3 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING GOLF COURSE PROPERTY

A home on the golf course is many peoples dream. Head out the door, jump in your personal golf cart and sneak in nine holes before dinner. Owning golf-course real estate has its benefits. Golf course properties are three times as valuable as the average U.S. home, according to the Golf Research Group, which tracks the industry.

However, there are 3 things that are important to know before investing in your dream home on the golf course.

 Location, location, location

That old cliché again? When purchasing golf course property this old cliché is twofold. The first is general location. Sure, the home on a course way out in the boon docks may be less expensive, but it probably won’t appreciate as quickly as one in an established club that is also convenient to shopping, restaurants, schools and infrastructure. The other is within the community. You don’t want a “golf ball lot”. Sure extra golf balls in the yard are nice but not through your window or through the screened lanai. Other nuisances can be golfer chatter and golf path noise. Choose your property slightly removed from the course or with a buffer between you and the course.

 Who Is The Developer?

Check around for the financially stability and signs of long-term commitment from the developer and other communities that he has built. You don’t want that green grass turning brown and turning into a dust bowl or some other unsightly development popping up in your back yard.

 Who is the Designer?

Buying a property in a community with a brand name course designer like Nicklaus, Norman or Davis Love to name a few, usually brings better appreciation and higher property values in the long run. The initiation fees to join the club, although painful at first, can be a great barometer for determining property values and club stability.

 For More Information on Choosing the Your Dream Home in a Golf Course Community on the Emerald Coast Contact Steve Brown

www.BuyInDestin.com/485RegattaBayBlvd

www.BuyInDestin.com/299CorinthianPlace

www.BuyInDestin.com/GatedCommunities

 Steve Brown is a 13 year Destin area Realtor at Keller Williams Realty, Emerald Coast specializing in luxury, second and vacation homes. He is the owner of BuyInDestin.com a Full Service Real Estate website offering helpful Real Estate Information and Searches such as: Gated Communities; Best Deals In Destin; Boat Properties; news, tools and much more. He can be reached at 850-376-4761 or by email buyindestin@cox.net

For more information on East Pass Towers or any Luxury condominium on the Emerald Coast contact Steve Brown.

Steve Brown is a 13 year Destin area Realtor at Keller Williams Realty, Emerald Coast specializing in luxury, second and vacation homes. He is the owner of BuyInDestin.com a Full Service Real Estate website offering helpful Real Estate Information and Searches such as: Gated Communities; Best Deals In Destin; Boat Properties; news, tools and much more. He can be reached at 850-376-4761 or by email buyindestin@cox.net

Short Sales sound easy enough; sellers need to sell home for less than they owe, lenders don’t really want to foreclose and deal with litigation and owning property with liabilities, so they forgive the difference of the mortgage and a buyer gets a great deal. Right? If only it was that easy. 

Although most banks don’t necessarily want to foreclose if they can get a reasonable price before hand, they still want to make sure the Seller cannot find another source to pay off or down the loan. They generally want a “Hardship Letter” to explain the reason for a short sale. Banks also have obstacles with second mortgage holders and PMI companies. All banks are not the same when it comes to how they deal with short sales.  Sometimes the potential buyer just gives up after waiting for any kind of response from the Bank. In the mean time other offers maybe coming in on the property. The awaited answer from the bank can be simply “no”, with no counter offer or explanation why.  Like the song by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers – “The Waiting Is The Hardest Part”. 

Deals can be had on short sales and foreclosures. The old saying, “You make money when you buy not just when you sell”, holds true. Short sales can be the nails in the floor of the market, but don’t expect to get way below true market value.  

For More Information and a Constantly Updated List of Short Sales, Foreclosures, REO (Bank Owned Properties) and Distressed Sales in and around the Destin, FL area, Contact Steve Brown and visit www.BestDealsInDestin.com 

Steve Brown is a 13 year Destin area Realtor at Keller Williams Realty, Emerald Coast specializing in luxury, second and vacation homes. He is the owner of BuyInDestin.com a Full Service Real Estate website offering helpful Real Estate Information and Searches such as: Gated Communities; Best Deals In Destin; Boat Properties; news, tools and much more. He can be reached at 850-376-4761 or by email buyindestin@cox.net

Buying a property on the Emerald Coast is buying a lifestyle, which is why Kris thinks of herself as a “dream maker” rather than a “home seller”. She believes that there is something here for absolutely everyone, no matter what your needs or desires. Kris spends the time to really listen to her clients and prides herself on the effort and caring she gives to each and every person she works with. As a Buyer Specialist, she is an expert in this marketplace and has put in the time to know this area inside and out and where to buy and why. She not only knows the properties that are “officially” on the market, but many others that are not.

Kris believes that the best barometer for measuring her real estate success comes not just from her impressive sales performance, but from words that come directly from her client’s mouths. For Kris, it’s common to hear such compliments as “you’ve ruined us for any other realtor,” “you’re so easy to work with and to trust,” and “you’ve made the process smoother and more fun that I could have ever imagined!”

