Compass Realty of Florida

The Coast is Open for Business - A Letter from Lucy Buffett

Jessica Jones — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:45:28 +0000

This letter, written by Lucy Buffett, is too great not to pass along. Unlike the national news which tries to take any opportunity to sensationalize an event such as this, we aim to provide you with first hand and factual information regarding our local beaches. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call! Our phones, like our beaches, are open! 850.259.5864 or jessica@compassrealtyfl.com

Dear coastal inhabitants everywhere and all who know the joy of putting their toes in the ocean:

I can’t remember when we have had a lovelier spring along the Gulf Coast.

In recent years, we have gone from crisp, clear mornings in February to tropical 90s temps by mid-March. But this year, it finally seemed that we were getting back to normal — back to the easy, Southern rhythms of my childhood, with the winter season moving gently into a luscious spring.

Spring was taking its own sweet time unfolding before diving head-on into the desperate heat of summer.

Everyone could feel it. You couldn’t help but notice the majesty and color of the coastal foliage bursting with brilliant pinks and purples, sounding the calls that we wait for all year long: “Let’s go to the beach!” “The fish are biting at the Big Mouth!” “Let’s take a boat ride!” “Tadpoles are out in the creek!”

That is how we live here on the Gulf Coast. Our love of the water — the Gulf, the bays, the rivers, the estuaries — and the way we enjoy it is absolutely holistic.

It transcends race, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender and political affiliation.

The Gulf Coast is where the everyday person can play. We love where we live and are proud of it.

We get amused sharing it and seeing the surprise on folks’ faces when they realize that a little piece of unlikely paradise exists smack at the bottom of this magnificent country of ours.

So imagine our dismay, anger, grief and absolute heartbreak over the ongoing catastrophe of crude oil continuously and arrogantly flowing into our beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

This is indeed a major challenge for us physically, emotionally, environmentally and economically.

Personally, I prefer to remain positive about the oil spill’s impact, because I know mountains can be moved with a positive attitude. Why wouldn’t that work with a runaway well?

I do, however, live in a very real world, and I know that our corner of this world stands to be affected by the oil spill.

As we are called to action, we will respond with the dauntless spirit of coastal people, especially those born in the hurricane corridor. We will weather this storm as we have weathered the other monsters that have roared upon our shores in the past: by working hard, side by side, with dedication, compassion and a sense of community, and earning some fun in the process.

I am hoping that there will be little damage or interruption of beach recreation. Perhaps the oil spill will be just an inconvenience, much like too many jellyfish in the water or the occasional riptides.

If not, we are going to need everyone’s love, support and help. So I have a very special invitation for people to join us here in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and on Dauphin Island and Mobile Bay.

Don’t cancel your plans or reservations. This could be one of the most memorable vacations you will ever have.

Most of you travel with children. What a great opportunity to teach our kids so many valuable life lessons — from the beauty of volunteering to the importance of helping your neighbor during a crisis, learning about the fragile ecosystem that created the remarkable Gulf of Mexico, and meeting new friends from all over the country with the same purpose of keeping our beautiful shores safe for our children and wildlife.

Recently, I asked a friend of mine’s 6-year-old if she knew how many oceans there were. “One, Miss Lucy,” she promptly responded. Then with a little hesitation, she added, “Don’t they all touch?”

Out of the mouths of babes.

What is happening in our back yard could just as easily be happening in yours. But does it matter? We are all one. We all touch.

Am I outraged? Damn right! Is there a need for accountability? Damn right! But that is not my job. There are others who are trained and better equipped to master that task.

I’m a fry cook. I’m open for business. And so is the Alabama Gulf Coast.

We will take each day as it comes and make the best of it.

I am asking all of you who love this area as much as I do and love your own coastal areas to please not abandon us.

I promise you we will welcome you with open arms, some ice-cold sweet tea, an ocean of belly laughs, a plate full of scrumptious food and a humble, grateful heart.

