2010 Comes to a Close in Mexico Beach Florida

I pray everyone had a merry and blessed Christmas!   I know I did!  My Christmas was quiet (just the two of us)  but good!!    
Below is how my husband wraps his Christmas presents.   Clever I admit but just a tad frustrating to open!!!

Our weather has been unusually FREEZING!    I know I shouldn't complain because I'll get all your emails about what COLD is really all about but.............I live in Florida!   I came here to be warm!!!!     We've had several mornings when the dog's water bowl had a top layer of ice----this is how I measure temperature!!     Of course, the dogs themselves were toasty warm inside either cuddled up in my bed or their bed!

However, we'll be back to normal with 50's-60's  and hopefully the winter weather will be over with for the rest of winter!
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My sister-in-law has turned me on to a delicious sandwich!!!!    Chip has named it the Holiday Sandwhich because the holidays is the only time you'll actually have all the ingredients!!

Turkey, cranberry relish, and dressing (or stuffing if you are up north)!  I like to toast my whole grain ciabatta roll!      I know many of you are probably saying "duh" because you have it every holiday.    But this Thanksgiving was my first and I LOVE IT!   So much so, I made Chip cook another turkey for Christmas just so I could have another "holiday sandwich". 

A big shout out to Pam for my new favorite Holiday Sandwich!!!


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As for real estate............It's been a good year for me.   (All praise to God who continually blesses me in my job).

The prices are half and in some cases much less than half of what they were in 2005!   Because we are at the coast and Mexico Beach is the most beautiful , low key, laid back town on the coast we will always have buyers---and a lot of buyers when the prices are as low as they are now!!!!!

So we (all of the real estate companies) have sold 115 residential properties in Mexico Beach to St. Joe Beach, including Windmark Beach.
(I'm closing on one more today, so that number may go up by a few by the end of the week)

24 of those were short sales.
33 of those were foreclosures.

We have 18 residential properties that are currently under contract.
11 are short sales.
2 are foreclosures.

There have been 48 vacant lot sales.
6 were short sales
16 were foreclosures
Half of these sales were under $56,000!!

There are 5 vacant lots under contract.
4 are short sales
1 is a foreclosure

I'll be going into a little more detail with my monthly newsletter which I'll send out early next week!!!!!

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Our inventory is really quite low.   We have 155 residential properties on the market right now. 
9 are bank owned (included 7 from the condo complex Tranquil Harbor)
18 are short sales.

We really are in need of properties to sell.   If you, or anyone you know is contemplating selling please call me---priced right, properties are definitely selling!!!!!   If you are 'in trouble' with your property, I can help.  Unfortunately,  I've become adept at short sales!
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Happy New Year........................Drink responsibly please!

The trolley will be going up and down Hwy 98 again this year taking passengers up and down the beach, even into Port St. Joe so you can celebrate the New Year twice----once in Eastern time and again in Central time!!!!

God Bless and thank you all so much for your business!
Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
maryblackburn@mchsi.com

Merry Christmas from Mexico Beach, Fl

Merry Christmas!   I pray you all have a merry and blessed Christmas.  Keep in mind the REASON FOR THE SEASON!
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We had a COLD but fun Christmas golf cart parade.  Below are just a couple pictures!   We had 11 golf carters!   If you have a golf cart and want to participate next year, just let me know!!!   The decorations are fantastic----its amazing how creative some people can get!!!!


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Mexico Beach is right on a time zone line----as confusing as that can get, we do take advantage of it for New Year's Eve!!    You can ring in the New Year at midnight eastern time at several establishments  and then ride the trolley to an establishment in Mexico Beach and celebrate it again at midnight central time!!!
The trolley is free and will take you up and down the beach and even into Port St. Joe!!
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As for real estate................It has been a busy and prosperous year and I'm grateful to all my customers who trusted me enough to help them either buy or sell.   I've made some great friends this year!

I'm expecting 2011 to be equally as busy----cuz I'm still looking for that perfect place for some of you----you know who you are!!!!

I'll be working this week but will take Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off.

Have a blessed Christmas!
Mary
850-896-5222
maryblackburn@mchsi.com

Lots To Do Around Mexico Beach This Weekend

Today is the last day of November!   Where did 2010 go?   I know everybody is busy with Christmas now---decorating, shopping, planning, baking..........Don't forget to take some time and recognize the "Reason for the Season!!"

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Lots of things to do in the area this weekend!!!

Holiday Fresh Market in Apalachicola--This Saturday!

Christmas on the Coast in Port St. Joe--Lots of events in Port St. Joe Saturday

Mexico Beach Christmas Tree Lighting---Sunday.   If you have a golf cart and can participate, let me know, we have to register by Thursday.  I have all the info.  Its a great time!!!!
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Still quite a bit of real estate activity this month!

We'll have a lot of closings in December simply because all the short sales are being approved before the year end!!   THANK GOD!

If you are looking and are not on my email list, send me an email, let me know what you are looking for and I'll send you links to properties that meet your criteria!   Let me warn you though---I'm pretty persistent--I don't give up until  I find you something!!

Call me anytime!

Have a great week!
Mary
850-896-5222
maryblackburn@mchsi.com

Happy Thanksgiving from Mexico Beach

I pray everybody has a family filled, fun filled, food filled and blessed Thanksgiving!!!
We always need to be reminded of how fortunate and blessed we are, so I hope we all spend the day counting our blessings and being thankful for each and every one of them!
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One of my blessings is LIVING IN MEXICO BEACH!   My husband drove up to Atlanta this weekend--came back severely stressed out!!!    I'm not saying there is anything wrong with Atlanta I'm just saying we are soooooo spoiled down here-------no traffic, much less 6 lanes of 70 -80 mph traffic!!! 
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On the real estate front-------its actually been pretty busy!    Five residential properties went under contract so far and I know there are at least 3 offers being negotiated and probably quite a few more than that!!

Again, multiple offers on several properties.     It's amazing how a property can be on the market for quite a while with no activity and then all of a sudden multiple offers!!!!     I've got a couple of mortgages locked in at 4.125% for investment properties---so its no wonder we are busy!!
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If I may, let me ask everybody for a favor!!!    I know I've blogged about this before but it bears repeating.
Realtors make their living by selling real estate.  We only get paid when we close a deal.   Its a very tough and competitive business.   I just recently had someone respond to one of my emails---she's been on my database for a long time---who said they are also getting information from other Realtors in the area.   

I spend a lot of time searching MLS, gathering information, and sending out emails to the individuals on my database.   I really think its important to find and remain loyal to ONE Realtor.    That doesn't mean stick with that Realtor no matter what----if you aren't happy with their performance then certainly choose another, but if they are doing what you requested, if they are keeping you informed of properties as they come on the market, if they respond to all your questions then please give them the courtesy of using them when you want to go look and make offers.  

This goes for Realtors in the same office, as well.   Sally and I are the sales agents for Sundance Realty.  We each have our own customers, we do not share customers----why?   'cuz we do not share commissions!

I know I work very hard for my customers.   There's nothing more disappointing then finding out someone you've been keeping updated on the market for a long time has decided to look at a property with another Realtor simply because they were the listing agent.    Doesn't matter who the listing agent is---I can help you with any property on the market!

Thanks for listening!!!
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GOLF CART CHRISTMAS PARADE

We are having our 2nd annual golf cart christmas parade on December 5th.   This will be part of our Christmas tree lighting.   Santa will be there for pictures, the golf carts will be decorated, Christmas carolers will be singing---and the Christmas tree will be lit!    Wiley from the El Governor does an absolutely fantastic job decorating Sunset Park. 

