October Tips

If you're thinking of putting your home on the market, fall can be a great time to focus on decluttering and getting those home projects done that got post-poned during summer travel. As you change out seasonal decor and clothing, sort out items that have been gathering dust for a while and use this as a time to reduce what you have that's not being used. And now that the weather has cooled off, it's a great time to repaint, fix up the yard, or tackle that flooring job you've been meaning to do. Getting those projects done now in preperation for a new year's listing can be a great way to make sure that that when your home is listed, you can hit the ground running with showings. For more information on getting a complimentary market analysis done on your home email me at britt.swain29@gmail.com

Featured Listing of the Month: 1722 Union Ave, Niceville

Now is a great time to buy and our newest listing offers you just the soace you've been looking for in the convenient location of Niceville.

Property Features: Large corner lot 2,180 square feet with four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms Extra bonus room off of the kitchen, great office space Additional room off of laundary room would be a great craft room Brand new carpet Hardwood flooring, high ceilings, and fireplace in the living room Private balcony off of Master bedroom Large deck space with a swing for relaxing

A Few Tips for Building New

Building new is a wonderful opportunity to get the most out of a home purchase and buying a new home, as opposed to a re-sell, comes with many advantages. Lower home insurance premiums, for one, can sometimes lead to lower monthly mortgage payments and you aren't inheriting another person's "problems". But even in building new, the choices can become overwhelming for buyers that are not prepared mentally for the process they have begun so here are just a few tips: 1. Embrace Your Budget You wouldn't buy a Lexus with a Kia budget, right? Set realistic expectations for yourself, your budget, and your family's needs. Everything about your new home is going to cost a certain amount (the old 'nothing in life is free' remember?) So once you hear the overall list price of a new home, find out what all that includes. What's standard and what's an upgrade? Many builders will have this information provided in a flyer or pamphlet already and once you go under contract may even ask for a signature from the buyer to show that it is clearly understood what your new home will and will not include. If your $200,000 budget is already the most your family can afford at the moment, you may not get the hardwood flooring, granite countertops, and enormous in-ground pool you'd like to have now, but those things can be added in the future. Realistic expectations can keep the excitement going about building your perfect 'now' home. 2. Be Patient Yes, isn't it great that someone you know picked out a re-sell home and closed in 30 days. But guess what? If you're building new, the time it takes from picking out a floor plan and a lot to the last touches of paint is going to take a few months. From the beginning, remind yourself and your family that you're going to have to have some patience. Ask your builder what the usual timeline is for their projects. When you go under contract, remember that the closing date you choose based on the projected building timeline is a target date...and it could change (gasp), but that also means it's possible it could change for the better. Yes your friends had a fast closing (ahem, they also got popcorn ceilings and shag carpet), but your wait is going to be well worth it! Another aspect of having patience, is knowing that while some weeks you will see noticable changes as the framing goes up, etc., other times the progress may not be so apparent. But that doesn't mean nothings happening. Sometimes may not see someone actively on site working on your home on a daily basis; don't get discouraged. Sometimes there's a wait for parts to come in or sometimes weather prevents construction. Sometimes a builder has so many projects going up at once (ie:a new neighborhood) that it's just impossible for people to be in two places at once (no? really?). But patient. Today it's the neighbor's house, tomorrow it's yours. 3. Set your choice priorities You'll be choosing everything from paint colors to cabinets to which way you may want your bathroom door to open, so plan from the beginning which choices hold the most weight for you. For some families it's the choices about functionality, for others everything's purely aesthetics. Just know which choices you need to spend the most time on first and which are not as important. 4. Enjoy it! You are getting to be a part of a process that many families do not get to take part in when buying a new home. Enjoy every moment of picking out finishing touches or planning a floor plan that's right for your family. You may even want to capture the process in a scrapbook or the very least a series of framed photographs to share with your children years down the road. You're planning a house, but it's going to be the home for many special memories to come. So look enjoy it's beginnings and appreciate everything.....especially while it's all NEW :)

Brand New in Bluewater with Motivated Sellers

If you are looking for a move-in ready home with an incredible amount of space, you don't have to look any longer.

Located on a cul-de-sac, this gorgeous four bedroom, 3200 sq. ft. home has views of the marina and comes with all of the amenities of Bluewater Bay without the city taxes of Niceville. An expansive media room provides perfect entertainment opportunities for teenagers and adults alike with several rooms wired for surround sound. Relax or grill out on your new screened-in lanai with privacy screens or cook in your new state of the art kitchen featuring granite countertops and stainless steel applainces.

