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Coldwell Banker launch February 15th Coldwell Banker on location TV spots - 1/26/2010

On Location�, our exclusive YouTube channel, premieres on national TV February 15 - are you part of it?

On February 15, our national advertising will launch a television spot for Coldwell Banker On Location�. What better way for you to get your name out in the market than with your very own YouTube channel! Many sales associates already have a vast video collection and are adding to it daily. If you aren't on

YouTube, you're not part of the national campaign.

You have the option of creating
agent, listing and/or community
videos. Show off your production talent and make yourself more prominent in your local market.
Best of all, On Location is FREE. Take a moment to review the On Location section on Coldwell
Banker Works.

Follow me on YouTube click this link!

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149 Lake Holley Cir. Private lakefront home for sale in N. Walton County FL - 12/30/2009

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Brandon Jordan EPRO - 10/12/2009

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Defuniak Springs Florida - 6/8/2009

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Freeport Florida Information Video - 4/21/2009

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Brandon Jordan handling REO & Short Sales Pre Foreclosures - 3/14/2009

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Freeport MLS - 2/16/2009

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Freeport in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with www.FreeportMLS.com.

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Coldwell Banker Introduces International Home search for iPhone and Blackberry - 1/23/2009

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Our mailing list - 1/8/2009

Click below takes you to WaltonMLS.com for our automated home search mailing list. Periodically, a search on your home criteria will be sent to the MLS and the results will be automatically emailed to you.

http://www.waltonmls.com/mail.asp

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Seaside Beach MLS - 12/8/2008

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Seaside Beach in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with
www.SeasideBeachMLS.com.

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Walton county schools - 9/24/2008

Walton County Schools are A-grade schools under the state's FCAT program (see SCHOOL SCORE CARDS). This county has recently experienced an exponential economic growth as tourism based businesses and major housing developments have sprung up in the county. Yet, even with such a growth spurt, the teacher to student ratio ranges between 15-20 students to teacher.

Walton Schools Rank Fifth in the State for A rated Schools

LEARN MORE AT
http://www.walton.k12.fl.us/

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Walton MLS - 8/7/2008

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with
www.WaltonMLS.com

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Thinking about selling? Here are some helpful tips - 6/17/2008

http://www.waltonmls.com/selling.asp

Selling Information

Looking to sell your home? We can help! This page is designed to provide helpful information if you are thinking of selling your home.

CMA Submission Form

You can submit this handy CMA Form and receive a free Comparative Market Analysis of your home or property. Find out the fair market value of your home today!

Pricing

Price is the Determining Factor when you are selling your home. Some important aspects of correct pricing are explored here.

The Danger of Overpricing is explained here. A Realtor strives to price your home to the market so that it will sell as quickly as possible. Information recent as of 2003.

Find out here why your home or property has not yet sold or may not be receiving the best possible offers.

Contracts

Contract Offer and Acceptance is explained here. Pay special attention to numbers 2 and 3 of the sellers' section.

The Steps of the Buying and Selling Process are listed here in the order they usually occur. However, not all closings are the same so this process is only a general framework. Your Realtor will explain the entire process at the listing presentation and as a deal progresses.

Additional Information

Old South 1031 Exchange - Find out if the tax due on the sale of your home or investment property can be deferred.

The Sellers' Prep List provides a list of problem areas potential buyers may examine carefully. If these small things don't function properly, the buyer may offer a lower price to offset the potential cost of repairs. Making sure these things are in proper working order brings better offers.

The Purpose and Function of a Transaction Broker is explained here, as well why it is the best choice when selling your home in an open market.

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Our Communities page - 4/4/2008

The Community page is a guide to the entire Emerald Coast. You can view information about Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Santa Rosa, Escambia, Washington, Bay, and Jackson counties, plus in-depth information about cities in the area like DeFuniak Springs, Freeport, Santa Rosa Beach, Seagrove, Seaside, and Miramar Beach. Each city's page also has helpful utility phone numbers and local attractions

Walton County includes DeFuniak Springs, Paxton, Freeport, Argyle, Grayton Beach, Mossy Head, Point Washington, Santa Rosa Beach, and Seagrove Beach.

Okaloosa County includes Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Crestview, Niceville, Valapariso, Baker, and Holt.

Holmes County includes Bonifay, Ponce de Leon, Bruce, Noma, Red Bay, and Westville.

Santa Rosa County includes Milton, Navarre, Pace, Jay, Bagdad, and Gulf Breeze.

Escambia County includes Pensacola, Century, Bellview, Brent, Ensley, Ferry Pass, Gonzalez, Goulding, Innerarity Point, Molino, Myrtle Grove, Perdido Key, Walnut Hill, Warrington, West Pensacola, and Beulah.

Washington County includes Chipley, Caryville, Ebro, Sunny Hills, Vernon, and Wausau.

Bay County includes Panama City, Panama City Beach, Callaway, Cedar Grove, Lynn Haven, Mexico Beach, Parker, and Springfield.