If you have a golf cart and want to be in the parade, let me know and I'll email you the rules and regs and a registration form!!!!  

It really is a good time.   The golf carts were beautiful, hysterical, musical, creative........come be a part of it!!!

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Have a great Thanksgiving!
I will be working this weekend, so don't hesitate to call!
Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
sundance realty

The Market in Mexico Beach Fl

Have you seen the advertisement for the Hallmark Christmas ornament that digitially counts down the days, hours, minutes, seconds to Christmas.   GEEZ, WHO NEEDS THAT PRESSURE!!!

It is a constant mental struggle to remember the WHY of Christmas, the WHO of Christmas instead of the "WHAT am I going to buy......"

I love Christmas--I love the REASON FOR THE SEASON and I love shopping----put the two together and you have an awesome holiday!!!!
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I went to the Panama City Car show this past weekend!    Man, what a great car show!   I've posted a couple of pictures.  I'm thinking the purple flame car could be my next car---got the Sundance Realty theme goin' on!     The other car is Chip's favorite Rat Rod.      I must admit they are pretty cool---lots of creativity!
Definitely a new rage!   I've posted more car pictures on my facebook page if interested!

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As for real estate------------the market is good!    Of the last 6 offers I've made recently, 4 of them had multiple offers!!!    The seller has countered all parties with  "give me your highest and best offer" putting the pressure on the buyer!    Buyers hate that!    They understandably don't want to offer too much but what they also need to remember is a property is worth what a buyer wants to pay!   Our buyers are not looking "to flip" properties.   They are end users who are going to use and enjoy the property for a long time---so is $5k, even 10K going to make a difference in the long run---is it worth losing a vacation home that you really want?    If you wait until the interest rates go back up----you are talking about spending A LOT more for that same property even at the same purchase price over the life of the loan. 

Interest rates are still well under 4.5% even for investment properties--as low as 4.125%   Gotta have that 20% down though!

The buyers are out there----its all about the price though---if you don't have it priced right---they will simply move on to a different one.   Motivated sellers are definitely getting a sale!
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Let me know what you are looking for and I'll not only search high and low but I'll update you every time a new property comes on the market or has a price reduction!

We will be closed Thanksgiving day, but certainly working all that weekend!  

Have a great week!
Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
sundance realty

Christmas Shopping in Mexico Beach

For those of you who want to combine a lovely weekend at the beach with completing your Christmas shopping............this is the blog for you!!!!

Why go to a mall and just look at the run of the mill stuff when you can come to the beach and really ENJOY Christmas shopping and  get some unusual gifts at the same time!!!

The Grove  Mexico Beach-----very cool, very beachy, very reasonably priced furniture, knick knacks, artwork...something for everybody.

Emerald Coast Jewelry  Mexico Beach-----who doesn't like jewelry?    Not only jewelry at this shop though....gifts, photography....all kinds of great stuff!!!    Maybe schedule a family photograph at the beach!!!!

Apalachicola----If you've never been to Apalachicola--you must go!    Lots of antique shops and really unusual shops with one of a kind items!   Great restaurants as well when you stop shopping for a lunch or dinner break!!     Check my calendar for special Christmas events in Apalach.  Only about 40 minutes from Mexico Beach, well worth the drive.

The El Governor  Mexcio Beach-----Not just a hotel!   Great gifts in the gift shop---really cute Christmas ornaments!!!

BeachWalk---Mexico Beach----Great clothing line as well as gift idea and GORGEOUS jewelry!!!

The Port St. Joe Country Club is having a Christmas Bazaar Dec. 10 and 11th  with handmade arts and crafts, stained glass, pottery, hand dyed clothing, t-shirt shawls, specialty breads/jams/jellies....

And, oh yes.....There is a Christmas Holiday Golfing Tournament that weekend as well.  Call Barb Van Treese for information  227-9837

Studio on 4th---Port St. Joe---Beautifully handmade items from local artists!   Get a quality one of a kind gift here!!!


I CAN'T WAIT TO GET STARTED!!!!!!!!

November Already in Mexico Beach

I just came back from a week in Texas and the weather today was not very welcoming.  Cold and rainy!

I do believe its supposed to be sunny but cool for the Apalachicola Seafood Festival this weekend!!!
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There's actually been a lot of real estate activity for this time of year.   Ten properties went under contract in the last couple of weeks.    Residential properties under contract recently.    Vacant lots under contract recently.   Several offers being negotiated as we speak!

I've talked to several Realtors in different areas in the last few weeks and they were pretty surprised we've been so busy here!    We are an unusual market though---our market is mostly 2nd home buyers.  There will always be buyers for beach property!   Second home buyers typically have a little more dispensable income and are therefore able to take advantage of the lower prices and low interest rates.
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The "foreclosure freeze" has affected very few properties in the immediate area.  In fact, I know of only one in St. Joe Beach in which the closing has been delayed with no closing date. 
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Just a quick blog today----coming back from vacation has put me a little behind, so I have to play catch up today!

Please don't hesitate to call or email me anytime if you are just starting to look or have been for awhile and are now getting serious!!!

I look forward to talking with you!
Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/

Happy Halloween From Mexico Beach Fl

I pray everyone has a happy and SAFE Halloween this coming weekend!   

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Our Fall weather has been stunningly gorgeous this month!   Cool nights and mornings, sometimes in the high 50's and warming up nicely, low 80's in the day.    I would call this just about perfect weather!

As with the cooling temps comes the TIME CHANGE!!    We'll be "falling back" an hour in a couple of weeks, November 7th to be exact. 

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The Apalachicola Seafood Festival is coming up November 5,6.   Always lots of good vendors--(nothing more decadent than carnival food)  W/ art, crafts, food.   Good music and great place to get some Christmas shopping done!

http://www.floridaseafoodfestival.com/

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On the Real Estate Front:

It has definitely slowed down.   We've had a busy year even with the threat of devastation of the oil spill!

We typically slow down in the fall, so this is normal.    We are by no means, dead though!    I've been saying for the last few weeks that our inventory is really getting low which could mean a turning of the tide here!

We have an abundance of vacant lots but as for single family homes..... we are really lacking.   We have buyers for single family homes (at market value) and very little to show.  Of course, it is still all about the price----EVERYBODY has a budget!   However, with the supply of move in ready homes available, sellers are able to stick to their price a little more.   When there are 5-10 homes that are comparable and competing with each other it was "how low can you go" that dictated the sale.   Now that there may only be 2-3 comparable properties...........the good ole theory of supply and demand kicks in!!!

That being said, sellers cannot assume people are going to over pay.  This is not the time to have an unreasonable listing price if you really want to sell.    It's been shown over and over that when you list close to market value the house will sell!      Who determines market value?    The recent sales!    You'll never find a house exactly like yours, but you will need to adjust a comparable recent sale (within the last 6 months) up or down depending on your specific location and condition. 

Sellers must look at recent data---------you simply must forget the days when you COULD have gotten........$X,Y,Z.      If you really want to sell in the next few months listing the house at market value is critical.  

Below is an interesting stat about the sales activity in Mexico Beach in 2010:

Click and enlarge the chart below!

This just confirms my suggestion that buyers DO have a budget!   In the 'BOOM' years, selling $500,000-$1,000,000 properties was no big deal----now everyone is watching those pennies!

As you can see by the chart above we are selling MORE than last year and the properties under $200,000 are the most popular.  Very few sales above $350k!