Additional features include a second story balcony and laundry chute and new tankless gas water heater. Listed at $428,900; contact Brittany Swain for more information and before this home sells! 850-428-4682 Britt.Swain29@gmail.com

New Subdivision, Magnolia Woods

If you kept up with the beautiful construction at The Preserve at Swift Creek and wished it was your family moving into a gorgeous new Huff Home, you may have thought your chances expired when the last home sold a month ago....but they haven't! The Huffs are building again in another brand new and beautiful subdivision off of Palm Blvd. Homes are set to begin construction in June and already several have pre-sold. With a minimum square footage of 1850 and lot sizes that will be larger than both of their other neighborhoods (The Preserve at Swift Creek and Arrowhead) this is a perfect fit for any family! Some of the standard features to the Huff's premiere work include brick exterior with Hardieboard siding accents, tile and hardwood flooring, 9' ceilings with 8' doorways, crown molding, granite countertops, brand new GE appliances, cultured marble shower enclosures, pre-wired for surround sound, full landscaping with irrigation, and a one year builder warranty! Visit www.magnoliawoodsniceville.com to view floor plans and choose your lot! Or get in touch with me at 850-428-4682 to find out more about this exquisite new community!

TOP AGENT OF THE MONTH

Roy Sutton was the TOP LISTING and TOP SELLING agent for Niceville for the Month of March for Century 21 Wilson Minger Agency.

Roy was also the recipient of the Centurion Award two weeks ago at our regional awards banquet. This award only goes to top producing agents who demonstrate the ultimate in professionalism, quality service, and have record sales.

If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell, you really can't get much better!

Gorgeous NEW WATERFRONT Home

It honestly doesn't get much better than this. This absolutely beautiful home is set in the tranquil setting of Mallet Bayou with an unbelievable view of the water. A second story porch, elegant stairs, courtyard with firepit and backyard offer incredible opportunities for entertaining.

This 2006 home has four bedrooms and has all main living areas upstairs making its first floor a great space for a live-in relative or a college-age student. Granite countertops, a custom fireplace in the living room,surround sound, and an elevator this is the ultimate in style in a relaxing environment.

Listed at $429,000 Call today to schedule a showing! 850-428-4682

New Swift Creek Home on the Market!

New on the market! This four bedroom home comes with amazing interior and exterior features in addition to all of the wonderful amenities of the sought after neighborhood of Swift Creek.

Elegant formal dining area.

Beautiful, tiled living room accentuates the open floor plan and is pre-wired for surround sound.

The kitchen offers lots of cabinet and counter space.

Hardwood flooring and lots of natural light in the master bedroom.

Tiled lanai offers lots of space for dining, entertaining, relaxing, or sports equipment.

Lots of backyard space offers endless possibilities!



To view more photos and find out more about this spectacular home, visit www.swainsellsniceville.com or call 850-428-4682.

New Site

While this blog is helpful in passing out new information about our Niceville market, information about different types of sales, and financing, we have a brand new site dedicated specifically for your home search.

Visit www.swainsellsniceville.com to create your own free account and keep track of homes that fit your search criteria as they appear on the market.

It's also a great place to find out "market insider" information, examine the schools your top properties are zoned for and watch market trends.

Visit us today!

Short Sale Information for First Time Home Buyers

I thought I'd post some commonly asked questions about short sales since we are experiencing such a common occurance of these in our present market. It's definitely important to brush up on what a short sale means, but don't let the term scare you away.

1. How long does it take for a bank to approve a short sale?
If only I had a set answer for this one. While it takes an average of three to six months, the timeline – and the process – vary quite a bit from one bank to another.

While each bank has different short sale guidelines, the short sale has to make sense to the bank. The better the short sale offer is to the bank, the faster the approval process.

What are some things that slow down the process?

Multiple liens on the property
A third party negotiating the short sale on behalf of a seller. Some states allow third parties to do this, for a fee; some states, like Virginia, limit this to real estate licensees, attorneys, and employees of attorneys.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) on the property
Additional investors
Action: To make an accurate prediction about the short sale timeline for a particular property, research the bank’s general timelines, the property’s liens, and whether there is PMI before writing the offer.

