Emily's Blog

A Political Issue

2008-07-24T22:42:04Z

Wow! Has the face of politics changed this year? Yes! It is hard to say who will be the best president, especially because none of them are worthy. This may be a "spit in your face" blog, but in actuality, I am serious. Which candidate will help our market? We are in a strange situation with everything that is going on. Insurance is still not steady, loans are hard to come by, and Texas just got hit by a hurricane. What next? I love the fact that I have the right, ability and smarts to vote. I just wish there was a candidate I could stand behind. Anyone feeling the same way?

It Takes Money to Make Money

2008-04-23T10:36:19Z

With lenders tightening their belts and offering less money to buyers, it takes money to make money. If you have money, I have some great opportunities for you in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama. If you can afford 20% down and a 7% interest rate (and lets face it rates are lower than that right now) I have some great beach front rentals that can positive cash flow after taxes and home owners dues are paid. Too good to be true? Ask me about it. I want to see people make money this year!

The buyers are coming! The buyers are coming!

2008-04-15T13:37:17Z

In the past couple of weeks I have run across a good number of people at open houses, or in the elevator at our condo, or at the pool, that are asking buying questions. They are asking questions like, how much per sq/ft? What was the last sold? What is the market doing?

These kind of questions indicate, to me at least, that people are turning into buyers and are no longer shoppers. With these questions you have to be careful about your answers. How much/sqft seems like it would require a straight answer, however, it can be much trickier. Are they asking about a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom unit? Are they asking about foreclosure, or short sale pricing? The last sold price is an easy answer, but is usually is followed by the questions When did it close, and what was the one before that? I am always careful when answering these questions as I don't want to give a buyer, or potential seller, a wrong answer.

Now for my favorite question! WHAT IS THE MARKET DOING DOWN HERE? My answer...it is really picking up, it WAS slow but we are seeing things sell. Sales are up, calls are up, business is good! I don't add that I haven't had a pay check in over a year, and that sales are off slightly over last year. I don't need to add this. There are agents here that have made more money so far this year than the whole last year combined. I would guess if you ask them, they are going to say things are good, and that is how I choose to answer.

I think positive, I talk positive and I work positive! I am absolutely positive that THE BUYERS ARE COMING! THE BUYERS ARE COMING!

NEGATIVITY is BAD

2008-04-15T13:04:29Z

How many of you have heard nothing but negative comments about Real Estate lately? It seems like you can't get away from it. I wish there was an annual NO-NEGATIVITY day. It would be great to turn on the news and hear about 5 people SURVIVING a bus crash, rather than about a bus crash that almost killed 5 people. Or how about a story about the people who heeded the flood warnings and got themselves and their animals out when they were warned and they are all safe now. In Real Estate news I would like to hear about all the good things that are happening. I would like for my fellow Realtors to talk positively about the market rather than cursing it. Folks, we are in sales. Sales go up and down and it is what you do during the down time that will make your up time better.

There are buyers out there! They are buying houses, condos and land. There are people making money. If you look at sales here on Alabama's Gulf Coast, you will see it. We have had almost 1000 properties sell since the beginning of the year. Almost 1000!!! That is a little off from last year during the same period, but hey, properties are selling.

I can't tell you how many times I have heard Realtors in the area talk to clients, or I over hear them on the phone, talking about how slow it is and how much prices are down. Hey, flip that around and lets tell them what IS selling and that prices being down are a good thing for buyers. Lets get people excited about Real Estate again. It is still a sound investment and buyers who buy now have a better shot at making more money in the long run.

LETS GET POSITIVE! IF WE ALL TELL OUR BUYERS WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY THEY HAVE RIGHT NOW, WE WILL CHANGE WHAT IS GOING ON. LETS STOP LETTING THE NEWS RUN OUR MARKET AND DO WHAT WE ARE TRAINED TO DO WHICH IS SELL, SELL, SELL!

I HAVE POSITIVE CASH FLOW OPPORTUNITIES

2008-02-20T11:01:07Z

Are you or your clients looking for a property or two to buy that will positive cash flow or come pretty close? Do you know anyone who wants to have a place to come to on the beach with out worrying about out of pocket expenses each month? Do they have 20% to put down? If you answered yes to these questions, let me know. I have done an extensive study of the beach front units in Orange Beach Alabama. I have found about 10 units that will positive cash flow during year one, and should appreciate over time.

Of course I can't say all this with out the caveat of...subject to credit approval, rates and availability may vary, not available in all areas, projections based on an 80% loan at 6.5% interest and kept in a rental program at 60% occupancy through our the year.