Jackson County includes Marianna, Cottondale, Graceville, Jacobs, Malone, Alford, Bascom, Campbellton, Grand Ridge, Greenwood, and Sneads.

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Dune Allen Beach MLS - 1/26/2008

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Dune Allen Beach in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with http://www.DuneAllenBeachMLS.com

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Defuniak Springs Real Estate Agent - 1/4/2008

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Defuniak Springs in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with http://www.DefuniakSpringsRealEstateAgent.com

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Defuniak Springs Florida Real Estate - 12/16/2007

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Tell a friend page - 11/3/2007

Tell a friend about this site! Simply fill out the short form below with your email address and the email address of the person you think might be interested in WaltonMLS.com, include a personal message to the person if you like, and click Submit. A link to the site, along with the message, will be sent to the recipient.

http://www.waltonmls.com/mail.asp

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Camp Creek MLS - 10/9/2007

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Camp Creek in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with We are now easier to find with
www.CampCreekMLS.com

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Sitemap - 9/24/2007

Our Real Estate site www.WaltonMLS.com has just added a site map to include an even easier way to use and find what you are looking for just click the link below and try it out.

www.Waltonmls.com/sitemap.asp

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Buying Northwest Florida Property? Here is some helpful information - 8/22/2007

Information pertinent to buyers, with details walking you through the buying process and home loan information.

Buying Information

If you're looking to buy, we have many tools to help you find the home of your dreams on the Emerald Coast. All information provided herein is free of charge and with no obligation.

Search

Click here to search all available homes in the Emerald Coast Mutiple Listing Service (MLS).

Sign up for our automated home search mailing list. Periodically, a search on your home criteria will be sent to the MLS and the results will be automatically emailed to you.

Mortgages

A Pre-Approved Mortgage is a great tool in helping you decide on your new home. Read about some of the benefits here.

These are the Items a lender may want to see during the preapproval process.

Use this Prequalification Form to help lenders pre-qualify you for a mortgage. This is an image that will print full-size onto a standard 8.5 inch x 11 inch piece of paper.

Karl's Mortgage Calculator can help you calculate your P(rincipal)I(nterest)T(ax)I(nsurance) payment as well as generate an amortization table.

Contracts

Contract Offer and Acceptance is explained here.

Additional Information

Old South 1031 Exchange - Find out if the tax due on the purchase of your home or investment property can be deferred.

The Purpose and Function of a Transaction Broker is explained here, as well why it is the best choice when buying a home in an open market.

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Walton County MLS - 7/27/2007

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MLS Search Page - 7/17/2007

Here you will have instant access to the MLS to search all homes for sale on the Emerald Coast for free.

http://www.waltonmls.com/search.asp

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Defuniak Springs MLS - 7/5/2007

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Some of the Area that I cover - 6/2/2007

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ERA Real Estate Recognized by J.D. Power and Associates - 5/22/2007

ERA Real Estate today announced it is the recipient of the 2006 J.D. Power and Associates Award for "Highest Overall Satisfaction For Repeat Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms." This marks the third year in a row that ERA Real Estate has received an award from this prestigious organization.

Last year, the company was the recipient of the 2005 J.D. Power and Associates Award for "Highest Overall Satisfaction For First Time Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms." In 2004, ERA Real Estate received the award for "Highest Overall Satisfaction For First Time Home Buyers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms."

"Being recognized for customer satisfaction once again by a well-respected organization such as J.D. Power and Associates is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our sales associates and brokers," said Brenda W. Casserly, president and CEO for ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. "This award is a reflection of our promise to our customers to be 'Always There For You' throughout the homebuying and selling process."

ERA Real Estate's host of products, services and materials dedicated to meeting the unique needs of sellers contributed to its award-winning satisfaction ratings. A customer favorite is the ERA Sellers Security� Plan, a unique, guaranteed sale program that offers sellers the freedom to close on their next home, even if their current home has yet to sell.

About the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction Study
ERA received the highest numerical score among national full service real estate firms for repeat home sellers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on 3,709 total responses measuring real estate firms and measures opinions of homebuyers and sellers. Study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in April through May 2006. Your experiences may vary. Study conducted for Realogy Corporation by J.D. Power and Associates.

About ERA Franchise Systems, Inc.
About ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. is a global leader in the residential real estate industry with more than 30 years experience in developing consumer-oriented products and services. ERA Real Estate was recently named the recipient of the prestigious 2006 J.D. Power and Associates Award for "Highest Overall Satisfaction For Repeat Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms." The ERA� network includes more than 38,700 brokers and sales associates and nearly 3,000 offices throughout the United States and 29 other countries and territories. Each office is independently owned and operated except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated. ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation (NYSE: H), the world's largest real estate franchisor. ERA information is available to consumers at ERA.com.

