Gena Bolton's Real Estate Blog - Your Sandestin, Destin and South Walton-30A Real Estate Resource.

Kaiya Beach Resort

11/19/2022

Kaiya is Resort Living at it's BEST!

Kaiya delivers exquisite detail and taste for the most discerning homeowner.
The Beach Club has that personalized service and privacy that the members will embrace. This community offers Villas, Club Residences and The Preserve Collection.
To see what is available click here

www.kaiyabeachresort.com

Holiday POPS

11/15/2022

The Doo Wop Project boys will get you into the holiday spirit! Hear old school holiday classics like The Drifters’ White Christmas, The Temptations’ Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frankie Valli, and The Four Seasons version of Santa Claus is Coming to Town along with "Doowopified" contemporary hits like This Christmas and Last Christmas. It's sure to be a jolly good time

A Note from Gena

11/14/2022

October Snapshot for Destin Miramar Beach and 30A

11/5/2022

Market Snapshot for October. Includes Destin, Miramar Beach (Sandestin) and 30A

Sandestin Real Estate and Miramar Beach Real Estate
New listings | Homes | Condo's & Town Homes | Short Sales | Foreclosures

Destin Real Estate
New listings | Homes | Condo's & Town Homes | Short Sales | Foreclosures

30A Real Estate and South Walton County Real Estate
New listings | Homes | Condo's & Town Homes | Short Sales | Foreclosures

A Rare Gulf Trace Home

10/31/2022

You say that something is incredible; you mean that it is very unusual or surprising, and you cannot believe it is really true,

71 Gulf Shore Dr in the Gulf Trace neighborhood of 30A. Gulf Trace is surrounded by Grayton Beach State Park on three sides, with the Gulf of Mexico to the south. The home also border's a rare coastal dune lake.

Sitting high above the dunes in the quiet neighborhood of Gulf Trace, this home is sure to be a wow factor on many levels. Don't miss this spectacular home located in Grayton Beach in the quaint neighborhood of Gulf Trace!

Click here to see the home's of GULF TRACE

The Grayton House 10 Hotz Ave

10/24/2022

The Grayton House located 10 Hotz Ave, is 127 Years, making this home is the oldest Standing Home in the 30A Area, originally built 1895, and completely brought back to life with 2022 conveniences, standards, and quality.

Historic GRAYTON BEACH — What can you say about this wonderful quirky beach community.
It took an Army Major to see what others could not, he believed that this was one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
At this time in history most of the land was owned by the government as it was deemed as not suitable for anything (mainly farming). But for his belief and passion for the area Charles Gray (Maj. Gray)-this wonderful community would carry his name.

He would build one of the first recorded homesteads in Grayton Beach. He built the house that would later become an inn and would become the heartbeat of the community and would carry the name it become known for – the wash-away- house located on 10 Hotz Ave.

With just little research you find it had other names, the one I like the most was Grayton Grand; can you imagine a Grand Hotel in Grayton Beach? How fun it must had been. The wash-away name is the one that stuck, mainly due to the home surviving hurricanes and storms. The home today is a Grayton Landmark with a colorful history. It has been reported the home was even used by the Coast Guard in WWII as a headquarters for a cavalry unit looking for German submarines just off our beaches.
A lot has changed over the years in Grayton from wild hogs that could be seen in the streets to Dr. Beach naming it America’s most beautiful beach.

If you would like more information about this home our others in Grayton Beach please call me 251-366-0423

This home has over 13,000 square feet of total home space, 5623 square feet heated and cooled. Home includes parking for 14, 4 climate-controlled storage, and 1 Golf Cart Garage. Unobstructed Forever Views of The Gulf of Mexico over dunes.

Rental Projections $750,000 - $900,000
7 Bedrooms / 8 Bathrooms
Professionally Furnished & Turnkey
Secret entertainment area under home (under development)

Click Here for Homes for Sale

Miramar Beach Florida

10/20/2022

I love this video by www.visitsouthwalton.com
We enjoying living in Miramar Beach and all that it offers. This bustling beach neighborhood is perfect for family friendly activities, water sports, golf, tennis, walking trails, shopping, and spa escapes–all set against beautiful, sugar-white sand. An energizing paradise.

Caribe Miramar Beach Florida

10/20/2022

Caribe is one of the most prominent gated communities in Miramar Beach / Destin. Behind this gated community you'll discover a wealth of quality family experiences including a private beach access, two community pools, tennis courts, security, a private lake, and meticulously maintained grounds.

