Kerry Veach

If you own Destin, FL real estate, then you’ve probably been following this whole fiscal cliff debacle quite closely.  It was beginning to look like Congress would never to come an agreement, but earlier this week they finally did.  For the most part, it means good news for homeowners in the Destin, FL area.

For starters, several mortgage related tax deductions were extended.  This means you can continue to deduct your mortgage insurance premiums – whether for private mortgage insurance or a government program like FHA – through 2013.

Distressed homeowners who may have to sell their home via a short sale can breathe a huge sigh of relief as well.  The Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act was extended through 2013, so forgiven mortgage debt will be nontaxable.  Long-term unemployment benefits were also extended throughout the year.

And last, but certainly not least, the capital gains tax for middle class earners was left alone and extended.  However, taxpayers with a taxable income over $450,000/$400,000 will have to pay 20 percent on capital gains in excess of $500,000.

If you would like to take advantage of great home values and low interest rates while they last, search Destin, FL real estate now.

Kerry Veach is a Destin, FL Realtor and Real Estate Broker with 22 years of experience assisting thousands in the exciting process of buying and/or selling a home.   He is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, the RE/MAX Platinum Club, and the RE/MAX® 100% CLUB.  In 2011, he earned the RE/Max Lifetime Achievement Award. 

If you would like to buy a home in Destin, FL or sell a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach.  With over 1,000 closings and thousands of satisfied clients, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Image Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In the spirit of the season, Energy.gov released energy saving tips throughout December.  Here’s a recap of the tips that will benefit Destin, FL homes:

•  Home Energy Audit

You can do this yourself or hire a professional.  Either way, walk through your home and take note of energy wasters, like air leaks and drafts.  Don’t neglect the attic and garage.  These areas tend to be the biggest culprits.

• Lighten Your Carload

Did you know that an extra 100 pounds in your car could increase the amount you spend on gas by 0.08/gallon?  All the more reason to travel light!

• Power Strips

Phantom loads – leaking electricity caused electrical appliances that are switched off but still drawing current – cost Americans an average of $100/year.

• Timers

Install a light timer to automatically shut your lights off during the day.  While you’re at it, you may also want to get a timed thermostat to adjust the temperature during the day as well.

• LED’s

LED’s are not only more energy efficient, there are also much less expensive than traditional incandescent lights.

• Kitchen

By simply using the right sized burners for your cookware, you can save $36/year with an electric unit or $16/year with gas.

• Batteries

Rechargeable batteries are more cost efficient and eco-friendly than disposable batteries.

• Energy Star

Look for the Energy Star label when shopping for electronics.  An Energy Star computer can save 30-60 percent more electricity than a standard computer.

• Sunlight

Here in Destin, FL we have the best renewable energy there is – the sun!

• Windows

Energy efficient windows can add up to big savings by reducing air leakage.

Kerry Veach is a Destin, FL Realtor and Real Estate Broker with 22 years of experience assisting thousands in the exciting process of buying and/or selling a home.   He is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, the RE/MAX Platinum Club, and the RE/MAX® 100% CLUB.  In 2011, he earned the RE/Max Lifetime Achievement Award. 

If you would like to buy a home in Destin, FL or sell a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach.  With over 1,000 closings and thousands of satisfied clients, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

With Christmas being next week, New Year’s Eve is just around the corner!  If you haven’t made plans yet, now’s the time to do it.  Here’s a list of New Year’s Eve Parties on the Emerald Coast in Florida.

Pensacola Pelican Drop – Countdown to 2013

When:  5:00p to 8:00p

Where:  Downtown Pensacola, Pensacola, FL

What:  While our 14-ft Pelican spreads its 20-foot wings atop a 100-foot platform, you can party in the streets below!  Parents can enjoy live performances on three outdoor stages as the kids countdown with confetti and a “bubble stomp.” Then, at the stroke of midnight, the whole city celebrates as the Pelican descends amidst fireworks and more confetti.

New Year’s Eve Luxe Vegas Party

When:  7:00p

Where:  HarborWalk Village, Destin, FL

What:  Play charity games of Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette while Déjà Vu puts on a high-energy live show.  Fireworks will ring in the New Year at midnight.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise in Destin Florida

When:  8:00p to 12:30a

Where:  SunQuest Cruises – Cruise Ship Solaris’, Miramar Beach, FL

What:  This spectacular ocean event features live entertainment, an unparalleled aerial view of fireworks in Destin, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight.  Reservations are required.

