On The Market, April 2018

On the Market A Real Estate Section ECUA RECYCLES glass

aluminum

paper

cardboard

plastics #1-7

and a whole lot more

Screenshot from Google Maps

In This Section By the Numbers: A Look at February’s Market Highlights page 65 LED Lights Outshine the Competition page 66

Neighborhood Spotlight Navy Point Page 70 Financing Hacks for First-Time Home Buyers page 74 Silent Destroyers: Tips to Spot Termites and Prevent Infestation page 80

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UpsideRealtyFl.com Tammy Bohannon Broker/Owner

BY The NUMBERS

a look at february’s Market Highlights

850.982.7128 Tammybo4you@gmail.com

575 4282 Walden Way, Gulf Breeze • 4 Bedroom • 2,524 SF • Gorgeous Brick Home in Sound Forest

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Upside Realty LLC • 913 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. Suite 18 Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

Monthly Sales

Avg. Days on Market

2600 $185k

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Quarterly Sales

Median Sale Price

Market Highlights Sales for the month increased 9% over the prior month and 7% compared to February of last year.

At 75, average DOM dipped just two days from January.

Information courtesy of Pensacola Association of Realtors

The median sale price rebounded from $169,000 last month, to $185,250 for February.

The biggest gains in single family inventory occured in the $200K-$299K and $300K-$499K price ranges, increasing by 69 and 44 units respectively over January totals.

Pensacola Magazine

65

On the Market

LED Lights

Outshine the Competition emitting light in all directions, and they generate more heat.

According a report by Energy.gov, more than any other technology, LEDs offer the capability to provide the right amount of light, with the right spectrum, where you need it, when you need it.

by Kimberly Blair You might call it the superhero of street lights.

With double the energy efficiency and a life expectancy of up to 700 percent longer than its average counterparts, LED street lights are spreading brighter light where it’s needed the most across the Northwest Florida landscape.

By 2027, according to Energy.gov, widespread use of LEDs inside and outside of homes and businesses could save about 348-terawatt hours of electricity — the equivalent annual electrical output of 44 large electric power plants (1,000 megawatts each) accounting for more than $30 billion in savings at today’s electricity prices.

If you measure the power of the energy savings alone, LEDs are extraordinary, piquing the interests of governments, businesses, communities and homeowners that are looking to save energy and money, adopting greener technology and decreasing maintenance. Since LED lights are durable and last much longer than older technologies, there are fewer calls to replace light bulbs.

LEDs outshine other lights because they provide far superior light quality that’s focused where you need it. Conventional street light technology wastes energy by 66 Pensacola Magazine

The lighting experts at Gulf Power are staying busy these days helping communities, businesses and homeowners determine and install the right LED light for their needs, said Keith Swilley, Lighting Sales manager.

“Beyond the energy savings, one of the most amazing things about LED lighting is the improved light quality and clarity,” said Swilley. “Everything is illuminated so much better —when people see it, they love it.”

Gulf Power, he said, has installed more than 17,200 LED street lights along highways and in neighborhoods from Pensacola to Panama City to improve public safety and help municipalities increase savings on their power bills, as well as to help reduce light pollution and greenhouse gasses. Most of these lights are dark-sky friendly, meaning they reduce light pollution by directing light where it’s needed.

As part of Escambia County’s Safe Neighborhood Street Light Program, more than 1,900 LED street lights have been installed by Gulf Power to illuminate dark corners of specific neighborhoods to discourage crime and improve pedestrian safety.

Santa Rosa County had Gulf Power install LED street lights along 19 miles of U.S. 98 after several pedestrians and cyclists were struck along the busy corridor at night.

LEDs Can Light the Way and Protect Wildlife All along the Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, light-polluting street lights are being replaced with more environmentally friendly lights referred to as wildlife-certified LED lights. Gulf Power has installed 284 of them across them across its service footprint.

These lights help darken the night skyline while providing safe nighttime visibility for beach visitors and residents.

In 2015 and 2016, Gulf Power partnered with Pensacola Beach on a project to replace traditional parking lot lights in Casino Beach parking lot with the “wildlife” lights. And since then, it’s installed more than 70 street lights along Pensacola Beach and at crosswalks on Perdido Key. The bright glow of conventional street lights disrupts the natural habits of nocturnal wildlife. The amber-colored LED wildlife lights help darken the skyline, greatly reducing light pollution that impacts nesting and hatching sea turtles.