Click here to see available homes in Caribe

Twin Palms Inlet Beach Newest Luxury Community

10/18/2022

Twin Palms, luxury and family-friendly living

Twin Palms, Inlet Beach's newest luxury community, perfectly intertwined with three-story single family homes just steps from the shops, dining, and beaches of 30A. Plans include a rooftop terrace, parking for golf carts and bikes, and 10’ ceilings throughout. . Enjoy the BROCK BUILT fine craftsmanship and relaxation at your fingertips. Check out the spacious floor plan’s and the amazing views from the rooftop terrace!
*Will be making current floor plan to 5 bed / 4.5 bath with an office
HOA: $350/mo Includes landscaping yards, common areas and community pool

See Virtual Tour with changeable Design Packages. Click Here!

Current Listing: 10 W Queen Palm Drive, Inlet Beach 32461

Call Me to discuss these Wonderful Brock Built Homes

Call me (251-366-0423) to discuss rental projections

30A AND SOUTH WALTON REAL ESTATE

10/6/2022

Search Available Properties at: www.30arealestate.net

SOLD in Burnt Pine - Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

6/28/2022

Thankful to have represented this Seller. 6 days on market / 19 days closed.
How may I assist with your property search or sale?

The Grove at Seascape Resort

8/20/2021

The Grove at Seacape Resort

New Construction - Miramar Beach

Bldg 1 & 2 are already being reserved quickly!
A waitlist has started for Bldg 3!
~ Rental Projections will be available
~ HOA Fees based on square footage
Exciting for NEW LUXURY CONDOS in Miramar Beach

~ Contact Gena Bolton, 251-366-0423 to reserve your condo ~

Seascape Resorts, Inc., the developer of Seascape Golf, Beach & Tennis Resort and the Premier Property Group, project listing broker, jointly announce an exciting new residential development, The Grove at Seascape Resort.
Phase One of The Grove at Seascape Resort will feature the “Holly” and “Juniper”, the first two buildings of this new multi-phase luxury condominium development located in the heart of Seascape Golf, Beach & Tennis Resort in Miramar Beach, Florida. These 4-story Mediterranean style condominiums are within walking distance of Seascape’s 2,000 feet of deeded beachfront property, as well as numerous on-property restaurants, including the iconic Whale’s Tail beachfront restaurant, entertainment venues, shopping and of course, golf and tennis, all within steps of each new building
Ownership will entitle you to exclusive use of the Aquatic Garden amenities, featuring a lazy river, a zero-entry pool, a “splash-down” pool and a “family social” pool. It will also include various recreational greenspace areas, and will even feature a beautiful and romantic Wedding & Events Pavilion.
Both buildings, Holly and Juniper, will include spacious and luxurious 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom condominiums; 31 units and 35 units, respectively.
“We are thrilled to offer this luxurious and upscale new condominium development featuring a variety of recreational amenities in a beautiful coastal setting just steps away from one of the largest privately owned beaches in the area,” said Jay Nettles, Resort General Manager. “You just have to see the overall plan to fully appreciate this opportunity to own property in a beautiful seaside community packed with unique and exciting amenities.”
Reserve yours today!

ABOUT SEASCAPE RESORT:
Seascape Resort is a 300-acre premier destination resort located in Miramar Beach Florida between Destin and 30A.
Seascape Resort offers numerous onsite attractions including restaurants, golf, tennis, swimming pools, concerts, parasailing, water sports, family entertainment, live music, real estate services, placid lakes, the world-famous Whale’s Tail Beach Bar & Grill, and 2,000 linear feet of pristine beach. The Seascape beach is one of the largest privately owned beaches in the area and offers a variety of water sports activities for all ages on a beach that is ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world. With numerous on-site amenities and diverse accommodations Seascape offers owners and guests everything they want while never having to leave the resort.

AUGUST 2021 (credit: The PPG Web Admin)

SummerWinds Panama City Beach

11/12/2020

6323 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408

SummerWinds beautifully remodeled gulf front condominium. A spacious third floor, two-bedroom, two-bath unit with gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico. The balcony overlooks the pools, lush landscaping, and the world's most beautiful beaches. SummerWinds Condominium is a one-of-a-kind luxury gulf front condominium on the east end of Panama City Beach. SummerWinds has 72 units. This gated, private, community is a non-rental community. This unit has a single car garage.

Sandestin Condo in Turnberry

11/10/2020

A Night With The Stars

10/10/2020

Join the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center in celebrating 20 years of preventing child abuse and neglect, protecting children, and restoring the lives and futures of impacted children. Help the ECCAC celebrate the 14,000+ children they have seen over the last 20 years and the services they have been able to provide them at no cost to them or their families.
Here’s to the next 20 years and here’s to hoping the ECCAC can eventually put a “Closed for Business” sign on their front door because there will no longer be child abuse or neglect.
CLICK HERE FOR SPONSORSHIP OR TICKETS!

