While you can get great bargains now in foreclosed, bank-owned, and short sale properties in our Ormond Beach areas, you need to do your homework and apply extra due diligence to make sure you aren't stuck with repair bills that exceed your savings.
Here are just a few points to look for - before you make that offer and hire an inspector:
1. If the house in unheated - even in Florida, on our colder days, the heat needs to be on. If the home has not been properly winterized or insulated, you could have damage and pay a lot in utility bills.
2. Missing sinks, toilets, fixtures - have they been removed or ripped out? Be very conservative when you do estimates for replacements.
3. Peeling, bubbling, discolored paint, swelling in walls or ceilings, musty odor - these all can indicate water damage. In our climate, that could also mean mildew and mold.
4. Fungus growth inside cabinets, behind drawers and built-ins - the growth can indicate water damage, which - you know now - is not a good sign. Water drips down, so look for the source above the mold.
5. Blocked drains or pipes will cause future problems, period - there may already be sewage backups.
6. Black cobwebs, greasy gray residue on walls, strong oily odors - these can indicate a malfunctioning furnace.
7. If you are looking at older homes, many need extensive renovations. These may include getting permits which were overlooked, removing asbestos, and expensive remodeling.
8. Excessive new paint - track down the source. What were the previous owners trying to cover up?
With a bank-owned house, there is no seller's disclosure and you as buyer are entirely responsible for inspections. It is imperative you hire qualified and recommended inspectors and be very attentive to their findings. I can help you with this process - you need an experienced Realtor on your side so you don't end up paying way over the bargain you wanted.
Contact me today, and read on my web site, to find out what a Certified Distressed Property Expert can do for you.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Ormond Beach FL Rockefeller Mansion will Reopen
The Casements, the historic mansion of oil magnate John D. Rockefeller, reopened Thursday in Ormond Beach, following a $1.1 million renovation.The building has been closed since May for the renovation, which included waterproofing the basement, repairs to the first floor framing, the addition of a new patio, and renovation of the interior to make it more historically accurate.
Originally built in 1915, the 5,000-square-foot house was bought by Rockefeller in 1918 and was his winter home. He died at the Casements in 1937 at the age of 97.
The renovations were paid with $645,400 in Ormond Beach city funds and a $467,450 grant from the Volusia ECHO program, a county fund for environmental, cultural, historic or outdoors projects.
The grand re-opening festivities included a free holiday concert by the Moonlighters Swing Band.
The ECHO Grants-in-Aid program of Volusia County is a "bricks-and-mortar" program, providing grant funds to finance acquisition, restoration, construction, or improvement of facilities to be used for environmental/ecological, cultural, historical/heritage, or outdoor recreation purposes that must be open for public use. Projects helped over time have included the Lively Arts Center, trail construction under the county's Trails Master Plan, a performing arts center in Daytona Beach, and many smaller projects throughout the county.
Our lifestyle here in Ormond Beach is active, energetic, varied, and waiting for you. Search Ormond Beach homes for sale on my web site, and contact me for real estate information on any community of interest.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
Ormond Beach New Year Family Cycling Festival
To be held Jan 9, at the Casements/Rockefeller Gardens Park on Riverside Drive, this year's 2nd annual Ormond Beach New Year Family Cycling Festival will be sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Ormond Beach.
Usually "bike" events don't mean the 2-wheel manual type, but this Ormond Beach Florida festival offers something for "real" cyclists down to tricycle riders. For the serious cyclists, the Seashore Century Ride features two segments starting at 8 a.m. -- the Metric Century with 62 miles and the Metric Half Century with 31 miles. Those pre-registering by Jan. 4 ride for $25. On-site registration is $30 beginning at 7 a.m. Jan. 9. For children and families, the festival also will offer tricycle and Big Wheel races for ages 5 and younger as well as two- and four-mile family rides beginning at 9 a.m.
The event is designed to appeal to all ages. Children ride and receive lunch for $15 per child; parents ride free and may purchase lunch. On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Outback Steakhouse will provide lunch to registered riders while those just stopping by for the activities also will be able to purchase lunch if they choose. Sandy Fraser-Kiefer and her VanGo Mobile Museum will be on hand and there will be face-painting and other family-oriented activities. The Ormond Beach Fire Department will display a fire engine and firefighters will provide safety talks.
This is a major fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club, and proceeds will be donated to several childen's organizations and area schools. Mark Jan. 9 on your calendar and come join the fun.
