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Palm Coast's Twenty-three Miles of Salt Waterfront Property2 comments.
September 25, 2012 – Located within the Palm Harbor section of the city, salt water canals created hundreds of building lots with boat access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Yo, Stallone! Do Your Homework Before Hiring a Contractor
April 23, 2012 – Sylvester Stallone has learned about hiring contractors the hard way. To avoid hauling your kitchen remodeler into court, read this.

History of Island Estates and the Surrounding Waterways2 comments.
March 22, 2012 – Did you know that what is now known as Island Estates was once part of the mainland?

Scammers Already Have Bulls-Eye on $25B Foreclosure Settlement
March 6, 2012 – Warning: Scammers are on the prowl, claiming to have your share of the $25B foreclosure settlement -- for a fee, of course.

Banks Tempt Underwater Home Owners with Cash - Would You Take It?2 comments.
February 23, 2012 – A short sale might be worth more than avoiding a foreclosure on your credit report. For some, it means cold hard cash.

Tax Rules Encourage Short Sales Sooner, Rather than Later
January 23, 2012 – Tax rules that let you escape paying federal income tax after a short sale expire this year.

Why Renters are the Next Mortgage Crisis1 comment.
November 1, 2011 – If you've been wondering if you should be renting rather than owning, consider this expert's view.

Leave Your Home Vacant? You Could Lose Insurance Coverage
October 20, 2011 – If you leave your house empty for too long, you could lose your home owners insurance.

5 Hurricane Myths – Do They Fool You?1 comment.
August 30, 2011 – It's time to dispel some common myths so that your hurricane preparations are fully informed. How many of these five myths from Traveler's Insurance do you believe?

HOAs: What You Need To Know About Rules
August 20, 2011 – Lobbying for change in your homeowners association's rules requires procedure, compromise, and perhaps joining the board.

Should You Go Forward With a Reverse Mortgage?
August 20, 2011 – Big lenders in the reverse mortgage business - Wells Fargo this month and Bank of America earlier this year - have pulled out of the market and won't issue any new reverse mortgages. But MetLife and several smaller companies plan to stay in the market, so you won't have issues finding a reverse mortgage if you want one.

7 Mortgage Interest Deduction Myths1 comment.
June 27, 2011 – Think losing the mortgage interest deduction would be no big deal? We bust seven myths to show why the cost is bigger than you think.

Hurricanes: Be aware, Be Prepared, Not Scared4 comments.
June 20, 2011 – Northeast Florida, which includes Palm Coast and Flagler County, is not considered among the areas most vulnerable to storms.

Suddenly Summer?1 comment.
June 16, 2011 – Jobs were being created, but perhaps not in the industries that generate the big bucks.

7 Flood Insurance Myths3 comments.
May 5, 2011 – Much of what you know about federal flood insurance may be flood insurance myth.

Impact Fees: The Hidden Tax on Businesses and Homeownership6 comments.
April 27, 2011 – This hidden tax has more impact than you think.

Foreclosing on 2010
April 11, 2011 – Is the worst behind us?

Homeowner Equity: How Home Ownership Impacts Wealth - Part Two
March 28, 2011 -- The latest equity picture reminds us that real estate is incredibly local.

Homeowner Equity: How Home Ownership Impacts Wealth - Part I
March 27, 2011 -- Over time, some market fluctuations even out.

10 Common Errors Home Owners Make When Filing Taxes
February 11, 2011 – Don’t rouse the IRS or pay more taxes than necessary

Home Buyers Looking for Open Floor Plans, Memorable Details
January 28, 2011 – Walk-in closets, energy-efficient appliances, linen closets, a large kitchen and overall efficiency

The Foreclosure Process2 comments.
January 13, 2011 – Important to know and it varies from state to state.

Importance of Energy-Efficient Features to Buyers
January 12, 2011 – Energy efficiency is an important home feature for home buyers.

Help Wanted: Part 2
January 11, 2011 – A single industry will not determine the health of an economy.

Home Owners Recoup More with Exterior Replacement Projects, REALTORS® Report
Palm Coast, FL – December 17, 2010 – Exterior home projects provide the most value and are among the least expensive improvements for a home.

What U.S. Cities Have the Most Brainpower?
December 2, 2010 – Hint: It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that Florida is a great place to live.

