Thursday, December 21, 2006

Very Merry Christmas

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE! I have been so blessed this year! God truly is good!!!! It has been a slow year for most Realtors so I count every sale I've had this year as a blessing! I've done well, my new company has done well and we are really, really, really, did I say really, looking forward to an even better 2007!

Our weather here has been fanastic all year, no hurricanes!!! Chip had a great fishing year as well!!! We are both happy, healthy, and loved so what else can you ask for??!!!!

I pray that each one of you have also had a good year and that you'll count your blessings as we celebrate this holiday season with friends and family!!!

Have a wonderful Christmas, don't forget the "reason for the season"! Have a safe New Years and I look forward to keeping you informed about the real estate market in our area in 2007!!!

Mary

Saturday, November 25, 2006

NOVEMBER IS ALMOST OVER

I cannot believe 2006 is almost over! The years are whizzing by and I know they say that's because I'm getting older, but I'M NOT! There are a few things that make me feel old though--------I can't sit indian style for more than a couple minutes without making me feel as if bones are breaking when I stand up, the kids I taught in First grade are now old enough to be married and have children, I can now just look at food and gain weight (of course I never stop at just looking!) and..........I DON'T EVEN WANT TO GO SHOPPING THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING!!!!

Other than that..........I feel like a spring chicken!!!!!!!! Life continues to be good at the beach. Our weather is wonderful...it got pretty cold for a few days, but has warmed up nicely.......I love this time of year when you don't have to have the AC on at all, and you might have to turn the heat on in the morning just to warm up the house a little! The water has been absolutely gorgeous!!! The sunsets are amazing!

As for real estate......Its been a mighty slow year. Prices have dropped, sellers have negotiated, and buyers have gotten some very good deals! For you sellers, perhaps the spring will bring a new crop of buyers, for you buyers, we still have some sellers who really need to sell and are willing to give you a good deal!
I have heard that it is going to take another year or two for our market to come back---however, no one knows where the bottom or top ever is--------If you want a place to vacation or a place to live in Mexico Beach or the surrounding area, I honestly believe this is the time to do it! Inventory is still high, prices have dropped and sellers are really negotiating, interest rates are good......how much better can it be! The buyers hold all the cards now.
There have been 80 residential sales thus far in 2006 between Port St. Joe to Mexico Beach. (My company, SunDance Realty, remains the number one selling company this year!!!!) Average price sold this year is $360,589, Average Days on the Market was 153. According to MLS, last year there were 171 residential sales (same area), average price sold was $404,370 and average days on the market were 105.
What will happen in 2007???????????????? Anybody's guess!!! Real estate has always been and will always be (in my humble opinion) a great investment in the long run-----not for flipping purposes because that is a different animal, but hang on to a piece of property for a few years and you will make a good return on your money. If you can use that piece of property and enjoy it during those years----how much more the return!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, everyone have a great week---start that Christmas shopping and decorating, be safe, stop and smell the roses once in awhile and as always.........buy some real estate!!!
Mary

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, full of friends, family, and.....FOOD.
I, of course, ate too much (but what's new lately!). Just a few things I'm thankful for......that Jesus lives in my heart, my wonderfully patient husband Chip, I live in Mexico Beach!!, my 5 sisters, 2 brothers,their wives, kids and grandkids (too many to name, but I love each of them so very much),I'm grateful that my dad is still alive and is doing okay, my mother-in-law, brother and sister-in-law and her kids!! My soon to be sister in law (don't worry, Mike doesn't read this!)Of course my dog, hunter! I'm soooo greatful to have a job I love, three minutes from home. I'm also very thankful for Bill and Sally who let me work with them! I'm extremely thankful that the Lord has allowed me to do well during this very slow season. I'm thankful that my friends and family are patient with me because I'm the world's worst about staying in touch! I'm healthy, happy, loved, and I live at the beach---Man-O-Man, GOD IS GOOD!

With all the holidays, don't forget to take time out to really be aware of all your blessings!!

Thanks to you, all my customers, and I truly wish you all the best!!
Mary

Monday, October 30, 2006

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME!
Ugh, I absolutely do not like this time of year when it gets dark so early. The temperature is so perfect and I would love to work out in the yard or around the house until about 9 BUT ITS DARK AT 5!!!! I'm the kind of person who wants to go to bed when it gets dark-----i need sunlight to survive!!!

Our weather is absolutely beautiful now! Its snowing in Pennsylvania (my home state) and they've had a couple of blizzards in Buffalo NY by this time-----THIS IS WHY I LIVE HERE!

Seafood Festival in Apalachicola is this coming weekend! Great time to come down, take in a festival and...............LOOK AT PROPERTY!!! The market is full of deals right now, sellers are truly willing to negotiate!!! If you are looking for something specific let me know----its out there somewhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just talked to a banker who said they have a loan program with 100% financing at 6.75%(this flucuates daily) but only if your income is less than $43K/year.

Anyone who wants an update on property taxes---email me at maryblackburn@mchsi.com
Or if you have any news on your property tax bill please email me and let me know!!!

I appreciate all the responses!!! Keep 'em coming!!!!
Have a super week!!
Mary

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Oh Man, our weather could not be more perfect! It has started to cool down a little, especially at night, which is wonderful---beginning to feel like fall!!
The new road of St.Joe that takes us behind WindMark beach is now in use. They are working on public parking areas with beach access points as we speak. I know a lot of people have said they don't like this new road because you are no longer driving along the beach now. However, I do think that once they finish the parking area, the beach access, the boardwalk that runs along the beach, it will be even better than just driving along the beach. It will give us all a place to stop and take a walk or bike ride along the beach, a place where we can take visitors!

We've got two new business in Mexico Beach. Scoops Up is the new ice cream shop, at the other end of the Markets of Mexico Beach. He is now serving danish and coffee in the morning, hot dogs and chili for lunch and is providing free internet service!!!! StarDust is a great little boutique next to us----all kinds of handmade jewelry, "girlie" stuff, great kids stuff and just a wide variety of items!! You gotta stop by!

We've got the Movies in the Park on the 13th at Constitution Park in St. Joe featuring the movie Grease and the Art and Wine festival is the 21st at the Driftwood Inn in Mexico Beach.

As for the topic of real estate----still slow! A great time to buy---sellers are taking some pretty low offers. I honestly think that there are some awesome buys out there if you are willing to at least get in the game and make an offer. It doesn't cost you anything to make an offer. You can tell right away which sellers are motivated and which sellers want to still hold out for top dollar. The properties we have sold in the last month and those that are under contract right now are all considerably less than the asking price. Interest rates are still good. If you are seriously looking for a place on the beach, this is definitely a time to try to get one.

Its not a great time to be a seller---there are buyers out there, but they certainly are looking to get the most bang for their buck and are willing to walk away if they can't get a property for what THEY want to pay. I honestly think the market will come back up, but unfortunately, I think its going to be awhile. The properties that are selling now are what the appraisers will use for comps, so................ If you have to sell you just have to make your house more appealing than the other million on the market---you can do so either by the price or the condition of the house. If you don't have to sell, I wouldn't. If you can afford to hang onto your property for a couple more years, I would do it!! We have too much to offer here on the beach for property values to stay down!!!!! There is too much development going on which will bring the amenties we need to draw people to keep the values down. We are at the beach for goodness sakes!!!

Please don't be afraid to comment! Just click on the word "comment" below and voice your opinion, or ask a question or whatever. It will be fun to get a dialogue going!

Thanks so much, have a fabulous day and.........................................lets buy some real estate!