The Best Places In Destin to Celebrate the 4th of July

On July 4th, fireworks celebrations will take place all along the Emerald Coast. Below are several fireworks displays to celebrate Independence Day 2018. 

4th of July Celebration @ Rosemary Beach
When: Wednesday, July 4th | 7:30am - 9:00pm

Where: Rosemary Beach

Event Times: Bike Decorating Contest & Breakfast @ 7:30am  |  Bike Parade @ 8:30am  |  Field Day @ 9am  |  Concert @ 6pm  |  Fireworks @ 8:45pm

Start bright and early with the Rosemary Beach Bike Decorating Contest & Breakfast followed by the Bike Parade throughout the Town Center. Enjoy an old-fashioned family field day on Western Green with sack races, water balloon toss, games prizes and more. Later in the evening, rock to the sounds of the different decades with our band the “Like Totally” Hep Cats on the Western Green. Enjoy a star spangled fireworks display from the beach courtesy of the Rosemary Beach Property Owners Association. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. 

South Walton 4th of July Parade

When: Wednesday, July 4th | 8:00am - 9:00pm

Where: Seagrove to Downtown Seaside

Seaside hosts the community's annual Independence Day parade along Scenic 30A. The parade starts at Seagrove Plaza and ends at Seaside where the party continues. Enjoy your day in town with special offers from our Seaside Merchants and capture all the fun with commemorative photos from the Merchant-sponsored Photo Airstream. Join your friends and neighbors for the annual July 4th Parade down Scenic Highway 30-A and concluding in Seaside with even more fun! The parade begins in Seagrove Beach and travels down 30A, ending in Seaside. After the parade, stick around for the awards presentation, face painting and other fun all around this favorite SoWal beach town. It is the perfect way to kick off your Independence Day! 

Make sure to reserve your spot on the lawn for a festive concert performance at 7pm followed by an unbelievable fireworks finale over the Gulf of Mexico around 8:30pm—an annual 4th of July Seaside tradition! Make sure to grab your seat on the lawn early, as space fills up quickly for this festive event.

Off site parking and shuttles into Seaside are available on July 4th from 6AM to Midnight at the County lot in Grayton Beach at Highway 283. Free to ride. 

Red, White & Baytowne 

When: Wednesday, July 4th | 6:00pm - 10:00pm

Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Join Sandestin for its spectacular 4th of July Celebration. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun, then move the family over to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for an evening of family activities and that lights up the sky at Red, White and Baytowne from 6-10pm. The Village of Baytowne Wharf will have a host of kids activities, including kids' crafts, face painting, and balloon sculpting. Live music will be performed by Donovan Keith & The Funky Meat from 6-9 p.m. Grab your boogie shoes and join in the fun. Keep your eyes to the sky over the lagoon for the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at 9:15 p.m. For additional details visit www.baytownewharf.com.

4th of July Concert & Fireworks at Alys Beach

When: Wednesday, July 4th | 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Where: Alys Beach Amphitheatre

Celebrate the 4th of July at Alys Beach from 6-9 pm with live music by the Celebrity Allstar Band followed by fireworks. Bring blankets, low back chairs and your favorite beverage and grab a spot on the amphitheater lawn. Food and beverage available. Free and open to the pubic. The Celebrity Allstars are a supergroup comprised of former members of Earth Wind & Fire, Eagles, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson, Kenny Loggins, Bette Midler,Mariah Carey, & Garth Brooks. Never before has an act of this collective caliber been available for the private events or corporate events market. Check out the band at: http://www.thecelebrityallstarband.com.


HarborWalk Village 4th of July 'Let Freedom Ring'
When: Wednesday, July 4th | 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Where: HarborWalk Village

Entertainment: WWII Vintage Airshow over the Destin Harbor @ 6:30  |  Modern Eldorados – An American Music Tribute on the Main Stage @ 7:00-9:00  |  Fireworks Show over the Destin Harbor @ 9:00  |  Just Add Fire on the Main Stage @ 9:15  |  Americana Music Videos on the Main Stage @ 9:30-Midnight

Join HarborWalk Village for their Let Freedom Ring on Wednesday, July 4th from 6:30 - 9:30pm. Wearing your most festive attire, prepare yourself for a day of fun and great drink specials at along the world famous Destin Harbor. Celebrate Americana and the heritage of the Destin Harbor all summer long every Thursday night until August 16th. The all-American celebration includes a one-of-a-kind WWII Vintage Airshow, Live On-stage Entertainment, and FIREWORKS over the Destin Harbor, followed by ‘Just Add Fire’, a unique fire spinning performance.

