Grayton Beach was the first community established in Beaches of South Walton. Walking down one of the many oyster-shell roads, you get the sense things don’t change quickly around here. This area still maintains that “small cozy town” character with tree lined streets and welcoming people with funky art galleries, antique and specialty shops, a general store, and the infamous Red Bar.

Red Bar is one of the most popular restaurants and a favorite to spend an evening of fun with friends and family while taking in the eclectic decor, listening to great live jazz music and enjoying great food and cocktails.

Grayton Beach State Park is well known for its incomparable natural beauty with hiking trails, canoeing, kayaking and boating on the 100-acre Western Lake. Other recreational activities at Grayton Beach State Park include swimming, freshwater and saltwater fishing, birding, wild life watching, and hiking and biking along a four-mile nature trail.

If you are looking for an eclectic beach burg with good times, picket fences, old oak trees, funky art, great dining, and shopping, you have found the perfect place to call home in Grayton Beach.

Grayton Beach Real Estate

Grayton Beach contains a variety of single family homes, town homes, and home sites close to the beach.

Interested in finding or building your home within Grayton Beach? Give me a call at 850.259.5864 or email me at jessica@compassrealtyfl.com to learn more specific information and schedule a time to visit the community first hand.

10 cheap (mostly) ways to make a property more attractive to shoppers:

1. Improve first impressions. Touch up the paint on the front door and other areas that buyers see first.

2. Clean up the landscaping. Trim hedges and trees, and plant some annuals in the flowerbeds.

3. Paint the interior. A coat of light yellow or cream with contrasting white woodwork looks fresh and clean.

4. Refurbish the floors. Buff the hardwoods. Install new carpets – or at least get them professionally cleaned.

5. Take care of the big problems. If the house needs a roof or the front stoop is crumbling, get them fixed.

6. Buy warranties. Putting appliances under warranty gives homebuyers a secure feeling. 

7. Improve energy efficiency. New windows or improved insulation tell a potential buyer that the seller is on top of things – plus they come with tax benefits.

8. Replace light fixtures. Updated fixtures, especially at the entrance way and in the foyer, create a good first impression.

9. Buy a stove. Homeowners whose kitchen isn’t top of the line can jazz it up for a few hundred dollars by buying a new stove, which gives the room a fresh feel.

10. Tidy up the bathrooms. Get rid of mildew, recaulk and replace stained sinks.

Source: U.S. News & World Report, Luke Mullins (01/21/2010)

© Copyright 2010 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688

In comparing closings from December 2007 and 2008, almost the same number of closings occurred in 2009 for detaching single family, condos, and attached single homes as compared to BOTH 2007 and 2008 combined! (2009 = 127 closings, 2008 = 67 closings, 2007 = 71 closings)

Residential land is still experiencing activity with more successful closings.  Detached single family homes continue to lead the way.  

In South Walton,

• there are 370 properties that are either contingent or pending for Detached Single Family, Attached Single Family, and Condos; and
• there are 93 residential lots that are either contingent or pending.

For January 2010,

• there are currently 100 detached single family, 7 attached single family, and 66 condo properties with contracts projected to close this month; and
• residential lots have a nice amount of contracts pending or contingent with expected closing dates for January – 47 lots! Great way to start the year off.
• Figures as of January 6, 2010

Let’s Do The Numbers*

Detached Single Family Properties

• Number of Closings in December 2009 -  70
• Total Sales Volume of all closings for month - $36,770,169     
• Average Days on Market - 231
• Number of Detached Single Family Homes currently for sale in South Walton - 1518

Condos

• Number of Closings in December 2009 -  51
• Total Sales Volume of all closings for month - $18,465,400     
• Average Days on Market - 319
• Number of Condos currently for sale in South Walton - 1371

Attached Single Family

• Number of Closings in December 2009 -  6
• Total Sales Volume of all closings for month - $1,560,000   
• Average Days on Market - 180
• Number of Attached Single Family properties currently for sale in South Walton - 180

Residential Land 

• Number of Closings in December 2009 -  31
• Total Sales Volume of all closings for month - $6,304,800
• Average Days on Market - 258
• Number of Residential Land parcels currently for sale in South Walton - 1559

Most Expensive Sales in South Walton – December 2009

Detached Single Family Homes

• $2.75 M – Sandestin Resort
• $1.94 M – Inlet Beach
• $1.83 M – Rosemary Beach

Condos

• $1.85 M – Andante
• $1.375 M – Seagrove
• $1.03 M – Avalon Dunes

*All information above was obtained from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service. These numbers do not reflect any sales that occurred without a Real Estate Brokerage or those not entered into the MLS system.

