Monday, October 12, 2009  I have been asked several questions about the upcoming auction at Venetian Bay, here are the questions and answers. All the advertising for the upcoming auction at Venetian Bay states that 10 of the units are Absolute Auctions, what does that mean? That means the unit will be sold to the highest bidder if the auctioneer accepts a starting bid. If the builder does not like the bids that are being offered, he does not have to accept the bids and does not have to sell the unit. Can I pre register for the auction? Yes, you can just send me an E-mail and I will pre register you. Can I bid online? Yes, you can bid online, by phone, or I can bid for you. I will be happy to be on the phone with you or you can send me a text message. Do I have to put down a deposit? Yes... 10/12/2009

Saturday, October 10, 2009  There has been a large response to the Villas at Savannah Point, and I have decided to offer a free timeshare to the first accepted offer after closing if you write the contract with me. The timeshare is with Wyndham Vacation Resorts and is 105,000 points, valued at over $8000. The timeshare will be deeded to you after closing and will be yours for life to use each year starting in 2010. Please visit their website to learn more about the resorts.https://www.wyndhamvacationresorts.com/ffr/resort/search.doVisit one of my websites at http://selldaytona.com/ or http://www.venetianbay.org/ 10/10/2009

Saturday, October 10, 2009  The Auction is just 2 weeks away, there have been 5 contracts written on the purchase of townhomes and condos since the pre-auction started. This enables buyers to lock in the price and take that unit off the market before the auction begins. It is a win win for both the buy and the builder.If you are looking to join in on the auction make sure you preregister with me by sending me an E-mail. You will also need a cashiers check payable to yourself for $10,000 on the day of the auction.Visit one of my websites at http://selldaytona.com/ or http://www.venetianbay.org/ 10/10/2009

Thursday, October 8, 2009  The Auction is just over 2 weeks away, and there is a lot of excitement surrounding the condos and townhomes. All of these units pay a monthly maintenance fee plus the Venetian Bay yearly fee of $800.The opening bid price for the townhomes have been set at $115,000 plus 10% for the auctioneer ($126,500). These townhomes originally sold for $260,000 and $270,000, and most recently listed at $172,500 and $178,500 depending on the features. The two best units are # 62 which has granite counters and tile floors, and # 57 which is an end unit. The monthly fee is $125.The opening bid price for the 2 bd/2ba condos has also been set at $115,000 plus 10% for the auctioneer. These units originally sold for between $279,900 to $340,000, and most recently listed between $... 10/08/2009

Wednesday, October 7, 2009  As you know from my previous post, some of the townhomes and condos will be auctioned off on Oct 24, but that's not the best deal in Venetian Bay. The viilas in Savannah Point built by the now bankrupted Tiffanny Homes are. These villas sold for over $400,000 two years ago and now you can get a two story for $189,900 and a single story for $169,900. The single story villa is 1982 sq ft of living area with a total area of 2753. It is a 3 bd, 2 ba, 2 car garage with a courtyard.The two story villas are 2246 and 2445 sq ft of living area and 3293 and 3278 sq ft of total area. they are 3 bd, 2 1/2 ba with a den and a 2 car garage and a courtyard.All of the villas have granite countertops, these are most assuredly luxury units with maintenance free living. The $20... 10/07/2009

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty and Worldwide Auction Realty Services will be auctioning off 28 condos and 13 townhomes in Venetian Bay, 10 of them to be sold absolute. The auction will be held Saturday, October 24 @ 10AM. A pre- launch event was held for the current owners on Wednesday the 16th, where the auction was explained. The goal is to sell out all the remaining units. This is a great opportunity and maybe the last chance to own a new luxury condo or townhome in the premiere golf community in central Florida. Please contact me if you want more information or if you would like me to represent you at the auction. I will post another entry when I find out the starting bid prices. If you are looking to join in on the auction make sure you preregister with me by sending me an... 09/21/2009

