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Destin, FL Real Estate News

By Kelly Klein, "Doing Great Things Today to Improve Tomorrow"
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Pen Fed Realty)
Today is my last day as the 2008 President for the local chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors here in Destin, FL.  It has been a great ride with many people to thank along the way.  We have had an incredible year with fantastic speakers, education, and meeting new friends in the business.  We have used each other for support through deaths in our families or announcements of new babies on their way.  We support each other when any of our members lose a job and assist them in finding new ones.  All of this through this little organization called the Women's Council of Realtors.  It is the most supportive group of Realtors and Affliates one could ever associate with in the business.  It has been my pleasure to have served during this past year as the President.  Here is a photo of t...
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By Kelly Klein, "Doing Great Things Today to Improve Tomorrow"
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Pen Fed Realty)
Today is my last day as the 2008 President for the local chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors here in Destin, FL.  It has been a great ride with many people to thank along the way.  We have had an incredible year with fantastic speakers, education, and meeting new friends in the business.  We have used each other for support through deaths in our families or announcements of new babies on their way.  We support each other when any of our members lose a job and assist them in finding new ones.  All of this through this little organization called the Women's Council of Realtors.  It is the most supportive group of Realtors and Affliates one could ever associate with in the business.  It has been my pleasure to have served during this past year as the President.  Here is a photo of t...
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By Kelly Klein, "Doing Great Things Today to Improve Tomorrow"
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Pen Fed Realty)
Are these people nuts?  Not sure what you did last evening, but here in Destin, FL shoppers were lined up before midnight just waiting to get into the stores for the mad rush for shopping.  I prefer to miss all of that and shop online.  What did you do?  Were you in the madness? I drove by the Silver Sands Factory Outlet today on my way to lunch and there was not a parking space to be found.  Looks like the economy at least here in Destin is flourishing. Hope you had a nice holiday! Kelly
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By Josh McLean
(Clay and Company,LLC)
Five Star Beach Properties' hand-picked beach side properties are a significant step up in luxury accommodations. At Five Star Beach Properties we strive to give you the best in convenience, location, and we consider personal service to be our hallmark. There is no office to check into, you simply proceed directly to your property and let your vacation begin. Our staff will meet you at the door and gladly answer any questions you have. We will gladly make any arrangements for you before you even arrive to the area. Looking for dinner recommendations and arrangements? Would you like groceries there when you arrive? Maybe a spa treatment or fishing excursion? If you can imagine it, Five Star Beach Properties will take care of it for you. Come enjoy the most beautiful beaches in the countr...
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By Josh McLean
(Clay and Company,LLC)
Josh McLean | Clay and Company, LLC | jmac1982@aol.com | 850-502-0470 4766 Ocean Boulevard, Destin, FL "Spiaggia" is one of the finest gulf front homes on the coast. Built to the latest codes this home has 24 inch steel beams running throughou Furnished 5BR/4+BA Vacation Single Family House $4,500/week Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4+ full, 2 partial Sq Footage 5,564 Parking 3+ dedicated DESCRIPTION "Spiaggia" is one of the finest gulf front homes on the coast. Built to the latest codes this home has 24 inch steel beams running throughout the entire home to provide for the utmost in hurricane protection. The quality of construction and meticulous attention to detail set this home apart from the rest. The home is located in the gated subdivision of Destiny by the Sea which boasts many of the fin...
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By Kelly Klein, "Doing Great Things Today to Improve Tomorrow"
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Pen Fed Realty)
This Mama and her baby were seen in the Destin Harbor.  Just one of the beautiful things you can see while living here.   Sting Rays Migrate in November for mating.  Seen in the waters off of Crab Island in Destin.
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By Wendy Rulnick, "It's Wendy... It's Sold!"
(Rulnick Realty, Inc.)
Wendy Rulnick, real estate broker in Destin FL, has been interviewed by Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine for an upcoming issue.  The article will discuss "how to avoid foreclosure" specifically with reference to short sales.  Wendy Rulnick, owner of Rulnick Realty on the Emerald Coast of FL, discussed short sales in depth, including hardships, investment property short sales, second lien holders, effects on military members, challenges in short sale approvals and more.  Additionally, two of Rulnick's short sale sellers were interviewed by the magazine.  The article will appear in the February 2009 issue.  It's Wendy! Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR     Rulnick Realty, Inc. Search Destin FL real estate Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487...
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By Wendy Rulnick, "It's Wendy... It's Sold!"
(Rulnick Realty, Inc.)
I recently listed a Short Sale condo for sale in Destin Florida.  The property had been converted from apartments a few years ago.   It is a one bedroom, 920 square foot ground floor unit.  There are 32 units for sale in the complex.  The condo fees are a whopping $225 per month. The last and only recent sale was for $115,000 back in June.   My seller, whom I'll call "Ms. Samuel", paid about $170,000 for the property in December 2005.  We put it on the market for $98,900.  You can see the challenges in selling it.  Anyway, while I was at the seller's home taking photos, we chatted about her financial circumstance.  Her lender is Countrywide.  She said when she bought the unit, she was making $13,000 per year in income.  How is that possible?  How can anyone making $13,000 qualify for a ...
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By Kelly Klein, "Doing Great Things Today to Improve Tomorrow"
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Pen Fed Realty)
Oh boy, just what we need.  Destin is discussing a topless bar and the location would be near churches, schools, and residential neighborhoods.  This one is sure to become heated in more ways than one.  The street is Mountain Drive.  No pun intended here. This is serious.  Destin has a permanent population of around 11,000 residents.  Now come on now, do we really need this in our backyard?  Yes, we are a beautiful spot to come to and yes in the summer months we swell (like my choice of words today?) to a population of over 1.3 million.  However, we have crab island and all of the fancy boats in the Harbor Area.  I have seen enough free topless shows in my days just sitting on shore and watching the boats go by.  You know what Destin is called the Luckiest Fishing Village in the World. ...
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By Wendy Rulnick, "It's Wendy... It's Sold!"
(Rulnick Realty, Inc.)
In the last couple of days I've been approached by two Destin FL sellers who wish to do Short Sales.  After explaining the Short Sale process, I explained what items I would need.  When I got to "financial worksheet" etc. I was stopped in my tracks.  These sellers told me that their attorney said not to turn over any information, that he would be handling the short sale negotiations.  I immediately told the sellers that I will only take the listing if I handle the entire transaction including bank negotiations.  Why? To take on a listing in this market, and any market, involves taking a risk. That is, a substantial business investment covering the cost "doing" business, which includes time, advertising, payroll, insurance, licensing, internet, phone, rent, etc. etc..  In a normal market...
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By cb united
(Coldwell Banker United Realtors Destin)
Panama City Beach, FL, "The Beach Lovers Beach," is best known for its sugar-white sand beaches and clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. Located in the Northwest portion of the state, Panama City Beach boasts over 27 miles of award-winning beaches and has been recognized by the Travel Channel, Southern Living Magazine and Dr. Beach as a top US beach destination. Be sure to surf our website for lots of details on our area attractions and parks, wide variety of accommodations, championship golf courses, sporting events, watersports, great dining and shopping. We look forward to seeing you soon on the Beach Lovers Beach! Make your plans now for Taste of THE BeachTmSavor the tastes and textures of Northwest Florida at this traveling, four-day feast at top destina...
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By Wendy Rulnick, "It's Wendy... It's Sold!"
(Rulnick Realty, Inc.)
Wendy Rulnick, Broker/Owner of Rulnick Realty in Destin FL, is proud to announce that Norma Roy has joined the firm.  Ms. Roy has been a licensed Realtor since 1972. She brings a vast knowledge of real estate from land purchase to final development and construction of homes.  Having worked in the local area in Okaloosa and Walton counties she has successfully marketed several sub-divisions from start to finish.  Some of her projects include:  Destin FL homes: Bonvillas at Bayside, Bonair at Bayside, Ridgewood Manor, Etretat; Santa Rosa Beach FL homes: Escada homes and townhomes; Fort Walton Beach properties: Forest Cove, Springgate, Atwater, Live Oak Manor; Crestview homes: Holly Rod Park.  Her background as a Sr. Accountant has been valuable in explaining costs of buying and selling to...
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By Wendy Rulnick, "It's Wendy... It's Sold!"
(Rulnick Realty, Inc.)
Little things can make a big difference in getting to a closing.  We all know that.  It's one of the most important factors in real estate success.  The "big picture" in the agent skill-set for selling listings is one-third marketing, one-third negotiating, and one-third follow up to closing.  Mess up on any of those, and you probably won't have a successful transaction.  Yesterday I had a last minute scare at the final day of an already extended approval for a Destin FL Short Sale.  I've seen almost everything in my 20-year career, but this was a new one.  The listing had actually been referred to me by a licensed Destin Realtor, who did not want to handle his own Short Sale.  The buyer, too, was a Realtor representing himself.  The Seller's bank, Citi Mortgage, had counter-offered th...
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By Wendy Rulnick, "It's Wendy... It's Sold!"
(Rulnick Realty, Inc.)
Yesterday I was riding the bike at Gold's Gym in Destin FL. One of my sellers, whom I originally met there, popped onto the bike next to me.  He said, "Alan Greenspan says the housing market will recover by mid-2009, what do you think?" Greenspan pointed out that there has been a "slower rate of decline" in U.S.  housing prices of late. I thought I had noticed the same thing in my Emerald Coast real estate market, here in Northwest Florida. Until the last 30 days, that is.  During that time, I think prices have been declining even more steeply.  I have been reducing my listing prices by several thousands of dollars, way beyond the norm. Certainly, I have seen some of my listings sell, but far too many have not attracted offers.  Based on my intense examination and intuition regarding pr...
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By Wendy Rulnick, "It's Wendy... It's Sold!"
(Rulnick Realty, Inc.)
Wendy Rulnick is proud to announce that David Borden has joined her team at Rulnick Realty, in Destin Florida. David Borden has an extensive real estate sales background in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area on the Emerald Coast of Florida. He has been selling condominiums, homes, land, new construction and commercial properties for 28 years. Licensed in 1980, (David says since he was a baby) he sold real estate as a sales agent, worked in property management, and taught real estate sales contracts to new agents. In 2000 he became a licensed Real Estate Broker. He has won numerous sales awards year after year. Borden has a reputation with his clients and peers as being a professional, honest and knowledgeable Broker. Rulnick Realty Broker/Owner, Wendy Rulnick says, "David Borden exemplif...
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By cb united
(Coldwell Banker United Realtors Destin)
Destin Florida Subdivisions For more information on any of the subdivisions listed below, please feel free to contact us by phone or email. Avalon Beach EstatesBay Bridge LandingBaysideBaywinds Beach PointeBluewater BayBocageCaribeColony ParkCoronado VillageCrystal BeachCrystal ShoresDestin PointeDestinyDestiny By the SeaDestiny EastDriftwood EstatesEagles LandingEmerald BayEmerald Lakes Emerald Oak VillasEmerald ShoresEmerald VillageFishers Landing Frangista BeachHarbor BreezeHarbor LandingHidden CreekHoliday Isle TowersHolley By the SeaIndian BayouIndian LakeIndian Trail EstatesIsland EchosIsland Pointe ResortKelly PlantationKeystone TownhomesKokomo Kove Legacy on the BayMagnolia Plantation MainsailMajestic SunMaravillaMarion Manor Mary Esther Manor Moores LandingNorthgate Estates Nor...
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By Sue Botelho, USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Pro
(Waterstone Mortgage Corporation)
The USDA Rural Development Guarenteed Loan is quickly establishing itself as the most cost effective Rural Housing Loan anybody could use. Our Rural Housing Loan will save your buyers a truck load of cash and help them keep their money in their bank account after closing! Here's a comparison of an FHA Government Loan, A Conventional Mortgage and a USDA Rural Development Real Estate Loan.   FHA Conventional Rural Housing Purchase Price 200,000 200,000 200,000 Loan Amount 194,300 190,000 204,000 Principal & Interest 1,228.11 1,264.07 1,289.42 Mortgage Ins. Premium (monthly) 80.96 272.33 0.00 Total Monthly Payment 1,309.07 1,536.40 1,289.42 DOWN PAYMENT 5,700 10,000 0.00 Not only does the Rural USDA loan have the lowest out of pocket expenses to buy Rural Real Estate, it also has the lowes...
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By Sue Botelho, USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Pro
(Waterstone Mortgage Corporation)
When you think of USDA I know the first thing you think is HOME LOAN FINANCING!  Right?  Actually, if you're like most Americans you probably think of Milk, Cows, Pigs, Corn, Farms and a beautiful farm house.  Anything but mortgages. Rural really isn't all that rural.  Here is a picture of a farm, and you'd probably have to go to an agricultural banker to finance it.  Below is a picture of a house, and you can finance it with a Rural Housing loan through a Mortgage Lender, like myself! A USDA Rural Home Loan is designed to help families in areas that are "designated" as rural to get into a home with zero money down!  In Florida, the average cash out of pocket to buy a home with this program is "currently" $158.70 and USDA Rural Home Loan demand has BOOMED upward by 475% over the last 12...
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By Sue Botelho, USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Pro
(Waterstone Mortgage Corporation)
If you have never been to the Panhandle of Florida, or if you have been wanting to come back to visit, here is a GREAT reason to come, aside from our awesome beaches and the great weather this time of the year! Join us for a round of golf! The REALTOR® Outreach Committee (ROC) of ECAR (Emerald Coast Association of Realtors) is sponsoring its Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Friday, September 19, 2008, at the Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club in Destin, FL. Form your own team or sign up as an individual. Trophies will be given out for first, second, and third place! Teams must be co-ed to compete for trophies. Registration is $100 per person. Sign up today!   Sponsors are also still needed. Contact Sam Kinkaid at 850-585-1387 or Lisa Norton, ROC Chairperson at 850-621-4525 for more info. ...
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By Sue Botelho, USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Pro
(Waterstone Mortgage Corporation)
With the current market conditions, many homeowners are faced with mortgages they can no longer afford on homes that may be worth less than they owe.  A large number of these homeowners are becoming delinquent on their mortgages and, in some cases, are going to foreclosure. When you find yourself unable to afford your house, your 2nd home, or your investment property, even if you aren't delinquent on your mortgage, there are options available to you before you go to foreclosure.  You can do a preforeclosure sale, which involves the sale of the property by the borrower to a third party for less than the amount owed to satisfy the delinquent mortgage, as agreed to by the lender, investor and mortgage insurer or you can do a short sale, which is the same as a preforeclosure except you are ...
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