We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Baker in Okaloosa County.
Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.
We are now easier to find with http://www.CampCreekMLS.com/
Friday, July 27, 2007
Buy A Florida Vacation Home new name added to Team Sold Network
We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Baker in Okaloosa County.
Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.
We are now easier to find with http://www.BuyAFloridaVacationHome.com/
Monday, July 23, 2007
Friday, July 6, 2007
Save GAS
Gasoline $ense
Tips for Stretching Your Tank
In terms of the economy and its effect on our daily lives, there is no hotter topic than the outrageous prices we are seeing at the pumps. The maddening part is as consumers, we have zero control over these inflated costs. To make matters worse, there's always that person who says something like, "You know, Europeans pay a lot more for gas than we do." That's true, but it doesn't make it any easier when we're reaching for our credit cards at the pump. The absolute worst part about high gas prices, however, is the notion of having no alternatives. Even a diligent hybrid owner has to make a trip to the gas station at some point, right?
So, now that you're feeling backed into a corner and completely depressed about the situation, what do you do? The answer is actually a simple one; cut down on the amount of gas you use. I realize it doesn't sound simple, but by changing just a few bad habits, any motorist can stretch a tank of gas no matter what type of car they drive. Here are some tips that are sure to help.
Go Easy on the Pedals - Jackrabbit driving is a killer when it comes to burning fuel. Remember that slow and steady wins the race in more ways than one.
Avoid Long Idles - The bottom line is idling burns more gas than restarting an engine.
No Junk in the Trunk - Clean out your trunk and the rest of your car for that matter. Excess weight bogs down your vehicle, causing it to burn more fuel.
Drive the Speed Limit - The higher the speed, the more gas your car will use.
Go Easy on the A/C - Air conditioning burns gas. Before turning it on, ask yourself if rolling down a window or two might do the trick.
Use Overdrive and Cruise Control - Most automatic transmissions have these features. If you drive a stick, consult your owner's manual about the recommended RPMs when shifting.
Keep Tires Inflated and Aligned - Believe it or not, frequent alignments and keeping your tires inflated to the proper amount will save you gas.
Honor the Scheduled Maintenance - Scheduled maintenance is designed to help your car run as efficiently as possible. Check your owner's manual for specifics.
There you go, eight possible solutions to an otherwise unfixable problem. In addition, you may want to explore the idea of carpooling. Also, walking now and then is an option. Not only will it save you gas - it'll keep you healthy.
ERA Home protection plan
ERA home protection plan
ERA Home Protection Plan®
Comprehensive, Insured
Program Overview:
The ERA Home Protection Plan is a fully insured home warranty administered by American Home Shield.
With the ERA Home Protection Plan, you can increase your chances of selling your home faster and for more money, or can enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your new home comes with a home warranty for a full year. The plan covers repair and replacement costs on most major home systems and built-in appliances, including heating and cooling systems, duct work, electrical and plumbing systems, water heaters and much more. If a problem does arise, service is always just a phone call away. See the "Escalation Communications Process" should you need to report or follow up on an issue. Call or email me today for a free home warranty information package.
ERA Answers
ERA Answers
We know that ERA® professionals are totally committed to providing whatever it takes to help their customers through the home buying or selling process. ERA Answers is part of that ERA® commitment.
The ERA Answers Book addresses nearly 100 of the questions on real estate customers' minds. It's handled in a clear and comforting way, helping you to see that an ERA Affiliate is the "answer" to buying or selling. The ANSWERS Book is intended to see ERA as the real estate expert and the most logical company to turn to for any potential buying or selling. Call me today for a free answers book.
The power of singles home ownership
The power of singles and home ownership
The Power of One: Singles Opt for the Advantages of Homeownership
By Brenda W. Casserly, President & COO, ERA Franchise Systems, Inc.
It may surprise you to learn that a recent study completed by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University cited single-person households as one of the fastest growing housing markets in the country. In fact, nearly 5 million one-person households will be added in the coming decade.
As real estate professionals, we must stay aware of emerging trends to best understand the unique lifestyles of our clients. To understand the motivations of single home buyers, we should first look at the experiences, wants and needs that shape their home buying decisions and review some of the leading factors behind this growing trend.
According to the 2002 Census Report, between 1975 and 2002, the share of Americans who had never married increased from about 24% to 29%. Currently, about half of all adults are unmarried, and a single person living alone occupies one in four households. These figures are a sign of the times. Unlike days past, many people today have embraced a single life.
