That House Is STILL For Sale?

Yesterday I went for my morning walk, on a route not travelled for two years in my neighborhood of Crystal Beach in Destin Florida. As I approached the end of a side street, low and behold- that HOUSE was still for sale!! No way! I did a double take, saw there was yet another real estate sign in the yard. What was this- the fourth Realtor? When I went home, out of curiosity, I checked the listing history of the house. It has been for sale since 2005. That's right- over four years.

What is going on here? Why hasn't this house sold?
Here is a list of possible reasons:
1. The street is busy- it is overpriced for the location.
2. The home is jammed on a little lot- it is overpriced for the lot size.
3. The home is overbuilt for the neighborhood- it is overpriced compared to the others.
4. The price was reduced too slowly- behind the rest of the market. Hmmm… still overpriced.
5. The sellers and all 4 agents think it is worth too much- it is overpriced.
6. No one is buying- yes they are, but they are buying at the right price!The bottom line is always the price. You can hire the most brilliant real estate agent in the world, you can have the best-kept home in the neighborhood, you can have the most sought after location in town, you can have more advertising than every other home for sale. But no matter what you do for marketing, no matter what agent you hire, no matter what you think your home is worth- it is not going to sell if it's not priced right.
It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Search All Destin Florida Real Estate
Destin Short Sales & Pre Foreclosure Help.
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Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy to sell your home or buy a home: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com
Call Wendy Rulnick, Destin short sale agent, to list and sell your home or condo 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 has been featured in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine and Florida Realtor Magazine.

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.

Rulnick Realty Welcomes New Destin Real Estate Agent

Rulnick Realty is pleased to welcome its newest team member! Pittman R. Watson, a licensed Florida Realtor, moved to the Emerald Coast in 2004 from Mississippi. Pittman will be helping buyers and sellers along the Emerald Coast in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Niceville, Navarre, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview and vicinity.

Pittman is a hard working "people person" that never meets a stranger. He is an active church member of St. Andrews Episcopal where he teaches Sunday School and serves on several committees. "He has helped people find the right meal, the right art work and the right frame. Now he is helping people find the right property."

Office: 850-650-7883 X 203 Cell phone: 850-687-0330

Rulnick Realty is located at 12889 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 107-A, Destin Florida, just 2.5 miles east of Destin Commons on Highway 98.

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

Proposed Changes to Florida Real Estate Contract: How Will It Affect Buyers and Sellers?

The Florida Association of Realtors uses two different versions of the purchase and sale agreement. One is called " FAR (Florida Association of Realtors)" the other "FAR BAR" (Florida Bar Association). In different parts of the state, real estate agent communities have their own customs as to which version they use. In my Destin FL area, for example, the FAR contract is more common. But a few towns over, in Pensacola, the FAR BAR is prevalent. Now the Florida Association of Realtors is proposing to combine both contracts and make further changes. The decision whether to proceed with the new contract will be made on August 23, during the FAR Annual Convention & Trade Expo. I have reviewed the 21 proposed changes and sent my comments in to my board at the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors. You should do the same, as your input is requested. Here are my thoughts:

· Paragraph 1. d. I find it odd that check boxes include "shed" unusual to remove that anyway), but don't include "Window Coverings". If the contract is taking the stance on questioning items that typically stay, like a shed, it should do the same with window coverings for the sake of consistency

· 125% escrow for repairs not completed – implies that buyer MUST close if repairs are not done by seller. As a buyer, I would be leery to close – what if the air conditioner did not work? Close anyway? Wait six months for the seller to repair? It might never be repaired, as the money sits in escrow. Forcing a buyer to accept that term is far too much micro-management of a contract between buyer and seller. I would line it out if I were representing a buyer. This should be removed from the contract. Ditto to RISK of LOSS paragraph

· If seller has a title policy, he shall provide a copy to buyer and closing agent within 5 days. Most sellers have one, but can they find it? Most cannot find all their paperwork, so the seller would be in default of the contract if he couldn’t find it. It would be "nice" if they provided it, but to stipulate it in the contract is excessive and not realistic. Remove this requirement.

· If seller has a survey, to provide to title agent within 5 days. I suppose that could cause issues if a seller has one, but cannot find it. VERY typical… Thus buyer could claim seller is in default… if they don’t comply. This should be removed.

· Define "financial failure" of lender… New proposal states buyer can cancel contract if he cannot close to due financial failure of his lender. I can see a situation where funds didn’t make it to closing on time, so hypothetically, the lender failed financially. This needs to be more clear. Lender "out-of-business" or something more specific should be used here. Another example, a bank was taken over or merged. That might also fit the definition of "financial failure"- but in essence, the closing could still be funded. That might be used as an excuse for a buyer not to close.