Foreclosure Alternative: Deed in Lieu
November 29, 2010 – Facing foreclosure and you just want it over with? The deed in lieu of foreclosure may be your best alternative. Here are the advantages, disadvantages and tips on obtaining a deed in lieu.

No There's No Life at MERS3 comments.
November 21, 2010 – Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc (MERS) has a very long history. The beginning stages have remained a mystery until now.

Did You Know: Net Worth, Home Owners vs. Renters1 comment.
November 20, 2010 – In the past 12 years, the net worth of the typical home owner has ranged between 31 and 46 times that of the net worth of the typical renter.

Mortgage Interest Deduction Vital to Housing Market2 comments.
November 19, 2010 – In recent years, the mortgage interest deduction has come under attack.

Did You Know: Annual Rent Increases Make Home Ownership a Good Investment
November 16, 2010 – Prices for the rent of a primary residence have increased at an average rate of a little more than 3 percent per year for the last ten years.

Foreclosure Defenses: Who REALLY owns the NOTE?4 comments.
November 15, 2010 – The law says when a NOTE payable to ORDER is sold to another BANK it must be signed on the back by the first bank to transfer (negotiate), just like a check. No signature; no transfer.

Foreclosure Fraud for Dummies
October 20, 2010 – Helping to Understand the Mortgage Documentation Mess

When is Foreclosure Removed from Your Credit Report?
October 17 - Use this handy guide to figure out how quickly you can buy a home after a major financial setback when applying for a loan through FHA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac.

Avoid Foreclosure Rescue Scams
September 16, 2010 – A record high 2.8 million properties were hit with foreclosure notices in 2009, putting even more Americans at risk of facing foreclosure rescue scams.

Facing Foreclosure: What to Do Right Now
September 8, 2010 – Take steps right now to save your home or at least lessen the blow of its loss.

7 Tips for Saving Energy in the Laundry Room
August 24, 2010 – Good laundry room habits, including some occasional minor maintenance, can save energy and shave nearly $300 off your annual utility bills.

Homeowners Insurance: Are You Over- or Underinsured?1 comment.
August 22, 2010 – Paying for more homeowners insurance than you need is a waste of money, but it can prove even more costly to get caught without enough coverage.

10 Tips for Saving Energy in the Kitchen1 comment.
August 21, 2010 – Maintaining your large kitchen appliances is part of a smart home energy efficiency plan.

Impact and Other Fees – the Hidden Tax on Housing2 comments.
August 19, 2010 – Property taxes are not the only taxes that go along with home ownership but most of them are disguised as fees.

The Bonnie and Clyde of Mortgage Fraud3 comments.
July 28, 2010 – Video documentary about Matt Cox is reminiscent of 'Catch Me if You Can'

Visualizing the Credit Crisis in Terms We can Understand1 comment.
July 26, 2010 – Video does an excellent job of explaining the credit crisis.

How is a Condominium Different from a Townhouse?4 comments.
July 19, 2010 – The confusion surrounding the use of the two terms has to do with the distinction of how people legally own property vs. the type of property owned.

6 Tips for Choosing the Best Offer for Your Home
July 9, 2010 – Have a plan for reviewing purchase offers so you don't let the best slip through your fingers.

Low-Flow Toilets: How to Choose1 comment.
July 6, 2010 – Flush with Cash - Replacing an old water-guzzler with a new low-flow toilet can shave as much as $90 off your annual utility bill.

Fielding a Lowball Purchase Offer on Your Home
July 3, 2020 – Consider before you ignore or outright refuse a very low purchase offer for your home.

Understanding Your Property Assessment Numbers
June 10, 2010 – What do all the different assessment numbers mean and how do they affect my property taxes?

Hiring an HOA Manager: What to Consider1 comment.
June 4, 2010 – When your homeowners association has more to do than its volunteers can handle, it's time to call in a professional manager. Here are 10 tips for picking the right one.

Mortgage Fraud – What is it? How Did it Happen? Who Got Hurt?
May 29, 2010 – Mortgage fraud is too easy to commit, too hard to discover, and difficult to prosecute and it hurts everybody.

5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale
May 26, 2010 – Working to get your home ship-shape for showings will increase its value and shorten your sales time.

