Are you a first time home buyer? Do you have a game plan? Do you know how much you can pay for a home? Are you confused yet??

I remember when I was a first time home buyer… Interest rates were around 7%… I didn’t have a clue as to what I was doing….No one really took the time to help me…contracts were not something I wanted to read…and all I could think of is “What a “scary” and overwhelming process!”

If you are a first time home buyer, here are some hints and facts you may want to remember…

Buying your first home can be daunting. You envision a certain type of home you think you need, (should have, want to have) and then reality sets in. You realize you cannot buy the Taj Mahal for $150,000…have looked at dozens of homes…cannot remember one from the next and you need to make a decision soon.

Well, here are a few first time  home buyer tips, which should help make your experience of purchasing your first home an exciting one instead of an unnerving one.

Prequalify for a mortgage. You want to know what you can afford, and you don’t want your Real Estate Agent showing you homes out of your price range. Usually, the following terms must be met to quality for a mortgage:

1. Have enough for a down payment of 5-20% of the purchase price

2. Two years of steady income from the same employer or same field of employment

3. A good credit record of 680 plus

4. A monthly income of 2 to 3 times higher than the mortgage payment amount.

A great place to get an idea of how much you can spend on a home is to go to a prequalifying website to calculate some figures for you. One good site is Calculators 4 Mortgages. It will tell you the loan amount you can handle and the monthly payments.

If you are having a hard time finding a bank to give you a mortgage, you may try a Mortgage Broker. They will go to outlets for mortgages until they find one for you. There maybe a fee involved but sometimes it is necessary to utilize this service.

After you have pre-qualified for a mortgage, contact your Realtor and give him/her a list of what you are looking for in a home and the locations you desire. Be specific and clear on your likes and dislikes so your Realtor will not waste your time (or theirs) bringing you to houses you are not interested in. For example, if you want a one story home with three bedrooms and two baths, make sure your Realtor knows this. If you desire a certain subdivision, that should be noted to your Realtor also.

Upon viewing a home, here are some first time home buyer suggestions that may help to lessen the confusion:

• Bring a camera to either take still or videos of each residence you view for later reference
• Record or note brief descriptions of each home
• Note the location of the dwelling and if it is in the location you fancy
• Avoid getting caught up on how the home is decorated. Rather, look at the room sizes, the floors, construction and location. In other words, the “bones”.
• Remember, paint is an easy way to make ugly pretty.

If the market has an enormous amount of homes to view, try narrowing your search by the most desired subdivisions and features that are the on the “must have” list.

One thing that will keep the excursion of house hunting a positive, fun time is when looking at a home don’t get upset if you do not like the house you are viewing. Instead, be glad you that now you realize what you do and do not want in a home! Regard each home viewing as a learning experience.

Being a first time home buyer is once in a lifetime…with a little patience, research and hard work you will find just the right castle for you!

 Just a little humor after the holiday weekend! Perception is everything!

Here along the Emerald Coast, we are beginning to assess our gardens and trying to decide the different types of plants and flowers to grow.  You maybe landscaping to enhance your curb appeal (if you are selling your home) or maybe you just want plant different types of flowers which grow well in Florida. Either way, it is important to understand the terrain of the area and what grows the best. We do not want to waste money on flowers and plants that will not flourish in our area’s weather and soil.

The following stats were used to obtain a list of the types of plants and flowers which thrive well along our beautiful Emerald Coast:

• Planting: Native Annual and Perennials
• Soil Moisture: Any
• Soil Texture: Sandy
• Salt Tolerance: Medium
• Sun: Full

These are the suggested flowering plants that are both annual and perennial and are indigenous to our area:

• Century Plant (agave)
• Amaraneth
• Bluestem Grass
• Tickseed
• Crinum Lily
• Blanket Flower
• Swamp Sunflower
• Beach Sunflower
• Spider Lily
• Powder Puff
• Spotted Horsemint
• Goldenrod
• Porterweed
• Coontie
• Rain Lily
• Oleander

Here are some different types of flowers, also Annuals and Perennials:

• Columbine
• Hardy Phlox
• Coreop
• Joe Pye Weed
• Black-eyed Susan
• Petunia
• Orange Cornflower
• Four O’Clock
• Scarlet Sage
• Pot marigold
• Gazania
• Pentas (Starla)
• Gerber Daisies
• Zinnia
• Ixora

Florida Trees and Shrubs:

• Groundsel Tree
• False Rosemary
• Florida Privet
• Hibiscus Mary
• Nell Holly
• Yaupon Holly
• Weeping Lantana
• Wax Myrtle Rose
• Dwarf Palmetto
• Elderberry
• Rusty Blackhaw
• Yucca
• East Palatka Holly
• Nellie R. Stevens Holly
• Dahoon Holly
• Myrtleleaf Holly
• Southern Red Cedar
• Red Cedar
• Sweetgum
• Southern Magnolia
• Tupelo
• Red Bay
• Northern Slash Pine
• Sycamore
• Chickasaw Plum
• White Oak
• Chapman’s Oak
• Southern Red Oak
• Sand Live Oak
• Laurel Oak
• Myrtle Oak
• Live Oak
• Shumard Oak
• Buckthorn
• Pond Cypress
• Chinese Holly

Florida Palm Trees:

• Dwarf Palmetto
• Cabbage Palm (Florida’s official State Tree)
• Saw Palm
• Coontie

Of course, there are many other types of plants and flowers you may try, but the above list has been tested and prove to do well in our sunny, salty air.

After looking at various landscaping design sites on the web, what I found important is to make sure your irrigation system is adequate for the plants and flowers you are introducing to the landscape and to make sure the fertilizer is proper for those plants and flowers.

Planting a garden should give you pleasure. So do not stress. Just make sure you talk to your nursery of choice, purchase the right plants and flowers for your garden and follow the instructions that come with the plants.

Have fun in your garden planting different types of plants and flowers.  Mother Nature will take hold and beautify your surroundings!

Are you still wondering if it’s a good time to buy real estate in Destin FL or along Scenic Hwy 30A?

Has your dream been to own a vacation property? Did you get priced out of the market during the crazy boom time? Want to buy at the bottom of the market?

Yes, yes and yes?!

Sales in Destin FL and along 30A, in 2011, were up over 31% vs. 2010 and pending sales are up just over 50%!

Everyday I am asked “what’s the market like?” or “are we at the bottom?” and “when will the market start to appreciate?”. While my crystal ball is in the shop, and I can’t find my 8-ball (gosh I wish I kept that one…I had no idea how handy it would be as an adult, lol), what I can tell you are some facts. We are at the lowest inventory levels since 2004…even lower than 2005!

Over the next week I will post some other charts showing the inventory levels from 30A to Destin FL starting in 2000 to present. I will also breakout the different areas, show single family home sales and condo sales individually. The chart below, combines them.

To download a spreadsheet, click HERE and select the file named “Final 2011 vs. 2010″.

Click for larger image

30A to Destin FL Real Estate is selling! Don’t miss the opportunity to own your piece of paradise!

Quick Facts on Florida Homestead Exemptions:

Every person who owns and resides on real property in Florida on January 1 and makes the property his or her permanent residence is eligible to receive a Florida homestead exemption, up to $50,000.

• Dates to Remember: JANUARY 1 and MARCH 1
• You must own and reside at the real property in Florida on JANUARY 1
• MARCH 1 -Homestead Exemption forms must be filed with your local county property appraiser’s office
• You must establish primary residence in Florida to receive the homestead exemption tax benefits.
• Go to Florida Department of Revenue – Homestead Exemption. Form DR-501 is the application to download.

In order to receive the Florida Homestead Exemption, the above bullets must be done first. After you have established your Flo

rida primary residence, your real property is eligible to Up to $50,000. The first $25,000 is applied to all property taxes, including the

district school tax. The additional $25,000 is applied to the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and only to non-school taxes.

Below is a list of items you will need to have on hand to complete the Florida Homestead Exemption application for you, your spouse or any additional owner-resident. Your property appraiser may ask for any of the following to prove your residency:

• The names of the persons recorded on the title on January 1
• The street address of the property
• January 1st, were you residing at this property?
• Do you claim Homestead in any other county or state?
• Your Social Security Number and any other owner/resident’s
• Date of Occupancy
• Florida Driver’s License
• Florida Vehicle Registration Number
• Declaration of Domicile
• Date of Birth
• Current Employer
• Address shown on your IRS Return
• Voter Registration Number
• School location of dependent children
• Proof of Payment of utilities at the address applying for exemption
• Bank Statements and Checking Account mailing address

There are additional Florida Homestead Exemptions for your property taxes such as Widows /Widowers; Permanently and Total Disabled; local options for ages 65 and older; Disabled Veterans, Deployed Military and more. Simply click HERE to go to the different categories that may apply to you.

If you are moving from a previous Florida homestead to a new homestead in Florida, you may be able to transfer, or “port,” all or part of your homestead assessment difference. Read more on portability.

Time is of the essence to file your Florida Homestead Exemption… MARCH 1

For many of us, when we think of Leap Year we associate Sadie Hawkins Day as part of Leap Year.