Miramar Beach Townhomes

10/6/2020

I have had the opportunity and pleasure to help this terrific couple buy and sale here in our area. No greater compliment - thanks. Also working with Wanda the buyers agent has been a real joy!

Laurel Grove Home for Sale in Sandestin

7/31/2020

1369 W Ravens Run, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
$594,900.00 - 3 beds 3 baths 1,880 sq ft

Sit on the BACK PORCH and EXPERIENCE one of the most SERENE getaways - PRICELESS! Indulge in the feeling of privacy, nestled among the trees, in the midst of popular Laurel Grove. Enjoy peaceful views from an open floor plan with soaring cathedral ceilings. Take in Lake Views, as well as the first fairway and third green of the renowned Ravens Golf Course. This home is one of the few with a GOLF CART STORAGE ROOM. Third Bedroom is upstairs with full bath and walk-in closet. Kitchen has an island and breakfast bar. Well-Maintained Second Home. Stack Washer/Dryer does convey. In 2019 New Coil on inside A/C, New Ceiling Fans, New Kitchen Sink Erator Disposal, Upstairs' Windows Replaced w/Hurricane Impact Double Hung Windows, Exterior Painted, both porch steps rebuilt.

click here for more info

Magnolia Harbor Navarre Florida

7/15/2020

Magnolia Harbor Navarre Florida

Luxury Custom-built Mediterranean style Home situated on Double Lot. Only 2 blocks to Community Boardwalk access to Santa Rosa Sound & approx 4.7 miles to the Beach.  This Gorgeous Home situated in a quiet neighborhood offers features galore, ASK agent for FEATURES SHEET to see the MANY reasons to make this your home! For example: 14 ft. exquisite coffered, dropped & raised trey ceilings w/faux finish & decorative crown moldings, in-wall sound & security sys/cameras, Gourmet kitchen with Custom Cabinets, granite counter-tops, SS appliances, island, & walk-in pantry. Master Bdrm has large Walk-in Closet w/built-ins, bidet, jetted tub, Oversized shower. Picturesque large screened lanai has a wet bar, in-ground gunite heated saltwater pool w/waterfall & tropical landscape

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

need to sell your home

4/18/2020

Selling or need to sell your home?

Here are three tips to getting your home sold faster.

Tip #1: Hire A Pro
The housing market is tough and the competition is fierce. Being aware of how much a home is worth before putting it on the market can save money, time, and frustration. For this reason, it’s wise to hire a professional real estate agent.

Real estate agents know the market. There is a lot of work involved with selling a home. Real estate agents know about property trends, how to research the market, and how to find the best value for a home. They can price homes competitively to entice potential buyers instead of scaring them away.
They know how to make a home more appealing to potential buyers. Homeowners should make sure their homes are clean and clutter free before listing them on the market. A real estate agent may even suggest hiring a home stager. Staging a house may cause a higher closing price and staged homes tend to sell an average of 81% faster.
Real estate agents know how to find the right buyers. It isn’t enough to list a home, put up for sale signs and hope the right buyer appears. Real estate agents conduct a screening process for potential buyers. With the knowledge of a home’s actual market value, the agent is armed with all the information he or she needs to get the most money for your home and negotiate fairly.

Tip #2: Improve the Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is the first impression, so it's important to make it a good one. Try these simple budget upgrades to give your home the "WOW" factor that buyers are looking for!

Crystal clean. As simple as it sounds, it is extremely important to make sure your house is nice and clean on the outside. Don't forget about the exterior!
Knock knock. Another important design feature of your outer home is the front door as it is one of the only features of the exterior that buyers will be forced to look at up-close. A new door will not only look great from the curb, but also the details of its quality will inevitably be seen by anyone who enters the home. Make sure your door is in tip-top shape before you start your showings!
Raise the roof!: If your roof isn't in good condition or looks like it isn't in good condition, then an upgrade may be needed. Most buyers are quickly turned off when they see a roof that's in poor condition because it can be an expensive fix.
Fantastic furniture. Patio furniture is an easy and inexpensive way to differentiate your home from the rest! Add a pop of color to a neutral-colored house by placing vibrant chairs and planters on the front porch as featured pieces, or add a cute table and chairs to your lawn to show how useful the space can be. That being said, be careful not to overdo it, as too much patio furniture or potted plants may give the illusion that your home is cluttered, which is a major no-no in the real estate world.

Tip #3: Stage Your Home To Sell
There are many great ways to stage your home that will immediately interest viewers, but some have the power to engage the senses and impress potential buyers all the more.