· Closing to occur on or BEFORE closing date as mutually agreed. This comes up again and again.

· Remove same county closing restriction. We often have closings one county away. It should state, "unless otherwise agreed between buyer and seller."

Welcome Debbie Gremillion!

We are excited to introduce our newest Rulnick Realty team member



Debbie Gremillion, Realtor®

Debbie is a Florida Licensed Sales Associate since 2005 and has worked with residential properties from Pensacola to Destin, serving all of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton Counties.
Prior to that Debbie worked as a Title Agent (Real Estate Closer) for over 12 yrs throughout the state of Florida, as well as 15 years in Banking experience.
She comes to us with great knowledge of military family transfers, as a spouse of retired military. Stop in to say "Hello, Debbie!"

Office: 850-650-7883 ext. 205
Cell: 850-292-6657
E-mail: debbie.gremillion@rulnickrealty.com

New Spirit of Cooperation Among Agents - But Will It Last?

Remember the "old" days of selling real estate? When competitors didn't talk? When agents put themselves on pedestals? When they bragged about listings and sales? Or thought they had a "niche" no one could touch? Those days are over. The market has changed. Many real estate agents have been knocked down a peg or two, or left the business. In the "old" days, some agents wouldn't deign to show listings under certain price ranges, like under $300,000 or $200,000. Or they just limited themselves to certain towns- they wouldn't drive 25 minutes to show "regular" properties.

Now, no one is "too good". Everyone in this new economy has been affected by the down real estate market, job losses, home devaluations. And, I must say, they are a lot nicer for it. There is a new camaraderie, a humbling. In my last year of selling real estate on the Emerald Coast of Florida, I have made many new friends. We talk, share and discuss the market. We help get each other's listings sold. I don't mean from my office at Rulnick Realty, I mean from other COMPANIES in Destin and throughout the Panhandle. I regularly have conversations with other brokers about short sales, our multiple listing system, market statistics and ethics. I field phone calls from agents with questions about their own short sales- ones I have nothing to do with. In fact, many agents have referred short sale listings to me, or even their own properties for sale.

Yesterday, I closed on a listing referral I received from Mark A. DeSalvo of Newman-Dailey Resort Properties in Destin FL. He emailed me: "Great job! And you got the full asking price. You are the best." Mark's office is one street over from mine, and he sent a short sale listing to me.

Just this week, I sent a referral to Jimmie Greer, of Destin Beach Realty, for someone who was looking for a resort rental in Destin. I also received an email from an agent at Re/Max Paradise Properties in Destin asking for advice on her short sale. I listed a referral from Marno Wilson of JW Watts Properties for a Fort Walton Beach condo. I contacted Jayme Nabors, a commercial broker with NBI Properties, to send him a Niceville Florida business listing referral of one of my own sellers (no fee asked). That was just this week. This story has been repeated dozens of times in the past year.

There really is enough business to go around, as I wrote in How I Helped My Competition - On Purpose. On the Emerald Coast alone, there are over 13,000 listings for sale. I just hope this attitude of kindness and sharing can continue after the market normalizes.

Although we are competitors, as Mark DeSalvo said to me:
"All us agents should be working toward the same goal of making the customer happy. It's a fun business when we have co-operation. It's what makes the world go around."

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

Rulnick Realty Grows Again in Destin Florida

Wendy Rulnick, Broker/Owner of Rulnick Realty in Destin FL, is proud to announce that Norma Roy has joined the firm. Ms. Roy has been a licensed Realtor since 1972. She brings a vast knowledge of real estate from land purchase to final development and construction of homes. Having worked in the local area in Okaloosa and Walton counties she has successfully marketed several sub-divisions from start to finish. Some of her projects include: Destin FL homes: Bonvillas at Bayside, Bonair at Bayside, Ridgewood Manor, Etretat; Santa Rosa Beach FL homes: Escada homes and townhomes; Fort Walton Beach properties: Forest Cove, Springgate, Atwater, Live Oak Manor; Crestview homes: Holly Rod Park.

Her background as a Sr. Accountant has been valuable in explaining costs of buying and selling to clients. Broker, Wendy Rulnick says: "Norma's impressive resume and experience assure her clients the most professional real estate transaction. She is a great asset to our company."

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 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.

Call Wendy at 850-650-7883 or toll free 1-877-487-9639

email itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

All Rights Reserved. *Rulnick Realty Grows Again in Destin Florida* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity. Copyright © 2008 by Wendy Rulnick.

