Real Estate Blog - Community News

Buyer & Seller Perks in Today’s Housing Market

Buyer & Seller Perks in Today’s Housing Market

Right now, the housing market is full of outstanding opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Whether you’re thinking of buying your first home, moving up to a bigger one, or selling so you can downsize this spring, there are perks today that are powering big moves for people across the country. Here are the top two to keep on the radar this season.

The Biggest Perk for Buyers: Low Mortgage Rates

 Today’s most compelling buyer incentive is low mortgage interest rates. The 30-year fixed-rate is now averaging just over 3%. While that’s slightly higher than the record-lows from 2020 and earlier this year, it’s still way lower than historic norms, making purchasing a home an ongoing perk for…

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What It Means To Be in a Sellers’ Market

What It Means To Be in a Sellers’ Market

If you’ve given even a casual thought to selling your house in the near future, this is the time to really think seriously about making a move. Here’s why this season is the ultimate sellers’ market and the optimal time to make sure your house is available for buyers who are looking for homes to purchase.

The latest Existing Home Sales Report from The National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the inventory of houses for sale is still astonishingly low, sitting at just a 2-month supply at the current sales pace.

Historically, a 6-month supply is necessary for a ‘normal’ or ‘neutral’ market in which there are enough homes available for active buyers (See graph below):

When the supply of houses…

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February 2021 Market Snapshot

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The Ships Chandler expanding to Freeport with new ‘State-of-the-Art Marine and Service Center’

Destin’s The Ships Chandler broke ground on their second marine and service center, located at 17309 US Hwy 331 in Freeport, on Thursday, February 18. 

According to a press release, the new building will create 10 full-time jobs in Walton County. With over 14 acres of space, the company’s new marine and service center will be ready to supply the area with fishing and pontoon boats, outboard motors, and more.

“Freeport has always been a wonderful city filled with good hard-working people,” said owner, Peter Wright Jr. “We’re excited to become a part of the community and help it grow with the help of all the surrounding communities in Walton County.”  

The new location will offer state-of-the-art service including a new boat dealership…

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Two Northwest Florida beaches ranked in Top 15 best beaches in the U.S.

Two Northwest Florida beaches are ranked in the Top 15 for best beaches in the United States, according to Tripadvisor.

 Tripadvisor released its list for Top 25 Beaches in the U.S.

Henderson Beach State Park in Destin is ranked number 13, while Pensacola Beach is just behind at number 15.

Full List Here

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Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport Adding Southwest Airlines Flights

The Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport is getting a new airline. The airport on Thursday announced Southwest is adding flights in the region.

The following is a news release from the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners.

Destin – Fort Walton Beach, Fla. – On February 25, 2021, at 10:00 am the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) held a Press Conference to unveil the announcement of the new air service carrier Southwest Airlines to the lineup. The flexibility and value of Southwest Airlines now benefit both visitors and hometown travelers booking late spring and summer travel to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). Southwest service begins May 2021. The carrier’s initial flight schedule for the region is now available for purchase…

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Where Have All the Houses Gone?

In today’s housing market, it seems harder than ever to find a home to buy. Before the health crisis hit us a year ago, there was already a shortage of homes for sale. When many homeowners delayed their plans to sell at the same time that more buyers aimed to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates and purchase a home, housing inventory dropped even further. Experts consider this to be the biggest challenge facing an otherwise hot market while buyers continue to compete for homes. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, explains:

“With buyers active in the market and seller participation lagging, homes are selling quickly and the total number available for sale at any point in time continues to drop lower. In January as a…

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Home Prices: What Happened in 2020? What Will Happen This Year?

The real estate market was on fire during the second half of 2020. Buyer demand was way up, and the supply of homes available for sale hit record lows. The price of anything is determined by the supply and demand ratio, so home prices skyrocketed last year. Dr. Lynn Fisher, Deputy Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Division of Research and Statistics, explains:

“House prices nationwide recorded the largest annual and quarterly increase in the history of the FHFA Home Price Index. Low mortgage rates, pent up demand from homebuyers, and a limited housing supply propelled every region of the country to experience faster growth in 2020 compared to a year ago despite the pandemic.”

Here are the year-end home price…

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The Luxury Market Is Attracting Buyers in 2021

As more people continue to identify their changing needs this year, some are turning to the upscale housing sector for more space or finer features. In their most recent Luxury Market Report, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM) shares:

“In a snapshot of 2020, despite the devasting effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the luxury real estate market has seen one of its strongest years since 2008. In comparison to experts’ predictions in early 2020, it is remarkable how significant demands for property type, location, and amenity preferences have changed amid the pandemic.”

With more opportunities to work from home and a growing interest in having extra space for things like virtual school, working out, and cooking more meals,…

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CRESCENDO! Series of events

Crenscendo! is an exciting cultural extravaganza to benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties. Known for producing the highest caliber concerts and events along Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast, Sinfonia "redefines" charitable events with the energy-infused experience that celebrates the cultural and culinary arts by showcasing world-class vintners, "celebrity chefs," expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items, and award-winning musical guests.

CRESCENDO! 2021 Kick Off Lunch @ Bijoux
Thursday, March 25, 2021 | 11 a.m.
Help us kick off Crescendo! 2021 safely and in style at Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits located at The Market Shops. Enjoy an incredible lunch prepared by…

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