"Green Real Estate"

Queen Victorian Historical Home!

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 10:51:13 -0700

Resale	Multi family Dwelling	$649,000 5,000 sq.ft. of WOW!
Address: 14 Gadsden St. W.	City/ST: Pensacola, FL	Zip Code: 32501
Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 5 full, 0 half	Square Footage: 5000	MLS# 308949

This Spectacular 1896 Queen Anne home built by turn of the century furniture makers is Breathtaking. When you walk into the home, you are greeted with an over 30 foot long entranceway of magnificent one of a kind wood artwork, 13-foot ceilings, wainscot finished and arched walls. From the stained heart of pine wood floors, to the bead board wood walls & ceilings, accented by the large hand detailed trim, the craftsmanship in this home is without comparison! Some of the unique amenities include: Drafting Room, original stained glass windows and doors, 13 foot ceilings, skylights, decorative coal fireplaces, multiple porches, steam sauna shower, sun room, hidden alcoves, bay windows, storm shutters, and a spiral roof. Located in the heart of downtown, it is perfect for the professional who wants a large home, home office, or extended family. This home can easily be divided into 5 distinct areas, leaving plenty of space to grow a family, a business, or to cultivate YOUR dream. And, if you want, you can even go to the Widow’s Peak on the 3rd floor and watch the fireworks, the stars, or catch a view of the bay. Built on 3 lots, the spacious, fenced backyard accommodates lots of parking while still having room for the existing large rear deck and space to add a swimming pool. The home has been featured many times in magazines and newspapers for its unique Queen Anne style. Enjoy all the modern conveniences while relaxing in this beautifully restored mansion or swinging on the HUGE wrap-around porch. This is a unique home that must be toured to appreciate all it’s restored magnificence. At one of the lowest per square foot prices in prestigious North Hill, this rare beauty won’t last long.

Via de Luna is Recovering! Pensacola Beach Road looking Good!

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 10:26:15 -0700

Despite the bull dozers, piles of sand and traffic delays - Via De Luna is looking good! The finished product will have four lanes with a landscaped median, a sidewalk, a bike path and some underground power.For some area business owners, the roadwork has had a surprising effect on their profits. DJ's Beach Cafe owner Jack White said that since the roadwork began, he has seen a slight increase in business. Tourists don't seem to be bothered much by the construction, either.The road is scheduled to be completely finished in early 2007. With the widening of the road and the addition of landscaping Via de Luna will help us with our renovation of Pensacola Beach. Make your plans early for next season. Since we have made it through Hurricane Season 2006 without any damage, YEA! our beaches will be better than ever.

REBUILD Northwest Florida hits 1,000 Homes

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 03:47:19 -0700

Nearly two years after Hurricane Ivan destroyed hundreds of homes, and damaged thousands more, Rebuild Northwest Florida crews applied the last coat of paint to the 1,000th house the organization has repaired since forming in November 2004. This organization was formed to help our community get back on our feet with community support both financially and hands on. But thier work is not finished. With the damage or loss of over 10,000 homes in the past two hurricanes, Ivan and Dennis, more than 400 more homes have been approved for repair. The group also is working with 86 homeowners to arrange for construction of replacement houses.When non-insured or under-insured residents lost their homes, Rebuild Northwest Florida started into action. Residents were required to submit grant proposals for the monies and the projects were started. Rebuild officials hope to have the repair and replacement projects completed by spring of 2007.In the meantime, the organization is transitioning from "rebuilding" hurricane-damaged homes to the dual task of promoting affordable housing and of "mitigating" or "hardening" single-family dwellings vulnerable to another powerful hurricane.Rebuild's birth as a nonprofit construction company occurred a few months after Ivan's devastating winds tore through the Panhandle. Amid a sea of FEMA's blue roofs, it was formed with the singular goal of helping low-income homeowners recover from the storm. With no business model to guide it, Rebuild managed to get home repairs under way in early 2005. It also leveraged its operating money and reduced expenses by coordinating volunteer work crews from the scores of local and national faith-based organizations that arrived by the bus load to help hurricane victims.This business model should be considered in future weather related events to help Rebuild a community. Our friends to the west along the Gulf Coast should take a look at what a community working, with a strong business base, can do together.

Has Technology Really Enhanced Our Business?

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 03:26:33 -0700

YES! As a relatively new agent how did the realtors of old, DO IT? I'm not sure about other real estate agents but my whole business is tied up with electronic devices. For example:1. Our association MLS website and the tools they offer for us! Activation on cell phone!2. Cell Phone to enable Lockbox Key access!3. Personal website with automatic notification of leads to my cell phone!4. 1-800# on yard signs with instant notification to my cell phone!5. Web-enabled cell phone to respond to all the notifications from all the lead sources!So really my question is, how did real estate agents survive in the past without CELL PHONES?

