Archives for May 2017

April 2017: Prices on the Rise and Condo Sales Jump

Across the Emerald Coast, median prices increased in April when compared to the same time last year. In some cases, prices are the highest they’ve been in years. At the same time, condo and townhouse sales soared in Okaloosa County and across the Emerald Coast in general. It seems plenty of people want their own little corner of our beautiful beaches.

Single Family Home Sales

Emerald Coast

Closed sales decreased 3.8%
Pending sales increased 11.4%
Median prices increased 10.6%
Inventory decreased 9.4%
Months supply decreased 16.9% to 4.9 months of inventory

Okaloosa County

Closed sales decreased 4.3%
Pending sales increased 23%
Median prices increased 14%
Inventory decreased 19.9%
Months supply decreased 25% to 3.6 months of inventory

Walton County

Closed sales decreased 5.3%
Pending sales increased 8.6%
Median prices increased 5.5%
Inventory increased 1.5%
Months supply decreased 6.6% to 7.1 months of inventory

Townhouse and Condo Sales

Emerald Coast

Closed sales increased 37.7%
Pending sales increased 15.1%
Median prices decreased 5.3%
Inventory decreased 17.8%
Months supply decreased 25.5% to 7.3 months of inventory

Okaloosa County

Closed sales increased 63.6%
Pending sales increased 35.8%
Median prices increased 5.5%
Inventory decreased 19.5%
Months supply decreased 31% to 6.9 months of inventory

Walton County

Closed sales increased 1.4%
Pending sales decreased 6.8%
Median prices decreased 3.8%
Inventory decreased 8%
Months decreased 10.9% to 8.2 months of inventory

A few things to remember…

Inventory, for the most part, continues to decrease as more homes are sold and few homes come on the market. Okaloosa County’s single family home inventory is at extremely low levels. Until new inventory is added, it’s likely that sales will continue to struggle, although prices may rise.

Pending sales are a good indicator of what sales may look like in the future, but they are no guarantee as not every sale closes in 30 days. Pending sales for April are mostly positive except for Walton County condos and townhouses. There’s no guarantee that last month’s pending sales will close in May, though or that it will be enough to guarantee an increase in sales or price.

An increase in median prices are tied to multiple issues: an improved economy, more lending, and the amount of inventory available. As inventory shrinks, competition for good homes increases among buyers. This can turn into multiple bids and more solid bids as buyers hope to have their offer accepted.

It’s best to look at the data as part of an on-going trend. One month does not dictate the entire market. If you view the data collected since 2012 for the Emerald Coast, Okaloosa County, and Walton County as a whole, you can get a good feel for what’s happening in the local housing market. Overall, the market has improved greatly.

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.

4 Ways to Really Celebrate Memorial Day

Memorial Day might be the unofficial start of summer and when the locals know it’s time to avoid Highway 98 as much as possible, but there’s much more to the holiday than barbecues and beaches. Living so close to Eglin AFB, Duke Field, and Hurlburt Field, we’re no stranger to the sacrifices our military members and their families make on our behalf every day. Memorial Day is different, though. This is the day we honor those who’ve died protecting our freedom.

Before you head to Crab Island, rent a pontoon, or fire up the grill, here are a few things you can do honor the fallen on Memorial Day.

A Moment of Silence

In 2000, Congress passed a law that said a moment of silence and remembrance is to be observed at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. You don’t have to do anything elaborate. Set a timer on your phone, and when it goes off, take a moment to say a silent thanks to those who gave their lives for ours. This is a good opportunity to teach your children and grandchildren about that sacrifice, too.

Fly the Flag

On Memorial Day, the flag is to be flown at half mast until noon and then raised until sundown. If you’ve been meaning to get a flag for your front yard or your office has a flagpole, this is a good day to take care of it. Lower the flag on a pole to half mast to recognize the soldiers who’ve died. Put out an American flag at home to show your patriotism and support for our troops.

Honor the Deceased

The original celebration of Memorial Day (known then as Decoration Day) was a time to place flowers on the graves of soldiers who died in the Civil War. These days, you can usually find a group or two putting flowers and flags on the graves of service members during Memorial Day weekend. You can join them or you can attend the Memorial Day Ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetery where military members and veterans who have died since Veterans Day are remembered, as are other deceased military members.

Run or Walk on Eglin

Every year, Eglin Air Force Base is home to the Memorial Day Gate to Gate Run. Put on your sneakers and your sunscreen for a good cause. This isn’t a typical 5K as the race is 4.4 miles long, and if you don’t already have access to Eglin AFB, you have to sign up early to gain access. You’ll also have an opportunity mid-race to stop and leave a flower on the memorial site to show your respects to the fallen.

It doesn’t take as much effort or time as you think to remember what Memorial Day is all about. Thank a military servicemember or veteran when you see them. Buy them a cup of coffee. Remember those who gave all to keep us free. And then hit the beach or the backyard and have a good time!

What You Need In Your Hurricane Kit

It’s a little hard to believe that June 1 and hurricane season are right around the corner. For more than 10 years, the Emerald Coast has been fortunate that no major storms have made landfall. But that doesn’t mean we should forget that it’s possible.

Before we all start watching the Weather Channel to find out where Jim Cantore will be during a storm (a sure sign of impending landfall), get your hurricane kit together now. If we have another good year, you’ll have it ready for next year. And if we do have a storm, you’ll be ready.

Has it been awhile since you put together a hurricane kit? Is this your first one? Here’s what you need.

