RE/MAX Beaches Blog: February 2018

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Just Sold | El Matador | Unit 437 | Okaloosa Island, FL

2 Bedroom | 1.5 Bath | 1,045 Square Feet | Selling Price: $360,000

Our long-time local buyers were looking to add to their real estate investment portfolio along the Emerald Coast. Their desire was to purchase a waterfront condo, close to main attractions, and of course – the beach! We're happy to say this Gulf front unit at El Matador on Okaloosa Island came at the right price at just the right time!

This purchase was a savvy move as Gulf front building units don't become available often. Glass sliders lead to the balcony from living area, providing wonderful views of the Gulf, and views of the Intracoastal Waterway can be enjoyed from the kitchen and guest room. The master bedroom is spacious and light, and also features Gulf views through glass sliders.

Just steps away from the sugar-white sand, and sparkling surf – El Matador provides all of the joys of beach living. Beautifully landscaped and meticulously attended featuring lush palm trees and manicured lawn, a Gulf side pool, fitness center, tennis courts, beach volleyball, and grassy area for the children to play. In addition to being only steps away from the beautiful white sand beach, this locale places you just minutes away from popular beachside restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and family fun.

Looking to find your paradise? Give us a call!

Thursday, February 15, 2018

What's the State of American Real Estate?

In conjunction with the President's State of the Union Address, Realtor.com published its analysis of the state of the national real estate market. I usually focus on the local market, but think this information is really important for a wide-ranging view.

This national report focuses on two significant factors: strong economy and low inventory. These dynamics are the foremost drivers of today's real estate market.

First, we started 2018 with a robust and growing economy. Four strong markers that positively impact real estate include:

Unemployment fell to its lowest level in 18 years at 4.1% as jobs were added for a record 86th consecutive month.

Consumer confidence is at "historically high levels" according to the Consumer Confidence Index just released January 30th.

American Stock Market has reached several all-time highs over the past year.

The American Retail Federation announced 2017 retail business ended strong and finished with a 5.5% increase in holiday sales.

Second, we have extremely low inventory in just about every market in the country. Joe Kirchner, senior economist for realtor.com announced: "The macro-factors that have defined real estate in recent years - strong demand and weak supply - continue to set the tone for the industry." The national inventory fell to 8.8% in 2017 - down about 2% from 2016. Real estate is a supply vs. demand business. Low inventory with strong demand has driven prices up.

Home ownership continues to be a major vehicle to build wealth. With interest rates hovering in the 4% range, financing still gives the buyer a lot of bang for the buck when considering historic interest rates.

Do you have any plans to invest in real estate or sell a property in 2018? Our team is prepared to help you make real estate your BEST investment. Let us know how we can assist you.

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

2017 Annual Market Sales Highlights

2017 proved to be another successful year for the Emerald Coast real estate market. The ever-increasing popularity of our area continues to fuel the economy and growth. These strong tourism numbers, combined with elevated awareness of alternative accommodations that has resulted from the popularity of service providers such as Airbnb and VRBO, have resulted in our location being a smart investment market. In fact, a recent poll revealed that 93% of Floridians were in favor of maintaining laws that would allow homeowners to rent their homes to vacationers.

According to the Rented.com Annual Short-term Rental Report for 2017:

Destin ranked #1 as the best performing place to own a short term rental property in the vacation market. Panama City ranked at #5, and Santa Rosa Beach at #8!

Overall our area has seen many increases in sales. 30A continues to be a favorite of both condo and home buyers. 30A East saw an increase in both home sales (+13%) and condo sales (+15%). While 30A West proved to be more popular with home sales (+15%) over condo sales (-1%). Miramar Beach favored condo sales (+27.5%) over the slow and steady increasing of home sales (+4%). Popularly known for Gulf side condos along it's 3 miles strip, Okaloosa Island saw condo sales (+15%) go up as well.

Check out a few more highlights:

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:

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Fact: The average days on the market for the areas

included in our highlights was 138.

Fact: Our average days on the market for properties

we listed and sold in 2017 was 63 days!

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Adding to the listings we sold above, we also worked with sellers to get these properties on the market in 2017:
Lasata at Sandestin | Unit 3310
East Pass Towers | Unit 626
20 Ballamore Road
6 Lakeshore Drive
Calypso Resort | Unit E2304

The activity in 2017 was exciting and we're hustling our way right through the beginning of this year. We love staying in touch to keep both our buyers and sellers prepared for the rest of this year, with our current focus on the upcoming spring season. This is a great time to perform some due diligence regarding purchasing property. Spring will be here before you know it and 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!

With the start of 2018, we were able to get several more properties under contract. We'll have all the details in the January Market Report.

Monday, February 12, 2018

Just Listed | One Water Place | Unit 309 | Kelly Plantation | Destin, FL

2 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2,505 Square Feet | Priced At: $749,000

Spectacularly overlooking the Bay and the signature championship Kelly Plantation Golf Course, One Water Place is Destin's finest and most luxurious condominium complex offering unparalleled amenities.

This unit uniquely features the convenience of a lobby level location and overlooks the garden, waterscapes, and Bay where you can take in the serene sights and sounds from the sizable balcony. Upscale interior finishes include 10 foot ceilings, crown molding, travertine floors in the kitchen and baths, hardwoods in living areas, gas fireplace, granite countertops, and Viking professional series appliances. Unit is assigned two parking garage spaces.

One Water Place amenities include: a large outdoor saltwater pool, indoor and outdoor spas, full gym, movie theater, game room, wine cellar, bocce ball courts, putting green, conservatory, garden, dog park, and so much more!

Check out the video tour we did for this unit!

Click here to see more info!