Dune Lakes of South Walton, Florida

Only a few places in the world can lay claim to nature's rare Coastal Dune Lakes. New Zealand's,Northland, Australia's, Queensland, Madagascar, and Florida's Northwest Gulf Coast are home to these natural wonders. This alone qualifies them as an incredibly rare phenomenon, worthy of discovery and exploration.

The coastline of Northwest Florida is known as one of the "world's most beautiful beaches". The lakes are generally permanent water bodies, although water levels may fluctuate substantially due to rain, groundwater seepage through the surrounding coastal sands, and storms. Sand dunes ranging in height from a few feet to more than 30 feet separate the lakes from the Gulf of Mexico.

Check out the following link for some awesome footage of this natural wonder that is only found in select places throughout the world.
http://www.coastaldunelakes.org/video.html

Southwest Airlines Routes Announced To The Beautiful Emeral Coast of Florida!

December 16, 2009 - Just moments ago from Breaker's Gulf front restaurant on Panama City Beach, Southwest Airlines announced the initial four cities that will have direct flights to the new $330,000,000 Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.

Incredible introductory fares were also announced! Check out the following link for more details.http://www.newsherald.com/news/panama-79897-announces-southwest.html


Baltimore, Maryland - BWI
Nashville, Tennesee -BNA
Houston, Texas - HOU
Orlando, Florida - MCO

Frommer's Top Destinations for 2010, The Florida Panhandle

Just in case you needed another reason to visit the Florida panhandle,Frommers just voted it one of the top destinations you must see in 2010. Only one other US destination was given and that was in Hawaii.Check out the following link for more details.

http://www.frommers.com/articles/6469.html

2009 Leonid Meteor Showers, Tuesday Nov. 17th

For those who are up real early or real late, there are predictions of 30-50 meteors an hour visible between the early morning hours of 2am-5:30am on Tuesday the 17th. Check out the following link for more details.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33589356

New 8K Homeowner's Extension and New Current Homeowner's Credit

The President is signing the extended homeowner law into effect and the new rules will extend the current laws and open it up to current homeowners too. The basics of the law read that the extension for new homeowners will be April 30th,2010 for the $8,000 credit and current homeowners who have lived 5 years consecutively out of the last 8 are eligible for a $6500 credit. Some of the income limits have been increased too making it available to more folks. For more details feel free to call or drop a line for further assistance.

Southwest Airlines Is Coming to Panama City Beach, Florida!

Awesome news for the Emerald Coast of Florida! Check out the following link for more details.





http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=620000250.blog

One Beach Club, Penthouse 2 Sandestin, Florida

4BR-41/2 BA, Sq.ft. 3,474 for 2,699,000. Check out this stunning property for more details. http://www.destingulffrontpenthouses.com/sandestin_penthouse.html

Fish Out of Water in WaterColor Resort on Scenic Highway 30A in Florida

Fish Out of Water - Water Front Dining in Santa Rosa - A Seafood Restaurant & Lounge Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico
http://www.watercolorresort.com/resort_dining.aspx

Update on New International Airport in Panama City Florida

The new international airport is said to be 90% complete, ahead of schedule AND below budget. Flights should be touching down as early as next summer!! Check out the following link for more details.

http://newpcairport.com/

St. Joe Now Leasing Re-Sales Office to Premier

Check out the following link to take you to the latest news from St. Joe of Watercolor in Northwest Florida. The leader in real estate!

http://www.projectsense.net/images/Premierfinal2009.jpg

All About WaterColor!

One of the Gulf Coast's most luxurious resorts, WaterColor is a wonderland of activities for families, including expansive nature preserves, bike trails, lakes, shops, fitness facilities, a spa, award-winning restaurants and nearby award-winning golf courses. (And, of course, the Gulf of Mexico's sugar-white beaches.) Hailed as Northwest Florida's Only Four-Diamond AAA Hotel, the resort's "WaterColor Inn" was also recently honored with a "World's Best" award from Travel+Leisure magazine. A short stroll or bike ride to the west, and you'll cross 30A's stunning Western Lake into Grayton Beach State Park. Take a few steps to the east, and you'll enter Seaside - sometimes jokingly and affectionately referred to by residents as WaterColor's "Historic District."

