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 ...

  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...

  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...

  Your Home Is a Powerful Investment Going into 2023, there was a lot of talk about a possible  recession  that would cause the housing market to crash. Some in the media were even forecasting home prices would drop by as much as 10-20%—and that might have made you feel a bit unsure about  buying a home . But here’s what actually happened:  home prices  went up more than usual. Brian D. Luke, Head of Commodities at  S&P Dow Jones Indices ,  explains : “Looking back at the year, 2023 appears to have exceeded average annual home price gains over the past 35 years.” To put last year’s growth into context, the graph below uses  data  from  Freddie Mac  on how home prices have changed each year going back to 1980. The dotted line shows the long-term average for appreciation: The big takeaway?   Home prices almost always go up. As an article from  Forbes   says : “. . . the U.S. real estate market has a long and re...