Thanksgiving Day for Seniors in Ormond Beach

For the 31st consecutive year, Mary Wallis and friends will serve Thanksgiving dinner for those who are "65 years of age or older, are alone and do not wish to be on Thanksgiving Day."

The event will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 26 at Prince of Peace Social Hall, behind the church at 600 S. Nova Road, Ormond Beach. As there is no reserved seating, guests may arrive as early as 11 a.m. to enjoy coffee and baked goods.

A traditional menu of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, cranberries and rolls will be served. Chef Dennis Herman will supervise food preparation, and many of Wallis' longtime volunteers will return, including "official pie cutter" Margaret Crumley and "chief carver" Dr. Jim Cullers, both of whom have been joining the festivities for the past 25 years.

To make a reservation to attend, call Wallis between 9 a.m. and noon or 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 386-673-0117 before Nov. 21. Transportation can be arranged for those who have no way to get to the dinner. This is not a church function, so Wallis asks that guests do not contact the church. Mary probably could use donations to help with food costs.

It's the time of year to think of others with extra care. Perhaps a Senior you know will want a ride to the dinner, or just enjoy some company on Thanksgiving. Let's do our part to help everyone we know have something to be thankful for this year.

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

(resource: NewsJournal)

Ormond Beach Senior Games Happening Now

The Ormond Beach Senior Games, a regional Olympics of sorts offering a variety of events, started Saturday, Oct. 24, and end Nov. 1. Winners qualify for the state games in December.

Most contestants started training as the years went by, and were not great athletes when younger. They train as a way to stay fit, active, and healthy as they pass the milestone of 50 years of age.

The 27 scheduled sports and activities are as diverse as the participants. There are the physically demanding -- 5K run, beach volleyball, tennis, racquetball, cycling -- and the less taxing -- billiards, croquet, shuffleboard, spelling, trivia, darts.

More than 250 competitors are expected, starting with today's 5K run and ending with bowling Nov. 1 at the Ormond Lanes. Last year, participants hailed from 53 Florida cities, four states and Canada. "I'd say 30 percent of the participants are from outside the area," said Mike Demchak, who oversees community events like the games for the city. "But the majority are from Volusia and Flagler."

For event details visit Ormond Beach Events. To learn more about the Senior Games, visit NSGA.com and the Florida Senior Games page.

If you come to watch an event or support one of the athletes, be sure and give me a call to talk about our great Ormond Beach lifestyle. I can help you with relocation questions and plans.

SherryArmstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.ormondbeachflhome.com

Oceanfront Homes for Sale by Ormond Beach FL

I just blogged on the Sept. real estate activity here in Ormond Beach - sales are up but prices went down again. They are at the lowest levels in a generation, since the 1970's, according to the National Assn. of Realtors. If I could invest, it would be in oceanfront properties, and 2nd on the list would be riverfront/intracoastal homes for sale. The prices are unbelievable.


Here are 2 oceanfront homes available, the first in Flagler Beach:


Direct ocean front home sitting high on the dunes. Enjoy sunsets from the spacious porch with a private walkway to the beach. 5BR/3BA, built 1973, 10,065 SF lot. What a great vacation home! The property could accommodate 20 people, with a separate in-law suite that includes kitchen, laundry room, 2 bedrooms, bath, living room, dining room. Total living area 2,850 SF. East orientation (remember those sunrises over the ocean). Listed at ONLY $750,000!

In Wilbur-by-the-Sea, this home has just been reduced from $1,500,000 to $1,195,000!


Direct Oceanfront! Perched above the sandy beach and crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean with commanding views. Tastefully renovated with luxurious detail, maintaining all the Old-Florida charm and offerings of today’s high-end amenities. Gated secure Martha’s Vineyard style home, built in the 1920’s, this beachfront paradise boasts incredible views offering 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. The designer kitchen blends stainless steel Viking appliances, granite countertops, a Butler’s pantry, the unique cork floor, a center island made from Tiger-Wood found in the jungle of Africa, and opens up to a formal dining room with expansive views of the coastline. The formal living room has a fireplace and extensive wood work with intricate beam work and visual offerings you would expect of European craftsmen, original Heart-of-Pine from the 1900’s, wood in-laid ceilings, walls and floors. The entire upstairs is dedicated to the master retreat. Living area 3,366 SF, lot 16,000 SF. ONLY $1,195,000!

What incredible bargains are available now - and these are only 2 of the many oceanfront (not just oceanview) homes available at stunning prices. I can set up a search for homes for sale for you or visit the search page on my web site. And contact me to preview any of the homes for sale in the Ormond Beach area.

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

Ormond Beach Home Sales Jump in September

According to statistics from the Florida Assn. of Realtors, Florida's existing home sales rose in September, which marks more than a year (13 months) that sales activity has increased in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors. September's statewide sales also increased over sales activity in August in both the existing home and existing condominium markets.

Existing home sales rose 34 percent last month with a total of 14,419 homes sold statewide compared to 10,778 homes sold in September 2008, according to Florida Realtors. Statewide existing home sales last month increased 4.1 percent over statewide sales activity in August.

Florida Realtors also reported a 77 percent increase in statewide sales of existing condos in September compared to the previous year's sales figure; statewide existing condo sales last month rose 8.9 percent over the total units sold in August.

All of Florida's major metropolitan areas (MSA), including Daytona Beach, reported increased existing home sales in September. In the Daytona Beach MSA, of which Ormond Beach is a statistical area, for single family, 766 realtor sales closed in September, vs. 536 a year ago. Median price was $132,000 vs $160,000 in Sept. 2008 - which just means the values and bargains are ripe for investors and buyers of all types!

In condos, 140 realtor sales closed in Daytona in September, vs 74 last year. Median price was $176,900 vs $237,500 last year. Imagine an oceanfront condo at this price!

