Archives for December 2014

November Single Family Home Sales Remain Strong

Image via Flickr courtesy of Martin Cathrae

November was an excellent month for single family home sales along the Emerald Coast and in Okaloosa County. Townhouse and condo sales in both areas floundered slightly, but Walton County townhouse and condo sales fared much better. A new report shows that winter may be the best time for real estate – the data from November may help make that case.

Single Family Home Sales

Emerald Coast

• Closed sales increased 10.1%
• Pending sales rose 32%
• Median prices decreased 2.1%
• Inventory increased 14.1%
• Months supply increased 2.9% to 7.7 months of inventory (down from the previous month)

Okaloosa County

• Closed sales increased 22%
• Pending sales increased 20.5%
• Median prices decreased 3.7%
• Inventory increased 14.5%
• Months supply increased 3.4% to 6.3 months of inventory (down from the previous month)

Walton County

• Closed sales
• Pending sales
• Median prices
• Inventory
• Months supply

Townhouse and Condo Sales

Emerald Coast

• Closed sales decreased 17%
• Pending sales decreased 8.8%
• Median prices increased 20%
• Inventory dropped 14.6%
• Months supply increased 7.8% to 10 months of inventory (down from the previous month)

Okaloosa County

• Closed sales dropped 31.6%
• Pending sales decreased 9.9%
• Median prices rose 64% to $237,750
• Inventory decreased 19.7%
• Months supply increased 9.5% to 10.7 months of inventory (down from the previous month)

Walton County

• Closed sales increased 13.1%
• Pending sales increased 36.7%
• Median prices rose 4.6%
• Inventory decreased 4.6%
• Months supply decreased 0.5% to 9.6 months of inventory (down from the previous month)

A few things to remember..

The months’ supply of inventory looks like it’s increasing, when compared to the previous year, but over the last several months, the levels have remained steady. And, in this case, have decreased slightly from October. A healthy inventory level for any real estate market is around 6 months supply of inventory. Anything over 8 is considered a high level of inventory and could begin to bring down prices as buyers are given more options and competition increases among sellers.

Townhouse and condo sales often decline directly after the summer months as so many condos are purchased as vacation homes. Single family home sales remain strong. Median prices are strong in some areas and holding steady in others.

Pending sales are only an indication of the month ahead. In months with an increase in pending sales, you can expect sales to increase for the following month. A decline in pending sales may be an indication of lower sales the next month. It is not an automatic as sales often take more than 30 days to close.

All sales data is from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors® (ECAR) Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and is compiled by Florida Realtors®, the state association for Florida. The Emerald Coast statistics cover both Okaloosa and Walton counties as well as surrounding areas based on the listings entered into the MLS by ECAR MLS participants.

How Much Would You Pay for the White House?

Ever wonder what the listing price would actually be for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? Well, it would be around $110 million.

So what do you get for that asking price? At 55,000 square feet, you get 132 rooms, 35 baths, and 6 levels. That’s not all though. Some of the amenities include a basketball court, a tennis court, a bowling alley, a movie theater, a swimming pool, and a jogging track.

In total there are 415 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators throughout the house.

If the White House were ever to actually be for sale, it would definitely sell for a lot more than $110 million though considering the historical value. What would you be willing to pay for the White House?

Holiday Traditions Around the World

Image via Flickr courtesy of Jeff Golden

Christmas is almost here! Here on the Emerald Coast, in the heart of Northwest Florida, we might not have snow and sledding, but we know how to enjoy Christmas and the entire holiday seasons with the best of them! A walk along the beach, a glass of wine as we watch the sunset, or just a ride around town looking for the best Christmas displays – everyone has their own way of enjoying the holidays, no snow required.

Have you ever wondered about other holiday traditions? Take a look at a few from across the globe.

Christmas in France

Instead of Christmas, the French know it as Noel. Pere Noel is Father Christmas. Instead of stockings hung on the mantel, children in France put out their shoes which they find filled with fruits and treats on Christmas morning.

St. Lucia’s Day in Sweden

On December 13, girls dress up as “Lucia’s brides” with long white gowns and red sashes in honor of the third-century saint. The girls sing and offer coffee to their families. The traditional St. Lucia’s bun is eaten on this day, as well.

Sviata Vechera in Ukraine

This celebration is a Christmas Eve feast that begins when the first star is seen in the sky. Sviata Vechera means “Holy Supper.” Wheat is brought in to signify the wheat crops of Ukraine and is called “didukh” which means “grandfather spirit.”

This time of year is filled with cultural and personal holiday traditions. Whether you eat turkey or ham, skip the cookies or indulge in sweets, the holiday is a time for family, friends, and holiday cheer. I would like to wish a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of my clients, customers, agents, friends, and family. None of this would be possible with you!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Source: 10 Holiday Traditions from Around the World, SheKnows.com

Christmas Events Around the Emerald Coast

Image via Flickr courtesy of Joe Buckingham

It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is here and Christmas is so close. Between the shopping, wrapping, and travel planning, the holidays can get a bit stressful. Thanksfully, there are events across the Emerald Coast to keep everyone in the holiday spirit.