An extensive current market analysis is always provided so that you know you are going into this process with access to all of the information needed to make an educated and knowledgeable decision, whether you are looking to buy or sell. Kris can also assist a seller in fully optimizing marketing appeal, whether that is through suggestions for furniture placement, paint colors, staging or just knowing which highlights to point out that enhance a property’s appeal.

Originally from North Dakota, her Midwestern charm is projected through her mannerisms and sincerity. Kris has been selling real estate with a commitment to excellence since 1999 and is constantly raising the bar and setting new standards of excellence. When not “hard at work”, Kris is with her husband and two adorable children, or enjoying her hobby of photography!

Her long list of sales and repeat clients are your guarantee of success. When you work with Kris and her team, you are getting the best marketing systems, marketing research, network of prospective buyers, and first view of new properties. Plus, the best administrative support and follow-up to your transaction!

For more information about Kris or the great investment properties on the Emerald Coast simply call Kris Moran at 850-654-3325 or email her at Krismoran@cox.net or visit www.themoranteam.com

“Top of the World Ma!” Penthouses have always been the crème de la crème of the condominium market. Situated at the top of a condominium like the crown jewel, these homes have expansive balconies with panoramic views, grand living area and all the bells and whistles of luxury living. Below is a list of three of the most desirable penthouses on the market.

Find easy access to all Penthouses on the market along the Emerald Coast at www.BuyInDestin.com/Penthouses 

723 East Pass Towers - Destin, FL - 3BR/3BA, 2,367 sq.ft. $1,790,900 http://ecarmls.com/EmeraldReports/listings.asp?ID=5414882291 Magnificent vistas of Destin’s East Pass, Gulf Beaches and the Harbor. Appointed with mahogany and stainless steel ceilings, Italian mosaic flooring. Designed with gentle curves and arched mahogany doors. Like being on a luxury yacht.

4549 Southwinds II - Sandestin, FL - 5BR/5.4BA, 5,250 sq.ft. $4,390,000 http://ecarmls.com/EmeraldReports/listings.asp?ID=5414882295Occuping the whole 14^th floor, with secure elevator access. 4 private balconies and views of the gulf, beaches, golf courses and Choctawhatchee Bay in Sandestin Resort.  

10 Andante - Seacrest, FL - 4BR/4.5BA, 4,300 sq.ft. $3,850,000 http://ecarmls.com/EmeraldReports/listings.asp?ID=5414882300Only 10 units in this all penthouse project. Appointed with the highest grade appliances and cherry cabinetry. Home theater with leather seating and 110” HD projection. Sitting 40’ above sea level makes for incredible views of the Gulf and private 240’ beach. 

Steve Brown is a 13 year Destin area Realtor at Keller Williams Realty, Emerald Coast specializing in luxury, second and vacation homes. He is the owner of BuyInDestin.com a Full Service Real Estate website offering helpful Real Estate Information and Searches such as: Gated Communities; Best Deals In Destin; Boat Properties; news, tools and much more. He can be reached at 850-376-4761 or by email buyindestin@cox.net

The popularity of living in gated, or private communities has been rising in recent years. It used to be that gated communities were thought of as being only for the rich. But today they are becoming more and more popular with middle and upper middle class families.

Security is usually given as the biggest reason for choosing to live in a gated community. Among the other reasons people are attracted to living in these communities are protecting property values and lifestyle. Many gated communities are designed with amenities built around a particular lifestyle, with golf courses, tennis, swimming pools, or equestrian facilities. Gated communities are usually located on some of the most desirable land in the area. Prime land, combined with careful planning and HOA rules create an environment where home values hold up extremely well. 

Aside from the gates or walls, the second most defining characteristic of gated or private communities is the Homeowner’s Association (HOA).The HOA is made up of all the owners of the development. The HOA is responsible for collection of the Association fees and making and enforcing the “rules” of the community. It is often also responsible for maintaining the public aspects of the community, such as streets, security, parks, etc.   The rules set by the HOA can vary a great deal, depending on the individual development. Typically the HOA will have rules pertaining to upkeep and appearance of homes within the development, specifying the colors of paint on outside walls, types of fencing, guidelines for landscaping and storage of boats or recreational vehicles. 

Search for available homes and lots in gated communities in and around the Destin Area at www.BuyInDestin.com/GatedCommunities Information is constantly updated.

 Steve Brown is a 13 year Destin area Realtor at Keller Williams Realty, Emerald Coast specializing in luxury, second and vacation homes. He is the owner of BuyInDestin.com a Full Service Real Estate website offering helpful Real Estate Information and Searches such as: Gated Communities; Best Deals In Destin; Boat Properties; news, tools and much more. He can be reached at 850-376-4761 or by email buyindestin@cox.net

Moran Team Earns Honors In Luxury Real Estate Market    
The Moran Team earned the Certified Luxury Home Market Specialist (CLHMS) designation.  This designation is awarded to  for members of the prestigious Institute for Luxury Home Marketing who Marketing who have documented performance in the top 10% of their markets.  The Institute is the premier independent authority in training and certification of real estate agents working in the luxury market worldwide.   

