The 30-A Real Estate Guide

A Complimentary Publication Provided by The Beach Group | Vol. 11 2020

30 A

The

Real Estate Guide

In

T his

Issue The Importance of OUR WATERWAYS

MODERN MEETS Beach House

7 Ways to Make Your

Rental Property Stand Out Imagine Making a Lifestyle

Change

TM

Life Along

SCENIC HIGHWAY 30-A

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The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

A

s our quintessential coastal communities continue to grow and flourish, and more people are finding their

way to Scenic Highway 30-A, we can’t help but reflect on a common thread binding us all together: a love for the beach. Whether your heart lies in the golden sunrises or can be found taking in a scenic sunset stroll, there is something to be said about that feeling you get, standing with your toes buried in the soft white sand as the salty air awakens your senses and the calming waves lap along the sugar-white shoreline. There is nothing quite like the simple luxuries of life along 30-A! Laughter echoes throughout 30-A’s welcoming beach communities and the turquoise waters of the Gulf offer a sweet escape from the day-to-day. Your perfect beach town transports you to a place where life is a bit sweeter and the locals embrace the easygoing lifestyle. Become part of 30-A’s close-knit community and experience the area’s lush landscapes, its celebrated local art scene, gourmet dining, world-class shopping and much, much more.

Whether you’re searching for a home-away-from-home, vacation home, or a lucrative investment property, take a look through these pages and let us help you find your own piece of paradise along Scenic Highway 30-A. The 30-A Real Estate Guide is published by The Beach Group, a boutique real estate firm specializing in real estate on Scenic 30-A and surrounding areas. Stop by our state of the art Real Estate Sales Center located adjacent to WaterColor and on Scenic Highway 395 to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales professionals today.

You can find additional information on all properties in this publication and view all available listings anytime at www.30ARealEstateGuide.com.

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3

30-A

The

Real Estate Guide EDITORS

Ron Romano Andy Wiggins Cheryl Bates Kendra Marasa

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES & CLOSINGS

Thank you for picking up our 2020 edition of 30-A’s first exclusive real estate magazine. The 30-A Real Estate Guide is the premier real estate guide for Scenic 30-A and the surrounding area. In this issue you will find an unsurpassed insight to 30-A’s finest

Cheryl Bates

homes, vacant land, and commercial real estate opportunities.

DESIGN & PUBLISHING

Real estate along 30-A is thriving as the area continues to be

Amy Wiggins iDesign, Inc.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alison McDowell Becki Westmoreland Baker Brooke Williams James Watts Kallie Rawles Lindsay Miller Cannon Kendra Marasa

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Fantasia Lyons Kurt Lischka Jason Ellis Sean Murphy

AD COORDINATOR

discovered with lots of new construction, more visitors and full time residents. With some of the world’s most pristine beaches and unique architectural design, there is a vibrant market here on 30-A that’s perfect for the savvy buyer/investor.

Here at The Beach Group, we are one of the area's only true local companies and we pride ourselves on offering impeccable service to our clients. We offer the area's most extensive group of websites for Real Estate. Through our main site TheBeachGroup.com, as well as, 30ARealEstateGuide.com you can research all residential properties and sign up to receive email alerts for new listings

Kendra Marasa

as they come on the market. Through our commercial website,

on the cover

BeachGroupCommercial.com, you can view the Panhandle's top commercial real estate.

A Complimentary Publication Provided by The Beach Group | Vol. 11 2020

30-A

For visitors information, visit the area's first visitor information

The

Real Estate Guide

website that serves as a great guide for shopping, dining, and TM

more at Discover30A.com.

As you browse the magazine, please feel free to contact one of

In

T his Issue

our expert agents with any questions at 850.231.9007.

The Importance of OUR WATERWAYS

MODERN MEETS Beach House

7 Ways to Make Your

Rental Property Stand Out Imagine Making a Lifestyle

Change

A view from a view from 270 Garfield Street and the pristine beaches of Grayton Beach

4

The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

See you at the beach,

The Beach Group

IN THIS

Issue

featured

30-A NEIGHBORHOODS

6 MEET THE TEAM - The Beach Group agents are ready to assist you with all of your real estate needs.

Gulf of Mexico

8

ROSEMARY BEACH

13

ALYS BEACH

12

WATERSOUND BEACH

19

SEAGROVE BEACH

23

SEASIDE

28

WATERCOLOR

41

SANTA ROSA BEACH

45

NEIGHBORING AREAS

20

24

Whether you enjoy fishing or boating, waterfront living, wildlife watching, or just a cold beverage and a good sunset view, there is no denying

MODERN MEETS

BEACH HOUSE

THE IMPORTANCE

There’s a common misconception that you have to have a modern house in order to implement modern design or furnishings

36

42

7 WAYS

Can I buy a house and rent it myself?

OF OUR WATERWAYS.

to make your rental property stand out!

44

RENTAL VS. NON-RENTAL

finding the right place at the beach

We give you instant access to all of the Florida Panhandle's finest real estate properties from Destin, Sandestin and the Beaches of South Walton.

49

39 LIFE IS A BALANCE

THINGS TO DO ON 30-A

2020 Event Calendar

and we can help you find your new coastal balance.