If you have not been to our area, we have beautiful white sandy beaches, blue water, great fishing and boating opportunities and is a very comfortable drive from Birmingham, Atlanta, New Orleans and even not too bad from Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and Ohio.

Just give me a call or shoot me an email referencing this blog and I will do whatever I can to help you or your clients find that perfect property.

Good (or in this case not so good) Eats in Orange Beach

2007-12-18T10:24:11Z

This past weekend I dared to leave the Orange Beach area and venture a little bit further away to try a restaurant that came highly recommended. It is called the Oar House in Pensacola that the Bahia Mar Marina. Sometimes it is good to stay home. The drive to the Oar House was not that bad although we did pass the turn the first time. Once at the restaurant we noticed the colorful decor (very beachy and nautical). After we got inside we took a seat at the bar because no one offered us a table. About 10 minutes in the bartender asked us what we wanted to drink and, being a Saturday afternoon, we ordered margaritas. Have you ever had a margarita that tastes like it was made with moldy mix? I can now say that I have. I had to ask for a menu and silverware and napkins. We finally decided to order an appetizer of fried pickles, the Combo Basket of fish and shrimp, and the Jezebel's Grill. When I inquired about what kind of fish they were serving, I was told some kind that I had never heard of. It was likened to a grouper or catfish. I didn't realize that grouper and catfish were that similar. The pickles were the highlight of the meal. The fish was mushy the asparagus was limp and the rice was under cooked. The french fries were fine, but it is hard to mess those up. We asked for to-go boxes, knowing we wouldn't be eating the left overs, and the check. It came to around 50 dollars.

After paying, we left. As I walked out into the parking lot, I couldn't help but think I had no desire to return.

Perhaps we caught them on a bad day.

Orange Beach Restaurants

2007-12-10T08:51:04Z

I am often asked by visitors to Alabama's Gulf Coast for suggestions of good places to eat. My first question back to them is what kind of food do you enjoy? Most of the time the people will say that they are interested in sea food, being here on the coast and all. Here is my suggestion for sea food in Orange Beach. You can't do much better than Geno's Fresh Catch. It is located at Zeke's Marina on Beach Road before you get to the Perdido Pass Bridge. They have a terrific selection of fish, all of which can be fried, grilled or blackened. Entrees are served with mashed potatos and steamed veggies. They have a wide selection of steaks and "Alabama Classics" like shrimp and grits. In addition to the wide selection on their menu, they have a pretty complete wine list and they also offer sushi and a raw bar. Geno's has the "white table cloth" atmosphere with out being snobby. I eaten there in jeans and sneakers and also gone with a date wearing a tie and me in a dress.

Be prepared to shell out a little bit of money though as it is easy for 2 people drinking a glass o f wine to spend around $100, but know it is well worth it.

THANK YOU ALL

2007-12-06T22:50:11Z

Thank you all for being so supportive. I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanuica, Happy Kwanza, or what ever other holiday you are preparing to celebrate. I hope you all have more sales next year than this year and you have clients that are more fun to work with. I still appreciate 'FUN" clients. Best of luck in the new year!

Inspiration

2007-12-06T22:21:43Z

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." Arthur Ashe. I heard this quote tonight on TV and it made a lot of sense for us as Realtors. I moved to an area where I had no sphere of influence about 3 years ago. I have done my best to make connections with the "right" people. I have tried to meet the influential people in my area. As far as using what I have, I have nothing. I have only what I have earned myself. I don't have anyone giving me anything. What I have is my ability to communicate with others and knowing that I treat my clients with the same respect that I was treated when I bought my FIRST house. Every purchase is like buying something for the first time. I am doing what I can with what I have where I am.

Buyer Loyality

2007-12-06T21:45:28Z

Does it appear to anyone else that in this Buyers Market that our Buyers are becoming LESS loyal. I would like to think that when they are the ones trying to find the right property and negotiate a deal they would want a qualified Realtor to be on their side. Twice this week I have show property and then they have told me that the next day they are looking with someone else. In Alabama we have a buyers agency agreement, but the buyers are only wanting to sign it on a property by property basis. I have come up with a Mutual Agreement for Success and it is more of a way of making your client understand that you are working for them and that you need certain things from them. It works a little bit better, but still, I don't feel there is any loyalty there. Any Ideas?

Is Blogging Helping

2007-12-06T19:31:20Z

I have been blogging and it has moved me up in the ranks among Alabama Realtors, but I don't know if it is really helping. Does anyone have any sugestions as to what will make my blog more popular? What will help me promote my website? I don't want to be tacky and just blog to blog. I want to do something that will work. Any sugestions would help.

Thanks a Million,

Emily

Wyld Palms Foley

2007-12-06T10:28:02Z

Wyld Palms is a condo community. Each building is comprised of 4 units and one of our units has 2 floors. The rest are single level. We have 24 units available to close right now and they range in price from 249,900 to almost 300000.

Our base prices are as follows:
The Copa 1325sqft 199000
The Royal 1718sqft 249900
The Sable 1862sqft 269000
The Mangrove 1926sqft 247900

The pool and clubhouse are a great place to meet with neighbors or have a gathering.

Granite is standard in all the units, but you can choose your flooring, cabinets, lighting fixtures etc. The units come with the kitchen appliances and all units have attached 2 car garages.

The maintenance fees are expected to be approximately 175/month before the insurance. All in all we expect the total monthly dues to be around 265. This includes the common area insurance, lawn maintenance, common area taxes.

There is not a golf course on this property, but there lots of really nice golf courses within a short drive.

If you are not from this area, you might be concerned about the possibility of hurricanes. The area that Wyld Palms is in is about 10 minutes north of the beach and the beach front here is only 32 miles long. Compared to the length of the entire Gulf Coast, our little strip of land is not the biggest target. Here is a link to the history of hurricanes in our area. http://www.gulf-shores-alabama.net/gulf-shores-hurricanes.html
As far as Katrina goes, we had some water rise and high surf, but very little damage. At Wyld Palms, there was no damage, again due to our higher elevation and distance away from the coast.

These properties also qualify for GOZONE!

If you are interested in receiving more information please send me an email with your complete contact information.

Thanks Again,

Emily Brunette
Coldwell Banker South Shore
251-228-1340

Alabama Gulf Coast

2007-11-27T21:44:35Z

Welcome to Alabama's Gulf Coast. My name is Emily Brunette and I have been in Real Estate for 3 years. I have recently gotten my Brokers license. I deal in all types of property, but I love working with people who are interested in condos on the beach. We have 32 miles of lovely white sand beaches that trump most other beaches in the US. My goal is to serve my clients better than they have ever been served before. I send weekly updates, and keep my clients up to date on what is going on in the market. I deal with buyers and sellers. I am a full time Real Estate Professional. You will not find anyone who will tend to your needs like I will. I would be more than happy to help you with your Real Estate need. I look forward to working with you.

Taxes

2007-11-27T21:04:22Z

Wouldn't you all like to save money on your taxes? If you are in the business of buying, selling, or trading Real Estate, I have the deal of the lifetime for you. It is called GOZONE. If you don't know about GOZONE here are the basics. You can take 50% bonus depreciation on property placed in service (rental) on the gulf coast for at least another year. If you buy a million dollar property you could take up to 500k in tax savings. I AM NOT A CPA, YOU MUST TALK TO YOUR CPA TO SEE IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR YOU. This is a government program set up to create investment opportunities in the hurricane stricken Gulf Coast. There are amazing deals to be had due to the current market situations. DON'T MISS THIS, IT WON'T LAST.

I would be happy to get more information to you or to get you in touch with a CPA who is well versed in GOZONE if you are interested.

A working environment

2007-11-27T20:28:31Z

How many of you are working in an office where you have a work environment? I am finally in an office where I am surrounded by other professionals who are in the office to work. It makes me drive harder and show up earlier. I want to show the other people in my office that I am here to make an impact and to work hard. Already it is paying off with new listings. People I have been talking to for months are finally willing to list their properties because I am now spending the time in the office to communicate with them on a more regular basis.

It isn't to say that I have been slacking off, but when I am in the office surrounded by people who are working I feel less nerves about making those calls and asking for the business. It is a refreshing change of pace.

Best Deals on the Gulf

2007-11-27T20:23:44Z

Are you looking for a good deal that may even be a GOZONE property for you? If you are, I am happy to help you. Every week I look at what is selling and what has been reduced. So far 20% of the properties that I have sent to my clients have gone under contract in less than a week after I told my investors. If you need some bonus depreciation or want a great beach front condo that you can use and still make rental income from please let me know. In this "shifting" market, it is important to talk to the Realtors who know what the best deals are. I am your Realtor. If there is anything I can help you with on the Gulf Coast, let me know.

Facebook

2007-11-21T23:51:20Z

I have resisted for a while, but eventually I caved in. Facebook.com is actually a great networking site. It allows you to network with people you know as well as people in your area or profession. You can start groups interface with them about your Real Estate needs. If you haven't joined you should. It isn't just for kids anymore.

A Market Pick-up

2007-11-21T23:28:59Z

I am curious to know when you think the market will start to rebound. I have already seen some better prices and sales in just the past couple of weeks. I would like to say that we have hit bottom and while it will be a slow uphill battle, we have see the worst. What is your experience? What is going on in your market?

GOZONE

2007-11-21T23:17:11Z

Are you in the active trade of managing, selling, or dealing with Real Estate? How would you like to save a lot of money on your taxes? I have properties for sale that are able to give you up to 50% bonus depreciation. Rental rates are up and prices are down. Could there be a better time to buy? I don't think so. If you need to get rid of some income this year let me know and I will hook you up with the property that will be right for you.

Yeah GOZONE!

I have to put a disclaimer here..."only your cpa will know if GOZONE will be right for you. I am able to point out good properties for you that will let you take the best advantage of this deal."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL

2007-11-21T21:35:37Z

I just wanted to say thanks. I am thankful for my family and my home, my friends and my job. I am thankful for our soldiers in Iraq and that I am not one of them. I am thankful for my new company, my new friends and my new outlook on Real Estate. This is the first year that I have not had to travel over the holidays and I am thankful for that. Let us all give thanks this year for the blessings that we have been given. Let us pray that interest rates and inventory will drop and that the Real Estate market will rebound.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Emily

Annnoucnement

2007-11-21T21:29:31Z

I AM NOW A MEMBER OF COLDWELL BANKER SOUTH SHORE REALTY! After much debate and prayer I have joined Coldwell Banker. The company I was with before has made some decisions that were not right for me and I was faced with my broker saying that I could either participate, put my license on inactive, or find another company. I don't think that it is right for any broker/team leader to tell an agent to find another company. When I heard this it made it very easy to leave my former company and find a home with another. I have spent 2 days in my new office and I am so happy. I am around people who are working. I am surrounded by people who want to sell property and are ready to work. Even in this "slow" market, I have had more phone calls and emails in 2 days than I have in a year with my other company. We are coming up on a new year and I am happy to have a new company to support me. If you have any clients that are interested in listing or selling property in Alabama, please let me know. I am again excited about being a Realtor and would be happy to help you or your clients!

A Political Topic

2007-11-06T21:02:15Z

I am a young American. I am a upper middle class white American who is interested in the upcoming elections. What I have the problem with is party politics. I don't believe in this day and age there is any "true" party. There are too many people who are willing to sit back and watch while our government does whatever they want. Quite frankly, I am ready to stand opposed to "Party Politics" and vote for the candidate that will best represent our stance. I am a major supporter of term limitations. If the president of the country can't serve more than 2 terms, why should our senators? So many of them are complacent and old and stuck in the ways of the 80's that they have no idea what we Americans stand for today.

I realize that Realtors are a Republican group, but come on...Let us not vote party politics, let us vote based on who will be the best candidate for America. Grrrrrr......It just feels like there is no one to support. Any clues?

FSBOs

2007-10-24T22:22:18Z

Has anyone else had the same problem with FSBOs? I have called so many of them and they are all FSBR (for sale by Realtor.) It bothers me that Realtors are trying to sell their own property by themselves. I don't know about other brokerages but in mine I have the ability to sell properties and not pay a commission within my company. Why risk the drama and legal issues by going on your own? You could risk your license. Has anyone else run across this problem?

What is working for you?

2007-10-24T21:29:50Z

In this past year of unpredictable market conditions I have tried and tried different things. I have continued with calling FSBOs and expired. I have sent fliers and emails. I have tried blogging and web based communication. Does anyone have any different ideas for marketing? It is tough trying to figure out what to do and how to do it. I want to work smarter, not harder. Help?

Commerce and Orange Beach

2007-10-24T12:16:25Z

Publix is coming! Publix is coming! It was announced a few weeks ago that the Publix grocery store is going to be the anchor store at the new Shoppes at Palm Pointe. I am so glad that this shopping center is going in. At almost 200,000 square feet it will be one of the largest shopping centers south of I-10 in Baldwin County Alabama. I can't wait for a better grocery store to go to and new restaurants. Perhaps it will mean that I won't have to drive to Tanger Outlet on a Saturday for Starbucks. Maybe they will put in a sporting goods store or a department store, so I don't have to drive to the Eastern Shore Centre. Bottom line, this is great for business. It will open up more jobs and more jobs mean more people in this area and more people buying houses. This area of Alabama has relied on tourism for it source of revenue for a long time and finally we are realizing that it isn't just the tourists that shop here, the locals do too.