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One in Seven Homeowners Aren’t Paying

by Julie Escobar

In response to the overwhelming amount of requests for marketing and collateral materials for our clients for short sales and foreclosure properties I began to a little deep digging into what is clearly one of the fastest growing segments and designation in the real estate industry of all times.

What did I learn? Most surprisingly, that the current national average statistic is that one in seven homeowners are not currently paying their mortgage. One in seven! What wasn’t surprising to me after more than twenty years in this business is the how so many talented real estate professionals are rising up with a passion to help protect and serve these distressed property owners with a unparalleled compassion.

To learn more about why so many agents are stepping up and stepping into this often challenging, but from what I’ve learned, altogether rewarding niche market, I tapped Alex Charfen, CEO of CDPE, or the Certified Distressed Property Expert program, a designation that has grown to 15,000 agents in just 23 months. I also enlisted the insight of Stacy Spickes of ShortSalesSolutions.biz, an industry expert who, along with her husband Michael, produce training programs across the nation. Look for their new Lifetime Television Series, piloting soon called Solutions for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure.

It was interesting to note that both Alex and Stacy share similar stories. Both fell into the business of short sales with spouses by their sides, as a need to better care for customers who were in need and a way to meet the demands and challenges of a declining market. Alex and his wife introduced CDPE less than two years ago and are currently seeing the demand grow weekly for additional training, tools and practical advice for agents eager to acquire the skills they need to work in this niche.

Stacy and her husband come from the Austin area which, of course, saw the technology boom – and later bust, and grew their training program from that experience of being in the trenches trying to help facilitate options for so many of their clients that found themselves upside down on their mortgages. I asked them both a series of questions to see if I could get some common perspectives to share with agents interested in jumping into this complicated market segment. Here is an excerpt of our conversations:

Question: Why do you believe that mastering the right training and tools are so critical when working with distressed homeowners in today’s market?

Alex Charfen: What we’ve found was that there were a lot of real estate agents out there working without a net or without prior training and skills. What they have to come to realize is that we’re no longer just talking about helping people buy and sell property; we’re dealing with their financial future of these consumers. Agents have to understand that the rules keep changing, and that there are right and wrong ways to help. Even the most well-intentioned agent, if they’re not properly trained can give the wrong message or advice to a consumer and cause long-term financial hurt.

I just read that Bank of America alone is taking 100,000 phone calls a day from homeowners in distress. That tells us that the bandwidth is just too constrained for these lenders to push all the paperwork through. That’s why agents have to really be on their game, and know how to put together the right packages for the right lenders to increase the success rate, not only for themselves, but certainly for that homeowner.

I’ll give you some stats from a survey we did of 9,000 of our CDPE experts. We tracked the time it took to process a short sale before training at 54 days, and after 27 days. That’s a 50% reduction in time it takes to get a short sale approved – and it’s all because you know the language necessary to get it through the lender. It’s no magic bullet – but understanding the process, what the lender is looking for and the language that needs to be spoken.

Stacy Spickes: First of all, these are very specialized transactions. In fact, what we found nationwide when we started developing our training was that the closing ratio for short sales was averaging less than 20%. That’s where you were hearing, and still hear, those horror stories of people still sitting on short sales for 15-18 months. The agents that go through our training program average an 89-91% closing ratio.

Now, we always say there’s nothing magic about it, but what closes that gap and makes that possible is that we know the kind of information a REALTOR needs to know to get the deal closed. I mean there are a lot of agents out there taking these listings and just don’t know what they don’t know. Their hearts are in the right place – they want to help – but unfortunately a lot of people are finding themselves in foreclosure at the hands of a REALTOR who just didn’t know what they didn’t know.

In our programs, we focus on the practical nuts and bolts substantive information agents must have to get the transaction closed and help save that homeowner from foreclosure. Components such as “Short Sale Math,” which is where we show them how to calculate exactly what the lenders have to net on each short sale so they know ahead of time and don’t submit packages that contribute to an already log-jammed system. It’s also important to make sure they itemized checklists so they don’t submit incomplete packages that are certain to sit in limbo indefinitely.

Question: How are your students finding their short sale prospects or better yet, how are these distressed consumers finding them in time?

Alex Charfen: One in seven homeowners are currently not making their mortgage payments, so there are plenty of them out there, it’s a matter of spreading the word and letting people know that there is help. More often than not, consumers don’t even realize that there are very real options available to them, and the fear and anxiety of the situation take over.

Many of our students use direct mail, which has been very effective, and advertising in both newspaper and the community newsletters that you see. Our best advice to agents is to tell them that they absolutely must engage with the people they know. We tell them to talk to their sphere. Let them know that you can help with distressed properties. Plus when you start with your sphere, there is already a built-in trust factor, and that’s critical when you’re talking about people in this situation. Postcards, calls, ads, homeowner seminars are all effective ways of communicating. Even if that person isn’t in trouble, chances are, they know someone who is and it’s a great comfort to know that someone has the ability to help.

When you understand that 70% of the people who lose their home to foreclosure are never listed with an agent you realize that there are just a lot of people who need a lot of answers and not getting them.

Stacy Spickes: Well, in so many regions where of the country you’ll find 50% of the listings are short sales just because they were the hardest hit markets. In other areas, we’re finding new agents are spinning some of their marketing such as utilizing direct mail postcards and choosing neighborhoods that have a higher turnover than normal.

Agent-to-agent referrals are big as well which certainly wasn’t the case three or four years ago, so it’s a reflection of the industry really coming together, which is great to see. It’s a realization by agents ill equipped to deal with the ramifications of giving the wrong advice now aligning themselves with other agents with those who can better handle them and serve the consumer. Two years ago we’d see agents with zero experience trying to put these together with sometimes devastating results for the seller. Now, in the last 18 months we are really seeing agents rise to the occasion and create a powerful referral network.

It’s really not hard to find them, what’s really important is to help them find you so that you can be the advocate they need.

Question: What’s your best advice for agents considering becoming a short sale specialist or Certified Distressed Property Expert?

Alex Charfen: My advice is that you must. When you look at what’s going on in this country, more and more homeowners are not making it and this is an industry trend that is not going to go away. Our courses provide the extensive, hands-on training you need to best service the homeowner and ensure a win-win for everyone involved.

Stacy Spickes: I think 2010 will see a significant emergence of agents who will have to choose this field to survive. Those agents who used to believe this will go away will no longer be able support that belief. I believe that of the now less than 1.4 million REALTORS out there, I would be very surprised if we didn’t see at least 5-10% choose this niche and those that will make it, will do so because they got the training and tools they need to do the best possible job for their customers.

