Retired Moving To Florida In Large Numbers!

A recent US Census Report indicates that US residents from Northern Climates are once again heading to Florida for retirement. The dates between April 2010 and July 2011, Florida welcomed 560 new residents to Florida EACH DAY!

Housing Inventory Dropping

Shadow Inventory Drops: ‘Positive Sign for Housing’

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2011

Residential shadow inventory is on the decline, falling in July to 1.6 million units and representing a supply of five months, a new report from CoreLogic shows. 

One year ago, nationwide shadow inventory stood at 1.9 million units, marking a six-month supply. Shadow inventory is 22 percent lower than the peak reached in January 2010 of 2 million units -- or 8.4 months of supply.

CoreLogic calculates shadow inventory by taking into account the number of distressed properties not yet listed on the multiple listing services that are more than 90 days delinquent, in foreclosure, and real estate owned by lenders. 

"The steady improvement in the shadow inventory is a positive development for the housing market," says Mark Fleming, chief economist for CoreLogic. "However, continued price declines, high levels of negative equity, and a sluggish labor market will keep the shadow supply elevated for an extended period of time."

Source: “Shadow Inventory Declines to 5-Month Supply: CoreLogic,” HousingWire (Sept. 27, 2011)

National Geographic Lists DESTIN as one of top Ten BEST FALL TRIPS!

National Geographic has just put out it’s Best Fall Trips 2011 lists, and names The Emerald Coast as one of it’s choices! Among the reasons this area was chosen are the comfortable temperatures that are perfect for swimming and fishing in the emerald green waters, and for golfing among the areas beautiful golf courses. More than 30,000 fishing enthusiasts visit in October for the Destin Fishing Rodeo, and The Destin Seafood Festival is also in October. Discounts can also be found at local condos and hotels in the fall.

The other places listed on the Best Fall Trips 2011 include Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, Switzerland, Cannstatter Volkfest, Stuttgart, Germany, Columbus, Ohio, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, Dublin, Ireland, White Mountains, New Hampshire, Shoreline Highway, Marin County, California, and Day of the Dead, Puebla, Mexico.

Coldwell Banker United Destin Cares

CBU Cares: From dream homes to children in need, CBU Realtors strive to provide

September 17, 2011 1:20 PM

Katy Houghton

As well as helping homebuyers and sellers with their real estate quests, the agents of Coldwell Banker United are passionate about supporting local charities and children in need.

“Last year, a group of agents got together and created the idea of an internal organization to raise money for charities in the community that they’re passionate about,” said Jamie Huggins, CBU sales manager and broker.

That dream of an informal organization quickly grew into a formal foundation known as CBU Cares. After each sale, each of the 59 agents pledge to make a donation of a certain percentage of their sales commission.

Volunteer CBU Realtors, known as the Vision Council, recently went through agent-submitted applications and decided that Children in Crisis was exactly what they were looking for in their first act of charity as a foundation. 

At Wednesday’s sales meeting, CBU Realtors presented Ken Hair, the president and CEO of Children in Crisis, a check for $2,500.

CIC is a nonprofit charity in Fort Walton Beach that provides homes for neglected, abused and abandoned children of the community. Hair said they were very happy and thankful to be selected as CBU Cares’ signature charity.

“The money will go to feed, clothe and care for these children,” Hair said. “It’s because of donations from places like Coldwell Banker that we are able to keep our doors open.”

CBU Cares is an agent-driven foundation with the dream of contributing time and money to local organizations and charities. Coldwell Banker United also supports Habitat for Humanity and breast cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

“One of our five core values is supporting and being a part of the community,” Huggins said, adding that CBU Cares will make an annual donation to Children in Crisis. “That is my dream for this office.”

Experience Paradise in Sandestin, Florida!

If you have not visited Sandestin, Florida, you are missing a visit to Paradise!  Sandestin is in Northwest Florida on the Emerald Coast. The floral beauty is unmatched except for Disney World!  Sandestin has beachside condos, bayside homes and condos, townhomes, and single family homes. The Hilton Hotel is on this property along with a private beach club and an awesome Baytowne Village with shops and restaurants. Every Season is a festive occassion with floral displays, decorations and entertainment. I am fortunate to live and sell real estate here in Sandestin. I would love to show you how wonderful it is to experience this little Paradise!