Pier Park Rings in the New Year with Fifth Annual Pier Park Beach Ball Drop

When:  5:30p to 2:00a

Where:  Pier Park, Panama City Beach, FL

What:  This family event will feature live entertainment by James Otto, prize drawings, stilt walkers, and the Family Beach Ball Drop with over 10,000 inflatable beach balls released onto Pier Park Drive on the boardwalk.

New Year’s Eve Annual Harbor Rockin’ Street Party

When:  7:00p

Where:  Harborwalk Village, Destin, FL

What:  Enjoy live music, drink specials, and a live performance from Jim Beam’s Emerging Artist – The Andy Velo Band – on the HarborWalk Village main stage.  At 8pm, there will be TWO fireworks shows plus the 5th Annual Ball Drop over the Destin Harbor.

Kerry Veach is a Destin, FL Realtor and Real Estate Broker with 22 years of experience assisting thousands in the exciting process of buying and/or selling a home.   He is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, the RE/MAX Platinum Club, and the RE/MAX® 100% CLUB.  In 2011, he earned the RE/Max Lifetime Achievement Award. 

If you would like to buy a home in Destin, FL or sell a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach.  With over 1,000 closings and thousands of satisfied clients, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

No matter what time of year it is, Destin has one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida – but don’t take my word for it – just ask the the US News Travel Guide.

Destin, FL real estate has been attracting buyers not just from around the state, but throughout the country.  And who can blame them?  Not only does this year-round sunny climate make everyday feel like a vacation, but the friendly people and smiling faces have a way of making visitors feel as welcome as homeowners.

With mortgage interest rates at historic lows and home affordability at historic highs, why wouldn’t everyone jump at the opportunity to buy Destin, FL real estate?  Perhaps you’re waiting for prices to go down more?  Or perhaps you think interest rates will drop further?  I suppose it’s possible – just as it’s possible that we could get snow on Christmas Day.  Don’t laugh.

The truth of the matter is, the real estate market in Destin, FL and around the nation have been showing signs of consistent improvement for the past year.  Third quarter of 2011 is when things began to pick up, but understandably, it was too soon for anyone to get truly excited about the progress.  However, we are now in the fourth quarter of 2012 and this trend of improvement is still continuing.

But what about the “fiscal cliff” you ask?

Without trivializing the impact that renewing/modifying/ending these tax cuts will have, the real estate market will remain cyclical just as it has always been.  If Congress makes all the wrong decisions, then yes, it could stall recovery.  But send the nation back into another recession?  Even if it did, mortgage rates really cannot go any lower, and the increase in home values is due primarily to a lack of inventory, not anything that Congress has done (or will do for that matter).

Long story short, no one can predict the future, but we can make educated decisions based on data and market trends.  Based on this information, the “bottom” has come and gone.  We are now officially on the road to economic recovery.

If you would like to take advantage of great values and low interest rates while they last, search Destin, FL real estate now.

Kerry Veach is a Destin, FL Realtor and Real Estate Broker with 22 years of experience assisting thousands in the exciting process of buying and/or selling a home.   He is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, the RE/MAX Platinum Club, and the RE/MAX® 100% CLUB.  In 2011, he earned the RE/Max Lifetime Achievement Award. 

If you would like to buy a home in Destin, FL or sell a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach.  With over 1,000 closings and thousands of satisfied clients, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

One of my favorite things about the holiday season – besides great gifts, parties, reasons to eat, etc. – are seeing the spectacular light shows and displays throughout the community.  Owners of homes in Kelly Plantation put tremendous effort and pride into decorating their houses and yards.  You could consider it a “friendly competition” among neighbors to see who has the biggest and best Holiday spirit – usually gauged by the number of lights streaming down from one’s roof.

If you too have an appreciation for such festive illuminations, then you’ll enjoy the Christmas Tour of Homes presented by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and Trustmark Bank.

The tour will take place on Saturday, December 8, from 5:00 to 8:00pm.  Guests will meet at the Kelly Plantation Owners’ Clubhouse where they will enjoy light refreshments and Christmas carols performed by the Opus One Choir of Niceville High School.  After the harmonious reception, tour maps of the most lavishly decorated homes will be distributed.

Tickets may be purchased in advance for $20 at www.MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org/tickets.htm, or at the Kelly Plantation Owners’ Clubhouse for $25 the day of the event.  You can also purchase tickets at any of the following locations in Destin, FL:

• Today’s Boutique
• Kitchenique
• Risa’s Interiors
• McCaskill and Company
• Sarah Carolyn
• PS Gifts in Fort Walton Beach
• Bayou Books in Niceville
• Trustmark Bank branches (Destin, Miramar Beach, Gulf Place and Seagrove Beach)

For more information about the Christmas Tour of Homes in Kelly Plantation, call 850-650-2226.

