A Cold January in Mexico Beach,Fl

We, like everyone else, have experienced a colder than average January but as much as it pains me to say this................at least we didn't have snow!!

It warmed up beautifully this past weekend, sun shining!    We are anticipating some rain this week though!
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Pretty dull week in real estate last week!   I imagine everyone was dealing with the effects of the weather!

Nothing new went under contract last week and there were only 2 closings in the Mexico Beach to St. Joe Beach area.  
Residential closing
Lot closing


I'll be sending out my monthly newsletter this week.  I give an overview and analysis of the past month in real estate as well as the deals, foreclosures and other interesting properties.   If you want to be included in that database and aren't yet, send me an email!!   maryblackburn@mchsi.com
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Several new listings came on the market last week, which is great since our inventory is really low right now!!
New listings

My favorite would be the little house pictured below.  I love the neighborhood.  Easy walk to the beach, Sunset Park, Tennis courts and I think its priced pretty good  (159,900) although I'm sure there is wiggle room.   Its a short sale so all offers have to be approved by the seller's lender.  

If you want to take a look, send me an email or give me a call!!

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Don't forget to check out my calendar of events.   There are several Snowbird events planned----
The Biloxi Trip in February,  Snowbird Luncheon and Wakulla Trip in March.

If you want something to keep you busy during the week, check out the link below for weekly activities!

http://mexico-beach.com/calendar-of-events

Of course the much anticipated GUMBO COOK OFF is February 19.    Sundance Realty will be sponsoring a gumbo entry  AND my brother in law will be entering his famous BRUNSWICK STEW. 

Will be a delicious and fun time so plan on getting there early--I believe it starts around 10:00 cst. 
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To close I just want to give you a few thoughts to ponder:

•  If 4 out of 5 people SUFFER from diarrhea .....does that mean that one enjoys it?

• There are three religious truths:
  
  
  a. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
  
  
  b. Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the leader of the Christian faith.
  
  
  c. Baptists do not recognize each other in the liquor store or Hooters.

 

If people from Poland are called Poles, why aren't people from Holland called Holes?

• Why do croutons come in airtight packages? Aren't they just stale bread to begin with?

•  If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they call it Fed UP?

• I thought about how mothers feed their babies with tiny little spoons and forks, so I wondered what do Chinese mothers use? Toothpicks?

• If a cow laughed, would she spew milk out of her nose?

Sun Shining in Mexico Beach Florida!

It's a gorgeous day today!   A little chilly for my thin blood (52 degrees) but the sun is shining and that makes everything okay!!!

I'm really trying hard not to complain about our colder than normal temps.  I've got customers who tell me its 1, yes that's ONE degree, others say "it warmed up to 20 today",  "had to start shoveling snow at 4:00 to get to work on time"..............so I guess I can't complain because I have a light layer of frost on my windshield!!

Just to let you know and yes, to rub it in a bit.......

• Our Average temps in January are highs in the low 60's and lows in the 40's.  
• Our Average temps in February (I can't wait) are highs in the high 60's and lows in the mid 40's.
• Our Average in March (I REALLY can't wait) are highs in the low 70's and lows in the 50's. 

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There are quite a few things happening in the area in late February.  Don't forget to check out my calendar to plan your schedule.     Local Events for February.

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As for real estate-----it wasn't super busy last week but below is the link to show what properties went under contract.   Amazingly, 5 of the 8 properties were vacant lots!!
Properties put under contract last week.   

In fact, there are just about as many vacant lots under contract as residential properties!    Perhaps that's because you can now buy a lot for $20,000!!! 

The problem with lots is if you have to finance.   Finance terms are terrible----if you can find a lender that will finance a lot, they are asking for at least 25% down  at sometimes 7-8% interest for only 3-5 years.   That's why cash is king when buying a lot!!!

There are some great lots available though.  Mexico Beach does not allow you to put a camper or mobile home on lots but St. Joe Beach does----so if you are interested in buying a lot, let me know what you plan on doing with it so I can send you properties that meet that criteria!!!
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Speaking of mobile homes in Mexico Beach----since you can no longer bring in a mobile home in Mexico Beach, they actually have a little more value here than anywhere else!!!
They are grandfathered in, so there is no problem in buying one that is already here.   Mobile homes have been here forever and have weathered all the storms we've had so far sooooo its my guess they will last many more!

They can, at the very least, allow you to have a bit more affordable weekend retreat at the beach and maybe later on build a nice home or sell when the values appreciate!!!
Mobile homes in Mexico Beach.     I believe all of these are negotiable--make an offer!!

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Our inventory is really down----so unless we get a bunch of new listings in the spring---the properties that are on the market now are going to sell!!!    Interest rates are holding around 5%.
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Have a great and WARM week and don't hesitate to call me with any questions about ANY property in the area!!!

