Tuesday, the Senate voted 92-4 to increase the number of FBI agents and prosecutors to target more than 5,000 cases of mortgage fraud reported monthly. The vote was taken while the House held discussions on an anti-predatory lending bill, which deals with the types of subprime mortgages that led to the current real estate economic downturn.
“As foreclosures menace more and more hardworking homeowners, they become more desperate for help,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. “Unfortunately, schemers, swindlers and scam artists are all too happy to pounce.”
The Senate bill, sponsored by Sens. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, is estimated to cost more than $265 million a year for the next two years. Supporters, including President Barack Obama, say the legislation would more than pay for itself because of the fines and penalties that would result from more aggressive government investigations.
(source: FL Assn of Realtors)
If you feel you have been a victim of mortgage fraud in connection with Ormond Beach real estate, contact your local FBI office or congressperson/representative.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
www.sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Take Advantage of the Energy Efficiency Tax Credits
The federal government has extended and expanded home energy efficiency tax credits through 2010 as part of the broader economic recovery package. The energy efficiency tax credits were created earlier this year by President Obama’s economic stimulus package, which focused on encouraging consumer spending, as well as promoting more energy efficiency in housing. The tax credits allow homeowners to claim 30% of the cost of qualified energy efficiency products, up to $1,500, including insulation, windows and doors, roofs, HVAC equipment, and water heaters.
Even in our Ormond Beach marketplace, with our (usually) warm weather and abundant sunshine, there are many ways to take advantage of the tax credits. To earn an energy efficiency tax credit, homeowners must save their receipt for a qualified purchase, print a form provided by the product’s manufacturer and then claim the deduction on their federal income tax return.
Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that promotes energy efficiency, said, “The new tax credits can help homeowners defray the cost of several types of energy efficiency upgrades, making them more affordable at this time of economic strain for many. By tightening up their homes with added insulation and caulking and sealing of doors and windows, homeowners will enjoy lower heating and cooling costs, too."
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that homeowners can save up to 30% on their heating and cooling bills by adding insulation to adequate levels and air sealing their homes. In addition, an estimated 65% of U.S. homes, about 45 million, are under insulated, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
To read results of a recent survey conducted by Johns Manville on US views on the tax credits, read the RisMedia article (used as a resource for this blog).
If you are undecided whether or not to pursue energy efficiency measures in your home, consider the resale value of your Ormond Beach real estate. As the country becomes greener, and energy costs continue to rise, your next buyer - in 5 months or 5 years - will want all the energy efficiency in place, that you can build into your home.
Here are a couple of links for you to find out more:
energystar.gov/taxcredits
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits
Use your tax credits now to increase the value of your Ormond Beach property.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
Even in our Ormond Beach marketplace, with our (usually) warm weather and abundant sunshine, there are many ways to take advantage of the tax credits. To earn an energy efficiency tax credit, homeowners must save their receipt for a qualified purchase, print a form provided by the product’s manufacturer and then claim the deduction on their federal income tax return.
Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that promotes energy efficiency, said, “The new tax credits can help homeowners defray the cost of several types of energy efficiency upgrades, making them more affordable at this time of economic strain for many. By tightening up their homes with added insulation and caulking and sealing of doors and windows, homeowners will enjoy lower heating and cooling costs, too."
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that homeowners can save up to 30% on their heating and cooling bills by adding insulation to adequate levels and air sealing their homes. In addition, an estimated 65% of U.S. homes, about 45 million, are under insulated, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
To read results of a recent survey conducted by Johns Manville on US views on the tax credits, read the RisMedia article (used as a resource for this blog).
If you are undecided whether or not to pursue energy efficiency measures in your home, consider the resale value of your Ormond Beach real estate. As the country becomes greener, and energy costs continue to rise, your next buyer - in 5 months or 5 years - will want all the energy efficiency in place, that you can build into your home.
Here are a couple of links for you to find out more:
energystar.gov/taxcredits
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits
Use your tax credits now to increase the value of your Ormond Beach property.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
Friday, April 24, 2009
Florida Housing Recovery also Comes to Ormond Beach
According to a new report by Housing Predictor, Florida is pulling out of the housing downturn first. Previously, California has been the first state to experience a turn around.
