Trains are so back! Florida's Brightline, the first privately owned high-speed passenger train service in the United States, will launch today, with trains running between Miami and Orlando at speeds of up to 125 mph. It's not London to Paris but hey, it's still pretty neat! The trip will take 3.5-hours, which is about 30 minutes less than the average drive time. One-way tickets will start at $79 for...

There's a lot of rumors about what could be coming to Venetian Bay. Developers are planning a commercial project in New Smyrna Beach's Venetian Bay community toward the State Road 44 entrance. The exact purpose of the project is still being decided, but one possibility is a 36-hole miniature golf course with a restaurant/sports bar. The goal is to make something similar to the popular attraction in...

School districts in Central Florida are struggling to find enough teachers, especially as the population grows. Some districts are trying to stand out because they are competing for the same small pool of candidates. For example, in Volusia County, they are considering offering affordable housing as an incentive. The shortage is even more serious in low-income areas like the 32114 zip code in Daytona...

I took my kids to St. Augustine Florida this past weekend. I trip I remember taking when I was in Elementary School. There are some field trips I will never forget and this one of those. Maybe it's my love of history or the fascination with forts and castles. I was hoping my kids would share the same excitement I did when I walked the steps toward the Castillo de San Marcos Fort. While they didn't...

We're back with our August New Smyrna Beach Housing Update. Let's see how interest rates are affecting our housing market.  New Smyrna Beach Housing Update July 2023 August 2022 August 2023 Percentage Difference Number of Listings 184 149 193 29% Increase New Listings 68 94 105 12% Increase List...

We're back with our Ormond Beach Housing Update. It's been a very busy summer so far!  Ormond Beach Housing Update July 2023 August 2022 August 2023 Percentage Difference Number of Listings 416 320 419 30% Increase New Listings 150 172 178 3% Decrease List Price $539,000 $604,000 $644,000 6%...

We're back with our August Daytona Beach Housing Update. Let's see how interest rates are affecting our housing market.  Daytona Beach Housing Update July 2023 August 2022 August 2023 Percentage Difference Number of Listings 811 641 813 26% Increase New Listings 240 254 218 14% Decrease List...

We're back with our August Port Orange Housing Update. What are your thoughts? Port Orange Housing Update July 2023 August 2022 August 2023 Percentage Difference Number of Listings 186 185 185 0% Increase New Listings 118 103 114 10% Increase List Price $546,000 $526,000 $556,000 6% Increase Sales Price $400,000 $389,000 $420,000 8% Increase Days on Market 67 Days 55 Days 77...

Mortgage rates continue to rise and currently sit at 7.12% according to Mortgage News Daily. Here is an overview of where we stand today: Mortgage applications rose in the latest week, even though rates stayed the same. This is because some buyers have accepted the higher rates, and others are buying now because inventory is low. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.31%, unchanged...

Tropical Storm Idalia intensified this morning as it approaches Cuba. The National Hurricane Center is predicting it would grow into a Category 3 major hurricane before striking Florida this week. Central Florida should expect to see Idalia Tuesday night - Wednesday morning. Here are 5 things to do to prepare for Tropical Storm Idalia: Make a plan and know your evacuation route. Talk to your...