Admin

Okaloosa County, FL Real Estate News

By Brandon Jordan
(ERA American Real Estate)
 Real Estate Owned. Discover this charming townhome located in the sought-after Eagles Landing community at 743 Majestic Dr. This home offers an incredible value with resort-like amenities, making it the perfect opportunity for a homeowner or investor. The property features 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, along with many upgrades for modern comfort. Step inside and you'll find carpet throughout the bedrooms, dining area, and living room, with the interior painted in neutral tones that provide a blank canvas for your decor. The spacious kitchen includes low-maintenance tile floors, a pass-through to the living area. Crown molding accents give the home an elegant touch, while your door leading off the living room leads to a private back patio, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.Address:    7...
Comments 5
By Brandon Jordan
(ERA American Real Estate)
  Real Estate Owned. The French doors in the living area lead out to a large backyard that overlooks the nature area. The home features a spacious master bedroom and is in a great location south of Hwy 90, close to Eglin AFB, North Okaloosa Medical Center, top-rated Okaloosa County schools, and is perfect for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Upstairs, you'll find two nicely sized guest rooms. This spacious three-bedroom townhome is centrally located in Crestview, near two newer schools. Downstairs, there is an open living area along with ample storage. Call to take a look at 293 Swaying Pine. County:    OkaloosaArea:    25 - Crestview AreaSub Area:    2501 Crestview SoutheastProject Name/Subdivision:    ROLLING PINESZoning:    Resid Multi-FamilyParcel ID:    28-3N-23-1020-000A-0760Elementary...
Comments 3
By John Moran, For Your Place At The Beach
(Keller Williams Realty's At The Beach Team)
Listing Details: 895 Santa Rosa Boulevard 206, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548MLS number: 951865Price: $479,900Beds: 2Baths: 2Sq feet: 1,074 Call Courtney Ledezma (850) 608-0677 to see if this property is still available.Few places can capture the magic of the Emerald Coast and the beaches of Okaloosa Island...this lovely two bedroom condo at SeaCrest does. Sited in a prime location in the building on the 2nd floor closer to the beach, this condo exudes sophistication and embodies an eminently livable floor plan and effortless style with bamboo flooring, upgraded kitchen, new hot water heater in 2022, updated furnishings/decor, google nest thermostat, and more! Additionally this property conveys a deeded covered parking spot which not all condos at this property have. Enjoy the good life at...
Comments 2
By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
How To Respond To A Poor Online ReviewStay in the real estate (or any dealing with the public) business long enough and you will run across someone with an ax to grind. I can tell you from experience reading a "1 star masterpiece" can ruin even the best day. Let's take a look at how to respond to a bad online review...1) Is there merit to the claim-- Prior to real estate I was a college instructor. My Boss added the following to his semester student evaluation, "The instructor spoke in a loud and clear voice" Bennett had a similar voice to God giving the ten commandments to Moses. His theory was if the student dinged him on vocals, the person had an ax to grind. If not, he took the rest serious. 2) How many-- Do you have one stinker in a sea of glowing reviews? No worries, suddenly gett...
Comments 8
By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Is There A Place For Carpet In The Modern Home?My favorite part of any listing appointment... there in the den rests some plush 2013 vintage carpet. The owners swear by the comfort such thread provides and point to the grocery store carpet cleaner rental invoice from somewhere around the last election. I have owned homes with carpet, and frankly such flooring is nice on cold mornings. As a dog owner, I changed to tile and wood as soon as funds were available. Since then there hasn't been a moment I thought, "gee I could go for some carpet". What are you thoughts on the upscale, upgraded carpet? Extra padding, plush texture, cool colors. In your opinion, should home owners consider carpet when replacing their flooring? Are there certain rooms carpet would be better received than others??  
Comments 6
By John Moran, For Your Place At The Beach
(Keller Williams Realty's At The Beach Team)
1 Bedroom  2 BathroomsSq ft: 820 For more details surrounding the sale of this condo please contact the following:     Jackson Stanford, Realtor/Buyer Specialist Keller Williams Realty Emerald Coast36008 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 201Destin, FL 32541Panama City Beach - Bay County - 30AE-Mail: Jacksonstanford@atthebeachteam.com       Website: www.AtTheBeachTeam.com Jackson StanfordOffice: 850-654-3325Mobile: 850-865-8928Fax: 800-654-2959
Comments 2
By John Moran, For Your Place At The Beach
(Keller Williams Realty's At The Beach Team)
Listing Details: 3755 Scenic Highway 98 UNIT 702, Destin, FL 32541MLS #: 957895Price: $345,000Beds: 1Baths: 1Sq feet: 725 Call Jackson Stanford 850-865-8928 to see if this property is still available.Welcome to Chateau La Mer II! This updated 1st-floor unit is only steps from the beach and located on coveted Scenic Highway 98! It features newly installed luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and modernized kitchen cabinets and countertops. The sellers have added soundproofing in the ceiling, ensuring you won't hear any noise from the neighbors above. This unit is ideal as a primary residence, a second home, or a vacation rental. Enjoy exclusive beach access, a tennis court, a playground, and a community pool at Chateau La Mer II.   Click here to see additional photos and details of thi...
