Although most banks don’t necessarily want to foreclose if they can get a reasonable price before hand, they still want to make sure the Seller cannot find another source to pay off or down the loan. They generally want a “Hardship Letter” to explain the reason for a short sale. Banks also have obstacles with second mortgage holders and PMI companies. All banks are not the same when it comes to how they deal with short sales.  Sometimes the potential buyer just gives up after waiting for any kind of response from the Bank. In the mean time other offers maybe coming in on the property. The awaited answer from the bank can be simply “no”, with no counter offer or explanation why.  Like the song by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers – “The Waiting Is The Hardest Part”. 

Deals can be had on short sales and foreclosures. The old saying, “You make money when you buy not just when you sell”, holds true. Short sales can be the nails in the floor of the market, but don’t expect to get way below true market value.  

For More Information and a Constantly Updated List of Short Sales, Foreclosures, REO (Bank Owned Properties) and Distressed Sales in and around the Destin, FL area, Contact Steve Brown and visit www.BestDealsInDestin.com 

Steve Brown is a 13 year Destin area Realtor at Keller Williams Realty, Emerald Coast specializing in luxury, second and vacation homes. He is the owner of BuyInDestin.com a Full Service Real Estate website offering helpful Real Estate Information and Searches such as: Gated Communities; Best Deals In Destin; Boat Properties; news, tools and much more. He can be reached at 850-376-4761 or by email buyindestin@cox.net

Buying a property on the Emerald Coast is buying a lifestyle, which is why Kris thinks of herself as a “dream maker” rather than a “home seller”. She believes that there is something here for absolutely everyone, no matter what your needs or desires. Kris spends the time to really listen to her clients and prides herself on the effort and caring she gives to each and every person she works with. As a Buyer Specialist, she is an expert in this marketplace and has put in the time to know this area inside and out and where to buy and why. She not only knows the properties that are “officially” on the market, but many others that are not.

Kris believes that the best barometer for measuring her real estate success comes not just from her impressive sales performance, but from words that come directly from her client’s mouths. For Kris, it’s common to hear such compliments as “you’ve ruined us for any other realtor,” “you’re so easy to work with and to trust,” and “you’ve made the process smoother and more fun that I could have ever imagined!”

An extensive current market analysis is always provided so that you know you are going into this process with access to all of the information needed to make an educated and knowledgeable decision, whether you are looking to buy or sell. Kris can also assist a seller in fully optimizing marketing appeal, whether that is through suggestions for furniture placement, paint colors, staging or just knowing which highlights to point out that enhance a property’s appeal.

Originally from North Dakota, her Midwestern charm is projected through her mannerisms and sincerity. Kris has been selling real estate with a commitment to excellence since 1999 and is constantly raising the bar and setting new standards of excellence. When not “hard at work”, Kris is with her husband and two adorable children, or enjoying her hobby of photography!

Her long list of sales and repeat clients are your guarantee of success. When you work with Kris and her team, you are getting the best marketing systems, marketing research, network of prospective buyers, and first view of new properties. Plus, the best administrative support and follow-up to your transaction!

For more information about Kris or the great investment properties on the Emerald Coast simply call Kris Moran at 850-654-3325 or email her at Krismoran@cox.net or visit www.themoranteam.com

The Emerald Coast presents the perfect scenario for real estate investment:
Limited supply matched against high and growing demand. This proven law of economics will, over time, always lead to price appreciation.

The facts are simple:

• There is an absolute and finite supply of beachfront property. Of that limited supply The Emerald Coast has some of the nicest beaches in the country. The USA Today and Southern Living Magazine both have recently named the area as having the Best Beaches in the USA.  
• People have been, and always will be, drawn to the water. Compared to other states, Florida’s growth rate has ranked among the top 7 every decade since 1920.  Going forward Florida’s population is expected increase and everyone needs a place to live.
• There are very few areas of the country that enjoy warm weather, virtually year round, the way our area does.
  The Emerald Coast has at least 9 months of the year with average high temps of 71 degrees or warmer, 6 months average high temps of 80 degrees or warmer, and all 12 months average high temps of 61 degrees or warmer.
• The Baby Boomer Generation. This massive demographic shift, which is just beginning and expected to last the next 30 years, is bringing tens of millions of Baby Boomers into the prime second and vacation home buying demographic. Because of the strong attraction of water and warm weather many of these baby boomers will seek property here on the Emerald Coast.

For more information about great investment properties on the Emerald Coast simply call Kris Moran at 850-654-3325 or email her at Krismoran@cox.net or visit www.themoranteam.com

I have a buyer that is looking for a “steal” and he wants to buy in Pelican Beach Condo.  There have been a few recent short sales and a foreclosure sale that have set the bar in the building and my buyer wants to buy a little lower even then current “low” bar.  Seems reasonable right?  The market is still going down so a buyer should not have to pay even what     the most recent sale price was – right?  Well this is not the case when the market has bottomed out and the sellers that are left won’t go any lower which is what has happened recently at Pelican Beach Condo.  We have been making offers to listed property and the sellers are rejecting them outright – they are not going as low as recent sales.  This is a very good sign that the market in Pelican Beach Condo has bottomed out.  Granted there are a few more short sales and possible foreclosure properties that may hit the building so if you are hoping to get  a “steal” a Pelican Beach Condo you are going to need to keep an eye on the short sales and possible foreclosure properties and be ready to act quickly when they come up.   

