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3 Things You Can Do to Give Thanks

Image via Flickr courtesy of Evelyn Flint

Thanksgiving is almost here. A time for pumpkin pie, turkey, football – or simply enjoying some down time with family and friends. It’s also a time to show gratitude and appreciation. You don’t have to wait for one day of the year, or even one month to give thanks. There are things you can do all year-round.

Send hand-written notes to your friends and family. Sure, text messages and emails are the quickest, easiest way to let someone know you’re thinking about them. Hand-written notes are special and often kept for many years. Just a simple, “Thinking of you!” can brighten someone’s day.

Share what you’re thankful for in your life. Some people keep a journal. If you spend any time on Facebook, you’ll see people posting what they’re thankful for each day in November. However you choose to do it, make note of what you’re thankful for – and feel free to let your family and friends know, too.

Volunteer. Giving back to your community is an excellent way to show your appreciation for what you have and to give back to others. Volunteer at a food bank or soup kitchen. Spend time with animals. Give back to the local military. Whatever your passion, giving even a few hours a month will make a big difference – for you and those you help.

Need some volunteer ideas along the Emerald Coast?

Alaqua Animal Refuge

Emerald Coast Hospice

Emerald Coast Wild Life Refuge

Fisher House of the Emerald Coast

Or check out VolunteerMatch.org to search for other opportunities.

On a personal note, I would like to thank my customers, clients, agents, family, and friends. Without you, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love each and every day. Thank you for all you do for me and Rising Star Real Estate. I appreciate each and every one of you!

Thank You Master Sgt. Joe Deslauriers and Family for Your Service!

Image via Flickr courtesy of Robert Anthony Provost

At the end of October, Air Force Master Sgt. Joe Deslauriers and his family were finally able to step inside their new home built especially for them by Building Homes for Heroes. On move in day, they owed nothing for the home, and the family describes it as their “forever home” according to the Destin Log.

Why is this significant?

Master Sgt. Deslauriers is a triple amputee who sacrified life and limb while deployed in Afghanistan as an explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) technician. Since returning from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, he along with his wife and son have lived in a cramped two bedroom apartment in Destin that was not built to accomodate his injuries or his needs.

That is something he no longer needs to worry about – which is especially good as he and his wife are expecting a second child now, as well.

On behalf of Rising Star Real Estate, I would simply like to thank Master Sgt. Joe Deslauriers and his family for their service to America and congratulations on their new home and new opportunities.

If you’d like to know more about Building Homes for Heroes and how you can help, click the link below:

Building Homes for Heroes: How to Help

You can read the original article on the Destin Log to learn more about Master Sgt. Deslauriers and his family:

A Home for a Hero

Thank you to all of our military heroes, here and abroad, who sacrifice time with loved ones and risk their lives to serve our country. Thank you to the families who stay behind and keep everything going, regardless of their own fears and worries. You are all heroes.

Happy Veterans Day to all our veterans.

Condo Median Prices Jumped 53% in Okaloosa County During September

Image courtesy of Flickr by Brian Norwood

The September real estate numbers for the Emerald Coast, including Okaloosa and Walton counties, are a mixed bag. There were some shocking jumps, such as the 53 percent median price increase in condo and townhouse sales in Okaloosa County and a few not-so-shocking highs and lows when comparing this year’s real estate sales to last year at the same time.

Single Family Home Sales

Emerald Coast

Closed sales increased 24.6%
Pending sales rose 20.3%
Median prices increased 2%
Inventory increased 20.4%
Months supply increased 10.2% to 8.2 months of inventory

Okaloosa County

Closed sales increased 25%
Pending sales increased 20.7%
Median prices decreased 8.4%
Inventory increased 19.9%
Months supply increased 9.2% to 6.7 months of inventory

Walton County

Closed sales increased 41.4%
Pending sales increased 19.7%
Median prices fell 1.3%
Inventory increased 23.8%
Months supply increased 9.5% to 9.9 months of inventory

Townhouse and Condo Sales

Emerald Coast

Closed sales decreased 22.2%
Pending sales saw no change.
Median prices increased 11.2%
Inventory dropped 7.6%
Months supply increased 10.1% to 10.1 months of inventory

Okaloosa County

Closed sales dropped 13.6%
Pending sales rose 2.7%
Median prices rose 53% (from $150,000 in 2013 to $229,500)
Inventory decreased 7.7%
Months supply increased 17.2% to 11 months of inventory

Walton County

Closed sales decreased 14.5%
Pending sales increased 19.7%
Median prices decreased 9.4%
Inventory rose 1.3%
Months supply increased 8% to 10.1 months of inventory

A few things to remember…

Inventory levels have changed when compared to the previous year, but inventory levels have stayed consistent through the summer. 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 could be an indication of tighter financing options, insurance affordability, as well as the fact that the typical vacation season ends after Labor Day and demand is decreasing for resort or vacation properties. No one thing contributes to declining sales.

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, and a pending sales in June may affect sales data several months in the future.

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.

5 Things You Should Know about Sleep

There’s no denying it: Sleep makes everything better. Getting the right type and the right amount of sleep every night makes us healthier and happier all around. However, you may have the wrong idea about what constitutes good sleep. Check out the following five sleep-myth busters from The Family Sleep Institute.

