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<atom:link href="http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /><title>Destin Florida Real Estate Blog, Karrie Rose</title><link>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/</link>
<description>Get the latest news and area information about the Emerald Coast and Destin real estate market from top Destin, Florida REALTOR®; Karrie Rose.</description>
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<guid>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/the-enduring-appeal-of-destin-waterfront-homes.html</guid><link>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/the-enduring-appeal-of-destin-waterfront-homes.html</link>
<author>karrie@edkirkland.com (Karrie Rose)</author><title>The Enduring Appeal of Destin Waterfront Homes</title>
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Whether you're planning a much-needed beach vacation or are looking for a great new Florida home, there is one desirable feature that is sure to come near the top of anyone's list. How close is the property to water? Yes folks, the fact that waterfront homes and condos remain the pinnacle of Florida's real estate market will come as no surprise to anyone who has ever stepped foot on the Emerald Coast's immaculate sugar-white sands.Be it sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico from an expansive deck, or a glimpse of a lagoon from a bedroom window, the very proximity of a property to water simply adds to its appeal for a significant majority of buyers. And there are few places in the world where so much real estate offers the chance to sit back and gaze at the lapping waves or a tranquil lake from the comfort of your own home.Boat owners, fishing enthusiasts, bird watchers and lovers of water sports all long for the opportunity to own their own piece of waterfront real estate heaven. Families enjoy the easy access to beaches and other waterside amenities, while those who like to relax, simply love the spectacular views and sense of privacy one gets from having a wonderful water vista on the doorstep.Prestigious Water View PropertyIt may be true that the more you pay, the more you get, and that can certainly be said for Destin waterfront real estate. Luxury penthouse condos with extraordinary ocean views, and breath-taking custom-built beach villas on expansive  lots are sought after by those looking for highly prestigious waterfront homes. At the other end of the market, one will find a truly wonderful range of secluded lakefront and creek side homes and amazing value Gulf view condominiums. With so many stunning developments along the coast from Panama City Beach, through Rosemary Beach and Destin to Fort Walton Beach, anyone looking for a Florida waterfront home or vacation property is guaranteed to find something that not only suits their specific requirements, but their budget too.If you are interested in investigating the possibility of buying a water view home on Florida's Emerald Coast, take time to explore the many enticing options open to you. Check out the extensive listings of Destin waterfront real estate and water view condos for details of what's currently available for sale. Who knows, maybe you'll soon be joining the many happy Destin waterfront home owners as they sit back, cool drink in hand, watching another glorious gulf sunset!By the Karrie Rose Writing Team
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<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:29:56 -0500</pubDate>
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<author>karrie@edkirkland.com (Karrie Rose)</author><title>Emerald Coast Beaches The Best!</title>
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It seems everyone has a favorite beach destination. Some of us prefer quiet, secluded sands where we can relax in peace while others seek out lively locations where fun activities and a vibrant nightlife are the main attractions. But when we plan a vacation, how do we know what we will find when we arrive in an area that may be unfamiliar to us? A little research can do wonders, and these days there are countless online directories and forums providing us with an amazing amount of ideas and opinions.The latest survey to catch our eye was the Top 5 Favorite Beaches poll conducted by The Weather Channel. For the purposes of the survey, the country was split into five regions: West Coast, East Coast, Gulf Coast, Great Lakes and Florida. Of course, the Sunshine State deserves its own category for its incomparable wealth of stunning beaches! But with such a huge number of highly popular and well-publicized seaside destinations, which fabulous stretch of Florida beach would reign supreme? It may come as a surprise in some quarters but the online poll, conducted via The Weather Channel's website, resulted in a resounding win for none other than beautiful Panama City Beach. This wonderful, small beach town on Florida's panhandle beat such established favorites as Miami and Siesta Key, proving once again what we have always known – that the Emerald Coast is without equal! With 27 miles of unspoiled sugar-sand beach, it is easy to how Panama City Beach charmed the voters so effortlessly. Perhaps more predictably, second place went to Daytona Beach on Florida's east coast. This famous Atlantic vacation hotspot, has long been a crowd puller and attracts thousands of visitors to its long, narrow beach and NASCAR track.Destin, Florida Gets Huge Number of Votes In third place, the Emerald Coast was once again the focus of positive praise. Destin, with its extraordinary climate, immaculate beaches, inviting azure waters and wealth of wonderful amenities, emerged as a clear favorite. According to The Weather Channel's website, Destin received "a HUGE number of write-in votes". So, with two of the three top spots in the Florida category going to beaches on the Emerald Coast, now is the time to come and discover this wonderful region for yourself, if you haven't done so already.With many beautiful waterfront communities to discover, the Emerald Coast offers everything from a tranquil getaway to lively resorts with exciting entertainment options. Discover why so many people love Florida's Gulf coast and return time and again to Destin, Panama City Beach and the many wonderful towns and beaches in between.By the Karrie Rose Writing Team
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:26:56 -0500</pubDate>
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<author>karrie@edkirkland.com (Karrie Rose)</author><title>Spring Into New Home Sales Season</title>
