Northwest Florida Real Estate Agent Blog
ERA Homeprotection plan - 08/19/2007
ERA Home Protection Plan®
Comprehensive, Insured
Program Overview:
The ERA Home Protection Plan is a fully insured home warranty administered by American Home Shield.
With the ERA Home Protection Plan, you can increase your chances of selling your home faster and for more money, or can enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your new home comes with a home warranty for a full year. The plan covers repair and replacement costs on most major home systems and built-in appliances, including heating and cooling systems, duct work, electrical and plumbing systems, water heaters and much more. If a problem does arise, service is always just a phone call away. See the "Escalation Communications Process" should you need to report or follow up on an issue. Call or email me today for a free home warranty information package.
ERA Answers - 08/19/2007
ERA Answers
We know that ERA® professionals are totally committed to providing whatever it takes to help their customers through the home buying or selling process. ERA Answers is part of that ERA® commitment.
The ERA Answers Book addresses nearly 100 of the questions on real estate customers' minds. It's handled in a clear and comforting way, helping you to see that an ERA Affiliate is the "answer" to buying or selling. The ANSWERS Book is intended to see ERA as the real estate expert and the most logical company to turn to for any potential buying or selling. Call me today for a free answers book.
The power of single homeownership - 08/19/2007
The Power of One: Singles Opt for the Advantages of Homeownership
By Brenda W. Casserly, President & COO, ERA Franchise Systems, Inc.
It may surprise you to learn that a recent study completed by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University cited single-person households as one of the fastest growing housing markets in the country. In fact, nearly 5 million one-person households will be added in the coming decade.
As real estate professionals, we must stay aware of emerging trends to best understand the unique lifestyles of our clients. To understand the motivations of single home buyers, we should first look at the experiences, wants and needs that shape their home buying decisions and review some of the leading factors behind this growing trend.
According to the 2002 Census Report, between 1975 and 2002, the share of Americans who had never married increased from about 24% to 29%. Currently, about half of all adults are unmarried, and a single person living alone occupies one in four households. These figures are a sign of the times. Unlike days past, many people today have embraced a single life.
Changing societal norms and expectations, improved personal wealth, increasing rates of higher education, and even longer life expectancies for women, have all contributed to the rise in single-person households. So what are the changing norms and demographics that have positioned this customer base to drive a significant portion of the housing market?
Obviously, changing marriage trends and expectations are a leading factor in the increase in single-person households. Although between 80 and 90% of Americans will get married during their lifetimes, rises in personal wealth, length of education and changing attitudes regarding gender roles have resulted in both men and women delaying marriage until later in life. For example, one out of three men and more than one out of four women in their early 30s were unmarried in 1997, compared with fewer than one in 10 in 1900. Coupled with a divorce rate hovering around 50%, many single persons have grown accustomed to their lifestyle. They have the financial stability to live where they want and do not have immediate plans to marry (or remarry).
Perhaps of greatest interest, women actually make up a large portion of single home ownership. Their role in the housing market is expected to continue to accelerate as women's success in the workplace continues to expand and personal income disparities continue to narrow. An article in Business Week Online in June of this year reported that on average, women ages 25 to 34 earned 82% as much as men in 2000, as compared to only 68% in 1975. As this trend continues, expect to see even more financially independent women become home buyers.
Now that you have a better understanding of the characteristics and motivations of this emerging customer base, what are some factors real estate sales professionals need to remember to help these clients as they look to purchase a home? With only one set of hands at home instead of two or more, some singles opt for homes with lower maintenance features; including vinyl siding, brick, and vinyl windows to decrease the time devoted to maintenance. Others chose condos or town homes where exterior maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal are all handled by the homeowner's association for a monthly fee. In addition, some look for a tight-knit community that may be conveyed by having neighbors close at hand.
For seniors who are single, many choose to move to active adult communities that are specially equipped to provide wonderful amenities for a lifestyle of one including golf courses, pools, and recreation centers. Other seniors consider proximity to cultural centers, medical facilities, public transportation or family when buying a home.
Another factor sales associates should encourage single home buyers to consider is their future needs as well as the future resale value of a property. While a one-bedroom townhouse may be enough room now, it would not be if the buyer planned on marrying or having children in the near future. And while a single person may not mind having one bathroom, it could be a major detraction for a future prospective buyer looking at the house down the road. If they can afford it, buying slightly more house than they anticipate needing could very well be a wise investment decision for single home buyers.
