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        <title>Destin Real Estate News and Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.browsedestin.com/blog/2016-05/</link>
        <description>Read news and information about Destin real estate and the Emerald Coast.  Topics include homes, condos, statistics, new listings, sold homes, and other relevant news.</description>
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    <guid>https://www.browsedestin.com/blog/home-buyer-trivia.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.browsedestin.com/blog/home-buyer-trivia.html</link>
        <author>DRE@BrowseDestin.com (Tim Shepard - Broker)</author>
        <title>Home Buyer Trivia</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
What Are the Most Important Features to Home Buyers?


These are results based on a survey of 2,500 home buyers in the U.S. conducted by the National Association of Realtors in 2007. The purpose was to determine popular home feature preferences. It gives you a bit of insight into what features people think are important in a home and the changing trends. This is handy info to know whether you're planning to buy, sell, or build.


1. Most Requested Feature in a Home


Central Air Conditioning was selected by 83 of buyers. 57 wanted a garage for two or more cars; 53 requested a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, and 50 wanted a backyard or play area.


2. The Median Size of Homes Between Late 2005 and 2007


1,840 square feet. Homes have increased by 100 square feet since 2004.


3. Important Features for Repeat Buyers


This group placed more emphasis on oversized garages and master bedroom walk-in closets. Having already owned a home, these people know what they want. 65 of repeat buyers wanted a large garage, compared to 41 of first time buyers.


4. Areas of the Home Altered Within the First Three Months


 Almost 50 of buyers remodeled the kitchen within the first three months of buying. Other common improvements included bathrooms, bedrooms and adding new appliances and lighting.


5. Three Features That Buyers Would Pay Extra For




Central air conditioning


Walk-in closets


Hardwood floors




6. Most Important Feature to New-Home Buyers


 A home's energy efficiency was stated by 65 surveyed that it was a very important aspect of their home purchase.


7. Where Do First-Time Home Buyers Tend to Purchase?


 In a suburb or subdivision. Only 20 bought in an urban area, and only 10 in a rural area.


8. The Most Common Type of Home Purchased


 47 surveyed selected a single level style. It was close, with 44 opting for a two-level home. Generally, the older the age of the buyer, the more likely they were to purchase a one-story plan.


9. Main Feature on a New-Home Buyer Wishlist


Storage was the big area new-home buyers wished they had more of. 40 desired more closets and 60 wanted a larger kitchen.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2016 09:14:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.browsedestin.com/blog/one-step-closer-to-a-bigger-brooks-bridge.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.browsedestin.com/blog/one-step-closer-to-a-bigger-brooks-bridge.html</link>
        <author>DRE@BrowseDestin.com (Tim Shepard - Broker)</author>
        <title>One Step Closer to a Bigger Brooks Bridge</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Quite the crowd gathered for the recent meeting to discuss options for replacing or enlarging the Brooks Bridge in downtown Fort Walton Beach. The bridge was constructed in 1964 with an expected 50-year design life. It no longer meets current design standards with deficiencies in the Disabilities Act requirements and navigational clearance for this portion of the Intracoastal Waterway.


The Proposal


The objective is to achieve this larger bridge with the least intrusion into downtown Fort Walton Beach, or the destruction of the Publix shopping center and the Emerald Coast Convention Center. The Florida Department of Transportation presented a plan for a new bridge with the following attributes:




Three-lane bridge (currently 2 lanes)


Wide bike lanes and pedestrian crossings


Approximately 145 feet across with 10 foot space between east and westbound lanes


Vertical clearance of 65 feet (currently 50 feet)




Design &amp; Placement


As reported in the Nwfdailynews.com, there were several options with regard to the actual placement and integration. According to state Rep. Jerry Melvin, the plan that takes up less public property would carry U.S. Highway 98 Perry Avenue on the west and its northernmost lane would become a turning lane at that point under the plan. On the east side the bridge would cross over Santa Rosa Boulevard.


There would also be revisions to the intersections to accommodate the new bridge. Per the Brooks Bridge Replacement Study:


&quot;On the Fort Walton Beach side, improvements are being considered at Perry Avenue to help traffic flow on and off the bridge and to improve conditions at the intersection while working with access to local businesses such as the grocery store and the future development planned at that location.


