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3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GOLF COURSE PROPERTY

steve brown — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:52:10 +0000

3 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING GOLF COURSE PROPERTY

A home on the golf course is many peoples dream. Head out the door, jump in your personal golf cart and sneak in nine holes before dinner. Owning golf-course real estate has its benefits. Golf course properties are three times as valuable as the average U.S. home, according to the Golf Research Group, which tracks the industry.

However, there are 3 things that are important to know before investing in your dream home on the golf course.

Location, location, location

That old cliché again? When purchasing golf course property this old cliché is twofold. The first is general location. Sure, the home on a course way out in the boon docks may be less expensive, but it probably won’t appreciate as quickly as one in an established club that is also convenient to shopping, restaurants, schools and infrastructure. The other is within the community. You don’t want a “golf ball lot”. Sure extra golf balls in the yard are nice but not through your window or through the screened lanai. Other nuisances can be golfer chatter and golf path noise. Choose your property slightly removed from the course or with a buffer between you and the course.

Who Is The Developer?

Check around for the financially stability and signs of long-term commitment from the developer and other communities that he has built. You don’t want that green grass turning brown and turning into a dust bowl or some other unsightly development popping up in your back yard.

Who is the Designer?

Buying a property in a community with a brand name course designer like Nicklaus, Norman or Davis Love to name a few, usually brings better appreciation and higher property values in the long run. The initiation fees to join the club, although painful at first, can be a great barometer for determining property values and club stability.

For More Information on Choosing the Your Dream Home in a Golf Course Community on the Emerald Coast Contact Steve Brown

www.BuyInDestin.com/485RegattaBayBlvd

www.BuyInDestin.com/299CorinthianPlace

www.BuyInDestin.com/GatedCommunities

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

SHORT SALES - THE NAILS IN THE FLOOR OF THE MARKET

steve brown — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:50:10 +0000

Short Sales sound easy enough; sellers need to sell home for less than they owe, lenders don’t really want to foreclose and deal with litigation and owning property with liabilities, so they forgive the difference of the mortgage and a buyer gets a great deal. Right? If only it was that easy.

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

The Deal With Residential Land

john moran — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:39:40 +0000

What is the story with Residential Land?

Residential land prices seem to have fallen father and faster than houses and condos in our area which means a few things to people thinking about investing in a vacant land.

First and most obvious - with prices so low and inventory so high you can get a great deal right now whether its for a future dream home, buy, hold and sell, or for commercial development. Fair enough right?

Second – the cost to own and hold vacant land is relatively low. But there are a few things to be aware of: Are there any home owners association fees? What are the taxes going to be each year? These a few questions you should consider before buying land.

Third – what is the highest and best use for the property? Maybe the property can be subdivided into small home sites, a future condo projects or a commercial business.

Fourth – what are the know plans for surrounding land? Maybe there are plans to build a shopping center, school, rehab house … things like these can substantial affect the value of your land both in a positive and negative ways.

The bottom line is that in a down market like we have now there are many many great opportunities for you to take advantage of – just make sure you contact a good professional realtor to help steer you through the process.

To find some of these great deals learn simply contact John Moran @ 850-654-3325 or send an email to john@themoranteam.com or visit our website at www.themoranteam.com

FIND SHORT SALES & FORECLOSURES IN DESTIN, FL

steve brown — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 03:32:15 +0000

Where to Find Destin Area Short Sales And Foreclosures

Short sales and foreclosures are big buzz words in Real Estate today. A lot of people have heard about short sales, but not too many people, outside of the Real Estate industry, know exactly what they are or how to find them.

Short Sales and Foreclosures can be great deals if you have the patience and the guidance of an experienced Realtor to help you find the right property and assist with negotiations.

I have placed easy access to Short Sales, Foreclosures, REO (Bank Owned Properties), Distressed Real Estate and additional information in and around the Destin, FL area at BestDealsInDestin.com This information is updated constantly.

New Homes Waterview Cove - Freeport, FL

steve brown — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 03:24:47 +0000

WATERVIEW COVE - FREEPORT, FLORIDA’S BEST KEPT SECRET

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

DESTIN BOAT PROPERTIES - SOON TO BE SCARCE

steve brown — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 03:01:12 +0000

It is no secret that the Destin area has some of the most beautiful bodies of water and exciting fishing locations for boat owners in the world. It is getting more and more difficult for many boat owners to find an affordable place to keep their prized vessels without feeling like they are getting gouged.

