Melrose of Ormond Beach, FL

As a realtor, sometimes I run across a community which is so perfectly suited to its surroundings, so livable, that it occupies a special place in your mind when foks ask about relocation to the Daytona Beach area.

Melrose of Ormond Beach is one of my special places. Bordering the Halifax River, Melrose offers waterfront - riverfront homes - in the price range of the high $800,000s to well over a million. The homes are gracious residences with large lots and access to the river, some with boat docks, most with views across the Halifax to Oceanside. The community was designed, or has become, water-oriented, so homeowners who buy there want to enjoy Ormond Beach waterfront real estate. If you don't have a boat, you can watch the yachts motor by, watch the play of sun on water, or rise to gorgeous sunrises.

Across E. Granada Blvd, a main street of Melrose, is the Oceanside Country Club. From the club's home page: "The Oceanside experience is casual elegance through friendly service, quality food and spirits, challenging golf and tennis, or just relaxing by the pool. Located in Ormond Beach, nestled between the Halifax River and the ocean, this private club is unique in location and style." The original golf course was designed by P. F. Seabloom in 1907 and has recently been renovated by Bobby Weed. There are 9 tennis courts, an oversized pool, restaurant, and many social events. Oceanside is home to SALLY, the Women’s South Atlantic Amateur Championship. The SALLY, which dates back to 1926, is usually held in January.

Not far from Melrose, toward the west, are the Tomoka Oaks Golf Club, and Nova Recreation Complex, 400 North Nova Road, with a sports complex, playground, and picnic tables.

Just a few blocks from Melrose, on the river, is River Front Park, 1 South Beach St, which features a fishing pier, bait shop and boat launch. And don't forget the fishing along with all the other recreational opportunities on the Halifax River!

Here are 2 homes for sale in Melrose of Ormond Beach, just a sample of the style and quality of the community. Set up your personal Ormond Beach MLS search for waterfront or riverfront homes, or just contact me and I'll do one for you.

546 S Beach is the quintessential plantation-style home of gracious southern living. The home is 4647 sq ft, but total living area is 7,156 sq ft. It fronts the river, with a pool, boat house and boat dock, and includes an in-law suite, irrigation well, veranda overlooking the water, and so much more, on a lot of 39,634 sq ft. This is a wonderful opportunity to own a large riverfront home in Ormond Beach. Listed at $1,100,000.


138 S Beach is a custom riverfront Ormond Beach home with every attention to detail. Built in 1993 by a commercial builder, the elegant home is 2858 sq ft, with a total living area of 4058 sq ft. It also fronts the Halifax River, has a detached workshop, irrigation well, 10' ceilings and tile floors throughout. There are guest quarters on the 2nd level with kitchenette, the lot is 20,800 sq ft, and includes riparian rights to the river. Listed at $895,000.


If these interest you, visit the Waterfront page on my web site for details on riverfront and oceanfront communities in the Daytona Beach area. Now is a great time to find bargain prices for these homes. There is only so much waterfront real estate in Florida, and the prices are the best in years. Think of living in Melrose on the Halifax River in Ormond Beach. If you see yourself in that lifestyle, call or email me and I can help you find a home in this special place.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-67903191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/

New Hospital Coming to Ormond Beach FL

The new Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center off Williamson Blvd. will open July 14. This replacement hospital will be the area’s most comprehensive facility, featuring the expansion of many services already available and adding new and exciting features.

Short Facts (from the new facility's web site):

The Greening of the Campus - Landscaping for the Medical Center will contain 82 Palms, 432 trees and 55,115 shrub & groundcover plants.

The Greening of the Interior - The 7,451 square yards of carpet installed in the new hospital earned 118 tons of Verified Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Credits, equal to keeping 20 passenger cars off the road.

Big is Beautiful - The site for the Medical Center covers 135 acres, about the size of 102 football fields.

Well-Connected- -The Inpatient Tower and Medical Office Building are “hinged” together by the elliptical glass element.

A Healing, Natural Environment - Retention ponds are utilized as water features along with preservation of wetlands.

A One-Stop Cardio Shop - The third floor Cardiovascular Center has a combined prep area for cardiac catheterizations, endovascular and CV surgery.

Quick n’ Comprehensive - Emergency services include three nurses stations, with eight of the 53 private treatment rooms segregated into a Fast-Track location.

Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center Campus

Campus Acreage - 135 acres

Square Footage - 718,000 square feet

Patient Floors - 10 Patient Floors, 12 Floors Total

Private Patient Rooms - All private rooms

Total In-Patient Beds - 277 licensed beds

Operating Rooms/Same Day Surgery - 11 General ORs; 3 Cardiovascular ORs;1 Endovascular/Hybrid OR

Critical Care Patient Rooms - 46

Cardiac Cath Labs - 5

Emergency Department Bays - 53 Total (42 Main; 8 Fast Track; 3 Trauma)

BirthCare Center - 32

Nursery Beds - 10

CT Scanners - Siemens Somatom Sensation 16 CT Scanner;Siemens Somatom Dual Source 64 Slice CT Scanner

Telemetry/IntermediateCare Rooms - 210 beds have telemetry; 108 are designated as step-down or intermediate care beds

Parking Spaces - 1,200+

This will be a state-of-the-art facility. Even more reason to relocate to Ormond Beach, and contact me for real estate market information in the Ormond Beach area. Here's a link to Search the Ormond Beach MLS while you are calling me.

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

530 Scott Drive in Broderick of Ormond Beach, Home for Sale

This 4 bedroom/4 bath pool home in Ormond Beach is in the community of Broderick of Ormond Beach, not far from the Tomoka River, the Tomoka Oaks Golf Club, the River Bend Golf Club, the Nova Recreation Complex, and the Trails Shopping Center. Broderick is an exclusive enclave tucked in behind a nice family type/retiree area of single family properties close to everything in Ormond Beach. The houses enjoy large lots and square footage. Not many homes come on the market in Broderick of Ormond Beach, and this beautiful home is one of the best prices available.

An elegant 4 br, 4 ba home this residence offers a very private setting on approximately ¾ acre lot. Feel the spaciousness as you enter the grand foyer with Italian Travertine marble flooring throughout the first level. The Great Room has elaborate lighted built-ins with fireplace & wiring for any & all electronics. The banquet size formal dining room has a 12 ft. built-in custom buffet/server with granite top. Indulge in the gourmet kitchen featuring sophisticated custom high gloss cabinetry with under and over cabinet lighting, granite countertops and backsplashes, stainless steel appliances including 3 GE Monogram convections ovens, Viking range hood, refrigerator, dual dishwashers & sinks, center island, breakfast bar & breakfast nook.

The large laundry room includes an extra smooth top range and side by side refrigerator. This home was truly built for entertaining! Pamper yourself in the gracious master suite with a luxurious master bath featuring his & her cherry wood vanities, granite countertops, Jacuzzi tub, marbled tiled tandem shower & fabulous walk-in closet with complete custom built-ins. Stunning front staircase leads to upstairs quarters with 3 spacious bedrooms, two baths & 25x27 bonus room. Plenty of storage space inside & out with the oversized 3 car garage. The property is beautifully landscaped and includes a large in-ground pool with Jacuzzi jets at one end.

Enjoy the slideshow below, and visit my Ormond Beach web site for information on many of the unique communities in our Daytona Beach area and to search the Ormond Beach MLS. Contact me for real estate market data on Broderick, or a private preview of this Ormond Beach home for sale.

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

Home for Sale in Halifax Plantation, Ormond Beach, FL

Not long ago I wrote about the stunning community of Halifax Plantation, a very special master-planned community with golf, tennis, trails, and close to two state parks, in Ormond Beach, FL.

The home featured here, on Kiowa Lane, is 4 bedrooms/4 baths, 3516 sq ft, with a screened pool, 3-car garage, central air and heat, over .5 acre, with a bonus room and deck. Appliances include dishwasher, disposal, microwave, and range. There are ceiling fans, intercom, jacuzzi/hot tub, and security system. HOA is $40/month. Asking price is $479,900 and it is bank-owned.

This like-new executive home on large wooded lot in cul-de-sac has a brick paver driveway and features quality details: high ceilings, crown molding, architectural niches, and decorative tile inset. The gourmet kitchen has cherry cabinets with granite countertops and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. The beautiful screen-enclosed pool and spa back to a private setting.

Halifax Plantation in Ormond Beach is one of the most sought-after addresses in our area. The grounds are beautiful, the community friendly, and the amenities the best you would want. Take a look at the slideshow below and you'll see a typical Halifax Plantation home. Then visit my Ormond Beach web site for more details on homes for sale in Halifax Plantation of Ormond Beach.