The "Obama Loan" as many now call it, is actually part of the Making Home Affordable Program that was introduced a few months ago. Passionately Introduced to an awaiting public, the plan has not lived up to its lofty expectations. Far fewer people have received relief than the founders of the initiative had hoped. At the core of its problematic implementation is the lack of incentive for banks to participate.    Foreclosures continue to pile up and Congress is threatening new reform acts to stimulate participation in loan modification programs. Some interesting feedback from a national news service demonstrates how a well intentioned program can have unintended consequences. Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, a well respected Reporter for CNBC, details how government intervention is not always a ... 08/23/2009

One Day Home Sale!  3577 Grande Tuscany Way Venetian Bay - New Smyrna Beach Saturday August 15, Noon - 2PM Tour this breathtaking home in the prestigious Tuscany Reserve Gated Community in Venetian Bay. This 4688 sq. ft., 5 bedroom ,4 bath custom built home features an enclosed heated pool and spa, bonus room with wet bar, state of the art kitchen with Viking stainless appliances, two spacious balconies and many other upgrades.  Simply one of the finest custom homes available in the area. 08/14/2009

Luna Bell Ristorante   The new Italian restaurant in Venetian Bay will be called Luna Bell Ristorante, and will feature a menu with a unique blend of Italian and International fare. Chef Marko and Chef Jacob will be serving up lunch and dinner to their patrons who will enjoy indoor seating or Al Fresco dining on the lake terrace. The restaurant will also have a full service bar. We are all looking forward to the grand opening scheduled for November 1st.Visit one of my websites at http://selldaytona.com/ or http://www.venetianbay.org/ 06/02/2009

     Buy or Sell New Smyrna Beach Real Estate. Work with Lisa Hill, "THE SMART CHOICE!" This photo is for my (almost) Speechless Sunday blog  =)   This guy's a hungry little fellow. Isn't it adorable with the berries on the end of his (or her) beak? It had just rained and I found all kinds of critters this day.   This photo was taken in beautiful Venetian Bay, in New Smyrna Beach FL. If you're interested in buying or selling real estate in New Smyrna Beach, or specifically in Venetian Bay, or even anywhere in east Volusia county, make a Smart Choice and contact Lisa Hill for all your real estate needs.   For information on buying or selling real estate in New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, or anywhere in east Volusia county, just visit my web site at ww.LisaHillRealtor.com. I have experience... 05/31/2009

I am out at an open house in Venetian Bay, located in New Smryna Beach FL, just south of Daytona Beach. It is a beautiful community with several neighborhoods in one giant subdivision. 2 Of my listings are in the Tuscany Reserve, which is the exclusive gated section of Venetian Bay. Breathtaking homes at fantastic prices, far below the prices from the height of the market. 4-5 bedroom homes ranging from $399,000- to just under $1 million, with incredible upgrade packages. 2600 sq ft to 4600 sq ft. The diverse interior of these fabulous homes make it likely one of these homes will captivate almost any buyer. For more information, visit the featured property section of my website. Featured Properties  05/31/2009

When on Monday we placed a $202 display ad in the Pennysaver, it was raining hard in Central Florida. But we knew that rain does not usually runs for more than a few hours, and we had a week until the Open House. When on Wednesday we ordered signs at a tune of $75, it was still raining in Central Florida, but on TV they were saying that Saturday will be only 40% chance late in the afternoon. When on Friday Jen showd up with her car full of decorations to stage this beautiful empty house, it was still raining dogs and cats, but the forecasters were promising on Saturday only 50% chance of rain, and, of course, late in the afternoon. It was already not easy to get home after Jen was done with setting the things her and only her way. A major road was under water, and we navigated local str... 05/24/2009

Italian restaurant coming soon. The new eatery is scheduled to open November 1st. It will be located in the Town Center on the lake side. The Venetian Bay residents have been looking forward to having a real restaurant in our community for two years. With the economy looking brighter, I believe the timing of this restaurant could not be better. I know it will be supported by all the Venetian Bay residents and the surrounding communities as well. The key to success will be the prices on the menu, if they are reasonable, the restaurant will enjoy repeat costumers.Visit one of my websites at http://selldaytona.com/ or http://www.venetianbay.org/ 05/18/2009