7 Short Sale Myths

It is said there are 7 deadly sins, I say there are 7 deadly myths being circulated about short sales.

1) Short Sales are impossible and never get approved. FALSE

TRUTH: Short Sales are more difficult, You need to learn a new process, They are NOT impossible. This is definitely not an impossible process. While there are no guarantees in any transaction, more and more short sales are being approved monthly. However, an agent MUST be educated on the process, or it will be nearly impossible. My success rate is about 99.9%. I don’t take no for an answer but always look for a solution to any problem.

2) Banks are NOT accepting Short Sales; They are waiting on a bailout. FALSE

TRUTH: The reality is that banks have already been bailed out, and are really trying to do anything they can, within reason, to avoid foreclosing on a property. More banks are aggressively pursuing Short Sales and Agents who understand how to process them. It is strictly business, it costs the bank (in most cases) far less to short sell than to foreclose.

3) You must be behind on your mortgage in order to negotiate a short sale. FALSE

TRUTH: At one time this was true, but today, this has almost all together reversed. Today lenders are looking for verifiable hardship, monthly cash flow shortfall or pending shortfall and insolvency. If you meet these three requirements and are in a position where you will soon not be able to afford your mortgage, now is the time. Some few lenders still hold on to this rule, but they are few and far between. In fact, most lenders in any circumstance would rather sell short than foreclose.

4) Buyers are not interested in short sales and avoid them. FALSE (mostly)

TRUTH: Some buyers are not interested because of the time it takes, especially with time constraints like the first time homebuyer credit. On the other hand, many agents are getting calls from buyers who say “I only want to look st foreclosures and short sales.” These have become synonymous, not with issues, but with Good Deals.

5) Listing a home as a short sale is an embarrassment. FALSE

TRUTH: Most sellers don’t want the world to know they can’t pay their bills, but according to recent estimates, 1 in 5 homeowners in the US owe more on their house than it is worth. Even wealthy owners have to stop the bleeding somewhere. Most sellers are to be congratulated for admitting they need help, taking action and finding a professional who can work toward a solution.

6) The bank would rather foreclose than bother with a short sale. FALSE FALSE FALSE!!

Truth: This myth started with collection people working for lenders on commission. The reality is that banks do not want to foreclose on property, it costs too much. An average foreclosre can cost the bank up to $40,000 and they still have holding costs, insurance, realtor fees, etc. and still get less than market value. Do the math, which would you do?

7) There is not enough time to negotiate a short sale before a foreclosure. FALSE

TRUTH: This is a myth that hurts homeowners. Many don’t realize that the foreclosure process is lengthy. It can take a year or more, and if an attorney gets involved, it can be stalled far longer. Almost all lenders will stall a foreclosure with a legitimate contract for short sale. So if lis pendens has been filed, no worries, that’s just the beginning. If it is slated for the courthouse steps, hurry up, if there is an offer you may be able to stall.   

Mortgage lenders pursue homeowners even after foreclosure

By Les Christie, staff writer , On Wednesday February 3, 2010, 3:21 pm EST

As terrible as it is to lose your house to foreclosure, at least it’s a relief to put your biggest financial headache behind you, right?

Wrong.

Former homeowners may still be on the hook if there’s a difference between what they owed on their mortgage and what the bank could sell it for at auction. And these “deficiency judgments” are ticking time bombs that can explode years after borrowers lose their homes.

It can even happen to people who got their bank to approve them selling their home for less than it is worth.

Vanessa Corey, for example, short sold her Fredericksburg, Va., home in April 2008. She and her husband built the house in 2004, but setbacks, both personal (divorce) and professional (housing bust), made it impossible for the real estate agent to keep her home. So she negotiated the short sale and thought that was the end of it.

“My understanding was that the deficiency was negotiated away,” she said. “Then, last November, I got a letter from a lawyer telling me I owed my lender $65,000. I had to declare bankruptcy. There was no way I could pay it.”

Many homeowners are now in the same boat. And not just those who took out bigger loans than they could afford or who did so called “liar loans” where they didn’t have to verify their income.

Because of falling home prices, borrowers who always paid their mortgage but who have run into unforeseen circumstances — like unemployment or a job transfer — can no longer sell their homes for what they owe. As a result, they are being forced to short sell or foreclose and are getting caught up in deficiency judgments.

“After the banks foreclose, it’s very common now to have large deficiencies with houses not worth the balances owed,” said Don Lampe, a North Carolina real estate attorney.

Lenders mostly declined comment. Although Corey’s lender, BB&T did indicate it was pursuing more deficiency judgments.

“They follow the rise and fall of foreclosures,” said the spokeswoman, who would not discuss Corey’s account.

Can they come after you?

Whether banks can and will pursue deficiency judgments depends on many factors, including what state the borrower lives in and whether there’s a second mortgage or other liens. But if borrowers ignore the possibility of deficiencies, it could haunt them.

“Once they have a judgment, they can pursue you anywhere,” said Richard Zaretsky, a board-certified real estate attorney in West Palm Beach, Fla. “They can ask for financial records, have your wages garnished and, if you fail to respond, a judge can put you in jail.”

In the case of foreclosure, lenders can pursue deficiencies in more than 30 states, including Florida, New York and Texas, according to the U.S. Foreclosure Network, an organization of mortgage law firms.

Some states, such as California, are “non-recourse” and don’t allow deficiency judgments. But, even there, if the original loan was refinanced, some or all of it may be subject to claims.

Deficiency judgments on short sales and deeds-in-lieu can happen in many more places. In these cases, extinguishing the debt is often a matter of negotiating with the bank.

But even when lenders are willing, many borrowers may not be aware that they have to ask for release. So, if you are pursuing a short sale, be sure your attorney asks the bank to release you from any further obligation.

“People shouldn’t have a false sense of security that a deficiency judgment may not be later sought,” Zaretsky said.

He expects many will be filed over the next few years, based on the fact that banks have sold many of these accounts to collection agencies and other third parties, at discount.

“The parties who bought those notes wouldn’t have paid money for them unless they had the intention of acting,” Zaretsky said.

Ticking time bomb

What can be scary is that the judgments don’t have to be obtained immediately. Lenders or collection agencies may wait until debtors have recovered financially before they swoop in. In Florida, the bank can wait up to five years to file. Once the court grants a judgment, the lender has 20 years there to collect, with interest.

It doesn’t have to be a large amount of debt for a lender or collection agency to come after borrowers. Richard Varno and his wife short sold their Nashville home back in 2004 after he lost his job.

