Are Buyers Looking at Homes Now?

Are Buyers Searching for Homes?

Buyers are in the market looking at homes.  COVID-19 may have slowed things down for a short time, but showings are on the rise.  As you will see in this graphic by Showingtime, showings in the Florida markets are still on the rise.

Searching for homes in the Daytona Beach area is on the rise and we are seeing many properties sell in multiple offer situations.  What does that mean?  For sellers, it means that if they have the correct pricing strategy that meets the conditions of the home, it should sell in relatively short time. If you're a buyer, now is the time for diligence to stay on top of properties that are coming onto the market. Inventory is relatively low, so our opinion is that if there were more properties on the market at this time, there would be even more showings, because interest rates are incredibly low as well.

If you're searching homes or condos for sale in the Daytona Beach Shores area, contact Mark Card 

Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate Showings  in Florida 

Finding a home in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is the best place to Call Home

Are you searching for homes in Daytona Beach? Daytona Beach is a wonderful place to move if you're looking to find sunshine and live at one of the best beaches in the world.  As a matter of fact, Daytona Beach is known as The World's Most Famous Beach. This beach boasts beach driving and has many events that residents love to attend, often for free.

Events like Daytona Beach Bike Week and The Turkey Rod Run have been around for decades and bring many to town to enjoy the sites.  But Daytona Beach is also known for hosting national cheer competitions, the national Shriner's convention and brings many entertainers at the Peabody Auditorium.  The World's Most Famous Beach has the iconic Daytona Beach Pier that currently is home to Joe's Crab Shack.  This is located just south of the Daytona Beach Hilton and is steps from the Ocean Center.  While much of the beach in the area allows for beach driving, this particular area is a drive-free beach.  It is also the general area of the Ocean Deck as well as Starbucks.  If you're a person that enjoys hearing live music, you'll find all types along the Main Street area.  The Pallet Pub is located on Main and often hosts events that allow you to create art while sipping your favorites libation.

Daytona Beach has many condos that are right on the beach.   There are also several condos that are on the River in the area.  And if you're searching for Daytona Beach homes in gated communities, you'll find everything you're looking for right at our website.

The Mark Card Team has over 40 years of combined experience and loves living in the area.  If you're looking to make a move to the Daytona Beach area, give Mark and Jennifer Card a call.  Helping to bring buyers and sellers together, while saving money for clients is second nature to this team.  Call us at 386-566-8091.

Margarita Ball Daytona Beach

Margarita Ball 2019

The 2019 Margarita Ball is tomorrow, November 22nd at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.  This annual event is in its 33rd year and is sure to be a showstopper. This charity event is invitation only and is held to collect toys for needy children in the Volusia County area. 

Each year, roughly 20 charities are selected to receive toys to distribute to families that need a hand up to make Christmas bright for their children.  Our goal this year is to collect 5,000 toys so our guest will come loaded down with unwrapped presents at the Ball.

Mark and Jennifer Card are one of the 25 couples that serve on the Margarita Society of Volusia County Board of Directors.

The Margarita Society is committed to children in the community and will be helping the following charities for 2019.

#margaritaball2019

Dorian in Daytona Ends

Hurricane Dorian in Daytona Ends

As the day ended in Daytona Beach, residents of the area are experiencing an incredible sunset.  Traveling westbound on the International Speedway bridge gave us this fabulous view as we ended our day cleaning up after the storm. 

Daytona Beach Mark Card Team

If you've dreamed of buying a condo in Daytona Beach homes in Gated Communities or a Daytona Beach Oceanfront Condo, feel free to contact us.  Mark Card and Jennifer Card of Realty Pros Assured can be contacted directly at 386-566-8091. 

GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN!

Enjoy the sun and blue skies before 

Dorian Arrives in the 

Daytona Area 

Daytona Beach Shores is incredible today.  The surf is rough, it's certainly higher than normal and they've closed beach driving for the duration of the storm.  Get out!  Enjoy what this Daytona Day has given us. Can you take a walk or your bike ride?  How about a float in the pool? As we wait for Dorian, we hope you are enjoying your Day.