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

Apalachicola Oyster Cook Off

Apalachicola had its 1st Annual Oyster Cook Off yesterday!    What a turn out!   I'm not sure how many entries they had or who won...........all I know is the food was G. O. O. D!    I'm sure they were thrilled with the turnout of folks...........there were sometimes as many as 20 people standing in line at some of the food booths, and that doesn't even begin to count the folks that were watching the entertainment!

I've posted some pictures below!

I love any excuse to go to Apalach---------great restaurants and love to go in the funky shops!!!  Its only about 30-40 minutes from Mexico Beach and always worth the drive!
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We've warmed up a little down here, although still colder than normal, and supposed to remain that way the rest of the month.   UGH.    However, I'm grateful I don't live in Alabama, Georgia, or Montana!!!!!

The average temps for this time of year here is around 60ish in the day and down to 40's at night.   

Amazingly, Florida was the only state in the Nation that didn't have snow last week!!!    So just one more REASON TO BUY!!!
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January 2011 has been pretty active for a cold month in the winter!!!
Click here to see the activity.  (properties put under contract in January and those that have closed in January)

Here are my choices for some good investments--starting at the lower end and not going over $230k.
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Please don't hesitate to call me if you have any questions about any of the properties above or any properties at all!    Remember, I can help you with any property on the market, not just those I have listed!

Have a great week and don't forget to check out the pictures of the Oyster cook off yesterday.  Make plans to come next year!!!

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

January at the Beach, Mexico Beach Fl

We have not been able to escape the colder than normal winter that everyone else is experiencing!   We had more below freezing nights so far than we usually have all winter!    My poor plants!

However, while my sister in Texas made snowmen yesterday and many customers in Georgia woke to snow and ice this morning, I am not going to complain about my 45 degrees!     At least I'm at the beach!!

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Six  properties have already been put under contract so far this year!!!    I'd say we are going to have another good selling year!!   Three of the six are foreclosures. 

Our inventory is getting pretty low!    Unless we get an onslaught of new properties on the market, the theory of supply and demand kicks in.   I believe we are at the bottom of the market, which means we have no where to go but up.  I don't think for a minute our prices will spike.  I believe it will be a very slight and probably inconsistent uptick in values. 

The other 3 Properties put under contract in January.

Interest rates are still under 5%!!
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Welcome to all the snowbirds!!! 
Don't forget about Mexico Beach's trip to Biloxi in February.
If interested, call Kimberly at the Welcome Center. 850-648-8169.
You have to register by Feb. 9.  The cost is only $99 per person which includes the bus ride, $45 free play, and meals!!
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I just sent out my year end newsletter ---if you are on my database and didn't get it let me know.

Have a great week, stay warm, and don't hesitate to call me if you are looking to buy or sell!!
Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
sundance realty
Facebook page

Happy 2011 from Mexico Beach Fl

I have the feeling 2011 is going to go by even faster than 2010!    I'm already at the end of day 3 and only finished half of my to-do list!!!
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I survived ringing in the New Year!   Chip and I had a plan to take advantage of the Trolley and do a quick stop at some of our local establishments wishing friends and visitors a Happy New Year.  The plan was to make it quick and be back well before midnight----gotta get my beauty rest.   

We walked to Rustic Sands Campground where we were picked up soon by the trolley.  Chip and I made all of three riders.   We travelled to Mango Marley's and Ruby Rumrunners where we picked up about 20 young revelers obviously having a good time.  We then exited the trolley at the next stop, the El Governor.

We bought a beer, talked to a few friends, and caught the next trolley to the Look Out.

I'm not a frequent patron of the Look Out, in fact, its probably been years since I've actually been inside.  But we saw MANY many locals and had a great time socializing!!!    This is where our plan went awry.

We wanted to make one more stop at Regan's Oyster Bar, where we knew we would see many more old friends.   However, the trolley to transport us never came-------we waited, waited, and waited!!! 

After about 2 hours of waiting, Regan's was not looking as exciting as before.   A trolley came, headed in the direction of HOME and we got on!!!  

MADE IT HOME JUST IN TIME TO WATCH THE BALL DROP IN NYC--eastern time.

I did manage to have my 2 beers though---one while celebrating in central time zone and one in eastern time zone.

I still don't know what happened to the St. Joe Beach Trolley that night but............................we all had a good time!!!

I've got a few more pictures on my facebook page if you want to take a look.

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Real estate definitely slowed down a little the last 3 weeks but amazingly, I believe its picking back up.

Lots of buyers.........the problem is actually the amount of inventory.  There just isn't a lot of move in ready single family homes on the market right now.  Buyers are also all about the price --- if its not priced right, they just aren't going to waste their time!  

If you know of anyone who is considering selling, please have them contact me, I'd love to help them do just that!!

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The real estate end of my blog is short and sweet this week because I'm sending out my bi-monthly newsletter with a lot more detailed information. 

Okay, I can check one more thing off my to do list for today!

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Have a great week and remember:

You can have anything you want in life if you just help enough other people get what they want.~Zig Ziglar