Use textures and fabrics that complement. There is most likely a certain kind of buyer you'll have in mind when deciding to stage your home, so it's important to keep in mind how your house might appear to them. While differing textures and fabrics can certainly add depth and character to a home, you'll want to ensure they are also flattering to each other and compliment the style already apparent in your design aesthetic.
Keep a handle on the accessories. Instead of going for big, over-the-top pieces, stick to a style that's neat and tidy with some quaint accents that will play it up. A few brightly cultured coffee table books or a quirky light fixture can go a long way in adding interest to your living space!

Reach out to me today for more information.

Summer is Almost Here

4/17/2020

BAYSIDE CONDO SANDESTIN

4/12/2020

6th Floor ''A'' Rated Unit with endless Bay Views! New Flooring (12mm Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank)! Mattresses new in 2018 -- This unit is turnkey furnished and ready to enjoy - with History: 2019 Gross Rental Income $30,270.16 (with 214 Guest Nights / 4 Owner Nights) -- 2018 Gross Rental Income $28,129.16 (with 201 Guest Nights / 10 Owner Nights) - Bayside includes elevators, an indoor and outdoor lounge area, beautiful bay-front pool deck with spectacular Bay views. - A great location adjoining Sunset Bay Cafe, Linkside Conference Center, Sandestin Fitness and Sandestin Spa & Salon. -- Conveniently across from The Links Course at Sandestin - named one of the ''Top Five Golf Courses in Northwest Florida'' and one of the ''Top 100 Courses in Florida'' by Florida Golf News.

$140,000.00

All Bayside Listings

Seascape Resort Condo

3/27/2020

Wonderful newly remodeled, my compliments to sellers for creating an outstanding unit. It's a joy working with you both.

COBRA Zones along the Emerald Coast

3/25/2020

COBRA Zones along the Emerald Coast | Flood Insurance

As a real estate Professional’s, we are often asked about whether a buyer needs to purchase flood insurance on a newly purchased homes or if it is, indeed, even available.
Here are some basics to the flood insurance situation along the Emerald Coast in Florida, including Okaloosa and Walton Counties. This is by no means an all-inclusive discussion and, as always, one should seek the advice of an experienced insurance professional that you know and trust.

A little history about COBRA zones. Because of rapid development of coastal barrier areas in the US, conflict developed between the owners (or developers) of certain coastal barrier tracts and Federal government environmental concerns about fish, wildlife, and other natural resources in these protected areas. As a result, a compromise was made whereby these areas were placed under “passive” Federal protection to discourage further development.

The Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 (CBRA) designated parts of Okaloosa and Walton County COBRA zones. Individuals and entities within a CBRA zone cannot receive Federally-backed loans (i.e. VA, FHA) nor is Federal flood insurance available.
These areas include Crystal Beach (south of Hwy 98), Destiny East and West, Emerald Lakes, Regatta Bay, and Kelly Plantation.
Buyers interested in purchasing in these areas must realize that flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) may NOT be available and the home cannot be financed through any of the federally-backed agencies.   Have your agent determine whether the property sits within a COBRA zone.

Please be aware, however, that COBRA zone designation has nothing to do with the flood zone designation from FEMA. Generally speaking, a lender will require flood insurance for a residence located within an A or AE or V FEMA flood zone. Zone X generally does NOT require flood insurance by the lender. Whether an individual owner wants to purchase flood insurance (that is not required by a lender) is a discussion between the trusted insurance professional and the owner of the property.

So, if a buyer is purchasing a home in flood zone X, then there will probably be no lender required flood insurance on the property. As long as the property is NOT in a COBRA zone, the owner may decide to purchase flood insurance through the NFIP which is very affordable.

Many homes in the COBRA designated communities mentioned above were initially in a Flood zone A designation. This meant that the lender would require flood insurance AND that the affordable NFIP flood insurance was NOT available. This is the scenario that presented most of the problems. However, many homeowners had modifications done to the foundation, slope, and grade of their homes and submitted a new elevation survey to FEMA and asked for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) to place their home out of Flood zone A and into Flood Zone X. Once they received FEMA approval, the lender did NOT require flood insurance.
For peace of mind, the owner may still want to purchase flood insurance because of their close proximity to the Gulf. In that case, they must go to the private market for flood insurance and premiums can be as high. And as insurance professionals always remind me, 25% of flood insurance claims come from homes located in Flood Zone X. While good, the FEMA maps are not perfect for predicting floods!

Household Equity

3/25/2020

The state of homeownership currently is nothing like the problems that occurred during the housing crisis of the great recession because most homeowners have equity and there is still a shortage of inventory.

February 2020 Newsletter

2/23/2020

EXCITING LOCAL EVENTS

February 28th | 7a-9p | Taste of the Race with Emeril Lagasse | Seaside
February 29th | 12p-4p | Shrimp & Grits Festival | Harborwalk Village