Kelly Klein's Blog

1031 Tax Exchange -- Turning Rental into Primary

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:25:44 -0700

1031 Exchange – Converting your Rental into a Primary Residence

Under the normal Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, code regulations you are required to pay capital gains taxes when you sell a property and realize a profit. Although the rate at which capital gains are taxed fluctuates, it is typically rather high given federal, possibly state capital gains and recaptured depreciation taxes. This tax can quickly eat away at the gain you realized on the sale of an investment. One option that allows you to defer the payment of capital gains taxes is to enter into a Section 1031 exchange instead of a traditional sale. In some limited circumstances, converting a rental to a primary residence after the exchange has been completed may be allowed eliminating the majority of the gain via the $500,000/$250,000 exclusion.

IRS Code Section 1031

In pertinent part, the Section 1031 Exchange rules read “Section 1031(a) provides that no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if the property is exchanged solely for property of a like kind that is to be held either for productive use in a trade or business or for investment”. In other words, if you exchange one rental property for another, it will qualify for deferral of the capital gains taxes as long as all other Section 1031 requirements are met. But what if you later wish to convert the rental property that you acquired in the exchange to your primary residence?

IRS Case Analysis

The intent of the purchaser at the time of the exchange is paramount in determining whether the property will qualify for Section 1031 treatment. In Goolsby v. Commissioner, TC Memo 2010-64 (April 1, 2010), the purchaser exchanged one rental property for another. The purchaser did advertise the acquired property for rent for two months in a local newspaper, but failed to ascertain whether the neighborhood association would allow the property to be rented. Gooslby and his family moved into the property less than two months after the transaction was completed. In addition, Goolsby made the purchase of the property in question contingent upon the sale of his current primary residence located in another state. The transaction was not allowed to receive Section 1031 treatment.

In contrast to Gooslby, consider how Reesink v. Commissioner, TC Memo 2012-118 (April 23, 2012) was analyzed. In Reesink, the purchaser acquired a single family home which he immediately advertised for rent via flyers around the area and signs posted at the property. At least two prospective tenants visited the property but ultimately decided that the monthly rent was out of their price range. At the time the exchange was entered into, Reesink owned another property that was the family’s primary residence. The primary residence was located in another city. After approximately six months, the rental property was still vacant. Because of financial concerns, Reesnik eventually sold his primary residence and the family moved into the rental property. The transaction was distinguished from Goolsby because it was clear that the purchaser owned another primary residence at the time of the transaction, attempted to rent the property for six months before moving in, and only made the conversion to a primary residence out of financial need almost seven months after the transaction was completed.

The outcome of these two decisions provides some guidance regarding good supporting facts for converting a rental property to personal use after acquiring the property in a 1031 exchange.

Call Andy Gustafson at Atlas 1031 Exchange at 1-800-227-1031

Article compliments of your Buyer’s Representative, Kelly Klein

Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc. Destin, FL.

850-420-2480

April Walton County Florida Sales Activity Report Just Out

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Tue, 08 May 2012 07:13:38 -0700

Total Number of Single Family Homes that have sold in the month of April were 193. Sales have been brisk. Out of the 193 homes that have sold, 130 of them were new. This means that we see a lot of construction activity again and the market is recovering nicely putting a lot of folks back to work.

Total Number of Condos that sold in April were 97. This is actually slightly down from a year ago. However, the condo market has been hit hard in the mortgage area. If you can't pay cash, then it is extremely difficult to finance a condo these days. Mortgage condos require anywhere from 25-30% down up front and a credit score of a minimum of 680 points. If you want that dream condo at the beach, then you better save up your money for your downpayment so you can well afford to buy it.

Residential Lots seem to be on fire right now. There were 245 sales in the month of April alone. This was an increase of 34.62% over last Apriil.

Foreclosures are remaining about the same, but the number of Lis Pendens or Notices of Foreclosures rose again for the second month in a row. I am beginning to see the shawdow inventory slowly dripping out into the market.

If you are in the market to buy, I work exclusively as a buyer's representative. I can help you save time, money and avoid costly mistakes. I can get you from the intial contact to the closing table successfully. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Warmly yours,

Kelly

Where have all the For Sale Signs Gone?