Pensacola Beach Renourishment - Still Happening!

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 09:27:07 -0700

Our beautiful white sand beaches are looking good again. Sand-renourishment projects on Pensacola and Navarre beaches have been completed. The entire 8.2 miles of Pensacola Beach, a $14.3 million project completed in April pumped in 3.5 million cubic yards of sand.Although many residents feel that the beach owners should be paying additional monies for all the renourishment we have had to perform in the past few years, without the sand and vegetation, we would have NO BEACH. Without the beach, we would have limited tourism dollars pumped into our community.Pensacola Beach is very unique because the entire beach is open to the community and visitors. Yes, there are condos and homes right on the water, but an evening stroll at sunset could be many miles up and down the beach. I invite you to visit our beautiful Pensacola Beach. Watch for my website presentation about the past, present and future of Pensacola Beach, coming soon. Don't forget visit www.TheParadiseHomeTeam.com for all your real estate and area information.

Pensacola Market - Possible Housing Bubble?

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 04:23:58 -0700

As Realtors, we hate to hear "Housing Bubble". So as I have looked at our statistics in the area, it has opened my "eyes". Take a look at a three month comparison, what do you see?2005 JUNE JULY AUGUST# SOLD 879 711 707AVG PRICE $206,000 $212,000 $224,000 TOTAL ACTIVE 2,4632006 JUNE JULY AUGUST# SOLD 737 596 569AVG PRICE $216,000 $193,000 $207,000 TOTAL ACTIVE 6,693But this is comparing our whole market, let's take a look at just our high end Pensacola Beach market since Hurricane Ivan (2004) and Dennis (2005)2005 JUNE (Dennis Hits) JULY AUGUST# SOLD 13 2 4AVG PRICE $677,000 $607,500 $620,750 TOTAL ACTIVE 1912006 JUNE JULY AUGUST# SOLD 10 10 6AVG PRICE $776,100 $523,300 $564,800 TOTAL ACTIVE 393Our numbers are up in SOLD properties, but the values are down. Some of the lower sales were "AS IS" properties to be torn down or completely rehabbed. Our best values on Pensacola Beach right now are our condo sales. Portofino has 125 units listed for sale, with the prices dropping weekly. If you'd like additional information about the condo market, visit my website at www.TheParadiseHomeTeam.com.So do we have a bubble or as we have been saying around here - readjustment?

An Earthquake in the Gulf of Mexico?

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 02:37:35 -0700

OK, so we live in Paradise and we can manage the hurricanes. Since when do we have earthquakes in the Gulf?Below is an excerpt for the Pensacola News Journal 9/11/2006A magnitude 6.0 earthquake ripped through the sea floor under the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday morning, while Pensacola residents relaxed in their usual weekend ways. Even though the earthquake was not strong enough to cause a tsunami, the center received 3,630 reports about it by 5 p.m. Sunday. Eleven reports came from Pensacola.Emergency officials in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties received no reports of earthquake-related injuries or damage. "We didn't feel anything unusual," said Dave Greenwood, Pensacola Beach water safety supervisor. "I found out about it from the (Escambia County) Sheriff's Office, and I thought the guy was pulling my leg."Navarre Beach Executive Director Roger Blaylock was astonished as well. "Earthquakes can happen anywhere, in any ocean, I know," he said. "But I've never heard of one here in the Gulf of Mexico." - PNJHopefully this will just be "as we say in the stats world - an outlier". So far our weather pattern for hurricanes in our region as been very good to us this year. We have been advised that if we could get through August the jet stream would help us out. We are all keeping our fingers and toes crossed.

