Blog

Owning a Home Makes People Happy

If you’re a satisfied homeowner, this will come as no shock to you: Owning a home makes people happier and helps them lead better lives. That’s not just the opinion of those jiggling their new front door keys or their Realtors beaming with pride.

The creators of the OECD Better Life Index believes there’s more to a country or regions measure of success than GDP and economic statistics. To measure success, it’s important to know how life is lived in any given area. The index looks at multiple factors like environment, education, safety, income, health, and housing.

Nationwide, housing outperformed all other indicators. This could be linked to the need for basic shelter but also the status and independence that can come with owning a home. While owning a home comes with a lot of responsibility, it also adds a level of satisfaction in and quality of life that renting or living with family doesn’t do.

What about Florida?

Like the rest of the country, housing is the top indicator for Florida, too. The index rates a region’s well-being on a scale of one to ten, with ten being the best. In Florida, housing ranks at 8.9 making our state the top 11 percent in Housing in the region.

Education and environment tied in second place with 8.8. When compared to other areas, Florida ranks in the top 29 percent in education and the top 15 percent for environment.

That doesn’t mean we don’t have areas that could stand to be improved.

The two lowest indicators are safety at 2.3 and civic engagement at 4.0. Of course, this index is for the entire state and is not broken down by county. For example, the crime rate in Okaloosa County (2013 data) is well below the state average in many categories.

Overall, this index shows us what many of in the real estate profession already knew from experience – owning your own home is good for your quality of life and your overall happiness.

Want to see the results for yourself? Click here: OECD Regional Well-Being – Florida.

Source: Homeownership Linked to Happiness, Realtor Magazine

Go for the Gold with Your Next Toast

As with any form of public speaking, giving a toast can be an anxiety ridden-occasion. From what to do if nobody laughs at your jokes to drawing a blank when it comes to what you planned on saying, giving a toast can be a memorable experience—for all the wrong reasons. The next time you’re planning to raise your glass for a toast, keep these tips in mind to ensure the experience is a positive one.

– If you want to have the greatest impact, keep your toast short and sweet. Your guests will grow antsy if you become long-winded.

– Be sure to speak loudly and clearly so that everyone can hear what you have to say. It’s also important to appear confident, even if you’re trembling on the inside.

– Make the most of the moment by knowing what you want to say before you stand up to address the crowd.

– Something original that comes from the heart will have the most impact on your listeners.
– Don’t try to be something that you’re not. Trying to force yourself to be funny or serious won’t work. Simply be yourself.

Cheers!

Source: www.toastmasters.org.

5 Home Ownership Costs People Forget

You’ve taken a hard look at your budget and your income, and you’ve determined how much house you can afford. You’ve done the math, and you’re ready to buy. But are you sure you know how much it really costs to own a home?

After the purchase price of your house, there are other factors to consider in the overall cost of owning a home. Consider these five costs that most buyers forget and avoid a few unpleasant surprises later.

Insurance and Deductible

Owning a home is more than the loan the lender writes for you. If you have a mortgage, you’ll be required to carry homeowner’s insurance. You should shop around to find the best price for the coverage you need. This will determine your monthly premiums.

While you’re purchasing insurance, don’t forget to think about the cost of a deductible if you ever need to use your insurance. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium, but you’ll need to make sure it’s a deductible you’re comfortable paying if you need to make a claim on your insurance.

Property Taxes

If the home you purchase is a primary residence, you’ll qualify for homestead exemption in Florida and will be able to lower your costs. But no matter what you type of home you purchase, property taxes are a reality. Find out what the taxes have historically been on the property in order to factor the cost into your budget. Most homeowners pay insurance and taxes as part of their monthly mortgage. For budgeting purposes, this is an excellent option so you know exactly what you need to pay each month. Just remember, both your taxes and your insurance can go up each year – sometimes a little, sometimes a lot.

Home Maintenance and Repairs

The most forgotten costs of owning a home often come in the form of maintenance and repairs. When the roof goes bad or a leak develops in the kitchen, you’ll be the one responsible for the repairs. A home warranty can help control these costs and is like an insurance policy for parts of your home. Either way you go, you’ll want to factor the cost of upkeep and repair into your overall budget and set aside money to take care of these things as they happen.

Homeowner/Condo Association Fees

Fees to a homeowner or condo association, known as HOA or COA fees, should be disclosed with any listing but it helps to know about them before you start looking around. HOA and COA fees can add a couple hundred up to more than a thousand dollars to your monthly housing costs. Find out what is included in the fees to know if other expenses may be covered by the HOA or COA. Some fees that may be included are trash pick-up, water, sewer, insurance on parts of the building, and amenities to those living in the neighborhood or building. Depending on what the HOA or COA covers, you may be able to save on costs elsewhere.

Garbage/Sewer/Water

If you’ve been renting for a while, you may not have had to pay these expenses separately from your monthly rent. Depending on where you’re looking to buy, you’ll need to be aware of these additional costs of ownership. Every area is different and the costs could change based on the size of your home and your family, as each household will use water differently and have their own costs. Consider contacting the local utility company to determine average costs in your area and what fees will be included in your monthly waste collection or water bill.

Determining the costs for owning a home is not as simple as deciding the amount of home you can afford. Ask any owner, and they can share a laundry list of other costs that come with the territory. If you budget and plan accordingly, and buy with realistic expectations of the costs, you can avoid a lot of surprises later. Don’t let the additional costs scare you off. Just be prepared and know what to expect.

Traveling with the Family Pet Doesn’t Have to be Impossible

While there’s nothing like packing up the family for a long-anticipated vacation, it’s just not the same if you can’t take your beloved pet along. Here are some tips for taking your furry friend with you, which will help make for a smooth and comfortable trip.

