Aug 18
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| Destin, FL faced a steep recessionary decline but has momentum now. Photo: Thinkstock |
Destin, Florida
Median home price: $159,300
Second Quarter 2011 Price Increase: 5.6%
First Quarter 2011 Price Increase: 0.9%
Price Plunge Since Peak: 37.2% decline
Destin, FL made the list on Yahoo’s Cities where housing is Recession-Proof. For the full article read:
http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/cities-where-housing-is-recession-proof.html
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VIP (very important property) – Let us know what is important to you: how many bedrooms, proximity to the beach, swimming pool, vacation rental possibilities, style, neighborhood preference, etc. Give us some ideas and let us send you some properties to get you started. Internet searches are an excellent way to preview real estate from your desktop! Be open to sleepers and diamonds-in-the-rough – we know where they are! |
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Pre-qualify (see how much you can afford) with your banker or mortgage company. If you need local recommendations we can provide contact numbers. Grayton Coast Properties has great relationships with a number of local lenders throughout the Gulf Coast. |
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Price Range – Give us a price range of what you are willing and able to spend. With over thousands of listings in our immediate area, it is imperative to narrow the property search. |
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Heads Up! Making Appointments – let us know when you will be in town and set aside time to go see your choices. Our area has many properties with vacation rental guests – so we have to make appointments, pick up keys and work around check-ins and check-outs. Stats show that viewing over 5 (maximum) properties per day is unproductive. Wear comfortable everything, hire a babysitter or bring one if possible….and have fun – you’ll be seeing some great real estate. |
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Hot Hot Hot! Market Conditions – there has never been a better time to buy. Prices have dropped significantly over the last few years. When we tell you a property is a deal – you must be ready to move. Trust us, if we have noticed it, so have others and your incredible bargain at the beach might just remain a pipe dream. |
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Everything is negotiable – Today’s sellers don’t want to be asked – “What is the lowest you will take?” Make a written offer and that will get the negotiating started. If you are not ready to make an offer – accept the fact that the property may not be available later. |
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New paint (keep it neutral or select from this year’s newest color palette) |
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Pressure wash exterior. |
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New carpet or install natural stone or wood flooring. |
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Replace “dated” light or plumbing fixtures. Change cabinet pulls / knobs. |
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Counter tops – today’s buyers rank granite or natural stone high on their list (if not replacing laminated surfaces, consider expense to replace when arriving at asking price.). |
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Open curtains, shades – make rooms light, airy and spacious. |
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Landscaping – doesn’t have to be elaborate. Trim trees, bushes, any dead growth, add fresh pine straw, large pots of colorful flowers do wonders for entryways. |
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Repair stains, cracks, caulking, and plumbing leaks – if left in disrepair, this gives a potential buyer an uneasy feeling of property’s condition and future problems with home. |
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Home Inspections – Have a home inspection done before putting your house on the market. Repairs made by you now are one less thing you may be required to complete if cited in a buyer’s independent home inspection report. If left until days before the closing date – scheduling and getting the subcontractors to complete the repairs can be quite stressful. Before closing, the repairs have to be reinspected and signed off by the buyer –- or money may be escrowed until repair is completed. If buyers perceive they are going to have to spend money on repairs, the offering price may come in less than you anticipated. |
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“Collections” and Clutter! Say goodbye to the dusty silk arrangements, heavy drapes (you paid a fortune for in 1992), and tabletops full of framed family photos. Kitchen and bathroom counters, desks that means you too need to be cleaned off! Make your property clutter-free. This is where you must get thick-skinned, and have an unbiased person consult with you on what “has to go” at least to storage until your moving day. As seen on the popular cable network home shows – one person’s idea of the epitome of style and elegance is another person’s flashback to a decorating nightmare. Make your home as neutral and spacious as possible – buyers want to envision their furniture & belongings in the new space. |
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NO SMOKING – This tops the list as most offensive lingering odors. Most smokers can’t even tell their home has a smokey aire! Upholstery, carpet and even walls seem to absorb smoke – if you can’t quit – at least smoke outside until your home is sold. The home’s interior will probably need a coat of new paint and have the carpet and furniture professionally cleaned prior to putting the house on the market. Don’t try to cover it with perfumey candles or plug-ins – they can be almost as bad. If possible, refrain from cooking that favorite fried food, garlicy or curry dishes while your home is on the market. |
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Man’s Best Friend or pet with nine lives……the olfactory factor continues. Have your upholstery & carpet steam cleaned. Be sure to air out house if possible before your house is shown. Let agent know where your pets will be while your home is being shown. |
Catfrap
GraytonGirl
GraytonGirl 