Hurricane Fay is dancing over Brevard County, Florida for the third day in a row.  Actually a tropical storm, Fay is lingering like a long, 3 mile-per-hour slow dance – just not very enjoyable!  Everyone is hunkered down, making soup and hypnotized by the weather reports on TV.  In the past three days we’ve received over 24 inches of rain.

For anyone who grew up in northern states, this is like a snow day with schools and offices closed.   One big difference is that we’re not freezing in our homes if the power goes out!   By day three, however, cabin fever has set in and even for kids the thrill is gone! 
 

Fortunately this storm is only mildly catastrophic for our area.   Many roads are closed due to flooding and some large trees have blown down.   The National Guard has been activated and is busy evacuating people flooded from their homes.  Many will have yard debris (and more) to clean up.   This time we’re lucky.  Clean up will be a painful chore and then we’ll be back to our normal routines. 
 

Keep your fingers crossed.  The height of “hurricane season” arrives in September.   Memories of recent horrific hurricane damage along the gulf coast and other areas in Florida are still very strong.  Our goal is to appreciate every minute of the good days and to “be prepared” for the others! 

Patriotism is alive and well in Melbourne, FL. Our annual Independence Day picnic is a blast. We’re fortunate to enjoy a location directly across the river from our city’s annual fireworks display.

We have front row seats to the biggest show in town on the 4^th of July! Friends gather to enjoy the warm summer evening, good food and great music. When the fireworks begin our music turns to patriotic favorites. All ages sing along as they watch the show. The crowning moment of the evening comes when the entire group jumps to its feet for the National Anthem. This demonstration of pride and patriotism sends chills up my spine. What a joyous reminder of pride in our country and our freedoms. I’m so proud to be an American. Happy Independence Day to all!

             Today’s buyers are navigating difficult waters.  

Faced with tremendous inventory, lower prices, great interest rates, and willing sellers,  buyers are overwhelmed.  The moon and stars are beautifully aligned for them and yet it’s not enough.   Today’s only priority is getting a  “great deal” or “stealing it”.   What happened to the “location location” rule?  What happened to quality of life and nice neighbors?  When did “are these sellers desperate?” become the major criteria in choosing one’s home? 

Caution:  very rarely will the perfect elements come together and still be a “steal of a deal”.   Buyers should not succumb to the pressure of co-workers or friends bragging on their housing conquests.  If the deal is that great, they’ve compromised somewhere.  It’s called the perfect storm for a reason.  The likelihood of finding a beautifully maintained home, a perfect location, super upgrades AND a desperate seller willing to take a low-ball offer are almost nil.  Chances are better of winning the lotto. 

Buyers should remember to keep real-life priorities in sight.

This will be a “home”.  This is personal;  you will be there every day.  Be careful not to allow false hopes for “the perfect deal” to steer you into a storm.  Chart the right course for a “Happy Home” !

Living in Melbourne, Florida is a dream come true. 

We enjoy all the benefits of true coastal living - cool sea breezes and beautiful beaches.   The lifestyle is quiet and laid-back, people are friendly;  “it’s all good” here!  Do not, however, confuse us with an outdated  “Florida retirement area” moniker because we’re much, much more.