Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve Along the Emerald Coast

Explore the many ways to celebrate the close of 2018 and welcome the new beginnings of 2019...


HarborWalk Village New Year's Eve Street Party
When: Monday, December 31st | 7:00pm - 12:00am

Where: HarborWalk Village

Event Times: 7:00pm Flash Flood Band | 8:00pm Fireworks | 9:30pm Departure- A Journey Tribute Band | 12:00am Ball Drop & Fireworks

Ring in 2019 at HarborWalk Village’s New Year’s Eve Street Party featuring two live bands, two fireworks shows, and a ball drop over the Destin Harbor! 

HarborWalk Village is giving back this holiday season by collecting supplies and donations for those impacted by Hurricane Michael. Visit our Hurricane Relief tent and join us in recovery efforts! Donations will be given to panhandlerelief.org and Volunteer Florida. Supplies needed include: blankets, cleaning supplies, sleeping bags, tents, work gloves, winter jackets and clothes for kids, hygiene products and towels.  Outdoor events are free to attend. On-Site parking is $10.00.

Baytowne Countdown | NYE

When: Monday, December 31st | 6:00pm - 1:00am

Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

Enjoy our family friendly evening from 6-8pm with face painting, kids activities, and live music on the Baytowne stage, finishing off with a fireworks display at 8pm. Ring in the New Year with an evening to remember, with two breathtaking fireworks displays at 8pm and midnight. Dance the night away to live music until 1am, featured on the Events Plaza Stage. You don’t want to miss The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s end-of-the-year celebration!  

After the kid friendly evening and 8pm fireworks show, take the kids over to Magnolia Ball Room at the Grand Conference Center for a fun place to let your kids hang out! 

From 6:30pm -1:00am kids will enjoy a pizza party with juice boxes, a bounce house, movies on the projector screen, Xbox one games, crafts, scooters, and more! 

Kids must be 4-12 years of age to attend Kids Night Out.

$70 per child for the entire night or $20 per child per hour.  

For more information or to make a reservation please call 850.267.7000 or email taylorpowell@sandestin.com.

SunQuest Cruises New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise 

When: Monday, December 31st | 8:00pm - 12:30am

Where: Baytowne Marina | Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

Ring in the New Year in true Emerald Coast style! Celebrate New Year’s Eve aboard SunQuest Cruises’ SOLARIS yacht with a dine, dance, cruise and fireworks experience like no other. The SOLARIS New Year’s Eve Destin Fireworks, Dancing and Dinner Cruise is an all-inclusive event for $150 per person, including a 4½ hour cruise, five-course meal, live entertainment, fireworks, party favors and champagne toast. 
Reservations for Destin New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise required online or calling 850.650.2519.

Countdown Seaside | NYE Celebration

When: Monday, December 31st | 7:00pm - 12:30am

Where: Seaside Amphitheater | 30A

Ring in the New Year in Seaside! The annual Countdown Seaside event features live music, children's activities including face painting and crafts, and of course fireworks at midnight! 
Music starts at 8pm and 2019 will be welcomed with a fireworks spectacular over the Gulf of Mexico. Make sure you arrive early to set out your blankets and chairs for the perfect spot!


Adios 2018 - New Year's Even Dinner
When: Monday, December 31st | 5:00pm - 11:00pm

Where: Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl | Rosemary Beach | 30A

The Pearl Hotel’s signature restaurant will ring in the new year with a special five-course Gulf Coast American cuisine menu from Executive Chef James Neale, celebratory champagne service, and ambient live entertainment. Guests can dine in the lively, yet intimate dining room amplified by the hand-carved mahogany bar or on the outdoor veranda, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise waters and Main Street. 
$95++ per adult | $60++ per child (12 and under); Reservations are required. 

After tasting and toasting to 2019, guests can continue their celebrations at the stylish Havana Beach Rooftop Lounge, cozied up together on a cabana or near a fire pit under Florida’s starry skies. For more info, visit the website.

NYE Beach Ball Drop @ Pier Park

When: Monday, December 31st | 5:30pm - 12:00am

Where: Pier Park in Panama City Beach

The holiday season may be coming to a close, but there’s still time for one last bash. Come to Pier Park for the annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop. Celebrate New Year’s Eve by the beach as we commemorate the 11th anniversary of this exciting tradition. Admission is free to this thrilling event and you can enjoy live music, two breathtaking fireworks displays and 10,000 beach balls dropped into the crowd on Pier Park Drive. Bring the family and your closest friends to ring in the New Year at Pier Park!

NYE Fireworks at The Boardwalk

When: Monday, December 31st | 8:00pm - 8:15pm

Where: The Boardwalk | Okaloosa Island

The perfect way to celebrate the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019 with family, friends, and the little ones, featuring a bedtime-friendly 8pm fireworks show! While you're there head over to the Crab Trap deck for the kid's play zone. They'll have games, 2019 resolution worksheets, party hats, and noisemakers galore!

