There are so many things to consider when purchasing a home that buyers often get overwhelmed.  A good realtor can make this process so much easier by providing a clear overview of the process and the costs involved.  For example, one expense that's often overlooked by buyers is home insurance.  This is a critical cost that will endure as long you own your house.  So ask your realtor to explain your options and to provide a referral, if needed.  Click here to learn more about home insurance costs   

According to data from the Florida Realtors, sales of Florida homes and condos were up during the 1st quarter versus last year -- + 24% for houses and +67% for condos! We've definitely seen an increase in business around here this year.  Lots of investors, sure, but we've also worked with a lot of first time home buyers, relocators, and buyers who just want to take advantage of the low prices and mortgage rates.  If you're in a good position, it's quite a good time to buy.Click here to read more from the Florida Realtors

I use my smartphone all the time to buy and sell Daytona Beach area real estate.   I can't remember how I did my job without it! Taking pictures of properties, accessing the MLS, emailing listings and other property details, accessing lockboxes, getting directions and neighborhood data -- these are just a few of the things I use it for every day. Now there's a ton of mobile apps that make a new home search easier (and more fun!) for buyers too. Click here to read more.

Realtors across Florida will be showcasing their listings this weekend during the first ever statewide Open House weekend. It's a fun and convenient way for buyers to see as many homes as possible and to learn about different neighborhoods. The event is tied to the expiration of federal tax credits for house purchases. Buyers must sign a purchase contract by April 30 and close on the deal by June 30. First-time buyers get up to $8,000 in tax credits and existing owners can get up to $6,500 in tax credits.

The Dream Homes team is participating with 2 properties that will be open for viewing on Sunday, 4/11 from 12:00-3:00. 118 Northbrook Lane in Ormond Beach is a wonderful attached single family home on a private street w/many upgrades, including new wood flooring, fireplace, new roof, ceiling fans, finished Florida room, hurricane shutters, new appliances, brick patio & fenced yard. This property is offered at $124,500. 3817 Grove View Lane in Port Orange is a charming 3/2 with expanded floor plan, cathedral ceilings, ceramic tile, ceiling fans, eat-in kitchen with new appliances, new roof & sprinkler system, heated & air conditioned Florida Room, screened porch, hot tub, fenced yard, and 2 car garage, all for $184,500. So, if you're interested in Daytona Beach area real estate, stop by on Sunday!

    What can Daytona Beach Realtors help you with that out of town realtors cannot? We have local knowledge about the area's properites for sale. Where are the good investments? What should I expect to pay for a Daytona Beach Oceanfront Home?

  Which Daytona Beach Oceanfront Condos are the best fit for my lifestyle and budget?

   Daytona Beach Realtors should be able to help you all your local area questions. Our local knowledge is a resource that you should use to your advantage. Ask us questions! Using the right Daytona Beach Realtor should save you time and money in your search for Daytona Beach real estate for sale.

  The Dream Homes Team is a group of well experienced Daytona Beach Realtorswho can help you sell your home or find the perfect dream home. Are you searching for Daytona Beach waterfront properties? Let the Daytona Beach Realtors at The Dream Homes Team help you with your search.  Mark your favorite homes in your wishlist and we will show them to you and find the best real estate investment. It's a buyer's market out there! Let the Dream Homes Team be your Daytona Beach Realtors.

Things are looking good as we head into the holiday season. October sales of both existing homes and condos were up vs. last year, +45% and +82% (!), respectively. Sales were also on the rise vs. September, as savvy buyers continued to take advantage of the 1st time buyers credit and the amazing deals out there.

According to a recent article from the National Association of Realtors, we're seeing early signs of price stabilization in the housing market. A steady supply of qualified buyers would meaningfully bring inventories down and return us to a period of normal, steady price growth. Now that's something to be thankful for!

Aaaah! That's the big sigh of relief coming from all my buyers who feared they might miss the tax credit deadline for 1st time homebuyers. The $8,000 tax credit has officially been extended. To qualify, a purchase must be under contract by April 30, 2010, and a purchase under contract by April 30, 2010 must close no later than June 30, 2010.

Plus, the program has also been expanded to add money for certain move-up buyers. Click here for more details and to see if you qualify.

This credit is a super deal for qualified buyers. It can help with repairs and all those other costs associated with owning a home that can be overwhelming.

Let's hope this continues to stimulate the market. We'll keep you posted.

It's a good life,
Ian