On the Okaloosa Island side, improvements are being considered in the vicinity of Santa Rosa Boulevard. Because of the increased height of the bridge, the replacement bridge and roadway cannot touch down where the intersection is today. A substantial reconfiguration will be needed. Various options are being considered to improve traffic flow on and off the bridge, and to provide for local connections including bicycle and pedestrian movements.&quot;





Timeline


The timeline for the bridge development is outlined here. For more information view the Brooks Bridge Replacement Study.



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 27 May 2016 13:58:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.browsedestin.com/blog/raw-juicy-the-journey.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.browsedestin.com/blog/raw-juicy-the-journey.html</link>
        <author>DRE@BrowseDestin.com (Tim Shepard - Broker)</author>
        <title>Raw &amp; Juicy - The Journey</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you've never been on Visitsouthwalton.com, it's a great little site that celebrates everything South Walton. Recently they had an interesting feature article about the origins of Raw &amp; Juicy a popular Seaside juice bar. This story reminded me that so many of our local South Walton businesses have been founded by people who have accidentally discovered this amazing stretch of the Emerald Coast, and decided to stay. 


South Walton via Alaska, via Boulder, via Italy, via Philadelphia, via New York


Originally from Alaska, Jenifer Kuntz, moved to Colorado to get her degree in performing arts. While working part time in a local health food store she became knowledgeable in the philosophy of whole food eating and healing.  But this was only to pay the bills, her real dream was to be a professional dancer in New York.


That would have to come later as she put her plans on the back burner to do some traveling through Europe. Family obligations brought her back to the Philadephia area and eventually South Walton to be with her mom and ailing grandmother. Considering this a temporary move, the plan was to eventually return to New York and fulfill her dreams. In the meantime she settled in, becoming integrated into the community. Working as a yoga instructor, Jenifer would bring homemade juices and raw food treats to her students; signs of her future career were starting to emerge.


Eventually, mom went back home, leaving Jenifer to care for her grandmother. That aching desire for the New York dance career wouldn't let up, so Jenifer decided to give it one more try.  She found a nurse for grandma, and bought a one-way ticket to the Big Apple and several prearranged auditions. No sooner did she arrive, there was an emergency back in South Walton and she dropped everything to return.


Realizing that maybe this was where she belonged after all, Jenifer set her sights on more permanent employment. When she saw the ad for the used trailer, she jumped at it. After converting it to a juice bar and finding the perfect Seaside location, Raw &amp; Juicy was born. Business was slow at the start, as many are, but she stuck it out. Realizing that the general public needed to be educated about the benefits of juicing and raw foods, she approached Robert Davis, the founder of Seaside, about establishing a local farmers market. 


The rest is history. Not only is Raw &amp; Juicy a successful and well known local business, but the legacy of the Seaside Farmers Market is one of the most popular and well attended coastal events. Not to mention the support it provides for local farmers and artisans. It's amazing how one person's efforts have gone on to impact so many.


When it comes to fulfilling our destiny, most of us don't always take the most direct route, but it's where we end up that counts:)
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2016 10:40:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.browsedestin.com/blog/spring-home-checklist.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.browsedestin.com/blog/spring-home-checklist.html</link>
        <author>DRE@BrowseDestin.com (Tim Shepard - Broker)</author>
        <title>The Complete Spring Cleaning Checklist</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Get these chores taken care of in May, then when the kids are off you can spend your spare time  enjoying the summer. It's easy to have small issues build up, take care of them little by little and your home will always be well maintained. If you're considering selling your home, you'll be half way there.


Indoor Checklist


1. Kitchen &amp; Bath


Examine any areas that could be susceptible to water damage and re-grout, beef up the caulking, or repair leaky faucets. Make sure you check inside the shower at the tops of tiles, near windows, or along the edges of a shower insert. If you have tile in showers or backsplashes, this is a great time to quickly reseal the grout.



2. Safety Detectors


Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed. Remember that fire extinguisher in the back of the cupboard? It's probably a good idea to check the expiration date to see if it needs replacing.



3. Trim &amp; Walls


Go room-to-room with your Magic Eraser and clean up scuff marks on walls, around doorknobs, or at the bottom of doors (where the cats and dogs like to scratch). Do some paint touch-ups where soap and water won't work. Take the vacuum extension and dust the crown molding or ceiling corners.