To learn more about this fabulous community on 30-A check out the link below.


http://www.30a.com/watercolor-resort.php

Celebration Short Sales

1247 Aquila Loop



1236 Golden Canna Lane

Coveted Aquila Reserve in Celebration has 2 homes that are being sold as short sales. That means the banks are willing to work with a buyer and take less than what is owed on the property. The links below to the properties gives all the specific details for each home. They are located in a quiet, newer part of Celebration lined with million dollar homes. Instant equity for the right buyer. Call or email now for more details. They won't last long.

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1236-Golden-Canna-Ln-Celebration-FL-34747/69316913_zpid/

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1247-Aquila-Loop-Celebration-FL-34747/69317243_zpid/

Whale Sharks in Grayton Beach off of 30-A

Here's a video of an amazing whale shark encounter this week, as experienced by locals. This species, despite its enormous size, does not pose any significant danger to humans. It is a frequently cited example when educating the public about the popular misconceptions of all sharks as "man-eaters". They are actually quite gentle and can be playful with divers. Divers and snorkelers can swim with this giant fish without any risk apart from unintentionally being struck by the shark's large tail fin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSHq1Qu7B8U&feature=related

Alys Beach on 30-A

30A's newest-and perhaps the most visually striking-community features architecture influenced by the stark white estate homes of Bermuda. When complete, the 158-acre resort town will be twice the size of nearby Seaside and will consist of 900 custom villas and courtyard homes. The community features a 21-acre nature preserve, an amphitheater, neighborhood parks, tennis courts, and Caliza-one of the most elegant new swimming pools and restaurants in the world. Alys Beach is the first Fortified for safer living® community in the world, as designated by the Institute for Business & Home Safety, a national non-profit organization that works to include the latest disaster-resistant features, enhancements and construction technologies into new homes.

CHECK OUT THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS. http://www.30a.com/alys-beach.php

What is 30-A ????

Follow this link to find more about 30-A, some of the most pristine beaches, state parks and blue water you'll see in the US, surrounded by well planned communities in the panhandle of the beautiful state of Florida! Check it out before you book your vacation or make your next home purchase.

http://www.30a.com/about-30A.php

Get 50% Off Your WaterColor Vacation!

For a limited time, take advantage of special savings on WaterColor Resort Vacation Homes in Northwest Florida. Stay with them between August 16 and September 2, 2009 for four nights and receive up to 50% off your vacation home rental plus complimentary beach chairs and fitness passes. Sale ends on Friday July 31st at 11:59pm.

Call: 888.775.2545 Visit: » WATERCOLORVACATIONHOMES.COM

Looking to Buy or Sell in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida?

Here are some local comps from the St. Joe Community that were just posted. St. Joe is one of the major developers in the panhandle that tends to set the bar where the buyers are for maximum results. Quality homes for the best price available in a fabulous resort area is what you'll find with these comps.

When buying or selling one always wants to look at recent comps that have sold either to determine what the market supports to set a realistic selling price, or when purchasing to determine what a fair market price is to offer on your new home.

Click on the link in my recent post on facebook from St. Joe for more details.

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=138780121056&h=W-60o&u=8dwRW&ref=nf

Just Released Best Priced Featured Properties on the Emerald Coast!

Enclosed is a link that takes you to the best St. Joe Development on the beautiful Emerald Coast of Florida has to offer. Check out the many features of the community and all it's amenities! If you know of a friend, family member or neighbor who is interested in becoming an owner in this exclusive area, feel free to pass the link on and mention my name for additional savings they don't want to miss out on. Call now @ 407-301-2288 and see if you qualify for the maximum rebates on your next purchase.

http://www.joe.com/WC_Featured_Properties-Article

Awesome Opportunity in Watercolor, Florida!