Property ownership with boat access lets owners take advantage of the current buyers market and reap the benefit of future appreciation of, soon to be scarce, Destin waterfront property with boat access.

Properties on the water offering a place for boat owners to store their boats with privacy and convenience and ready to go at a moment notice have always been a hot commodity in our area. Searching for that right property can be tedious if not exhausting.

At BuyInDestin.com we have made the search even easier. BuyInDestin.com/BoatProperties offers a constantly updated detailed list of waterfront properties offering a place to keep your vessel in the Destin area.

Freeport, Florida – Emerald Coast’s Sleeping Giant

steve brown — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 03:00:50 +0000

Much has happened in the small sleepy town of Freeport Florida since the last Real Estate boom. Freeport has quickly been recognized as a new hub, due to its proximity to the beautiful beaches of South Walton’s 30-A, Destin, Panama City and the future “Aerotropolis”, Panama City - Bay County International Airport.

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.

TOP 3 GATED, GOLF COURSE COMMUNITIES

steve brown — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:38:24 +0000

Top 3 Gated, Golf Course Communities in Destin, FL

Regatta Bay

Regatta Bay is a gated golf course community located along the Choctawhatchee Bay and the south east quarter of Danny Wuerffel Way and US. Hwy. 98. adjacent to Destin Commons and Mid-Bay Marina. This award winning community offers a variety of residential villages on more than 525 acres nestled among pristine woodlands, lakes, bay, bayou and championship golf course designed by Robert C. Walker. Amenities include an Olympic sized pool, kiddie pool, tennis courts, playground, award winning golf course and 16,000 sq. ft. clubhouse with Rutherford’s 465 Restaurant. Just adjacent to Regatta Bay and a golf cart ride away are the Mid-Bay Marina for exploring the Choctawhatchee Bay and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Destin Commons, an open-aire, place to be shopping experience with restaurants, shopping, and Rave Motion Theater.

Burnt Pine - Sandestin

Burnt Pine - Sandestin is a gated community within a gated community, Burnt Pine offers residential living for the refined lifestyle. Located within the gates of Sandestin this bay front, gulf front and golf course community offers homes built by some of the best builders in the Destin/Sandestin area. Burnt Pine is secluded from the hustle and bustle yet residents have easy access to Sandestin’s vast amenities including; Sandestin Marina, Baytowne Village, four golf courses, tennis club, restaurants, shopping and the beautiful beach on the Gulf of Mexico

Kelly Plantation

Kelly Plantation is a gated golf course community offering residents a variety of activities and amenities within its gates. Residents are privileged to a Fred Couples championship golf course, club house, tennis courts, basketball court, equestrian center, Olympic sized pool, nature trails and parks with barbecue pits, volleyball court, ball field, playgrounds and picnic areas. Home sites offer stunning locations and vistas on Choctawhatchee Bay, bayous, golf course and nature preserves.

All 3 of Destin’s top Gated Golf Course communities homes and properties can be viewed at BuyInDestin.com/GatedCommunities

Land at Half Price?

john moran — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:51:07 +0000

Get A Great Deal on Your Future Dream Home Site

Prices have dropped dramatically for vacant land over the past two years which means there are now many parcels of land available to you at very affordable prices. Right now you can buy a home site on or near the beach a half the price they were selling for at the top of the market in 2005! This is a great opportunity for you to either build your dream home now (building costs are generally lower now as well), hold the property for retirement (the cost to hold land is generally inexpensive) or buy the property as an investment that you hold until the market comes back (buy low and sell high!). Because the prices for vacant land have come down so much there are now many great options for you to take advantage of before the market turns again.

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

Top Destin Real Estate Office

admin — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:24:25 +0000

Keller Williams Emerald Coast Top Real Estate Office

June 2008 Results:
The Keller Williams Realty Emerald Coast Destin office reported its June results selling over 7 million dollarsin home sales. Our agents have participated in 31 home sales this month which is the most reported by any office associated with the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors. With 113 agents, this office has also sold more homes than any other brokerage firm this year to date. Keller Williams agents have participated in 168 transactions so far this year valued at over 46 million. Keller Williams Emerald Coast serves communities from Navarre to Panama City.