I am never surprised when I head out to a house to show it to my clients, especially when we are looking at investment properties. Foreclosures often turn up things that become interesting topics of discussion and this one was no exception. Would this living room be considered decorating on a shoestring budget?  I bet they had a lot of fun doing it. This picture was taken in the living room of a bank owned foreclosure offered for sale in Melbourne Beach, FL. 06/27/2014

Bridget Sentz, Realtor & Carolyn Smith, Realtor ~ Coastal Estate Team - Melbourne Beach, FL Real Estate: Just Sold! Oceanfront Townhome in Opus 21, Melbourne Beach Just Sold! Direct Oceanfront, End Unit Melbourne Beach Townhouse! The Coastal Estate Team just sold (in only 5 days!) this absolutely gorgeous, direct oceanfront end-unit townhome, located in Opus 21 in Melbourne Beach. Boasting dramatic, uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean, the new owners are sure to enjoy this generously appointed 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with a private 1-car garage for all of their beach toys! In addition to the endless ocean views, this town home boasts a completely updated kitchen, remodeled bathrooms, plantation shutters, surround sound, and so much more! Beachfront living and entertaining made ea... 06/02/2014

Bridget Sentz, Realtor & Carolyn Smith, Realtor ~ Coastal Estate Team – Melbourne Beach, FL Real Estate: Just Sold! Melbourne Beach Canal Front Home in Harbor East Just Sold! Canal front home in Melbourne Beach, Harbor East neighborhood The Coastal Estate Team just sold this stunning Melbourne Beach canal front home, located in the desirable waterfront neighborhood of Harbor East. Beautifully renovated inside and out, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath pool home is designed for indoor/outdoor living. The gourmet kitchen features custom cabinets, granite countertops, center island, and modern appliances including a built-in wine cooler. The huge second floor master suite boasts tremendous river views and includes a gorgeous master bath with top notch finishes. Possibly most impressive is the home’... 04/02/2014

In Florida we have WDO inspections along with regular home inspections. The Question: Jeff, You suggested we do a home inspection as well as a WDO inspection. Can you remind me what the WDO inspection is. Thanks, John and Mary My Answer: Hi John and Mary, In Florida we strongly recommend all our buyers get a WDO (Wood Destroying Organism) inspection. It will inspect for termites and other bugs that eat wood...as well as organism that might hurt wood structures in the home. Based on our high level of humidity and warm temperatures (that do not kill off the bugs in Winter) this inspection is a must.   Jeffrey 03/31/2014

Florida Online 45 Hr. Post Sales Associate Course      $119.00   “Jump Start Your Career!” Now that you have your Florida real estate license, your Post 45 Hr. Sales Associate Course is your next priority.  Your Post License Course must be completed before your first initial license renewal and can be done right here online.  The 45 Hr. Post Licensing Course is the foundation you need for a successful career.  Learn about prospecting for listings, making listing presentations, working with buyers, writing contracts, closing real estate transactions and more. Our Florida Online Post Sales Course meets the state requirements and contains everything you need to complete your course.  Purchasing the 45 Hr. Post Licensing Textbook is optional.  You will have a timed final exam you must pass ... 03/15/2014

 I was showing a beautiful Oceanfront house in Melbourne Beach, FL. I peeked out the window in the Master Bedroom and felt the need to take a quick shot of this Rainbow. The Sun was just beginning to come out from behind the clouds and it made for a great shot. My clients stood and watched for about 10 minutes...oceanfront living can have it's challenges...but it can also give you an amazing peek into nature right from your own bedroom window :) It just made my day! 01/13/2014

  How Many Lagoons Make Up The Indian River Lagoon?   Did you know that the Indian River lagoon on The Atlantic coast of Florida is really a group of three lagoons? Yes that’s true. Together the Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River and Indian River make up the Indian River Lagoon. The Indian River Lagoon or estuary is separated from the Atlantic coast by the barrier islands. The Indian River Lagoon is 156 miles long, it extends from Ponce De Leon Inlet in Volusia County, to the southern border of Martin county. The Indian River Lagoon is connected to the ocean by a few ocean inlets and this allows the saltwater to mix with the fresh water which comes from runoff from the surrounding land as well as from the rainfall. Any changes in the amount of freshwater, or pollutants or sudden changes in t... 01/08/2014

