Let Us Help You...

   Although buying and selling a property can be exciting, it is also a time wrought with stress. It is a process that you do not have to go through alone. Yes, I am talking about having a professional real estate team who will help you with the due diligence that will translate into a successful and smooth transaction.

When we work with buyers and/or sellers, we are a team. Clients tell us what their goals are, and we transform it into action. Our goal is to save you time and money as well as limit your frustration level. Let’s look at some statistics from realtor.com:

·       87% of buyers use an agent to help them with their transactions, with 88% saying they would use the agent again and recommend them to someone else.

·       89% of sellers used an agent to market and sell their properties

·       In 2015 only 8% of properties were sold via FSBO (For Sale by Owner), which is the lowest since 1981.

·       48% of sellers who didn’t use an agent, ended up selling for less than expected

·       Listed homes sold for an average of 18% more than owned sold properties

Jay and I will take you through the process step by step from contract to close. Our knowledge of the local market conditions and familiarity with the various communities will help you accomplish your goals. 

But don't just take our word for it... here's what our clients are saying:

" We have used the Sold In Paradise Team to both buy and sell properties and would highly recommend them. They were professional and attentive to our needs and were always available to answer any questions we had. I'm happy to say both the purchase and sale went off without a hitch! Thanks Sold In Paradise Team! "

" Our situation was unique in that we never met the Sold In Paradise Team in person. We listed our Florida condo with them and communicated via e-mail. They not only kept us informed of what was happening, but sold our condo in just a few weeks. We would definitely recommend the Sold In Paradise Team for any real estate needs you have --  buying or selling. They did a great job for us. "

" Working with the Sold In Paradise Team to help us purchase our new home in Santa Rosa Beach was just terrific. They are very knowledgeable about the area and well connected. They not only helped us find our home, they were able to put us in touch with local professionals to make the process much easier. I would recommend the Sold In Paradise Team to anyone needing a real estate professional, they are easy to work with and very responsive. Thanks Sold In Paradise Team! "

3 Incredible Investment Opportunities

  It's no wonder why so many people are investing in our area. The masses are drawn to the obvious mainstay: our gorgeous Gulf beaches, sugar white sands, and salty breeze. Dotted along the coast are several areas that all have their own draws. We have the bustling Destin Harbor- a popular destination for shopping, fireworks, live music, and festivals. Move along to Miramar Beach and Sandestin where you can find beachside neighborhoods and condominiums with incredible amenities. Further east are some of our personal favorite areas. 30A is the be all end all of locations. It seems that no matter how much growth there is, the area manages to maintain a quaint beach town feel. Coastal dune lakes and state parks are protected making the area feel open, clean, and welcoming. Along 30A you'll find several neighborhoods and communities each with their own coastal flair. We invite you to explore the area for yourself and find your paradise. 

For a moment, picture yourself owning these incredible investment opportunities:

117 Gulf Shore Drive • Santa Rosa Beach, FL • 10 Bed/10 Bath • $2,900,000
Projected Rental Income: $250-$275,000

  This Grayton Beach home is located in the community of Gulf Trace, a beachside community of 86 residential lots surrounded by state parks on the east and west and by the Gulf of Mexico on the south. This residence consists of two homes under one roof. With 10 bedrooms and each with a private bath, 2 kitchens, 2 dining areas, and 2 large living spaces, this home can comfortably accommodate 32 or more guests. This home sits on over a half acre of land and has 75 feet of pristine and private beach frontage. Expansive porches on two levels provide panoramic views of the beach and down the coastline. It can be rented as a 10 bed/10 bath or as two 5 bed/5 bath, making this an incredible investment opportunity. 

    

46 Coopersmith Lane • Watersound, FL • 6 Bed/5.5 Bath • $2,695,000
Projected Rental Income: $240-$250,000

This home is incredible! A spacious 6 bedroom home sits directly across from the Puttering Park and backs to Deer Lake State Park. Boasting the largest private pool in Watersound. This ''Thurber'' custom designed home features high end finishes both inside and out. The Wide plank red oak flooring, Carrara marble,imported glass tile, pecky cypress custom doors and cabinets are only a few of the things that make this home special. Only the best materials and finishes were used throughout this well constructed home!