Comments 2
By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
What To Do When A Deal DiesSadly not every deal ends at the closing table. Due to a variety of factors an agreement to purchase can end up in the trash can with both parties back to square one. Let's take a look at how both buyer and seller should react to a dead real estate deal. Buyer advice 1)Take a deep breath-- A real estate deal can be stressful, I encourage buyers to take a moment to process the loss. For some folks, that's an hour others six months. 2) Why did the deal die--Was it an inspection issue, perhaps an unseen defect that nobody could control for. Did something go south with your loan? Fix what needs to be fixed prior to getting back in the market. 3) Take a closer look at your motivation--Why did you wish to purchase in the first place? Has that desire changed? 4) Stic...
Comments 5
By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
What Are You Doing To Keep Real Estate Fun 2024 EditionReal estate sales can be a grind. I follow a strict daily schedule so it's not uncommon to look up and 2-3 days have passed. With all the challenges (read opportunities) this year has brought, how are you keeping things fun? Here's a few things I do, would love you feedback! 1) Follow a daily schedule-- Every hour of my workday has a task. By following a tight schedule, I can then relax when I am off. Prior to following a schedule, I would feel guilty on my downtime. 2) Super short term goals-- We know the benefits of "big" goals and even intermediate goals. I will give myself a treat (maybe a new book or sweet food) just for hitting my daily goal. "Only three more things today and I can go to the bookstore" It works! 3) Mastermind ...
Comments 4
By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Things To Bring To The Closing TableAfter a long (and perhaps twisting) journey, you are less than 24 hours away from closing on your home. In addition to a winning smile, here are a few things to bring (and one or two to leave behind). 1) Valid driver's license for EVERYONE signing-- The title company likely asked for a copy before, but you will need the license on the day of closing. Forget the driver's license? This will shut down your closing faster than The Dallas Cowboys' in the playoffs. Don't have a license? Please tell the title company as early as possible. There are other government ids that may work. Just don't assume a substitute form of id will. 2) Any Needed cash to close-- Depending on your market, either (likely both) the title company/real estate agent will go over any...
Comments 0
By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Destin Florida Real Estate-What Is The Best Day to List My House?Getting ready to sell your home around Destin Florida? One of the common questions I get from home sellers is what is the best day to hit the market? That's a GREAT question, let's go over some options...Advantages to listing on various days 1) Wednesday/Thursday-- People (read buyers) are in the heart of their weekly routine. Any work/home fires were likely put out earlier in the week. Folks will also plan their weekend home tours in advance. This gives us a couple of days to market before the end of the week. 2) Saturday-- Hot off the press, not even waiting until Monday to make a splash on the market! This is diva house day. Buyers need to accommodate HER to get in before the crowd. 3) Monday--The theory here is more ag...
Comments 3
By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Your House Is Under Contract, What Could Go Wrong?Putting your home on the market can be an exciting (and a little scary) life transition. After a bunch of paperwork, professional photos (please use professional photos), and marketing the winning offer is inked. Nothing left to do but pop the Champagne right? Let's looks at some common escrow challenges (and how we prep for them).Escrow Killers1) Home inspection issues-- Within a days of acceptance, a fellow with a ladder and charged laptop will take a look at the home. His/Her report will go a long way in determining what happens next. What's the best approach as a seller? Fix  the defects you are aware of prior to listing. Short on cash? Disclose and adjust your price accordingly.2) Appraisal shortfall--Depending on loan type, a third...
Comments 7
By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Are Open Houses Useful in 2024?I have come full circle in my opinion on real estate open houses. When I started 16 years ago, 1pm-3pm Sunday was the highlight of my week. I didn't sell anything, but boy the conversations were great!Then I went through a phase (read 14 years) where I looked at open houses as effective as an aquarium at the lake. Here's some reasons why I think open houses will be a part of my 2025 business plan...Why open houses are kool again1) There's power in the prep-- back in the day open house prep was to put a couple of directionals out on Friday then get some cookies on Sunday. Now I call the neighbors and door knock the street to drum up attendance. There's also a host of social media and internet posts the week leading up.2) Spending two hours in a home makes t...
