The economic recession has brought some needed and interesting changes to the real estate housing market, not just in Ormond Beach. After years of More + More, Americans now want smaller houses, fewer rooms that reek of excess - like home theaters, and more practical answers.
Discussed at the recent International Builders Show, buyers today want cost-effective architecture, plans that focus on spaces and not rooms, and homes that are designed green from the outset. The key for home builders is finding the balance between what buyers want and the price point they can afford.
Carol Lavender, president of the Lavender Design Group in San Antonio, Texas, explained, "What we’re hearing is ‘harvest’ as a home theme—the feeling of Thanksgiving. It’s all about family togetherness—casual living, entertaining and flexible spaces."
Here are the 9 "must have" features in the new homes of 2010, as determined by Paul Cardis, CEO of AVID Ratings:
1. Large kitchens with an island
2. Energy-efficient appliances
3. Home office/study
4. Main-floor master suite
5. Outdoor living room
6. Master suite soaker tubs
7. Stone and brick exteriors
8. Community landscaping
9. 2-car garage
Read details of these trends in RisMedia. Some will be used more in Florida than others, and we will see even regional differences within our state. But the message is clear - for new homes and existing resales - buyers want efficiency, usefulness, and will watch their costs.
Contact me for information on which communities in Ormond Beach are offering new homes. I can help you preview the models and research the qualifications of the builders. Request the Relocation Package for Ormond Beach on my web site - that's a good place to start.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Ormond Beach FL Architecture Featured in New Book
Justin A. Nylander appreciates the varied architecture of the Ormond Beach area, and has combined his love of architecture with a skill in photography to create a coffee table book of Mediterranean revival homes throughout Florida. The book, titled "Casas to Castles: Florida's Historic Mediterranean Revival Architecture," features four homes in Ormond Beach, three in Daytona Beach, two in DeLand and 32 in nine other Florida cities. The full color book contains the history of each house, stories about the owners and 350 photos showing both exteriors and interiors.
Mediterranean revival, a blend of Spanish, Italian and Moorish style, which usually features red barrel tiles, iron work and stucco, appeared in Southern California in the 1920s when movie stars began building mansions. He said it was copied around the country, including Florida, which was experiencing a land boom at the time. Nylander attributes the variety of architecture in this area to the wealthy people from the north who built homes in Daytona Beach and surrounding communities in the early 20th century. Personally, he is currently renovating a Mediterranean home in Ormond Beach that was built in the 1920s.
In Ormond Beach, the book features The Doldrums on State Road A1A which was designed by noted architect Harry Griffin, who also was responsible for the post office on Beach Street in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach homes in his book include the Rothschild Manor in the Ocean Dunes neighborhood, where a survivor of the Titanic lived for many years, and the Donnelly Mansion in the Seabreeze neighborhood, which is now a bed and breakfast called the Villa.
Why did Nylander pick Ormond Beach for his next book and remodel project? He grew up in Southern California, and said, "I had a love of architecture since I was a small child. I would look at beautiful homes and wonder what they were like inside." He discovered Ormond Beach in his travels and decided to move here after working in the entertainment industry in Las Angeles for 20 years. He was a songwriter, director and artist manager. "I like Ormond Beach. It's not too busy and not too quiet," he said. "I wanted to get out of the Los Angeles rat race."
"Casas to Castles: Florida's Historic Mediterranean Revival Architecture" is available for preorder at the Amazon and Barnes & Nobel Web sites and will be released to bookstores nationwide Feb. 28.
Come to Ormond Beach FL and see for yourself our homes and lifestyle. As the author says, "Many of the historic homes in this area need some TLC." At our bargain prices, you'd have room to renovate and be ready for the inevitable upswing in values. Maybe even find a home that qualifies for the National Historic Register and enjoy some tax savings. Call or email me for ideas, and learn more about Ormond Beach on my web site.
Mediterranean revival, a blend of Spanish, Italian and Moorish style, which usually features red barrel tiles, iron work and stucco, appeared in Southern California in the 1920s when movie stars began building mansions. He said it was copied around the country, including Florida, which was experiencing a land boom at the time. Nylander attributes the variety of architecture in this area to the wealthy people from the north who built homes in Daytona Beach and surrounding communities in the early 20th century. Personally, he is currently renovating a Mediterranean home in Ormond Beach that was built in the 1920s.
In Ormond Beach, the book features The Doldrums on State Road A1A which was designed by noted architect Harry Griffin, who also was responsible for the post office on Beach Street in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach homes in his book include the Rothschild Manor in the Ocean Dunes neighborhood, where a survivor of the Titanic lived for many years, and the Donnelly Mansion in the Seabreeze neighborhood, which is now a bed and breakfast called the Villa.
