SoWal.com Forum - Blogs http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php Beaches Of South Walton (SoWal) Florida message board forums en Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:00:25 GMT vBulletin 30 http://sowal.com/bb/images/misc/rss.jpg SoWal.com Forum - Blogs http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php Good car service http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=139 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:06:59 GMT I just had my car detailed at http://www.wetsandcarcare.com/ and the owner Patrick did an awesome job! He is a local boy too. Check it out:clap: I just had my car detailed at http://www.wetsandcarcare.com/ and the owner Patrick did an awesome job! He is a local boy too. Check it out:clap: ]]> frank1971 http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=139 Real Estate - June 2008 Sales Summary http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=135 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:21:51 GMT *June 2008 Real Estate Sales Summary * By Murray Balkcom, Realtor, GRI Coldwell Banker United, Realtors, Seagrove Beach, FL (Based on data collected from Emerald Coast Association of Realtors) Reviewing the sales for the month of June, 2008, I see some trends continuing.... June 2008 Real Estate Sales Summary
By Murray Balkcom, Realtor, GRI
Coldwell Banker United, Realtors,
Seagrove Beach, FL

(Based on data collected from Emerald Coast Association of Realtors)

Reviewing the sales for the month of June, 2008, I see some trends continuing. Starting with the big picture first, home sales continue to be fairly level with 98 selling in South Walton, though we are down slightly compared to May of 2008 (110 sold). Inventory has continued to decrease slightly every month since June 2007, when we had 4,536 units actively listed. Current inventory level for June 2008 is 3,717. That is an 18% decrease in inventory over the last year, which is a start, but I would like to see that number continue to decrease and break below 2,000 units. Back in June 2005 (peak of the market), we saw twice as many sales, and half as much inventory, though surprisingly the average selling price was $784,305, compared to June 2008, when selling price was $720,688. The average list price for those homes which were sold during the peak of the market in 2005, as well as this year, was coincidentally $812,000 (give or take a few hundred). However, sellers were able to command a stronger sold to list price in 2005 (sales price was 96.5% of list price). In June 2008, the buyers have been able to negotiate a bit more off the list price, on average, paying 88.73% of the list price.

Lot sales in South Walton are on a different pace than home sales. It is my opinion that we didn’t see enough lot sales in June to extrapolate any meaningful information. We saw a total 15 residential lot sales in South Walton, with 1987 units of inventory. Granted, inventory continues to decrease and is at the lowest level since May 2005. I’d like to see that number continue to decrease and level off at a number around 1000-1100, which we haven’t seen since Nov 2004. Historically, sales have been fairly strong when inventory was around 1000 units or less. The average sales price for residential lots in June 2008 was $517,266, roughly 88% off the average list price for those units. That price is up substantially compared to the last three months, but with only 15 being sold, the numbers can get a little deceiving.

Home sales in Freeport, have risen, but are still fairly slow to move with only 14 being sold in June, at an average sales price of $211,282. Average list price for those homes was $214,998, showing that sellers were coming off the list price only 1.7%. Inventory of homes in Freeport also continues to decrease, and in June 2008, we had 219 actively listed. Historically, 75-80 units is more traditional with a level market in that area. There are new townhomes built and under construction in Freeport, and we’ve seen a few sales. Entry price starts around $150,000.

Residential lots in Freeport continue to sit untouched, with only two selling in June 2008, though there are 524 actively listed. Average sales price of those two was $99,500. There are some good buys in Freeport here and there, and with the new international airport under construction in Bay County, we will likely see Freeport poised for good position of future sales with a substantial community base.
As always, if you have any questions regarding this information, please contact me to discuss them. Feel free to pass this information along to others whom you think may have an interest in real estate in this area of Walton County, and feel free to pass my name and contact information along to them as well. If you are new to reading my updates, and would like to subscribe (FREE) to my real estate updates, which will include spreadsheets of sales data for this area dating back to 1998, please let me know, and I will add you to my subscription list. (Being a hater of SPAM, I'll treat your email address and contact information with respect. ;-)) Simply include your name and email address with the request to subscribe. Otherwise, you may continue to read my summary on my blog on www.SoWal.com, without lifting the mouse finger.