30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

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RON ROMANO

ANDY WIGGINS

CHERYL BATES

TOMMY BRANTLEY

SUSAN BREMER

MARK BREMER

ALLAN BURKES

MATT & JULIE FANCHER

Realtor Associate 850.974.7100 Allan@TheBeachGroup.com

Realtor Associate 850.254.0930 Matt@TheBeachGroup.com Julie@TheBeachGroup.com

LESLIE LEE

JILENNA PARMELEY

Broker|Owner 850.543.0647 Ron@TheBeachGroup.com

Realtor Associate 850.332.1967 Susan@TheBeachGroup.com

BRAD HILDERBRAND

Realtor Associate 850.368.6660 Brad@TheBeachGroup.com

Broker|Owner 850.225.8887 Andy@TheBeachGroup.com

Realtor Associate 850.462.5738 Mark@TheBeachGroup.com

JOHN LAVIN

Realtor Associate 850.496.7240 John@TheBeachGroup.com

Closing Coordinator Broker Assistant 850.428.5779 Cheryl@TheBeachGroup.com

Realtor Associate 850.685.2129 Leslie@TheBeachGroup.com

Realtor Associate 850.699.6837 Tommy@TheBeachGroup.com

Realtor Associate 850.259.5144 Jilenna@TheBeachGroup.com

The Beach Group Agents Are Ready To Assist You With All Of Your Real Estate Needs 6

The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

MEET THE

TEAM

KALLIE RAWLES

TRAVIS ROBERTSON

KAREN RUDEN

TOM SMART

JAMES WATTS

KRYSTIN WATTS

BECKI WESTMORELAND BAKER

SCOTT BARNES

PAM CARTER

Realtor Associate 601.201.9539 Pam@TheBeachGroup.com

JENNIFER DAY

Realtor Associate 850.687.5031 Scott@TheBeachGroup.com

RENE ENDRES

STACIE LECROY

Realtor Associate 850.830.8502 Kallie@TheBeachGroup.com

STAFFORD VON HOENE

Realtor Associate 850.225.0723 Stafford@TheBeachGroup.com

Realtor Associate 970.402.9520 Travis@TheBeachGroup.com

Broker Associate 850.246.1809 James@TheBeachGroup.com

Realtor Associate 850.714.1717 Karen@TheBeachGroup.com

Realtor Associate 850.374.7242 Krystin@TheBeachGroup.com

Realtor Associate 850.630.2658 Tom@TheBeachGroup.com

Realtor Associate 850.598.1245 Becki@TheBeachGroup.com

Agents Not Pictured

Realtor Associate 678.296.9248 Rene@TheBeachGroup.com

Realtor Associate 850.502.3949 Stacie@TheBeachGroup.com

2563 S. Scenic Highway 395 850.231.9007

Realtor Associate 214.458.0064 Jennifer@TheBeachGroup.com

Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

30ARealEstateGuide.com

Info@TheBeachGroup.com

30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

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Wonderful Views of ROSEMARY BEACH

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The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

ROSEMARY

B E AC H

27 HOPETOWN LANE

2,192 SF • 4 Bedrooms • 4 Baths #797030 • $1,995,000

27 Hopetown Lane located on the south side of Highway 30-A in Rosemary Beach, is a beautiful beach cottage plus carriage house that is offered fully furnished and completely turn key. This home is conveniently located just steps from the Rosemary town center and a quick walk away from the beautiful beaches of South Walton.

30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

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a brand you love.

A C O M PA N Y YO U T R U S T.

What began eleven years ago with a handful of properties has become the largest portfolio of high-end luxury homes on the Emerald Coast.

What’s fueled our success? An established local presence paired with a global marketing reach – an approach that has inspired trust among homeowners and loyalty among guests. Today, 80% of our guests book directly through the 360 Blue website, allowing us to rely less on third-party sites such as AirBnB and VRBO who charge significant fees. This puts more money in the pockets of our owners who can trust that their home is being cared for at every level.

L U X U R Y VAC AT I O N R E N TA L S P R O P E RT Y M A N AG E M E N T N O N - R E N TA L M A N AG E M E N T INFO@360BLUE .COM | 877-892-867 1

360BLUE.COM

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The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

A LY S B E A C H

Grace Elegance &

OF SCENIC HIGHWAY 30-A

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Breath-Taking

PANORAMIC GULF FRONT VIEWS

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The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

WAT E R S O U N D

B E AC H

210 COOPERSMITH LANE

5,738 SF • 7 Bedrooms • 6 Full & 2 Half Baths #830633 • $5,595,000

P

erfectly positioned on one of the largest homesites in WaterSound Beach and offering breath-taking panoramic Gulf views, this 7-bedroom beach house boasts unmatched outdoor space perfect for hosting guests or large family gatherings. The expansive courtyard offers a spacious pool deck with a large pool, a pergola with an outdoor dining area and a covered summer kitchen.

30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

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Forever GULF VIEWS

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The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

WAT E R S O U N D

B E AC H

158 COOPERSMITH LANE

4,280 SF • 4 Bedrooms • 4 Full & 2 Half Baths #838370 • $3,095,000

T

his home allows the near impossible, an estate type lot in WaterSound Beach. You can have a large private lot and still have all of the amenities found in WaterSound Beach. This home features forever gulf views and stunning views over Deer Lake State Park. Featuring an incredible back yard complete with infinity swimming pool with whirlpool, sitting areas, and a fully screened pool cabana.