Comments 8
By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Past Clients Are The Best ClientsIn my first year of real estate practice there were plenty of closing table tears. Sure I was happy for my buyers (and back then most were buyers) but the reason for the waterworks was not knowing where my next deal would  come from. Let's look at why past clients  should be your best clients!What Makes Past Clients special1) They already know you-- Calling someone you know is typically less stressful than reaching out to a stranger. And since they have a prior relationship, past clients are more likely to take your call or reply to a text. 2) Past clients are forgiving-- Has it been a while since their transaction closed? Don't worry, as my coach Mike Ferry says, "they haven't been sitting around waiting for your call." Don't let a long gap in communica...
Comments 5
By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Looking For A Home, Don't Buy Anything Else!I remember like it was yesterday (actually it was 2007), my house hit the market and the showing starting coming fast! Within a couple of days the winning deal was inked. A week later the inspection was complete and it was time to pack. Well, not so fast...The person buying our home came across the prettiest little Acura that ever graced a car lot in San Angelo, Texas. The car salesperson assured the buyer that the loan wouldn't hit her credit for 30-45 days. Well, it did and our little house was without a buyer. 1) Buying something on credit during escrow can mess with your debt ratio- That 800 dollar per month car note will be listed right next to those student loans and visa credit card balance. Depending on your income, this could make an ...
Comments 2
By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Showing Feedback Is Like Gold, Both Valuable And RareIn today's fast paced world, getting a buyer's agent to provide showing feedback can be a challenge. Do you remember when technology promised to make such feedback more easy and efficient? Let's take a look at how meaningful and timely feedback can help all parties... How Showing Feedback Helps The Seller/Listing Agent 1) Buyers can smell things the owners may miss-- After living with Rex the Greyhound for six years the owners may not smell his fumes. The buyers on the other hand may think the paint is in danger of melting. Speaking of stray gas...A buyer once noticed a gas leak that my seller hadn't picked up on. Saved that client more than money! 2) Feedback helps the listing agent know how the seller is prepping for showings-- Most...
Comments 13
By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Why Do I Need Notice to Tour a Home?Getting ready to purchase a home in greater Destin Florida? Frustrated because developing a touring schedule is becoming more difficult than balancing the federal budget? If those sellers wish to sell, why is scheduling a showing so tough? Let's look at some reason sellers may need notice...1)Sellers may have a lot of life happening at the moment-- People sell houses for various reasons, not all of them positive. There could be a newly single parent trying to get three kids out of the house. Or perhaps the current owner is in a later life stage and has mobility issues.2) We want to see the house in the best possible light-Most buyers claim to be able to see past daily life clutter. Almost to a person they can't. We want potential buyers to focus on th...
Comments 5
By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Should The Kids Attend Home ToursAs the father of four daughters, I'm sensitive to the needs of the home buying parent. When it's time for the home tour, should we get a babysitter or allow the little ones to tag along?Some Possible Challenges With Bringing the Kids1) Having the kids will slow our showing pace-- Regardless of how well behaved, just having more people to shuffle in and out of spaces takes time.2) Young children means one adult is always distracted-- Yes, an infant may sleep soundly from start to finish, but not so much with a 3 year old. If a parent is busy minding the kid, what home details are they missing? 3) Possible liability issues-- Even with close supervision, children are naturally inquisitive. I had a child on tour one time throw a figurine at the house cat. Lu...
Comments 7
By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
When Life Happens, Tell Your Agent! Years ago in a market far far away I worked with the sweetest couple. With a long list of needs/wants and limited budget, finding the right home was a challenge. But oh did we look. Tour after tour. Finally we found one that checked all the boxes, time to write an offer? Nope, we want to talk about it tonight. No problem, major purchases deserve the attention.The next day the husband calls and tells me the couple is breaking up. I understand, life happens and I wished them both the best. The kicker/reason for this blog post? One of them had been planning the breakup for months. He looked at homes just to keep up appearances. Let's examine why it's critical to tell your real estate professional about any life changes...1) Major life changes can impact ...
Comments 6
By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Destin Fl Real Estate-Should I Engage In a Bidding War?Looking for that perfect Destin Florida area condo? Does the unit in question check all the boxes AND sport an attractive asking price? To borrow a fishing expression, "that bait may attract more than one shark". Let's examine what to do if you must compete with other sharks or bidders...Dealing with multiple offers Get your financials in order prior to touring property- Like late summer storms, bidding wars happen FAST. How will your "don't worry we are good  for it" compare with other bidders' proof of funds and/or pre-approval letters Know what a higher bid means for your budget-- For some buyers the sky is the limit, just let mine be the winning offer. For others the deal needs to make sense as an investment How badly do you wan...
Comments 2