Keith Bailey Realtor Florida Real Estate Blog

  Destin Florida Real Estate Market Update 2026: Is Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell? If you're thinking about buying or selling property in Destin, Florida , you're probably asking the same question everyone else is asking: Is now a good time to make a move? Destin continues to be one of the most desirable coastal real estate markets in Florida, attracting primary home buyers, second-home owners, and real estate investors from across the country. Let's break down what's happening right now in the Destin Florida real estate market and what it means for you. Why Destin Florida Real Estate Remains Strong Destin isn't just a beach town - it's a lifestyle destination. With sugar-white sand beaches, emerald-green water, championship golf courses, boating access, and strong short-term rental demand, the area continues to attract steady buyer interest. Key reasons buyers are choosing Destin: No state income tax in Florida Strong vacation rental income potential ...

 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 ...

  Why a Destin Florida Vacation Home Is the Ultimate Summer Upgrade Summer is officially here and that means it’s the perfect time to start planning where you want to vacation and unwind this season. If you’re excited about getting away and having some fun in the sun, it might make sense to consider if  owning  your own vacation home is right for you. An  Ameriprise Financial  survey sheds light on why people buy a second, or vacation, home ( see below ):  Vacation destination or a place to get away from the stresses of everyday life (81%)  – Having a second home to use as a vacation spot can be a special place where you go to relax and take a break from your daily routines and stressors. It also means you won’t have  to worry  about finding somewhere to stay when you go there. Better weather (49%)  – Buying in a place where there may be nicer weather can be a great escape, especially if it’s cold or rainy where you usually live. It lets...

  What To Expect if You Buy or Sell a Home This June June is a busy month in the  housing market  because a lot of people  buy  and  sell  this time of year. So, if you’ve got a move on your mind and you’re looking to make it happen this month, here’s a snapshot of what you need to know to make sure you’re ready. If You’re Buying This June A lot of  homebuyers  with children like to move after one school year ends and before the next one begins. That’s one reason why late spring into summer is a popular time for homes to change hands. And whether that’s a  motivator  for you or not, it’s important to realize more  buyers  are going to be looking right now – and that means you’ll want to be ready for a bit more competition. But there is a silver lining to a move this time of year. This is also when more sellers will list – so you should find you have  more options . As an article from  Bankrate says: “ Late spring...

  How VA Loans Can Help You Buy a Home For over 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own  homes . If you or someone you know has served in the military, it's important to learn about this program and its benefits. Here are some key things to know about VA loans before  buying a home . Top Benefits of VA Home Loans VA home loans make it easier for veterans to buy a home, and they're a great perk for those who qualify.  According  to the  Department of Veteran Affairs,  some benefits include: Options for No Down Payment:  Qualified borrowers can often purchase a home with no down payment. That’s a huge weight lifted when you’re trying to save for a home.  The Associated Press   says : “. . . about 90% of VA loans are used to purchase a home with no money down.” Don’t Require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI):  Many other loans with down payments under 20% require PMI. VA loans do not, wh...

  The Perks of Buying over Renting Thinking about buying a home? While today’s  mortgage rates  might seem a bit intimidating, here are two solid reasons why, if you’re ready and able, it could still be a smart move to get  your own place . 1. Home Values Typically Go Up Over Time There’s been some confusion over the past year or so about which way  home prices  are headed. Make no mistake, nationally they’re still going up. In fact, over the long-term,  home prices  almost always go up ( see graph below ): Using  data  from the  Federal Reserve  (the Fed), you can see the overall trend is home prices have climbed steadily for the past 60 years. There was an exception during the 2008 housing crash when prices didn’t follow the normal pattern, but generally, home values kept rising. This is a big reason why  buying a home  can be better than  renting . As prices go up and you pay down your mortgage, you build...

  Why Overpricing Your House Can Cost You If you’re trying to  sell your house , you may be looking at this spring season as the  sweet spot  – and you’re not wrong. We’re still in a  seller’s market  because there are so few  homes for sale  right now. And historically, this is the  time of year  when more buyers move, and competition ticks up. That makes this an exciting time to put up that for sale sign. But while conditions are great for sellers like you, you’ll still want to be strategic when it comes time to set your asking price. That’s because pricing your house too high may actually cost you in the long run. The Downside of Overpricing Your House The asking price for your house sends a message to potential buyers. From the moment they see your listing, the price and the photos are what’s going to make the biggest first impression. And, if it’s priced too high, you may turn people away. As an article from  U.S. News Rea...