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

Selecting a Destin Realtor is as important as reasearching homes and condos.  A good realtor is experienced and will save you time, money, and reduce your frustration.

When you visit Destin and start looking for homes, there will be many realtors offering their services to you.  However, that's backwards.  You should be choosing your realtor.

When choosing a Destin Realtor, look for the following:

  • A realtor that will listen to you. 
  • Someone that has a thorough understanding of different neighborhoods and complexes.  Looking for that special home, certain architecture, or amenities?  A good Destin Realtor will know where it is.
  • A skilled negotiator.  A good realtor can save you thousands of dollars.
  • Someone that works for you.  It's…

1589 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

I get a lot of calls from people looking for a "deal".  I ask those folks to tell me what they mean but most people can't answer the question.

So if you want a deal, but can't exactly define one, I analyzed Junes sales of condos in Destin, FL on the gulf and this is what I came up with as the top 3 buys for Jun '09:

1. Grand Dunes, South Tower, Unit 550.  The specs for this unit are as follows:
2870 sf; 4br/4ba, direct gulf front, built in 2006 and sold for $975,000.  That works out to $339 per sf for a luxury gulf front condo. This was a normal sale and not a foreclosure or short sale.

2. Pelican Beach, Unit 310. The specs for this unit are as follows: 873 sf, 1br/2ba, direct gulf front, built in 1997 and sold for $237,500.  That works out to…

1550 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

The developer for Waterscape Condominiums has recently released several units for sale at steeply discounted liquidation prices.  Waterscape is an upscale, kid friendly, beach front, condominium located on over 490 ft of beach front on Okaloosa Island.

Waterscape is loaded with amenities including: lush tropical pool with zero entry, splash and wading pools for the kids, lazy river, fitness center, tiki bar, and much more.

The units are well-equipped with stainless steel appliances, crown molding, 9 ft. ceilings, tile, and carpet.  There are condos available in 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms. The sizes of each are:

1br:   864 square feet
2br:  1292 square feet
3br:  1490 square feet

Click the link below for a complete listing of condos available at…

8554 Views, 1 Comments

Read Full Post

I received feedback from the bank today on two short sales. 

One was a beach front condominium in Destin that I had presented an offer of $210,000 to the bank about 3 months ago.  After several frustrating weeks of little to no communication from the bank, they finally called and told me that the appraisal came in at $260k and to bring another offer.

The second communication was regarding a home for sale in Destin.  The offer had been presented at $170,000 about four months ago.  Again, after several weeks with little to no communication, the bank came back and said that the property appraised for $200,000 and to bring a better offer.

What's the point? Simply this: APPRAISALS ARE THE HOLY GRAIL FOR THE BANKS. Listing a home or presenting an offer…

1884 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Time to Get Quotes from Prospective Lenders

Ok, we’ve spent countless hours discussing your needs and wants for your dream home or condo.  You have looked at dozens of listings that fit your criteria.  We have spent several days together looking at those properties.  We have researched prices, written offers, and negotiated “The Best Deal” for you. 

Now what happens?

Unfortunately, in too many instances, I see buyer’s that have worked so hard to get the best deal only to give it all up with their financing.  This is a shame considering that mortgages are the easiest component to negotiate.  How do you keep this from happening to you?  Follow a few simple rules:

1.      Get at least 3 quotes.  Every person has a “financial” profile.  This…

1541 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

How to Place the Best Offer on a Destin Condo

Whether we are buying a new car, computer, plane tickets, or Real Estate, we all want the same thing, which is “The Best Deal”.  With most items, the best deal is assured when we buy the item that we want at the lowest price. 

Real Estate doesn’t work that way.  In addition to the purchase price, things like closing costs, lenders fees, property taxes, and state taxes affect your initial overall total cost.  As a buyer, this overall total cost should be what you are concerned with minimizing.  Keep in mind that most seller’s are focused on PURCHASE PRICE.  Let’s take a look at how to put together a smart offer.

Purchase Price:  This is the most visible and important of all terms in the offer.  It’s…

1394 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post