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Blue Mountain Beach MLS - 5/10/2007

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Blue Mountain Beach in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with We are now easier to find with
www.BlueMountainBeachMLS.com

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WaterSound MLS - 4/14/2007

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Watersound in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with
www.WatersoundMLS.com

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2007 Bond Money Available (Okaloosa County, Santa Rosa County, and Walton County) - 3/29/2007

There is another bond issue for first time homebuyers now available in addition to the State of Florida issue. It is the 2007 Escambia County Bond Program. Here are the general parameters:

-this issue is available in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties.

-must be a first time homebuyer and have a contract to lock-in. A first time homebuyer is defined as someone who has not owned a primary residence in the last 3 years.

-RATE-5.19% with 1.50 points. 30 year fixed rate only.

-available for conventional, VA, FHA and Rural Development loans.

-Maximum total family income:

Okaloosa County

1-2 members: $57,800
3 + members: $66,470

Santa Rosa and Walton Counties

1-2 members: $54,800
3 + members:$63,020

-Maximum sales price limitations

Okaloosa: $281,137
Santa Rosa: $237,031
Walton: $429,619

-owner occupied only.

-no home buyer counseling required.

-Up to $7000 in the form of a second mortgage to cover closing cost, prepaids and down payment. The Rate is 0% amortized over 10 years ($58.33 per month). There is no monthly payment but the second is paid when the house is sold, or the borrower no longer resides in the property.

This bond issue offers the lowest rate currently available on a 30-year fixed rate. If you are working with someone who is a first time homebuyer, please have them call me with any questions. 1-800-303-7010,
or 651-5252 local.

Thanks in advance,
John Flournoy
Mortgage Loan Officer

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Defuniak Springs MLS - 3/29/2007

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Defuniak MLS - 5/22/2007

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Defuniak in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with www.DefuniakMLS.com

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Walton County Website Updates - 3/29/2007

5:30 PM Beach Activities Working Group
South Walton Courthouse Annex, 31 Coastal Centre Blvd, Santa Rosa Beach
Dede Hinote, Executive Assistant, 892-8155

Working Group to review and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on the Beach Activities Ordinance.

6:00 PM Recreation Board
Freeport Community Center, 16040 Hwy 331, Freeport
Tammy Bradley, Administrative Assistant, 892-8703

6:00 PM Scenic 30A Corridor Advocacy Group
Tourist Development Council Office, U.S. 98 at U.S. 331
Claire Bannerman, CAG Coordinator, 622-3059 or bannerwoman@mchsi.com

The public is invited for a review of the official designation process for Scenic 30-A. This is a
"Major Milestone Meeting" with the corridor recently passing a significant milestone in gaining ongoing designation status from the Eligibility Application that was unanimously approved by the State's Scenic Highway Advisory Committee.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007 5:00 PM
Walton County School Board Meeting
School District Office, 145 Park Street, DeFuniak Springs
Kay McBroom, School Board Secretary, 892-1100 X1302

Regular semi-monthly meeting.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007 8:30 AM
Technical Review Committee
South Walton Courthouse Annex, 31 Coastal Centre Blvd, Santa Rosa Beach
Katie Newton, Planning Department, 267-1955

Thursday, March 22, 2007 6:00 PM
Zoning Board of Adjustment (Variance Board)
South Walton Courthouse Annex, 31 Coastal Centre Blvd, Santa Rosa Beach
Doris Cooper, Administrative Assistant, 267-1955

Normal monthly meeting.

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Seagrove Beach MLS - 3/29/2007

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Seagrove Beach in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with SeagrovebeachMLS.com.

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Seacrest Beach MLS - 3/29/2007

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Seacrest Beach in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with SeacrestbeachMLS.com.

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Santa Rosa Beach MLS - 3/29/2007

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Santa Rosa Beach in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with SantarosabeachMLS.com.

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Sandestin MLS - 3/29/2007

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Sandestin in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with SandestinMLS.com.

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Red Bay MLS - 3/29/2007

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Red Bay in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with RedbayMLS.com.

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Red Bay Golf Course - 3/29/2007

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Red Bay Golf - 3/29/2007

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Point Washington MLS - 3/29/2007

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Point Washington in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with PointwashingtonMLS.com.

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Miramar Beach MLS - 3/29/2007

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Miramar Beach in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with MiramarbeachMLS.com.

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Inlet Beach MLS - 3/29/2007

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Inlet Beach in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with InletbeachMLS.com.

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Grayton MLS - 3/29/2007

We now offer free instant access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with complete real estate listings for the Emerald Coast, including Grayton Beach in Walton County.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home or real estate in Northwest Florida? Give us a call; we can help with it all! Team Sold.

We are now easier to find with GraytonMLS.com.

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Walton County Upcoming Events - 3/29/2007

Wednesday, March 14, 2007 2:00 PM
Walton County Local Mitigation Strategy Group Meeting
Freeport Old Post Office, SR 20 at Kylea Laird Drive, Freeport
Janice Floyd, LMS Group Secretary, 267-1955
This group meets as part of a voluntary program initiated by the Florida Department of Community Affairs to help local governments develop strategies to reduce or eliminate risks to people and property from natural and man-made hazards.