30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

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The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

WAT E R S O U N D

B E AC H

LOT 36 E. YACHT POND LANE 105 x 50 x 105 x 54 #820551 • $1,195,000

A

rare opportunity to build your new beach house fronting Yacht Pond in the exclusive community of WaterSound Beach. Offering quick access to the community's tranquil beaches with the privacy you want on a lot that is larger than most. Boasting a wider lot frontage, this oversized homesite features a prime location off WaterSound Way. 30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

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Beautiful GULF VIEWS

249 MONTGOMERY STREET 6,000 SF • 7 Bedrooms • 8 Baths $5,349,000

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The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

• New Construction South of 30-A • 2nd Tier from the Gulf of Mexico • Beautiful Gulf Views • Steps from 2 Beach Accesses • Pool

SEAGROVE

B E AC H

219 N. ANDALUSIA AVENUE

1,920 SF • 3 Bedrooms • 3 Baths #841573 • $799,000

31 GARDENIA STREET

4,166 SF • 6 Bedrooms • 6 Baths #840951 • $1,799,000

613 EASTERN LAKE ROAD, #3

670 SF • 1 Bedrooms • 1 Baths $585,000

231 SOMERSET BRIDGE #1202 1,126 SF • 3 Bedrooms • 2 Baths #832676 • $359,000

270 CANAL STREET .36 Acres • #787257 • $595,000

LOT 18 N. ANDALUSIA AVENUE .16 Acres • #839267 • $325,000

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The

Importance

of

OUR WATERWAYS This stretch of the Florida coast is home to the Choctawhatchee Bay, the rare coastal dune lakes, and miles of sunny Gulf shoreline. These natural features are a sanctuary for wildlife and humans alike. Whether you enjoy fishing or boating, waterfront living, wildlife watching, or just a cold beverage and a good sunset view, there is no denying the importance of our waterways—and the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) is the organization that is dedicated to ensuring that we all are able to partake of these perks of South Walton living now and into the future. Enjoy this brief tour of the Choctawhatchee watershed brought to you by CBA. To learn more about CBA and our local natural wonders, go to basinalliance. org.

The Watershed

Look around you. No matter where you are in the world, you are standing in a watershed.

A watershed is an area where all water eventually flows to a common point. In our Choctawhatchee watershed, crystal-clear springs, sandy-bottomed creeks, the sometimesmuddy, meandering river, the fish and crab-filled Choctawhatchee Bay, and our unique coastal dune lakes all find their way to the Gulf of Mexico. These abundant and diverse waterways make our corner of the world special, and they connect all of us who live and play here with the plants and animals that depend on clean water as much as we humans.

The River

Our watershed is over 5000 square miles. In order to provide good scientific data to guide management of local waterways in this large area, CBA staff and volunteers monitor over 130 stations monthly in partnership with University of Florida’s LAKEWATCH program. The water quality monitoring begins at the top of the watershed—the Choctawhatchee River.

The Choctawhatchee River is an alluvial river, which means that it shapes its own channels and floodplain through the size and frequency of floods and the ability of those floods to move and deposit sediments. The sandbars and mudflats along the sides of the river provide ideal habitat for birds like the semi-palmated plover and turtles like the Gulf Coast spiny softshell. The river is Florida's fourth longest and third in terms of flow, and it hosts at least 13 major springs in its spring-fed tributaries. Most of the land on either side of the Florida length of the river is forested, thickly populated by trees such as tupelo, black gum, hickory, willow, and cypress, to name a few. This vegetative buffer zone around the river provides public benefits such as water quality protection and wildlife habitat.

To learn more about CBA’s monitoring program, or to sponsor a water quality station through our Adopt-A-Waterway initiative, go to basinalliance.org.

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As the Choctawhatchee River meanders south, it flows into the Choctawhatchee Bay. The Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary is an 82,560 acre expanse of sheltered waters, tidal marshes, and sea grass beds that is still rich with natural resources at a time when many coastal wetlands have been lost or severely damaged. The Choctawhatchee Bay is the heart of our community and "Whether you enjoy fishing economy. A healthy bay supports habitat for wildlife like sea turtles, manatees, or boating, waterfront living, dolphins and shorebirds; a high quality-of-life for locals; and a thriving tourism wildlife watching, or just a industry devoted to fishing, boating, and beachgoing. Choctawhatchee Bay is cold beverage and a good sunset view, there is no a nursery for the Gulf of Mexico; up to 95% of commercially- and recreationallyfished Gulf species spend part of their life cycle in an estuary like Choctawhatchee denying the importance of our waterways.

Bay. To help keep the bay healthy and productive, we must all be good stewards.

CBA’s Grasses in Classes program promotes stewardship in school children while restoring vital salt marsh habitat in the bay. During the school year, Grasses in Classes students grow salt marsh plants at their schools, while receiving monthly education on estuary topics from CBA and CBA-trained AmeriCorps members. At the end of the school year, Grasses in Classes culminates with students planting their shoreline grasses at salt marsh restoration sites along Choctawhatchee Bay. The program instills a love of local habitat, restores shoreline, and inspires the next generation of watershed stewards. Grasses in Classes students restored 2 acres of salt marsh habitat last year!