For information about our Ormond Beach communities, visit the Ormond Beach page on my web site, and contact me for real estate data on any location.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
(resource: News-JournalOnline)
Usually "bike" events don't mean the 2-wheel manual type, but this Ormond Beach Florida festival offers something for "real" cyclists down to tricycle riders. For the serious cyclists, the Seashore Century Ride features two segments starting at 8 a.m. -- the Metric Century with 62 miles and the Metric Half Century with 31 miles. Those pre-registering by Jan. 4 ride for $25. On-site registration is $30 beginning at 7 a.m. Jan. 9. For children and families, the festival also will offer tricycle and Big Wheel races for ages 5 and younger as well as two- and four-mile family rides beginning at 9 a.m.
The event is designed to appeal to all ages. Children ride and receive lunch for $15 per child; parents ride free and may purchase lunch. On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Outback Steakhouse will provide lunch to registered riders while those just stopping by for the activities also will be able to purchase lunch if they choose. Sandy Fraser-Kiefer and her VanGo Mobile Museum will be on hand and there will be face-painting and other family-oriented activities. The Ormond Beach Fire Department will display a fire engine and firefighters will provide safety talks.
This is a major fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club, and proceeds will be donated to several childen's organizations and area schools. Mark Jan. 9 on your calendar and come join the fun.
For information about our Ormond Beach communities, visit the Ormond Beach page on my web site, and contact me for real estate data on any location.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
(resource: News-JournalOnline)
Friday, December 11, 2009
Foreclosures in Ormond Beach and Volusia County Continue to Climb
November's foreclosure activity across Volusia and Flagler counties more than doubled compared with last year. There were 1,851 default notices, scheduled foreclosure auctions and lender repossessions in November in the two-county area. That's up 51 percent from 1,227 filings in November 2008, according to Wednesday's U.S. Foreclosure Market Report released by the California firm RealtyTrac.
"We are seeing an interesting change," said Judge William Parsons, one of four Volusia County circuit judges hearing foreclosure cases. "It used to be the three D's. Death, disability and divorce were the causes of foreclosures. Then it changed to people struggling with adjustable rate mortgages and now we are seeing more impacted by unemployment."
Many foreclosure cases involve delinquent loans well in excess of $100,000 and even up to $400,000, Parsons said. "And those are not the average mortgages in Volusia County," he said. "That tells me we are dealing with a lot of people who refinanced and took out home equity loans." Most distressed borrowers are giving up and not challenging the foreclosure action, or fighting to negotiate a loan modification, Parsons said.
But - you do NOT HAVE to go to foreclosure! YOU HAVE OPTIONS! I'm a Certified Distressed Property Expert with special training in keeping your property out of foreclosure. Contact me before you get too far behind in your mortgage payments. Read the information on my web page about Bank-Owned Homes, and call or email me now!
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
(resource: News-Journal)
"We are seeing an interesting change," said Judge William Parsons, one of four Volusia County circuit judges hearing foreclosure cases. "It used to be the three D's. Death, disability and divorce were the causes of foreclosures. Then it changed to people struggling with adjustable rate mortgages and now we are seeing more impacted by unemployment."
Many foreclosure cases involve delinquent loans well in excess of $100,000 and even up to $400,000, Parsons said. "And those are not the average mortgages in Volusia County," he said. "That tells me we are dealing with a lot of people who refinanced and took out home equity loans." Most distressed borrowers are giving up and not challenging the foreclosure action, or fighting to negotiate a loan modification, Parsons said.
But - you do NOT HAVE to go to foreclosure! YOU HAVE OPTIONS! I'm a Certified Distressed Property Expert with special training in keeping your property out of foreclosure. Contact me before you get too far behind in your mortgage payments. Read the information on my web page about Bank-Owned Homes, and call or email me now!
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
(resource: News-Journal)
Ormond Beach FL Holiday Activities
Ormond Beach offers many seasonal festivities for your enjoyment. Here, courtesy of East Volusia, News-JournalOnline, are a few of the most popular.
Dec. 12
Meet M/M Claus
The Ormond-by-the-Sea Lions Club has arranged to have Santa and Mrs. Claus at Alfie's Restaurant, 1666 Oceanshore Blvd., from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 12 for breakfast with Santa. The club will have a float in the Ormond Beach Holiday parade at 6:30 p.m. at Division Street and U.S. 1. The club is also sponsoring a "Holiday Tree" adorned with ornaments in honor of or memory of a loved one. Personalized ornaments are $5 for one or $10 for three to be hung on the tree at the restaurant. For more information, call 386-441-7024.