Best Regards,


Murray

Murray Balkcom, Realtor, GRI
Coldwell Banker United, Realtors
Seagrove Beach, FL ]]> murray http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=135 <![CDATA[We don't need your stinking kind]]> http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=131 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:28:35 GMT Last night, I strolled over to Alys Beach as I thought Bill Evett would be playing, and we had houseguests to entertain. Fonville Press was closed, so I decided to show them the pool at Alys Beach. We were fairly well dressed as we were going to dinner later. I was greeted at the pool by a very... Last night, I strolled over to Alys Beach as I thought Bill Evett would be playing, and we had houseguests to entertain. Fonville Press was closed, so I decided to show them the pool at Alys Beach. We were fairly well dressed as we were going to dinner later. I was greeted at the pool by a very young lady who was the hostess for the dinner that they now serve to the public poolside. She asked if I had a reservation, and I said that we wanted to take a quick glance at the pool in case my friends wanted to make a dinnner reservation there for another night. She then asked if we had a membership card, and I said no, but we just wanted to see the pool area. She informed us that we were free to peer over the fence, but apparently, the mere sight of us would have caused nausea among the dinner guests. Fortunately, my friends thought it was more comical than insulting.

We walked home to Rosemary, past all of the closed, gated communities beween there and Alys beach. This morning, before leaving for my office, I gave them their passes so that they would not be stopped by the security guards that are now strategically stationed in our town.

My friends are here to consider making a real estate purchase somewhere on 30-a, and I guess one of the decisions that they have to make is wether or not they want Blackwater Security taking out interlopers in their prospective new neighborhood. Frankly, today I am feeling a little bit like Britney Spears in a Julliard vocal class, but I am sure that things will get better once the tourist season is over.

I am trying to think of some activities for my guests this week that carry little chance of getting arrested for tresspassing. Any safe zones out there?

We are considering a risky outing which entails purchasing camoflage, night goggles, and rappelling equipment so that we can go over the wall at Alys Beach as I am on a quest to see the pool, along with the Pyramids of Egypt before I die. ]]> Bobskunk http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=131 Panama City Beach New Airport -- Update! http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=129 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:51:53 GMT The entire 1300+ acres of the airport development site have been cleared and grubbed. This means all trees, roots, and vegetation have been removed. The main access road ahs been brought to its final elevation, compacted, sub-base installed, curbed, and is ready for paving in early July. ... The entire 1300+ acres of the airport development site have been cleared and grubbed. This means all trees, roots, and vegetation have been removed.
The main access road ahs been brought to its final elevation, compacted, sub-base installed, curbed, and is ready for paving in early July.
The building pads for the Terminal, Terminal apron, and main parking lot have been finalized.
The building pad and parking area for the rental car facility has been finalized.
The primary runway taxiway is in the process of being graded and stormwater ditches are being installed.
The primary runway is being graded and brought to its final elevation.
Stormwater ponds and conveyance systems have been installed and erosion control applied in all of these areas.

The earthwork portion of this phase should be completed by November 2008, a full 3 months ahead of schedule.
We should start the paving of the runways before October of this year.

The design for the terminal, public safety building, control tower, air cargo, and maintenance buildings has been completed and bids will be solicited in early July.

The project is well underway and a substantial amount of work has been completed in the last five and a half months. The attached aerial pictures taken earlier this month might give you a full appreciation of the size of the effort and progress.


J. J. Zebroski

Project Director
Panama City/Bay County International Airport
Relocation Project
Phone: 850-763-6751 Ext. 205
Fax: 850-785-5674
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]]> murray http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=129 <![CDATA[I'll take Ambassadorship]]> http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=125 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:26:22 GMT One time, many years ago, before finding Sowal, I was behind a woman on line at a deli in LBI, N.J. She sighed incessantly about the wait time and how she needed to get back to work. She went on to tell another patron that this was why she moved over the Causeway, and off the island, that all these... One time, many years ago, before finding Sowal, I was behind a woman on line at a deli in LBI, N.J. She sighed incessantly about the wait time and how she needed to get back to work. She went on to tell another patron that this was why she moved over the Causeway, and off the island, that all these tourists just made her life so miserable, especially during peak season. I mean didn't we know that this was her Island, and that we were all just a nuisance, like biting flies blowing in from the north?

