Mexico Beach Fl Real Estate

Finally, some decent weather!   We managed to have a little sunshine this past weekend with temps in the low 60's!!!
It was great to see lots of people out riding bikes and walking on the beach, working in their yards..........

The temperature this morning is nice but ITS RAINING! 

Awww, just makes us appreciate the beautiful days even more!!!
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Sacred Heart Hospital is having an OPEN HOUSE March 6th.  They are opening their doors on March 15th. 
The hospital is on the east side of Port St. Joe and we are THRILLED to not only have a state of the art facility, but to have a hospital with
the reputation of Sacred Heart!!
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On the Real Estate Front:   The market doesn't reflect a lot of activity but I know there were a lot of agents showing property.  That's a good thing!

Only a couple of properties actually went under contract last week though:

• 1/2 duplex on the north side of the Hwy in Mexico Beach, unobstructed gulf views.  needs work, 2 bed/2 bath with just over 1,000 sq ft.  Listed at $230,000.
• Bay Front home on the Cape with pool, almost 2,000 sq ft, over 1 acre listed at $425,000 as a short sale.

Closings last week:

• Little house 1/2 block from the beach in Mexico Beach, 768 sq ft.  Sold for $120,000
• Gulf Front condo on the cape, 3 bed/2 bath.  Sold for $225,000
• 4 acres of vacant land in the back of Beacon Hill in the beaches area, sold for $150,000
  

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I will be sending out my monthly newsletter in another week of which I will show the ENCOURAGING statistics for buyers, not
so great for sellers.   
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Fisherman's Voice on Facebook

Anyone who likes to eat seafood or go fishing, please sign up for the facebook page above to keep informed about what the government plans to restrict even further and control even more! 
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And just to end with a little Sunday School humor:

GOOD SAMARITAN
>    A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan.  She asked the class, 'If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?'  A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, 'I think I'd throw up.'
>
>DID NOAH FISH?
>     A Sunday school teacher asked, 'Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark ? ''No,' replied Johnny. 'How could he, with just two worms.'
>
>HIGHER POWER
>A Sunday school teacher said to her children, 'We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times. But, there is a Higher Power. Can anybody tell me what it is? One child blurted out, ' ‘Aces!'

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Don't hesitate to call me with any questions! 
Mary
850-896-5222
www.maryblackburn.com
Sundance Realty
Mexico Beach FL Real Estate on Facebook

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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL

Happy President's Day from Mexico Beach Florida

Happy President's Day!

I pray everyone not only survived, but maybe even enjoyed, the unbelievably weird weather we've had in the last week!
My sister lives just outside Dallas, TX and they had over 5 inches of snow!   Her kids loved it---snow angels, snowmen.......
My sister in law lives in Shreveport, LA, they also had over 5 inches!

We in Mexico Beach just had cold and rainy.  I believe we have another colder than normal week this week.  High's only in the high 40's low 50's and still dropping into the 30's at night!     Typically we should be in the mid to high 60's by this time!!!
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On the Real Estate Front:

Two properties went under contract in the last few days in Mexico Beach, several offers are still negotiating.
One Residential sale closed last week.
Two vacant lot closings last week.

We now have 20 residential properties under contract.  FIFTEEN of them are short sales, one is a foreclosure, that leaves only FOUR that are typical transactions.    The longest short sale still under contract has been 9 months!   I do believe the process is getting better though.  We've had some short sales approved in less than 2 months!!

The short sales seem to be the best bang for your buck right now.  If you are willing to wait it out, you can get a great deal!

Cape San Blas/Indian Pass

Twelve residential properties are currently under contract.   Eight of them are short sales, one is bank owned. 

The Cape saw one residential closing last week.

Four lots are under contract in the Cape area.

Two lot closings last week.

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Rates for the weekend of  February 12th  

 

30 yr Fixed                                   FHA/VA- 30yr Fixed                                 30 yr JUMBO

 4.875% - 5.125%                            4.875% -5.25%                                           5.625%- 6.0%              

15 yr Fixed                                   Interest Only ARM - Jumbo                                 Condos 

 4.25% - 4.5%                               5.125%-5.375%                                           4.875%- 6.375%

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There are two major projects under way in Mexico Beach.  One is the pier extension on 37th Street.  The anticipated completion date is April!
It will extend into deeper water and have a T at the end to provide better fishing for those dedicated pier fishermen and women!!!

Another one is the St. Joe company boat ramp.  This projected is expected to be completed around June, if not much sooner.   I've attached a picture of the construction.  
There is going to be a 3 bay boat ramp just on the north side of the bridge.   This will take the boat traffic off the Hwy, which many of you know can be dangerous in the middle of the summer.

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Don't forget, if you are trying to take advantage of the $6500-$8,000 tax credit, the clock is ticking.   It is set to expire by the end of June this year.

Let me know what you are looking for and I'll do my best to find it for you!

Have a great week,
Mary
850-896-5222
www.maryblackburn.com
Sundance Realty
Mexico Beach FL real estate on Facebook

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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL

Happy Valentines Day from Mexico Beach!

I am a chocoholic!  I fully admit it!   I know there are others out there!   March 2nd the Emerald Coast Business Women's Association is hosting the 11th annual DEATH BY CHOCOLATE fund raiser.    Local restaurants present bite size pieces of their most decadent desserts!   It takes place at the Marina Civic Center in Panama City.  There will be a silent auction as well. 

