Just Sold | Seascape Condo Garden Villa | Unit 39B | Miramar Beach, FL

2 Bed  |  2 bath  |  1,110 Square Feet  |  Selling Price: $199,000

Another listing sold in Seascape! This condo garden villa was a pleasure to list and sell for yet another one of our wonderful clients!

As always, we requested our client to be open and let us know how we did. Here's what he had to say: 

 " I have had the pleasure of working with Jay on two separate transactions over the last three years-as a seller and a buyer. Jay is a true professional. I had great success both times. I would recommend Jay to anyone who is looking for an experienced, honest and hard-working realtor. " Phil S. 

Check out the details of the sale. Tucked away within desirable Seascape Golf & Beach Resort is this adorable first floor garden villa. Glass sliders from both the kitchen and living areas allow views of the golf course and lead you to the large patio where you can enjoy the serene surroundings and beautiful landscaping. A flowing floor plan with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and quaint coastal decor make this a wonderful second home or rental unit. Projected to gross $20-25k. 

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! 

As mentioned in our previous blog, professional photography matters! And this case was no exception. Check out the various marketing methods that we used to create a cohesive brand for this great unit. 

Email flyer sent to our database of investors, as well as an agent version for maximum exposure. 

Facebook post featuring a video tour of the property. We also post to YouTube, Google+, and Pinterest. In addition, we create a blog for your property.  

We also placed a flyer in the unit for renters who may be potential buyers.

We also featured Seascape amenities and the surrounding lifestyle.

Interested in selling your property? 

Give us a call!

Selling Your Home Faster

So, you have decided it's time to sell. As a seller you want to make the process as smooth and quick as possible. It's well known that two of the biggest factors in selling are the location and square footage. What else will impact your ability to sell faster? 


CURB APPEAL: A Zillow study states that this is the top factor impacting the time it takes to sell a property. 

LOCAL SCHOOL RATINGS: A realtor.com survey shows that 1 in 5 buyers will pay up to 10% more to live in the preferred school district. Homes in these school districts sell faster and at a premium. 

MOVE-IN CONDITION: According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, homes that are turnkey and are in move-in condition will sell 12% faster. 

QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHS: A study conducted by Redfin shows that homes marketed with professional pictures sold faster and for $3000-$11,000 more than homes with amateur pictures. 

STAGING: The Real Estate Staging Association says that staged homes spend 73% less time on the market than non-staged homes. 

DESIGN FEATURES: Current buyers are looking for certain features. According to Zillow Digs, homes with these features sell faster: subway tile, quartz, barn doors, shaker cabinets, stainless steel, tankless water heater. 

PROPER PRICING: Properties listed near to market value are almost 50% more likely to sell within 60 days according to Zillow.com 

Dr. Benne Waller of Longwood University conducted a study that revealed that an experienced agent who knows the market and who has a vast network could sell a property 32% faster than an inexperienced agent. 

The Sold in Paradise Team has extensive experience and networking capabilities. Let us know if we can help you sell your property faster!

Just Listed | 20 Ballamore Road | Avalon Beach Estates | Miramar Beach, FL

4 Bed  |  4.5 bath  |  3,315 Square Feet  |  Priced At: $1,650,000

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, 2 fireplaces, courtyard with a private pool, and so much more. A welcoming entrance leads you to the living, kitchen and dining areas, all open & connecting. Perfect for entertaining. You will also find a guest suite with its own full bath. Upstairs you will find two more guest suites, each with its own full bath. Then discover the breathtaking master suite and bath. Highlights include the expansive views, balcony, hardwood floors & vaulted wood planked ceilings. 

Avalon amenities include: tennis courts, heated community pool, close to beach front restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Best of all, enjoy the gated entrance to the beach exclusive to Avalon where you can enjoy nearly 500 feet of gorgeous beach frontage. Paradise! 

Check out the video tour we did for this unit! 

Click here to see more info!

Local Life: Farmers Markets

We love to support local business in any way we can. So what better way than by heading to the local farmers markets where you can find delicious fresh foods and homemade goods. Buying local foods is a simple way to improve your health, your community, and the environment, all at the same time. Local food doesn't suffer the "jet lag" of produce trucked across the country. It puts more money back into the local economy and saves a whole lot of gas. Who knew by buying an ear of corn or a fresh tomato you could do all that? 