Why Living in Harbor East of Melbourne Beach is So…ooo Special! Melbourne Beach is an Oceanside town of about 3300 residents. Ocean Ave is about less than a mile and ends into the Indian river at one end and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Melbourne Beach Pier is a great place for fishing and just relaxing. Nearby is the Ryckman Park perfect for a family picnic or a game of tennis on the adjacent tennis courts. In the summer months Melbourne Beach hosts movie nights in the park for its residents. Town Hall, Police and Fire Departments as well as the post office are also on Ocean Ave. A short walk down the road towards the Ocean, and you are near the library and a community supermarket and bank. Melbourne Beach Library hosts many events for children and adults. The Ocean Park by the bea... 01/07/2014

Bridget Sentz, Realtor & Carolyn Smith, Realtor ~ Coastal Estate Team – Melbourne Beach, FL Real Estate: Just Sold! Melbourne Beach Direct Oceanfront Condo! Just Sold! Ocean Club condo, Melbourne Beach The Coastal Estate Team just sold this DIRECT OCEANFRONT, TOP FLOOR, END UNIT condo, with prime Melbourne Beach location! Offering a versatile, open floor plan, this Ocean Club condo features expansive sliders and windows that bring the ocean views right into the living spaces. Enjoy daily sunrises with dual master suites each located on the ocean with access to the balcony. This condo includes garage parking with storage, and a community pool with fantastic beach access. Large kitchen opens to living and dining rooms Community pool with fantastic beach access! Ocean Club condos offer a s... 12/22/2013

Bridget Sentz, Realtor & Carolyn Smith, Realtor ~ Coastal Estate Team - Melbourne Beach, FL Real Estate: Just Sold! Great Home, Amazing Location in Melbourne Beach! Amazing location in Melbourne Beach! Congratulations to our clients on their purchase of this fabulous Melbourne Beach home! Completely remodeled in 1997 with a new kitchen, new master bath, new plumbing and electrical, and new A/C and water heater, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is ready for its new owners to sit back, relax, and enjoy beachside living without worry! They are sure to enjoy the private, fully-fenced and lushly-landscaped backyard, complete with a shaded patio to enjoy the afternoon breeze. Situated in the heart of Melbourne Beach on Poinsettia Road (wow, how appropriate, right before the holidays!), this home i... 12/18/2013

Here’s what’s going on in the coastal community of Melbourne Beach, Florida Calendar of events –October 2013     Date Event/Meeting Time Place 10/01/2013 Planning & Zoning meeting 7pm Community Center 10/02/2013 Tales to Tails Reading Program 3.30-4.45pm Melbourne Beach Public Library 10/03/2013 Code Enforcement Board meeting 6.30pm Community Center 10/05/2013 Beach Writers meeting 10.00 am Melbourne Beach Public Library 10/07/2013 Friends of the MB Library - Board meeting 4.30-6.00p Melbourne Beach Public Library 10/08/2013 Historical Preservation meeting 4.30pm Ryckman House 10/09/2013 Parks Board meting 7.00pm Masny Room 10/10/2013 Melbourne Beach Book Club 2.30pm Melbourne Beach Public Library 10/12/2013 DAR Birthday celebration 11.00am Community Center 10/12/2013 MBV Fire Departmen... 09/30/2013

Life is short, live it. Love is rare, grab it. Anger is poisonous, let it go. Fear is paralyzing, face it. Memories are priceless, cherish them! This sunset picture was taken in South Melbourne Beach overlooking the Indian River Lagoon. 07/31/2013

                  My beautiful "Move-in Ready" home listing at 317 Las Olas Blvd in Melbourne Beach, FL will be held open on Sunday August 4th from 2-4pm. This amazing home has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, an additional 4 seasons room, and much more. The community offers amenities like a lake, community tennis courts, a deeded Indian River fishing pier, and private community beach access to the Atlantic Ocean. It is close to restaurants, shopping, the beach and river...as well as Florida A-Rated Gemini Elementary School. The price is only $250,000 so please hurry! View this homes public website at: http://317-las-olas-dr.propertysites.point2.com/ 07/29/2013

Congratulations to Shamika H. on her purchase of 6384 Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL. We had quite a journey finding and buying her new home...just feet from the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. After all was said and done Shamika loves her new home and I hope will have enjoyment for years to come. If you are looking for a home in the Melbourne Beach, FL or any of our beautiful Space Coast neighborhoods please call or email me...I would be happy to help and give you World Class Real Estate Representation! Let me show you why we are: The Future of Real Estate...Now! Phone: 321.223.6253email: jdimuria@aol.com Website: www.SouthBrevardBeachHomes.com 07/27/2013

