Rulnick Realty Welcomes New Team Members to Destin Real Estate Office

Clark Turnipseed, a licensed Realtor, provides a unique perspective for buyers, having years of experience as a Mortgage Broker Associate. Once he finds his buyers the right property he knows how to structure an offer that best fits their financial goals.
Clark was educated as a civil engineer but is a people person by experience. His personal motto is "When people work together they can move mountains!" With over 20 years in management and sales, he understands what it means to provide service, attention to detail and follow up. He can assist with helping buyers find their dream home, condo or investment opportunity all along the Emerald Coast.

Brittany McCormick serves as Office Manager of Rulnick Realty. Brittany is originally from Tennessee and has an extensive real estate administration background. She ensures the smooth operation of the office and provides great customer service to our buyers and sellers. When not at work, Brittany enjoys spending time with her family on the beaches of the Emerald Coast and reading great books. Her slogan is "Knowledge is power".

Rulnick Realty helps buyers and sellers of Destin real estate and all surrounding towns, including Sandestin, Santa Rosa Beach, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, Crestview and vicinity. Located in the Miramar Plaza in Destin on Highway 98, the office is central to the Emerald Coast of Florida and Walton, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County.Call Rulnick Realty at 850-650-7883 or toll free 1-877-487-9639.

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, invites you to email itswendy@rulnickrealty.com or call if you are interested in joining a team of top real estate professionals.

15 Minutes With A New Real Estate Agent

My first talk with a new agent covers basic tenets of sales...

1. You don't "sell" people. You help them see what they want. The best definition of salesmanship I ever learned was from the original trainer, Tom Hopkins. He said "Salesmanship is crystallizing someone's thinking." You help them buy what THEY want.

2. "You talk to men differently than you talk to women, right?" WRONG. Each person is an individual. He or she may be analytical, emotional, social, etc. Relate to people in a way that is important to them. You're not going to talk about R-values and 2x4's if they care about pool parties.

Don't just show a woman where the laundry room is. I had a salesman do that to me, and I decided right then I wasn't buying.

3. When showing homes, don't talk the whole time. In fact, don't talk much. I remember the first time I was shown properties by two different agents. One talked the entire time, extolling the virtues of the home. I could not even think to know if I liked the property. The other agent was quiet and watchful. What a difference.

4. With a couple, pay attention to both partners. The one with the least words may have the most power.

5. Don't tell buyers or sellers what to do or pay. They decide what to do. You can show them facts and give them your "opinion", but that's all.

6. Qualify what you say. You don't have to know everything, either, that's ok.

7. Not every objection must be answered. Small objections are good buying signs, and they might be legitimate. "Yes, the door is in an awkward place."

8. Don't give legal advice. You are not a lawyer.

9. Document everything. Save your emails and notes. Relay and obtain important information in writing.

10. Listen. Learn.


It's Wendy!

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

Destin FL Real Estate

Florida Broker License Continuing Education

ZZZZzzzz.... I studied all weekend for my Florida Broker license renewal, due in two weeks (why wait?). The reading material started out as a snore-- rules, regulations, fines and statutes. But I woke up and learned some interesting, unusual and cool facts about real estate:
Did you know?

1. Benjamin Franklin started the first insurance company in the United States in 1752. He formed the Philadelphia Contribution for the Insurances of Houses from Loss by Fire. He was a really smart man!

2. Only 58% of real estate companies have Errors and Omissions Insurance to cover negligent acts of their agents (I find that incredible).

3. The biggest cause of Errors and Omissions claims is misrepresentation. You said it wrong, or didn’t say it when you should have. Don't do this.

4. Owners can get title insurance to cover 29 extra risks for 10% more than the a regular title premium, called Florida 9 Endorsement. Lenders always get it. I think owners should, too. Covers things like previous owner permit violations, encroachments, lack of physical access to the property (versus legal access) and more. Hmmm, maybe your home is now surrounded by a moat?

5. Florida foreclosures - the superior liens are property taxes, special assessment liens and federal real estate taxes, to be paid before mortgages.

6. More than 65% of Florida real estate agents have sold at least one property to a foreign investor. Have you?

7. If you receive $10,000 in cash from a buyer for one sale or two or more related sales in a year, you must report this to the IRS… It's because of the Bank Secrecy Act!

