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Poll: Americans prefer real estate to other investments

Karen April 23, 2014

New Poll shows that Americans Prefer Real Estate to other Investments

Americans have renewed confidence in real estate as a great investment and Hwy 30a propertiess are no exception. In fact, Americans believe that real estate is the “best” long term investment followed by gold, stocks, mutual funds saving accounts/CD’s and then bonds. These findings, according to a new Gallup poll, are the result of a survey conducted early this year from 1,000 adults across the country. Bonds were found to be the least favorite investment according to the results.

In 2011, Americans surveyed said that the most popular long term investment was gold. That also marked a time when gold was trading at one of it’s highest prices per ounce ever and real estate and stock market values were down. With housing prices improving across the country, Americans are regaining faith that real estate is the best choice for long term investment security according to Gallup. Home ownership is also associated with the view that real estate is a solid investment opportunity.

Americans with higher incomes are most likely to prefer real estate and stocks as the best investments possibly because of their experience with these types of investments according to the poll. Higher income Americans are the most likely to own their own homes (87%), followed by middle income earners (66%) and then lower income earners at (36%). Homeowners represent a higher percentage than renters who choose real estate over other investments.

Watersound Fl New Construction Opportunities

Karen April 22, 2014

Looking for Watersound Fl New Construction Opportunities

With existing home prices and lot prices on the rise, most buyers have decided to buy “New Construction”. Watersound Fl is no exception to the rule with new construction going up on every corner. Even it it costs just a little more, buying the new home makes more sense because they are all to the latest building standards and codes. Out top choices for Watersound Fl new construction opportunities are below

23 Coastal Bridge Way $1,675,000 MLS# 613089

This 5 bedroom 5 bath custom built 2900 sq foot home located in the Peninsula area of Watersound Beach offers Gulf and Lake Views. Some of the features are a private pool, an outdoor fireplace, an outdoor grilling area, a master bedroom on the first floor and a 2 car garage

34 N Founders Lane $1,995,000 MLS#700404

This 4400 sq foot custom built home has character! This 5 bedroom 6.5 bath home located in the main area of Watersound Beach offers open living, kitchen and dining area that opens to your private outdoor kitchen, decks and private pool. High end custom finishes throughout with reclaimed woods, barn doors and custom lighting. Offers Gulf Views from top floor

Lot 12 Compass Point Way $2,429,000 MLS#703657

This home built by Gulfview Construction offers over 3700 sq feet of custom finishes. Enjoy the best of indoor and outdoor living in the gated community of Watersound with a private pool, outdoor kitchen and over 1200 sq feet of porches. Watersound Fl New Construction Opportunities are some of the best on 30a. by Karen Holder

The Most Luxurious Homes Available on 30a

Karen April 21, 2014

Luxurious Homes for Sale on 30a

As 30a continues to grow and be discovered by people all around the United States, the demand for Higher End Luxury homes is growing as well. Listed are some of the most luxurious homes available on 30a.

68 Paradise by the Sea Blvd $9,750,000 MLS#572001

This exquisite Tuscan Style Home located in the gated community of Paradise by the Sea is the ultimate in 30a Gulf Front Luxury. This home offers over 5700 sq feet of heated and cooled living with 60 feet if Gulf Frontage. The Gulf Front infinity edge pool is like being at a private resort. There is a Master Suite on the First Floor overlooking the pool and Gulf.

11 Spanish Town Court $8,900,000 MLS#585555

This stunning Gulf Front Home situated on 2 lots in Rosemary Beach is a one of a kind Bobby McAlpine Designed home. Boasting over 5200 sq feet, the home offers 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, a private courtyard swimming pool, and some amazing Gulf Views.The home was featured in the October edition of Coastal Living Magazine and is a must see when searching for 30a Luxury

Lot 15 Hwy 30a Seagrove Beach $6,900,000 MLS#601581

This is a rare opportunity to own a Brand New Gulf Front home is historic Seagrove Beach. This Custom home sits on a 60 Foot lot and offers almost 5900 sq feet of open living, a separate garage with carriage,a private swimming pool and fabulous Gulf Views.