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Vanderbilt Mortgage: Attitude and Guessing Games

I am working on getting a short sale approval for a house in Destin FL. The mortgage is about $200,000 and the offer is for $130,000 (modified for the sake of confidentiality), which is slightly under maximum market value of $145,000. The lender is Vanderbilt Mortgage. To be blunt, they are not nice. Most lenders have been in this game long enough to know how the system works, and have probably had thousands of short sale requests. Vanderbilt just doesn't want to play. Here is what is going on:

Faxed Vanderbilt 41-page short sale package with typical items, contract, settlement statement, hardship letter, etc.

After several days and numerous phone calls to Vanderbilt, they state the party handling the file is on "vacation" and to fax all to a different number.

After several more days and numerous phone calls to Vanderbilt I am told they cannot find the fax. OK, I am used to this sort of thing, so ask where they want me to fax it the third time. The girl says, "You don't need to fax it again, just tell me the net." I was a bit dumbfounded, and pressed that I didn't want to waste the effort I had made in preparing the package. She insisted and I told her. She said she would give the "credit manager" the net figure and told me to call back on Wednesday. I called back on Wednesday as instructed, and was told the offer was "rejected". Oh, that's nice. "What's the counter?" I asked. I was already getting a sick feeling about this bank, call it "short sale intuition". The gentleman told me there was no counteroffer, but if I called back Thursday he would tell whoever was in charge to give me a counter.

I called back on Thursday. That's today. I was told the person I spoke with yesterday "did not know what he is talking about. We do not counter offer." I asked "Is this a guessing game?" She wasn't very pleasant, and said mortgage balance was $200,000. I told her that wasn't market value. (By the way, most lenders understand that.) She actually said, "Well, it may or may not be market value." And she proceeded to arrogantly spew forth about how they normally don't entertain short sales and they don't do things like other companies do.

Fascinated by this statement, I decided to do a Google search on Vanderbilt Mortgage. Wow. On their site they claim to be the largest lender for manufactured homes. But several of the Google results are findings like "ripoff report", "scam fraud alert" "complaints", etc. Apparently a lot of people don't like Vanderbilt. Me either.

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

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

Specializing in real estate 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.

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

Email me at itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *Vanderbilt Mortgage: Attitude and Guessing Games* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

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Short Sale Seller Does the "Right" Thing

Today I got a call from a short sale seller. He already listed his house with another Realtor, but had read my blog and wanted to tell me about his scenario. I think he wanted an "ear" to listen to his story, and give him some reassurances. I was happy to oblige. The gentleman had done a cash-out refinance on his house several months earlier- receiving about $15,000 back from the transaction. Since then, his fortunes had plummeted, his roommate had moved out, and he could no longer afford his mortgage payments. His mortgage was backed by FHA, and he told me his lender had given him an acceptable price at which the property could sell. He got lucky, and now has an offer. His short sale package is at the bank awaiting approval. His fears were that he had taken out the $15,000 cash from the refinance, and that based on that, his short sale would not be approved. He said his file was in line for review, and he wanted to "do the right" thing and write a letter stating that he would pay back the extra $15,000 in the form of a promissory note, as he has no savings. He asked me if I thought that would help his case. Sure, perhaps the lender would approve his short sale without a promissory note, or perhaps they would reject the offer, or maybe they would ask for a lump sum payment. But what he wanted to do, to make things right with his conscience and his personal code of conduct, was to pay back that money. And that's what he is doing.

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

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

Specializing in real estate sales, short sales and 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

email itswendy@itswendy.com

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *Short Sale Seller Does the "Right" Thing* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Navarre Florida real estate and vicinity.

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David Borden Joins Rulnick Realty

Wendy Rulnick is proud to announce that David Borden has joined her team at Rulnick Realty, in Destin Florida.

David Borden has an extensive real estate sales background in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area on the Emerald Coast of Florida. He has been selling condominiums, homes, land, new construction and commercial properties for 28 years. Licensed in 1980, (David says since he was a baby) he sold real estate as a sales agent, worked in property management, and taught real estate sales contracts to new agents. In 2000 he became a licensed Real Estate Broker. He has won numerous sales awards year after year. Borden has a reputation with his clients and peers as being a professional, honest and knowledgeable Broker.

Rulnick Realty Broker/Owner, Wendy Rulnick says, "David Borden exemplifies professionalism in our field. His experience and vast knowledge assure his clients of a masterfully handled real estate transaction."

It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Search Destin Florida real estate
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.