Coming to the farmers market makes shopping a pleasure rather than a chore. The farmers market is a community hub - a place to meet up with your friends, bring your children, and visit with the friendly farmers, makers and bakers. A regular trip to a farmers market is one of the best ways to connect with where your food comes from. Meeting and talking to farmers and food artisans is a great opportunity to learn more about how and where food is produced, and creates a greater sense of appreciation for the hard work put into growing and harvesting the freshest of foods. 

There is quite the variety found at our local farmers markets. Take a stroll through the beautiful park like settings, trailing along the lines of stalls to find fresh from the farm produce including dairy, honey, eggs, grass-fed beef, beef, chicken, and pork. You can even find fresh local seafood, crab cakes, tuna and shrimp dips. There is homemade hummus, veggie dips, hot sauces, salsa's, guacamole and homemade tortilla chips. Jams, preserves, pickled veggies, BBQ sauces, marinades, mustards, flavored and smoked salts, cheeses, homemade pastas and sauces, artisan breads and desserts (some organic,gluten free, and Non-GMO) from around the world. Cold pressed organic juices, handmade crepes, and prepared ready-to-eat foods. Don't forget to treat yourself to some homemade soaps and lotions. There are even pet treats for your furry friends too! 

Though we live in a relatively small area we are fortunate to have quite a few farmers markets in our area. Just another reason to love the areas of 30A and Destin! Make your way to one (or all) of these local farmers markets: 

The 30A Farmers Market is an International Farmers Market Event, featuring foods from around the world, as well as wth delicious food from the South. 30A Farmers Market has weekly markets in three locations in South Walton:

30A Farmers Market at Rosemary Beach | Sundays 9am-1pm 

30A Farmers Market at 30Avenue | Thursdays 9am-1pm 

Grand Boulevard Farmers Market | Saturdays 9am-1pm

The Seaside Farmers Market is comprised of local growers and craftspeople who offer food and other products that are healthy and environmentally conscious. They have a weekly year-round schedule:

Seaside Amphitheater | Seasonal Hours: 

Spring and Summer | Saturdays/Tuesdays 8am-12pm 

Fall and Winter | Saturdays 9am-1pm

Just Sold | Seacove | 7E | Miramar Beach, FL

2 Bed  |  2 bath  |  1,100 Square Feet  |  Selling Price: $257,000

We loved working with our awesome sellers to get their unit at Seacove under contract in just 10 days!

Tucked away within the quiet gated community of Seacove you’ll discover this desirable 2 bedroom 2 bath unit. Used as a vacation home, this second story end unit has been well cared for. The master bedroom, bath, kitchen, and living area are all on the main level. On the second level you’ll find a loft bedroom and full bath. Relax on the spacious balcony while overlooking the well-manicured courtyard and inviting pool. The separate laundry closet is off the front patio. This is a perfect getaway beach home or investment property. Rental projections are $18k+! 

As mentioned in our previous blog, professional photography matters! And this case was no exception. Check out the various marketing methods that we used to create a cohesive brand for this great unit. 

Email flyer sent to our database of investors, as well as an agent version for maximum exposure. 

Facebook post featuring a video tour of the property. We also post to YouTube, Google+, and Pinterest. In addition, we create a blog for your property.  

Professional photos highlight each spectacular feature of the property.

We featured Seacove amenities and the surrounding lifestyle which included a renovated pool area which offers splash fountains and zero-entry access, charcoal grills, private deeded beach access just a few steps away, and close to shopping, entertainment, and restaurants.

Remodeling Values

Americans have always loved home DIY projects, and home renovation is expected to reach a record high this year. With a shortage on inventory and rising prices, many homeowners are staying put and choosing to remodel.

Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies recently projected that Americans will spend a record $316 billion on home remodeling. That is $20 billion more than last year. This is a positive and strong indicator of consumer confidence when homeowners splurge on minor and major remodels.