Local September Events in Pensacola FL

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 06:15:10 -0700

Now that our tourist season has come to a halt, we have a few months, before the snowbirds return, all to ourselves. One thing about Pensacola and Pensacola Beach, FL we know about celebration. Most of our big events have passed during the summer but I just want to keep you informed of our upcoming events, just in case you decide to visit. Don't forget to go to my website http://www.theparadisehometeam.com/ for great vacation rentals or homes to buy, if you need a place to stay.So check out our upcoming events:Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Benefit The Escambia Bay Homebrewers and Seville Quarter are hosting the 2006 Emerald Coast Beer Festival on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 8-9, 2006, to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. The Brew Fest is Friday, Sept. 8, from 6-9 pm at Seville Quarter in Downtown Pensacola. There will be live entertainment, over 200 beers and more than 20 breweries on hand. The event is limited to 1,000 people, so get your tickets early. Tickets for this event are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The Beach Party is Saturday, Sept. 9 at 12 noon at the Best Western Resort, Pensacola Beach. The party will feature the Bud Zepper Blues Band, the Crazy Beer Olympics, and more beer tasting. The cost is $10 per person at the door. Pensacola Dog StrollersYou may participate whenever you like, no memberships or reservations are needed for regular walks. Walks are scheduled for every Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. Meet other pet owners/pets, tour historic downtown Pensacola (Appx 2 miles). Walk starts promptly at scheduled time. ALL dogs must be on a leash and bring baggies for the droppings. A dog parade every week!! Join us for a walk in the park!!Starts and ends at Central Bark Bakery! Doggie Bathe-InIt's bath time! The Humane Society of Pensacola holds it's Doggie Bathe-in every 3rd Saturday of the Month from April through October. Held at the Humane Society at 5 N. Q St., the bathe-in lasts from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Costs range from $5 for small dogs to $8 for extra-large dogs. Grooming is available until noon, and nail trims are $3. Sponsored by Navy Boulevard Animal HospitalVeterinary and Emergency Referral Center. Biker Chick Beach Slumber PartyAll Biker Chicks meet at Ben's Motorcycle Repair (Avalon Blvd., Milton), Register & Hug Ben Sept 16 at 9:50 a.m. destination Doc's Southern Cycle for the Biker News Zany Lady Games. Then at 11:30 a.m. ride to lunch at Ollie's in Milton (Bring your lunch money). After lunch ride to end on Santa Rosa Island (You will need $1 for Toll). Check in at Paradise Inn, 21 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach. Happy Hour from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Paradise Bar & Grill afterwards Dinner & Pajama Puttin' On Time! At 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Biker Chicks at Paradise Party in the Paradise Bar. Biker Chick of the Year Coronation at 10 p.m. "The" Chick will lead the Pajama Promenade to The Islander Lounge. There will be Suprise Entertainment and Floor Show at The Islander Lounge. "NO BOYS ALLOWED" " "REAL MEN WILL BE DEALT WITH"! Be sure and pack your PJ's, Get on Your Bike and Hang on Tight because it's gonna get WILD!!! 29th Annual Pensacola Seafood FestivalSample a variety of mouth watering seafood dishes and enjoy continuous entertainment in Fountain Park. This Top Twenty Event highlights fare ranging from fried shrimp to grilled fish and a seafood grille, where you can view area chefs as they prepare regional delicacies. Over 185 arts and crafts provide the opportunity to start your holiday shopping. Where: Seville Square, Fountain Park, and Bartram Park Admission: Sept 22-24: Free Hours: Friday, Noon-10 pm; Saturday, 10 am-10 pm; Sunday, 11 am-5 pm. These are a few of the events happening through September. Make sure you check back for our October events.

10 Steps to Educate Your Client - Step 4 The Contract

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 03:02:35 -0700

Working with the first time home buyer in Pensacola is both a rewarding and trying experience. I have found that if I continue the education process with my clients from our first meeting to the closing day, we have a smooth and happy experience. Let's review my first three steps:1. Utilize a Team - professionals involved in the home buying process.2. Income Plus Lifestyle Equals Mortgage Payment - can your client afford home ownership. 3. View Several Homes - find the home they are willing to submit an offer.Step 4 - Offering The Contract, or any contract, is a stressful time, because the client will have to sign the document and make a commitment. It's D-Day, let's do it, make an offer. At this time I might spend 1-2 hours with my clients, explaining each section of the contract. Some of you may think this is overkill, but I have found that, one of my clients, if it is a couple, is very analytical and wants to know the details. By spending this time with them, they feel I am protecting them, I'm in their court.Not only reviewing the different aspects of our Florida contract, I also have a marketing piece (with icons) describing the entire process after contract. Homework Assignment: Read the contract completely, make notes of any questions. Also, post the closing process on the refridgerator. If they are internet savvy, using Top Producer 7i I set a website up for them so they can follow the process on their own time. If they are not internet savvy I arrange the times for me to contact them with updates.Step 5 - Contract Acceptance - Yea! Your client will soon be a new homeowner. I personally call with the good news, send an email, and mail a congrats card out to them. At this time I also start the next sequence of steps. I assist the lender with reviewing what the new buyers need to have for financing. Homework Assignment: Call the lender and get him/her all the financial information needed to secure the loan and lock in a rate. I stay in contact with the lender, he/she will be given access to the client website so we can communicate on a regular basis.If the contract is not accepted or there is a counter, I arrange a time for us to meet and go through the scenarios which we may do (too many possibilities to mention). At this time, we make the decision to offer a counter or move on and look again.Step 6 - Inspections - after the contract acceptance, we contact the home inspector the client interviewed during Step 1 and order the home inspection. I express the time importance of this step because of the contract contingencies. I suggest, but it is their choice, to be at the inspection. I have found that the client has a better feel for the home after the inspection, especially if a repair limit has been set and needed repairs may exceed the limit. Homework Assignment: Look over the inspection report, ask for repairs, submit request to other agent. Can you live with repairs which may need to be done but may not be completed by seller?Stay tuned for the final four steps.

