Real Estate (Lot) Values in Seacrest Beach

[imasunbum]

Okay - I need some help from those of you that have some knowledge of real estate values in Seacrest Beach. An opinion really. Which would you consider more valuable, a perimeter lot or lot adjacent to the pool (of equal size)?

By perimeter lot I mean one bordering 30A that will have gulf views from upper floors when house is built? These are the lots that run along 30A on either side of the entrance to Seacrest.

Just an opinion. Thanks!

[Beach Runner]

I wouldn't want to be next to the pool. You know how sound projects from a pool, especially annoying when you're trying to sleep. There is a certain amount of noise from 30-A traffic, but in a Sharper Image Sound Soother sort of way, as opposed to the shrill sounds of little girls screaming as they play in the pool, as adorable as they may be.

[imasunbum]

I wouldn't want to be next to the pool. You know how sound projects from a pool, especially annoying when you're trying to sleep. There is a certain amount of noise from 30-A traffic, but in a Sharper Image Sound Soother sort of way, as opposed to the shrill sounds of little girls screaming as they play in the pool, as adorable as they may be.
Thanks Beach Runner - I think the 30A lot would be more valuable from the standpoint of the gulf views (almost like a walk across the yard to the pool), but others have had the opposite opinion. Thanks for yours.

[Paula]

One thing to keep in mind is that a gulf view may not be permanent if someone could build something that would block your view someday.

[Smiling JOe]

Paula is correct, Gulf views in Seacrest will be temporary or peek views in the future. I think the the lots on the pool are more valuable.

[kurt]

Personal preference aside, isn't being able to advertise a gulf view, no matter how minor, almost always more valuable?

[Smiling JOe]

Personal preference aside, isn't being able to advertise a gulf view, no matter how minor, almost always more valuable?more valuable than no gulf view with all other things being equal. Pool side lots, esp in rental places like Seacrest, are in huge demand, much more so than a gulf view from the 3rd floor lookout which no one ever uses. Imagine the convenience for parents to sit on the porch with their cocktails while the older kids are swimming just below them. Easy to supervise and enjoy your own space too.

[Paula]

As a parent, I go with whatever is convenient for travelling with kids. Of course, not all travelers will be parents. So, it makes sense to figure out who your preferred market will be. Also, it makes even more sense to figure out what you personally enjoy most if it's a place you plan to keep. Kids are only small for a few years and soon they can go to the pool on their own. Personally, I go for quiet.

I do think Gulf views draw more attention. But if it's once of those tiny gulf views, I think people can be disappointed once they see it. If it's a very good gulf view, I think people can be awed by it.

[Beachlover2]

You are right about the different renters - we own one unit that is pool side and we get mainly families in there. Another unit has a beautiful gulfview and it is almost always couples. I am still not sure who I prefer to rent to. It really just depends on the individuals. Some families really take care of stuff. Others time not!!!

[Miss Kitty]

Do most people buy with renters in mind instead of themselves?

[imasunbum]

Thanks to you that have given me your opinion. I will eventually sell the lot (bordering 30A) and have had lots of people giving me advice (realtors, etc...). The advice has been about 50/50 on the subject. It will probably just boil down to personal preference, but as Kurt said being able to advertise gulf view is great. Thanks again.

[Philip_Atlanta]

In my experience - In a beach area, proximity to the beach typically seems to be the #1 issue on the mind of most buyers and renters. Consequentially, you'll find higher rental rates and higher values.

Personally, I'd go for the view of the gulf (even though, as pointed out it is temporary) over overlooking the pool.

[Mermaid]

Do most people buy with renters in mind instead of themselves?

Sueshore, that's such an interesting question to mull over! Hand me the bottle of vino, please, it's going to take a while...

[Miss Kitty]

Sueshore, that's such an interesting question to mull over! Hand me the bottle of vino, please, it's going to take a while...

