Talk of Tallahassee

Who do you call when this happens?

Well, there was indeed a little excitement in Tallahassee on Friday night, Feb. 8th.  A pilot, crashed into the parking lot of Walgreens Pharmacy at the intersection of West Tennessee and Ocala Roads.

This intersection is approximately 1 mile from the heart of Florida State University's campus and the hub of campus nightlife slightly further up Tennessee Street. As the plane crashed, he took out a power pole and transformer causing the entire west side of Tallahassee to be without power and phone lines for hours - some even into the next day. Thank goodness for cell phones!

Emergency responders were on site immediately, and the pilot was able to send a distress signal out prior to the crash. His plane was followed by sheriff's deputy helicopter pilots who immediately had the are lit up for emergency workers and crews to arrive at the scene.

As a mom... I was on the phone immediately to every child I have helped raise and who I know lives near campus - or who might have been eating,..walking, driving anywhere in the vicinity! I had to make sure my kids and everyone they know were all accounted for, etc!

As a Board member of the Parent's Association at FSU, I knew folks would be calling me as well as the news made it through the State.  I was relieved to know that the pilot was the only injured,.. and yes, only injured, person involved  I was even more relieved to know that the manager of the Walgreens.. a recent customer and friend of mine was safe as well.

So what do you do when there is an emergency,.. any emergency on or near campus?  Well,.. I was lucky enough to see a demonstration of just such an event while serving on the Board of the Parent's Association at FSU.  Our association contributed a portion of membership funds directly to the FSU Police department to supplement their operations. In October, 2007 we saw a video used for training by the police department.  FSU Police Chief, David Perry, also gave a  brief tour of the police department's website, http://police.fsu.edu/ . If you are concerned about your student's safety or want to know what is happening on campus, this is the place to get information. Crime reports, safety and self defense classes, victims advocacy programs.. it is all there for your review. A great resource for parents!

There are distinct systems in place for natural, technical and manmade disasters throughout the campus. Many of these systems enlist the assistance of local law enforcement agencies off campus, the American Red Cross, Tallahassee public works and utility departments and emergency management coordinators. 

Repair and recovery of University public utilities and roadways and the inspection and declaration of safe occupancy of University buildings after a disaster are achieved in order of priority according to the emergency support function teams in tandem with the President of the University.

It is good to know that Florida State University is prepared to handle emergencies.  Keep in touch with your kids, their friends.. grab a cell phone, get that piece of mind you need! 

New Construction News!

Tired of hearing the doom and gloom and depressing economic forecasts,.. there is only one way out of a recession... and that is to pull ourselves forward, to create, to invent, to work and to bring to people goods and services they need. Seller's everywhere are still purchasing new homes... Hello! Isn't that why we have so much inventory right now?

Today, at the Tallahassee Board of Realtors marketing meeting,.. (and yes, we still market our listings, network with other Realtors, conduct business behind the scenes - most of which you might not ever know... unless you ask your Realtor that is!), there is great news about new construction, increasing inventories, offering affordable housing, mortgage programs that work for the credit-challenged buyer.  It might not be "business at ususal" .. but is business, and it is hands-on, creative solutions for business that has moods upbeat and me personally ready to find homes for folks!  This is what separates the workers and leaders from the rest of the pack!

New Homes are now available in subdivisions found on my website at www.HomeSalesofTallahassee.com/newconstruction.  Land is available, and prices of large acreage tracts and smaller lots are more affordable than last year!  Neighborhoods are growing, development continues.  I personally have some of the most pristine plantation acreage in Tallahassee listed - right on the banks of the Ocholochnee River - click here to see details for River's Edge!  How would you like this in your backyard!!! 

Also a new phase of Bull Run, again, NE Tallahassee, the last phase of Bull Run connecting to OxBottom.. will open soon,.. email me for updates.

You will not find most new construction information online.. or within MLS.  Brokers, contractors and Realtors such as myself are again, working behind the scenes, reviewing home specifications, familiarizing each other with builder incentives for buyers, working as a team to creatively bring to you the best purchasing prices and opportunities.  So, before you visit a new construction area,.. before you go through a model home.. call me! I have lists of available homes, pricing information, floor plans and even photographs right in my office! I have the inside information you need to assemble a successful transaction! 

My personal association with builders and their salespersons creates a relationship of trust and knowledge between you and the builder, and one that will end up with a successful closing.

As your Realtor, my job is to know the market, to understand new construction, which is my background, and to guide you through an inventory, a spec-home, or custom home sale. 

Call me, Debbie Kirkland, at 212-0440 if If you need more information on new construction, prices, neighborhoods, lot and land sales.  I have answers for you!