Kerry Veach is a Destin, FL Realtor and Real Estate Broker with 22 years of experience assisting thousands in the exciting process of buying and/or selling a home.   He is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, the RE/MAX Platinum Club, and the RE/MAX® 100% CLUB.  In 2011, he earned the RE/Max Lifetime Achievement Award. 

If you would like to buy a home in Destin, FL or sell a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach.  With over 1,000 closings and thousands of satisfied clients, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

The holiday season has officially arrived and so have some great holiday events in Destin, FL that the entire family can enjoy!

The Nutcracker Mariinsky Ballet

When:  December 3 at 2pm and 7:30pm

Where:  Rave Motion Picture Destin at 4000 Legendary Drive, Destin, FL

What:  Presented by the world renowned Mariinsky Ballet troupe, this program was captured using over three live performances.

12 Nights of Lights

When:  December 5,  6 – 8pm

Where:  Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort at 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin,FL

What:  For the month of December, enjoy a festive light show in the Events Plaza set to your favorite holiday music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday leading up to Christmas at 6 & 7 p.m. This sparkling event will also be featured during the holiday editions of the Wednesday Night Concert Series at 7 p.m.

12 Gifts of Christmas

When:  December 11 at 7:30pm

Where:  Rave Motion Picture Destin at 4000 Legendary Drive, Destin, FL

What:  Celebrate with host, Lisa Whelchel, as you appreciate the wonder of the season with inspirational stories, musical performances, holiday humor and a master illusionist.

Baytowne Holiday Lantern Parade

When:  December 15

Where:  Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort at 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin,FL

What:  In celebration of the holiday season, this community event will feature commissioned paper lanterns in the shapes of iconic holiday symbols.  A lighted, golf cart Christmas Parade will kick off the event at 6pm.  All individuals and groups are invited to participate by making their own paper lanterns!

For more Destin, FL events and local news, visit the Veach View Blog by Kerry Veach.  Kerry is a Destin, FL Realtor and Real Estate Broker with 22 years of experience assisting thousands in the exciting process of buying and/or selling a home.   He is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, the RE/MAX Platinum Club, and the RE/MAX® 100% CLUB.  In 2011, he earned the RE/Max Lifetime Achievement Award.

If you would like to buy a home in Destin, FL or sell a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach.  With over 1,000 closings and thousands of satisfied clients, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it’s time to start thinking about holiday decorations.  Whether you celebrate Chanukah, Kwanza, or Christmas – lights will probably be a large part of your festive theme.  Here are some tips to help you save energy this holiday season:

• LED lights use 90% less electricity than traditional Christmas lights.
• Trees and decorations that are fiber optic are far more eco-friendly than the “real” thing. In fact, many of these units use a single light bulb in the base to illuminate the entire decoration.
• Don’t turn your lights on until it’s dark…besides, you want to actually see them don’t you?
• Take advantage of all this extra lighting by limiting the amount of time other house lights are on.  If your tree is so bright it lights up the entire living room, then why bother using the household lamps and lighting fixtures.
• Throwing a holiday party?  Turn the thermostat down while the oven is working and guests are crowding your home.
• And while you’re playing the role of party chef, maximize efficiency by baking mulitple dishes in your oven at the same time.  In fact, you might not even need the oven for everything.  If you have a toaster oven or similar electric heating device (like a hot plate) use those when/if possible.

For more home improvement and energy saving tips, visit the Veach View Blog by Kerry Veach.  Kerry is a Destin, FL Realtor and Real Estate Broker with 22 years of experience assisting thousands in the exciting process of buying and/or selling a home.   He is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, the RE/MAX Platinum Club, and the RE/MAX® 100% CLUB.  In 2011, he earned the RE/Max Lifetime Achievement Award.

If you would like to buy a home in Destin, FL or sell a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach.  With over 1,000 closings and thousands of satisfied clients, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Due to the location, Destin, FL homes are some of the most desirable in the nation.  However, there are unique challenges homes is a warm climate face with respect to indoor air quality.

Newer homes, especially, are built to be air tight.  This is great for not allowing cool air to escape, but the problem is moisture can’t escape either.  As the moisture becomes trapped in the home, mold grows – and we all know what kind of a hazard mold poses.