HOAs: What You Need To Know About Rules
May 25, 2010 -- Lobbying for change in your homeowners association's rules requires procedure, compromise, and perhaps joining the board.

Delinquent HOA Fees: How to Collect
May 21, 2010 – Cash-strapped homeowners associations have a variety of tactics available to them to collect unpaid fees.

Roofing: Repair or Replace?
May 17, 2010 – Deciding whether to repair or replace roofing is largely an exercise in timing--you don't want to reroof too soon and waste money, but you don't want to wait too long either.

Water Heaters: Repair or Replace?
May 3, 2010 -- When deciding whether to repair or replace a water heater, consider its age, the severity of the problem, and how much money a new energy-efficient unit will save.

Air Conditioning Equipment: Repair or Replace?
Palm Coast, FL – April 30, 2010 – If you're deciding whether to repair or replace central air conditioning equipment, assess the quality of your house's ductwork and insulation first.

Further Clarification of New Fed Short Sale Rule1 comment.
March 5, 2010 – Tom Villano, owner of Title Chain in Palm Coast FL, clarifies Federal Supplemental Directive 09 - 09, Introduction of Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives; short sale and Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure.

New Fed Short Sale Rule Falls Short3 comments.
February 25, 2010 – Like most programs aimed at helping distressed homeowners, the new Fed rule is not likely live up to its promise.

Home Security Systems: It's All about the Contract
October 23, 2009 – Several home security system providers abuse their customers by using unethical tactics but there are some very reputable companies.

Dear Toby: My house is the lowest priced listing in the neighborhood. Why won't it sell?1 comment.
October 19, 2009 – Your house is probably overpriced.

Dear Toby: Why are 4 Conservatory Lots on the Tax Deed Sale List?2 comments.
September 18, 2009 -- Toby Replies, describing the Tax Deed process

Dear Toby: Why are condo prices per SF higher than those of homes?
September 16, 2009 – A reader asks. Toby replies.

What's Your Market's Median Home Price?2 comments.
September 5, 2009 – An interactive map provided by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) provides the ability to check out home prices across the country to see how your region compares.

Non-Equity Golf Communities Face Challenges as Golf Loses Popularity and Developers Flounder4 comments.
May 7, 2009 – Members may be the losers.

The Upside of Florida Real Estate: 15 Market Positives
April 6, 2009 - Why Florida looks good to buyers.

Chinese Drywall – a Rising Health, Safety, and Home Value Threat5 comments.
April 3, 2009 – Expensive repairs and litigation to follow.

Schedule of Upcoming Flagler County Foreclosure Sales2 comments.
March 22, 2009 – Illustrates market values.

City Draws Line in Sand against Individual Property Rights2 comments.
March 13, 2009 – Second in a series on drop lots

Reverse Mortgages – Second in the Series of Articles 3 comments.
March 7, 2009 – With examples

Capricious Government Power vs. Property Owners' Rights2 comments.
March 5, 2009 – City again trammeling property rights.

Reverse Mortgages, the Next Wave in Lending6 comments.
March 4, 2009 – Exploding the myths.

Condo and Homeowner Associations Struggling to Meet Budgets2 comments.
February 24, 2009 – Owners failure to pay fees hurts others.

Housing Prices Show Pain of Foreclosures and Short Sales
February 22, 2009 – Short sales and foreclosures depress market to below intrinsic values.

Understand the Risks/Rewards of Investing in Gated Communities4 comments.
January 24, 2009 – Buyer's market, but watch out for carrying costs.

Palm Coast Florida Real Estate 2008 – The Year in Review1 comment.
January 2, 2009 – Recap of last year's news and a look towards 2009.

Foreclosure Numbers are Misleading5 comments.
December 16, 2008 – National stats do not apply locally

Bobby Ginn - Hypothetical Outcomes7 comments.
December 10, 2008 – If you stir some rumors together with some facts, you create speculation. The credibility of the speculation is determined by the proportion of the two original ingredients.

Luxury Market Feeling the Pain5 comments.
November 17, 2008 – High end foreclosures and a Conservatory update.

Florida Constitutional Amendments Simplified1 comment.
October 28, 2008 – Having trouble figuring out what the Florida amendments say? There's help.