For more information on short sales and possible foreclosure properties at Pelican Beach Condo simply call Kris Moran at 850-654-3325 or email her at Krismoran@cox.net or visit www.themoranteam.com

Security is usually given as the biggest reason for choosing to live in a gated community. Among the other reasons people are attracted to living in these communities are protecting property values and lifestyle. Many gated communities are designed with amenities built around a particular lifestyle, with golf courses, tennis, swimming pools, or equestrian facilities. Gated communities are usually located on some of the most desirable land in the area. Prime land, combined with careful planning and HOA rules create an environment where home values hold up extremely well. 

Aside from the gates or walls, the second most defining characteristic of gated or private communities is the Homeowner’s Association (HOA).The HOA is made up of all the owners of the development. The HOA is responsible for collection of the Association fees and making and enforcing the “rules” of the community. It is often also responsible for maintaining the public aspects of the community, such as streets, security, parks, etc.   The rules set by the HOA can vary a great deal, depending on the individual development. Typically the HOA will have rules pertaining to upkeep and appearance of homes within the development, specifying the colors of paint on outside walls, types of fencing, guidelines for landscaping and storage of boats or recreational vehicles. 

Search for available homes and lots in gated communities in and around the Destin Area at www.BuyInDestin.com/GatedCommunities Information is constantly updated.

 Steve Brown is a 13 year Destin area Realtor at Keller Williams Realty, Emerald Coast specializing in luxury, second and vacation homes. He is the owner of BuyInDestin.com a Full Service Real Estate website offering helpful Real Estate Information and Searches such as: Gated Communities; Best Deals In Destin; Boat Properties; news, tools and much more. He can be reached at 850-376-4761 or by email buyindestin@cox.net

Nestled on the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay and Alaqua Bayou lies Freeport, Florida’s best kept secret - Waterview Cove. This quiet community’s residents enjoy peaceful views of the Bay and Bayou under a canopy of hardwood trees decorated with Spanish Moss during their daily walks and bike rides. Waterview Cove is almost completely built out so residents know what is built beside them and across the street. A small community boat ramp is available for residents to explore Alaqua Bayou, Choctawhatchee Bay and beyond.

Waterview Cove is just minutes from the beaches of South Walton 30-A. Freeport’s City Park with baseball fields, soccer fields and community theater; Freeport’s Water Front Four Mile Landing. The future Panama City – Bay County International Airport is a short drive as well.

Henry Company Homes has a limited offering of new homes available in Waterview Cove. These homes offer smart open floor plans, all brick exterior with side entry garages and are available for immediate occupancy. Henry Company Homes pays many of the closing costs and FHA, VA and Conventional financing is available.

More information on these beautiful new homes in Waterview Cove can be viewed at BuyInDestin.com/WaterviewCove

 Steve Brown is a 13 year Destin area Realtor at Keller Williams Realty, Emerald Coast specializing in luxury, second and vacation homes. He is the owner of BuyInDestin.com a Full Service Real Estate website offering helpful Real Estate Information and Searches such as: Gated Communities; Best Deals In Destin; Boat Properties; news, tools and much more. He can be reached at 850-376-4761 or by email buyindestin@cox.net

Developers have gobbled up large land holdings and, keeping in mind of today’s buyers market, are marketing new and affordable communities offering water front, golf courses, and new urbanism lifestyles. New Urbanism is a community that offers a diverse range of housing, jobs and activities all within a walking distance within that community.

Now is a great time to take advantage of the recent buyers market’s affordable prices and seller incentives. Freeport, Florida is a town to keep your eyes on and watch the planned growth of communities, shopping and infrastructure.

For more information on communities in Freeport, Florida contact Steve Brown at Keller Williams Realty.

Steve Brown is a 13 year Destin area Realtor at Keller Williams Realty, Emerald Coast specializing in luxury, second and vacation homes. He is the owner of BuyInDestin.com a Full Service Real Estate website offering helpful Real Estate Information and Searches such as: Gated Communities; Best Deals In Destin; Boat Properties; news, tools and much more. He can be reached at 850-376-4761 or by email buyindestin@cox.net

Buying a house that has been foreclosed on is a great way to save money.  Generally speaking when a bank sells a house it has foreclosed on it will do so as a price below what it determines the market value to be which creates a opportunity for you to get a great deal for a house at the beach.  Right now there are a record number of foreclosed properties currently on the market and more coming on every day.

If you would like to explore your opportunities simply contact the Moran Team and we will be glad to send you all the current foreclosed properties and those that come up in the future.  Please call Kris Moran at 850-654-3325 or email her at krismoran@cox.net.    

Also, in Florida there is a new state law that entitles homeowners to a Free Windstorm Inspection that you send your homeowners insurance policy holder the results of and most of the time, they will decrease your premium.  In the panhandle you can call 1-877-536-0630 or email them at info@panhandlewindstorm.com.  There is no catch and it is completely free.

I hope this helps to relieve fears of anyone looking to purchase property on the Emerald Coast or home owners that your premium keeps climbing.  A lot is possible with the right people that can assist you in getting information or questions answered .  That is why I love this business, because I want to be of service to people.