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Not only are property values declining so have the interest rates!!!   They are unbelievably low!!

A 30 year fixed rate is now anywhere from 3.875% to 4.25%

A 15 year note is definitely under 4%, 3.25%  to 3.75%

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As always, please don't hesitate to call me anytime with any questions!

Have a great week and remember.............

A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.~Benjamin Franklin

Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
maryblackburn@mchsi.com
Facebook

Fall in Mexico Beach Florida

We had a gorgeous week last week!   The temperature was absolutely perfect, beautiful sunny skies, and clear, calm waters!   I love this time of year!!!
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The Art and Wine festival is this weekend!   One of our best events----great art, music, food all on the beach!     Festivals don't get any better than this!!!
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Don't forget that snapper season has been extended for the weekends--Friday, Saturday, Sunday through October and most of November.   They are still plentiful, so book your trip now!
http://charterboat-missmary.com/
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As for real estate.............October has definitely been a little slower, however, 5 properties have been put under contract in the last 2 weeks and I know there are a couple still in negotiations!   Click the link below to see what has just been put under contract:
http://www.rafsg.net/RAFSGReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=G356725450
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Some interesting real estate facts for our market in Mexico Beach for 2010:

• When comparing the 3rd quarter of 2009 to this year's, the number of transactions is basically the SAME.  
• Comparing the volume though it is DOWN about 33% ( $60 million vs. $40 million)
• Comparing the AVERAGE SALES PRICE:  DOWN about 33% ($232k vs. $156K)

However-------my company (the top selling company in Mexico Beach)--our stats have us UP in the number of transactions as well as the volume of sales!!!!    Our average price is only down about 10%.
SO, YES, WE ARE DOING OUR JOB-----SELLING SELLING SELLING!

• There are only 26 distress sales (short sales/foreclosures) currently on the market.  Certainly NOT the majority of our inventory!
• 17 out of the 23 residential properties currently under contract are short sales and foreclosures---so they are selling fast!
• We've SOLD 92 residential properties this year so far in Mexico Beach to St. Joe Beach and only 37 of them have been short sales or foreclosures.  

There are still some good deals out there---------if you are not on my email list-----send me a quick email and I'll send you what I think are the best deals on the market!!!!!

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Interest rates are still great--well under 5%!    You will be required to put 20% down for a 2nd home or investment property though!
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STILL A GREAT TIME TO BUY!

Let me know what you are interested in and I'll find it for you!
Have a fantastic week!
Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
sundance realty

Cool Weather in Mexico Beach Fl

I love it when I can turn off the AC and open the windows and doors!!   It was actually COLD this morning and I had to run around closing those doors and windows, putting on jeans and a sweatshirt!!   LOVE IT!

In the 50's for the next couple of mornings and warming up in the high 70-80's in the afternoon!

Typical October weather is 60's to 80's.   I LOVE OCTOBER!
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Don't forget our annual Art and Wine Festival, October 16th.   This is a definite Mexico Beach highlight!
Great Art is not only on display but auctioned off at great prices!!    The setting couldn't be any prettier as its at the Driftwood Inn right on the beach!!

Doors open at 2:00 cst and you can view the Art displays as well as talk to the artists.   There are food and wine venders, live music........All for only $10.00!
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Another large event in the area this month is the BOW WOW BASH benefiting the humane's society!
This event is in 2 parts, the PAWS IN THE PARK fesitval next weekend, October 9-----great fun with a 5k run (dogs allowed), and hilarious contests for those with 4 paws!!!!

The following weekend will be the party for the humans!!!
Check out all the events at the website below:

http://www.bowwowbash.org/
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I'm still getting the question "are you selling ANYTHING?" and they are always so surprised when I respond "It's been a GREAT year!"       Sundance Realty has sold over $12 million dollars worth of property so far this year with about another 2 million under contract!!    AND we still have 3 months to go!!!

In fact, we have buyers ready to buy but can't find an acceptable property!!!    And its not just the price----many times its the condition!    Our inventory is really depleted of move in ready homes!
We are lacking move in ready homes in the $200K or less price range.

Buyers are willing to buy homes that need work but then it becomes all about the price!

Once the inventory is reduced (NOW)  the concept of supply and demand will start to benefit the seller again.
It's been a buyers market for years---but that hold is starting to slip!!!!

Interest rates are still unbelievably low---4.125% on investment property!!!!

SO.......................its no wonder we've had a fantastic year!!!
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Have a great week!   Don't hesitate to call me anytime--I am available 7 days a week (although I do go to Church on Sunday morning!!!)

And remember............Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don't count on harvesting golden delicious.~Bill Meyer

Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
maryblackburn@mchsi.com
Sundance Realty

Real Estate Tax in the Health bill

There has been an emailing going around about a 3.8% real estate tax-----I've been hearing about this on and off for about a year-----below is the best explanation I've been able to find. 

The explanation below comes from a Realtor in Illinois.  

So, not everybody who is selling a house needs to panic as it probably won't affect you, however, if I may inject my own political viewpoint----this is another TAX that is imposed.   Its supposed to apply only to the "rich".  I'm not rich by anyone's sense of the word, but if we keep penalizing people for being "rich" are we all going to strive to be "poor"?      So, if we don't have the "rich" folks around----who is going to hire me or you???



3.8% Real Estate Sales Tax - True or False?


You may have received an email or heard something on Twitter about the 3.8% real estate sales tax that has recently been brought up as an issue with the Health Care Bill (HR 3200). In the emails, the tax is railed against and brought up as an absolute for all Americans selling their homes.

But wait...maybe we should dig further. Is it true? Is it kind of true? Is it blatantly false? Does it lie somewhere in between? Seems this is just another case of email first, tell the truth later.

There is indeed a 3.8% tax in the Health Care Bill. It, however, is incorrectly labeled as a sales tax. It is called a Medicare tax in the legislation and I know we're splitting hairs here, but I think it's important to mention as the use of specific words like this are calculated and planned by people to manipulate people's emotions.

This tax however, does not single out real estate, rather it is a tax on investment income. The key to everything is how the numbers are calculated on whether or not the tax applies to you. The 3.8% Medicare tax is designed to only affect so-called "high earners" and not everyone will pay the tax upon the sale of their home.

The Tax Facts

•There is a new 3.8% tax in the bill.

•It is not a "sales tax" on all real estate transactions.

•It is a Medicare tax.

•Many people will not have to pay this tax.

•It is going to affect so-called "high earners."

•It is not going affect many people.

•The tax comes into effect in 2013.

"High Earners" - Who are they?

The income requirement for so-called "high earners" are spelled out in the new law: $250,000 for married couples filed jointly, $125,000 for couples filing separately, and $200,000 for all others. If you earn more than these benchmarks, you are a "high earner" and therefor subject to the new 3.8% tax, but what you are taxed on helps further eliminate many people.

How is the tax calculated?

One of the emails I've seen states that on the sale of a $400,000 home, you would pay $15,200 as a real estate sales tax (3.8% x $400,000). This is incorrect. There are two incorrect assumptions by the authors of the email; a) that the Medicare tax is based off of sales price alone and b) it applies to everyone (which we know to be false based on the "high earner" income requirement).

The incorrect assumption that the real estate sales tax (aka the Medicare tax) is calculated based on the sales price of the home makes a huge difference. Instead, the tax is calculated based on profit. As investment income, the profit is the sale price minus the initial investment. Going back to the $400,000 home mentioned earlier, let's assume you paid $350,000 for it. You profited $50,000. Based on that, your tax would be $1,900 (3.8% x $50,000). Much better than $15,200, right?