Star Spangled Spectacular Fireworks @ Pier Park

When: Wednesday, July 4th |  9:00pm

Where: Pier Park in Panama City Beach

Celebrate Indepe the largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast. Each year there are dueling fireworks from the City (Russell-Fields) and County (MBMiller)Piers.   Pier Park is a popular place to view the fireworks show starting at 9pm. Grab a choice spot and enjoy the show! Head to the rooftop at The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House for a front row seat. Or stroll the streets for a fun night of shopping, entertainment, cocktails and dining at Pier Park located on Front Beach Road.

Can’t Make July 4th Fireworks? 
July 3 – Smoke on the Coast – Destin Commons, Destin, FL 
July 5 – Let Freedom Ring Tribute – HarborWalk Village – Destin, FL 
July 10 – Boomin’ Tuesday – Baytowne Wharf – Miramar Beach, FL 
July 11 – Okaloosa Island Pier Fireworks – Fort Walton Beach, FL

Planning to be in town? 

Let's Chat!

November Sales Market Highlights

Following the previous months, November was quite a busy month as well! Rolling right through fall and into winter, 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. Destin and the surrounding areas are an especially wonderful place to spend the holidays with family. For many who own here, 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 2018 will bring!     
Our team had an active share in the November market. We assisted our wonderful buyers in the sales of the following properties:

Ariel Dunes II | Unit 604
Hidden Dunes | Unit 640

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

Tropical Isle | Unit 208
Noblat Townhomes | Unit 128 

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

6 Lakeshore Drive
Calypso | Unit E2304

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 hustling our way right into the new year. We love staying in touch to keep both our buyers and sellers prepared for the rest of this year, the new year, and beyond. 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! 

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:  

La Terraza | Unit A

Destin

$2,649,000

7 Bed | 7.5 Bath

4,620 Square Feet  

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

114 Watchtower Lane | Watersound

30A East

$5,950,000

6 Bed | 6.5 Bath

5,024 Square Feet 

September Sales Market Highlights

Following the previous months, September was quite a busy month as well! Rolling right on into fall, 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 the rest of fall will bring!     

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

77 Pelayo Street 
48 East Milestone Drive | Unit C

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

Sterling Shores | Unit 219
Seacove | Unit 7E
Seascape Condo Garden Villa | Unit 39B

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

We also assisted our repeat client to get 20 Ballamore Road on the market in September.

The activity this year is exciting and we're hustling our way right through fall. We love staying in touch to keep both our buyers and sellers prepared for the rest of the 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 September:

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

Viridian  • Unit 402

30A East

$2,900,000

4 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: 

278 W Water Street 

Rosemary Beach

$5,900,000 

7 Bed | 8 Bath | 2 Half Bath

5,463 Square Feet

Compact. Connected. Convenient.

These adjectives are the core of the current American lifestyle, and we have discovered that these are prominent buyer's hot buttons. Buyers are looking for communities that ameliorate the strains of a demanding and often hurried life. 

Current buyers don't want to drive long distances to work and then drive more to shop, eat, or play. Many second-home buyers and investors are also looking for these master-planned communities. They want to walk, ride a bike or take a quick trip on a golf cart to a location within their communities or to a venue close by. Entertainment, shopping, and recreation are dominant features of these communities. 

Master-planned communities have been around for decades, but in the last few years, the demand has increased dramatically. Buyers of all ages are looking for micro-communities that offer beautifully landscaped environs and mixed-used properties. 

Locally, communities like Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, and Sandestin are experiencing growth much like we saw at the peak. The newest developments at the beach incorporate these buyer demands. Sales are soaring in these type of communities. 

Jay and I purchased a vacation home at Prominence on the eastern side of Scenic Highway 30A. We love the lifestyle, and everything on 30A is just a golf cart ride away. The convenience of the location, with the HUB at the center, and the appreciation potential were our biggest hot buttons. 

What do you think? Have any questions? Need more info? Let us know!

Closing the Deal

You are under contract, and the deal is due to close on an agreed upon date. What are your chances of closing on or before that date? According to a recent Realtor survey, almost 25% of contracts will face a delay in closing; another 5% will not close and will be terminated. So, what are the major impediments to closing on time? 

