Jetty East, Holiday Isle, Destin Florida Short Sale Approved

Bank of America just approved this Jetty East condo for short sale. Jetty East is located on the Gulf of Mexico beach on Holiday Isle in Destin Florida. Jetty East has a large heated pool, huge outdoor pavilion, two tennis courts, shuffle board and shuttles around Destin and more. Jetty East is also near East Pass, with its plethora of fishing boating activities and restaurant and shopping nearby on Destin Harbor and in Destin Commons.

Bank of America was the only lien holder on this short sale. The original purchase price in 2004 was about $300,000. Today’s value is less than $100,000. Bank of America approved the contract for this Jetty East short sale in a speedy 30 days.

If you are considering short sale to avoid foreclosure on Holiday Isle, be sure to contact an attorney and an experienced Destin short sale agent.

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

How to Apply for Destin Florida HAFA Short Sale

If you are in a Destin, Santa Rosa Beach or Navarre Florida short sale situation, you may have heard of HAFA, Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives. If you qualify for this federal program, you may get waiver of deficiency, $3000 relocation fees and up to $6000 to pay off any junior mortgage lien. The paperwork to get approved is not slight, but it might be worth it!

What is the paperwork required for HAFA?

-Hardship Affidavit explaining your situation

-Request for Modification Affidavit (RMA)

-Utility bill (gas, water, electric, etc)

-Frank-Dodd Certification form acknowledging you have not been convicted of mortgage or real estate related crimes in the last ten years (including theft, fraud, larceny, forgery, money laundering, tax evasion)

-Your most recent tax returns with all schedules

-Last two paystubs or proof of other income, or if self-employed, last quarter or year-to-date profit and loss statement

-Copy of divorce decree

-Copy of death certificate if co-borrower is deceased

-Homeowners Association bill or statement showing dues

-Your most recent W2

-Power of attorney if applicable

Overwhelmed? I’ll make it easy (or easier!) for you. Call me for assistance with your Destin, Sandestin, Santa Rosa Beach, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach Florida HAFA short sale.

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

My Shopping Adventure at Sephora in Destin Florida

When you think Destin Florida, you might think beaches, fishing, dining and golf, right? But we've got more now! The new Sephora store opened today in Destin Commons!

Sephora? What's that? If you are a woman, you probably know. Sephora is one of the premier cosmetics and perfume stores in the world. And we didn't have one in Destin - until today. Yes, that seemingly ubiquitous store you see at malls around the country. The one where all the guys are standing around by the entrance waiting... waiting for their wives or girlfriends to come out. Destin finally has its own Sephora!

Our adventure today was long planned. The announcement of Sephora's opening was a “field trip” for me and my friend, Rachel. We ventured out around 10:00 a.m. and oh my! The store was PACKED!! Seriously, it was like a Macy's sale! And the make-up! Aisles of Dior, NARS, Yves St. Laurent, Lancome, Smashbox, Benefit, Tarte, Lorac, shall I go on? Lipsticks, eye shadows, blushes, powders, eyeliners, nail polish, scrubs, lotions, perfume, aaaahhhhhhh.

Our adventure lasted about two hours. The aisles were jammed. The line was long. Our feet were sore. The stash was good.

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

Eglin HAP PCS Steps

If you are an Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field or Whiting Field airman, have PCS orders and need to sell your home, you may have heard of HAP. HAP is the Department of Defense’s Homeowner Assistance Program. The program was expanded to help PCSing service members sell their properties, when “upside down” in mortgage value. For example, you owe $250,000 on your mortgage, but your Navarre Florida home is only worth $150,000. If you qualify, HAP may pay your entire shortfall at closing when you find a buyer. This is a wonderful program that can help you avoid foreclosure, short sale or VA Compromise Sale on your Navarre, Crestview, Niceville or Destin Florida area home.

Here is an overview of HAP Steps and Mortgage Qualifications:

1. Your current mortgage balance must be 90% of your Prior Fair Market Value (PFMV). PFMV is your original purchase price plus any capital improvements you can substantiate.

