Your Sandestin, Destin and South Walton-30A Real Estate Resource.

Views from 30A and South Walton County

8/9/2018

Great video showing the views from 30A and South Walton.

Watch to see why this area is quickly becoming more of a primary resident for so many people. It's not just a vacation destination anymore!

8 FIFTY Productions does a fantastic job capturing this lifestyle!

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List of local Public Beaches and State Parks

7/21/2018

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List of Public Beaches and State Parks
Through Labor Day (September 3rd):

Grayton Beach State Park:
https://www.visitsouthwalton.com/listing/grayton-beach-state-park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park:
https://www.visitsouthwalton.com/listing/topsail-hill-preserve-state-park
*Offering free day-use admission (generally 8 a.m. to sunset), compliments of the Walton County Tourist Development Council.

State Parks:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-regional-map/northwest

Okaloosa County Parks and Beach Access Ways:
http://www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/pw/parks/list

Links to Destin Beach Access and Destin City Parks:
http://www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/pw/parks/list
https://www.cityofdestin.com/DocumentCenter/View/11536/City-Facilities-and-Parks-11x17

Please click HERE for a list of Walton County beach access locations.

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Financing a Condo? Recent Guideline Changes Could Make a Big Difference

7/19/2018

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Fannie Mae recently made some fairly big changes to the condo underwriting process. While it may not affect everyone in the market for a condo, it will make all the difference for others.

If you've ever financed a condo, you're likely familiar with the term "condo reviews". These reviews include analysis of condo complexes' financials and insurance, breakdowns on units' ownership and residency, the percentage of owners in arrears on Home Owners' Association (HOA) dues, any pending legal actions, and more. Lenders must obtain them on every condo loan, in one of two different variations: "limited" and "full" reviews. If complexes don't meet the requirements, buyers in that HOA can't get financing. Far more complexes fail full reviews than limited, a distinction I always address with clients early in the loan process.

Limited reviews are fairly routine, consisting of a short questionnaire and insurance documentation from condo management. HOA management companies typically charge nominal costs to complete the questionnaires. Owner occupied condo loans with down payments of at least 10% (25% for second homes) are eligible for limited reviews. It's fairly unusual for a condo complex to fail a limited review. I've had numerous complexes fail a full review, yet meet limited review requirements.

Historically, however, all investment condo loans (regardless of down payment) required full reviews, which entail added cost/time to acquire more detailed info from HOA management BEFORE lenders even know if the complex meets full review requirements! That's a situation buyers, sellers, lenders, and agents all find stressful. No one likes uncertainty in the home buying process.

Fortunately for rental condo buyers, however, Fannie Mae recently announced that investment condo loans with 25% or more down were now eligible for limited reviews. Why is this a big deal?  Rental condo buyers who put 25%+ down already get improved loan pricing from Fannie Mae, saving 2-2.75% of the loan balance (up to $5500 on a $200,000 loan!) compared with those putting 15-20% down.

In short, many investment condo buyers were putting 25% down, but still had to cope with the uncertainty and cost of full condo reviews. They'll be pleased to hear that Fannie Mae's logical guideline reform just made rental condo loans far simpler.

Fannie Mae also expanded their Property Inspection Waiver (PIW) program to condos in June. A PIW is often referred to as an "appraisal waiver", and allows lenders to close certain loans without the expense/time of appraisals. There's nothing agents, buyers, and sellers love more than hearing their transaction doesn't need an appraisal. PIWs are determined automatically by Fannie Mae's automated underwriting engine Desktop Underwriter or "DU."

Between these two guideline revisions, Fannie Mae has made condo financing faster, cheaper, and far more predictable.   More predictable loans mean more closings, higher condo values, happy buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders. It's a big win for everyone. Thanks, Fannie Mae!

However, the writer did not acknowledge that the maximum loan to values for Limited Project Review are slightly lower for the state of Florida. I have cut out the correct maximum loan to value limits for Full Review and Limited Project Review for Florida from Fannie Mae's web site.

Author
Matthew Graham
Mortgage News Daily / MBS Live

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Cassine Village - Seagrove Fl - Sold

7/17/2018

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Great Home in Seagrove's Cassine Village!

