Mark's Blog

Gulf Breeze Florida Golf Course Luxury Property

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:08:38 -0500

Exclusive Home website www.1285GreenviewLane.com brought to you by www.1234MyHouse.com

Price $725,000.00

One of a kind Custom built Italian villa styled home on The Waterways in Tiger Point with stunning views of Tiger Point Golf Course from most all of the rooms. 2001 Parade Home; Features: Professionally decorated with columns, crown molding, plantation shutters, hardwood doors in the main entrance & garage doors and wrought iron details. Top of the line construction, Anderson windows, 3 Trane heat pumps. Large great room with built-in cabinets, gas fireplace and stunning murals. Gourmet kitchen with glazed cabinets, granite countertops, under mount stainless steel sinks. Top of the line stainless steel appliances featuring; Sub Zero Refrigerator, Thermodore gas cooktop and two built-in convection ovens, and Bosch dishwasher. Wet bar with granite counter top, wine/beverage refrigerator and icemaker.Out door summer kitchen/bar with a Thermodore grill. 19 inch Travertine tile floor from front porch through foyer to formal dining room, kitchen, butlers pantry, laundry room, bathrooms to the backyard. Lavish master bath features glazed cabinets, large separate shower, a garden tub. Frisse carpet in all bedrooms except the 4th/study which features hardwood floors. Features gunite pool, outdoor kitchen and 4 ft aluminum fence. No hurricane damage. Bathroom of study is also a pool bath. Large laundry room/mud room. State of the art surround sound system through-out, 5 cat wiring, security system plus a security camera. Oversized two car garage with golf cart entrance, all with hardwood doors and 3 separate openers. Storage galore in the garage with 14 double cabinets, 10 feet high.

Room Type	Lvl	Dimnsns
Foyer	1	13x23	Styl/Des:	Contemp/TwoStory	Cnstr/Sidng:	Frame/Stucco, HdCtStuc
DiningRoom	1	11x14	Roof:	CmpsitShgl	Floors:	W/WCarpet, Hardwood, Stone
MudRoom	1	7x10	Wat/Sew:	PubWater, PubSewer	Pool:	IG Pool, Gunite
Laundry/Utility	1	10x11	Heat:	2+Units	WatHtr:	Electric, 2+Units
Office/Study	1	12x15	Elec:	CircuitBrk	Cooling:	CntlElect, 2+Units
Kitchen	1	15x20	ExtFeatures:	BkydFnce, LawnPump, Sprinkler, OpenDeck, Balcony
GreatRoom	1	16x21	IntFeatures:	CableAvl, Fireplace, Wetbar, HighCeilin, SomeDrapes, SomeBlinds, Add'lStor, InLndry, W/DHookups, BltinBookCs, , PlantLdgs, CrownMld, ChairRail, CeilingFn, Shutters, SurndSnd, WkinClos, RecLite, HiSpNetAvail
Bedrm:Master	1	16x18	KitFeatures:	GasStov/Ov, DoubleOven, BnMicro, Dishwasher, Disposal, Refrigr, GraniteCt
Bath: Master	1	9x15	Energy:	DoublePane, SolarScrns, CeilFans, InsulatCei
Bedrm:Additnl	2	13x16	MiscEquip:	Washer, Dryer, Intercom, SecAlarm, SmkDetetr, GarOpnr
Bedrm:Additnl	2	14x14	DiningType:	FormlDinRm, BkfstBar
Loft	2	11x19
Garage	1	20x38


Mbed/Mbath: Walk-In Closet, 2+ Closet, Ceiling Fan, High Ceilings, Downstairs Master Bdrm / Double Vanity, Solid Surface Countertops, Separate Shower

PrkingSpc:		LotSize:		LotLoc:	Interior, Golf Course, Waterview, Paved Road, Golf Community	WatFrnt:	None
		Acres:	0.28	Zoning:	ResSingle	WatFrntFeat:	Natural
PrkingFeat:	2CarGarage, Oversized, GolfCart, SideEnt			RdMaint:	County	WaterView:	Pond View
DevelopFacil:	Golf, UndrgrndUtil, PetAllwd					WFFeet:

Mark Hoeft
ERA Beach Ball Realty
35 Via Deluna
Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561
(850) 525-2765
Fax (850) 916-1596

"Always There for You"

Exclusive Personalized Website for listings for REALTORS by a REALTOR

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:54:49 -0500

1234 My House.com

We do the work, You get the Credit!

This is a wonderful marketing tool for all homes, great for New Construction (Model Homes and Spec Houses) and especially those in the Luxury Home Market. The excitement and pride that comes from your client, when you tell them that part of marketing of their home is that you will be developing an exclusive personlized website for their home and it will be at no charge to them. They can show all of their friends, family and co-workers without going to the trouble of printing flyers and handouts. The website by 1234 My House.com can be included in all of your marketing materials (Mailers, emails, MLS, links to your personal website, links to your company site, flyers and brouchers, newsletters.) This is without a doubt one of the most impressive and inexpensive marketing tools in your portfolio. You will now be able to direct market each home individually on Google, Tulia, Zillow, Craigs List and many more. Please contact me with any questions about our service.

1234 My House.com click for more details.

You pick the domain name (House Address)

We Register the Domain name (ICANN domain confirmation)

You get a personalized multiple page website

You get 6 months of Website hosting

You supply Pictures of the Property (Maximum of 25) and Contact information via email.

All for $250.00 ($125.00 at time of order and the remainder when website is live)

Contact Mark for more details

Mark@1234MyHouse.com

www.1234MyHouse.com
a Division of
Hoeft Enterprises Inc.

3 Bedroom 2 Baths with a Basement on 2 Acres in Northwest Florida

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:17:23 -0500

Price

$179,900.00

Very Nice 2800 square foot Brick home on 2 acres in Floridas Northwest Panhandle. The living room has a nice fireplace with insert and a sitting room/office off to the left. Formal dining room is just right for those get togethers! It has a built-in pantry in utility room off the kitchen with lots of room for storage in kitchen. The master bedroom is large with a nice walk-in closet. All of the bedrooms are large and the 626 SF Basement basement has its own outside entrance and can be used for an extra bedroom, mother-in-law suite, or bonus room for the kids/ especially the teenagers. From the living room you can go out on the attached deck and enjoy the spectacular view of the country. with its own entrance. Also, there is lots of room in the oversized 2-car gargage. Very close to Downtown Walnut Hill, but with plenty of privacy.

Mark Hoeft

850-525-2765

Mark.Hoeft@ERA.com

www.TheFloridaCoast.com

Airport Property in Northwest Florida on a 1 acre Lot

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:26:37 -0500

Price

$349,900.00

Attention all Pilots and Aircraft Owners! Fly Home, land your plane on your 2800 ft community maintained runway, taxi to your New 2008 custom built 1900 square foot home park you plane in your attached 40x50 Hanger. Lets Start with the hanger it is a 40x50 18 Gauge Galvinized Steel Construction built to code to withstand 150 mph winds. The House is a custom built all metal construction with 8" metal studs in the floor, 6" metal studs in the exterior walls and 4" Metal in the interior walls, 130 mph impact glass windows and also built to withstand 150 mph wind load. It has custom cabinets and granite counter tops in the kitchen. Flooring is Tile and Harwoods throughout. The Master Suite has a private hot tub in the suite itself and a deck that overlooks the runway. The 20x40 Detached Car Garage has plenty of room for 2 cars and contains an office or storage in the back. The Assocation has a 99 year lease for the Airfield and runway. You are less than 20 minutes from downtown Pensacola and 30 minutes from the Beaches. If you have your own plane and want to park it in your backyard Call me to make an appointment to see this one.

Mark Hoeft

Mark.Hoeft@ERA.com

Cell- 850-525-2765

www.TheFloridaCoast.com

Large lot in Beautiful Gated Community of Grand Pointe Cove

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 16:42:04 -0500

$350,000.00

Large 90X185 High and Dry lot in a the very exclusive Gated Community of Grand Pointe Cove near Gulf Breeze Proper, with community pier into East Bay. Home must have a habitable floor are of 3200 + Square Feet. This is a magnificent neighborhood to build your dream home. All of the homes in the GatedCommunity are custom built, and this is just one of 4 lots the remail to be built.

Mark Hoeft

850-525-2765

Mark.Hoeft@ERA.com

www.TheFloridaCoast.com

Gulf Breeze Florida's Fairbreeze Manor

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 16:30:39 -0500

Price

$3,960,000.00

Bedrooms - 6

Baths - 7.5

Waterfront - 102 feet

Total Acreage - 1.3 acres

Total Sq. Ft. - 7200

Garage - 4 car

Truly one of a kind, the Fair Breeze Manor is like nothing you have ever seen in Northwest Florida. This home combines Old World Craftsmanship, with meticulous attention to detail in every imaginable aspect of the home. This 7200 square foot estate was totally remodeled completed in 2005 and has an effective age 3 years. Its has a genuine gourmet kitchen featuring ~ 8 inch thick stained and acid washed concrete countertops ~ Custom Lyptus hardwood Cabinets ~ state of the art appliances ~ 48 inch Viking gas range ~ Viking warming drawer ~ Sub Zero Refrigerator ~ Sub Zero Freezer ~ Freezer Drawers ~ Fisher-Paykel Dishwasher ~ Wine Cooler. The Hand Crafted Wet Bar area features a grape motif hand forged Iron Work. The walk-in Pantry and Laundry area have an over abundance of custom made cabinetry. The gorgeous formal dining room with artistic faux and Grecian plaster finished walls adds more of the artistry that flows throughout the home. A spacious yet practical living/media room is very inviting and comfortable with Pro Sound system and custom entertainment center and cabinets. The old world elegance is evident throughout, with exotic woods and Red Damascus Marble that flows throughout the entire home. The Custom designed Wine Cellar/Room will hold up to 1200 bottles of wine. The Hickory Flooring on the second floor is the perfect highlight to the tile, stone, beautiful millwork and cabinetry. Many of the Interior lighting fixtures were imported from Europe including the Italian antique chandeliers in the Pantry and Downstairs Powder Room. The second floor master suite features wonderful views of the Santa Rosa Sound, the master bath features ~ double sink vanities ~ Custom Built Brazilian Cherry Cabinets ~ Fifteen (15) piece Crown Molding ~ Shower has multiple shower heads including a Rain Head ~ Shower converts into Personal Steam Room ~ Yet another beautiful chandelier hangs over the Bain Ultra Air Jet Tub. The 3 additional bedrooms on the second floor are all suites containing their own private bath. The Third floor boasts another Master Suite and sitting area (currently used as an Art Studio) and Children's Play Room. Included in the total square footage there is an additional 1000 square foot mother-in-law suite with its own full kitchen and bath. The outdoor Kitchen complete with Viking and Green Egg Cook Station and Tiki Bar overlook the 20x40 Heated Gunite Pool with the 12 person Spill Over Waterfall Spa. The gas outdoor fire pit, filled with glass beads causing the fire to dance into the night is a spectacle in itself. The Four Car Garage with plenty of storage houses the pool bath and adds privacy to the pool area. The home also includes the Santa Rosa Sound waterfront lot across the street with over 100 feet of waterfront complete with dock ~ boat lift ~ jet ski lifts ~ sun deck with copper lined steps that lead into the water. The entire Manor resides on 1.25 Acres with 100 plus feet on the Intracoastal Waterway. Nothing that you have seen compares to this true work of art. In 2006 The Dupont Registry Gallery of Fine Homes has chosen "Fairbreeze Manor" as the "Editors Choice" in their Luxury Homes Magazine with an effective age of one year. Very accessible to the Andrews Institute, Destin, and a Day Jet Port is plus or minus 30 minutes away. There are far too many features to mention. You have to see this one in person to appreciate the true work of art that it is.

Mark Hoeft

850-525-2765

Mark.Hoeft@ERA.com

www.TheFloridaCoast.com

What If All The Real Estate Headlines Are Wrong?

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 07:44:54 -0500

What If All The Real Estate Headlines Are Wrong?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OK, time for a 30-second real estate market quiz. Quick...which is the more exciting scenario?

- A man slowly walks down a flight of stairs, sometimes pausing or retracing his steps until he reaches a floor. After trudging along for while, he notices another staircase and begins ascending, occasionally pausing or taking a step back before methodically proceeding upward.

- Ignoring the safety railing, a man hurtles down a terrifically high flight of stairs. He hurries recklessly downward, dodging obstacles in his path as he goes. He suddenly cries out as he loses his footing, sails through the air, tumbles down several flights and crashes through a banister. The badly injured man is bandaged from head to toe and attached to a variety of complex medical devices that monitor his vital signs. Experts debate his condition but agree that the situation is dire and prospects for recovery are uncertain.

...and that's why more headlines say "Home values off the cliff in Phoenix, Miami and Las Vegas" than "Things aren't bad in Seattle, Portland and Charlotte." Most readers just find sensational headlines more interesting. And while they may help sell newspapers, they also scare buyers and sellers to the sidelines, though the news may be very positive for home buyers in particular.

Add public relations acumen to the long list of skills today's real estate professionals need to be successful. Real estate is a long-term investment, but it's easy to lose sight of that fact when current conditions and recovery prospects seem grim. As REAL Trends Editor Steve Murray* says:

"Rather than say 'it is a good time to buy,' sales professionals need to present facts, figures and charts that show it clearly. The time where housing consumers took our word for this has likely come to a close."

The picture isn't all doom and gloom. Real estate pros can make a convincing case that, for many homebuyers, now is a great time to buy. But you're going to need some proof. Get listing data, neighborhood information and compile your own reports on market conditions. Be able to explain market conditions with visual summaries. Provide leave-behind reports and materials homebuyers can reference later.

So what's needed in today's market? In the form of a classified ad, it might look something like this:

Wanted: Real estate professional with public relations skills, local expertise and nerves of steel. Strong understanding of industry trends affecting buyers, sellers and homeowners. Must be able to recognize risks and opportunities inherent in shifting markets, provide candid assessments and expert guidance. Ability to troubleshoot and deliver creative solutions for skeptical consumers. Positive mindset and understanding of buyer and seller psychology required.

Who's on board?

Author note: If you see Steve Murray on the agenda at an industry event, check him out. You can learn more about real estate market conditions in one session than reading real estate headlines for six months.

By Charles Warnock - Marketing Director at eNeighborhoods and Homes.com.

Not the Bottom AGAIN ...... Its here... No it's not....Yes it IS.....NO....YES

Sat, 24 May 2008 09:20:42 -0500

Again the conversation with some of my clients (investors) in Pensacola, Florida. I am going to wait for the Bottom of the Market. They are not from Pensacola so the pricing of similar properies in their area is much lower. This now skews their idea of our market for like properties!

Comment #1- We can by a 3 bedroom 2 bath home in a working class neighborhood for $50,000.00 here at home, I do not want to pay $75,000.00 for a simila home in Pensacola 2 blocks from the water, because I think the price will continue to drop. The property had 4 offers on it the First day and SOLD for $82,000.

We all know what the bottom IS..........Think about it.......... Yes you do...

The Bottom is ZERO in every market (Thanks Larry) and we do not know where the Top is every market is different but lets say the TOP is infinite.

We now the Top and the Bottom, the question the the client now becomes......Where do you want to be between ZERO and INFINITITY?

To Infinitity and Beyond..."Buzz Lightyear"

Waterview Lot in Pensacola Florida

Sat, 24 May 2008 08:44:02 -0500

Price $89,900.00

Waterview 100x130 wooded buildable lot on Bayou Grande in the Soldiers Creek area, the lot is split zoned R-1 to the south and R-6 to the north. Lot has very high elevation and did not flood during Ivan or Denis. Surveys and Perk Test available with acceptable offer. Buildable lots in the area per the county are 50x100

2419 Tumbleweed Dr. Navarre Florida

Sat, 24 May 2008 08:34:40 -0500

Price $254,900.00

Buy the house for $85 a sq ft !! and the lot for $55,000.00 This is a very nice 2350 sq. ft. 4 bedroom 2 bath all brick home with a split floor plan on a 100 ft x 200 ft lot that is completely sodded with sprinkler system. This beautiful backyard is privacy fenced and welcomes a Swimming Pool. Open eat in Kitchen with Breakfast Bar. Formal dining room is being used as Office by the current owners, the Formal Living room is used for the childrens play room. Great room has Fire Place and opens up to the very spacious back yard. Very private area of Holley by the Sea. (Avg lots Sold in Holley are $55,000.00) The assocaition fee gets the new owner use of all of the ammenities of the Holly by the Sea Rec Center. (Tennis courts, Beach, multiple Pools, work out facilites, conference rooms and much more)

May 23, 2008 Existing-Home Sales Dip 1% in April

Fri, 23 May 2008 16:01:12 -0500

Daily Real Estate News | May 23, 2008Existing-Home Sales Dip 1% in April

Existing-home sales slowed in April, partly because tight lending guidelines hampered home buyers.

But there are some things to be happy about: A greater number of market areas are showing sales gains from a year ago, and a recent reversal in mortgage policy means the market is better positioned for a turnaround, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

Existing-home sales - including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops - declined 1.0 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.89 million units in April from an upwardly revised pace of 4.94 million in March, and are 17.5 percent below the 5.93 million-unit level in April 2007.

More Favorable Mortgage Options Will Help

With less-restrictive mortgage options opening up for buyers, "we could see an upturn in home sales this summer," says NAR President Richard F. Gaylord.

Last week, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae announced that they were eliminating their "declining market" policies, effective June 1. NAR and others believed the policy was bad for the housing market because it discouraged consumers from buying homes in areas hardest-hit by foreclosures.

"This means consumers across the country will have access to safe, affordable financing with down payments of only 5 percent on most mortgages, with 100 percent financing available on some loan products."

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said eliminating restrictive policies should be a big help to home buyers. "I would encourage buyers who were disappointed by poor mortgage options to take another look at the market because the lending changes are significant," he said. "Also, a recent notable drop in interest rates on conforming jumbo loans will help consumers in high-cost markets like California and New York."

National Prices, Inventory Levels

Nationally, the median existing-home price for all housing types was $202,300 in April, which is 8.0 percent below a year ago when the median was $219,900. Because the slowdown in sales from a year ago is greatest in high-cost areas, there is a downward distortion to the national median with relatively more sales in low- and moderate-priced markets.

Total housing inventory at the end of April rose 10.5 percent to 4.55 million existing homes available for sale, which represents an 11.2-month supply at the current sales pace, up from a 10.0-month supply in March.

Mortgage rates declined, according to Freddie Mac. The national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage slipped to 5.92 percent in April from 5.97 percent in March; the rate was 6.18 percent in April 2007.

Single-family home sales slipped 0.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.34 million in April from 4.36 million in March, and are 16.1 percent below the 5.17 million-unit level recorded one year ago. The median existing single-family home price was $200,700 in April, down 8.5 percent from April 2007.