Below is a breakdown of the Year to Date Sales in Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort for Condos, Detached Single Family, and Attached Single Family Residences. While October saw fewer property closings, the average sale went up. October was the third highest total sales volume all year! In fact, October had the highest average sale for all of 2009 - $719,615 (versus the second highest month in September of $537,515).

A breakdown of October sales is as follows:

0 Attached Single Family Homes

11 Detached Single Family Homes ranging from $315,000 to $1,612,500

1 Condos with a price of $175,000

There are currently 43 properties that are Contingent and 15 properties that are Pending within Sandestin Resort. Of these 58 properties, 38 have projected closings in 2009!

Condo, Detached Single Family, and Attached Single Family Sales 2009 –

Sandestin Resort

Monthly Sales – Number of closings on Condos, Detached Single Family, and Attached Single Family residences for month

Monthly Volume – Total Sales Volume of all closings

Avg DOM – The Average Days on the Market

% Sold/List – The Percentage of the actual closing versus the listed price on the property

Current Inventory – The current available Condos, Detached Single Family, and Attached Single Family residences listed for sale

Residential Land

Below is a breakdown of the Year to Date Sales in Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort for Residential Land. There was 1 lot that closed in Sandestin Resort for the month. But, not much has changed regarding lots. They are still harder to sell.  However, activity is starting to pick up.

There have only been 8 lot sales for the entire year. But, if you are in the market to build a home, this is where you will see the single biggest cost savings! There are currently 5 lots that are contingent on the Resort. 4 of these lots are scheduled to close in 2009.  By neighborhood - 2 lots in Villa Lago, 1 lot in Deerwood, and 2 lots in Burnt Pine.

Residential Land Sales 2009 – Sandestin Resort

Monthly Sales – Number of closings on Condos, Detached Single Family, and Attached Single Family residences for month

Monthly Volume – Total Sales Volume of all closings

Avg DOM – The Average Days on the Market

% Sold/List – The Percentage of the actual closing versus the listed price on the property

Current Inventory – The current available Condos, Detached Single Family, and Attached Single Family residences listed for sale

***All information above was obtained from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service. These numbers do not reflect any sales that occurred without a Real Estate Brokerage or those not entered into the MLS system.

October 2009 was good month for real estate!  Although the actual number of properties closed was lower than September, the average selling price was significantly higher in all property types except condos. Residential land is experiencing activity but there is still a large amount of inventory on the market.  Detached single family homes continue to lead the way in closings. With the tougher condo financing options, many buyers are leaning towards homes. However, there are options for condo financing out there.  

In South Walton,

• there are 418 properties that are either contingent or pending for Detached Single Family, Attached Single Family, and Condos; and
• there are 87 residential lots that are either contingent or pending.

For November 2009,

• there are currently 98 detached single family, 14 attached single family, and 56 condo properties with contracts projected to close this month; and
• residential lots have a fair amount of contracts pending or contingent with expected closing dates for November – 45 lots! 

Let’s Do The Numbers*

Detached Single Family Properties

• Number of Closings in October 2009 -  61
• Total Sales Volume of all closings for month - $35,561,779     
• Average Days on Market - 276
• Number of Detached Single Family Homes currently for sale in South Walton - 1585

Condos

• Number of Closings in October 2009 -  35
• Total Sales Volume of all closings for month - $13,630,930     
• Average Days on Market - 289
• Number of Condos currently for sale in South Walton - 1428

Attached Single Family

• Number of Closings in October 2009 -  4
• Total Sales Volume of all closings for month - $740,900   
• Average Days on Market - 534
• Number of Attached Single Family properties currently for sale in South Walton - 165

Residential Land 

• Number of Closings in October 2009 -  21
• Total Sales Volume of all closings for month - $6,465,500
• Average Days on Market - 289
• Number of Residential Land parcels currently for sale in South Walton - 1428

Most Expensive Sales in South Walton – October 2009

Detached Single Family Homes

• $1.875 M – WaterColor
• $1.6125 M – Sandestin Resort
• $1.5255 M – WaterColor

Condos

• $1.02 M – Sanctuary by the Sea
• $995,000 – Sanctuary by the Sea
• $975,000 - Sanctuary by the Sea

*All information above was obtained from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service. These numbers do not reflect any sales that occurred without a Real Estate Brokerage or those not entered into the MLS system.