It wasn’t until 2008, when the second lien holder asked him for $25,000, that he realized he still was liable.

“I told them, ‘Hey, you guys released the title,’” he said. “As far as I know, I’m off the hook.”

He wasn’t. Releasing title does not necessarily end the debt. It’s complicated because of variations in state law, but, generally, a mortgage has two parts: a pledge of collateral, represented by the home, and a promise to pay off the loan.

Lenders may release property liens in order to facilitate short sales without releasing borrowers from their obligations to pay under the promissory notes. The secured debt can convert to an unsecured one after the sale.

Zaretsky had one client who was so relieved to have arranged a short sale that he signed every paper his real estate agent shoved at him, even a confession that clearly stated he still owed the debt.

“He had no idea what he was doing,” said Zaretsky. “All the lender had to do was go to court to convert the confession into a deficiency judgment.”

Lenders are also very inconsistent. One of Zaretsky’s short-sale clients was ready, willing and able to pay, but the bank did not even ask; another lender always reserves the right to pursue the deficiency.

Strategic defaults

Sometimes lenders go after borrowers walking away from their homes if they have other assets, according to Florida real estate attorney Larry Tolchinsky.

“Banks are pulling credit reports to see if it’s a strategic default,” he said. “If you’re behind on all your other payments, you’re okay. But if you’re not, they’ll come after you.”

If borrowers have any doubts about their risks, they should seek legal advice. Or, at least, call non-profit organizations such as NeighborWorks for advice. According to Doug Robinson, a NeighborWorks spokesman, its counselors always try to negotiate away deficiencies when they facilitate short sales or deeds-in-lieu.

“We don’t favor any short-sale contracts that leave any deficiency that can be pursued,” he said.

Robinson himself knows what can happen. He paid off a deficiency after his own New Jersey house went through foreclosure 11 years ago.

2010 Census Information

Please pass on to every person. Be careful and secure.

 WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States, and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is – how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist?

The BBB offers the following advice:

** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.

** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.

Do not give your Social Security number, credit card, or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range,

YOU DON’T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION.

The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations.

Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION.

No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home.

However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

New Rules For Home Seller Tax Breaks

Taxpayers who sell their principal residence can pocket — tax-free — as much as $500,000 in profit if they file federal taxes jointly, or $250,000 if they file singly. The property must have been owned and used as their principal residence for any two of the prior five years. Homeowners can shelter the profits on the sale of a home as often as once every two years. If the two-year use and ownership tests are not met, but the home is sold because of special circumstances (i.e., health problem, job loss, etc.), the exclusion is prorated. Otherwise, gains above $500,000 or $250,000 are taxed at current capital gains rates.

NEW RULE #1: The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 changed the treatment of capital gains from the sale of a home that the owners sometimes used as a principal residence and sometimes used as a second home or rental property. Gains attributable to the period of second home or rental use on or after January 1, 2009 will be taxed at capital gains rates, while gains attributable to principal residence use may be excluded up to the $500,000 or $250,000 limits (providing ownership and use tests are met).

To compute the mixed-use gains tax, divide total days of property use as a second home or rental (“non-qualified” use) by total days the home was owned (from the original purchase date). Then multiply total gain by that ratio to calculate the taxable gain. For example, you sell a home after owning it four years (1,460 days) and using it as a rental property or second home (rather than principal residence) for three months (say, 91 days). Your ratio: 91/1460 = .062. If your total capital gain is $50,000, then your taxable gain is $3,100 ($50,000 x .062 = $3,100).

NEW RULE #2: For sales or exchanges after December 31,2007, surviving spouses now may exclude gains up to $500,000 from a principal residence jointly owned with the deceased spouse, providing the property is sold or exchanged within two years of the spouse’s death and standard ownership and use tests are met. (Previously, to claim up to $500,000, the surviving spouse had to sell or exchange the property within the tax year of the spouse’s death.)

HINT: Homeowners should continue to maintain records of selling and improvement expenses because some states still tax capital gains on home sales. In addition, those expenses can be used to determine your tax basis once you sell or rent the home.

 

Florida’s “Foreclosure Rescue” scams face new rules in 2010

Florida’s foreclosure rescue scams face new spotlight in 2010 rules

 By James Thorner <http://www.tampabay.com/writers/james-thorner> , Times Staff Writer

 Too many Florida foreclosure rescue companies have really been Florida lose-your-house-and-make-us-rich companies.

 It’s getting embarrassing for the Sunshine State. Three weeks ago, the Federal Trade Commission announced lawsuits against six foreclosure prevention operations deemed to be crooked.

Five of them — 83 percent —were in Florida. Most took large fees from desperate homeowners up front, and performed little or no rescue work in return.  That’s supposed to change starting Jan. 1 in the biggest overhaul to the Florida mortgage brokerage business in decades.  The goals are laudable: No more fly-by-night correspondence lenders. No more Twitchy Tim’s Homes R Us. No more ex-convicts renting out shop fronts to advertise their shady services.

These mud-sucking bottom feeders will continue to exist, but the state hopes to pin them in the spotlight of the new regulations.

What do the new lending laws mean for Average Joe Tampa Bay Homeowner? Here are some of the biggest changes:

• With a few exceptions, foreclosure rescue/loan modification shops will be the preserve of licensed mortgage brokers. Lawyers can continue to represent homeowners with banks as long as it’s not a primary business but a sideline of other legal work.

• The new rules reaffirm and strengthen the state’s ban on up-front fees for foreclosure rescue operations. Only when the loan modification is concluded can a mortgage broker collect a fee.  And the deal must adhere to a clear written contract the broker provides upfront.

• The state plans to purge criminals, the unqualified and the uneducated from the ranks of mortgage brokers. The new rules provide for federally approved criminal background checks, credit checks and state testing. You won’t get in the door without a high school diploma. Vaguely defined “moral turpitude” can get you disqualified.  Florida already had much of this in place, but the new rules are tougher.

• Previously unlicensed loan originators will need to get a license — or get out of town. During the housing gold rush in 2004-06, Florida lenders hired thousands of originators. Often the only requirements were a pulse and a pair of shoes. Originators get too much blame for the real estate crash — they were front line grunts without a grip on the purse strings — but they routinely flubbed their duty of sifting the credit-worthy from the deadbeat.

 The rules have been two years in the works. Attorney General Bill McCollum’s office has filed 17 lawsuits against mortgage fraud or foreclosure rescue scams. The Federal Trade Commission’s dramatically named “Operation Stolen Hope” released a partial list questionable Florida operators: Crowder Law Group, Crossland Credit Counseling Corp., Home Assure LLC, First Union Lending, Truman Foreclosure Assistance and Safe Harbour Foundation of Florida.