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Spring is traditionally a time when many prospective home buyers step up their searches and begin the process of finding a new home. Even in an uncertain economy, with an unpredictable real estate market, there will be considerable interest in homes for sale as we edge ever nearer to the summer months.With all the negative media coverage regarding home sales around the country it is totally understandable that a great number of sellers and buyers are exercising extra caution. But, the fact remains that the majority of Americans still want to own a home and all the confusing rhetoric about buying versus renting, bargain foreclosures and declining values can only add to our general lack of confidence and discomfort. The truth is, there are some excellent deals available throughout the Destin and Emerald Coast region right now. It's very much a buyer's market, as it is in many parts of the US and some sellers may find that their homes are not realizing the kind of values that they expected. With this in mind, if you are considering selling a property, it's essential that you do your best to give your home the best exposure possible. Of course, hiring the right agent is essential. The importance of finding a Realtor with extensive local knowledge and expertise cannot be overstated. Check their track record and marketing skills, and make sure that you communicate well with one another. If you are selling in an area where there are other homes on the market, price your property accordingly. It may be that your home is not worth what it was 5 years ago, and while that may certainly be frustrating, it is important that you agree on a sale price that will give you a better chance of actually selling it. By setting your price too high, it is unlikely you will even get viewers, never mind buyers. Serious sellers know that there are compromises to be made in almost every market.It's always a good idea to spruce your place up a bit too. Simply de-cluttering, touching up the paintwork and tidying the yard can make a huge difference in how potential buyers will view a property. Most viewers like to imagine themselves and their belongings in a home, so by presenting your property as a sort of blank canvas you will increase the potential for them to picture the house as theirs. Neutral paintwork, minimal furnishings and improved curb appeal are often cited as important elements when it comes to successfully selling a house. Making minor cosmetic repairs, and generally improving the overall look of your home, can do a lot to improve first impressions and put your property high on the list of desirable homes in even the most competitive market. So, if you are considering buying a Florida property, now is a great time to get out and see the wide range of inventory available. If you're thinking of selling, don't delay in getting your home on the market - things are really going to be hotting up! By the Karrie Rose Writing Team
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:34:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<guid>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/emerald-coast-blue-marlin-classic-returns.html</guid><link>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/emerald-coast-blue-marlin-classic-returns.html</link>
<author>karrie@edkirkland.com (Karrie Rose)</author><title>Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Returns!</title>
<description> <![CDATA[
Destin, Florida is world famous as a top class sport fishing resort, and  is renowned as the home of the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo. Established back in the late 1940s the Destin Fishing Rodeo attracts tens of thousands of anglers of all ages every October. But for those who can't wait until Rodeo time rolls around, the Florida Gulf Coast  also offers another major competitive fishing event, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic.Now in its ninth year, this growing tournament is attracting increasingly large crowds and this year the organizers are expecting more participants than ever. Kicking off in Sandestin on June 21, the 5-day competition is timed to coincide with the peak of the blue marlin season in the Gulf, and anglers will be competing for some serious prize money. With a number of categories, and an award purse expected to exceed $2 million, the competition will attract sports fishermen from near and far. At the last Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, a tournament record was set when a 714.7 pound blue marlin was landed by  Chip Temple, earning his team a staggering $325,204 in prize money!But it's not all about fishing. The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic is a family-friendly affair with a host of great activities to keep everyone satisfied. From the opening Dock Party, to fireworks and a program of concerts and events, the action continues right through to the Awards Presentation on Sunday 26 June.And for those not taking part in the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, there is the whole Destin, Florida area to explore, with its immaculate sugar-white beaches, crystal clear waters, spectacular golf-courses and countless entertainment options for all ages.For further information about the tournament, visit the official Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic  website.Written by the Karrie Rose Writing TeamPic courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:40:07 -0500</pubDate>
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<guid>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/florida-condo-market-on-the-rise.html</guid><link>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/florida-condo-market-on-the-rise.html</link>
<author>karrie@edkirkland.com (Karrie Rose)</author><title>Florida Condo Market On The Rise</title>
<description> <![CDATA[
With prices at an all-time low, the Florida condominium market is thriving. According to figures published by The National Association of Realtors, sales of condos in the state continue to rise, with  11% increase in November 2010. As one of the most hard-hit regions,  due in part to large numbers of foreclosures and the negative impact of the Gulf oil spill, Florida has endured something of a bumpy ride during the recent economic crisis; but it seems that confidence in the market is returning.While other depressed markets continue to struggle throughout the nation, Florida's future is looking increasingly sunnier - in more ways than one. Overseas buyers, particularly those from Britain and elsewhere in Europe, have been flocking back to the Florida condo market as a result of some attractively low prices. Perhaps the uncertainty surrounding the Euro, and the economic frailty of traditional European vacation destinations such as Spain and Portugal, will continue to draw overseas investors to Florida's golden beaches. And, of course, snowbirds from Canada are still very active in the Florida real estate market. With the Canadian dollar performing so well against the US dollar, it's easy to see why buyers from north of the border are taking full advantage and buying  bargain condos by Florida's sun-kissed beaches.Making The Right ChoiceWith so many attractive condos on the Destin real estate market, choosing the right one can be a minefield. Always make sure that you research the immediate area well, and ensure that the condominium offers all the amenities and facilities that you require. In a competitive market, those seeking a bargain may have to act quickly, in order to beat the many other potential condo buyers out there, but it pays not be too hasty.With many foreclosures and bank owned condos available, it is easy to be lured into a false sense of security. Although these kinds of properties can often represent excellent value, care and experience is  required when buying in this sector of the market. Professional assistance and a good deal of patience are both highly advisable, if you wish to grab a genuine foreclosure bargain. If you tread carefully, and use a local real estate expert you could make significant savings.If you are looking for that low maintenance, convenient condo or vacation home on Florida's stunning Emerald Coast, please view the latest condo listings for Destin and surrounding area. From the Karrie Rose writing team.Pic from I'll Never Grow Up's Flickr photostream
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<pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:24:56 -0600</pubDate>
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