I really do enjoy my Realtor affiliation with RIS Media! Their information is so pertinent and informative that I thought I'd pass the good news along to you!
Housing Affordability Surges to Highest Level in 18 Years
RISMEDIA, May 20, 2009-Nationwide housing affordability jumped 10 percentage points during the
first quarter of 2009 to its highest level since the series began 18 years ago, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI). The HOI showed that 72.5% of all new and existing homes sold in the first quarter of 2009 were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,000, up from 62.4% during the previous quarter and up from 53.8% during the first quarter of 2008.
"Underlying the increase in affordability are lower home prices and record low interest rates. Combined with the $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time home buyers, consumers are beginning to return to the marketplace," said NAHB Chairman Joe Robson, a home builder from Tulsa, Okla.'
Sincerely,
Team Bizzy Bodies... Linda Coiro, Jean Floyd and Penny Ericksen, Keller Williams Realty Emerald Coast, Destin, Niceville, Ft. Walton Beach
Crystal Beach Cottages Summer Review
An intimate community nestled in the heart of Destin, Crystal Beach Cottages offers the best of both worlds. Whether you are looking for a vacation rental or a permanent residence, you will feel right at home here in this cozy, beachy neighborhood. Crystal Beach Cottages is just a short stroll from the white sand beaches that make our town the crown jewel of the panhandle.
Crystal Beach Cottages offers 73 single family residences along with a gated, sparkling community pool located in the center of the community. There are two footpaths that lead to the beach access streets; one on the east side of the community and one on the west. With shopping and restaurants so close, this is the perfect location for your Florida lifestyle or your vacation home. Approximately ¼ of the residents have made this haven their permanent residence, and I'm sure all the other owners would love to, but for now, they invest in the lucrative rental market. Crystal Beach Cottages is in high demand with repeat guests year after year. Crystal Beach Cottages is also a pet friendly neighborhood, allowing owners and their guests to enjoy their four-legged family members.
The Homeowners Association is rock solid. You can tell immediately as you drive through noticing all the neatly manicured lawns, white picket fences and well-kept homes in this quaint community. In keeping the community beautiful, overnight parking is not permitted on the roadway and boat, trailer or recreational vehicles are to be parked or stored in a garage. The Association fees here are a mere $560 per year, which is a bargain in a town where this is a partial fee for a beach front condo per month.
As of this writing, June 10, 2008, there are currently eight homes for sale in this community, ranging from $415K to $599,990. Now's your time to buy and enjoy a little piece of paradise!
TWO GREAT LISTINGS IN CRYSTAL BEACH COTTAGES!
4498 Clipper Cove, Next to community pool, 3/2, 1375 sq. ft., $415K
4489 Clipper Cove, 2074 sq. ft., aerated concrete block construction, 3/2, $549K
Katy Bird, the marketing brains behind http://www.PerchedinParadise.com. July 4th weekend at Crab Island. She's simply "perched in paradise"! "I could roost here all year!"
My wife and I are looking at purchasing an investment property in Destin. I have been looking on realtor.com but was wondering what information you could provide. I really like the idea of a condotel or some type of condo that is rented out to vacationers. We are looking for beach front or very close to a beach that would attract families on vacation. Do you have any suggestions? Jeff
Hi Jeff and thanks for your recent email. You asked a very loaded question! Personally, I'm not a major fan of condotels. We may have 1 or 2 here, but a third was slated to happen and didn't because you could buy a nice studio or 1 bedroom near the beach for about the same price. And there is a mega-availability of units currently on the market that are such a better investment value. What we really need to determine is your price range. And then I can search from there. This area, Destin, is a vacation paradise. In the summer we are packed and units rent very well. There are alot of companies who do vacation rental management, charge a fee, but keep on top of getting the units rented out, cleaning after guests leave, doing any necessary maintenance and just keeping the place current. Destin proper, heart-of-Destin, or old Destin is mostly high rise condos on the Gulf of Mexico. There are some that properties that do very well and people come back to year after year. I believe Sundestin is a condohote and it does pretty well, altho I have never sold a unit in there. Pelican Beach is also a very popular rental complex for families with lots of amenities and most units facing the gulf. Holiday Isle has Sandpiper Cove and that complex does well also. There are studio units available for about $150K. But the studios only sleep 2-3 people, so you aren't going to make a killing on them as far as coming out with a positive cash flow. In fact, right now, it may be difficult to come up with a positive cash flow with any of them unless you really pay a great low price for the unit, crunch the numbers, and come out even or ahead.
