Keith Bailey Realtor Florida Real Estate Blog

 If you’re dreaming of white-sand beaches, emerald waters, and resort-style living, buying a condo in Destin, Florida might be your perfect move in 2025. From vacation getaways to investment properties and full-time residences, Destin’s condo market offers something for everyone. But with prices rising, inventory shifting, and different rules in each building, buying smart takes experience—and the right information. Let’s break down what’s happening in the Destin condo market right now, and what buyers should keep in mind before making a move. Why Choose a Condo in Destin? Destin condos offer low-maintenance living with big lifestyle perks: Beach access:  Many are beachfront or just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico. Amenities:  Pools, fitness centers, private balconies, and security are standard in many buildings. Rental income:  If you plan to rent it out, Destin is a high-demand short-term rental market. Affordability vs. single-family homes:  Condos can be ...

  The #1 Thing Sellers Need To Know About Their Asking Price #1 Thing Destin Florida Sellers Need To Know About Their Asking Price. When you put your Destin Florida house on the market, you want to sell it quickly and for the best price possible; that’s generally the goal. But too many sellers are shooting too high right now. They don’t realize the market has shifted as inventory has grown. The side effect? Price cuts are on the rise, but they really don’t have to be. Here’s why. According to  data  from  Realtor.com , in February, price cuts were the highest they’ve been in any other February since 2019 ( see graph below ): This isn’t the same frenzied seller’s market we saw a few years ago. You may not get the same price your neighbor did at the height of the pandemic. And that means you may need to reset your expectations. Because here’s the reality. If you shoot too high and have to lower your price after the fact, you could actually end up walking away with lowe...

  If Your Destin Florida House Price Is Not Compelling, It’s Not Selling There’s one big mistake you need to avoid when you sell your house this year: setting  your price too high. It might seem like overpricing gives you room to negotiate or could really boost your profit, but the reality is, it usually backfires. If Your Destin Florida House Price Is Not Compelling, It’s Not Selling In fact,  Realtor.com  says  almost 20% of sellers — that’s one in five — have to  reduce  their price to get their house sold. And you don’t want to be one of them. Here’s why starting  too high  can lead to trouble, and how to avoid it. Overpricing Pushes Buyers Away With mortgage rates and home prices where they are right now, buyers are already stretching their budgets to make a move. So, when they see a house that’s priced too high, they’re not thinking, “I can negotiate.” They’re more likely to think, “next” and skip over your house entirely. An article f...

  Is Wall Street Really Buying All the Homes?   Let’s be real –  buying  a home  right now  is tough. You’re scrolling through listings, rushing to open houses, and maybe even losing out to more competitive offers. Somewhere along the way, you might’ve heard the reason it’s so hard to find a home is because big Wall Street investors are swooping in and snatching up everything in sight. But here’s the thing: that’s mostly a myth. While investors are part of the market, according to  Redfin , they’re a relatively small part: Here’s what that means. Five out of every six homes are being purchased by everyday homebuyers like you – not big investors. So, before you get discouraged, let’s take a look at what’s  really going on . You might be surprised to learn that Wall Street isn’t the competition you may think it is. Most Investors Are Small Mom-and-Pops Most investors aren’t the mega corporations you’ve probably heard about. In fact, many are your ne...

  Should You Sell Your House or Rent It Out?   When you’re  ready to move , figuring out what to do with your house is a big decision. And today, more homeowners are considering renting their home instead of  selling it . Recent data from  Zillow  shows about two-thirds (66%) of sellers thought about renting their home before listing, with nearly a third (28%) taking that possibility seriously. Compared to 2021, when fewer than half (47%) of homeowners considered renting before selling, it’s clear this trend is on the rise. So, should you  sell your house  and use the money toward your next home or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth? Let’s walk through some important questions to help you determine the right path for your financial and  lifestyle goals . Is Your House a Good Fit for Renting? Before you decide what to do, it’s important to think about if it would make a good rental in the first place. For instance, if you’re moving ...

 As you’re getting ready to  sell your house , one of the first  questions  you’re probably asking is, “how long is this going to take?” And that makes sense—you want to know what to expect. While every market is different, understanding what’s happening nationally can give you a good baseline. But for an even more detailed look at real estate conditions in your area, connect with a local real estate agent. They know your local market best and can explain what’s happening near you and how it compares to national trends. Here’s a look at some of the things a great agent will walk you through during that conversation. More Homes Are on the Market, and That’s Affecting How Long They Take To Sell According to  Realtor.com , the number of homes for sale has been going up this year. That means there are more options for buyers, which is great news for anyone looking to buy a home. But as a  seller , it also means homes are staying on the market a bit longer ...