To learn more about how The Moran Team will sells luxury real estate in Destin and South Walton County Florida simply call John Moran @ 850-654-3325 or send an email to john@themoranteam.com or visit our website at www.themoranteam.com

It is no secret that the Destin area has some of the most beautiful bodies of water and exciting fishing locations for boat owners in the world. It is getting more and more difficult for many boat owners to find an affordable place to keep their prized vessels without feeling like they are getting gouged.

Property ownership with boat access lets owners take advantage of the current buyers market and reap the benefit of future appreciation of, soon to be scarce, Destin waterfront property with boat access.

Properties on the water offering a place for boat owners to store their boats with privacy and convenience and ready to go at a moment notice have always been a hot commodity in our area. Searching for that right property can be tedious if not exhausting.   

 At BuyInDestin.com we have made the search even easier. BuyInDestin.com/BoatProperties offers a constantly updated detailed list of waterfront properties offering a place to keep your vessel in the Destin area. 

 Steve Brown is a 13 year Destin area Realtor at Keller Williams Realty, Emerald Coast specializing in luxury, second and vacation homes. He is the owner of BuyInDestin.com a Full Service Real Estate website offering helpful Real Estate Information and Searches such as: Gated Communities; Best Deals In Destin; Boat Properties; news, tools and much more. He can be reached at 850-376-4761 or by email buyindestin@cox.net        

Top 3 Gated, Golf Course Communities in Destin, FL

Regatta Bay 

Regatta Bay is a gated golf course community located along the Choctawhatchee Bay and the south east quarter of Danny Wuerffel Way and US. Hwy. 98. adjacent to Destin Commons and Mid-Bay Marina. This award winning community offers a variety of residential villages on more than 525 acres nestled among pristine woodlands, lakes, bay, bayou and championship golf course designed by Robert C. Walker. Amenities include an Olympic sized pool, kiddie pool, tennis courts, playground, award winning golf course and 16,000 sq. ft. clubhouse with Rutherford’s 465 Restaurant. Just adjacent to Regatta Bay and a golf cart ride away are the Mid-Bay Marina for exploring the Choctawhatchee Bay and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Destin Commons, an open-aire, place to be shopping experience with restaurants, shopping, and Rave Motion Theater.

Burnt Pine - Sandestin

Burnt Pine - Sandestin is a gated community within a gated community, Burnt Pine offers residential living for the refined lifestyle. Located within the gates of Sandestin this bay front, gulf front and golf course community offers homes built by some of the best builders in the Destin/Sandestin area. Burnt Pine is  secluded from the hustle and bustle yet residents have easy access to Sandestin’s vast amenities including; Sandestin Marina, Baytowne Village, four golf courses, tennis club, restaurants, shopping and the beautiful beach on the Gulf of Mexico

 Kelly Plantation 

Kelly Plantation is a gated golf course community offering residents a variety of activities and amenities within its gates. Residents are privileged to a Fred Couples championship golf course, club house, tennis courts, basketball court, equestrian center, Olympic sized pool, nature trails and parks with barbecue pits, volleyball court, ball field, playgrounds and picnic areas. Home sites offer stunning locations and vistas on Choctawhatchee Bay, bayous, golf course and nature preserves.

All 3 of Destin’s top Gated Golf Course communities homes and properties can be viewed at BuyInDestin.com/GatedCommunities

Steve Brown is a 13 year Destin area Realtor at Keller Williams Realty, Emerald Coast specializing in luxury, second and vacation homes. He is the owner of BuyInDestin.com a Full Service Real Estate website offering helpful Real Estate Information and Searches such as: Gated Communities; Best Deals In Destin; Boat Properties; news, tools and much more. He can be reached at 850-376-4761 or by email buyindestin@cox.net

Luxury Property Is Selling At The Beach  

While the rest of our real estate market has seen prices drop and the number of transactions decrease dramatically the luxury segment of our market is holding its own.  Since January 1, 2008 there has been 80 condos sell for more than $1 million.  The most expensive sold for $3.5 million.  With regard to houses there have been 95 sales of $1 million or more with the most expensive sale so far this year being $6 million. As for resential lots there have 14 sales over the $1 million dollar mark with the most expensive being $3 million.  The market is definitely tighter than it has been in the past but good high quality property is still fetching good high quality prices.  

If you would like to explore your opportunities with regard to luxury property at the beach simply contact the Moran Team and whether you are planning to buy or sell a luxury property we will be glad to help you achieve your goals.   Please call Kris Moran at 850-654-3325 or email her at krismoran@cox.net.