I have never been before, always wanted to----I AM GOING THIS YEAR!!!!
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Don't forget Mexico Beach has its annual Gumbo Cook Off this weekend, Saturday the 13th.   It starts at 10:00 at Sunset Park, next to the El Governor and the gumbo won't last long!    They have added Brunswick stew this year as well!!

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On the real estate front: 

Two properties have been put under contract in the last few days.  
237190 - Details: 8976 HWY 98, PORT ST. JOE, FL - $174,900   WOW WHAT A FIXER UPPER!
235493 - Details: 118 38TH ST., #9, MEXICO BEACH, FL - $210,000  Gulf front condo. 

We are working on several negotiations as well.

Last week there were 5 closings:

235482 - Details: 307 MARYLAND AVE, MEXICO BEACH, FL - $126,900
110523 - Details: 514 GULFAIRE DR, #A,B,C, PORT ST. JOE, FL - $150,000
234568 - Details: 108 PARKER PARKWAY, MEXICO BEACH, FL - $35,000
238216 - Details: 0 PINE ST, #1, PORT ST. JOE, FL - $59,000
238367 - Details: 105 ST. CHRISTOPHER ST., MEXICO BEACH, FL - $38,950

As you can see properties are selling at GREAT PRICES!!

I said this last week but I need to say it again.   If a property is priced at a number that YOU are willing to pay--there are others that are willing to pay it as well---Don't delay.
We've had multiple offers on properties that are priced right within days of the listing!!
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I still have several of the Waterside Condos for sale!    Two bedrooms are starting at $119,000 and three bedrooms (2 master bedrooms + a guest bedroom) starting at $177,500.
These units are brand new, one block from the beach, beautiful swimming pool!
Let me know if interested!!
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Have a wonderful week!
Mary
850-896-5222
www.maryblackburn.com
Sundance Realty
Mexico Beach Fl Real Estate on Facebook

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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL

Tax Credits of $6,500 and $8,000

Just wanted to remind those potential buyers who are considering purchasing a primary home the tax credit deadline is quickly approaching.   

First time homebuyers, those people who have not owned a home in the last 3 years, have until April 30 to put a house under contract.  All signatures needed to authorize that sale have to be in by that date.  That also means if you are offering on a short sale, the bank's approval as well.  You then have until the end of June to close. 
An $8,000 tax credit is nothing to sneeze at and is definitely swaying buyers to buying now.
The home must be your primary home.  There is an income limit  of $125,000 for an individual and $225,000 for a couple filing jointly. 

Repeat buyers are also eligible for a $6,500 tax credit.  You must still be buying your primary home, however.  You must also have owned the same home for 5 out of the last 8 years. 
This is perfect for those people who are looking to move, downsize, or upgrade.  

If you decide to sell the new home within 3 years you must repay the credit.

This tax credit is definitely having an impact on the market.  Not only are prices down and interest rates LOW, LOW, LOW, you now have an added incentive to buy!

Banks are definitely lending money.  Of course, you pretty much have to have full documentation now, and you have to have good credit. 

Interest rates are still great!

30 yr Fixed                                   FHA/VA- 30yr Fixed                                 30 yr JUMBO

 4.875% - 5.125%                            4.875% -5.25%                                           5.625%- 6.0%              

15 yr Fixed                                   Interest Only ARM - Jumbo                                 Condos 

 4.375% - 4.625%                               5.125%-5.375%                                    4.875%- 6.375%

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We are once again having bidding wars!   Properties that are priced right are receiving multiple bids.   If you want it, you can no longer go in low and expect a lot of negotiating.  If it's really priced at a point you can't believe, don't delay, offer very close to asking price!

If you find a property you are interested in and it is just listed way to high for you to consider, I wouldn't rule it out.  It really doesn't cost you anything to make an offer.

It is important to look at the properties that have sold (comps) that are similar to the one you like to come up with a realistic market value.  

There is nothing wrong with paying market value, not every purchase has to be a "steal" to be a good deal.   If you plan on using the property for the next 5-10 years paying market value is still worth it!!!!!     Market value, in my opinion, is what it would appraise for.    I can help you determine that by researching the recently sold properties.  If the seller is not willing to sell it at that price, you simply keep looking!
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Chip has updated his website   www.charterboat-missmary.com 

He has great pictures and videos, check it out!!!    Several pictures are from the camera of Marie Stephens at Emerald Coast Jewelry in Mexico Beach!  Thanks Marie!    She is a great photographer and has a great shop in Mexico Beach as well!!!
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Don't forget the Mexico Beach annual Gumbo cook off is February 13!    Brunswick stew has been added.   You have to register to enter.
It is always a good time and delicious as well!!!

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I just sent out my real estate deals newsletter.   If you didn't get it, let me know.   If you want, let me know.  If you don't want it and you got it, let me know that too!!!!

Have a great week and don't forget ..................7 days without prayer makes one weak!!!

I couldn't help but in these great quips below.   Just for you to enjoy!!!!

Random Thoughts for the Day:

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your
computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize
you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was
younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure
I know how to get out of my neighborhood

8. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

9. Bad decisions make good stories.

10. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work
when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest
of the day.

11. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't
want to have to restart my collection...again.

 12. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if
I want to save any changes - to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did
not make any changes to.

13. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this thing
I have-- ever.

14. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Darn
it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to
voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run
away?

15. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing
anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

16. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to
answer when they call.

17. When my son was about 4-years old he asked me in the car "What would
happen if you ran over a ninja?" I had no idea. How the heck do you respond to
that?

18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet, on any given Friday or
Saturday night, more kisses begin with Bud Light than with a Kay jewelry
product. 

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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL