Florida Real Estate >> The Pensacola Florida Real Estate Specialist

How to Stimulate your Community

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:38:30 -0500

Imagine hands across America with each person holding onto one another with honesty and integrity. People of America that is not an imagination. We as a group, however small, can make a difference in stimulating our local communities. Take Danny Cottrell, for an example. Mr. Cottrell is a pharmacist in a Brewton, Alabama. One day, a few weeks ago, he called in his employees for a meeting. You can imagine how they each thought they were probably going to lose their job. (Brewton ,Alabama is a small town.) If only we could have seen their faces when Mr. Cottrell handed each of his full time employees $700.00 and $300.00 to his part time employees all in $2.00 bills which was a total of $16,000. He asked them to give 15% to charity and to spend the remaining money in their small town of Brewton, Al to help the local business there. Mr. Danny Cottrell gave $2.00 bills because it would be a way for him and local business to see how the money was circulating back into the town. Yes, local business saw the $2.00 bills circulating back into their community. Thank you Mr. Danny Cottrell for making a difference in your community and Country.

Jay Leno was on the View today and he is volunteering his time in Detroit, Michigan for a free show with free parking to the citizens there. Imagine how this is going to impact lives. That community is hurting and it is a blessing for them to be able to go and enjoy great comedy to relieve some of the stress that is upon them. Thank You Mr. Jay Leno for your contribution to our great Country

One person can make a difference! Those that have, can help stimulate their own communities and those, like me, that don't have the cash, can donate time, skills, and labor free of charge to their local community. It is time for all of us to stand up and do something. The people of America will get our economy back on track. Don't wait for the government to do what you can do for yourself. Remember what President Kennedy said "Ask not what your Country can do for you, but what you can do for your Country

Baby its Cold Outside!!

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:48:46 -0600

While we have been having some wonderful warm weather in Pensacola Florida, we are having a burr of a cold spell. Thursday night there is an expected low of 23 degrees with a high in the 50's. On Friday we will be having a high in the upper 40's with a low of around 20 degrees. Baby it is extremely cold here for us that are use to having mild temperatures. Just want all you in the Pensacola Florida area and by the way anywhere else that is freezing, to take special care of your pets, the elderly and make sure that you winterize your home and car. And as a post note...........please, please be careful of those space heaters!! There have been way too many homes that have caught on fire where the space heater was to blame.

Open Letter to my Sellers

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:11:11 -0600

This open letter is for all my sellers in the Pensacola, Florida area. Thank you for putting your trust in me. I realize that you could have chosen any Realtor in the area to assist you in the selling of your home, but you chose me. Please know that I am actively working each day to bring you a qualified buyer.

The Real Estate market has had its ups and downs just as other things in our economy. I have people ask me all the time..."when will the market pick up?" I tell them that I am not able to predict the future and if I could...........I would be in the stock market speculating on that. Real Estate is local, you can not judge our market by California's, Arizona, or the like. I personally, have been busy since December. If the buyers are waiting for some sort of bottom, they very well may lose out on great opportunities as the rates are the lowest in 50 years and that they have so much inventory to choose from. I hope they will not be waiting on the fence and miss out.

To all my sellers: Thank you for allowing me to be your Real Estate agent of choice.

Robins in Flight

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:20:42 -0600

On the early morning of January 4th in rural Houston County right outside of Dothan, Alabama, there was an abundance of chirping in the air. I got up and went to the window and was amazed at all the robins in flight. After all isn't this winter or do robins do this as a norm. I don't know. All I do know is that I was at a peaceful place in time. A time to reflect on days already past and to realize that there is more to life than I ever thought possible. Is this God's way of getting my attention to slow down to embrace all of the beauty around me? Some people would tell you that there is no such thing as a free lunch. I do beg to differ. This scenery was free to me and no one wanted anything from me. Please take time to enjoy those things that are important to you. Life is good!

Holiday Traffic

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:41:05 -0600

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I was blessed to be able to go to Dothan Alabama to see some of my family. I left the day before and the traffic was not bad. I had a phone call from my son, who lives in the Orlando area. My daughter inlaw had to have surgery, which was planned, but there were minor complications. She ended up staying in the hospital a day longer. My son needed my help and as all you Mom's know.........when children need you, you come a running.