In the animal kingdom, the proverbial lion preys on the proverbial wounded gazelle. The fact that we even needed the new Jan. 1 rules proves what callous beasts some of us can be.

James Thorner can be reached at (813) 226-3313

Special meeting focuses on government’s newest foreclosure-avoidance program

 PRESS RELEASE

Local real estate professional attends

(Dallas TX) – Jane Araguel of RE/MAX Coastal Properties joined other real estate professionals from around the country at the Center for Asset Preservation’s Short Sale Summit held recently in Houston (TX). The two day meeting focused on the Obama administration’s newest efforts to help homeowners avoid foreclosure through “short sales,” which allow the homeowner to negotiate a sale of the home for less than the mortgage debt with the lender’s approval.

“The new Making Home Affordable (MHA) Short Sale program is designed to streamline and standardize the short sale process with a goal of helping financially distressed homeowners avoid losing homes to foreclosure ,” said Araguel. “I left the Short Sale Summit with a good understanding of the new government program and information necessary to help homeowners determine if they qualify for a MHA Short Sale and with the tools needed to negotiate short sales following the new guidelines.”

“Short sales are a well established foreclosure-avoidance tool, but have been so time consuming and complex to negotiate, that many attempts fail,” said Waco Moore, co-founder of the Center for Asset Preservation (CAP) which hosted the program. “The new Treasury Department program should increase the probability of success due to standardized processes, simplified paperwork, incentives to encourage borrower and lender participation, and assistance in securing release of junior liens on the property.”

The CAP meeting included presentations from HUD counselors who advise consumers about foreclosure options, a loss mitigation manager whose firm deals with hundreds of thousands of loans in default, an auction expert who discussed auctions as a short sale option, agents who handle short sales successfully and CAP co-founder Laurie Moore-Moore who covered details for the new Treasury short sale program.

Jane Araguel is a Certified Distressed Property Expert and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. She can be reached at 850-650-0300 or jane.a@beachcondos.com.

The Center for Asset Preservation provides training and resources for agents working to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. Based in Dallas, it is a division of The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. CAP’s Short Sale training is also available online. www.CenterforAssetPreservation.com.

Homebuyer Tax Credit Update!

On November 6, 2009, President Obama signed a bill to extend the tax credit for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs) through June 30, 2010. The bill also opens up opportunities for others who are not buying a home for the first time.

Tax Credit for Homebuyers

First-Time Homebuyers (FTHBs): First-time homebuyers (that is, people who have not owned a home within the last three years) may be eligible for the tax credit. The credit for FTHBs is 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $8,000.

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

Current Owners: The tax credit program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

What are the New Deadlines?

In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.

Tax Credit Versus Tax Deduction

It’s important to remember that the tax credit is just that… a tax credit. The benefit of a tax credit is that it’s a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction, rather than a reduction in a tax liability that would only save you $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a first-time homebuyer were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for a tax credit of $8,000, she would owe nothing.

Better still, the tax credit is refundable, which means the homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little income tax liability. For example, if a first-time homebuyer is eligible for a tax credit of $8,000 but is liable for $4,000 in income tax, she can still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!

Higher Income Caps

The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.

Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible

Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

Maximum Purchase Price

Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sale price of $800,000.

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Remember, the new tax credit program includes a number of details and qualifications. For more information or answers to specific questions, please call or email me today.

In addition, you may be able to benefit from additional housing related provisions, including the following:

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Tax Incentives to Spur Energy Savings and Green Jobs

This provision is designed to help promote energy-efficient investments in homes by extending and expanding tax credits through 2010 for purchases such as new furnaces, energy-efficient windows and doors, or insulation.

Landmark Energy Savings

This provision provides $5 Billion for energy efficient improvements for more than one million modest-income homes through weatherization. According to some estimates, this can help modest-income families save an average of $350 a year on heating and air conditioning bills.

Repairing Public Housing and Making Key Energy Efficiency Retrofits To HUD-Assisted Housing

This provision provides a total of $6.3 Billion for increasing energy efficiency in federally supported housing programs. Specifically, it establishes a new program to upgrade HUD-sponsored low-income housing (for elderly, disabled, and Section to increase energy efficiency, including new insulation, windows, and frames.

Expanding Housing Assistance

This provision increases support for several critical housing programs. It includes $2 Billion for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program to help communities purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed, vacant properties.

As always, if you have any questions about your specific situation or would like to discuss how you may benefit from this program, please call or email me. I’ll be happy to sit down with you.

Jane Araguel

800-200-5447

Jane.a@BeachCondos.com

Latest defective product from China: Drywall

Can foreign companies duck liability in the U.S.? A new bill says no!

By Herb Weisbaum

msnbc.com contributor

updated 2:29 p.m. CT, Wed., Nov . 4, 2009

The problem is enormous. It’s estimated that as many as 100,000 homes across the country, built between 2004 and 2008, could have defective and potentially dangerous Chinese drywall.

The bad wallboard has excessively high levels of sulfur. Homeowners complain the fumes given off make them sick and corrode the copper in home wiring, fixtures and appliances, including computers, televisions and air conditioners.

Before Hurricane Rita and Katrina, most drywall in American homes was made domestically. But the demand was so great following those devastating storms, developers turned to China. It’s a decision many have come to regret.

Some people have moved out of their toxic houses. Others are trapped. Alice and Patrick Martin can’t afford to walk away from their condo in Fort Myers, Fla., and they know they can’t possibly sell it.

“We’re furious and angry this kind of thing can happen,” Patrick said. “We feel helpless and that all is lost. It’s horrible.”

The drywall has put more than their financial future in jeopardy. The Martins worry about the long-term health implications of living in their home, especially to Leo, their 5-year-old son.

“It’s very scary. There are nights where I can’t sleep worrying about it,” Alice says. “It’s constant. It’s hanging over us all the time.”

The Martins have filed a Chinese drywall lawsuit in federal court. To prepare for that case, Jerrold Parker, the family’s attorney, spent some time inside a client’s home.

“I was sick for five days,” Parker said. “My eyes were burning, they dried out. I couldn’t even sleep at night because there was so much pain.”

Parker says it costs about $25,000 per case just to serve legal papers on a single drywall manufacturer in China. And some of the affected homes have drywall from several Chinese companies.

One set of rules for everyone

“Foreign manufacturers should be subject to the same rules as American manufacturers,” says Anthony Tarricone, president of the American Association for Justice which represents trial lawyers. “They need to be held accountable and responsible when their products prove defective.”

