JasonKoivu.com

The major life blood of the Space Coast is pumping forward and on schedule for the next space shuttle launch. Kennedy Space Center is currently on all systems go for a 4:39 AM launch of the space shuttle endeavour. Weather could pose to be a problem so it will be watched as always but there is a 80% probability that the shuttle will launch on schedule.

The space shuttle’s mission is to visit the international space station and deliver a third connecting module, the Italian-built Tranquility node and the seven window cupola that will be used for robotics on the space station. For updates on the launch or the mission, you can click the Local Info links under my picture to Kennedy Space Center and visit the countdown clock as well as get mission statistics.

STS-130 – Let’s all hope its a GO!!!

Cute home in Titusville looking for you. The home is located on 4475 Alpine Lane and it is just North of Highway 50 opposite of Sisson. The home is not a short sale and could close quickly. First time buyers will still have time to qualify for the tax credit. The home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage. The home has 1183 living square feet and 1750 total square feet. The backyard is fenced and the home includes all the appliances. It was built in 2004 and all it needs is you. You can get more information from the Brevard MLS using ID#546620. $99,999 – check it out for yourself and see this great buy.

The year has started out stronger in Brevard County, Florida. Obviously this is the start of the year and one month can be a simple blip. Hopefully these trends will start and continue throughout the year.

*New Listings are down from January 2009-(12.71%)

*Sold Listings are flat from January 2009- +.42%

*Volume Sold is up from January 2009- +8.45%

*Average Sale Price is up from January 2009- +8.01%

Listings are down from the previous year and transactions and average sales price are up from the previous year. It is the beginning to a new year that could be exciting. Here is what is selling in Brevard County, Florida in average sales price:

$0-$49,999 – 78 units sold (16.2%)

$50K-$99,999 – 121 units sold (25.1%)

$100K-$159,999 – 116 units sold (24.0%)

$160K-$199,999 – 52 units sold (10.8%)

$200K-$249,999 – 40 units sold (8.3%)

$250K-$299,999 – 26 units sold (5.4%)

$300K-$399,999 – 26 units sold (5.4%)

$400K-$499,999 – 10 units sold (2.1%)

$500K+ – 14 units sold (2.9%)

49% of all homes sold in Brevard County were priced between $50,000 and $160,000. This is likely a result of many first time homebuyers in the market as well as homes that are in depressed prices in foreclosure and short sale situations.

Great split plan condo in a very well kept pool community which is within walking distance of grocery stores, Wal-Mart and other shopping and restaurants. The community has close access to US 1, 524 and 528 so you can quickly commute to Orlando or cross the river to the beaches. The front screened porch is a great place for your morning coffee yet kept private with a privacy fence all around. The home has a vaulted ceiling in living/dining room with a skylight and all the appliances are included. The home also has a new roof. Association fees cover all of the exterior needs so this is a great winter home for snow birds or can be used as a rental. Check out Brevard MLS ID# 559911. Located in Cocoa, Florida. $84,900.

A beautifully kept home with 3 bedrooms plus office/den, updated paint and decor. Solid counter tops, pantry, open floor plan, garden tub with seperate shower, formal living and dining areas, laundry room and large screened in patio. One of the largest lots in the community so there is plenty of room for more privacy. Water treatment system and an alarm system. The home is listed for $169,000. Check out Brevard MLS ID#546305.

This waterfront home in Cocoa Beach, Florida is a rare opportunity. This wonderful split plan 4 bedroom 3 bath home in desirable Snug Harbor Estates features endless direct river views and gorgeous sunsets. Water depth of 8 feet at the dock will accommodate large vessels. This waterfront home sits on over 1/3 acre lot and features approximately 100 feet of water frontage, a rare private boat ramp, a newer dock and large patio area for entertaining. Seller motivated. The home is located at 30 West Point Drive in Cocoa Beach. The Brevard MLS listing ID# 542376

3209 Wyndham Way in Viera on Duran Golf Course. Elegant custom built home. You will be impressed the moment you enter this 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home w/ 4655 sq. ft. Impressive features and quality of construction. Beautiful patio area w/ sparkling pool, spa with fire place on remote and summer kitchen. Surround sound and intercom system in various locations. Kitchen built for a chef with built in cappuccino maker, steamer & microwave. Motorized drawers, Butler’s pantry and vegetable sink. 8 ft. doors and 11 ft. ceilings throughout. Central vac system, custom closets and library are additional key features in the home. For more information you can check out Brevard MLS# 541826.

Don’t miss out on this beautiful furnished Bungalow with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It is perfect for first time buyers, vacationers or just anyone wanting a very clean, updated home in a quite peaceful neighborhood. The garden with a gigantic shade tree and screened in porch is a perfect setting to relax in, watch the shuttle launches or take a short ride to the beach or Orlando to visit all the sites. 816 living square feet but 1,500 total and fully furnished. All offers will be considered. $59,900 and Brevard MLS listing ID #499101.

This bank owned property shouldn’t be on the market long. Located in Diana Shores of Merritt Island, this 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is in great shape for a foreclosed property. It has 1,508 square feet of living space, tile and laminate floors throughout and spacious living areas make this home an easy sell. It is currently on the market for $124,900 and it is listed in the Brevard MLS system under ID#553528.

The Florida condo market has been in a slump lately; mostly because the units are difficult to finance and require larger down payments than any other purchase. Well good news is on the horizon thanks to changes in some Fannie Mae policies.

Fannie Mae announced on January 7, 2010 that it is taking a comprehensive review of hundreds of condominium projects in the state of Florida in an effort to allow additional projects to become Fannie Mae eligible through a new “Special Approval” designation. Prior to this announcement, there were only three or four condominium projects that were approved for Fannie Mae financing within Brevard County. Some lenders were able to get individual units approved but it would take a lot of paperwork and research to make that happen.

There are six in state professionals that are going to take an in depth examination of hundreds of condominium projects to review home ownership, financial stability, occupancy, project condition and association dues. After projects pass the new criteria, they will earn this “Special Approval” and lenders will be able to originate and deliver mortgage loans secured by units in these projects. This special approval will streamline the loan process for many available condo units on the market and open up selling opportunities across Brevard County.

The Special Approval designation are effective for periods between 9 and 18 months and lenders are required to confirm the project’s approval on the date of loan application. This initiative is only intended for existing projects and not new condominium developments that are currently under construction.