4. Remember the Laundry Room?


Why is it, the rooms we never entertain in are the most neglected. Now is the perfect time to freshen this area up. Wipe down the washer (including the rubber rim inside the door), and run a hot water cycle with vinegar through the washer. Clean the dryer and take a vacuum to the dryer vent. Clean off the counters, wash the window(s) and wipe down the cupboards. It's also a good time to get rid of some of the clutter you've collected over the year.



5. The Dreaded Closets


Give your closets a quick clean up and de-clutter. Yes, that means, taking out the shoes and washing the floor. Remove anything you won't be using over the summer.



6. Freshen the Bedrooms


Vacuum the mattress and flip over if needed. Give the furniture a good dusting and maybe change up your duvet for a lighter version.



7. Wash the Windows Inside &amp; Out


Your best device for washing windows is a squeegee with a sponge attachment and an extension handle. Fill up a pail with hot water and a cup or two of vinegar. Vacuum the dead flies around the window and give the sills and screens a wipe. Take your sponge and quickly wash the window, drying with the rubber squeegee.


Outside, use the following mixture:




2 cups hot water


1/4 cup white vinegar


1/2 teaspoon dish detergent




Scrub the solution on the windows with your squeegee sponge or a soft-bristled brush on an extension handle. Then rinse well, not allowing any of the soap to dry on the glass; voila - crystal clear windows with very little effort.



Outdoor Checklist


8. Painting or Staining


If you've been waiting for better weather to get this job done, now is your chance. This might mean repairing or staining damaged wood shingles, or touching up your trim. This is definitely not the job you want to be doing in the heat of the summer.



9. Lighting


It's time to replace those broken bulbs, or re-adjust the motion sensor that keeps coming on at odd times. This is also a good time to re-evaluate your outdoor lighting in gardens and walkways to make new additions.



10. In the Gutter


If you don't have a lot of trees shading your home, cleaning your gutters could be a relatively simple job, otherwise, it's a bit of a chore. Wearing gloves get a gutter scoop, or just a narrow garden trowel and scoop out the debris. Make sure you begin at the drain end, so you're scooping away from the outlet. Once emptied, blast the gutters with a high-pressure nozzle. Flush out all your drainpipes, ensuring there are no obstructions.



11. The Grill


Scrub the grill, getting rid of any excess grease, including the grates and interior. Replace any missing accessories, and make sure the tank is filled.


Now, sit back with a cold beverage, throw a steak on the BBQ and pat yourself on the back for a job well done

 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2016 08:01:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.browsedestin.com/blog/breaking-ground-at-landmark-center-fort-walton-beach.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.browsedestin.com/blog/breaking-ground-at-landmark-center-fort-walton-beach.html</link>
        <author>DRE@BrowseDestin.com (Tim Shepard - Broker)</author>
        <title>Breaking Ground at Landmark Center, Fort Walton Beach</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
It looks like the proposed Landmark Center in Downtown Fort Walton Beach will finally be a reality. Preliminary permits have been issued to begin construction on the foundation. Currently a 2.1 acre, empty field at Miracle Strip Parkway and Perry Avenue, this project has been in the planning stages since 2006 and is arriving with mixed reviews. Some say that this is only adding to the congestion of an already busy intersection. Others are happy for the new life it will bring to downtown Fort Walton Beach.






Landmark Center Quick Facts


The development will measure 144,000 square feet and be divided into three separate buildings that will include:




112-room Hilton Hotel


24 Loft-style condos


Conference Center


Retail and Dining Space


6-level Parking Garage




There will be unique features such as a rooftop bar and restaurant at the top of the Lofts at Landmark Center. Dining along Perry Avenue will feature outdoor seating, reminiscent of a Louisiana French Quarter style cafe.


The completion date for Landmark Center is summer of 2017 and should employ 200-250 construction workers.


Ideal Downtown Location





Whether your a guest of the hotel, or a resident at the Lofts at Landmark Center, you'll be treated to a prime downtown location. The beach is just across the bridge.  Walk to shops and restaurants in the center and across the road, or visit waterfront parks and downtown entertainment venues.