But wait, there's one more piece of the puzzle.

Okay, so you owe $1,900, which isn't that bad in the overall scheme of things. But wait...do you owe $1,900? The answer is a resounding no. Why? Because of the capital gains threshold that is included in the language. You are only charged the 3.8% Medicare tax if your investment income passes the capital gains threshold. How much is that? The capital gains threshold is $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly.

This means that profit over the $500,000 or $250,000 (depending on your marital status) would be taxed at the 3.8% rate (you would still need to be classified a "high earner"). In our $400,000 example above, where you walked away with $50,000 in profit, you would not be taxed. The $50,000 is below the capital gains threshold.

Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
sundance realty

Some interesting Real Estate Facts

Fannie Mae conducted a telephone survey from December 2009-January 2010.   Some of the interesting results:

• 64% of the respondents think it is a good time to buy a house, however only  thirty one% think it is a VERY good time to buy.  ( I belive that most people are still a little, ok, very, worried about the future and they are not willing to take a lot of risk!)
• 73% think housing prices will go up or stay the same over the next year. 
• 70% said they believe buying a home continues to be one of the safest investments available. 
• 65% prefer owning to renting.
• The two most common reasons for choosing to rent instead of buy: belief their credit history is not good enough to qualify for a mortgage and they felt they would be unable to afford the purchase and upkeep. 

National Association of Realtors also came out with the national median sales price this week.

• The national median sales price is now $182,600
• In the northeast it is a whopping $263,800
• In the midwest:  $151,600
• In the south:  $156,300
• In the west:  $224,800

What is really interesting is that the median sales price for the Mexico Beach area for this year is $177,500. 

So for a median sales price of $177,500 you can have a home with just a few minutes walk to the most beautiful white sand beach or you perhaps you prefer to freeze in Chicago???

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I also believe it is a VERY good time to buy!

• Interest rates are still under 5%.
• The inventory in our neck of the woods has been significantly reduced, which is going to really affect the supply and demand theory.
• The prices may have plateaued--many of the properties listed at good prices are now getting multiple offers and sellers definitely have a bottom line!

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There are a few good deals left and I'm praying more will come on the market!  There are definitely buyers, in fact, more buyers than properties.    Most buyers are looking for move in ready.    Buyers who are willing to make repairs are out there as well, its just they are really expecting a much lower price!!!
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Please don't hesitate to call me anytime if you have questions about real estate in Mexico Beach, St. Joe Beach, or Port St. Joe!

What lies behind us, and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Mary
850-896-5222
maryblackburn@mchsi.com
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
sundance realty

Last Posting about the Oil Spill for Mexico Beach

Well, according to the State Department we are officially released from being in a State of Emergency.
See the press release below.

I know that we still have "workers" walking up and down the beaches looking for tar balls and such and we still have boats in the water although I'm not sure if they are actually monitoring the water off Mexico Beach or just in the Bay. 

Of course, if I hear of anything of importance I will relay it immediately!!!

Thanks to all of you who vacationed in Mexico Beach throughout this whole fiasco!!!!


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2010



CONTACT: PUBLIC INFORMATION (ESF 14): (850) 921-0217


STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER TRANSITIONS TO MONITORING STATUS FOR THE DEEPWATER HORIZON EVENT


TALLAHASSEE – The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) transitioned today to a Level 3 monitoring status for the Deepwater Horizon event. State emergency response officials will continue to respond to impacts as they are reported to the State Watch Office and ensure proper cleanup occurs as needed.


“Though the State EOC activation has come to an end, the State Emergency Response Team remains committed to protecting Florida’s coastline from this disaster,” said David Halstead, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “Our state has a robust system in place for responding to reports of oil product on our shores and we will continue to be vigilant in ensuring reported impacts are cleaned up immediately.”


The State EOC initially activated on April 30 in response to this event. Today marks day 120 of activation, which is the second longest activation in EOC history, behind the 137 day activation for the 1998 wildfire season.


As part of this transition, the Florida Oil Spill Information Line (FOSIL) will deactivate after today. Callers seeking state information regarding the oil spill should view the Deepwater Horizon Florida website at www.deepwaterhorizonflorida.com or call the BP Community Information Line at 1-866-448-5816 or the Gulf Coast Claim Facility at 1-800-916-4893.


The most recent seven days of oil impact reports received by the State Watch Office and any continuing impacts to Northwest Florida’s coastline as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill will be posted on the Deepwater Horizon Florida website at the following link: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/impact.htm. Potential oil sightings should continue to be reported to the State Watch Office at 877-2-SAVEFL (877-272-8335) or by dialing #DEP from most cell phones.


It is likely that beaches in Northwest Florida will continue to receive isolated impacts, mainly scattered tar balls, in the coming months caused by natural tides and weather conditions. It is possible that immediately following any tropical activity, lingering ocean swells and higher tides could push offshore tar ball fields closer to the coast. State emergency management officials continue to coordinate with federal, state and local
partners to ensure that any further impacts to Florida’s coastline are removed quickly and efficiently.


State emergency response officials remain dedicated to protecting Florida’s beaches and the health and well-being of its residents, visitors and wildlife. Visit www.deepwaterhorizonflorida.com or follow www.twitter.com/FLDEPalert to learn more about Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon incident, find a listing of phone numbers, and more.



 

Happy September From Mexico Beach

We could not have asked for better weather!   It has been a simply gorgeous weekend at the beach!
It was great seeing everybody down for the last holiday weekend of the summer although I know many many people who will still be coming down every weekend no matter what the season!!!

As usual, I worked this weekend!  Absolutely not complaining because as I've said a zillion times before I LOVE MY JOB!

I had only one scheduled appointment but had lots of calls from people down for the long weekend deciding its time to get in to the game.  I ended up showing property all day long yesterday to several new customers!  

 If I've heard it once, I've heard it 10 times in the last couple of months "I've been looking for years and never thought I'd be able to finally afford a vacation place in Mexico Beach".
With prices down and interest rates at unbelievably low rates---they can finally realize their dream!!

As a matter of fact, we are struggling to find properties that meet all of our buyers needs.   Our inventory is down, so any property that is priced to sell-----is selling!

Price is determined by location and condition.  Unfortunately for sellers, if you've not lowered your price in the last 30 days, you probably need to! 

Back to interest rates:  15 year fixed rates are now 4% and less!!!!
                                  30 year fixed rates are 4.2 to 4.6%
                               
I've had a lot of folks ask if the banks are lending----the answer is resoundly yes!!    You need good credit and willing to put down 20% for a 2nd home. 

I sent out my newsletter last week.  I include specific information about what properties have sold, are under contract as well as what I consider to be the best deals.    If you are a new reader and want to receive my twice a month newsletter, just send me an email! 

Have a fantastic week and take the time to do something unexpected for somebody this week!
Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
maryblackburn@mchsi.com
sundance realty

Buyers Market in Mexico Beach Fl

Well, August has flown by and what a great month for real estate!

NINETEEN residential properties were put under contract just in the month of August!!!   Two have already closed because they were cash, quick closes!!!

We are showing and writing contracts like crazy!!!!  

Lots of buyers----------in fact more we've got buyers ready to buy and don't have enough inventory to show them.   Most buyers are looking for move in ready, with little work to do.  

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Interest rates are absolutely unbelievable!!    3.75-4.25 for 2nd homes.  20% down and good credit.

