Sandy Shores Melbourne FL Realtor

Hi Maria,

According to the Brevard County Property Appraisers website the 2008 proposed taxes on this home are approximately $2700.00 a year. However, tax bills will be going out shortly so, we are not positive what taxes will be billed on the property. It is indicating that there is currently homestead exemption on in, but it looks as if the property has recently changed hands in August 2008, so we don't know if an owner or investor took possession of it, so homestead may drop off in 2009.

Unfortunately, on homeowners insurance there are so many different factors to take into consideration to determine the amount of the insurance...age of roof, proximity to water, age of upgrades...plumbing, electrical system, A/C. I would be more than happy to put you in touch with a local insurance company that could give you a quote on an insurance policy. And it will depend on whether you will be living in the property or using it as as investment property.

Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any additional questions. - Fri Oct 24 2008, 15:36

You indicated that you have been renting the same apartment for 4 years. From your comment it sounds as if you are dealing with an individual owner. Are the restrictions that have been included in your updated lease those that you are able to comply with? Or do they cause you concern? Have you built a relationship in which you can sit down and discuss any concerns with your landlord? A good landlord/tenant relationship is a give/take relationship. I am happy to have my current tenants, and in most cases I look forward to keeping them. So, I am happy to work through any bumps in the road that we may have (as long as they are in harmony with the local or community guidelines in the area in which they are living). Talk to your landlord about your concerns.

In our area of Florida vacancy rates are up by 12% over last year! We currently have many empty properties. - Tue Oct 7 2008, 12:07

Hi Teresa, Good question. I have heard others in your same situation express the same views. I think often times friends would prefer to keep business and personal relationships separate. I have often seen personal friendships ruined as soon as money became a factor. You know best how to handle your friend. I would remain honest in your explanation as to why you would prefer to keep your real estate dealings separate from your valuable friendship. Best of everything to you. - Tue Sep 30 2008, 12:30

It must be frustrating to not be able to get an answer to your very good question.

You are correct in that there are many very affordable homes available for sale in Palm Bay. Today many homes there are very competitively priced. There are currently many short sales (owners trying to avoid foreclosure) and many foreclosures available. Last week I helped a buyer close on a 2100 square foot home in SW Palm Bay, 3/2/2, built in 2006, never lived in, for only $135,000! I am currently working with a buyer that is negotiating on a home in SW Palm Bay, a 3/2/2 with a pool at 1290 square feet, priced at $74900! With the right amount of looking, there are nice properties available for sale.

I just finished writing a blog article that Palm Bay Florida is the 25th fastest growing city in the nation, with a current population of over 100,000.

To get back to your original question, about what areas of Palm Bay are safe and clean...there are many nice areas of Palm Bay. There are also areas that aren't so great, as with any city. As REALTORS, unfortunately we are not allowed to comment on whether an area is safe or not, or whether or not it has thugs in it or not. There are statistical websites that provide that type of information (I know that isn't always a great help either.)

I see that you are not currently local. I don't know whether your parents are or not, but my recommendation to buyers is always to get out and investigate an area. You must see and "feel" the area with your own eyes and ears. Check out all the areas they may be considering. Have you tried Google Maps, Street Views?....that is one of my very favorite REALTOR tools for buyers. It will allow you to stand in the street in front of a given home and actually "drive" down the street, to see what surrounds the property.

I wish I could provide you with a more definitive answer in your search for a home for your parents.

I am attaching a link to my website, that will provide you with some additional information.

Best wishes to all of you! - Mon Sep 8 2008, 13:34

Hi Beth, You should be able to go back to the title company or the closing attorney or closing agent that handled your closing transaction and see if you can get a copy of the survey from them. If not, ask them who the survey company was, and contact the survey company directly.

If you have a new home built on the lot, you may be able to contact the builder and they may be able to provide you with a survey. - Sat Jul 12 2008, 08:53