If you are a homeowner considering some remodeling, it's good to know the return on your remodeling investment. Remodeling Magazine has released estimates on ROI on some popular remodeling projects. Here are the average costs and percentage of return:

Project	Job Cost	Resale Value/ROI
Roof Replacement	$20,142	$14,446/71.7%
Bathroom Remodel	$17,809	$11,769/65.7%
Bathroom Addition	$42,223	$23,727/56.2%
Garage Door Replacement	$1,652	$1,512/91.5%
Major Kitchen Remodel	$59,999	$38,938/64.9%
Minor Kitchen Remodel	$20,122	$16,716/83.1%
Family Room Addition	$86,616	$58,807/67.9%
Master Suite Addition	$115,810	$74,224/64.1%
Deck Addition	$10,471	$7,850/75%

These figures provide rough estimations of added value should you decide to sell. Of course, expenditures will depend on if you are putting in the sweat equity yourself or are hiring professionals. 

Hope your summer is sailing along smoothly. Let us know if you need anything!

August Sales Market Highlights

Following the previous months, August was quite a busy month as well! Though summer has started to wind down, we continue to stay busy with both buyers and sellers. Our area never ceases to provide a favorite place for young and old, all year round. It's proven to be a smart and satisfying move to purchase an investment property or second home here. We're looking forward to what fall will bring!     

Our team had an active share in the August market. We assisted our wonderful buyers in the sales of the following properties:

Crystal Cove | Unit 2223 
30 NW Cape Drive

We worked closely with our sellers to get these listings sold in the month of August:

Lot 22 Highway 393
Emerald Towers West | Unit 5001
Noblat Townhomes | Unit 126 | Unit 130 | Units 132 & 134
Seascape Condo Garden Villa | 27A
Sandpiper Cove | Unit 1006  

In addition, we worked to get several more properties under contract. We'll have all the details in the September Market Report! 

We also worked closely with each of our sellers to get these properties on the market in August: 

Seacove | Unit 7E (Already under contract!)
Lot 7700 Gulf Boulevard

The activity this year is exciting and we're hustling our way through summer right into fall. We love staying in touch to keep both our buyers and sellers prepared for upcoming fall market. This is a great time to perform some due diligence regarding purchasing property. 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 August:

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

Viridian  • Unit 401

30A East

$2,925,000

3 Bed | 3.5 Bath 

3,831 Square Feet 







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

104 Watchtower Lane 

Watersound

$6,300,000 

7 Bed | 8 Bath 

5,252 Square Feet

Just Sold | Sterling Shores | Unit 219 | Destin, FL

3 Bedroom  •  3 Bath  •  2,324 Square Feet  •  Selling Price: $520,000

Over the years we've had the pleasure of working with our long term clients in both buying and selling properties, assisting them in making real estate their best investment several times over. The sale of their unit at Sterling Shores was no different. We're truly grateful for our loyal clients and couldn't ask for more.  

Recently remodeled and turnkey, this elegant condo is a preferred western end unit. The unit has a spacious and flowing combined living and dining space as well as a large kitchen featuring beautiful wood flooring, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. The living space and master suite flow out to a large balcony with views of the tropical pool and the lush grounds. This unit has 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, which includes lock-out guest quarters that includes a master suite with a large bathroom, walk-in closet, separate entry, and private balcony. This space can be rented separately. 

Sterling Shores offers many amenities: gated community, 42-seat surround-sound private theater, private beachside club with pool and grill, 3,400 square foot heated tropical pool, 9 acres of property, 240 feet on the Gulf, aerobics room, high speed internet access and on-site management. Paradise!

As mentioned in our previous blog, professional photography matters! This case was no exception. Check out the various marketing methods that we used to create a cohesive brand for this gorgeous property. 

Email flyer sent to our database of investors, as well as an agent version for maximum exposure.

Video tour of the property posted to various social media sites including: Facebook, YouTube, Google+, and Pinterest. 

Professional photos highlight each spectacular feature of the property.

Flyer placed in the unit for renters who may be potential buyers.

Click here to see more condos for sale in Sterling Shores!

Just Sold | 48 E Milestone Drive C | 30A East

2 Bedroom  |  2 Bath  |  1,182 Square Feet  | Selling Price: $384,105

We might be a little biased, but we love that our buyers chose to purchase within Prominence along 30A! Speaking from personal experience, it really is a wonderful place to own.

