Learn how to choose a Destin Realtor and pitfalls associated with traditional methods.

This real estate nightmare involves two sales of the SAME HOME on the SAME DAY, combined with some sloppy paperwork by the Title Company. Subsequently, the whole thing fell apart, just like a house of cards.  I'm not trying to scare anyone, but really felt that this story needed to be told. It's something that home buyers, sellers or other agents need to be aware of.

The First Deal

After looking at several Destin homes, enduring inspections, appraisals, and lender related delays, our buyers were excited about closing on their new home last Friday. Everything went smoothly as buyers and sellers both signed their respective paperwork, the lender authorized funding, and the title company began disbursement.

We picked up our check on the following…

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This Destin real estate update gives you a snapshot of home, condo and land sales in Destin FL and the surrounding Emerald Coast areas for June, 2016.

Destin Home Sales

Destin real estate updateAlthough slightly down from May, Destin home sales in June 2016 reflected an active market with almost $23,000,000 in sales volume. The average price was $658,345 and houses closed at an impressive 93% of asking price. 708 single family homes were sold in the Emerald Coast area for a total volume of $285,426,540. The average sale price was $403,145 with homes selling an average 98% of their asking price.

Luxury homes were hot along Scenic 30A with the highest median home price at $2,475,000 in Alys Beach, followed by $1,522,500 in Rosemary Beach and $860,000 in Watersound.

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Watersound Village CommonsNew homes are coming to the upscale development of Watersound Origins. This sought after South Walton community in Watersound FL will be adding 107 new lots that are expected to be available next summer. Situated next to the activity center and close to parks and the Village Commons.

Part of this new development means re-routing the Watersound Trail so that it passes through the new phase. Unfortunately, the trail will be closed until 2017 when construction is complete. The five-mile trail begins at Watersound Origins Village Commons, and connects to Gayle's Trails in Panama City Beach.

Currently homes can be purchased in Watersound Origins starting in the mid $400,000s.

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Destin waterfront properties

From beach to bay, Destin serves up waterfront living in many different forms. These four featured properties all offer beachside or bayside living, but in a slightly different way. From a sought after Gulf front home in Destin Pointe, a fully furnished luxury Okaloosa Island beachfront condominium, a resort-style, Miramar Beach low rise beachfront condo, to a Miramar Beach bayside house with private dock and boat slips; choose the Destin waterfront property that suits your style.

3583 Rosalie Dr., Destin - $1,450,000

This gorgeous beachside home in sought after Destin Pointe features an open design with over 4,500 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms and 3 suites. There's plenty of space here with an oversized, enclosed garage and two driveways. The community…

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Congratulations to 7 new home owners in Destin and Panama City Beach. It was a pleasure working with you all.

Destin Towers condoSold: 05/10/2016 $425,000 | MLS #751262
1008 Highway 98 UNIT 21, Destin, FL 32541
Destin Towers, Gulf front, completely updated and amazing with huge potential for rental income.
DOM: 4!

Sold: 5/20/16 $240,000| MLS #747346
502 Gulf Shore Drive 501, Destin FL 32541
Beautiful Gulf views at Islander Condo with excellent rental potential. Fully furnished and rental ready.
DOM: 48

Sold: 5/20/16 $172,000 | MLS #744328
4207 Indian Bayou Trail #2913, Destin, FL 32541
This covered 9th floor unit in the Palms of Destin overlooks the swimming pool and has awesome gulf views.
DOM: 94

Sold: 05/24/2016 $259,000 | MLS #739617
16819 Front Beach Road UNIT…

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You Could be Rewarded for Good Behavior

credit reportIf you're planning on a real estate purchase in the near or distant future, it might be worth taking a look at your bill-paying habits. You might be rewarded for your good behavior. When it comes to credit, are you a "transactor" or a "revolver?"

With upcoming changes to the mortgage credit report by Fannie Mae, these terms could mean the difference between getting accepted for a mortgage, or not.

A transactor is someone who pays their credit card bills in full each month, or pays on time and exceeds the minimum requirement.

A revolver is the person who only makes the minimum payment, allowing balances to constantly roll over to the next month. They may also have several accounts on the go.

This…

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the perfect housePart of our service as realtors is to play matchmaker for our clients. Once we have a good idea of the type of home or condo a buyer is looking for, then we use our knowledge of the area and the local market to find the perfect match.

In the example below, a client has sent us a request with very specific parameters for a Destin harbor condo, and we've responded with some equally specific listing ideas.

Tim,

My husband and I are interested in a condo as a second home (and then primary after we retire) and preferably in the Destin Harbor area. We have vacationed to the Emerald Coast many times and so, fairly familiar with the area. Ideally, the property would fit within the following parameters:

  1. $600K - $750K
  2. Bedrooms: 3-4

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Half a sheep...During peak seasons, including spring break and April, experienced Destin Realtors understand that vacation homes and condos must be shown to buyers between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. This time frame, called the "turnover", is when the property is vacant as last weeks guest leave and next week's new renters arrive.

Last week, I had a serious buyer in town that was interested in looking at seven condos in the Destin area. We were able to schedule five viewings without any difficulty. However, two agents were unwilling to work Saturday, so their clients missed an opportunity to sell. 

One agent sent me a text that said "Can not do it this weekend, or Monday morning. Plan on an open house on Wednesday. Maybe that will work."

While the other agent said "I…

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This Destin real estate update gives you a snapshot of home, condo and land sales in Destin FL and the surrounding Emerald Coast areas for January, 2016.

Destin HomesDestin real estate update

Destin home sales decreased slightly when compared to last year. However, much of the change can be attributed to new lending rules that delayed up to 20% of our closings. While the average sales price in Destin was $888,000, over half the homes sold, closed below $443,000.

Homes in 30A East, which includes the neighborhoods of WaterColor, Seaside, WaterSound, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach; posted an impressive average sales price at $1,051,548.

Most Expensive Home Sold: $6,200,000 for a beautiful beachfront home in Destin

Least Expensive Home Sold: $100,000 for a log…

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July Market Stats for Destin FL

 

July 2015 Destin Real Estate Statistics

  July 2015 Change from June 2015
Average single family home sales price $603,641 Up $171,761
Average condominium sales price $357,542 Up $16,531
List to Sale Price Difference 95% Up 3%
Average Days on Market 100 N/A
Properties For Sale 959 Down 29
Pending Properties 78 Up 40
Sold Properties 71 Down 15

 

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