1. Keep your pets safe in a well ventilated crate. Make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around in.
2. Get your pet accustomed to the car. If taking a long trip, take your pet on a few short drives beforehand so he or she can get used to the car.
3. Make sure to feed your pet a few hours before a long trip to avoid stomach upset and don’t ever feed him or her in a moving vehicle, even if it is a long trip.
4. Never leave your pet in the car alone for a long period of time. Even with the windows open, a car can become extremely hot and cause heat stroke.
5. Make sure your pet is easily identifiable. Put a microchip in your pet, or make sure your pet’s collar includes your cell phone number, destination phone number, and destination address. This will come in handy if your pet goes missing.
6. Don’t allow your pet to ride with his or her head outside the window. Make sure your pet’s crate is in the back seat and is secured tightly. 7. Make sure you have a travel kit for your pet. This could include a leash, a waste scooper, food, water, bowls, medications, grooming supplies, and whatever else you think your dog or cat will need for the journey.
8. Some states require proof of a rabies vaccination so make sure you bring your pet’s paperwork just in case.
9. Bring your own water. Water from unfamiliar places can cause an upset stomach in a lot of pets.
10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

Source: ASPCA.org

March 2015: Home Sales Strong Along Emerald Coast

Continuing along the lines of February sales, single family homes, townhouses, and condos saw strong increases in March when compared to last year. Median prices rose in most cases and inventory fell slightly. If sales are this strong in spring, the summer season should be interesting to watch.

Single Family Home Sales

Emerald Coast

Closed sales increased 26.6%
Pending sales rose 22%
Median prices increased 13.8%
Inventory decreased 3%
Months supply decreased 17.4% to 6.9 months of inventory

Okaloosa County

Closed sales increased 34.3%
Pending sales increased 30.1%
Median prices increased 19.6%
Inventory decreased 3.7%
Months supply decreased 18% to 5.8 months of inventory

Walton County

Closed sales increased 21.3%
Pending sales increased 9.6%
Median prices increased 3.3%
Inventory increased 0.2%
Months supply decreased 18% to 8.4 months of inventory

Townhouse and Condo Sales

Emerald Coast

Closed sales increased 44%
Pending sales increased 19.6%
Median prices increased 4.2%
Inventory dropped 5.2%
Months supply increased 12.7% to 9.9 months of inventory

Okaloosa County

Closed sales increased 31.4%
Pending sales increased 4.2%
Median prices rose 13.7%
Inventory decreased 5.3%
Months supply increased 16.2% to 10.7 months of inventory

Walton County

Closed sales increased 42.4%
Pending sales increased 32.5%
Median prices decreased 11.6%
Inventory decreased 7%
Months supply decreased 3.8% to 9.0 months of inventory

A few things to remember…

A healthy real estate market (meaning neither buyer nor sellers have an “advantage”) is a six to eight month inventory. Below six months, it’s thought to be a seller’s market and above eight months is considered a buyer’s market.

Prices continue to fluctuate for single family homes and townhomes/condos but across the board, median prices increased in the month of March. The median price is determined, in part, by the price ranges buyers are selecting and the inventory available in those price ranges.

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.

7 Fun Things to Do on the Emerald Coast in May

Summer is coming, and with it, plenty of fun in the sun for the entire family. Now it’s time to remember exactly what makes the Emerald Coast such a fun place to live!

Burning Up the Beaches

Thursday, April 30 – Sunday, May 3

The Boardwalk Park, Okaloosa Island

Don’t miss this three-day classic car event. Whether you want to see beautiful cars or enter your own, this is a car lovers dream. Live music, food, prizes, and more will be available throughout the event. All proceeds benefit Horizons Development.
Visit website.

Cinco de Mayo Fest

Saturday, May 2

Harborwalk Village, Destin

Get a babysitter, call a friend, and come on out for a fun time at Harborwalk. Join in the Running of the Bulls, local roller derby women and stay for the Pub Crawl later!

Visit website.

Military Family Appreciation Day

Saturday, May 9, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Landing, Fort Walton Beach

Free for military and their families, active-duty or retired, this is a day to celebrate and appreciate those who sacrifice so much to keep us safe. Live music, a kids play area, food, drinks, and more will be available.

Learn more.

4th Annual Mob Night

Saturday, May 16, 7:30 p.m.
Clemenza’s, Uptown Station, Fort Walton Beach

Get dressed up in your favorite mob attire and help Clemenza’s celebrate their fourth year in business! Tickets are $60 per person or $100 for two and must be purchased in advance.

Visit website.

World’s Greatest Baby Shower

Thursday, May 21, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Emerald Coast Convention Center

If you’ve got a baby on the way, make plans for this great event with advice, information, and more to get ready for the biggest moment in your life – welcoming a child into the world. This event is sponsored by Healthy Start of Okaloosa/Walton County.

Memorial Day Concert Celebration

Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24

Emerald Grande at Harborwalk
Kick off the summer with free concerts and fun at Harborwalk. Live music will fill the air on both Saturday and Sunday. End the night with a free fireworks show over the harbor beginning at 9:00 p.m.

Toys for Tots Golf Tournament

Saturday, May 30

Eglin AFB Golf Course, Niceville
It’s never too early to remember children in need. Proceeds from this tournament will benefit area children later this year during the holiday season. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. A silent auction and lunch will begin at 11:00 a.m. Shot-gun start at noon. This event is sponsored by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors.

Learn more.

To see these events and more, visit:

Destin Chamber of Commerce

Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau

There are so many things to do in the month of May. You don’t want to miss out on the fun!