Lulu's Noon Years Eve

When: Monday, December 31st | 10:00am - 3:00pm

Where: Lulu's | Destin

Mark your calendars for LuLu’s Annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration just for kids! It will be non-stop kid-friendly fun for the whole family, with excitement around every corner as LuLu’s celebrates and rings in the New Year. There will be a sandcastle building contest, arts & crafts, inflatables, face painting, live music, and more on the sandy beach. So the kiddies can have their fun, countdown to Noon with kid-safe “fireworks” and a huge Beach Ball Drop. 

LuLu’s is located in Destin at the foot of the Mid Bay Bridge, next to Legendary Marina. For more on the Noon Year’s Eve celebration, call (850) 710-5858. 

Planning to be in town? 

Let's chat!

November 2018 | Condo & Home Sales Market Highlights

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

With so many visitors in town for the holidays, the month of November is 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!   

Our team had an active share in the November market, while continuing to stay prepared for the coming new year! 

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

Ariel Dunes II | Unit 1909
Islander | Unit 206
Nautilus | Unit 2310
Beachside II at Sandestin | Unit 301

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

Fairways at Seascape | Unit 7E
El Matador | Unit 242

We also worked with sellers to get the following properties on the market:

Royal Seaesta | Unit 9
Nautilus | Unit 2310

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

The activity this year has been exciting and we're preparing for even more in the coming new year. We love staying in touch to keep both our buyers and sellers prepared and on top of the market. This is a great time to perform some due diligence regarding purchasing property. With the beginning of winter a few days away, spring is just around the corner. 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 November:  

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

Thirty-One

30A East

$4,100,000

4 Bed | 4.5 Bath

4,503 Square Feet  

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

618 Gulf Shore Drive

Destin

$6,520,000

9 Bed | 10.5 Bath 

9,000 Square Feet 

Just Sold | Gulf Crest Townhomes | Unit 5 | Miramar Beach, FL

2 Bed  |  2 Bath  |  984 Square Feet  |  Selling Price: $205,000

Our buyers both went into retirement and were looking to spend their time between their hometown in Ohio and the rest in Destin! The search for their ideal property started in 2016 and they requested Jay's help to find it. As soon as Jay saw this unit hit the market he knew this was the perfect property and that it would sell fast. He immediately let our clients know the details of the property and got a contract in quick. We're happy to say our buyers couldn't be happier with their new little piece of paradise!  

This two bedroom unit is one of only seven properties located in Gulf Crest Townhomes which is a low density community located just steps from the sugar sand beaches and popular beachfront restaurant Pompano Joe's. Very well maintained and fully furnished, this unit gives our buyers plenty of options as this property makes for an excellent rental, full time, or second residence. A great little paradise.

Gulf Crest Townhomes has a community pool and sits just steps from the beach and popular Pompano Joe's beachfront restaurant. Just minutes away are many other restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options. So much to do in paradise!

Click here to view other condos for sale in Destin!

Thinking of selling or buying? Give us a call!

Vacation Property: Dream Responsibly

It happens a lot. The dream vacation on the beach suddenly morphs into a dream of buying a piece of paradise. 

According to the National Association of Realtors, a number of people are considering buying a property with vacation in mind. A study released in 2017 revealed that 42 percent of investment buyers were motivated to purchase a new property primarily as a family retreat. 

If you’re motivated to do the same in your dream getaway here along the Emerald Coast, here are some preparatory steps you can take as you embark on your property search: 


Decide whether you want the place to be primarily for your use or also serve as a rental property. If you will try to recoup some of the purchase and maintenance costs through renting, the property you purchase should have a broad appeal, include popular amenities, and maybe even be professionally managed. 


Speak to your accountant about potential tax advantages or obligations involved with your vacation property. Second homes and rental properties are subject to specific tax rules, so be sure you know what’s expected and what you can deduct. 


Think about location, location, location. Yes, it’s a cliche, but no less true for vacation properties than for other real estate. Homes near beaches or lakes tend to attract the greatest number of interested buyers or renters. Check out all four seasons in your targeted area because the atmosphere can change dramatically based on busy or slower seasons. Finally, if you plan to use the place often, consider something within a few-hours drive or flight. Anything much farther tends to discourage frequent visits. 


Consider renting first, then buying. This will give you time to get to know the development, the area and the turnover rate among your future neighbors. All these factors are crucial to your enjoyment of the place – and its resale potential. 


Find a local agent who knows the area and the second-home market. This is where we come in! Working with an expert who lives and works in or near your targeted community is your best bet. In addition to advising you on each location’s pluses and minuses, we can also discuss the property’s rental and resale potential and year-round character – key factors to consider in your property search. Give us a call to make your dream of purchasing paradise a reality!