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 07 May 2012 08:58:25 -0700

Okaloosa County - April Sales Trends Report

Okaloosa County has approximately 181,000 people living in 930.25 square miles of space. Towns include Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Crestview, Bluewater Bay, Niceville, Valparaiso, Mary Esther, Eglin AFB, and Hurlburt Field.

There were 273 homes sold in the month of April in Okaloosa County. For the year it is up slightly by 2.88%.

There were 112 condos and townhomes sold in the month of April. For the year this number is up 19.44%.

Residentail Lots saw a decline in sales activity. Only 65 sold in the month of April and down 13.37% for the year.

There were 66 Foreclosures in Okaloosa County in April of this year, but hold on........Looks like more will be hitting the market soon as the banks are releasing some shawdow inventory. There were 165 new filings of Notice of Foreclosure for the month of April. An increase of 129.72 percent over last year.

We are not through this totally yet, but For Sale Signs have drastically disappeared along the roadways. Inventory is dropping a bit and I foresee rising prices in the next few months.

If you are looking to purchase, please consider using a Buyer's Representative instead of calling the Listing Agent on the sign. I work Exclusively for my Buyers disclosing to them everything that I know about an area to help them save time, avoid frustration and in the end love what they are buying.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Absorption Rate - What is it?

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 06:38:49 -0700

Why is an absorption rate important? It tracks the number of weeks that the current inventory will take to sell provided that sales are continuing at the same rate as last month.

Here in Walton County and along the 30A Corridor, condos that are south of the corridor or closest to the beach area have only a 22 week supply left. Why is this important? Buyers need to keep an eye on this number because anything less than 26 weeks is an indicator that the market is beginning to shift. Once inventory is absorbed in any particular area or product type then the prices will beging to rise.

I work exclusively as a buyer's agent and welcome working with you as well.

Featured Complex -- Gulf Place Cabanas

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 07:59:09 -0700

The Gulf Place Cabanas are located at 145 Spires Lane in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459. This building is a low-rise offering just four floors with 43 units. There are 43 one bedroom units in this complex and they rent quite well. They are located across the street from three deeded beach access areas and the Public Access of Ed Walline Park off of Hwy. 30A. They have an outdoor pool, a hot tub, elevator, tennis courts, shuffle board courts, dog park, walking trails, hall bunks, private balconies and washer and dryers in each unit.

Gulf Place hosts a walkabout every 3rd Thursday of the Month where you can buy a glass of wine and visit all of the vendors of Gulf Place. There are artits, shops, restuarants, and bars.

If this sounds like a place where you would fit in and you want more information on how you can own a Gulf Place Cabana Unit, please feel free to contact me.

The Gulf Place Cabana Building is the one with the green space behind it.

Florida Panhandle Foreclosures

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:16:47 -0700

1st Quarter Florida Panhandle
Residential Property Pre-Foreclousre Filings

1st Quarter 2012 Florida Panhandle residential pre-foreclosure filings have more than doubled last year as you can see from the graph above and the table below. Every county except Escambia had greater than 100% increase compared to last year. However, Escambia had the highest total number of filings this year at 433 followed by Bay at 428. This dramatic increase was anticipated as the government has recently struck a deal with the 5 largest private lenders to resolve some of the legal issues from previous fraudulent foreclosure filings. Hopefully, the lenders will be more willing and better equipped to do short sales and loan modifications than in the past. If there is a flood of actual foreclosures on the market it will dramatically increase inventory and put a significant downward pressure on prices.

Walton County Real Estate Sales Activity Report -- March 2012

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:44:58 -0700

What has been happening in Walton County Florida lately?

Single Family New Home Sales are up 205% over March of 2011 and for the year they are up 168.63%.

DR Horton seems to be the trend leader in this category. They have more building permits than any other builder in Walton County at this time and new construction can be seen everywhere in the county from Mussett Bayou Estates, Santa Rosa Golf Villas, Peach Creek, Sacred Oaks, Driftwood Estates, Whispering Lakes, Water Oaks, and Windsor Estates. It has put a lot of people back to work and you can catch positive attitudes in the air in Walton County as well as some beautiful temperatures, smiles and sparkling water.

Resale of Homes in Walton County dropped by 18% for the Month over same period last year. I guess why buy old when you can buy new for an incredible price? Year to date this is also holding true with an 11% drop overall in the resale category of homes.

