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        <title>South Walton FL Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/</link>
        <description>South Walton FL Real Estate is proud to provide blogs regarding local real estate market conditions and neighborhood information. To begin working with a South Walton real estate expert contact Jill Olivarez.</description>
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            <guid>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/rosemary-beach-neighborhood-highlight.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/rosemary-beach-neighborhood-highlight.html</link>
            <author>jolivarez@oceanreefresorts.com (Jill Olivarez)</author>
            <title>Rosemary Beach | Neighborhood Highlight</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Named for the native species of herb that lines the town’s footpaths, Rosemary Beach offers its residents a “distinctive taste” of resort living. Situated on Scenic 30-A highway in the panhandle of Florida, the 107-acre, gulf-front town supports pedestrian traffic, community interaction and architectural harmony. 


In spite of the community’s strict urban code, every home is architecturally unique and reflects each owner’s specific lifestyle. Twelve basic building types have established the character of each neighborhood and ensure the integrity of the Town Plan. Finished with wood siding, cedar shingle or stucco, the homes feature a rich palette of colors in subtle, natural tones. Deep eaves provide shade from the afternoon sun.  High ceilings draw breezes through houses.


Rosemary Beach’s neighborhoods are interconnected by a network of pedestrian lanes, footpaths, and boardwalks. Secret pathways lead to the town square, tennis courts, swimming pools and the beach. Parking is restricted to alleyways located behind homes, and the town’s pedestrian scale ensures that everything is within no more than a five-minute walk.


When Rosemary Beach was founded in 1995, town planners made a commitment to protect the environment. In an effort to preserve the community’s natural topography, roadways were laid to conform to the natural contours of the land. To protect the fragile dune system, nine dune walkovers were built for beach access.


In addition to luxury living, Rosemary Beach is a recreational paradise. Work out at the community fitness center, take a walk, ride your bike, hit the links, enjoy a swim, visit the tennis courts, or head out to fish. After a busy day of activity, stroll through the town’s unique shops or dine at one of its fine restaurants.


Currently, 78 properties are for sale in Rosemary Beach, and 11 properties are under contract. During the first five months of 2012, 19 sales have closed.


Team members for South Walton FL Real Estate would be happy to show you the options you currently have available in Rosemary Beach. We also encourage you to continue to utilize the search capabilities on SouthWaltonFLRealEstate.com.
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            <pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 14:05:12 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/alys-beach-neighborhood-highlight.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/alys-beach-neighborhood-highlight.html</link>
            <author>jolivarez@oceanreefresorts.com (Jill Olivarez)</author>
            <title>Alys Beach | Neighborhood Highlight</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Luxurious resort living combined with almost indestructible construction is what you will find in Alys Beach, one of the most unique communities along Scenic 30-A highway in northwest Florida.


The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore is one of the area’s admirers. He said, “Alys Beach is the first fortified community in the nation. The rooftops are concrete, the walls are concrete, and the windows are bullet proof. Believe it or not, I would spend a night in here during a Category 4 hurricane. If you’re going to build on the beach, this is the way to do it.” 


In addition to their durability, Alys Beach homes are “green” homes, built to have less environmental impact than conventionally built homes. Their passive heating and cooling systems reduce energy costs. By reusing or recycling up to 75% of construction waste, even the process of building is environmentally sound.


The homes themselves are the epitome of luxury living and offer gourmet kitchens with commercial-grade appliances, cozy fireplaces, and central courtyards with generous dipping pools. The surrounding community is reminiscent of a small Mediterranean town where all the amenities, from the Caliza pool to the local coffee shop, are within walking distance of every front door.


Not surprisingly, this unique community began hosting a unique event in 2008 that has attracted artists from around the world. Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach is the world’s first projection art festival, with artists using the latest technologies to project their original works onto the town’s iconic white walls. Instead of using cans of spray paint, artists use projectors and laptops to create spectacular visual pieces. In its fourth year, Digital Graffiti will run June 8-9.


Currently, five properties are for sale in Alys Beach, and two properties are under contract. In addition, three homes are under construction on the south side of the community. With building costs still low, this might be the right time to purchase one of the 25 lots currently for sale and design your dream beach home. 


Team members for South Walton FL Real Estate would be happy to show you the options you currently have available in Alys Beach. We also encourage you to continue to utilize the search capabilities on SouthWaltonFLRealEstate.com.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 13:40:50 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/seaside-florida-neighborhood-highlight.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/seaside-florida-neighborhood-highlight.html</link>
            <author>jolivarez@oceanreefresorts.com (Jill Olivarez)</author>
            <title>Seaside Florida | Neighborhood Highlight</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Dreaming of a simple, beautiful life? That’s what you’ll find in the charming community of Seaside, located along Scenic Highway 30A in northwest Florida. Return to a bygone era in small town America when you stroll among the nine pavilions that anchor the streets of Seaside. Enjoy a community where sugar sand beaches are just steps away, the turquoise blue waters shimmer iridescently, and neighbors linger in the market to chat. 