Prominence is ideally situated on Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton, nestled between Seagrove Beach and Alys Beach, near Watersound developments. Residents will enjoy easy access to beautiful resort style pools, fitness center and private shuttle service to the beaches of 30A. Ride bikes to neighboring communities to dine, shop, and explore the area's natural beauty. Nearby nature preserves and miles of bike paths offer recreational opportunities to take in the area's natural beauty and experience outdoor adventures such as kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, hiking and more.

No doubt a unique perk of living at Prominence is The Hub: a local event pavilion, music venue and unique restaurant complex which doubles as the town center at Prominence. The perfect place to gather as family and friends along with it's laid back atmosphere causes this to be a perfect place to spend post-beach day afternoons or relaxed evenings, all just a few steps from home.

Click here to see more properties for sale in Prominence!

The “Aruba'' floor plan is uniquely designed to feature 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms all on one level, in addition to the garage below. This townhome has a large porch with french doors extending from the living room to the bedroom. This lovely home features touches such as: ten foot ceilings, hardwood floors, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. 

Photos are of comparable unit. 

Just Sold | Lot | 77 Pelayo Street | 30A East

Lot Dimensions: 50x135  |  Acreage: 0.15  |  Selling Price: $275,000

We're happy to have assisted our buyers in the purchase of this lot located in Gulf Shore Manor – just to the east of Highway 395.

Convenience and location are key in this fantastic 30a luxury neighborhood. Our buyers are sure to enjoy the short distance to popular spots like Seaside and Watercolor. Just a short walk to the beach where the beauty of the white sandy beaches and clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico never get old. This location makes for an excellent vacation rental property or second home. One of the very nice features is having a low density neighborhood that is so close to the big attractions like Watercolor (just 1 mile to the west) and beach at the end of the street. Santa Clara Regional Beach Access is just steps away from the neighborhood. At this beach you’ll find lifeguards, handicapped access, restrooms, showers and pure relaxation. Paradise!

Click here to see more land for sale in Gulf Shore Manor!

Click here to see homes for sale in Gulf Shore Manor!

Just Sold | Noblat Townhomes | Units 132 & 134 | Mary Esther, FL

Unit 132  |  2 Bedroom  |  2.5 Bath  |  1,238 Square Feet  |  Selling Price: $113,000

Unit 134  |  2 Bedroom  |  2.5 Bath  |  1,238 Square Feet  |  Selling Price: $113,400

Two more Noblat Townhomes sold! These two units were purchased as investment properties. A smart move! 

We're just thrilled as our client let us know that he was only listing them until September 1st. We had approximately 90 days to hustle and get these under contract in the allotted time. We're happy to say the goal was met! Before September, we were able to sell four units, and got the last one under contract! 

It was our pleasure to work closely with our wonderful long-term client. We understand that each of our clients has different real estate needs. We love to be able to accomplish your real estate investment goals with you. We put forth the needed effort to reach these goals. Your success is our success!   

About the Properties: 
These lovely two story townhomes are located in a quiet neighborhood in Mary Esther. The living, kitchen, and dining areas are open and flowing. The main living spaces were each updated with ceramic tile flooring. The units both feature glass sliders leading you to their own private fenced in deck and yard. Each of the bedrooms have their own bathrooms and ample closet space. The combined laundry and half baths are located off the entry hallways. Each has a one car garage providing additional storage or parking. Just minutes from beaches, shopping, schools, and only 6 miles from Hurlburt Field makes this a prime location. These units have been well-maintained by the owner and were utilized as rental units. Noblat Townhomes make wonderful investment properties! 

About Our Marketing Plan:
We marketed this property using various methods including email campaigns, a blog, and posts to social media sites including Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest. We also feature the properties on the following websites:

www.Destin30ABeaches.com

www.SoldInParadise.com

www.Trulia.com 

www.Zillow.com 

www.Realtor.com 

www.EmeraldCoastHomesOnline.com

www.FloridaLivingNetwork.com

Email flyer sent to our database of investors, as well as an agent version for maximum exposure.