New Condo sales for the month of March dropped by 25% over March of 2011. This does not surprise me because we do not have many NEW condos in the market for sale any longer.

Resale of existing condos were down slightly by 7% for the same period over 2011 and for the year down less than 1% over last year's sales.

What are selling are LOTS. Lots were up 34% for the month and 127% for the year. They just are not making land any longer and people are grabbing up what they can for future building opportunity.

The number of foreclosures remained the same for the month and are even slightly down for the year by 17%.

What is interesting and best to keep an eye on this next number is the total number of new filings for Lis Pendens or Notices of Foreclosures. It is true that the banks have been holding these back and pretty soon we will see new inventory in this category. It rose 81% in the month of March and for the year is up 78%. Until all of these are sold, we will continue to see lower prices and great opportunities for buyers.

If you are looking to buy, I work as an Exclusvie Buyer's Agent and can help you get to the closing table smoothly. I look forward to assisting you.

Warmly yours,

Kelly Klein

All Fridays are Good, Aren't They?

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 07:15:44 -0700

Today is a day called Good Friday, but to me all Fridays are Good. They always have been for as long as I can remember. I always looked forward to the day called Friday. How can you not love a Friday. TGIF !

Destin Condo Market is HOT

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:16:55 -0700

One way to decipher a market is to analyze it. I love to do this in all categories. I am a bit of a real estate nerd and love to watch the numbers so I understand what is going on.

In my Investment Market, Condos under the $175,000 price range the numbers came as below:

Number of Condos in the Market in Destin and Santa Rosa Beach having at least one bedroom , one bathroom and less than $75,000 in price = 140 total

Number of Condos in the Market in Destin and Santa Rosa Beach having at least one bedroom , one bathroom and less than $75,000 in price and with a Gulf View = 36 total

Number of Condos in the Market in Destin and Santa Rosa Beach having at least one bedroom , one bathroom and less than $75,000 in price and Sold in the last six months = 180 total sold

Number of Condos in the Market in Destin and Santa Rosa Beach having at least one bedroom , one bathroom and less than $75,000 in price and with a Gulf View = 57 total sold

Number Sold = 180 x 12 months = 2,160. Next take 2,160 divided by 52 weeks = 41.5 units per week of all units.

Number Sold with Gulf Views = 57 x 12 months = 684. Next take 684 divided by 52 weeks = 13.1 units per week of all Gulf View Units.

So, in the total category there are 140 total condos for sale right now and if they sell at 41.5 per week we only have a 3.37 weeks of supply left.

Of the Gulf View Condo Category there are 36 total Gulf View condos for sale right now and if they sell at 13.1 units per week we are left with a 2.74 week supply right now.

BOTTOM LINE, INVENTORY IS DWINDLING AND PRICES WILL SURELY BEGIN TO GO UP.

Monday Morning Mortgage Market Update

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:48:20 -0700

Market Update Week Ending March 16, 2012

What began as a quiet week quickly turned negative following the release of Tuesday's Fed announcement. Mixed economic data and Treasury auctions had little impact. Mortgage rates ended the week significantly higher.

While it was very similar to the last statement, the Fed announcement reflected some degree of improvement in the economy. This caused investors to reduce expectations for further Fed easing through purchases of mortgage-backed securities (MBS). The chance that the Fed would produce enormous additional demand had helped propel MBS prices to their recent highs, so this news caused investors to sell MBS. The statement also acknowledged that rising energy prices will lead to higher short-term inflation. Investor concern that this will produce higher long-term inflation caused MBS prices to fall and mortgage rates to rise. The PPI and CPI inflation data released this week clearly reflected the impact of higher energy prices.

The Freddie Mac weekly mortgage rate survey released on Thursday showed just a small increase in rates, which could be very misleading. This is simply due to the timing of the survey. Freddie Mac collects data from origination companies on Monday and Tuesday and releases the results on Thursday. In this case, the survey does not reflect the significant rise in mortgage rates which followed the Fed announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

Also Notable:

Core CPI inflation was 2.2% higher than one year ago
Retail Sales posted the largest monthly increase since September 2011
Weekly Jobless Claims matched the lowest level in four years
The Dow stock index climbed to the highest level since December 2007

With a light Economic Calendar next week, the Housing data will be the focus. Housing Starts will be released on Tuesday, Existing Home Sales will come out on Wednesday, and New Home Sales will be released on Friday. Jobless Claims and Leading Indicators are scheduled for Thursday.