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Just a brief blog today---gotta go show property!

Have a great week.

Don't hesitate to call if you want to look at anything this week!!!

Thanks
Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
sundance realty

Mexico Beach Beach!

Wanted to send out a quick update on the oil spill and Mexico Beach!   I had someone send me a picture of a gooey oil blob Monday.  They found it on Mexico Beach over the weekend.  They notified the authorities and I guess it was sent in for analysis.  

I must confess I don't always read the Star paper, but there was an article in it last week about tarballs on the Cape.

The link is below.

http://www.starfl.com/news/tar-21431-balls-debris.html

So, I guess we have not come out totally unscathed---I guess that would have been a sure miracle!!

Please feel free to email me any pictures or information you have about any oil found here as I want to be as honest and accurate as possible.   

Thanks for your help!!
Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackurn.com/
maryblackburn@mchsi.com

Mexico Beach Fl Real Estate

We had a hellacious thunderstorm last night but I awoke to a beautiful sunshine filled morning!!!

The local schools are back in session now so things have quieted down here a little.  We'll still have a lot of weekenders enjoying our beautiful beaches though!
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The MBARA kingfish tournament is this weekend!    We expect a great crowd!   Friday night is the Captain's meeting at the El Governor---sausage, beer, door prizes!   Only $150 to register your boat and you get a free MBARA T-Shirt + other goodies too!
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On the real estate front-----it's been a busy month!!    TWELVE properties have been put under contract this month---That's one every other day!!!!    The buyers are out there snapping up the good deals!!!    
We have no oil, interest rates are SO LOW ITS UNBELIEVABLE ( 4.3% on a 30 year note--are you kidding me?????),    Prices are down--------what more can a buyer ask for??

We have properties now at prices that will cash flow----its been years since that's happened.

If you've been waiting to buy----you may want to jump in!

Give me a call and we'll start looking!
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Have a great week and hope to see you this weekend!
Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
Sundance Realty

BUSY BUSY BUSY REAL ESTATE MARKET!

Its just soooo nice to be able to talk about something other than the oil spill!    Which, of course, we are still keeping an eye on.    However, we have pretty much been given a clean bill of health by the NOAA as they have predicted no recoverable oil offshore of our beaches off Mexico Beach.   Federal waters have been opened up to fishing again. 

There is going to be long term testing of the waters and fish in the Gulf due to the impact from the oil spill but as far as we know----our beaches, water, and fish are CLEAN!!!

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I'm not sure if the capping of the oil had a direct impact on the increased interest in real estate or not but we have been BUSY!!!!   Seven homes have been put under contract so far in the last 2 weeks, one more at least, will be contracted by the end of the day.

There are still lots of buyers looking---homes that are priced right based on condition and location are getting offers!!!    Any seller who is really trying to sell must take another look at their pricing!    Prices have consistently dropped this year.   Foreclosures and short sales are certainly dictating the pricing. 

At one time, pricing $50,000 above what your bottom line was was acceptable.  Today those homes are not even getting looked at.  You must be priced close to what you are willing to accept----no doubt buyers are still going to start low but................in order to get an offer you have to get people in the house.   If priced way above market value---no one will even want to get in!

Condition is also important to today's buyers.   Repairing necessary items now will cost you less in the long run as buyers will discount any purchase price by considerably more than the repair amount if they have to do it!!!

So if you are looking to sell.............make those repairs now and make a price reduction if you aren't getting any action!!!
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Interest rates have lowered again!    Well under 5% and even under 4% for home equity loans!
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The Annual MBARA Kingfish tournament is in 2 weeks!    The sausage has been ordered for the Captain's party Friday night at the El Governor.     Only $150 to enter your boat!!   
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If you are looking to buy or sell don't hesitate to contact me anytime!!!

Thanks and have a great week!
Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
Sundance Realty

School has Started!

Port St. Joe schools welcomed the kids to school today!    Praying all students and teachers have a FABULOUS year!!

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The Scallop festival was a big hit this past weekend!   Lots of food---why does festival food smell soooo good.    Great music as well!     It was HOT, but what do you expect in August!

I bought some beautiful earrings from my friend and wonderful artist Pam Hall!

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As for real estate........we've been busy!    Even multiple offer scenarios on the good deals!

The oil well has been capped, so far we've escaped any oil impact on our beaches, and people are discovering and re-discovering our little strip of paradise here!   

The majority of our sales continue to be short sales which are being approved slightly faster than when we first started doing them.   I'd bank on waiting 1-3 months for approval though!

Just a quick update on what a short sale is:   the seller owes more on the property than what it is worth.  The seller can not afford the payments anymore so they apply for a short sale.  They list the property for sale, get an offer for at or near market value and ask their lender to release the property for less than what is owed.    They negotiate with their bank to forgive them the balance of the debt or other terms acceptable to them. 

A short sale is basically a pre-foreclosure situation.

If you are in a situation that a short sale may help you out, don't hesitate to contact me and I'll do my best to help you.
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MBARA is having its annual Kingfish tournament the 27th-28th of August.   We were afraid the oil spill would shut it down, but I'm pretty optimistic the tournament will go on as planned.     Parts of federal waters are still closed, but there are plenty of kings in State waters, so we should have a good tournament!
Captains Party at the El Gov. Friday evening.  Tournament starts Saturday morning until 5:00.  Awards shortly after!!!    It's only $150 registration for each boat!

Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hope to see you there!!!
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If you want to receive my email blasts about good deals, reduced prices, new foreclosures....send me an email with your criteria as to what you are  looking for and I'll send you properties from now until you find that perfect place!  Please include your telephone number so I can touch base with you!

Have a good week!
Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
Sundance Realty

On surface of Gulf, oil is vanishing quickly

On surface of Gulf, oil is vanishing quickly


RARE GOOD NEWS: Several concerns remain; debate turns to when to scale back response

By JUSTIN GILLIS and CAMPBELL ROBERTSON NEW YORK TIMES

July 28, 2010, 9:23AM



The oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico appears to be dissolving far more rapidly than anyone expected, a piece of good news that raises tricky new questions about how fast the government should scale back its response to the Deepwater Horizon disaster.



The immense patches of surface oil that covered thousands of square miles of the Gulf after the April 20 oil rig explosion are largely gone, although there continue to be sightings of tar balls and emulsified oil here and there.



Reporters flying over the area Sunday spotted only a few patches of sheen and an occasional streak of thicker oil, and radar images taken since then suggest that these few remaining patches are quickly breaking down in the warm surface waters of the Gulf.



John Amos, president of SkyTruth, an advocacy group that criticized the early, low estimates of the size of the BP leak, noted that no oil had gushed from the well for nearly two weeks.



"Oil has a finite life span at the surface," Amos said Tuesday, after examining fresh radar images of the slick. "At this point, that oil slick is really starting to dissipate pretty rapidly."



The dissolution of the slick should reduce the risk of oil killing more animals or hitting shorelines. But it does not end the many problems and scientific uncertainties associated with the spill, and federal leaders emphasized this week that they had no intention of walking away from those problems any time soon.



The effect on sea life of the large amounts of oil that dissolved below the surface is still a mystery. Two preliminary government reports have found concentrations of toxic compounds in the deep sea to be low, but the reports left many questions, especially about an apparent decline in oxygen levels in the water.



The effect on sea life of the large amounts of oil that dissolved below the surface is still a mystery. Two preliminary government reports have found concentrations of toxic compounds in the deep sea to be low, but the reports left many questions, especially about an apparent decline in oxygen levels in the water.



