Today I had the pleasure of letting a buyer know that his contract had been accepted on a waterfront lot near Destin Florida.  This sale was accomplished with the tools of technology and the speed of a tech-savvy real estate agent. Who? Me. OK, here is the story….

A woman called me about two months ago having found my name on the internet and my writings about the real estate world on the Emerald Coast.  She felt I was experienced, familiar with the area and liked my style. From having read many of my  numerous blog posts, she had developed a trust before ever having met me. To me, trust is one of the most critical factors in choosing a real estate agent.

She told me about a piece of Destin area waterfront property that would be foreclosed on soon, near the residence of her long-time family home. In fact, she had tried to bid on it in the foreclosure sale, but the property had reverted back to the lender. Why did she want to engage me?  She wanted to be ready the very moment the property came on the market in order to make an offer.  I told her I would be ready. What did I do? I created a custom search in my Emerald Coast Association of Realtors MLS that would email both her and me as soon as anything was listed on the street where the property was located. Why did I enter the street name, not a specific address? Because the property was a lot. A real estate agent could possibly enter the address as “Lot X” or use a street number, or even omit the street number altogether. I didn’t want to take any chances, and it was a short street.

The morning the Destin area lot came on the market, I woke up about 5:00 a.m., a little earlier than my normal time, if you know me.  Something possessed me to do a “send and receive” on my iPhone as I rolled out of bed. There it was! XYZ Street Listed!  I immediately emailed the buyer and prepared the contract in the Florida Realtor online portal, Forms Simplicity. I had already created a draft contract after my first conversation with the buyer.  Painfully waiting until 7:30 a.m., I ventured a phone call.  I knew she was a high-energy person, so was hoping this early call wasn’t a disturbance. She was thrilled. We discussed the exact contract terms and I emailed it to her within minutes.  Her earnest money was wired to a local title agent and we even did a short teleconference with her attorney. I alerted the seller’s agent I would be sending him an offer. I hit the enter button.

A few hours later, after a follow up call to the listing agent, he got in touch with me. The foreclosing entity would not entertain offers for five days, unbeknownst to him. He was a bit disgruntled and we had no choice but to wait. Five days later I received the call, “Offer Accepted!”  My buyer had one word to describe the speed and efficiency of his offer to contract. “Outstanding”. I am not showing off. This was a fun and challenging situation where our goal was to beat any other buyer who wanted that Destin Florida area foreclosure property.  I felt I worked in concert with the buyer  toward her goal of buying that property.

What were the keys to this success story? 1. Trust between the real estate client and the agent 2. Having a game plan 3. Using technology to its fullest 4. Being prepared.

If you are thinking of buying or selling Destin Florida area real estate, hire a tech-savvy Destin real estate agent – one who won’t lose your opportunity.

It’s Wendy!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.

850-650-7883 ext 204

The post How Tech-Savvy Destin Real Estate Agent Can Help Your Home Sale first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

Fast forward a few days…  The potential seller said his partners are considering listing with a large franchise company instead, never having spoken with me.

My question is – is the real estate company more important than the real estate agent when it comes to selling your Destin Florida condo? According to the National Association of Realtors study in 2013, over 80% of realty firms are independent companies, not part of a franchise.

When it comes to selling your property, you should be listing with an “agent”, not a company, however large or small that company is.  I responded to the seller that there are good agents and poor agents at large franchises as well as at independent brokerages. The most important things to consider when picking a real estate agent are:

1. Whom are you personally most comfortable with selling your home?

2. Is the real estate agent experienced? How long have they been in real estate sales? Are they full time?

3. Do they communicate with you in a clear manner? (If not, think about how you will be represented to others)

4.  Are they direct and honest, even telling you what you may not want to hear (such as a price point or recommendation to improve the property)?

5. Do they have a track record of success?

6. Can they provide references?

7. How often will you hear from them before and after a contract?

These are important questions you should pose before making a decision to list your Destin Florida condo. Don’t jump for the shiny franchise logo, but base your decision on the individual agent’s abilities and your personal comfort level. Give that real estate agent an interview and go from there.

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, has been featured in “Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine” and “Florida Realtor Magazine”.  Wendy Rulnick sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Crestview, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Panama City Beach. 

The post I Want to List With a Large Real Estate Company in Destin Florida first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

I recently got an email from a past Destin Florida real estate client who just got her real estate license.  She asked me for a few pointers to get started in the real estate business. Here is my response:

Good for you!  Pointers:

1. Individuate YOURSELF (is that a word?)  Don’t rely on your real estate company brand to become your BEST SELF.  In the end, the people hire the person (that they TRUST, not the company).

2. You don’t have to know all the answers. People appreciate honesty. Anyone that knows all the answers might be too slick.  You don’t even have to always say “I don’t know, but I’ll find out”.  That brings me to this…

3. Not every objection needs to be countered. “YES, the ROOM IS SMALL!”. Duh!!!

4. Use online marketing to promote yourself. Social media, Facebook, Twitter, GOOGLE+ (big one), Blog, your OWN website, Pinterest, etc.

