While other agents are lamenting the down turn in the market the Moran Team gains market share during the first quarter of 2009 climbing into the top 10 for sales volume for all agents in all areas of the Multiple Listing Service.

Why is the Moran Team having success in this tough market? We are constantly working from the mindset that there is business to be had regardless of what the market conditions may appear to be.   To get this business we simply need to actively search out sellers that can and will sell at fair market value and match them up with buyers that can and will buy at fair market value.  Contact us today to find out what fair market value is for your property at john@themoranteam.com

Are you doing anything new in 2009? Increased exposure for our listings is a priority for us this year. We are addressing this through a complete redo of our website www.themoranteam.com splitting it into two unique sites www.atthebeachdestin.com that focuses on the Destin / Okaloosa Island market and www.atthebeachfl.com that focuses on the South Walton County market. We have also created the At The Beach Magazine  which we will publish 3 times a year. The magazine and both web sites will highlight Moran Team listings, showcase in pictures the beauty of the area and spotlight hot topics such as foreclosure and short sale searches.

If you are considering buying or selling real estate At The Beach in Florida give the Moran Team a call at 850-654-3325 or send us an email at john@themoranteam.com

The Moran Team finished on top for sales volume for the year 2008 at Kelller Williams Realty Emerald Coast.  “It was a tough year but I think we learned a lot about selling real estate” said team leader John Moran. 

 What does the team expect in 2009?  It’s going to take some time for this market to turn the corner and with the number of short sales and bank foreclosures still wreaking havoc sellers are going to need highly trained professional realtors to get their properties sold. 

 What is the Moran Team Doing Different in 2009?  We are adding a new web site http://atthebeachfl.com  directed at real estate in South Walton County.   The website allows buyers to search short sales and foreclosures in South Walton County as well as a number of other features including information about: Sandestin, Grayton Beach Florida, Santa Rosa Beach Florida, Watercolor Beach Florida, Seaside Florida, Watersound Beach Florida, Alys Beach Florida, Seacrest Beach Florida, Rosemary Beach Florida. 

If you are considering buying or selling real estate At The Beach in Florida give The Moran Team a call at 850-654-3325 or send us an email at john@themoranteam.com

Buying a property on the Emerald Coast is buying a lifestyle, which is why Kris thinks of herself as a “dream maker” rather than a “home seller”. She believes that there is something here for absolutely everyone, no matter what your needs or desires. Kris spends the time to really listen to her clients and prides herself on the effort and caring she gives to each and every person she works with. As a Buyer Specialist, she is an expert in this marketplace and has put in the time to know this area inside and out and where to buy and why. She not only knows the properties that are “officially” on the market, but many others that are not.

Kris believes that the best barometer for measuring her real estate success comes not just from her impressive sales performance, but from words that come directly from her client’s mouths. For Kris, it’s common to hear such compliments as “you’ve ruined us for any other realtor,” “you’re so easy to work with and to trust,” and “you’ve made the process smoother and more fun that I could have ever imagined!”

An extensive current market analysis is always provided so that you know you are going into this process with access to all of the information needed to make an educated and knowledgeable decision, whether you are looking to buy or sell. Kris can also assist a seller in fully optimizing marketing appeal, whether that is through suggestions for furniture placement, paint colors, staging or just knowing which highlights to point out that enhance a property’s appeal.

Originally from North Dakota, her Midwestern charm is projected through her mannerisms and sincerity. Kris has been selling real estate with a commitment to excellence since 1999 and is constantly raising the bar and setting new standards of excellence. When not “hard at work”, Kris is with her husband and two adorable children, or enjoying her hobby of photography!

Her long list of sales and repeat clients are your guarantee of success. When you work with Kris and her team, you are getting the best marketing systems, marketing research, network of prospective buyers, and first view of new properties. Plus, the best administrative support and follow-up to your transaction!

For more information about Kris or the great investment properties on the Emerald Coast simply call Kris Moran at 850-654-3325 or email her at Krismoran@cox.net or visit www.themoranteam.com

Why Invest In The Emerald Coast?

The Emerald Coast presents the perfect scenario for real estate investment:
Limited supply matched against high and growing demand. This proven law of economics will, over time, always lead to price appreciation.

The facts are simple:

• There is an absolute and finite supply of beachfront property. Of that limited supply The Emerald Coast has some of the nicest beaches in the country. The USA Today and Southern Living Magazine both have recently named the area as having the Best Beaches in the USA.  
• People have been, and always will be, drawn to the water. Compared to other states, Florida’s growth rate has ranked among the top 7 every decade since 1920.  Going forward Florida’s population is expected increase and everyone needs a place to live.
• There are very few areas of the country that enjoy warm weather, virtually year round, the way our area does.
  The Emerald Coast has at least 9 months of the year with average high temps of 71 degrees or warmer, 6 months average high temps of 80 degrees or warmer, and all 12 months average high temps of 61 degrees or warmer.
• The Baby Boomer Generation. This massive demographic shift, which is just beginning and expected to last the next 30 years, is bringing tens of millions of Baby Boomers into the prime second and vacation home buying demographic. Because of the strong attraction of water and warm weather many of these baby boomers will seek property here on the Emerald Coast.

