Are we out of the woods yet?

Housing Predictor - which monitors over 250 residential property markets nationwide - says Florida appears to be emerging from the realty slump before any other state, including California. The Sunshine State is seeing population growth, and single-family home and condominium sales have been on the rise for more than six months. Foreclosures and short sales presently account for approximately 67 percent of all sales and often are not included in real estate agents' tallies. Additionally, banks in many Florida housing markets are cranking out more home loans, and sellers finance almost 20 percent of all sales.
Source: First
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The scoop on Chinese drywall

How can you tell if a listing has Chinese drywall? It's a simple question without a simple answer. The Florida Department of Health has a Web site section devoted to the problem, however, and it updates information as it comes in. Since it helps to understand what kind of damage tainted Chinese drywall can cause, one section, "Case Definition with Pictures," includes photos of mirrors, pictures, pipes and other household items impacted by the drywall. The Web site also explains how the state plans to deal with the problem and includes details on how to file a complaint. For more info, visit the site at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/community/indoor-air/drywall.html

The Chinese drywall story

I am sure everyone has heard the stories. Here is an article that may clear up some questions. The link below will take you to a USA report. <http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=7098332&page=1>

Palm Coast certified as a "Green City"

Last night at the regular City Council meeting, Mr. Terry Jenssen of the Florida Green Building Coalition presented the Silver Certification to Mayor Netts and the Council. The Mayor and City Council all accepted the award. Palm Coast was recognized on a statewide level for their actions to help the environment and to save the taxpayers, the citizens of Palm Coast, dollars. Mr. Jenssen also told the Council that a flag was on the way so they could proudly fly it to acknowledge that the City of Palm Coast is a "Florida green certified city". The Mayor also spoke highly of the Flagler Palm Coast Home Builders Association for doing their part in the construction of more "green" homes.

Yet Another Scam!

The National Association of Realtors issued an advisory Friday about a property rental scam that implies NAR is collecting rental deposits from prospective tenants. "NAR is not involved in this business and has contacted law enforcement officials to request that the matter be investigated," says NAR President Charles McMillan. "We encourage any consumers who may be affected to file a complaint." If you should have any questions, feel free to call or email me and I'll explain further

A good time to buy

Out of 1,000 potential first-time home buyers, 78 percent say that now is a good time to buy a home, despite widespread concern about the economy. And 68 percent think now is a better time to buy than six months ago. Someone that was renting a home could very well pay less monthly by owning a home providing they are credit worthy. Purchasing a home is still one of the best investment one can make.

Mortgage fraud alert

More and more people in the Palm Coast/Flagler County area are in trouble with their mortgage rates going up and they are looking for help. The Florida's attorney General Bill McCollum said “Today, homeowners are being bombarded with advertising from companies claiming they can save homes, reduce mortgage payments, and many other offers. Florida homeowners need to be very cautious and should know that Florida law prohibits any company or individual from charging up-front fees for foreclosure rescue or loan modification services.”
If you have questions, contact me either by phone or email and I'll try my best to point you in the right direction.