Carolyn Smith, Realtor & Bridget Sentz, Realtor ~ Coastal Estate Team - Melbourne Beach, FL Real Estate: Just Sold! Beautiful Pool Home in Turtle Bay, Melbourne Beach The Coastal Estate Team just sold this beautiful pool home in the gated community of Turtle Bay in Melbourne Beach! This gorgeous home boasts four bedrooms and three baths in almost 2,400 square feet. With soaring ceilings, slate flooring, updated eat-in kitchen, screened and heated pool and so much more, this home is sure to make its new owners very happy! Turtle Bay is an ocean-to-river community offering deeded beach access with an upscale beach cabana, tennis courts, and a fabulous pier on the Indian River. If you are considering Selling your Brevard County home, don’t hesitate to contact The Coastal Estate Team to dis... 07/26/2013

OK...so I get that the Melbourne Beach Market is not really a restaurant...in fact the only tables here are out in front of the Market. It is actually a grocery store, wine store (you will sometimes find some amazing buys on closeout wines), bakery, specialty food, deli, bakery and wonderful Italian restaurant. The Italian Restaurant part is in the front past the wine and beer area...next to the deli and bakery. It is a take out counter with a full Italian menu suitable for lunch or dinner. You can also call ahead and it will be ready for pick up when you get there. They also serve pizza by the slice or pie, The Deli/bakery section is a really great quick lunch spot and uses top quality meats (like Boars Head) along with some nice great special like Gyros and Falafel. They also have a ... 07/26/2013

It is my personal opinion that everyone on this planet should give back in SOME WAY.  Just find something that touches you personally and go for it. For me, that "thing" is animals.  It is alarming to me how profoundly we as humans negatively affect so many other species living on this planet that we ALL call home.  I am convinced from my work in rescue that animals most definately have feelings and souls.  Since coming to Florida, I decided to get involved in a cause that would not allow me to bring animals home (like I did with dogs).  The Sea Turtle Preservation Society is committed to the Preservation of the sea turtles of all kinds, but specifically the three Species types that nest on Brevard County Beaches.  We do this in a number of ways, but education is a huge part of what we ... 07/07/2013

I prefer red to white wine and absolutely love the old and ancient vine Zinfandels specifically from the Lodi Appellation of California.  Ancient vines are those that are older than 80 years of age.  As the vines age, they produce a smaller number of grapes, BUT, the quality of those grapes is intensly fruity and superior.  Cline Cellars produces an absolutely lovely bottle of Ancient Vine Zinfandel in the $15 per bottle price range. The Wine Spector gives Cline Ancient Vine Zinfandel 87 points.  The winemaker notes state: "Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel shows wonderful, fat strawberry, with coffee and chocolate characters. Aging in new and used wood has lent this wine a subtle vanilla quality that nicely complements the explosive fruit notes. Ripe fruit and soft tannins make this mouth ... 06/29/2013

We are smack in the middle of the nesting season for the Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles.  The Sea Turtle Preservation Society in Brevard County Florida currently conducts guided tours of nesting Loggerhead sea turtles 4-5 nights a week.                                                                                                 Our precious sea turtles are threatened and endangered due to human interaction.  Come and learn how you can be part of the solution!  Call the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 321-676-1701 to sign up for an informative powerpoint presentation on Loggerhead, Green and Leatherback Turtles.  Afterwhich hopefully (if the turtles cooperate) you will be able to see a mama Loggerhead Turtle drop her eggs into her nesting chamber.  Then she will carefully cover u... 06/28/2013

Carolyn Smith, Realtor & Bridget Sentz, Realtor ~ Coastal Estate Team– Melbourne Beach, FL Real Estate: Just Sold – Gorgeous Melbourne Beach Coastal Estate Home! Just sold in Melbourne Beach, for the full asking price! The Coastal Estate Team just sold our listing of this stunning custom-built coastal estate home for the FULL asking price of $660,000! Situated in the heart of Melbourne Beach, this 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath, 3 car garage home offers exceptional features and details, combining the ultimate in style, craftsmanship, and design. The new owners of this fabulous home will love the huge gourmet kitchen, spacious two-story family room, and open floor plan with tons of natural light. The wrap around porches, lagoon style pool, and private backyard all add to the overall charm of this f... 06/17/2013