Why thank you Mermaid! You know me...just curious as a cat about other people and what makes them tick. BTW...we bought for ourselves...but sure wish we had bought MORE for renters!!!! :clap_1: I can't wait to hear your response....mostly because I will be able to understand it!!!!

[Paula]

Do most people buy with renters in mind instead of themselves?

We bought with ourselves in mind for the present (while kids are young), for the mid-term (when the kids go off to college), and for the long-term (when the kids come back to visit with their own families). And for retirement as well. The rentals are a very nice bonus.

[Philip_Atlanta]

We bought house #1 for us. From then on, mainly for return (investment potential & income from renters).

[imasunbum]

Do most people buy with renters in mind instead of themselves?
Good question Sueshore. There just seems to be such a hugh variety of buyers out there. So many for themselves and so many for rental. It will be interesting to see what happens. I have a condo at Seacrest by the pool too and it is so funny how many people want to be closer to the gulf view and every other one wants to be by that big pool. Just personal preference I guess. Hopefully one day someone will come along that wants my lot on 30A and if I'm real lucky I can retain some of that view.

[SHELLY]

Do most people buy with renters in mind instead of themselves?

I think the attitude has changed considerably over the last 3 years.

Used to be that people viewed their beach home as a place for peaceful enjoyment; a place to make memories and share good times....

...then the real estate frenzy/money grab changed things...

....now folks are simply looking at the "bottom line" when it comes to their homes (both primary and vacation)...what a shame.

[gotothebeachmom]

I think the attitude has changed considerably over the last 3 years.

Used to be that people viewed their beach home as a place for peaceful enjoyment; a place to make memories and share good times....

...then the real estate frenzy/money grab changed things...

....now folks are simply looking at the "bottom line" when it comes to their homes (both primary and vacation)...what a shame.

Do you think all folks are simply "bottom liners" ? :idontno:

[SHELLY]

Do you think all folks are simply "bottom liners" ? :idontno:

Not all...but certainly LOTS more than were around here 3 years ago.

[gotothebeachmom]

Not all...but certainly LOTS more than were around here 3 years ago.

I agree with that. We haven't been around very long. Long enough to be amazed and stupified at the trends!

[Santiago]

Not all...but certainly LOTS more than were around here 3 years ago.
There's lots more of every kind of owner/investor than there was 3 years ago.

[SHELLY]

There's lots more of every kind of owner/investor than there was 3 years ago.

Yeah, ain't it the truth..................ain't it the truth.

[Cork On the Ocean]

Got to agree with Joe and Paula on this one. The lots on the pool are the premium lots. Have appreciated beter than the 30a lots.

Intended Use is definitely a concern and if you're renting, yep 50/50. Some want the pool and some want the view. Of course I live in Seacrest Beach full time and have a great view from the third floor which is where my bedroom is but I rarely sit and enjoy that view. When you don't live and work here, there's plenty of time to sit and enjoy the gulf view. I've been thinking that I'd so rather be on the pool with a little action (other than saws screeching all day) and the great pool view at night with all the lights (especially Christmas!)

If it's purely investment, I'd personally go with the poolside lot.

[OnMackBayou]

Okay - I need some help from those of you that have some knowledge of real estate values in Seacrest Beach. An opinion really. Which would you consider more valuable, a perimeter lot or lot adjacent to the pool (of equal size)?

By perimeter lot I mean one bordering 30A that will have gulf views from upper floors when house is built? These are the lots that run along 30A on either side of the entrance to Seacrest.

Just an opinion. Thanks!
From my "point of view" (pun intended), I'm scanning for ads that say "gulf view" or "near beach". That's not to say that when you actually look at two different lots that you'll feel the same way when you have a chance to compare.

If I'm sitting in the recliner thinking about buying a piece of paradise, I could not care less where the pool is, as long as it doesn't interfere with looking at or getting to the beach.

[Smiling JOe]

...