Actually, Sadie Hawkins, a fictional character created in the Lil’ Abner comics by Capp, was needing a mate and had nothing to do with the extra day in February we are granted due to the solar/seasonal calendar complexity. However, many of the lands have declared February 29th (Leap Year) as a day for women to have the right to ask a man out on a date or even propose marriage!

I find this whole Leap Year / Sadie Hawkins Day quite interesting. Although we live in a progressive land where women are able to request the company of a male without intimidation or obligation any time of the year, many singles feel compelled to pursue a mate specifically on February 29th. Is it the St. Bridget’s Complaint from Ireland, where St Bridget complained to St. Patrick that women had to wait so long for a marriage proposal, which has indoctrinated the women here in the U.S.? I think not…or do I?

I started thinking more about the boldness of the theory of Sadie Hawkins Day and decided that in these modern times, we need to address this boldness and channel it into a positive result for this special Leap Year day which occurs every four years.

The first step is to eliminate the gender association of Sadie Hawkins, meaning it only applies to women. This day should include everyone. It should be a day to take advantage of the fact that we have an extra day to channel our efforts into a positive effort for our future. It should be a day to celebrate life because we are granted one more day this Leap Year to follow our dreams, to create a positive out of a negative, to enrich and delight. To Achieve. To Conquer. And yes, to Love.

So, on February 29th, 2012, instead of thinking about silly cartoons, let’s reflect on the gift of another day to live in the pursuit of Life, Love and Freedom in this glorious country.

Here’s to a fabulous Leap Year 2012!

Recently I listed this gorgeous Watercolor Florida Gulf front home located at 105 Park Row Lane.

While pictures are worth a thousand words, (especially when my wonderful husband, Michael James, takes them) this video walk-thru will give you a great feel as to the layout and flow of the home.

Stop by 105 Watercolor Lane, Watercolor Florida on Saturday, February 11th. I’ll be hosting an open house from 1PM – 4PM. Tapas and drinks will be served!

If you would like to see the pictures of the home, click this link: Watercolor Florida Gulf Front Home for Sale

Click here to view the embedded video.

A quick review of Shades Bar and Grill, Inlet Beach, FL.

(This is written by a person who was a restaurant critic in New Jersey and New York, whom remains anonymous at this writing.)

The other day my friend and I were shopping 30A, as we refer to it. It was actually past lunchtime when we decided to grab a bite to eat. And we were famished! As we were pretty far east on 30A, we opted for a place we had not been to, Shades Bar and Grill. We saw there were quite a few cars in the lot so, to us, that meant it must be pretty good.

We entered and saw a very large bar and were greeted by a hostess that brought us to a large, comfy booth. It turns out that Shades Bar and Grill is also a sports bar, so it dons quite a few TV screens throughout the restaurant. The décor was the usual sporty look with lots of wood.

The lunch menu was nicely diversified, which was a welcome change from the chain restaurants that offer chicken, chicken and more chicken! And the prices were reasonable.

I wanted a good hamburger. Let me interject that I only like the best grades of hamburger and was informed it was Black Angus. The Loop Burger, topped with blue cheese, their famous hot sauce and fried onion rings sounded interesting so I got that. My friend chose the Black Angus Burger served on a Kaiser bun. Both came with French-fries.

The burgers were cooked absolutely to perfection and simply delicious. The French-fries were crispy, not greasy and tastefully seasoned. Both my friend and I enjoyed our lunch. I also noticed that other dinners were partaking of various dishes on the lunch menu and all seemed to be very pleased with their meal.

Shades Bar and Grill is located at 10952 East County Rd. 30A (at the end of where 30A meets Highway 98) and is opened from 11AM to midnight. Their phone number is 850-231-9410. Click HERE for their website and you will see the menus for both lunch and dinner.

I would imagine Shades Bar and Grill would be a great meeting place in the evening or weekend afternoon to catch a game with some friends and enjoy some good fare.

Decorating Ideas on A Budget

It is January, a New Year and time to relax after the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season. The festive decorations are put away and all of a sudden, the house looks rather bare. Ho-hum is what you say… are you bored yet? Well, don’t be!

Now is a great time to freshen and update your home for the upcoming springtime. If you are on a tight budget, not to worry! You can spend little to no money to freshen the look with these decorating ideas on a budget!

Many of these interior decorating ideas on a budget are great whether you plan to sell your home, or just want to breathe new life into it. There is nothing better than creating newness to your atmosphere to start off the New Year.

The first decorating idea begins by rejuvenating the kitchen, the hub of the home. Stand in the door well, or back a bit from the room, and take a good look. Painting is always an inexpensive way (if you paint yourself) to change the look of a room. Check out a blog post I did on “The Meaning of Colors” to help you decide on a paint color.