Written by Alison McDowell | Photography Courtesy of Sean Murphy

Choctawhatchee Bay

Dune Lakes

At the edge of our watershed, nestled between the forests and the dunes along the white, sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, are the rare coastal dune lakes of Walton County. Coastal dune lakes are bodies of water found in dune ecosystems within two miles of the coast. They’re typically shallow and irregularly shaped. Dune lakes are naturally freshwater lakes that open periodically to exchange water with the Gulf of Mexico. These periodic exchanges result in a wide range of salinity in the lakes, which in turn leads to dynamic plant and animal communities. Dissolved tannins from decaying leaves cause the deep, clear amber color of the lake water; this is a natural phenomenon, no need to worry!

One of the most interesting features of Walton County’s coastal dune lakes is their intermittent connection to the Gulf of Mexico. When a coastal dune lake reaches a relatively high water level, it actually breaks through the dune system and the beach sand and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The channel that is formed between the lake and the Gulf is known as the lake’s outlet or outfall. Depending on tides and weather conditions (particularly wind), saltwater from the Gulf may enter the lake, along with saltwater plants and animals. The drainage of the lake and potential exchange with the Gulf continues until equilibrium is reached and the opening closes. Because the lakes are relatively sheltered and easy to access, they are popular recreation areas for paddling, wading, and birding. They also provide critical habitat for shorebirds.

To raise awareness and stewardship for these local treasures, CBA offers the Dunes in Schools program for middle school. Students in Dunes in Schools raise sea oats for dune restoration, while they learn about dune lakes through monthly in-class instruction and mini-experiments. At the end of the year, they take a dune lake field trip, where they plant their sea oats. Dunes form essential coastal habitat and protect inland property from storm and surge damage; the more the students learn, the more they can act as stewards of their Gulf of Mexico communities.

30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

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SEASIDE

121 CENTRAL SQUARE, UNIT #3 728 SF • 1 Bedroom • 1 1/2 Baths #825289 • $725,000

A

very rare find in Seaside! This wonderful retreat, located in the Dreamland Heights building, overlooks Seaside's bustling Central Square and Amphitheater and captures gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico.

You can also enjoy spectacular sunsets from the private balcony just off of the great room. It is being sold ''turn-key'' and rental ready!

30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

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MODERN MEETS BEACH HOUSE This home was custom designed by award-winning Architect Carey McWhorter and a collaborative project with Anthony Vallee’ of McWhorter Vallee’ Reese Design. The interior design was completed by Brooke Williams of Lovelace Interiors.

Design is always a layering of elements between exterior and interior details. There’s a common misconception that you have to have a

modern house in order to implement modern design or furnishings.

There are always elements of modern design that can influence your decisions. It’s a twist on what you saw, interpreted in a new way, that blends with the design style of your home.

Written by:

Brooke Williams Interior Designer Lovelace Interiors

Starting from the exterior, bold architectural features create focal points. Window shape and size play a big factor in the overall façade. Large windows, with few or no mullions will help you attain a sleek look. Interior architectural details can be incorporated into the stair design or step out of the box with a vacuum elevator!

Modern design always leans towards simplicity,

focusing on less is more. A harmonious room uses a combination of straight lines and soft curves to be easy on the eyes. You want to ensure that the scale of your furniture doesn’t feel too big or too small within the space. Furnishings and accessories offer opportunities to implement more contemporary design and modern flair.

With a crisp backdrop and clean lines, your furnishings and color scheme can take front stage. Whether you choose a neutral color scheme or pops of color, either way is appropriate! If you choose colored accents, using the blue hues in more bold tones offers a fresh coastal approach. Natural light will make its own statement and impact your color scheme with a cool color tone.

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The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

Modern designs should feature an array of hard surface materials.

Glass tiles are classic and timeless. Tile an accent wall with a neutral glass tile to offer reflection in your space, and if you’re feeling brave, throw in a pop of color! Cabinetry is simple, flat fronts with a gloss finish. Using low-profile cabinetry hardware is one way to keep the cabinetry clean. Wood-look tile brings a durable and clean trait to flooring. Stained concrete is another modern and durable flooring option that can be softened with plush area rugs.

Coastal textures can be used in various applications while being cohesive with the rest of the home. Rope and rattan are making a come-back right now. You can find these textures in furnishings and small accent pieces. Seagrass rugs are also a great way to subtly introduce a coastal material. Driftwood and light wood tones will offer warmth to the cool white backdrop of your walls.

These are a few design elements that can be altered to offer a modern touch, even if your entire home is not a modern design style. You can take these ideas and make it more contemporary or more casual. That’s the beauty of design, it is what you make it!

That's the beauty of design, it is what you make it!

30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

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Located just steps from

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The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

Beautiful

Western Lake

WAT E R C O LO R

47 RAIN LILY LANE

5,125 SF • 7 Bedrooms • 7 1/2 Baths #823970 • $3,445,000

F

irst time on the market for this gorgeous home, architect-designed and architect-owned. Located on one of Watercolor's largest and best corner lots in Phase 3 it's just steps from the pedestrian bridge and beautiful Western Lake. This stunning home has one of the most beautiful facades in all of Watercolor with southern-style wrap-around porches on both the 1st and 2nd floors and a 3rd floor balcony with Gulf views.