The dreamlike quality of life in Seaside is so unique that even Hollywood took notice. When film director Peter Weir was scouting locations for “The Truman Show,” the 1998 Jim Carrey movie about a man who unknowingly lives his life as a reality-show star, he scouted resort towns up and down the West Coast. He finally found what he wanted in Seaside. 


Today, pastel cottages and white picket fences still dot the streets. Enjoy bicycling with your family to the ice cream shop, building sand castles on the beach, or shopping at Perspicacity, the celebrated year-round bazaar founded in 1981. On Saturday mornings visit Seaside’s Farmers Market and treat yourself to fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, native plants and other unique offerings. 


And, don’t miss the 24th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts &amp; Music Festival, one of the many cultural events hosted by the community. On May 11-13, 2012 over 130 international artists will fill downtown Seaside to exhibit pieces in a variety of different media. Enjoy live music, artist workshops and demos, the KidZone, and fantastic food provided by the Merchants of Seaside. 


In terms of Seaside Florida real estate, properties have held their value the best along the Emerald Coast. Currently, 30 homes and condos are on the market, ranging from a one-bedroom condo priced at $475,000 to a $5.2 million gulf-front home.  Five sales were completed in the first quarter of 2012, and six properties are currently pending to close. 


Team members for South Walton FL Real Estate would be happy to show you the options you currently have available in Seaside. We also encourage you to continue to utilize the search capabilities on SouthWaltonFLRealEstate.com.
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            <pubDate>Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:59:48 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/watercolor-real-estate-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/watercolor-real-estate-market.html</link>
            <author>jolivarez@oceanreefresorts.com (Jill Olivarez)</author>
            <title>WaterColor Real Estate Market</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Tucked between Grayton Beach and Seaside,midway along Scenic Highway30-A in Florida’s panhandle is WaterColor, a master-planned community developed by the St. Joe Company and designed by the world-renown architect Jaquelin Robertson. Because of its strong history and company backing, purchasing property within this 499-acre resort makes a sound investment for anyone looking for real estate on the Emerald Coast.


WaterColor real estate features 1,140 custom-built residences, building sites,and multifamily dwellings that complement the natural surroundings. By combining classic southern architecture, innovative design, and the use of natural landscape, WaterColor recently received the Award for Excellence from the Urban Land Institute, the foremost leader in real estate development and education.


Nearly 50 percent of WaterColor's property is dedicated to open space and preservation areas. Western Lake, a 220-acre rare coastal dune lake, borders the community, where residents can canoe, kayak or sail. Extensive woodland trail systems are perfect for biking and hiking, or you can enjoy relaxing in one the many green spaces such as Cerulean Park. Prominent public buildings, the Town Center’s trendy retail shops, outstanding restaurants and other ample amenities have created a true sense of community in WaterColor.


One of WaterColor’s most popular special events is Mountainfilm on Tour on April 11-12. Founded in Telluride, Colorado, this film festival originally featured movies about mountains, but grew to include films that deal with other contemporary issues. In 1999  festival organizers introduced Mountainfilm on Tour, and WaterColor became a tour stop in 2000. If you miss WaterColor’s April event, be sure to check out the filmfestival on November 5-6.


During the first quarter of 2012, 27 properties were sold in WaterColor.  The cost of building sites begins around $200,000. The resort is currently building out Phase IV with prices starting just over $500,000 for a brand new home. Team members for South Walton FL Real Estate would be happy to show you the options you currently have available in WaterColor. We also encourage you to continue to utilize the search capabilities on SouthWaltonFLRealEstate.com.
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            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:31:40 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/sandestin-resort-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/sandestin-resort-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>jolivarez@oceanreefresorts.com (Jill Olivarez)</author>
            <title>Sandestin Resort Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you want to own a little piece of paradise, consider all the options available to you at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Located between Pensacola and Panama City in the panhandle of Florida, the 2,400-acre resort stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to Choctawhatchee Bay, and offers a variety of amenities and special events that delight both visitors and full-time residents year-round.


Sandestin has 11 different communities along the beaches of the Emerald Coast with homes just steps from the sugar-white sands. The bayside has over 30 exclusive neighborhoods with properties offering gorgeous views of the sparkling water. In between buyers can find homes along the resort’s four championship golf courses or near The Village of Baytowne Wharf, which features a host of boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants, nightclubs and bars.


