Just Sold | 160 Marlberry Trace | Santa Rosa Beach

4 Bed  •  2.5 Bath  •  2,068 Square Feet  •  Selling Price: $351,000

We assisted our lovely buyers in the purchase of this wonderful home!

This gorgeous and spacious home is nestled in Hidden Grove Subdivision – a private gated community located in one of South Walton's best centralized locations. Steps from the Bay and just under 4 miles from the beaches along 30A, as well as close to shopping and entertainment makes this a prime location. Desirable appointments within the home include: granite counter tops throughout, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors in the living, dining and kitchen areas, carpeted in four bedrooms as well as the private loft area. The master bath and the two additional bathrooms have tile floors and granite countertops. Homes are selling fast in this highly desirable subdivision, with low HOA fees and a relaxing community pool, it's no surprise. Paradise! 

Click here to see more homes for sale in Hidden Grove!

Click here to search for other homes for sale in different communities!

July 4th Fireworks Along the Emerald Coast

On July 4th, fireworks celebrations will take place all along the Emerald Coast. Some of the celebrations take place before the 4th of July, so you can catch multiple fireworks shows. Check out the list below for many places along the Emerald Coast where you can celebrate! 

Destin 

Smoke on the Coast – July 3, 2017 – 9:00 pm – Start your Independence Day early at Destin Commons with great BBQ, live music, street performers, and kids activities. This 6th annual event benefits local charities. There will be 16 area restaurants and BBQ teams competing in the BBQ competition fighting for the People’s choice award of best BBQ on the Emerald Coast. BBQ tastings and live music starts at 5:00 pm and samples are $1 each. Fireworks are at 9:00 pm.

Red, White, and Baytowne – July 4, 2017 – 9:15 pm – The fireworks show at Baytowne Wharf starts at 9:15 pm, but the fun and celebration begins at 6:00 pm with kids activities, live music, and more!

4th of July Fireworks over the Harbor – July 4, 2017 – 9:00 PM – Enjoy a patriotic fireworks display at HarborWalk Village on Independence Day. Enjoy live music starting at 7PM. 

Seaside

Seaside 4th of July Celebration – July 4, 2017 – 8:30 PM – The annual Seaside Independence Day parade starts at 8:00 AM and goes from Seagrove to the Seaside Amphitheater. Kick back and enjoy live music by the Victory Belles at 7PM, followed by the fireworks show at 8:30 PM.

Alys Beach

4th of July Concert & Fireworks – July 4, 2017 – 9:00 PM – Starting at 6:00 PM, there will be live music by The Bucktown All-Stars with the fireworks show around 9PM. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. 

Rosemary Beach

Fourth of July Celebration – Start bright and early with our Bike Decorating Contest & Breakfast. (7:30 AM) followed by the Bike Parade throughout the Town Center (8:30 AM). Enjoy an old-fashioned family field day on Western Green with sack races, water balloon toss, games prizes and more (9:00 AM). Rock to the sounds of the different decades with our band the “Like Totally” Hep Cats on Western Green (6:00 PM). Enjoy a star spangled fireworks display from the beach courtesy of the Rosemary Beach Property Owners Association (8:45 PM). Blankets and Lawn Chairs are welcome.

Fort Walton Beach

4th of July at the Fort Walton Beach Landing – July 4, 2017 – 8:45 – Beginning at 4pm, there will be live music, entertainment, food, merchandise vendors, kids activities, and more. Fireworks launch at 8:15PM, followed by live music by Continuum!

Navarre Beach

4th of July Fireworks on Navarre Beach – July 4, 2017 – 9:00 PM (or dark) – Fireworks will launch from Navarre Beach Marine Park and will be visible from both the beach and the sound side east and west of the Navarre Beach Causeway bridge.

Niceville – Valparaiso

Twin Cities Fireworks Show over Boggy Bayou – July 4, 2017 – DUSK – The fireworks will be launched over Boggy Bayou at Dusk. There will be plenty of kids activities such a train ride, bounce house, and a water slide. Bring the whole family and spend the day celebrating Independence Day! The most popular places for public viewing of the annual fireworks show are Lincoln Park, Lions Park, and the Turkey Creek area in Niceville. Parking is limited.

Can’t Make July 4th Fireworks?