30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

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Luxurious Privacy in WaterColor

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The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

WAT E R C O LO R

21 BLUEJACK STREET 4,241 SF • 6 Bedrooms • 6 Full Baths & 1 Half Bath #835479 • $2,595,000

T

ucked away along a remote stretch of Bluejack Street, this six-bedroom beach house overlooks pristine nature preserve and wooded walking trails offering added privacy in Phase 3 of Watercolor. This two-story beach cottage welcomes guests with a light and bright, open concept great room wrapped in shiplap and features soaring 12 foot ceilings and beachy white washed wood floors and is just around the corner from one of Watercolor's many community pools 30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

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Perfectly Positioned

Beach Cottage 30

The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

WAT E R C O LO R

131 MYSTIC COBALT STREET 2,827 SF • 5 Bedrooms • 4 1/2 Baths #832650 • $1,545,000

L

ocated just two blocks from the beach and around the corner from the WaterColor Town Center and Beach Club, this beach cottage is positioned perfectly in the idyllic beach side community of WaterColor. Deep porches welcome you into the open living room which is flanked on both sides with sliding doors opening to more porches.

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WAT E R C O LO R

57 BUTTERCUP STREET

1,648 SF • 3 Bedrooms • 3 Baths #835051 • $1,295,000

S

lip away to this coastal three-bedroom beach cottage that offers a prime location just steps from the beach in Phase 1 of WaterColor. Beautiful pine hardwood floors greet you as you enter the home's open great room.

The spacious coastal kitchen offers a large center island with granite counters, pendant lighting, custom perimeter cabinetry and an oyster accented chandelier perfectly positioned over the large sink.

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The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

WAT E R C O LO R

18 CROSSVINE CIRCLE

2,354 SF • 4 Bedrooms • 4 1/2 Baths $1,395,000

T

his fully furnished 4 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath home is located in the Pine Ridge District of WaterColor Phase II. Just a short stroll to Camp WaterColor and Wood Fern Park. This home was built with family and fun in mind!

30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

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WAT E R C O LO R

9 LYONIA LANE

1,989 SF • 4 Bedrooms • 3 Baths #839562 • $1,195,000

C

onvenience and charm located in the Tennis District of Phase 1 of Watercolor. This home offers custom bamboo blinds, transom windows, hard wood floors and shiplap throughout. The home offers a covered car port and is being sold furnished. The property is located on a dead end cul-de-sac that backs to the Seaside Tennis courts and the Watercolor Tennis courts are directly adjacent to the property.

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The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

WAT E R C O LO R

45 W. WATERCOLOR

BLVD., #103

1,300 SF • 2 Bedrooms • 3 Baths #838842 • $1,095,000

T

his one-of-a-kind 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom condominium in phase 1 of Watercolor offers the best of the 30-A beach life! Enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktail on the screened-in-porch overlooking beautiful Cerulean Park after a day spent on the sugar white sands of the Watercolor Beach. This condo features a first floor master bedroom and also has a bonus bunk room on both the first and second floors of the condo making it a one of a kind unit!

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7WAYS TO MAKE YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY

STAND OUT

Owning a rental property on the Florida panhandle and specifically in the coastal beach communities found along Scenic Highway 30-A is a smart investment decision. The area is just beginning to be discovered and has already been a popular vacation destination for decades past. In the sea of rental properties available up and down the Emerald Coast, you may wonder how to maximize your investment and make your vacation home stand out among the crowd. Here are seven design tips from one of the expert designers at Lovelace Interiors that are sure to help your property get noticed in the sea of competition:

1 ART

Art or wall décor will set the tone for the design style and feel of your space.

Along 30-A, abstracts and landscapes in coastal-inspired hues are always a favorite. Many of our local South Walton artists are making it more affordable to have that “original art” look for a fraction of the price. Artists such as Mary Hong and Allison Wickey work with manufacturers that offer prints of their work with applied texture and resin coatings. Justin Gaffrey has recently created hand painted artist editions that resemble his original pieces, with his signature heavy acrylic impasto paint technique.

2 PILLOWS / BEDDING

Changing bedding each rental season in order to keep it fresh-looking is highly recommended. Using completely washable bedding and throws, start with a basic white coverlet and add pillows for pops of color and pattern.

Many rental companies will provide a neutral duvet or coverlet and you can add your own accents to create a custom look.

Written by

Lindsay Miller Cannon Interior Designer Lovelace Interiors

3 PAINT COLORS Light and bright, open and airy is

always a YES! Neutral palettes allow for furniture, art, accessories, and bedding to pop! Some designer favorites are SW7005 Pure White and for that subtle blue/green tint, Seasalt SW6204, is a great choice.

4 DECLUTTER Accessories can make a house feel like a home, but in a rental property, less is more. The balance is to leave room for guests to live in the space, yet feel as though there is visual interest. Some interesting local cocktail table books and minimal accessories still allow plenty of space for a fun family game night.

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30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

5 UNIFORM COASTAL STYLE Creating design flow from room to room is important in making an impression on your potential renters. A cohesive, overall image is what sells the property. Make sure rooms relate to one another in terms of color scheme, décor, and overall feel. When people are at the beach, they want to feel like they are away from home—create a transformative space with local ties such as locally shot photographs and site specific art and accessories.

6 CONVERTIBLE SLEEPING OPTIONS A rental property is often selected based on how many it can sleep. Families often want to be able to rent a single house for wedding events, family reunions, and college reunions.