If you are happy with your color scheme but want a visual change, try clearing your counter tops completely or changing your accents on the counters. A quick wall picture change and new kitchen towels and potholders can add a new color accent or theme. Do not be afraid to use something in your kitchen from your living room or bedroom. Accent pieces are universal when it comes to rooms and sometimes a new home for something makes it look entirely different. One important thing to remember: do not clutter, especially if you are selling your home. Keep it simple and just highlight a couple of pieces on the counter or shelf.

Revitalizing your guest bath, and/or half bath, is another space you may consider. Once again, paint is always a great way to obtain new charm. Think about new towels or accent pieces, such as a new soap dish and glass or candles. If it is a full bath, a new shower curtain is a great basis for a new theme. New pillows on your couch or side chairs can give a lift to your living/family room while new bed linens can spruce up a bedroom. If the cost for new bed linens is out of your budget, try lightening up your accent pillows and/or new lamp shades, both will brighten the room. Sometimes, removing heavy drapery in any room and leaving the window with just shutters, blinds or sheers, is a path you may consider for a sunnier, airier space.

Do not let any of your efforts be cumbersome or anxious driven. I also suggest going to HGTV as they have tons of interior decorating ideas for any and all types of rooms. You will find incredible decorating ideas there such as magnetic walls to save space, what paint colors stand the test of time and are classic, to learning how to create and hang a photo gallery.

Take your time and enjoy transforming your living space. Decorating ideas on a budget doesn’t need to be stressful! Let it reflect you and your family and let the sun shine in!

We always laugh about making New Years Resolutions and whether or not we can keep them. The fact remains that most of us stick to the tradition and make a New Years resolution every year as we ring in the New Year.

I was curious as to what were the most popular New Years Resolutions are, and read hundreds from around the country. It was amazing how geographically we are alike in our commitment to making ourselves a better person each year.

After compiling and sifting, I have come up with the following most popular New Years Resolutions:

1. Get in Better Shape – Whether dieting, exercising or doing some type of fitness program.

2. Quit Smoking! Yup, I could not believe that there are still so many people that are encumbered
with this habit and trying desperately to get rid of it!

3. Spend more time with family.

4. Quit Drinking. I guess some cannot control their intake so this is a good thing.

5. Save Money. This is something everyone tries to do, whether resolving on New Year’s or not.

6. Enjoy Life to the fullest – which includes traveling.

7. Make a difference – Volunteer, help someone out.

8. Get Organized. This is something most of us try to do every day!

9. Stop procrastinating. Should I or shouldn’t I? LOL

10. Learn something new – read the newspaper or go back to school.

And one for the singles: Find someone special, fall in love and be happy.

Now, if you want to keep any or most of these New Years Resolutions, you will need to live here on the Emerald Coast!

You see, (1) you can get physically fit all year round in our lovely weather – strolling on the beach, kayaking on the bay or one of our many lakes, swimming in the pool or the Gulf of Mexico or cycling along the paths on 30A in South Walton County.

(2) Why would you want to smoke when you can breathe in the clean, salty air which is always refreshing.

(3) What a better place to spend more time with your family than in the Florida Panhandle, which is so family oriented.

(4) If you must quit drinking, you can get hooked on some of the best iced tea around along the Emerald Coast.

(5) You can begin saving your pennies here in the Destin and South Walton areas as you need not spend a dime to have a great time! From watching the sun melt into the Gulf of Mexico, to walks along the beach, to swimming in the Gulf, to fishing, to collecting seashells or watching the fishing fleet come in with their catch of the day…there is so much you can enjoy and still get to save your pennies!

(6) Enjoy life to the fullest. What better place than in the Panhandle to have fun! You don’t have to travel far to find fascinating things to see and do.

(7) Make a difference, volunteer. Yes, you can do this anywhere, but wouldn’t it be fun to volunteer knowing you will not have to worry about traveling in the snow? And you could volunteer at one of the State Park beaches!

(8) Get organized – and plan a trip to our area to see what you are missing. You will never want to go home unless you have organized another trip back!

(9) Stop procrastinating! That is right. What are you waiting for? NOW is the time to buy your dream vacation place or permanent home. Sorry, I just couldn’t resist…and it really is an awesome time to buy!

(10) Learn something new – you can easily read the newspaper or read a book on the beach, along the poolside or in the garden. What a better place to learn a new language or how to cook than in the sunshine of our beautiful Florida Panhandle.

So you see, it is really easy to keep a New Years Resolution. You just have to be in the right place to do it!