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