Archives for May 2015

April 2015: Closed Sales and Prices Going Up

Image via Kozzi

It’s not quite summer yet, and real estate along the Emerald Coast is strong and improving over last year, according to the April statistics. Sales are up, prices are up, and inventory is down. The summer season should prove successful for sellers and competitive for buyers.

Single Family Home Sales

Emerald Coast

• Closed sales increased 36.5%
• Pending sales rose 18.5%
• Median prices increased 9.8%
• Inventory decreased 3.3%
• Months supply decreased 19.8% to 6.8 months of inventory

Okaloosa County

• Closed sales increased 46%
• Pending sales increased 12.7%
• Median prices increased 9.8%
• Inventory decreased 2.2%
• Months supply decreased 19.8% to 5.6 months of inventory

Walton County

• Closed sales increased 16.4%
• Pending sales increased 18.8%
• Median prices increased 26.4%
• Inventory decreased 2.4%
• Months supply decreased 20.9% to 8.4 months of inventory

Townhouse and Condo Sales

Emerald Coast

• Closed sales increased 32.9%
• Pending sales increased 4%
• Median prices increased 23.4%
• Inventory dropped 5.1%
• Months supply increased 6.4% to 9.8 months of inventory

Okaloosa County

• Closed sales increased 2.7%
• Pending sales decreased 6.6%
• Median prices rose 45.6%
• Inventory decreased 6.5%
• Months supply increased 9.7% to 10.9 months of inventory

Walton County

• Closed sales increased 63.9%
• Pending sales increased 15.2%
• Median prices increased 5.2%
• Inventory decreased 7.5%
• Months supply decreased 9.9% to 8.6 months of inventory

A few things to remember…

A healthy real estate market (meaning neither buyer nor sellers have an “advantage”) is a six to eight month inventory. Below six months, it’s thought to be a seller’s market and above eight months is considered a buyer’s market.

Median prices increased in all areas for single family homes, condos, and townhouses during the month of April. The median price is determined, in part, by the price ranges buyers are selecting and the inventory available in those price ranges.

Pending sales are only an indication of the month ahead. In months with an increase in pending sales, you can expect sales to increase for the following month. A decline in pending sales may be an indication of lower sales the next month. It is not an automatic as sales often take more than 30 days to close.

All sales data is from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors® (ECAR) Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and is compiled by Florida Realtors®, the state association for Florida. The Emerald Coast statistics cover both Okaloosa and Walton counties as well as surrounding areas based on the listings entered into the MLS by ECAR MLS participants.

All Hail Kale!

Each year a few rising stars in the produce department capture the public’s attention and are touted by friends, foodies and food bloggers alike. But what are consumers actually buying at the grocery store? Here’s what was popular in 2013 and what you should look for at the grocery store to keep your family healthy, and subsequently, happy.

1. Power Greens
Kale is the leafy green veggie that took the nation by storm in 2012 and continued to enjoy strong growth in 2013. Kale’s “Power Green” cousins Brussels sprouts, organic salads, and bagged greens topped the retailer’s highest-selling produce list. Bagged baby kale saw the biggest growth in 2013 with a nearly 200 percent sales jump from 2012. Why the big jump? It’s all about nutrition. The leafy, nutrient-dense foods in the Power Green category pack a big nutritional punch without a lot of calories – a great combination. The popularity of bagged Power Greens is all about convenience – less time spent on washing, trimming and chopping.
2. Fresh Herbs
As consumers gravitate toward more nutritional options at mealtime, they don’t necessarily want to compromise on taste. At the same time, consumer palates are becoming more sophisticated. Home cooks, who would have previously added salt, are more often using fresh herbs like basil and cilantro to enhance flavor. Limit your family’s sodium intake to reduce the risks associated with high blood pressure. Herbs are a great alternative and another excellent source for antioxidants.
3. Portabello Mushrooms
With trends like “Meatless Monday,” more and more consumers are swapping out meats for veggie alternatives. The meaty texture and savory flavor of portabello mushrooms make them a good option for someone looking for a meat substitute. Families aren’t just replacing meat, but finding ways to make it stretch further, such as mixing chopped mushrooms into ground beef. Which, coincidentally, is also a great way to sneak more vegetables into your family’s diet.
4. Sweet Potatoes
Consumers have moved on from carbohydrate avoidance to acceptance and are now looking for healthier varieties of carbs. Sweet potatoes offer more vitamins and fiber than traditional white potatoes, and add a vibrant color to dishes. And research has actually shown that the fiber gained from eating steamed or boiled sweet potatoes can help reduce the blood sugar of people with diabetes.