Creating alternate sleeping solutions such as built-in or freestanding bunks, murphy beds, or convertible sleeper sofas allows for many more to sleep than just your standard king or queen bed. Sleeper sofas are much more comfortable now with air and foam mattress options.

7 OPEN FLOOR PLAN One major draw in attracting potential renters is having an open floor plan. On vacation, families want to feel a sense of togetherness. While dinner is being prepared in the kitchen, a football game can be on in the living room, and a puzzle can be worked on in the dining room, all while being able to communicate with one another. That sense of cohesiveness is a huge plus in allowing families to come together and enjoy one another’s company.

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Imagine yourself making a lifestyle change,

moving to our Emerald Coast to reset your life, with a laid-back schedule, with easy access for your family and friends to visit.

Should you commit to a condominium or townhome lifestyle, or a single-family home? Our beautiful 30-A and surrounds have so many options this can be a daunting decision for you. Please let us put our experience to work for you.

A fact-based, data-driven choice is our goal for you, as you gaze onto the gorgeous gulf, look across the bay, watch spanish moss in the beautiful oaks, or sit in the porch chairs under the waving palms. While you enjoy, we are making calls & gathering data to help you in every way.

Single-family homes without any homeowner’s association can be a great choice for a more active buyer, or one who travels less, and along our coastline there are many choices. However, lets be sure to estimate your landscaping, pool maintenance, cable, gas, electric, and other fees. There are all types of homeowner associations, gated and non-gated developments. Higher maintenance fees should result in more amenities, a more consistent appearance in the neighborhood, and more recreational freedom for you. Our lenders can do a deep dive into the finances of your homeowner’s association, their analysis of the stability and funding of the HOA. We are a community here on 30A, and our agents want you to make a data-driven, informed, and smart decision. Your success is our success.

It doesn’t make sense to fully analyze and compare listings until you have looked around and narrowed down your choices. It is simply too much information. When it is time, your Beach Group agent will help you make an informed choice. We can’t take the emotion out of buying a home, nor do we want to, but if you pay more per square foot for a home, lets lay out why you should. Life is a balance, and we can help you find your new coastal balance.

LIFE BALANCE

IS A

and we can help you find your new coastal balance!

30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

Written by: Becki Westmoreland Baker

Most properties here have a homeowners association or HOA. We can help you to compare them. They cover dramatically different costs, and they offer different amenities. Is there a pool, or several? What costs do the dues cover? If the monthly fee is high, why? And importantly, what do they NOT cover? Does a complex allow rentals? Long-term or short-term? Are there restrictions on the exterior appearance of the homes? Are there quarterly and/or monthly dues? How do taxes affect the total?

Your agent can do a spreadsheet which totals your monthly predicted obligations for HOA, both monthly and quarterly, taxes, new owner fees, and other costs.

Compare the price per square foot, and compare which units are furnished? Will you want those furnishings? Do you know the flood zone or the altitude above sea level of your choices? Our goal as agents is for you, our buyer, to be as informed as possible.

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The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

S A N TA R O S A B E AC H

39 BANNERMAN BEACH LANE 7,000 SF • 6 Bedrooms • 6 Full & 2 Half Baths

• 1.14 Acres • Estate Home • 4 Car Garage

300 W. HARBORVIEW ROAD 5055 W. CTY. HWY 30-A, #1031 3,240 SF • 4 Bedrooms • 3 1/2 Baths #835930 • $1,395,000

2,471 SF • 4 Bedrooms • 3 1/2 Baths #824507 • $1,400,000

460 HIDDEN LAKE WAY

120 HIDDEN LAKE WAY

1,856 SF • 3 Bedrooms • 3 Baths #822019 • $515,000

2,016 SF • 3 Bedrooms • 3 Baths #818445 • $515,000

• Resort Style Pool • Carriage House Plans • Gulf Views

94 BETTY STREET

1,735 SF • 3 Bedrooms • 3 Baths #837793 • $799,000

71 BAY CIRCLE DRIVE

1,416 SF • 3 Bedrooms • 2 Baths #824248 • $365,000 30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

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CAN I BUY A HOUSE

AND RENT IT MYSELF? Who wouldn't want to own a home and vacation on the beautiful beaches and surrounding communities of the one and only Emerald Coast? Many people come here purchasing homes with the intentions to also rent the property throughout the year. Yet they still often Written by wonder, can I buy a house and rent it KALLIE RAWLES Realtor Associate myself? Can I handle the logistics of property management from afar? One of the best ways to enjoy your beach property and utilize it financially as well, is to rent the home. Renting is a wonderful income producing activity. One of the best things you can do is to employ the services of a property management company.

A lot of people may choose to handle the logistics of renting and managing their home themselves, but the benefit of having a good Property Management company can make a huge impact and be a very beneficial service to the homeowner.

Just like finding the right real estate professional to represent you in the sale of your home, finding the right property management company, I believe, is crucial to the success of your home on the rental program. Most people, when they are looking to rent their home; are looking to make a profit and to help offset some of the expenses of owning a second home. There are a few things to keep in mind in when considering which company will manage your property.

