Remember when you could easily sell a single family home with a tenant in place?  There were investors who would buy these types of properties in the Fort Walton Beach Florida metro market all the time.   Not any more.  Today, most single family and townhome buyers want a home they can move into immediately.  Many of those buyers are military and PCSing to Eglin Air Force Base or Hurlburt Field. A few days ago I spoke with a potential Crestview Florida short sale seller. He had a townhome that was leased through next Fall.  I asked if the tenant would agree to move out with sixty days notice when we get a short sale contract.  The seller said the property management company, who also wanted the listing, said “no”, and told him most of the buyers in the complex had been investors who... 11/09/2011

PURCHASE AND REHAB YOUR HOME IN FORT WALTON BEACH FLORIDA WITH THE FHA 203(K) LOAN - Most home buyers are turned off at the sight or even thought of buying a fixer-upper; a foreclosure or an older home today. However, educated and informed home buyers are utilizing the FHA 203(k) loan to buy their new home and fix it up with no additional out-of-pocket expense. The FHA 203(k) loan is a tool that savvy home buyers, successful contractors, Realtors and mortgage originators have been using since 1978. An FHA 203(k) loan is very similar to the traditional FHA loan. The only real difference is that with the FHA 203(k) loan, the home buyer is adding money to their mortgage balance to finance-in any repair/improvement cost. Whereas the traditional FHA loan requires that certain repairs be done... 10/24/2011

ApproxSF: 540 Project: TROPICAL ISLE CONDO BalconySF: Address: 683 NAUTILUS , #211 Bedrooms: 1 FORT WALTON BEACH, FL Baths Full/Half: 1/0 Zip: 32544 StoriesInUnit: 1 County: OKALOOSA YearBuilt: 1995 MainArea: 12 Fort Walton Beach OccStat: VacationRental SubArea: 01 OKALOOSA ISLAND ImmOcc? Y ParcelID: 00-2S-24-5071-0000-2110 ConstrStat: Construction Complete ElemSch: ELLIOTT POINT Middle: BRUNER High: FORT WALTON BEACH Dir: Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island, Gulf Side, next to Tom Thumb Legal: Tropical Isle Condo -Unit 211 Own your own view of the Gulf of mexico with this one bedroom condo , just steps away from the beach, with dedicated access to the water. Second floor unit just off the beach with a pool and large deck. Dining/Living 1 16X14 Const/Siding: Block, Roof Metal Bath:... 10/23/2011

This spacious home just sold as a HAP sale in Emerald Village, Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  HAP is the Homeowners Assistance Program for U.S. military members who have orders to relocate (PCS).  When the service member's home cannot be sold at a price sufficient to cover an existing mortgage, HAP may pay some, if not all, of the deficit.  This saves our Air Force, Marines, Navy and Army members from foreclosure or short sale, preserving their credit.Some of the qualifications for the HAP program are:1. PCS orders at least 50 miles from the primary residence2. The original contract to purchase the home had an effective date prior to July 1, 20063. The home was the primary residence at the time of ordersMany Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field and Duke Field service members have qualifi... 09/26/2011

            ApproxSF: 540 Project: TROPICAL ISLE CONDO         BalconySF:   Address: 683 NAUTILUS , #211 Bedrooms: 1   FORT WALTON BEACH, FL Baths Full/Half: 1/0 Zip: 32544 StoriesInUnit: 1 County: OKALOOSA YearBuilt: 1995 MainArea: 12 Fort Walton Beach OccStat: VacationRental SubArea: 01 OKALOOSA ISLAND ImmOcc? Y ParcelID: 00-2S-24-5071-0000-2110 ConstrStat: Construction Complete ElemSch: ELLIOTT POINT Middle: BRUNER High: FORT WALTON BEACH Dir: Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island, Gulf Side, next to Tom Thumb Legal: Tropical Isle Condo -Unit 211 Own your own view of the Gulf of mexico with this one bedroom condo , just steps away from the beach, with dedicated access to the water. Second floor unit just off the beach with a pool and large deck.       Dining/Living 1 16X14   Const... 08/31/2011