Justice Department Now Tracking Criminal Mortgage Fraud Cases
October 16, 2008 – Federal government reports filing 151 criminal mortgage fraud prosecutions in the 1st 10 months of FY '08. 73 were in Florida.

Clients and Cooperating Brokers Suffer Through Ginn's BriarRose Transitions
September 18, 2008 – Misplaced trust in developers puts brokers, clients and investors in tough spot.

Vulture Funds with $30 Billion Seeking Bottom of Florida Condo Market1 comment.
September 4, 2008 – Companies named in Bloomberg report about vulture funds have local connections.

Understand Your New Florida Assessment and Property Taxes4 comments.
August 31, 2008 – How will proposed assessments affect your property taxes?

Bobby Ginn Video Provides Details of Credit Suisse Debt Facility1 comment.
August 29, 2008 – Ginn conducts media tour and briefing to assure Bahamians.

Marineland's Whitney Lab Building a Chinese Connection
August 22, 2008 – New research facility in Marineland part of planned joint venture.

Demographics Point to Healthy Real Estate Market in Florida's Future
August 18, 2008 – In 2008, more than 300,000 people will move to Florida, generating a demand for 150,000 for-sale and rental homes.

Tax Breaks for First-Time Home Buyers
August 18, 2008 – The IRS credit that is really a loan.

The upside of Florida real estate: 20 market positives1 comment.
August 14, 2008 - Some positive signs for Florida's future real estate market

Green Building Energy Savings Confirmed1 comment.
August 7, 2008 – Building "green" saves energy, money, and raises property value.

Real Estate Short Sale Contracts Come up Short of Expectations10 comments.
July 23, 2008 – The number of short sale contracts that actually close is disappointing.

Florida Palm Coast LandMar is very quiet because there's Not Much to Say10 comments.
July 13, 2008 – (Updated 8-13-08) Local developer slows projects awaiting improved real estate market.

Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) – Palm Coast's Town Center is in One2 comments.
June 23, 2008 – Development in a CRA can generate lots of new tax revenue, but where does it go?

Palm Coast, Flagler Real Estate Gains Strength
June 21, 2008 – The volatile real estate market in Palm Coast and Flagler County, Florida was driven by population growth.

Two Hours with Florida Real Estate Developer, Bobby Ginn – His Side of the Story3 comments.
June 18, 2008 – In a two-hour meeting, Bobby Ginn responds to questions about his GINNdom raised in a recent GoToby.com article.

Make Real Estate More Saleable without Lowering the Price
June 14, 2008 – Anything you do to reduce real estate's carrying costs increases its value.

A Horse, a Horse, My GINNdom for a Horse7 comments.
June 9, 2008 – Let the buyer beware may not be the only appropriate comment to Ginn property owners who find their investments have lost much of their value.

Things to Consider when Buying a Model Home.1 comment.
June 2, 2008 – Model homes are usually packed with upgrades and professionally furnished and decorated. But there are considerations when you buy one, especially if you are leasing it back to the builder.

Northeast Florida is Not among the Most Vulnerable Hurricane Locations
May 28, 2008 – Of the top ten areas listed as most vulnerable, only four are in FL

Quick Primer on Delinquent Tax Certificates, Tax Deed Sales, and Foreclosure Sales
May 16, 2008 – Even though I've written several articles in the past, I still get lots of inquiries. Hopefully this review, with links to related articles, will answer most people's questions.

FBI Issues 2007 Mortgage Fraud Report1 comment.
May 14, 2008 – In its 2007 Mortgage Fraud Report, the FBI details several different types of fraud. Here are excerpts of the report along with a link to the full report.

Green-Built Homes are the Future. What are they?
April 27, 2008 - Green building is on the rise. Green-built homes reduce envirinmental impact and save money on utilities.

Older Americans Month: May 2008 - Some Interesting Facts about the 65 and Older Population
April 24, 2008 - US Census Department compiles an interesting list of statistics on Americans over 65. Florida leads with the highest percentage of over 65.

Property Tax Delinquencies and Foreclosures are up at Ginn's Conservatory and Short Sale Contracts Await Lender Approval
April 11, 2008 – A lot of property will change hands in The Conservatory in 2008. At the Ginn Company developed luxury golf community in Palm Coast, FL, property tax delinquencies are much higher than last year. New foreclosures are initiated weekly – 29 so far this year. And now, contracts for short sales are being signed and sent off to lenders for approval.