Sold this home last week in Seagrove's Cassine Village. The new owners are very excited to have their first home here on 30A. I always enjoy the excitement!
See their Zillow review
Here is the current activity in Cassine Villlage.

Please call me and let me help you with selling or buying your home here on the Beautiful Emerald Coast. No Dream too big or house too small...

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Fourth of July

7/2/2018

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In the American holiday calendar no day is more significant than the Fourth of July, in which we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. That Declaration proclaimed to the world our separation from Great Britain and our emergence as a new sovereign nation, as we state in the pledge to our flag, "under God, with liberty and justice for all."

The Declaration stated unequivocally: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed."

Those few words sum up the divine source of our unalienable rights and our philosophy of government. Nothing quite so revolutionary had been proclaimed anywhere by any people. The result has been this shining light on a hill, the United States of America, the freest, most creative, productive, and richest nation in the history of mankind.

Its words must be written in our hearts and minds, and that we never forget the price paid for our freedom ... and the reasons why freedom is worth paying the price.

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Summer Beach Reading

7/1/2018

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One of the best parts of summer is getting to go to the beach.

One of the best parts of summer is getting to go to the beach. What exactly is the best part of the beach?! Is it the cute bathing suits? Maybe splashing around in the ocean? How about reading on the beach? YES!!

Beach reading is pretty amazing but in reality it’s just not the easiest task to pull off. There’s a ton of variables that can mess up your beach reading experience: lots of strangers, (potentially book damaging) water, the sun, excess sand, and that list just goes on and on. So, to help you have the best time possible, we’ve come up with a guide to the perfect beach reading experience.

The absolute necessities: your book (don’t you dare bring the dust jacket), a second book (in case you finish your first book), sunglasses (squinting while reading is no fun), a towel (for yourself), a second towel (to wrap your books in), snacks and drinks (so you can spend as much time possible reading), sun screen (to re-apply). Other useful items: an umbrella, a beach chair, and a hat (double up on the sun protection)
Trust me; the last thing you want is a book shaped tan line across your stomach because you fell asleep while reading. Sure, it seems kind of cute, but it is NOT easy to even out. What? No! I’m not speaking from experience. Okay, I totally am, oops. So apply that sunscreen every 2-3 hours!
The sun is out to get you. Especially if you’re a E-reader type of book nerd. Pack a pair of shades that with block out the haters and the sun. Plus then you can give people the side eye when they try to talk to you while reading and they won’t even notice!

When the beach is quiet, the sound of waves crashing against the shore is THE BEST. For the busier times of day, you’re going to need an epic playlist to drown out the noise. The only thing that can make your beach reading experience better is having someone to share it with!

Enjoy!!!

Here is a list of good books for the your beach reading

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Old Bay Condo - Destin, FL 32541

6/18/2018

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Old Bay Condo - Destin, FL 32541

2 bed / 2 bath luxury condo in mid-Destin for under $200k!
~No short-term rentals
Only 18 units total in this 3 level low-rise quality-built condominium.

Call for your private showing today!
Share this link with anyone you may know looking in Destin for a primary residence or second home.

Thank you for your interest.
Gena Bolton
Realtor, GRI, CLHMS
251-366-0423
The Premier Property Group
email: Gena@SoWal30a.com

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Are we closer to life like The Jetsons?

5/11/2018

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Builder Makes Alexa a New-Home Standard
DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2018

Lennar, the nation’s largest homebuilder, announced a deal with Amazon that will make voice-activated digital assistants a standard feature in its new homes, as well as other smart devices. The new homes will include built-in Wi-Fi, smart locks, doorbells, thermostats, and lights that can be controlled by Amazon’s voice-activated digital assistant, Alexa.

“This will be the hallmark of why we buy a new home,” says David Kaiserman, president of Lennar Ventures. “It’s an important step in the mass adoption of all these technologies.”

Every new home from Lennar will come with two Alexa-enabled smart speakers, an Echo Show and an Echo Dot. The builder will also give home buyers a complimentary visit from an Amazon technician to teach them how to operate everything.
Lennar and Amazon announced Wednesday that they will be opening eight model homes across the country to showcase the technology.