Why did Nylander pick Ormond Beach for his next book and remodel project? He grew up in Southern California, and said, "I had a love of architecture since I was a small child. I would look at beautiful homes and wonder what they were like inside." He discovered Ormond Beach in his travels and decided to move here after working in the entertainment industry in Las Angeles for 20 years. He was a songwriter, director and artist manager. "I like Ormond Beach. It's not too busy and not too quiet," he said. "I wanted to get out of the Los Angeles rat race."
"Casas to Castles: Florida's Historic Mediterranean Revival Architecture" is available for preorder at the Amazon and Barnes & Nobel Web sites and will be released to bookstores nationwide Feb. 28.
Come to Ormond Beach FL and see for yourself our homes and lifestyle. As the author says, "Many of the historic homes in this area need some TLC." At our bargain prices, you'd have room to renovate and be ready for the inevitable upswing in values. Maybe even find a home that qualifies for the National Historic Register and enjoy some tax savings. Call or email me for ideas, and learn more about Ormond Beach on my web site.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Cut Your Ormond Beach FL Taxes with Real Estate
This tax season, think real estate to save on your 2010 taxes.
*Installing energy-efficient home improvements like windows and doors in your principal residence will qualify you for a tax credit.
The credit equals 30 percent of the cost, capped at a maximum of $1,500. There's another credit of 30 percent of the cost of installing renewable-energy improvements like solar water heaters and solar panels. This credit isn't capped, and the residence doesn't have to be your principal residence. For detailed information on the laundry list of items that qualify for the two credits, go to www.energytaxincentives.org.
*You've probably also read of the tax credits for homebuyers. There are two kinds of credits for homes costing under $800,000. One is a credit of up to $8,000 for first-time buyers of a principal residence who didn't own another principal residence during the three-year period ending on the date they purchase the new place. The other is up to $6,500 for buyers who owned a principal residence for any five consecutive years during the eight-year period that ends on the purchase date. Both credits allow buyers with higher incomes to qualify and require them to sign a binding contract by April 30, 2010, and complete the deal by June 30, 2010.
A principal residence is not just a conventional single-family home. It also can be a condominium, a co-op apartment, a housetrailer, a mobile home or anything else that provides all the amenities of a dwelling, such as a houseboat or yacht that has facilities for cooking, sleeping and sanitation.
*Is a tax credit like a deduction off my taxes? As explained by Julian Block on NewsGeni.us, "Most taxpayers do not understand the difference between credits and deductions. Credits lower a person's taxes dollar for dollar, making them more valuable than deductions, which merely reduce the amount of income on which taxes are figured. The distinction is critical. A deduction of $1,000 saves $350 in taxes for someone in the highest bracket of 35 percent, but only $100 for someone in the lowest bracket of 10 percent. A credit of $1,000 reduces taxes by that amount, whatever someone's bracket is.
"Another difference is that credits come in two flavors, nonrefundable and refundable. Nonrefundable means credits cannot be refunded to the extent that they exceed your income tax. Put another way, credits like the one for child care provide no help after your income tax becomes zero. Refundable means credits like the recently revised one for first-time homebuyers can be refunded to the extent that they exceed your income tax. So even buyers who have no income-tax liability could receive as much as $8,000 from the IRS. "
If this confuses you, contact me to talk about ways you can save on your taxes and buy real estate this Spring. Search Ormond Beach homes for sale, and call me to preview your favories. Don't lose these real estate opportunities in Ormond Beach!
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
*Installing energy-efficient home improvements like windows and doors in your principal residence will qualify you for a tax credit.
The credit equals 30 percent of the cost, capped at a maximum of $1,500. There's another credit of 30 percent of the cost of installing renewable-energy improvements like solar water heaters and solar panels. This credit isn't capped, and the residence doesn't have to be your principal residence. For detailed information on the laundry list of items that qualify for the two credits, go to www.energytaxincentives.org.
*You've probably also read of the tax credits for homebuyers. There are two kinds of credits for homes costing under $800,000. One is a credit of up to $8,000 for first-time buyers of a principal residence who didn't own another principal residence during the three-year period ending on the date they purchase the new place. The other is up to $6,500 for buyers who owned a principal residence for any five consecutive years during the eight-year period that ends on the purchase date. Both credits allow buyers with higher incomes to qualify and require them to sign a binding contract by April 30, 2010, and complete the deal by June 30, 2010.