Existing condominium and co-op sales fell 5.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 550,000 units in April from 580,000 in March, and are 27.9 percent below the 763,000-unit pace in April 2007. The median existing condo price was $214,900 in April, which is 3.7 percent below a year ago.

Regional Sales Volume, Prices

The unusual mix of market conditions around the country continues, but areas showing healthy price gains include Greenville, S.C., and Springfield, Mo., both with solid local economies. "On the other hand, some markets like San Diego, Calif., and Fort Myers, Fla., are experiencing rising sales after sudden double-digit drops in local home prices, so lower prices and low interest rates are starting to generate results," Yun said.

In the West, existing-home sales rose 6.4 percent in April to a level of 1.00 million but are 15.3 percent below a year ago. The median price in the West was $285,700, which is 16.7 percent lower than April 2007.

In the South, existing-home sales were unchanged from March at an annual rate of 1.92 million in April, but are 18.6 percent below April 2007. The median price in the South was $170,800, down 5.1 percent from a year ago.

In the Northeast, existing-home sales fell 4.4 percent to an annual pace of 870,000 in April, and are 14.7 percent below a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $262,000, which is 7.7 percent below April 2007.

In the Midwest, existing-home sales were at an annual rate of 1.10 million in April, which is 6.0 below March and 19.7 percent lower than April 2007. The median price in the Midwest was $159,100, down 2.9 percent from April 2007.

- NAR

Great start to using a Profitable Formula

Wed, 14 May 2008 18:37:37 -0500

Real Estate Investing 101: Purchasing Rentable Properties
By: Eric Bramlett

Purchasing real estate with the intent of turning it into an apartment or a house for rent can be an excellent financial decision. When you buy a property with the intent of renting it, however, there are several factors you should take into consideration in order to guarantee the best chance of successfully finding a tenant and making money from your investment.

Assessing Your Goals Before Buying

Before you buy real estate with the intent of renting it out, you need to determine what your goals will be. For example, do you want to create a steady source of income for many years to come or are you looking to sell the real estate for a profit later? If you are looking for a property that you can sell for a profit later, you will want to purchase something that is inexpensive that you can fix up and sell later.

Determining If Your Real Estate Will Be Your Home As Well

When you get into the rental business, you will also need to decide whether or not you will live in the apartment building or housing unit that you purchase. If you do decide to live on that piece of real estate, you will probably be able to get your entire mortgage paid off by your tenants. As such, you will basically be living in your home for free. At the same time, you might prefer to distance yourself from your tenants. In this case, living in the same apartment building or housing unit may not be so desirable.

Choosing the Type of Real Estate You Will Buy

When deciding on the type of real estate you are going to buy, you will need to take some factors into consideration. For example, single-family houses are usually less expensive than apartment complexes since they are so much smaller. At the same time, a house will bring in less income than an apartment complex. Keep in mind that an apartment complex will often require more upkeep than a house. Take all of these factors into consideration when deciding on the type of real estate you plan to invest in.

Picking the Right Location for Your Investment

Obviously, when you buy real estate with the intention of renting it out, you want to find property that is desirable. Otherwise, you will have a difficult time finding someone willing to rent it out from you. Therefore, you should select real estate that is in an area where people want to live.

In order to determine if the property is in a good area, consider the available shopping and activities that are near to the property. You should also consider the schools and the crime rate, as well as the general attractiveness of the neighborhood.

Unless you are looking for a fixer-upper and you have the time to fix up the home or apartment, you should look for a place that is in good shape. By purchasing a well maintained piece of property in a good location and within your budget, you will be certain to start a solid career as a landlord.

About the Author

Eric Bramlett: Eric Bramlett is the Broker and co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin Texas. Visit Eric's Austin Texas Real Estate Guide, visit his Austin Texas Real Estate company's website, and his Austin Condos & Lofts Guide. He has seen considerable success in real estat and looks forward to many more years in the business. Eric currently invests, renovates, and develops real estate in the Greater Austin Texas Market. He spends his time working with select clients, helps his new agents get started in their real estate careers, helps his experienced agents progress their careers to the next level, and when he has time...he takes his dogs to the lake.

Importance of quality over quanity Marketing. Money is tight.

Wed, 14 May 2008 18:31:45 -0500

How to Make Your First Impression Last
By: Karen Saunders

Let me tell you about the last home show I went to.

It was your typical home show with lots of booths, pretty displays, and loads of freebies. But I wasn't interested in all that. I was on a mission. I needed a landscaping contractor to take my dismal, ordinary backyard and turn it into Fantasy Island. Not too much to ask, right?

I was prepared to spend all day, if necessary, talking with every last landscaping contractor there in order to find someone to make my dream come true. So I grabbed a tall mocha on the way in, took a plastic goodie bag from the entry table, and set off to find me a contractor.

