Blog

Mary Esther MLS - 8/13/2008

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Mary Esther in Okaloosa County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with www.MaryEstherMLS.com

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Valparaiso MLS - 8/2/2008

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Valparaiso in Okaloosa County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with www.ValparaisoMLS.com

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Holt MLS - 7/21/2008

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Holt in Okaloosa County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with www.HoltMLS.com

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Shalimar MLS - 7/7/2008

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Shalimar in Okaloosa County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with www.ShalimarMLS.com

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Choctaw Beach MLS - 6/17/2008

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Chactow in Okaloosa County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with www.ChoctawbeachMLS.com

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Destin Beach MLS - 5/12/2008

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Destin Beach in Okaloosa County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find; www.DestinBeachMLS.com has just been added to the Northwest Florida Realtor Network.

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Coldwell Banker Crestview - 4/4/2008

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Crestview in Okaloosa County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with www.CrestviewColdwellBanker.com

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Crestview Coldwell Banker - 4/4/2008

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Coldwell Banker Today - 2/22/2008

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in Panama City Joins Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS.

Dear Coldwell Banker Associate,

I am very pleased to announce that we have entered into a strategic merger which will strengthen the Coldwell Banker presence in Northwest Florida and foster greater business opportunities for you. Effective immediately, Coldwell Banker United will assume full ownership and responsibility for our Northwest Florida offices, ensuring a seamless transition for you and your customers into their brokerage operations. NRT will continue to operate the resort and property management operations separately.

The Combined Strength of our Organizations

Greater National Name Recognition

Increased Referral/Relocation Opportunities

Added Resources and Marketing Capabilities

Enhanced Stability

Increased Opportunities for our Sales Associates to Attract More Customers

You may be aware of the recent acquisition of JME by Coldwell Banker United, which is respected nationally as the largest affiliate within the Coldwell Banker brand. I can assure you are in very good hands under the leadership of Coldwell Banker United, as they are a strong real estate brokerage company that shares our ideals, traditions and integrity.

Today marks a new beginning as I salute your professionalism, hard work and commitment to customer satisfaction. You give me many reasons to be proud, and I want you to know your efforts are recognized and appreciated. It has been an honor to work with you, and I appreciate all you have done to make our company strong. I also thank the management team, support staff and District Manager Joe Saber for delivering Truly Remarkable Service, each and every day.
Best wishes for the continued success of your business with Coldwell Banker United.

Sincerely,

Clark W. Toole III

President and Chief Operating Officer
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

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Cinco Bayou Real Estate - 2/22/2008

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Cinco Bayou in Okaloosa County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with www.CincoBayouRealEstate.com

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Wright MLS - 2/22/2008

We are proud to announce we now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Wright in Okaloosa County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with WrightMLS.com.www.WrightMLS.com

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CMA Reporting Free get the value of your home today - 2/22/2008

Find the value of your home with a free cma

Click the link below to go directly to our newly added CMA Form all new details on our CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) that can be filled in fast and easy. More information included for this CMA to give us as close to a true CMA value and estimated value as possible.

http://www.okaloosamls.com/cma.aspx

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Our mailing list - 2/22/2008

Click below takes you to OkaloosaMLS.com for our automated home search mailing list. Periodically, a search on your home criteria will be sent to the MLS and the results will be automatically emailed to you.

http://www.Okaloosamls.com/mailinglist.aspx

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Okaloosa County Schools - 2/22/2008

In 2000, the Okaloosa School Board has been honored as a Blue Ribbon School District, ranking in the top third nationally for academic excellence. This county's schools rated #1 in the State of Florida in both 2003 and 2004. This year our students again took the #1 position in math and writing on the Florida evaluation.

In 2006, the Okaloosa County School District scored top honors. No other district, among the state's 67 school systems, did as well. This was the fourth consecutive year that Okaloosa out pointed the rest of the state in either school grades or student achievement levels.

With improving on excellence in mind, in 2008, $6.4 million has been reallocated from district overhead to school operations, classroom instruction and better teacher pay. Programs expanding our students horizons will continue to be a county focus.

Okaloosa/Walton also compared well nationally. In SAT results, our students mean for Critical Reading is now a full 22 points above the national figure. In math, their mean is 14 points above the national mean. Comparing SAT results to those students across the state, our area's students were 29 points higher than that of the state mean. In math, the students were 35 points higher than the state's mean.

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Community page for Northwest Florida - 1/8/2008

Okaloosa County includes Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Crestview, Niceville, Valapariso, Baker, and Holt.

Walton County includes DeFuniak Springs, Paxton, Freeport, Argyle, Grayton Beach, Mossy Head, Point Washington, Santa Rosa Beach, and Seagrove Beach.

Holmes County includes Bonifay, Ponce de Leon, Bruce, Noma, Red Bay, and Westville.