And understanding the effects of the spill on the shorelines that were hit is expected to occupy scientists for years. Fishermen along the coast are skeptical of any declarations of success, expressing concern about the long-term effects of the chemical dispersants used to combat the spill and of the submerged oil, particularly on shrimp and crab larvae that are the foundation of future fishing seasons.

A combination of factors



Scientists said the rapid dissipation of the surface oil was probably due to several factors. The Gulf has an immense capacity to break down oil, which leaks into it at a steady rate from thousands of natural seeps. Although none of the seeps is anywhere near the size of the Deepwater Horizon leak, they do mean that the Gulf is swarming with bacteria that can eat oil.



The winds from two storms that blew through the Gulf, including a storm over the weekend, also appear to have contributed to a rapid dispersion of the oil. Then there was the response mounted by BP and the government, the largest in history, involving more than 4,000 boats attacking the oil with skimming equipment, controlled surface burns and other tactics.



The winds from two storms that blew through the Gulf, including a storm over the weekend, also appear to have contributed to a rapid dispersion of the oil. Then there was the response mounted by BP and the government, the largest in history, involving more than 4,000 boats attacking the oil with skimming equipment, controlled surface burns and other tactics.



Some of the compounds in the oil evaporate, reducing their impact on the environment. Jeffrey Short, a former government scientist who studied oil spills and now works for the environmental advocacy group Oceana, said that as much as 40 percent of the oil in the Gulf might have simply evaporated once it reached the surface.



An unknown percentage of the oil would have been eaten by bacteria, essentially rendering the compounds harmless. But other components of the oil have most likely turned into floating tar balls that could continue to gum up beaches and marshes, and may represent a continuing threat to some sea life. A band of tar balls three miles by four miles was discovered off the Louisiana coast Tuesday.

'One day at a time'



Thad Allen, the retired Coast Guard admiral who leads the government's response, has emphasized that boats are still skimming some oil at the surface. He said the risk of shoreline oiling might continue for several more weeks.



Still, it is becoming clear that the Obama administration, in conjunction with BP, will soon have to make decisions about how quickly to begin scaling down the large-scale — and expensive - response effort. That is a touchy issue, and not just for environmental reasons.



Still, it is becoming clear that the Obama administration, in conjunction with BP, will soon have to make decisions about how quickly to begin scaling down the large-scale - and expensive - response effort. That is a touchy issue, and not just for environmental reasons.



The response itself has become the principal livelihood for thousands of fishermen and other workers whose lives were upended by the oil spill. More than 1,400 fishing boats and other vessels have been hired to help deploy coastal barriers and perform other cleanup tasks.



Rear Adm. Paul Zukunft of the Coast Guard, coordinator of the response on the scene, said that any decisions about scaling down the effort would be made only by consensus, and only after an analysis of the continuing threat from oil in each region of the Gulf.



"I think it's going to happen one day at a time," Zukunft said.











John Dunaway



Associate Publisher – Panama City Beach

Mexico Beach Still Oil Free

Well, the Storm Bonnie fizzled out to be a pretty big nothing---that's a good thing for everybody.   The biggest impact she had was it put working on the oil well off many days.   I thought it was a little silly for them to remove the boom from St. Joe Bay for this storm but I guess its better to be safe than sorry.

I believe they will be resuming their work at the oil well within the next several days.   At least the well was capped during this time and seems to be holding.   No more free flow of oil!! 

The last time I blogged the oil plume was 125 miles from Panama City, now its 160 miles---still heading AWAY from us!!!!    

We've had no oil impact up to this date and its looking increasingly good that we may never have any impact!!!

Finally my phone calls asking about the oil spill have stopped and are back to calling about property!!!

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Inquiries, showings, offers have definitely increased within the last week or so.    In fact, its been downright busy again!!!

I don't believe the threat of oil has had any huge impact on the real estate prices here-----it did ruin several deals-----It would be interesting to talk to those buyers now that walked away from some pretty good deals to see if they regret making that decision.

Our prices have fallen slightly since the oil well fiasco begun although I'm not sure it had anything to do with the oil.  

There are some good deals out there-----you never know what someone is going to take unless you make them an offer!   

Interest rates are still hovering around 5%.
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If interested in buying or selling give me a call!!

Have a great week and below are my words of wisdom for this week!

And don't forget..............The carpet said

KNEEL DOWN AND PRAY

Quick Oil Spill Update

The oil plume is over 125 miles from Panama City, so a little farther than that from Mexico Beach!   The winds are now blowing it westward, away from us again.  

The huge news, of course, is the well has stopped gushing and the relief wells, which is the permanent solution, are ahead of schedule!

There is a tropical wave near Puerto Rico, which we are keeping an eye on.   Hopefully it won't turn into a tropical depression and cause a lot of wind and wave action to move the oil plume our way. 

As of right now---for this coming weekend-----we are beautiful!    Open for business, sugar white sand and blue green water!!!!

Mary
850-896-5222

Update for Mexico Beach

There has been no oil gushing from the well going on 36 hours!!!   I heard this morning the relief wells may be completed by the end of this month instead of mid August!      I don't know why this has taken so long but better than never!!!

Mexico Beach has not had any oil sightings from the DeepWater oil spill and I'm becoming more and more optimistic that we may not ever have any oil impacts here!

Our beaches remain open, clean, and beautiful!!

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I don't know if there is any connection between this good news and the surge in real estate showings in the last few days but..........................There are a ton of people looking for property!!!     Four properties were put under contract in the last few days and more offers are being negotiated!

We had a fantastic beginning of the year and I believe we are going to end up the summer doing extremely well even with this oil spill.     As I've been saying all year-----lower prices + low interest rates  = sales.

There will ALWAYS be buyers at the beach!!!!!
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If you are looking to buy and haven't yet contacted me, please feel free to call or email me anytime!

Have a great week,
God Bless,
And keep the Gulf Coast in your prayers!!

Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
Facebook Page

Update on the oil spill in Mexico Beach

The well has been successfully capped although they are still testing it to make sure it is going to "hold" (for lack of a more technical term).   This, of course, is not the end all---the well still has to be plugged to stop the oil from escaping altogether.   The relief wells are ahead of schedule and could be finished by the end of July to mid-august.

The skimmers are working more effeciently and if they ever get that big "whale" skimmer working I think we will have a very good handle on everything.

I don't know why its taken so long, but they have finally gotten some people working on this problem that know what they are doing!!!!

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Mexico Beach has remained oil free--the oil plume is over 140 miles from Panama City, so even farther away from us!!!

I believe we may come out unscathed in this whole mess!   Our beaches are beautiful, the water clean!

We have daily fly overs and boats scouting the area daily----we have no reported oil of any kind from the oil spill!!!
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Our industry, real estate and tourism has been adversely affected due to the threat of oil hitting our beaches simply because it seemed like there was no stopping the oil gushing from the well.

Now, that there has been some containment and it looks like there is an end in sight, and we our beaches have not been impacted, I believe both industries will come back even stronger!!!

If you've been holding off waiting to see what was going to happen---you may want to get off that fence while interest rates are still so low, and sellers still motivated!!!

We have continued to show property and write contracts during all this, albeit at a slower rate than normal----I think that is about to change!
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Please feel free to call me anytime!
Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/

Weekend update Mexico Beach Fl

The winds have shifted and are now expected to push the oil plume this way (I mean east of where it is right now) over the next several days.  However, the winds right now are light.