A bill now before Congress would do just that. “The Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act of 2009” (S. 1606) would require foreign manufacturers that export to the U.S. to:

Agree to abide by U.S. law and be held accountable by state and federal courts;

Have an “agent” in at least one state where the company does business that would accept the service of legal papers for any lawsuits or regulatory claims.

In the Congressional Record, the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) writes, “The list of recent examples of Americans injured by defective foreign products is shocking.”

That list includes deadly blood thinner, children’s jewelry made from lead, a variety of food products contaminated with dangerous chemicals, 60 million packages of contaminated pet food and substandard tires that failed and killed people.

Two major consumer groups, Consumers Union and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) support the proposed legislation.

“It is an important first step to hold these companies responsible,” says Rachel Weintraub, CFA’s director of product safety. “It makes a lot of sense that if a company is getting the benefit of the American marketplace, then it should also have the responsibility that if something goes wrong with their product, they provide redress for consumers who are harmed.”

My two cents

As global trade expands, the problem of importing dangerous products will get worse. If foreign companies are not required to meet U.S. safety standards, they will cut corners in order to deliver items at a much lower price than U.S. companies.

I don’t want to compromise my safety in order to save a few bucks. I don’t want lead in kid’s toys, tires that explode or drywall that gives off dangerous fumes.

Click for related content

Insurers dropping Chinese drywall policies

Chinese drywall poses potential risks

I can’t think of one good reason why any company should be allowed to export merchandise to this country unless it meets current U.S. safety standards. And if you want my money, you should be held liable for damages in our court system, just like any other company.

Dangerous products can come from any country, even U.S. companies make them. But the bulk of the problem is caused by our largest trading partner, China. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission tells me 60 percent of the recalls it issues each year are for Chinese products.

China needs to understand that if it wants to be our trading partner, it needs to be a partner in every sense of the word.

More information

Drywall Information Center

Long anticipated Chinese drywall report short on answers

Senate bill holds foreign manufacturers accountable for defective products

Local Condo Market Up

Local condo market up more than 100 percent in September

November 02, 2009 8:58 AM

Existing housing sales may have declined nationally in September, but it was a banner —perhaps even phenomenal – month for the Florida real estate market, according to the most recent statistics released by the Florida Association of Realtors.

“People have become confident of our real estate market again,” observed ECAR president Anita Williams, after reviewing the FAR numbers that showed sales of existing single-family homes across the state picked up 34 points and locally, 33 percent.

Sales of existing condos showed even larger gains, with the state increasing by a lofty 77 percent while sales along the Emerald Coast more than doubled, reeling in a whopping gain of 107 points, as compared to last year.

While attractive financing terms and incentives such as the $8,000 tax credit for first time homebuyers may have persuaded many real estate shoppers to sign on the dotted line in September, overall, buyers seemed to be a mixed crowd nonetheless.

Williams, broker-owner of The Realty Firm Inc. in Destin, observed that buyers were a mix of traditional first-timers and move-ups, as well as seasoned investors and cash purchasers looking to invest in a rental or vacation home.

“There’s a lot more people coming in from out of state to buy condos here,” she noted. “Once they visit, they want to come back. And they want to buy a place of their own to come back to.”

While not as high as the local area, neighboring Panama City Beach also saw a sizeable leap in sales of existing condo units of 86 percent, as did Pensacola at 41 points.

Sales of existing single-family homes were up in virtually all markets throughout the state, ranging from a modest 1 percent increase in Tallahassee to a 77 percent jump in the Fort Myers-Cape Coral market.

The Emerald Coast’s neighboring markets, Panama City and Pensacola, were up at 27 and 3 points.

Much of the existing single-family home market’s gains of late is owed, at least in part, to the $8,000 tax credit — an incentive that may be extended, if approved by Congress. The extension, which the U.S. Senate has already approved, also broadens the playing field by upping income limitations and clarifying its new deadline; homebuyers would have until April 30, 2010, to sign a sales contract and until the end of June to close the transaction.

In addition to the now familiar first time homebuyers credit, another new tax incentive is pending a nod from Congress. If approved, the repeat homebuyer’s credit will allow qualified buyers who have owned their homes for a minimum of five out of the past eight years to reap up to a $6,500 tax credit.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) estimates that the $8,000 first-time homebuyers tax credit — currently transactions must close by Nov. 30 unless its extension is approved — may have prompted as many as 350,000 “first time” homebuyers to purchase a home in recent months.

“The $8,000 tax credit incentive has indeed brought buyers to the table,” said ECAR 2010 president-elect, Mary Anne Windes, broker-owner of Real Estate Professionals of Destin Inc., referring to the local market.

“It’s encouraging to see the market surge and expect more good things to come.”

However, even in a good market, Windes, like other seasoned real estate experts, advises that now is the time for buyers and sellers to rely on a Realtor.

“It is more important now than ever to rely on a Realtor, upheld to the association’s high Code of Ethics, to help you navigate your way,” Windes cautioned, pointing out that while all Realtors are licensed real estate sales associates, not all licensed real estate sales associates are Realtors.

“I cannot stress strongly enough,” she continued, “how much integrity, experience, and knowledge can make — or the lack of those qualifications– can break a transaction.”

$8,000 Tax Credit: New Deal?

By Ilyce Glink | Oct 29, 2009

According to news reports this morning, Senate negotiators reached a tentative deal on extending and slightly expanding the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit.

Here’s the tax credit new deal Senate negotiators apparently reached:

•  The current $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit would be extended for contracts that are finalized by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010. This is supposed to help Realtors and mortgage lenders get through the supposed “slow” Winter selling season. In reality, while traffic is down, the housing sales numbers in the winter aren’t all that different from summer and fall. But by allowing the tax credit to continue until June 30, you’re also allowing those who buy next Spring to take advantage of the tax credit – and we’ll have to read the fine print to know what the Senators mean by the “finalizing” date.
•  A new $6,500 tax credit will be available to some existing homeowners who lived in a home for a “consecutive” 5 years out of the past 8 years. This part of the tax credit seems to be designed to help out those who have had to move out of their long-time primary residence to take a job elsewhere and rented out the property because they couldn’t sell it.
•  The income limits will be raised, so both tax credits will be available to those individuals earning up to $125,000, or up to $225,000 for married couples. The current tax credit limits first-time borrowers to an income of $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for married couples, and phases out above those levels.

So what’s really going on? Yesterday’s perfectly awful and surprising housing numbers finally tilted the axis toward extending and expanding the credit. The Commerce Department reported that new home sales fell an unexpected 3.6 percent to an average annual pace of 402,000 sales. Economists and industry observers had been expecting sales to rise 5 percent.