As with any unique home buyer, taking a few extra minutes with a prospective single client can help you to learn about their current living situation, as well as their future plans. This will allow you to create a customized plan, specific to their needs and set the tone for a successful business relationship.
Okaloosa County Website updates - 08/19/2007
Local History Alive at Heritage Museum:
The Lumber Industry Display at the Heritage Museum in Val-P.
Depression Era Glass on Display:
Sharon Cabbage Rose Design is currently on Display at Niceville Library, a member of the Okaloosa Co. Public Library Cooperative.
Beach Safety:
Spent 3 days in training for Heavy Surf Jet Ski Rescue.
Beach Accesses Re-open!:
Public Works has restored #1, 2, 3 & 7 for beach access.
Niceville Library Adds New Wing:
Niceville Chamber and Okaloosa Co. Co-op Library Committee cut ribbon for new wing.
Marler Park Ribbon Cutting:
Newly Renovated Marler Park Opens to the Public.
See what's scheduled by Okaloosa Transit. Visit www.rideoct.org.
Newly installed covered bus shelters for the WAVE public transportation system.
Airport Art Exhibit:
Visitors to the Okaloosa Regional Airport Enjoy the facility's new art exhibition
Walton County upcoming events - 08/19/2007
Walton County Local Mitigation Strategy Group Meeting
Freeport Old Post Office, SR 20 at Kylea Laird Drive, Freeport
Janice Floyd, LMS Group Secretary, 267-1955
This group meets as part of a voluntary program initiated by the Florida Department of Community Affairs to help local governments develop strategies to reduce or eliminate risks to people and property from natural and man-made hazards.
THIS GROUP IS NOT INVOLVED WITH WETLANDS MITIGATION FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. Walton County, its municipalities, and other entities participate in this program as an
opportunity to save lives and protect economic and environmental resources from future disasters. Grants are often available from the state for local jurisdictions that have a Local Mitigation Strategy in place.
The public is invited to attend and participate in these meetings.
Coastal Dune Lake Advisory Board
Coastal Branch Library, 437 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach Ann Haigh, Planning and Development Division,
267-1955.
The regular meeting will be from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. followed by a workshop from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
3:00 PM Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Niceville Community Center, 204 N. Partin Drive, Niceville
Ellie Roberts, WFRPC Transportation Staff, (800) 226-8914 Ext. 218
Commissioners Brannon, Comander, and Meadows, and DeFuniak Springs Council Member Roy McLeod are members of this Board.
The TPO has three advisory committees: the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), the Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC), and the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). The advisory committees also meet on the third Thursday of each month. The CAC meets at 9:30 a.m., the BPAC at 11:30, and the TCC at 1:30 p.m.
See agenda for this meeting at: https://www.wfrpc.dst.fl.us/owtpo/agenda.htm.
6:00 PM Code Enforcement Board
Walton County Courthouse, 571 E. Nelson Avenue, DeFuniak Springs
Sherrie Griggs, Code Enforcement Secretary, 622-0564
Normal monthly meeting.
ERA Real Estate - 08/19/2007
Advertising & Promotions
Great customer service means taking care of the little things.
At ERA Real Estate, we understand that when it comes to buying or selling a home, taking care of the little things can make a very big difference. That's why our national advertising campaign showcases our commitment to customer service and our focus on the details. Review the different components below that promote the message of the ERA brand both nationally and locally.
J.D. Power Award Guidelines
Consumer Confidence Campaign
ERA On-Line Advertiser
Print Advertising
TV Advertising
Radio Advertising
Internet Advertising
RealEstateJournal.com Web Advertising
ERA Vehicle Marketing Program
ERA Answers
Crestview Florida home for sale - 08/19/2007
Detached Single Family
MLS#: 461602 OfficeFile#: 29850 ListPrice: $230,000
Status: Active ApproxSF: 2,573 BG:
Address: 121 Villacrest Drive $/Sqft: $89.38
CRESTVIEW, FL Bedrooms: 4
Zip: 32536 Baths Full/Half: 3/
County: OKALOOSA Stories: 1
MainArea: 25 Crestview Area YearBuilt: 2004
SubArea: 02 CRESTVIEW SOUTHWEST OccStat: Occupied
Subdiv: COUNTRYVIEW ESTATES 10TH ADDN ImmOcc? Y
ParcelID: 31-23-3N-056R-0000-0040 ConstrStat: ConstrCmplt
ElemSch: ANTIOCH Middle: DAVIDSON High: CRESTVIEW
Dir: From Hwy 85 & I-10 go south to P.J. Adams take a right to Villacrest. Follow to # 121 Villacrest on your right.
