SafeLink Wireless provides a free cell phone and monthly minutes to low-income households that qualify, including those on food stamps, Medicaid and living in Section 8 housing.
SafeLink is offered by TracFone Wireless, a prepaid cell phone company, as part of the government program Lifeline.
"This is one of the times that free does mean free," said Jose Fuentes, director of government relations for Tracfone.
Lifeline was started in 1984 by the Federal Communications Commission as a way to ensure low-income families had a landline phone in their homes.
The program is funded by fees collected from phone companies and their customers.
According to a press release from TracFone, in 2006, phone carriers paid more than $469 million to the Lifeline fund.
Tracfone worked with the FCC to get cell phones added to the Lifeline program. So far, SafeLink is available in 17 states and Florida joined the list last September, Mr. Fuentes said.
"We are doing exactly what Lifelife was intended to do," he said. "Twenty years ago, cell phones were considered a luxury. But as technology has evolved, it is now a necessity. Everyone should have one."
While Mr. Fuentes could not provide any official numbers on how many people have signed up in Florida, he said it has been "a very successful program."
To sign up for SafeLink Wireless, visit http://www.safelink.com/ or call 1-800-977-3768.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
(resource: MyHometownNews)
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Ormond Beach FL May Real Estate Market Report
Statewide, number of resales increased and median prices decreased during the month of May, compared to May, 2008.
The Florida Assn. of Realtors reported that in the Daytona Beach metropolitan area, existing home sales totaled 653 last month, a 7.6 percent jump from May 2008’s 607. The median home price fell nearly 22 percent, from $174,100 in May 2008 to $136,100 in May 2009.
Condo resales in the Daytona Beach MSA were up 67 percent, from 83 in May 2008 to 139 last month. However, the median home price fell to $191,300, a nearly 21 percent drop from the $241,700 reported in May 2008.
Florida’s existing home sales rose in May for the ninth month in a row, the association reported.
Existing home sales in the Sunshine State rose 15.6 percent last month, from 12,044 homes sold in May 2008 to 13,921 closings last month. The statewide median price for existing homes last month was $144,400, 29 percent down from May 2008’s $203,800. But the statewide median home price in May was higher than each of the previous four months.
In Florida’s year-to-year comparison for condo resales, 4,839 units sold last month, a 21 percent jump from the 3,998 units sold in May 2008. The existing condo median price was down 37.6 percent in May, from $181,700 last year to $113,400 this year.
It's still a very strong buyer's market here with great deals. Search the Ormond Beach MLS and contact me to discuss your opportunities.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
(statistics courtesy of FAR & Orlando Business Journal)
The Florida Assn. of Realtors reported that in the Daytona Beach metropolitan area, existing home sales totaled 653 last month, a 7.6 percent jump from May 2008’s 607. The median home price fell nearly 22 percent, from $174,100 in May 2008 to $136,100 in May 2009.
Condo resales in the Daytona Beach MSA were up 67 percent, from 83 in May 2008 to 139 last month. However, the median home price fell to $191,300, a nearly 21 percent drop from the $241,700 reported in May 2008.
Florida’s existing home sales rose in May for the ninth month in a row, the association reported.
Existing home sales in the Sunshine State rose 15.6 percent last month, from 12,044 homes sold in May 2008 to 13,921 closings last month. The statewide median price for existing homes last month was $144,400, 29 percent down from May 2008’s $203,800. But the statewide median home price in May was higher than each of the previous four months.
In Florida’s year-to-year comparison for condo resales, 4,839 units sold last month, a 21 percent jump from the 3,998 units sold in May 2008. The existing condo median price was down 37.6 percent in May, from $181,700 last year to $113,400 this year.
It's still a very strong buyer's market here with great deals. Search the Ormond Beach MLS and contact me to discuss your opportunities.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
(statistics courtesy of FAR & Orlando Business Journal)
Melrose of Ormond Beach, FL
As a realtor, sometimes I run across a community which is so perfectly suited to its surroundings, so livable, that it occupies a special place in your mind when foks ask about relocation to the Daytona Beach area.Melrose of Ormond Beach is one of my special places. Bordering the Halifax River, Melrose offers waterfront - riverfront homes - in the price range of the high $800,000s to well over a million. The homes are gracious residences with large lots and access to the river, some with boat docks, most with views across the Halifax to Oceanside. The community was designed, or has become, water-oriented, so homeowners who buy there want to enjoy Ormond Beach waterfront real estate. If you don't have a boat, you can watch the yachts motor by, watch the play of sun on water, or rise to gorgeous sunrises.