8. If you think there has been money laundering in one of your sales you must report it to the IRS and use Form 8300. Bank Secrecy Act again. But then, you might want to call the FBI, too!

9. Flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program is NOT guaranteed replacement value, it's just the coverage limit. By the way, that old jalopy you're working on in the garage that floats away in a storm is not covered!

10. The first "Earth Day" was April 22, 1970.... ZZzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Anyway, tomorrow I send in my test so wish me luck!
It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Destin FL Real Estate
Wendy's Destin Real Estate Blog

Sterling Shores Condo, Destin Florida Short Sale

Sterling Shores is an exciting condominium complex across from the Gulf of Mexico. This Destin short sale condo is smartly decorated, with breezy balcony to watch the ocean blue and the 4,300 square foot lagoon pool. Complex offers 4300 square foot lagoon pool, workout room, clubhouse, seasonal snackbar, movie theater, wireless internet. Walk to beach across the street, and restaurants next door on "Restaurant Road", Gratzi's, Back Porch, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and more! This Destin short sale is offered at $239,900.

Contact Wendy Rulnick, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
850-650-7883 ext 204
www.rulnickrealty.com

Kiplinger Magazine: Wendy Rulnick Helps Destin "Short Sale" Sellers'

Wendy Rulnick, Destin Florida real estate broker, was recently interviewed by Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine. In the February 2009 edition, Kiplinger describes foreclosure avoidance and short sales. Some of Rulnick's Destin real estate clients, who recently participated in a short sale, had their story told. The homeowners plight unfolded from buying at the top of the Emerald Coast real estate market to their mortgage interest rate hike and personal job loss. Rulnick helped the sellers complete a short sale on their home, which cancelled about $100,000 in mortgage debt.

The Kiplinger article stresses "Short sales are best conducted by an experienced real estate agent who can negotiate the obstacles imposed by lenders or investors." Rulnick provided much of the information regarding the short sale process to the reporter. The story is "Fighting a Foreclosure".

It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.

Search Destin FL real estate
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.

Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick specializes in real estate sales, short sales, traditional sales on Emerald Coast of Florida: Destin Florida real estate, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Dune Allen, Blue Mountain Beach, Freeport, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field. Wendy Rulnick, Broker and Realtor, has been selling real estate for 20 years. She has won numerous awards, including the coveted ADDY for advertising design. Wendy lists and sells homes, condos and townhomes in Destin FL and the surrounding areas. She is ranked in the top ½ percent of all Realtors on the Emerald Coast of Florida in 2008 for resale listings sold and was interviewed in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine as a short sale expert.

Copyright © 2009 by Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. 'Kiplinger Magazine: Wendy Rulnick Helps Destin "Short Sale" Sellers' Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

This site, Wendy Rulnick or Rulnick Realty, Inc. is not providing legal or tax advice. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It is recommended that sellers considering a short sale should consult an independent legal and tax advisor for more information.

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Short Sales: Undisclosed Liens Will Ruin Your Sale

Getting a Short Sale listing? It is always prudent to ask the seller the typical qualifying questions- "What is your hardship?", "Do your expenses exceed your income?" "Do you have cash funds to cover the deficiency?" But these preliminary inquiries may not be enough. Here are some more probing questions you need to ask the Short Sale seller:

1. Are you "sure" you don't have a second mortgage on the property? Or two? Even by an individual?

2. Who owns those mortgages? Please provide your most recent statement.

3. Do you have an IRS tax lien on the property?

4. Do you have a County, City or State lien that affects the property?

5. Is there a judgment against you in the county where the property is located?

6. Are there any other liens on the property?

You don't want to find out after three months of bank negotiations that there is an undiscovered lien the Short Sale lender will not pay. They normally will not pay a lien unrelated to the property itself. That is, the lender will usually cover past due homeowners association fees, mechanics liens and nuisance fees to a second mortgage holder, but not others. Finding out a seller "forgot" about his home equity line will delay and possibly cause your approval to be denied. Finding out there is a $40,000 judgment that must be paid off will guarantee a lost sale. Similarly, an IRS lien may be very difficult to dispose, and it's something that needs to be addressed before listing the property and even attempting a Short Sale. You will have invested in marketing time and expense, negotiated for hours, used up office resources and worst of all, delayed or ruined a buyer's home purchase. To lessen the chance of a "surprise", ensure the seller signs a document stating his answers to the above questions at the beginning of the listing. Better yet, have the seller pay $75 or $100 for an official title search. Always order a payoff from each lender-- you might find out they are not even the lienholder. If you don't do it now, later may not be good enough.