There are currently 9 homes on the short sale/foreclosure market in Venetian Bay. The listing price ranges from $165,000 to $300,000. There have been 8 short sale/foreclosures closed in the past year, the final sales price range from $216,500 to $340,000, all of them sold for within $15,000 of the list price. There are 2 homes that are under contract, their list price are $229,000 and $265,000. The inventory is starting to drop, and sales are on the rise, with the low interest rates and the great prices now is the time to buy. If you ahve been waiting for the bottom, your wait is over, contact me to show any of these homes.Visit one of my websites at http://selldaytona.com/ or http://www.venetianbay.org/ 05/04/2009

Today is the Big Day for the Brokers Open for my featured listing for April. I will be hosting a Wine and Cheese social along with 3 of my business partners  Thursday April 2 from 4-6 pm in Venetian Bay. This custom built home is listed at $995,000 and must be seen to be fully appreciated. I hope that you will take the opportunity to see one of the finest homes available in our area. We will be giving away a $50 gift certificate to Stonewood Restaurant to one of our lucky guests. You must be present to win.  Join us at 3577 Grande Tuscany Way, New Smyrna Beach FL 32168 in the Tuscany Reserve Gated section. Visit My Website 04/02/2009

I would like to invite you to a Brokers Open on Thursday April 2 from 4-6pm. The location is at 3577 Grande Tuscany Way, New Smyrna Beach FL 32168. This is an open house for a home on the market in the Tuscany Reserve in Venetian Bay. Everyone is welcome to this Wine and cheese affair. There will be a drawing for a $50 gift certificate to the Stonewood Restaurant, and a tour of an incredible 4600 square foot custom home are all part of a great afternoon event. Please contact me for more details if you are interested. 03/31/2009

Why should you use a Realtor when you are buying from a builder?Many new home buyers are unaware they should have a Realtor on their side when they purchase a new home. Just like with the purchase of a resale home, your Realtor (buyer's agent) will represent you during your transaction. The builder or their sales person is representing the builder's interest not yours. When you have me as your Realtor, I am your agent, and I will look out for your best interest.Who pays your Realtor in a new construction purchase?The best thing about working with me is that it cost you nothing. Using my services in your purchase will not increase the price that you pay for your new home. To ensure you get the best price, I will use statistics from recent sales in our area to help you determine the right... 02/15/2009

If you bought a home in 2008, the previous owner may owe you money. The previous owner is responsible for the taxes for the time they owned the home. The closing agent estimated the amount the taxes would be and collected their share and credited it to you at the closing. If the estimate was low, you are owed money, this is very likely if you bought a new construction home because the tax was figured on the land value only.Here is how it works:1. find out what your tax bill is, not the discount rate paid in November but the full rate.2. figure out how long they owned the property.3. check the HUD statement you received at closing and see how much they paid for property tax.4. do the math.5. collect your money.6. if you don't understand or can not find the information, check with your R... 02/06/2009

  It a new year, and we are looking forward to some big changes here in Venetian Bay. We hope to break ground on the new supermarket, and open a restaurant, and sports bar this year in the Town Center. Now is a great time to plan your move to Venetian Bay, the prices for both purchases and rentals are at an all time low, and the future looks bright for them to rise. Visit one of my websites at http://selldaytona.com/ or http://www.venetianbay.org/ 01/28/2009

Our friends, Jeff and Frances have compiled a list of courses for you to walk, run or bike. All distances were obtained using a Garmin 405 handheld GPS unit. Distances are accurate within 15 feet. The courses will appear here in my blog and will also be posted on my website VenetianBay.org TOWN CENTER LAKE LOOP - 1.03 MilesFrom Snap Fitness take a right on Luna Bella Lane to Airport Road. Turn right on the sidewalk along the lake to Casello Road. Turn right on Casello back to Luna Bella to Snap Fitness Center. SAVANNAH POINT LOOP - 1.90 Miles.From Snap Fitness go left on Luna Bella lane to the clock tower, and go right. Proceed along the fountains to Gallia Road, then go left taking the sidewalk along the tree line to the entrance of Savannah Point. Take Torre Road around Savannah Point... 01/28/2009