Monday, October 17, 2011

Great Turnout for the Art and Wine Festival in Mexico Beach

It was unusually WARM for the festival but we still had a great turnout!!!    I felt like a proud mama....I had 3 of my customers enter their art!!!

Below is Cindy and David Kiser.    Cindy is an awesome photographer who will take some amazing photos of you and your family!!!
David and Cindy live in Mexico Beach.   I sold them a lot so they can build their 2nd dream home!!!



Marie Stephens is owner/operator of Emerald Coast Jewelry in Mexico Beach and she also is an AWESOME photographer......she's been photographing lots of the weddings on the beach lately!!!
Marie and Jimmy now live in St. Joe Beach....




Marjorie Schoelles is not only an artist but a writer as well!   She's written a children's book about a mermaid that lives off the beach in Mexico Beach---she throws in some geography and history as well!!!   http://mermaidsand.com/




Marjorie's 2 crazy sisters----Dianne and Joni!!   


Monday, October 03, 2011

Fall Has Arrived in Mexico Beach

A chilly 59 degrees this morning at the beach!!!    It feels great!!  Cool in the mornings, warming up to the mid 80's, cool in the evenings, gotta love it!!

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The Art and Wine festival is coming up next weekend!    This is always a good time!   It's hosted at the Driftwood Inn, right on the beach.   Artists, mostly local, display and sell their artwork.   There is a silent and live auction,  Food booths, and of course, wine booths!!!    Tickets this year are only 5$!  
Definitely worth it!!!
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There is a new event coming up----1st Annual ROCKTOBERFEST!!!    October 22nd starting at 5:00 est.  Located behind Emerson Cooling and Heating in the Industrial park.   Food, music, friends......donations are appreciated and all proceeds go to Covenant Hospice, so please be generous!!!!     
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It's been a great summer for real estate sales this year!!!!      There have been 169 sales, Mexico Beach to St. Joe Beach this year----compared to 124 last year for the same time frame!    Buyers finally came to the conclusion that if they want a property at the beach, this is the time to buy!!!

Click here to see all the closings in September.

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I expect it to slow down a little now.  That being said, buyers do not have to be here to buy!   Buyers do most of their shopping on line now, even in real estate!    They "window" shop on line, then make plans to come for a week, week-end, to finalize their decision.   So, just because the folks aren't here, doesn't mean real estate comes to a standstill.    I predict we'll continue to have a great fall and winter season!!     

Properties priced right are definitely not staying on the market long, 30-60 days at the most!
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It's really great to see all the new construction in the area!    Vacant lots are a great deal now and make it an affordable choice for buyers who want a home here but haven't been able to find one that suits them!!!     Click here to see just a few of the lots now available.

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Have a great week!   Please don't hesitate to contact me anytime.    I always have to smile when people ask me if I work on the weekends-----just ask my customers who have already bought from me----they'll tell you.....YES!!

Mary
850-896-5222
www.maryblackburn.com
sundance realty
My facebook page, Mexico Beach, FL Real Estate

Monday, September 26, 2011

Real Estate in Mexico Beach Florida

Our water has been just so darn gorgeous the last few weeks.....I actually wish my commute to work was longer than 2 minutes!!!!

I did manage to take a few hours this weekend and go kayaking!!!    I haven't been able to do it for the last few months------been too busy!


I had a great time!   Of course, got a little too much sun.   I love to walk on the beach, take my dogs on the beach, but I don't typically just swim in the water.....but on this trip, I went west from the Mexico Beach canal, got past Tyndall Beach and decided to pull up on the beach, stretch my legs and take a dip to  cool off.   I was surprised by how cool it was at first dip.  It was so clear and refreshing.   I DID NOT WANT TO COME BACK!!!

Below is a picture of Mexico Beach as I was headed back to the canal!

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On the fishing front:   Gag grouper is now open, for a little while.   I've been hearing great reports...lots of them and good size!!!!
Chip:  850-527-6272
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As for real estate.........It's been a great and busy year!!!!   It has slowed down a little just in the past week.   
Seven sales closed out in the last week.   Click here to see them.

Only a few properties put under contract in the last week.   Click here.


Our inventory is really low.   While I don't see values appreciating much....I do think sellers know the inventory is low and they can hold to their price a little more than in the past.    Of course, appraisals have ruined more than 1 deal recently!!      