Santa Rosa County includes Milton, Navarre, Pace, Jay, Bagdad, and Gulf Breeze.

Escambia County includes Pensacola, Century, Bellview, Brent, Ensley, Ferry Pass, Gonzalez, Goulding, Innerarity Point, Molino, Myrtle Grove, Perdido Key, Walnut Hill, Warrington, West Pensacola, and Beulah.

Washington County includes Chipley, Caryville, Ebro, Sunny Hills, Vernon, and Wausau.

Bay County includes Panama City, Panama City Beach, Callaway, Cedar Grove, Lynn Haven, Mexico Beach, Parker, and Springfield.

Jackson County includes Marianna, Cottondale, Graceville, Jacobs, Malone, Alford, Bascom, Campbellton, Grand Ridge, Greenwood, and Sneads.

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Crestview Homes - 12/23/2007

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Eglin Air Force Base MLS - 11/2/2007

We now offer Eglin Air Force Base free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including all area in Okaloosa County.

www.EglinAFBMLS.com

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Tell A Friend - 10/13/2007

Tell a friend about this site! Simply fill out the short form below with your email address and the email address of the person you think might be interested in OkaloosaMLS.com, include a personal message to the person if you like, and click Submit. A link to the site, along with the message, will be sent to the recipient

http://www.okaloosamls.com/mail.asp

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Visit the Okaloosa County Transit website - 10/6/2007

Whether you are commuting, shopping, or just visiting, let OCT get you where you're going. When you use public transit, you help our community and the environment by easing traffic congestion and reducing harmful emissions.

Summer
Memorial Day through Labor Day
Monday - Saturday 8:00am to 7:00pm
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day
*Shuttles Arrive at designated stops every 20 minutes.
Winter
September through May
*Shuttles Arrive at designated stops every 45 minutes
Monday - Saturday 8:00am to 7:00pm

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Some of the area that I cover - 7/7/2008

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SiteMap - 8/22/2007

Our Real Estate site www.OkaloosaMLS.com has just added a site map to include an even easier way to use and find what you are looking for just click the link below and try it out.

http://www.okaloosamls.com/sitemap.asp

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Buying Northwest Florida property? Here is some helpful information - 7/19/2007

Information pertinent to buyers, with details walking you through the buying process and home loan information.

Buying Information

If you're looking to buy, we have many tools to help you find the home of your dreams on the Emerald Coast. All information on Northwest Florida property is provided herein free of charge and with no obligation.

Search

Click here to search all available homes in the Emerald Coast Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Sign up for our automated home search mailing list. Periodically, a search on your home criteria will be sent to the MLS and the results will be automatically emailed to you.

Mortgages

A Pre-Approved Mortgage is a great tool in helping you decide on your new home. Read about some of the benefits here.

These are the Items a lender may want to see during the preapproval process.

Use this Prequalification Form to help lenders pre-qualify you for a mortgage. This is an image that will print full-size onto a standard 8.5 inch x 11 inch piece of paper.

Karl's Mortgage Calculator can help you calculate your P(rincipal)I(nterest)T(ax)I(nsurance) payment as well as generate an amortization table.

Contracts

Contract Offer and Acceptance is explained here.

The Steps of the Buying and Selling Process are listed here in the order they usually occur. However, not all closings are the same so this process is only a general framework. Your Realtor will explain the entire process as a deal progresses.

Additional Information

Old South 1031 Exchange - Find out if the tax due on the purchase of your home or investment property can be deferred.

The Purpose and Function of a Transaction Broker is explained here, as well why it is the best choice when buying a home in an open market.

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MLS Search Page - 7/2/2007

MLS Search page
Here you will have free instant access to the MLS to search all homes for sale on the Emerald Coast.

http://www.okaloosamls.com/search.asp

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Our Climate - 6/11/2007

Fun in the sun can be had year round across our tri-county area. The average August temperature is 80.8 degrees. Even during the peak months of summertime, cooling gulf breezes set the thermometer lower than the blistering temperatures the rest of the state may be experiencing. Our summers are warm but not "a scorcher". They range between 70 and 92 degrees F.

When you think of Florida, you think of summer, but our subtropical climate also brings with it mild winters. The average January temperature is a tolerable 52.8 degrees F. Many long-time residents will tell you October along the Emerald Coast is their favorite month. Fewer visitors hit the beach, the traffic thins, and locals come out to play. A bounty of fall festivals gears up to take advantage of the gorgeous sunsets, cool breezes and the arrival of thousands of migrating butterflies. The evenings are cooler yet the days are still sunny and the gulf is remains warm enough for a dip.

