30A real estate - Page 4 of 10 -

Florida Foreclosures

Karen November 15, 2013

Florida Foreclosures Real Estate News

This news from the Florida Realtors Association: The state of Florida has “reclaimed” the title of America’s foreclosure capital last month, but it’s partly because of a positive development. Lenders are taking more homes to foreclosure. A rush of home investors has created a strong market for foreclosed homes which has encouraged lenders to move on these properties in an effort to dispose of them. Eventually this will help lenders clear out the huge backlog of homes that have been stuck in the foreclosure process as well as those properties that have already been foreclosed upon

Florida previously ranked second in the nation behind Nevada. Florida always looks bad in foreclosure rankings because foreclosures here have a longer, more complicated process as they wind their way through our court system. Most other states have a speedier, less judicial foreclosure process. There were 11,606 notice of foreclosures mailed out by lenders here during the month of October.

Even in the short term, this is good news for the real estate market here in Florida. There is no other avenue available to dispose of these distressed properties other than through the foreclosure process. NOW has always been the best time to get these done. This will also create an environment that will be attractive to many investors and investment groups looking to purchase properties at great prices.

If you are interested in finding out about out local foreclosures and the 30a real estate market then give us a call 850.687.1064

30a November Newsletter

Karen November 14, 2013

HOME MORTGAGES, THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

Most all of us are well aware of the mortgage debacle this country went through from 2005 through 2011. We are still seeing some of the effects of the crash even today in the form of short sales and bank foreclosures. The number of these are continuing to decline, especially here along 30A

Another huge change we have seen because of the crash, is a tightening in the mortgage loan industry. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are a buyer in today’s market and looking to purchase a property here in South Walton County.

If you are an out of state buyer, as many people are, we strongly advise you to use a local, in-state lender to finance your purchase. We have many “higher asset” level buyers who do not heed our advice because they have had a great relationship with their local lenders and have been great customers for years. There are many out of state lenders who even promise up front that financing will not be a problem. Several weeks down the road, or even just before closing, there are hurdles that come up that prevent the transaction from taking place. These are extremely stressful situations that often times can not be fixed and make for very unhappy buyers. Not a good thing to experience ! Local lenders are more familiar with the local markets here and have loan products that are often “tailored” to our area.

The most important factor is whether or not the loan is a “portfolio loan” or not. Lenders who have money to lend on loans that will remain “in-house” have far more latitude in making these loans than they do in making loans that must qualify to be sold on the open market. These loans must meet Fannie May and Freddie Mac standards which do not take in to account just your ability to pay or your good standing with a lender.

Be prepared to put down at least 20% of the purchase price in cash, especially on a second home. Most lenders today are telling borrowers to be prepared for around 45 days to get the entire financing process completed and the purchase closed. Other things to be prepared for is full documentation during the application process which includes tax returns, personal financial statements, bank statements, proof of funds letters, etc.

We go to great lengths here at Homes On 30A to assist buyers in this process. Using a Homes On 30A agent will give you the peace of mind that there will be no “surprises” down the road to sabotage what should be an exciting time in your life; becoming a homeowner here along 30A.

If you are looking to purchase and property along hwy 30a and need an agent that offers Full Service then contact us today 850.687.1064

Brand New Seacrest Beach Real Estate Listing

Karen November 3, 2013

Seacrest Beach Fl Home for Sale

If you are looking for a fabulous home that is perfect for full time living then this Seacrest Beach Home is a must see.. This brand new home is sitting on a large lot that will accommodate a very large pool and outdoor area.

This 2,522 square foot home has 4bedrooms and 3.5 baths in the main home, with an additional bedroom, full bath and kitchen in the guest house above the 2 car garage. There is a master on the first floor as well as the living/kithcen/ dining area. There is a large screened porch off the back with a grill area. Upstairs you will find a second master bedroom, 2 additional guest rooms and a small common tv area. This home is being offered at $699,000 and is a very easy show.