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If you've never used Google Earth---you have to check it out.   They just recently came through this area so we now have ............street view!!   You can see the houses from the ground perspective!!

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Below is an interesting link about home ownership.  

I'm not a fan of Trulia and Zillow....some of their values on their opinions of homes are not real accurate but if you take their information with a grain of salt it's okay!

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Have a great week!!!
Don't forget to count your blessings----in fact, don't forget to take some time everyday to think about how blessed you are!!!!
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Don't hesitate to call/email/text me anytime!!
Mary
850-896-5222



Monday, September 19, 2011

Feels Like Fall in Mexico Beach Fl

Wahoooooo!     Nothing like a little cool air to make you want to kick your heels up!!!    69 this morning, going to be mid 60's in the mornings all week, highs only in the low to mid 80's.  I LOVE THIS WEATHER!!

Our water has been just soooooooo clear and blue and gorgeous.     This is the perfect time of the year to show property------how can you NOT  buy here!!
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Speaking of buying.............The hot ticket item has been the Summerhouse condos on the corner of 22nd and Hwy 98.    The bank took over 21 units mid year and put them on the market at pretty much fire sale prices.    Half of them are already either sold or under contract....click here to see

There are still 10 available.    This complex is having some exterior repairs that should be starting today and it should take a few months to get this building completely up to speed!!   

The unfinished building gulf front....you know, that eye sore we've been driving by for years now.....
is now under contract with a company in Panama City!    Yahoooo, I'm sure the buyer is going to finish that building out and we'll have something pretty to drive by!!!    

Below is a picture of an alligator behind the Summerhouse Condos.  I think its pretty cool----I wouldn't be real worried....I don't think it will wander onto Summerhouse property and become a danger!!
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Mortgage rates are still low low low.      Our inventory is really low and honestly, sellers, since we have so many one of a kind properties here, can and are holding firm on some pricing!!

The old saying goes............God isn't making any more beach.........and he certainly isn't making any more Mexico Beach!!!
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I have a great house for a 1st time home buyer or perhaps someone looking to downsize!  It's in immaculate shape!
Check it out below.     Just to give you an idea of how affordable this property is.....Mortgaging the entire amount (which someone buying it as a primary home may be able to do) 125,000 for 30 years at 4.5%  your mortgage payment would only be $633.35.    Property tax and insurance would probably add another $150-$200/mth---bringing it up to still less than $900/mth!!! 

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The PoJo Festival was this past weekend.  The first Music Festival at Beacon Hill Park!   I believe they had a great turnout!!     I wish they had more festivals at this park...the location is perfect!
I forgot to take my camera with me so I only had my phone camera with me.
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Mexico Beach's next big event is the Art and Wine Festival October 15.  Always a good time, right on the beach, music, food, art.......can it get any better????
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We've had a great year in real estate so far!!!      There have been 155 sales thus far just in the Mexico Beach to Windmark Beach area (we are talking a very small area).   Click here to see our 2011 sales so far.      I'm sure there will be 10-15 more just by the end of this month!!!!!

We had a total of 120 sales in the same time frame in 2010......so YES WE ARE SELLING!!
Properties price right are under contract in 30-60 days!

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Have a great week!
If you have any questions/concerns about real estate ......give me a call!!!
Mary
850-896-5222
sundance realty
"Life without GOD is like an unsharpened pencil.....It has no point!!!!!!!!

Monday, September 12, 2011

Remembering 9-11

The memorial service for the 9-11 victims was very touching.  I just pray that we continue to be protected.

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Our weather has been................AWESOME!   There's just no other word to describe it.
Our water has been....................STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL.

No wonder we are busy--------if I didn't already live here...........I'D BE BUYING HERE!!!

We have had a super year in real estate!    We are up 15 residential sales over last year by the end of August.   We took 32 properties off the market either by putting them under contract or closing on them just in the month of August!!!      I'm only talking the Mexico Beach to Windmark Beach area!!!