            ApproxSF: 540 Project: TROPICAL ISLE CONDO         BalconySF:   Address: 683 NAUTILUS , #211 Bedrooms: 1   FORT WALTON BEACH, FL Baths Full/Half: 1/0 Zip: 32544 StoriesInUnit: 1 County: OKALOOSA YearBuilt: 1995 MainArea: 12 Fort Walton Beach OccStat: VacationRental SubArea: 01 OKALOOSA ISLAND ImmOcc? Y ParcelID: 00-2S-24-5071-0000-2110 ConstrStat: Construction Complete ElemSch: ELLIOTT POINT Middle: BRUNER High: FORT WALTON BEACH Dir: Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island, Gulf Side, next to Tom Thumb Legal: Tropical Isle Condo -Unit 211 Own your own view of the Gulf of mexico with this one bedroom condo , just steps away from the beach, with dedicated access to the water. Second floor unit just off the beach with a pool and large deck.     Dining/Living 1 16X14   Const/S... 08/21/2011

    Bank America has approved this Fort Walton Beach Florida home for a Ginnie Mae USDA short sale. It was a lengthy process.  Bank of America only recently added Ginnie Mae short sales to its Equator processing platform.  This file was handled through emails and phone calls directly with a Bank of America Ginnie Mae specialist.What is Ginnie Mae?  Ginnie Mae is a governmenty entity that guarantees VA, HUD and USDA Rural Housing Services mortgages.  This makes these loans more valuable as investments when sold to the secondary market, thus more attractive to mortgage servicers, such as Bank of America.What about the deficiency on a USDA short sale?  The deficiency is the amount of the note not covered by net proceeds of the sale.  According to USDA pre foreclosure sale guidelines: A bor... 08/19/2011

MLS#: OfficeFile#: ListPrice: Status: ApproxSF: 820 Project: PELICAN ISLE $/Sqft: BalconySF: 84 Address: 866 SANTA ROSA BLVD , #412 Bedrooms: 1 FORT WALTON BEACH, FL Baths Full/Half: 2/0 Zip: 32548 StoriesInUnit: 0 County: OKALOOSA YearBuilt: 2002 MainArea: 12 Fort Walton Beach OccStat: New SubArea: 01 OKALOOSA ISLAND ImmOcc? Y ParcelID: 00-2S-24-2183-0000-0412 ConstrStat: Construction Complete ElemSch: EDWINS Middle: BRUNER High: FORT WALTON BEACH Dir: FROM US 98 ON OKALOOSA ISLAND. TURN SOUTH ON SANTA ROSA BLVD AND CONTINUE APPROX. 2 MILES AND TURN LEFT ON VENUS COURT TO RESORT ENTRANCE Legal: PELICAN ISLE CONDO UNIT 412 300 feet of Picturesque Gulf Frontage will be yours to take pleasure in! Breathtaking views are only part of the package when you own at Okaloosa Islands most sought... 05/01/2011

Sq. Ft: 1990 Beds: 4 Lot Size: 1219680 (sq.ft.) Baths: 2.00 Year built 1956 Type Total Area Heated Area Exterior Wall Roof Cover Interior Wall Flooring SINGLE FAM 2,473 1,990 CONC BLOCK COMP SHNGL DRYWALL CARPET Heating Type A/C Type Baths Bedrooms Stories Year BuiltActual / Effective Building Notes AIR DUCTED CENTRAL 2 4 1 1956 / 1956 BR = REMODELING Price 110,000 Foreclosure bank owned property. Remarkable find in east Fort Walton Beach! This extra-large three bedroom block home features an office/den that can easily be used as a fourth bedroom. The roof was replaced in May 2003. The family room was totally renovated in 2004 to include all new drywall with knockdown finish and bull corners, and ceiling fan/light fixtures. The unique u-shape floorplans creates a glassed in Florida roo... 04/17/2011