A principal residence is not just a conventional single-family home. It also can be a condominium, a co-op apartment, a housetrailer, a mobile home or anything else that provides all the amenities of a dwelling, such as a houseboat or yacht that has facilities for cooking, sleeping and sanitation.
*Is a tax credit like a deduction off my taxes? As explained by Julian Block on NewsGeni.us, "Most taxpayers do not understand the difference between credits and deductions. Credits lower a person's taxes dollar for dollar, making them more valuable than deductions, which merely reduce the amount of income on which taxes are figured. The distinction is critical. A deduction of $1,000 saves $350 in taxes for someone in the highest bracket of 35 percent, but only $100 for someone in the lowest bracket of 10 percent. A credit of $1,000 reduces taxes by that amount, whatever someone's bracket is.
"Another difference is that credits come in two flavors, nonrefundable and refundable. Nonrefundable means credits cannot be refunded to the extent that they exceed your income tax. Put another way, credits like the one for child care provide no help after your income tax becomes zero. Refundable means credits like the recently revised one for first-time homebuyers can be refunded to the extent that they exceed your income tax. So even buyers who have no income-tax liability could receive as much as $8,000 from the IRS. "
If this confuses you, contact me to talk about ways you can save on your taxes and buy real estate this Spring. Search Ormond Beach homes for sale, and call me to preview your favories. Don't lose these real estate opportunities in Ormond Beach!
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
Act Soon if You are a Repeat Buyer in Ormond Beach FL
Originally termed a tax credit for sellers who want to trade up, the new tax credit authorized by Congress late last year is actually for "repeat buyers." Current homeowners who have lived in their home for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 may now be eligible to receive a $6,500 tax credit.
Tax credit eligibility is subject to income limits, $125,000 for single buyers and $225,000 for couples. In addition, the sale price of the home being purchased can not exceed $800,000.
The credit will help homeowners who do want to sell and buy again right away to take advantage of the great prices, and is a great financial opportunity. Not only can you receive a large sum of money from the government, you’ll also likely purchase your next home for less money and at a lower interest rate than you could have in years past or years to come. There is no requirement that existing homeowners must have sold their home to be eligible for the $6,500 tax credit.
But - time is of the essence. To qualify for the tax credit, the repeat buyer must have signed a binding contract by April 30, 2010 and close on the home by June 30, 2010.
It typically takes 45 days to close, and longer if you purchase a short sale or foreclosure, so start looking. Search homes for sale in Daytona or Ormond Beach, and contact me now so you won't lose this opportunity.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
Tax credit eligibility is subject to income limits, $125,000 for single buyers and $225,000 for couples. In addition, the sale price of the home being purchased can not exceed $800,000.
The credit will help homeowners who do want to sell and buy again right away to take advantage of the great prices, and is a great financial opportunity. Not only can you receive a large sum of money from the government, you’ll also likely purchase your next home for less money and at a lower interest rate than you could have in years past or years to come. There is no requirement that existing homeowners must have sold their home to be eligible for the $6,500 tax credit.
But - time is of the essence. To qualify for the tax credit, the repeat buyer must have signed a binding contract by April 30, 2010 and close on the home by June 30, 2010.
It typically takes 45 days to close, and longer if you purchase a short sale or foreclosure, so start looking. Search homes for sale in Daytona or Ormond Beach, and contact me now so you won't lose this opportunity.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Ormond Beach FL Bridge Parks
Two of the most popular city parks in Volusia County are the ones on either side of the Granada Bridge in Ormond Beach. Recently, Ormond Beach city staff drew up conceptual plans for the northwestern park that would displace the strollers, shove aside the fisherman, move the joggers, and move or demolish a historic church building so they could build a marina, commercial space, restaurant, and of course, a lot of parking places.
A funny thing happened on the way through the planning process. The Ormond Beach City Commission held a meeting last week on one of our colder nights, and about 50 residents showed up. The commission decided the issue wasn't worth fighting for.
As described by Mark Lane in the News-JournalOnline, "Far from being impediments to downtown development, the parks are destinations that draw people to the city's center. They help establish the place's character. Plus, you can fish or launch a boat there.
"They're the kind of unique open spaces that reinforce a person's attachment to a place. Because when your town looks and feels like anywhere else, there's no particular reason to live or work there rather than anywhere else."
Our parks are an important asset of our community, part of the reason folks in Ormond Beach like living here. Thanks to the residents who attended the meeting, and thanks to the City Commission for hearing their views.