“We want to be able to walk into one of these model homes and see how it all works in a real house, so they can see how much it would simplify their lives,” says Nish Lathia, general manager for Amazon Services. “It’s super addictive.”

Voice assistants have been growing in popularity. About 18 percent of Americans this year use a smart speaker at least once a month, according to eMarketer, a digital marketing firm. Amazon holds the majority of the market share, but Google and Apple hope to change that.

Source: “Amazon’s Alexa Will Be Built Into All New Homes From Lennar,” USA Today (May 9, 2018)

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Inn at Gulf Place

3/19/2018

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This is your perfect opportunity to own a condo with direct Gulf Views! This condo has many amenities nearby including the Shunk Gulley resturaunt, Coffee Shops, Ice Cream, Shopping, and of course the beach!

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Enclave Condo Destin Florida

3/19/2018

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Large windows with gulf views! Enclave condos are known for spacious rooms, good storage and deeded beach access just steps away. Deeded beach access,seasonally heated pool,fitness room,tennis and volleyball courts. Great location on scenic 98,close to numerous restaurants and area attractions!

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HarborWalk Village in Destin

3/19/2018

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Destin is rightfully famed for its sugar-white sands and emerald-hued waters. And due to its plentiful and always hungry underwater population, Destin is widely known as the "world’s luckiest fishing village." Destin also harbors world-class resorts and rentals – and some of the best shopping and dining anywhere.

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Visit South Walton County Florida

3/19/2018

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16 unique beach neighborhoods are conveniently located between two airports in sunny Northwest Florida. South Walton’s welcoming resorts, beach cottages, restaurants, and event spaces range from upscale to casual and from large to small

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The Brownstones in Kelly Plantation

3/2/2018

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The Premier Property Group Announce the Release of the Newest Building at The Brownstones in Kelly Plantation

Premier Property Group announces the release of the newest building at The Brownstones, a luxury townhome project within the gates of Kelly Plantation. Southern American Homes recently broke ground on the new building, which contains four townhome residences and will be completed this summer. The latest offering has already generated a substantial amount of interest from potential buyers looking for a luxurious, maintenance-free home that offers a true “lock & leave” lifestyle, as well as convenient access to all of Kelly Plantation’s amenities.

Once complete, The Brownstones at Kelly Plantation will have a total of 23 unique “Florida Brownstones” designed to take full advantage of the bay, golf course, and nature preserve views offered by this final development site within Kelly Plantation. The latest Brownstones, designed by Geoff Chick & Associates, feature three-bedroom floor plans with two and a half baths, a third level bonus room and over 3,200 square feet. Each home includes an open main living level with a large kitchen, great room, gracious outdoor living areas and a private two-car garage with golf cart parking for security, convenience, and plenty of storage. The homes are luxuriously appointed with natural stone countertops, GE Cafe appliances, hardwood flooring, 10’ ceilings and more. The new residences are offered from $559,000.

Situated on five acres, The Brownstones offers a park-like environment with access to all of Kelly Plantation’s amenities including the Fred Couples Signature Golf Course, basketball and tennis courts, miles of walking trails, 24-hour manned guard gate, and an Owner’s Club with a community pool and fitness center. Call Gena Bolton with Premier Property Group 850-650-6985 or visit www.brownstonesatkp.com.

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Thirty One on 30a Condominiums for Sale

2/13/2018

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The lifestyle you’ll enjoy within Thirty-One is one-of-a-kind…

Thirty-One is perfectly situated on one of the last remaining undeveloped beachfront properties on 30A. Set on nearly 4 acres and over 335’ of white sand beach in the highly desirable town of Seagrove, one of our greatest amenities truly is the location. And with Seaside and Watercolor just 1.5 miles down the shore, Thirty-One offers effortless access to 30A’s bountiful dining, shopping and entertainment scenes, iconic communities, sprawling state parks, miles of trails and rare coastal dune lakes. And that’s just what lies outside the alluring grounds and residences of Thirty-One.