But higher sales numbers for both single family and condos in Florida, lasting now for 7 months, indicate real estate in Florida is coming back strong. Banks are now making mortgages again, and NewsGenius reports that almost 20% of all sales are seller financed in some way.
Florida experienced the downturn in real estate before any other state, and has been in the top 3 of depressed markets nationwide. It's great that Ormond Beach real estate, along with the rest of Florida, is now trending up again.
Since this news will probably make you curious about prices, here's a search tool to give you information on our Ormond Beach real estate market (single family - contact me for a widget for the condos available).
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
http://www.daytonabeachflhome.com/
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191
But higher sales numbers for both single family and condos in Florida, lasting now for 7 months, indicate real estate in Florida is coming back strong. Banks are now making mortgages again, and NewsGenius reports that almost 20% of all sales are seller financed in some way.
Florida experienced the downturn in real estate before any other state, and has been in the top 3 of depressed markets nationwide. It's great that Ormond Beach real estate, along with the rest of Florida, is now trending up again.
Since this news will probably make you curious about prices, here's a search tool to give you information on our Ormond Beach real estate market (single family - contact me for a widget for the condos available).
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
http://www.daytonabeachflhome.com/
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191
Ormond Beach Theater Auditions Soon
The Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center will be holding open auditions for an ethnically diverse cast of children ages 12 to 18 for a production of the Broadway musical "The Me Nobody Knows." Auditions will be held at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. Children interested in auditioning will be asked to read a selected piece and be prepared to sing a piece of their choosing.
The Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center is a 23,000 square foot theatre that seats 600 patrons in stadium-styled setting. The venue hosts national, regional and local theatrical troupes, schools, dance programs, concerts and seminars. The theatre is fully accessible to patrons with disabilities and offers hearing assisted devices free of charge. The facility is equipped with a professional sound, stage, lighting and backstage equipment to serve general performance needs.
Here's the Center's Mission Statement: "The Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center provides area residents and visitors with exceptional entertainment in the tradition of true community theatre. The Center provides an education complex offering classes for all ages. The auditorium is designed to offer the maximum enjoyment for viewing and listening pleasure. Our goal is to educate and cultivate the theatrical hearts, minds, and souls of all. "
For more information please contact Stefan Sibley, Performing Arts Center, at 386-676-3379.
It's really great to live in a place that offers so much in entertainment, warm weather, beaches to enjoy, and real estate at prices that are the lowest in years. Ormond Beach real estate is a super buy right now. Contact me to discuss some opportunities.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
(source: Orlando Sentinel)
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Considerations if you Want to Sell in Today's Ormond Beach Market
Sometimes in the flurry of economic news and job losses and foreclosure statistics, we forget that there are families who just want to move - who have a job offer in another location, or want to move closer to children or parents, or want a different scene. How do they sell their properties in this "short sale buyer's market?"
Here are a few tips for the seller who isn't "underwater" and has been current on his/her mortgage payments, but who has to compete with the "let's make a deal" mentality rampant in our market now.
1. It used to be location location - now it's Price Price and Price. This is probably your hardest decision as a seller because - in many cases - it means losing a lot of your equity. If you want to sell in today's market, you have an abundance of competition = supply & demand = price it to compete with your competition, even if they are lower (or much lower) than you think your house is worth. Pay for an appraisal, but better yet - call in a Realtor (I'm an expert at the Ormond Beach real estate market) who will give you a Comparative Market Analysis for free with up-to-date sales information in your neighborhood.
2. Adjust your thinking. Regardless of when you purchased, you want to sell now. Forget last year's prices, forget how much you wanted to "gain" from your home. You've made the decision to sell, so you will have to also make the decision to accept today's prices. You probably will have to make buyer concessions, or repairs, or help with a buyer's closing costs. If you can't accept the idea of these possibilities, maybe you should wait to sell.
3. Be realistic. Go through your home (you may have to ask an impartial observer to do this, like a Realtor) and be honest about repairs that are needed, outdated improvements such as countertops or carpet that a buyer will want replaced or for which they will reduce the price. Remember - there are plenty of competing sellers who will reduce their prices.
4. Be the very best you can be. Insure your Ormond Beach property will make the best first impression possible as buyers drive up. If you are in a condo, you can't control the building or hallways, but you can control what they see when they open the door. Clean the clutter, and clean some more. As an Ormond Beach real estate specialist, I can help advise you on exactly what you need to spruce up your real estate to realize the highest price possible.