Needless to say, I had my little dog, Missi with me in Alabama, so I had to travel back to Pensacola, Florida on Saturday to make arrangements for her. The drive to Pensacola was great.....hardly any traffic on that day. Well, Sunday I was packed and ready to head to Orlando. I got on the road around 12:30 that day and everything was going smoothly until I got outside of Tallahassee Florida. There was, indeed, a lot of traffic. Traffic came to a standstill on the middle of Interstate 10. Man, was I ever frustrated. We traveled about 30 miles per hour until the exit for Lake City. In fact, the traffic was so bad that I had my window down and the guy next to be rolled his down and we chit chatted for a while.........we both knew that it was going to be one of those days.

Ok, on southward to 75. I thought to myself....this will be good now that I am away from that traffic. WRONG! Traffic was just as bad here. I finally arrived here 11 p.m on Sunday night.

It is good to be here. I am loving taking care of my family and especially getting some quality time with Brendan, my grandson. I will be leaving here on Saturday and hopefully the traffic will not be as bad going home as it was coming down.

West Nile Virus- Second case in Escambia county Pensacola Florida

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:21:50 -0500

There has been a second reported case of West Nile Virus in the Pensacola Florida area. Mosquitoes have been horrible so please try and stay safe. Make sure you have your local Escambia County Mosquito Control spray your neighborhoods. There are a few things that you can do yourself to stay protected. Remove all standing water in your yard, pick up trash, where long sleeve shirts and spray you and your family with a repellant or just get the wipes and wipe down your little ones. It is better to be safe than sorry and don't forget to call the Escambia County Mosquito Control.

Man attack by a Cleaver?

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:21:01 -0500

No kidding! In today's Pensacola News Journal it stated that a man was attacked by a cleaver.

A code enforcement officer was called to a home in Pensacola and the man living there came out and attacked him with a meat cleaver. The code enforcement officer was not seriously hurt. However, he was taken to a local hospital. Just goes to show you that there are some really mixed up people out there. I hope all of you will take the necessary precautions for a safe and friendly day on the job.

Tropical Storms, Hurricanes, and Tornadoes, Oh MY!!

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:54:43 -0500

Tropical Storms, Hurricanes, and Tornadoes oh my!!! We are all fine here in Pensacola Florida. We had a lot of wind and rain and numerous tornadoes. None of the tornadoes touched down as far as I know. I was getting my early morning coffee at Circle K and the lady there told me she watched as 5, yes, 5 tornadoes passed by the store. Thankfully none of those touched down.

Now that Gustav is gone, we are watching Hannah and the dreaded IKE. I might be a little concerned about Ike. It is the Hurricane season and I will be glad when it is over.

317 BobWhite Pensacola Florida

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:59:02 -0500

Beautiful 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home in Quail Run Subdivision. This home features a built in aquarium for your enjoyment. With approximately 1755 square feet that is a formal dining room, kitchen with breakfast bar, living room, family room and a peaceful haven in the back yard. This home is priced at $160,000

Home for sale in Northeast Pensacola Florida

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:03:34 -0500

Buyers are you looking for that special home. Come take a look at 4420 La Mirage in beautiful Northeast Pensacola, Florida. This spanish/mediterranean style home is gorgeous. The gardens in the backyard are a sight to behold. There are apple trees, lemon, pear, and plum trees. This is a must see. This home has had only one owner and it shows. Priced at $229,900

Happy Mother's Day

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:17:10 -0500

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms in the Pensacola Florida area and everywhere else. You all know who you are. May your day be the best ever!!! Go enjoy.

I was with both of my sons on May 2 through May 4. I also got to see my grandson Brendan. It was wonderful. Jason and his family came up from Orlando to see his brother graduate from the University of South Alabama. As you can tell....I am indeed, a proud Mom. Being a Mom is the best job I ever will have.

What to do in and around Pensacola Florida

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:40:02 -0500

Well as most of you know, I frequent the Ice Cream Club a lot. The other day I was over there and these people were talking about Pensacolatodo.com. I had no idea what that was about so I listened and learned. I have lived in the Pensacola area for over 20 years and I still didn't know all there was to do. You know.;where is the best restaurants, golf, what there is to do at the beach, where do you go for the night life. What is going on in Seville square etc... Well, I found out if you just type in Pensacolatodo.com You will be amazed at the things to do in and around Pensacola Florida. Go check it out.

