Kerry Veach

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

Section 1031 exchange of the Internal Revenue Code will defer an estimated $3.2 billion in capital gains and recaptured depreciation taxes for individuals and corporations in 2012 according to the Joint Committee on Taxation. The tax deferral is estimated to be $3.7 billion and $4.1 billion in 2013 and 2014 respectively. What do these taxpayers have that you may not?
• Conscious competent investment or commercial realtor, CPA, real estate attorney, title officer or financial advisor who listens and asks questions.
• A clear understanding of the value of a 1031 exchange.
• Real and personal property held for productive use in a business or for investment.
What is the Impact of a 1031 Exchange?
Section 1031 exchange of the of the Internal Revenue Code states, no gain or loss is recognized when property held for productive use in a business or for investment is exchanged for property held for productive use in a business or for investment. Simply put, property either real or personal such as investment rental and commercial property, land or aircraft, vintage cars, precious metals held in a business or for investment is eligible for a tax deferral on the gain triggered when sold given like-kind property is replaced within 180 calendar days.
The tax deferral represents an indefinite, interest free loan until the replacement property is sold or stepped up to heirs upon death, in which case, depending upon the circumstance, may eliminate the deferred tax. The 1031 exchange defers the federal and state capital gains and recaptured depreciation tax that can represent upwards of 40 percent of the sales price. Imagine being given an interest free loan on land with an original purchase price of $150,000 and $100,000 of improvements depreciated over ten years sold with eight percent selling expenses.
State Tax Estimated Tax
Sales Price 300,000 400,000 500,000 700,000
Alabama 5.00 16,109 34,509 52,909 89,709
California 9.55 18,946 41,532 64,118 109,290
Florida 0.00 12,991 26,791 40,591 68,191
Iowa 8.98 18,591 40,653 62,714 106,837
Kansas 6.45 17,013 36,747 56,481 95,949
Kentucky 6.00 16,733 36,053 55,373 94,013
Montana 6.90 17,294 37,442 57,590 97,886
Nebraska 6.84 17,256 37,349 57,442 97,628
W. Virginia 6.50 17,044 36,824 56,604 96,164

The tax deferral is even higher with collectibles given the capital gains rate is 28 percent versus 15 percent. Effective January 1, 2013, the federal capital gains rate is scheduled to increase to 20 percent with an additional 3.8 percent for taxpayers with income greater than $200,000.
What are the 1031 Rules?
There are many. A qualified intermediary is required who cannot be someone or firm you have worked with in the two year period prior to the exchange such as your lawyer, CPA or realtor. There are exceptions to what is known as disqualified persons. The titleholder who sells is the titleholder that buys. The replacement property value must be equal to or greater than the property sold. The exchange must be completed within 180 calendar days of the initial closing. Property must be formally identified to the Qualified Intermediary by the 45th calendar day post-closing. If selling or acquiring from a related party, then there are special rules to follow. The taxpayer cannot pledge, borrow or receive a benefit from the proceeds while they are held in the exchange.
To receive a complimentary eBook on “Ten Reasons Why a 1031 Exchange Makes Sense” either click on the button below or contact our office at 800.227.1031 or andgus@atlas1031.com.

Is your Retirement Account dwindling down? Are you worried about the stock market? Banks are only paying you 1% on your retirement savings. Now is the time to take advantage of low real estate prices, lowest interest rates ever in our life time. Income producing real estate that will cash flow, rentals at 0% vacancy rates. I’m investing my IRA into buying condo in Destin that is income producing real estate. My partner Brad Shoults (OICE) Investment Specialist, he has a program that can show you your ROI on any property over 5-10 or 20 years. He can show you how to buy real estate using your IRA; he help you find the investments. There has never been a better time to rebuild your retirement.

http://www.youtube.rsvp1.com/s166bd8yvaAs

Equity Trust Company

After waiting almost six years since the housing bust, developers are ready to invest in Destin, FL real estate again.  Several projects have already been slated as the anticipation grows for this desirable vacation destination.

“We’ve still got plenty to do,” Community Development Director, Ken Gallander, told The Destin Log. “We are working on our comprehensive plan and other long-term planning goals….People seem to be reinvesting in what they already have.” he added.  “Destin is going to set itself up as a place where there are a whole lot of things to do…People want to be around the water, they love it…The harbor is the No. 1 spot — it has a broad-based appeal.”

Redevelopment will also play a key role in the renovation efforts.  Many older buildings will probably be replaced with newer homes to satisfy the high demand for housing variety.

Here is a list of development projects in Destin, FL:

Beach Pointe Condominiums II
This five-story building will be located on Crystal Beach, south of Scenic Highway 98.
Caretta Dunes
This project boasts two five-story buildings with 80 units, also on Crystal Beach.
Harbor Reflections
This building will be 15 stories high with 28 condo units and 99 hotel rooms.
Henderson Beach Resort
This building – located on 13 acres along Crystal Beach – will be 60-feet tall and contain 313 condo units.