John Jordan of Jordan Air Enterprises Inc. – 2012 recipient of the “Finest on the Emerald Coast” award in Heating & Air Conditioning/Home Repair – offers a couple of solutions to control indoor moisture.

“I’m familiar with the challenges that this area faces with indoor environment control. Gaining control over rampant indoor moisture is a passion of mine,” he said. “In the South, we deal with high humidity.”  He goes on to explain one possible solution:  “It is central dehumidification just like your air conditioner.  It drains automatically, and you’re not tied to emptying the bucket. It is tied to the existing drain system.”

The humidity inside of Destin, FL homes becomes particularly high in the fall, winter, and spring seasons because air conditioning units generally don’t run long enough to completely dry the air.  For homeowners who are out of their homes for the majority of the day, he recommends the Ecobee thermostat system.  This systems gives homeowners the ability to monitor temperature levels and adjust settings from a smart phone, tablet, laptop, etc.  This system will also send an email alert if it detects a problem.

For more home improvement and energy saving tips, visit the Veach View Blog by Kerry Veach.  Kerry is a Destin, FL Realtor and Real Estate Broker with 22 years of experience assisting thousands in the exciting process of buying and/or selling a home.   He is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, the RE/MAX Platinum Club, and the RE/MAX® 100% CLUB.  In 2011, he earned the RE/Max Lifetime Achievement Award.

If you would like to buy a home in Destin, FL or sell a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach.  With over 1,000 closings and thousands of satisfied clients, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

The economy in Florida is continuing to show signs of improvement.  Though these improvements may not be felt by each individual homeowner in the sunshine state just yet, they are a promising indication of what the future holds.

Since December 2010, Florida has created 156,800 private sector jobs and has experienced positive annual job growth.  If you disect the data further, you will see that this growth has been positive for 12 of the last 15 consecutive months.   Specifically, job postings showed a sharp increase in September 2012 of 15.1 percent – or 35,277 jobs.

Improvements in the private sector’s job market are not the only indication of an economic rebound.  Net in-migration for Florida state is up to an estimated 134,500 this year from 68,000 in 2011.  As a result, demand for homes in Northwest Florida are driving up home values.

Aware of these real estate trends, developers are beginning to build again and banks are beginning to lend again.  A local example of this bolstered developer confidence is reflected in the recent contracting of Peacock’s Point – a gated subdivision with waterfront lots situated along Choctawhatchee Bay and Joe’s Bayou.

“The housing and construction industry is vital to helping Florida’s economy continue to rebound while providing employment to the thousands of workers who are seeking a job,” said Governor Rick Scott. “Seeing these positive indicators across the state shows that people are feeling more confident in buying or building a home.”

All of these components are creating a domino effect where the end result is a boost in the Florida economy.

If you would like to buy a home in Northwest Florida or sell a home in Northwest Florida, contact Kerry Veach.  Kerry is a Northwest Florida Realtor and Real Estate Broker with 22 years of experience assisting thousands in the exciting process of buying and/or selling a home.   He is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, the RE/MAX Platinum Club, and the RE/MAX® 100% CLUB.  In 2011, he earned the RE/Max Lifetime Achievement Award.  With over 1,000 closings and thousands of satisfied clients, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Florida Realtors® has just released their housing figures for the month of September, and so far it’s looking good.

While the number of sales of single-family homes in Okaloosa County, FL stayed about the same, home values improved.  In September 2011, the average sales price of a single-family home was $219,634.  In September 2012, this average increased to $227,440.  Another component boosting values is low inventory.

“The local market is continuing its recovery, aided by cash buyers, investors and buyers who can get credit,” wrote Judi Rutland, president of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors®, in an email. “There are fewer listings on the market and levels are finally coming down to what’s considered a healthy market. Investors are buying up property to rent and fewer sellers are coming on to the market; both contribute to a lowering of inventory.”  Rutland continues to add, “The outlook for the local market continues to be positive.  Agents are reporting that some listings are receiving multiple bids and are going under contract shortly after hitting the market.”

The strong home-buyer demand has been given great momentum thanks to historically low interest rates and historically high home affordability.  The inventory of homes for sale in Okaloosa County, FL has been insufficient to meet this demand, therefore driving up values.  In addition to increasing prices, this lack of supply has incited bidding wars for homes that are competitively priced.

If you would like to search homes in Okaloosa County, FL, contact Kerry Veach.  Kerry is an experienced Realtor who can help you buy or sell Okaloosa real estate.  With over 1,000 closings and a full-time real estate team, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.