Beautiful Fine White Sand and Turquoise Water

Exclusive European Style WaterColor Inn

The Emerald Coast of Florida has some of the most beautiful beaches and turquoise water anywhere in the world. Located in the panhandle of Florida between Destin and Panama City is a stretch of coast line on road 30-A that goes for about 30 miles. This is a destination you don't want to miss the next time Florida is on your mind.

WaterColor is a fabulous community located about midway on 30-A surrounding "Seaside" that you may want to take advantage of with their unique "Discovery Package" they are offering. Click on the link below and call for a private consultation with Carrie Campbell, a St. Joe's representative. You'll get the VIP treatment from one of their best associates and stay in a first class, beach front hotel that you will absolutely fall in love with for a fabulous price and to satisfy your curiosity you get to tour some of the most beautiful homes anywhere! In addition, upon registering as my client with them , you'll receive an additional 20% rebate from my commission for using me as your buyers agent should you decide to make a purchase! That is additional tax free savings worth thousands of dollars! Did I mention that they are also giving you a $100 gift certificate to use during your stay there just for visiting their beautiful community.

If you've never stayed at the WaterColor Inn you're in for a treat! It's an all inclusive resort with a fabulous continental breakfast, free bike rentals to cruise the area, first class tennis courts, kayaks and canoes to explore the surrounding lakes and the most beautiful waterfront pools on the pristine Emerald Gulf Coast! Not to mention unlimited golf on some of the most popular golf courses around. Once you experience WaterColor and all it's amenities, the beautiful setting with southern hospitality on top of it all, you'll think you died and went to heaven!

Check out the link now for more details as you plan your next getaway! http://www.joe.com/cms/images/invites/WC_Discover_Package_Flye_1-09.pdf

Up To $8,000 Tax Credit For Your Home Purchase!

If you're a new home buyer, which means not having owned a home in the past 3 years, vacation and rental homes excluded, then good news is here! Not only is it a great time to buy with excellent prices and inventory, but the monetary incentives are at an all time high. Enclosed is a link that has the various stipulations and price ranges to qualify for the maximum tax credit.

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-021709.cfm

14 Recent Sales in NW Florida

Enclosed is a link to the development of WaterColor in NW Florida on the beautiful Emerald Coast and recent sales of their properties and others that are currently on the market. This is always an important barometer when accessing potential purchases for your family. Please feel free to email with any questions you may have @ ckskrmetta@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

http://www.joe.com/WC_Featured_Properties-Article

The Steps Involved in Foreclosure

Foreclosure is a process that allows a lender to recover the amount owed on a defaulted loan by selling or taking ownership (repossession) of the property securing the loan. The foreclosure process begins when a borrower/owner defaults on loan payments and the lender files a public default notice. The foreclosure process can end one of four ways:

1. The borrower/owner pays off the default amount to reinstate the loan during a grace period known as pre-foreclosure.
2. The borrower/owner sells the property to a third party during pre-foreclosure, allowing the borrower/owner to pay off the loan and avoid having a foreclosure on his or her credit history.
3. A third party buys the property at a public auction at the end of the pre-foreclosure period.
4. The lender takes ownership of the property, usually with the intent to re-sell. The lender can take ownership through an agreement with the borrower/owner during pre-foreclosure or by buying back the property at the public auction.

How to Decide Where and What Home to Buy

Being in a buyer's market is good if you are buying, but it does come with more decisions. How to know where and what to buy when there is so much to choose from, can actually cause a form a paralyses for some. 

What I have learned that is helpful is to come up with a checklist of 8-10 relevant needs and wants and rate them in priority. The first should always be location. As we all know this is the single most important decision when comparing prices, but our personal likes, dislikes and needs have to be considered as well. Ask yourself some key questions and rate them on a scale of 1-10.