Across E. Granada Blvd, a main street of Melrose, is the Oceanside Country Club. From the club's home page: "The Oceanside experience is casual elegance through friendly service, quality food and spirits, challenging golf and tennis, or just relaxing by the pool. Located in Ormond Beach, nestled between the Halifax River and the ocean, this private club is unique in location and style." The original golf course was designed by P. F. Seabloom in 1907 and has recently been renovated by Bobby Weed. There are 9 tennis courts, an oversized pool, restaurant, and many social events. Oceanside is home to SALLY, the Women’s South Atlantic Amateur Championship. The SALLY, which dates back to 1926, is usually held in January.
Not far from Melrose, toward the west, are the Tomoka Oaks Golf Club, and Nova Recreation Complex, 400 North Nova Road, with a sports complex, playground, and picnic tables.
Just a few blocks from Melrose, on the river, is River Front Park, 1 South Beach St, which features a fishing pier, bait shop and boat launch. And don't forget the fishing along with all the other recreational opportunities on the Halifax River!
Here are 2 homes for sale in Melrose of Ormond Beach, just a sample of the style and quality of the community. Set up your personal Ormond Beach MLS search for waterfront or riverfront homes, or just contact me and I'll do one for you.
546 S Beach is the quintessential plantation-style home of gracious southern living. The home is 4647 sq ft, but total living area is 7,156 sq ft. It fronts the river, with a pool, boat house and boat dock, and includes an in-law suite, irrigation well, veranda overlooking the water, and so much more, on a lot of 39,634 sq ft. This is a wonderful opportunity to own a large riverfront home in Ormond Beach. Listed at $999,000.
138 S Beach is a custom riverfront Ormond Beach home with every attention to detail. Built in 1993 by a commercial builder, the elegant home is 2858 sq ft, with a total living area of 4058 sq ft. It also fronts the Halifax River, has a detached workshop, irrigation well, 10' ceilings and tile floors throughout. There are guest quarters on the 2nd level with kitchenette, the lot is 20,800 sq ft, and includes riparian rights to the river. Listed at $895,000.If these interest you, visit the Waterfront page on my web site for details on riverfront and oceanfront communities in the Daytona Beach area. Now is a great time to find bargain prices for these homes. There is only so much waterfront real estate in Florida, and the prices are the best in years. Think of living in Melrose on the Halifax River in Ormond Beach. If you see yourself in that lifestyle, call or email me and I can help you find a home in this special place.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-67903191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
530 Scott Drive in Broderick of Ormond Beach, Now $549,900
This 4 bedroom/4 bath pool home in Ormond Beach is in the community of Broderick of Ormond Beach, not far from the Tomoka River, the Tomoka Oaks Golf Club, the River Bend Golf Club, the Nova Recreation Complex, and the Trails Shopping Center. Broderick is an exclusive enclave tucked in behind a nice family type/retiree area of single family properties close to everything in Ormond Beach. The houses enjoy large lots and square footage. Not many homes come on the market in Broderick of Ormond Beach, and this beautiful home is one of the best prices available.
An elegant 4 br, 4 ba home this residence offers a very private setting on approximately ¾ acre lot. Feel the spaciousness as you enter the grand foyer with Italian Travertine marble flooring throughout the first level. The Great Room has elaborate lighted built-ins with fireplace & wiring for any & all electronics. The banquet size formal dining room has a 12 ft. built-in custom buffet/server with granite top. Indulge in the gourmet kitchen featuring sophisticated custom high gloss cabinetry with under and over cabinet lighting, granite countertops and backsplashes, stainless steel appliances including 3 GE Monogram convections ovens, Viking range hood, refrigerator, dual dishwashers & sinks, center island, breakfast bar & breakfast nook.
The large laundry room includes an extra smooth top range and side by side refrigerator. This home was truly built for entertaining! Pamper yourself in the gracious master suite with a luxurious master bath featuring his & her cherry wood vanities, granite countertops, Jacuzzi tub, marbled tiled tandem shower & fabulous walk-in closet with complete custom built-ins. Stunning front staircase leads to upstairs quarters with 3 spacious bedrooms, two baths & 25x27 bonus room. Plenty of storage space inside & out with the oversized 3 car garage. The property is beautifully landscaped and includes a large in-ground pool with Jacuzzi jets at one end.