When it comes to finding that special place to gather with family and friends, you know where you want to be. We have designed Thirty-One to provide the experience you want when you get there. Thirty-One is pleased to offer the location and the luxury you desire. Because when it comes to what really matters, enjoying time with the people you love is number one.

See Active Listings for Sale

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Alerio Condominium for Sale

2/8/2018

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Alerio Luxury Condominium for sale

Feast your eyes on morning SUNRISES over the Emerald Coast in this TOP floor luxury condo. Experience the Gulf's white sand and clear water in B403 by simply walking across the street. Perfect for dining in, as there is a full kitchen equipped with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, oversized pantry, and stack washer/dryer in hallway. A large high-top table by the window provides you with breathtaking views. Every room has a 58" Smart TV and is beautifully decorated with a beach theme including hardwood floors. Community amenities include a pool, hot tub, children's splash pad and a grilling area. As a rental it can occupy 10 comfortably, but is also a great place to call home. It is conveniently located near restaurants, shopping, golf and movie theaters.

Click here for a tour

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Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show

2/3/2018

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Buy Tickets Here

This land based show will feature boat displays from all major manufacturers and the top dealers representing the latest in boats, high tech engines, electronics and marine accessories. Boats ranging from entry level bow riders and center consoles all the way up to the next generation 42' center consoles with quad outboards that have become so popular. Buyers will find everything in-between.

But making it much more than a boat show, this event features everything for the kind of active, outdoor beach living so popular along the Emerald Coast. From stand up paddleboards and fishing kayaks, to outdoor kitchens, diving, active wear and beach cruising bicycles. In short, all the great things residents and visiting tourists enjoy on and around the water along the beaches is available at this event.

Show Dates & Time:
March 2, Friday - 10 am to 5 pm "Locals Day"
March 3, Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm "Ladies Day"
March 4, Sunday - 10 am to 5 pm "Military Appreciation Day"

Ticket Prices:
Adults - $10
2 Day Pass - $15
Kids (12 and under) - Free
Military (active and retired) - $5 entry each day with ID
Locals Day (Friday) - $5 entry with local ID
Ladies Day (Saturday) - Ladies $5 entry

Show Highlights:

More than $30M of marine inventory on display at THE BEST PRICES IMAGINABLE
An up close "touch me" look at every type of boat you could possibly want to put your hands on
Top local dealers with the latest and greatest in high tech engines, electronics and marine accessories
SO MUCH MORE THAN BOATS: The Emerald Coast's most complete collection of the finest stand up paddle boards and fishing kayaks, electric street legal carts, diving, coastal fashion, motorcycles, luxury automobiles, beach cruising bicycles, gourmet food truck catering and much, much more!

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THE LOFTS AT SEACREST BEACH

1/30/2018

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COMING SOON! THE LOFTS AT SEACREST BEACH
We are honored to be working with Birmingham-based Capstone Collegiate Communities on the expected Spring 2018 release of The Lofts at Seacrest Beach, a 120-unit complex between WaterSound Origins and 30Avenue currently in the process of being converted into fee-simple condominiums for sale from the mid-$200s with beach access and 90 day minimum rentals.

Built in 2017, the attractively finished 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom residences feature 16 floor plans in two 4-story buildings with resort-style swimming pool; outdoor living area with big-screen TV, fire pit, grilling area, and summer kitchen; 24-hour fitness center; clubhouse/event room with cyber cafe, kitchen, and Starbucks coffee maker; big-screen TV lounge; and conference room.

More details to follow closer to the release date. Until then, visit loftsatseacrest.com, and take a look around or ask me for more information or to arrange an on-site tour/preview.

...enjoy the beach without breaking the budget

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Crystal Dunes Condos

1/29/2018

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Crystal Dunes Condos on Destin's Florida's Crystal Beach. This is a GREAT condo complex with REALLY TERRIFIC VIEWS of the beach. The Crystal Beach community in Destin has that feel of a community, where you will see people out walking and little street side restaurants-in general just happy. I would love to share Crystal Beach with you.

Crystal Dunes

LOVE THIS SIGN

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Crystal Lake Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

1/29/2018

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Another great property in Sandestin. This is in the Crystal Lake community, This community has a wonderful southern charm with the picket fences and trees. I really love this part of Sandestin.