Investment Opportunities


As with any new development, this is a great opportunity to get in on pre-construction pricing for residences in the Lofts at Landmark Center. Perfect downtown condos, these are ideal for permanent or rental investments. Talk to Tim to learn more
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2016 11:08:12 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.browsedestin.com/blog/how-to-get-accepted-for-a-mortgage.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.browsedestin.com/blog/how-to-get-accepted-for-a-mortgage.html</link>
        <author>DRE@BrowseDestin.com (Tim Shepard - Broker)</author>
        <title>How to Get Accepted for a Mortgage</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
You Could be Rewarded for Good Behavior


If 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 &quot;transactor&quot; or a &quot;revolver?&quot;


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 conclusion seems a long time coming, but research suggests that revolvers are a higher risk due to their accumulation of unpaid balances. Transactors, on the other hand are a lower risk. In the past, credit reports only indicated whether an applicant was late on payments or defaulted on a loan, but they didn't indicate monthly payments, or trends for responsible credit behavior.


Beginning June 25, this data will be available and incorporated into Fannie Mae evaluations. Now, applicants will have their credit reviewed using two years of monthly stats when determining credit usage. This information will be used to contribute to the final credit score. Although it won't change the score, it might just tip the scales for a successful or unsuccessful mortgage qualification.


This is especially helpful for new buyers, or those who have a short history of using credit and generally come up with an incomplete report. By adding the parameter of credit usage, and whether you're a transactor or a revolver, it speaks to your credit management habits. This is a big change in an industry that hasn't changed much in the way they've been doing things for the past 25 years.


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2016 07:48:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.browsedestin.com/blog/realtors-would-make-great-matchmakers.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.browsedestin.com/blog/realtors-would-make-great-matchmakers.html</link>
        <author>DRE@BrowseDestin.com (Tim Shepard - Broker)</author>
        <title>Buyer's Tip: Realtors Make Great Matchmakers</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Part 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:




$600K - $750K


Bedrooms: 3-4


Bathrooms:  2-3


Attached garage spaces


Harbor and if possible, Gulf views


Pool and spa access


No short term rentals permitted


Less than 12-15 years old




We are hoping to visit over the Memorial Day holiday and so, looking through the different listings now. At this stage, we are also trying to determine the different price points as it seems there are a good number of properties for sale - oddly, multiple listings on the market for years. Owners upside down on mortgages from purchases in the 2000s and/or just not serious about selling?





Our Response:




We have many condos that fit your criteria. Below is a list of complexes that have units that best fit your criteria.


1. East Pass Towers: There are two buildings at this location. Building 1 was built in the 80's and allows rentals. Building 2 was built in the mid-90's and is Rental Restricted. East pass Towers 2 features covered parking with a storage locker but does not have completely enclosed garages. There is a really nice unit available that has views of the pass and distant views of the Gulf.


2. Waterview Towers Yacht Club: There are three properties with similar names. Waterview Towers was built in the early 80's and allows rentals.


Waterview Towers Yacht Club and Waterview Towers Yacht Club 2 were built in the 90's and are rental restricted. Originally, both buildings allowed rentals but the owners voted to change that. There are some units that were grandfathered in but their rights to rent, cease, once the unit changes hands. There are very few rentals in those two buildings now. I know several owners there and these condos are fantastic. Most units there come with garages and the views are stunning. There aren't any listed properties available but I think there is a unit that the owner would sell. I would confirm this prior to your visit.


3. Grand Harbor: No units available in your price range but a great building.


4. Harbor Lights: Newest building on harbor with great views of the harbor. Built to the latest codes, these units are modern and spacious. The facility has a nice pool and workout room as well. Most units come with garages and climate controlled storage.


5. Sides Moreno Point: Located North of the Destin Bridge with views of the pass and gulf. Units available at lower end of price range.


6. Marbella: Nice building on North side of harbor with several units available. The exterior is the most architecturally distinct of all properties that you might consider. Everyone has covered parking but no detatched garages. Some units have boat slips and there is a marina with rentals available.


7. Destin Yacht Club: Located on the north side of harbor, the units are nice and most come with boat slips. There is no covered parking or garages though.




In addition to the above suggestions, we will also set up our client to receive regular listing updates whenever a similar condo comes on the market. This really helps to get a jump on the competition and be among the first to view new listings.



Put our Matchmaking Service to the Test


Put our matchmaking service to the test and let us help you find the perfect Emerald Coast home or condo. Using the form below, just give us a list of your criteria for the perfect home and we'll send you a list of suggestions for either neighborhoods, condo developments or specific listings that might help your search.



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 02 May 2016 09:00:22 -0500</pubDate>
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