ICE CREAM CLUB PENSACOLA FLORIDA

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:31:32 -0500

If you are looking for the best Milk Shakes in Pensacola. Drive on over to the ICE CREAM CLUB located on 9 mile road in the Winn Dixie Shopping Center. The Pensacola News Journal readers voted them the number one for the best shakes in town. In fact, I just left there where I honestly have to say I had one of the most fabulous chocolate milk shake in my whole life. The Ice Cream Club also has ice cream cakes. Just call ahead to order yours for any special occasion. I must also say that I had a sample of the strawberry cheese cake ice cream and it was out of this world. Take a drive over and tell them Dianne sent you. You will not be disappointed. My Sons and granson loves it there too.

Parade of Homes in Pensacola Florida

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:20:53 -0500

It is that time of year again when we have the Parade of Homes in Pensacola Florida. This year there is an American 'Green' Dream Home that is located at 8783 Foxtail Loop, Nature Trail Subdivision in Pensacola, Florida. This home is in a Gated Community which is located on the south side of Nine Mile Road. The builder of this beautiful home is West Calhoun and Doug Whitfield of Doug Whitfield Residential Designer, Inc is the designer of this home.

The Parade of Homes in Pensacola Florida is April 19-27, 2008. Homes will be open on week days form 3-6 and on the weekends from noon til 6 p.m. Come on out and see what they have to offer.

Pensacola Florida Rural Development Program

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:34:11 -0600

Pensacola's Peoples First Community Bank has the Rural Development Program. You can obtain financing with absolutely 0 down. This Federal funded loan program is available to those who wish to buy anywhere in Santa Rosa County except for the Gulf Breeze Florida area. It is available in Pensacola north of Ten Mile Road. Let Lisa Hudson with Peoples First help you determine if you qualify. Lisa Hudson can be reached at 850-382-1024 or email her at lisahudson @peoplesfirst.com

You must have reasonably good credit for the past 24 months. The property that you select must meet minimum guidelines. For example, no swimming pools, and no mobile homes. The property must be safe and habitable.

Income limits for Rural Development Program are as follows.

1-person household 48,000

2-person household 54,850

3-person household 61,700

4-person household 74.050

5-person household 79,500

6-person household 85,000

7-person household 90,500

I Have Moved to Century 21 Amerisouth Realty

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:35:12 -0600

Today is December 20, 2007 and I am very proud to say that I am now at Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty in Pensacola Florida. Things have changed for a lot of us in the business and I am no exception to that. Some of you know that my former office Palm Realty of Pensacola had to close their doors on December 15. My former Broker, John and a few other agents were invited to to work at Century 21 AmeriSouth in Pensacola Florida.

My new Broker, Dan Gullahorn is going to be a great person to with. I am so fortunate that my family of friends at my former office decided to work here also. I believe that this coming year is going to be great for all of us. Real Estate is great!!

Come and get it!

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:39:50 -0600

There were a total of 823 residential detached homes that were put on the market for the month of October, 2007. As of to date there are currently 5108 active residential detached homes on the market in the Pensacola Florida area.

There were 356 Residential detached homes that sold during the month of October with the average number of days on the market being 127 days. 333 Residential homes were pending for the month of October and 243 homes that were contingent.

In the Condo market there were 116 new listings for the month of October and there are currently 1292 active condos on the market.

23 Condos sold during the month with the average days on the market being 238 days. There were 18 Condos that were pending and 19 that were contingent for the month.

Enough already

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:48:51 -0500

Ok, enough already about the Real Estate Market. People we have to remember that Real Estate is LOCAL. Sellers if you want your home sold in this market remember to price it to sell. Go outside your home and stand on the curb. Have you done that yet? Ok, now what do you see. Just pretend that you are a potential buyer and really look at not only your home but your yard as well. What do you see? Does everything look neat and tidy? Is there over grown shrubbery, trees, or does the outside need a little sprucing up? Ok, everyone seems to know that there are a lot of homes on the market here in Pensacola Florida so, don't let your home sell the one down the street. There are buyers ready willing and able to buy don't let your home get passed by.

Camping at Big Lagoon State Park

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:12:46 -0500

Wake up to the birds chirping, the smell of bacon cooking on a nearby grill, the crispness of a new day dawning and that is what you get when you go camping at Big Lagoon State Park. It was a crisp couple of days when my friend and I put up our tent to enjoy the beauty of Nature. I know what some of you must be thinking. (Dianne in a tent?) Yes, that is correct! Sometimes you just have to get back to nature to find what you have been missing or just to collect your thoughts on life. You will not find a better place to do that than at Big Lagoon.