Specializing in real estate 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

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"I Want to Do a Short Sale" Says the Seller

I get calls daily from property owners in my Destin FL area who want to do a Short Sale. These are the bullet points from my qualifying conversation with them:

• Your lender will want to know what your hardship is. What has changed from when you first took out your mortgage until today -where you can no longer keep up with the payments? If it's not loss of income, unemployment, relocation, medical expenses, divorce, mortgage rate increase or similar, then you probably don't qualify for a Short Sale.
• Is your monthly net income less than your total monthly expenses? Include mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, food, utilities, child care, alimony, credit card, auto loan, etc. We're not talking vacations, pet grooming, tennis lessons and child's birthday presents! (Yes, I've actually had some of my sellers think those are basic expenses.) Your mortgagee wants to know you are living in an austere manner to try to make your mortgage payments. If not- you probably won't be approved, as I discussed in Qualifying The Short Sale Seller.
• Do you have a substantial balance in a non-retirement savings or checking account? If you do, be prepared to give some of it to your lender. For example, if you have $12,000 in savings, your bank might ask for $10,000 as a cash contribution at closing if they approve your Short Sale. Even if you don't have much, they still might ask. I want you to be prepared for that.
• Is there a second mortgage, and if so, is it in collections? When your note goes into collections and is being handled by a third party, such as a law firm, be prepared for more stringent Short Sale terms, a greater cash contribution and/or promissory note.
• You may be asked to sign a Promissory Note. Ideally, you won't, but if so, most Short Sale lenders will ask for some monies to be paid back at 0% interest over 5-7 years. It may be as little as $5,000. Be prepared.
• Have you been making your mortgage payments? If so, know that some lenders won't approve your Short Sale. Why should they? They have 20,000 files before yours from mortgagors that cannot pay, and you are paying. That doesn't mean you won't be approved, for example, if you are taking funds from your retirement or charging basic expenses, or getting cash advances from your credit card to make payments. Be aware, however, that not making payments will affect your credit. It's a personal decision for you to make.
• Have you received a Lis Pendens or Summary Judgment notice from your lender? If so, please contact an attorney for legal advice. If you already have a foreclosure sale date, we don't have much time.

As you can see, this qualifying conversation can branch out into many directions, but it is critical to get it right, and inform your seller at the start, before ever beginning the Short Sale process.

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

Search Destin Florida real estate
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.

Specializing in real estate sales, short sales and foreclosures 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *"I Want to Do a Short Sale" Says the Seller* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

This blog, 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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#1 Lesson to Salespeople: Tell the Truth

Yesterday a salesman and his associate walked off the street into my Rulnick Realty office, carting a bunch of meat for sale. I didn't send them away, and say "No soliciting". Believe me, I give anyone credit trying to work hard to make a living, in any economy. The salesman said, "I've got an overrun in my steak shipment, and am trying to sell the rest for $3 a piece-- they normally go for $8-$10 each". We were really busy at the office, I had just hired a new agent, and I only had a quick moment. I thought that price sounded like a deal, and it would be nice to bring home a steak for dinner that night, and to help out the salesman. I told him, "Sure, I might buy a steak for $3. This isn't a sales pitch, is it, where you're going through a sales program with me?" He told me it wasn't, and asked where he could show me the steaks. I was in a huge rush, but grabbed my pocketbook, finding exactly $3 in it! I brought him into the conference room, and he opened up a box. He laid out about 30 steaks wrapped in plastic, and he started describing them. Uh-oh.... I could see where this was going. I said, "Sir, I really don't have time to listen... I am in a rush." That didn't deter him, he continued on telling me about all the steaks and the quality, etc. I pulled out the three dollar bills from my purse, and waived them at him. "OK", I said, "I'll take one". What happened next was very weird. Both he and his associate looked at me, and looked at the dollar bills in my hand, up in the air, gesturing to give them the money. They just stared in silence. Finally, the salesman said, "We won't sell just one, you have to buy the whole case." I immediately shooed him out of the office. Lesson #1 in Sales: Tell the Truth.

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

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

Specializing in real estate sales on Emerald Coast of Florida, short sales, traditional sales, foreclosures: 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *#1 Lesson to Salespeople: Tell the Truth* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

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Short Sales? Don't Ask Whitney Bank

I have Short Sale lot listing in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Values in that market area have dropped 50% for vacant land. There is about a ten-year inventory for sale. That means, at the current rate of sales, it would take ten years for all the lots to sell. My Short Sale seller's income has declined such that he can no longer afford mortgage payments on his land. His lender is Whitney Bank. We submitted an offer to Whitney for the full Whitney-appraised value, half of what is owed on the lot. Guess what? They will not do Short Sales. They will never forgive a deficiency. Here is a quote from Whitney Bank's letter to my seller:

-Contract Offer Response for Lot 2, Main Street
Dear Mr. Jones:
Whitney does not do short sales as satisfaction of debt. Rather, Whitney's release of the mortgage will be executed on the express condition that Whitney is reserving its rights to collect the deficiency. The net sales proceeds derived from the proposed sale of the collateral would be applied towards the outstanding loan and you would still be responsible for the balance of the loan whereby we would attempt to restructure it under a workout repayment plan acceptable to the Bank based upon receipt of current personal financial information.
Respectfully,
Special Credits Department - Central Gulf Coast Region

So, know- if you are going down the Short Sale path with Whitney Bank, you will be liable for the entire deficiency.