While these projects were all approved several years ago, progress was stalled due to the recession.  However, thanks to wide-spread optimism based on real estate market data that has been collected and analyzed over the past 12 months, developers are ready to restart construction.

If you would like to begin your search for homes in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach.  Kerry is an experienced Realtor who can help you buy or sell real estate in Destin, FL.  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.

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

One of the basic principles of universal design, also called “ageless design,” is that it makes homes more practical and safer for everyone — not just the elderly or people with limited mobility. Even if you’re not a professional designer, you can certainly incorporate this smart thinking into your own home. If you’re remodeling or simply adding a few upgrades, be sure to keep universal design features in mind. Here are some simple (and great!) ideas from HouseLogic for getting started:

Replace doorknobs with lever-style handles. Doorknobs require lots of dexterity and torque to open; with levers you simply press and go. Imagine an emergency situation when everyone, including small kids, needs to exit fast: A lever handle is a safe, foolproof way to open a door. Levers are also attractive, and can contribute to the value of your home. A standard interior passage door lever in a satin nickel finish costs about $20; you’ll pay $25 to $30 for a lockable lever set for your bath or bedroom.

Replace toggle light switches with rocker-style switches. Rocker switches feature a big on/off plate that you can operate with a finger, a knuckle, or even your elbow if necessary (great if you’re carrying a laundry basket or bags of groceries!). Rocker switches are good-looking, too. Conventional toggle switches get dirt and grime embedded in them after a couple of years; no such problems with rocker switches! You’ll pay $2 for a single-pole rocker switch, up to $10 for multiple switch sets.

Anti-scald devices for your bathroom prevent water from reaching unsafe temperatures. An anti-scald shower head will reduce water flow to a trickle if the water gets too hot. An anti-scald faucet device replaces your faucet aerator and also reduces hot water flow.

Motion sensor light controls add light when and where you need it. They come in a variety of styles and simple technologies. Just stick plug-in sensors into existing receptacles, then plug your table or floor lamps into them. When the sensor detects motion, it turns on the light.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Panama City Beach, Destin or anywhere in the area—then the Veach Team is prepared to help you find the Florida home of your dreams or the investment property that will put your money to work for you. Contact us today, and let us show you why “Life is a Beach” here in beautiful Destin! And don’t forget to “LIKE” us on Facebook and Twitter – we’d love to talk with you.

The joy of Christmas is in the air, and the day itself is nearly here! The malls are full of shoppers, as expected—but wait! There are some other shoppers out there, and they are buying too! All over the country news is trickling in with real estate numbers higher than expected, and for sure—they are higher than this time last year!

Are you one of those savvy buyers taking advantage of the amazing real estate deals to be had right now? I sure hope so because at this rate, with home values rising, and properties moving, you sure would not want to miss your chance by spending your money in a mall when it could be providing you and your family a dream home by the first of 2012!

Mortgage rates are at an all-time low. As I write this post, a 30-year fixed mortgage can be had for a record low of 3.91% for buyers with good credit. December is the second month in a row that these lower, affordable rates have pushed sales up. Do not wait around thinking it will last forever…it won’t!

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Panama City Beach or Destin, the Veach Team is prepared to help you find the Florida home of your dreams. Contact us today, and let us show you why “Life is a Beach” here in beautiful Destin! And don’t forget to “LIKE” us on Facebook – we’d love to talk with you.

Folks, have you heard the news? Our real estate market is increasing in value! In its December 2011 issue, Money Magazine, under the REAL ESTATE category, there is an article called “Markets That Moved the Most.” The article stated that while some areas are still searching for bottom, others are starting to bounce back, and out of the five cities listed under the biggest home value increases in the nation, Destin, Florida, was #4 with a one-year increase in value of 2.9%.

There are some terrific deals to be had here on the Emerald Coast, and it is one of the greatest areas in the world to live–so if you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Destin, or anywhere in the area, the Veach Team is prepared to help you find the Florida home of your dreams.

ReMax Southern Realty is more than just a real estate company. Each of our agents are dedicated to providing you with the support and services you expect in order to achieve your goal of selling your home or buying your new home.

Vacation rentals are also plentiful in the area. Why not come up for Christmas or the week after and look around? You will find yourself not wanting to leave—I guarantee it!

There has never been a better time to own real estate. Rates are down, values are increasing and the economic outlook for 2012 is good. There are those who would like you to see it otherwise, but for those of you who believe in our country and our way of life, you know, and I know, that you can’t keep an American down for long. Optimism and hard work is in our blood—and it has been from the start!

Contact us today, and let us show you why “Life is a Beach” here in beautiful Destin! And don’t forget to “LIKE” us on Facebook – we’d love to talk with you.

Christmas lights can be simple displays erected by northwest Florida home owners to show good cheer, or million-bulb light-apaloozas that draw gawkers from near and far. Courtesy of HouseLogic, here are some tips on how to get the most from — and spend the least on — your holiday display.

Safety first. Emergency rooms are filled with home owners who lose fights with their holiday lights and fall off ladders or suffer electric shocks. To avoid the holiday black and blues, never hang lights solo; instead, work with a partner who holds the ladder. Also, avoid climbing on roofs after rain or snow.