Realtors, mortgage lenders and home builders said that the fall in home sales would mirror what would happen if the tax credit wasn’t extended – countering HUD secretary Shaun Donovan’s contention that nothing bad would happen if the tax credit was allowed to expire on schedule. They point to last month’s housing numbers as a sign of things to come if the tax credit died on November 30.

My email and blog comments have been running mostly in favor of extending and expanding the tax credit. Clearly, the real estate professionals are all for it. The only activity they’ve really seen this year has been from first-time buyers. Every sale that closes means a commission in their pockets in a year where commissions are few and far between – and that helps pay their mortgages and bills.

But there is a strong undercurrent of resentment from Realtors as well as taxpayers who don’t want to add another dollar to the Federal deficit – let alone $17 billion or more. (By the way, the Republicans and Democrats are in favor of spending this money, folks. It’s a completely bipartisan new deal.)

The last bit of wrangling on the tax credit is how to bring it to the floor. As I’ve been saying, I think we’ll see it added to legislation to extend federal unemployment insurance benefits, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (S.1699).

As Bravo Network says, “Watch what happens.”

Read More:

$8,000 Tax Credit Details: Update

25 Things to do in Destin

As city grows up, there’s plenty here to keep you young

August 04, 2009 10:09 AM

Jennifer Rich and Mason Charles, Florida Freedom Newspapers

DESTIN, FL – These days there’s more fun to be had in Destin than just lying in the middle of the road and waiting for a car to pass.

“I remember laying down on Highway 98 in February 1980 as a prank,” said longtime developer Bob Bonezzi. “We never saw a car. It was like they neutron bombed the whole place. No one was here in the dead of winter.”
 
Now no matter if it is winter, spring, summer or fall, there is always something to do in Destin.
 
And as part of the city’s quarter century anniversary, here are Destin’s its very own Top 25. Enjoy!

1. Hit the beach. The Emerald Coast’s pristine beaches and jewel-toned waters draw 4.5 million visitors every year. As locals, we are lucky to live in this paradise and it’s easy to take the beaches for granted when we see them every day. So every once in a while, wiggle your toes in the sand and think “There’s no place like home.”

2. Go fishing. When anglers die, they don’t go to heaven — they go to Destin. The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village boasts the largest fishing fleet in Florida to take care of those who live by the rod and reel. The industry has had its challenges over the past year with regulations and the economy, but the captains are still backing into the docks with wahoo, mingo, amberine, mackerel, snapper, shark, blue marlin and other highly-sought species.

3. Find Flipper. If reeling in fish is not your style, admiring the marine life from a glass bottom boat on a guided tour is another way to enjoy what is swimming below. Dolphin cruises catch pods in their natural habitat as the guides give history, stories and fun facts about Destin. The dolphins are always more than happy to entertain. And chartering a boat is also not a bad way to see a Destin sunset.

4. Party at Crab Island. It’s doubtful a party spot is what O.T. Melvin and his crew had in mind when digging the trench in 1926 that turned into East Pass, but those four men created a natural attraction for Destin. In the 60s, Crab Island was an above-ground sandbar providing refuge for nesting seabirds and picnicking families. Today, dredging and coastal weather have submerged the island, making it a popular place for boats packed with partiers to drop anchor.

5. Take in some art … and the arts. The Emerald Coast has loads of talent and plenty of places to show it off. Local artists have incorporated themselves into the scenery at restaurants, galleries and festivals. Destin has an outlet for all types of art from painting and sculpture to mixed media and light shows. Art shows and festivals can be found through the Destin-based Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s Web site.

6. Walk in the park. Destin parks offer the best in sports and natural recreation. Clement E. Taylor City Park, James Lee Park and Harbor View Park provide views of Choctawhatchee Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Destin harbor, respectively. If you’re feeling competitive, Buck Destin Park has courts for basketball and tennis. Mattie Kelly Park offers a boardwalk self-guided tour through Destin’s wetlands and Henderson Beach State Park is a haven for swimming, hiking, grilling and relaxing on the beach.

7. Swing a golf club. One of Destin’s main tourist attractions is its world-class golf resorts. Between Kelly Plantation and Regatta Bay, there is enough top-notch golfing right here in Destin to satisfy even a PGA tour professional. Certainly even the most demanding amateurs can have a great time with a group of friends as they unwind on one of our local fairways.

8. Visit the Destin History and Fishing Museum. A tour around the museum might be just what your family needs to relax, bond and learn about Destin’s humble beginnings. The ladies at the museum will be happy to talk about the fish to be caught around Destin and show artifacts from the founding families.
 
9. Get pampered. Living the good life is better when you look the part. And feeling good is a priceless commodity that many of the full-service spas and salons are waiting to give those who want a taste of the pampered life. A makeover or a massage may be just what you need to start looking and feeling your best.

10. Treasure hunt. Christmas shopping in July is no strange feat on the antique circuit. Just ask the ladies at Smith’s Antiques Mall, a collector’s paradise that’s been voted Best Antique Shop on the Emerald Coast. The lure of shopping for items from yesteryear has locals popping in for small home projects and tourists loading their SUVs with one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Owner Nedra Smith said the lure of these aging pieces is all about the treasure hunt.
 
11. Stroll through HarborWalk. HarborWalk Village is one of Destin’s newest attractions, intriguing visitors as they cross the Marler Bridge. The village is a “festive marketplace” with a New Orleans flavor on the food and drink side of things. Boutiques, boat watching and free outdoor entertainment are a few of the village’s specialties.

12. Spend the day on 30-A. If quaint little seaside towns are you taste, try walking or biking through the pedestrian friendly and sustainable communities. 30-A is disconnected from the hustle and bustle of tourist traffic, and offers some of the area’s best art.
 
13. Have some eco-fun. Ecotourism is a growing market for Destin with all of the natural resources around us. Paddling around the bay and picnicking at the park are two ways to enjoy Destin without harming the environment. Gather some friends and volunteer to clean a stretch of beach or roadside to feel good while having fun.

14. Have a whale of a time. World-known artist Wyland gave Destin a mural the size of … a whale. Wyland Whaling Wall #88 is one of the marine artist’s largest murals and one of Destin’s signature landmarks. It greets motorists heading over the Mid-Bay Bridge with a 1,480 by 60-foot display called “Marine Life of the Gulf.”
 