5. Clementines
Sales of the mandarin and sweet orange hybrid have more than doubled in 2013. Clementines are an easy-to-peel fruit, which makes them a healthy low calorie snack for kids and adults alike.

Look for these healthy alternatives at the grocery store so you can get your family back on a healthy track for 2014 and beyond.

Source: Meijer 

Remember the Reason for Memorial Day Before You Hit the Beach

Image via Kozzi

Often considered the first day of summer fun, Memorial Day is much more than trips to the beach, grilled hot dogs, and fireworks. Before you set out for a long weekend or the start of a family vacation, take a moment and remember what Memorial Day is truly all about.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday to remember and honor all the soldiers who died while serving in the military. These military members, and their families, give the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe year-round. We need to remember them all year long, but Memorial Day is a good day to set aside time to think about what is required to keep our country protected.

A Brief History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day and honored the soldiers who died during the Civil War, both on the Union and Confederate sides. There is some dispute about when and where the first Memorial Day began. On May 26, 1966, President Johnson signed a presidential proclamation naming Waterloo, New York as the birthplace of the holiday in 1866.

The holiday became known as Memorial Day in 1882. After World War II, the day became more widely known and “celebrated.” The original date for Memorial Day was May 30 and was changed to fall on a Monday to create a three-day weekend in 1971.

Observing Memorial Day

If you’d like to do something to mark the importance of a soldier’s ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day, there are plenty of things you can do.

• Check with the VFW for planned memorials and programs.
• Lower your flag to half-mast until noon.
• Attend local events for the day.
• Watch the National Memorial Day Concert on the U.S. Capitol Lawn (usually aired by PBS or NPR)
• If you know any living spouses of military members who died in combat, visit them, talk with them, and remember with them.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the unofficial beginning of summer with a day on the beach, a few hours getting a great deal at local stores, or getting the grill out for hamburgers and hotdogs. But make sure you remember the reason for the day and take a moment to think about those who sacrificed everything for their country.

Happy Memorial Day to everyone! And to the families and friends of fallen soldiers, their and your sacrifices are not forgotten.

Owning a Home Makes People Happy

If you’re a satisfied homeowner, this will come as no shock to you: Owning a home makes people happier and helps them lead better lives. That’s not just the opinion of those jiggling their new front door keys or their Realtors beaming with pride.

The creators of the OECD Better Life Index believes there’s more to a country or regions measure of success than GDP and economic statistics. To measure success, it’s important to know how life is lived in any given area. The index looks at multiple factors like environment, education, safety, income, health, and housing.

Nationwide, housing outperformed all other indicators. This could be linked to the need for basic shelter but also the status and independence that can come with owning a home. While owning a home comes with a lot of responsibility, it also adds a level of satisfaction in and quality of life that renting or living with family doesn’t do.

What about Florida?

Like the rest of the country, housing is the top indicator for Florida, too. The index rates a region’s well-being on a scale of one to ten, with ten being the best. In Florida, housing ranks at 8.9 making our state the top 11 percent in Housing in the region.

Education and environment tied in second place with 8.8. When compared to other areas, Florida ranks in the top 29 percent in education and the top 15 percent for environment.

That doesn’t mean we don’t have areas that could stand to be improved.

The two lowest indicators are safety at 2.3 and civic engagement at 4.0. Of course, this index is for the entire state and is not broken down by county. For example, the crime rate in Okaloosa County (2013 data) is well below the state average in many categories.

Overall, this index shows us what many of in the real estate profession already knew from experience – owning your own home is good for your quality of life and your overall happiness.

