Monday, June 18, 2018

May Condo & Home Sales Highlights

May was another busy month for real estate along the Emerald Coast!

With so many visitors in town for Memorial Day weekend, the month of May is always a busy time for real estate agents. While here, vacationers fall in love with the area, and decide it's time to make owning paradise a reality. We love assisting people in making this move!   

In case you missed it in our blog last month, check out what the data showed from the world's largest vacation rental search engine – HomeToGo.com. Panama City Beach and Destin were ranked as the top two most popular Florida destinations for Spring Break. Panama City Beach saw over $27 million spent weekly on vacation rentals during spring break, while Destin saw over $17 million. Now is the time to invest in paradise! 


Our team had an active share in the May market, while preparing for the busy summer season when the weather and the real estate are hot! 


In May we assisted our wonderful buyers in the sales of the following properties:


Pointe of View | Unit 905

188 Marlberry Trace



We were also able to get the property sold for our sellers at:



6 Lakehsore Drive

In addition, we were able to get several more properties under contract. We'll have all the details in the June Market Report.

The activity this year has been exciting and we're heading straight into summer. We love staying in touch to keep both our buyers and sellers prepared for the rest of the year, and beyond. This is a great time to perform some due diligence regarding purchasing property. With summer a few days away – keeping on top of the market will ensure that you don't miss any deals. We are getting a new influx of inventory daily and there are some great opportunities out there right now. The daily hot sheet has new listings hitting the market every day, so let us know if you would like to receive updates on the market! 

Check out the area sales highlights for the month of May:  




The highest priced condo sold within the areas of Okaloosa IslandDestinSandestinMiramar Beach, and 30A was:  

One Water Place

Destin 

$2,700,000

3 Bed | 3.5 Bath

6,800 Square Feet  

The highest priced home sold within the areas of Okaloosa IslandDestinSandestinMiramar Beach, and 30A was:  


89 S Charles Street

30A East

$5,525,000

4 Bed | 3 Bath | 3 Half Bath 

4,789 Square Feet 




Just Sold | 4206 Lade Loop | Destin, FL

3 Bedroom  |  2 Bath  |  1,756 Square Feet  |  Selling Price: $297,000   

Our client chose Diamond Lakes as his new location for an investment property. Right in the heart of Destin, Diamond Lakes is a quiet community featuring lush landscaping, a community pool, and is less than a mile from the beach. With so much to offer, this is a perfect place for an investment property!    

Located in the Diamond Lakes community, this spacious three bedroom, two bath townhome is just minutes from the beach and prime shopping areas. The open floor plan includes a master suite with the master bath featuring a double vanity, large garden tub, separate shower, and bathroom closet. Other home features include a two car garage, vaulted ceilings, fireplace, and screened porch. Diamond Lakes is a quiet community with a large community pool, landscaping services, centrally located in Destin, and less than a mile from the beach!  



Click here to view more townhomes for sale in Diamond Lakes!


Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Emerald Coast Events | June 14-24th

With the start of summer there's so much to do! June is full of fun events and good causes. From fishing, to music, to movies, to charity events – there's a lot to be a part of. We've listed a few of our favorite happenings below. Plan a weekend to visit, or if you're lucky enough to be local, enjoy it all!  


FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:

Bands of 30A Benefit at Grayton Beer Company
When: Saturday, June 16th | 4-6pm
Where: Grayton Beer Company
Description: It's going to be a GRAYT afternoon in the brewery! The June Bands of 30A Concert will be held at Grayton Beer Company Taproom Saturday, June 16th from 4:00pm-9:00pm. Seagrove Beach Catering will have food plates available for purchase. 30A has provided wine and of course Grayton Beer Company will be serving their ice cold brew. Shore Thing cigars will be on site so bring your dads to celebrate Fathers Day weekend and support an amazing cause! There is a $10 suggested donation, kids under 12 are free. Bands of 30A has chosen Westonwood Ranch as the beneficiary to this concert. Westonwood Ranch offers a unique learning curriculum to improve life skills and vocational skills to young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Program participants will have the opportunity to engage in a vast variety of skill sets and activities. Similar to a “college model”, the participants will have direct input into their unique learning curriculum by selecting from and participating in an array of diverse “life classes”. The end result of this program is gainful employment in the community.