Enjoy the slideshow below, and visit my Ormond Beach web site for information on many of the unique communities in our Daytona Beach area and to search the Ormond Beach MLS. Contact me for real estate market data on Broderick, or a private preview of this Ormond Beach home for sale.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
An elegant 4 br, 4 ba home this residence offers a very private setting on approximately ¾ acre lot. Feel the spaciousness as you enter the grand foyer with Italian Travertine marble flooring throughout the first level. The Great Room has elaborate lighted built-ins with fireplace & wiring for any & all electronics. The banquet size formal dining room has a 12 ft. built-in custom buffet/server with granite top. Indulge in the gourmet kitchen featuring sophisticated custom high gloss cabinetry with under and over cabinet lighting, granite countertops and backsplashes, stainless steel appliances including 3 GE Monogram convections ovens, Viking range hood, refrigerator, dual dishwashers & sinks, center island, breakfast bar & breakfast nook.
The large laundry room includes an extra smooth top range and side by side refrigerator. This home was truly built for entertaining! Pamper yourself in the gracious master suite with a luxurious master bath featuring his & her cherry wood vanities, granite countertops, Jacuzzi tub, marbled tiled tandem shower & fabulous walk-in closet with complete custom built-ins. Stunning front staircase leads to upstairs quarters with 3 spacious bedrooms, two baths & 25x27 bonus room. Plenty of storage space inside & out with the oversized 3 car garage. The property is beautifully landscaped and includes a large in-ground pool with Jacuzzi jets at one end.
Enjoy the slideshow below, and visit my Ormond Beach web site for information on many of the unique communities in our Daytona Beach area and to search the Ormond Beach MLS. Contact me for real estate market data on Broderick, or a private preview of this Ormond Beach home for sale.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
Home for Sale in Halifax Plantation, Ormond Beach, FL
The stunning community of Halifax Plantation, is a very special master-planned community with golf, tennis, trails, and close to two state parks, in Ormond Beach, FL.
The home featured here, on Kiowa Lane, is 4 bedrooms/4 baths, 3516 sq ft, with a screened pool, 3-car garage, central air and heat, over .5 acre, with a bonus room and deck. Appliances include dishwasher, disposal, microwave, and range. There are ceiling fans, intercom, jacuzzi/hot tub, and security system. HOA is $40/month. Asking price is $479,900 and it is bank-owned.
This like-new executive home on large wooded lot in cul-de-sac has a brick paver driveway and features quality details: high ceilings, crown molding, architectural niches, and decorative tile inset. The gourmet kitchen has cherry cabinets with granite countertops and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. The beautiful screen-enclosed pool and spa back to a private setting.
Halifax Plantation in Ormond Beach is one of the most sought-after addresses in our area. The grounds are beautiful, the community friendly, and the amenities the best you would want. Take a look at the slideshow below and you'll see a typical Halifax Plantation home. Then visit my Ormond Beach web site for more details on homes for sale in Halifax Plantation of Ormond Beach.
Contact me for a private showing, or real estate market information.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
The home featured here, on Kiowa Lane, is 4 bedrooms/4 baths, 3516 sq ft, with a screened pool, 3-car garage, central air and heat, over .5 acre, with a bonus room and deck. Appliances include dishwasher, disposal, microwave, and range. There are ceiling fans, intercom, jacuzzi/hot tub, and security system. HOA is $40/month. Asking price is $479,900 and it is bank-owned.
This like-new executive home on large wooded lot in cul-de-sac has a brick paver driveway and features quality details: high ceilings, crown molding, architectural niches, and decorative tile inset. The gourmet kitchen has cherry cabinets with granite countertops and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. The beautiful screen-enclosed pool and spa back to a private setting.
Halifax Plantation in Ormond Beach is one of the most sought-after addresses in our area. The grounds are beautiful, the community friendly, and the amenities the best you would want. Take a look at the slideshow below and you'll see a typical Halifax Plantation home. Then visit my Ormond Beach web site for more details on homes for sale in Halifax Plantation of Ormond Beach.
Contact me for a private showing, or real estate market information.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
Plantation Bay in Ormond Beach FL
Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club, in Ormond Beach, is a very prestigious address. Developed by ICI Homes, this private community offers such amenities as two clubhouses, a magnificent 7,000 square-foot Spa and Fitness Center, and 10 tennis courts. With two 18-hole private, championship golf courses, a tennis facility, two restaurants and the pool, there is a wide array of membership choices. Plantation Bay offers a lifestyle, not just a home.* Tennis anyone? Beautiful clay courts surrounded with high hedges of wisteria make the courts at Plantation Bay special.