One gallon of water per person in your home is good for one day. Get enough water to last three days.
Non-perishable food items like canned goods and boxed foods that don’t need to be cooked or refrigerated after you open it.
Hand-crank, solar, or battery-powered radio
Flashlights – at least enough for everyone to have their own, but more is better
Extra batteries in every size to power all your battery-operated devices
Fully stocked first aid kit with bandaids, bandages, gauze, etc.
Whistle to help call for help if you get trapped
Manual can opener
Plastic or garbage bags to dispose of trash and waste
Moist towelettes or baby wipes to keep you clean
Clorox wipes to clean everything else
Chargers for your cell phone – get solar, if you can find them
Dust mask in case the air is contaminated
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to cover your windows from the inside if you’re sheltering at home
Local maps – remember, towers may be down and GPS will be affected
Extra food and water for your pets
Copies of all important documents
Bleach – just a few drops in a gallon of water can make it safe to drink. Just the basic kind – nothing scented or with added fragrances/cleaners
Paper plates and towels and plastic utensils
Fire extinguisher

Just before the storm arrives, you’ll have to decide whether you’re evacuating out of the area, going to a shelter, or staying at home. You’ll also need to add a few things to your emergency kit.

Prescription medications and eyeglasses; refill prescriptions before the storm arrives to make sure you have enough later
Cash
Extra diapers and baby food/formula
Extra changes of clothes

Of course, we all hope any hurricanes pass us by and wherever they land, they do little damage. But ask anyone who’s lived around here for more than 10 years, and they’ll tell you it’s better to be safe than sorry. Even a small storm can wreak havoc. Get your hurricane kit ready now, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about during hurricane season.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Mother’s Day

A mom’s job is never done. She worries about us, no matter how old we are. She wants the best for us, no matter what we’re doing. Moms want us to be happy and healthy, and if that means feeding us until we’re stuffed or reminding us to wear a jacket when it’s not that cold, she’s entitled to it.

Mother’s Day is nearly here (Sunday, May 14), and if you haven’t bought a card, ordered flowers, or decided where you’ll take her for lunch, now is the time. We celebrate Mother’s Day without thinking much about it, but here are a few things you might not know about the holiday.

The first Mother’s Day was celebrated in 1908 by Anna Jarvis who honored her mother with a memorial.
Anna Jarvis began a committee called “Mother’s Friendship Day” after the Civil War to reunite families.
In 1912, she trademarked both “Mother’s Day” and “the second Sunday in May.”
By 1914, Mother’s Day was declared a U.S. holiday by President Woodrow Wilson.
On Mother’s Day over 122 million phone calls are made to moms.
We spent about $21 billion in 2016 to celebrate Mother’s Day.
The most common flower given to moms is the carnation.
More than 130 million Mother’s Day cards are exchanged each year.
Mother’s Day is celebrated in more than 50 countries, although not on the same day.
The tasks moms perform at home would be worth $67,619 each year in the professional world this year.

After that last one, you really need to call your mom, send her a nice card, or spend time with her on Mother’s Day. Check out the list below if you don’t have plans yet. Note: Most events require reservations.

Mother’s Day Victorian Tea (May 13)

Mother’s Day Brunch at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Mother’s Day Brunch at Emerald Grande

Mother’s Day Lunch Cruise

Mother’s Day Brunch at Beach Walk Cafe

May 2017 Events Across the Emerald Coast

If it feels like there’s a lot going on around the Emerald Coast now that May has arrived, you’re right. You’d think Mother’s Day and Memorial Day would be the reason, but there’s a lot of stuff to do besides celebrating those holidays. It helps that the weather is (mostly) gorgeous and this is our little bit of calm before the summer tourists arrive in full force.

Burning Up the Beaches

Thursday, May 4 – Sunday, May 7

Destin Commons

If you love classic cars and want to get up close to some of your favorites, head on out to Destin to look under the hood of every type of vehicle you can imagine at this classic car show. Got a beauty that you’re dying to show off? Sign up to be a part of the show! Net proceeds benefit the Arc of the Emerald Coast and the Children’s Center. Learn more.

Emerald Coast Bike Fest

Thursday, May 4 – Sunday, May 7

Emerald Coast Harley Davidson, Fort Walton Beach

Not that you need a reason to get out on your bike, but the Bike Fest isn’t a bad one. There’s a bike show, if you just want to take a look and admire. You can join the Poker Run for charity. Or come on out and enjoy the live music. You can also enter to win a Street 500. Learn more.

Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl

Friday, May 5

Destin Harbor Boardwalk

You don’t have to choose where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year. Join the pub crawl for $10 per person and enjoy drink specials for margaritas (or whatever you prefer) from multiple locations. Grab some friends, and be grateful Cinco de Mayo fell on a Friday this year. Learn more.

Billy Bowlegs Poker Run

Saturday, May 13

Legendary Marine

All boats, jet skis, and pontoons are welcome to the Billy Bowlegs Poker Run this. Bring the kids, too, as the run is a family friendly event. The first event is the Poker Run, followed by a Poker Party at LuLu’s, and then a Captain’s Party later at Legendary Party Club. Learn more.

14th Annual Bob Hope Memorial Charity Golf Classic

Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 30

Eglin Golf Course, Niceville

Your business can sponsor the golf tournament or you (or a team) can play in it. Either way, you’re supporting an excellent cause. The proceeds benefit military widows residing at the Air Force Enlisted Village. Learn more.

6th Annual Community Health and Fitness Fair

Wednesday, May 24

Niceville Community Center

Between 9am and noon, head over to this FREE health and fitness fair. If you arrive before 10am, a light complimentary breakfast will be available. Get your blood pressure, glucose, and body mass index check. Receive information on how to handle injuries or be healthier. Learn more about your health! Learn more.