Liz Streed

Holley by the Sea is a thriving private residential community midway between Pensacola and Destin in Northwest Florida. Its main entrance and private recreation center are on U.S. Highway 98, about 5 miles west of the Navarre Beach Bridge and State Road 87 in Santa Rosa County and about 20 miles south of Interstate 10.

One of the largest single developed community in Florida, Holley by the Sea encompasses some four square miles of land with most of its 4,721 lots being a spacious half-acre. It includes a large amount of dedicated Greenbelt land that is home to a variety of wildlife. Within its borders is a fire station that provides protection through the Holley-Navarre Fire District.

Approximately 4,700 property owners are invested in Holley by the Sea. Some reside in the community. Others live throughout the nation and around the world. Created in 1972, Holley by the Sea continues to grow. It is a desirable location for those who enjoy the moderate climate and beautiful beaches of the Florida Panhandle. It is convenient to Eglin and Hurlburt Air Force Bases and the Pensacola Naval Air Station.

Holley by the Sea is minutes away from the beautiful sugar white beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Two regional airports are nearby and interstate highways allow one-day driving trips to major cities such as Mobile, New Orleans, Birmingham, Atlanta, Orlando, Memphis and Nashville.

Some of the many advantages to living in Holley by the Sea are its attractive combination of well-designed homes and landscaped open spaces. Holley by the Sea is a covenanted community with architectural standards. A 48-acre park with access to Santa Rosa Sound includes the HBTS Recreation Center. The Rec Center has a workout gym, three swimming pools, eight lighted clay tennis courts, basketball courts, handball courts, a baseball field, game room, aerobics room and sauna, as well as a large meeting room. Activities offered include aerobic classes, water aerobics, swimming lessons, competitive tennis and swimming teams, plus many social events. The park features four picnic pavilions, nine campsites, playground, fishing pier and private beach.

Holley by the Sea Improvement Association, Inc., was established in 1972 to help its property owners enjoy a community that has the interests of all owners at heart. The association, operated by homeowners since 2002, is managed by a state-licensed community association manager. Policies are set by a five member elected board of directors.

For those who enjoy golf or living on a golf course, the Hidden Creek Estates section is adjacent to the challenging and well rated 18-hole semi-public The Club at Hidden Creek.

Holley by the Sea Homeowner's Association
6845 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, FL 32566
850 939-1693

(c) Copyright 2009 - Holley by the Sea Improvement Association. All Rights Reserved

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GYM HOURS	Mon - Fri Saturday Sunday	6am - 9pm 8am - 9am 9am - 9pm	CLOSED New Years Day, Thanksgiving & Chistmas
POOLS HOURS	Mon - Fri Saturday Sunday	6am - 9pm 8am - 9am 9am - 9pm

Visit www.SURF4TURF.net for more information.

By Liz Streed, PRUDENTIAL Holley Properties R.E.

Home-price adjustments in markets around the country have opened doors of opportunity for many renters. If you are transitioning from renter to homeowner, the prospect of making such a large investment may be exciting, while at the same time overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be. Here are six common mistakes to avoid.

1. Not understanding the homebuying process. Educate yourself. Find a homebuyer seminar that you can attend or research online. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Web site (www.hud.gov) has an entire section devoted to homebuyers with common questions of first-time homebuyers, mortgage and home-buying programs information, downloadable tools such as a wish list and home-shopping checklist, tips on selecting a real estate professional, etc. Likewise, Prudential Real Estate's popular Web site, prudential.com/realestate, offers consumers brand-new tools for the homebuying process, such as free home environmental reports, Value Range Estimates and Property Profiles, among other resources.

2. Not asking questions. There are many facets and intricacies to the homebuying process, so although you may gain a basic knowledge, you will still have questions. Don't hesitate to let your real estate professional know that you are new to the process. Make sure you choose a sales professional who is willing to spend time with you and walk you through the entire process. He or she will expect you to have questions at each step-from house hunting, to making an offer to the closing. Remember, this is one of the largest financial transactions of your life, so you want to have a clear understanding of what's going on.

3. Buying on impulse. Don't feel pressured into making an offer on the first home you see. Buyers, especially first-timers, may be impressed by the first two or three homes they view. Look at a good selection. List the positives and negatives about each home. Narrow the prospects to three or four and then return for a closer look. When you decide to make a bid on a property, work with your real estate professional to get all of your questions answered before making an offer. But don't wait too long to make an offer. The longer you wait, the greater the chance other prospective buyers may place offers, making it harder for you to negotiate a good deal.