  The kitchen with its huge island that allows for great bar seating and also a large dining area. This living room flows out to a wide porch that serves to expand this second floor living space with an abundance of sitting and eating areas both inside and out. There is also a master bedroom in the on this floor. As you go out the back door from this main living area to the outside living room you will pass a butler's

pantry with ice maker, wine cooler and sink. From the back porch you can either go down to the spectacular pool and cabana area or continue on the same level to the out door living room. This out side screened living space is very special and sets this home apart from any other home in Watersound. This large screened in space has a fireplace and is equipped with lots of sitting and eating areas as well as ping pong and other gaming possibilities. From the main

living area on the second floor you can go up the stairs to a very large family/TV/game room. This room has lots of windows and brings an open and airy feel to this special gather spot for the entire family. Also on this same floor is the 6th bedroom and it's adjacent bath. This is the complete package for a family compound for a large family and all their kids and grand kids. This home is also a wonderful rental home and highly sought after as it accommodates so many in such a grand fashion. The many separate living areas for gatherings allow space for different age groups not to get in each others sphere. 

20 Ballamore Road • Miramar Beach, FL • 4 Bed/4.5 Bath • $1,650,000
Projected Rental Income: $110-$145,000

  Coastal meets cozy in this dream home within the desirable community of Avalon Beach Estates. Boasting an open floor plan, plentiful natural light, unobstructed panoramic Gulf views, two fireplaces, courtyard with pool and so much more. A welcoming entrance leads you to the living, kitchen and dining areas, all open and connecting. Perfect for entertaining. You will also find a guest suite with its own full bath and exit to the courtyard and pool. Upstairs you will find two more guest suites, each with it's own full bath. Then discover the breathtaking master suite and bath. Highlights include the expansive Gulf views, spacious balcony, hardwood floors, and vaulted wood planked ceilings. Just a few steps lead you to the private, gated entrance to the beach exclusive to Avalon where you can enjoy nearly 500 feet of gorgeous beach frontage. Paradise!

  Detailed features include a chef's kitchen with generous cabinet space, wine fridge, granite countertops, and tile flooring that flows into the dining and living areas as well. Great stone detail on the entrance wall and fireplaces give a real cozy feel. The downstairs guest suite has hardwood floors, gulf views, and it's own entrance to the courtyard. All bedrooms have large walk-in closets and their

own full baths. The master suite exudes relaxation with generous windows to enjoy views of the Gulf from every angle. The attached master bath has a double vanity and gives a light and airy coastal feel. Double walk-in closets and an additional vanity provide abundant storage options. A spacious 2 car garage provides storage and protection for vehicles, bikes, stand up paddle boards, and more. Avalon Beach Estates provides a community pool and tennis courts.

This home is made to be enjoyed! Also close by are several restaurants, Silver Sands Outlets, and Destin Commons.








If you would like to see more investment properties, feel free to let us know and we'll find your perfect paradise! 

November Sales Market Highlights

The numbers are in for November sales statistics! The market is still quite active this fall rolling right on into December. 

This year the Emerald Coast hit a record in tourism -June alone was a 13% increase from last year- making our area a hot spot for investing in real estate. 

While inventory is quite low, this gives sellers an upper hand, perhaps landing several offers and an increase in sales price. However, with the end of year and holiday season approaching, buyers may discern that this is a great opportunity to make an offer as sellers become antsy with the slowing of the season. 

Either way, we are here to help you make a savvy decision on your real estate investments. 

In the meantime, check out the infographic below that features the highlights for the month of November!

Market Report for Okaloosa Island • Destin • Miramar Beach • Sandestin • 30A 

Discover the Quiet Side of Sandestin...

  Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort is a pristine community consisting of several different neighborhoods that appeal to people of all walks of life. Popularly known for its spectacular amenities: Championship golf courses, bike, kayak, and beach chair rentals, a full service marina, restaurants, shopping and entertainment within The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Not to mention the countless festivals throughout the year that draw people from far and wide, locals and visitors alike.

  We have several listings within Sandestin, the latest of which was wonderful to shoot at 2020 Pine Island Circle. When I first went to shoot it was a tad overcast and not the prettiest of days. Since we believe in the details, I went back later in the day when the skies had cleared a bit to shoot the outside of the home. After finding success I drove down the winding roads just outside the neighborhood of Crystal Lake, and rounded the corner to find an awesome sight. Resting on branches hanging over one of the many lakes found in Sandestin were over 20 Great White Herons. 
   

  Though Herons are generally quite social and typically nest in colonies, having lived here for nearly 20 years I’ve never seen such a sight, so many of them all together. Instinctually I stopped to take a few photos, and as the sun started to fall below the tree lines turning them to darkened silhouettes, I sat on the edge of the adjacent side of the lake and observed the birds for quite a while. They seemed to be taking in the sunset sky too. A friendly resident of Sandestin stopped to take a few photos as well, and she told me they do this every night. All gather at the same time, in the same place, and except for the one or two birds that would occasionally flap its wings and find its balance on a new branch, they would all sit quietly and face the setting sun until it was dark.

  I thought how amazing this was to be in the center of such a bustling community. There is so much more to Sandestin than the popularly known places. That’s what makes Sandestin so appealing. A place to be in the middle of it all, or a place to discover little known secrets. It’s a place for all.          