15. Slide into Big Kahuna’s. Big Kahuna’s has the answer to hot summer days in Destin. Get wet with speed slides, raft rides, pools, lazy rivers, and simulated surfing. If you are looking to stay dry, Big Kahuna’s also has bungee jumps, Go-Karts and mini-golf.

16. Get some retail therapy. Shopping in Destin is not for wimps. Destin Commons, anchored by Rave Motion Pictures, Bass Pro Shops and Belk, has over 80 specialty stores in the open-air atmosphere. To the east, Silver Sands Outlet Mall boasts 100-plus designer names. Nearby Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin offers a wide variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants and a hopping nightlife scene.

17. Hit the town with Fido. Leaving the pooch at home is a painful thought for some pet parents, so why not plan a dog friendly day? HarborWalk Village is a pet friendly stroll beside the harbor. Harry T’s has outdoor seating with loops on the picnic style tables to secure leashes while you chow down. After lunch, head to Henderson Beach State Park for playtime or a walk down their nature trail in the pet friendly park.
 
18. Roll up your sleeves and volunteer. Whether you are looking for community service hours, or just a chance to help out, Destin has plenty of opportunities to serve. The local churches always need a hand. Many children’s programs are available through the YMCA, Destin Community Center, and Morgan Sports Complex.

19. Let the kids call the shots. We are lucky to live in a thriving, family-centered community, so why not let the kids decide what to do for a change? Tear out the community section of The Destin Log and have the kids pick out one of the events.
 
20. Get your eat on. Many of Destin’s eateries claim to be world famous, and for good reason. Take advantage of the down home cooking and Gulf cuisine offered every day in one of the dockside seafood restaurants such as Harbor Docks, AJ’s, The Lucky Snapper and Dewey Destin’s.
 
21. Take the shuttle and sight-see. For those looking for a cheap, cool, relaxing day trip, the Okaloosa County Transit shuttles are the perfect solution. For only a dollar, you can ride the shuttle around the area and take in all the wonderful sights in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. The WAVE serves as a convenient way to save gas, tired feet and cash.

22. Try on water sports or crafts. You don’t have to be a boat owner to enjoy the water. Emerald Coast waters beckon with rentals of kayaks, paddle boards, personal water crafts and surfboards.

23. Find your zen. Destin beaches have a certain magnetism when is comes to seeking nature to find some inner peace. Early morning yoga and sunset worship on the beaches are a break from the mundane.

24. Race at The Track. Destin’s “Family Fun and Recreation Center” boasts bumper boats and cars, a big arcade, thrill rides, mini-golf, and enough of its namesake attractions, Go-Kart tracks, to keep the family entertained for hours. The Track offers several different types of race tracks, including “Wild Woody,” a three-tier rollercoaster experience, a slick track for older drivers who think they can handle the challenge, and even two smaller ones for the youngsters.
 
25. See Destin by air. Take the high ride with sight seeing. Destin has a few businesses that take customers up in helicopters or airplanes on tours of the city. The skies are always open!

 

Good idea . . . one light bulb at a time . . . .

Good idea . . . one light bulb at a time . . . .

A physics teacher in high school, once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn’t slow a train very much, a billion of them would. With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good American.

Good idea . . . one light bulb at a time . . . .

Check this out. I can verify this because I was in Lowes the other day for some reason and just for the heck of it I was looking at the hose attachments. They were all made in China. The next day I was in Ace Hardware and just for the heck of it I checked the hose attachments there. They were made in USA. Start looking.

In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else – even their job. So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track. Let’s get behind her!

My grandson likes Hershey’s candy. I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now. I do not buy it any more. My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico now. I have switched to Crest. You have to read the labels on everything.

This past weekend I was at Kroger. (Can be true for any store.) I needed 60W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets. I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off brand labeled, “Everyday Value.” I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats – they were the same except for the price. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in – get ready for this – the USA in a company in Cleveland , Ohio .

So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day that are made right here .

So on to another aisle – Bounce Dryer Sheets . . . yep, you guessed it, Bounce cost more money and is made in Canada . The Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA! I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using for years and at almost half the price!

My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA – the job you save may be your own or your neighbors!

If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas companies!

(We should have awakened a decade ago . . . . . . )

Frequently Asked Questions about Destin

Q: Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Destin?
A: No. Dogs are not allowed on Okaloosa County or City of Destin beaches. Walton County (Sandestin area) allows “registered and leashed” dogs on their beaches. Please check with Walton County officials at www.co.walton.fl.us to obtain registration information.

Q: My neighbor has piles of old lumber, buckets, and non-working lawn equipment piled up next to the privacy fence that we share. Is this a code violation?
A: City ordinance prohibits, “rubbish, trash, debris, dead trees, or other unsightly, or unsanitary matters to accumulate on any lot, tract, or parcel of land which may reasonably become infested, inhabited by, or a breeding place for rodents, vermin, reptiles or wild animals which threaten or endanger the public health, safety and welfare.” If an investigation of the property reveals that a code violation exists and is a threat to the public, removal and proper disposal would be required.

Q: Can I attend the meeting of ________________?
A: Absolutely! All meetings of the standing boards, committees, and commissions are open to the public.

Q: Do you offer Notary Public services?
A: The City of Destin does provide Notary Public services at no charge to persons with proper and valid identification.

Q: How can I apply for a committee or board position?
A: Volunteer committee applications are available on the city’s website, or by mail or fax. Please contact the City Clerk’s office for an application or to learn what openings are available.

Q: How can I get a copy of the minutes for one of the City’s boards or committees?
A: Minutes are posted to the City’s website, once approved by the authoritative board or committee. Or as with any other public record, you should contact the City Clerk’s office for any copies you would like.

Q: How can I get a copy of __________________?
A: The majority of documents received, created and maintained by the City are available to the public upon request. A person wishing to obtain a copy or merely review a public document should contact the City Clerk’s office during normal business hours. You do not have to provide your name or your reason for desiring the documents. However, Florida Statutes does allow us to charge for copies, certification of copies, and extensive administrative time. Please note we are not required to create or manipulate data in any format or medium which does not currently exist.

Q: Who do I contact and how can I purchase a cemetery lot in the Destin Memorial Cemetery? Also, what does a lot cost?
A: Cemetery administration for both the Destin Memorial Cemetery Phase I (facing Stahlman Avenue) and Phase II (facing Sibert Avenue) is handled through the City Clerk’s office. The majority of grave spaces in Phase I are sold; however from time to time, spaces are returned to the City and available for resale and there are many available spaces in Phase II. For those who chose cremation, two columbariums are available in Phase II, each offering 48 niches for the placement of urns. Fees for both cemetery plots and columbarium niches are established by resolution of the City Council. Current pricing for burial spaces are $1,000 for residents and $1,500 for non-residents; and for mausoleum niches, $600 for residents and $850 for non-residents.