Ormond Beach FL is a unique place to live. Contact me for a free relocation package, learn about our communities, and search homes for sale on my web site.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
386-679-3191
A funny thing happened on the way through the planning process. The Ormond Beach City Commission held a meeting last week on one of our colder nights, and about 50 residents showed up. The commission decided the issue wasn't worth fighting for.
As described by Mark Lane in the News-JournalOnline, "Far from being impediments to downtown development, the parks are destinations that draw people to the city's center. They help establish the place's character. Plus, you can fish or launch a boat there.
"They're the kind of unique open spaces that reinforce a person's attachment to a place. Because when your town looks and feels like anywhere else, there's no particular reason to live or work there rather than anywhere else."
Our parks are an important asset of our community, part of the reason folks in Ormond Beach like living here. Thanks to the residents who attended the meeting, and thanks to the City Commission for hearing their views.
Ormond Beach FL is a unique place to live. Contact me for a free relocation package, learn about our communities, and search homes for sale on my web site.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
386-679-3191
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Breakaway Trails of Ormond Beach
Breakaway Trails is an upscale gated community that offers a unique lifestyle. This exclusive neighborhood is well-known for its small enclaves surrounded by environmentally- protected nature preserves. Drive up to the guarded gatehouse at Breakaway Trails and be welcomed into a wonderfully relaxing country atmosphere with fresh air and lots of room.
Located in the heart of Ormond Beach, it is just minutes from I-95, shopping, schools, beaches and recreation. Once inside the community, Breakaway Trails offers many amenities, including a community pool and covered pavilion, four tennis and basketball courts, roller hockey rink, a beautifully designed clubhouse and much more.
Here's a home which just came on the market - a good example of the quality available in Breakaway Trails of Ormond Beach.
5 bedrooms/4 baths4,789 SF living area
heated, inground pool
Lakefront
3+ car garage
Built 2004
Custom Home
Billiard room with wet bar
Highly upgraded
Asking $825,000
Here's the Virtual Tour
Contact me for a private showing, and search homes for sale in Breakaway Trails on my web page with community information. This is not my listing, but I can show you any properties in Breakaway Trails or other golf course communities in Ormond Beach. There are great prices and interest rates just waiting for you right now!
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Ocean Hammock Home in Ormond Beach For Sale
This 4 bedroom/5 bath lakefront home, in Ocean Hammock in the Ormond Beach area, is the Gulf Stream model, with 4 master suites and sweeping ocean views. Built in 2005, with 3,350 SF interior, it has patio/balconies of almost 700 SF, on a lot of 7772 SF, with a 2-car garage. Maximizing the view of ocean and golf course, the home has central air, central vac, irrigation sprinkler, and includes appliances.
Watch the Virtual Tour and feel the ambience of the home. Asking price is $1,025,000.
Occupying 1,500 acres of pristine Atlantic coast, Hammock Beach offers a variety of luxurious lifestyles. The Hammock Beach development features a Jack Nicklaus 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course, which runs through live oaks and wetlands, and features several holes on the ocean shore. Residents have full access to club membership, which highlights the multi-million dollar Water and Swim Pavilion – complete with 3-story waterslide, several pools, a river, and poolside bar and grill. Or treat yourself to the 12,000± sq ft health spa with saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, treatment and massage rooms. On site are a full fitness center and two tennis complexes with Har-Tru courts. Read more about The Hammock on my web site, and search homes and condos for sale.
This is not my listing, but I can arrange a private preview for you, and show you any other view homes in the Hammocks neighborhoods, or Ormond Beach. Don't pass up the opportunity to own a golf course - ocean view home at our low prices.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
Watch the Virtual Tour and feel the ambience of the home. Asking price is $1,025,000.
Occupying 1,500 acres of pristine Atlantic coast, Hammock Beach offers a variety of luxurious lifestyles. The Hammock Beach development features a Jack Nicklaus 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course, which runs through live oaks and wetlands, and features several holes on the ocean shore. Residents have full access to club membership, which highlights the multi-million dollar Water and Swim Pavilion – complete with 3-story waterslide, several pools, a river, and poolside bar and grill. Or treat yourself to the 12,000± sq ft health spa with saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, treatment and massage rooms. On site are a full fitness center and two tennis complexes with Har-Tru courts. Read more about The Hammock on my web site, and search homes and condos for sale.
This is not my listing, but I can arrange a private preview for you, and show you any other view homes in the Hammocks neighborhoods, or Ormond Beach. Don't pass up the opportunity to own a golf course - ocean view home at our low prices.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
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