It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Search Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.

Specializing in real estate 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *Short Sales? Don't Ask Whitney Bank* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

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"Short Selling" vs "Short Sales"

Yesterday I got a call from a potential "Short Sale" seller who was confused. He had heard on the news that "short selling" had been banned by the government. He thought he might not be able to save his home from foreclosure because of this new law.

I knew immediately what he had heard. In fact, the news was about "short selling" stocks on Wall Street. On September 19, the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) did in fact suspend short selling for 799 financial companies. When my customer heard the news, he said it was followed by a story about the mortgage crisis, so he "assumed" it was related to short sales of real estate.

What is short selling of stocks? In a nutshell, it is the "borrowing" of stocks by the short seller that he thinks are overvalued, selling the "borrowed" stocks at the high price, then buying the shares back when the price drops. The profit between the high price and buy-back price is pocketed by the short seller when he returns the stocks. The SEC banned short selling of the financial companies because of the thinking that the practice causes prices to drop more quickly, which would exacerbate the current national financial crisis.

"Short Sales" in real estate are when the owner of real estate sells the property for less than what is owed on the mortgage, and the lender accepts the "short" payoff. So, rest assured, you can still "Short SELL" your house.

It's Wendy!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Specializing in real estate 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *"Short Selling" vs "Short Sales"* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

3 Short Sale Approvals - The Key to Each

I've received 3 Short Sales approvals in the past seven days. Here is the summary and the "key" to each approval, presented as "Problem" and "Solution".

Case #1

Destin FL condo

First Mortgage: Countrywide

Second Mortgage: DCS (MI company who bought Countrywide's second)

Problem: Countrywide thinks value is $285,000, offer is $265,000

Solution: Listing agent provides market narrative and market analysis proving the offer is good and "lucky"

Case #2

Niceville FL house

Mortgage: Aurora Loan Services - with Mortgage Insurance

Problem: MI company BPO agent uses incorrect square footage, overvaluing house

Solution: Listing agent catches error before BPO is complete, discovered by a "courtesy" follow-up call to BPO agent

Case #3

Destin FL house

Mortgage: Citi Group

Problem: Citi "accidentally" counters by $17,000 too low, buyer accepts the counter, Citi emails they "goofed"

Solution: Listing agent proves to buyer Citi's revised counter is valid, based on market comps

It's Wendy!

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

Search Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.

Read my Blog.

Specializing in real estate 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *3 Short Sale Approvals - The Key to Each* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

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Email from Potential Short Sale Seller

To: Wendy Rulnick
Subject: Listing Navarre House Short Sale

I heard good things about you, while we lived in Florida. I did a Google search to find agents with Short Sale experience, and your name popped up. I looked at your site and decided to contact you. My husband and I talked last night and he is unsure if he wants to list the house right now. He's worried that HSBC will come after us for the outstanding loan balance, after the sale of the house. They seem to be unwilling to negotiate right now, so he wants to wait to discuss that with them. In your experience, do most lien holders usually go after the homeowner for the remaining balance?

I thought my husband and I were on the same page, but he needs a little more info before we proceed. I don't want to waste your time so I will contact you after we speak to HSBC about what they will do with the loan balance.
Thank you for contacting us so fast. We will be in touch soon.

Sincerely,
"Sally"

From: Wendy Rulnick [mailto:itswendy@rulnickrealty.com]
Sent: Friday, September 19, 2008 9:30 AM
To: "Sally"Subject: RE: Listing Navarre House Short Sale

Normally with a Short Sale there is no deficiency judgment. That's the point of a Short Sale. In some cases, the lender asks for a small promissory note at 0% interest to be paid over 5-7 years. If the lender agrees to the Short Sale, you will get their approval in writing, so there's no question. A typical approval letter will read, for example, the lender "will not pursue a deficiency". If the property goes into foreclosure, however, they can pursue the full unpaid balance.

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

Search Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.
Read my Blog.