2. If you refinanced your loan after purchase, HAP will only cover the original loan amount. So if your refinanced mortgage amount (or equity line) is higher than your initial loan, you can submit home improvement receipts that add up to the difference. If they don’t add up to the difference – you would have to pay the excess amount yourself.

3. You apply for HAP.

4. You list your Navarre, Crestview, Freeport, Niceville or Fort Walton Beach area home with a Realtor specializing in HAP (can be done simultaneously with HAP application).

5. We find a buyer for your home who pays fair market value with reasonable closing costs.

6. You submit the purchase and sale contract, with a market analysis to HAP.

7. Your file is assigned to a HAP Benefits Realty Specialist. The Specialist will gather any necessary documents from you, such as Applicant Date Request Sheet, buyer pre-approval, property survey, Mechanic’s Lien Affidavit, and Election of Benefits letter. The contract purchase price will be reviewed to ensure it is for fair market value.

8. Your Benefits Realty Specialist will then request the loan payoff amount from your mortgage company.

9. Once you are approved, HAP will send you an Offer Letter. When you sign it, HAP will proceed to order title work on your property. HAP has its own title company, and your buyer may choose any title company he wants.

• The U.S. will then write a substitute contract between the buyer we found and the U.S. HAP states they will “pay any agreed to Buyers closing costs and Realtor commissions, given that they are at a standard and customary rate. HAP does not cover home warranties. Any repairs requested from the Buyer during the inspection will be the responsibility of the Applicant and will need to be taken care of within the time frame agreed to on the original contract between the Applicant and Buyer. Any personal property items agreed to remain with the property will be included in the new sales contract. The Applicant is responsible to provide these agreed to items and ensure that are conveyed with the property at closing.”

10. The final signed copy of the replacement contract will be sent out to you, the buyer, Realtors, and title agent.

11. Your HAP closing documents will be express mailed to you. You will have to sign, date and get your documents notarized as required. If there are any outstanding monetary amounts due from you, such as mortgage interest, or loan not covered by HAP, you will need to include a certified check with your closing package.

12. Your buyer will close the same date directly with the U.S.

13. Congratulations – your Crestview, Navarre, Niceville or Destin home is sold and your mortgage is paid off!

If you are an Eglin or Hurlburt airman, and need to take advantage of HAP, apply soon. Funding is limited. Contact Wendy Rulnick for a HAP program overview and move “on”!

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

Fort Walton Beach Florida Fairgrounds Hosts Southern Classic Gun Show

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 4 to 5, 2011. Admission is $8.00. (Uniformed Law Enforcement get in free.)

At the Fairgrounds, there are always plenty of Fort Walton Beach fun things to do!

Fort Walton Beach Calendar Event posted by Wendy Rulnick.

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

2408 Kodiak Ct., Creetwood, Navarre FL - HAP Home for Sale

Dramatic and impressive Navarre Florida HAP home at 2408 Kodiak Ct in Creetwood Place with stunning features and upgrades. The first mood-setting touch is the hand-scraped hickory floors, which set off the high ceilings, plant ledges and soothing wall colors. The kitchen is remodeled with granite counters, top of the line stainless appliances, new disposal, crown moulding on cabinets and custom fixtures. Kitchen is open to the bay-windowed eating area overlooking yard. Master bath is elegant with soaking tub, Italian stone floors and expanded travertine shower. The split plan has three bedrooms in the other wing, plenty for home office use. This Creetwood Place, Navarre Florida HAP home has a generous living room with angled corner fireplace. Outside is an expanded patio with salt-water in-ground pool with waterfall feature. All windows are hurricane-rated with upgraded rear storm door. There is a transferrable builder warranty. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac, great commuting location to Hurlburt or Eglin AFB. Sale contingent on HAP approval.

2408 Kodiak Ct., Creetwood Place, Navarre FL - offered for $237,900

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

Tips to Get Bank of America Seagrove Beach FL Short Sales Approved

Do you think Bank of America short sales are all getting quicker? NOT. Every once in a while, there is a long story about a "short" sale in Seagrove Beach Florida.