Changing societal norms and expectations, improved personal wealth, increasing rates of higher education, and even longer life expectancies for women, have all contributed to the rise in single-person households. So what are the changing norms and demographics that have positioned this customer base to drive a significant portion of the housing market?
Obviously, changing marriage trends and expectations are a leading factor in the increase in single-person households. Although between 80 and 90% of Americans will get married during their lifetimes, rises in personal wealth, length of education and changing attitudes regarding gender roles have resulted in both men and women delaying marriage until later in life. For example, one out of three men and more than one out of four women in their early 30s were unmarried in 1997, compared with fewer than one in 10 in 1900. Coupled with a divorce rate hovering around 50%, many single persons have grown accustomed to their lifestyle. They have the financial stability to live where they want and do not have immediate plans to marry (or remarry).
Perhaps of greatest interest, women actually make up a large portion of single home ownership. Their role in the housing market is expected to continue to accelerate as women's success in the workplace continues to expand and personal income disparities continue to narrow. An article in Business Week Online in June of this year reported that on average, women ages 25 to 34 earned 82% as much as men in 2000, as compared to only 68% in 1975. As this trend continues, expect to see even more financially independent women become home buyers.
Now that you have a better understanding of the characteristics and motivations of this emerging customer base, what are some factors real estate sales professionals need to remember to help these clients as they look to purchase a home? With only one set of hands at home instead of two or more, some singles opt for homes with lower maintenance features; including vinyl siding, brick, and vinyl windows to decrease the time devoted to maintenance. Others chose condos or town homes where exterior maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal are all handled by the homeowner's association for a monthly fee. In addition, some look for a tight-knit community that may be conveyed by having neighbors close at hand.
For seniors who are single, many choose to move to active adult communities that are specially equipped to provide wonderful amenities for a lifestyle of one including golf courses, pools, and recreation centers. Other seniors consider proximity to cultural centers, medical facilities, public transportation or family when buying a home.
Another factor sales associates should encourage single home buyers to consider is their future needs as well as the future resale value of a property. While a one-bedroom townhouse may be enough room now, it would not be if the buyer planned on marrying or having children in the near future. And while a single person may not mind having one bathroom, it could be a major detraction for a future prospective buyer looking at the house down the road. If they can afford it, buying slightly more house than they anticipate needing could very well be a wise investment decision for single home buyers.
As with any unique home buyer, taking a few extra minutes with a prospective single client can help you to learn about their current living situation, as well as their future plans. This will allow you to create a customized plan, specific to their needs and set the tone for a successful business relationship.
Senior Housing market
Senior housing market
Opportunities abound for Realtors® who are ready to service the senior market
By Brenda W. Casserly, President & COO, ERA Franchise Systems, Inc.
Realtors® cannot ignore the impact that seniors are having on the business of real estate. Activity in the senior segment of the market is steadily increasing due to demographic shifts that have put a higher concentration of the U.S. population in an older age bracket.
As a real estate professional, there's a lot that I find exciting about the senior market. First of all, it is big, and it is growing. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the number of households in the U.S. headed by someone between the ages of 55 and 64 in the market for a home was about one million in 2001. NAHB projects that figure to grow to approximately 1.2 million households in 2006. One forecast projects the number of baby boomers age 65 and over to increase nearly 80 percent during the next two decades.
Another attribute that distinguishes the senior market is the broad range of motives for buying or selling a home. Many seniors wish to sell their homes because their family has grown and they are now seeking a low-maintenance property that frees them up to enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle. Selling a primary residence or a vacation property may free up equity that can be applied toward retirement. The changing interests and capabilities of seniors also influence the need for proximity to transportation, health services, shopping and other activities.
Success in servicing the wide-ranging needs of senior homebuyers is achieved through the right combination of programs, training and marketing. Sales professionals who have built a strong referral network and practice sound prospecting techniques will have a leg up on capturing these diverse and demanding buyers and sellers. Realtors® who make the effort to secure specialized certification will distinguish themselves as especially qualified to service the needs of seniors.
One characteristic that distinguishes seniors from first-time homebuyers is a lower tolerance for uncertainty. The ERA® system offers the ERA® Sellers Security® Plan (SSP), a program designed expressly for homesellers who seek that extra level of assurance. Simply put, the SSP guarantees that a seller who qualifies for the program will sell their home at a pre-determined price within 180 days of listing, or ERA Real Estate will buy it.
According to the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council, 90 percent of seniors do not put their home on the market until they have settled on their new living arrangements, and Realtors® must be prepared to help seniors select a mortgage that meets their needs. ERA Mortgage offers buyers with unique financing requirements the opportunity to choose from more than 100 different loan products. A professionally staffed Agent Help Desk helps sales associates offer products that best match their clients' financial goals.