Sea turtles are the most vulnerable because they confuse the glow over neighborhoods and urban areas with the glow of celestial lights on the Gulf of Mexico horizon — a natural glow that has directed them to the Gulf and out into open waters for thousands of years. Light pollution can send them scampering to roadways or into sand dunes where a host of predators are waiting to pick them off.

Paolo Ghio, Santa Rosa Island Authority executive director said the lights along with other conservation efforts contributed to a successful sea turtle nesting seasons in 2016 and 2017.

“The lights made a huge impact by not distracting hatchlings,” he said. “One of our biggest impacts of the light project at Casino Beach is that it is serving as a poster child for other communities. If your partner with a local utility, you can achieve things.”

If you’re interested in learning more about LED lighting, visit MyGulfPower. com/lights.

17 w. Cedar street | suite 2 pensacola, Fl, 32502 phone: 850.434.2244 fax: 850.434.8081 www.BHHspenFed.com

Knowledge opens doors

Gulf Breeze

3010 Coral Strip Pkwy $565,000 | MLS# 531446

Nature Trail

5918 Dahoon Drive $415,220 | MLS# 526336

perfect waterfront home for entertaining and comfortable living. deep water Canal front (100’) with easy access to pensacola Bay. large Foyer, high ceilings, crown molding, large plank Brazilian Hardwood floors, 18” tile floors set on the diagonal in the wet areas and sun room.

In addition to 4 bedrooms, there is a spacious office just off the foyer.

Just outside you will find a newer sea wall & 12 lb. boat lift and a tiki bar/entertainment area with a sink and wired for TV.

A wonderful 3 bedroom and 2 and a half bath custom home located in the nature Trail subdivision plUs a large bonus room over the garage.

The kitchen has quartz counter tops with top-of-the-line Kenmore Appliance Package. The upgraded cabinets are 42’” uppers with crown and soft-close drawers. Beautiful hardwood floors from the kitchen continue into the large family room. The master bathroom has upgraded tile and tub deck with a built-in ironing board.

Nancy Grogan • 850-377-7578 • nancy.grogan@penfedrealty.com

Dave Taylor • 850-293-3334 • dave.taylor@penfedrealty.com

Cordova Park

3440 Dunwoody Drive $349,000 | MLS# 532202

Dovefield Estates

2060 Dovefield Drive $285,000 | MLS# 531762

well loved Cordova park Home located on Beautiful dunwoody drive.

Chicago Brick walkway leads to southern living at it’s Finest...established Lawn and Landscaping with Sprinkler System... Formal Living Room & Dining Room....Family Room features Built-in Bookshelves & Cabinets...

Brick wood Burning Fireplace...wet Bar leads to a Huge deck overlooking the private Backyard...playroom off the Kitchen gives you room for a Home Office and lends itself to more Dining space for large gatherings.

Spring has Sprung and this charming home in Dovefield Estates is ready for a new owner. Inviting front porch welcomes you in. Upon entering the foyer you will notice the large dining room which is great for celebrations.

Split floor plan where three bedrooms are on one side with 2 full bathrooms.

The kitchen is nice and bright with a center island featuring stainless steel appliances. The Master bedroom is private with a large master bathroom that has two walk in closets, separate shower and a garden tub.

Linda Turner • 850.324.4235 • linda.turner@penfedrealty.com

Michelle Carlson • 850-686-6588 • michelle.carlson@penfedrealty.com

Gulf Coast for 30+ Y the FL/AL ears!

Selling

Steven D. WarD Vice President/Broker

Florencia on Perdido Key #206 • • • •

3BR/3.5BA 1,839 sq ft On Ole River with Views of Gulf Across & Beside State Park – Great Beach Access • MLS #513875 • Featured at $449,900

850.380.7946 steve607@cox.net

SELLERS WANT TO NEGOTIATE!

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Call Dolly Flowers for all your Real Estate Needs!