Interest rates are still amazingly low---still under 5% for a 30 year note, under 4% for a 15 year note. and right around 5% for a jumbo note.     Sheesh, can it get any better for a buyer????
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I just sent out my newsletter.   If you are not already working with an agent, please feel free to send me an email and I'll put you on my database.      If you give me some parameters as to what you are looking for I'll do my best to send you links to properties as they come on the market!
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Grouper opens this month for a couple of months.   Hope we can get past all the snapper to get to them!!!     Chip still has some openings..........www.charterboat-missmary.com
mexicobeach.bz@mchsi.com
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Lots of events coming up............the big music festival at the Beacon Hill park this weekend!!!
http://pojolivemusicfest.com/

Art and Wine Festival in Mexico Beach in November

And several things in between!
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I know everybody has tried the tacos at Playa Tacos in my little shopping center.
THEY ARE DELICIOUS! 

A new Seafood Restaurant has opened up in St. Joe Beach too.   I haven't tried it yet, but they did a nice job on the exterior of the building.    I'm hoping to get there soon!!!
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As always.........have a great week.    Don't hesitate to call or email me anytime and yes.........I work evenings, weekends.......pretty much 24/7 !   

God Bless!!!
Mary
850-896-5222
www.maryblackburn.com
maryblackburn@mchsi.com

Monday, September 05, 2011

Happy Labor Day From Mexico Beach Fl

Wow!    We finally got some rain..........and rain........and rain...........and rain!!!!
I'm not complaining......we needed it!

Had some great surf this weekend as well which I know made all the surfers happy!


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Lots of great events coming up so don't forget to check my local events link on my website!!
Every Thursday this month you can catch a live concert at Sunset Park next to the El Governor----no better way to wind down at the end of a day ---music, friends, beach!!!
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The fall triathlon is coming up this weekend---always a big event here on the beach as we get participants from all over the country!     It starts at the Beacon Hill park with the swim---really a cool thing to see them all take off!      Please be aware as your driving at the beach as there will be bikers and runners on the road as well!!
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Real estate has continued to be BUSY!  A couple of links of whats been going on in just the last couple of weeks here at  Mexico Beach!

There have been quite a few vacant lot sales this year!   At super duper great prices...and the good thing is....many people are already starting construction on those lots!!!

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I'll go more in depth into the market statistics in my newsletter---will try to get that out in a few days!
But in a nutshell.......its been a great year for buyers.  The only good news I have for sellers is that.....property is selling!!!    If you want to sell.........and you list at market value.....its going to sell.   Market value is determined by 3 things......Price, location, condition!!! 

If you are considering selling.....I'll be glad to show you what market value is by looking at comparable properties that have sold in the last 6 months!!
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Have a GREAT week.
Don't forget to keep the hero's and families of 9/11 in your prayers this week.
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Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about real estate in this area!
Mary Blackburn
850-896-5222

Monday, August 29, 2011

Goodbye to Summer in Mexico Beach, Fl

You can certainly tell summer is over.   We've definitely slowed down over the last couple of weeks.
Less cars parked up and down the beach, less foot traffic at the office.

Of course, this past weekend was the kingfish tournament!    117 boats entered.....not sure how many went out cuz IT WAS ROUGH!!    We weighed in more fish than I anticipated though---so kudos to those who braved the waves long enough to catch some good fish!!!

44lb kingfish won first place, 55lb wahoo, and a little over 5 lb spanish!!!

Thanks to all who came.   I have pictures on my facebook page  Mexico Beach,Fl Real Estate.
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It's been a very busy year in real estate!    Of course, its only to be expected with our prices coming down so far and interest rates so low!   Definitely the key ingredients to a buyers market!

Click here for all the residential properties currently under contract in Mexico Beach to St. Joe Beach.  Some of these are short sales and have been under contract for quite a while.  

Click here for all the sales in the month of August.
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I'm still getting calls asking for foreclosed homes in the $50K- 100K price range.   While you may be able to get a house in the price range elsewhere in Florida, certainly in other areas nationwide.   Here, in our little area, you just are not going to get that unless its a home that needs A LOT of renovation!   And even those are few and very far between!   

We are so small, with a small inventory of homes for sale, and everything here is within a mile to the beach therefore we can still retain a little value!!!     

Our buyers are mostly 2nd homeowners, a little different than a primary home buyer.

That being said..............if you aren't on my database for emails.........let me know what you are looking for and I'll do my best to help you find it!!!

We have very few foreclosures----the banks are much more willing to do a short sale than to foreclose.  Click here for the foreclosures currently on the market.
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I'm looking forward to some cooler temps ahead!    Lots of activities planned for the fall, check out my calendar on my website!
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Have a great week!

Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

Mary
850-896-5222

Friday, August 19, 2011

Phewwww It's been HOT!

The real estate market is as hot as the temperature around here.

Click here to see all the properties that have been under contract this month.   Fourteen residential properties!!!   

Click here to see the properties that closed so far in August.

I believe people who have been looking for a while have finally realized that if you see something you like you better put in your best offer.    Lots of multiple offers are taking place and its so frustrating to see disappointed buyers because they didn't move fast enough or they tried to low ball!

Low prices + super low interest rates----what a buyer's market!!!!

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To bring you up to date on the fishing..........

Snapper is now closed.   We were hoping they (the Feds) would re-open it for a little while in the fall, but the ruling just came back and they are NOT going to open it.     Of course, there are plenty of snapper out there but.............hey what do we know!

Gag Grouper is going to open from September 16-November 16.     Book your trip early!
www.charterboat-missmary.com

The kings are definitely out there!!!    The MBARA king fish tournament is next weekend!!!
Captains meeting on Friday night!!!
Let me know if you need more details!!!

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Lots of events happening in the area in September.   Check out my website for local events!!

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I gotta get back to work!!!
Don't hesitate to call me anytime!!
Mary
850-896-5222
www.maryblackburn.com
sundance realty

Monday, August 01, 2011

Yikes! Everythings HOT in Mexico Beach!

I believe the "dog days" of August have arrived on time!  Phew its been hot!  
Not Georgia hot though.......at least we have a sea breeze most of the time!!!
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The News of the Week:

The City of Mexico Beach just bought the old Parker House to use as the new City Hall.  Unfortunately, it caught on fire the other night.
http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Mexico_Beach_Fire_Burns_Historic_Parker_House_126393793.html

I'm not sure if any of the building can be restored but.......I'll keep you updated!
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THE KINGS ARE RUNNING AND ARE HUGE!!   Lots of big kingfish are being caught!! 
Snapper season is now closed, hopefully they will re-open for a little bit this fall.

Shark fishing is another fun activity..............www.charterboat-missmary.com
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The Port St. Joe Scallop festival is this weekend!
http://www.gulfchamber.org/scallopfestival/?r=www.scallopfest.net

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Real Estate has also been HOT this July...........25 residential properties put under contract in 31 days....just in Mexico Beach to Windmark Beach!!!   WOW!!!      Click here to see them.

Our inventory of homes is dwindling fast.  I'm not saying prices are rising but........when a home has absolutely no competition.....the seller may be able to command a better price!!!

Interest rates are still under 5%.........how much longer there is no way to tell.   We have to get a handle on this debt ceiling crisis before that will be determined.   
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Many buyers have decided to buy lots and build rather than try to find a home that suits them.
I think its a great time to buy a lot and build a brand new custom home!
Lots are now available starting at $21,000!!!!
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Check out our new restaurant......Case De Playa
MONDAY- WEDNESDAY 9-2
FRIDAY-SATURDAY 5-8

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Have a great week!   
Don't hesitate to call with any questions about REAL ESTATE!
Mary
850-896-5222

Monday, July 25, 2011

Looking to Buy in Mexico Beach?

The hottest property right now is the Summerhouse Condo Complex!

Twenty units, bank owned, have just been listed and within 11 days or less, 6 of them are already under contract!!!

Click here to see the units that are still available!

HOA fees are always a point of contention with buyers, so I just wanted to briefly explain HOA fees.

That monthly fee pays for your water/sewer/trash,  a $102/mth value.
It pays for basic cable, I'm giving that a $70/mth value, although that is just a guess.
It also includes insurance for the building, which could be a value of $100-$500/mth value.
It pays for all upkeep/maintenance of the pool, the exterior of the building  and landscaping.

Those fees allow you to have a maintenance free home with a pool and beautiful views right across the street from the beach!!!

If you are interested, give me a call!!!    850-896-5222
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Interestingly, the larger homes are finally going under contract.  Some of these homes have been on the market quite a while and have finally reduced their prices to where a buyer has decided its a great home for them!!!

Our inventory of nicer, newer homes, homes with fantastic view  are few and far between now!!!

How much longer they will last is anybody's guess!!

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And if you need ANOTHER reason to buy in Mexico Beach..........................

No, this isn't Panama City Beach............It's a beach in CHINA!!!