It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.

Search Destin Florida real estate
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.

Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick specializes in real estate sales, short sales, traditional sales on Emerald Coast of Florida: Destin Florida real estate, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Dune Allen, Blue Mountain Beach, Crestview, Freeport, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field. Wendy Rulnick, Broker and Realtor, has been selling real estate for 20 years. She has won numerous awards, including the coveted ADDY for advertising design. An expert marketer of real estate listings, she negotiates successfully to her clients' advantage. She is supported by a team of top buyer specialists. She lists and sells homes, condos and townhomes in and around Destin Florida. Wendy is in the top ½ percent resale agents on the Emerald Coast for listings sold 2008.

All Rights Reserved. "Short Sales: Undisclosed Liens Will Ruin Your Sale" Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity. Copyright © 2009 by Wendy Rulnick.
This site, Wendy Rulnick or Rulnick Realty, Inc. is not providing legal or tax advice. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It is recommended that sellers considering a short sale should consult an independent legal and tax advisor for more information.

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Maravilla #4404, Destin FL Condo For Sale

Maravilla #4404, Destin FL Condo

$295,000

Finely furnished non-rental unit. Multi-level adds pizazz to resort lifestyle. Tiled living room. Large bonus room can easily be used as third bedroom! Gulf view. As a Maravilla owner, you can enjoy two pools, one heated, hot tub, two tennis courts, club house, and deeded beach access to 2.5 acres of white sand on the Gulf of Mexico. Recent complex renovations incluse: new metal roofs, sealed exterior walls, fresh paint, new windows and sliding glass doors. This is NOT a short sale, so you don't have to "wait" for months to own this lifestyle!

It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.

Search Destin FL real estate
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help

Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick specializes in real estate sales, short sales, traditional sales on Emerald Coast of Florida: Destin Florida real estate, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Dune Allen, Blue Mountain Beach, Freeport, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field. Wendy Rulnick, Broker and Realtor, has been selling real estate for almost 20 years. She has won numerous awards, including the coveted ADDY for advertising design. An expert marketer of real estate listings, she negotiates successfully to her clients' advantage. She is supported by a team of top buyer specialists. She lists and sells homes, condos and townhomes.

Sundestin Condo Unit 706, Destin FL Condo For Sale

Sundestin Condo for Sale Unit 706
Property Address:1040 Hwy 98 E, #706Destin, FL 32541

Beds: 1
Baths: 1.5
Sqft: 719
Year Built: 1984

$299,900

It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.

Search Destin FL real estate
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.

Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick specializes in real estate sales, short sales, traditional sales on Emerald Coast of Florida: Destin Florida real estate, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Dune Allen, Blue Mountain Beach, Freeport, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field. Wendy Rulnick, Broker and Realtor, has been selling real estate for almost 20 years. She has won numerous awards, including the coveted ADDY for advertising design. An expert marketer of real estate listings, she negotiates successfully to her dients' advantage. She is supported by a team of top buyer specialists. She lists and sells homes, condos and townhomes.

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Why I Negotiate My Own Short Sales

In the last couple of days I've been approached by two Destin FL sellers who wish to do Short Sales. After explaining the Short Sale process, I explained what items I would need. When I got to "financial worksheet" etc. I was stopped in my tracks. These sellers told me that their attorney said not to turn over any information, that he would be handling the short sale negotiations. I immediately told the sellers that I will only take the listing if I handle the entire transaction including bank negotiations. Why?

