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Night Owl or Nightmare Victim?

While you may relish the extra time you gain by staying up late, you may pay a steep price when your head finally hits the pillow. According to sleep experts, night owls are more likely than their early-bird counterparts to experience nightmares. While researchers are unsure of the reason why, confused cortisol levels could be the culprit. Your cortisol levels rise at a certain time every morning, and if you’re still asleep at that time, vivid dreams can occur.

Another interesting fact about dreams is that some people can control them to create out of body experiences. All jokes aside, these people are often avid video game players.

“If you’re spending hours a day in a virtual reality, if nothing else it’s practice,” said Jayne Gackenbach, a psychologist at Grant MacEwan University in Canada.”Gamers are used to controlling their game environments, so that can translate into dreams.”

The level of control can even turn a horrible nightmare into a care-free dream. Studies have suggested this type of control can help war veterans get over post traumatic stress disorders.

Real Estate Predictions for 2015

Image via Flickr courtesy of Gabe Austin

Welcome to 2015! It’s new year filled with new possibilities and beginnings. If you’ve thought about buying or selling a home this year, the real estate predictions for the year ahead are something to keep in mind.

Take a look at these predictions to help you in the decision-making process for your real estate needs in the year ahead.

1. Real estate sales will reach 2007 levels. According to a recent report released by Freddie Mac, the number of home sales across the country will reach 2007 levels, around 5.6 million homes sold. This is a four percent increase from 2014. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) predicts 5.92 million, while the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) predicts 5.66 million. Either way, the thought is that more buyers will purchase in 2015.

2. Technology will influence home buying decisions. Zillow had their own predictions about the future of real estate in 2015. As real estate agents learn how to harness all the data available, we may be able to share much more detailed information about homes for sale such as Wi-Fi connectivity and signal strength. Manufacturers of home products are also getting on board with consumer’s tech needs and integrating technology between products, phones, and owners so you’ll have even more control at your fingertips.

3. Mortgage rates will rise. Realtor.com shared predictions for 2015. Number one on the list – rising mortgage rates. Rising rates are an indication of a healthier economy that can bear the increase. That sounds wonderful, however, it can hurt affordability for some buyers. Anyone thinking of buying should watch the rates closely, as well as home prices. Shop around for the best rates as each mortgage lender offers different products and different rates, and make sure to get pre-approved so you have real numbers to compare between lenders.

Regardless of what predictions the industry experts make, there’s one thing that’s true for any real estate market. All real estate is local. If you want to know what’s happening along the Emerald Coast, talk to a local agent.

November Single Family Home Sales Remain Strong

Image via Flickr courtesy of Martin Cathrae

November was an excellent month for single family home sales along the Emerald Coast and in Okaloosa County. Townhouse and condo sales in both areas floundered slightly, but Walton County townhouse and condo sales fared much better. A new report shows that winter may be the best time for real estate – the data from November may help make that case.

Single Family Home Sales

Emerald Coast

• Closed sales increased 10.1%
• Pending sales rose 32%
• Median prices decreased 2.1%
• Inventory increased 14.1%
• Months supply increased 2.9% to 7.7 months of inventory (down from the previous month)

Okaloosa County

• Closed sales increased 22%
• Pending sales increased 20.5%
• Median prices decreased 3.7%
• Inventory increased 14.5%
• Months supply increased 3.4% to 6.3 months of inventory (down from the previous month)

Walton County

• Closed sales
• Pending sales
• Median prices
• Inventory
• Months supply

Townhouse and Condo Sales

Emerald Coast

• Closed sales decreased 17%
• Pending sales decreased 8.8%
• Median prices increased 20%
• Inventory dropped 14.6%
• Months supply increased 7.8% to 10 months of inventory (down from the previous month)

Okaloosa County

• Closed sales dropped 31.6%
• Pending sales decreased 9.9%
• Median prices rose 64% to $237,750
• Inventory decreased 19.7%
• Months supply increased 9.5% to 10.7 months of inventory (down from the previous month)

Walton County

• Closed sales increased 13.1%
• Pending sales increased 36.7%
• Median prices rose 4.6%
• Inventory decreased 4.6%
• Months supply decreased 0.5% to 9.6 months of inventory (down from the previous month)

A few things to remember..

The months’ supply of inventory looks like it’s increasing, when compared to the previous year, but over the last several months, the levels have remained steady. And, in this case, have decreased slightly from October. A healthy inventory level for any real estate market is around 6 months supply of inventory. Anything over 8 is considered a high level of inventory and could begin to bring down prices as buyers are given more options and competition increases among sellers.