* The community is gated and secure for your piece of mind.
* All of the communities are all geared for family living enjoyment, with safe environments for a family to take advantage of every day.
* Enjoy peaceful nature areas surrounding the communities. Lakes and large trees invite the wonderful Florida wildlife to your neighborhood.
* Community events in Plantation Bay include Rubber Bridge/Lunch, the Garden Club, a Social Club that meets quarterly, Beginner's Tennis, special events at the Prestwick Restaurant, Yoga/Water Aerobics/Pilates classes, and a Line Dancing group.
The Plantation Bay Golf ExperiencePlantation Bay offers 45 gorgeous holes that are sure to challenge and delight every player at any level. Members are presented with lush fairways, undulating greens, and a service oriented staff to ensure a great golfing experience. Being one of the areas only golf communities that allows privately owned carts, a hassle free ride home is all that is required to complete your day at the club.
* The Club de Bonmont Course is famous for 18 matchless holes. With its recent renovation by world recognized architect Steve Smyers in 2005, the beauty and layout has the wow factor every time you step on the tee.
* The Westlake Course, the newest addition to the Plantation Bay golf experience, is a masterfully sculpted nine holes that is tied into the Club de Bonmont course to create 27 holes of pure enjoyment. With the 2nd nine to the course in the planning stage, Westlake is sure to be great compliment to the two other 18 holes offered at Plantation Bay.
* The Prestwick Course offers an outstanding championship layout with impressive playing conditions and superb amenities. The course is a shotmakers dream. With a premium on hitting your target, it is sure to challenge any level of golfer.
Provided by ICI, here is a sampling neighborhoods and prices:
Prestwick Estates $260,000-$395,200
Prestwick VI, VII, VIII $190,400-$254,900
Prestwick Townhomes $232,900-$257,100
Preswick Townhomes II $271,900-$282,100
Westlake $330,300-$374,400
Woodbridge Estates $285,900-$433,000
New construction is available in Prestwick IX, Prestwick Townhomes II, Westlake, and Westlake Townhomes. There are many resales also for sale, ranging in price from $699,000 to $165,000. You can see there is a home for every pocketbook and family size.
Contact me for more information on the quality community of Plantation Bay. I'm the Relocation Specialist for Ormond Beach and can help you with new construction or a home for resale. Visit the Plantation Bay page on my web site for links and more data on home prices, and use the widget below to search homes for sale in Plantation Bay.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
Lakefront home for sale in Breakaway Trails, Ormond Beach FL
A few days ago I wrote about Breakaway Trails, and hopefully convinced you what a great place to live it could be. Here's a home for sale in this gated community on the lake, beautifully maintained, on a large lot, and the sellers want an offer!It's an exceptional 4 bedroom, 2 bath lakefront home which offers extensive 18" diagonally cut tile floors in the main living areas, carpet in bedrooms, and a screened lanai. Upgrades include 42" upper cabinets, 10 foot ceilings, double vanities, garden tub and separate shower in the master bath, double tray ceilings, and beautiful lake views! The gated neighborhood of Breakaway Trails includes tennis courts, ballfield, community clubhouse, pool and a Florida lifestyle you've only dreamed about.
The home is ready for your immediate preview and is in move-in condition. Contact me for a showing.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-67903191
Breakaway Trails, Ormond Beach
Breakaway Trails, a gated community in Ormond Beach, Florida offers a unique lifestyle. This exclusive community is well-known for its small neighborhoods surrounded by environmentally protected nature preserves. With sparkling lakes, magnolia trees, a quaint wooden bridge, a clubhouse with pool, and tennis, Breakaway Trails offers a blend of lifestyles complete with relaxation and activity.
There are 976 residences ranging in price from approximately $300,000 to over $1,450,000. New construction is available in some neighborhoods.