100 Point & Cult Wine Dinner at Alaqua Animal Refuge
When: Saturday, June 16th | 5pm
Where: Alaqua Animal Refuge
Description: Alaqua Animal Refuge to host their 5th Annual 100 Point & Cult Wine Dinner Saturday, June 16th. Laurie & Taylor Hood invite you to the Waterfront Horse Farm at 5pm for a "Sea-to-Table" evening featuring a 5-course dinner prepared by Chef Nikhil Abuvala of Roux 30a, paired with unique 100 Point and Cult wines. Renowned local artist Justin Gaffrey will create a painting live during dinner. It will also be auctioned at the end of the evening! Seeing Justin paint is a must, and taking home one of his original paintings will be a life-long art treasure. All proceeds benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge. Seating is limited. For more info and to purchase tickets visit: http://www.alaqua.org/100point/


Summer Solstice Celebration
When: Thursday, June 21st | 4-10pm
Where: The Pearl: Havana Beach Rooftop Lounge
Description: Come on out to Havana Beach Rooftop Lounge on June 21st beginning at 4pm for a Summer Solstice Celebration. Complimentary admission; open to the public with food and drinks available for purchase including House-Made Pulled Pork, Smoked Beef Brisket, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, and Hawaiian Sweet Rolls. Enjoy bar specials all day and live entertainment into the evening. What a fun way to spend the evening with your favorite beverage, good eats and a beautiful view overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in Rosemary Beach, Florida.

16th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
When: June 20-24th
Where: Sandestin & The Village of Baytowne Wharf & Marina
Description: The 16th annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic takes place June 20-24, 2018. Timed to coincide with the peak of the Gulf Coast’s blue marlin season, and located at the South’s number-one ranked resort destination, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort sets the new precedent for world-class sportfishing tournaments. This annual event offers something for everyone. Most importantly, for the angling teams, there’s the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, red-hot billfish action, and cool green cash. While on-shore, both the teams and their families can enjoy the wide variety of recreational activities offered at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and The Village of Baytowne Wharf. The spectacular night time weigh-ins are held at the Baytowne Marina at Sandestin and are open to the public. For registration, dockage, rules and schedule of events visit www.fishecbc.com.

Hunting & Fishing Widows' Society's Launch Party
When: Friday June 22nd | 1:30pm
Where: AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar | Destin
Description: The Hive Creative Consulting and AJ’s have teamed up to bring together the ladies left behind, for fishing and hunting trips, together to enjoy an afternoon of camaraderie, games, and other fun! The $35 ticket includes admission, lunch, a rose-tasting experience and a swag bag. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to Destin Charter Boat Association (DCBA), an organization founded in 1954 by local charter captains to work together to promote their "fishing village" and their businesses. There is no membership fee to be a part of the Hunting and Fishing Widows Society, just purchase a ticket online to attend events that will occur quarterly. All women are welcome to join in on the fun! 


WEEKLY ACTIVITIES: 

Moonlight Movies & Face Painting
When: Every Thursday @ 5pm
Where: Rosemary Beach Western Green | 30A
Description: Join in the fun at Moonlight Movies & Face Painting held on the Western Green in Rosemary Beach on Thursday nights. Face Painting starts at 5:00pm, Movie at 8:15pm. Bring the family for a wholesome and fun movie night under the stars! Blankets and Lawn Chairs are Welcome. Come early and get your face painted by one of the talented artists. Enjoy popcorn and the best hot dogs on the beach from DogManDu! 
May-June Movie Schedule: 
May 31st | COCO 
June 7th | Beauty & the Beast 
June 14th | Wonder 
June 21st | The Emoji Movie 
June 28th | Spider Man: Homecoming

Red White & Blue Hero Celebration
When: Every Thursday @ 7pm
Where: Harborwalk Village | Destin
Description: The Red, White, and Blue Celebration happens every Thursday on the Destin Harbor. A celebration of an American hero, including a presentation of the colors, ceremony celebration, a WWII vintage airshow, entertainment by The Village Belles and fireworks over the Destin Harbor at 9:00 P.M.

30Avenue Concert Series
When: Every Thursday & Friday @ 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Where: 30Avenue On the Greens | 30A
Description: Enjoy great music with friends and family on the green at 30Avenue. There will be LIVE bands 6-9 pm every Thursday and Friday night!


Seaside Central Square Theater
When: Every Friday @ 8pm
Where: Seaside Amphitheater
Description: Grab a blanket and come out to the Seaside Amphitheater on Friday night for a family movie on the lawn. Free and open to the public. 
Summer showings in June: 
June 1 | Wonder 
June 8 | Moana 
June 15 | Dolphin Tale 
June 22 | Paddington 2 
June 29 | Beauty and the Beast

Sunset Yoga
When: Every Wednesday @ 6:00pm
Where: Henderson Beach Resort & Spa
Description: No better way to end the day. Bask in the glow and let yourself go. Under the setting sun we will have some fun and notice our body and mind begin to unwind. During this flow we will work head to toe followed by a glass of prosecco! All levels welcome. Class is 60 minutes.