Hmmmmmmmmm  this beach or Mexico Beach????


If you are looking to buy or sell in Mexico Beach, St. Joe Beach, Port St. Joe, Wewahitchka.....Give me a call!   850-896-5222

Have a great week.........more adult truths to make you chuckle!!!

1.  Was learning cursive really necessary?

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


 3.  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 technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

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


5. I disagree with Kay Jewelers.. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Budweiser than Kay.


6.  I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

7.   How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

8. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

9.   Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

And one of my favorites...................

10.   The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.




Wednesday, July 20, 2011

I love my job....I love everything about it.....so.....I live at the beach AND I love my job, and I'm saved by God's grace so ..............can things be any better....I THINK NOT!

Still, its ALWAYS nice to get kind words!   Thanks for the thanks, Sondra & Laura and Kim and Jack!   WELCOME TO THE  BEACH!!!!!
 
Mary,

We wanted to express our heartfelt THANK YOU!

From the moment you answered my e-mail inquiry within minutes, thru the process of purchase and closing and even after the sale it's been "Mary to the rescue!". Thank you so much for making the hurdles and hoops we had to jump through (as out of state buyers) understandable and easier to negotiate.

We had been looking for a property for two years and did not ever encounter the level of service and caring you provide your clients!

 After a visit to the Forgotten Coast and reading your blog we were able to narrow our search. You arranged property visits that met our "wish list" and didn't bog us down with properties that didn't fit or were outside our price guidelines. You go above and beyond as just part of the job!

It's a pleasure to do business with you.

Sondra
Billings, Missouri 65610

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Monday, July 11, 2011

Mexico Beach----Tropical Paradise

I love meeting people who have been to Mexico Beach for the first time!   They fall in love with this place!   I can count on one hand the number of people I have met in the last 11 years of selling real estate who have said "you know, this place just isn't for me!"

We definitely are a unique area.........small, low key, basically no commercialism, no red lights, no high rises, basically nothing to do but enjoy the surf, sun, sand!!!     Which is exactly the way we like it!!

I met about 4 couples this weekend who decided to check out Mexico Beach after hearing so much about it----guess what?-----they'll be vacationing and buying here from now on!!

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Fishing has been the best its been in years!!   Only one more week of Snapper fishing!   The kings are few and far between, which is unusual this time of year!!    Grouper fishing is only September through November this year, so be sure to book your charter trip now!!!

Scallop season is in full mode!   I know a lot of folks went around the 4th and easily got their limit.   However, since its a long season I'm not sure how long that will last!
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Real estate has been busy!!!
My company only has 4 agents  and we rank number one again for the top selling company in the Mexico Beach to St. Joe Beach area!     We've sold 40 properties so far in just in our little stretch of beach!   

We move down just a notch if we add Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas and Wewahitchka!   Still pretty darn good!

If you have a property you'd like to buy or sell.........CALL ME!!
850-896-5222
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Our inventory has been declining all year, but we've had a few new and very interesting new listings this month.   Click here to see them--a few single family homes and a couple of condos.



Properties on the market at market value are definitely selling!   

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Have a great week!
Don't hesitate to call me anytime if you are interested in buying or selling anywhere in the Mexico Beach to Cape San Blas area!!!
And yes..........I WORK WEEKENDS!
Mary
850-896-5222
Sundance Realty

Below are some thoughts to make you smile!

Adult Truths ***
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 hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
 





Monday, July 04, 2011

God Bless the USA this 4th of July from Mexico Beach

It's amazing how this little town of about 1200 registered voters turns into a hustling bustling bursting at the seams beach party every 4th of July!

It just makes me smile to see all the tents on the beach, the families swimming, playing together, the bike riders, joggers, walkers on the sidewalks in the morning, the golf carts everywhere back in the neighborhoods!!!    I love to see them all come and have a good time!!!

The fireworks are tonight, shot from the pier-----and as usual, I'm sure it will be a great show!
I'm just glad I live close enough to walk to the beach, because finding a parking spot is going to be difficult at best!!     

I'm proud to fly my American flag!   I'm proud to live in America!  I do believe we are a country blessed by God and I hope and pray that we stay true to God and the principles upon which we were founded on! 