If Foreclosure information is Public Domain, Where do I Find It?2 comments.
April 6, 2008 – Foreclosure filings are a part of the public record, but few know where to find them. All they see are the cryptic legal notices in the newspaper. The information IS available, but it's not necessarily east to find. It takes some practice.

The Lubert-Adler Connection – Where does Bobby Ginn's Development Money Come from?4 comments.
April 3, 2008 – Bobby Ginn's resilience in the current real estate slump is tied to his long term relationship with Lubert-Adler.

Some Blame the Housing Bubble on Excessive Governmental Regulation
March 18, 2008 – Growth-management planning and land use regulation may have contributed to the recent housing bubble.

Buyers Have Started to Weigh Into the Palm Coast Housing Market. Why?2 comments.
March 14, 2008 – The old adage that you make your real estate profit on the front end, when you buy, rather than on the back end, when you sell, is clearly shown in today's market. There is a lot of very affordable property. The smart money has already begun to buy, and it looks like they found the perfect time.

Property Sellers – Be Sure your HUD Settlement Statement Adds Up
March 4, 2008 – At a recent closing on a home in the Palm Coast, FL gated community of Grand Haven, the seller was nearly short changed by more than $1,200. The title company confused property taxes with assessments, which were included on the seller's annual property tax bill. The problem may not be isolated.

Baby Boomers and Reverse Mortgages, another Perfect Storm for Lenders
February 20, 2008 – With the baby boomer generation reaching retirement, the industry will find the perfect product in the reverse mortgage. Many have heard about reverse mortgages, but most don't really know what they are.

Crazy Real Estate and Mortgage Markets Create Dilemmas for Buyers. Cost Basis, Assessed Value, Unreported Income, and Situational Ethics all Come into Play.
February 19, 2008 – The turbulent real estate market has opened a Pandora's Box of issues for sellers, buyers, lenders, public officials, and regulatory agencies. Many of these issues are not new but because they were not significant or because they occurred infrequently, they existed below the radar and could easily be ignored or tolerated. No longer infrequent, they have been joined by a new class of dilemmas.

Palm Coast Population Growth Signaled by Student Enrollment Gains at Flagler County Schools1 comment.
February 18, 2008 – Palm Coast, FL – While student enrollment in Volusia County is declining, Flagler County's school enrollment continues to grow.

Bobby Ginn’s $3.7 Billion Ginn Sur Mer Project in the Bahamas is Ahead of Schedule
February 1, 2008 – Amid an anemic domestic market and news of other developers facing financial crisis, Ginn Resorts presses on with their Ginn Sur Mer project at West End, Grand Bahama. The company released details on the project’s progress at a press tour on Thursday.

Light at the End of the Tunnel for Palm Coast Housing Market1 comment.
January 23, 2008 – Where is the bottom of the real estate market and when will we get there? I won’t be able to tell you until after the fact, but there are some positive signs starting to show up. Probably the most significant is that the inventory of unsold homes, reported on MLS, has dropped while the number of pending sales is rising.

Top Real Estate Stories of the Year for Palm Coast and Flagler County
December 29, 2007 – The biggest story of 2007 was the overall collapse of the local residential real estate market and the economic stagnation brought on by the decline in construction. There was a surge in new commercial construction but not enough to offset the decline in the residential sector. Here is a summary of top stories.

Foreclosure – What is the process? Are there Alternatives?2 comments.
December 26, 2007 – Palm Coast, FL – The news is full of talk about the rash of real estate foreclosures, especially because Florida ranks among the top states in the number of foreclosures. Yet many facing possible foreclosure do not understand the process. Unaware of their alternatives, they are ill equipped to deal with it.

Mortgage Fraud Responsible for many Foreclosures – Lenders were not the Only Predators
December 21, 2007 – When lenders started securitizing mortgage loans and reselling them to investors, the mortgage industry quickly outgrew its ability to watch what was going on. With trillions of dollars changing hands and lots of people looking the other way, a perfect storm was born, of which the final toll may surpass that of Katrina.

