December in Mexico Beach!

I trust everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Now its time to get ready for Christmas--------where in the world did 2008 go?



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Our weather was beautiful last week! Shorts and T-shirt if you were out working in the sun. Cooler in the shade though. We had a little rain, which is always needed this time of year, since most of us turn off the sprinklers.



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I'd like to put in a plug for a friend of mine who is starting his own business. Dave Bonar has worked for St. Joe as a construction supervisor. He built his own home here in Mexico Beach and has tons of experience.



THE CARPENTER'S SHOP will do any kind of woodwork, especially custom cabinetry as well as cabinet refacing!! He can also restore, repair, and refinish wood furniture!



Give him a call if you are planning on doing any kind of kitchen renovation----its more economical to reface those cabinets than replace them!



Dave's number is 850-527-8950

You won't be disappointed!



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As for real estate: It was a little slow this week. People were concentrating on family and food!



A short sale closed this week though---what I think was a screaming deal! A newer home, over 2200 sq feet literally a stone's throw to the water and with outstanding water views---------listed at over $480K, purchased in 2005 for $835,000!!! It closed this week for only $350,000!!!



It was a short sale, which means the lender took a substantial hit! Short sales are all different, so it might be the seller is still responsible for the balance of his mortgage or the bank may have let him off the hook completely. Short sales are easier on your credit than a foreclosure!



The house was listed at $480K and somebody had the nerve to offer $350K!!! And the bank took it!!! Not all properties will knock off a whopping $130K but the point is, you have to be bold enough to make the offer. If you have the means to close quickly you have lots of bargaining power!!!



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I will be sending out my newsletter this week which has detailed information on recent sales and good deals!

You never know where a screaming deal is until you make an offer---some sellers are listing their properties now at competitive prices with OTHER LISTING PRICES. However, each seller situation is different. Some may be willing to negotiate a little, some may be willing to negotiate A LOT, but all will negotiate for sure!



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You can now buy a livable home (townhome) within walking distance to the beach for under $99,000. You can buy a livable mobile home within walking distance to the beach for just a little over $100,000. A lot of people wouldn't consider a mobile home, but if your goal is a place at the beach............................you can always use the mobile home as your vacation retreat for a while and then either build, rent or sell! Your first investment here doesn't have to be your ultimate dream house--you may have to build up to that!

At these prices, you really can afford something at the beach!

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In this tight financial market, one thing you must be aware of is your credit score! If you have a 15-20% down payment and a good credit score, you can get financing! I know of a bank that, with 30% down, you can get an interest rate of less than 4.5%!!!!



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Lots of activities in the area this month. Mexico Beach's tree lighting is Sunday the 7th at 5:30. Please bring a new unwrapped toy or canned goods. Festival of trees in Apalachicola through the 13th of Decembeer. The Dixie Theatre in Apalachicola is putting on the production of "The Christmas Shoes" the 6th and 7th!
I'll be posting a calendar of events on my website Next Year----am just beginning to work on it!

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Have a wonderful week and don't hesitate to contact me if you are interested in either buying or selling in the area!

Mary
850-896-5222
www.maryblackburn.com
Sundance Realty