Gulf Therapy – A Community Paddle Out
When: Every 1st & 3rd Friday @ 7:00 am 
Where: Grayton Beach Florida's Scenic Hwy 30A  
Description: Join the local surf and paddle board community for a morning dose of “Gulf Therapy.” Tackle mental health issues with a simple recipe – saltwater, sun, and sand. Paddle out with the community and start the weekend off right. Salt water is always healing, therapeutic, and the perfect solution for a balanced life. This paddle out will start at the Western Lake boat launch in Grayton Beach, then head over to the Gulf where the beach connects. This way you can get comfortable paddling in the Gulf with support, or choose a mellow paddle in the lake. Adventure 30A will have paddle board rentals available for $10. If there are waves bring a surfboard!


Paddle South Walton – Weekly Paddle Excursion @ South Walton
When: Saturdays @ 8:00 am - 10:30 am 
Where: South Walton (Location changes) 
Description: This is a weekly paddle expedition open to anyone who would like to attend. Location changes every Saturday, and participants must bring their own paddle board and gear. Meet is at 8 o’clock sharp on Saturdays, and paddle departs location at 8:30 am returning to the starting location at 10:30 am. Follow the Paddle South Walton Facebook page for details about locations and dates and other special announcements. 


30A YOLO Bike Club – Excursion Ride
When: Every Saturday @ 9:00am 

Where: YOLO Board + Bike | Gulf Place Town Center | 30A 
Description: Now in its third year, the 30A YOLO Bike & Beach Club brings together locals and visitors of all skill levels for a fun and laid-back exploration of South Walton’s natural habitats. Group bike rides are free and take place every Saturday. Participants meet at the YOLO Bike + Beach Store in Gulf Place at 8:45 a.m, depart at 9:00am, then ride through the trails of Point Washington State Forest. All skill levels and bike brands are welcome – “ride what ya got!”. Bikes are available for rent. 

Happy Hour Paddle 
When: Every Saturday 3:30pm - 7:00pm

Where: Tom's Landing 
Description: Join us for a Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure offering one of the only SUP Sunset trips in the area! The trip starts at our Paddle Hut Hideawa, located just 5 minutes north of Grayton Beach. Learn the basics in our calm secluded lagoon, then paddle down the canal and out into the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay and paddle to The Bay Restaurant for Happy Hour. Arrive at the area’s hottest new hang out via paddleboard and enjoy a cold beverage & appetizer and then paddle back enjoying the sunset and looking for dolphins dancing in the Bay. Approximately a 45 minute paddle to the restaurant, we hang out there for about an hour, and paddle another 45 minutes back. All gear, professional instruction, photography, and tour guide are provided for this 3 hour adventure. Food and beverages are optional and not included in price. Please call directly to book for children age 8-12. 


Farmer's Markets:
Every Saturday @ Seaside & Grand Boulevard
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach



If you're looking for some indoor activities to do check out our additional blog post: 10 Things to Do Indoors In Destin



Planning to be in town? 
Let's Chat!

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Top 10 Best Selling Home Communities

Last month we covered the most popular condo communities, this week we're covering the home side. So far this year 963 homes have been sold between DestinMiramar BeachSandestin, and 30A. Below is a list of the top ten most popular home communities based on the number sold.  


Watersound
55 Homes Sold

An intimate beach neighborhood – Watersound is more than a community, it's a lifestyle. The enclosed, private paradise is designed to help you escape, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of South Walton. Wide walkways and winding boardwalks intertwine beautifully with Watersound’s stunning scenery. Three golf courses boast gorgeous fairways; a 7,000-square foot pool invites guests to dive right in. Nearby, a wooden path leads to sugar-white sand and turquoise water. Watersound is the perfect choice for the young and young at heart.


WaterColor
46 Homes Sold

Tucked between Seaside and Grayton Beach State Park in South Walton, this neighborhood of charming homes and tree-shaded lanes is on the rise. Located on 500 acres in the renowned South Walton Beaches; the picturesque WaterColor community was created with families in mind and offers the charm of small town life. Exceptional community amenities include several beautiful swimming pools, a gulf front beach club, nature trails, kayaking, canoeing, a fitness center, tennis, Camp WaterColor for kids, parks and green spaces.  


Driftwood Estates
28 Homes Sold

Driftwood Estates is uniquely located on the end of the Bayou and is surrounded by the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay. A sought after family neighborhood with community features including a well maintained community pool, ponds, sidewalks, street lights, parks and beautifully landscaped common areas. Driftwood is positioned minutes from Sacred Heart Hospital, top-rated schools, shopping, dining, entertainment, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Grand Boulevard, and just minutes from the beaches of South Walton and 30A.