It still has a ways to get to our beaches, and there is no expectation it will reach Mexico Beach over the next 3 days------that's as far out as they predict.  I believe it will take longer than that and the winds would have to continue to blow it our way for quite some time. 

So for right now................our weather is gorgeous, the beach is clean, the water wonderful......come and enjoy!!!!
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Federal waters are closed out to the Cape.  State waters are still open, up to 9 miles out from Mexico Beach.   

I talked to some friend who went fishing yesterday---They went 35 miles out---to Federal Waters that are not closed and caught a ton of fish...................Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack!!!    They had a great time!!!

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As for real estate---------yep, its slowed way down!!     We are still showing property and signing contracts although not at the pace we were before the O. S. (oil spill).    

The people that are looking and buying are people who feel extremely confident that now is a great time to buy---prices down, interest rates just over 4%, the oil may or may not come.    If it does come, we clean it up and move on!   They are buying for the long haul!
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If you are looking to purchase, give me a call and we'll get started looking!

Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
Sundance Realty
Facebook page

Oil Spill update for Mexico Beach Florida

Just a quick update:

The weather has certainly been working in our favor.  The winds have pushed the oil plume west instead of our way!!    We are right now not seeing any oil impact at all---should be another beautiful weekend in Mexico Beach!

Federal waters are closed for fishing however--State waters still open!

Don't hesitate to call if you have any other questions!

Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/

Great 4th of July Weekend in Mexico Beach Fl

We had a great weekend in Mexico Beach!     All the hotels on the beach were filled as well as the majority of vacation rentals.    The weather (on and off rain showers) didn't deter any of the revelers!!! 

The fireworks were great---its always a great time to sit on the beach and watch all the private fireworks before and after the City show. 

If you were one of the zillion people who called to make reservations at the last minute and couldn't find a place to stay-------I hope you book early next year!!!

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As for the oil-----------WE HAVE NONE!!    The men/women on the beach, the boats in the water, the aerial flyovers are all looking for it and THERE HAS BEEN NO CONFIRMED SIGHTINGS OF ANY OIL OF ANY KIND in our area. 

Below is a picture of the most recent trajectory map.   I've put a circle where Mexico Beach to Cape San Blas is just in case some of you are not familiar with the area. 

Of course, we are still anticipating some kind of effects of the oil.  By the time it gets here, they say it will be
weathered, meaning non-toxic.   

The one thing I can say is that we are NOT going to look anything like what it looks like in Lousiana!   We are expecting tar balls, perhaps some tar mats.......If it comes on-shore, I can assure you it will be cleaned up quickly!!!!  

Other than that we are taking this one day at a time!!!

As of right now, we are oil free, open for business, and as beautiful as ever!!

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The Federal fishing has been closed, meaning you can only fish in state waters---that's about 9 miles out from the beach.    While my husband is a charter boat captain, I can only speak the basic language of fishing, so please call him with any specific questions when related to fishing!!!    Chip:  850-527-6272.


The MBARA annual King fish Tourney is approaching quickly--the end of August. 

The way it stands right now, the tournament is still on.   We will have the Captain's Party at the El Governor Friday night, the 27th.  The tournament will start Saturday.  Awards afterwards at Marquardt's. 

We are going to cancel the fish fry at Beacon Hill park just because there are too many variables to plan for it adequately now---but next year!!!!!!!

I believe there is also going to be a dance at Toucan's Saturday night!!

It's still going to be a fun weekend no matter what, so don't change your plans! 

4th of July in Mexico Beach Fl

We are seeing no oil of any kind on our beaches.   The Deepwater Horizon website says they have spotted oil 30 miles from Panama City.  So while it is definitely getting closer it has not and will not hit our beaches this weekend!

The Whale, the massive skimmer from Taiwan, has arrived on the coast of Louisiana.  It can supposedly skim 300,000-400,000 barrels of oil a day!!    Finally, some real help!!!

We are continuing to daily patrol the beach, the water, the air for signs of oil.  

While our weather has been extremely rainy all week (Thanks to tropical depression Alex) we still plan on having a great 4th of July.    A 5K race in the morning, kids fishing tourney on the canal, and of course the fireworks.   They will be shot off the pier---so bring chairs, blankets....and watch the show on the beach!!

Have a great weekend!   I'll be working this weekend if you are interested in seeing any property!!!
Mary
850-896-5222

Newest update for the oil spill in Mexico Beach

Below is the recent update on the oil spill and tropical depression Alex.   Mexico Beach remains oil free, clean and open for business.  Looks as if we are going to escape TD Alex as well!!!


On June 27 NOAA places the oil plume 57 miles from Mexico Beach and 244 miles from St. Petersburg.


Winds and currents will prevent a further eastward movement of the oil plume along the northwestern Florida coastline.

Areas already impacted, west of the Choctawhatchee Bay, will continue to receive impacts as the oil plume moves slightly northwest and closer to the shoreline.

No significant amounts of oil are within or moving towards the loop current ring and there is no clear path for oil to enter the Florida Straits within the next 5 days.

Tropical Storm Alex began to move across the Yucatan Peninsula last night and is expected to reach the Gulf of Mexico by this afternoon.

The majority of the computer models, along with the National Hurricane Center, are forecasting Alex to move towards the west-northwest and impact the coastline near the Texas-Mexico border later this week.

The system is also forecasted to slightly increase in intensity as it moves across the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall.

All Florida Beaches Remain OPEN! Pensacola Beach is open but has been closed to swimming and wading until further notice.

Mary
850-896-5222
Facebook page

Pictures from the first day of summer in Mexico Beach Fl

Our beaches are still gorgeous, no oil has been sighted from the workers on the ground to the boats in the water to the spotters in the sky!!!!

Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
Facebook Page

Mexico Beach the first day of Summer

http://map.floridadisaster.org/GATOR/index.html

Above is a great interactive map to show the most current oil sightings and explanations.  Lots of information here!!!

I believe there have been a scattered tar ball here and there between Mexico Beach and Cape San Blas but that's about all for right now.  There are lots of men on the ground scouring for any signs as well as lots of boats in the water looking as well.

We had a gorgeous weekend and the water was beautiful!

Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
Sundance Realty
Facebook Page

Tar Balls on Panama City Beach

Below is the local news in Panama City.


PANAMA CITY BEACH — Cleanup crews were stretched out along western Bay County beaches Saturday, picking up the first coined-sized tar balls and smaller tar “flecks” from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that residents and officials have dreaded for weeks but knew were coming.




The first tar balls were noticed Friday night on the far west end of Bay County beaches, and an oil sheen was floating 5 miles offshore of Lake Powell, Mark Bowen, Bay County’s emergency services director, said Saturday.



The first oiled bird, a pied-billed grebe, also was rescued after witnesses noticed the bird had oil on its neck and was in distress, Bowen said.



Tri-State Bird Rescue, a nonprofit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization and BP contractor, has taken custody of the animal, county spokeswoman Valerie Lovett said. The bird has been taken to Pensacola for rehabilitation.



“This is harsh, very harsh news for people to hear,” Bowen said, but he asked the community to brace for more bad news if the wellhead near Louisiana’s coast is not capped. The spigot, a mile underneath the surface, is currently leaking millions of gallons of oil a day.



“The general trend over the summer is not favorable,” he said. “It’s our turn.”



BP crews were out early Saturday morning placing red flags near small tar bars on west end beaches for later cleanup, and other crews were later slowly combing sand between State 79 and Pier Park, stooping down to pick up small black clumps and smaller flecks the size of pinheads.



