Inspired by others who have blogged "What you get for x in x city"...I decided to do a series of views and homes from the Sandestin/Destin Area. The first is 747 Sq. Ft Condo in Sandestin's Harbour Point listed for $179,000.  Sandestin is definitely a place you spend the majority of your time outside, and for this price the view is well worth it.  Positioned 15 yards from the a Bay Front Fairway.  The view in the distance is of the Marina and Village of Baytowne Wharf. Short stroll to the Bay, watch the boats roll in, and views of tee shots all day long.  I look forward to seeing views at this price from your area.     01/15/2009

More than ever before it's time for the Realtor and prospective buyers to start shaking hands in prospective neighborhoods. For Realtors it's becoming a must to introduce yourself to the neighborhood and let them know which house you are about to represent and price.  This may seem like a no brainer because usually the Realtor will use a listing as a referral to pick up other listings in the neighborhood.  But today there is a more important need which is to give confidence to the community that the listing/sale will be a good thing. The common response everytime a sign goes in the yard in this current market is "well there goes another short sale, foreclosure, or bottom basement price that is going to ruin our value."  This is not always the case and in some neighborhoods a healthy cle... 01/14/2009

After receiving frequent calls from other agents asking "How are the open houses going?  Getting any good leads?"....and also from visiting other open houses in the area....I have decided to post 5 things that can change the environment or assure you are maximizing the chance to gain a relationship with your guests.   1. Come Out With A Bang!  What I mean by this is don't just roll out 1 open house on a new listing.  Start the listing with 3 Open Houses in a row.  This will let the standard traffic and the neighborhood know that you are serious and alive and well. 2. Meet the Neighbors.  During this first 3 day blast you should be seen outside whether you are talking on the phone or just relaxing.  Give the neighbors a chance to approach you.  If you see them walking say hello or have a... 01/14/2009

Yesterday I received a phone call from a competitor in my Destin Florida real estate market.  The agent had a short sale condo listed in the same building as I did, and questioned why my list price of $260,000 was $40,000 less than his unit.  He asked, "Is that price approved by the bank?"  I told him no, as most short sale lenders do not pre-approve prices.  He then asked if I truly thought I could get it approved, as he was hesitant to "chase" my price and match or beat it with his listing.  I thought about that, and the factors that go into short sale pricing.  When pricing any real estate listing, one must consider several standard factors.  Briefly: 1. Competition:  Similar properties for sale may be overpriced, since they have failed to sell 2. Pendings: Properties under contract... 01/13/2009

Today's Neighborhood introduction is to one of Sandestin's newer developments:  Elation   Elation is positioned near the Village of Baytowne Wharf and contains some of Sandestin's most incredible views.  Easy stroll to all activities in the village and views of both the Bay and golf Course.  A great place to rent and for the owner, a great potential for rental revenue.  Built in 2006, Elation offers beautiful and modern style. For Sale stats: Studio     445 sq. ft           Starting @ $140,000 1 Bed     772 sq. ft           Starting @ $209,000 2 Bed    1,302 sq. ft         Starting @ $339,000   01/13/2009

My market on the Emerald Coast of Florida is diverse.  So is my real estate practice.  As a real estate broker in Destin Florida, my office is centrally located to cover it all, and that I do.  From central Destin, it's just 20 minutes to Fort Walton Beach, or 30 minutes straight shot up Highway 98 to Navarre. Or even closer, 12 minutes over the Mid-Bay Bridge to Bluewater Bay.  As diverse as my area's real estate is, we are cohesively known as the "Emerald Coast" of Florida.  We are not a major metropolitan area, but we are bound together by one beautiful thing - the Gulf of Mexico. It's no exaggeration to say we have sugar-white beaches from Pensacola to Seagrove Beach, and the waters truly are "emerald" green. In fact, Southern Living Magazine just voted Destin FL "Readers' Choice f... 01/12/2009

I am sitting at our local Keller Williams office today in Destin.  Jean Floyd is our local chapter District Vice President for the Women's Council of Realtors and she gathered about 25 women together today to go over our goals for 2009.  In attendance is our State V.P. for the Women's Council of Realtors Nan Harper.  This is such an enthusiastic group and so much fun.  We just broke for lunch provided by our local Wells Fargo Affliate, Ann Buroker and Lorena Spillar.  If you are a woman and have not yet joined the Women's Council of Realtors in your area, please do so today.  You will be glad that you did.  There is a lot of love being shared today and the bonding is wonderful.  These are the future movers and shakers in our community. I served as the local Chapter President last year a... 01/10/2009