The lot at Palmeira Villas, off 30-A in Santa Rosa Beach was originally purchased for $650,000. Today, the lot is worth about $100,000 - almost $500,000 less than the original purchase price. Getting a Bank of America approval for a Seagrove Beach FL investor versus an owner-occupant wasn't the hard part. It was the delay in response.

We had submitted a complete short sale package to Bank of America. The appraisal was back and the counter offer for seller contribution in Equator was complete. But after a few months of waiting for the "investor" to respond to the short sale request, my patience (and the seller's) ran out. We took the following steps to expedite the approval:

1. Seller communication. I asked the seller to call the negotiator regularly. This put a more personal spin on the case.

2. Qualified Written Request: We asked Bank of America who the investor was on the loan so we could call them directly, since our negotiator said they were not responding.

3. Escalation to Executive: I contacted a Bank of America Vice President asking for assistance.

We received approval three weeks later. The fun part of the story? Guess who the investor was? Bank of America.

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

Eglin and Hurlburt HAP PCS – July Cut-Off Date Misleading

If you are an Eglin Air Force Base or Hurlburt Field airman, you may have heard of “HAP”. HAP is the Department of Defense Homeowner Assistance Program that was expanded to help PCSing service members who are “upside down” in their mortgage loans.

You may have read the HAP website and think you don’t qualify for the program. One of the main qualifications is that you owned your home prior to July 1, 2006. Think again! There is almost a footnote on the site, that corrects the ownership date requirement:

"Q. If I had a contract to purchase my home prior to July 1, 2006, but closed after that date, do I qualify?

A. If you are a Military PCS eligible applicant and were under contract to purchase prior to 1 July 2006 and closed after that date, you would qualify"

According to the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors statistics, about 400 properties were placed under contract between January to July 1, 2006 which closed in July or later. These homes were in Navarre, Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Freeport Florida. One of these buyers may have been “you”! I just helped an Eglin AFB airman whose home purchase and sale agreement was dated June 30, 2006, and who closed later in July. He is qualified for HAP!

If you are an Eglin, Hurlburt or Duke Field airman in need of HAP PCS assistance, investigate your options before resorting to short sale, VA Compromise sale or foreclosure. Contact a HAP - experienced real estate agent.

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

7050 Season Dr., Harvest Point, Milton FL - HAP Home for Sale

Sprawling contemporary HAP home in Harvest Point, Milton, Florida, with tile throughout and many windows to maximize the natural light. This HAP home at 7050 Season Drive, has fine touches include pendant lighting, plant ledges interior columns and high ceilings. The oversized kitchen has much counter space along with a center isle, and is open to living area. The master bath has a deep jetted tub, two walk-in closets and a private water closet. Large corner lot is fenced for privacy. This Harvest Point home in Milton Florida is minutes from Whiting Field and shopping and an easy commute to Hurlburt Field and beaches in Navarre Florida. The sale is contingent on HAP approval, which should be about 60 days from date of contract.

7050 Season Drive, Milton Florida HAP home – offered for $152,900

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

322 Ray Ave., Southway Estates, Crestview Florida - VA Compromise Short Sale

Wonderful roof lines give your Southview Estates, Crestview Florida short sale home appeal! 322 Ray Avenue is a roomy split-bedroom floor plan with cathedral ceilings and lots of light. The living room is open to dining area. Galley kitchen has a pleasing window over the sink and huge walk-in pantry. Two secondary bedrooms are spacious. Master bedroom has vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet. Fenced yard. Double decks to above ground pool. Roof new in 2005. Home needs some cosmetics, such as carpet cleaning and a little trim painting, but is a lovable home in a great Crestview FL location south of I-10 for easy commutes to Eglin AFB. Buyer can have the darling dining room set, sofas, and other furniture, too, to help set up your new household! This Crestview Florida home is a VA Compromise Sale with one lienholder.

322 Ray Avenue, Crestview FL short sale - offered for $71,900

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