 #daytonadorian #daytonabeachshores #homeforthehurricane

The Home of tomorrow

The Home of Tomorrow

The future is now for homeowners, as more and more people are looking to smart devices to improve their everyday living. From thermostats, to fire and carbon monoxide detectors, technology and automation is getting more sophisticated. What’s the current state of smart technology, and where is it going? Here are a few new devices that can make your home a touch smarter.

• 

     Laundry folding robot—The Laundroid from Seven Dreamers uses AI to sort and fold your clothes. Place clothes into a drawer at the bottom of the machine, and watch as it folds your wardrobe, along with being able to separate clothes for each family member.
• Smart refrigerator—LG’s InstaView ThinQ has a touchscreen on the front of the fridge that keeps track of what food or drink you put in and take out. When you’re running low on a certain item, it even reminds you that it’s time to restock.
• Interactive mirror—Kohler’s Vedera Voice Lighted Mirror has a built-in version of Amazon’s Alexa 
       voice assistant, so you can access important information while getting ready in the morning or preparing to go to bed.   
•   Intelligent security light—A floodlight with a two-way speaker and motion activated camera, Maximus is perfect for monitoring activity outside of your house. It detects movement up to 70 feet away and relays a message to your smartphone for instant alerts about potential visitors or trespassers.
• Smart plumbing—Flo is a smart plumbing monitoring system that can tell a homeowner not only about leaks, but also water pressure, temperature and flow rate 

  

For Help Buying or Selling Your Home 
Call Mark Card (386)-566-8091

Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Margaritaville Community 

The Jimmy Buffet-inspired 55+ community is coming soon! If you are ready to change your latitude and let your hair down, then this is the place for you. This place has the Jimmy Buffet outlook on life, and offers life in paradise. Sales for these homes will begin at the end of 2017. These homes will start from the low 200s. We are getting ready to launch this new community in a big way!

To get more information, click here.... Margaritaville. 

Common Home-Selling Mistakes

When our sellers come to us, we do all we can to ensure they do not make these mistakes. If you are looking at selling, we would love to help you. For more information check us out at markcardteam.com or at (386)566-8091.

Yards with Big Appeal

Lawn Staging

Not everyone has the lush and sprawling yard, and not everyone dreams of the big backyard. So don't count out the smaller outside areas. It can be even be easier to make smaller spaces more charming. There are tips that can make any outdoor space, from balcony to backyard, make a bigger statement.

1. Watch the scale- Decluttering is crucial for outdoor spaces, as it is the rest of the house. You do not want to overcrowd your space. The placement and size of plants is very important in smaller yard spaces. Make sure your trees or plants don't block the architectural features of your home. Also keep garden statues and ornaments to a minimum.
2. Set a focal point- Outdoor spaces often benefit from an attention-grabbing feature. These include a water fountain, outdoor fireplace, or just a restful nook in a compact garden. 
3. Outdoor reflections- A trick borrowed from interior designers, hang an outdoor-friendly mirror on an exterior wall to reflect light and make spaces feel more open. Be mindful of what you are reflecting, make it greenery, not a bare wall.
4. Go for the vertical- Taller plants can add height to areas. A spiral topiary by a front door can accentuate the space. For height, prune your plants to grow vertically, rather than out. Also, vertical wall planters can add to the space and plant height; consider using containers of ornamental grasses. 

Outdoor spaces can be a great selling point to a home, and no matter the size you can make it feel more charming. Adding a appeal to your yard can take just a few steps. 

For more home tips check out more of our blog or out website, MarkCardTeam.com.  

Keeping your Air Conditioner in Prime Shape

Air Conditioner Maintenance 

With warm weather upon us, it's important that homeowners and sellers make sure this feature is on full display and tuned up. It's also helpful for homeowners to make sure their units are properly maintained throughout the year.

Air Conditioner Checks:

• Inspect the unit to make sure it's in good working condition.
• The A/C must be leveled and free from obstruction
• Clean and/or replace your air filter
• Check your thermostat to make sure it’s working properly

For  more information or professional maintenance, check out our friends at Air Systems of Daytona. 

 We'd love to help you maintain your home and resell it. Check us out at markcardteam.com or at (386)566-8091.