Today was the annual awards banquet for the Emerald Coast of Realtors.  A good friend of mine Jean Floyd who is a Realtor for Keller Williams was named Realtor of the Year.  I was so happy for Jean.  What an honor.  Jean always does so much to give back. Jean receives the highest honor and largest trophy.  We give away Dolphins and Sea Turtles.  The award is actually very heavy.  Also is last year's winner Harry Milsaps, and last year's President for ECAR Cliff Chaplin. Other winners and friends of mine are in this photo.  I expect to be in one of these photos next year.  This year I am the South Walton Director for ECAR newly elected. Dolphin Awards are given out yearly. What does your Board do? 01/09/2009

Yesterday was my birthday and I wanted to share with you some terrific friends who treated me to lunch and wine.  I had a flight of wines at Chan's Wine World located in Destin.  Best in flight was a 2006 Rustenberg Brampton Cabernet Sauvignon.  Cassis, blackberries, cherries, cigar box and spice characteristics.  Yummy. Here are good friends who know me well, Bobbie Celano from Trustmark Bank and Vicki Hoover from H&S Title and Escrow in Destin, FL. Santa Rosa Beach FL Homes For Sale Are you looking to buy one of the beautiful Santa Rosa Beach FL Waterfront Properties? If you need any help, allow us to be your guide. Our real estate services cover Santa Rosa Beach and the surrounding communities, as well as the Rosemary Beach Florida Real Estate area. Our team of agents work hard so yo... 01/08/2009

Wendy Rulnick, Destin Florida real estate broker, was recently interviewed by Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine.  In the February 2009 edition, Kiplinger describes foreclosure avoidance and short sales.  Some of Rulnick's Destin real estate clients, who recently participated in a short sale, had their story told.  The homeowners plight unfolded from buying at the top of the Emerald Coast real estate market to their mortgage interest rate hike and personal job loss.  Rulnick helped the sellers complete a short sale on their home, which cancelled about $100,000 in mortgage debt.  The Kiplinger article stresses "Short sales are best conducted by an experienced real estate agent who can negotiate the obstacles imposed by lenders or investors."  Rulnick provided much of the information re... 01/08/2009

Destin Florida Real Estate - 2008 Market Summary The Destin Florida real estate market had a rocky road in 2008.  There are some glimmers of hope, but continued signs of price declines.  In summary: 1.  In Destin, the "% Sold/List" (Sold to List Price Ratio) dropped from 90% to an average of 84% by the end of the year.  The ratio bounced around a lot during the last 12 months, but the drop to 84% may or may not be part of a trend.  We'll look at this in coming months. 2. The average sale price for Destin real estate dropped from $520,000 to $406,000 in the past year. Again, this figure may not necessarily be a trend, as the average sold price was as high as $637,000 in June. 3.  The median sale price dropped in Destin from $350,000 to $263,000.  Note the "median" statistic may be more i... 01/03/2009

When I wrote "When is a Contract NOT a Contract?" it stirred up over 40 comments and some controversy.  The crux of the matter is that many Destin Florida listing agents are accepting more than one "primary" contract on a Short Sale listing.  There is a prevalent belief in the Emerald Coast real estate market and others, that a contract is "not" a contract despite being signed by both buyer and seller, until the bank approves the price and short sale. Thus, the thinking goes, the Short Sale seller is not truly obligated to the buyer who wrote the offer, and can simply sign multiple contracts with parity.  Because of this misconception, many buyer's agents also think release and cancellations are not needed when buyers "walk" prior to bank approval.  Also, the practice of accepting more... 12/29/2008

Great selection of music starts when "Blast from the Past" hits the stage @ 7.  Mustang Sally then hits the stage @ 9 to bring in the New Year.  There will also be a fireworks show.  The events start @7 and last until the New Year @ 12.  All festivities and fireworks will be located in the Village of Baytowne Wharf.  Get there early and expect to take the Tram Shuttle service to the Village from one of the parking lots by the entrance.  See you there! 12/29/2008