The first question of location would be based on what is important to you.  Is it being close to family, good schools, safe, close to work, price etc. Then make a list in the order of relevance with 10 being first.

Example: We moved to a new area because of a good high school. When choosing which house we were to move into though, we had to make a list of things we were looking for and narrow our search to meet those desires. First was being close to the school recognizing a lot of our time would be spent coming and going. That narrowed the search to a certain radius. Next given those options was safety, access to amenities and a lifestyle that allowed us to walk and not always have to get in a car. That narrowed our search even further. Now we were looking in a specific area, because it was safe, yet within walking distance to all the amenities we were looking for. Now that we had narrowed our search to a specific location, we needed to look at various homes. How many bedrooms, baths, living space and of course style and price. A Realtor can best help with this aspect as they have access to a vast supply of data. Once you have a list from which to work with, then it's time to start viewing the homes available.

On this journey it's also important to take good notes and pictures about what you are looking for and make a short list of those you like initially, so you can re-visit. It's through this process that variables are eliminated and hopefully your decision becomes easier. 

The role of a good Realtor should be to provide comps to support the value of your potential decision economically and information regarding the surrounding area and the local trends. Once those decisions are made, your Realtor can then take their skills to the negotiation table to help secure the best possible price for you. 

If you have specific questions about your own situation, please feel free to drop a line. I look forward to hearing from you.

New Hot Listings !!!!

If you've ever dreamed of owning a vacation home near the beautiful blue waters of the Emerald Coast, that also generates excellent rental income, now is the time! Here is a great opportunity you don't want to miss! Check out the following link to the best prices you will ever see on the Emerald Coast of Florida. 

http://www.joe.com/web/TownsandHomes/waterColor/FindAHome.html

hhtttp://www.joe.com/web/TownsandHomes/waterColor/FindAHomCall or email now for more details on how to secure that dream home of a lifetime, at incredible rates and earn money by using me as your buyers agent at the same time!

Abrams Falls

On a recent visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park I had the opportunity to hike a very scenic trail that led to Abrams Falls, a 20-foot waterfall that forms a large pool, perfect for swimming and wading.

To get to the trail head take the Cades Cove Loop road about mid-way around (between signposts 10 and 11) and turn right into a large parking lot where the trail begins. This is a family friendly hike and it's rated as easy. Elevations start at 1,700 feet and end at 1,500 and the distance is approximately 2.5 miles one way.

So bring a picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon swim in the cool waters of Abrams Falls with the family. It'll be a highlight of your Smoky Mountain adventure which you'll remember for years to come.

Check out the savings on rentals in the Gatlinburg area and click on the link below for reviews of this hike:

http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/AbramsFalls_3840.asp

Enjoy.......

Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cades Cove is a popular scenic area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its idyllic setting and variety of outdoor recreation opportunities make it a preferred choice of millions of visitors each year.

One can choose to drive along the loop road, horse back ride or hike the various trails that originate in Cades Cove. The loop road affords many scenic views for those not wishing to leave the comfort of their car.

There's something for everyone. Feel free to check out the Gatlinburg link for a free list of luxury cabin rentals in the area and enjoy the upcoming spring season or make plans for that special summer retreat with your family and friends.

Spring Scenery in Celebration

I just thought I'd share a few pictures of the beautiful foliage in Central Florida at this time of year. You should be mindful of the snakes and gators though, by making sure to stay on the boardwalks. It's as good as an African safari right in your own back yard.

Discover WaterColor

Enclosed is a direct link to WaterColor homes and sites for sale in the panhandle of Florida. The properties are located within walking distance to exclusive Seaside and the beautiful beaches off the Emerald Coast of Florida. Check it out for some excellent purchases straight from the developer, St. Joe. As a property owner there myself, I can tell you it's a first class development and the prices have never been better!

http://www.joe.com/web/TownsandHomes/waterColor/FindAHome.html

Drop a line and I'll work with you to save even more on these already excellent prices! I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Investing in Real Estate

 Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Similar to stocks, the best time to buy real estate, is when the prices are low.  If you're liquid and or have good credit, it would be well worth your time and energy to look into real estate as a means of creating wealth, that would also provide a second home or favorite vacation spot for the family, and or simply a place to live full time, while getting built in tax write offs, in the process.