Unpack carefully. Lights break and glass cuts. So unpack your lights gingerly, looking for and replacing broken bulbs along the way.

Extension cords are your friends. Splurge on heavy-duty extension cords that are UL-listed for outdoor use. To avoid overloading, only link five strings of lights together before plugging into an extension cord.

LEDs cost less to light. LED Christmas lights use roughly 70% to 90% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. You can safely connect many more LED light strings than incandescents. Downside: Some think they don’t burn as brightly as incandescent bulbs.

Solar lights cost nothing to run. Solar Christmas lights are roughly four times more expensive to buy than LEDs, but they cost nothing to run. They’re a bright-burning, green alternative.

Dismantle lights sooner than later. Sun, wind, and rain all take their toll on Christmas lights. To extend the life of lights, take them down immediately after the holidays. The longer you leave the up, the sooner you’ll have to replace them.

Plan next year’s display on Dec. 26. Shop the after-Christmas sales to get the best prices on lights and blowups that you can proudly display next year. Stock up on your favorite lights so you’ll have spares when you need them (and after they’re discontinued).

Permanent attachments save time. If you know you’ll always hang lights from eaves, install permanent light clips ($13 for 75 clips) that will save you hanging time each year. You’ll get a couple/three years out of the clips before sun eats the plastic.

Find those blueprints. Instead of guessing how many light strings you’ll need, or measuring with a tape, dig up your house blueprints or house location drawings (probably with your closing papers) and use those measurements as a guide.

Store them in a ball. It sounds counter-intuitive, but the best way to store lights is to ball them up. Wrap five times in one direction, then turn the ball 90 degrees and repeat. Store your light balls in cardboard boxes, rather than in plastic bags: Cardboard absorbs residual moisture and extends the life of your lights.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Panama City Beach or Destin, the Veach Team is prepared to help you find the Florida home of your dreams. Contact us today, and let us show you why “Life is a Beach” here in beautiful Destin! And don’t forget to “LIKE” us on Facebook – we’d love to talk with you.

Great food, family gatherings, football—Thanksgiving certainly was a day to be thankful for all of our blessings here in the greatest country in the world—the USA!

Thanksgiving is a wonderful tradition in our country, and it brings all of us here on the Veach Team to a center point: Gratitude!

Officially one of our country’s annual traditions since 1863, it was decided by President Abraham Lincoln that each November we would spend a day giving thanks for our blessings. But it does not now, nor has it ever, come to us without a cost, and that is where we are focusing—on our troops.

The impending withdrawal of many of our troops from the Middle East gives us cause to stop and consider the sacrifices these men and women have made for the freedoms we all enjoy. It is imperative that each of us think about the various ways we can make their re-entry into mainstream society as seamless as possible.

They will be coming back to return to their civilian lives. They will need homes and jobs, and we want to be ready to make sure those choosing to live and raise their families on the Emerald Coast find the exact right place to live from Pensacola to Port St.Joe, or anywhere in between.

VA loans are mortgage loans that are guaranteed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and this is the way to go for military members who are eligible. To get started, veterans will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). It is wise to have the process underway while looking for the perfect home.

Buying a home is an important decision—Re/Max Southern Realty works with veterans and their families to find the best fit both financially and with your specifications in mind. In addition, we stand ready to educate you on these loans and to guide you in getting with the right people who can help you get approved.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Panama City Beach or Destin, the Veach Team is prepared to help you find the Florida home of your dreams. Contact us today, and let us show you why “Life is a Beach” here in beautiful Destin! And don’t forget to “LIKE” us on Facebook – we’d love to talk with you.

OK, OK…so we’re not having a race for land here on the Emerald Coast like they did back in 1893. We are not holding a race where everyone lines up to stake their claim, but we are experiencing some of the same vigorous enthusiasm Americans have always had when it comes to vthe American dream of owning your own home.

After all, when you pay rent—it is a consumer expense. The money, in effect, is gone, and not only that, but in a mere thirty days—you have to do it all over again . . .

Do you need something to help you move off the fence? Try this: as people turn to renting, rentals become scarce, and rents go up! The very thought of it is kind of like trying to swallow bad tasting medicine, isn’t it?

Work on yourself! Get hot to buy and go for it . . .

At some point, a decision has to be made regarding long-term housing for you and your family, and there has never been a better time than now–when rates are at an all-time low and bargains are at a premium.

Think equity instead of consumer spending . . .

The housing industry in our country has suffered set-backs before, and it ALWAYS comes back. It is already coming back this time, and it is not too late to get yours.

You would not think of trying to do surgery on yourself, fix your own teeth, or be your own lawyer—so don’t try to be your own Real Estate Agent! Let us do what we do best—help you locate your piece of paradise without the hassles of the race for land.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Panama City Beach or Destin, the Veach Team is prepared to help you find the Florida home of your dreams. Contact us today, and let us show you why “Life is a Beach” here in beautiful Destin! And don’t forget to “LIKE” us on Facebook – we’d love to talk with you.