5. Watch the market. If you see another property go on sale near yours, call your Realtor and make sure she/he visits it and reports back - if they have an open house, go yourself. Compare and be brutally honest with yourself. You may need to reduce your price.
6. Be optimistic. The new administration has set in motion many programs to entice buyers and to help them obtain mortgage financing. People are still buying; the Great American Dream is still to own a home. Do everything you can to make it yours that they buy.
If I sound like I'm experienced in selling real estate in the Ormond Beach market, I am. I've helped buyers and sellers from Breakaway Trails to Seabridge, from beachside to the Woodlands. Give me a call or send an email - no obligation, just great service.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
Here are a few tips for the seller who isn't "underwater" and has been current on his/her mortgage payments, but who has to compete with the "let's make a deal" mentality rampant in our market now.
1. It used to be location location - now it's Price Price and Price. This is probably your hardest decision as a seller because - in many cases - it means losing a lot of your equity. If you want to sell in today's market, you have an abundance of competition = supply & demand = price it to compete with your competition, even if they are lower (or much lower) than you think your house is worth. Pay for an appraisal, but better yet - call in a Realtor (I'm an expert at the Ormond Beach real estate market) who will give you a Comparative Market Analysis for free with up-to-date sales information in your neighborhood.
2. Adjust your thinking. Regardless of when you purchased, you want to sell now. Forget last year's prices, forget how much you wanted to "gain" from your home. You've made the decision to sell, so you will have to also make the decision to accept today's prices. You probably will have to make buyer concessions, or repairs, or help with a buyer's closing costs. If you can't accept the idea of these possibilities, maybe you should wait to sell.
3. Be realistic. Go through your home (you may have to ask an impartial observer to do this, like a Realtor) and be honest about repairs that are needed, outdated improvements such as countertops or carpet that a buyer will want replaced or for which they will reduce the price. Remember - there are plenty of competing sellers who will reduce their prices.
4. Be the very best you can be. Insure your Ormond Beach property will make the best first impression possible as buyers drive up. If you are in a condo, you can't control the building or hallways, but you can control what they see when they open the door. Clean the clutter, and clean some more. As an Ormond Beach real estate specialist, I can help advise you on exactly what you need to spruce up your real estate to realize the highest price possible.
5. Watch the market. If you see another property go on sale near yours, call your Realtor and make sure she/he visits it and reports back - if they have an open house, go yourself. Compare and be brutally honest with yourself. You may need to reduce your price.
6. Be optimistic. The new administration has set in motion many programs to entice buyers and to help them obtain mortgage financing. People are still buying; the Great American Dream is still to own a home. Do everything you can to make it yours that they buy.
If I sound like I'm experienced in selling real estate in the Ormond Beach market, I am. I've helped buyers and sellers from Breakaway Trails to Seabridge, from beachside to the Woodlands. Give me a call or send an email - no obligation, just great service.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Ormond Beach Considers Redevelopment
Ormond Beach FL city commissioners are considering redevelopment of a piece of land off West Granada Blvd. and North Yonge Street. They authorized the city's planning department to request proposals on redeveloping the property, about 7 acres. Options, according to Ric Goss, planning director, could be mixed-use development of commercial and residential space, or commercial and office along Granada and residentional on Yonge.
A mobile home park of about 44 units sits along the east side of Yonge and north of Granada. Goss indicated the park's owner was interested in the request for proposals, and tenants might be concerned about relocation. Most of the homes are 30-35 years old. Mayor Fred Costello said the residents would certainly be informed when proposals are received.
Goss said the request for proposal would be advertised in a redevelopment magazine, sent to developers specializing in downtown redevelopment, and to a downtown redevelopment association, and also placed on the city's Web site.
Ormond Beach offers residents a quality lifestyle and great weather. This is a Buyer's Market here - the best time to buy in years. If you are interested in the real estate market in Ormond Beach, now's the time to invest. Contact me for options.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
A mobile home park of about 44 units sits along the east side of Yonge and north of Granada. Goss indicated the park's owner was interested in the request for proposals, and tenants might be concerned about relocation. Most of the homes are 30-35 years old. Mayor Fred Costello said the residents would certainly be informed when proposals are received.
