don't like, and more thoroughly explore the listings they do like, including viewing additional photos and virtual tours, and forwarding the listing to their friends and family. They can also click a button to "request a showing appointment" for properties they want to see. An e-mail is then sent to their REALTOR® and appointments can be scheduled.

Now here comes the good stuff. A good REALTOR® who is representing those buyers. can login to the MLS and browse through their buyers folders, and see specifically which listings that buyer has deleted, and which ones they've explored. Those REALTORS® can even see how many times their buyer has clicked on a specific listing.

• Now for how this affects real estate sellers. This is of the utmost importance! 

The Daytona Beach Area Multiple Listing Service (MLS) has the ability to "Reverse Prospect". When the client who is interested in buying real estate in the Daytona Beach area, who  has an account in our MLS that was setup by their REALTOR®, clicks on your listing, your REALTOR® is now able to view that information. Your REALTOR® will not be able to see the actual buyer's name and personal information, but they can see the account number for that BUYER, and who the other REALTOR® is that set them up in the system. Your listing agent can even see how many times that buyer clicked on your listing and whether or not they forwarded the information to anyone else. 

My ultimate points are as follows...

1. Most REALTORS® do not know how to use the Reverse Prospecting System. By listing your house, condo, town house or whatever it may be, with a REALTOR® who does not use this powerful tool, you're not receiving the full service that you deserve. And in this market, you need to have every tool, being used for you!
   
2. If your listing agent is not checking the list of people who have received and viewed your listing info, and if they're not contacting the buyer's agent to see if they can provide any additional information, facilitate the scheduling of an appointment, or notify them of an upcoming open house, you're not receiving the full service you deserve.

I served on the MLS committee at the Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors when we were selecting this system, as well as when these specific upgrades were being customized. I'm also a member of the New Smyrna Beach Multiple Listing Service (MLS). These are small parts of the reason I chose my personal slogan and logo. I pride myself in providing superior service to my clients. If you're in need of this type of service, whether in buying or selling, make a SMART CHOICE and call Lisa Hill today! I am confident in my abilities to market and sell real estate in this difficult market. 

View my MLS listings 

View my real estate video and virtual tours 

SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG! 

With only 3 weeks left for law makers to get the language right on the the amendment that would offer tax relief to Florida home owners, things are looking pretty bleak. The only way the currently proposed "Super Exemption" will make it onto the ballot in February of 2008, is with a 75% vote of approval from each legislative chamber. This will only happen if, within the next 3 weeks, all sides can agree on the verbiage.

Bear in mind, with the real estate sales boom we saw in 2004 and 2005, we should have a huge surplus in the state's budget. But that's not the case. As a matter of fact, the state is claiming huge budget deficits. One could presume this to be the reason why in 2005, with no knowledge by the tax payers, the formula with which property taxes are calculated, was increased by approximately 30%. Bear in mind, this came right on the heels of 50% increases in property values, AND right after the state ordered the counties to reduce the millage rates. I'll let you draw your own conclusions with those facts. But I'll conclude with this. Until our property taxes are reduced, our real estate values and the overall market will remain in decline. And the people cannot afford that.

Before making this final next statement, I'll go ahead and admit to it's naivete', but at what point will our elected officials start making decisions for the benefit of the people who placed them into office, instead of for themselves?

www.LisaHillRealtor.com