All I could think of was that she could have moved to the moon and probably would have complained about lack of societal amenities there too.

She finally got her sandwich or salad, I'm not really sure, because I didn't care. I just wanted her ugliness to be absent from my pleasant weekend stay. It was off season, too cold to swim, but a beautiful weekend.

I didn't know that she worked for a real estate company initially. It wasn't until after we got our lunch, and we went to the real estate office to meet an agent, who was going to show us a house for sale, that I saw her at the copier. Suddenly, I felt a sudden rush of anger about her condescension.
We'd vacationed at LBI for 20+ years, often renting the same house, and I felt very much like it was my little stretch of beach that I was a steward of for that one or two weeks. I knew the name of the owner of Hands Department store, looked forward to getting blueberry pie to take home freshly made from the market open only during season. That this was just as much my Island as it was hers.

We followed the agent to a home we were interested in, and the agent could have told me the house was free, and I wouldn't have heard him. All I could think about was the irony of finding this woman working in real estate. The agent noticed my apathy and asked me what I was thinking. Should I tell him what transpired earlier? Afterall, he was one of the principles of the firm. Shouldn't he be made aware that one of his employees was spewing negativism about the very people who line his pockets?
I then thought, maybe this woman is a single mother with a family to feed, or what was her story? Certainly could I have been putting her job at jeopardy if I was forward about our encounter? Why should I care?

It occurred to me that I did care and I wouldn't tell him about it. Chances are he knew already.
That we would thank him for his time and move on with another agency.

The whole incident made me think about how I would react, if and when, I bought a house in an area that was so loved by so many, that it became home for year round residents, even in the Winter now. Would I become a "local", possibly an angry one, or will I become a "local ambassador"? There is a big difference. Because no matter where you live for any length of time, you are only an ambassador of the land and the space you occupy.

I choose Ambassador. If you become lucky enough to live in a chosen place, a place that many others cherish as much as you, you have a responsibility to represent it well to the best of your abilities.

I'll take Ambassadorship any day.

Besides, it sounds important. :cool: ]]> Mango http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=125 <![CDATA[It's about Music, I promise]]> http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=124 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:55:32 GMT After reading a few lines, one might conclude that this is another “Poor Me” Hurricane Katrina related story, but it’s not, so bear with me through the circumstances that get at the heart of the matter, which is music. I did live in New Orleans up until the day that Katrina left 8 ½ feet of... After reading a few lines, one might conclude that this is another “Poor Me” Hurricane Katrina related story, but it’s not, so bear with me through the circumstances that get at the heart of the matter, which is music.

I did live in New Orleans up until the day that Katrina left 8 ½ feet of water in our home, water that would not subside for about 10 days. Of the material possessions lost, perhaps the one that had more monetary value than most things, and definitely something that was highly valued by me was my music collection.

It consisted of hundreds of vinyl albums, each played exactly one time years ago as I made a cassette tape of them. They were then lovingly stored in their envelopes, the artwork on the envelopes being as important as the albums themselves.

Additionally, there were more than 400 CDs, all store bought, and alphabetized. I have since learned not to be nearly so particular about my music, as I now lend out, give away, and misplace CDs everywhere. Katrina helped a little bit with obsessing over little things.

I have always felt that our music collection was a type of diary of our lives. I would keep music that I no longer liked, as I felt that it was a chronicle of where I was and what I was feeling at the time. I could look through my collection, and remember events, people, and emotions from every phase of my life.

So during my necessary stay in Baton Rouge, the big day came when I was going to buy my first CD to play on my little $100 stereo that we had bought for our apartment, the apartment that had two bowls in the cupboard, one for me and one for my wife, and the card table that we used for dining. I was only going to buy one, as this was only a few weeks after having lost everything, and we were still unsure as to what whether or not we would ever get back home, and whether or not we had careers. .

To me, it felt like a monumental and symbolic decision. Who would be chosen among all of the beloved artists from my past? I finally settled on Little Feat’s “Waiting for Columbus”. Although I rarely listened to it anymore, it was definitely the soundtrack for some of the best times of my life, and I thought that the memories were more important than choosing something that I may be more apt to play.