Now having said that, real estate is a fixed asset that doesn't move. That's why the old saying is  the 3  most important things to consider when buying real estate is "location, location, location". This can't be overstated, especially in today's market where there is so...... much to choose from. Not all homes are equal, even though the price may be the same or less.

My first recommendation is to research an area you like that meets your personal needs either as a favorite vacation spot, second or primary home, that you wouldn't mind living for the next 5 years minimum. The second variable is to stay in a price range that is realistic for your budget, with that time frame in mind. The third recommendation is to research the area thoroughly and the surrounding comps. Simply stated, what are the majority of the surrounding homes selling for presently and or in the recent past, and is the area free of external diseconomies, that would affect the home's value in the future.

If you need help researching an area or homes, find a good buyer's agent that works for you . If not, the internet is a great place to start which has a host of web sites that can give you detailed information about most of the properties you would be considering.

Real estate if chosen properly, will always be a good investment, provided you follow these guidelines and have realistic expectations. Consultation with a tax attorney is always recommended, to help you make informed decisions, based on your personal situation.

Happy house hunting!

The Emerald Coast

Sunrise

Spring Break at Seaside, Florida

Save on Summer Vacations

White sand and turquoise water is the hallmark of the Emerald Coast

Seaside, Florida

The summer season is upon us and as parents we're mapping out our summer plans. Often times this entails a trip to the beach or Disney World. My preference is the beach, but I'll leave that decision up to you.

What I decided might be helpful to some of my readers though, would be to send you to one of my favorite web sites for vacation ideas, which can also help you save money. It's called VRBO and it will lead you where ever you want to go, Florida or elsewhere.

www.vrbo.com

Buyer's Paradise

If you've ever thought about purchasing a home in Celebration, the panhandle or elsewhere, now is a great time to take advantage of some awesome deals! Keep in mind, foreclosures and short sales can offer some great savings, but sometimes they are not your best value. Those who purchased homes before the bubble, and are selling in the current market, are also having to sell at discounted prices, because of the market conditions. Often times these homes are better cared for and a better value, than some of their competitors. However, you still can't beat a good buyer's agent to look at the individual properties, surrounding comp's and the location and condition of the home. Price should never be the only factor in determining a good deal or long term value. Example, given a 10-20K price range for a car, 10K for a Honda may be a good deal, but a Porch for 20K, could be a better deal and hold it's value longer, even though the initial price is higher. The same is true of homes.

The difference between a buyer's agent and a transaction broker, which is your regular agent, unless you sign an agreement stating that of a buyer's agent, is that a transaction broker is working for both the listing agent and you. However a buyer's agent is your exclusive representative, with full fiduciary responsibilities and has NO interest in the listed property whatsoever! If you had a choice, and you do, which would you choose?

Whether buying a vacation, second home or primary residence, you owe it to yourself to get the best representation possible. Don't settle for anything less!

Beautiful downtown Celebration

Great Time to Buy Forida!

Check out the recent media link for 15 current market positives for Florida Real Estate. It's definitely a buyer's market!

Two known facts when buying real estate. The first is location, location, location. The second is right up there with it. Buy low! There's never been a better selection, better prices or incentives than now. You are definitely in the driver's seat. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance and save you even more! Happy house hunting......

http://media.floridarealtors.org/greattimetobuy/TimeToBuy/default.asp

South Walton Florida, The Place To Be.....

Amphitheater in Seaside

Pristine sand dunes and beaches

According to a recent news article in USA Today, South Walton is the place to be. It just might be worth considering for your next vacation or second home. It doesn't get much better than this!

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/secondhomes/2009-01-15-south-walton-florida_N.htm