THIS GROUP IS NOT INVOLVED WITH WETLANDS MITIGATION FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. Walton County, its municipalities, and other entities participate in this program as an
opportunity to save lives and protect economic and environmental resources from future disasters. Grants are often available from the state for local jurisdictions that have a Local Mitigation Strategy in place.

The public is invited to attend and participate in these meetings.

Thursday, March 15, 2007 8:00 AM
Coastal Dune Lake Advisory Board
Coastal Branch Library, 437 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach Ann Haigh, Planning and Development Division,
267-1955.

The regular meeting will be from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. followed by a workshop from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.

3:00 PM Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Niceville Community Center, 204 N. Partin Drive, Niceville
Ellie Roberts, WFRPC Transportation Staff, (800) 226-8914 Ext. 218

Commissioners Brannon, Comander, and Meadows, and DeFuniak Springs Council Member Roy McLeod are members of this Board.

The TPO has three advisory committees: the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), the Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC), and the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). The advisory committees also meet on the third Thursday of each month. The CAC meets at 9:30 a.m., the BPAC at 11:30, and the TCC at 1:30 p.m.

See agenda for this meeting at: http://www.wfrpc.dst.fl.us/owtpo/agenda.htm.

6:00 PM Code Enforcement Board
Walton County Courthouse, 571 E. Nelson Avenue, DeFuniak Springs
Sherrie Griggs, Code Enforcement Secretary, 622-0564

Normal monthly meeting.

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Revisit Some Past Episodes on TeamSoldTV.com Today! - 3/18/2007

We want to invite you to visit our site at www.TeamSoldTV.com and watch, from the first episode, all properties that have been viewed to date. 5484 Highway 192, Defuniak Springs, Florida is now sold, we are happy to announce. However, many properties are still available.

Watch the tours of: Lot 10, Eugene Court on Lake Rosemary, a great Florida lakefront lot in Defuniak Springs, Florida for sale on episode 2; Lot 29 and Lot 30, Falcon Way, The Pines subdivision, Crestview, Florida, both level, buildable lots that are a quarter acre in a subdivision for around $30,000 with Auburn Water available; a 26-acre tract on Innsbrook Lane in Holt, Florida; a 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom John King Road home on an oversized half acre lot, south of I-10; commercial lots on Bay Street in Crestview, Florida, a corner lot over an acre in size; and 10-acre Stallion Drive, Crestview, Florida with an updated 2-bedroom 1989 in an all 10-acre-tracts subdivision for $125,000, all in episode 3.

You can view these in-depth tours which are not normally seen online -- not just pictures but good information that may help you find your dream home. You can get a clear picture on many properties on our show today. We are airing new episode number 5 this Friday at its normal time.

I want to thank Lisa Sanford for appearing on multiple episodes of Team Sold Real Estate TV that airs on the CW, FOX, & WEAR-3 after Jimmy Kimmel (Friday night). Just visit TeamSoldTV.com and click "Schedule" on the menu to the left to find out our airtimes. Or, if you are outside of our viewing area, we have you covered as well; all our episodes will be available at TeamSoldTV.com. Just click on the link under "Episodes" in the "Interactive" section on the front page to view the complete show.

Email us your questions now at www.TeamSoldTV.com and we will answer them on upcoming shows. We will also be showing you many unique properties from Panama City to Pensacola as well.

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Many Properties Covered on Our New Episode; Watch It Today! - 9/24/2008

I want to thank Kaylyn Knopes and Michelle Styron for appearing on episode 4 of Team Sold Real Estate TV that airs on CW, FOX, & WEAR-3 after Jimmy Kimmel (Friday night). Just visit TeamSoldTV.com and click "Schedule" on the menu to the left to find out our airtimes. Or, if you are outside of our viewing area, we have you covered as well; all our episodes will be available at TeamSoldTV.com. Just click on the link under "Episodes" in the "Interactive" section to view the complete show.

Email us your questions now at www.TeamSoldTv.com and we will answer them on upcoming shows. We will also be showing you many unique properties from Panama City to Pensacola as well.

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Watch Team Sold Real Estate TV at TeamSoldTV.com - 1/24/2007

We are proud to present, as a service to everyone viewing our site, that we will be bringing you every episode of our brand new TV show called "Team Sold Real Estate TV" that airs on CW, FOX, & WEAR-3 after Jimmy Kimmel. Just visit TeamSoldTV.com and click on the link under "Episodes" in the middle of our page in the "Interactive" section.

Our show will will be bringing you information that we hope you will find helpful, from many of the home industries' top professionals from title companies to loan officers.

Our first two episodes feature Patrice Bobo-Miles with Countrywide Home Loans.