4. Looking outside your price range. Before beginning your home search, consider getting pre-qualified to so get an idea of how much you may be able to borrow. Use this information as a starting point in determining your price range. Then take into consideration other factors that will affect your monthly budget once you are a homeowner, such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, private mortgage insurance (PMI) and maintenance.

5. Not planning ahead. Think about personal changes you are planning in the next five to seven years. For instance, are you starting a family, and if so, is the home large enough and will it continue to be? If this will be a starter home or if you think you'll be relocating in a few year, you'll probably want to pay closer attention to appreciation and resale value. If a double-income is necessary to qualify for financing and to make your payments, do your plans foresee an income sufficient to continue making payments?

6. Failure to focus on location. Don't just focus on the house. Examine the community. Does it suit your lifestyle? Is the area safe, well-maintained, close to work, stores and schools? Find out about zoning and what new construction is planned on vacant land in the immediate area. Also consider the property marketability when it's time to sell.

Above all, remember knowledge is key. No question is a silly question. Your real estate professional can be an invaluable asset throughout the process. Making smart home buying decisions will make the home-buying process less scary and your first home purchase a rewarding experience.

Liz Streed can be reached at 850-368-7735, or you can visit her on the web at: www.SURF4TURF.NET. PRUDENTIAL Holley Properties R.E. is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

By Liz Streed, PRUDENTIAL Holley Properties R.E.

Eco-friendly. Carbon footprint. Global warming. Energy-efficient. These catch phrases have become part of our lexicon as we've become more aware of our impact on the environment and our role in protecting it. As a homeowner, there are some simple, inexpensive steps you can take to make your home energy-efficient. Get started on the road to being "green" with these five tips:

Change Your Light Bulbs

By replacing just five incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, you can save $100 per year on electric bills while using up to 75 percent less energy and removing greenhouse gases from the environment.

Buy ENERGY STAR® Appliances

ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and air conditioners, meet a higher level of energy efficiency set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy than standard models. According to ENERGY STAR, if just one in 10 homes used ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, the impact could be compared to planting 1.7 million new acres of trees. And, switching to these appliances is not only good for the environment, but easy on your pocketbook. Although these appliances may costs more, you can reduce your energy bill by $80 per year.

Seal Up

Cracks and air leaks represent cash seeping from your doors and windows. Get rid of air leaks in doors, windows and other areas by caulking gaps and cracks. This will help decrease your heating and air conditioning bill. But make sure you use silicone sealants. Acrylic caulk tends to shrink, while silicone sealants are waterproof and won't shrink or crack, creating less waste.

Use Less Water

Did you know that roughly 60 percent of a home's water consumption takes place in the bathroom, according to the California Urban Water Conservation Council? The largest culprit is the toilet, which accounts for 27 percent of your household supply every year. By installing low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets, you can save thousands of gallons of water each year. In addition, replace leaky fixtures. That slow-dripping faucet can waste as much as 2,400 gallons of water per year.

Adjust the Thermostat

When adjusting your home's thermostat, the rule of thumb should be: turn up the dial in the summer and down in the winter. Lowering the temperature by just one degree will reduce your electrical costs. And if you use a programmable thermostat, you can program your air-conditioning and heating systems to reduce output while no one is at home or at night while you sleep. Ceiling fans are also helpful in circulating the air to keep the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Going green doesn't have to be overwhelming or costly. By making just a few small changes within your home, you can help decrease energy consumption and help make the world a "greener" place.

Liz Streed can be reached at 850-368-7735. PRUDENTIAL Holley Properties R.E. is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

By Liz Streed, GCREP-GL-Realtor

PRUDENTIAL Holley Properties R.E.

The key to an easy move is careful planning. There are many action items that need to be taken prior to the move all the way up to the actual day the first box is loaded on the moving truck. Take time to write down and organize the decisions and activities that will need to be accomplished prior to the move such as securing a mover and changing your address. Ideally, you should try to break up the tasks over a two-month period. By doing so, you won't overload your schedule, plus it can save you time and money. To get you started, consider using the checklist below as a guide.

Eight Weeks Prior

ü Get estimates from at least three professional movers. If you are going to do it yourself, get estimates on rental trucks.

ü Decide which furniture and household goods you'll be taking, which needs to be disposed and which needs to be replaced.

ü If you will be moving to a new city, contact the Chamber of Commerce of that town for a new residence packet. Your sales professional may also have information.

ü

Six Weeks Prior

ü Inventory your possessions besides furniture - kitchenware, decorative items, electronics, apparel and so on.