Townhouse and condo sales often decline directly after the summer months as so many condos are purchased as vacation homes. Single family home sales remain strong. Median prices are strong in some areas and holding steady in others.

Pending sales are only an indication of the month ahead. In months with an increase in pending sales, you can expect sales to increase for the following month. A decline in pending sales may be an indication of lower sales the next month. It is not an automatic as sales often take more than 30 days to close.

All sales data is from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors® (ECAR) Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and is compiled by Florida Realtors®, the state association for Florida. The Emerald Coast statistics cover both Okaloosa and Walton counties as well as surrounding areas based on the listings entered into the MLS by ECAR MLS participants.

How Much Would You Pay for the White House?

Ever wonder what the listing price would actually be for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? Well, it would be around $110 million.

So what do you get for that asking price? At 55,000 square feet, you get 132 rooms, 35 baths, and 6 levels. That’s not all though. Some of the amenities include a basketball court, a tennis court, a bowling alley, a movie theater, a swimming pool, and a jogging track.

In total there are 415 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators throughout the house.

If the White House were ever to actually be for sale, it would definitely sell for a lot more than $110 million though considering the historical value. What would you be willing to pay for the White House?

Holiday Traditions Around the World

Image via Flickr courtesy of Jeff Golden

Christmas is almost here! Here on the Emerald Coast, in the heart of Northwest Florida, we might not have snow and sledding, but we know how to enjoy Christmas and the entire holiday seasons with the best of them! A walk along the beach, a glass of wine as we watch the sunset, or just a ride around town looking for the best Christmas displays – everyone has their own way of enjoying the holidays, no snow required.

Have you ever wondered about other holiday traditions? Take a look at a few from across the globe.

Christmas in France

Instead of Christmas, the French know it as Noel. Pere Noel is Father Christmas. Instead of stockings hung on the mantel, children in France put out their shoes which they find filled with fruits and treats on Christmas morning.

St. Lucia’s Day in Sweden

On December 13, girls dress up as “Lucia’s brides” with long white gowns and red sashes in honor of the third-century saint. The girls sing and offer coffee to their families. The traditional St. Lucia’s bun is eaten on this day, as well.

Sviata Vechera in Ukraine

This celebration is a Christmas Eve feast that begins when the first star is seen in the sky. Sviata Vechera means “Holy Supper.” Wheat is brought in to signify the wheat crops of Ukraine and is called “didukh” which means “grandfather spirit.”

This time of year is filled with cultural and personal holiday traditions. Whether you eat turkey or ham, skip the cookies or indulge in sweets, the holiday is a time for family, friends, and holiday cheer. I would like to wish a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of my clients, customers, agents, friends, and family. None of this would be possible with you!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Source: 10 Holiday Traditions from Around the World, SheKnows.com

Christmas Events Around the Emerald Coast

Image via Flickr courtesy of Joe Buckingham

It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is here and Christmas is so close. Between the shopping, wrapping, and travel planning, the holidays can get a bit stressful. Thanksfully, there are events across the Emerald Coast to keep everyone in the holiday spirit.

A Dickens Christmas

December 11 – December 21

Emerald Grande at Harborwalk, Veranda Room

A theatre adapation of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol

According to the event information, this isn’t suitable for young children, but for everyone else, this could easily become a part of your holiday traditions.

Holiday Pops! Concert

Friday, December 12, 7:30 p.m.

Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Holiday music from the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchesta with a little help from the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale.

36th Annual Jingle Bell Jog

Saturday, December 13, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Boardwalk in Fort Walton Beach

Hosted by the Special Forces Association Chapter 7, proceeds from this run and race help support the 7th Special Forces Group and their families.

Go to run off the holiday cookies or simply to support our local military.

28th Annual Holiday on the Harborwalk

Sunday, December 14, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Harborwalk Village

From 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., listen to live music, visit with Santa, and let your children enjoy the art’s and crafts. At 6:00 p.m. the annual Destin Harbor Parade will begin and the night will be capped off with fireworks over the water.

Toys for Tots

Ongoing through Christmas

Around the Emerald Coast

Marines and Realtor volunteers will be out in force along the Emerald Coast collecting toy donations for local children in need. Whenever you see a Toys for Tots sign or a box, please consider making a donation. Toys must be new and unwrapped. Click here for a list of all area events.

To see all events in the area:

Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau

There is so much to do in our area and so many ways to celebrate the holidays. Make sure to take advantage of at least one this holiday season – if nothing else, to get away from the stress of finding the perfect gift, if only for a short while.