2. Will the bank make repairs to the property?
Not usually.

Here’s why:

The bank does not have possession of the property and has no authority to make repairs on behalf of the seller.
Many short-sale sellers do not have the financial means to make repairs.
Many banks require the short sale to be sold strictly “as-is” and do not allow the seller to pay for any repairs.
Why wouldn’t a bank allow the seller to make repairs? your buyer may ask. A short sale is a sticky situation for a bank, and the bank wants to avoid potential liability. For example, if the bank allowed the seller to make repairs and the repairs proved to be faulty, the buyer might potentially hold the bank liable, since the seller doesn’t have money (which is how the short-sale situation came about in the first place).

Action: Find out how the bank and the seller feel about making possible repairs. A short-sale buyer needs to understand that the home will most likely be sold strictly “as-is” and all repairs will be at their expense.

3. How do other types of debt affect the short sale outcome?
Many short-sale sellers are more than just “house-poor.” Many have additional debts that place a cloud on title. These include tax liens – income and property, medical liens, mechanic’s liens, and child support judgments.

Depending on your state, some creditors can try to collect debt by going to civil court and getting a judgment lien placed on the property against the homeowner. These liens must be cleared before the short sale transaction can be closed.

Surprisingly, tax liens are probably the easiest to clear off the title. The IRS has several avenues to collect back taxes, and doesn’t want to become a real estate holding company. Removing a tax lien can take up to 120 days, so it is imperative that this process is started well in advance of the short sale.
Medical liens can usually be negotiated and a payment plan worked out. However, this is a time-consuming process and needs to be started as soon as possible.
Mechanic’s liens are a little harder to get removed. There is not much recourse for tradespeople and bad debts.
Child support judgments are also difficult to remove because they usually involve government agencies.
In short, additional debts can tie up the short sale process.

Action: Make sure to ask the listing agent if a preliminary title search has been performed on the property so you can advise your buyer about possible obstacles.

Behind the Scenes Look at C21 Super Bowl Commercial

www.arrowheadinniceville.com

Finally getting organized. It took awhile to figure it out, but we've got more information on Arrowhead put together on its own website: www.arrowheadinniceville.com. I know some of you have been asking for floor plans and I'm in the middle of uploading these to the site as well. The homes are extremely well built with simply gorgeous attention to detail. As always, don't hesitate to call to set up a showing or come on by in the afternoons between 2 and 4pm.

BRAND NEW SUBDIVISION IN NICEVILLE

ARROWHEAD
STARTING AT $234,000

Don't miss out on this beautiful new subdivision located off of Hwy 85 N just past Edge Elementary. These three and four bedroom homes are built to be luxurious, yet affordable. Some of the standard interior features include crown molding in the main areas, brand new GE appliances, recessed lighting, hardwood and tile flooring, 9' ceilings, granite countertops in the kitchen, and glass enclosed showers.

If you or someone you know is looking for a new home, you've found the right place to start your search. This is a great location whether you commute to Eglin, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, or Destin.

Lots are still available if you're looking for something custom and three homes are move-in-ready now! Don't hesitate to call 850.428.4682 for more information.

LISTED AT $234,900

LISTED AT $274,900

LISTED AT $279,900

And much more to choose from! Give us a call today. 850.428.4682

The Numbers Are In!

More people are choosing to list with Century 21 Wilson Minger Agency, Inc. than any other real estate office in town!

Century 21 Wilson Minger has the number one spot for new active listings since the start of the new year.

We're also number one for sales pending, with an impressive 22% of the Niceville market.

Our committment to our clients is unmistakeable and our professionalism cannot be beat. We care about your home buying and selling needs and are committed to providing you the best home buying and selling experience possible!

*These statistics were taken from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors MLS site; Feb. 12th, 2012

Today's Adventure

10:00 am - Made quick flyer for homes left at The Preserve at Swift Creek; hurry we only have about three left!
11:45 am - Previewed a home in Niceville; newly spruced up 3Bd/ 2Ba with new carpet and paint, great starter home.
12:00 pm - Met first family out at Arrowhead. They love the beautiful construction and elegant finishing touches.
12:30 pm - Met second family in Niceville just a street over from Arrowhead. Beautiful REO home, another great starter that's move-in ready condition.
1 pm - Took second family to see another great home on 26th St. Great floor plan with very nice kitchen; loved those granite countertops.
2 pm - Met third family in Bluewater Bay; looking to upgrade to something with more space for their growing family. This particular home we looked at had a great backyard and lots of great storage space inside.
3 pm - Back at home and working on an offer.