July 5 – Fireworks From Okaloosa Fishing Pier – Fort Walton Beach, FL

Just Listed | Sandpiper Cove | Destin, FL

1 Bed  •  1 bath  •  629 Square Feet  •  Priced At: $157,000 

This great little one bedroom one bath unit is located in the popular 43 acre gated community of Sandpiper Cove. Open, airy, and perfectly situated right by the golf fairway and pool. Step out the glass sliders to your spacious patio where you can enjoy sunsets as the golfers go by or take a few steps and relax in the pool. This wonderful condo is rental ready and makes the perfect rental unit (grossing over $10k in 2016) or vacation home. 

Sandpiper Cove amenities include: 1,100 square feet of private beachfront, five pools, six tennis courts, marina, nine hole par three pitch and putt golf course, fine dining and in walking distance to shopping, restaurants and so much more. Paradise! 

Check out the video tour we did for this unit! 

Click here to see more info!

May Sales Market Highlights

May was quite the busy month.. with the end of Spring and leading into the Summer season it's no surprise! 

We had an active May ourselves. We sold our listing at 313 Sand Myrtle Trail, worked with buyers in the sale of 71 Nelly Street, and got 8 new listings on the market . We've also been working closely with our buyers and sellers in preparation for the busy summer market. We're loving the activity this year and can't wait to hustle our way right into summer! This is a great time to perform some due diligence regarding purchasing property. We are getting a new influx of inventory daily. Some great opportunities are out there right now. The daily hot sheet has new listings hitting the market every day. 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 Island, Destin, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, and 30A was: 

Sanctuary By the Sea • Unit 1128

30A West

$2,250,000

4 Bed/4.5 Bath 

4,003 Square Feet 




The highest priced home sold within the areas of Okaloosa Island, Destin, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, and 30A was: 

87 Green Street 

30A East

$6,300,000 

7 Bed/8 Bath/2 Half Bath

5,700 Square Feet

Beach Access – Somewhere For Everyone

Undoubtedly the best part of where we live is the beach. We are "The Emerald Coast". Widely known around the world for our miles and miles of sugar white sand and gorgeous emerald waters. Our sand is so fine and clean that it squeaks underfoot. Home to 15 coastal dune lakes, a geographical feature so rare that it only exists in a handful of places on Earth. But perhaps one of the most amazing things about our beaches is that the very best belong to you, the beach-loving public. 

Many of the condos built on the Gulf have deeded beach front, and while there is a benefit to owning within these communities, that doesn't mean they're the only place worth owning. There are a number of public beach accesses in Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay counties making sure that no matter where you live or own the beach is always easily accessible. 

Finding your perfect beach is easy when you have so many choices. South Walton alone has over 50 beach and bay access locations along its 26 miles of shoreline. Types of access vary, so be sure to check before you go. 

Regional Beach Access – Includes parking, restrooms, and several are ADA accessible. Each regional beach access point also has a flag indicating current surf conditions. Lifeguards are on duty at several of the regional beaches between the months of March and September. 

Neighborhood Beach Access – Neighborhood beach access is primarily for walk-­up traffic. Many of these also have flags indicating current surf conditions. 

Click here for a full list and map of the beach and bay accesses in South Walton!  

Click here for a list of the beach accesses in Destin!

When we list your property one of the features we highlight is the closest beach access available. When you are looking to buy, we will be sure to show you where you can find your favorite beach. After all, we sell paradise!

Just Listed | Seascape Condo Garden Villa 27A | Miramar Beach, Florida

2 Bed  •  2 bath  1,110 Square Feet  •  Priced At: $214,900 

This lovely garden villa is nestled within the popular Seascape Golf & Beach Resort. This unit boasts a flowing floorplan and all the comforts you need for the perfect second home or rental unit: two bedrooms, two baths, galley kitchen, laundry closet, and spacious patio overlooking serene views of the golf course and lake are just a few features. With Seascape being a favorite spot of vacationers this unit is projected to gross $20k in rentals! 

Seascape offers plentiful amenities including: 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and pro shop, basketball court, 5 pools, fresh water lakes, walkover to the beach where you can enjoy 2,000 feet of beach frontage and optional beach service, Whale's Tail Restaurant on the beach, bike rentals, and more. Paradise! 

Check out the video tour we did for this unit! 

Click here to see more info!

The Benefits of Owning A Second Home

If you already own a house, you probably have a pretty good idea about the rights, responsibilities, and financial obligations of homeownership. And if your experience as a homeowner has been a generally positive one, you might have toyed with the idea of buying a second piece of property. 

Why should you consider buying a second home? 

Four reasons spring to mind: Finances, Fun, Family & Future. 

