Mutt Strutt 5K  On The Beach2016 - April 2ndThe Halifax Humane Society Presents 6th Annual "Mutt Strutt 5K on the Beach" on April 2, 2016 9AM  Event Location:  Daytona Beach BandshellEvent Schedule:  Registration at the Bandshell 4/2/2016 8:00AM - 9:00AMDate/Time: 6th Annual Mutt Strutt 5K 4/2/2016 9-12:00PMRegistration Fee:  $25.00 More Info: The Halifax Humane Society's Annual Mutt Strutt 5KHalifax Humane Society Mutt Strutt 5KVisit the Halifax Humane Society Website and learn more about the wonderful programs and services that this great organization provides for the community and our pets. Sign up for their newsletter, donate, adopt a pet.Halifax Humane Society Website Halifax Humane Society2364 W. LPGA BoulevardDaytona Beach, FL. 32127386-274-4703     03/07/2016

Waterfront Homes in the Greater Daytona Beach - Ormond Beach - Ponce Inlet - Port Orange Area are always in great demand and most are located directly on the Halifax River, Tomoka River, and Spruce Creek.  If priced correctly, these desirable waterfront properties sell very quickly.  No big surprise here, because nothing quite compares to living on the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway.  The tranquility of life along the river is beyond compare. Anyone who has lived directly on the river knows this and understands the peace and serenity that a waterfront lifestyle offers.  Spectacular sunsets.... wildlife... nature puts on a show every day... just the perfect location...Jump in your boat for an early evening cruise after dinner or a family outing anytime. No need to put up with the hassle... 03/04/2016

 Intracoastal Waterway in beautiful Daytona BeachLuxurious Riverfront Living Absolutely Incredible ViewsPrivate Marina for BoatersWalk to Shops, Dining, Parks  Luxurious Riverfront Living - Daytona BeachLiving in luxury with Absolutely Incredible Views of the Intracoastal Waterway Located in the Heart of Daytona Beach - Walk to Shops, Casual & Fine DiningViews! Sunsets! Dolphin Shows Daily! "Front Row Seats to the Best Show in Town!"View the Tour: 734 Marina Point Drive Daytona Beach FL 32114This is a Premier Condominium Residence 24-Hr Guard House & Gated Exclusive Community with their own Private Marina in a beautiful Island Setting. The Marina Point complex has a Mediterranean feel, and this unit is located in the end building at the tip, with the best views. Two ''2'' underground se... 02/24/2016

Daytona Beach median home values are climbing. Millions are being spent revitalizing the city and its attractions. But the area is still a great place for vacationers, snow birds and investors to find beachfront homes and condos at bargain prices! In fact, it's such a good place to find a fabulous beach deal that HGTV's Beachfront Bargain Hunt show paid us a visit on Feb. 21 when the new season premiered on the cable network. The episode, titled "Destination Daytona Beach," first aired at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21. Watch as Ron Wysocarski, CEO of The Wyse Home Team at Keller Williams Realty in Port Orange and owner of beach property search site RonSellsTheBeach.com, helps a Kentucky couple find their dream vacation home. Ron spends his days helping local and out of state clients find... 02/23/2016

 Joyce Marsh, Luxury Real Estate Specialist is pleased to announce the sale of The Aliki Tower #03 in Daytona Beach FL for $1,200,000Joyce Marsh, Broker Associate negotiated the sale which closed in January, 2016.The 3 bedroom, 3 bath luxury oceanfront condominium was one of the highest condominium sales in the Volusia County - Daytona Beach Area in recent years.This gorgeous condominium unit was completely renovated and designed and decorated in a modern style with the highest quality materials and finishes.  Jaw dropping views and spectacular interiors along with a fabulous location on the world's most famous beach. Joyce Marsh, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, specializes in the sale of luxury homes, condominiums, and mansions in the Central Florida and The Beach areas on ... 02/13/2016

I get this question a lot. To tell you the truth, I do not know. Or, better say, it depends.It depends on how you plan to use it yourself, it depends on your expectations of rental income, future resale value, opportunity to manage yourself or the opposite, i.e. minimum headache, financial stability… whatever.And, of course, the priceWe all want the least expensive and at the same time the most profitable, the nicest, the safest…I get it, I get it, I get it… But in real world it does not work this way. In real world you get what you paid for.So, if you prefer the best, than there is an option on my site, where you can specify to see the condo-hotel units on the market, 127 of them as of today, ranged from high price to low. Remember, you get what you paid for. And if you want the least ... 02/08/2016

For several years we do not see cranes. We are sort of tired of not seeing the cranes. I know, it sounds crazy, but this is how many of us feel.Yes, there are talks about cranes coming to the Beachside in droves, several projects were announced and were supposed to be completed in February 2016, but they have not even started… Like Hard Rock Hotel and Café, 2 luxury hotel towers by Protogroup…And there are rumors of couple of condo projects… We know that Dimucci is working with the city and we expect to see the cranes relatively soon…And yet another project, a 12-story oceanfront condo on the beach, is announced. There is a real estate company, that handles the pre-construction sale, there is a nice brochure, and I happened to see all the promotional materials in their office…The market... 01/24/2016