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Fishing has been awesome!   Lots of snapper coming in!     One of Chip's charter trips caught a cobia trolling the other day!!!       I had to book a trip for myself and some girlfriends before the snapper season closed!     I'm going Thursday morning----will post pictures!!!

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Been pretty busy in the real estate world as well.     Eighteen properties sold in the month of June!!!

 Fifteen residential properties have been put under contract in June.  Click here.

 Six lots have been put under contract in June.   Click here.
At these lot prices, it just seems a great time to buy and build!   We have very few newer homes on the market to show--why not build your own???
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I'm keeping today's blog short and sweet-----I apologize for missing last week.  WAS ON VACATION!!   (and believe me that doesn't happen often).



Be safe, don't hesitate to call me anytime and ............let's do some business!

Mary
850-896-5222
sundance realty

 



Monday, June 20, 2011

Happy Summer from Mexico Beach Fl!

I trust all you Dad's out there had a great day yesterday.   Below is a picture of my Dad.   He and my mom are both waiting for me in Heaven!  



It was HOT over the weekend!    Of course, it is summer but I actually think we were considerably above the average temperature for this time of year.    And another week of NO RAIN!     What ever happened to those daily thunderstorms we used to have???     I'm not complaining..........I could live where its still cold!!!  

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July 4th is one of our biggest holidays-----we will be packed!!    Fireworks are shot off the pier on 37th street about dark.   You won't be able to use the pier that day as they will be setting up.      You can see the show from just about everywhere on the beach----Get your spot on the beach early---the individual fireworks all up and down the beach are really good too!!!!

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Real Estate:    A little slow this past week. 
Just to make sure you know:   When you pull up a listing and the status says "contingent" that means it has an accepted contract on it but they might have some financing or home inspection hurdles to jump through. 
If the status says "pending"  that means its pretty close to closing and there are no more hoops to jump through, just waiting for closing day!!



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I sent out my monthly newsletter today----if you are interested in real estate in this area and are NOT already working with a Realtor I'll be glad to put you on my database so you get accurate and up to date information!!!
Just send me an email!!    maryblackburn@mchsi.com

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The fishing report:   GREAT GREAT GREAT!   Chip has been bringing back some BIG snapper, caught a huge King the other day too!!!


Chip Blackburn  850-527-6272
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Have a great week!
Please feel free to call me anytime-----yes, I work weekends, evenings, holidays------you are NOT bothering me---this is my job!!!!

850-896-5222

Mary
sundance realty


Monday, June 13, 2011

Happy Flag Day from Mexico Beach Florida

Tomorrow is Flag Day----------hope you all have your American flags out!    I have mine out EVERY DAY!!!

I think we've actually gotten away from this-------there are so many other flags...cute Welcome flags, Holiday flags,  Football team flags..........but there is no more important flag that the good ole RED, WHITE AND BLUE!

In this time of war and seemingly devisive political time I especially love to see the American flag waving!!
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I love to hear people's stories of how they discovered Mexico Beach.    The most frequently told story is........".we had been going to Panama City Beach for years........or we've been going to St. George Island for years.......and they've heard of Mexico Beach but had never been.   Decided to just check it out and ................FELL IN LOVE!    Now we don't go to PC Beach or St. George Island anymore! "  (nothing against those two places!!!)

Yahoo Travel has come up with a list of The Greatest American Beach Towns  and MEXICO BEACH made the list.    Check it out!!!

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REAL ESTATE
Not a lot going on the past 7 days I'm afraid.  A condo was put under contract and a mobile home up in Overstreet closed.    That's about it!   

There are 34 properties currently under contract in Mexico Beach to St. Joe Beach.   Several of those are short sales and have been under contract for AWHILE several are closing shortly!!!

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FISHING:
The picture below tells it all!



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 Fourth of July in Mexico Beach is one of our biggest holidays!
If you haven't made reservations yet------------Good luck!

The fireworks are shot off the pier so you can't use the pier that day.   They'll start around dark!   
Take your chairs and snacks and beverages and snag a great place anywhere on the beach!   The personal fireworks are great too and you can even see the Port St. Joe fireworks in the distance!!

PLEASE REMEMBER TO CLEAN UP YOUR AREA WHEN YOU LEAVE!!!!

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Please don't hesitate to call me ANYTIME if you have any questions about real estate in the area!
My cell phone is the best number to reach me---I try to work from home as much as possible---so even if I'm not in the office-----I'M STILL WORKING!!!