97 Founders Lane $5,750,000 MLS#605930

This Nantucket style Gulf Front home is located in the Dune Ridge community of Watersound Beach. Nestled among the rolling dunes, this home offers amazing Gulf Views and privacy. Watersound does boast a few of the most luxurious homes available on 30a.

By Karen Holder

Luxury Gulf Front Homes on 30a

Karen April 19, 2014

Take a Look at some of 30a’s Luxury Gulf Front Homes

If you are in the Market for one of our luxury Gulf Front homes on 30a then check out the options that are available. The Real Estate specialists here at Homeson30a.com have created a simple search for you. 30a Gulf Front offers a large variety of homes that vary in style, size and price range. Whether you are looking for a planned community or just a random area along hwy 30a, you will still enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches of the Emerald Coast

New Mortgage Rules for 2014

Karen April 18, 2014

Keep Up with the New Mortgage Rules for 2014

As the real estate market continues to rebound, mortgage lenders are continuing to modify rules and regulations in an effort to create further stability in the credit/lending markets. A healthy mortgage lending market is critical to a stable real estate market.

Beginning in January of 2014, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau has created a mortgage lending rule called the “ABILITY TO REPAY” or “ATR”. In a nutshell, mortgage lenders must make a reasonable, good faith judgement as part of the underwriting process in determining if a borrower has a reasonable “ability to repay” a loan. There are eight ATR underwriting requirements on each loan that will be considered:

1. Current income or assets (other than the value of any property used to collateralize the loan.
2. Current employment status (if employment income is used in assessing one’s ability to repay.)
3. Total monthly mortgage payment for the loan.
4. Monthly loan payments on any simultaneous loans secured by the same property ( such as a second mortgage.)
5. Monthly payments for property taxes, insurance, HOA fees or special assessments.
6. Debts, alimony and any child support obligations.
7. Monthly debt-to-income ratios not to exceed 43%.
8. Credit history.

We have many higher asset level people who get frustrated with some of the underwriting requirements such as tax returns, financial statements and otherwise full documentation of all information that you are asked to provide. Gone are the days of getting a loan from your friendly banker just by making a phone call. When getting financing on a real estate purchase, agents here at Homes On 30A are expert at getting you in touch with the right lender for the right purchase.

Home Inspections When Buying a 30a Home or Condo

Karen March 29, 2014

About Home Inspections for Homes and Condos on 30a

One of the steps that is most common in the process of buying or selling a home is the home inspection. Home inspections are ordered and paid for by the buyer and are typically done within the first 2 weeks of a signed contract. In most contracts, there is a contingency placed in the terms of purchase that give the buyer the right to cancel the contract if the home inspection finds issues that cannot be easily or quickly remedied.

Home Inspections when buying a 30a home or condo. In all real estate transactions, the home inspection is one of the biggest hurdles a seller will face in order to reach a successful closing. It has been our experience that most contracts fall apart due to financing problems or the home inspection. There usually isn’t much you, as a seller, can do about financing problems but there are things you can do to make the home inspection a more positive step in the process.

The single biggest deal killer in any inspection is mold. Even the word “mold” being used in any conversation or report immediately changes the mind set of a buyer. It is critical for a homeowner to make the effort to insure that the structure being sold is free from water leaks/intrusion and any mold that may result from it. We encourage homeowners to be forthcoming about the possibility of mold and we recommend remedial action before the buyer hires their inspector. Other areas to be most concerned about would be AC/Heating units, the overall condition of the roof , any wood rot/termite damage and a look under the house when there is crawl space that will allow access. A seller, by paying for a pre-inspection inspection, is doing one of the best things they can do to ensure that the process does not get stalled out or worse and the sale falls apart. These inspections can usually be done for a few hundred dollars and while the inspector is there he/she will be happy to check electrical, plumbing, windows etc. and eliminate the worry of what the buyers inspector might find.