For October 2009, there are currently 173 detached single family, 26 attached single family, and 123 condo properties with contracts scheduled to close this month.  Residential lots also have a fair amount of contracts pending or contingent with expected closing dates for October – 44 lots! (As of October 02, 2009).

Destin / South Walton County 2009
Detached Single Family Residences
Area	Number of Sales	Total Sales Volume	Average Sales	Median Sales
January	46	$      19,958,115	$      433,872	$      315,650
February	62	$      27,609,077	$      445,307	$      292,500
March	75	$      34,289,775	$      457,197	$      301,000
April	100	$      51,281,475	$      512,814	$      378,500
May	85	$      47,857,420	$      563,028	$      367,700
June	109	$      55,126,600	$      505,748	$      355,000
July	72	$      19,958,115	$      458,371	$      355,000
August	56	$      35,454,300	$      633,112	$      425,000
September	96	$      48,646,738	$      506,736	$      307,500
Destin / South Walton County 2009
Condos
Month	Number of Sales	Total Sales Volume	Average Sales	Median Sales
January	26	$        8,487,000	$      326,423	$      272,500
February	36	$      13,677,000	$      379,916	$      253,500
March	65	$      25,857,463	$      397,807	$      300,000
April	47	$      19,225,151	$      409,045	$      300,000
May	65	$      29,865,600	$      459,470	$      250,000
June	72	$      26,960,850	$      374,456	$      297,500
July	75	$      26,812,253	$      357,496	$      290,000
August	55	$      20,897,081	$      379,946	$      308,000
September	78	$      35,366,400	$      453,415	$      380,000

Destin / South Walton County 2009
Attached Single Family
Month	Number of Sales	Total Sales Volume	Average Sales	Median Sales
January	5	$        1,296,000	$      259,200	$      137,000
February	11	$        1,967,000	$      178,818	$      175,000
March	7	$        1,594,900	$      227,842	$      187,000
April	14	$        2,686,400	$      191,885	$      161,000
May	7	$        1,059,460	$      151,351	$      128,100
June	12	$        2,705,950	$      225,495	$      193,250
July	13	$        3,715,800	$      285,830	$      147,900
August	11	$        3,045,250	$      276,840	$      175,000
September	10	$        1,278,900	$      127,890	$      121,450

Destin / South Walton County 2009
Residential Land
Month	Number of Sales	Total Sales Volume	Average Sales	Median Sales
January	9	$        2,068,900	$      229,877	$      100,000
February	17	$        4,209,400	$      247,611	$      150,000
March	18	$        5,239,250	$      291,069	$        78,250
April	32	$        6,498,529	$      203,079	$      112,500
May	35	$        7,515,552	$      214,730	$      145,000
June	38	$        7,632,500	$      200,855	$      114,000
July	22	$      12,411,404	$      564,154	$      250,000
August	24	$        8,350,500	$      347,937	$      162,500
September	39	$        9,635,500	$      247,064	$      165,000

Information as of October 02, 2009 from Emerald Coast Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service.

I am the first to admit that in recent months I have been discouraged.  I suspect that many of you have shared those same feelings.  We are bombarded with negative news and statistics from all sides as we struggle to make sense of an economy and business environment that seem to be out of our control.  However, I have heard positive news from many of you as we see real signs of recovery and I believe that even though times are still tough, the worst is behind us. 

In the spirit of optimism, I want to point out some positive aspects of the current recession and encourage you to continue to seek new ways of doing business, both personally and professionally.

·         Everyone I know has evaluated their business / personal life and found ways to reduce costs, improve efficiency and become more competitive.  The hard lessons learned will make our nation stronger.