Debbie Parmer
Regions Mortgage - Mirramar Beach
Mortgage Loan Originator
Assistant Vice President
(850) 585-8448 (Cell)
www.regionsmortgage.com/debbieparmer
debbie.parmer@regions.com

Seaside Half Marathon

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:50:29 -0800

Seaside, FL has an awesome turnout for its 10th annual Seaside Half Marathon this past weekend. Although I do not participate, I do have a bird's eye view of the racers from my 4th story condo. My dog Dolly who viewed the race for the first time in her life loved it too.

Dolly watching the runners in the 10th Annual Seaside half marathon.

There were 3,700 runners and 300 volunteers this year. This is the maximum amount of runners allowed for this race. The race begins at Seaside and the turnaround point is Gulf Place along the 30A corridor. The event benefits the Seaside Neighborhood School.

Female runners far outweigh the males runners, with 74% participation. It ends up being more of a girl's getaway weekend and a reason to come to the beach. The race has grown in popularity now attracting runners from out of the country.

Seaside, FL is a popular area with restuarants, shops, and music and entertainment year round.

If you are looking to visit the area anytime soon, it should be a must on your places to see.

Kelly Klein, Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.

850-420-2480 Http://www.KellyKleinSoldMine.com

Featured Complex - Emerald Hill Townhomes

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:53:55 -0800

Today I am featuring the Emerald Hill Townhomes located at 3722 East Hwy 30A, Seagrove Beach, FL 32459

This complex has 3 floors offering 36 total units. There are 7 Studio Units, 8 one bedroom units, 11 two bedroom units and 10 3 bedroom units. Unit numbers 1-16 are Gulf Front. There are private garages and an open parking lot as well. They own 100 Feet of Dedicated Beach.

Located in the heart of Seagrove Beach near shopping, bicycle rentals, and restauranta. It has an outdoor pool area, BBQ grills, and washer and dryers.

There have been two recent sales both of them 2 bedroom units. Both sold for $229,000.

There are three active listings today. One being a studio condo listed for $89,900. One being a 2 bedroom unit listed for $295,000 and one being a 3 bedroom unit listed for $694,900.

Remember that sellers can ask all they want for a unit, but unless you are working with an Accredited Buyer's Representative, you may not know the whole story. Make sure you use a Buyer's Rep to protect your best interests and save you time, money and protect you from potential pitfalls.

Call me with your needs today.

Kelly Klein, Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.

Mortgage Market Update

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:57:11 -0800

Market Update Week Ending February 24, 2012

The Greek bailout package was passed on Monday as expected, and there was little reaction in US markets. Mixed US economic data also had little influence. Strong Treasury auctions were the biggest factor for mortgage rates this week, and rates ended the week a little lower.

Investors are beginning to focus on the price of oil. Concerns about Iran have pushed oil prices up to the highest level in nine months. Higher energy prices are bad for consumers and the economy. Since higher oil prices have two opposite effects on inflation, though, the impact on mortgage rates is uncertain. Rising energy costs add to inflation, but they also slow economic growth, which reduces inflationary pressures. It's not clear which influence will be larger over time.

The housing data released this week continued to be encouraging. January Existing Home Sales rose 4% from December to the highest level since May 2010. The inventory of listed existing homes declined 1% to the lowest level since March 2005. January New Home Sales again exceeded expectations.

Also Notable:

European officials agreed to provide a $172 billion bailout package to Greece
Weekly Jobless Claims again held close to the 350K level
Consumer Sentiment rose to the highest level since February 2011
The Dow rose above the 13,000 level for the first time since May 2008

Next week, Pending Home Sales will be released on Monday. Durable Orders will come out on Tuesday. Revisions to fourth quarter GDP will be released on Wednesday, along with Chicago PMI Manufacturing and the Fed's Beige Book. ISM Manufacturing and Core PCE inflation are scheduled for Thursday. Personal Income, Consumer Confidence, and Construction Spending will round out a busy week.