Are You Still Renting?

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 06:38:04 -0700

Paying rent is like pouring money down the drain. But it's true, buying a home can be a "hair-raising" experience. It can be a roller coaster of emotions... finding the right place... securing the loan... moving in. Many home buyers do very little research before "diving in" and investing their hard-earned money. Before doing that, it make sense to be as informed as possible. I have found renters just need information and direction. Teach the renter about home ownership and they will be your most loyal clients. After meeting with a first time home buyer I sit down and go through a series of steps to get them on the road to home ownership. Because of my background as a college professor, I give homework assisgnments to my clients. They actually follow my directions, funny how that works:1. Utilize A Team- I introduce the client to a team of professionals and give them names and phone numbers to contact a lender, home inspector, and title company. They are given 3 different professionals in each category and they have one week to interview the team. I am showing the new home buyer a process so they start to decrease the stress and increase comfort of the process.2. Income Plus Lifestyle Equals Mortgage Payment- After they have an idea of what they qualify for, from the lender perspective, we talk about being house poor. I am very honest with my clients and the additional expenses of owning a home. We discuss maintanance issues, insurance, utilities, furnishing the new home, etc. Many of my clients appreciate my honesty in assisting them with their home decision. I DO NOT offer any financial or tax advise, just send them on another interview process. Their homework assignment is to go home and put down all their expenses and income. Will this work for them?3. View Several Homes- We search the internet, look through the magazines and they drive through the neighborhoods of interest to narrow down the choices. During our home tours I really get to know the client, family, wishes, wants, etc. Many of my clients have become very good friends. Homework - Locate the home of your choice, then its contract time!

VOTERS OK Maritime Park Downtown Pensacola, FL

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 04:50:28 -0700

Yes, it's official. The residents of Pensacola have spoken. We want a downtown waterfront project. The $70 million project passed in the referendum vote yesterday. Although neighbors had opposing yard signs and water cooler talk was festive, we won. Maybe, we can now bring Pensacola, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century. The proposed park will include a baseball stadium, maritime museum, and commercial office space right on the water in downtown Pensacola.With all the additional downtown pre-construction condominiums and renovation of our retail and office space, the downtown Pensacola area is booming. For real estate investment, the opportunities are tremendous. Visit my website www.TheParadiseHomeTeam.com for all the condo projects downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach.

Pensacola Flying High with US Airways

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 03:28:35 -0700

About 4 million travelers on US Airways this month will be able to read all about Pensacola. I've been telling my friends for years about our southern town. Now the world will be able to read all about it. The 24-page profile of the area is in the in-flight magazine highlighting Pensacola's history, economy and beaches.Area highlights in the profile include the National Museum of Naval Aviation and the Oriskany, the decommissioned aircraft carrier sunk in the Gulf of Mexico about 24 miles southeast of Pensacola to create a diving attraction. The area's beaches were described as "snow, sugar and stunning white," and the water: "bathtub warm."Now I haven't seen the whole magazine yet, waiting for it to come online, but the bathtub warm water for our beaches is really not an accurate description. Its warm right now but we don't have any soap in it :). They are accurate about the snow, sugar and stunning white beaches, as most of the debris has been removed.If your interested in visiting our great area don't hesitate to send me an email. I will be updating my two BLOGS for Pensacola Beach and Downtown Pensacola with local events and real estate so check them out also.

