Zillions of motorcycles in Mexico Beach this weekend!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXvXi21WXTg
ThunderBeach in Panama City has them cruising in from everywhere and Mexico Beach is one of their favorite stops!!
The weather could not be prettier!!!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Happy Easter From Mexico Beach
I pray everybody had a great Easter! Hope you all found lots of Easter Eggs and also gave Jesus a shout out for his resurrection!
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The weather is getting warm! I finally had to turn on my AC! It's been pleasant enough with the windows open up to this point, but the time has come to close the windows (which I hate) and turn on the AC!
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The Beach Triathlon was this past Saturday! I know a 15 year old was the overall winner!!!
Every year I am just amazed at who does this physically challenging event. This year a blind person participated and I know I saw a 74 year old, not sure if he was oldest!!! I absolutely salute ALL the participants!!!!!
We have another one in the fall..........plenty of time to start training!!!!
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The fishing report...............spanish, king mackeral and cobia!
Chip had a shark fishing trip the other day, catch and release. Had a couple of exciting runs--wore a couple of guys out and everybody had fun!!!
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As for real estate...... Its slowed down a little. And I think that's just because everybody is concentrating on the end of the school year! Below is the link to show the activity for the last week.
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I have a home for someone who values space, privacy, and all the finer things in a home!
Maybe a horse lover?
Give me a call!!!
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Interest rates are hovering around 4.75ish. Just to give you a perspective....that's a mortgage payment of $834/mth (not including property taxes and insurance) on a $200,000 purchase with 20% down!
Condos remain the stickiest properties to finance. Banks just do not want to lend money on a condo complex that still isn't owned by individual owners. If the complex is primarily owned by one person (developer or investor) you pretty much have to have cash!
Lenders are requiring full documentation so while there is a lot of paperwork its still worth it since the rates are low and prices are as well!!!
If you are buying a 2nd home or rental you will be required to have 20% down! The better your credit rating the better the interest rate!
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If you are looking to buy in the area, please give me a call. I have access to all listings on the market and can help you with ANY property on the market, does not have to be my listing!!! Some buyers think they have to call each different Realtor whose name is on the sign. That can be frustrating and time consuming---I can find all the properties that meet your criteria and make all the appointments to show at your convenience.
I look forward to hearing from you!!!
Have a great week!
Mary
850-896-5222
sundance realty
Friday, April 22, 2011
Great Information--The Basics
Came across this article. Pretty good. I added the underlining just to emphasize certain points. Sentences in italics is my 2 cents!!!!
First-time buyers prepare for best market in recent history
CAMPBELL, Calif. – March 22, 2011 – Inexperienced first-time buyers may not know if the time is right to make a move into real estate.
“It’s not about timing the market. It’s about time in the market,” (Very Good point, unless you are a "flipper" you don't have to worry about the monthly ups and downs in a market!!)says Steve Berkowitz, chief executive officer at Move Inc., the online company that oversees operation of Realtor.com. “Once you know how long you expect to own a home, look at the historical value performance of properties in the neighborhood. Be confident about your own job security, downpayment resources and tolerance for upkeep, as well as the lifestyle you want today and in the near term. Today’s housing market, especially for first-time buyers, makes it almost impossible not to think about the possibilities.”
To help first-time buyers decide if they’re ready, Move created a “reality checklist.”
Get your financial house in order. This is a great tip for any buyer! Don't go out and finance a new car if you are in the market to buy a house!!!!
Before you decide to buy a home, make sure your credit is in good shape and repair any damage previously done. Know your credit score: Thirty-five percent of successful buyers recently reported they didn’t know their credit score when they went house shopping, according to a national survey fielded for MortgageMatch.com. Having enough money set aside for a downpayment is a key component. Also, don’t put all your money in the downpayment as other fees or unexpected expenses often arise after closing.
It's important for first time home buyers or buyers who just haven't bought in a long time to talk to a lender BEFORE you start looking, so you know how much you qualify for and how much money you need up front!
Don’t fall in love with a house you can’t buy
Find out how much you can afford, including how much money will be required for a downpayment and closing costs. Look for special loans available from FHA and government-sponsored loans for first-time homebuyers that reduce the amount of money required to get into a home.
Learn the lingo
Since first-time buyers are new to the market and will finance a significant portion of their purchase, it’s important to get familiar with the processes and terminology associated with home buying. Here are a few key terms from MortgageMatch.com:
Closing Costs: The fees required to process and close your loan. They’re a cash obligation running from three to five percent of the purchase price. Motivated sellers might pay a portion of these costs. (in this area rarely do you get sellers to pay a portion of the buyer closing costs and defnitely not if its a foreclosure or short sale.)
FHA: Federal Housing Administration, the federal government agency that oversees the U.S. housing market. FHA loans are loans insured by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This is for primary residences only, not 2nd homes. This type loan requires a smaller down payment.