I wrote this because I would be curious to know what others would choose under similar circumstances, which is going home with exactly one CD in your possession. So who would it be? ]]> Bobskunk http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=124 Feeling Wistful http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=123 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:52:25 GMT This afternoon I got to enjoy one of those great simple pleasures of living in SoWal. i dropped by the beach to get some fresh sea air, chat with some friends, and watch the sunset. It was one of those afternoons that makes me cognizant of how lucky I am to live here. It was a good evening,... This afternoon I got to enjoy one of those great simple pleasures of living in SoWal. i dropped by the beach to get some fresh sea air, chat with some friends, and watch the sunset. It was one of those afternoons that makes me cognizant of how lucky I am to live here.

It was a good evening, which is why the first twinge of a not immediately identifiable emotion took me by surprise. Walking on the beach, I saw three tourists excitedly setting up chairs, opening a bottle of wine, and getting set to watch the sunset. they were at rapt attention, not glancing over as we had been. I envied them a little bit, but I wasn't sure why.

Driving home, I decided to go the long way -- which means 30A through Seaside. There were so many vacationers bustling around, you could smell the hotel -- er -- cottage rental agency-- soap. They all had that look -- they were taking everything in and savoring it. Everyone was rosy from the sun, dressed in beachy dresses and lightly colored summer classics, heading off to have some seafood at the beach. And you knew they were going to take a special pleasure in dinner at Bud and Alley's or the Baithouse, its a once a year treat. Seaside had such a special energy tonight, I had to stop and put the top down and try to soak a little of it in. Lucky tourists.

That's right, I said lucky tourists. It hit me then -- I was a little jealous.

It hit me that I would never go back to the cottage from the beach, skin tingly with salt and sunburn, take a quick shower and get ready to go out, have a glass of wine and watch the sunset, then head off to enjoy the rare treat of really fresh seafood. I would not be experiencing the sandpaper sensation of linen on my burnt shoulders as i waited two hours for a table at the Red Bar. After all, I have nine months of sun to avoid and nine months of short waits at the Red Bar. Line up for hours with all the touristas? I don't think so. Rubes.

I miss being a rube.

I felt so wistful tonight because I realized that I'd lost a tradition that defined summer all my life. I live here, and God knows I know how lucky I am. I am wistful because I know I have traded the privilege of living here for the tie to my mom and dad and our traditions that coming to the beach the last week of June always represented. I am wistful because I know that no matter how much I try to be present and appreciative of this place, I can't recapture the open, taking it all in look of delight I saw in the eyes of all those people in Seaside. I can't go a week without grumbling about the traffic and the lines at public and the fact that someone is within 10 yards of my spot on the beach.

Some people envy children their sense of wonder, but I long to see SoWal through the eyes of tourist. I can't imagine ever finding another place that will be vacation spot of my heart as SoWal used to be.

Tonight, as I head to bed I will be counting my many blessings. I have friends who feel as comfortable as those I've known forever, I live in a place that draws in old friends as guests, I can walk on the beach every morning, swim in the ocean whenever I get the urge, and spend a sunny day shopping or going to the spa without a sense of overwhelming guilt for wasting the day, plus a roof over my head, a comfortable bed, and tomatoes from Cotton's to eat.