The number one cause of delay is financing. Approximately 36% of contracts will experience a postponement because of funding issues. As a buyer, the best thing you can do is get a lender pre-approval before you start your search. This will guide and give parameters to your property search. As a seller, you will want to ask for a pre-approval letter when the offer is presented. After the contract is executed, the buyer's work will begin with providing the lender with the many requested documents. If you are the buyer, do NOT buy anything large, charge excessively, or quit your job! One word of advice for all parties: Patience. 

The second closing hurdle is the appraisal, where 20% of transactions are delayed because the appraisals are not completed on time or are below contract price. When we work for you, we will give expert advice on market value. Our Comparative Market Analysis will give you a snapshot of the market value range. Remember, the lender orders the appraisal to confirm that the property is worth at least the contract price. Sellers, be real with your expectation of value. Buyers, understand that this appraisal ensures the lender's investment, but value is a moving target. 

The third most prominent closing threat is the notorious home inspection. Inspections stall closings approximately 15% of the time. Most required repairs are delineated in the contract, but there is room for interpretation. This is why sometimes we have to negotiate to find a sweet spot for both buyer and seller. The contract will also have a repair limit. 

As your real estate team, we will play a vital role in getting you to the finish line on time with minimal problems. Although some delays are unavoidable, knowing the pitfalls will help us get there on time.

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!

March Sales Market Highlights

March was quite the busy month.. with the start of Spring and the busy season it's no surprise! 

We had an active March ourselves. We sold a total of 7 properties in March - 4 of which were our listings. We're loving this busy season and can't wait to hustle our way through spring! 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 March:

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

Seaside • 45 Central Square • Unit B2 

30A East

$2,000,000

4 Bed/3.5 Bath 

2,805 Square Feet 




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

3225 Bay Estates Drive 

Sandestin

$7,350,000 

5 Bed/5.5 Bath 

8,020 Square Feet

Anticipating Spring

The year has started off great for the Sold in Paradise Team! We have had lots of calls and emails from buyers interested in checking out the market and from sellers considering listing this spring. Thinking about buying real estate in 2017? If so, we know how important it is to listen to your requirements and customize a search specific to those needs. Some buyers are looking for savvy real estate investments that will cash flow; some are hoping to find the perfect second home for the family. Some are looking for a full-time family residence.

Downsizing, upsizing, or investing-our knowledge of the market and the art of the deal will net you the best deal possible.

We know the nature of the market and will provide comparable sales, interpretation, and expertise to the process. We have years of market and transaction experience. By working with us you will have an advisor representing your best interest, and the seller pays our commission.

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 communities of interest.

The Sold in Paradise Team will continue to monitor the market and help our clients find the best deals. Have questions? Need advice? Need real estate? Call, text, or email today!

February Sales Statistics

Just Sold! Seagrove Highlands • Unit 1102

3 Bed  •  2 Bath  •  1,126 Square Feet  •  Selling Price: $275,000

Another listing sold! In just 5 days we were able to get this unit at Seagrove Highlands under contract for the full asking price. This unit provides all the great aspects of a smart investment opportunity. 

Seagrove Highlands is close to all the things that make 30A so popular: 

• Lakes 

• Beaches

• Bike and nature trails

• Choose from shopping entertainment, or eateries in SEASIDE, Rosemary Beach, and The Hub

As soon as our clients decided to sell we jumped into action getting this property marketed. Check out the professional photos, e-mail flyer, video tour, and social media posts below - we do it all. We also feature new listings in a blog that highlight more in depth characteristics of the property. Check it out...  

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.

Professional photos highlighting each spectacular feature of the property. 

Interested in other properties for sale at Seagrove Highlands? Click here! 

January Sales Market Highlights

The numbers are in for January sales statistics! We're off to a great start this year. The market is still quite active this winter rolling right on into spring. 

Last year the Emerald Coast hit a record in tourism -June alone was a 13% increase from 2015- making our area a hot spot for investing in real estate. 

We're proud to say the sale of our listing at 117 Gulf Shore Drive was the highest sale in the area of 30A West! 

This is 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!

Here are some additional market highlights for the month of January: 

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

One Water Place • Unit 1112

$1,210,000

3 Bed/ 3.5 Bath

3,415 Square Feet                                                                                    

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

12 South Headland Avenue

$9,400,000

5 Bed/6 Bath/2 Half Bath

5,894 Square Feet