Specializing in real estate 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204
Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *Email from Potential Short Sale Seller* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

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Countrywide Wants Short Sale Buyers' Social Security Numbers

I have two interesting short sales in process with Countrywide. One is in Destin, Florida, the other, Navarre, Florida. In both of these cases, Countrywide is asking for the buyer's date of birth and home address. In one of the cases, they want the buyer's social security number.
Why does Countrywide want this new information? Apparently, in Short Sales where their loss is greater than $250,000, Countrywide does a background check on the buyer to ensure he is not related to the seller.

In one of these situations above, the buyer is refusing to provide his social security number. He feels that his privacy, identity and more would be at risk by divulging it. And it would be. I don't blame him. I have been trying to resolve this issue for three weeks. Finally, today, the negotiator called me and said the deal would be "off" if he didn't provide the information. I told her I needed more substantial explanation for the buyer, as I didn't want to waste the four months of time we already invested in the transaction. She put her team leader on the phone. He said "We do not need the social security number, just the date of birth." He also said that Countrywide wanted to ensure there was "No benefit to the seller through the buyer's purchase." When the negotiator got back on the phone, she seemed flustered. I told her I provided that information to her three weeks ago, and repeated it again. She said she "would call me right back". That was two hours ago.

In any event, if Countrywide is performing background checks, they ought to disclose that to the buyer. Anything less is a bit underhanded.

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

Search Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.
Read my Blog.

Specializing in real estate 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *Countrywide Wants Short Sale Buyers' Social Security Numbers* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Navarre Florida real estate and vicinity.

Ocwen-LCS Won't Budge

Short Sale -Condo in Destin, Florida

Hardship - Mortgage Business - Loss of Income

ASC, first - owed $420,000

Ocwen, second - owed $155,000

Market Value - $280,000

Offer - $277,000 (approximately)

Ocwen -has sent the loan to LCS for colllection/buy-out

LCS - Wants $43,000 from seller at closing plus promissory note for the rest, otherwise, will not approve Short Sale and will "pursue all other legal options".

Seller has no savings.

It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Search Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.
Read my Blog.

Specializing in real estate 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *Ocwen-LCS Won't Budge* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

New Rulnick Realty Agent Newsletter

Read my new agent newsletter to promote my listings.

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

Search Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.
Read my Blog.

Specializing in real estate 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *New Rulnick Realty Agent Newsletter* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

Call the Police! Buyer Moves In Before Closing!

Yesterday was one of the most bizarre days in my real estate career. My assistant got a call from a condominium association trying to verify ownership of one of my Destin Florida foreclosure listings. The bank-owned condo was under deposit, and scheduled to close at the end of September. The condo association said they had been told the buyer had already moved in and was claiming to be the owner. "No way!" I thought. "This cannot be true!" So, I hopped into my car, my heart racing, with two of my assistants, in case it was true and there was a confrontation. We got to the unit, right down the street from my office, opened the lockbox and found the key was missing. We drove back to the office, got a back-up key, and returned. Wow! Was this the right unit? It was newly and completely furnished. Sofa, chairs, coffee table, lamps, tv's, beds, night-tables, end-tables, dining room set, bar stools, patio furniture, dishes, towels, new refrigerator and oven. New ceiling lights. New window blinds installed. The cable had been hooked up and the television worked. I couldn't believe it!

What if the buyer returned while I was there? Who should I call first? The police, the locksmith, the bank, or the buyer's agent? I immediately called the locksmith and the police. The deputy arrived first. He shook his head in dismay. I had the file from the office. The buyer was from California. There was a car with California tags parked in front of the unit. The deputy checked, and bingo-- it was the buyer's car. I had the buyer's telephone number. The police called him. He claimed he felt it was convenient to move his things in, as he had gone back to California, and wouldn't return until January. "What do you want to do?" the deputy asked me. "Did you want to press charges?" I told him I would try to reach the bank, but it was late in the day, right before Labor Day weekend.

Meanwhile, I called the buyer's agent. He claimed he had left the key with the buyer and his inspector, and had to leave early, with instructions to the buyer to re-insert the key in the lockbox. He said he had no knowledge of what the buyer had done. I reached the bank, a huge foreclosure processor. The rep was in shock. After I told him what happened, he put me on hold for about five minutes. When he picked back up, he said unequivocally, the contract had been revoked due to the buyer's action, I was to press charges, and they were going to start the eviction process. I re-called the police, made my statement, and finally left the office around 7:30 p.m. Who knows what tales will unfold next week?

P.S. The funny thing is, I wrote about this same buyer a few weeks ago in Foreclosures: Multiple Offers - Deceipt & Subterfuge.

