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Archives for July 2023

Real Estate Corner…

Question: How can I “stage” my home so it sells quickly for the price I want?

Answer: Make sure you address both the outside and the inside of the house by cleaning and de-cluttering everything, from the front yard to the garage to the kitchen, bathrooms, and basement. Put away your personal items so buyers can imagine themselves living there.

One way to take years off your home is with paint. Check the home’s exterior paint job, and don’t forget the front door, mailbox, garage doors, and walkways. In the interior, remove the pictures from the walls (as well as old wallpaper) and paint the walls in a neutral color.

Also, consider these tips if you want to sell your home fast for a good price: a) Hire professional cleaners to do the work; b) Get a home inspection before you put it on the market; and c) Make your landscaping look sharp.

For a list of the specific steps you should take, ask for my Free Consumer Report called “4 Steps To Stage Your Home For A Fast Sale.” I’ll send a copy right to you.

If you have questions, or need capable and trustworthy representation, please call me at 850-217-0990.

HGTV Home Staging Tips

A few things to do around town Destin, Ft. Walton Beach, Niceville, Crestview & More

July 21, 2023 – Chemistry Corner – View
July 21, 2023 – Creature Features – View
July 21, 2023 – Embroidery Demonstration – View
July 21, 2023 – “Somewhere in Time” Art Show Reception – Free to the Public – View
July 22, 2023 – Downtown FWB Farmers Market – View
July 22, 2023 – Florida Artist Blacksmith Association Open House – View
July 22, 2023 – Clay with a Purpose: Small Plates, Instructed by Marcy Eady – $25 – $30 – View
July 22, 2023 – Christmas in July – Make-And-Take – $15 – View
July 23, 2023 – International Award-Winning Magical Variety Show! – Free – View
July 23, 2023 – Scallywag Sunday – free – View
July 24, 2023 – Movie Monday – View
July 25, 2023 – Flight Night @ Twisted Grape! – View

Save For A Home On Any Budget!

Owning a home may still be part of the traditional American dream, but saving up to buy a home sometimes feels impossible. There are ways though, that you can save money for a down payment regardless of your income and budget. Here are some tips to get you started.

Work On Your Credit Score. With a lower credit score, you’re likely to pay a higher interest rate on a home loan. Having a higher credit score usually means a lower interest rate, so you’d be paying less overall for the same house. Your credit score can also impact the down payment that’s required.

Concentrate on Reducing Your Debts. Banks look at your debt-to-income ratio with any home loan application, and one of the best ways to improve your credit score is to pay down your debts. This doesn’t mean you must have zero debts, of course, it just means your debt-to-income ratio may determine how big your down payment will need to be.

Cut Expenses. Do a careful audit of your monthly expenses and make a list of what might be unnecessary, like a streaming service you don’t really watch very often or a subscription or membership you forgot you signed up for. Look into refinancing things like student or auto loans. Think about a less expensive rental home to put that extra money away, too.

Automate Savings. Set up automatic transfers to an investment or savings account every time you get a paycheck. Have tax refunds automatically deposited into your savings, not checking, account.

As you work on building up your savings, remember that this doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of anything fun—that would just lead to resentment. Refocus the idea of treating yourself to your new budget. Instead of a fancy dinner out or an international trip, for instance, opt for a less expensive happy hour date or a weekend getaway.

And, when you’re ready to get the ball rolling on buying that house, give me a call! I’m here to help with plenty of information for first-time home buyers.  Saving for a Home on Any Budget is Possible!

‘Gateway to the Harbor’: Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park now open in Destin

The Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park, a long-awaited project in Destin, was officially opened on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 
  • The park, located at 206 Harbor Boulevard, had faced significant delays in construction since its inception in January 2021. Originally scheduled for completion in Fall 2021, the project extended over two years, with a revised estimated completion date of mid-April 2022.
However, the City of Destin successfully opened the park as planned. This morning’s ceremony was attended by city officials, community members, and representatives from the Melvin family.
Mayor Bobby Wagner, expressing his excitement about the park, acknowledged the collaborative efforts that made the project possible. He said, “This is just another great initiative that was years in the making, but we’re finally done. We could never have done this without the partnership of the private entities, the City Council, the citizens, and the family members that this is in honor of; this is really what community is about.”
The park is situated just east of Dewey Destin’s Harborside Restaurant and offers various amenities for visitors to enjoy. These include:
  • A small playground.
  • Harbor and Wildlife Observation Platform with educational signage.
  • Harbor Boardwalk.
  • Picnic pavilion.
  • Terraced walkway from Harbor Boulevard to the harbor boardwalk.
  • Drinking fountain and restrooms at the resource center.
  • Bike racks near the park entrance at Harbor Boulevard.
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Land Air Sea Productions
City Manager Lance Johnson reflected on the journey to complete the park, and expressed his pleasure at witnessing the opening. 
“Back in 2006, I was told when I was the Parks and Rec Director that we were purchasing a new property to have a new park in Destin, and I was ecstatic,” said Johnson. “I didn’t ever know if we were going to get here. This is one of the best days of my whole tenure with the city of Destin.”
Scott and Royal “Bo” Melvin Jr., sons of Captain Royal Melvin, expressed their gratitude to the community and city officials for their support throughout the project.
“It all goes back to our grandparents, Millard and Sarah Melvin,” said Bo Melvin. “If it wasn’t for them settling on this piece of property right here, five generations of Melvins would not have been able to live here or play here on this property, and to see what has become our father and grandparents would be humbled and honored.”
At the end of the ceremony, Mayor Wagner presented the Melvin family with Destin Challenge coins, recognizing their enduring legacy and contribution to the community. 
  • He stated, “With over five generations, I believe that very much puts you guys in this category. I really appreciate you guys being a part of it and allowing us to carry on your legacy and the name with a new city park.”
Destin residents and visitors can now enjoy the new Captain Royal Melvin Park, a place that celebrates the heritage and natural beauty of the area, while honoring the Melvin family’s significant contributions throughout generations.
Click here to view pictures of the park

Article Courtesy of Jared at www.GettheCoast.com