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Destin, FL Real Estate News

By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Turn Around, Destin Florida Is Closed! When the pug protests her morning walk you know something is wrong. Getting the 13 year old pug and her Mini-Aussie sister to do the full course was a battle in these temps. Even Sunday, the temps were low enough that the pug refused ANY photography. River on the other hand said the cold people needed a picture of a pretty dog now more than ever. A old timer tells me Destin has experienced snow five times, over 63 years...We lack the snow/ice roadway equipment (in fact I don't know the proper term for that sort of stuff). Said ice would make driving with a cigarette in one hand and Red Bull in the other dangerous , so better to stay off the roads. Have real estate needs during the blizzard of 2025? Call Doug Rogers (318) 613-1994 with RE/MAX Coasta...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words (And A Bunch Of Money)Getting ready to sell your home around Destin Florida? Let's examine why high quality professional photos are a must in 2025. Well, even back in 2015 they were pretty darn important. But now more than ever. Attached is a condo photo I took for my benefit. When touring a Destin Florida area condo I will take photos to fresh my memory or help recall key features when writing the listing description. But would I use this in market? Let's examine why that would be a poor service to my seller...1) The likely buyer for your condo lives nowhere near Destin-- As a vacation/second home market, we get a ton of buyers from Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Houston, and believe it or not Minneapolis. Having a stack of professional photos and videos make...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Before You Give Up On Selling Your Destin HomeHas finding a buyer for your Destin Florida home been more of a challenge than anticipated? Perhaps you tried For Sale By Owner and got tired of the potential buyers ghosting you? Or maybe the agent you hired turned out to be less than an ideal fit. Either way you a have a choice to make 1) take the home of the market or 2) try something new. Here are questions to consider if you find yourself in that fork in the road. 1) Has your motivation to sell changed-- Sellers list their Destin Florida condos for sale for a host of reasons. Not all of these reasons stay the same. If whatever motivated you to stick the house on the market has evolved, by all means retain the home. 2) For sale by owners (FSBO) how did you determine your asking price-- P...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Destin Florida Real Estate-The Bad Weather Won't Stop Your MarketingWorried about the once in a really long time weather causing your Destin Florida home to linger on the market. Will folks be too busy making snowballs on the beach to see your condo? Let's take a closer look...1) Showings will cease until the snow melts-- Honestly we are not equipped for this stuff. A hint of ice will close the Mid-Bay Bridge and the Fort Walton connection.  Plus we have the same amount of winter weather driving smarts as we do championship hockey teams. But this too shall pass. 2) The online marketing doesn't stop--  Unlike our area schools, there is no "snow day" for the internet. In fact we generally see viewership numbers increase during weather events. Yes, a large segment of our buyers live out of...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
If I Sell As-Is Why Do I Need To Fill Out Disclosures?Getting ready to list your Destin Florida  home for sale? One of the steps in the pre-listing process sees the sellers complete property disclosures. But if the client wishes for an "AS-IS" transaction why bother with disclosures? Let's take a closer look at how doing so can make for a smoother transaction.Why seller disclosures1) Disclosures provide important information to the potential buyer--Is there a home owner's association (HOA)? If so, how much are the dues? How often are they paid? Any pending assessments? Having this information clearly outlined in one place helps speed the process and avoid mistakes when one person relays a message to a group (remember playing the telephone game as a kid). 2) Seller Disclosures is formal ...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Destin Florida Real Estate-Who Should Go On The Home Tour?Is 2024 the year for you to purchase a home near Destin Florida? We are following the home buying process, and  now it's time to tour 3-5 of the properties on your list. So, who should tag along and who should check for updates on Facebook?Those Who Should Attend1) Your Real Estate agent-- The person who you pay should be familiar with the home you are interested in. Sure, some real estate teams utilize showing agents, but someone on your side needs to be there. Want to checkout a Sunday open house? Give me a call, we can go together! 2) Everyone on title--Is your name going on the contract? If so you should attend the tour. This is a struggle sometimes for our military clients. If there is anyway possible we will use FaceTime or...