Email us your questions now at www.TeamSoldTV.com and we will answer your questions on upcoming shows. We will also be showing you many unique properties from Panama City to Pensacola in upcoming shows as well. If you are outside of our viewing area we have you covered; all our episodes will be available right here.

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It is Official: Team Sold is Going to TV - 12/18/2006

We are proud to announce that now, as a service to everyone in our viewing area (all of the Emerald Coast), we will be bringing you our very first episode of our brand new TV show called " eam Sold Real Estate TV," starting January 5, 2007, on WEAR-3 after Jimmy Kimmel.

We will be bringing you information that we hope you will find helpful from many of the home industries' top
professionals, from title companies to loan officers.

Email us your questions now at www.Teamsoldtv.com and we will be answering your questions on upcoming shows.

We will also be showing you many unique properties from Panama City to Pensacola in upcoming shows as well.

If you are outside of our viewing area we still have you covered; all our episodes will be available on YouTube. Stay tuned!

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Team Sold is Proud to Announce We Offer the Talking House Service Free to Every One of Our Listings. - 12/15/2006

Click each image to view more information about Talking House.

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Saving Money at Closing - 12/18/2006

Savings Tips
Fees for some standard items, such as appraisal, credit report and title insurance should be almost the same at every lender. The same goes for payments to local governments, such as documentation stamps and recording fees.

A bank or mortgage company may be willing to drop some of the fees if you opt out of a service. For instance, they may overnight documents back and forth for faster approval. If you are not in a hurry, you can ask that the documents be sent by regular mail and the overnight charges be dropped.

Watch out for "junk fees" or additional charges. Most mortgage programs include them, but you should be able to negotiate them down or eliminate them.

Other Ways to Save on Costs

Try to close your mortgage near the end of the month. Because all mortgage loans are due on the first of the month, you will have to pay interest from the day you close until the end of the month. You can avoid or greatly reduce prepaid interest due by closing the last day of the month or near that date, and save yourself hundreds of dollars.

As part of the sale contract, you can negotiate with the seller of the property to help pay for some of the closing costs, points or other fees.

Plan ahead with your mortgage lender. Don't wait until the day of closing to try to reduce costs.

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Qualified Intermediary receives Certified Exchange Specialist TM Recognition - 12/3/2006

Destin, Florida: Old South 1031 Exchange Services, LLC, a nationwide 1031 Qualified Intermediary announces that Andrew Gustafson, a principal of the firm, is one of twelve business professionals in the state of Florida and less than two hundred nationally to earn the Certified Exchange Specialist (CES) designation, after meeting the examination and work-experience criteria established by the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA). The FEA is a non-profit trade organization with a nationwide network of certified professionals accountants, attorneys, real estate brokers, and others to help investors handle the requirements of Section 1031 transactions.

Section 1031 Exchanges are complex transactions that permit investors to defer capital gains taxes on the sale of certain types of business, investment, or income property, provided specific criteria are met, including the replacement of the property with one or more properties of "like kind." Investment real estate is the most common type of property exchanged in this manner, though many other types of property can be bought and sold through a 1031 exchange. Examples include construction equipment, easements, livestock, oil and gas, minerals, timber, water rights, airplanes, boats and yachts, and motor vehicles, among others.

The FEA is encouraging taxpayers to consider using a Certified Exchange Specialist to act as a "qualified intermediary" for their 1031 for good reason. According to Andrew Gustafson, "Almost anyone can claim to be a Qualified Intermediary. The problem is that Section 1031 Exchanges are complicated and highly specific, so even a small mistake could completely wipe out the potential tax benefits. The FEA's certification program is intended to allow taxpayers to make informed decisions when selecting a Qualified Intermediary."

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Fees on a Mortgage - 11/28/2006

Fees on a mortgage cover almost every cost associated with getting a loan. You've already encountered fees upfront for a credit report and a property appraisal.

But there are many more fees that you will be expected to pay at closing or settlement, which is generally 30 to 60 days after finalizing the sales contract. These closing costs are outlined in the "good faith estimate." The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act requires every bank or mortgage company to give the buyer the estimate within three days of applying for the loan. It will list expenses related to inspections, taxes, title insurance and a host of other charges. You also should receive an information booklet, "Settlement Costs -- a HUD Guide."

Tip:The best approach is to get a copy of the good faith estimate before you make a commitment to any lender.

Typical Closing Costs
Here is a list of typical closing costs. In general, closing costs amount to 3 percent to 6 percent of the sale price. Note items with an asterisk (*) are explained below. For an estimated price range, see the separate Standard Closing Costs.