Prices for these properties range from the $100s for a studio condo at Luau or Bahia to $3 million plus for a bayfront home in Burnt Pine.


Sandestin also provides 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 113-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, water sports, children’s programs and a variety of festivals and special events. Upcoming events include the 26th annual Wine Festival on April 26-29 and a concert by country music superstar Darius Rucker on May 13.


The Sandestin Wine Festival showcases more than 800 domestic and international wines. You can sample a comprehensive selection of wines, meet the winemakers, enjoy the culinary pavilion, and acquire hard-to-get selections. 


Darius Rucker’s concert at 7 p.m. on May 13 at Grand Boulevard is the final event during “Annika &amp; Friends,” a two-day celebrity charity golf tournament hosted by LPGA Hall of Fame member Annika Sorenstam. All proceeds from the weekend will help fund physical education programs for elementary students across Florida. 


Team members for South Walton FL Real Estate would be happy to show you the options you currently have available at Sandestin. We also encourage you to continue to utilize the search capabilities on SouthWaltonFLRealEstate.com.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:23:18 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/south-walton-real-estate-inventory.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/south-walton-real-estate-inventory.html</link>
            <author>jolivarez@oceanreefresorts.com (Jill Olivarez)</author>
            <title>South Walton Real Estate Inventory </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Property sales in South Walton have been brisk in January and February as buyers take advantage of incredible prices and short sales, andwe expect that trend to continue throughout the spring season. However, just as we predicted at the start of 2012, our inventory is shrinking and prices are starting to creep back up.


The Emerald Coast is following statewide trends as reported by the Association of Florida Realtors. Data for January 2012 show that the average sales price has started to climb. The average sales price for townhouses/condos was up 18.6% over the prices from January 2011, and up 5.2% for single family homes. This follows a steady decline in the average sales price from 2008 through 2011. 


The number of pending sales of townhouses/condos in January 2012 was also up 18% over the same period last year, and up 37.5% for single family homes. Correspondingly, the number of new listings for townhouses/condos was down 10.8% from last year and down 7.9% for single family homes.


Locally, we only have 14 Gulf Front condos on the market for under $400,000 along the Scenic 30A corridor. In addition, we have watched prices at properties like the Majestic Sun increase in price over the last two years. In December 2010, we sold a two-bedroom unit with a large floor plan for $209,000. The most recent sale of a unit with the same floor plan closed at $288,000, and the only unit with the same floor plan still active on the market is listed at $318,500.


If you want to take advantage of the “buyer’s market,” you will need to move quickly. Once the lower priced units are gone, sellers that have held off listing will be able to demand higher prices. Team members for South Walton FL Real Estate would be happy to show you the options you currently have available along the Emerald Coast. We also encourage you to continue to utilize the search capabilities on SouthWaltonFLRealEstate.com. 
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            <pubDate>Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:35:31 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/new-homes-in-south-walton.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/new-homes-in-south-walton.html</link>
            <author>jolivarez@oceanreefresorts.com (Jill Olivarez)</author>
            <title>New Homes in South Walton</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Whether you’re looking for a permanent residence or a second home for vacations, the South Walton area has a lot to offer. In addition to existing housing stock, northwest Florida has recently seen a tremendous influx of new construction.  Okaloosa County alone has posted a 98 percent increase in the number of building permits issued since 2009.


 The county’s Growth Management Director Elliot Kampert says his department is seeing activity on lots that have sat vacant since the start of the housing crash. “Back in the boom, people were platting everything they could get their hands on,” he adds. “So now we’re seeing subdivisions that maybe went through the preliminary phases … come back in for final approval, and those lots are ready to go.”


New construction also offers a variety of price points for home buyers. D.R. Horton features affordable new homes between $175,000 and $400,000 in subdivisions across northwest Florida. For over 30 years Donald R. Horton’s construction company has built livable, affordable new homes built with unmatched efficiencies and uncompromising quality. You’ll find D.R. Horton subdivisions from Panama City all the way to Pensacola, and along the Scenic 30A corridor.


 


For spectacular new houses priced at $400,000 or more, look no further than Huff Homes. Founded by brothers Chandler and Brandon Huff in 1993, Huff Homes offer unique, contemporary designs that incorporate the natural surroundings of the new home, as well as the historic architectural styles featured nearby. The company has a portfolio of luxury communities that include subdivisions like SummerSweet in WaterColor, WaterSound West Beach, Carson Oaks, Church Street Village, Marina Landing, and The Preserve at Swift Creek, to name just a few.