1. “Falling asleep before your head hits the pillow is a sign of healthy, normal sleep.” Normally it takes 10-20 minutes to fall asleep. Falling asleep immediately is more likely a sign of sleep deprivation, a signal your body needs more sleep than you’ve been getting lately.

2. “I sleep like a log, never moving or waking once during the night.” Actually, waking 1-3 times during the night is normal. A night of healthy sleep is composed of four to five sleep cycles. Between each of these cycles we naturally come very close to waking or actually wake up completely. We may roll over or adjust the covers. Often, the time we are awake is so short we don’t notice or remember it in the morning. Waking in the night is only considered a “problem” when you have regular difficulty getting back to sleep again; within 10-20 minutes or so.

3. “I don’t get much sleep during the work week but I make up for it on the weekend.” You may be able to pay off a little of your accumulated sleep debt this way, but it’s still not the same as getting adequate sleep on a regular basis. Most sleep experts agree that you may be able to pay off sleep debt by adding an hour or two of sleep to your nightly quota on a regular basis for awhile, but sleeping in huge chunks is just as likely to disturb your circadian rhythms, making it even harder to maintain regular schedules in the future.

4. “The sleep aids you can get at the drugstore are safe and effective.” Most over-the-counter sleep drugs contain an antihistamine, usually diphenhydramine (Benadryl(R)). Diphenhydramine can certainly knock you out, but it’s not the same as normal sleep. Regular use of these products can rob you of the repairing, restorative sleep process you really need. Also, antihistamines can leave you groggy and fuzzy-headed during the day.

5. “I get by just fine on 6 hours of sleep.” We frequently hear this myth spoken out loud; predictably by busy entrepreneurs or active social butterflies. The truth is, the typical human body requires between 7 and 9 hours of sleep time each night (more for children and teenagers) to repair the damage done, restore the chemicals depleted and rebalance the chaos created during the average day. Genetic research has shown that only 3 percent of people truly thrive on 6 hours of sleep or less. The rest are merely “getting by.”

A Closer Look: Holley by the Sea

Located in the heart of Navarre, Florida, Holley by the Sea is an active, vibrant community perfect for retirees, families, and anyone looking to make a home on the Emerald Coast.

Navarre is between the Destin/Fort Walton Beach area and Pensacola, Florida. Go east or west on Highway 98, and you’ll find something to do, something to eat, or something to buy. The most well-known and beloved neighborhood in Navarre is Holley by the Sea.

Community

The city of Navarre is one of those places that is constantly growing but manages to maintain it’s small-town vibe. Holley by the Sea is no different. With it’s own website to keep residents informed, a monthly newsletter, and an active Facebook page, living here means you’ll know what’s going on at all times.

The recreation center is home to tennis courts, swimming pools, and more. Residents can take yoga or Zumba classes or work out on your own. Classes are offered, summer camp is made available for children, and game nights are organized each month. There are also docks for boaters to use as the neighborhood is adjacent to Santa Rosa Sound.

Education

Raising a family in Holley by the Sea has benefits outside the neighborhood, as well. Children and parents are close to four schools.

Parents can rest assured that your children are getting an excellent education. Both Holley-Navarre Intermediate School and Holley-Navarre Middle School have a 9 out of 10 rating on GreatSchools.org.

If you want to have access to everything that makes the Emerald Coast what it is – the beach, the beautiful water, and more – while still maintaining a small-town feel, Holley by the Sea in Navarre is an excellent choice.

Fall Festivals and Events on the Emerald Coast

Fall is slowly approaching with the typical stutters and starts of hot again, cold again weather. Cooler mornings, less humidity, and less beach time mean more events and festivals to enjoy.

Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival
Intersection of Hwy 85 N and College Blvd. in Niceville, FL
Friday, October 17 – Sunday, October 19

This year marks the 38th year of the Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival, an event celebrate a fish and a hairstyle. The festival is known for it’s star-studded entertainment. This year is no exception. Performers include Dustin Lynch, Neal McCoy, and headliner, Martina McBride! Come for the entertainment, stay for everything else. From smoked and fried mullet to oysters Rockefeller and every fair food in between, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy carnival rides and an arts and crafts festival.

Florida State H.O.G. Rally

Ramada Plaza Beach Resort

Tuesday, October 21 – Saturday, October 24

Join riders from across the Emerald Coast, the state, and the country for this multiple day event that allows you to see the area from the back of your motorcycle and get to know other riders. There are poker runs, bike games, bike shows, and much more. Pre-registration is closed, but you can register when you arrive.

City of Destin’s 14th Annual Fall Festival

Destin Community Center, 101 Stahlman Avenue

Monday, October 27, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Want a family-friendly event without a lot of cost? Come on out for the Fall Festival presented by the City of Destin. Cost of admission is one non-perishable food item. The family can participate in games, activities, a cakewalk, a costume contest, and more.

Flutterby Festival

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, 105 Hogtown Bayou Lane, Santa Rosa Beach

Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9

Bring the whole family out to celebrate the local arts and the migration of the Monarch Butterfly along Scenic Hwy 30A. Free and open to the public, this festival is known as a place for kids to flitter and have fun. Live music, storytelling, artists, exhibitors, and more will be available. Some activities require a modest fee.

Want more information on local events? Check out the Destin Chamber event page and the Emerald Coast events page. The festivals and events coming up are great for the entire family and one of the best ways to experience the Emerald Coast during the fall months.