Labor Day Weekend on Pensacola Beach

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 03:05:05 -0700

Labor Day Weekend just about closes our Summer season with the tourist trade so we have the beaches to ourselves again. But we finish with a bang:2006 Jamaican Fest and 'Anything That Floats' bathtub racesJoin us Saturday and Sunday. The family-friendly event on the Portofino Boardwalk at Quietwater Beach includes a "kids' zone" and a merchants' sidewalk sale. Visit the dreadlock station for the perfect Jamaican look.Live entertainment will take place on the Red Stripe Stage at Bamboo Willie's Beachside Bar and the Half Shell Stage on the boardwalk, and features headliners Dash Rip Rock, as well as local and regional bands.Sunday features the "Anything That Floats" bathtub races starting at 2 p.m. Race in your own tub or borrow one at the beach. Prizes will be awarded for "Most Creative," "Best Costume," "Most Dramatic Sinker" and first, second and third places. Awards will be presented at 5 p.m. on the Red Stripe Stage, followed by a bikini contest.If you don't make it out to the beach The Molly Ringwalds are in concert at Seville Quarter with doors open at 8:00 pm Saturday. The Molly Ringwalds specialize in recreating the entire atmosphere of '80s pop culture. Because many businesses are closed on Monday we can all recover from the busy Saturday and Sunday family events at the beach.

Portofino Condos - Mediterranean Luxury on the Florida Coast

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 10:27:01 -0700

Portofino Luxury For Sale!FIVE PORTOFINO DR #805 Beautiful Views Beautiful brand new 2 bedroom 2.5 bath never occupied. Overlooks Pensacola Beach and the sound unobstructed views to west. Upgrades include porcelin ceramic tile, crown molding, granite counter tops, spice cabinetry, stainless steel BBQ and window treatments valued at $6,000.00 FIVE PORTOFINO DR #903 Many AmenitiesUnobstructed view to the West overlooking Pensacola Beach all the way to Pensacola. Enjoy fabulous sunset and the Blue Angel show. This 2 bedroom 2.5 bath unit has tile in living/dining, granite counter tops - brand new never occupied. FOUR PORTOFINO DR #1403 Luxury SPA and moreFully furnished West Indies Island style with gorgeous gulf and sound views. This unit is also steps from the elevator. It has been totally upgraded with crown molding and all the extras. You can watch the sunrise in the morning and set in the evening with panoramic views of the gulf and sound. Just steps away from the pool, spa and restaurant. The distinctive upgrades and decor differentiates this unit from any other. It is a must see.

Agents - Send Us Your Investors, Second Home Owners!

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 09:38:34 -0700

The Florida Panhandle is still an unknown around the United States. Except for a few minor (yea!) hurricanes we are still the best buy in Florida. Visit my website at http://www.theparadisehometeam.com/ for the Condo Mall and Pre-Construction opportunities. Take your pick on Pensacola Beach right now. Prices have come down and it is a great time to buy. Statistics from Pensacola MLS:JULY 2006 HOME SALES on Pensacola Beach:Number Homes Sold - 1Sale Price - $935,000Days on the Market - 121Price/Sq. Ft. - $390JULY 2006 CONDO SALES on Pensacola Beach:Number Condos Sold - 2Average Sale Price - $514,000Ave. Days on the Market - 60Price/Sq.Ft. - $142Compare our market prices for waterfront (Gulf and Sound) to other areas around the country, even Florida and you can't beat it.

Pensacola Beach is Coming Back!

Cynthia Tant, PhD (Paradise Coastal Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 03:50:42 -0700

BEACON REGAINS IT'S FLASHPensacola Beach's famous sailfish sign got its neon heart back. The multicolored flashing sign, which stands just off U.S. 98 near the Bob Sikes Bridge overpass in Gulf Breeze, has for 45 years pointed the way to Pensacola Beach for tens of thousands of visitors. Over the past 18 months, different portions of the sign have been repaired or replaced because of the toll taken by years of hurricanes and tropical storms.The sidewalk on Fort Pickens Road, which is part of the National Scenic Trail, was covered by a temporary asphalt road to avoid making the roadway one-lane during construction. Residents should be strolling on the sidewalk by the end of the year. The road work should be done by the end of September, by November or December, the underground power and the sidewalk should be done.THE FUTURE OF PENSACOLA BEACHA new project on Pensacola Beach that would add nearly 700 new hotel-condominium units and reshape the look of development in the beach's commercial core is breaking ground. It includes four phases to be built on 21 acres of land on both sides of Via de Luna. It includes two hotels already built: the Hilton Garden Inn and the Hampton Inn. The Towers, which is under construction adjacent to the Hilton, is expected to be complete in the spring of 2007. It will add 94 suites and 15,000 square feet of meeting space. New projects: The old Beachside Resort has been cleared to make way for a 500,000-square-foot development that will include a 17-story tower and 206 rooms. The old Windjammer condominium units will be included in this development. Also included: 25,000 square feet of meeting space and a 1,000-seat ballroom. Two 15-story towers on the Santa Rosa Sound side likely won't begin until 2008 and also will include a 49-slip marina and boardwalk shops and boutique-style eateries.