Loan application fees and credit report
Title search and insurance fees*
Lender's attorney fees
Property appraisal
Inspections
Survey
Recording fees
Transfer taxes
Buyer's attorney
Documentary stamps on new note
Points and origination fees
Condominium application fee
Escrow account balances/prepaids*

Title Insurance
This is a policy that insures against errors in the title search, essentially guaranteeing you and your lender's financial interest in the property. It checks for any defects, liens or encumbrances on the property that may affect the rights of ownership, possesion or use of the property. It is issued after a complete examination of the public records. It also insures against such things as forgery, fraud, missing heirs or divorce actions. Keep in mind that the required title insurance protects the lender. You may want to take out an owner's title insurance to protect yourself.

Escrow
At closing you may have to put aside money into special escrow accounts to cover other costs associated with buying a home, such as private mortgage insurance (PMI), property taxes and homeowner's insurance. This will ensure that taxes and insurance premiums on the property are paid on time. Federal law limits the amount of "cushion" to two months of escrow payments. Be sure to ask the lender what escrow payments will be required at closing. Some mortgage companies may waive escrow requirements if you pay more points or a higher interest rate.

Savings Tips
You may be able to lower the cost of title insurance if the home you're buying hasn't been owned for a long time by the seller. The insurer may be willing to give you a re-issue rate, hence lower a premium, if there have been no claims against the title since the previous title search was done. If both you and the seller are getting title insurance, you can save by using the same title insurance firm. The cost will be lower since the insuror researches the property only once for both of you.

It is important to review the estimate of closing costs and to ask questions about fees that seem unfamiliar. Lenders differ and can get creative when it comes to other types of charges.

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Closing Cost Review - 11/27/2006

How much money do you need to bring to the table on closing day?

Reminder: Keep your copy of the "good faith estimate" and compare it to the final list of closing costs. Question any changes or additions. Your closing agent should allow you to review the settlement form one business day before closing.

You may want to preview a sample of the HUD-1 Settlement Statement at the web site of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The site also has other helpful information about closings and settlement.

At this point, having secured the mortgage loan, you already have paid for the loan application fee, the property appraisal and some of the down payment. At the closing, you will need to pay the balance of your down payment. There are other costs that still must be paid in order to close the sale, unless you already have arranged and paid for them. (If so, bring receipts and other documentation with you to the closing.) These costs can include:

Title search and insurance
Survey
Termite or other inspections
Homeowner's hazard insurance
Flood insurance
Taxes
Attorney and closing agent fees

Additional fees related to the loan:

Loan origination fee
Points, if any
Private mortgage insurance (PMI)
Balance of your down payment

Reminder: Have separate certified checks for all closing costs. Some of the costs, such as points, are tax deductible. Also, bring your checkbook, so you can write a personal check for small miscellaneous expenses such as photocopying.

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Hammock Bay: Freeport, Florida Subdivision - 11/25/2006

Along Highway 20, just 15 minutes north of the sugary white sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle and scenic Highway 30-A, the community of Hammock Bay is taking shape along Choctawhatchee Bay. A 3000-acre master-planned residential community nestled in the quiet surroundings of Freeport, Florida, Hammock Bay offers a
comforting balance between coastal living and a more relaxed, inland setting. It�s the defining place for something we like to call Hammock Time. And it�s difficult to imagine a better place to call home.

The Hammock Bay story dates back several generations to a simpler time. A time when family and friends were central to daily existence, and home was the setting for the most important things in life. Homes were closely tied with the land, thoughtfully built and cared for, to be passed on for generations. Neighborhoods formed the framework for family life and fun. And today in Hammock Bay, it�s not much different. Our respect for this land -- our home -- dictates how we plan and build Hammock Bay. How we situate homes, open space, trails, clubhouses all echo the traditions we value, creating an easygoing lifestyle that welcomes everyone. Living well has never been so simple.

There are lots of choices for new home communities, but no other community offers so much. At Hammock Bay Freeport you get 3 stunning new clubs free�for life*. The Lake Club, with its 6,000 sq ft clubhouse, features a big screen movie theatre, two world-class pools, basketball, tennis courts and playground. The 4,000 sq ft Fitness Center complete with state-of-the-art equipment is just next door. And our secluded Bay Club has 480 feet of shoreline with a sunset boardwalk. We�re constructing our New Town Square and The New Freeport City Park baseball and soccer complex. Hammock Bay has 12 miles of walking and biking paths and multiple clearwater lakes. We invite you to come visit Hammock Bay (1.5 miles west of Highway 331 on Highway 20), and find your new home or home site.

Now, take Florida living to a higher level in our landscape masterpiece. Predevelopment pricing offered on a select few remaining lots, while inventories last.

Development of the "Lake Club at Hammock Bay" is underway with a projected completion date of Spring, 2007, andFreeport City Park at Hammock Bay is scheduled for a groundbreaking in late '06.

Copyright � 2006 Hammock Bay, Freeport 860 LLC.

*Residents must comply with association rules and regulations as well as maintain a residence at Hammock Bay.