Debbie Parmer
Regions Mortgage - Sandestin
Mortgage Loan Originator
Assistant Vice President
(850) 585-8448 (Cell)
www.regionsmortgage.com/debbieparmer
debbie.parmer@regions.com

1031 Tax Exchange

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:45:43 -0800

1031 investment property is real or personal property held for the proper intent as defined by Internal Revenue Code § 1.1031. 1031 exchanges allow the owner to indefinitely defer the federal and state capital gains and recaptured depreciation taxes triggered when the property is sold and replaced with like-kind property. Taxes are due when the replacement property is sold or deferred in another 1031 exchange.

Proper Intent

The proper intent is “property held in a trade, business or investment.” Facts support the proper 1031 investment property intent such as:

hold time
rental history
minimal personal use
history of purchase and sales, including dates
how the property is itemized if reported on federal tax return
history of income or losses
expertise and financial status of Taxpayer
time and effort expended

Examples of 1031 Investment Property

Real, tangible and intangible personal property is eligible as 1031 investment property. Examples of real property include:

Land	Commercial buildings	Apartments
Tenants in common	Conservation easements	Oil and gas royalties
Mobile home parks	30-year leasehold interests	Vacation rentals

Examples of tangible and intangible personal property include:

Livestock	Heavy construction equipment	Fine musical instruments
Paintings and sculptures	Gold and silver bullion	Vintage and collectible cars
Aircraft	Franchise rights	Sports contracts

The above examples represent a partial list of 1031 investment property. Real property can only be exchanged for real property as long as the locations of both the new and the old are either within the United States or held predominantly overseas. A United States citizen who works overseas can own a rental property and exchange it for other real property anywhere internationally and defer the capital gain.

Personal property must be like-kind or like-class as defined in one of thirteen general asset classifications or the North American Industry Classification System. If the predominant use is overseas, then the replacement property must also be held predominantly overseas for at least two years post acquisition.

Multi Asset 1031 Exchanges

When a property like a business or farm includes more than one type of property sold, such as real and personal property in a business sale or a primary residence or real and personal property in the sale of a farm or ranch, then each property must be itemized separately to exchange accordingly. Not all property types must be exchanged. Often, equipment is sold and not exchanged for replacement equipment.

A primary residence is not eligible for 1031 consideration, yet under Section 121 the gain is excluded if under $500,000 for a couple filing jointly or $250,000 filing an individual federal tax return. Additionally, the exclusion is available if the home represents their primary residence and the Taxpayer has lived in the home at least two of the past five years. The exclusion is available once every two years

Information provided by Andy Gustafson - andgus@atlas1031.com

Http://www.KellyKleinSoldMine.com

Median Home Prices

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:28:28 -0800

Median Prices

Crestview

DeFuniak Springs

Destin

Fort Walton Beach

Freeport

Milton*

Navarre**

Niceville

South Walton Area

DSF

$166,130

$70,000

$319,900

$150,000

$174,900

$118,500

$185,000

$239,250

$338,900

Condo

$217,500

$200,000

$234,500

$89,900

$224,900

Townhome

$63,000

$105,500

$75,000

$72,000

$150,000

$135,000

$240,000

Emerald Coast

Http://wwwKellyKleinSoldMine.com

Kelly Klein, Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc

Broker / Owner / Sales/ Buyer's Representative

Buyers have returned

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:04:08 -0800

In record numbers, I am seeing license plates from the following states: Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Ontario, Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, Kentucky and Illinois. Seems like there are record number of visitors in the area this year. Why not? Temperatures have been unseasonally warmer this year and we offer a lot of sunshine most year round. It has even been more difficult getting a tee time on my favorite golf course, the Santa Rosa Golf course. It's all good though. I have shown property for now a full week everyday in a row. I am also seeing a record number of status changes in our local Multiple Listing Service.

If you are looking to buy, please don't hesitate to call me and schedule an appointment for viewing properties. You must be prequalified or show proof of cash funds for viewing appointments. My local lenders can assist you with this process. Once qualified, we can go and look at properties that meet your price range and needs.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kelly Klein, Lifeguard Real Estate

Exclusive Buyer's Agent

Http://www.KellyKleinSoldMine.com

Beachwood Villas -- Featured Complex

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:12:09 -0800

Beachwood Villas sits on the North side of Hwy. 30A between Beachcrest Condos and One Seagrove Beach. It is walking distance to the beach and is conveniently situated near a Tom Thumb convenience store, Cafe 30A Restaurant and Angelinas Pizza.