To take on a listing in this market, and any market, involves taking a risk. That is, a substantial business investment covering the cost "doing" business, which includes time, advertising, payroll, insurance, licensing, internet, phone, rent, etc. etc.. In a normal market, the calculated risk of the business investment is that the listing will most likely sell, and the burden of expenses will reimbursed, plus some business profit. With a Short Sale, the risk is much higher. Why? The Short Sale lender may not approve the sale. And the time investment to reap a return may be five times longer than a normal sale, reducing any profit if the sale is approved. To lessen the key business risk of an unapproved Short Sale-- both for me and my seller, I must control the Short Sale from start to finish. Why? Because I can:

Assemble excellent lender packages personally reviewed by me
Directly and immediately respond to negotiators' calls and emails
Immediately provide well-written market narratives and critical analyses proving price
Ensure that appraisers and bank BPO agents understand the subject property's challenges
Immediately provide additional documentation required by the lender
Keep the parties well-informed and in the deal
Document all tasks in detail for transaction-saving reference
Provide creative solutions to negotiators' demands such as promissory notes and cash contributions
Use twenty years of negotiations skills to ensure success

Can a third party do all this? Perhaps. But I know I can. If I pass along the critical Short Sale negotiation stage to a third party, my company's business success is entrusted to others, as is my seller's chance of approval.

It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.

Search Destin FL real estate
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.

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

Email itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick specializes in real estate sales, short sales, traditional sales on Emerald Coast of Florida: Destin Florida real estate, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Dune Allen, Blue Mountain Beach, Freeport, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field. Wendy Rulnick, Broker and Realtor, has been selling real estate for almost 20 years. She has won numerous awards, including the coveted ADDY for advertising design. An expert marketer of real estate listings, she negotiates successfully to her dients' advantage. She is supported by a team of top buyer specialists. She lists and sells homes, condos and townhomes.

All Rights Reserved. *Why I Negotiate My Own Short Sales* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity. Copyright © 2008 by Wendy Rulnick.
This site, Wendy Rulnick or Rulnick Realty, Inc. is not providing legal or tax advice. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It is recommended that sellers considering a short sale should consult an independent legal and tax advisor for more information.

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Is Citi Mortgage Getting Nice?

I have a short sale in process for a Santa Rosa Beach FL home. The offer is around $200,000- fair market value. The first mortgage holder, Everhome- is owed $325,000. The second mortgage, Citi Mortgage, is owed $90,000.

Two months ago, I had another offer on the property. The buyer walked after waiting for approval for three months. The hold-up was Everhome. Citi had granted approval. Their terms at the time were $3000 from the first, and $16,000 paid back from the seller over 84 months at 0 percent interest.

Take Two: I now have a new buyer for this Santa Rosa Beach house. The approvals are going much more quickly this time. Three weeks after submitting the short sale package, Citi has again granted approval. Terms: $3000 from the first and NO PROMISSORY note! I don't know why and don't want to ask. Maybe they "forgot". Maybe the negotiator likes me because I asked him about his cold. Maybe Citi realizes the market value of the house is less than the offer (I found out it appraised for $10,000 less than the contract price from Everhome). Maybe Citi is getting reasonable. Maybe they are just getting nice.

It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.

Search Destin real estate and vicinity.
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.

Wendy Rulnick, Broker and Realtor, has been selling real estate for almost 20 years. She has won numerous awards, including the coveted ADDY for advertising design. An expert marketer of real estate listings, she negotiates successfully to her clients' advantage. She is supported by a team of top buyer agents. Wendy specializes in real estate sales, short sales, traditional sales on Emerald Coast of Florida: Destin real estate, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Dune Allen, Blue Mountain Beach, Freeport, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field. Wendy sells houses, condos, townhomes and lots.

All Rights Reserved. *Is Citi Mortgage Getting Nice?* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity. Copyright © 2008 by Wendy Rulnick.
This site, Wendy Rulnick or Rulnick Realty, Inc. is not providing legal or tax advice. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It is recommended that sellers considering a short sale should consult an independent legal and tax advisor for more information.

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Latest Countrywide Short Sale Volume

While working on a Crestview FL short sale today, I asked the Countrywide rep, "How many short sales do you have in process?"

Countrywide Rep Answer: "Almost 70,000"

It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.

Search Destin Florida real estate
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.

Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick, Broker and Realtor, has been selling real estate for almost 20 years. She has won numerous awards, including the coveted ADDY for advertising design. An expert marketer of real estate listings, she negotiates successfully to her dients' advantage. She is supported by a team of top buyer specialists. Wendy specializes in real estate sales, short sales, traditional sales on Emerald Coast of Florida: Destin real estate, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Dune Allen, Blue Mountain Beach, Freeport, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field. She lists and sells homes, condos and townhomes.

All Rights Reserved. *Latest Countrywide Short Sale Volume* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity. Copyright © 2008 by Wendy Rulnick.

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