DOLLY FLOWERS Broker/Owner, ABR, CRS, GRI | Licensed In FL& AL Cell: (850) 450-3525 Email: Dolly@DollyFlowers.com Visit: www.DollyFlowers.com

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Dolly Flowers

224 E. Garden St., Ste. 1, Pensacola, FL 32502

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5113 Choctaw Avenue In Perdido Bay Country Club Estates

Golf front living in this beautiful home in Perdido Bay Country Club Estates! Enjoy the Florida lifestyle at your pool, playing a round of golf or visiting the

gorgeous Perdido Key beaches just minutes away. This home gives you 2900+SF, a large Florida Room overlooking the pool, a spacious living area, open floorplan and generous sized bedrooms...plenty of room to entertain, or just relax. To top it off, the oversized garage is complete with tiled flooring and its own heating/cooling system! Many more benefits to CALL NANCY TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR VIEWING. you, so call Nancy @ 850-206-5526 for more details or to schedule your showing.

• 3 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms • 0.3 Acres

• 2,948 SQFT • Pool • Florida Room

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O: 850-912-4123 C: 850-206-5526

NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

a D.R. Horton Company

Navy PoINT by tanner yea

Pensacola is a few things: a beach town, a trading port, an up-and-coming urban leader of the Gulf Coast. Under all that though is the pulse of military life – whether they take the long commute to Eglin or Hurlburt Field, or work at NAS Pensacola, our service members help drive the economy and keep us safe. It’s important for them to have a place to rest and relax while not on leave, and sometime that can be difficult to find.

Screenshot from Google Maps

That’s why we are shining our Neighborhood Spotlight on Navy Point. Quiet, affordable and directly across the bridge from NAS Pensacola, this old neighborhood offers comfort for both military families and those looking for an affordable first home.

History of the Neighborhood Navy Point’s history is engrained with the military history of Pensacola. The area was originally subdivided in 1918 as part of the Vichy Springs project. Some the houses that still stand within the neighborhood were built as early as 1927. In the later part of the 20th century, during World War II and later the Korean War, many of the houses in the neighborhood were federally subsidized in order to serve as residencies for families of American and allied pilots who were training at NAS Pensacola. Since then it has grown, and also often serves as a pass-over point for the Blue Angels during their rehearsal flights.

Navy Point still serves a convenient neighborhood for those commuting to NAS, as well as those who are looking for some peace and quiet away from the bustle of Downtown Pensacola. That said, it’s central location easily allows you to go into those parts of town if you ever feel like unwinding.

According to Trulia, Navy Point has a very low price point, perfect for those on a budget.

The average listed price for the area is between $70k and $90k. The prices are this low because there are quite a few undeveloped lots that can be bought for those venturesome to build a home.

Most houses run around $150k to $200k, but that is generally the highest boundary. Properties are around 1,000 to 1,200 square feet, usually with 3/2 or 2/1 for rooms. Many of the homes are quite old, some having been built even before the 1950s. There are also many rental options, with cost per room being around $350 a month.

Navy Point is a quiet, out-of-the-way and safe neighborhood with low traffic and crime rates.

Most of the population is in the 20s to 40s and many are single males employed by NAS. About half of the population is married and own their homes. Utilities are the standard for Pensacola, with Gulf Power for electricity, ECUA for water and garbage, and AT&T, Cox or DirecTV for internet/cable.

Properties and Prices Navy Point mainly consists of a small peninsula – the titular Navy Point – that extends out into the Bayou Grande. However, surrounding neighborhoods like Beach Haven and Old Hickory are usually included in the area. Most notably, it’s only a short drive from NAS Pensacola.

Local Attractions Navy Point is fairly centrally located, so there are a large number of options for schooling.

Navy Point Elementary, Warrington Middle and Escambia High are the most obvious choices, but Warrington Elementary, West Pensacola Elementary and Myrtle Grove Elementary are all nearby options.

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For groceries, Walmart Supercenter and Food World are both convenient options. There are plenty of options for restaurants as well, from fast food like Dominos or Chic-fil-A, to more local eats like Hip Pocket Deli or Cub’s Crawfish. A short drive up North Navy Boulevard expands your options even more.

The neighborhood is purely residential, so active life is a little more difficult to find.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beautiful Bayou Grande cost via boat or foot.

Though Navy Point is tucked away from the rest of the city, there are a few nightlife options like Misfit’s Pub and New Malibu Lounge that let you unwind after a long day.

Summary Navy Point may be small, but its comfort and affordability make it a great place on your radar if you are looking to buy. It’s also prime real estate for those looking to build their perfect home from scratch. It’s proximity to NAS Pensacola, as well as the growing west end of the city, makes it ideal for both military and civilian families.

For more information on Navy Point and the surrounding areas, speak to your realtor or visit facebook.com/NavyPoint.

