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
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
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!!
_________________________________________
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!!!
________________________________________
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
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!
_____________________________________
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!!!
_______________________________________
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!!
_________________________________________
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!!!
____________________________________________
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!!!
________________________________________
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
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
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!
___________________________________________
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!
______________________________________________
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
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!!!!
__________________________________________________
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!
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!
______________________________________________
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
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
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!!!!!!!!
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!!!!!!!!
Thursday, November 04, 2010
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.
___________________________________________
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/
I do believe its supposed to be sunny but cool for the Apalachicola Seafood Festival this weekend!!!
__________________________________________
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.
____________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________
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/
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