The Emerald Coast enjoys 343 days a year of sunshine. When it does rain, the showers arrive late in the afternoon, just in time to cool things down and refresh the scenery. The average annual rainfall is 65.70 inches and our area is resplendent after it rains. Sure, lots of communities can claim things "look greener after the rain", but here it is magnified. Because the panhandle boasts a year-round growing season, following a rain, the landscape's new growth shimmers luminous chartreuse while droplets on tips of pine needles glitter like diamonds.

One of the attributes we appreciate most is, though our area enjoys a subtropical climate, it still has four distinct seasons. Residents can enjoy the blessing of variety tempered with mild conditions. The summers are not as extreme as the southern regions of the state, and the winters are mild, with just a week or two of nippy winter conditions when the temperature "plummets" to the 20s at night... for perhaps a night or two. During these charming "couple of weeks" each year, one can see the paradox of native Floridians bundled in furs standing beside transplanted northeners in short-sleeved Polos as mid-day conditions settle in the 50s.

Though snow is a rare occurrence in Florida, long time residents will boast of surviving the most widespread snowfall in Florida history during the winter of 1978, when snow fell over much of the state as far south as Homestead, Florida. That year, snow flurries fell on Miami Beach for the only time in recorded history. Along the panhandle, snow remained on the ground... oh, well... perhaps three to four days. And one was actually able to see snow men in front yards along the Emerald Coast - a little shorter, perhaps, than their northern snow brothers, bowing to the limitations of only a few inches of white powder for but a couple of days.

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Crestview ERA - 6/2/2007

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Okaloosa County Website Updates - 5/20/2007

Local History Alive at Heritage Museum:
The Lumber Industry Display at the Heritage Museum in Val-P.

Depression Era Glass on Display:
Sharon Cabbage Rose Design is currently on Display at Niceville Library, a member of the Okaloosa Co. Public Library Cooperative.

Beach Safety:
Spent 3 days in training for Heavy Surf Jet Ski Rescue.

Beach Accesses Re-open!:
Public Works has restored #1, 2, 3 & 7 for beach access.

Niceville Library Adds New Wing:
Niceville Chamber and Okaloosa Co. Co-op Library Committee cut ribbon for new wing.

Marler Park Ribbon Cutting:
Newly Renovated Marler Park Opens to the Public.

See what's scheduled by Okaloosa Transit. Visit www.rideoct.org.

Newly installed covered bus shelters for the WAVE public transportation system.

Airport Art Exhibit:
Visitors to the Okaloosa Regional Airport Enjoy the facility's new art exhibition

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Okaloosa County MLS - 4/14/2007

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including MLS in Okaloosa County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with www.OkaloosaCountyMLS.com

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Cinco Bayou MLS - 4/7/2007

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Spring Break 2007 Okaloosa Florida: Enjoy All the Okaloosa Vacation Spots - 3/29/2007

River Parks

Guest Lake Park Boat Ramp 3850 Yellow River Log Lake Road, Holt
Milligan / Yellow River Park 5100 Ellis Road, Baker
Oak Grove River Park 2751 Hwy 2, Laurel Hill
Shoal River Wayside Park (Bill Duggan Jr. Park) 5999 Hwy 85 S, Crestview
Cotton Bridge Park - 6301 Hwy 4 W, Baker

Beach Parks

James Lee Park 3510 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin
John Beasley Park 1550 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach
Newman C. Brackin Wayside Park 1460 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach

Bayou Parks

Longwood Park - 4 Bay Street, Shalimar
Meigs Park - 45A Meigs Drive, Shalimar

Boat Ramps

Bryant Bridge Boat Ramp 100 Bryant Bridge Road, Holt
Pocahontas Boat Ramp 565A Pocahontas Drive, Fort Walton Beach
Ray Lynn Barnes Boat Ramp 3390 Hwy 90 E, Crestview
Rickey Avenue Boat Ramp 165 Rickey Avenue, Fort Walton Beach
Swift Bayou Boat Ramp 213 Edrehi Avenue, Niceville

Neighborhood Parks

Colonel Bud Day Park 185 Woodland Park Circle, Mary Esther
Eagle Park 2980 James Lee Blvd E (Hwy 90 E), Crestview
Lang Road Park 304 Priscilla Drive, Fort Walton Beach
Leo Norred Park 48 Poplar Avenue, Shalimar
Little Marler Park 1247 Siebert Drive, Fort Walton Beach
Seminole Park - 1534 Cat-Mar Street, Niceville
Sylvania Heights Playground - 311 Shirley Drive, Fort Walton Beach

Beach Access

Beach Access #1, Blue Dolphin Beachwalk - 372 Santa Rosa Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach
Beach Access #2, Emerald View Beachwalk - 399 Santa Rosa Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach
Beach Access #3, Seashore Beachwalk - 530 Santa Rosa Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach
Beach Access #4 - 600 Santa Rosa Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach
Beach Access #5 - 700 Santa Rosa Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach
Beach Access #6, Doris Jordan Freeway Beachwalk - 820 Santa Rosa Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach
Beach Access #7, Emerald Promenade Beachwalk - 900 Santa Rosa Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach

Special Use Parks

Baker Block Museum - 1307 Georgia Avenue, Baker
Baker Park - 1450 Charlie Day Road, Baker
Baker Recreation Area - 5503 Hwy 4, Baker
Blackman Community Center - 7590 Hwy 189 N, Blackman
Garden City Park - 6330 Garden City Road, Crestview
Okaloosa Island Boat Basin - 410A Cobia Avenue, Fort Walton Beach
Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier - 300 Pier Road, Fort Walton Beach
Shalimar / Port Dixie Little League Ball Park - 75 4th Avenue, Shalimar
Shalimar Elementary Park - 1340 Joe Martin Circle, Shalimar

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Niceville ERA - 2/22/2008

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Niceville in Okaloosa County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with NicevilleERA.com.

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ERA Shalimar - 2/22/2008

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ERA Niceville - 2/22/2008

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Destin ERA - 2/22/2008

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Destin in Okaloosa County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find; DestinERA.com has just been added to the Team Sold Network.

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Baker MLS - 3/18/2007

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Baker in Okaloosa County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with www.BakerMLS.com

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2007 Bond money available Okaloosa County,Santa Rosa County & Walton County - 3/18/2007

There is another bond issue for first time homebuyers now available in addition to the State of Florida issue. It is the 2007 Escambia County Bond Program. Here are the general parameters:

-this issue is available in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties.

-must be a first time homebuyer and have a contract to lock-in. A first time homebuyer is defined as someone who has not owned a primary residence in the last 3 years.

-RATE-5.19% with 1.50 points. 30 year fixed rate only.
-available for conventional, VA, FHA and Rural Development loans.

-Maximum total family income-Okaloosa county - 1-2 members-$57,800 and 3 + members-$66,470. Santa Rosa and Walton counties-1-2 members-$54,800 and 3 + members-$63,020.

-Maximum sales price limitations-Okaloosa -$281,137, Santa Rosa-$237,031 and Walton-$429,619.

-owner occupied only.

-no home buyer counseling required.

-UP to $7000 in the form of a second mortgage to cover closing cost, prepaids and down payment. The Rate is 0% amortized over 10 years($58.33 per month). There is no monthly payment but the second is paid when the house is sold, or the borrower no longer resides in the property.

This bond issue offers the lowest rate currently available on a 30 year fixed rate. If you are working with someone who is a first time homebuyer, please have them call me with any questions. 1-800-303-7010, or 651-5252 local. Thanks in advance,

John Flournoy
Mortgage Loan Officer

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Revisit Some Past Episodes on TeamSoldTV.com Today! - 3/18/2007

We want to invite you to visit our site at www.TeamSoldTV.com and watch, from the first episode, all properties that have been viewed to date. 5484 Highway 192, Defuniak Springs, Florida is now sold, we are happy to announce. However, many properties are still available.

Watch the tours of: Lot 10, Eugene Court on Lake Rosemary, a great Florida lakefront lot in Defuniak Springs, Florida for sale on episode 2; Lot 29 and Lot 30, Falcon Way, The Pines subdivision, Crestview, Florida, both level, buildable lots that are a quarter acre in a subdivision for $30,000 with Auburn Water available; a 26-acre tract on Innsbrook Lane in Holt, Florida; a 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom John King Road home on an oversized half acre lot, south of I-10; commercial lots on Bay Street in Crestview, Florida, a corner lot over an acre in size; and 10-acre Stallion Drive, Crestview, Florida with an updated 2-bedroom 1989 in an all 10-acre-tracts subdivision for $125,000, all in episode 3.

You can view these in-depth tours which are not normally seen online -- not just pictures but good information that may help you find your dream home. You can get a clear picture on many properties on our show today. We are airing new episode number 5 this Friday at its normal time.

I want to thank Lisa Sanford for appearing on multiple episodes of Team Sold Real Estate TV that airs on the CW, FOX, & WEAR-3 after Jimmy Kimmel (Friday night). Just visit TeamSoldTV.com and click "Schedule" on the menu to the left to find out our airtimes. Or, if you are outside of our viewing area, we have you covered as well; all our episodes will be available at TeamSoldTV.com. Just click on the link under "Episodes" in the "Interactive" section on the front page to view the complete show.

Email us your questions now at www.TeamSoldTV.com and we will answer them on upcoming shows. We will also be showing you many unique properties from Panama City to Pensacola as well.