I feel truly blessed to get the chance to bring so many wonderful families into the homes they are looking for!

Get Pre-Qualified

If you bought a home in 2003 and are ready to upgrade to something larger, you might get a huge suprise when it comes down to talking with a lender today. It wasn't too long ago that anyone that walked in the door could get a loan with little to no hassle. Pull up a credit score, get a few documents together, no big deal. And while many people understand and have followed the state of affairs in the housing market on TV, they aren't realizing how this translates to their process of getting a loan in today's finance environment.

The bottom line is, yes, lenders want much more information now than they used to. I'll say it again: much more. The good news is that your lender is on your team and wants you to get that loan just as much as you do. So while they're going to need everything from your last two year's w-2's, two months bank statements, landlord information, letters explaining cash deposits, and a blood sample (ok maybe not a blood sample) be prepared and even willing to give them what they want.

You also will want to talk to a lender BEFORE you start looking at homes. Not only will they guide you to a budget, they will give you good strong advice about how to handle your finances once you are under contract until closing...and it's not always the same advice Suze Orman would give.

Trying to pay off debt before you close? Actually, your lender might caution you otherwise. Some banks would rather see lots of cash in the bank and notice you're paying off monthly expenses towards credit cards than see no debt, but no cash either. Just talk to a trusted lender first.

If you're not sure who to talk to, your realtor can give you the name of someone they have worked with successfully before.

Just make sure you do your homework and get pre-qualified before you go out and fall in love with a home. If you're buying, it's got to get done sooner or later, so approach it with a positive attitude and when your lender says he or she needs something remember, you share a common goal.

Super Bowl Open House

Well, the day of the Big Game is finally here! But before you settle into your favorite team's jersey and line the food up between you and the television, take a minute to enjoy the beautiful day outside and come visit us at Arrowhead from 1 to 3pm.

Picture what a championship party would look like in your new kitchen with sparkling GE appliances! Look how many people you could have over to celebrate with you in your new spacious living room!

Have fun today, sports fans!

Could Obama's Refinance Program Work?

My husband and I are a young couple and like many of our friends, we bought our home years ago when housing prices were still high. We had a growing family, knew we were in a location that we planned on staying in for a long time and although interest rates were high, we still thought we would prefer to own than rent.

And even though it hurts now to see what we could get for the money we spent back then, I don't regret our decision. In our case, we were able to snag a beautiful home, close to family, and in a very desirable part of our area.

We've been able to pay our mortgage, although some months it's been very tight, but we've never been able to refinance. Our home just won't appraise for what we paid. But now with Obama's plan for underwater home owners, is it really a possibility?

The following inserts were taken directly from the NAR Website:


"Under the refi initiative President Obama discussed in his speech, underwater home owners who are struggling to stay current on their mortgage would be able to refinance to take advantage of today’s historically low rates.

Policy experts speaking with politically active REALTORS® in Washington this week said it would be relatively easy to create the program if an agency like FHA or even if the two secondary mortgage market companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were given responsibility to do it. As policy consultant and former HUD official Brian Chappelle put it, the program could be implemented “almost overnight” because FHA already has its lenders and refi procedures in place.

But Chappelle and others said if FHA or the GSEs undertook the program, it would be best for the government to create a separate insurance fund to cover the new refinanced mortgages. That way, the entities’ main insurance funds wouldn’t be at risk should a portion of the loans go bad.

Brian Gardner, a Wall Street analyst, said the program would require close coordination with the Federal Reserve, otherwise investors in mortgage backed securities would demand a risk premium in interest rates to account for future political uncertainty of the program.

Patrick Swire, a former Obama administration domestic policy advisor and now an analyst with the Center for American Progress, said Obama’s refi initiative is a logical extension of the administration’s previous efforts to help underwater home owners since the economic crisis hit several years ago. The Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) was a first attempt to give lenders, investors, and troubled borrowers an incentive to modify their mortgage before the house is lost to foreclosure. This new program would provide an opportunity to implement lessons learned from that earlier effort.

Would lenders even want to participate? Ann Schnare, a policy consultant who formerly was an executive with Freddie Mac, said lenders are worried about getting hit with loan repurchase penalties, which previously happened infrequently but since the mortgage market upheaval have become far more common. So, unless that issue is addressed, lenders would likely be worried about the risks of participating.