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Mortgage Rates have dipped again!





5/1 ARM = 3.125%



30yr conventional = 4.375 to 4.625%
15yr conventional = 3.65 to  3.875%
30yr FHA & VA = 4.25%
15yr FHA & VA = 3.5%
30yr RD = 4.25%


Jumbo (loan amounts over $417k and under $650k).
30yr fixed = 5.125 to 5.25%
15yr fixed = 4.65%
7/1 ARM = 4.25%
10/1 ARM = 4.625%

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HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND REMEMBER:


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








Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Mexico Beach Florida

Summer has definitely arrived!    It's getting pretty hot in the middle of the day and by the number of cars parked on the side of the road along the beach and at all the hotels, we are getting lots and lots of visitors!!!

All our businessess need you, so THANKS FOR COMING!!!   Last year with the oil spill, while we actually had no oil, it still kept people from coming, so all our visitor numbers were down.   Looks as if we are making up for it this year though! 

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Tis the season for homeowners to have AC issues/ Plumbing issues so I just wanted to throw out some of the names and numbers I use---------Good guys that are dependable, reasonable, trustworthy!!

HVAC:   Emerson Cooling and Heating:  850-229-9400 (office).    
Plumbing:   Plumb Handy:  Chris Howell:  850-258-6155
BE SURE TO TELL THEM I SENT YOU!!!
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Fishing report:   There are tons of snapper out there, of course!!     You can only catch 2 per person until mid July but you don't have to go far and you can catch them pretty quickly!     Chip caught a big one trolling for kings the other day!!!!        

The kings and spanish are a little spotty it seems.   Chip has a shark fishing trip tomorrow afternoon, so I'll let you know how that goes next week!!

Chip has most of the weekends booked, but there are a lot of week days still available.   He can take up to 6 passengers!

Chip:  850-527-6272
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And the real estate report!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Three closings so far in June:  Click Here to go view all listings at once.

Six properties were put under contract last week, we are definitely still going strong!
Click Here to go view all listings at once.

Our inventory of properties is pretty low, so properties priced right are snapped up pretty quickly.

If you've been looking and have missed out on some properties that you would have loved to have----there are a couple of things you can do to get ready for the next one!    
  •   Make sure you are familiar with the area, so when your Realtor (hopefully me) sends you a new listing you'll know where it is.  
  • If you are going to require financing, make sure you have your ducks in a row.  Talk with a banker now so you know how much you can/want to afford.
  • If you see a property you really like and  you know its going to be gone before you can get here, you can always make an offer with a contingency of coming in the next few days to inspect it!
  • Its always scary to make an offer sight unseen, but your Realtor (hopefully me) will go over and take all kinds of additional pictures/videos of what you have questions about!!!  
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And for the recreational part of my life (which is not nearly as often as I'd like)

Here's my little kayak rig!   I just bought, about a month ago, a single wilderness ultra lite kayak!
Chip made me a little trailer so I can haul it where ever and when ever I get a couple of hours off!!!    I've been to Wetappo Creek a couple of times----extremely peaceful!    I've gone just along Mexico Beach one morning, before that afternoon breeze, and I've got plans for lots of other places when I get the chance!!!

If you are a kayaker and want to go sometime------give me a call!!!
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Don't forget to check my calendar for events/festivities taking place in the month of June!

Have a great week and below are some words of wisdom we all need reminding of daily!

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .



"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you have loved and made time to serve others.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."


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

Monday, May 30, 2011

Happy Memorial Day from Mexico Beach

God Bless our Troops and their families, especially those who have given the ultimate in service!


The beach was packed with folks!!!     








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We had a few closings last week, click here.
And put a couple properties under contract, click here.   The gulf front condo was on the market only for a day!!!!
Lots of buyers!    Priced right properties are selling fast!!!
Location, condition, price!!!!
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Snapper season starts Wednesday, June 1st and only runs for 45 days.   Chip has every weekend booked, but has some week days open.   Call to book your trip!!!
850-527-6272

He thinks shark fishing is going to be a blast this year!!!
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BlueWater Charity Fishing Classic is this coming weekend!    Come out and support the Wounded Warriors!!

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Have a great week!       Feel free to give out my name and number to friends and family looking to buy or sell!

Mary
850-896-5222
sundance realty