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Many Properties Covered on Our New Episode; Watch It Today! - 3/13/2007

I want to thank Kaylyn Knopes and Michelle Styron for appearing on episode 4 of Team Sold Real Estate TV that airs on CW, FOX, & WEAR-3 after Jimmy Kimmel (Friday night). Just visit TeamSoldTV.com and click "Schedule" on the menu to the left to find out our airtimes. Or, if you are outside of our viewing area, we have you covered as well; all our episodes will be available at TeamSoldTV.com. Just click on the link under "Episodes" in the "Interactive" section to view the complete show.

Email us your questions now at www.TeamSoldTV.com and we will answer them on upcoming shows. We will also be showing you many unique properties from Panama City to Pensacola as well.

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Watch Team Sold Real Estate TV at TeamSoldTV.com - 3/13/2007

We are proud to present, as a service to everyone viewing our site, that we will be bringing you every episode of our brand new TV show called "Team Sold Real Estate TV" that airs on CW, FOX, & WEAR-3 after Jimmy Kimmel. Just visit TeamSoldTV.com and click on the link under "Episodes" in the middle of our page in the "Interactive" section.

Our show will will be bringing you information that we hope you will find helpful, from many of the home industries' top professionals from title companies to loan officers.

Our first two episodes feature Patrice Bobo-Miles with Countrywide Home Loans.

Email us your questions now at www.TeamSoldTV.com and we will answer your questions on upcoming shows. We will also be showing you many unique properties from Panama City to Pensacola in upcoming shows as well. If you are outside of our viewing area we have you covered; all our episodes will be available right here.

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It is Official: Team Sold is Going to TV - 3/13/2007

We are proud to announce that now, as a service to everyone in our viewing area (all of the Emerald Coast), we will be bringing you our very first episode of our brand new TV show called " eam Sold Real Estate TV," starting January 5, 2007, on WEAR-3 after Jimmy Kimmel.

We will be bringing you information that we hope you will find helpful from many of the home industries' top
professionals, from title companies to loan officers.

Email us your questions now at www.Teamsoldtv.com and we will be answering your questions on upcoming shows.

We will also be showing you many unique properties from Panama City to Pensacola in upcoming shows as well.

If you are outside of our viewing area we still have you covered; all our episodes will be available on YouTube. Stay tuned!

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Team Sold is Proud to Announce We Offer the Talking House Service Free to Every One of Our Listings. - 3/13/2007

Click each image to view more information about Talking House.

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Saving Money at Closing - 3/13/2007

Savings Tips
Fees for some standard items, such as appraisal, credit report and title insurance should be almost the same at every lender. The same goes for payments to local governments, such as documentation stamps and recording fees.

A bank or mortgage company may be willing to drop some of the fees if you opt out of a service. For instance, they may overnight documents back and forth for faster approval. If you are not in a hurry, you can ask that the documents be sent by regular mail and the overnight charges be dropped.

Watch out for "junk fees" or additional charges. Most mortgage programs include them, but you should be able to negotiate them down or eliminate them.

Other Ways to Save on Costs

Try to close your mortgage near the end of the month. Because all mortgage loans are due on the first of the month, you will have to pay interest from the day you close until the end of the month. You can avoid or greatly reduce prepaid interest due by closing the last day of the month or near that date, and save yourself hundreds of dollars.

As part of the sale contract, you can negotiate with the seller of the property to help pay for some of the closing costs, points or other fees.

Plan ahead with your mortgage lender. Don't wait until the day of closing to try to reduce costs.

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Qualified Intermediary receives Certified Exchange Specialist TM Recognition - 3/13/2007

Destin, Florida: Old South 1031 Exchange Services, LLC, a nationwide 1031 Qualified Intermediary announces that Andrew Gustafson, a principal of the firm, is one of twelve business professionals in the state of Florida and less than two hundred nationally to earn the Certified Exchange Specialist (CES) designation, after meeting the examination and work-experience criteria established by the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA). The FEA is a non-profit trade organization with a nationwide network of certified professionals accountants, attorneys, real estate brokers, and others to help investors handle the requirements of Section 1031 transactions.

Section 1031 Exchanges are complex transactions that permit investors to defer capital gains taxes on the sale of certain types of business, investment, or income property, provided specific criteria are met, including the replacement of the property with one or more properties of "like kind." Investment real estate is the most common type of property exchanged in this manner, though many other types of property can be bought and sold through a 1031 exchange. Examples include construction equipment, easements, livestock, oil and gas, minerals, timber, water rights, airplanes, boats and yachts, and motor vehicles, among others.

The FEA is encouraging taxpayers to consider using a Certified Exchange Specialist to act as a "qualified intermediary" for their 1031 for good reason. According to Andrew Gustafson, "Almost anyone can claim to be a Qualified Intermediary. The problem is that Section 1031 Exchanges are complicated and highly specific, so even a small mistake could completely wipe out the potential tax benefits. The FEA's certification program is intended to allow taxpayers to make informed decisions when selecting a Qualified Intermediary."