Contact me for a private showing, or real estate market information.

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

Tips for Ormond Beach Home Buyers

June is National Homeownership Month. This year, with our country's economic challenges and the many incentives for 1st time buyers to own a home, the label takes on more meaning. Even with the low interest rates and tax credit, there are a growing number of obstacles for home buyers, including a higher credit score standard and more restrictions on credit. But, home loans are still available to credit-worthy buyers.

Here are a few things for buyers of Ormond Beach properties to consider:

1. Learn about the 1st-time Buyer programs, such as the tax credit on your 2009 taxes and local Florida and Volusia County incentives (just email me, I can help with this information).

2. Get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified. Pre-approval means you have applied for a loan and the lender tells you how much home you can buy. This saves you time, your lender time, and - of course - your realtor time. And that tax credit is only good until Nov. 30, 2009.

3. Be honest with your lender and yourself. Lots of folks are now upside down on their mortgages because they purchased more home with a larger mortgage than they could afford. Visit the mortgage calculator page on my web site to run the numbers.

4. Review the additional costs of homeownership over and above the mortgage and add those into your monthly bills. Whatever utilities have been paid by your landlord will now be your responsibility - sewer, garbage, taxes - in addition to utilities, homeowner's association fees, and more.

5. Be sure you understand the basics of the loan you choose before you pay any fees. What is the origination fee? Is there a prepayment penalty? What will the total fees be at closing that you are responsible to pay? How much can you legally ask a seller to pay for you? Any reputable mortgage lender will make sure these important items in your loan are explained to you thoroughly.

6. Know your credit score before you start shopping for a home or loan. You can get one free report annually and another for a small fee later. If you have issues on your report - especially if the late payments are not yours - they will take some time to clear off your record. To obtain a free copy of your credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com.

7. When you are ready to apply for a loan, be prepared. Don't waste your time and the lender's time - you will need 2 years of pay stubs, 2 years of tax returns, copies of monthly bills such as credit cards and car payments, and any additional information on your finances - such as proof of additional income (child support, alimony).

After writing these tips for Ormond Beach buyers, I realize that I can help you with every step of the process, from figuring out how much home you can buy to how to pay for it and what the total costs will be. And then, I can show you the houses you choose and guide you through the purchase process into your Ormond Beach home.

Remember, realtors are free for buyers - it is the seller who pays. Would you write a complex legal document without a lawyer? Probably not. So use a Realtor for your home purchase, at no cost to you. Contact me soon.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

SBA Opening Center in Volusia County

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that a Business Recovery Center will be established to help businesses impacted by the recent severe storms, flooding and tornadoes in Volusia County. The Center opened June 10.

Through the disaster declaration, Volusia County is eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses, and most private non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties, are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Putnam and Seminole in Florida.

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million for physical losses. For small businesses, and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Here are the details on the center:

Volusia CountyHolly Hill Community Recreational Center
Multipurpose Room #1
1046 Daytona Avenue
Holly Hill, FL 32117
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday

Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., EDT, or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX. 76155. Businesses may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

If you find yourself a a fix with your mortgage because of storm damage to your business, give me a call. I'm a Certfied Distressed Property Expert and can discuss your options with you.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

Springtime with the Manatees in Ormond Beach

Tuesday morning, along the marshes of Old Dixie Highway in Ormond Beach, a group of sea cows in their mating ritual attracted dozens of onlookers. In the Spring, groups of males will pursue a female relentlessly, sometimes forcing her to beach on a shoreline to rest and recover. All this raucous behavior brought out the locals to watch the goings-on.

Christy Hudak, a biologist with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, said it's OK to watch from a distance, but that you shouldn't bother the protected animals in the water.

Manatees mate from spring to fall and give birth to a single baby - or rarely, twins - 13 months later. Call the wildlife commission at 888-404-3922 if you see manatees mating or beached.

Visit my Ormond Beach web site for Ormond Beach news and real estate information. I live and work here, and offer a free Relocate to Ormond Beach package - just email or call me for a copy.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

Make Your Ormond Beach Home Work for You

Now is a great time to make some improvements to your Ormond Beach home. The weak economy has brought down contractor and material prices and retailers are offering big discounts on appliances and lighting. As soon as you improve your home's energy efficiency - even if that means new light bulbs in your Ormond Beach condo - you will see a change in your energy bills. Many energy-efficient upgrades also qualify for federal tax credits. Check with our local utility also - they may offer additional incentives for replacing old appliances.