There are 14 well maintained buildings with 3 floors and 117 units in all. There are 72 one bedroom units; 10 two bedroom units; and 35 three bedroom units. There are two pools, BBQ areas, Clubhouse, shuffleboard courts, and tennis courts. It is a popular destination for snowbirds during the months of January through March.

Today there are 2 one bedroom units for sale ranging from a low of $110,000 to $125,000. There is also one 3 bedroom unit for sale listed for $199,000. There have been two recent sales both being a one bedroom unit and selling for $80,000 and $90,000 respectively.

If you are looking for a beach get-a-way and want to keep your purchase around $100,000, this may make an excellent option for you. I work exclusively as a buyer’s agent saving you time, saving you money, and avoiding costly mistakes.

Kelly Klein, Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.

850-420-2480 — Kelly@KellyKleinSoldMine.com

Http://www.KellyKleinSoldMine.com

Article 10 Code of Ethics

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:50:16 -0800

I locally teach Fair Housing Rules to newREALTORS©. It is a subject near and dear to me. It is always worth reviewing these rules as written and amended on January 1, 2011.

REALTORS© shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or sexual orientation. REALTORS© shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin or sexual orientation.

Kelly Klein, Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc. Broker / Owner

2011 Sales Report

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:18:39 -0800

2011 Sales Statistics

In an effort to help members communicate more effectively about the real estate market along the Emerald Coast, ECAR has put together basic statistics to be used by ECAR members in customer/client communication and other marketing efforts. This is not intended to replace any other statistical analysis ECAR members may use each month.

Total Units Sold

	2010	2011	# Difference	% Change
Crestview	502	644	142	28%
Destin	645	864	219	34%
Fort Walton Beach	764	894	130	17%
Navarre*	647	609	<38>	<6%>
Niceville	412	483	71	17%
North Walton County	205	224	19	10%
South Walton County	1242	1572	330	26%
Emerald Coast**	4266	5290	1024	24%

Single Family Homes

	2010	2011	# Difference	% Change
Crestview	488	624	136	28%
Destin	265	324	59	22%
Fort Walton Beach	505	554	49	10%
Navarre*	582	531	<51>	<9%>
Niceville	355	436	81	23%
North Walton County	205	224	19	10%
South Walton County	649	768	119	18%
Emerald Coast**	2805	3323	518	18%

Condos

	2010	2011	# Difference	% Change
Crestview	--	--	--	--
Destin	320	438	118	38%
Fort Walton Beach	168	236	68	40%
Navarre*	33	48	15	46%
Niceville	13	11	<2>	<15%>
North Walton County	--	--	--	--
South Walton County	529	688	159	30%
Emerald Coast**	1170	1551	381	32%

Bay County Florida ~ Ends Year with Sales UP

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:18:07 -0800

What a great way to end the year. Bay County Florida is home to Tyndall Airforce Base located in Panama City Beach, FL. Sales Trends are showing signs of growth.

Total Single Family Homes were up 16.62% for the year over last year's numbers.

Condo Sales were way up with an increase of 23.68% for the year.

Lot Sales were up slightly at 3.78%.

The best news is that the number of foreclosures are dropping significantly and were down 39.44% for the year over last year.

With inventory depleting, rising prices will surely follow.

I work exclusidvely for buyers like yourself and look forward to hearing from you in 2012.

Kelly Klein, Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc. 850-420-2480

Http://www.KellyKleinSoldMine.com

Okaloosa County, FL ~ December 2011 Sales Activity

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:59:33 -0800

More good news along the Panhandle.

Okaloosa covers cities like Ft. Walton Beach, Crestview, Niceville, and Destin, FL.

In the month of December Total Single Family Home sales were up 16.83% over December 2011. For the year, Home Sales were up by 20,56% for the year. To top this news, NEW HOME SALES were up 41.48% for the year and this is great news for our local economy. Home building and related services feed the employment numbers in the County.