Lucy “LuLu” Buffett is owner of LuLu’s at Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores and the author of “Crazy Sista Cooking: Cuisine and Conversation with Lucy Anne Buffett.”

March 2010 South Walton Market Report - By the Numbers

Jessica Jones — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 15:45:14 +0000

2010 has been an active year so far with a rise in consumer confidence and real estate closings.

Detached single family homes continue to lead the way in total closings and volume. However, condos are seeing a good amount of activity as well.

March 2010 had the highest volume for both total number AND total sales volume ($) of any month in the past year! While we aren’t out of the real estate slump, we continue to see positive signs in the real estate market.

Currently In South Walton,

There are a total of 541 properties either contingent or pending
- Detached Single Family – 253 properties ranging from $67,500 to $7.85 million
- Attached Single Family – 25 properties ranging from $65,000 to $650,000
- Condos – 163 properties ranging from $69,000 to $2.095 million
- Residential Lots – 100 lots ranging from $8,000 to $1.15 million

Of the 541 contingent / pending properties, scheduled closings in April 2010 are broken down below:

119 detached single family units
10 attached single family units
76 condo properties
55 residential lots

Let’s Do The Numbers*

Detached Single Family Properties

Number of Closings in March 2010 - 77
Total Sales Volume of all closings for month - $49,741,218
Average Days on Market - 249
Number of Detached Single Family Homes currently for sale in South Walton - 1360

Condos

Number of Closings in March 2010 - 58
Total Sales Volume of all closings for month - $19,557,050
Average Days on Market - 263
Number of Condos currently for sale in South Walton - 1240

Attached Single Family

Number of Closings in March 2010 - 7
Total Sales Volume of all closings for month - $1,713,000
Average Days on Market - 360
Number of Attached Single Family properties currently for sale in South Walton - 177

Residential Land

Number of Closings in March 2010 - 46
Total Sales Volume of all closings for month - $8,612,768
Average Days on Market - 334
Number of Residential Land parcels currently for sale in South Walton - 1526

Most Expensive Sales in South Walton – March 2010

Detached Single Family Homes

$3.1 M – WaterColor
$3.08 M – Grayton Beach
$2.7 M – Sandestin Resort – listed by Compass Realty of Florida, LLC.

Condos

$1.2 M – WaterSound
$870,000 – Delos
$850,000 – Adagio

*All information above was obtained from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service on April 03, 2010. These numbers do not reflect any sales that occurred without a Real Estate Brokerage or those not entered into the MLS system.

Fairways in Sandestin - 306 Sandestin Blvd

Jessica Jones — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:53:36 +0000

Check out this great listing in Sandestin Resort. Wonderful three bedroom, three full bath townhome offers great views of the golf course, lake, and the Bay! Offered furnished with the exception of a few items.

March 2010 Sandestin Residential Land Market Report

Jessica Jones — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:48:05 +0000

Residential Land

Below is a breakdown of the Year to Date Sales in Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort for Residential Land. There were 2 lots sold last month in Sandestin Resort. While it is still slower in the residential land sales, there has been slight pickup on activity.

There have been 7 lot sales year to date. Compared to only 9 lots sold for the entire 2009, the first three months of 2010 have been off to a much better start for lots! If you are in the market to build a home, this is where you will see the single biggest cost savings!

Residential Land Sales - 2010
Sales Month	Neighborhood	Sales Price
January 2010	Baytowne	$225,000
January 2010	Deerwood	$100,000
February 2010	Island Green	$200,000
February 2010	Villa Lago	$65,000
February 2010	Villa Lago	$65,000
March 2010	Genoa	$155,000
March 2010	Villa Lago	$65,000

There are currently 11 lots that are contingent/pending on the Resort. By neighborhood - 3 lots in Genoa, 5 lots in Villa Lago, 2 lots in Island Green, and 1 lot in Burnt Pine.