Beachgoers continued to sunbathe and play in the water, even as the orange-vested cleanup crews worked around them.



None of the area beaches have been closed for cleanup, Lovett said.



Bowen said the county has contracted privately for several additional near-shore skimmers that should arrive within days and a deep-water vessel that will arrive in two weeks.



He confirmed that the oil currently reaching local beaches had been tested by infrared spectrometer and was from the Deepwater Horizon spill.



“The release has to be stopped,” Bowen said, while indicating that skimming assets were at the sheen site off Lake Powell on Saturday attempting to collect the oil.



Bowen said a couple dozen tar balls were collected Friday night along a 2-mile stretch of beach in western Bay County, but a robust outgoing tide had swept others away by morning, although more continued to be discovered as Saturday wore on.



“This product is driven by currents and wind,” he said, indicating the elements favored Bay County over the next couple days.



Bowen said the county has collected an enormous amount of boom for deployment to protect the passes, but “I won’t tell you we have everything we need.”



Federal waters west and southwest of Panama City Beach continue to be off-limits to fishing, while federal waters south of Shell Island and all state waters in the area are open.



The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has reported that an “oil plume” was 36 miles from Mexico Beach. A lone tar ball washed ashore early Sunday on the tip of Cape San Blas in Gulf County, the farthest east the oil spill has reached.



Beachgoers are advised not to touch any of the tar goo. Reports of oil can be called into the local hotline at 850-248-6030.

Oily Debris found ashore Panama City Beach

Below is a press release from Bay County Chamber of Commerce.  Unfortunately, the inevitable is upon us.   Mexico Beach is still clean and oil free with no reported effects of the oil spill.   We are expecting another busy weekend.

My prayer for Panama City Beach and us is that the effects are minimal and in a form easy to clean up.

Oiled plastic foam found on Panama City Beach



Bay County Emergency Services Hazmat responders tested a piece of oiled plastic foam found by a kayaker at Panama City Beach Wednesday in the Gulf Highlands area, off Beach Access 39. Preliminary tests of the substance on the Styrofoam matched an oil sample originating from the Deepwater Horizon release that Bay County obtained several weeks ago and is being used as a baseline for local sampling equipment. The item will be turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard for further testing.


Trajectories released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show continued easterly movement of product released following the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion. An unknown amount of product is predicted to be located off Bay County shores by Friday. Residents and visitors may see weathered oil pollutant in different forms.


Bay County continues to prepare for impacts related to the oil release. Visit www.baycountyfl.gov for important phone numbers and information and to sign up for E-mail updates about the oil release.

Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
Sundance Realty
Facebook Page

Mexico Beach Beaches still Beautiful and oil free

Vacationers are moving east!    Our rentals and hotels have been filled with vacationers trying to out run the oil spill. 

Check out this website I just found.  It shows a true aerial of where the oil has been located.  Zoom in and you can see Fort Walton Beach all the way to Apalachicola has had no oil reported. 

Mexico Beach is still clean and oil free!

Mary
850-896-5222

Oil Spill Update for Mexico Beach Florida

NO OIL IN MEXICO BEACH FLORIDA!

We had another absolutely gorgeous weekend (HOT!) with LOTS of people enjoying our beautiful white sand beaches!    The water was calm for both beach goers and fishermen!
Gulf County deployed some boom to protect the Bay (although there has be no sighting of oil in Gulf County)---the bay is still navigable, however.   There are daily fly overs to spot any oil in our area as well as people on the ground walking the beaches.      The oil is still about 80 miles from our area, but I guess its better to be safe than sorry. 

Below is more information about the oil spill taken from the DeepWater Horizon websites.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in coordination with Florida's Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Health, issued an executive order to temporarily close a portion of coastal state waters offshore of Escambia County to the harvest of saltwater fish, crabs and shrimp.  The FWC is taking precautionary actions regarding harvest and consumption of these marine species, which may be affected by oil from the BP Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The closure includes state waters from the beaches out 9 nautical miles into the Gulf from the Alabama line east to the Pensacola Beach water tower.  Interior bays and estuaries remain open to fishing.  This area covers approximately 23 miles of Florida's coastline in Escambia County, where oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill is now present (see map).

Recreational catch-and-release fishing is still allowed as long as saltwater fish are not harvested or possessed in the closed area.

Oysters, clams and mussels are not included in the closure, because they are not expected to be affected by oil in the area.

Some very good news:
Gov. Charlie Crist has announced that the recreational harvest season for bay scallops in Florida will open 12 days earlier than usual this year.  The governor is taking this action to help relieve possible economic hardships on Florida fishing communities that may occur due to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  SCALLOP SEASON OPENING JUNE 19 THRU SEPTEMBER 10.

Unfortunately, an oil plume of about two miles wide by 40 miles long has been spotted 9 miles of the Pensacola Pass.  Both Perdido Pass and Pensacola pass have been closed to prevent oil from entering the inland waters. 

Five in sized tar balls and tar patties were found in areas from the Alabama/Florida line to Walton County.   Clean up teams are responding as they wash up.

Below is the best map I've seen to show where the oil has made landfall.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/05/27/us/20100527-oil-landfall.html

If you aren't familiar with the location of Mexico Beach in the Panhandle take a look at the map below and compare the oil landfall to where we are--80 miles away.
Map of Mexico Beach

So, in a nutshell,  the oil is not here in Mexico Beach to Cape San Blas in any form, sheen, tar balls,  tar patties-------our sand and water is beautiful and we are open for business!!!!

Fishing is the best its been in years!!!      

Please don't hesitate to call with any questions or concerns!!!

We are all taking this one day at a time and I will continue to update you!

Mary
850-896-5222
www.maryblackburn.com
Mexico Beach Real Estate on Facebook

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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL

Oil Spill update for Mexico Beach Florida

Take a look at this link showing where oil has made landfall.   Click here.   As you can see, it has NOT MADE LANDFALL in Panama City Beach or further east to Mexico Beach or Cape San Blas.

Our beaches are as beautiful as always, no tar balls, no oil sheen, no oil fumes, just beautiful white sand and blue green waters. 

We are taking all kinds of precautions though---There are daily flyovers for aerial observation, there are boats patrolling the waters and even people on the beach watching for anything washing up on shore. 

If it was close by we would certainly know it!!!

Gulf County has deployed some boom to protect the Bay.  It is still open for navigation though and since the fishing is absolutely awesome right now, you'll want to get out there this weekend and take advantage of it!!!

Chip has been catching limits of snapper within just a few hours, king mackeral are around and he even snagged a few grouper the other day. 

While I can't predict where the oil will go in the next several weeks I do believe that by the time it makes it over this way, if it does, it will be pretty much dissipated, non-toxic, and diluted.   We are not going to see the gooey, orange, thick mess that poor Louisiana is experiencing.   We can live with a few tar balls on the beach----we always have those!
Just to catch you up on the real estate end---------we continue to show and sell!!!    Looking at the sales numbers for so far this year:

At the end of the 1st quarter, the average sales price was down 25% over the


same period last year. To date, the average sales price is down 16%. This

could mean that the steep price decline that we have seen over the years is

starting to ease up...possibly nearing that "bottom" that we've talked about

for years.
 
Interest rates are still under 5% which is amazing!   Lenders are lending to buyers with good credit and 20% down for those 2nd homes.
 
Buyers are definitely taking advantage of this market, knowing that even if we get a little oil over here----it's not going to last long!