Please take the time to enjoy a concert under the stars every Wednesday night at The Village of Baytowne Wharf located in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.  The music selection varies from week to week but the venue stays the same.  The seating is on the center lawn of the village.  So bring a blanket or chair and enjoy an outdoor event with the family.  Every Wednesday from 6pm-8pm. 12/29/2008

The retailers in Destin expect record crowds today at the malls.  Destin Commons and also The Silver Sands Outlet Factory Mall in Destin are expected to be even busier today than before Christmas.  With prices with 50-70% off almost everywhere, those gift cards will go further this year than in year's past. Personally, I will be on the golf course today.  It is 74 out right now with a high of 81 today and clear skies.  I couldn't have ordered better weather and can't wait to try out my new Taylor #5 rescue club that I got for Christmas. I hope that all of you have had a wonderful holiday break and will have a wonderful weekend. Warmly yours, Kelly Santa Rosa Beach FL Homes For Sale Are you looking to buy one of the beautiful Santa Rosa Beach FL Waterfront Properties? If you need any hel... 12/26/2008

Saturday December 20th  10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Open house at 3511 Arrowhead Point in Sandestin's prestigious Burnt Pine.  This Custom Home was a 2007 Parade of Homes Winner. This open floor plan was designed especially for entertaining or welcoming the family for that yearly reunion.  From the 10' Cedar entry door to teh top of the line appliances and chef's dream kitchen, you will fall in love!  Complete outdoor living with heated pool/spa, fireplace, and kitchen.  This lakefront home even has spectacular views of the golf course!  This home is the perfect example of "Less is More." Builder warranty. View other homes at www.compassrealtyfl.com 12/20/2008

Prices are hitting all time lows right now! Our market is full of short sale opportunities....that is the morgage holders/lenders are willing to take less then they are owed just to avoid the foreclosure process. It's a slow process so you must be patient for an answer. I recently closed a short sale that took 5 months to complete but well worth the wait...bank took $100,000 less than the mortgage and it's my understanding they forgave the debt shortfall for the owner. He saved his credit. If you don't want to wait, a search for anxious sellers may be the better way to find that great buy. Sellers may even agree to sell at auction to produce a quicker sale. Limited buyer pool makes it a great time to bid and win a great property at a great price. High inventory is driving the prices dow... 12/17/2008

There are 5 Comedy Movies out right now.  We could all use a good laugh now and then.  Comedy is good for the soul. Take time to view one or more of these recommended funny movies over the holidays. Four Christmases PG-13 When their plans for an exotic vacation fall apart, unmarried couple Brad (Vince Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon) must spend Christmas Day trudging back and forth to a quartet of family get-togethers. While Brad counts the hours till he can escape the onslaught of crazy relatives, Kate begins to wonder about her own choices and ponders whether her family members are so crazy after all. When their plans for an exotic vacation fall apart, unmarried couple Brad (Vince Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon) must spend Christmas Day trudging back and forth to a quartet of... 12/16/2008

Due to the economic slowdown in Destin and lack of the area's visitors several area restaurants have closed their doors.  Most notable was Criolla's on Hwy. 30A.  Oh how I loved that restaurant.  I remember a wonderful mean there with my mother who was here on vacation many years ago and it was the best meal and service that I had ever experienced.  It quickly became a favorite, but chef and owner Johnny Earles closed his doors and opened up a real estate office instead.  I will miss Criolla's which found National fame along the Gulf Coast.  Now chef Tim Crehan has closed his doors to the Beach Walk Restaurant, Copper Grill and Bluz Grill and Bar.  There were 100 employees let go from the closing of these three restaurants.  Tim hopes to reopen next year when business and visitors retur... 12/15/2008

This is where you will not find me this weekend in Destin at the Redneck Christmas Celebration.  The celebration features cow patty bingo, a mullet toss, and redneck fishing contests.  Prizes include a can of sardines, a golden frying pan, and a bag of pork rinds. A parade this afternoon features about 100 floats.  I prefer to stay in today and watch football.  Have a nice Sunday. Santa Rosa Beach FL Homes For Sale Are you looking to buy one of the beautiful Santa Rosa Beach FL Waterfront Properties? If you need any help, allow us to be your guide. Our real estate services cover Santa Rosa Beach and the surrounding communities, as well as the Rosemary Beach Florida Real Estate area. Our team of agents work hard so you don't have to, and we would be happy to help you find your dream home... 12/14/2008