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Should I Have The Renters Move Out Before Listing My House?A common question Destin Florida area home sellers involves the occupancy of the home they wish to sell. Should we allow the renters to remain until closing, or is it best to have the home vacant prior to hitting the market. Let's take a closer look at some key factors...1) What does the lease say-- If the home currently has a renter, you will need to follow the terms of the lease. Some will have a provision for putting the home on the market, others don't.  In most cases an owner can't terminate early simply because they wish to sell. 2) Who is the likely buyer-- For an investment property, having a renter in place can be a plus. This is the case even if the rent is currently below market value. If the likely buyer is an owner ...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Should I Replace The Carpet Or Just Clean It? Getting ready to put your Destin Florida area home on the market? Want to get the most money without having to take on a major renovation? Let's tackle one of the common issues, to replace or simple clean the carpet. To Clean Or Replace Replace if you have the time and money--Carpet retains all sort of animal hair, dust, and a whole host of other things best not pondered. New floors will certainly dress up an existing home and get rid of some possible odors.  Clean if money or time is tight-- Running short on disposable income? Or perhaps the home needs to be sold like yesterday. This suggests a professional cleaning. And don't go cheap or try to do it yourself. Professional grade cleaning equipment is FAR superior to the contraption you ren...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Destin Florida Condos-Sandpiper CoveSearching for a laid back condo community around Destin Florida? If So, Sandpiper Cove should be on your must tour list. Word of warning, folks who visit often become residents...Located along Gulf Shore Drive, Sandpiper Cove has deeded beach access on one side and the other half of the community features golf courses, private ponds, a canal, and pier. There is a variety of housing ranging studio units all the way to three bedroom freestanding properties. Sandpiper Cove Key Features  One of the few pet friendly properties in Destin Florida. Why leave your four legged companion behind?  Onsite 24 hour seven days a week security Home of Louisiana Lagnaippe Restaurant (try the Bayou Grouper) Looking for a snack? Rick's Gill is located on the beach offeri...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
What The Heck Is a Home Buyer Consultation?Getting ready to purchase a home around Destin Florida? You got the loan pre-approval, now what? Let's take a look at why our first meetings should be at my real estate office instead of some front porch...Overview The buyer consultation is an in office (or Zoom for out of market home buyers) meeting between myself and everyone who will be on the purchase agreement. The goal is to go over the purchase process, explore the buyers' wants/needs, examine areas of interest, and cover the Buyer Brokerage Agreement (BBA). Let's look at each.1) The Purchase Process-- Buying a home changes a little each year as forms/common practice evolves. In addition, real estate sales from market to market will vary. Without drowning the buyers in detail (I'll be he...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Only Practice On The Days You Wish To WinAs August lumbers along its hot path, NFL teams are busy with training camp. Why the heck does a professional football player need training camp? Many of them have been playing the sport since they were walking. Did Joe Burrow (best quarterback in NFL history) suddenly forget how to throw a football? If a rockstar quarterback invests his summer on the practice field and film room, why not real estate agents? Let's look at some areas agents can/should invest time in training and  practice...1) Learning what to say and how to say it-- Yes, every client is as unique as a snowflake but the situations they find themselves in are similar. Learn the dialog for dealing with a for sale by owner, expired, and members of your database. But Doug, I just like...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Is Destin Florida A Good Place To Retire?After many years in the office is it time to plan the next great life adventure? Love visiting the beach but hate the commute? Let's examine why Destin Florida is a great retirement destination. Why Destin1)Just look at that water-- The water isn't always crystal clear, but even on a "bad" day it's prettier than Galveston (As a Native Texan I can write that). And it's not just gulf front. We have homes on the harbor (see above), properties along the bay, and even some on neighboring Santa Rosa Sound (with many cool islands to explore). 2) Everything is close--Yes traffic can be "interesting" in summer peak, but grocery  stores, pharmacies, and restaurants can be founding abundance all along highway 98. Got a sweet tooth? We have more ice cream sh...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