Goss said the request for proposal would be advertised in a redevelopment magazine, sent to developers specializing in downtown redevelopment, and to a downtown redevelopment association, and also placed on the city's Web site.
Ormond Beach offers residents a quality lifestyle and great weather. This is a Buyer's Market here - the best time to buy in years. If you are interested in the real estate market in Ormond Beach, now's the time to invest. Contact me for options.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
Friday, April 17, 2009
Federal Mortgage Rescue Plan Now Underway
Although the new government program for distressed homeowners was announced on Feb. 18, it took until this week to become available. Six of the nation’s largest banks signed up to participate: JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, GMAC Mortgage, Saxon Mortgage Services, and Select Portfolio Servicing.
$50 billion has been allocated for the program, and the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development will provide additional funds. The plan calls for lenders to reduce interest rates so a family’s monthly mortgage obligation is no more than 38% of its pre-tax income. Lenders may also reduce loan balances. After the loans are modified, the government will provide enough money to reduce payments to 31% of income.
There are incentives in the program for lenders to be flexible, and for homeowners to profit. According to Realtor.org, "Participating servicers get $1,000 a year for each modification and another $1,000 a year for three years if the borrower remains current. Servicers get an extra $500 if they do the modifications before the borrower falls behind in his payments—and the borrower gets $1,500. Also, homeowners get $1,000 a year for five years if they remain current on their payments. The money must be used to reduce their principal balances."
If you are in a distressed situation, or still current on your payments but need loan modifications, be sure and contact your lender before you get behind or go to foreclosure. I just finished the course to obtain the Certified Distress Property Expert designation and have done many short sales with Ormond Beach properties over the past few years. Call or email me - I can help!
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
$50 billion has been allocated for the program, and the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development will provide additional funds. The plan calls for lenders to reduce interest rates so a family’s monthly mortgage obligation is no more than 38% of its pre-tax income. Lenders may also reduce loan balances. After the loans are modified, the government will provide enough money to reduce payments to 31% of income.
There are incentives in the program for lenders to be flexible, and for homeowners to profit. According to Realtor.org, "Participating servicers get $1,000 a year for each modification and another $1,000 a year for three years if the borrower remains current. Servicers get an extra $500 if they do the modifications before the borrower falls behind in his payments—and the borrower gets $1,500. Also, homeowners get $1,000 a year for five years if they remain current on their payments. The money must be used to reduce their principal balances."
If you are in a distressed situation, or still current on your payments but need loan modifications, be sure and contact your lender before you get behind or go to foreclosure. I just finished the course to obtain the Certified Distress Property Expert designation and have done many short sales with Ormond Beach properties over the past few years. Call or email me - I can help!
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Ormond Beach Dune Volunteers Needed
This week, volunteers are needed to help with a dune planting project. The dune plants should help eroded beach areas along Ocean Shore Boulevard in Ormond Beach.
Plantings will begin 9 a.m. Thursday and Friday. Volunteers should bring sunscreen, a bag lunch, garden gloves and a shovel, if available. County officials will bring plants, other tools and water.
People interested in participating should contact Volusia County Environmental Management employees Amber Bridges, who can be reached at 386-238-4716 or abridges@co.volusia.fl.us or Jennifer Winters, who can be reachedat 386-238-4668 or jwinters@co.volusia.fl.us .
There are plenty of opportunities here in Volusia County for volunteers - get involved!
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
(thanks to Orlando Sentinel)
Plantings will begin 9 a.m. Thursday and Friday. Volunteers should bring sunscreen, a bag lunch, garden gloves and a shovel, if available. County officials will bring plants, other tools and water.
People interested in participating should contact Volusia County Environmental Management employees Amber Bridges, who can be reached at 386-238-4716 or abridges@co.volusia.fl.us or Jennifer Winters, who can be reachedat 386-238-4668 or jwinters@co.volusia.fl.us .
There are plenty of opportunities here in Volusia County for volunteers - get involved!
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
(thanks to Orlando Sentinel)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Houseboating through History in Volulsia County
This year's Florida Quest adventure, sponsored by The Daytona Beach News-Journal's Newspaper in Education program and WDSC television, Channel 15, is "Houseboating through History."