The Power of Financial Leverage. Why do Investors Borrow Money?
December 7, 2007 - Financial leverage is the grease that lubricates the real estate investment business

Second Home Terminology Redefined
November 29, 2007 - The Future of retirement and second homes are changing and so are the terms developers use to define their creative new products. Here are some of the more popular types of "Better Nests."

What if Flagler County’s Total Assessed Value Drops Next Year?1 comment.
November 16, 2007 - The total assessed value of Flagler County property will probably drop for the 2008 taxable year. But homesteaded properties will see their taxable value rise along with their taxes. How can this be? Find our here.

The Mortgage Industry’s Dirty Little Secret – Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)1 comment.
October 24, 2007 – What you don't know about PMI can hurt you. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) has long been touted as a benefit that allows borrowers to purchase property with less than a 20% down. But who is the real beneficiary of PMI?

Centex Finds Market for Tidelands Condos Remains Strong1 comment.
October, 9, 2007 - While local condo sales languish at prices too high, Centex succeeds in selling the remaining 35 Tidelands units in one month - more than the number of condominiums sold through MLS in the last three months. Now they may decide to build more units.

Both Then and Now - Palm Coast and Flagler County Wrestle with Growth Issues
September 23, 2007 – Last week, someone passed me an article entitled Growth Pains Arrive for Flagler County – Development brings change to this quiet, rural county. The article appeared in the December 1974 issue of Florida Trend magazine. Substitute residential for rural and you could write an article using the same title today.

Florida Top State in Attracting the 65-Plus Crowd
September 19, 2007 – There are 76 million baby boomers. The oldest are only 61. Researchers report that as many as 25% will relocate during their prime retirement years. Indications are that Florida will get a good share of them. The largest demographic shift in history is just beginning. But expected residential growth must be balanced with commerecial and industrial growth.

Candidates for City Council Respond to Questions
September 6, 2007 - Candidates for Mayor and City Council were each asked to respond to three questions. Here are the questions and their responses.

Notice of Proposed Property Tax – Wow!!!2 comments.
August 24, 2007 - Expecting the results of promised tax reform from Tallahassee and reduced assessments from dropping property values, Flagler County residents were surprised by their Notice of Proposed Property Tax.

Foreclosures & Tax Deed Sales – Bait for the Next Wave of Speculators1 comment.
August 21, 2007 – During the 2002 to 2005 run-up in real estate values, the speculator was best represented by the “flipper.” In the extreme, these were otherwise rational people who somehow morphed into someone who would buy a property for $100,000 more than the seller paid a few months earlier on the assumption that the person in line behind them would do the same. This worked for some in the rising market but when the music stopped, many were left standing.

Notice of Application for Tax Deed – What is it? Can I Participate?1 comment.
August 8, 2007 – "Notice of Application for Tax Deed." Today's paper listed about fifty of them. When real estate taxes remain unpaid, the effected property can be sold at public auction. The process is defined by law. At any time prior to the sale, owners can redeem their property by paying all back taxes, accumulated interest, and associated penalties and fees.

Land Development Code – Another Example of the Law of Unintended Consequences
July 19, 2007 – The City of Palm Coast is in the process of foisting a 350+ page Land Development Code (LDC) on its citizens. It’s full of lots of feel good changes designed to appeal to the demographics of the city’s voters. But it's the voters themselves who will pay the price.

Centex Update – Selling Condos in a Down Market1 comment.
July 17, 2007 – Flagler County MLS data shows that nine condominiums were sold in the county during June. During that same period, twenty-two Tidelands condominiums were sold, according to a Centex source. In addition, six condos were sold in the resort complex within the past six weeks.

Flagler County, FL Foreclosure Wrap-up With Legal to English Translation2 comments.
July 7, 2007 - Newpapers' "Legal Advertisements" of foreclosure actions reveal only the property's legal description, making it difficult for most people to figure out where the property is. But most people really want to know. I'll show you how.

Florida Tax Certificates – Part Two2 comments.
July 2, 2007 - Florida tax certificates are sold at a public auction when real estate taxes become too delinquent. Here is information on how they are sold, how they are redeemed, and how they may result in a tax deed sale with the winning bidder taking title to the property.

What Happens When Real Estate Taxes Become Delinquent?
June 27, 2007 - Some speculators of a few years ago are finding it difficult to cover carrying costs on property that is not selling and may be worth less than they paid for it. But if they don't pay their real estate taxes, there are serious consequences.