Some examples of how you can save money, as reported in On Investing, by Schwab & Company:

20% = amount saved on heating and cooling costs by sealing and insulating the shell or envelope of your home

80.4% = costs recouped at sale for installing foam-backed vinyl siding

$100 = annual savings for a typical family installing a gas Energy Star tankless water heater

77.7% = costs recouped at sale for installing wood replacement windows

(source: Hanley Wood, Cost vs Value Report, 2008-2009)

The National Assn. of Realtors also publishes yearly an extensive report on which home improvements will bring the greatest return. Contact me for a free copy.

Think Energy Star

If you plan to replace appliances, try if at all possible to purchase Energy Star-qualified products. They use 10% to 50% less energy. Energy Star appliances include dishwashers, refrigerators, cordless telephones, and TVs. Visit EnergyStar.gov.

Think Efficiency

$600 - $1200 is the amount the government's Home Energy Saver website says you can save annually by improving your home's energy efficiency. Visit HomeEnergySaver.gov.

Learn How to Save More

There are plenty of books and magazines on the subject, but here are 3 books on energy-efficient renovation:

Green Remodeling: Changing the World One Room at a Time, David R. Johnston and Kim Master
Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies, Eric Corey Freed
The Homeowner's Handbook to Energy Efficiency: A Guide to Big and Small Improvements, John Krigger and Chris Dorsi

If you need references for local Ormond Beach professionals who can help you with remodeling projects, let me know. I'm the Relocation Expert for Ormond Beach, and live and work in our community.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
www.sherryarmstrong.com
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachflhome.com

Ormond Beach FL Hires Ombudsman

As reported in the News-Journal Online, Ormond Beach has hired an ombudsman to help residents who have experienced problems from the heavy rains and flooding.

"The Ormond Beach City Commission, during a special meeting Tuesday night, approved hiring attorney Charles Cino to serve as an ombudsman to help residents with legal questions relating to the flooding.

Cino would help residents with things such as paperwork, answering legal questions and advising them where to go for help. Cino would not represent them in any legal actions. The City Commission approved paying him up to $25,000 for his work. They also approved paying an environmental consultant, who has not been named yet, up to $25,000 to help residents with issues such as mold.

The city will also give residents who have been displaced from their homes by the flooding a tax abatement.

In the future, Ormond Beach will also allow residents to pick up more than 10 sandbags per trip as long as they sign a waiver. During the storm, the city limited residents to 10 sandbags because of concerns over the liability should the weight of the bags damage vehicles."

If you are concerned about how the flooding or damage will affect your real estate values, contact me to discuss your problems. I've been selling real estate in Ormond Beach for many years and know the communities and real estate values.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachflhome.com

An Affordable Green Home in Ormond Beach FL

After our deluge of the last few days, it makes you think more about the weather and your interaction with the natural environment. While we can't change weather patterns, there are modifications we can make to our Ormond Beach homes so they will be greener and more in tune with our tropical climate. Here is a list I found in the latest Honolulu magazine, which is by no means all-inclusive, and applies to both condos and single family properties. Some are easy and cheap, others require an investment in your home.

1. Place potted plants throughout your home to improve indoor air quality.
2. Use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood floors - this wood comes from socially and environmentally-grown forests.
3. Install a faucet and/or shower aerator, which mixes air with your water. You'll use half as much water as before.
4. If you have A/C, raise the thermostate one degree or more. Better yet, turn it off and open the windows as often as possible.
5. Use organic linens, towels, curtains, and upholstery fabric, and buy organic clothes when available.
6. Set up an in-home recycling center and make it a habit. You'll be amazed how much your garbage decreases.
7. Use reclaimed furniture (as in Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle).
8. Use all-natural, non-toxic cleaning products (like vinegar).
9. Plant an organic garden for your own use - everything from herbs to fruits and vegetables can be grown in containers or a small yard.
10. Control pests naturally with home remedies. Canola oil, dish soap, and citronella are good insect repellants.
11. Insulate your water heater and exposed pipes to limit heat loss.
12. Insulate your attic for the same reason.