It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Search Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.
Read my Blog.
Specializing in real estate 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *Call the Police! Buyer Moves In Before Closing!* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

Short Sales with PMI - Strategy Session

This week I've had one of the best Short Sale experiences with a company to date. That is- United Guaranty, a mortgage insurance company. I have a Short Sale in Destin, Florida. The property, a condo, was purchased in 2005 for $580,000. Today, it is worth around $270,000. My seller purchased the unit as an investment. He planned to rent it out as a vacation-rental. The income should have offset the mortgage expenses. Well, the rental market has plummeted along with the sales market, and coupled with his diminished income, he has been unable to keep up with the payments. He hired me to help him before foreclosure ensues. He has a first and second mortgage, Countrywide.

We've had three offers on the unit, but the buyers all withdrew, citing they still believed the condo market was in decline, and were unsure if they were overpaying. Finally, we get a buyer whom we know will stick with it. Well, in the midst of the Short Sale process, Countrywide collects from the MI company, United Guaranty, who take over the liability on the second. I am told to contact them directly, and to see if they'll take Countrywide's offer of $3000.

I called UGI, and they requested: letter of authorization for me to talk to them, letter of authorization for them to talk to Countrywide and vice-versa, contract, listing agreement, comparative market analysis, and HUD reflecting $6340, not $3000 that Countrywide wanted to offer them. I asked them if I should verbally relay that to Countywide first, and they said it was a better "strategy" to present it in writing with, hopefully, an approval letter from them. The rep said that Countrywide would be far better off paying $6340 than having to foreclose. I joked with the rep, "Do you want me to tell them that?" Anyway, I got the information together and emailed it on Tuesday. I received the approval letter on Friday! The rep called me to say my market narrative was excellent, "Exactly what we wanted" and the key to the approval.

I sent the HUD with UGI's approval letter to Countrywide on Friday. They have not rejected the $6340, but told me they will need more details to get through their approval system due to the huge loss. They want a detailed listing history, history of offers with buyers withdrawing, date of birth and address of buyer. OK, I'm on it.

It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Search Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.
Read my Blog.

Specializing in real estate 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *Short Sales with PMI - Strategy Session* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

Another Countrywide Short Sale Approved

I know everyone likes to complain about Countrywide Short Sales, but you know what, I like them. They are consistently inconsistent. I've had approvals from them in five weeks, without even a phone call from the negotiator, to five months, after them losing information, switching negotiators four times, and forgetting to order BPO's. At least it's a behemoth of a "system", and the consistency of the agent is the key to success with them.
My most recent approval is a condo in Destin, Florida. The drill was the same as most other short sales, with the key to the magic "approval" near the end. Here's the typical scenario from the listing agent's perspective:

Qualify seller

Obtain and prepare seller package

Price property at fair market value

Market property Field calls from agents asking "How far along in the process is the short sale?"

Field calls from agents asking "Do you have any offers on the property?"

Explain process to agent who is going to write offer

Once under contract with seller, send package to Countrywide

Follow up diligently with Countrywide

Buyer threatens to walk

Follow up diligently with Countrywide

Buyer threatens to walk

Obtain counter from Countrywide

Buyer says no, he'll walk

THE KEY, since this is a good offer, PROVE offer is good to Countrywide

Wait for approval

Buyer threatens to walk

APPROVED

Skill sets of the listing agent come into play in all aspects. Prepare well, get the details right, follow up, see the big picture, and get your approval.

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

Search Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.
Read my Blog.

Specializing in real estate 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *Another Countrywide Short Sale Approved* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

Florida: Short Sale Sellers Pay Extra Taxes

Incredible! My state, Florida, has decided to reap additional taxes on those who have the unenviable position of having to do a Short Sale to save themselves from foreclosure or other financial ruin. Florida, like some other states, has a standard tax to the seller whenever there is a sale of real property. It is based on the sales price. Some states call this a "conveyance" tax. Florida calls it "Documentary Stamps on the Deed". It's a tax. The calculation is the sales price multiplied by .007, roughly. Thus, a sale of $300,000 would trigger taxes due at closing to the State of Florida for $2,100. What title agents, also called closing agents, have done up until now is to collect this tax based on the sales price in the contract. But now, in a letter dated August 7, 2008, the Florida Department of Revenue has made it clear to title agents that they must charge this tax on the full amount of the forgiven debt. So, in the case where a home is sold for $300,000 and mortgage debt of $100,000 is cancelled, Florida wants an additional $700. Apparently, they want their money now. Thus, we have title agents scrambling to collect extra taxes on past closings. How are they going to get that money? I doubt the lenders will cough it up so quickly. And, who is really paying here? This extra tax might seem like a gold mine to Florida. It probably totals in the millions. Again, who is really paying this fee? I see it as opportunistic only.