Certified Residential Specialist

What is a CRS?

About our CRS Designation

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers and brokers. As Certified Residential Specialists, Mark and Jennifer work with the Council of Residential Specialists. The council provide its representatives with the tools, resources and strategies needed to help guide buyers and sellers through the residential sales process.

How do we earn the title Certified Residential Specialists?

In order to obtain the Certified Residential Specialist Designation, Mark and Jennifer were required to meet minim sales volume standard of $20 Million in order to demonstrate high levels of real estate sales, contract negotiations, successful marketing strategy and negotiations components. Only then, were they able to sit for the 48 advanced training course classes. 

Our Professional Affiliation:

• Member in good standing of the Council of Residential Specialists
• Member in good standing of the National Association of REALTORS®
• Member in good standing of the Florida Association of REALTORS®
• Member in good standing of the Seniors Real Estate Specialists
• Member in good standing of the At Home with Diversity Trained professionals
• Member in good standing with the ePro Real Estate Marketing Experts

Certified Residential Specialists are an elite group of residential sales agents, managers and brokers. As a husband/wife CRS team, we are part of an even smaller group. We have earned this title with our dedication and residential experience. Find out more about us on our website, www.markcardteam.com. Or contact us at (386)566-8091. 

Summer Security

Security Tips for Summer

Summer is a care-free time: School’s out, the weather’s nice and vacations are planned. But that easy-going attitude can leave your house vulnerable, especially if you’re leaving it unattended while you’re kicking back on vacation. You know the standard tricks—stop the mail, have a trusted neighbor on the lookout—but you don’t have to stop there.

Some other ways to keep a secure home are:

Go for a smart home. A smart home set-up allows you to control lights, appliances, thermostat and security systems from your smartphone. So with the tap of a button you can turn the lights on and off from anywhere. Products differ, but simple starter kits are often available starting at around $100.
Fake your TV. Rather than leave your TV on, fake it, and utilize a product that mimics the light made from a real HDTV, including mimicking scene changes, fades and on-screen motion. These small devices start at around $20
Install fake security cameras. A security camera can be a strong deterrent, but it is expensive. Fake ones, however, are quite cheap—they sell for as little as $10.
Get a sophisticated light timer. Plugging your lights into a timer is the age-old burglar deterrent, which means that determined burglars are wise to this trick. So make sure your timer either turns the lights on and off at random, or allows you to program separate times for each day of the week.
Activate a barking dog. Although a little more expensive, several products mimic the sound of a barking dog as someone approaches the home. Attached to a motion sensor, the “dog” will start barking if someone is near the home and get louder and more persistent as the person gets closer.

Summer is a great time to keep a safe home or even do some home tune ups. Our team would love to help you with your home. Check us out!

Your Return on Investment

ROI IS KING

Every smart homeowner knows that major—or even minor—remodeling projects should be undertaken with one eye on design and the other on the ROI. You want to be comfortable with whatever return on investment you receive for upgrading your home because, unfortunately, many upgrades won’t entirely recoup their cost upon sale. But the use you get out of the home with the upgrade might still make the construction worthwhile, regardless of the ultimate selling price. Here’s the top 10 remodeling projects that provide the best return on investment nationally.

1. Add fiberglass attic insulation- Cost recouped: 107.7%
2. Replace your entry door with a steel door- Cost recouped: 90.7%
3. Install a manufactured stone veneer (instead of vinyl siding)- Cost recouped: 89.4%
4. Complete a minor kitchen remodel (cost estimate includes new cabinet fronts and hardware, new energy-efficient appliances, laminate countertops, mid-priced sink and faucet, dingy floor replacement and wall paint)- Cost recouped: 80.2%
5. Replace the garage door- cost recouped: 76.9%
6. replace the siding- Cost recouped: 76.4%
7. Add a wood deck- Cost recouped: 71.5%
8. Add a two-story addition (cost estimate includes adding a family room, bedroom and bathroom)- Cost recouped: 71.1%
9. Finish the basement- Cost recouped: 70%
10. Add a family room- Cost recouped: 69.3%

When looking to sell our team is here to get you the best price, and your most return on investment. Check us out on markcardteam.com! 