Buying green and living green are becoming more and more important. Contact me for resources in our Ormond Beach area.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com

Plantation Bay in Ormond Beach FL

Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club, in Ormond Beach, is a very prestigious address. Developed by ICI Homes, this private community offers such amenities as two clubhouses, a magnificent 7,000 square-foot Spa and Fitness Center, and 10 tennis courts. With two 18-hole private, championship golf courses, a tennis facility, two restaurants and the pool, there is a wide array of membership choices. Plantation Bay offers a lifestyle, not just a home.

* Tennis anyone? Beautiful clay courts surrounded with high hedges of wisteria make the courts at Plantation Bay special.
* The community is gated and secure for your piece of mind.
* All of the communities are all geared for family living enjoyment, with safe environments for a family to take advantage of every day.
* Enjoy peaceful nature areas surrounding the communities. Lakes and large trees invite the wonderful Florida wildlife to your neighborhood.
* Community events in Plantation Bay include Rubber Bridge/Lunch, the Garden Club, a Social Club that meets quarterly, Beginner's Tennis, special events at the Prestwick Restaurant, Yoga/Water Aerobics/Pilates classes, and a Line Dancing group.

The Plantation Bay Golf Experience

Plantation Bay offers 45 gorgeous holes that are sure to challenge and delight every player at any level. Members are presented with lush fairways, undulating greens, and a service oriented staff to ensure a great golfing experience. Being one of the areas only golf communities that allows privately owned carts, a hassle free ride home is all that is required to complete your day at the club.

* The Club de Bonmont Course is famous for 18 matchless holes. With its recent renovation by world recognized architect Steve Smyers in 2005, the beauty and layout has the wow factor every time you step on the tee.
* The Westlake Course, the newest addition to the Plantation Bay golf experience, is a masterfully sculpted nine holes that is tied into the Club de Bonmont course to create 27 holes of pure enjoyment. With the 2nd nine to the course in the planning stage, Westlake is sure to be great compliment to the two other 18 holes offered at Plantation Bay.
* The Prestwick Course offers an outstanding championship layout with impressive playing conditions and superb amenities. The course is a shotmakers dream. With a premium on hitting your target, it is sure to challenge any level of golfer.

Provided by ICI, here is a sampling neighborhoods and prices:

Prestwick Estates $260,000-$395,200
Prestwick VI, VII, VIII $190,400-$254,900
Prestwick Townhomes $232,900-$257,100
Preswick Townhomes II $271,900-$282,100
Westlake $330,300-$374,400
Woodbridge Estates $285,900-$433,000

New construction is available in Prestwick IX, Prestwick Townhomes II, Westlake, and Westlake Townhomes. There are many resales also for sale, ranging in price from $699,000 to $165,000. You can see there is a home for every pocketbook and family size.

Contact me for more information on the quality community of Plantation Bay. I'm the Relocation Specialist for Ormond Beach and can help you with new construction or a home for resale. Visit the Plantation Bay page on my web site for links and more data on home prices, and use the widget below to search homes for sale in Plantation Bay.

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

Cash for Keys Available Now in Ormond Beach

As an additional feature of the mortgage rescue program, the Treasury Dept. has announced it will offer an incentive called "Cash for Keys" to help troubled borrowers get out from under the mortgages they can no longer afford.

Under the original Making Home Affordable program, homeowners are eligible for loan adjustments from their lenders if they meet specific criteria - such as 1) the home must be the primary residence, and 2) the mortgage balance can be no more than $729,750. Plus, 3) the reduced monthly mortgage payments cannot be more than 31% of income, and 4) the modified loan has to be greater than the value of what the property could be sold for through foreclosure.

If a borrower cannot make the mortgage payments under the adjusted terms, the lender can consider a short sale - very common now in the Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach areas, and then a deed in lieu of foreclosure, where the borrower voluntarily gives the lender the property. In both of these cases, the bank may forgive the debt, and there may be tax ramifications.

The new government plan, just announced - Cash for Keys - affects short sales and deeds in lieu proceedings. The borrower can receive up to $1,500 to assist with relocation, and Treasury will pay the lender/servicers $1,000 to complete the sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure.

Your situation will be complicated if you have a 1st and 2nd mortgage, in which case both lenders have to work together. Read the special report by CNNMoney in NewsGenius.

If you are behind on your mortgage payments and need help, contact me. I hold the designation CDPE, or Certified Distressed Property Expert, and have helped many homeowners sell their properties before foreclosure. You have options!