A Dickens Christmas

December 11 – December 21

Emerald Grande at Harborwalk, Veranda Room

A theatre adapation of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol

According to the event information, this isn’t suitable for young children, but for everyone else, this could easily become a part of your holiday traditions.

Holiday Pops! Concert

Friday, December 12, 7:30 p.m.

Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Holiday music from the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchesta with a little help from the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale.

36th Annual Jingle Bell Jog

Saturday, December 13, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Boardwalk in Fort Walton Beach

Hosted by the Special Forces Association Chapter 7, proceeds from this run and race help support the 7th Special Forces Group and their families.

Go to run off the holiday cookies or simply to support our local military.

28th Annual Holiday on the Harborwalk

Sunday, December 14, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Harborwalk Village

From 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., listen to live music, visit with Santa, and let your children enjoy the art’s and crafts. At 6:00 p.m. the annual Destin Harbor Parade will begin and the night will be capped off with fireworks over the water.

Toys for Tots

Ongoing through Christmas

Around the Emerald Coast

Marines and Realtor volunteers will be out in force along the Emerald Coast collecting toy donations for local children in need. Whenever you see a Toys for Tots sign or a box, please consider making a donation. Toys must be new and unwrapped. Click here for a list of all area events.

To see all events in the area:

Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau

There is so much to do in our area and so many ways to celebrate the holidays. Make sure to take advantage of at least one this holiday season – if nothing else, to get away from the stress of finding the perfect gift, if only for a short while.

Single Family Home Sales Strong in October 2014 Along Emerald Coast

Image via Flickr courtesy of osseous

The October real estate numbers for the Emerald Coast, including Okaloosa and Walton counties, are not much different from September. There were some shocking jumps, such as the 53 percent median price increase in condo and townhouse sales in Okaloosa County for the second month in a row. Single family homes across the board were strong across the board when compared to October of 2013. Another shocking increase? In Walton County, home sales increased 49 percent over last year. October was a good month to sell a single family home along the Emerald Coast.

Single Family Home Sales

Emerald Coast

• Closed sales increased 33.4%
• Pending sales rose 29.8%
• Median prices decreased 0.2% – a $450 difference
• Inventory increased 18.3%
• Months supply increased 6.3% to 7.9 months of inventory (down from the previous month)

Okaloosa County

• Closed sales increased 21.5%
• Pending sales increased 31.9%
• Median prices increased 1.4%
• Inventory increased 18.9%
• Months supply increased 8.5% to 6.6 months of inventory (down from the previous month)

Walton County

• Closed sales increased 49.6%
• Pending sales increased 16.7%
• Median prices fell 0.7% – a $1,950 difference
• Inventory increased 19.2%
• Months supply increased 1.9% to 9.5 months of inventory (down from the previous month)

Townhouse and Condo Sales

Emerald Coast

• Closed sales decreased 20.9%
• Pending sales decreased 15.3%
• Median prices increased 10.4%
• Inventory dropped 12.4%
• Months supply increased 8% to 10.1 months of inventory (no difference from the previous month

Okaloosa County

• Closed sales dropped 14.3%
• Pending sales decreased 23.9%
• Median prices rose 53.6% (from $175,000 in 2013 to $268,750)
• Inventory decreased 11.7%
• Months supply increased 14.9% to 10.8 months of inventory (down from the previous month)

Walton County

• Closed sales decreased 1.4%
• Pending sales increased 3.8%
• Median prices decreased 15.7%
• Inventory decreased 7%
• Months supply decreased 1.3% to 9.9 months of inventory (down from the previous month)

A few things to remember…

The months’ supply of inventory looks like it’s increasing, when compared to the previous year, but over the last several months, the levels have remained steady. And, in this case, have decreased slightly from September. A healthy inventory level for any real estate market is around 6 months supply of inventory. Anything over 8 is considered a high level of inventory and could begin to bring down prices as buyers are given more options and competition increases among sellers.

Townhouse and condo sales often decline directly after the summer months as so many condos are purchased as vacation homes. The good news, in Okaloosa County, is that median prices are rising so while less properties are being sold, those that are being purchased are at higher prices than last year.

Pending sales are only an indication of the month ahead. In months with an increase in pending sales, you can expect sales to increase for the following month. A decline in pending sales may be an indication of lower sales the next month. It is not an automatic as sales often take more than 30 days to close.

All sales data is from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors® (ECAR) Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and is compiled by Florida Realtors®, the state association for Florida. The Emerald Coast statistics cover both Okaloosa and Walton counties as well as surrounding areas based on the listings entered into the MLS by ECAR MLS participants.