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*Effective 11/07/2017 and subject to change at any time. Pictures, photographs, colors, features, and sizes are for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. Home and community information including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Florida Registered Building Contractor License #RB29003307 | D.R. Horton is an equal housing opportunity builder. Contact an Emerald Homes sales representative for details on available home and community details. © 2017 D.R. Horton, Inc.

Join - Connect - Grow • Independent Real Estate Broker for 25 years in the local market • Native Pensacolian, Previous Banker, Tulane and UWF Graduate, MBA • Represents Buyers and Sellers for both Residential and Commercial Properties in All Price Ranges • Land Development and Estate Liquidation Consultant. Own or Inherited Property and Need Guidance?

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On the Market

Financing Hacks for First-Time Home Buyers by Karlie Trull I think it’s important for people to understand that a first-time homebuyer is more than a young professional or newly married couple pursuing the American dream. By definition, a first-time home buyer is anyone who has not owned a home within the past 3 years.

The benefits of related programs can be the center of purchasing power for many individuals making the decision between renting vs. owning. There are a number of city incentive

KATHY TANNER 850.982.0755

programs set up to make that decision easier. Moreover, there are multiple strategies you can employ to achieve your real estate goals without dipping into those hard-earned savings or scarring your ego to call a rich family member for help.

One great city incentive program is the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP).

Those who qualify for this program can benefit from up to $7,500 in down payment assistance. The assistance is given in the form of a second, forgivable, loan. In English, this means that the city will loan you money, separate from your

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74 Pensacola Magazine

mortgage broker or bank, to help with closing costs that will go away within seven years. Can you say “free” money?

Another great program is called HOME. Similar to SHIP, HOME is a second, forgivable loan. However, this program offers up to $12,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Those who take advantage of HOME must meet the indicated requirements in addition to completing an 8-hour educational course.

You can easily check these requirements by searching either SHIP or HOME on cityofpensacola.com. Although, some of these programs are not constrained to city limits.

If you don’t qualify for programs like these, there are additional ways to value engineer your other resources towards that first purchase. As a fan of biggerpockets.com, I’ve become a huge believer in the “house hacking” method. Otherwise known as rental income, house hacking allows you to rent out additional space to cover a portion, or all, of your monthly mortgage note. From a lending perspective, most banks and mortgage brokers can count leasing agreements toward your monthly income. For example: If you have a friend or two who will be paying you a combined rental amount of $1,000 per month you can add that to your total monthly income (or $12,000 in additional income per year), helping your lender add to your purchasing power.

Another great way to “house hack” is by purchasing a multifamily property, such as a duplex or triplex, live in one

side, and rent out the additional units. Most FHA loans will cover multi-family properties up to four units. This strategy allows you the ability to move out one day and continue to take advantage of the benefits of passive monthly income.

Beware, most FHA loans are contingent upon owner occupancy, so you will have to refinance if you have not already paid off your loan and plan to pursue this method. Although, the benefits of a passive monthly check far outweigh the cost to refinance and keep an investment that you’ve most likely already paid down. More “free” money down the road!

Now for the kicker. Have you ever thought about dipping into that self-directed IRA to invest in real estate? I would consider this a more “sophisticated” way to achieve your real estate goals, but that doesn’t make it difficult. With the correct guidance from your IRA custodian or Real Estate Agent, you can put your hard earned, and untouched, money to use free of penalty. With the risk of giving out too much honey I’ll leave that teaser here and advise you to do your research. You won’t regret it.

In combination, or alone, these programs and strategies can be the catalyst towards home ownership. Ideally, your initial property investment will also lead to future financial freedom. By making strategic real estate decisions you can set the stage for an early retirement, more travel, and time spent with family. Buying your first home or property is simply the beginning. Now you know, do something about it!

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24 West Chase Street Pensacola, FL 32502 850.433.0577 Pensacola Magazine 75

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Coastal Living at it’s best. Come enjoy the finest views you will find in this never before lived in house on Blackwater Bay. This house is being offered after an extensive remodel and it is fully customized. There is over 580 feet of water frontage on both Blackwater Bay and Bain Canal, water views from every room in the house and your own deeded boat slip in the marina. Do not miss this opportunity!

