Destin Real Estate News and Blog - Destin Realtor

Seller's Tip: Does Your Realtor Do Half the Job?

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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DESTIN REAL ESTATE UPDATE - January 2016

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 Homes

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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Destin FL Stats Release for July 2015

July 2015 Destin Real Estate Statistics

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Destin?

Get an instant estimate of your home's worth. We can also provide you with any reports or stats directly related to your desired neighborhood; or send you listing updates as soon as new properties hit the market - giving you a jump on the…

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Just Sold 458-A Bayshore Drive, Destin, Florida!

Destin Bayfront Luxury

Join us in congratulating the lucky family who has just purchased the home at 458-A Bayshore Drive in Destin. Read on to find out why a bayfront home may just be the lifestyle you're looking for.

What a perfect way to enjoy the Destin boating lifestyle. With 60 ft of waterfront on the Choctawhatchee, this beautiful home includes a dock with TWO Boat Slips, one is covered for extra protection from mother nature. Both have lifts and you’ll find a brand new Everglades 243 on one of the racks. There aren’t many quality Destin Bayfront homes that come close to this awesome property.

This Mediterranean inspired home has four bedrooms, a living room, den, and modern kitchen. The heated swimming pool has amazing bay views, a…

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Destin Luxury Condos - Dunes of Crystal Beach #304 | Just Sold

When someone asks us to see luxury Destin condos for sale, the Dunes of Crystal Beach always makes our short list of properties to show.. Destin Real Estate just sold unit 304 to some happy buyers from Colorado who will be using the property for approximately 1 month each year and renting it out for the remainder. Condos at the Dunes of Crystal Beach, when priced right, normally contract quickly when listed. In fact, there are no condos at the Dunes of Crystal Beach for sale at this time. 

This spectacular condo was built in 2005, has 2215 square feet, and 3 bedrooms. There is also a bonus room that is sometimes used as a media,office, or bunk room. Buyers immediately get a feel for the quality of the property when they first approach the gated…

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Destin Realtor - How to Pick One

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…

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Destin Condos For Sale - Top 3 sales June '09

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…

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Okaloosa Island Condos: Waterscape Developer Blow-out

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…

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Emerald Coast Short Sales

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…

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Financing Your Destin Condo or House

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…

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