Participating Volusia and Flagler teachers of third through sixth grades will kick off the program with an introductory lesson the week of April 20. The program revolves around the fictional story of four local youngsters taking a boat trip north along the Intracoastal Waterway to Jacksonville and back to DeLand via the St. Johns River. Along the way, they use clues from the story they read in class, the newspaper, Channel 15 and the Internet to solve puzzles related to local history.
The program includes information on Spanish and French settlements, forts, battles and Native American customs and culture. It's matched to state academic standards in language arts and social studies and designed to improve students' critical-thinking skills.
Clues will be published in the Accent section of The News-Journal for four consecutive Mondays beginning April 27.
If you have a child in 3rd through 6th grade, encourage them to take part. Sounds like a fun way to teach and learn history!
Ormond Beach Florida - it's a great life!
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
Participating Volusia and Flagler teachers of third through sixth grades will kick off the program with an introductory lesson the week of April 20. The program revolves around the fictional story of four local youngsters taking a boat trip north along the Intracoastal Waterway to Jacksonville and back to DeLand via the St. Johns River. Along the way, they use clues from the story they read in class, the newspaper, Channel 15 and the Internet to solve puzzles related to local history.
The program includes information on Spanish and French settlements, forts, battles and Native American customs and culture. It's matched to state academic standards in language arts and social studies and designed to improve students' critical-thinking skills.
Clues will be published in the Accent section of The News-Journal for four consecutive Mondays beginning April 27.
If you have a child in 3rd through 6th grade, encourage them to take part. Sounds like a fun way to teach and learn history!
Ormond Beach Florida - it's a great life!
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
(source: News-Journal Online)
Thursday, April 9, 2009
At Your Service in Volusia County
As many people worldwide celebrate Holy Week, regardless of your religion it makes you think of others less fortunate than you might be, and how you can help.
The News-Journal weekly prints At Your Service, a column describing hot lines and volunteer opportunities in Volusia County.
While there are many, here are three which are timely:
American Red Cross-Florida's Coast to Coast Chapter -- Disaster Action Team volunteers needed to respond to single family or apartment fires. Also, disaster services volunteers are also needed for disaster planning, preparedness, community disaster education and mitigation.
Children's Home Society -- Volunteers are needed to serve on the board of directors. Attend the Board Recruitment Breakfast on April 21, to learn about the agency, its services, an the expectations of a board member of a nonprofit.
Easter Seals Joey's Gift -- Respite care volunteers needed once per month to serve as playtime companions to children with special needs while their caregivers have some personal time off (April 18 in Daytona Beach, April 25 in DeLand).
And two related to my industry:
Flagler Habitat for Humanity -- Volunteer committee members are needed to serve on the Development, Family Selection, & Family Support committees. Clerical volunteers are also needed.
Southwest Volusia Habitat for Humanity -- Skilled construction volunteers are needed for building homes on Saturdays in Southwest Volusia County.· Star Family Center -- Front desk/receptionist, clothes and donation sorting, mailings and data input volunteers. Training provided.
I'll write a later blog on Habitat for Humanity, but it is one of the most wonderful volunteer opportunities we Realtors have to serve the community.
Get involved - visit At Your Service on News-Journal Online.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
The News-Journal weekly prints At Your Service, a column describing hot lines and volunteer opportunities in Volusia County.
While there are many, here are three which are timely:
American Red Cross-Florida's Coast to Coast Chapter -- Disaster Action Team volunteers needed to respond to single family or apartment fires. Also, disaster services volunteers are also needed for disaster planning, preparedness, community disaster education and mitigation.
Children's Home Society -- Volunteers are needed to serve on the board of directors. Attend the Board Recruitment Breakfast on April 21, to learn about the agency, its services, an the expectations of a board member of a nonprofit.
Easter Seals Joey's Gift -- Respite care volunteers needed once per month to serve as playtime companions to children with special needs while their caregivers have some personal time off (April 18 in Daytona Beach, April 25 in DeLand).
And two related to my industry:
Flagler Habitat for Humanity -- Volunteer committee members are needed to serve on the Development, Family Selection, & Family Support committees. Clerical volunteers are also needed.