But just once each summer, I'm going to resolve to go the the beach at 10 and stay out all day, I'm going to drag my float out past the breaking waves even though it depletes the SPF of my sunscreen. I'm going to let myself turn pink and then go home at 4, get ready as fast as I can so I can go watch the sunset before going to dinner. I'm going to put on a sundress that will feel like a hairshirt. I am going to go wait in line for dinner and soak up some good rube energy. ]]> rapunzel http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=123 <![CDATA[Grass is Not "Green"]]> http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=122 Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:52:45 GMT So this morning, I was watching a gardening show, and they were suggesting ways to go green. Most sounded intelligent, but one caught my mind. The suggestion was to use electric (plug-in) yard equipment, -ie- lawnmower and weedeater. :idontno: They were suggesting that these electric-powered tools... So this morning, I was watching a gardening show, and they were suggesting ways to go green. Most sounded intelligent, but one caught my mind. The suggestion was to use electric (plug-in) yard equipment, -ie- lawnmower and weedeater. :idontno: They were suggesting that these electric-powered tools do not put off carbon emissions, which may or may not be true. If the electricity fuel source is nuclear power, that may be true, but if the electric power's fuel source is by burning coal, which is true for most of the USA's electricity, wouldn't using plug-in lawnmowers in reality, produce more carbon than the gasoline burning lawnmower and weedwhackers? Wouldn't "green" be more along the lines of not growing grass? Ironic, I know, but considering that 40% of our clean water is used to make lawns green, growing grass lawns, which need labor, water, and mowing, seems to be anything but "green." ]]> Smiling JOe http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=122 South Walton/Coastal Dune Lakes Merchandise -- Shop Here! http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=120 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:52:00 GMT *South Walton/Coastal Dune Lakes Merchandise -- Shop Here!* If you are a fan of our very rare coastal dune lakes, or just want to look cool, Go Shopping (http://www.cafepress.com/BlueDaisy) from the comfort of your home. Make yourself a big Margarita, as that will loosen your wallet. :funn:... South Walton/Coastal Dune Lakes Merchandise -- Shop Here!
If you are a fan of our very rare coastal dune lakes, or just want to look cool,
Go Shopping from the comfort of your home. Make yourself a big Margarita, as that will loosen your wallet. :funn: Mostly tee-shirts, with multiple colors from which to choose, but also have tote bag, apron, sweat shirts, hoodies, and a cool collard tee-shirt (golf shirt look, tee-shirt feel). Men's stuff, ladies stuff, and kid's stuff. Go check it out.

The logo is the Coastal Dune Lakes of South Walton, drawn to scale, with "south walton," below. On the reverse of many of the shirts, is the list of the lake names. (not all have back design.) You may notice that Lake Powell is neither listed, nor depicted. Only a small portion of Lake Powell is located in Walton County, and in order to keep the drawing to actual scale, the image would be too small if I included Lake Powell.

To see larger images of the logos, go to my online store, linked above, click on an item, zoom in, and enlarge again. Descriptions of products also available -- look for the tab. Pictures below are examples, but the logos vary slightly in size, to more appropriately fit the item.

www.cafepress.com/bluedaisy :wave:




 ]]> Smiling JOe http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=120 Alligator Lake : A photographic book on our Coastal Dune Lakes http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=119 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:39:58 GMT Hey Good people of SoWal and Beyond~

I have decided to join the masses and finally get my butt on SoWal! [Cue in loud audible applause].

To mark this momentous occasion I wanted to let you all know I've put together a book on our Coastal Dune Lakes. It's something I've been working on for over a year.

It's basically a photographic coffee style book broken down into chapters as I experience the lake: from the woods; to the water; to the sand; to the Gulf. The Fonville Press has agreed to purchase 10 books and will carry them there. It's called 'Alligator Lake'. For all the pictures are on or about Alligator Lake.

If you have any problems let me know.

Thanks and I'm sure I'll be running my mouth off on the latest issues to affect our community. You know the adage, 'Once an opinionated New Yorker- Always an opinionated New Yorker." ]]> em marcus http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=119 We need your help... http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=117 Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:24:02 GMT
FRIENDS & CUSTOMERS OF SCOTTY’S AUTO REPAIR, INC. WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
DUE TO THE EXPANSION OF STATE HIGHWAY 331, THE BUILDING WE CURRENTLY RENT HAS TO GET DOWN SIZED TO WHERE WE WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO STAY AT THIS LOCATION--WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO RELOCATE SINCE OCTOBER, 2007. WE HAVE FOUND SOME INFILL SIGHTS THAT HAS LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ALL AROUND IT; BUT FROM WHAT WE WERE TOLD IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET LAND REZONED IN SOUTH WALTON. WE WOULD LIKE TO MOVE SOUTH OF THE BRIDGE TO BE CLOSER TO HOME FOR OUR CHILDREN AND CLOSER TO THE PARTS HOUSES. WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT BY POSTING THIS MESSAGE THAT MAYBE SOMEONE HAS SOME INSIGHT AS TO A POSIBBLE LOCATION AND/OR A WAY TO REZONE LAND. WE DO NOT NEED OR WANT TO BE ON A MAIN HIGHWAY. WE NEED ABOUT 1 ACRE OF AFFORDABLE LAND. WE CURRENTLY HAVE TO VACATE THE BUILDING BY DEC. 31, 2008. WE ARE VERY THANKFULL TO OUR CUSTOMERS AS THEY ARE THE ONES WHO KEEP US IN BUSINESS.
]]> Scottys http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=117 So many people do it, but why? http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=116 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:38:32 GMT So many people do it, but why? Every day, I see vehicles loaded to the max with beach crap. (I own my share of beach crap, so that is not a derogatory word, just calling it what it is, much like I call potato chips "crap for food" while I'm eating it.) Today, we want everything to be convenient, taking the well-worn path, but let's stop for a moment and remember the written words of Robert Frost's, The Road Not Taken:

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Stop for a moment and question, Why? Why do we do what we do? Who can honestly answer yes, that buying more toys for your kids, makes them happier and content? I know not one. Don't confuse a kid's lack of pitching a five-minute fit, with being content. Extra toys just add confusion and distraction. Place a kid in an empty room and give them a few blocks of wood, and and idea of how to creatively use them as airplanes, trucks, trees, towns, homes, etc, and that kid will be occupied for a long time. Take that same kid and place them in a room with 100 toys, and watch the child go from toy to toy looking for the best one, like an adult going through the TV remote control on a Sunday afternoon, searching for the best option. Introduce another kid to the room with all the toys, and suddenly the toy which received not a second look by the first child, when picked up by the second child, suddenly becomes the only toy in the entire room, worth fighting for.

There is really no need to lug so much beach crap onto the beach, whether you have a truck with a beach permit, or not. Nature offers so much entertainment for kids. Without toys, children will find a stick, shells, seaweed, etc, and make a fish and crab fort, swim, play, splash, build sandcastles, etc. Kids can be very creative if given the right tools, which usually means no tools. ]]> Smiling JOe http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=116 Local Real Estate Sales Summary -- May 2008 http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=115 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:54:59 GMT *Summary of Sales for the month of May 2008 for south Walton County and Freeport* (based on Data from Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, aka - ECAR) By *Murray Balkcom, Realtor, GRI* Coldwell Banker United, Realtors Real estate sales have been on everyone’s mind, lately.... Summary of Sales for the month of May 2008 for south Walton County and Freeport


(based on Data from Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, aka - ECAR)


By Murray Balkcom, Realtor, GRI
Coldwell Banker United, Realtors

Real estate sales have been on everyone’s mind, lately. Is the market up? Is the market down? What’s happening with the market? I hear it asked every day, and see it weighing heavily on the minds of the sellers and buyers. Buyers are wondering if prices will continue to fall. Sellers are wondering when the buyers will buy. I’ll try to shine some light on the subject for everyone.
In May, we saw the highest quantity of residential home, townhome, and condo sales, in South Walton, since July 2007, and up 18% over April 2008. Average Sales Price has been fluctuating between $550,000 - $730,000 this year, and this month shows the average sales price near the center of that variance, at $662,000. Though inventory continues to decrease, it is remains relatively high with 3700 units on the market. It’s good to see that volume is rising, which is fairly typical of the early summer. Sales price continues to be about 90% of the list price, on average.

Despite the common belief that there are more residential lots are listed than residential detached homes, townhomes, and condos, as of May 1, 2008, there were only 1962 residential lots listed in South Walton, versus 3683 active listings of homes, townhomes, and condos. Inventory of actively listed residential lots in south Walton is the lowest it has been since May 2005. That being said, there seem to be many properties which are available for purchase, but not actively listed. Quantity of sales of residential lots in South Walton remain fairly consistent with the sales over the last 18 months. Average sales price of these lot sales is $313,101.

Breaking those numbers down a little further, the area of South Walton from Sacred Heart Hospital (Mack Bayou Rd) to the Bay County line, saw the most activity of residential land sales, accounting for 84% of the sales in South Walton. Residential land sales in Freeport, continue to be very slow, with only five sales in May, averaging $83,200 in sales price.

