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Destin, FL Real Estate News

By Clayton Bonjean, Broker | Owner | MBA
(Mainsail Realty Company)
REO "BANK OWNED" BUYING STRATEGIES - DESTIN, FL   To search Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, and Hwy 30A REOs (Bank Owned) properties please click the link below. Destin Foreclosure Search. Destin, Florida Foreclosure Help:  There are many options available other than foreclosure.  I am a "Certified Distressed Property Expert" and have the experience necessary to help you avoid foreclosure.  Please call me at 850-585-1284 or email me at BrokerClayton@gmail.com for foreclosure help. REO Strategies - Financing Tip #1 I was working on a REO today for a client.  The house we found was priced aggressively and the bank holding the property offered to finance the house. The terms were excellent and the rate was discounted.  This is one of the advantages of purchasing REOs from banks.  On a good scena...
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By Josh McLean
(Clay and Company,LLC)
        Destin to 30A CondosWelcome to the most comprehensive list of Destin through 30A Condos available.  This is the easiest way to search Destin through 30A condos available today.  Feel free to browse through Destin condos, Miramar Beach Condos, Sandestin Condos, and condos along 30A.  You can search these condos by location, size, price, waterfront/waterview, etc . . .  The links you see below are currently the available condos for sale in each cagegory.  If you would like more information on a Destin through 30A condo please feel free to email or call me at anytime.Label it- Destin to 30A Condos by Price All Condos under $100,000All Condos $100,000-$200,000All Condos $200,000-$300,000All Condos $300,000-$400,000All Condos $400,000-$500,000All Condos $500,000-$600,000All Condos $6...
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By Wendy Rulnick, "It's Wendy... It's Sold!"
(Rulnick Realty, Inc.)
Most of us have read the Treasury Department's new Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan After reading the plan, with details to be unveiled on March 4, I want to know- "How will the plan affect Short Sales? " Most of the plan is focused on aiding homeowners whose primary residence is at risk of foreclosure.  Not everyone will be helped by this plan.  Some of those who won't may include homeowners with loans not guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.  Many have lost jobs or have lost so much income they would not qualify. Other owners may have rental properties that cannot be sustained.  In my area on the Emerald Coast of Florida, military families from Eglin Air Force Base or Hurlburt Field are required to relocate to change bases.  These airmen often keep their past residence ...
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By Clayton Bonjean, Broker | Owner | MBA
(Mainsail Realty Company)
DESTIN FLORIDA FORECLOSURES | 30A     Destin FL Foreclosures can present fantastic buying opportunites.  I understand all aspects of the foreclosure buying and selling process and would love to help you achieve success.   Search Foreclosures in Destin, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Seagrove, Niceville, Freeport and Fort Walton Beach by clicking the link below. DESTIN FLORIDA AND SURROUNDING AREA FORECLOSURES   Sign up to recieve weekly foreclosure updates at DEAL ALERT!   Destin, Florida Foreclosure Help:  There are many options available other than foreclosure.  I am a "certified distressed property expert" and have the experience necessary to help you avoid foreclosure.  Please call me at 850-585-1284 or email me at clayton@mainsailrealtycompany.com for foreclosure help.
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By Christine von dem Bach
(Engel & Völkers)
Saturday, February 21: Mardi Gras Parade  The highlight of Mardi Gras is the spectacular parade that winds its way through HarborWalk Village. Enjoy dazzling floats, colorful costumes, street performers and float riders tossing handfuls of beads to delighted parade goers as they create a festive party atmosphere unlike anything else in Destin. Bring your kids to make their own Mardi Gras Crowns. Parade from 3pm-till. Download Application    Sunday, February 22: Jambalaya Cook-off and Pet Costume Contest  The first annual Jambalaya Cook-Off and Pet Costume Contest at HarborWalk Village. Let your pets enjoy the Mardi Gras festivities at this benefit for the Destin Harvest while enjoying Jambalaya from your favorite restaurants on the harbor. Live entertainment by Terry and the Zydeco Bad ...
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By Wendy Rulnick, "It's Wendy... It's Sold!"
(Rulnick Realty, Inc.)
This Destin Florida home was mortgaged for $415,000.  It has an in-ground pool, two-car garage and 1400 square feet.  In today's market it is worth $205,000.  The short sale was just approved by Everhome Mortgage in 50 days.  The negotiator was cooperative, and available by both phone and email.  The short sale involved two mortgages, the second was Citi, who is to receive $3000 at the closing. The sellers have been saved from foreclosure and might be able to purchase another home in as little as two years. When selling a short sale, it is best to use an experienced agent. It's Wendy! Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR     Rulnick Realty, Inc. Search Destin real estate Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help. Destin Real Estate Blog Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or loca...
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By Wendy Rulnick, "It's Wendy... It's Sold!"
(Rulnick Realty, Inc.)