Of course, whether the program will even pass Congress is another matter altogether, and that remains the big question. But the panelists appeared to agree that implementation was clear-cut should it pass."

Looking for a Fixer-Upper? FHA203K Loan

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is instrumental in providing single-family mortgage insurance programs for millions of people each year. Many people are taking advantage of the FHA203k loan that allows home-buyers to finance, not only their new mortgage, but also the money they'll use to improve it.

This program has many advantages. It's been instrumental in revitalizing communities with older homes, expanding the opportunities for homeownership, and giving people a chance to create the home of their dreams without having to pay for it up front.

Another big advantage of this loan program is the elimination of the catch-22 situation that buyers and sellers can sometimes face when a fixer-upper is on the market: the bank won't lend money until fixes have been made to the home, but fixes can't be made until the home sells.

Steps to obtaining an FHA203k:
1. A potential homebuyer locates a fixer-upper
and executes a sales contract after doing
a feasibility analysis of the property with their
real estate professional. The contract should
state that the buyer is seeking a 203(k) loan
and that the contract is contingent on loan
approval based on additional required repairs by the FHA or the lender.
The appraisal is performed to determine the value of the property after renovation.
2. If the borrower passes the lender's credit-worthiness test, the loan closes for an amount that will cover the purchase or refinance cost of the property, the remodeling costs and the allowable closing costs. The amount of the loan will also include a contingency reserve of 10% to 20% of the total remodeling costs and is used to cover any extra work not included in the original proposal.
3. At closing, the seller of the property is paid off and the remaining funds are put in an escrow account to pay for the repairs and improvements during the rehabilitation period.
4. The mortgage payments and remodeling begin after the loan closes. The borrower can decide to have up to six mortgage payments (PITI) put into the cost of rehabilitation if the property is not going to be occupied during construction, but it cannot exceed the length of time it is estimated to complete the rehab.
5. Escrowed funds are released to the homeowner during construction through a series of draw requests for work that is completed. To ensure completion of the job, 10% of each draw is held back; this money is paid after the homeowner informs the lender that the work has been completed and after the lender determines there are no additional liens on the property.


The down payment expected is usually around 3.5 %. If you are interested in finding out more information you should talk to a local lender. If you are specifically looking in the Niceville area try one of the highly recommended lenders below.

Steve Schutt, Prime Lending 850.678.5229
Mary Marcum, First Florida Bank 850.585.9080
Bart Swan, University Lending 850.678.4663

QR Codes on Listing Ads

REALTORS,
Ever thought of putting a QR Code on a listing? What is a QR Code you ask?
QR codes were originally designed to track auto parts during assembly back in the early ninties. They appear as small, black and white blocks that can upload information quickly after being scanned.
With so many of our buyers, sellers, and REALTORS, out there making excellent use of there smartphones, these codes could be used to enhance your listings, MLS, and marketing tools.

Why would you need one? Well here are a few ideas:
1. LAWN SIGNS: By placing the QR Code on your sign riders you will be providing potentially the hottest leads; those driving around looking for homes to buy, with all of the information needed about that property instantly. Price, interior photos and community info are typically things that a lawn sign does not provide and by making use of a QR Code, you are really giving the consumer what they want, when they want it.
2. WEBSITES: Draw potential buyers to a website, whether it's your personal website or the one for that awesome builder of a new subdivision.
3. BUSINESS CARDS: I can see a lot of realtors going about this one the wrong way. You won't want to redirect your potential client to another site from your business card that gives the exact information (like your personal website.) Instead, lead them to a YouTube video, perhaps, that starts off by saying, "Thank you for taking the time to scan that QR Code. Now check out a video of one of my latest listings."
4. DIRECT MAIL: Again, from here you can send them in several directions: videos of listed homes, websites, addresses, phone numbers, etc.

Are you starting to see the potential? QR Code generators are easy enough to find on the web if you do a simple Google search. So what are you waiting for? Try one out and see how quickly your information spreads!

Building with Huff Homes

We all know that now is the time to buy, with interest rates as low as 3.75 and only about 4.5 for investors. But we can sweeten the deal even more if you like.

How would you like to buy new and have your home started as early as next week? Not only is it possible, it's possible with one of the premiere builders of Northwest Florida.

Currently in Arrowhead, located off of Hwy 85 N, the Huffs have quite a few lots still available. So if you want to choose your plan and the details of your interior, they can have plans drawn up quickly and start on your home right away. Since Huff Homes, uses their own money to build, buyers can skip the hassle of construction loans and the time restraints these sometimes present.