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Florida's Offical Web Site Recorded 74.5 Million Visitors - 11/15/2006

Florida's official web site recorded 74.5 million visitors in 2005. Investors in Florida are growing financially successful by taking advantage of the growing preconstruction real estate market. Cities, such as Orlando and Panama City, make Florida one of our nation's strongest economic states. Florida also has many advantages, for instance theme parks, museums, beautiful beaches, and also a wide variety of military bases. As you search Florida's Investment Properties you will see a variety of listings for every major city in the Emerald Coast and various vacation hotspots. Why buy property that is more expensive and needs to be fixed-up, when you can invest in a preconstruction real estate opportunity? These real estate properties can act as your home away from home or can easily be rented out to other families during the year to provide a steady income.

Florida is the acting central location for all preconstruction real estate opportunities at this time. Pensacola is more than just another city on a map and this tends to attract tourists from all over the globe. Various attractive hotspots surround this great city allowing for opportunities for investors to make money on pre-construction investments. Allowing for a great vacation spot for a diverse group of people.

The preconstruction real estate market in Florida is growing rapidly. The average selling price for a property in Florida rose 17% over 2005. The average selling price for a preconstruction property rose 26% in 2005. As you can see, even the traditional real estate market in Florida is growing at 6% over the national average, and preconstruction real estate is strong. Developers will sometimes cut their preconstruction project into phases allowing for someone who invested in the project during an earlier phase to pay considerably less then someone who invested during a later phase.

Thank you to the Real Estate Development Center for this article.

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The Difference Between Real Estate Agent and Realtor - 11/10/2006

Though the two terms are often used interchangably, real estate agents and REALTORS have different connotations. While both types of real estate professionals help clients buy and sell property in a similar fashion, REALTORS are members of the National Association of REALTORS. Retaining membership to this prestigious organization requires a strict adherence to seventeen tenets of ethical behavior in real estate transactions.

While evaluating the ethical behavior if each individual real estate professional would prove impossible and the morality of each REALTOR is not guaranteed, it is fact that unaffiliated real estate agents are not required to conform to these policies.

The Seventeen Commandments of REALTORS

1. Treat your clients, buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants, fairly and honestly while protecting and promoting their interests.

2. Do not misrepresent, exaggerate, or lie about any property. However, you are not responsible for latent defects or providing advice unrelated to real estate.

3. Cooperate with other brokers, except when cooperation is not in your clients best interest.

4. If you have any personal interest in the property (for yourself, friends, family, or co-workers), you must tell the property owner. If selling your own home, you must reveal this information to the buyer.

5. Do not represent a property of which you have marked interest without disclosing this information to all affected parties.

6. Do not take any commissions or additional fees for favors or recommendations without notifying the client when these costs are first mentioned.

7. Do not accept compensation from more than one party per transaction without prior approval from all parties involved.

8. Keep your personal assets in a separate account from your professional funds.

9. Make sure all agreements and contracts are written explicitly in laymens terms that all clients will understand. After signing, give each party a copy of the contract.

10. Do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

11. Conform to quality standards of the specific type real estate transaction. Do not undertake a job if it is outside of your field without the assistance of a professional competent in said field.

12. Represent yourself honestly to the public, clearly stating your professional status.

13. Do not pretend you are a lawyer.

14. Cooperate, be honest, and present all facts if you are charged with unethical practice. Do not disrupt the proceedings.

15. Do not engage in slanderous activity against competitors.

16. Do not interfere with other REALTORS exclusive relationships with their clients.

17. In the event of a dispute, go to the REALTOR board for arbitration rather than going to a regular legal court.

Information provided from Realtor.org.

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ERA Has Increased Internet Exposure..."Always there for you" - 11/9/2006

As a company founded on technology, ERA Real Estate has always embraced the idea of turning innovative thinking into a competitive advantage for its agents and customers. With that in mind, I am glad to announce a unique marketing initative we have established with Google, the internet search leader, to provide increased online exposure for our sellers' property listings.

We have become the first real estate network to make all of its national residential listings available through Google. This new service that allows content providers to submit detailed information to be incorporated into Google search results. This initative makes it easier for prospective buyers to discover your listings online and is an excellent example of how listings with ERA can help sellers best market their home online.

With the internet playing an ever increasing role in our industry, it is vitally important that we take full advantage of the potential presented by this technology. We will continue to work on creating new marketing venues for you to utilitize as part of the ERA network.

Thank you to ERA Franchise and Public Relations for their help.

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Many of you have asked for this information -- "Residential Lot Loan Program" - 11/9/2006

Up to 30 year amortization

Interest only payments available

Up to 90% financing (based on appraisal or contract)(*land size restrictions)

Mortgages modified for construction loan (reducing costs for construction loans)

Plan	1 & 1 ARM	3 & 1 ARM	5-Year Fixed Amort.
Min. Cash Down Payment	25% 10%	25% 10%	25% 10%
Maximum LTV	75% 90%	75% 90%	75% 90%
Start Rate	6.95% 7.25%	7.50% 7.75%	7.95% 8.25%
Total Points	0 1/2	0 1/2	0 1/2
Amortization	Interest Only	Interest Only	15-Year(**20/30 Year)
Maturity	5 Years	5 Years	5 Years
Caps	2% Annual - 5% Life	2% Annual - 5% Life	N/A
Index	1 Year T-Bill	1 Year T-Bill	N/A
Margin	3.50% 3.75%	3.50% 3.75%	N/A
Adjustment Frequency	Annually	Annually beginning year 4	N/A

(Note this program is only available in platted/recorded subdivisions and good sales histories. Areas that do not qualify, lower LTV and higher interest rates may apply.)