Although we saw only nine condo sales in the South Walton area east of Sacred Heart Hospital, the average selling price was $789,611. For the area in South Walton, west of the Hospital, there were 26 reported sales of condos, and the average price for that area was very close, at $788,480.

Townhomes are one area of our market which are heavily overlooked, and should be peaking the interest of buyers. In the area of South Walton, east of the hospital, May shows only three sales, making up 60% of the year-to-date sales. With so few sales, buyers should have their choice of townhomes, and there are some attractively priced townhomes currently on the market.

The area of South Walton, west of the hospital, isn’t seeing much activity in townhome sales, either, with only four to report for the month of May, with an average sales price of $340,250.

There were no townhome sales to report in Freeport, even though there are several new developments, attractively priced, starting around $150,000.

Breaking out the Detached Single Family homes, we find South Walton, the area east of the Hospital, having a slight increase in the quantity of sales, showing 38 closings, with an average sales price of $702,117. Inventory remains steady with 1372 homes currently listed in this category and area.

For detached homes in South Walton, west of the Hospital, we saw a good increase in the quantity of sales, reporting twenty closings, up 100% over the prior months numbers, though average sales price remains fairly constant at $491,354 for the month of May. Inventory remains level with 463 homes currently listed.

Lastly, detached home sales in Freeport remained fairly stable with nine sales to report, averaging $219,469 per sale. Inventory, compared to sales, is fairly high, though remaining fairly constant over the last two years.

Overall, I am a little surprised to see buyers holding off on purchasing, given some excellent prices on current listings. I believe there is much inventory from which to select, and with some homework, and help from a knowledgeable Realtor, there are some good potential properties for people who are ready to buy.

As always, don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions regarding real estate. Please feel free to share this information with others who may be interested, and ask them to contact me if they wish to receive monthly updates from me.


Best Regards,
Murray ]]> murray http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=115 Earn 18% interest by buying tax certificates? http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=114 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:47:16 GMT Tax certificates to be sold at 18% interest – first come, first served ORLANDO, Fla. – June 5, 2008 – After its tax certificate auction failed to attract bidders (http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-060408.cfm), Orange County yesterday announced a new auction but with different... Tax certificates to be sold at 18% interest – first come, first served

ORLANDO, Fla. – June 5, 2008 – After its tax certificate auction failed to attract bidders (http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsA.../n1-060408.cfm), Orange County yesterday announced a new auction but with different rules: Whoever steps forward to buy a tax certificate will earn 18 percent interest on the money once the owner pays.

Local governments had not had trouble selling tax certificates, and they have no backup plan for combating the problem. The Grant Street Group, which handles the auctions, says inland counties have been hit hard, with Leon and Marion counties failing to sell about half their certificates; and Highlands County didn’t do that well.

Investors bid on tax certificates as an investment, with the winning bidder offering to charge the lowest interest rate. The maximum interest rate is 18 percent; the minimum is 5 percent. In the past, competition for the investment generally kept the interest rates close to 5 percent. However, a lack of demand, oversupply of delinquent taxes and an investor fear of the housing market have changed the fundamentals. About 15,000 tax certificates failed to sell in Central Florida, for example, with 3,277 of them in Orange County. Tax certificates that did sell this year generally went for 10-12 percent.

By selling the tax certificates, local governments get immediate payment of past-due taxes.

Source: The Orlando Sentinel, June 5, 2008, Mary Shanklin

© 2008 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® ]]> murray http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=114 <![CDATA[Old "Blue Room Restaurant" in Destin -Shrimp Scampi]]> http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=112 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 01:06:06 GMT Does anyone remember the old "Blue Room Restaurant" in Destin ? We have been trying for years to come up with their shrimp casserole recipe and cannot find one like it. Does anyone have this ? Thanks! thethorntonhouse@charter.net ]]> LakeMartin Girl http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=112 Instructions for living life on 30/A http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=111 Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:27:29 GMT Instructions for living life on 30/A. written 7/26/2007 30A Review I hate instructions and pride myself for never reading them. I only purchase floor models to avoid the ever complicated “assembly required, instructions within.” Two years ago, my wife bought me a sweet Garmin GPS for my... Instructions for living life on 30/A.