Just Sold | 40 Topaz Cove | Miramar Beach, FL

3 Bed  |  3 Bath  |  2,072 Square Feet  |  Selling Price: $410,000

Our sellers of Unit 9 at Royal Seaesta just became our buyers in Emerald Shores! Desiring to move their vacation spot to a home in a subdivision, we thought Emerald Shores was just the place. 

This wonderful coastal home is in a prime location just steps from the beach in the highly desired neighborhood of Emerald Shores! With two master suites, an additional bedroom, and three bathrooms this is the perfect family vacation home for our clients. Both upstairs bedrooms feature private balconies while the downstairs master opens to a private patio. The third bedroom shares a bathroom with the large bonus room. With great potential as a vacation rental, the spacious bonus room can easily be made into a large bunk room to capture a larger number of guests and to yield a more profitable return. A real paradise!  

Emerald Shores is a gated community accessible from both Scenic 98 and Highway 98 for the convenience of its residents and guests. The community has deeded beach access with a pavilion, beach services, restrooms, showers, and even a tiki bar. In addition, the property has two seasonally heated pools, tennis, basketball, and shuffleboard courts. Just minutes away are many restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options. So much to do in paradise!

Click here to view other homes for sale in Emerald Shores!

Thinking of selling or buying? Give us a call!

Just Sold | El Matador | Unit 242 | Okaloosa Island, FL

2 Bedroom  |  2 Bath  |  1,035 Square Feet  | Selling Price: $265,000

We got right to work when our clients decided it was time to sell their two bedroom unit at El Matador on Okaloosa Island. They've thoroughly enjoyed this Gulf view unit, but decided it was time to upgrade their views to Gulf front! We love that our clients can't get enough of our stunning coastline, so it was a pleasure to get this unit sold for them! 

Take in the salty sea breeze and serene views of both the Intercoastal Waterway and Gulf of Mexico from this fourth floor unit at El Matador on Okaloosa Island. A beautiful unit, you'll find yourself right at home with a spacious master bed and attached bath with a garden tub and walk in closet. A guest bedroom and bath are located in the north end of the unit. The kitchen provides abundant cabinet storage and a pantry. A cozy living area has glass sliders that lead to the balcony overlooking the grass courtyard and Gulf. This is a wonderful rental unit through the busy season or a favorite home away from home for snowbirds in the winter. El Matador community features include: gated security, two pools, fitness center, tennis courts, lounge, grilling areas, and abundant beach frontage. Simply paradise. 

Click here to explore other units for sale at El Matador!

Just Sold | Beachside II | Unit 301 | Sandestin, FL

1 Bed  |  1 Bath  |  972 Square Feet  |  Selling Price: $421,000

Our repeat buyers are savvy investors adding to their real estate portfolio. This is our client's fourth investment in the area. Born and raised locally but residing in Georgia, they find Emerald Coast properties excellent investments! 

Soak in spectacular views of the stunning coastline from this tenth floor unit at Beachside II in Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. The unit has recently been remodeled and features refreshing coastal décor, new fully equipped kitchen, master bedroom with a king size bed and spacious living and dining rooms. This one bedroom one bath condo also has a separate bunk room for the kids, comfortably sleeping six. Take in the sea breeze and breathtaking sunsets from the spacious balcony. A real paradise!  

Resting on the south side of Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Beachside II provides a wonderful family friendly vacation spot with amenities including a Gulf-side pool, serene lakes, bike paths, basketball and tennis courts, miniature golf, four championship golf courses, and so much more. Shopping, dining and live entertainment at The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a just a quick tram, golf cart, or bike ride away through the convenient underground tunnel that gets you from one side of the resort to the other. So much to do in paradise!

Click here to view other units for sale at Beachside in Sandestin!

Thinking of selling or buying? Give us a call!

Just Sold | Nautilus | Unit 2310 | Fort Walton Beach, FL

2 Bed  |  2 Bath  |  1,100 Square Feet  |  Selling Price: $232,000

Our long-time client knows a great deal when he sees one! 

Not wanting to pass up on the opportunity, our client jumped at the chance to own this unit at the Gulf front community of Nautilus on Okaloosa Island. With plans to utilize the condo as a rental income producing property, we were thrilled to assist our client with a quick closing on this savvy investment move!  

This condo has been beautifully updated and stylishly decorated. Refreshing Gulf views can be enjoyed from the balcony, main living area and master bedroom suite! The glass sliders open to the balcony to expand your views and make the gulf front condo feel airy and spacious. The large kitchen and split bedrooms make this unit ideal for families on vacation, making this a great investment property!  

Nestled on desirable Okaloosa Island, Nautilus provides a wonderful family friendly spot with amenities including a private swimming pool, barbecue grills and picnic area, direct beach access, and is close to plenty of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Paradise.

Click here to view other units for sale at Nautilus!

Thinking of selling or buying? Give us a call!