5. Pick a neighborhood and farm it regularly. That means write about it online, mail to it, etc., You get the picture.

6. Just starting out? Ask to do some open houses for fellow agents if you don’t have any listings. You may get buyers and sellers that way.

7. Look at real estate as a business. You wake up every day “unemployed” unless you get a JOB EVERY SINGLE DAY!!

That’s it for now 🙂 Good luck!

By the way, Rulnick Realty is looking for experienced agents to join our team.  If you are independent, ethical, professional and your reputation is of the utmost importance to you, contact me for a confidential interview!

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick lists and sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Panama City Beach and the surrounding areas.

The post Advice for New Real Estate Agents in Destin Florida first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

“She didn’t listen.”  This was one of the real estate buyer and seller responses in a Florida Realtor “Hear it Direct” focus group asking why sellers and buyers move on to other real estate agents.  I wasn’t surprised by that comment. Some of the other notable remarks were:

“Facebook ads fall under the whole sketchy thing. Facebook ads are irrelevant to me…. I don’t go to Facebook to search for a house. If I search for a house, I go to Google.”

Since I am a consumer, too, I can relate to that.  In fact, I scroll so fast by Facebook ads, that I block them out. I cannot even remember the last one I saw.  I also find them sort of “invasive”, although I realize we are tracked online all the time! Have I ever tried Facebook advertising? Yes, a long time ago.  It didn’t work, either.

“I was more interested in the person (than the brand or their company). I’m a local kind of guy. I want someone who simplifies it for me.”

The fact that sellers and buyers pick a Destin Florida real estate “agent”, not the real estate “company”, is no surprise to me.  I’ve found throughout my career that the most important thing is “trust” when picking an Realtor to help you buy or sell a home. Realistically, your personalities have to work well together, too.  Sometimes, they just don’t. Have you ever tried to buy a car, and felt uneasy with one salesperson, but comfortable with another? Why is that? Normally, it is because you “trust” the right one.

Finally, “I felt like it was just pressure selling all the time.”  No one likes pushy sales tactics. We want to run when we are under pressure by the Realtor to make a decision to sell or buy. If that’s the case, in my opinion, it’s more about the “sale” than the buyer or seller.

I would love to hear your comments about picking the right Realtor to sell or buy your Destin Florida home.

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call  850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, has helped hundreds of families buy and sell real estate along the Emerald Coast of Florida. Wendy Rulnick sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach,  30-A, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay,Mary Esther, Shalimar, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field. 

The post Hiring Destin Florida Listing Agent – Listening is Key first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

I have two openings for real estate agents in my Destin Florida real estate office.  My ad has been on craigslist for a few weeks.  I got a call about a week ago from an agent. She had just moved to Florida from a northern state, and had experience selling homes.   She lives two towns away from my office, Rulnick Realty.  After a pleasant phone conversation, she made an appointment for an in-person interview the following Monday.  On Sunday I received an email – “Gas costs too much. I don’t want to drive.”

We don’t just cover Destin Florida at my office, Rulnick Realty. We do cover the Emerald Coast, from Santa Rosa Beach, Rosemary Beach, Watercolor, all the way to Navarre Beach and ways north. My office is technically in Miramar Beach, so it’s a good central point, a couple miles from the Mid-Bay Bridge in Destin. The drive time to the furthest points, maybe Navarre Beach and Seacrest Beach, is about 40 minutes. Seriously, do you think a real estate agent only drives a 20 minute distance from their home base? That is how real estate is.  Because of internet marketing, service areas are expanded from what they once were. Sellers don’t always “walk” into an office to hire an agent. It’s done online. It’s the same thing for buyers.  When someone wants to buy a home in Destin, they are probably also looking in Santa Rosa Beach, Sandestin and even Bluewater Bay. They expect to be shown these properties.

You gotta drive to sell real estate. You also have to spend money. Being a real estate agent normally means you are an independent contractor. In other words, you have your own business.  You need to invest in it, just like any other business.

That being said, I still have two openings for two top agents at Rulnick Realty. Only those that are willing to drive need apply.

It’s Wendy!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call toll-free 1-877-487-9639 or local 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

The post You Want to be a Destin Real Estate Agent? You Need to Buy Gas first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

Do you think you’re clever? Do you think you’re gonna save a bundle and make a steal on a Destin Florida foreclosure

Today I got a call from, I’ll call him Kyle, to desperately and quickly sell a Destin property.  The disaster story unfolded…. (Why didn’t he call me before he did this?  I don’t know!  But it’s too late.)

There is a $10,000 association lien on the Destin house he just bought at auction.  HE DIDN’T KNOW! Not only that, there are $300 per month association fees due – that he is now responsible for. HE DIDN’T KNOW!!!  Now Kyle is in trouble.  The association is demanding he pay up or they will take legal action to get their money.  Of course, he did not budget for an extra $300 in monthly expenses to cover association fees. And past due monies are from the PREVIOUS DEFAULTING OWNER, not Kyle (but now it’s his problem). 