Breakaway Trails community amenities include:
* Community pool, basketball courts, pavillion, clubhouse, roller hockey rink
* Estate-sized lots for privacy
* New homes or resales
* Basketball courts, pavillion, clubhouse, roller hockey rink
* Safe and secure - this is a gated community
* Enjoy a family environment - all of the neighborhoods are geared for family living
* Nature at your doorstep - beautiful natural areas surround the neighborhoods
* Beaches - the area is known for its famous drive-on beach, one of the few available in the world
Helpful Breakaway Trails links:
* Community Association
* Calendar of Events
* Newsletter
* Golf information
* Ormond Beach news
* Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce
Advantages of living in Breakaway Trails include:
* Tomoka State Park- this park is perfect for camping, canoeing and picnicking
*Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens offers exhibitions of Florida, regional, national and international artists. Additionally, the OMAM seeks to advance the appreciation and awareness of the arts through classes, lectures and demonstrations
*Daytona Beach, where one of the nation's great vacation spots provides entertainment, shopping, dining, a world famous beach and the Daytona International Speedway
* Close to arts and entertainment, such as the London Symphony
* Just minutes from I-95
Public Schools serving Ormond Beach and Breakaway Trails:
Pine Trail Elementary
300 Airport Rd
Ormond Beach Fl 32174
386-676-5300
Pathways Elementary
2100 Airport Road
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
386.676.5360
Hinson Middle School
1860 N. Clyde Morris Blvd.
Ormond Beach, FL 32117
386.258.4682
Mainland High School
125 S Clyde Morris Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386.258.4665
Use the search below to find current homes for sale in Breakaway Trails. When you are ready to preview a property, or just want general real estate sales information, let me know - I'm the Relocation Specialist for Breakaway Trails in Ormond Beach and can discuss our great real estate opportunities in this prestigious community.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
yourkeytothebeach.com
386-679-3191
There are 976 residences ranging in price from approximately $300,000 to over $1,450,000. New construction is available in some neighborhoods.
Breakaway Trails community amenities include:
* Community pool, basketball courts, pavillion, clubhouse, roller hockey rink
* Estate-sized lots for privacy
* New homes or resales
* Basketball courts, pavillion, clubhouse, roller hockey rink
* Safe and secure - this is a gated community
* Enjoy a family environment - all of the neighborhoods are geared for family living
* Nature at your doorstep - beautiful natural areas surround the neighborhoods
* Beaches - the area is known for its famous drive-on beach, one of the few available in the world
Helpful Breakaway Trails links:
* Community Association
* Calendar of Events
* Newsletter
* Golf information
* Ormond Beach news
* Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce
Advantages of living in Breakaway Trails include:
* Tomoka State Park- this park is perfect for camping, canoeing and picnicking
*Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens offers exhibitions of Florida, regional, national and international artists. Additionally, the OMAM seeks to advance the appreciation and awareness of the arts through classes, lectures and demonstrations
*Daytona Beach, where one of the nation's great vacation spots provides entertainment, shopping, dining, a world famous beach and the Daytona International Speedway
* Close to arts and entertainment, such as the London Symphony
* Just minutes from I-95
Public Schools serving Ormond Beach and Breakaway Trails:
Pine Trail Elementary
300 Airport Rd
Ormond Beach Fl 32174
386-676-5300
Pathways Elementary
2100 Airport Road
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
386.676.5360
Hinson Middle School
1860 N. Clyde Morris Blvd.
Ormond Beach, FL 32117
386.258.4682
Mainland High School
125 S Clyde Morris Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386.258.4665
Use the search below to find current homes for sale in Breakaway Trails. When you are ready to preview a property, or just want general real estate sales information, let me know - I'm the Relocation Specialist for Breakaway Trails in Ormond Beach and can discuss our great real estate opportunities in this prestigious community.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
yourkeytothebeach.com
386-679-3191
Tomoka State Park, Ormond Beach FL
Native Americans once dwelled here, living off fish-filled lagoons. Today, these waters are popular for canoeing, boating, and fishing. The park protects a variety of wildlife habitats and endangered species, such as the West Indian manatee.Tomoka is a bird-watcher's paradise, with over 160 species sighted, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Visitors can stroll a one-half mile nature trail through a hardwood hammock that was once an indigo field for an 18th century British landowner. A boat ramp gives boaters and canoeists access to the river. The Park Store offers snacks, camping supplies, and canoe rentals.
There is a burn ban currently in effect until further notice in Volusia County. The only outdoor fires allowed in the park will be charcoal or gas grill.
For overnight stays, the park has full-facility campsites and youth camping. Located three miles north of Ormond Beach on North Beach Street. Admission Fees are $4 per vehicle for up to 8 passengers, $1 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers and permit holders. Camping fee is $20. Contact 386-673-0022 for more information and visit Tomoka State Park. (Photo courtesy of State Park web site.)
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