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

Search Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.

Read my Blog.

Specializing in real estate 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *Florida: Short Sale Sellers Pay Extra Taxes* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

Are Your Computers Safe from Hurricanes?

Are your business computers safe from pending hurricanes or other natural disasters? I am concerned, as I wrote in Oh No- Hurricane Season- Here It Comes! In preparation, consider the following advice courtesy of my computer guru, John Wright of Accelerated Solutions....

>>>There are plenty of sources for hurricane preparedness to protect lives, homes, pets, and property... but what about the computer systems?<<<

With this pending storm and those that will follow, make sure your business has a solid hurricane safety plan for your computer systems.

How can a small business owner protect their data in a hurricane, tropical storm, or flood?

>>>A full backup of all computer systems should be made including E-mail, Contacts, Documents, Financials, Databases, Etc.<<<

>>>Backed up information should be stored in two separate locations.<<<

Replacing mission critical data may be impossible, please cover all your bases.
A simple external hard drive for $100 or less can save your data and possibly your business.

Checklist:

Update your contact lists

Unplug & Move Electrical Equipment to higher/safer locations & Disconnect from data lines

a. Telephone equipment
b. Network equipment
c. Servers, Desktops & Peripherals

Remove/secure all antennas and satellite dishes

Check and replenish, if necessary, stocks and supplies (plan for both before, during, and after a storm as supplies may not be available for purchase immediately following event)

Clear all unnecessary items out of vulnerable areas and areas which may need to receive moved equipment

Advise main and remote offices of preparatory actions they should take at work and at home

Verify switchboard/phone forwarding & relocation works to alternate numbers (cellular, etc.)

Notify employees of potential actions that may need to be taken

Have tarps/plastic available to cover equipment to protect against damage should structure failure occur

Secure and lock down all workstations, offices and work areas

Individual offices and work areas should be checked and "storm readied"

Close and lock all windows - Computers and electrical equipment should be moved away from windows

If you require assistance or have questions please contact us at 850.650.8961

Thanks,
John A. Wright
The Accelerated Group, LLC
Technology Consulting & Integration
Miramar Beach, FL
850.650.8961

It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Search Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.
Read my Blog.
Specializing in real estate 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204
Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *Are Your Computers Safe from Hurricanes?* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

Oh No - Hurricane Season - Here It Comes!

Oh no- here it comes! Tropical Storm Fay is predicted to become a hurricane today. It could reach the U.S. by Thursday. Dr. Jeff Master's Wunder Blog says the storm may become a Category 1-2 by tonight. Living on the Emerald Coast, in Destin Florida, past pre-hurricane flutters are rushing back. "We should get ready now!" I tell my husband. "Do we have extra gas? Cat litter? Tranquilizer for Micah?" (Michah is one of my three cats. He meows every ten seconds during our evacuation trips to Atlanta or Huntsville.) I am anticipating watching the Weather Channel every hour for an update, and checking the National Hurricane Center for the projected path. Wish us all luck!

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

Search Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.
Read my Blog.

Specializing in real estate 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *Oh No - Hurricane Season - Here It Comes!* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

Rulnick Realty: 2 New Agents

What a fabulous week. I would say, full of "serendipity! I've hired two new agents to work at Rulnick Realty. The first, Beverly Dudley, has several years real estate experience. She will also fill the role of my executive assistant. I was looking for an additional staff member, as we are overwhelmed with new listings and short sales. Each day, my office manager, Gareth Wood, and I fill every every second multi-tasking, eating at our desks, phone, email and writing simultaneously. It's been crazy. That's why I knew I needed to expand my staff to keep up with the flow of new business. Beverly will help with prospecting, closing coordination and filling in as necessary. She previously worked for a top agent (now retiring) in my area. She sold new construction homes and townhomes in Santa Rosa Beach, as well as beachfront condos in Destin. Beverly's got a great, outgoing personality. One thing that impressed me was when she said, "When I get a contract-it closes!" Now, that's confidence.

My other new agent is Carl Hoskins from Santa Rose Beach. Carl was in the U.S. Air Force for many years, acting, believe it or not, as secretary to generals! He's been in real estate for two years. What's quickly evident is- he is meticulous about what he does. He has a solid grasp of the market, is detail-oriented, and has a warm, people-loving personality. He has many military connections and enjoys building relationships. What a great combination!

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

Search Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.

Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.

Read my Blog.

Specializing in real estate 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. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *Rulnick Realty: 2 New Agents* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.