First thing to remember is that you still have your input and say, as the homeowner, by working closely with the property management company when it comes to any and all details of your home. Teamwork is key; they 42

Who wouldn't want to own a home and vacation on the beautiful beaches and surrounding communities of the one and only Emerald Coast are working for you yes, but you are also depending on them and their expertise to find guests and ensure your home makes the revenue it needs to sustain itself.

handle in-house as it pertains to maintenance, cleaning, landscaping, etc. This will ensure strong quality controls are in place, so the home is maintained.

Second, in my opinion communication is key and knowing the ins and outs of the business is a great way to feel comfortable in getting to know a company and deciding whether they will manage your property.

Do not be afraid to ask questions on how property management works. Also ask your real estate agent to provide a few referrals of different rental management companies that they are familiar with.

Ask them to provide you with an annual rental projection and what their property management fee entails. Be sure to pay close attention to all details in your rental management contract.

Lastly, ask questions and get to know your property management company. They are ensuring your home is properly looked after and cared for. Here are some questions to think about. Inquire what operations they

Always remember, at the end of the day your home is a huge investment and finding the right property management company, people, and businesses to support your vacation rental can be a great way to enjoy all of the perks of the beautiful beaches of the Emerald Coast, and as an added bonus, offset some expenses in owning a beautiful property at the beach.

A BETTER CLOSING EXPERIENCE

Customer Service

850-250-5595

30A/Panama City Beach & Panama City, FL Birmingham, Gardendale, Gulf Shores, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Hoover, Scottsboro & Trusville, AL. Cleveland & Nashville, TN

NON-RENTAL & RENTAL

NEIGHBORHOODS One of the main questions I ask clients when we start their search for the right place at the beach is whether or not they Written by intend to rent the home as a vacation JAMES WATT rental when they are not in town. For Realtor Associate many people, rental income is one of the primary reasons they are looking for a place at the beach. They have money to invest and want to take advantage of our strong real estate and rental market. They analyze every cost and run spreadsheets trying to find the perfect return on investment. Then there are the clients who plan to rent their home out while they are back home, but only as a way to help cover a few costs. Rental income return on investment is not a concern. The third type of client is the one who has no intentions of renting their home and may even want to get as far away from rentals as possible.

For many years, sales lagged in neighborhoods where short term vacation rentals are banned. Properties in these neighborhoods tended to take longer to sell and prices in these neighborhoods did not appreciate at the level of similar neighborhoods where vacation rentals are allowed. As our area matures, we are seeing an uptick in demand for homes in non-rental neighborhoods. Now neighborhoods like Watercolor, Rosemary, Alys and Seaside will continue to dominate the market and garner the most attention.

These neighborhoods of course allow vacation rentals. The pool of potential buyers for homes in these neighborhoods will always vastly outnumber the pool of buyers who specifically want a nonrental neighborhood. What we are seeing though is this smaller but growing pool of buyers who want non-rental are willing to pay a premium in some instances for the right homes away from renters. This buyer is someone who loves the area and wants to have a place along 30A, but who values privacy.

This is a great sign for the market. Many of these families buying in non-rental neighborhoods have already owned in the area for several years. These people have done the rental thing and now want something more permanent. This signals that families are keeping their money in this area. They don’t want to give up on the beach house dream, but the dream has changed. They focus more on the home itself, proximity to the beach and level of privacy rather than on seeing how close they can be to the center of Seaside or Rosemary. They may sacrifice bedroom count for a two car garage or home office. These families are buying based on whether or not the house is what they are looking for instead of what the rental income is. These types of transactions also help to stabilize the market since these are typically long term holds.

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The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

The other niche market is for families who want both; the neighborhood close to everything but a house with privacy.

They have no intention of renting their home, but they still like the neighborhood despite rentals. Certain parts of Watercolor offer this just as certain locations in Alys Beach and Rosemary. Watersound Beach is also a great neighborhood with private locations overlooking the dunes or state park, but with access to many amenities nearby.

The transition of families out of some of the rental neighborhoods is great for families new to the area or those looking for homes with the rental option. This helps supply an otherwise shrinking inventory of homes.

The big picture is our market continues to show signs of a more mature and stable vacation market with a mixture of owners who view their property primarily as a short term income generating asset and those who are in it for the long haul and who believe in the long term strength of the area.

There is healthy turnover as families sell one home only to reinvest in another home in the area thus keeping the money in the area. Vacation destinations like this one will always be dominated by out of town owners and vacationers, but it is encouraging to see more people spending significant time in the area leading to more economic activity. Each year we add restaurants and year round events. This is good for the family needing the rental income because it helps draw more visitors, but it is also good for the family who lives here full or part time because they have more activities.

Either way, we will help find the right place for you at the beach.