Q: What is the procedure for addressing the Council at one of their meetings?
A: There are several ways to be heard during a council meeting. First, if the topic you wish to address is scheduled as a public hearing, the Mayor will ask for public participation by persons with a general or vested interest. If your topic is not scheduled as an agenda item, you can complete a “speaker’s request” form and provide it to the City Clerk by 12 Noon on Wednesday prior to the meeting. It will then be included on the agenda under “Scheduled Presentations”. Finally, if you don’t prearrange your item, there is an opportunity for “Comments from the audience” at the end of each regular meeting.

Q: Which Councilmember represents my district?
A: All of the Destin City Councilmembers are elected at-large rather than by districts.

Q: How do I contact a Councilmember or Mayor?
A: Each of the Mayor and Council’s home telephone number is listed in the local directory. If you prefer email, please do so to mayor@cityofdestin.com or council@cityofdestin.com

Q: Is there a place to go to get simple answers about transportation issues?
A: Yes. The Florida Institute of Transportation Engineers have produced a document that addresses the common questions about traffic planning, traffic operations and traffic control. Please click here to view.

Q: When are the Council agenda and meeting materials ready?
A: Council meeting agendas are finalized by noon on the Thursday prior to the Monday meeting. Packet compilation and distribution is done that same afternoon whenever possible.

Q: What is the city’s policy regarding golf carts on streets?
A: The Destin Golf Cart Policy was adopted by the City Council in January 2007 and contains nine policy statements. Please click here to read the document.

Q: What is the nearest airport serving Destin?
A: The Northwest Florida Regional Airport  (FAA Code: VPS), 1701 State Road 85N, is situated on Eglin Air Force Base, FL. It provides essential scheduled commercial air passenger service for a large portion of the Northwest Florida area. Check out their website:  http://www.flyvps.com.  Please note: The Destin/Ft. Walton Beach Airport (FAA code: DTS) at 1001 Airport Road, Destin, FL, is a general aviation public use facility owned and operated by Okaloosa County. It does not provide service to commercial airlines.

Q: What are the average high and low temperatures for each month in Destin?
A: January 60 – 42; February 63 – 45; March 69 – 51; April 76 – 58; May 83 – 65; June 88 – 72; July 89 – 74; August 89 – 74; September 86 – 70; October 79 – 59; November 70 – 50; December 63 – 44;

Q: How can I register to vote?
A: Voter registration can be done at the time you obtain or renew a Florida driver’s license or by contacting the Supervisor of Elections for the County in which you reside. For example, if you live in Destin, you should contact Patricia Hollarn’s office at http://www.govote-okaloosa.com or by calling 850-651-7272.

Q: Where can I get a copy of the City’s Code of Ordinances, Land Development Code, or Comprehensive Plan?
A: Our codes are available for viewing on-line at:
Destin Code of Ordinances
Destin Comprehensive Plan
Destin Land Development Code
or for purchase through Municipal Code Corporation at www.municode.com

Q: Where do I get a marriage license or driver’s license?
A: Marriage and Driver’s licenses come under the jurisdiction of the County and State respectively. For marriage license information, please contact the Clerk of Circuit Court at www.clerkofcourts.cc or Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex, 1250 N. Eglin Pkwy, Shalimar, FL 32579, (850) 651-7200.
For driver’s license information, contact the State at www.hsmv.state.fl.us/html/dlnew.html

Q: I purchased a new appliance and want to get rid of the old one. How do I do that?
A: Okaloosa County Transfer Facility can be contacted for disposal of appliances, tires and hazardous waste. For more Information call 689-5774 or 651-7394. Or, you can visit them online at http://www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/pub_rec_specwaste.html

Q: Most of the grants the City of Destin receives are State grants. Why doesn’t the City of Destin apply for more Federal grants?
A: The City of Destin explores every grant opportunity it becomes aware of; to keep the workload manageable, however, the City only applies to those funding sources whose eligibility criteria match Destin’s “profile.” Unfortunately, the majority of Federal grants require a certain percentage of the City’s population or the project area to be documented as “low to moderate income” per HUD standards. Destin cannot satisfy that requirement and therefore remains ineligible for most Federal grant programs.

Q: Why is all of Destin designated by Okaloosa County Emergency Management as an evacuation zone for hurricanes, categories 1-5?
A: Citizens are encouraged to evacuate further inland when a hurricane of any category threatens the City because of the very real possibility of Destin becoming “cut off” from all adjoining Okaloosa County communities and resources should bridges and/or roads become impassable. Being “stuck” with no way of getting out and no supplies coming in can create deplorable living conditions in a very short time. Hurricane cleanup and recovery activities are stressful enough on Destin residents without adding several days of “primitive camping” to the equation! Evacuate to friends or relatives’ homes in Okaloosa County away from the water, and evacuate early!

Q: Does the Library have Internet Access?
A: There are 26 public access terminals and printing is 15 cents per page. The Library also provides free wireless access for those who bring their own laptop.

Save Money on Your Insurance!

                                                        

Get peace of mind and also save money on your home or condo insurance policy with a Wind Mitigation inspection!
 

It is so easy!

1. Order a wind mitigation report or check with your condo association to see if it has one
2. Send a copy to your insurance company
3. Receive significant discount on your policy – 23% to 45%

 The cost of the inspection is approximately $150, depending on the property.

 

Example of how a wind mitigation can save you money
Jane Araguel lives in a condominium in Destin.  She contacted the association who supplied her with a wind mitigation report for her complex.  She submitted it to her insurance company and received a $682 credit on her policy.

How much do these improvements cost?
The costs of the improvement projects vary.  Homeowners should contact a licensed contractor for an estimate.  You can find a Certified Business Contractor in your area by visiting the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation online at www.myfloridalicense.com.  

American Property Inspectors – Kerry Kelley at (850) 864-2744
Thomas Enterprising – David Greene at (864) 313-6020

Is a Short Sale the Right Option for You?

We recognize the complexities facing the real estate industry today. With a shift in our market, selling a home can be more challenging than the standard resale of years past. Our professionals know the intricacies of the short sale process and work to ensure your transaction closes.  Everyone’s situation is different.  So, before you make any decision regarding a short sale it’s imparative that you know ALL your options.  As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I will be more than happy to consult with you to ensure you make the right decision based on your circumstances.  For a FREE consultation, please call our office and I will be glad to personally assist you.  – Jane Araguel.