30a homes for sale -

Poll: Americans prefer real estate to other investments

Karen April 23, 2014

New Poll shows that Americans Prefer Real Estate to other Investments

Americans have renewed confidence in real estate as a great investment and Hwy 30a propertiess are no exception. In fact, Americans believe that real estate is the “best” long term investment followed by gold, stocks, mutual funds saving accounts/CD’s and then bonds. These findings, according to a new Gallup poll, are the result of a survey conducted early this year from 1,000 adults across the country. Bonds were found to be the least favorite investment according to the results.

In 2011, Americans surveyed said that the most popular long term investment was gold. That also marked a time when gold was trading at one of it’s highest prices per ounce ever and real estate and stock market values were down. With housing prices improving across the country, Americans are regaining faith that real estate is the best choice for long term investment security according to Gallup. Home ownership is also associated with the view that real estate is a solid investment opportunity.

Americans with higher incomes are most likely to prefer real estate and stocks as the best investments possibly because of their experience with these types of investments according to the poll. Higher income Americans are the most likely to own their own homes (87%), followed by middle income earners (66%) and then lower income earners at (36%). Homeowners represent a higher percentage than renters who choose real estate over other investments.

The Most Luxurious Homes Available on 30a

Karen April 21, 2014

Luxurious Homes for Sale on 30a

As 30a continues to grow and be discovered by people all around the United States, the demand for Higher End Luxury homes is growing as well. Listed are some of the most luxurious homes available on 30a.

68 Paradise by the Sea Blvd $9,750,000 MLS#572001

This exquisite Tuscan Style Home located in the gated community of Paradise by the Sea is the ultimate in 30a Gulf Front Luxury. This home offers over 5700 sq feet of heated and cooled living with 60 feet if Gulf Frontage. The Gulf Front infinity edge pool is like being at a private resort. There is a Master Suite on the First Floor overlooking the pool and Gulf.

11 Spanish Town Court $8,900,000 MLS#585555

This stunning Gulf Front Home situated on 2 lots in Rosemary Beach is a one of a kind Bobby McAlpine Designed home. Boasting over 5200 sq feet, the home offers 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, a private courtyard swimming pool, and some amazing Gulf Views.The home was featured in the October edition of Coastal Living Magazine and is a must see when searching for 30a Luxury

Lot 15 Hwy 30a Seagrove Beach $6,900,000 MLS#601581

This is a rare opportunity to own a Brand New Gulf Front home is historic Seagrove Beach. This Custom home sits on a 60 Foot lot and offers almost 5900 sq feet of open living, a separate garage with carriage,a private swimming pool and fabulous Gulf Views.

97 Founders Lane $5,750,000 MLS#605930

This Nantucket style Gulf Front home is located in the Dune Ridge community of Watersound Beach. Nestled among the rolling dunes, this home offers amazing Gulf Views and privacy. Watersound does boast a few of the most luxurious homes available on 30a.

By Karen Holder

February 2014 Sales Figures Are In

Karen March 25, 2014

How are February Sales for 2014

The February 2014 Sales Figures Are In from the Florida Association of Realtors:
HOMES
Closed Sales are up over February, 2013 by 17.4% ( 135)
Pending Sales are up over February, 2013 by 2.3% (183)
Cash Sales are practically the same over February, 2013 (44)
Sales price as Percentage of List Price is up over February, 2013 by 2.0% to 94.0%.
Foreclosure sales are down 9% over last year with short sales falling by 28.4%.
CONDOMINIUMS
Closed sales are the same as February 2013 at 60.
Pending Sales are down 11% over February, 2013 by 11% (72)
Cash Sales are down over February, 2013 by 21% (26)
Sales Price as Percentage of List Price almost identical to February, 2013 at 91%.
Foreclosure Sales are up by 150% over February, 2013 (10) with short sales falling to zero this year.
Most economist agree that the best indicator of the market is a month over month comparison of closed transactions. Here in Walton County, those numbers are very positive with an increase in home sales of 17.4% at 135 and the condo market tracking at the same rate as last year at 60. Lets see how the market does as weather begins to warm and vacation time kicks in…Bet it’s good…

Early 2014 market outlook

Karen March 6, 2014

How is The 2014 Real Estate Market Trend Looking

As we enter the month of March, early market statistics for 2014 are beginning to trickle in. Two of the most comprehensive national publications that track and interpret trends in the real estate market are CoreLogic and the S&P Case-Shiller home price index. Here is a quick look at early 2014 trends:
Nationally, home prices rose in January after a 3 month decline. Over the last 12 months, home prices have risen 12%, the biggest year over year gain in more than 8 years. We have certainly seen a jump in home prices here along the 30A corridor. The state of Florida has experienced the 3rd highest price appreciation (excluding distressed sales) in the nation.
Due to the huge drop in prices we experienced from 2005 through 2011 (almost unprecedented) it is a normal function of any market to experience a short term “bounce” when that market begins to turn around. Here along the beach, we have seen lot prices increase in some developments by as much as 50% over the past year with home prices rising by as much as 20%. We expect these increases to moderate this year which will be good news. Increases like this are not sustainable and create instability over the long term. A healthy real estate market will see inventories leveling off and appreciations at 3% to 5%. Early Spring interest is strong once again this year on 30A. Here at Homes On 30A, we are poised to have another great year.

Real Estate Opportunities on 30a Under $500k

Karen February 25, 2014

Looking for 30a Real Estate Under $500k

As the 30a Real Estate market continues to rebound, it gets harder and harder to find properties for sale under $500,000. We are 2 weeks away from our Spring Break kick off so if you are trying to get in the market under $500k then you need to act now. Below are links showing the real estate opportunities along Hwy 30a under $500k.

30a Homes for Sale Under $250K
30a Homes From $250k-$350k
30a Homes $350k-$500k

30a Condos for Sale Under $250k
30a Condos from $250k-$350k
30a Condos $350k-$500k

30a Lots for Sale Under $250k
30a Lots from $250k-$500k

Below are a few of my picks for Value Under $500k on 30a. Contact a 30a Real Estate Specialist today to find an out more about these properties

30a Lender Explains Qualified Mortgages

Karen February 16, 2014

What Does “QM” mean to me as a buyer?? Everything!

Know before you Search for your New Home Primary, second or Investment Purchase

-It means Qualified Mortgage

-It means that you should be prepared and have your financials reviewed by your lender before you look for a property.

-It means that your debt to income ratio should not exceed 43%

Note that on some loans, you may have the ability to exceed the ratio limitation with good credit, solid employment and good reserves. You will not know though until we have completed a review of your credit and financial package with your Lender.

Stop and take the time to review

Be Prepared and provide your agent “Your Preapproval Letter” before writing your contract!!
Jean Jackson Crews, AVP
Senior Mortgage Loan Officer
NMLS #595305
Branch Banking and Trust – BB&T

office (850) 460-3080
fax (850) 269-4240
cell (850) 865-5326

30A LOCATION AT REDFISH VILLAGE – OPEN

DESTIN LOCATION:
34990 Emerald Coast Parkway
2nd Floor
Destin, FL 32541