ü Complete a change of address form with the post office. This can be easily done online at www.MoversGuide.com for a minimal cost of $1. Make sure you notify organizations, credit cards companies, and publications to which you subscribe of your new address, too.

ü Obtain copies of all medical, dental, legal, accounting and veterinarian records.

ü If children are changing schools, arrange for transfer of educational records.

ü Itemize moving-related costs with the mover including packing, loading, special charges and insurance.

ü

Four Weeks Prior

ü Make arrangements for packing your belongings. If you will be using professionals, schedule with the company for packing to take place a day or two before the move. If you will handle packing on your own, purchase adequate boxes, packing materials and tape.

ü Arrange for short-term or long-term storage if needed.

ü Make travel arrangements for pets including necessary medical records, immunizations, medication and so on.

ü

Three Weeks Prior

ü Begin packing items you won't need immediately or that will go into storage.

ü Contact utilities on both ends of the move to order termination or turn-on for occupancy date.

ü Confirm travel arrangements for family and pets.

ü

Two Weeks Prior

ü Terminate newspaper and other delivery services.

ü If necessary, arrange and confirm new bank accounts and local services in your new neighborhood.

ü

One Week Prior

ü Gather important papers, records, and valuables for protected shipment to new home or safe deposit box.

ü Obtain any prescription medications needed for the next few weeks.

ü

Day Before or Actual Moving Day

ü Defrost refrigerator/freezer and give away all perishable food.

ü Keep a box marked "Last Box Packed/First Box Unpacked" for tools, flashlights, first aid kit and so on. On moving day, this should be the last box placed on the truck.

ü Pack items to carry with you such as valuables, financial records, personal papers and so on.

ü Give the movers a telephone number and address to reach you.

To be sure, a detailed action plan can get your move well down the road before you ever depart to your new destination.

Liz Streed can be reached at (850) 368-7735. PRUDENTIAL Holley Properties R.E. is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

By Liz Streed, GCREP-GL-Realtor

PRUDENTIAL Holley Properties R.E.

As a homeowner, you begin to accumulate all sorts of records and papers the moment you made the offer on your home. Loan documents, inspection reports, title insurance policy, home improvement receipts, appliance warranties are just a few of documents that you may at one time or another need. Would you be readily able to locate these items? Are they filed away or in different junk drawers around the house? Knowing where these items are can save you a lot of time and even money in the long run.

Consider investing in a record-keeping system. It doesn't have to be expensive. You can purchase an accordion file and label each flap with a different category. Then use the following tips as a guide to get started.

Contracts and Legal Papers

Keep all the papers signed and/or given to you at the closing together in one place, preferably in a safe deposit box. These documents include the deed, settlement statement, appraisal, disclosures, mortgage note, inspections and any other reports, and title insurance policy. You will need these records again if you decide to refinance or sell your home.

Insurance Policies

Keep a copy of all insurance policies relating to your property together. This may include homeowners, flood and earthquake policies. With these documents, keep a list of insurance agents or companies and copies of correspondence related to claims.

Purchase and House Data

It's also a good idea to keep a copy of the original listing of your house, comparable market analysis, floor plans, blueprints, and historical information. If you own a newly built home, keep a list of contractors and material suppliers as well.

Property Taxes

Keep your tax bills and record of payment for as long as you own the home and possibly even longer. You may need these items if your tax returns are ever audited.

Home Maintenance and Improvements

Records in this category include receipts for repairs or replacement expenses, names of contractors, contracts, and a log of maintenance tasks.

Warranties, Manuals and Receipts

These documents provide you with a proof of purchase date and determine service and parts guaranteed. In addition, the manuals usually provide care information so you can help ensure your household appliances are being properly maintained. You should keep your warranties, manuals and receipts for these items for as long as you own the appliances.

Home Inventory

If you were ever to lose any of your possessions due to fire, burglary, or vandalism, having a home inventory can help you avoid a lot of heartache and make it easier when filing an insurance claim.

Start with a sheet a paper for each room in the house. Go around the room and list every item. Don't forget the attic, basement or other storage places. For each item, write the original cost, purchase date, replacement cost, model number, brand name, where purchased, and a general description. You can also use a computer software system so that you have an electronic copy.

Besides a written inventory, take photos or video of each room for visual documentation. It is also a good idea to arrange valuable collections, silver, jewelry, etc. and take close up photos.

Keep a copy in your home files and the originals in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box. Make sure you update your home inventory photos and list at least once a year.

Organizing your home files may take a considerable amount of time initially, but it will definitely be time well spent in the event you need the documents later on.

Liz Streed can be reached at (850) 368-7735. PRUDENTIAL Holley Properties R.E. is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.