Pensacola Magazine

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1009 Gonzalez St. - East Hill Cottage MLS# 527585 • 3BD/2BA • 1,524 SQFT • $384,000

NAVIGATING THE HOME BUYING AND SELLING ROAD MAP DOESN’T HAVE TO BE CONFUSING...

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his is a beautiful cottage style home, custom built in the heart of East Hill with a single car garage and built in 2016. Home features Wood Flooring throughout, Quartz Countertops in Kitchen and Bathrooms, and a back porch the entire length of the home. Centrally located next to a Park and blocks away from Publix and multiple schools, makes this a great home for a family.

Kristine Connell 850-572-2203

Jonathan Holmes 850-380-2308

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850.450.6276 Pensacola Magazine

79

On the Market

Silent destroyers: Tips to spot termites and prevent infestation (BPT) - There are many reasons that termites have gained the nickname “silent destroyers.” Five billion reasons, in fact.

Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage in the U.S. each year. If left unchecked, they can silently chew through the structural stability of a home, eating away at wood, flooring and even wallpaper. To make matters worse, the damage they leave behind is not typically covered by most homeowners’ insurance policies.

How to spot termites Spring is prime time for termite populations as they emerge in search of new structures to invade.

Termite explorers, referred to as swarmers, will look for hospitable homes, and are particularly attracted to structures that may have sustained damage from severe winter weather or have dead or decaying wood on the property. Once these swarmers have determined a home to be a good fit, it’s likely that they will settle in and begin a new colony, growing into a full-blown termite infestation over time.

Termite or flying ant?

Many people will see termite swarmers in homes during the spring and mistake them for flying ants; this can end up being a costly mistake.

Winged termites have a straight waist, straight antennae and their wings are equal in size. Flying ants, on the other hand, have waists that are pinched in the middle, bent antennae and two sets of wings, with the top set being larger than the lower. Termites are also most likely to swarm in the spring, while flying ants may swarm at various times of the year.

It is not always possible for an untrained eye to spot evidence of termites, but homeowners should keep a look-out for a few key signs that can help them identify a termite infestation.

Other signs of infestation Mud tubes - Subterranean termites, the most destructive termite species, build mud tubes to provide moisture while they travel between their

colony and food source. Mud tubes are most often found near the home’s foundation.

Wood damage - Termites tend to eat wood from the inside out, so wood that sounds hollow when tapped often signifies a termite infestation.

Homeowners should also look for blistering pieces of wood.

Frass - Drywood termites produce wood-colored droppings as they eat through infested wood. If a homeowner finds a small pile of what looks like pellets inside or outside the home, it could be a sign of a drywood termite infestation.

It’s a good rule of thumb to have your home inspected for termites once every two to three years, and every year if you live in the south or in warmer climates. If termites are suspected, a pest control professional will be needed to eliminate the problem.

Top 10 termite prevention tips The good news is that there are plenty of ways homeowners can help protect against termites, while in turn, protecting their greatest investment - their home. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) offers this termite advice: • Eliminate or reduce moisture in and around the home, which termites need in order to thrive.

SEA SALT nails & massage

• Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and exterior AC units.

• Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles.

• Replace weather stripping and loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.

• Divert water away from the house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks.

• Routinely inspect the foundation of a home for signs of mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source), and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.

• Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, doorframes and skirting boards for any noticeable changes. Remove dead trees and replace rotting wood.

• Maintain an 18-inch gap between soil or mulch and any wood portions of your home.

By appointment only

Arienne Eubanks 850.356.5342 @SeaSaltPensacola 1202 East Gonzalez Street Pensacola, Florida 80 Pensacola Magazine

• Consider scheduling a professional inspection annually. Wood-boring insect damage is not covered by homeowners’ insurance policies.

• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.

Termites cannot be controlled with do-it-yourself measures. If you suspect a termite infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional immediately to determine the extent of the problem and receive a recommendation of an appropriate course of treatment. To find a local, qualified pest professional, visit PestWorld.org.

It’s time for your Energy Checkup.

Get your free Energy Checkup and receive personalized recommendations and tips on how you can save money and energy.

Visit MyGulfPower.com/EnergyCheckup

Sydnee Johnson Going above and beyond to find your next home.

SYDNEE JOHNSON Realtor 22A Via DeLuna Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 sydneejohnson.cbintouch.com (850) 712-6772 Cell sydnee.johnson@floridamoves.com Follow me on

©2017 DBA. All Rights Reserved. DBA fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

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