What did Kyle do wrong?  How do I begin?  When you buy a home at the courthouse steps, the court is not going to do a title search for you!  Okaloosa County Florida says that is your problem.  They even have a WARNING on their website:

BUYER BEWARE! All properties are sold “AS IS”.  Bidders are responsible for conducting their own research as to the property being sold, its location or condition, the condition of any structures or fixtures thereon, its marketability, potential uses, zoning, or whether any other potential liens or other defects in title that may exist.

Guess what?  Kyle messed up.  Big time.  He did not consult an attorney.  He did not research the Destin subdivision.  He did not conduct a title search to make sure there were no liens.  Too late.  He owns the property.

Now I have to sell it. Quick.

If you are buying a Destin Florida foreclosure – remember this:  Do your homework.  Hire an attorney.  Hire a title agent.  Consult with a Destin real estate agent who specializes in foreclosures.

Don’t make the same mistake. 

It’s Wendy!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.

Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Destin FL Real Estate

Destin Short Sales & Pre Foreclosure Help.

Read Wendy’s Destin Real Estate Blog

The post How Not To Buy A Destin Florida Foreclosure first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

1.  There were 34 condo sales in Destin for April 2009.  This figure is down from March, but there is no definite trend.  Monthly sales volume decreaseed, as well.

2. The average Destin condo list price is $420,397.  This is down from $711,000 one year ago! 

3. The average Destin condo sold price was $375,739.  This is down from $639,000 one year ago!  But the sale price is up from January and February, and less the the March average.

4. The price per square foot is down to $260, down from $346 one year ago.

5.  The median sold price for Destin condos is $297,500, the same as March.

6. The percent sold to list price is about 89%, fairly stable over the past year.

7.  There are 1977 condos for sale in Destin, a slighty lower inventory level than one year ago, but not showing a strong downward trend.

8.  There is a 58-month inventory of condos for sale.  That means, it would take almost five years to sell all the condos on the market at the current rate of sales.  A “normal” market is 6-7 months inventory.

The bottom line is that no clear trend is emerging in the Destin Florida condo market.  If you analyze the chart, some of the indicators have bounced around during the last few months.  One of the major problems affecting Destin condos is the severe Fannie Mae guidelines for Florida.  Condos with delinquency rates for homeowner assocation dues over 15% will be denied funding.  Condos cannot have daily check-ins, so called “condotels”.  All projects must be approved by Fannie Mae, which can delay sales a month or more.  Buyers must have 20-25% down.  And on and on.  The guidelines are shrinking the pool of buyers, and will no doubt have a continued negative affect on sales and prices, outside the normal market decline we have been experiencing.

Fore more information, email me at itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

It’s Wendy!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR     Rulnick Realty, Inc.

Destin FL Real Estate

Destin Short Sales & Pre Foreclosure Help.

Read Destin Real Estate Blog

Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Call Wendy Rulnick, Destin real estate agent, to list and sell your home or condo or help you buy a home or rental property on the Emerald Coast of Florida in Walton, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County-  Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Crestview, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field.   Wendy is a short sale and pre-foreclosure specialist and can help you sell or buy a short sale property in and around Destin

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The post Destin Florida Condos – Market Report first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

Destin Florida – time to own a Sundestin Condo! Seventh floor with awesome beach views.  Direct waterfront unit!   Newly decorated, new flooing, light maple cabinets with newer appliances, vanities, hardware, light fixtures, furniture, paint andmore!  Rated “Gold” on the rental program. New furniture in master bedroom and new flat screen t.v.  Sundestin is a great vacation resort and offer two pools, one indoor and heated, game room, gift shop, exercise room, game room, exercise room. and convention facilities.  This is one of the best rental buildings in Destin Florida.  Owner of this condo will be minutes from exciting shopping at Destin Commons, Baytowne Wharf, Destin Harbor and more.  Offered at $240,000.

It’s Wendy!

The post Sundestin Condo – Destin Florida – Great Beach Home first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

The post Destin Florida Short Sale – Approved in 7 Weeks first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

Talk about a pleasure to work with!  You are the consummate professional.  Your honor and integrity are unquestionable.  You have the patience to persevere even in the face of adversity and difficult circumstances.  Your compassion for the people you serve is a model for humanity especially in this current economic environment.  You recognize what it means to be a beacon of light for many who are in dark places. 

Thank you for your insatiable appetite for good will and for the effort you put forth in every situation to try to make it better.   It’s easy to see why you are the top short sale specialist in Northwest Florida.  Keep up the good work!  May every blessing you give out be returned to you in great abundance!    

Sincerely,

Beverly, Default Loan Workout Specialist

EverHome Mortgage Company

Loss Mitigation Department

The post Destin Real Estate Agent Recommended for Short Sales first appeared on Rulnick Realty.