Southwest Volusia Habitat for Humanity -- Skilled construction volunteers are needed for building homes on Saturdays in Southwest Volusia County.· Star Family Center -- Front desk/receptionist, clothes and donation sorting, mailings and data input volunteers. Training provided.
I'll write a later blog on Habitat for Humanity, but it is one of the most wonderful volunteer opportunities we Realtors have to serve the community.
Get involved - visit At Your Service on News-Journal Online.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Ormond Beach Teacher Hopes for Autism School
Mimi Lundell, a language arts teacher at Ormond Beach Middle School and executive director of Chase Academy, has been trying for 2 years to develop a local private school for children like her son, a 9-year child with autism named Chase. Lundell hopes to team up with existing private schools and tap into state vouchers for children with disabilities.
Early attempts to find a building to house The Chase Academy fell through after organizers couldn't locate enough parents able to afford the $21,500 tuition, even with a state McKay Scholarship -- or voucher -- covering part of the cost. Chase now attends fourth grade at First Presbyterian Day School in DeLand with a McKay Scholarship for children with disabilities paying part of the cost.
Chase was one of 293 Volusia children in 17 private schools receiving McKay Scholarships as of February. Lundell said most of those schools don't have specially trained teachers on staff to work with them. That's where she figures a partnership between Chase Academy and the private schools could pay off for autistic students.
For now, Lundell is partnering with an Ormond Beach child care center to offer a "developmental play camp" this summer that would be open to autistic children aged 3 to 10. Each weekly session between June 8 and July 31 would cost $125, with eight to 12 children enrolled. The program will meet at the Ormond Beach Union Learning Center, 56 N. Beach St. More information is available by calling 386-677-0494.
Autism is a developmental disorder marked by problems with social interaction, communication and sometimes behavior. An estimated one in 150 children have been diagnosed with autism. Lundell is hoping to persuade administrators at some of the private schools to contract with Chase Academy to work with their autistic students and their teachers, with the McKay Scholarships covering the added cost.
Read comments to this article at NewsJournalOnline.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191
Find Ormond Beach Homes for Sale
Early attempts to find a building to house The Chase Academy fell through after organizers couldn't locate enough parents able to afford the $21,500 tuition, even with a state McKay Scholarship -- or voucher -- covering part of the cost. Chase now attends fourth grade at First Presbyterian Day School in DeLand with a McKay Scholarship for children with disabilities paying part of the cost.
Chase was one of 293 Volusia children in 17 private schools receiving McKay Scholarships as of February. Lundell said most of those schools don't have specially trained teachers on staff to work with them. That's where she figures a partnership between Chase Academy and the private schools could pay off for autistic students.
For now, Lundell is partnering with an Ormond Beach child care center to offer a "developmental play camp" this summer that would be open to autistic children aged 3 to 10. Each weekly session between June 8 and July 31 would cost $125, with eight to 12 children enrolled. The program will meet at the Ormond Beach Union Learning Center, 56 N. Beach St. More information is available by calling 386-677-0494.
Autism is a developmental disorder marked by problems with social interaction, communication and sometimes behavior. An estimated one in 150 children have been diagnosed with autism. Lundell is hoping to persuade administrators at some of the private schools to contract with Chase Academy to work with their autistic students and their teachers, with the McKay Scholarships covering the added cost.
Read comments to this article at NewsJournalOnline.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191
Find Ormond Beach Homes for Sale
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Ormond Beach 2nd Home Market
The National Assn. of Realtors released figures showing the combination of vacation and investment-home sales slipped to 30 percent of all existing and new-home transactions in 2008. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the findings are understandable given the economic backdrop. "We expected vacation-home sales to fall given the impact of a declining economy on discretionary purchases," he said. "A steady share of investment-home sales results from buyers taking advantage of deeply discounted prices in many areas, with a smaller portion of new homes in the sales mix."
With large numbers of buyers coming into the prime years for purchasing a 2nd home, the long-term outlook for this industry looks good. According to NAR, currently, 39.2 million people in the United States are ages 50 to 59 - a group that dominated sales in the first part of this decade. An additional 44.8 million people are between 40 and 49, and another 40.7 million are 30 to 39.
Yun is positive about the sector: "While economic factors can affect sales from one year to the next, the fundamental demand from these large population groups will remain," Yun said. "Given that most people become interested in buying a second home in their 40s, the bulge of population approaching middle age should drive the second-home market over the next decade."