If you buy, you get a good deal because it's a buyer's market, but you should plan to stay in it for a few years if you want to see a growth on your investment (and enjoy it as well as a second home or vacation getawy a few times a year). There are also townhome units along Scenic Hwy 98, further east of Destin proper, some slightly older, that are priced pretty well now, let's say mid $200's for a gulf view 1 bedroom. Then further east is Sandestin Resort, very popular, tons of amenities, but expensive (well I guess depending on what you can afford to spend), with maintenance fees, condo fees, and property management fees. Further east is Santa Rosa Beach, also very popular, and Grayton Beach, and I can dig up info on those areas too. Now going back to west of Destin and the Destin Bridge is Okaloosa Island, part of Ft Walton Beach, and there are numerous 6-story condo complexes there, right on the beach, also pretty popular for vacationers, and may be slightly lower priced because it is not as popular as being in Destin, where all the action is. In the winter, we have a big snowbird contingency, and rentals are based on several months occupancy and the per month price is lower than the high season summer rates. Our area is a little different than south FL, where our high season is summer and down there, the high season is winter. The area has grown tremendously in the past 7 years. Shopping is phenomenal, with Silver Sands Outlet Mall, Destin Commons mall, and a ton of other big name stores and new popular restaurants popping up all the time. It's definitely not a sleepy little fishing village anymore! But there is still a ton of that going on.
I would love to help you! I will give you a call early this week to discuss this paradise we call home!
Whether you're flying south for the winter or the rest of your life, perch yourelf in paradise!
Sincerley, Linda Coiro
Whether you're flying south for the winter or the rest of your life! Let Linda and Katy Bird help you find your perch in paradise!
Keller Williams Realty Emerald Coast is thrilled to have as part of their sales team, Linda Coiro. Linda brings with her a strong background in customer service, marketing and real estate knowledge. Having worked in the airline industry, Linda's customer service ability was certainly put to the test, but her care and attitude towards her customers has never faltered. Linda also spent many years in the advertising industry in and helped to grow many large national accounts. She's been able to take the experience and knowledge she gained in New York City and apply it towards her real estate career here on the Emerald Coast. Linda's many "out of the box" strategies toward the selling of real estate come from her knowledge of aggressive promotion in the marketing industry. She knows that marketing, not high pressure sales, is what sells a house. Linda takes the time with her clients to find out exactly what their wants and needs are in order to find the perfect home for them. And it goes the same for listings - learning as much about the sellers and their motivation for selling as possible and treating the home as if it were her own for sale. With Linda helping you buy or sell a property, she becomes part of your family - she makes you her top priority no matter how big or small the transaction. Linda has recently earned the e-PRO designation, and excels in using the internet as an invaluable tool in her marketing programs. She is also a Certified Residential Specialist candidate and a member and committee chairperson for the Women's Council of Realtors. Linda has recently hired a full time assistant named Katy Bird. You many recognize Katy as the white umbrella cockatoo who accompanies Linda to all her open houses, REALTOR tours and first time client meetings. "Katy Bird is a great icebreaker when meeting new clients. They are so amazed by her beauty and gentleness that we become friends before we start talking real estate. Then the rest is easy. And Katy doesn't complain about working overtime!" Linda came into the field of real estate during the height of the market in 2003. However, the cooling of the market did not deter Linda from her chosen field. She's stayed long after many REALTORS have given up.
The nest is empty and it's now your turn to live the good life.
Time to fly the coop! When you're looking for that retirement get-a-way, let Linda Coiro, a certified e-PRO internet marketing professional, and fellow boomer, help you find the home of your dreams! I understand your needs and together we'll work out a plan to get you the best deal in the shortest amount of time and with the least amount of stress! You deserve the good life! Isn't it time!?!
When we were relocating from Kentucky to Destin, Linda diligently searched the MLS every day until one day, a new listing popped up, Linda called us and we bought the house that day! Homes here sell fast and Linda was right on top of it, otherwise we might've lost out on this lovely home that fit all our needs. It's great having a 'friend" in the real estate business! Thanks, Linda! - The Lawsons, Chuck, Mia and Natalie
We toyed with the idea of moving from our cramped townhome to a "real" home in the country and closer to family. Linda listed and sold our townhome in record time! She went out of our way to show it without a lock box as we requested, and screened every potential buyer. We love our "new" house with a great big yard the kids can play in, and grandma and grandpa are just around the corner! 
Thanks for taking great care with me and my house! Can't believe we got MORE than list price! Great Job! Thanks! - Dennis Gill, 
- K. Brooks, former Destin resident
- J. J. B. Warner, Ft. Walton Beach
Sold within a week - was I impressed! Linda came in and turned my bachelor pad into an irresistible couple's retreat and within a month I had my profit in my pocket. Now we send recommendations back and forth and both profit from each other's business!
- Glenn Klein, A Action Exterminators, Ft. Walton Beach
We searched and searched....
Dear Linda,
" I miss our get togethers. I'm not sure if you have seen the commercial on TV when the lady is thanking her realtor for working with her and showing her like 25 houses. Bill and I both laugh because I said I should be on that commercial with Linda, we had that lady beat the first week we looked. Still appreciate so much all the time you have put in for us."
Michelle, Niceville, FL
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