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

Ormond Beach Memorial Art Museum and Gardens

Not many visitors know about one of the treasures of Ormond Beach, our art museum and the spectacular gardens surrounding the museum on three sides.

The museum's home page explains its background and purpose, "The Museum was founded by Ormond and Ormond Beach residents as a living monument to creative freedom and equality of all persons, and to commemorate the service of World War II veterans who fought valiantly for that ideal. It was the first memorial of its kind in this area, and possibly the State of Florida."

Today the Museum shows the work of prominent Florida and international artists in a series of changing exhibits. The original 1,500 square-foot building now houses the Museum's business offices as well as a classroom and galleries. A 2,500 square- foot expansion in 1999, and a renovation in late spring of 2001, have brought the galleries, reception areas, gift shop and classroom up to contemporary museum and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

The Gardens are every bit as memorable and artistic as works in the museum itself. Ormond Beach enjoys a great climate, with ample sunshine and warmth, in which plants thrive. Built on what was once a sand dune, the Gardens were gently developed into a park. There are five ponds, three from natural depressions, which are home to turtles, frogs, and fish. Aquatic plants such as water lilies and water lettuces offer food, shade and natural cleansing within the ponds.

Parts of the gardens are manicured landscape and other parts are left in a naturally wild state. Although the gardens are located in the heart of the city, walking the paths gives you the feeling of being in a tropical rain forest.

Read about the plants and history on the Ormond Museum Gardens page.

If you are a resident and have never visited, be sure and take the time to enjoy the culture of Ormond Beach, and take visitors too. The Museum is located at 78 East Granada Boulevard.

The resources of Ormond Beach are always a wonder to me, and give our city an enviable lifestyle. Come join us!

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

New Museum to Open in Ormond Beach area

A new museum will be opening in DeLand, and needs your support.

The Hard Hat Bash Saturday, May 16, is the first fundraiser for the Florida Museum of Women Artists, which is currently under construction at 100 N. Woodland Blvd., on the second floor of the Fish Building.

The evening will begin with a reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Volusia County Historic Courthouse, just down the block from the museum, and may overflow into the newly opened Chess Park next door to the Historic Courthouse. Tours will be led from the courthouse to the museum, where visitors must wear hard hats, to check out the construction in progress. Dinner will follow at Mainstreet Grill, 100 E. New York Ave.

A Volusia County ECHO grant helped make possible conversion of the second floor of the city-owned Fish Building to house the museum. When complete, the museum will have exhibits, a gift shop, possibly a cafe, and a classroom for art education.

According to BeaconOnlineNews, "The City of DeLand is leasing the second floor of the Fish Building to the group at a reduced rate for the first couple of years of occupancy, and sharing the cost of renovations with the Museum of Women Artists. City officials hope the museum will bring additional tourists and visitors to Downtown DeLand.

To buy tickets for the Bash, call Mary McBride at (386) 212-5777, or send e-mail to hardhatbash@gmail.com. If you are interested in supporting the women artists, visit Florida Women in the Arts.

Ormond Beach and DeLand offer much in the way of cultural activities. Our town is vibrant and energetic. Come joint our lifestyle and call for my free Relocation Information for Ormond Beach.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com

Lakefront home for sale in Breakaway Trails, Ormond Beach FL

A few days ago I wrote about Breakaway Trails, and hopefully convinced you what a great place to live it could be. Here's a home for sale in this gated community on the lake, beautifully maintained, on a large lot, and the sellers want an offer!

It's an exceptional 4 bedroom, 2 bath lakefront home which offers extensive 18" diagonally cut tile floors in the main living areas, carpet in bedrooms, and a screened lanai. Upgrades include 42" upper cabinets, 10 foot ceilings, double vanities, garden tub and separate shower in the master bath, double tray ceilings, and beautiful lake views! The gated neighborhood of Breakaway Trails includes tennis courts, ballfield, community clubhouse, pool and a Florida lifestyle you've only dreamed about.

The home is ready for your immediate preview and is in move-in condition. Contact me for a showing.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor

sherry@sherryarmstrong.com

386-67903191

Ormond Beach Chess Park Opens

Well, actually it's in DeLand, but has proven popular to players and observers alike in the week+ since it's been open. News-Journal Online gives a good description of the park: "After more than two years of planning and construction, Volusia County opened the park, near the historic county courthouse building between West Indiana and New York avenues, last week.