NEIGHBORING

AREAS

NATUREWALK

CRYSTAL SHORES

ARIEL DUNES II

830 SANDGRASS BOULEVARD

4493 OCEAN VIEW DRIVE

122 SEASCAPE DRIVE, #1201

2,133 SF • 4 Bedrooms • 3 1/2 Baths #837235 • $899,000

2,434 SF • 5 Bedrooms • 4 Baths #834248 • $850,000

1,763 SF • 3 Bedrooms • 3 Baths #827481 • $496,500

PARADISE COVE

101 EMMA GRACE LANE

2,332 SF • 3 Bedrooms • 2 1/2 Baths $434,900

SUGARWOOD

3B WOOD BEACH DRIVE 80 x 155 • .28 Acres #816221 • $425,000

BEACHSIDE VILLAS

11 BEACHSIDE DRIVE, #1033 1,028 SF • 3 Bedrooms • 2 Baths #834856 • $369,000

30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

45

NEIGHBORING

AREAS

ADAGIO

DOLPHIN WATCH

2421 W. COUNTY HWY 30-A, #E-303 8046 E. COUNTY HWY 30-A, UNIT#1

41 LAMON DRIVE

1,792 SF • 3 Bedrooms • 3 Baths #841043 • $755,000

1,572 SF • 3 Bedrooms • 3 Baths #840989 • $645,000

2,560 SF • 4 Bedrooms • 2 Bath $450,000

LAKE TOWN WHARF

SANDY POINTE

EMERALD BEACH

LOT 10 SUNNY DRIVE 14701 FRONT BEACH ROAD, #2226

9902 SOUTH THOMAS DR., #2134 1,681 SF • 3 Bedrooms • 3 Baths #836274 • $369,900

.85 Acres • 338 X 110 • #840390 • $299,000

792 SF • 1 Bedrooms • 1 Bath #840542 • $284,900

SADDLE CLUB ESTATES

ARIEL DUNES II

HOLLEY BY THE SEA

31 WHISPERING PINES COURT

122 SEASCAPE DRIVE,

1,300 SF • 2 Bedrooms • 2 Baths #835751 • $269,500

TOWN OF SANTA ROSA

LOT 8 NORTH 4

TH

The 30-A Real Estate Guide | Vol. 11

#1206

.46 Acres • 105 x 197 x 95 x 197 #840514 • $79,000

WILD HERON

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS

238 x 118 x 260 x 114 • .64 Acres #826967 • $49,900

The

2362 VALLEY ROAD

732 SF • 1 Bedrooms • 1 1/2 Baths #840619 • $265,000

1529 SHARKS TOOTH TRAIL

STREET

.14 Acres • 50 x 120 • #757313 • $50,000

46

PEACH CREEK

1 BRUCE AVENUE

.12 Acres •#805009 • $18,900

Th e

30A LIFESTYLE YEAR ROUND.

Dune Vacation Rentals specializes in the luxury rental market and has an experienced team to meet the needs of the most discerning guests and owners.

Our philosophy can be summed up in a single word “partnership.�

855.813.3783 | reservations@dunerec.com | dunevacationrentals.com

SEAGROVE BEACH

WATERCOLOR

SEASIDE

EAT

PLAY

ROSEMARY BEACH

STAY

WATERSOUND

SHOP

MOVE

GRAYTON BEACH

ENJOY

30-A’s First & Best Visitor Website Search Restaurants, Shopping, Events & More!

30-A 2020 EVENT CALENDAR

THINGS TO DO

1

January 30-A Songwriters Festival

4

April

34 Annual Sandestin Wine Festival th

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival

2

6

What not to miss! LIFE ON 30-A

June

18th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic

September

@ Baytowne Marina in Sandestin

February

EVERY Sunday

@ M.B. Miller County Pier

10

Seabreeze Jazz Festival

5

Sandestin Gumbo Festival

May

Cresendo!

Sinfonia Gulf Coast

Art Week South Walton

30-A Wine Festival

Arts Quest Fine Arts Festival

in Alys Beach

in Grand Boulevard

Digital Grafitti in Alys Beach

7

SPRING BREAK Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K: Taste of the Race Mardi Gras Dog Parade

@ The Village of Baytowne Wharf

October

13 Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival

July

42nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival

4th of July Festival

30-A Half Marathon & 5K

South Walton 4th of July Parade

Noche de los Muertos Halloween Party

in Seaside

8

9

th

Grayton Beach 4th of July Parade

March

Rosemary Beach Farmer's Market

Sand Jam

@ Alys Beach

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

August

November

34th Sandestin Triathlon

30th Annual Seeing Red Wine Festival

in Seaside

11

Telluride Mountain Film Festival

12

December Tee Off for Toys 12 Nights of Lights in Sandestin

30ARealEstateGuide.com | (850)231-9007

49

Deman Construction is a custom home builder specializing in renovations and new home builds. Our hands on approach, attention to detail and quality craftsmanship is what sets us apart. Give us a call today at (850) 389-7006 to see if we can help you with your project.

Deman Construction, LLC 50

5365 E. County Hwy 30A, Suite 106, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

License No. CBC 1261315

close with confidence.

Over 40 years of combined residential and commercial real estate closing experience.

ki rb y wi lli ams

ch ri sty mo o ne y

farrar b arke r

Board Certified Real Estate Attor ney

Real Estate Closer

Attorney

SHORELINE lo c a l ly o w n e d & o p e r a t e d

850.308.7107 60 Clayton Lane| Suite B Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

s h o re l i n e t i t l e l l c . c o m

It’s a GREAT DAYat The Beach Group

Enjoy the Best of Scenic Highway 30-A

TheBeachGroup.com | BeachGroupCommercial.com | 30ARealEstateGuide.com | Discover30A.com

30-A

The

Real Estate Guide

2563 S. Scenic Highway 395 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 TM

To learn more about the real estate opportunities on this stretch of paradise contact The Beach Group today at

850-231-9007

Info@TheBeachGroup.com