Okaloosa County Updates

Destin property tax increaseThe Destin City Council recently established the budget for 2016-17 which includes a 7.6% increase in property taxes.

The new millage rate will be 1.615. Here are some of the areas the extra money will be used:

  • Stormwater and sidewalk repairs
  • A marine unit with a personal watercraft for the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
  • Increased law enforcement coverage for spring break

Other decisions that resulted from the latest council meeting:

  • A temporary tree-cutting ban
  • With the 30-year contract with Gulf Power coming to an end, the council has decided to take proposals to do a feasibility analysis for purchasing the city's electrical utility. I wonder how many thousands of dollars they'll spend before…

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Vintage shot of the Destin fishing rodeoAre you ready for one of Destin's most anxiously awaited events? Taking place during the month of October, the 68th annual Destin Fishing Rodeo is coming up fast. Almost 1 year in the planning, the committee barely gets through one rodeo, when they have to start planning for the next year. Whatever they're doing, it works. The rodeo benefits the entire community and everyone gets involved. Even if you don't fish, there is always something going on at the docks.

Fishing Rodeo Quick Facts

  • Participants come from all over the U.S. several countries, and last year spent $1.4 million on hotels, food and recreation
  • Charter boat registration is even higher this year
  • Over 200 awards are offered, all sponsored by local businesses
  • There are 19…

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Eastern Shipbuilding, from the Panama City area has been awarded a huge $10.5 billion contract to construct the first series of nine offshore coast guard patrol cutters. The largest contract in U.S. Cast Guard history, this local company competed against seven other shipyards who also submitted proposals.

This contract translates to about 2,000 new jobs for the people of Northwest Florida. About 800 employees will be added to Eastern Shipbuilding's payroll, with a number required later on a contract basis for design and construction. Varying craftsmen jobs, engineering and administrative roles will be required. People will probably travel from as far as Okaloosa, and Fort Walton Counties for these opportunities.

It's really great to hear about a…

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Perhaps you're considering purchasing a condo on the Emerald Coast, maybe for an investment, but you're not sure where. With so many places to choose from, sometimes it's hard to know where to begin. This graph below shows the average condo sale price for August 2016 in these popular areas along the Emerald Coast. It also shows the comparable price from August of 2015, so you can see just how your investment would have fared.

Notice, real estate along 30A West and the Miramar Beach, Sandestin Resort areas showed the most gains. 30A East and Navarre, showed some depreciation. This is only for one month, we'd be happy to send you updates for sold listings, or a monthly report of the stats in desired areas.

 

Average sale prices for condos in August 2015

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Home buying deal breakerWe researched online and polled past clients to find out what features they would consider deal breakers while viewing a house. Keep in mind that everyone has different opinions and a deal breaker for one person might be an inconvenience for another. Still, if you're selling a home, you might find some of these points helpful.

Popular Deal Breakers

1.  Design flaws that are too costly or time consuming to change

2. Open concept houses

3. Closed floor plans

4. Two-story or split-level homes

5. Carpeting

6. Insufficient closet space

7. Old Roman-style tubs with step down

8. Not enough bathrooms

9. Kitchen peninsula (vs an island)

10. Washer/Dryer in kitchen

11. Close proximity to power lines

12. Indoor swimming pool

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