"It features 10 game tables topped with black-and-white tile checkerboard squares and more than a dozen park benches. There also are brick pavers, young trees strategically placed to provide shade for park visitors, a black wall where water cascades into a small pool, public restrooms and a raised stage area. Both New York and West Indiana avenues are visible from the park, which has gates at the entrances from both avenues. The gates are locked each night."

The county provided funding with help from a $500,000 grant from Volusia County ECHO and $200,000 from the city of DeLand, which contributed money for the addition of public restrooms. Altogether, the county spent nearly $1.5 million before the project was completed, in about a year.

Ormond Beach has many public places to relax and enjoy our ambience and laid-back lifestyle. Contact me for a Free Relocation Package.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com

Ormond Beach Housing Affordability Nears Record

The National Assn. of Realtors released April figures, and reported that pending home sales rose, as 1st time home buyers took advantage of the great affordability conditions in effect now. The Pending Home Sales Index in the South rose 8.5 percent to 93.2 in March and is 7.7 percent above a year ago.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said it should take a few months for the market to gain momentum. "This increase could be the leading edge of first-time buyers responding to very favorable affordability conditions and an $8,000 tax credit, which increases buying power even more in areas where special programs allow buyers to use it as a downpayment," he said.

NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth, said the increase in buying power is quite remarkable. "Compared to a year ago, the typical family can pay much less in mortgage costs for the same home, or buy a better home without necessarily increasing their monthly payment," he said. "For buyers who've been on the sidelines and have good jobs, the market has never looked more favorable. Home ownership has always offered immediate benefits and long-term value, but the advantages in today's market are unique."

I've certainly seen this in our Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach real estate markets. Inventory decreased in April, and the number of homes under contract definitely rose. Visit the market pages of my web sites to get the details:
Ormond Beach numbers
Daytona Beach numbers

Contact me with questions about getting your $8,000 tax refund from the government, and other loan programs to help buyers.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191
http://www.sherryarmstrong.com/

Breakaway Trails, Ormond Beach

Breakaway Trails, a gated community in Ormond Beach, Florida offers a unique lifestyle. This exclusive community is well-known for its small neighborhoods surrounded by environmentally protected nature preserves. With sparkling lakes, magnolia trees, a quaint wooden bridge, a clubhouse with pool, and tennis, Breakaway Trails offers a blend of lifestyles complete with relaxation and activity.

There are 976 residences ranging in price from approximately $300,000 to over $1,450,000. New construction is available in some neighborhoods.

Breakaway Trails community amenities include:

* Community pool, basketball courts, pavillion, clubhouse, roller hockey rink
* Estate-sized lots for privacy
* New homes or resales
* Basketball courts, pavillion, clubhouse, roller hockey rink
* Safe and secure - this is a gated community
* Enjoy a family environment - all of the neighborhoods are geared for family living
* Nature at your doorstep - beautiful natural areas surround the neighborhoods
* Beaches - the area is known for its famous drive-on beach, one of the few available in the world

Helpful Breakaway Trails links:
* Community Association
* Calendar of Events
* Newsletter
* Golf information
* Ormond Beach news
* Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce

Advantages of living in Breakaway Trails include:

* Tomoka State Park- this park is perfect for camping, canoeing and picnicking
*Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens offers exhibitions of Florida, regional, national and international artists. Additionally, the OMAM seeks to advance the appreciation and awareness of the arts through classes, lectures and demonstrations
*Daytona Beach, where one of the nation's great vacation spots provides entertainment, shopping, dining, a world famous beach and the Daytona International Speedway
* Close to arts and entertainment, such as the London Symphony
* Just minutes from I-95

Public Schools serving Ormond Beach and Breakaway Trails:

Pine Trail Elementary
300 Airport Rd
Ormond Beach Fl 32174
386-676-5300

Pathways Elementary
2100 Airport Road
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
386.676.5360

Hinson Middle School
1860 N. Clyde Morris Blvd.
Ormond Beach, FL 32117
386.258.4682

Mainland High School
125 S Clyde Morris Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386.258.4665

Use the search below to find current homes for sale in Breakaway Trails. When you are ready to preview a property, or just want general real estate sales information, let me know - I'm the Relocation Specialist for Breakaway Trails in Ormond Beach and can discuss our great real estate opportunities in this prestigious community.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
www.ormondbeachflhome.com
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com
386-679-3191

Mortgage Fraud Targeted by US Senate

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

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