Huff Homes was founded by brothers Chandler and Brandon Huff in 1993 and has an outstanding reputation among their peers and colleagues, real estate professionals, and most importantly, their residential customers and homebuyers. As a result, Huff Homes has maintained a loyal client base which continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

What makes Huff Homes different? Ask anyone who has seen or purchased a Huff Home and they'll tell you that you are getting unmatched luxury in a truly affordable price range.

Take some time to browse their website (http://www.huffhomes.net) and see for yourself what kind of gorgeous home you yourself could be living in.

Huff Homes is currently building in the Niceville area at two subdivisions, Arrowhead and The Preserve at Swift Creek. To schedule a showing call 850.428.4682 and don't wait. There are only three homes and two sites left unsold at the Preserve and homes are selling quickly at Arrowhead.

Choose to live elegantly with superior standards in building. Choose a Huff Home.

Thinking About Buying? How Much Do You Really Need To Put Down?

Follow @BSwainC21

Shared By Molly @ C21 Home Matters

Recently personal finance guru Suze Orman made some comments during an interview with CNN about the current housing marketing and her advice for homebuyers. In her remarks, Orman recommended that homebuyers wait to make a purchase until they can put 20% down and they have an emergency fund in place as well.

Several CENTURY 21 System members we spoke with felt that while Orman’s advice is good, it is not feasible for many homebuyers and more importantly, it is generalizing and broad. Every homebuyer’s situation is different and for qualified buyers there are still plenty of other valid financing options.

After hearing Orman’s commentary, Todd Hetherington, CEO of CENTURY 21 New Millennium which serves the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area, said, “As an avid real estate investor and a broker/owner of a real estate firm for the past 21 years, I have to chime in with some respectful differences of opinion than those offered by Suze Orman. Suze’s comments in my opinion, though well intentioned, are far too broad and not applicable to the scenarios that we are creating day in and day out in our marketplace. A well-qualified buyer with a stable job that is going to be in our area for at least the next five or so years should most definitely purchase a home as opposed to rent one.”

Hetherington went on to say, “Rents in our area (Washington D.C.) are going up every month. Interest rates are at unprecedented lows. Housing affordability is at pre-2005 levels. We should be (and are) screaming from the rooftops- NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO BUY A HOME!”

Ron Clarke, CEO of CENTURY 21 Alliance which serves the greater Philadelphia market, added his opinion, “For any person who has stable employment, buying continues to be the best option. Purchasing a home with an FHA mortgage with as little as 3.5% down, keeps the American dream of home ownership alive. Real estate is an installment purchase and in many markets a mortgage payment with 3.5% down is less than a rental payment. It is the cost of monthly housing that is the most significant in any family budget, buying not only seals in that cost, it allows consistency in family financial planning.”

Clarke went on to say that even though the housing market is still recovering, buying in 2011 makes a lot of sense for many individuals and families, “Even if real estate values stay stable, or decline in the near future, buying still works. Interest is the key factor. Historically low rates mean that monthly payments are affordable. Today’s purchaser will often experience a lower real mortgage payment than those who purchased in prior years. In the Delaware Valley and Philadelphia, PA area, for instance, a new purchaser experiences a monthly cost of home ownership nearly $ 700.00 less than 6 years ago. Salaries have increased over those 6 years, so the true cost of ownership has declined nearly 1/3. An increase in rates to the average of the last 10 years to 7% would mean values would need to decline 30%, before a mortgage payment would be less. Prices in many areas of America are stabilizing, and even if prices decline, buying still makes sense.”

Clarke ended his persuasive comments with one powerful statement, “Remember, everyone in America pays a mortgage. Pay yours rather than someone else’s.”

Real estate professionals – what do you think? Weigh in on the 20% debate in the comments section below.

Know Someone Ready to Move?

You may not be ready to list or sell, but chances are you know someone who is. And whether it's from Niceville to Fort Walton or a move to another state altogether, the great news is that I can match your friend with another exceptional realtor from Century 21 anywhere in the country... or world for that matter.