Not as easy as it sounds. Everyone seemed to have a great deal going, and the displays were all so gorgeous and pretty soon all the people I met seemed to blend together! On the upside, I did collect a lot of pretty brochures to put in my bag, not to mention some nifty water bottles and key chains.

When I got home later that evening, I slipped on some comfy clothes, sat down with a cup of hot tea, and stared sorting through all the business cards I'd collected. But, I had so many cards it was hard to remember who was who! Which one was the guy that specialized in outdoor kitchens? And the one that did those waterfall scenes, which one was that? Ahh!

I don't remember what every one said. I just remember what I liked. But it was hard to tell anyone apart from this stack of cards! Is there a way to set yourself apart from the crowd with just your business card?

Absolutely! A business card, while small in size, is your big weapon. Here are 7 top notch tips to keep your card out of the wastebasket and into the rolodex! (I'll give you my other 7 in the next article)

Choose a cover stock with some meat on it! Ever pick up a card that is just wimpy? You know what I mean, the kind that bends right in your hand, and by the time you get back to the office it's a crumpled mess. It's cheap paper, and shows other people that you might be cheap in your business practices, too. Go see your printer, get a free swatch book, and feel the difference for yourself. This is your first impression, so make it a strong one!
Create a focal point-something that really stands out-to draw the reader's eye. Maybe something in a contrasting color or a unique graphic. Use your imagination.
Your logo should be clear and strong, and should still look great when it's reduced down to fit on a card. Think about that when you're designing your logo, because it should be the same on every print item that you put out.
Remember, in marketing less is more. Don't make your reader work by having a lot of text to read. Use white space to balance the layout and just give enough information so they know what your specialty is.
Use a highlight color sparingly and only on the one main message you want to get across. Too much, and it loses its effectiveness.
Also, on the highlight color-make sure the color fits with the type of business you have. I can't tell you how many of those landscaping cards used red or brown, when green would have been perfect!
You should have no more than two type fonts on your cards, which also include their "families"-bold, italics, and bold italics.

OK, now you are all set to let your little business card do big things for your business! If it's the first impression people get about you, you want to make sure it's a memorable one. Your success depends on it!

This is wonderful take 30 seconds and look at this America is Beautiful

Wed, 14 May 2008 15:49:12 -0500

Click here to download the movie.

Click on Link to view Now

http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/shortmovie.php

Three Vacant Lots on the Same Street

Wed, 14 May 2008 15:38:22 -0500

2 LOTS of Record on one parcel (Lots 71 101x168x101x176 and 72 101x168x101x162) They can be divided into 2 buildable lots. Across the street from the Bay. Elevated homes will have a view of the water. Very convenient to I-10 and very close to Wal-Mart and Lowes in Gulf Breeze. Home was removed after Ivan. Utilities are to the property.

MLS #345768

2 Lots 1 Parcel

Price $109,900.00

Watch the beautiful Forida sunsets from your own backyard on Escambia Bay with 101 ft of the lowest priced waterfront in the immediate neighborhood. Previous house was destroyed by Ivan, all the demolition has been done, ready for you to build your Dream home. Some pilings left from the old boat dock. Sewer is available but not connected, there is a septic system in place.

MLS #342203

Waterfront Lot

Price $269,900.00

3 Bedroom 3 Baths Waterview in Gulf Breeze Florida

Wed, 14 May 2008 15:21:27 -0500

Enjoy the views of Santa Rosa Sound from this Beautifully Remodeled 3 bedroom 3 bath home. New Windows throughout, the downstairs has tile flooring inthe wet areas and new carpet throughout, stainless steel appliances (Fridge and built in microwave), mahogany staircase (See the pictures) and a new 30 year dimensional shingled roof. This home directly across from the Sound with water views. Extra deep lot has more than enough room for a Pool in the New privacy fenced backyard with new sprinkler system and fully sodded. The home had a foyer with open view of Great room and fireplace, a study, a formal dining room w/water views, a totally remodeled kitchen with new cabinets, a full bath down stairs between kitchen and laundry room. Three bedrooms upstairs, the guest bathroom has some water views. The master bedroom also has some waterviews. There is a huge walking closet and a french door opens onto a balcony for a view of backyard. There is hook up for gas grill on the patio. Walking distance to the boat launch and pier located @ the end of Oriole Beach Road. Have to see this one to appreciate.

Price 274,900.00

Florida's hurricane-safety program for homes on track to exceed goal

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:45:02 -0500

Florida's hurricane-safety program for homes on track to exceed goal

The My Safe Florida Home Program, which provides qualified homeowners with state grants toward making their homes more hurricane-resistant, is expected to surpass its projected goal of assisting 35,000 state residents before it ends May 31, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink said Tuesday.