When you borrow money using the equity in your home, to buy something, make repairs or consolidate bills, it is a loan. You have heard the terms Equity Line of Credit, Equity Line or even HELOC.  They all mean the same thing: you are taking out another  or 2nd mortgage on your home. And yes that money has to be repaid. When I am trying to sell your home, for $200k and you have borrowed $50,000 on average, I have to find a way to get your home sold for $250,000.  If the value of your home is only $225,000 we have a problem, because you have to come up with the additional $25,000 plus closing costs. People mistakenly think that they can finish paying for the loan after the house is sold.  NEGATIVE! You pledged your house as collateral for receiving that loan.  Therefore, they aren't tryin... 04/16/2011

The fol­low­ing is the lat­est update from DFAS on the April 15 pay­check "shortage". Due to the near shut­down last week, most mil­i­tary should have received two deposits in their bank accounts on April 15. Although active duty mem­bers and Reservists will receive two pay­ments to cover their full mid-month pay on April 15, the most cur­rent Net Pay Advice state­ments will still only show the par­tial pay­ments for the week of April 1-8. In both cases a full account­ing of April pay will be avail­able on the nor­mal end of month LES, posted to myPay accounts on April 22. Sim­ply put - Every­one (active and reserve) will get paid like nor­mal on April 15 - but they will get it in two deposits (same day) - and the LES's will be back to nor­mal on April 22. Now having said that, many peo... 04/16/2011

Sq. Ft: 1990 Beds: 4     Lot Size: 1219680 (sq.ft.) Baths: 2.00  Year built 1956 Type Total Area Heated Area Exterior Wall Roof Cover Interior Wall Flooring SINGLE FAM 2,473 1,990 CONC BLOCK COMP SHNGL DRYWALL CARPET Heating Type A/C Type Baths Bedrooms Stories Year Built Actual / Effective Building Notes AIR DUCTED CENTRAL 2 4 1 1956 / 1956 BR = REMODELING Price Assigned 119,000 Foreclosure bank owned property. Remarkable find in east Fort Walton Beach! This extra-large three bedroom block home features an office/den that can easily be used as a fourth bedroom. The roof was replaced in May 2003. The family room was totally renovated in 2004 to include all new drywall with knockdown finish and bull corners, and ceiling fan/light fixtures. The unique u-shape floorplans creates a glassed... 03/26/2011

  The Northwest Florida Fairgrounds hosts many Fort Walton Beach events yearlong.  Locals just call it the "Fairgrounds", and it's been around for 43 years, although not always in the same location.  Since 1971, the Fairgrounds has been located on about 42 acres on 1958 Lewis Turner Boulevard.  You can see everything here from the circus, dog shows, 4-H, job fairs,gun shows, fishing shows, to shopping and art extravaganzas!  You'll also find some very interesting historic military uniforms and paraphernalia on display.... ! This past weekend, the Fairgrounds hosted the Southern Classic Gun & Knife Show. There were hundreds in attendance browsing thousands of guns, both modern and historic, knives, books and more for sale. There is another gun show scheduled in Fort Walton Beach on June ... 03/15/2011

We here at Rowlett Real Estate School are proud of the good reputation and good name Captain Wayne Rowlett has built for our Florida Real Estate School.  By popular demand, Captain Wayne Rowlett has extended his classroom training schedule to accomidate the Destin, Florida and Fort Walton Beach, Florida Real Estate Agents.Captain Wayne enjoys being a real estate trainer for Rowlett Real Estate School and it shows.  He makes learning interesting and fun for his students with his outgoing personality and teaching techniques.  Captain Wayne completed another successful week of teaching in Panama Ctiy Beach, Florida this past week.  Rowlett Real Estate School class size is increasing.  We have a Pre Sales Associate Class in Destin, Florida and one in Panama City Beach, Florida scheduled at ... 03/06/2011

If you're looking for professional results, and a dedicated to the best interest of the Military members REALTOR in the Fort Walton Beach area, then you should be calling KarenButler.com! Specializing in Military Relocations and creative financing. Retiring from the USAF at Eglin AFB, Florida.  I've been there, done that and got the T-shirt! I know what it's like to relocate. My clients need, want and expect an experienced Contract Negotiator who will guide you through the real estate transaction with ease and will get you the best price and terms on your property. Making the difference between for sale & sold!  Contact me when you need a military relocation specialist in Fort Walton Beach to take the stress out of your next move!  Supporting Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, Duke Field, 9th R... 02/28/2011