Welcome Jeff Corl Rulnick Realty announces that Jeff Corl has joined the company.  Jeff has been a Realtor® in the Destin Florida area since 2005 and has worked with properties from Navarre to Inlet Beach to North Walton County.  Most recently he worked to acquire 160 acres in the North part of Florida's Panhandle for developers to create a Planned Use Development and will work with them to bring the homes and commercial property to market. Prior to that Jeff was a corporate vice-president for a Fortune 500 telecommunications company.  He currently is on the Board of Directors, serving as vice-president, of the Beach House Condominium and the Treasurer of St. Andrew's By-the-Sea Episcopal Church. You may reach Jeff Corl at 850-650-7883 or toll free 1-877-487-9639. It's Wendy! Wendy Ruln...
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By Casey Joiner, Scenic Sotheby's International Realty
(Scenic Sotheby's International Realty www.caseyjoiner.com)
The $7,500 Tax Credit for first time home buyers might be the opportunity of a lifetime.  But like with most things, there is a deadline for this benefit.  The current plan is to allow the tax refund for those home purchase on or before July 1, 2009. Here is a bullet point of the facts around the benefit: The tax credit is available for first time home buyers only.  The maximum credit amount is $7,500 The credit is available for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 9, 2008. Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the tax credit. The tax credit works like an interest-free loan and must be repaid over a 15 year period.     What is the definition of a first time home buyer?  A buyer who has not owned a pri...
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By Wendy Rulnick, "It's Wendy... It's Sold!"
(Rulnick Realty, Inc.)
Today I got a call from an agent whose buyer is purchasing one of my short sale condos in Destin Florida.  The buyer has excellent credit, a pension plan and is a retired Air Force officer.  He is buying a vacation condominium that he loves on the Emerald Coast, and putting 10% down.  Well, guess what?  He just lost his financing.  10% condo loans are going away.   Here are two disturbing bulletins I received from Florida lenders today Countrywide:   "Purchasing a condo with 10% is almost gone.  We can't get mortgage insurance on them and now if the condo has over 15% in HOA dues delinquent, you will have a hard time financing the condo. New Fannie Mae guidelines just came out." Wells Fargo: "On February 1 Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be pulling out of the resort condominium lending...
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By Casey Joiner, Scenic Sotheby's International Realty
(Scenic Sotheby's International Realty www.caseyjoiner.com)
Each grain of sand on Destin Florida's gulf beaches is quartz washed down from the Appalachian Mountains by the Apalachicola River, ground to a feathersoft, blindingly white, quartz powder. The unique sand on Destin's many beaches is among the whitest in the world. Consisting of small quartz particles, this sand which created our beaches came from a process involving the Appalachian Mountains and the Apalachicola River 20,000 years ago. At the end of the last Ice Age, when the world temperatures began warming, and the ice caps began melting, large volumes of water were carried by the rivers to the world's oceans. The Apalachicola River, rising in the Appalachians, carried water to the Gulf of Mexico (and continues today). This water carried the quartz particles, from the rock that form...
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By Casey Joiner, Scenic Sotheby's International Realty
(Scenic Sotheby's International Realty www.caseyjoiner.com)
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Tuesday, January 27, 2009 (Palm Beach Post 11:29am eastern) State Farm Florida is pulling out of the homeowner insurance business in Florida, the company said this morning, in a surprise move that will leave more than 800,000 policyholders without coverage and will cause almost certain turmoil in the Florida insurance marketplace. "Faced with steeply declining resources to cover future claims and expenses, State Farm Florida has little choice," said Jim Thompson, president, of State Farm Florida. ''This is not an action we wanted to take, but one we must take given the realities of the Florida property insurance market. "We regret the impact this will have on our customers, employees and agents in Florida," he added. Thompson said the plan requires regulato...
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By Casey Joiner, Scenic Sotheby's International Realty
(Scenic Sotheby's International Realty www.caseyjoiner.com)
Florida’s existing home, condo sales rise in December 2008 Related Story: Existing-home sales show strong gain in December, says NAR ORLANDO, Fla. – Jan. 26, 2009 – Florida’s existing home sales rose in December, making it the fourth consecutive month that sales activity demonstrated gains in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). December’s statewide sales also increased over November’s figures in both the existing home and existing condo markets. Existing home sales rose 27 percent last month with a total of 11,053 homes sold statewide compared to 8,712 homes sold in December 2007, according to FAR. December’s statewide existing home sales were 28.9 percent higher than November’s statewide sales. Florid...
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By Casey Joiner, Scenic Sotheby's International Realty
(Scenic Sotheby's International Realty www.caseyjoiner.com)
In my personal opinion, out of the 72 holes of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, The Links Course provides the most risk/reward and some of the most incredible views.  Your backdrop is the Choctawhatchee Bay and Baytowne Marina with 5 golf holes running along the Bay. It's the oldest course in Sandestin, but took advantage of some incredible Real Estate.  You will want to play all 4 courses on your visit, but do not miss what I consider the most fun and scenic. Voted "Top 100 Courses in Florida" by Florida Golf News Photos provided courtesy Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
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By Casey Joiner, Scenic Sotheby's International Realty
(Scenic Sotheby's International Realty www.caseyjoiner.com)
Rees Jones shows again why he is one of the most respected Golf Course Architects in the world with this beautiful 7,000 yard design.  Incredible views of the Bay encompass the back nine while you explore the Resort on the front nine. Deemed the "Crown Jewel of Florida Golf" by Golf Magazine and recognized as "Top 30 courses of Florida" by Golf Digest and Golf Week. Open to Sandestin Guest play before 8 a.m. and after 1 p.m. each day.  Don't miss this incredible course on your next stop in Sandestin. Photos courtesy of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.