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said, "Now that the market is showing some momentum, we have an opportunity to achieve a more rapid and broader stabilization in home prices...The outlook for home sales and prices depends on whether the tax credit is extended," he continued, describing it as "the best tool in our arsenal to encourage financially qualified buyers to stimulate the economy and help reduce the budget deficit."

You have the best buying opportunity in a generation right now! Contact me to preview some properties - I know the Ormond Beach real estate market, and can help with all the details of your relocation.

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

Hunter's Ridge - Ormond Beach FL - our Community

Hunters Ridge is about a mile past Breakaway Trails in Ormond Beach, Florida, on Highway 40, making it convenient to I-95 (Exit 268) and shopping. The non-gated community offers a wide selection of lot sizes and homes, ranging from traditional two-story to Florida contemporary design, with a few low-country and other architectural styles represented.

Community amenities include a clubhouse, play areas, tennis courts, pool, playground, ballfields, park, lake with fountain, gazebo, trails, and an on-site storage yard for boats and RV’s (one of the few communities to provide this benefit). Hunter's Ridge is one of the more attractive planned developments in the Northeast-central Florida region, that has maintained wooded areas, conservation lots, and nature preserves. HOA fees are approximately $70/month.

Hunters Ridge is fairly well built out at this point, though there is room for expansion of the community onto several thousand acres to the north in Flagler County. That has been under discussion for several years, but lots in this new area are not available yet.

The closest golf course is River Bend, minutes north of Daytona Beach, an 18-hole public facility on 300 acres of woodlands along the Tomoka River. It is a 6,821 yard, par 72 course. River Bend offers the finest practice facilities in the state, from the dual ended driving range, to the practice greens and fairway bunker. During a round of golf at River Bend you'll discover that preservation of the environment is a priority. From their Southern Colonial Club House, to the 18th hole, the significant wetlands have been protected. Even their Logo - Florida's Gentle Giants - is a statement of the commitment to nature.

Use the widget below to search homes for sale in Hunter's Ridge of Ormond Beach, FL, and contact me for more information about any of the properties, or Ormond communities.

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

Ormond Beach FL - SOLD! - Hunter's Ridge

Lovely home designed for entertaining with formal living and dining rooms, spacious open kitchen w/convection oven and range, microwave, the gourmet's delight! High ceilings throughout, imported tile, newer carpet, hardwood, large family room, split bedrooms. Covered patio, inground, solar heated pool and hot tub. Lovely neighborhood offers clubhouse, community pool, and tennis court in a pleasant natural environment.

Directions: West on Granada past I95 to Hunters Ridge R on Shadow Crossings, L on Hunters Ridge,R on Cambridge

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

Ormond Beach Homebuyers have Negotiating Power

Home buyers in much of the U.S. are still paying thousands of dollars below the home’s asking price. Buyers paid a median $6,525, or 3% less than the last listing price on homes bought in August, down from $7,018, or 3.3%, less for homes bought in July, according to Zillow.com.

Negotiating power peaked in January 2009, when buyers were paying 4.5% less than last listing price, a median of $10,096. Meanwhile, sellers continue to cut prices on unsold homes. The median U.S. price reduction was 6.6% off the original listing price.

Florida home buyers again in August had the most negotiating power, with buyers in the Vero Beach metropolitan statistical area (MSA) paying 8.9%, or a median $20,974, less than the last listing price. Buyers in the Naples MSA paid 8% less than list price. The Naples, Daytona Beach/Ormond Beach, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, Lakeland, Punta Gorda, Melbourne, Gainesville, Tampa, Jacksonville and Fort Myers MSAs also ranked, in that order, as the top markets for negotiation.

“Negotiating power is a clear reflection of inventory levels, which dropped nationally in August. Tighter supply in some markets is translating into less of a discount off listing price,” said Zillow Chief Economist Dr. Stan Humphries. “Unfortunately, the brisk spring and summer home shopping season is drawing to a close now, and with foreclosures on the rise again, inventory levels will likely head back up in the coming months, leading buyers’ negotiating power to regain the ground it lost in August.”

It's still a Strong Buyer's Market here in Ormond Beach. I can't emphasize enough that this is the opportunity of a generation to buy real estate at bargain basement prices. Contact me to discuss your opportunities.

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

(resource: RisMedia)

Ormond Beach FL Farmer's Market

The Ormond Beach Farmer's Market has started at Rockefeller Gardens, 8 AM - 1 PM, every Thursday, on 25 Riverside Drive. You'll find everything from soy candles and fresh fruit to African baskets, crab cakes and more. They will have locally grown fresh produce, fish, baked goods and agricultural products from a select group of farmers and vendors

Corporate sponsors include Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center, Daytona Beach News-Journal, Bright House, and the Highlander Corp. Participating vendors include Salsa King, Eco Outdoors, Lucy's Dogs and Sausage, Local Farms 2U, Holly's Orchids, Spring Valley Farms, Sublime Scents, Natures Garden, Gene's Steak House, Sweet Cheyenn's Treats, Bolga Baskets and other companies. See the list of vendors at the OBFarmersMarket web site.

In addition to the vendors, Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center will offer low cost medical screenings.

For more information, call 386-451-2138. Directions:

From I-95:
Head East on Granada Blvd. Turn Right on Riverside Dr. Parking is located behind The Casements
From A1A:
Head West on Granada Blvd. Turn Left on Riverside Dr. Parking is located behind The Casements

Our new Ormond Beach Farmer's Market was a huge success it's opening day, Sept. 24. Come join us and support our local businesses. If you decide you want to be a part of our Ormond Beach Lifestyle, even as a vacationer with a 2nd home, contact me for a free copy of my Relocation Package for Ormond Beach.

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