There are beautiful Nature trails where you can see animal and plant life. I was strolling across one nature trail and low and behold over in the water was the fabulous alligator. I noticed that he wasn't moving but staring up at all of us looking down at him. I guess we were the animals that were amusing him.

Sitting by the campsite fire on that cool night brought back memories of an earlier time. Life seemed simple back in the days or so I thought. There is nothing like sitting around the fire with its radiant beauty to end the day of all the natural beauty that I have beheld.

Market update -Pensacola Florida September 2007

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:21:09 -0500

September 1, 2007 through September 30,2007 market for homes in Pensacola Florida.

There are currently 5,139 Active listings for Residential Detached homes in Pensacola Florida. There are 226 homes that are currently contingent. 309 residential homes that are pending. There were 317 homes that sold during the month of September. The average number of days on the market for Residential Detached homes for the month of September was 129 day. For the month of September there were 749 new listings.

There are currently 1372 active listings for Condos. 99 new listings for condos for the month. 26 Condos that are pending for sale. 10 condos that are contingent. 27 Condos sold for the month of September. The average number of days on the market for Condos for the month was 174.

Market update for August

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:32:55 -0500

As of today, in the Pensacola Florida real estate area, there were 5,185 active listings on the market. There were 936 new listings. There are 341 residential detached homes that are pending. 457 residential detached homes sold for the month of August. The average number of days on the market are 126.

There are currently 1462 Active Condos on the market. 18 Condos are pending and 38 Condos sold during the month of August with 149 days on the market.

First Time Homebuyers Program

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:29:30 -0500

So, you are thinking about buying your first home? Pensacola and Escambia County participate in the SHIP program. SHIP stands for state housing initiative program.

This is a great program for first time home-buyers. This will help low to moderately low income families attain their dream of owning their own home. This program offers assistance with down payment monies and closing cost assistance up to $15,000. This is a forgivable loan.

Income eligibility limits for those that qualify are as follows:

Family Size Income Limits

1 $29,400

2 33,600

3 37,800

4 42,000

5 45,350

Of course your income has to be verified and you must be credit worthy. There is another stipulation on obtaining these funds...You can not have owned a home in the last 3 years.

So, what are you waiting for? Start seeing the American dream of owning your own home now!

Just Wondering

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 13:42:45 -0500

How many times have we sit in the stillness of the night and thought about all things that we didn't do or wouldn't do for others? I pose that question to all of us in hopes that we would take a chance on those that we otherwise would not. No matter what you think, we are all in this together.

Wandering

I wandered through the fields of death,

and saw the people who had no breath.

I wandered through the space of time

and saw no meaning or rhyme.

I wandered through the river of despair

and saw the people who did not care.

I wandered through the hearts of each

and saw the people I could not reach.

I wandered through the house of hate

and saw that death was their only fate.

I wandered through the land of plenty,

and saw those that did not have any.

I wandered through the tunnel of fear,

and saw the people disappear.

I wandered through this soul of mine,

and saw myself for the first time.

Dianne Barody

Dragonfly

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:40:42 -0500

This whole week has been awesome for me. My life has changed immensley. It all started when I began to focus only on the good in all things. Everywhere I have been for the past couple of weeks there has been this beautiful dragonfly that has been accompanying me. Today while I was working, I took a little break and went outside to embrace all that nature has to offer. While I was standing there, here comes this beautiful dragonfly. He swirled around my body and then flew off to a tree branch. I immediatley got my camera to take a picture. He sat there as proud as he could be. It was as if he was saying "take your time sweet one for I am waiting on you. It took me a moment or so to get my camera ready. Here are the pictures of my dear dragonfly. Now, what do you think I should name him?

The power of positve thinking has enlightened my life. I hope all that reads this, will just take a breath and let it out ever so slow and see if this change will happen for you. It is just awe inspiring. It is all good. Life is Good.

Red Balloons Will Point The Way

Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:54:57 -0500

Looking for something a little different to do in August? Well, gather of few of your friends and head downtown to Old East Hill. This will be the day of great shopping and finds. There will be a variety of items to purchase from antiques to unique wines. This event ins Old East Hill will begin at 10 a.m. and last until 5 p.m. on August 18, 2007. There will be a host of Red Balloons pointing you in the direction of all the various shops. Admission is free. Call 470-0668 or 433-6427 for more information.