Finances. In addition to the tax benefits of owning a second home, a rental property can boost your finances, giving you cash flow each month. And while all assets fluctuate in value in the short term, vacation properties are more likely to retain their value and appreciate simply because they are located in popular areas with a geographically limited supply. There is a finite shoreline on which houses and condos can be built, and only 18 holes on a golf course. 

Fun. A vacation home can be loads of fun, serving as a place to stir memories, relationships, and good times. With the endless activities to do in our area - most of which are outdoors - it not only serves as a ton of fun, but helps keep you active and healthy. 

Family. Our area is known for drawing families together and serving as a place where they can get away from it all and create a rich heritage of wonderful memories and tradition. There is something about the salty sea breeze, warm beach days, and sunset beach walks that are forever cherished by those who experience them. The intangible benefit of owning and passing property from generation to generation – especially a home that has been and will continue to be the site of many happy gatherings – is incalculable. 

Future. Lastly, you can buy a second home for your golden years, locking in your future retirement home at today's prices. 

Are you thinking about investing in a second home now or in the future? Feel free to let me know and I'll be happy to walk you through the process and help you find the perfect property.

Just Listed | 110 Legion Park Loop | Miramar Beach, FL

3 Bedroom  |  2 Bath  |  2,570 Square Feet  |  Priced At: $430,000

This gorgeous home is located in the heart of Miramar Beach. Less than half a mile from the Bay, and just a mile from the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. This wonderful family home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, den, and bonus room. Custom cabinetry, plantation shutters, bamboo and ceramic wood flooring, double tray and vaulted ceilings, granite countertops - the list of fine touches throughout the whole home is endless. The screened-in patio leads you to your own little backyard oasis with tropical landscaping and serene pond. The master suite has a private balcony overlooking the beautiful surroundings. A 3 car garage, walk-in closets, and a laundry chute provide convenience and extra storage. This home is a must see. Paradise! 

Click here for more information and photos of 110 Legion Park Loop! 

Or watch the video tour below!

Just Listed | Noblat Drive Townhomes | Mary Esther

5 Townhomes  |  10 Bedroom  |  10 Bath  |  6,190 Square Feet  |  $549,000

This is a great opportunity for an investor to own 5 townhomes in a quiet neighborhood in Mary Esther.

Each of these units are two story, and feature living, kitchen, and dining areas that are open and flowing. Glass sliders lead you to a private fenced in deck and yard for each unit. Two bedrooms feature their own bathroom and ample closet space. The combined laundry and half bath are located off the entry hallway. Each unit has a one car garage providing additional storage or parking. These units have been well-maintained by the owner and are currently all rental units.

These townhomes are located in a prime location just minutes from:

• Beaches

• Shopping

• Schools

• Only 6 miles from Hurlburt Field



These units are also available to purchase separately. Here are some details on each unit!

Noblat Townhomes • Unit 126
2 Bedroom | 2 Bath | 1,238 Square Feet | Selling Price: $120,900

Standout Features: This is the end unit, floors in the main living area were updated with beautiful wood plank tile flooring, and lovely fenced-in back yard and deck. 

 Click here for more information on unit 126!

Noblat Townhomes • Unit 128
2 Bedroom | 2 Bath | 1,238 Square Feet | Selling Price: $115,900

Standout Features: This unit has carpet flooring throughout the main living area, well maintained unit – a new water heater was installed last year, and lovely fenced-in back yard and deck. 

 Click here for more information on unit 128!

Noblat Townhomes • Unit 130
2 Bedroom | 2 Bath | 1,238 Square Feet | Selling Price: $115,900

Standout Features: The flooring in the main living area was updated with vinyl tile flooring, well maintained unit, and lovely fenced-in back yard and deck.

 Click here for more information on unit 130!

Noblat Townhomes • Unit 132
2 Bedroom | 2 Bath | 1,238 Square Feet | Selling Price: $115,900

Standout Features: The flooring in the main living area was updated with ceramic tile flooring, well maintained unit, and lovely fenced-in back yard and deck.

Click here for more information on unit 132!

Noblat Townhomes • Unit 134
2 Bedroom | 2 Bath | 1,238 Square Feet | Selling Price: $115,900

Standout Features: The flooring in the main living area was updated with ceramic tile flooring, well maintained unit, and lovely fenced-in back yard and deck.

 Click here for more information on unit 134!