Couple of days ago I wrote about my Russian client, who was hit hard when the ruble plummeted, successfully slashing the value of his holdings in half.Well, that is sort of personal story as well, as going with the development here was a dream… and now nobody knows what would happen. Most probably when our market would go crazy, my client would sell his land and forget great plans.But there is a much bigger story in Daytona, in which I personally am not involved, but which has a profound effect on Daytona.Couple of years ago, when everybody thought that we were out of the slum, a few major projects were announced. Nearly a billion-dollar project One Daytona by NASCAR, Hard Rock Hotel and Café, Westin 4-star hotel, and 2 high-rise towers by Protogroup, a company from Russia.“The project ... 01/15/2016

Note: I have posted about overal condo-hotel market in Daytona Beach Area. Here is the link to the blog post. It gives some idea of what I believe are today's trends.-------------------------------------------------Finally The Plaza Resort & Spa is showing signs of life. There are only 18 units for sale in The Plaza Resort & Spa as of January 9. It is a far cry from 37 units for sale in September 2015, or 40 units in March of 2015.Prices are still unreasonably low starting from $42,500 for a city view studio. But at least there are no units in the $20s. Still, there are 4 units for under $50K, which for the Plaza Resort & Spa is very low. Lowest direct oceanfront unit is $65K, nothing short of a steal…If everything in life has a reason (we like to believe there is), what is it? Has The ... 01/09/2016

Condo-Hotel Market in Daytona Beach Area. 2016 Outlook.Before going into specifics and details, let’s have a glimpse at the overall market in Florida. I visited St. Petersburg, Treasure Island, Clearwater 2 months ago and was surprised to see quite a few cranes. Prices are going up, seems like their market is warming up.2 articles last month mentioned Miami as a place with real estate bubble…And Daytona Beach area market, while behind, is exhibiting some interesting signs. Seems like inventory is not increasing even though winter is the seasonally our slowest time. And prices for residential condos are holding up. Usually by this time of the year they are the lowest.Here is what we noticed in years of watching the market. Condos are the first to start showing the increase in prices. The... 01/07/2016

Baby Boomers Embracing the trend of "Aging in Place" and Planning AheadBaby Boomer Customers are embracing the next phase of life, and considering remodeling their homes to support a more independent lifestyle as they age, or will be searching for a new home with the features they need that will allow them the convenience and amenities for a more independent lifestyle.Some of these features include: Accessibility Ramps Lighting Accessible Bathrooms Wider Doorways Maintenance Free Living Stair Lifts Elevators Remodeling to add a Master Bedroom on the 1st Floor Touch controlled lamps Motion lights in Foyers, Hallways, and Bathrooms Curbless, Walk-In Showers Lower level storage Switches that are reachable from a seated position Stability bars Slip-resistant flooring Remove transitions in f... 01/02/2016

Christmas in Daytona is not snowy, and is highly unlikely to ever be snowy. Our white sand is a substitute for snow, and that’s what we have.Anyway, this doesn’t affect our Holiday spirit. Not a bit. The feel of the Holiday is in the air, which is 81F. It is in the waters of the Atlantic, which are much cooler now at 67F, freezing cold for the locals, but wonderful for vacationers, who do not know that it is cold and enjoy the extended vacation season this year.We went for a walk on the beach earlier than we usually do. Usually we walk later in the day. No because we like to walk when it is dark, it is simply difficult to do when the days are short, but the workload is the same, and you don't even notice that it is getting late, and you walk half of the way in the fading light, and then... 12/26/2015

Are you considering making a move to the Daytona Beach Area?  We have set up a special website where you can search for your new home, condo, or townhome.  All price ranges - All of the properties listed are currently available and ACTIVE IN THE DAYTONA BEACH MLS.  The website covers the entire Greater Daytona Beach Area including Ormond Beach, Ponce Inlet, Port Orange, Daytona Beach Shores.  Only homes that are Active in the MLS will be shown on our website: SEARCH FOR YOUR NEW DAYTONA BEACH HOME HERE             Joyce Marsh, Broker AssociateIllustrated Properties Real EstateServing the Entire Greater Daytona Beach Area386-299-8291JoyceMarshHomes@gmail.comwww.JoyceMarshHomes.com   12/13/2015