FRM and ARM: A fixed-rate mortgage loan (FRM) is a loan where your interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan. ARMs are adjustable rate mortgages with variable interest rates that fluctuate based on an agreed-upon index. ARM rates are much lower and could be a good thing only if you know you need financing for a very short period.
GFE: The Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a document explaining all costs involved in getting a loan.
TIL: The Federal Truth-in-Lending Form is a document that spells out the costs and fees of the loan.
Per Diem Interest: Interest you pay per day, from the day you close to the last day of the month.
Underwriting and Underwriting Fees: Underwriting is a process the lender performs to qualify a borrower for a loan, and the fee is what you pay the lender at closing to cover evaluating the risk involved with loaning you money.
Warranty Deed: A legal document guaranteeing the seller has a right to sell a property, which is very important if you are considering a distressed or discounted property.
If now isn’t the right time, prepare for your future purchase
If now isn’t the right time to buy a home, make a plan with a target date for when you expect to be ready. Improving your credit, paying down debt, stabilizing your work history and calculating exactly how much you can afford, are the best ways to prepare for your future home purchase. It’s also important to refrain from making any new large purchases or applying for new credit.
First-time buyers prepare for best market in recent history
CAMPBELL, Calif. – March 22, 2011 – Inexperienced first-time buyers may not know if the time is right to make a move into real estate.
“It’s not about timing the market. It’s about time in the market,” (Very Good point, unless you are a "flipper" you don't have to worry about the monthly ups and downs in a market!!)says Steve Berkowitz, chief executive officer at Move Inc., the online company that oversees operation of Realtor.com. “Once you know how long you expect to own a home, look at the historical value performance of properties in the neighborhood. Be confident about your own job security, downpayment resources and tolerance for upkeep, as well as the lifestyle you want today and in the near term. Today’s housing market, especially for first-time buyers, makes it almost impossible not to think about the possibilities.”
To help first-time buyers decide if they’re ready, Move created a “reality checklist.”
Get your financial house in order. This is a great tip for any buyer! Don't go out and finance a new car if you are in the market to buy a house!!!!
Before you decide to buy a home, make sure your credit is in good shape and repair any damage previously done. Know your credit score: Thirty-five percent of successful buyers recently reported they didn’t know their credit score when they went house shopping, according to a national survey fielded for MortgageMatch.com. Having enough money set aside for a downpayment is a key component. Also, don’t put all your money in the downpayment as other fees or unexpected expenses often arise after closing.
It's important for first time home buyers or buyers who just haven't bought in a long time to talk to a lender BEFORE you start looking, so you know how much you qualify for and how much money you need up front!
Don’t fall in love with a house you can’t buy
Find out how much you can afford, including how much money will be required for a downpayment and closing costs. Look for special loans available from FHA and government-sponsored loans for first-time homebuyers that reduce the amount of money required to get into a home.
Learn the lingo
Since first-time buyers are new to the market and will finance a significant portion of their purchase, it’s important to get familiar with the processes and terminology associated with home buying. Here are a few key terms from MortgageMatch.com:
Closing Costs: The fees required to process and close your loan. They’re a cash obligation running from three to five percent of the purchase price. Motivated sellers might pay a portion of these costs. (in this area rarely do you get sellers to pay a portion of the buyer closing costs and defnitely not if its a foreclosure or short sale.)
FHA: Federal Housing Administration, the federal government agency that oversees the U.S. housing market. FHA loans are loans insured by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This is for primary residences only, not 2nd homes. This type loan requires a smaller down payment.
FRM and ARM: A fixed-rate mortgage loan (FRM) is a loan where your interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan. ARMs are adjustable rate mortgages with variable interest rates that fluctuate based on an agreed-upon index. ARM rates are much lower and could be a good thing only if you know you need financing for a very short period.
GFE: The Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a document explaining all costs involved in getting a loan.
TIL: The Federal Truth-in-Lending Form is a document that spells out the costs and fees of the loan.
Per Diem Interest: Interest you pay per day, from the day you close to the last day of the month.
Underwriting and Underwriting Fees: Underwriting is a process the lender performs to qualify a borrower for a loan, and the fee is what you pay the lender at closing to cover evaluating the risk involved with loaning you money.
Warranty Deed: A legal document guaranteeing the seller has a right to sell a property, which is very important if you are considering a distressed or discounted property.
If now isn’t the right time, prepare for your future purchase
If now isn’t the right time to buy a home, make a plan with a target date for when you expect to be ready. Improving your credit, paying down debt, stabilizing your work history and calculating exactly how much you can afford, are the best ways to prepare for your future home purchase. It’s also important to refrain from making any new large purchases or applying for new credit.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Fishing in Mexico Beach
Well, its that time again when I start giving the fishing updates!!!!
We should have an awesome year this year since last year's fishing season went awry with the oil spill.
Spanish, King Mackeral, and even cobia are HERE! You can catch 15 spanish per person, 2 king per person, and Cobia..............I'm not sure, just count your lucky stars you caught ONE!!!