Specialized certification programs are another means to assure seniors that Realtors® are capable of serving them. Late last year, ERA Real Estate became the first global real estate franchise to deliver the Seniors Real
Opportunities abound for Realtors® who are ready to service the senior market
By Brenda W. Casserly, President & COO, ERA Franchise Systems, Inc.
Realtors® cannot ignore the impact that seniors are having on the business of real estate. Activity in the senior segment of the market is steadily increasing due to demographic shifts that have put a higher concentration of the U.S. population in an older age bracket.
As a real estate professional, there's a lot that I find exciting about the senior market. First of all, it is big, and it is growing. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the number of households in the U.S. headed by someone between the ages of 55 and 64 in the market for a home was about one million in 2001. NAHB projects that figure to grow to approximately 1.2 million households in 2006. One forecast projects the number of baby boomers age 65 and over to increase nearly 80 percent during the next two decades.
Another attribute that distinguishes the senior market is the broad range of motives for buying or selling a home. Many seniors wish to sell their homes because their family has grown and they are now seeking a low-maintenance property that frees them up to enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle. Selling a primary residence or a vacation property may free up equity that can be applied toward retirement. The changing interests and capabilities of seniors also influence the need for proximity to transportation, health services, shopping and other activities.
Success in servicing the wide-ranging needs of senior homebuyers is achieved through the right combination of programs, training and marketing. Sales professionals who have built a strong referral network and practice sound prospecting techniques will have a leg up on capturing these diverse and demanding buyers and sellers. Realtors® who make the effort to secure specialized certification will distinguish themselves as especially qualified to service the needs of seniors.
One characteristic that distinguishes seniors from first-time homebuyers is a lower tolerance for uncertainty. The ERA® system offers the ERA® Sellers Security® Plan (SSP), a program designed expressly for homesellers who seek that extra level of assurance. Simply put, the SSP guarantees that a seller who qualifies for the program will sell their home at a pre-determined price within 180 days of listing, or ERA Real Estate will buy it.
According to the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council, 90 percent of seniors do not put their home on the market until they have settled on their new living arrangements, and Realtors® must be prepared to help seniors select a mortgage that meets their needs. ERA Mortgage offers buyers with unique financing requirements the opportunity to choose from more than 100 different loan products. A professionally staffed Agent Help Desk helps sales associates offer products that best match their clients' financial goals.
Specialized certification programs are another means to assure seniors that Realtors® are capable of serving them. Late last year, ERA Real Estate became the first global real estate franchise to deliver the Seniors Real
Growing technology sectors boosts Florida housing
The country's high-tech industry added nearly 150,000 new jobs in 2006, according to "Cyberstates 2007," an annual report detailing trends in high-tech employment and wages.
The report, published by AeA, a trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, is based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The addition of high tech jobs often translates into an influx of well-paid newcomers to an area, according to Matthew Kazmiercak, AeA's vice president for research - and that means more potential homeowners.
"This is the second year in a row that the tech industry has added jobs," Kazmiercak says. "Not only do these jobs make critical contributions to the U.S. economy, but they pay extremely well." The average tech industry wage is 86 percent more than the average U.S. private sector wage.
In fact, in 48 states the average high-tech wage is at least 50 percent more than the average private sector wage, and in 10 cyberstates this differential is more than 90 percent, observed William T. Archely, president and CEO of AeA.
With the addition of 150,000 jobs, total tech industry employment increased to 5.8 million in 2006. Tech sectors adding the most jobs were:
* Software services, up for the third year in a row, added 88,500 jobs.
* Engineering and tech services added 66,300 jobs, putting employment in the field at an all-time high.
* The semiconductor industry added 10,900 jobs.
Overall, 40 states added tech jobs in 2005, the most recent year that state-by-state data is available. California led the country in net job creation; Florida saw the second-largest gain, adding 10,900 tech jobs. The rate of job growth, at 4 percent, was highest in Florida, followed by Virginia at 3 percent. Virginia has the highest concentration of tech industry workers as a percentage (8.9 percent) of the private sector work force. Leading states by high-tech employment were, in order: California, Texas, New York, Florida and Virginia.
Unemployment rates for tech jobs also remain below other occupations. The unemployment rate for electrical engineers was 1.9 percent and 2.5 percent for computer and math occupations in 2006.
RIS Media reports
Demand for bigger houses keep growing
McMansions are sprouting in the suburbs of Washington and Atlanta, in southern Connecticut and out West in Utah as an appetite for bigger homes in the United States just keeps on growing.