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Fees on a Mortgage - 3/13/2007

Fees on a mortgage cover almost every cost associated with getting a loan. You've already encountered fees upfront for a credit report and a property appraisal.

But there are many more fees that you will be expected to pay at closing or settlement, which is generally 30 to 60 days after finalizing the sales contract. These closing costs are outlined in the "good faith estimate." The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act requires every bank or mortgage company to give the buyer the estimate within three days of applying for the loan. It will list expenses related to inspections, taxes, title insurance and a host of other charges. You also should receive an information booklet, "Settlement Costs -- a HUD Guide."

Tip:The best approach is to get a copy of the good faith estimate before you make a commitment to any lender.

Typical Closing Costs
Here is a list of typical closing costs. In general, closing costs amount to 3 percent to 6 percent of the sale price. Note items with an asterisk (*) are explained below. For an estimated price range, see the separate Standard Closing Costs.

Loan application fees and credit report
Title search and insurance fees*
Lender's attorney fees
Property appraisal
Inspections
Survey
Recording fees
Transfer taxes
Buyer's attorney
Documentary stamps on new note
Points and origination fees
Condominium application fee
Escrow account balances/prepaids*

Title Insurance
This is a policy that insures against errors in the title search, essentially guaranteeing you and your lender's financial interest in the property. It checks for any defects, liens or encumbrances on the property that may affect the rights of ownership, possesion or use of the property. It is issued after a complete examination of the public records. It also insures against such things as forgery, fraud, missing heirs or divorce actions. Keep in mind that the required title insurance protects the lender. You may want to take out an owner's title insurance to protect yourself.

Escrow
At closing you may have to put aside money into special escrow accounts to cover other costs associated with buying a home, such as private mortgage insurance (PMI), property taxes and homeowner's insurance. This will ensure that taxes and insurance premiums on the property are paid on time. Federal law limits the amount of "cushion" to two months of escrow payments. Be sure to ask the lender what escrow payments will be required at closing. Some mortgage companies may waive escrow requirements if you pay more points or a higher interest rate.

Savings Tips
You may be able to lower the cost of title insurance if the home you're buying hasn't been owned for a long time by the seller. The insurer may be willing to give you a re-issue rate, hence lower a premium, if there have been no claims against the title since the previous title search was done. If both you and the seller are getting title insurance, you can save by using the same title insurance firm. The cost will be lower since the insuror researches the property only once for both of you.

It is important to review the estimate of closing costs and to ask questions about fees that seem unfamiliar. Lenders differ and can get creative when it comes to other types of charges.

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Closing Cost Review - 3/13/2007

How much money do you need to bring to the table on closing day?

Reminder: Keep your copy of the "good faith estimate" and compare it to the final list of closing costs. Question any changes or additions. Your closing agent should allow you to review the settlement form one business day before closing.

You may want to preview a sample of the HUD-1 Settlement Statement at the web site of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The site also has other helpful information about closings and settlement.

At this point, having secured the mortgage loan, you already have paid for the loan application fee, the property appraisal and some of the down payment. At the closing, you will need to pay the balance of your down payment. There are other costs that still must be paid in order to close the sale, unless you already have arranged and paid for them. (If so, bring receipts and other documentation with you to the closing.) These costs can include:

Title search and insurance
Survey
Termite or other inspections
Homeowner's hazard insurance
Flood insurance
Taxes
Attorney and closing agent fees

Additional fees related to the loan:

Loan origination fee
Points, if any
Private mortgage insurance (PMI)
Balance of your down payment

Reminder: Have separate certified checks for all closing costs. Some of the costs, such as points, are tax deductible. Also, bring your checkbook, so you can write a personal check for small miscellaneous expenses such as photocopying.

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Florida's Offical Web Site Recorded 74.5 Million Visitors - 3/13/2007

Florida's official web site recorded 74.5 million visitors in 2005. Investors in Florida are growing financially successful by taking advantage of the growing preconstruction real estate market. Cities, such as Orlando and Panama City, make Florida one of our nation's strongest economic states. Florida also has many advantages, for instance theme parks, museums, beautiful beaches, and also a wide variety of military bases. As you search Florida's Investment Properties you will see a variety of listings for every major city in the Emerald Coast and various vacation hotspots. Why buy property that is more expensive and needs to be fixed-up, when you can invest in a preconstruction real estate opportunity? These real estate properties can act as your home away from home or can easily be rented out to other families during the year to provide a steady income.

Florida is the acting central location for all preconstruction real estate opportunities at this time. Pensacola is more than just another city on a map and this tends to attract tourists from all over the globe. Various attractive hotspots surround this great city allowing for opportunities for investors to make money on pre-construction investments. Allowing for a great vacation spot for a diverse group of people.