In making the announcement, officials said residents still have two weeks to apply for the grants. The state program provides matching grants for up to $5,000 to help homeowners improve their homes to protect them from hurricane-force winds, said Kevin Cate, a spokesman for the Department of Financial Services.

Homeowners whose homes have undergone wind certification and hurricane mitigation inspections by the Department of Financial Services can apply for matching grants.

The first-come, first-served program will transition to an inspection-focused program beginning this June offering free wind inspections by qualified hurricane mitigation inspectors. "With hurricane season less than one month away, I encourage Floridians to sign up for a free wind inspection to learn how to harden their homes against hurricane damage," Sink said in a statement.

The state Legislature approved the My Safe Florida Home Program last year to help Floridians reduce hurricane damage.

The program has approved 32,292 homeowners for mitigation grants and paid 6,930 grants totaling more than $22.4 million. More than 222,981 wind inspections have been provided free to homeowners, and state officials expect to complete wind inspections for at least 400,000 single-family residential properties before June 30, 2009.

The upgrades have helped more than half of the homeowners who have received a wind inspection get discounts on property insurance premiums. Homeowners are saving $217 on average on their home insurance.

This should be a front page story in every news paper and #1 on CNN

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:37:51 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2008, AT 8:30 A.M. EDT

Aneta Lukasik / Timothy Winters CB08-70
Service Sector Statistics Division
(301) 763-2713

ADVANCE MONTHLY SALES FOR RETAIL TRADE AND FOOD SERVICES

APRIL 2008

Notice of Revision: Monthly retail sales and inventories were revised based on the results of the 2006 Annual Retail Trade Survey. The Annual Revision of Monthly Retail and Food Services showing revised data can be found on our website at http://www.census.gov/mrts/www/annrev08.html.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for April, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, were $378.1 billion, a decrease of 0.2 percent (±0.5%)* from the previous month and 2.0 percent (±0.7%) above April 2007. Total sales for the February through April 2008 period were up 2.2 percent (±0.5%) from the same period a year ago. The February to March 2008 percent change was unrevised from 0.2 percent (±0.2%)*.

Retail trade sales were down 0.3 percent (±0.7%)* from March 2008, but were 1.8 percent (±0.7%) above last year. Gasoline station sales were up 16.3 percent (±2.6%) from April 2007 and sales of food and beverage stores were up 5.7 percent (±0.8%) from last year.

The advance estimates are based on a subsample of the Census Bureau's full retail and food services sample. A stratified random sampling method is used to select approximately 5,000 retail and food services firms whose sales are then weighted and benchmarked to represent the complete universe of over three million retail and food services firms. Responding firms account for approximately 65% of the MARTS dollar volume estimate. For an explanation of the measures of sampling variability included in this report, please see the Reliability of Estimates section on the last page of this publication.

Percent Change in Retail and Food Services Sales

(Estimates adjusted for seasonal variation, holiday, and trading-day differences, but not for price changes)

The Advance Monthly Retail Sales for Retail and Food Services for April is scheduled to be released May 13, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. EDT.

For information, visit the Census Bureau's Web site at <http://www.census.gov/retail>. This report is also available the day of issue through the Department of Commerce's STAT-USA (202-482-1986).

Beautiful Cutom Built Home in Kingsfield Estates Pensacola Florida

Wed, 14 May 2008 11:59:19 -0500

Price $294,900.00

Spacious Custom home in Kings Ridge Estates, built in 2001. Convenient location with easy access to I-10 - only 15 minutes from Downtown! Quiet, friendly, manicured neighborhood of mostly owner occupants. Perfect family home is located on a small cul-de-sac and feels much larger than 2,200 square feet with a modern, open floorplan and high ceilings. 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, laundry room, oversized 2 car garage, and in-ground pool on a large .29 acre lot. You'll enjoy cooking and entertaining in the spacious, well laid out kitchen with neutral ceramic tile flooring, granite composite sink, plenty of counter space, slate mosaic backsplash, gorgeous cabinets with brushed nickel hardware, walk-in pantry and upscale GE Profile appliances, including a gas range. Great Room has vaulted ceilings and a gas log fireplace. Roomy, private master suite with his and hers walk-in closets, garden tub and large separate shower. Big second bedroom suite (20 x 21.5) has handicapped accessible shower and a private deck, ideal for a mother-in-law suite. Two additional bedrooms share the third bathroom - one bedroom is currently being used as an office. The entire home has 10 foot ceilings, ceiling fans in every room, 5" baseboards and designer touches throughout. Security system and keyless entry. Boat or RV parking on side yard with easy access. Abundant storage with two linen closets, coat closet, overhead storage and shelving in garage, attic storage and bedroom closets all have built-ins to maximize space. Award winning school district.