Residential Land Sales – Sandestin Resort

2009
Month	Monthly Sales	Monthly Volume	Avg DOM	% Sold/List	Current Inventory
January	0	0	0	0.00%	83
February	0	0	0	0.00%	81
March	1	$525,000	897	65.70%	81
April	1	$400,000	147	80.16%	86
May	1	$150,000	140	50.16%	87
June	2	$820,000	359	82%	84
July	0	0	0	0.00%	86
August	1	$335,000	480	80%	92
September	1	$225,000	290	81.81%	93
October	1	$500,000	62	71.53%	85
November	0	0	0	0.00%	83
December	1	$138,000	139	69.34%	87
2010
Month	Monthly Sales	Monthly Volume	Avg DOM	% Sold/List	Current Inventory
January	2	$325,000	810	68.42%	85
February	3	$330,000	257	78.75%	80
March	2	$220,000	90	86.78%	79

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.

Living the Life - Grayton Beach

Jessica Jones — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:41:48 +0000

Grayton Beach is a laid back community with an eclectic combination of quaint cottages and modern beach homes. Home to an abundance of outdoor activities such as nature trails, fishing, and swimming, Grayton Beach is a place where locals and visitors enjoy spending time.

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.

Ten Inexpensive Ways to Wow Buyers

Jessica Jones — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:16:47 +0000

Wondering what to do to get noticed by the Buyers out there? Now is the time for homeowners contemplating a sale to spruce up their properties for what Mike Larson of Weiss Research calls a potentially vibrant home-selling season.

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)

Living the Life - Point Washington

Jessica Jones — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:00:40 +0000

Situated on Choctawhatchee Bay, between Destin and Panama City Beach, rests the community of Point Washington. Resting only three miles north of the Gulf of Mexico, Point Washington is a soul soothing forest retreat with shimmering waters conveniently located nearby. Recreation wise, there’s something for everyone in Point Washington - A three mile bike trail that leads to the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, kayaking, canoeing and water sports of all kinds in the adjacent bay and bayous, to name a few favorites. Natural beauty is at no shortage with Point Washington State Forest located nearby offering 15 thousand acres of untouched land with trails for hiking and biking. Eden Gardens State Park, also located nearby, features an historic mansion overlooking Tucker Bayou as well as trails and gardens to explore. Dining and shopping are only a few miles away, found in neighboring communities Grayton Beach, WaterColor and Seaside. A comforting place to call home, Point Washington’s forest splendor is a favorite destination for nature lovers offering the best of beach, bay, and outdoor recreation. Whether you seek a spacious condominium, gated-community, or just a place to kick back, Point Washington is a peaceful sanctuary offering a myriad of activities.

December 2009 By the Numbers - South Walton Real Estate Report

Jessica Jones — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:13:53 +0000

December 2009 ended the year stronger than we started 2009!

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.

Sandestin Resort Market Report - October 2009

Jessica Jones — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:03:39 +0000

Condos, Detached Single Family, and Attached Single Family

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

Month	Monthly Sales	Monthly Volume	Avg DOM	% Sold/List	Current Inventory
January	6	$2,772,000	194	87.39%	723
February	13	$5,402,500	352	87.95%	710
March	12	$3,157,750	130	91.35%	728
April	15	$7,030,000	380	88.65%	711
May	12	$6,869,000	375	80.43%	720
June	23	$10,340.600	451	81.43%	644
July	20	$6,546,653	222	88.0%	634
August	13	$5,969,500	119	90.0%	644
September	16	$8,600,250	226	88.50%	680
October	12	$8,445,000	363	89.39%	664

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

Month	Monthly Sales	Monthly Volume	Avg DOM	% Sold/List	Current Inventory
January	0	0	0	0.00%	83
February	0	0	0	0.00%	81
March	1	$525,000	897	65.70%	81
April	1	$400,000	147	80.16%	86
May	1	$150,000	140	50.16%	87
June	2	$820,000	359	82%	84
July	0	0	0	0.00%	86
August	1	$335,000	480	80%	92
September	1	$225,000	290	81.81%	93
October	1	$500,000	62	71.53%	85

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

South Walton Market Report - October 2009

Jessica Jones — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:39:53 +0000

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