Century 21 is quite literally a global company. Our network extends across six continents and just recently opened its sixth branch in China.
So while I'm selling homes in Florida, I can hook your best friend in Texas up with a top listing agent at their local Century 21 branch in the time it takes to fix your morning coffee. Is your sister thinking of moving from Colorado to take that dream job in Georgia? Refer them to me and I'll make sure they're home buying needs are met by pairing them with a Century 21 Realtor where they're headed. Why not go with a realtor from the most recognized brand in real estate today?

Today's Featured Listing

416 Evans Rd. Niceville, FL 32578



Charming three bedroom, two bathroom home with a beautifully landscaped backyard.  The kitchen is every family's dream with lots of cabinet space. The split floorplan allows for maximum privacy if you are hosting guests. This home is situated in one of Niceville's great family neighborhoods and is only a fifteen minute drive to shopping in Destin. To schedule a showing call Brittany Swain today at 850.428.4682 or Roy Sutton 850.582.6210.

Arrowhead Open Houses

Arrowhead

Open House

Tuesdays, Thursdays-Saturdays 1 -4 pm

Starting January 17th, 2012

 Elegant Living in the Heart of Niceville.

Contact Brittany Swain 850.428.4682

REALTOR Century 21 Wilson Minger Agency, Inc.

Photos of Model Home:



Thinking of Selling? Use a Realtor

To say that it's been a "tough" real estate market might be the understatement of, well, the last five years for some. But let's not let the immediate past cloud our judgement when it comes to the largest source of equity for most families.

Selling your home alone is not as simple as putting a "FSBO" sign in the yard and sitting back waiting to hear your phone ring. Why not intrust your biggest investment to a professional who knows your local market and can help you price your home right and sell it fast?

Advantages of using an Agent

"Realtors® can ensure the proper filing of all required paperwork, the scheduling of assessments and inspections, and the proper listing and marketing of the property with a Multi Listing Service. Agents can also help in negotiating the closing costs with the buyer's Realtor®. "

--Guide to Realty.com

 Doing any one of the above items inefficiently can cost a home owner big bucks, especially if they're working with an experienced buyer's agent. A good agent can speed up your home-selling process by easily navigating through all of the loan and governmental procedures, assessments, disclosure requirements, and tax laws, as well as using their professional sphere to get your home in front of many prospective buyers.

You might think you're doing yourself a favor by saving on the cost of a commission, but is it really worth the headache or the risk of not selling at all? 

New to the area?

Are you new to Okaloosa and not quite sure where you want to settle down? Let's find the right place that suits all of the needs on your checklist.

Niceville: Along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, and home of the ever-popular Mullet Festival, Niceville was voted the "Best Place to Raise a Family" in 2011 by Bloomberg Businessweek. You're close to the beaches and shopping of Destin, but without all the summertime traffic. Also close? Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field.

Communities: Swift Creek, The Preserve at Swift Creek, Bluewater Bay
Schools: Bluewater Elementary, Edge Elementary, Plew Elementary, Ruckel Middle School, Valparaiso, Niceville High School
What to do? : Golf Courses in Niceville, Mattie Kelly Fine Arts Center, Turkey Creek,Children's Park, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park


Destin:  For living right on the Gulf, Destin is the right combination of classy and casual. Perfect for growing families, busy professionals, and retirees alike, Destin's natural beauty makes it a popular place to live.

Communities: Kelly Plantation
Schools: Destin Elementary, Destin Middle School, Fort Walton Beach High School
What to do? : The Village at Baytowne, Destin Commons, Harborwalk Village, Big Kahuna's Water Park

Fort Walton Beach: Once a Civil War era encampment, Fort Walton Beach is the largest area of Okaloosa. Okaloosa Island is perfect for launching boats, and you can usually see all types of watersports being enjoyed.

Communities:
Schools: Edwins Elementary School, Wright Elementary School, Bruner Middle School, Meigs Middle School, Choctawhatchee High School, Fort Walton Beach High School
What to do?:

Crestview: Looking to get more house for your money? Settle in the north part of the county in one of the beautiful communities of Crestview. Close to I-10, but still a short distance away from Destin shopping or the beaches of Fort Walton, you can experience the best of both worlds.

Communities:
Schools: Antioch Elementary, Bob Sikes Elementary, Northwood Elementary, Davidson Middle School, Crestview High School
What to do? :

The Preserve at Swift Creek

This new community, started in the summer of 2010, has only three homes and two lots left.

Built by Huff Homes, one of the premier builders of Niceville, don't miss this opportunity to live in luxury in the heart of Niceville. Call 850.428.4682 for more information or to schedule a showing.