Christmas Parade
Kids of all ages are sure to be lining up early for one of the season's highlights, the city's Christmas parade that will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12. The theme of the 19th annual parade is "An Evergreen Holiday" and this year will mark the seventh time the parade has been held in the evening. Colorful floats, marching bands, decorated vehicles and walkers will begin the 1.5-mile route at Yonge Street (U.S. 1) and Division Avenue, move north to Granada Boulevard (State Road 40) and then east to South Beach Street. Next, a right turn will take the parade a short distance to Tomoka Avenue and another right turn just beyond the library will lead to the parking lot where participants disband. For more parade information, call 386-676-3241.
Christmas Cantata
Christ Presbyterian Church, 1035 W. Granada Blvd., presents "God So Loved the World" a Christmas Cantata at 2 p.m. Dec. 12 and 4 p.m. Dec. 13. The annual Cantata dinner will follow the Sunday performance. For more information, call 386-677-4076.
Dec. 17
Free Concert in the Gardens
A free concert featuring The Moonlighters Orchestra, directed by Dr. Joseph Mirante, will take place in Rockefeller Gardens at The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Four hundred seats will be arranged on the east side of the Halifax River where Mike Fisher, as Mr. Rockefeller, and Calvin Sandlin, as Santa, will mingle among guests following the concert.
Dec. 18
Volunteer Opportunity: God's Little Angels, a registered nonprofit, will be delivering holiday gifts of food, hot chocolate, paper goods and other necessities to local senior citizens in need as part of its annual "Winter Wonderland" giveaway on Dec. 18. To help, call Mary Barrs at 386-253-5349 or make monetary donations to God's Little Angels, Inc. at SunTrust Bank, 2300 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118, attn: Sue Register.
La Familglia Italia
The Italian Club of Ormond Beach will have its annual Christmas dinner and dance on Dec. 18 at the Elk's Club, 285 Wilmette Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7. Music by The Main Event. Unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots will be collected. Tickets are $20 for members; $23 for nonmembers. Reservation deadline is Dec. 14. For more information, call 386-441-0244 or 386-677-6704.
Dec. 19
Have Breakfast with Santa
From 8 to 11 a.m. Dec. 19, kids will not only surround Santa at The Casements, they can share a meal with him. There will be three seatings -- 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. -- and each will each accommodate up to 80 diners. Pancakes, sausage, orange juice, coffee and hot chocolate will be served. Advance tickets, $5 per person, are required. Tickets are available at The Casements or for more information, call 386-676-3216.
There's no reason in Ormond Beach not to find some way to feel the holiday spirit and share it with others. If you are reading this in the wintry weather of most of the east part of the country, make your reservations now and come on down!
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
Dec. 12
Meet M/M Claus
The Ormond-by-the-Sea Lions Club has arranged to have Santa and Mrs. Claus at Alfie's Restaurant, 1666 Oceanshore Blvd., from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 12 for breakfast with Santa. The club will have a float in the Ormond Beach Holiday parade at 6:30 p.m. at Division Street and U.S. 1. The club is also sponsoring a "Holiday Tree" adorned with ornaments in honor of or memory of a loved one. Personalized ornaments are $5 for one or $10 for three to be hung on the tree at the restaurant. For more information, call 386-441-7024.
Christmas Parade
Kids of all ages are sure to be lining up early for one of the season's highlights, the city's Christmas parade that will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12. The theme of the 19th annual parade is "An Evergreen Holiday" and this year will mark the seventh time the parade has been held in the evening. Colorful floats, marching bands, decorated vehicles and walkers will begin the 1.5-mile route at Yonge Street (U.S. 1) and Division Avenue, move north to Granada Boulevard (State Road 40) and then east to South Beach Street. Next, a right turn will take the parade a short distance to Tomoka Avenue and another right turn just beyond the library will lead to the parking lot where participants disband. For more parade information, call 386-676-3241.
Christmas Cantata
Christ Presbyterian Church, 1035 W. Granada Blvd., presents "God So Loved the World" a Christmas Cantata at 2 p.m. Dec. 12 and 4 p.m. Dec. 13. The annual Cantata dinner will follow the Sunday performance. For more information, call 386-677-4076.
Dec. 17
Free Concert in the Gardens
A free concert featuring The Moonlighters Orchestra, directed by Dr. Joseph Mirante, will take place in Rockefeller Gardens at The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Four hundred seats will be arranged on the east side of the Halifax River where Mike Fisher, as Mr. Rockefeller, and Calvin Sandlin, as Santa, will mingle among guests following the concert.
Dec. 18
Volunteer Opportunity: God's Little Angels, a registered nonprofit, will be delivering holiday gifts of food, hot chocolate, paper goods and other necessities to local senior citizens in need as part of its annual "Winter Wonderland" giveaway on Dec. 18. To help, call Mary Barrs at 386-253-5349 or make monetary donations to God's Little Angels, Inc. at SunTrust Bank, 2300 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118, attn: Sue Register.