Just Listed | East Pass Towers 626 | Holiday Isle

3 Bedroom | 3 Bath | 2,367 Square Feet | Priced At: $849,000

Resting between the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico and an elegant marina on the Destin Harbor, East Pass Towers is complete with everything Destin has to offer. Uniquely located on the tip of Holiday Isle, this beachfront gated community provides residents with an incredible view of the Emerald Coast and the surrounding Destin area, with its 39-slip marina contributing special character to its pleasant atmosphere. East Pass Towers leaves residents with absolutely nothing to be desired. The spacious floorplan, extravagant balcony, and convenient amenities of this luxury condo are certain to provide you and your family with an incredible living experience. 

This 6th floor unit has balcony access and great views from nearly every room thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliders. From here, enjoy the gorgeous sunsets and festivities along the Harbor.Two master suites offer spacious bedrooms and private baths. An additional bedroom and full bath allows for additional guests. The main living, dining, sitting area, kitchen, and wet bar spaciously flow together. Wonderful for entertaining friends and family. This luxury condo is a must-see!

Amenities abound including: pool, exercise room, covered parking, and community room. A marina is conveniently located in the Destin Harbor, where a boat slip may be purchased. Paradise!

Click here for more info! 

Enjoy the video tour we've put together for you below...

Just Sold | 71 Nelly Street | Hammock Bay | Freeport, FL

4 Bedroom  |  3 Bath  |  2,024 Square Feet  |  $192,175 

Another great home sold to our buyers in the wonderful neighborhood of Hammock Bay in Freeport! With 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a covered porch, and beautiful design touches.. this family home is the perfect little paradise. 

This new construction home is located in the Schooner Landing neighborhood. Designed to commemorate the traditions and history of the sailing schooners that were built in the Freeport Shipyards, Schooner Landing is a traditional neighborhood, with streets named after ships, designed to reflect a simpler lifestyle. Features include properties without any gates or walls, garages in the back of the homes to allow for friendlier streetscapes, as well as boardwalks resembling docks, and Halyard Park, designed by kids for kids with a lighthouse and the lookout on Hammock Hill. Naturally, all other amenities that Hammock Bay is well known for are all close by, which create a sought after Florida lifestyle.    

It it's entirety, Hammock Bay is a premier master planned residential community located along Highway 20, just 15 minutes north of sugary white sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle and Scenic Highway 30A. Situated on 3,000 acres in Freeport, here you will discover a peaceful, relaxing lifestyle, while still close to everything in Northwest Florida.  

Planned by the award winning developers of Destiny by the Sea, Hammock Bay, is a unique, sought after and environmentally responsible community that offers a one of a kind lifestyle for residents of all ages. Particular care and thoughtful consideration has been demonstrated throughout every step of development to ensure no detail is overlooked. Ideally located near the beaches of South Walton, Destin, Niceville, major airports and Eglin Air Force Base, discover what makes Hammock Bay so special. 

Residents at Hammock Bay will enjoy a host of amenities, including onsite recreational activities, year round social events as well a vibrant and active Town Center being designed for the near future. With something for everyone, Hammock Bay strives to deliver a sense of community reminiscent of yesteryear. 

• 6,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse with meeting rooms and professional caterer’s kitchen 
• Workout and fitness facilities next door at the 4,000 sq. ft. fitness center 
• Competition lap pool 
• Resort-style pool 
• Tennis court 
• Putting green 
• Movie theatre 
• Massive playground 
• Basketball court 

Click here to see more homes for sale in Hammock Bay!

Why Looks Are Everything In Real Estate

We are in the middle of the spring selling season, and we have some great advice for those of you thinking about selling. As a seller you should be looking for ways to maximize and highlight the best features of your property. It's called home staging, and the Sold in Paradise Team includes home staging as one of our listing services. 

Over thirty years ago Barb Schwarz coined the phrase "home staging." Her web site: www.StagedHomes.com says that staged homes sell about 7% higher than unstaged homes and in a shorter amount of time. 

The concept is simple: Think of the property as a product. 

What can be done to make it the best possible property/product? 

First, depersonalize. We want the buyers to see themselves in the home, to mentally move in. The point is for buyers to focus on the best features of the property and not the sellers' personal effects. 

Second, declutter. Start packing! Throw away, give away, and store away. We need to create a spacious feel for all rooms. 

These two principles of staging are just the beginning of preparing for the sale. Other recommendations could follow: clean up, spiff up, paint it, and neutralize it! At this point, your home is no longer about you, but about appealing to potential buyers. 

Finally, you only have one time to make a first impression. One NAR survey shows that buyers create an opinion of a property within 90 seconds and that an average showing is only 6 minutes. With these stats in mind, preparing your home to "wow" buyers immediately and at first visit is essential. 

Home staging is a vital component in our marketing strategy – just another way to get the job done quicker and net the seller more money.