florida

File your insurance claim with a mobile app?

According to Florida Trend, some national insurers now have mobile apps to enable policy holders to file claims via a smart phone. Only one Florida based company has jumped on the bandwagon so far, that being Security First Insurance down in Ormond Beach. Just imagine … If you are involved in a fender-bender, you can file your claim and upload the accident photos immediately  while waiting in your car!  The apps can also be used for things like obtaining quotes and making payments. With more than fifty percent of all cell phone users expected to own smart phones within the next several years, we expect to see many more insurers stepping up to the plate in the near future.

Sunshine, yes … Rain, no

Drought conditions exist over 93 percent of the state of Florida. While rainfall has increased somewhat, it will take many days of rain to benefit the region and help diminish the danger of lightning related fires. Many of the recent wildfires have been blamed on lightning.

 
According to the Florida Drought Monitor, Okaloosa and Walton counties are under extreme drought conditions. This includes Destin, Seaside, Ft. Walton Beach, 30-A, etc.  Locally, there have been no restrictions on water useage. In fact, the forecast calls for above average rainfall in the next 8 – 14 day range!

The Real Estate Prognosis for Florida’s Emerald Coast

The prognosis for 2011 is good We expect actual closed sale transaction numbers to improve considerably in 2011. An increase in sales numbers is the precursor to appreciation. More demand equates to higher prices. It will take a while for the inventory levels to subside, but this market is on the way to seeing better days!

How does the new tax credit work for first time buyers? Can we use the money for our closing cost?

 There is a formula for determining how much “tax credit” you may actually receive based on your income. The maximum credit is $7,500. It is only a credit on your tax return, so there is no actual cash that can be applied toward your purchase.

 

Worse, you have to pay it back over 15 years (interest free) or when the property is sold. To qualify, neither you nor your spouse may have owned a home in the past three years.