Ormond Beach is an attractive market for 2nd home and vacation home buyers, with its great weather, large choices of activities, and many view and oceanfront condos available. NAR studied the vacation home buyer, and found that the typical purchaser in 2008 was 46 years old, had a median household income of $97,200, and purchased a property that was a median of 316 miles from their primary residence; 35 percent were within 100 miles and 36 percent were 500 miles or more.
When asked about their reasons for purchasing a vacation home, 89 percent of buyers wanted to use the home for vacation or as a family retreat; 27 percent to diversify investments; 27 percent to rent to others; 26 percent to use as a primary residence in the future; and 17 percent for use by a family member, friend or relative.
To relate these numbers to the Ormond Beach real estate market, 26 percent of vacation homes were purchased in small towns, 23 percent in a rural area, 23 percent in resorts, 20 percent in a suburb, and 8 percent in an urban area or central city. Seventy percent of vacation homes purchased in 2008 were detached single-family homes, 18 percent condos, 5 percent townhouses or rowhouses, and 7 percent some other type. So, although Ormond Beach inventory consists of plenty of condos, we do have great buys in detached single family homes as well.
Ormond Beach definitely has a place in the investment property market. NAR found the size of the second-home market to be significant. NAR's analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows there are 8.1 million vacation homes and 40.5 million investment units in the United States, compared with 75.5 million owner-occupied homes. For more statistics, visit NAR's Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey conducted in March, 2009, at their web site.
My Ormond Beach web site reviews some of the more popular condos, with photos, and many of the neighborhoods in Ormond Beach - like Breakaway Trails, The Hammocks, and Halifax Plantation. If you are considering purchase of a 2nd home or investment property, visit my Ormond Beach real estate site and contact me for specific information about any community or market dynamics.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
(resource: RealEstateChannel)
With large numbers of buyers coming into the prime years for purchasing a 2nd home, the long-term outlook for this industry looks good. According to NAR, currently, 39.2 million people in the United States are ages 50 to 59 - a group that dominated sales in the first part of this decade. An additional 44.8 million people are between 40 and 49, and another 40.7 million are 30 to 39.
Yun is positive about the sector: "While economic factors can affect sales from one year to the next, the fundamental demand from these large population groups will remain," Yun said. "Given that most people become interested in buying a second home in their 40s, the bulge of population approaching middle age should drive the second-home market over the next decade."
Ormond Beach is an attractive market for 2nd home and vacation home buyers, with its great weather, large choices of activities, and many view and oceanfront condos available. NAR studied the vacation home buyer, and found that the typical purchaser in 2008 was 46 years old, had a median household income of $97,200, and purchased a property that was a median of 316 miles from their primary residence; 35 percent were within 100 miles and 36 percent were 500 miles or more.
When asked about their reasons for purchasing a vacation home, 89 percent of buyers wanted to use the home for vacation or as a family retreat; 27 percent to diversify investments; 27 percent to rent to others; 26 percent to use as a primary residence in the future; and 17 percent for use by a family member, friend or relative.
To relate these numbers to the Ormond Beach real estate market, 26 percent of vacation homes were purchased in small towns, 23 percent in a rural area, 23 percent in resorts, 20 percent in a suburb, and 8 percent in an urban area or central city. Seventy percent of vacation homes purchased in 2008 were detached single-family homes, 18 percent condos, 5 percent townhouses or rowhouses, and 7 percent some other type. So, although Ormond Beach inventory consists of plenty of condos, we do have great buys in detached single family homes as well.
Ormond Beach definitely has a place in the investment property market. NAR found the size of the second-home market to be significant. NAR's analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows there are 8.1 million vacation homes and 40.5 million investment units in the United States, compared with 75.5 million owner-occupied homes. For more statistics, visit NAR's Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey conducted in March, 2009, at their web site.
My Ormond Beach web site reviews some of the more popular condos, with photos, and many of the neighborhoods in Ormond Beach - like Breakaway Trails, The Hammocks, and Halifax Plantation. If you are considering purchase of a 2nd home or investment property, visit my Ormond Beach real estate site and contact me for specific information about any community or market dynamics.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
(resource: RealEstateChannel)
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