Pensacola Florida Vistors Guide

Wed, 14 May 2008 10:09:19 -0500

This is a great link to Pensacola Beach, Historic Pensacola Florida and the surrounding area. This Pensacola Visitors guide will give you several options on things to do while you are at Pensacola Beach and in the Pensacola and the surrounding area, along with great Resturants, Museums, National Air Museum, the home of the Blue Angels there is so much useful information, please check it out. It has it all.

Click on the Picture for More Information

Totally Remodelled Home in Gulf Breeze Proper

Wed, 14 May 2008 09:51:31 -0500

Price $267,900

Best Price per square foot for this Beautifully Remodeled 4 bedroom 2 bath brick home in the heart of Gulf Breeze proper. emaculate refinished Hardwood Floors through out the living area (See Picture). NEW__Tile in the wet areas (Kitchen, Baths, and Laundry) NEW__Kitchen (See Picture) with custom Tile Counter Tops, Extra large Deep Sink, NEW__Cabinets with lifetime Warranty and all NEW__Appliances,, New__Master Bath (See Picture) with custom Tile dual head shower and granite counter top. New__14/Seer HVAC inside and out, NEW__Hot Water Heater. 2 Car Attached Garage with workshop, NEW__30 year dimensional shingled roof, NEW__ Privacy Fenced in Back yard with a NEW__16x24 deck and a fish pond complete with Gold Fish. Beautifully landscaped front and back yard with NEW__Sprinkler system, pump and timer box. Unseen features include 24 inches of blown fiber insulation in the attic and updated electrical with new meter and power pack.

Is this Good News?

Wed, 14 May 2008 09:42:19 -0500

Some people believe that this is the only way to recover from this problem we have. Is this good news?

House Passes Sweeping Legislation to Rescue Homeowners

The U.S. House of Representatives was very busy Thursday, passing The American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act (H.R. 3221) by a vote of 266 to 154, and The Neighborhood Stabilization Act (H.R. 5818) by a vote of 239-188.

This sweeping legislation is Congress' most comprehensive attempt yet to address foreclosures in the housing market. The bill includes versions of H.R. 5830, H.R. 1852, H.R. 1427, H.R. 5579, and amendments to Preserving the American Dream for Our Nation's Veterans. The plan is projected to help roughly 500,000 borrowers at a cost of $2.7 billion over five years.

It's important to note that these measures were not voted into law and still await Senate action. If passed by the Senate, it would still need the approval of the President who has reportedly threatened to veto both bills.

To learn more about this legislation, here is a summary from the House Committee on Financial Services.

Some believe that the free market, will make the necasary adjustments and it will be self corrected?

What do you think? I have always believed Less Government is a Good Government. Wasn't it the governments suggestion that we make homes more affordable and help to get more home owners the reason we are in this position anyway.. Relax the lending standards so more people can own homes.

Gulf Breeze Florida Waterfront Lot on Deep Water Canal

Tue, 13 May 2008 22:09:38 -0500

Price $499,900.00

HUGE PRICE Reduction!!! You have to check out this Beautiful Deep Water lot on the San Marco Canal in Gulf Breeze Florida with views of the Santa Rosa Sound the canal is protected and allows for a deep water or large Sail Boat Please click on the Picture to se more pictures of the views. The lot is cleared and ready to build. Canal is maintained and dredged in an agreement with Corp of Engineers.

Custom Built Home on 10 Acres in Northwest Florida

Tue, 13 May 2008 21:47:15 -0500

Price $749,900.00

Wonderful opportunity to get away from it all, but not too far. 3300 sf Custom Built in 2006 with 5 bedrooms and 3 Baths split floor plan. A 400 sf. office with separate entrance OR A 6th Bedroom upstairs. Check out the pictures to see the interior upgrades. Property boasts 10 acres, with a heated and cooled 35 x42 Detached Garage with a kitchen, epoxy painted and sealed floor with a effiency apt upstairs, a 3/8 acre pond with airation system, Gazebo at the pond with electricity, 2 acres of woods alone the back of the property, 30x60 shop with 3 phase electrical that has a 12x 15 downdraft paint booth, 4 roll up garage doors, with an additional 15x45 covered parking. Property has 3 acres of fenced pasture with tack shed perfect for horses. all of the buildings have tin roofs. Underground utilities on the property. All custom cabinets throughout the house, hardwood floors, slate tile in the Kitchen. Schools to be verified by buyer or buyers agent. The owners are in the process of adding a 18x36 Pool and deck.

Waiting for the Bottom of the Market

Tue, 13 May 2008 17:59:34 -0500

This has been the hot topic for discussion within our office at ERA Beach Ball Realty for the past several weeks. We have gotten together to pose a few questions of our own.

Did you know when the Top of the market was here and did you sell your property at that time to take advantage of the great prices?
How do you know that bottom is not already here and we are not starting back up?
What market are we talking about?
National Market
Regional Market
State
County
City
Neighborhood?