Legal: LOT 4 COUNTRYVIEW ESTATES 10TH ADDITION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you're looking for a lot of house, look no further. 4 bedroom, 2 bath, south of I-10 2573 sq.ft. You can easily commute from this desireable location. This open floorplan is perfect for the growing family. Countryview sudvision located in Crestview Floirda.
ERA and MDA team up - 08/19/2007
ERA Real Estate and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) have created the Home Grown Hero program, a new online fundraiser that makes it easier than ever for you to help support this worthy cause. The Home Grown Hero program gives all ERA® members the opportunity to participate in the network's fundraising activities for MDA on an individual basis. By creating your own Home Grown Hero profile you can send customized e-mails to your clients, business associates, family and friends to collect and track donations online using MDA's secure Web site.
Using this program provides many rewards, not the least of which is the personal satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to "Home In On A Cure" for neuromuscular diseases. In addition, ERA members who collect a minimum of $1,000 for MDA during the course of the year through the Home Grown Hero Web-based program will earn the ERA/MDA Home Grown Hero designation and will receive:
An ERA/MDA Home Grown Hero Award certificate
Commemorative ERA/MDA Home Grown Hero pin
Special recognition on TeamERA.com and in TeamERA magazine
Invitation to the MDA Awards Reception at the ERA International Business Conference
In addition to the recognition you'll receive from family and friends will admire your efforts to give back to the community.
Okaloosa County Transit Website for Northwest Florida area - 08/19/2007
Visit the Okaloosa County Transit Website: www.RideOCT.org
Whether you are commuting, shopping, or just visiting, let OCT get you where you're going. When you use public transit, you help our community and the environment by easing traffic congestion and reducing harmful emissions.
Summer
Memorial Day through Labor Day
Monday - Saturday 8:00am to 7:00pm
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day
*Shuttles Arrive at designated stops every 20 minutes.
Winter
September through May
*Shuttles Arrive at designated stops every 45 minutes
Monday - Saturday 8:00am to 7:00pm
ERA wins 3 years in a row - 08/19/2007
ERA REAL ESTATE RECOGNIZED BY J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES FOR THIRD YEAR IN A ROW
PARSIPPANY, N.J., - ERA Real Estate announced it is the recipient of the 2006 J.D. Power and Associates Award for "Highest Overall Satisfaction For Repeat Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms." This marks the third year in a row that ERA Real Estate has received an award from this prestigious organization.
Last year, the company was the recipient of the 2005 J.D. Power and Associates Award for "Highest Overall Satisfaction For First Time Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms." In 2004, ERA Real Estate received the award for "Highest Overall Satisfaction For First Time Home Buyers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms."
"Being recognized for customer satisfaction once again by a well-respected organization such as J.D. Power and Associates is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our sales associates and brokers," said Brenda W. Casserly, president and CEO for ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. "This award is a reflection of our promise to our customers to be 'Always There For You' throughout the homebuying and selling process."
ERA Real Estate's host of products, services and materials dedicated to meeting the unique needs of sellers contributed to its award-winning satisfaction ratings. A customer favorite is the ERA Sellers Security® Plan, a unique, guaranteed sale program that offers sellers the freedom to close on their next home, even if their current home has yet to sell.
About the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction StudySM.
ERA received the highest numerical score among national full service real estate firms for repeat home sellers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on 3,709 total responses measuring real estate firms and measures opinions of homebuyers and sellers. Study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in April through May 2006. Your experiences may vary. Study conducted for Realogy Corporation by J.D. Power and Associates.
About ERA Franchise Systems, Inc.
About ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. is a global leader in the residential real estate industry with more than 30 years experience in developing consumer-oriented products and services. ERA Real Estate was recently named the recipient of the prestigious 2006 J.D. Power and Associates Award for "Highest Overall Satisfaction For Repeat Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms." The ERA® network includes more than 38,700 brokers and sales associates and nearly 3,000 offices throughout the United States and 29 other countries and territories. Each office is independently owned and operated except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated. ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation (NYSE: H), the world's largest real estate franchisor. ERA® information is available to consumers at ERA.com.
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