Marlene "Myke" Triebold, GRI, CNAS, USAA Certified

The Air Force has announced that the F35 Joint Strike Fighter Wing is coming to Eglin AFB. Additional aircraft coming here will depend on environmental studies concerned with the noise level. Valparaiso is located near the runways that are used by the Air Force as well as the regional airport. The concern is that the noise level could be above the decibel level considered safe for the residents. The first planes are scheduled to arrive in March 2010.

For real estate, this is an important step forward since the 33rd Fighter Wing has been moved. If the F35 had not come to Eglin, the effect on the area would have been huge. There is a large number of defense contractors in the area that bring additional jobs and dollars to the area. Without these companies, the area would be largely dependent on tourism dollars, and in a shrinking economy this could have been troublesome.

Lenders are required to give a buyer a good-faith estimate of their closing costs within three days after they apply for a loan. Some will give such an estimate even before they apply if asked. Even if it is no guarantee, this written estimate will give an idea of what kind of fees the buyer can expect to pay, as well as an opportunity to negotiate for a better deal.

If the buyer is a good credit borrower they can challenge fees if they seem excessive. Lenders don't control many fees that show up on the statement.

Keep in mind that the good faith estimate doesn't include such out-of-pocket costs as state mortgage taxes, homeowners insurance and property taxes, which the buyer may be expected to pay at the time of closing. In fact, the total tab at closing could be several times more than originally estimated.

It is important that realtors impart this knowledge to their buyers to avoid surprises that make a client angry when they are already stressed about the magnitude of their decision.

For other ideas and comments, contact me at www.MykeTriebold.com or www.Destin-Foreclosures.com

Okaloosa County is faced with growth within the next few years. The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) slated Okaloosa County's military installations with a growth of 4,500 military personnel for a total population influx of 11,000 by 2016. In 2005, Eglin Air Force Base reported being able to house approximately 20% of the incoming military personnel in their current housing inventory. In 2008, Eglin AFB and Hurlburt will demolish 2,257 housing units, but planning to rebuild only 1,684. This puts an additional 573 military families into the community housing market. The Army Special Forces (2,200) are planned to move into the northern county area (Crestview) by 2011. The Air Force's first Joint Strike Fighter is planned to arrive at Eglin AFB in March 2010 with the last of the 113 planes to arrive in June 2016. It is anticipated there will be an influx of an associated 2,326 personnel with these planes. In addition to the BRAC related growth,the Okaloosa/Walton/Escambia Counties continue to sustain strong economies supported by defense-related industries.

While the real estate news in Florida is improving, I found this information, and thought it should be shared. Merrill Lynch economist David Rosenberg says we are currently in a
depression. We are happy to be in such company. He says depressions last from 3 to
7 years, an elongated deep recession. We still have $6 trillion in private sector debt
that has to be eliminated. A credit contraction that began 3 to 6 months ago, which has
just begun. At least $1 trillion in excess capacity. Growing credit card delinquencies. A
housing market that has several years to go before it hits bottom. A Fed that is
creating out of thin air a truly colossal amount of money and credit to prevent deflation
along with zero interest rates. Twenty percent of personal wealth has already been
lost. Real U6 unemployment rate of 15%. No wage increases and shorter work weeks.
Corporate balance sheets are still saddled with fair value accounting. Sooner or later
reality will have to be faced in mark-to-market and that is when we will really find out
how broke some of these companies really are. The trip to never-never land is about to
end.

With prices on homes lower than in a long time, and interest rates at a point we may not see them again, it is definitely time to buy your house!! Market in Destin continues to be difficult and prices continue to drop. Market in Niceville is going pretty steady under 300,000. Over 300,000, financing gets more difficult and out of price range for many buyers. But there are many buyers looking for the deal. It is imperative that we all keep in touch with people we have met along the way!! And it doesn't have to be foreclosure or short sale to get a deal!! Many sellers are getting real about their expectations, even though we have to continue to educate!!