My House Stinks, Now What?Getting ready to sell your Destin Florida home? Most sellers know to clean, declutter, and freshen up. But don't forget to do the smell test!  Since smell is so tied to memory, let's take a closer look (or sniff).Sources of House Smells 1) Cigarette/Cigar Smoke--If you are planning on selling your home anytime in the near future, stop smoking in your house today! This is one odor that will stop a large percentage of buyers in their tracks. 2) Obnoxious Food Smells- I Had a renter that would cook a pot of sauerkraut prior to each showing. The owner ended up having to evict the renter. Showing day is not the time to experiment with croc pot recipes. 3) Pet Odors- Got pets? Many of us do. When your house is on the market invest time each morning picking up after t...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
The Wisdom Of Pricing Right From The StartIs 2024 the year to sell your Destin Florida area home? Want to get every dollar possible in the least amount of time (they are not mutually exclusive)? Let's explore the wisdom of pricing right from the start...Why Price Right From The Start 1) Proper pricing will minimize days on market-- There's a misconception that real estate prices get better if the Destin home seller will just wait. Have you ever seen a grocery store RAISE the price of old bananas? 2) The closer to value, the cleaner the offer-- If the buyer feels like they are getting a good deal, the less likely offers will be littered with concessions, repair requests, and protracted closing dates. Make the buyer fear competition from other bidders to get the cleanest offer! 3) Listing...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Why List Verses For Sale By Owner-Destin Real Estate AdviceGetting ready to sell your Destin Florida area home? Need to get every dollar possible so considering doing the task yourself? Here are some reasons to hire a professional. 1) A professional can save you time-- "A buyer wouldn't waste their time looking if they couldn't buy". If I had a nickel each time this was violated. As a professional real estate agent, I ensure that anyone who schedules an appointment also has the means to purchase. Feel comfortable asking strangers about their financials? I do...2) The seller normally ends up paying an agent-- Most quality buyers (especially in a second home market) have an agent. And guess what, that agent is going to likely ask for a fee. Would you pay for legal representation for someo...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
How Far Should Rates Drop Before I Buy-Destin Real Estate AdviceGetting ready to purchase a home in Destin Florida, but interest rates have been giving you the blues? With rates heading down (finally) the natural question is how long to wait?  After all, who wants to pay too much? Let's take a closer look at some factors to consider...1) Are you Currently leasing a home-- If so, where are you in terms of the lease? If it's month to month, moving forward with a purchase is likely the wise choice. Still have some months left? Better take a closer look at your lease! Having to pay rent and a mortgage would wipe out any potential savings from a lower interest rate. Odds are riding out the lease would be the better choice. 2) Is your financial house in order-- This is where close communicati...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
How Many Condos Can We Tour In One Trip? Ready to take the next step and purchase a slice of the Emerald Coast? Tired of renting every summer when you can OWN your Destin Florida Condo? Once I understand your needs and we have the financials in order, it's time to tour! But how many per day should we see? Let's look at some factors that influence our lineup card. 1)Your Experience level-- Have you purchased Destin area condos before? Have you stayed in the building prior? If so, our visit will be quick. For newbies though it is important to explore the facilities as well. This can turn a 15 minute pop by into an hour. 2) The Time of year-- Traffic in summer peak season is, well interesting...Condos five miles apart may be 45 minutes away. 3) Access-- Closely tied to time of year, if the...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Should I Buy A High Rise Or Low Rise Condo-Destin Real EstateHas the Emerald  Coast lifestyle got your attention? Why visit Destin Florida when you can put down roots? Area condo buyers first need to consider, high rise buildings or something with fewer floors. Let's take a closer look at each...The High Rise Destin Florida Condo Building Example Properties include...1) The Resorts of Pelican Beach2) Emerald Towers 3) SunDestin Advantages Typically have onsite restaurants, gift shops, etc... Normally have 24/7 management and security Large marketing footprint- Due to the number of units, the condo advertising budget is normally greater than a smaller building Multiple pools, usually including at least one indoor/outdoor pool The capacity to handle large crowds- multiple elevators, entry...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