If I'm sitting in the recliner thinking about buying a piece of paradise, I could not care less where the pool is, as long as it doesn't interfere with looking at or getting to the beach.
I do hear this side of the argument, but keep in mind that Seacrest has about four homes with full time residents (correct me if I am wrong, Cork). I think Seacrest if mostly rentals and filled mostly with families in the summer. Kids are everywhere. The end users are families with kids and the pool is a huge draw. Seacrest is known by most people as the place with the largest pool in SoWal, even though it will soon be second to Cypress Breeze when they complete it in the next few months. The rentals on the pool will rent for more than the ones in Seacrest with a "Gulf view."

[Skerm]

I have a home in Seacrest and am in the process of building a second one.

A Gulf view is better for the sale, pool view for the rental.
It all depends on your intent.

Either way, Seacrest is a great neighborhood and still relatively affordable when compared to Rosemary or Watercolor.

By the way, there are more than 4 full timers in Seacrest.

[Smiling JOe]

I have a home in Seacrest and am in the process of building a second one.

A Gulf view is better for the sale, pool view for the rental.
It all depends on your intent.

Either way, Seacrest is a great neighborhood and still relatively affordable when compared to Rosemary or Watercolor.

By the way, there are more than 4 full timers in Seacrest.

Well, I asked Cork to correct me, because I thought she may be the only poster living full time in there, but the statement goes to all who know. I received my info from one of the few people who lives there year round, over looking the pool. Skerm, any guess as to the correct number of full time residences in Seacrest at the moment?:idontno:

[Skerm]

I personally know of at least 6.
At one time Seacrest Association told me there were 12 but I find that number suspect.

[Paula]

Personal preference aside, isn't being able to advertise a gulf view, no matter how minor, almost always more valuable?

I get annoyed when someone advertises a gulf view and it's really a little slice of a view that I have to squint to see. I lose trust when someone advertises a gulf view and it's only a sliver because that teeny view of the gulf becomes irrelevant to the quality of my vacation (except that I'm annoyed with the owner). Makes me wonder what else is being exaggerated. Unless it's a really good view I value other things such as peace and quiet, if I have kids -- proximity to the pool, convenience to parking/food/etc.

(other than cost), I consider the following when choosing a vacation place/home: conveniences so I can relax and not get stressed when coordinating a family -- easy is the name of the game when on vacation; peace and quiet, aesthetics (the beauty and there are many kinds of beauty -- a view of the ocean can be beautiful or trite/overblown; a pool can be noisy or charming and interesting for people-watching; etc. I'd also think about how things change over seasons.

[imasunbum]

I get annoyed when someone advertises a gulf view and it's really a little slice of a view that I have to squint to see. I lose trust when someone advertises a gulf view and it's only a sliver because that teeny view of the gulf becomes irrelevant to the quality of my vacation (except that I'm annoyed with the owner). Makes me wonder what else is being exaggerated. Unless it's a really good view I value other things such as peace and quiet, if I have kids -- proximity to the pool, convenience to parking/food/etc.

(other than cost), I consider the following when choosing a vacation place/home: conveniences so I can relax and not get stressed when coordinating a family -- easy is the name of the game when on vacation; peace and quiet, aesthetics (the beauty and there are many kinds of beauty -- a view of the ocean can be beautiful or trite/overblown; a pool can be noisy or charming and interesting for people-watching; etc. I'd also think about how things change over seasons.
Thanks for your opinion Paula. I agree with you pretty much, but there is a good chance that this view may remain unobstructed (just by exact position of it) - at least I hope so, because right now the view is absolutely awesome (no slice here - the whole pie!) Maybe I will get lucky!

[Paula]

I would love a beautiful view of the gulf, no doubt about it. If I was pretty sure no one would build in front of it, I'd go for the view. We stayed in a 2-bedroom condo overlooking the ocean on Waikiki Beach this past summer and it was mesmerizing and we'd go back to that same condo anytime because we were so happy there.