La Familglia Italia
The Italian Club of Ormond Beach will have its annual Christmas dinner and dance on Dec. 18 at the Elk's Club, 285 Wilmette Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7. Music by The Main Event. Unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots will be collected. Tickets are $20 for members; $23 for nonmembers. Reservation deadline is Dec. 14. For more information, call 386-441-0244 or 386-677-6704.
Dec. 19
Have Breakfast with Santa
From 8 to 11 a.m. Dec. 19, kids will not only surround Santa at The Casements, they can share a meal with him. There will be three seatings -- 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. -- and each will each accommodate up to 80 diners. Pancakes, sausage, orange juice, coffee and hot chocolate will be served. Advance tickets, $5 per person, are required. Tickets are available at The Casements or for more information, call 386-676-3216.
There's no reason in Ormond Beach not to find some way to feel the holiday spirit and share it with others. If you are reading this in the wintry weather of most of the east part of the country, make your reservations now and come on down!
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Oceanfront Home on Ormond Beach FL
Best Oceanfront location in Ormond Beach - this is your dream house set high over the no-drive beach. Enjoy spectacular sunrise and moonrise scenes across beautiful landscaping to your own private ocean dunes.
This special home is not just on the ocean, but located across the street from a country club golf course - so you have views of the course from the second floor sunset party deck.
The open floor plan is both dramatic and functional, from the sweeping massive oak staircase in the large entry foyer, to the floor-to-ceiling fireplace on the ocean wall, to the clarity of views of the beach and ocean through the all new hurricane-rated windows and French doors on both first and second levels.
A soaring wood cathedral ceiling dominates the first level. The fully equipped eat-in kitchen provides ocean views for the chef. Multiple-windowed French doors open to the newly tiled patio for entertaining and better views. A large oceanfront family room adds to the feeling that the home is built to enjoy the oceanfront and bring the seashore ambience inside.
Renovations include all new windows and exterior glass doors; resurfacing of all kitchen and bath cabinetry; interior and exterior paint; railings on the multiple porches and decks; new A/C unit (one of two); new travertine tile patios surrounding the home; all new carpeting in bedrooms and loft. The Mediterranean tile roof was new in 2005. The first floor is dominated by the soaring wood cathedral ceiling, from which hang multiple fans and chandeliers, over the wide open foyer, dining and living room areas. The fully equipped eat-in kitchen provides ocean views for the chef. Multiple windowed French doors open to the newly tiled patio for enjoyment of the fabulous ocean views.
Details: 3 bedrooms/3 baths/3540 SF interior/3-car garage with workshop. Lot 80X248, 19,840 SF. Built 1988. Porch, patio, dining room, family room, central air, central heat, fireplace.
Asking price for this magnificent waterfront Ormond Beach home is $1,900,000. While not my listing, I can serve you as Buyer's Agent and set up a private preview of the property or of any oceanfront or beachfront home in the area.
If you have wanted an oceanfront home in a tropical location, close to golf and a thriving community just minutes away, this is your special place.
Ormond Beach a Top Town to Retire
In its forthcoming edition, Where to Retire magazine has picked Ormond Beach as one of eight ideal places to relocate when looking for coastal real-estate bargains in the United States. The other golden spots for the golden years are: seven villages on Cape Cod, Mass.; Hilton Head, S.C.; Naples, Fla.; Galveston, Texas; Oceanside, Calif.; Florence, Ore., and Whidbey Island, Wash.
Mary Lu Abbott, the magazine's editor, said Ormond Beach was selected because of its "exceptional good buys" in housing and natural beauty. "It's a desirable smaller city with many amenities, without the hassle of bigger places," she said. "It's really an attractive area that has all the perks, and real estate is thousands of dollars less than a few years ago."
This is an honor for Ormond Beach, and reinforces what I've been saying all along. Our lifestyle and amenties are some of the best in the country, and our real estate prices are so affordable you should consider at least purchasing a small condo to enjoy during those winter months.
Contact me to discuss all the activities available here for seniors - and the real estate opportunities.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
Mary Lu Abbott, the magazine's editor, said Ormond Beach was selected because of its "exceptional good buys" in housing and natural beauty. "It's a desirable smaller city with many amenities, without the hassle of bigger places," she said. "It's really an attractive area that has all the perks, and real estate is thousands of dollars less than a few years ago."
This is an honor for Ormond Beach, and reinforces what I've been saying all along. Our lifestyle and amenties are some of the best in the country, and our real estate prices are so affordable you should consider at least purchasing a small condo to enjoy during those winter months.
Contact me to discuss all the activities available here for seniors - and the real estate opportunities.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
Seed Newsvine