Gratitude.

Its the time of year when most people are focusing on being thankful and grateful. As the year comes to an end and we all start into the busy new year, this thankful/grateful attitude has the possibility to wane. So, here is a great article we found on an awesome site at www.happify.com. It focuses on the science behind being grateful and how it can benefit our lives, all year long. They have some great suggestions to keep it fresh and even fun.  

The Science Behind Gratitude (and How It Can Change Your Life)

The benefits of practicing gratitude are nearly endless. People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they're thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems. And gratitude doesn't need to be reserved only for momentous occasions: Sure, you might express gratitude after receiving a promotion at work, but you can also be thankful for something as simple as a delicious piece of pie. Research by UC Davis psychologist Robert Emmons, author of Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, shows that simply keeping a gratitude journal—regularly writing brief reflections on moments for which we’re thankful—can significantly increase well-being and life satisfaction.

You’d think that just one of these findings is compelling enough to motivate an ingrate into action. But if you’re anything like me, this motivation lasts about three days until writing in my gratitude journal every evening loses out to watching stand-up comics on Netflix.

Here are a few keys I’ve discovered—and research supports—that help not only to start a gratitude practice, but to maintain it for the long haul.

Freshen Up Your Thanks

The best way to reap the benefits of gratitude is to notice new things you’re grateful for every day. Gratitude journaling works because it slowly changes the way we perceive situations by adjusting what we focus on. While you might always be thankful for your great family, just writing “I’m grateful for my family” week after week doesn’t keep your brain on alert for fresh grateful moments. Get specific by writing “Today my husband gave me a shoulder rub when he knew I was really stressed” or "My sister invited me over for dinner so I didn't have to cook after a long day." And be sure to stretch yourself beyond the great stuff right in front of you. Opening your eyes to more of the world around you can deeply enhance your gratitude practice. Make a game out of noticing new things each day.

Get Real About Your Gratitude Practice

Being excited about the benefits of gratitude can be a great thing because it gives us the kick we need to start making changes. But if our excitement about sleeping better because of our newfound gratitude keeps us from anticipating how tired we’ll be tomorrow night when we attempt to journal, we’re likely to fumble and lose momentum. When we want to achieve a goal, using the technique of mental contrasting—being optimistic about the benefits of a new habit while also being realistic about how difficult building the habit may be – leads us to exert more effort. Recognize and plan for the obstacles that may get in the way. For instance, if you tend to be exhausted at night, accept that it might not be the best time to focus for a few extra minutes and schedule your gratitude in the morning instead.

Make Thankfulness Fun By Mixing It Up

University of Rochester partners in crime Edward Deci and Richard Ryan study intrinsic motivation, which is the deep desire from within to persist on a task. One of the biggest determinants is autonomy, the ability to do things the way we want. So don’t limit yourself—if journaling is feeling stale, try out new and creative ways to track your grateful moments. My fiancée Michaela decided to create a gratitude jar this year. Any time she experiences a poignant moment of gratitude, she writes it on a piece of paper and puts it in a jar. On New Year’s Eve, she’ll empty the jar and review everything she wrote. When a good thing happens, she now exclaims, “That’s one for the gratitude jar!” It immediately makes the moment more meaningful and keeps us on the lookout for more.

Be Social About Your Gratitude Practice

Our relationships with others are the greatest determinant of our happiness. So it makes sense to think of other people as we build our gratitude. Robert Emmons suggests that focusing our gratitude on people for whom we’re thankful rather than circumstances or material items will enhance the benefits we experience. And while you’re at it, why not include others directly into your expression of gratitude? One Happify activity involves writing a gratitude letter to someone who had an impact on you whom you’ve never properly thanked. You could also share the day’s grateful moments around the dinner table. The conversations that follow may give you even more reasons to give thanks. 

Find more great articles on the science of happiness at: www.happify.com

October Sales Market Highlights

The numbers are in for October sales statistics! The market is still quite active this fall rolling right on into November. 

This year the Emerald Coast hit a record in tourism -June alone was a 13% increase from last year- making our area a hot spot for investing in real estate. 

While inventory is quite low, this gives sellers an upper hand, perhaps landing several offers and an increase in sales price. However, with the end of year and holiday season approaching, buyers may discern that this is a great opportunity to make an offer as sellers become antsy with the slowing of the season. 

Either way, we are here to help you make a savvy decision on your real estate investments. 

In the meantime, check out the infographic below that features the highlights for the month of October!

Have an area of interest that you'd like the statistics on? 

Contact us and we can customize a report specific to your needs! 

Okaloosa Island • Destin • Miramar Beach • Sandestin • 30A