Snapper doesn't open until June 1 and is only open for 54 days (thanks to your federal government) and you can only keep 2 again this year.
Grouper............not sure but will find out!!!!
There have been several big cobia caught already this year which is really pretty early so....................expect a really great fishing season!!!!
Chip's boat is back in the slip after being out for a couple of weeks. Freshly painted, some repairs and maintenance taken care of and THE INSTALLATION OF AIR CONDITIONING!
Checkout his website and book a trip!!!
http://www.charterboat-missmary.com/
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There hasn't been a lot of exciting activity on MLS (Real Estate Database) the last week or so although I know we are all still showing property and offers being made.
Click this link to see what has been put under contract and closed in the last week.
____________________________________________________
How Realtors make their money seems to be a bit confusing for most people so I just wanted to give a brief overview....................We make a commission, a percentage agreed upon by the seller and paid by the seller, when a property closes. That's it. No hourly wage. When I sell something I get paid.
The seller pays the commission and that commission is split in a variety of ways with the other agent involved, the brokers of the companies....
Just wanted to clear up a few questions.
Now....I can sell ANY property in Florida! I choose to stick pretty close to home, Mexico Beach, St. Joe Beach, Port St. Joe, Wewahitchka because these are the areas I have the most knowledge about. I can sell out at the Cape, St. George, Panama City........I just have to do a little more research to make sure I'm giving all and the most accurate information.
I can sell houses, land, commerical--I do it all! So if you see ANY property you are interested in, please check with me!
Have a great week!
Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
sundance realty
Facebook Page.
We should have an awesome year this year since last year's fishing season went awry with the oil spill.
Spanish, King Mackeral, and even cobia are HERE! You can catch 15 spanish per person, 2 king per person, and Cobia..............I'm not sure, just count your lucky stars you caught ONE!!!
Snapper doesn't open until June 1 and is only open for 54 days (thanks to your federal government) and you can only keep 2 again this year.
Grouper............not sure but will find out!!!!
There have been several big cobia caught already this year which is really pretty early so....................expect a really great fishing season!!!!
Chip's boat is back in the slip after being out for a couple of weeks. Freshly painted, some repairs and maintenance taken care of and THE INSTALLATION OF AIR CONDITIONING!
Checkout his website and book a trip!!!
http://www.charterboat-missmary.com/
_____________________________________________________
There hasn't been a lot of exciting activity on MLS (Real Estate Database) the last week or so although I know we are all still showing property and offers being made.
Click this link to see what has been put under contract and closed in the last week.
____________________________________________________
How Realtors make their money seems to be a bit confusing for most people so I just wanted to give a brief overview....................We make a commission, a percentage agreed upon by the seller and paid by the seller, when a property closes. That's it. No hourly wage. When I sell something I get paid.
The seller pays the commission and that commission is split in a variety of ways with the other agent involved, the brokers of the companies....
Just wanted to clear up a few questions.
Now....I can sell ANY property in Florida! I choose to stick pretty close to home, Mexico Beach, St. Joe Beach, Port St. Joe, Wewahitchka because these are the areas I have the most knowledge about. I can sell out at the Cape, St. George, Panama City........I just have to do a little more research to make sure I'm giving all and the most accurate information.
I can sell houses, land, commerical--I do it all! So if you see ANY property you are interested in, please check with me!
Have a great week!
Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
sundance realty
Facebook Page.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Deals and Steals
What's the difference between a deal and a steal?
A steal in my opinion is acquiring a property at significantly below the current market value. Steals are rarely seen, especially in a declining market!
Waiting for a steal may mean missing your opportunity to have your vacation retreat, your home away from home, your Florida respite. It's actually heartbreaking for me to see people look and look and look for their vacation home, find one they want, and then lose it because they wanted to steal it instead of purchase it.
I want everybody to get a good deal! I am the biggest BARGAIN shopper there is, believe me! There is nothing more satisfying than a job well done to me----------the definition of that is a happy buyer---one who is satisfied with the house and the price he/she paid.
A deal is buying at the bottom of the market, buying a home you plan to use for years to come, buying at a price that is affordable for you, and buying it before somebody else does!!!!!
There are deals out there. Steals, not so many.
Mary
850-896-5222
A steal in my opinion is acquiring a property at significantly below the current market value. Steals are rarely seen, especially in a declining market!
Waiting for a steal may mean missing your opportunity to have your vacation retreat, your home away from home, your Florida respite. It's actually heartbreaking for me to see people look and look and look for their vacation home, find one they want, and then lose it because they wanted to steal it instead of purchase it.
I want everybody to get a good deal! I am the biggest BARGAIN shopper there is, believe me! There is nothing more satisfying than a job well done to me----------the definition of that is a happy buyer---one who is satisfied with the house and the price he/she paid.
A deal is buying at the bottom of the market, buying a home you plan to use for years to come, buying at a price that is affordable for you, and buying it before somebody else does!!!!!
There are deals out there. Steals, not so many.
Mary
850-896-5222
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