A minimum of 25% down required on purchases of $500,000+.

Investor loans - minimum 25% down, 75% LTC/LTV; increase above rate by a minimum of 1% and get a 1% origination fee.

Non-purchase (refinance, renewal, cash out) add a minimum of .50% to above rate.

Non-platted, rural, and without deed restrictions which limit homes to site built add a minimum of 1% to above rate. Minimum 25% down, 75% LTV.

Add .50% to rate for loans qualifying for stated income program (purchased for primary residence only).

Foreign National Program - minimum 25% down, 75%LTC/LTV: increase above rate by a minimum of 1% and get a 1% origination fee and a 6 month reserve account.

All loans are subject to qualification.

* Maximum lot size 3 acres (10 acre if in platted subdivision).

** 20 year available on loans above $35,000, 30 year on loans above $100,000.

Rates and terms subject to change. For informational purposes only.

Call Rena Gilpatrick of Peoples First at 850-609-3941 for more information. Thanks again Rena for the information.

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Local Lenders' Toll Free Contact Information - 2/26/2007

Access Bank and Mortgage
1-888-908-1994

AmSouth
1-800-374-5791

Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union
1-800-919-2872

Eglin Federal Credit Union
1-800-367-6159

Bank of America
1-800-432-1000

BankTrust
1-866-328-7887

Colonial Bank
1-877-502-2265

Compass Bank
1-800-239-4357

First City Bank
1-888-244-5151

First National Bank of Florida
1-800-277-0995

First National Bank & Trust
1-866-395-0051

Okaloosa County Teachers' Credit Union
850-863-7041

Peoples' First Community Bank
1-800-982-4940

Peoples' National Bank
1-800-303-7010

Regions
1-800-Regions

SunTrust
1-800-786-8787

TrustMark
1-800-844-2000

Tyndall Federal Credit Union
1-877-747-4321

Vanguard Bank
1-800-840-8440

Wachovia
1-800-922-4684

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Changes in VA Funding Fees - 11/7/2006

Effective October 2006, changes in VA funding fees went into effect. The new changes are impacting both active duty as well as retired service members.

First-time use remains 2.15%, but subsequent use rose from 3.30% to 3.35%. 5-10% down gets you 1.50% while a down payment of 10% or more gets you a 1.25% funding fee.

For the Reserves and the National Guard, the VA funding fee for first-time home buyers is 2.40%. Subsequent use is 3.35%; a 5-10% down payment gets you a 1.75% funding fee and 10% or more down gets you 1.50%.

Total loan amount is equal to the sales price plus an additional amount of sales price times the VA funding fee.

Example: with a sales price of $250,000, for an active duty first-time usage:

$250,000 + ($250,000 x 2.15%)
$250,000 + $5,375
$255,375.

Please email me or give me a call if you need phone numbers to local lenders in our area.

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Free Credit Reports - 2/26/2007

I have tried it and it is truly free: no charge!

Have you ever been denied credit for a purchase even though you thought your credit was great? Have you ever wondered if you were a victim of identity theft? The answer could be in your credit report.

Until now you could not access this information without a fee. However, with the passage of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act, consumers can now get a free credit report annually from each of the three credit reporting bureaus that supply businesses with information on customers -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

The address is www.annualcreditreport.com.

Thanks to John Flournoy at Peoples First Community Bank for faxing over the information some time back and for reminding me of this information. If you are thinking of buying property John Flournoy would be happy to talk with you about all the lending programs that are available. Tell him you are working with Brandon Jordan of ERA American Realty and he will give you $250.00 off your closing costs.

You can reach John at his office at (850) 651-5252 or email him at johnflournoy@peoplesfirst.com.

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First Blog Entry -- More to Come - 11/1/2006

I want to thank DB Web Creations for helping to put this blog online for me. I hope that this blog will help everyone get to know me a little better. I also want to provide some useful information every once in a while.

I would also like to thank everyone for all your positive calls and emails regarding the September 26th front page article in the Northwest Daily and the segment on channel 3 the following week about the 2,000+ home project on Highway 90 called "Creekside Preserve."

I want to encourage any of you reading this to submit any errors or corrections that you feel could help to better our website; or, if you just want to tell me how much you like the website, that is always great too.

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We are members of:
the National Association of Realtors,

the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors,

and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Our listings are featured on:
Yahoo! Real Estate,