Chase has just approved the short sale for this Fort Walton Beach Florida home in the Oakland subdivision. Since the property was a primary residence, Chase initially tried to fit the homeowner into the HAFA program (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives).  HAFA is a federal program that mortgage servicers voluntarily offer with incentives to borrowers and lenders.  In this case, HAFA criteria were not met, so the property went into the Chase's regular short sale program.Chase offers options regarding the deficiency (balance remaining on the note after sale) depending on the loan type and investor. Chase may waive the deficiency if the seller makes a cash contribution at closing.  If not, the seller will have to make arrangements to pay the balance after closing. Additionally, in so... 02/28/2011

MLS#: 549688 OfficeFile#: ListPrice: $178,000 Status: Active ApproxSF: 1,100 Project: NAUTILUS CONDO $/Sqft: $161.81 LastChng: 12/23/2010 BalconySF: Address: 660 NAUTILUS CT , #2510 Bedrooms: 2 FORT WALTON BEACH, FL Baths Full/Half: 2/ Zip: 32548 StoriesInUnit: 1 County: OKALOOSA YearBuilt: 1986 MainArea: 12 Fort Walton Beach OccStat: Vacant SubArea: 01 OKALOOSA ISLAND ImmOcc? Y ParcelID: 00-2S-24-173A-0000-2504 ConstrStat: Construction Complete ElemSch: ELLIOTT POINT Middle: BRUNER High: FORT WALTON BEACH Dir: Highway 98 to Santa Rosa Blvd. (Okaloosa Island) Building 2, 5th Fl., Unit 2510. Legal: Building 2, 5th Floor, Unit 10 Excellent opportunity to own a distressed property Bank Foreclosure on this Two bedrooms and two full baths with some of the best views you will find anywhere. ... 02/26/2011

Sq. Ft: 1990 Beds: 4 Lot Size: 1219680 (sq.ft.) Baths: 2.00 Year built 1956 Type Total Area Heated Area Exterior Wall Roof Cover Interior Wall Flooring SINGLE FAM 2,473 1,990 CONC BLOCK COMP SHNGL DRYWALL CARPET Heating Type A/C Type Baths Bedrooms Stories Year BuiltActual / Effective Building Notes AIR DUCTED CENTRAL 2 4 1 1956 / 1956 BR = REMODELING Price Assigned 119,000 Foreclosure bank owned property. Remarkable find in east Fort Walton Beach! This extra-large three bedroom block home features an office/den that can easily be used as a fourth bedroom. The roof was replaced in May 2003. The family room was totally renovated in 2004 to include all new drywall with knockdown finish and bull corners, and ceiling fan/light fixtures. The unique u-shape floorplans creates a glassed in Fl... 02/03/2011

If you've been considering updating the lighing in your house take a look at this quick video first. I thought it was pretty helpful and enlightening.  Click here to view:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05SSP3WKXuI     Karen Butler,  REALTOR           Karen@KarenButler.com                    850-830-8780         Coldwell Banker United Realtors, FWB, Fl        20 Years - USAF Military Veteran                     Military  Specialist                                         1st Time  Home Buyer  Counselor                            Contract Negotiation Specialist, CNS               Trusted Community Advisor                         Senior Real Estate Specialist, SRES                   Mortgage Pre Approval Resource                    Resale Home Analyst                                     ... 01/27/2011

This Blue Dolphin condo on Okaloosa Island Florida was just approved for short sale by Aurora Loan Services. Blue Dolphin is a small gulf-front complex on Abalone Court, Fort Walton Beach FL.                The original loan amount was $604,000 in 2007. Today, market value is about $340,000. Aurora Loan Services was slow to approve this Okaloosa Island short sale. They were not familiar with short-term vacation rentals, and continually asked for proof of rental income and leases. Typical short-term rentals don't have standard leases, since they are only for a day or two at a time. They are really more like hotel reservations. After numerous faxes and requests for documentation (Aurora took a week at a time to "review" any fax), we finally were able to get a negotiator. The short sale w... 01/26/2011