On March 4 the U. S. Senate passed the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act with a vote of 72-22. The bill now goes to President Obama for his signature. This bill solves many of the issues with the Biggert Waters Act of 2012 which placed undue hardships on many coastal property owners. Both Florida Senators, Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio voted in favor of the bill. Here is link that compares the new bill with the previous one. http://www.ksefocus.com/billdatabase/clientfiles/172/4/1975.pdf
Flood Insurance Bill Passes Senate
Good News! The U.S. Senate passed a new flood insurance bill on Thursday that will implement a 4-year “timeout” for the recent rate increases to the National Flood Insurance Program. The bill will now go to Congress where it also has wide bipartisan support. Click here to read the full article from the National Association of Realtors website.
http://www.realtor.org/articles/senate-passes-flood-insurance-bill
Gulf View 2 BR/2.5 BA Townhome at 300 Ocean Mile
Sales Stats for St George Island Show Stable Market YTD
The real estate sales market is stable on St. George Island based on sales statistics as of December 9. The number of transactions decreased 8% from 2012, but the inventory decreased 11%. The average sales price decreased 4%, but the Days on Market (DOM) decreased 6%. The sold to list price ratio increased from 93% to 94%. These statistics cover all transactions on St. George Island including residential, lots & land and commercial. Information is from the Multiple Listing Service of the Realtor Association of Franklin & Gulf Counties.
Best Lot Value on St. George Island
Elegant Gulf View Home in Plantation
If you’re looking for a Key West style home at the beach, this well-maintained property offers gracious living with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. The lush landscaping enhances outdoor living space that features a large pool and cabana area. Click this link to watch a video tour: http://youtu.be/sgbWT8NVazU
Great Value! Pine Ave Beach Home-St. George Island
One of the best values on St. George Island is a 4 BR/3 BA beach home at 1116 West Pine Avenue listed for $289,000. This older home has been very well-maintained. Two living areas, 2 car garage. The large decks and landscaped yard create wonderful outdoor entertaining spaces. As a vacation rental, the home produced over $22,000 gross rental income in 2012.
East Pine Avenue Lot for Sale – New Listing
Enjoy the natural vegetation and trees in this quiet location that offers privacy near state-owned lands. 948 East Pine Avenue is the address of a new listing on St. George Island. Located on the south side of Pine, both gulf and bay views are possible with 2-story house design. List Price: $89,000. Legal Description: Unit 4, Block 45, Lot 7.
Foreclosures Filings in Franklin County
This year through July, there were 102 new foreclosure cases filed here in Franklin County, according to Clerk of Court Marcia Johnson. In 2012, a total of 180 cases were filed. This is down from the peak here in Franklin County when annual filings were over 200. Johnson also reported that only 21 cases were filed during 2005, her first year in office. While the level of foreclosure filings remains somewhat high for the county, there are few new filings on St. George Island. Currently, there are no active bank owned listings on St. George Island. This is due, in part, to the active market on St. George and to the bank’s willingness to approve short sale transactions.
Marshfront Lot on St. George Island
This beautiful one acre homesite is located in St. George Plantation, the gated community on the west end of St. George Island. The site fronts a marsh habitat with great vistas for wildlife and nature viewing. The natural vegetation is lush. Quiet location offers privacy and is ideal for anyone who enjoys birding and nature. 1439 Dove Lane is listed for $119,000.