NatureWalk at Seagrove
24 Homes Sold

NatureWalk at Seagrove is nestled into Point Washington State Forest and located along the famed 30A corridor. This master-planned community features homes with distinct coastal architecture. Amenities include the Gathering Place – a family-oriented recreational center at the heart of the community offering a resort-style outdoor pool, children’s pool, BBQ grills, hammocks, large bar, private beach shuttle to the beach, plus more. NatureWalk is also near to the shopping, dining, and entertainment along 30A. Come, discover NatureWalk with friends and family, and create your own memories to last a lifetime.  


Seacrest Beach 
23 Homes Sold

Old world meets luxury at Seacrest Beach with absolutely stunning homes. Established in 1996 it has become a popular home front for those longing to experience the best of Florida: sugar white sand, dunes, emerald water, and spectacular breath-taking sunsets. A lively community gathers in Seacrest’s Peddler’s Pavilion. Sip coffee on an outdoor patio, stock up on homemade sweet treats, or rent a bicycle and go exploring. With wide-open green spaces and plenty of ecosploring opportunities, this beach neighborhood is a perfect fit for active residents or vacationers. A great place for an investment home. 


Highland Parks
22 Homes Sold 

Highland Parks is nestled in the center of Scenic Route 30a in Blue Mountain Beach. This planned pedestrian community is complete with sidewalks and brick paved streets leading to the Highland Parks Pool House. This is the heart of the neighborhood and provides an unbelievable space to each homeowner and their guests, boasting a natural setting with a beautiful pool, hot tub, covered grill area, fire pit, and an observation tower. The observation tower rises above the tree line offering an unbelievable panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico. The neighborhood is surrounded by state forest and is approximately a half mile from two public beach accesses. Paradise! 


Kelly Plantation
18 Homes Sold 

Kelly Plantation is respectfully referred to as “The Masterpiece on the Bay.” This exclusive, gated community is nestled on 900 pristine acres along the scenic shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Kelly Plantation was designed to preserve its stunning nature while keeping family life in mind. Within its nine neighborhoods are a number of green spaces filled with parks, scenic walking and jogging trails — including a 250-acre nature preserve. At the center of the community is the Kelly Plantation Golf Clubhouse and Grill, and, of course, an 18-hold championship golf course. It boasts 7,000 yards of greens along the bay and is dotted with lake and pond water features. The private Owner’s Club is filled with still more amenities, including a beautiful swimming pool, five illuminated tennis courts, fitness area and convenient recreation spaces. Kelly is located near to Destin Commons, Fresh Market and Publix grocery stores, health and fitness studios, and is just a five-minute drive to the beach. There's so much to love abut Kelly Plantation!  


Regatta Bay
17 Homes Sold 

The Regatta Bay community is nestled on nearly 120 acres of protected nature preserve and is one of Destin's most hidden gems. Part of Florida’s Emerald Coast; known for its white beaches, emerald green waters, beautiful golf courses and, of course, wonderful communities. Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club is a gated community in Destin, Florida, that features boating, golf, clubhouse, tennis, swimming, shopping, dining, and many social amenities. Conveniently located near the Destin Commons and Whole Foods grocery store, the all-inclusive neighborhood was designed so residents can live, shop, dine, play, and never leave Regatta Bay!


Destiny & Destiny by the Sea
17 Homes Sold 

Destiny is a master-planned community, designed to provide residents with a luxurious, upscale living experience. All the neighborhoods in Destiny are gated, affording residents security and privacy. A magnificent lifestyle awaits you in a Destiny villa or beach-front estate offering upscale living, classy community amenities and easy access to the best in shopping and dining, and not to mention the beach. The homes in Destiny By The Sea are among the most advantageously placed in Destin, only steps away from the beach and affording residents the ultimate in Gulf views. The quaint cobblestone streets set off the uniquely designed homes. Destiny By The Sea offers its residents direct beach access, fitness rooms, swimming pools, and playgrounds, all within the gates that ensure the privacy and security of its residents. Double paradise! 


Eagle Bay Landing
15 Homes Sold 

Eagle Bay Landing is a brand new home community located in Santa Rosa Beach featuring easy access to the beautiful beaches of South Walton and 30A. Home to some of the most popular family floor plans and designs as well as lush landscaping and stunning curb appeal. A beautiful pool house will be added soon to complete this laid back Santa Rosa Beach community. Eagle Bay Landing is conveniently located between Destin and Panama City Beach while only minutes from shopping and dining at Grand Boulevard, area golf courses, Sacred Heart Hospital and much more.


We can assist you in finding your perfect property. 
Give us a call or email us. We're here to help.