In the condo/townhome category for the month of December sales were slightly down by 6.19% as compared with December of 2010. However, for the year sales wer considerably up by years' end by 35.55% over 2010. Condos became more affordable and easier to finance in 2011.

Residential Lot Sales ( and they are not making any more of it) were up by 16.17% ending the year over sales in 2010.

In the category of distressed homes, we are seeing a decline of how many are available now. For the entire year they were still up by 5.41%, but in the month of December we saw a huge slowdown of foreclosures entering the marketplace. They were down by 48.18%.

If you are looking to buy, you still have time. Steady inventory levels, good prices, and terrific properties.

I work as your Destin's Buyer's Representative ~ Kelly Klein, Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc. ~ 850-420-2480

Http://www.KellyKleinSoldMine.com

Walton County Sales Trends Report December 2012

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:32:43 -0800

The Walton County Sales Trends Report just came out for the month of December. Like the unemployment rate going down to 8.5% Nationally, the employment is evident in Walton County Florida. I am seeing new construction popping up all around me again. It feels so good to see this positive trend.

Here are the numbers:

Single Family Home sales rose for the month of December by 56.14% over same period last year.

Single Family Home sales for the year rose by 19.58% over 2011 sales.

Condos and Townhomes rose 46.77% for the month of December over same period last year.

Condos and Townhome sales rose 34.53% for the year over 2011 sales.

Residential Lot sales were down for the month of December by 26.67%, but still rose for the whole year by 10.70% over 2011 sales.

Overall sales in all categories were up 18.30% over last year.

What does all of this mean? Increasing competition for buyers on a shrinking inventory.

If I can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to ask.

Kelly Klein, Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc. 850-420-2480

Http://www.KellyKleinSoldMine.com

10 Best Things Clients like about their Realtor

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:59:44 -0800

Survey Says:

1) Good Negotiating Skills

2) Personality of the Agent

3) Personalized Service

4) Made it easier, Saved Time

5) Listened

6) Followed Up

7) Go the Extra Mile

8) Treated all family members with Respect

9) Told the Truth

10) Worked with a Smile

Looking to save time, money, and avoid mistakes? Use a Buyer's Representative to help you with your next purchase.

Kelly Klein, Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc. 850-420-2480 Http://www.KellyKleinSoldMine.com

Beautiful Last Day of the Year

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 10:20:52 -0800

Ah, I couldn't have asked for more. It is just beautiful here today. I hope your last day of your year is spent reflecting on all of the good that you had this past year. We all have so many things to be thankful for. Even the smallest things, like my fingers that are typing this note right now, or my eyes that are reading this. Take time to reflect on the good and wish for more good in the year to come. Happy New Year from Lifeguard Real Estate !

Planes over the Destin Harbor. Happy NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Serious Buyers are READY

Kelly Klein (Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc.) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:14:22 -0800

The market has picked up considerably in my area. I am running into multiple offers on properties and shorter days on the market overall. Inventory is shrinking and it appears that if 2012 is going to be a banner year for sales. Even signs of all new subdivisions are going in. Some by DR Horton and others, but they are selling. The demand for these new homes is up. In fact, I have seen prices on the same product rise by over $20,000 in just 3 months time. It is always about supply and demand.

Serious buyers come to me with their preapproval letter already in hand or a letter from their banker showing that they have the cash funds available to make their purchase. In almost all cases, one of the two mentioned forms of proof must be presented at time of offer. I cannot in many cases even submit an offer without one of these verifications.

Why would I want to work with a buyer anyway without first prequalifying or showing me the money? I mean a home is the biggest purchase of one's life. I remember trying to get a new car recently and I had to apply for a loan. I remember filling out an application for a credit card. So why bulk when your Realtor makes you take this extra step in prequalifying before they show you homes. As a buyer's agent, it is imperative that I am only showing you homes that you can afford and are within your budget. Showing you other homes that you can't afford is a waste of everyone's time.

If you are looking for a deal in this market, now is the best time to buy. Inventory is stable, but decreasing. Prices are steady, but beginning to rise. Interest rates are still incredibly low. I work with buyers saving them time, money, hassles, and helping them to avoid costly mistakes.

I look forward to your business in 2012.

Kelly Klein, Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc. 850-420-2480 Http://www.KellyKleinSoldMine.com