 


Team members for South Walton FL Real Estate would be happy to show you the options you have available for new construction along the Emerald Coast. We also encourage you to continue to utilize the search capabilities on SouthWaltonFLRealEstate.com. 
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            <pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:09:05 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/reasons-to-buy-in-south-walton.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/reasons-to-buy-in-south-walton.html</link>
            <author>jolivarez@oceanreefresorts.com (Jill Olivarez)</author>
            <title>Reasons to Buy in South Walton</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Looking to rub shoulders with some of America’s wealthiest people at a fraction of the cost? Then, look no further than South Walton, Florida. In 2010 Forbes magazine listed the area as one of the top five counties that America’s rich are moving to in big numbers. 


Why? Robert Shrum, manager of state affairs at the Tax Foundation in Washington, D.C, attributes it to Florida’s low taxes. The state does not have an income tax, and after accounting for property taxes, Shrum’s analysis shows that Florida has the eighth lowest tax burden in the country. “If you’re a high-income earner, then that, from a tax perspective is going to be a driving decider if you’re going to move…” he said.


And don’t forget the spectacular beaches. Scenic Route 30-A features 18 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, coastal dune lakes and a number of beach communities that are known for their relaxed, upscale lifestyle. Some of the beaches are among the top-rated beaches in the entire world, and all of them are Blue Wave-certified, America’s first environmental certification program to highlight beaches deemed  clean, healthy and environmentally well-managed. 


The area also hosts 11 coastal dune lakes, which were formed between 2,000 and 10,000 years ago by the coastal winds and shifting dune sands. These lakes are rare worldwide, and in the U.S., they are almost exclusively found along the Gulf Coast. The dunes that separate the lakes from the ocean range in height from a few feet to more than 30 feet, but the lakes often have passes that open to the Gulf, which allow salt water and fresh water to continually exchange and flush out the lakes.


Currently, many of the communities along Scenic Route 30-A have sale properties available for good values at all price points. Utilize the search capabilities on SouthWaltonFLRealEstate.com to check out the listings in Alys Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Dune Allen Beach, Grayton Beach, Inlet Beach, Rosemary Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Seacrest Beach, Seaside, Seagrove Beach, WaterColor and WaterSound Beach. Team members for South Walton FL Real Estate would be happy to set up showings for any properties that seem to fit the bill for you.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:48:54 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/south-walton-real-estate-new-year-new-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/south-walton-real-estate-new-year-new-market.html</link>
            <author>jolivarez@oceanreefresorts.com (Jill Olivarez)</author>
            <title>South Walton Real Estate | New Year New Market</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Team members for South Walton FL Real Estate hope you and your family had the happiest of holidays, and are looking forward to improvements in all aspects of your life in the new year. We celebrated the end of 2011 by reflecting on the steady activity in the local real estate market in spite of the tough economic times across the country, and we look forward to a continuation of steady real estate sales in 2012.


Last year was definitely a “buyer’s market.” We sold many bank-owned properties and short sales. Property in the Destin-South Walton Beach area definitely lost some value last year, but not to the same devastating degree as other areas of the country. As a result, buyers were able to pick up some fantastic properties at very reasonable prices. 


Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors®, said many Florida markets are showing sharp drops in inventories of homes for sale – a sign that demand is picking up and prices are stabilizing. “That’s a major change from just a year ago,” he said. “Buyers have stepped back into the Florida market.”


Dr. Yun’s assessment is certainly true in our area. We reduced the South Walton real estate inventory considerably in 2011, and we have begun to see a slight increase in listed prices. That may make 2012 the beginning of a “seller’s market.” If you have been holding on to your property waiting for a turnaround in prices, 2012 may be the year you should list it. (See Leading U.S. economists: Fla's Housing Market Bouncing Back)


Of course, if you are looking to buy a place, we still have some bank-owned properties and short sales that provide excellent values. Florida Realtors® Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo noted that foreclosed and distressed properties will remain a significant part of the Florida market in 2012, but lenders are feeding these properties into the market at a gradual pace rather than pushing them out all at once.


If you are interested in relocating or purchasing a second home along the Emerald Coast we encourage to continue to utilize the search capabilities on SouthWaltonFLRealEstate.com or contact us directly.
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            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:56:55 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/south-walton-fl-real-estate-happy-new-year.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southwaltonflrealestate.com/blog/south-walton-fl-real-estate-happy-new-year.html</link>
            <author>jolivarez@oceanreefresorts.com (Jill Olivarez)</author>
            <title>South Walton FL Real Estate | Happy New Year</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The South Walton FL Real Estate team would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! 2011 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the real estate market in the Destin/South Walton area. If you are interested in relocating or purchasing a second home along the Emerald Coast we encourage to continue to utilize the search capabilities on SouthWaltonFLRealEstate.com. 


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
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            <pubDate>Sat, 01 Jan 2011 13:53:24 -0600</pubDate>
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