One in five American houses had at least four bedrooms in 2005. That's up from one in six in 1990, despite shrinking families and increasing costs for construction and energy.
Houses with five or more bedrooms were the fastest-growing type in that time, adding to the nation's consumption of resources and reputation for excess.
''In this country, bigger is better,'' said Gopal Ahluwalia, vice president of economic research at the National Association of Home Builders. ''This is true for houses and this is true for automobiles.''
Utah leads the nation with nearly 40 percent of homes having at least four bedrooms, according to a report by the Census Bureau. Demand is high in part because Utah has more people per household (3.07) than any other state.
Evan and Valerie Astle are having a 5,700 square foot (529 sq.-meter) house built in a new subdivision near Ogden because they want more space for their three teenagers. They have been renting a storage unit while living in their old, 2,100-square foot (195 sq.-meter) home.
That won't be a problem in the new house, which has four big bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms and a three-car garage.
''Our kids have more stuff. They need more living space,'' said Valerie Astle, a grade-school teacher. ''Our (old) house was fine when they were small, but we've just outgrown it.''
Among states with the biggest percentage of large homes, Utah was followed by Maryland, Virginia, Colorado and Minnesota. Arkansas had the smallest share, at 12.6 percent.
In much of the U.S., the growth in big houses is fueled by suburban homebuyers seeking luxury, rather than big families needing space, Ahluwalia said.
''They are buying for lifestyle,'' he said.
Nationally, the average household size has shrunk slightly since 1990, to about 2.6 people. Meanwhile, the average new house grew by nearly 400 square feet (37 square meters), to 2,434 square feet (226 sq. meters).
''You cannot sell a new home today with 1 1/2 bathrooms,'' Ahluwalia said. ''Even if only two people are in a house, they still want 2 1/2 to three bathrooms.''
Dale Mattison, a real estate broker in the Washington area, said smaller families are getting creative with all those extra rooms. One option: his and her offices.
Some bedrooms are converted into dens, but many big houses already have those, Mattison said. They also have media rooms, which used to be called TV rooms back when there were fewer electronic devices to choose from.
Homes in the United States are much bigger than they are in other countries, according to figures compiled by the United Nations.
American homes, on average, are nearly twice as large as those in many European countries, including Britain, France and Germany. Only Luxembourg comes close among European nations, with average homes about three-quarters the size of those in the United States.
U.S. homes are also becoming more expensive. The median home value jumped more than 40 percent from 1990 to 2005, to about $167,500 (euro124,166).
Most big homes in the U.S. are going up in the suburbs, contributing to sprawl and congestion, said Vicky Markham, director of the Center for Environment and Population.
The Washington metro area fits the national trend. About a third of all homes in the region, which includes suburbs in Virginia and Maryland, have at least four bedrooms. In the city of Washington, only 12 percent of the homes are that big.
All those big suburban houses require more land, more materials to build and more energy to heat and cool, Markham said
''Excess is a matter of how each person views their own life,'' Markham said. But, she added, ''Each person today is taking up more resources, more land, more energy than generations before.''
On the Net:
Percentage of big homes in each of the nation's large metro areas: javascript:HandleLink @http://www.census.gov');
April new home sales
June 24, 2007 - Sales of new homes surged in April by the biggest amount in 14 years, but the median price of a new home dropped by the largest amount on record. The mixed signals left no clear picture of whether the worst of the nation's housing slump is over.
The Commerce Department reported that sales of new single-family homes jumped by 16.2 percent in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 981,000 units. That was far better than the tiny 0.2 percent gain that economists had been expecting.
However, the median price of a new home sold last month fell to $229,100 (euro170,360), a record 11.1 percent decline from the previous month. The big price decline indicated that builders are slashing prices in an effort to move a huge overhang of unsold homes.
Investors were enthusiastic after the Commerce Department's report. The Dow Jones industrials surged 74.68, or 0.55 percent, 13,604.80 soon after the housing numbers came out.
The Commerce Department reported that sales of new single-family homes jumped by 16.2 percent in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 981,000 units. That was far better than the tiny 0.2 percent gain that economists had been expecting.
However, the median price of a new home sold last month fell to $229,100 (euro170,360), a record 11.1 percent decline from the previous month. The big price decline indicated that builders are slashing prices in an effort to move a huge overhang of unsold homes.
Investors were enthusiastic after the Commerce Department's report. The Dow Jones industrials surged 74.68, or 0.55 percent, 13,604.80 soon after the housing numbers came out.