DECEMBER 2015 EVENTS AT THE MUSEUMThe Museum of Arts and Sciences, Daytona Beach Florida          CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS - FLORIDA STYLEDECEMBER 9, 2015 - 6:30pm to 9:30pmA night of holiday cheer, Florida way...Take a photo withsurfing Santa, special Holiay Laser Show in the Planetarium,decorate cookies, create a holiday ornament.  There will evenbe a "ugly" sweater contest.  Tickets are $15 per person HOLIDAYS UNDER THE STARSDECEMBER 10, 2015 - 6:00pm to 9:30pmHoliday themed planetarium laser show with special music and Holiday songs.  Telescopes will be set up for night sky gazing.Tickets are $10.00 for adults - $6.00 childrenMembers $5.00 for adults - Children Free LASER ROCK CONCERTDECEMBER 12, 2015 - 7:00PM TO 9:45 PM$5.00 FOR 1 SHOW OR $7.00 FOR 2 SHOWS      12/05/2015

I received an email. Harry was thinking about buying a condo on the ocean with a good view. He will not live there, but rather come time from time, and would love to rent it when he is not in Daytona.He is looking for something inexpensive, he will pay cash, and he does not plan to rent.And while responding to this email sounds easy, it is really not. It is because “inexpensive” usually means condo-hotels, but if you buy a condo-hotel, and not rent it out when you are not using it, it is like buying a plane, and never fly it.Let’s take a closer look.There are two types of condos: Condo-Hotels and Residential Condos.Condo-HotelsPros: They are cheap; Association fee is all-inclusive (electric, water, cable, etc); They are on the beach; They rent on daily basis like hotels; They are suppos... 12/02/2015

Daytona Beach Club is an oceanfront condo-hotel 2 blocks north of Plaza Resort & Spa, 5 blocks fro Ocean Walk Village with shops, restaurants, movie theatre… Walking distance to main Street, Boardwalk, waterpark, all the buzz of the heart of Daytona beachside…117 unit condo-hotel was built in 1970. They lost the Front Desk operation after the management company, running rentals, could not survive in the falling market and had to leave. Nobody came to replace, and this is a condo-hotel without the operating front desk.But this is Daytona Beach, and the city either does not have the same rules as its southern neighbor Daytona Beach Shores, or never enforced it. In Daytona Beach Shores the City requires that condo-hotels maintain the Front Desk.Loose regulation/enforcement may be good and ... 12/02/2015

Ocean Walk is by far the nicest condo-hotel in the area. So nicea, that they do not even consier themselves a condo-hotel, and proudly call themselves condos. Which is fine with me, you can call me a pot for as long as you do not stick me into the oven...But remember  that if you quack and all that? So for me a resort with the Front Desk operation and minimum one day rental sounds like a duck condo-hotel.It is the newest condo-hotel - OK, OK - condo, built in 2001 and 2004 (there are two towers). The great part about them is that they were not conversions, meaning that they were first hotels, and then converted to condos. These were built exactly the way they are used now. Excellent resort, the best in the area, comparable to Disney resorts, best amenities and features...But even if you... 12/01/2015

It is middle of November and quite time to revisit Fountain Beach Resort. I was always fond of trying to find indirect indicators of the market condition for a property and wider local market, and I believe one of them is the ratio of units for sale to the total number of units (when talking about condos and condo-hotels).I remember reading that 7% is this “healthy” number. For years watching condos in the area I use it and so far it gives you a pretty good idea of the market. If one condo-hotel has 15% and another has 4% of their units for sale, you can safely assume that the one with 4% is in better shape than the other.Of course, nothing is absolute, and a little fluctuations happen, but still when the numbers are drastically high or higher than 7% while others are at 7% or lower, th... 11/14/2015

  The BEST Dog Parks in Daytona Beach and Surrounding Areas     Manatee Island Dog Park - Daytona BeachOne acre dog park on Manatee Island near downtown Daytona Beach.  Offers separate areas for large and small dogs.  Tree shaded area with benches, restrooms, water, and clean-up bags. Riviera Dog Park, Holly HillBenches, clean up bags, small and large dog areas, drinking water area Alabama Avenue, Holly Hill, FL Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park, Ormond BeachVolusia County operated 4 acre dog park at Bicentennial Park.  The dog park includesseparate areasfor large and small dog, watering stations, benches, and shade trees.  1800 N. Oceanshore Blvd, Ormond Beach FL Smyrna Dunes Park - Pet Friendly Beach2295 North Peninsula Drive, New Smyrna Beach Open sunrise to sunset New Smyrna Beach's ... 11/13/2015

Every year at about this time we Floridians look forward to the Return of the "SnowBirds!" Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes..... Jimmy Buffett   After all, As Jimmy Buffet says," the lower the latitude, the better the attitude"... and they seem to like our Florida attitude...cause they keep coming back...  They [those Snowbirds] come from most of the Northern states to all parts of Florida to escape the cold weather, icy roads, snow, plummeting temperatures, and blizzards to come.They don't want to shovel snow, scrape windows, or spread salt on their walkways and driveways.Instead they want to be out boating, fishing, golfing, staring at blue skies, and walking on the beach. Playing tennis, biking, Kayaking, gazing at the palm trees or watching all the beautiful birds that als... 11/10/2015