The preconstruction real estate market in Florida is growing rapidly. The average selling price for a property in Florida rose 17% over 2005. The average selling price for a preconstruction property rose 26% in 2005. As you can see, even the traditional real estate market in Florida is growing at 6% over the national average, and preconstruction real estate is strong. Developers will sometimes cut their preconstruction project into phases allowing for someone who invested in the project during an earlier phase to pay considerably less then someone who invested during a later phase.

Thank you to the Real Estate Development Center for this article.

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The Difference Between Real Estate Agent and Realtor - 3/13/2007

Though the two terms are often used interchangably, real estate agents and REALTORS have different connotations. While both types of real estate professionals help clients buy and sell property in a similar fashion, REALTORS are members of the National Association of REALTORS. Retaining membership to this prestigious organization requires a strict adherence to seventeen tenets of ethical behavior in real estate transactions.

While evaluating the ethical behavior if each individual real estate professional would prove impossible and the morality of each REALTOR is not guaranteed, it is fact that unaffiliated real estate agents are not required to conform to these policies.

The Seventeen Commandments of REALTORS

1. Treat your clients, buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants, fairly and honestly while protecting and promoting their interests.

2. Do not misrepresent, exaggerate, or lie about any property. However, you are not responsible for latent defects or providing advice unrelated to real estate.

3. Cooperate with other brokers, except when cooperation is not in your clients best interest.

4. If you have any personal interest in the property (for yourself, friends, family, or co-workers), you must tell the property owner. If selling your own home, you must reveal this information to the buyer.

5. Do not represent a property of which you have marked interest without disclosing this information to all affected parties.

6. Do not take any commissions or additional fees for favors or recommendations without notifying the client when these costs are first mentioned.

7. Do not accept compensation from more than one party per transaction without prior approval from all parties involved.

8. Keep your personal assets in a separate account from your professional funds.

9. Make sure all agreements and contracts are written explicitly in laymens terms that all clients will understand. After signing, give each party a copy of the contract.

10. Do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

11. Conform to quality standards of the specific type real estate transaction. Do not undertake a job if it is outside of your field without the assistance of a professional competent in said field.

12. Represent yourself honestly to the public, clearly stating your professional status.

13. Do not pretend you are a lawyer.

14. Cooperate, be honest, and present all facts if you are charged with unethical practice. Do not disrupt the proceedings.

15. Do not engage in slanderous activity against competitors.

16. Do not interfere with other REALTORS exclusive relationships with their clients.

17. In the event of a dispute, go to the REALTOR board for arbitration rather than going to a regular legal court.

Information provided from Realtor.org.

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ERA Has Increased Internet Exposure..."Always there for you" - 3/13/2007

As a company founded on technology, ERA Real Estate has always embraced the idea of turning innovative thinking into a competitive advantage for its agents and customers. With that in mind, I am glad to announce a unique marketing initative we have established with Google, the internet search leader, to provide increased online exposure for our sellers' property listings.

We have become the first real estate network to make all of its national residential listings available through Google. This new service that allows content providers to submit detailed information to be incorporated into Google search results. This initative makes it easier for prospective buyers to discover your listings online and is an excellent example of how listings with ERA can help sellers best market their home online.

With the internet playing an ever increasing role in our industry, it is vitally important that we take full advantage of the potential presented by this technology. We will continue to work on creating new marketing venues for you to utilitize as part of the ERA network.

Thank you to ERA Franchise and Public Relations for their help.

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Many of you have asked for this information -- "Residential Lot Loan Program" - 3/13/2007

Up to 30 year amortization

Interest only payments available

Up to 90% financing (based on appraisal or contract)(*land size restrictions)

Mortgages modified for construction loan (reducing costs for construction loans)

Plan	1 & 1 ARM	3 & 1 ARM	5-Year Fixed Amort.
Min. Cash Down Payment	25% 10%	25% 10%	25% 10%
Maximum LTV	75% 90%	75% 90%	75% 90%
Start Rate	6.95% 7.25%	7.50% 7.75%	7.95% 8.25%
Total Points	0 1/2	0 1/2	0 1/2
Amortization	Interest Only	Interest Only	15-Year(**20/30 Year)
Maturity	5 Years	5 Years	5 Years
Caps	2% Annual - 5% Life	2% Annual - 5% Life	N/A
Index	1 Year T-Bill	1 Year T-Bill	N/A
Margin	3.50% 3.75%	3.50% 3.75%	N/A
Adjustment Frequency	Annually	Annually beginning year 4	N/A

(Note this program is only available in platted/recorded subdivisions and good sales histories. Areas that do not qualify, lower LTV and higher interest rates may apply.)

A minimum of 25% down required on purchases of $500,000+.