Okaloosa County Increases Homestead
Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners Increases Homestead Extension for Senior Citizens
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners voted to increase homestead exemptions from $25,000 to $50,000 for Senior Citizens at the regular meeting held Tuesday, May 15. The emergency ordinance proposed and approved applies to homeowners over the age of 65, with an annual income of up to $24,214.
The ordinance must be filed with the Okaloosa County Property Appraiser by June 1, 2007 in order to take effect in 2007. Furthermore, the ordinance was implemented in support of HJR 353, the joint resolution of the State of Florida, approved by voters in the November 2006 general election. The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the emergency ordinance for the maximum amount allowable of $50,000.
For more information, or a summary of the minutes, call 850.651.7105 or visit www.co.okaloosa.fl.us.
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners voted to increase homestead exemptions from $25,000 to $50,000 for Senior Citizens at the regular meeting held Tuesday, May 15. The emergency ordinance proposed and approved applies to homeowners over the age of 65, with an annual income of up to $24,214.
The ordinance must be filed with the Okaloosa County Property Appraiser by June 1, 2007 in order to take effect in 2007. Furthermore, the ordinance was implemented in support of HJR 353, the joint resolution of the State of Florida, approved by voters in the November 2006 general election. The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the emergency ordinance for the maximum amount allowable of $50,000.
For more information, or a summary of the minutes, call 850.651.7105 or visit www.co.okaloosa.fl.us.
EMS FOOD DRIVE
EMS Food drive
EMS Week food drive 07.doc, P2 EMS Week Food Drive May 24
Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is sponsoring a food drive on Thursday, May 24, 2007. The EMS Week Food Drive will be held in the Publix parking lot at Paradise Point Shopping Center from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Look for the ambulance! EMS personnel hope to fill the ambulance with the non-perishable food items collected. All the food collected will be donated to the Okaloosa-Walton United Way for local food banks.
EMS Week is May 20-26, and the theme for this year's national celebration is "Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Service," recognizing and honoring the high-level emergency care given by EMS providers as well as those that treat children and saves lives overall. "We wanted to provide an ‘extraordinary service,' and let the public meet some ‘extraordinary people;' so we decided to hold the First Annual EMS Food Drive during EMS Week," stated Al Herndon, EMS division chief. "If it is successful, we hope to have another one next year to increase food bank supplies at a different time of year than the usual Christmas holiday food drives," he added.
Emergency medical service teams consist of emergency physicians, emergency nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, educators, administrators and others. The EMS Food Drive is an opportunity to show appreciation for the dedication of emergency personnel all year, and provide food for local food banks. For more information, contact 850-651-7150.
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EMS Week food drive 07.doc, P2 EMS Week Food Drive May 24
Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is sponsoring a food drive on Thursday, May 24, 2007. The EMS Week Food Drive will be held in the Publix parking lot at Paradise Point Shopping Center from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Look for the ambulance! EMS personnel hope to fill the ambulance with the non-perishable food items collected. All the food collected will be donated to the Okaloosa-Walton United Way for local food banks.
EMS Week is May 20-26, and the theme for this year's national celebration is "Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Service," recognizing and honoring the high-level emergency care given by EMS providers as well as those that treat children and saves lives overall. "We wanted to provide an ‘extraordinary service,' and let the public meet some ‘extraordinary people;' so we decided to hold the First Annual EMS Food Drive during EMS Week," stated Al Herndon, EMS division chief. "If it is successful, we hope to have another one next year to increase food bank supplies at a different time of year than the usual Christmas holiday food drives," he added.
Emergency medical service teams consist of emergency physicians, emergency nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, educators, administrators and others. The EMS Food Drive is an opportunity to show appreciation for the dedication of emergency personnel all year, and provide food for local food banks. For more information, contact 850-651-7150.
### (info box on following page)
ERA Seller Securtiy plan
"Let's Go Shopping!"
Most other real estate companies can only sell their listings to a cash buyer or a homeowner whose current home is sold and ready to close. You have access to those buyers and more! There are potential buyers for your listings that own a house that would like to buy another but can't because they need to sell their current house first. In addition the down payment for this purchase is often tied up in their current home.
By listing with ERA®, the SSP enables you to turn prospective buyers into qualified buyers for Sellers homes. I have a marketing program that exposes a your house to more buyers netting you more money.
The "Let's Go Shopping!" campaign supports creating buyers for listings.
The newly designed "Let's Go Shopping!" tagline adds another dimension to the exclusive ERA® Sellers Security® Plan program. Once you have listed a home it's time to go shopping. Call or email me for more details.
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