The Listing On Your Home Expired, Now What?Have you been getting more calls this morning than a Taylor Swift concert ticket office? Wondering why real estate agents all of the sudden are curious to see how you morning is going? Let's look at what an "expired" listing means and possible next steps...Real estate listing contracts need both a start and ending date. If the end date is reached without finding a buyer, the Destin Florida home seller has some options.1) Keep the home off the market--After several months on the market, some sellers need a break. Keeping the home show ready then no showings can be exhausting physically and mentally. This will lead some owners to change their plans or rent the property.2) Relist with the same agent--Some sellers will decide to give their current ...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
How Can I Find Out How Much My Destin Florida Home Is WorthGetting ready to sell your home near Destin Florida? Want to get an idea of what it might be worth before you list? Let's look at some ways to determine value of your Emerald Coast area property...1)Internet Sites-- This is by far the easiest method. Simply type your address into Google and multiple webpages should populate. Within a couple of clicks a number should appear. The downside you ask? Google hasn't been in your den! Such sites typically used past and area sold data to arrive at a number. Those renovations you did this Spring likely won't be reflected in the figure. 2) Professional Home Appraisal-- Using this approach, a licensed appraiser will tour and typically measure the subject property. He or she will then hunt c...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
When Will We Know it's Time To Lower The Price-Destin Real EstateThe perfect time to develop a home pricing strategy is before the Destin Florida home hits the market. Naturally here at RE/Max Coastal Properties we do everything possible to get our sellers the most money. Let's take a look at some market signals that point to a price improvement...Signs that it might be time for a price reduction1) Your home isn't getting any showings--Thanks to listing syndication (and our robust marketing), your Destin Florida home will be in front of the buying public almost immediately. In fact, buyers who have alerts set up will receive notification THE MOMENT your home hits the market. We do this and ZERO showings in the first ten days? The seller should  respond to what the market is suggesting. ...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Destin Florida Real Estate- Responding To The Home InspectionOne of the first things we do after an is accepted by all parties  is to schedule the professional home inspection. But what happens when our Destin Florida home inspection is complete? Let's look at some possible outcomes...1)You can accept the property in its current condition-- I advise Destin Florida home buyers to take visible defects into consideration when writing the offer. If the water heater has more rust than Grandpa's Jeep factor in the replacement cost upfront. 2)The Buyer can terminate the contract-- Keeping inspection period deadlines in mind, sometimes a buyer will be so overwhelmed they will simply want out of the deal. We have paperwork for that, the key is doing so within our inspection period. 3) The Buyer ...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Destin Florida Real Estate- Market Data Does Not Mean A Crystal BallThanks to a plethora of information available online, predicting the direction of the Destin Florida real estate market should be a snap. Let's take a look at a few of the market indicators and how some of this data can lead to "foggy" conclusions...Factors that help forecast the real estate marketHARD DATA1) Recent Sales Price-- Your Destin Florida real estate agent will look at sales prices going back a year or so. Extra predictive power is generally given to comparable sales within the last 90 days. The challenge  is in some areas there will not be enough closings to come up with a meaningful average. 2) Absorption Rate--This one can be tricky, but essentially if no new properties hit the market how long would it tak...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Why Speak With A Lender Before Touring Homes?Destin Fl Real EstateIs 2024 the year you take the plunge and invest in Destin Florida? Have you bought homes in the past without speaking with a lender first? Why the heck does this Destin Florida real estate agent want me to talk with a lender first??? Let's take a closer look.Why Speaking To a Local Lender First Makes Sense1) Showing Opportunities can be limited in peak season-- During the summer rush Destin Florida investment homes are usually open for a limited window on "turnover day". As such, sellers generally want to see proof of funds or a loan pre-qual letter upfront. 2)  Lending programs and guidelines change--Don't assume that loan program you used in 2014 is still offered. Also, second homes or investment properties can have dif...
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