Investor loans - minimum 25% down, 75% LTC/LTV; increase above rate by a minimum of 1% and get a 1% origination fee.

Non-purchase (refinance, renewal, cash out) add a minimum of .50% to above rate.

Non-platted, rural, and without deed restrictions which limit homes to site built add a minimum of 1% to above rate. Minimum 25% down, 75% LTV.

Add .50% to rate for loans qualifying for stated income program (purchased for primary residence only).

Foreign National Program - minimum 25% down, 75%LTC/LTV: increase above rate by a minimum of 1% and get a 1% origination fee and a 6 month reserve account.

All loans are subject to qualification.

* Maximum lot size 3 acres (10 acre if in platted subdivision).

** 20 year available on loans above $35,000, 30 year on loans above $100,000.

Rates and terms subject to change. For informational purposes only.

Call Rena Gilpatrick of Peoples First at 850-609-3941 for more information. Thanks again Rena for the information.

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Local Lenders' Toll Free Contact Information - 3/13/2007

Access Bank and Mortgage
1-888-908-1994
www.accessthebank.com

AmSouth
1-800-374-5791
www.amsouth.com

Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union
1-800-448-4096
www.aacfcu.com

Bank of America
1-800-432-1000
www.bankofamerica.com

BankTrust
1-800-689-7929
www.banktrustonline.com

Colonial Bank
1-877-502-2265
www.colonialbank.com

Compass Bank
1-800-239-4357
www.compassbank.com

Eglin Federal Credit Union
1-800-367-6159
www.eglinfcu.org

First City Bank
1-888-244-5151
www.firstcitybank.com

First National Bank of Florida
1-800-277-0995
www.fnbfl.com

First National Bank & Trust
1-866-395-0051
www.fnbt.com

Okaloosa County Teachers' Credit Union
850-863-7041
www.okaloosafcu.org

Peoples' First Community Bank
1-800-982-4940
www.peoplesfirst.com

Peoples' National Bank
1-800-303-7010
www.pnbon.com

Regions
1-800-REGIONS
www.regions.com

SunTrust
1-800-786-8787
www.suntrust.com

TrustMark
1-800-844-2000
www.trustmark.com

Tyndall Federal Credit Union
1-877-747-4321
www.tyndallfcu.org

Vanguard Bank
1-800-840-8440
www.vanguardbank.com

Wachovia
1-800-922-4684
www.wachovia.com

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Changes in VA Funding Fees - 3/13/2007

Effective October 2006, changes in VA funding fees went into effect. The new changes are impacting both active duty as well as retired service members.

First-time use remains 2.15%, but subsequent use rose from 3.30% to 3.35%. 5-10% down gets you 1.50% while a down payment of 10% or more gets you a 1.25% funding fee.

For the Reserves and the National Guard, the VA funding fee for first-time home buyers is 2.40%. Subsequent use is 3.35%; a 5-10% down payment gets you a 1.75% funding fee and 10% or more down gets you 1.50%.

Total loan amount is equal to the sales price plus an additional amount of sales price times the VA funding fee.

Example: with a sales price of $250,000, for an active duty first-time usage:

$250,000 + ($250,000 x 2.15%)
$250,000 + $5,375
$255,375.

Please email me or give me a call if you need phone numbers to local lenders in our area.

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Free Credit Reports - 3/13/2007

I have tried it and it is truly free: no charge!

Have you ever been denied credit for a purchase even though you thought your credit was great? Have you ever wondered if you were a victim of identity theft? The answer could be in your credit report.

Until now you could not access this information without a fee. However, with the passage of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act, consumers can now get a free credit report annually from each of the three credit reporting bureaus that supply businesses with information on customers -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

The address is www.annualcreditreport.com.

Thanks to John Flournoy at People's First Community Bank for faxing over the information some time back and for reminding me of this information. If you are thinking of buying property John would be happy to talk with you about all the lending programs that are available. Tell him you are working with Brandon Jordan of ERA American Realty and he will give you $250.00 off your closing costs.

You can reach him at his office at (850)651-5252 or email him at johnflournoy@peoplesfirst.com.

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First Blog Entry -- More to Come - 3/13/2007

I want to thank DB Web Creations for helping to put this blog online for me. I hope that this blog will help everyone get to know me a little better. I also want to provide some useful information every once in a while.

I would also like to thank everyone for all your positive calls and emails regarding the September 26th front page article in the Northwest Daily and the segment on channel 3 the following week about the 2,000+ home project on Highway 90 called "Creekside Preserve."

I want to encourage any of you reading this to submit any errors or corrections that you feel could help to better our website; or, if you just want to tell me how much you like the website, that is always great too.

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We are members of:
the National Association of Realtors,

the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors,

and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Our listings are featured on:
Yahoo! Real Estate,