For more information about great investment properties on the Emerald Coast simply call Kris Moran at 850-654-3325 or email her at Krismoran@cox.net or visit www.themoranteam.com

Has Pelican Beach Condo Hit Bottom? 

I have a buyer that is looking for a “steal” and he wants to buy in Pelican Beach Condo.  There have been a few recent short sales and a foreclosure sale that have set the bar in the building and my buyer wants to buy a little lower even then current “low” bar.  Seems reasonable right?  The market is still going down so a buyer should not have to pay even what     the most recent sale price was – right?  Well this is not the case when the market has bottomed out and the sellers that are left won’t go any lower which is what has happened recently at Pelican Beach Condo.  We have been making offers to listed property and the sellers are rejecting them outright – they are not going as low as recent sales.  This is a very good sign that the market in Pelican Beach Condo has bottomed out.  Granted there are a few more short sales and possible foreclosure properties that may hit the building so if you are hoping to get  a “steal” a Pelican Beach Condo you are going to need to keep an eye on the short sales and possible foreclosure properties and be ready to act quickly when they come up.   

For more information on short sales and possible foreclosure properties at Pelican Beach Condo simply call Kris Moran at 850-654-3325 or email her at Krismoran@cox.net or visit www.themoranteam.com

Why I Joined Keller Williams  

I decided to join Keller Williams when I noticed that the market was going to turn and sales were going to be harder to come by.  In time like this I feel that agents need every tool they can get their hands to continue to grow and Keller Williams offer me   

 Nationally recognized brand name.  This is important because when time get tough confusion creeps into the decision making process which causes buyers and sellers to move toward things they recognize and are comfortable with – like a nationally recognized brand name rather than beautiful beach property realty.com.  

Guidance for my business.  This is important because when times get tough we start to question our skills and our confidence can take a hit leading to even more problems.  Keller Williams offers constant education, training and direction that I can use as needed to keep me on track – and it’s free.  

An office to work from.  This is important because working at home did not pan out for me, I need to be able to get up, get dressed and go to an office to be productive.  Keller Williams had office space for me, or the option to share an office depending on my financial need.   

Financial Opportunity.  This is important for anyone who plans to make a lot of money because at Keller Williams there is a cap on how much you have to pay the company each year.  Once you have achieved the cap there are no other charges and you take home every dime of the commissions you earn.  Keller Williams isn’t perfect but it was better than the alternatives when I was looking to hang my license and I have not regretted joining for a minute.  

If you have any questions about Keller Williams that I can answer please feel free to contact me at 850-654-3325 or at john@themoranteam.com

Moran Team Earns Honors In Luxury Real Estate Market    
The Moran Team earned the Certified Luxury Home Market Specialist (CLHMS) designation.  This designation is awarded to  for members of the prestigious Institute for Luxury Home Marketing who Marketing who have documented performance in the top 10% of their markets.  The Institute is the premier independent authority in training and certification of real estate agents working in the luxury market worldwide.   

To learn more about how The Moran Team will sells luxury real estate in Destin and South Walton County Florida simply call John Moran @ 850-654-3325 or send an email to john@themoranteam.com or visit our website at www.themoranteam.com

Moran Team Ranked Among The Best At Selling Condos The Moran Team is currently ranked in the top #5 among all real estate agents for resale condo sales (preconstruction sales not included) on the Emerald Coast through August. “We definitely have to work harder to get properties sold then we did in the go go times used but good properties priced right will sell in any market.” said team leader John Moran.

To learn more about how The Moran Team will sell your condo simply call John Moran @ 850-654-3325 or send an email to john@themoranteam.com or visit our website at www.themoranteam.com

What is the story with Residential Land? 

Residential land prices seem to have fallen father and faster than houses and condos in our area which means a few things to people thinking about investing in a vacant land. 

First and most obvious - with prices so low and inventory so high you can get a great deal right now whether its for a future dream home, buy, hold and sell, or for commercial development.  Fair enough right? 

Is Now The Right Time To Sell An Investment House At The Beach?  

  The simple answer is maybe.  What it really comes down to is 3 things:  First, is the property strictly an investment or do you use it or plan to move into it?  If you use it or plan to move into it then don’t sell.  If it’s a straight up investment then simply ask yourself, or your Financial Advisor – is this the best use of my money or can I get a better return somewhere else?  If it is then don’t sell, if not get it on the market right now and get it sold as soon as possible.

The second thing you should look at is – is it costing you money on a month to month basis?  Do you have a mortgage? Are you writing checks to a home owners association?  Are there any landscaping or maintenance costs?    If you are add up the cost to hold and maintain the property each month and multiply that number by number of months you think it will be before the market comes to a back to a price you are willing to sell for.  The next question here is how long will it take for the market to come back?  

The third criteria you should look at is can you afford to hold the property?  If you own an investment property that is currently or could put your financial well being in jeopardy you may want to seriously consider selling the property now because it will be a while before the prices for homes comes back to the levels they were in 2004 – 2005.   Talk to your financial advisor or accountant about selling the property out right or perhaps as a short sale.    

To learn more the current housing market and what to expect going forward please contact John Moran at The Moran Team and I will be glad to show you the formulas we use to predict market trends.  I can be reached at 850-654-3325 or send an email to john@themoranteam.com  visit our website at www.themoranteam.com