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By Casey Joiner, Scenic Sotheby's International Realty
(Scenic Sotheby's International Realty www.caseyjoiner.com)
Luau is Sandestin's newest Beachside Condominium project.  Offering 2 towers with varying accomodations of Studio to 2 bedrooms.  Offering gorgeous views of both the Gulf of Mexico and the incredible golf landscape of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.  Amenities include a 4,000 Sq ft swimming pool, swim behind waterfall, and children's pool.  Just a short stroll to the sugar white sands of the Gulf of Mexico. There has truly never been a better time to take advantage of some of the best views in Sandestin. Year Built: 2006 Studio: 469 sq ft    Starting @ $156,000 1 bedroom: 708 sq ft  Starting @ $259,000 2 bedroom: 1,204 sq ft  Starting @ 390,000 Great rental management options for owners. Call for Details.
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By Wendy Rulnick, "It's Wendy... It's Sold!"
(Rulnick Realty, Inc.)
Wendy, I have read quite a bit of your articles regarding Destin real estate and area short sales.  I have made an offer to buy a short sale in October and we are still waiting.  The house is brand new, it's listed for $799,000.  The builder owes over $700,000.  The house is not finished, it needs countertops, appliances, driveway, painting, finish hardwood floors, etc.  Approximately $100,000 is necessary to complete house.   A home 2 doors down just sold for $540,000.  This new house is the nicest house in the development but definitely not worth $800,000.    In our opinion even though it is the nicest house it probably is still not worth more than $600,000 to $650,000 that's if it was completed. I originally offered $500,000 but now want to reduce my offer to $450,000 since it needs ...
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By Casey Joiner, Scenic Sotheby's International Realty
(Scenic Sotheby's International Realty www.caseyjoiner.com)
Todays Sandestin Feature Neighborhood- Laurel Grove Laurel Grove is a golf community with a Savannah Georgia style and feel.  From the architecture to the landscaping, it certainly is unique to Sandestin.  Boasting a clubhouse which contains a full service exercise room, swimming pool, and hot tub for the communities enjoyment.  Located between several holes of The Raven Golf Course, many of the homes have unmatched views for golfers.  Here are the facts below... 84 Single Family Homes Full Ownership Built 2006-2007 2-4 Bedroom  3-3.5 Bath 1,800-2,100 Sq. Ft Price Range $415,000 - $799,500 Rental Allowed   Contact me for details.   Photos courtesy of ecarmls.com  
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By Casey Joiner, Scenic Sotheby's International Realty
(Scenic Sotheby's International Realty www.caseyjoiner.com)
    Second homes: The sweet life on a stretch of Florida's 'sugar sand'   By Larry Olmsted, Special for USA TODAY Unlike densely populated South Florida or theme-park epicenter Orlando, the western panhandle of Florida has no big cities, and trendy nightclubs are few and far between. The region is not exactly sleepy, with plenty of golf courses and resort developments, but for many years it hasn't drawn much attention from second-home buyers beyond nearby Louisiana, Texas and Alabama. Not so any longer. Attracted by some of the best values in Florida (not to mention some of the state's most acclaimed beaches), buyers from all over the USA and Canada are heading to south Walton County. A new international airport scheduled for 2010 may bring them from even farther. The main selling poin...
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By Casey Joiner, Scenic Sotheby's International Realty
(Scenic Sotheby's International Realty www.caseyjoiner.com)
  Inspired by others who have blogged "What you get for x in x city"...I decided to do a series of views and homes from the Sandestin/Destin Area. The first is 747 Sq. Ft Condo in Sandestin's Harbour Point listed for $179,000.  Sandestin is definitely a place you spend the majority of your time outside, and for this price the view is well worth it.  Positioned 15 yards from the a Bay Front Fairway.  The view in the distance is of the Marina and Village of Baytowne Wharf. Short stroll to the Bay, watch the boats roll in, and views of tee shots all day long.  I look forward to seeing views at this price from your area.    
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By Casey Joiner, Scenic Sotheby's International Realty
(Scenic Sotheby's International Realty www.caseyjoiner.com)
More than ever before it's time for the Realtor and prospective buyers to start shaking hands in prospective neighborhoods. For Realtors it's becoming a must to introduce yourself to the neighborhood and let them know which house you are about to represent and price.  This may seem like a no brainer because usually the Realtor will use a listing as a referral to pick up other listings in the neighborhood.  But today there is a more important need which is to give confidence to the community that the listing/sale will be a good thing. The common response everytime a sign goes in the yard in this current market is "well there goes another short sale, foreclosure, or bottom basement price that is going to ruin our value."  This is not always the case and in some neighborhoods a healthy cle...
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