·         If you watch any news at all, you know that a new spirit of political activism has emerged as we realize that many of us have become complacent on the issues that affect us.  I encourage you to stay informed on pending legislation that affects our nation and make your views known to politicians at all levels as there is strength in numbers. 

·         Support your local businesses! I can’t stress how important this is, no matter where you live. This can mean the difference between survival of a business and closing its doors. I’m not only talking about the retail businesses and restaurants. Supporting these establishments is very important, but there are also other firms and companies that are locally owned and operated that need your support as well. Companies such as promotional advertising firms, marketing firms, banks, and charities (to name just a FEW) all need your patronage and support too! Getting involved in your area chambers and working with other members is vital to recovery. Do business with other members of your community!

·         Our nation cannot survive at its current level without an investment of time from each citizen.  It is time that you become involved by attending meetings, joining a committee, writing to your elected officials and most of all “do business with other members of your community”.  

·         If you want to see changes in your community, become involved and voice your opinions so that we can make positive adjustments.  We are a diverse nation and it can be challenging to ensure that we address issues that benefit all of us.  I assure you that our community leaders and politicians will listen. But, sitting on the sidelines without voicing our beliefs to the ones making the decisions will get us nowhere. It doesn’t matter whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or somewhere in between. Make suggestions with your opinions. We can’t simply state “NO, that won’t work” without offering viable options to correct the issues.  

I want to remind you that change is the only constant.  Cycles repeat themselves and we must adapt to the changes so we can restore our faith in ourselves and this nation.  I want to end with another quote sent by friends - “While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us.” -  Benjamin Franklin

Building and buying eco-friendly properties is a growing trend and real estate experts are saying that in their field, green is the new black. Green homes are friendly to the environment, your health, and your wallet. Plus, the evidence is there that going eco-friendly can really make a difference. For example, green homes use 40% less energy than comparable standard homes. Additionally, residential cooling and heating alone make up 20% of the United States’ yearly energy use (greenhomeguide.org).

Residential green building is expected to increase by 100% over the next five years! Furthermore, 62% of all state governments have adopted green building policies (with 18 states coming on board in the last three years alone). This isn’t a “trend” that will disappear but ultimately become the norm rather than the exception.

In fact, 70% of homebuyers said they were more inclined to buy a green home in a down economy than a non-green home.

But with the tendency to slap the word green on anything we do these days, many are asking “what qualifies as a green home?” Here a just a FEW attributes for your review.

Attributes of Green Homes

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) - Replace your incandescent light bulbs (the cheap ones you probably got at the grocery store) with Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). By replacing even your five most frequently used light bulbs, you’ll save $100 per year.

Radiant floor heating systems - These pump heated water through tubing beneath the floor surface more efficiently than traditional forced hot air or water units.

On-demand water heating units - Heats water on an as-needed basis, instead of keeping 40 gallons or more hot at all times.

Energy Star rated appliances - The more of these, the better!

A Home Energy Rating System (HERS) audit - A HERS report will reveal a house’s energy efficiency. Tip: This can also be used as a negotiating tool when purchasing a property if the audit reveals less than satisfactory results. Updated building codes are continuing to make this requirement more and more stringent.

Plant a tree – Shade trees can significantly lower your cooling costs by up to 25%. They also make your home more comfortable, and provide habitat for song birds.

Passive solar qualities - South-facing windows allow the sun to help heat a room in the winter and provide natural sunlight.

Go Low Flow – Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to save resources without sacrificing water pressure. An efficient showerhead will save a family of four up to $285 per year. They can cost less than $15, and installing them couldn’t be easier: they just screw on.

Use of green materials - Products that contain zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) don’t emit gases like traditional building materials. Recycled materials or materials salvaged from homes slated for demolition are good eco-friendly options as well.

Building or buying green presents many benefits in the areas of saving money and increasing property values. In the future, more buyers will demand these eco-friendly attributes for their investment, so keeping up with these improvements is imperative to maintaining your property value. There are many questions out there, so working with a “green-savvy” or Green Certified realtor or broker is the best step when trying to find the perfect investment. If you are thinking about building a new home, investigate your contractor to make sure he/she knows what they are talking about regarding green building.