Short Sales of Pre-foreclosure Properties – Because Banks Don’t Want to Own and Dispose of Real Estate
June 24, 2007 - The rising number of delinquent mortgages and impending foreclosures provide an opportunity for great bargains. The process takes time and effort but the buyer, the bank and the seller can all benefit.

Nearly One in Every Four Properties in The Conservatory Has a Delinquent Tax Bill.2 comments.
June 20, 2007 - Hailed as a hugely successful offer in 2005, 337 Conservatory lots were oversubscribed by eager investors at prices ranging from $329,900 to $529,900. Today, some buyers are looking at taking a loss.

Great Time to Buy a Home or Sell Another One
May 23, 2007 -- When selling one home to buy a more expensive home, you can save money by doing it in a down market. This has to do with the difference between the actual dollars and percentages.

Investing in Gated Community Lots? – Understanding the Risks
May 14, 2007 - Association fees, deed restrictions, and club membership options can increase carrying costs and reduce selling flexibility.

Land Speculation and Dubious Deals Still Part of Florida Real Estate Landscape1 comment.
April 23, 2007 - The portion of Flagler Estates in Flagler County has no roads, no water, no sewer, no electricity, no access for fire and police services, and no schools.Most lots are inaccessible. Yet 543 lots changed hands within the past two years. 58 are currently listed, priced between $9K and $44K, with a median price of $26K. One is offered on eBay. Buyers beware. You probably don’t know the whole story.

Ginn makes Beach Club and Golf Club memberships available to Ocean Hammock and Cinnamon Beach residents until May 31st.
April 16, 2007 - Deadline may motivate sellers, creating a buying opportunity for investors or for those looking for a building lot with Ginn amenities.

Palm Coast and Flagler County Realtors Banding Together to Market Canopy Walk Condos
April 9, 2007 - One common method used to find prospective buyers is an Open House. They showcase the listing, making the seller happy, and, more importantly, they bring prospective buyers to the agent. What is less common is for competing Realtors® to join forces to host an open house for an entire condominium complex.

Old Kings Road to be Widened to Four Lanes
February 25, 2007 - About three years ago, the City of Palm Coast identified a need to improve and widen Old Kings Road between SR 100 and Palm Coast Parkway. Even then, the road was deteriorating. Working with the city, the owners of land fronting Old Kings got together to pass an ordinance forming a special taxing district, geographically defined as all property fronting Old Kings. The purpose of this taxing district is to sell 30-year bonds to finance the road improvements, to be paid off by the land owners over 30 years.

A Visit to the Ginn Company’s Ginn Sur Mer, the largest resort community project ever to be undertaken in The Bahamas.1 comment.
February 13, 2007 - Bobby Ginn has made a substantial commitment to the Palm Coast, Flagler County FL area, including Hammock Beach, the Ocean Hammock Club, the Conservatory, the Gardens, and a new corporate hanger at the Flagler County Airport. Still, many local residents are unaware of the size and scope of Ginn’s other projects.

Mortgage Fraud, a Natural Byproduct of the Housing Boom.1 comment.
January 22, 2007 - When sellers get desperate, fraudsters find a target rich environment. Stories are surfacing about a mortgage fraud boom, not just in Florida but in all states.

Why does it take so long to build a house?
December 12, 2006 - They build houses in just a few days on television. Of course everything is pre-staged and non-traditional methods are used, but why does it take 6 to 18 months in real life?

Boomers surveyed about retirement plans
The roughly 78 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964 were surveyed by Harris Interactive in a study commissioned by the National Association of Realtors®. According to the Associations chief economist, David Lereah, baby boomers "are living longer and are different from previous generations because they have no set path for retirement and have more varied circumstances in life."

The pitfalls of using your IRA to invest in real estate.
Thinking of investing your self-directed retirement account in an IRA? There are many reasons to reconsider. You may not get the tax advantages you thought or you may be subject to penalties.

Commission: Who gets paid? How? How much? Who wins? Who loses?1 comment.
In any property transaction, the participating brokers and their sales agents receive commission. It is essentially their only source of revenue. With rare exception - No transaction means no revenue. The more you understand "the rules" under which they operate, the better you will understand how and why brokers and sales agents behave the way they do.