Hard Rock in Daytona

Daytona Beach Hard Rock 

Daytona has been known for many things that have drawn in thousands of visitors annually. Hard Rock International is excited to bring their product to our area, and make it more known for music and meetings. They recently announced it is scheduled to open later this year.

This will be their fourth hotel in Florida. It is on a beachfront property, and will include 200 rooms and 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. This will be in the location of the former Desert Inn. 

Also included is new amenities, including a Rock spa, a Body Rock workout facility, kids club, and a beachfront pool. Additionally, they are introducing the “The Sound of Your Stay” music amenity program, which allows guests to set a mood with complimentary vinyl player and records or Fender guitars

Rendering by Hard Rock International

We are excited to continue to see our area grow. Our team wants to help our area develop. And if you are interested in being apart of this growth, check out some listings in our area. Contact us at (386)566-8091 for more information on these. 

Home Tune Ups

It's always a great time to do a quick tune up of your home.  It just takes a moment to make sure your home is humming along. Here’s a quick checklist of fixes to make now to save you time and money later.:

     Interior

Check seals around windows, doors and bath

 Drain your water heater 

Check and fix leaky faucets

 Replace your HVAC filters

Clean out your dryer vents

Replace batteries in smoke detectors

Make sure you have a working fire extinguisher

Vacuum refrigerator condenser coils

Exterior

Inspect the roof

Check driveway and walkways 

Clean the gutters

Wash the window exteriors and check screens for repairs

Inspect deck and patio for warped, molded or splintered boards

Trim bushes and trees, or any vegetation near an air conditioning unit in particular

 Remove leaves and other debris from lawn

Patch up your home’s paint job

Look for cracks or weak spots along the lower section of the exterior

At the Mark Card Team we can help you tune up your home for resell. We'd love to help you! Check us out at markcardteam.com

LPGA home for sale NOW SOLD!

LPGA

112 Berg, Daytona Beach, FL 32124 View Map

Own a piece of paradise on the 11th hole of the Champions Course at LPGA International. Not only will the new buyer enjoy spectacular views of the golf course, but will also love the privacy the cul de sac in the front of the home. Among the list of upgrades is VOLUME, TRAY-LIGHTED CEILINGS, gorgeous WOOD STAINED CABINETRY, CORIAN COUNTERTOPS, TILE and plush, neutral carpet. The GREAT ROOM has sliders that lead to the lanai and a bar that incorporate the kitchen and breakfast nook area. The MASTER SUITE is a true retreat, as it boosts a SITTING or OFFICE AREA that overlooks the golf course and a master bath with separate garden tub, shower, and HUGE WALK IN CLOSET. Thermal paned windows and radiant barrier insulation help to keep the utility bills low. THIS HOME IS SUPER CLEAN and READY FOR A NEW OWNER. NOT A SHORT SALE.

Details

Asking Price:

$239,990

Sq. Feet:

2671

Lot Size:

75x215

Bedrooms:

3

Bathrooms:

2.5

Garage Size:

2

Subdivision:

LPGA

Year Built:

2006

Contact Info

The Mark Card Team

Main 386-566-8092
Cell 386-566-8092
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Pelican Bay Pool Home on Golf Course. $199,900

LPGA posts golf specials

LPGA has Patriot Day Golf Special. LPGA has a world-class restaurant and a gorgeous course that is surrounded by homes from the $100K’s to the $800K’s. If you’re looking to buy or sell in LPGA, give us a call. We’re here to help!

Visit us at www.TeamCard.us

Just Sold - Port Orange Cream Puff $140,000

Bill McKunis, Physics Instructor at Embry Riddle Aeronautics University, just purchased a mint condition 3/2 in Terrace Village in Port Orange. If you're looking for a terrific buy, call Mark 386-566-8092. He's got the behind the scenes information on the best buys in our area.

Visit us at www.TeamCard.us

Tuscany Shores Oceanfront Units for Sale. Gorgeous DAYTONA BEACH SHORES location!

Tuscany Shores

Visit us at www.TeamCard.us