Are you looking for alternatives to foreclosure?

Mary Beth and I see a lot of people today that are having financial trouble due to job loss, medical problems, transfers and other situations in today's economy. For many, foreclosure may be 3-4 months down the road. This is tragic and the stress transfers to us also because many times we were the ones that put them in their house.

A foreclosure is devistating event for many people not only because it ruins your credit for up to 10years, but also because it is a hit to your self esteem. Many people fall into foreclosure because they have a tendancy to ignore their situation and suddenly the foreclosure notice comes and they are asked to leave the property.

There are progams that may help you in the marketplace that Mary Beth and I can walk you through which may either help you stay in your house or walk away from your home with no appreciable damage to your credit.

Here are some two programs that you may want to consider:

Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative (HAFA): www.makinghomesaffordable.com
This is a continuation of the government HAMP program that was originally set up to help homeowners restructure their loans so they could stay in their homes. If that does not work, the HAFA is the next step. This will be a short sale and then deed in lieu.

For Military: Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP): www.usace.army.mil
This is a program directed at the military. It can provide assistance in many cases including transfers. We have helped customers with this program and it has been successful for our customers. A very important point for people in the military: Foreclosures can keep you from holding a security clearance. Do not risk your careers.

Mary Beth and I are here to help you, call us if you need us.

Isle of Eight Shrimp Festival is coming!!!!

Save these dates: 30Apr-02May (there is also a Pirate parade on 29Apr). These are the dates of what is commonly called the Fernandina Shrimp Festival. One of the largest festivals in Florida it celebrates the history of Fernandina and their shrimp boat fleet.

The activities are too numerous to mention so I will refer you to the festival websites: www.shrimpfestival.com . Lots of some of the best art and crafts in Florida line the streets along with antiques and collectibles.

Oh yes, I forgot, THE FOOD!!!! Seafood galore with crabs, fish, clams etc etc and of course shrimp.

If you want a great time come out to the festival, you will not regret it. And do not forget to bring your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Leave the dog at home.

The Official Opening of the Beaches

After a very cold winter in Florida we have finally come to the "official" opening of the Beaches. Lots of hoopla all weekend. As I write this, people are streaming down the major highways to the beach with their beach chairs, sunscreen and hopefully their money to bolster our economy.

The weather is marvelous with a high temperature of maybe low eighties and low humidity. The ocean is a bit cold, but kids have no conception of cold, so they go in no matter what the temperature is.

For those of us who actually live at the beach, we are likely outside riding our bikes and checking out those white skinned aliens that come from town that are looking for a golden tan. They will leave today with that lobster red burn and will aloe themselves down for the next couple days. We will also be assessing the winter kill of our plants and start thinking about what to replace them with.

Living at the Beach is a lifestyle that is so understated. The early morning walks on the beach, the casual lifestyle and the ocean breezes make it a perfect place to live. That plus excellent schools makes it a great place to raise a family.

If all this makes you wanted to move to the Beach call me or Mary Beth.

Thanks to all the hard working Blues Festival People

Billed as the largest free Blues Festivals, the Jacksonville Beach "Swinging the Blues" festival was this past weekend Apr 9-11. As usual the organizers including Georges Music put on a terrific show. The weather was perfect with temperatures in the mid-70's and no rain. My favorite act was Chubby Carrier who brought his Louisiana party to Jacksonville Beach. The city fathers and our local police should be congratulated on the job they did to make this festival enjoyable and safe to all that attended.

Jacksonville, Neptune and Atlantic Beach are one of the best kept secrets in Florida. We are the gateway to Florida and many times after visiting, people decide this is the best place to live. If you feel that way call the TwoBeachNuts so we can find you a home.

Cute Atlantic Beach Home

Meticulously maintained 3 bedroom 2 bath home on a lovely corner lot. Completely remodeled 3 years ago, this 1251 square foot house has a split plan layout with a vaulted ceiling through the core of the house. Other features include:

• Stainless appliances



• Custom tile breakfast bar



• Whole house water filter



• Two car garage

This house is conveniently located with easy access to the beach, Hanna Park, Mayport Naval Base and Atlantic Beach Town Center. Cute as a button! $189,900