Want to see the results for yourself? Click here: OECD Regional Well-Being – Florida.

Source: Homeownership Linked to Happiness, Realtor Magazine

Go for the Gold with Your Next Toast

As with any form of public speaking, giving a toast can be an anxiety ridden-occasion. From what to do if nobody laughs at your jokes to drawing a blank when it comes to what you planned on saying, giving a toast can be a memorable experience—for all the wrong reasons. The next time you’re planning to raise your glass for a toast, keep these tips in mind to ensure the experience is a positive one.

– If you want to have the greatest impact, keep your toast short and sweet. Your guests will grow antsy if you become long-winded.

– Be sure to speak loudly and clearly so that everyone can hear what you have to say. It’s also important to appear confident, even if you’re trembling on the inside.

– Make the most of the moment by knowing what you want to say before you stand up to address the crowd.

– Something original that comes from the heart will have the most impact on your listeners.
– Don’t try to be something that you’re not. Trying to force yourself to be funny or serious won’t work. Simply be yourself.

Cheers!

Source: www.toastmasters.org.

5 Home Ownership Costs People Forget

You’ve taken a hard look at your budget and your income, and you’ve determined how much house you can afford. You’ve done the math, and you’re ready to buy. But are you sure you know how much it really costs to own a home?

After the purchase price of your house, there are other factors to consider in the overall cost of owning a home. Consider these five costs that most buyers forget and avoid a few unpleasant surprises later.

1. Insurance and Deductible

Owning a home is more than the loan the lender writes for you. If you have a mortgage, you’ll be required to carry homeowner’s insurance. You should shop around to find the best price for the coverage you need. This will determine your monthly premiums.

While you’re purchasing insurance, don’t forget to think about the cost of a deductible if you ever need to use your insurance. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium, but you’ll need to make sure it’s a deductible you’re comfortable paying if you need to make a claim on your insurance.

2. Property Taxes

If the home you purchase is a primary residence, you’ll qualify for homestead exemption in Florida and will be able to lower your costs. But no matter what you type of home you purchase, property taxes are a reality. Find out what the taxes have historically been on the property in order to factor the cost into your budget. Most homeowners pay insurance and taxes as part of their monthly mortgage. For budgeting purposes, this is an excellent option so you know exactly what you need to pay each month. Just remember, both your taxes and your insurance can go up each year – sometimes a little, sometimes a lot.

3. Home Maintenance and Repairs

The most forgotten costs of owning a home often come in the form of maintenance and repairs. When the roof goes bad or a leak develops in the kitchen, you’ll be the one responsible for the repairs. A home warranty can help control these costs and is like an insurance policy for parts of your home. Either way you go, you’ll want to factor the cost of upkeep and repair into your overall budget and set aside money to take care of these things as they happen.

4. Homeowner/Condo Association Fees

Fees to a homeowner or condo association, known as HOA or COA fees, should be disclosed with any listing but it helps to know about them before you start looking around. HOA and COA fees can add a couple hundred up to more than a thousand dollars to your monthly housing costs. Find out what is included in the fees to know if other expenses may be covered by the HOA or COA. Some fees that may be included are trash pick-up, water, sewer, insurance on parts of the building, and amenities to those living in the neighborhood or building. Depending on what the HOA or COA covers, you may be able to save on costs elsewhere.

5. Garbage/Sewer/Water

If you’ve been renting for a while, you may not have had to pay these expenses separately from your monthly rent. Depending on where you’re looking to buy, you’ll need to be aware of these additional costs of ownership. Every area is different and the costs could change based on the size of your home and your family, as each household will use water differently and have their own costs. Consider contacting the local utility company to determine average costs in your area and what fees will be included in your monthly waste collection or water bill.

Determining the costs for owning a home is not as simple as deciding the amount of home you can afford. Ask any owner, and they can share a laundry list of other costs that come with the territory. If you budget and plan accordingly, and buy with realistic expectations of the costs, you can avoid a lot of surprises later. Don’t let the additional costs scare you off. Just be prepared and know what to expect.