View Additional Photos and Information about this home

If you are interested in viewing this home or any other Seacrest Beach Real Estate then contact us today at 850.687.1064

Fall on Scenic Highway 30A

Karen August 21, 2013

End of Summer on 30a

Even though the weather is still hot and Labor Day is not quite here yet, the Fall season has begun on 30A. Most school sessions begin now during the second and third weeks of August and that’s when the summer crowds begin to rapidly disappear. We encourage you to come for a long weekend if possible for many reasons. The water temperatures are still very comfortable through October and the seagrasses that show up during hot weather are almost always gone and the water in the Gulf is a brilliant emerald green. The traffic along Scenic Highway 30A is much easier to deal with and our restaurants do not have the long waits you experience during peak times. Seaside, which is always a fun day during your stay, is far less crowded and all of the shops, restaurants, art galleries, etc. are open for business. As a matter of fact, most of the locals that call 30A home will tell you that their time at the beach is best spent during April and late September/October. The water and sand are beautiful, the fishing is still great and the heat is less oppressive. For the golfers, the Fall here is a great time to take advantage of a quicker pace of play and at reduced green fees. The Tom Fazio designed Camp Creek Golf Club is an outstanding 18 hole championship course featuring full service food and beverage, complete pro shop and excellent practice facilities. This course is open to the public and at reduced rates during the off season.

There are many events that take place along 30A in the Fall. From the Seaside Repertory Theater productions, various outdoor concerts that can be found at Watercolor, Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach, wine festivals, Seaside and Gulf Place farmers markets each Saturday, live music at the Red Bar in Grayton Beach. There are outdoor movies for children as well as classical music concerts at the Amphitheater in Seaside throughout the fall. Many musical concerts featuring live entertainment at venues all along Scenic Highway 30A to be enjoyed by the entire family with music that appeals to all tastes.

An excellent source for viewing all Fall events that take place here at the beach can be found by googling sowal. This is a comprehensive website used by many people both locals and visitors alike where you can find events, live music, photos, videos, beach news, featured restaurants and even an interactive blog used by those who want to make a comment, post an event and share it with others or just read for the entertainment of some of the funny/crazy things that are said.

Less people, all the fun is the catch-phrase for the Fall here on Scenic Highway 30A. See more about Scenic hwy 30a and 30a Real Estate

30a Real Estate Market Update

Karen July 23, 2013

A Quick Look at the Market

I try to spend a little time every morning reading the different publications that are available to us as agents in the real estate market. Due to the fact that our market here along 30A is not typical of the overall condition of the market nationally, there are not many articles that pertain to the 30A market. Here are a few thoughts from an article I read recently.

Brad Hunter, chief economist for Metrostudy, a national firm that tracks real estate market trends has great info on the Florida market. Here are the highlights of his article; Residential lot prices have spiked here in our area. Builders are trying to replenish the market with new housing after the glut from 2006 that caused prices to plummet. Building supplies, combined with lot price increases is causing a rise in new home prices as well. As prices continue to creep upward, existing homes in our area will begin to hit the market and that will have a leveling effect on prices as well.

What this means is that, yes, prices are beginning to rebound and, in the long run, that is a very healthy trend. Do not get panicky about prices rising at unsustainable levels like they did in the early 2000’s. Now is still a great time to buy real estate. Homes On 30A is having a banner year and we expect sales to continue to be excellent.

Karen Holder
Broker/Owner
Homes on 30a LLC

30a Coastal Dune Lakes

Karen June 3, 2013

We are so lucky to live here along Scenic Hwy 30a and have the opportunity to view these 30a Coastal Dunes lakes every day. These rare coastal dune lakes are natural habits for migrating birds, unique plant, alligators and other wildlife. The only other areas of the country that share these natural wonders are found in Oregon and South Carolina. These dune lakes are truly special.

The lakes intermittent connection to the Gulf of Mexico make each lake unique. Some are fresh, some brackish and some salty depending on water levels and when the lakes “breakthrough” and drain excess water in to the Gulf of Mexico. These coastal dune lakes have been recognized by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory as “extremely rare and indispensable to the coastal wetland system”. Not only do these beautiful lakes store and filter water, they also provide natural habitat for a variety of unique plants and animals.

So the next time you are traveling along Scenic Highway 30A enjoying the beauty of these coastal dune lakes, know that they are quite famous and are the result of some of mother nature’s best work and the protective efforts of a lot of people as well !!