written 7/26/2007
30A Review

I hate instructions and pride myself for never reading them. I only purchase floor models to avoid the ever complicated “assembly required, instructions within.” Two years ago, my wife bought me a sweet Garmin GPS for my birthday. I have just now gotten up the courage to attempt to read the instruction booklet. So I drank two triple espressos, ate a bowl of Kashi, and set out to conquer the impossible. To say that the instructions were confusing would be a gross understatement. They read like T. S. Elliot’s The Wasteland. You know, how you should understand what you are reading, but you are just not getting it? Or is that just me? At this point, I am not sure whether I am learning how to program in my address or fly the space shuttle. Frustrated and defeated I put the GPS back in the box and decided to go surfing. The waves were flat (big surprise) so I surfed instead on my favorite local website SoWal.com. The title of one of the threads was “Simple Instructions on 30/A”. Eureka! That is what instructions should be, simple. No intricate codes or indexed acronyms but common sense. Life on 30/A is simple. So are the guidelines for living here. If you are on vacation, here are some simple instructions to make your stay safe, and enjoyable. If you are a resident, here are some reminders as to why you moved here in the first place. Feel free to join me on SoWal.com to add a few of your own!

Rules for drivers:
  • Do not drive drunk. I know you are on vacation and having fun but call a taxi. People live here and raise families here. If you live here, call a friend. Have them drive you to “For The Health of It” for a smoothie you will feel better in the morning.
  • Do not drive 4 miles per hour on 30/A. Some of us are late for work. If you are late for work do not drive 70 mph on 30/A.
  • For Pete’s sake, do not drive your LincolnTown Car on Grayton beach. It just will not make it. If you do get stuck call Jonathan “A Boy and his dog” He and Grizz will wench you out in no time. (Jonathan, this is a little plug for that sticky situation you got me out of on the fourth).
  • Please use an ash tray. If you throw your cigarette out your car window and I am behind you, I will do my best to find the butt pull you over and give it back to you. Aside from it being my number one pet peeve, it’s a dangerous habit that could ignite a forest fire. This area is surrounded by hundreds of acres of state forest that are in desperate need for rain.



CommonSenseBeach Safety and Sarcasm
  • Please take your belongings and trash off the beach every day and night. The tide will carry it away. If this happens, try looking for your beach chair in Dune Allen. Every thing ALWAYS washes up in Dune Allen.
  • When you leave the beach try taking something extra along with you. If everyone picked up at least one piece of trash on the beach, imagine how much cleaner it would be.
  • When you see red flags at the beach do not go in the water. Rip tides are vicious and unpredictable from the beach. The surfers you see in the water have a flotation device (surfboard) attached to their leg and are very experienced swimmers. They only get a few days out of the year to enjoy the surf. They don’t want to spend the day pulling people out of the water.
  • Stay off the dunes!
  • Seriously, stay off the dunes!


Do’s for Good Karma and the Good Life
  • Be kind to your servers, bartenders, etc. Remember they see your food and drinks before you do.
  • If you are at the beach in Seaside, get a snow cone from frost bites. Even though they advertise over 50 flavors there is really only one choice…Lime.
  • Do make sure to catch local band Dread Clampitt at the Red Bar. Their music is medicine. While you are there, sample the crab cakes and smoked tuna dip.
  • Do try the wonderful waffle at Hibiscus House in Grayton. This is a local secret. Ask for Cherie, tell her your need a hug. Both are life changing.
  • Before you leave gather all your unwanted beach supplies and unopened food and take them to Caring and Sharing of South Walton. This organization feeds hungry locals and supplies clothing and necessities to hundreds of unfortunate residents. Cash donations are always welcomed.

After compiling this list, I said to myself, “finally some instructions that I can follow!” These are simple, easy guidelines to make life better and blissful here in paradise. It is neither hard nor complicated to give back to the beach that gives us so much. If only everything was that easy. If anyone wants a good deal on a GPS, give me a call. Today I choose to live with my own instructions, simply and with common sense. I hope you do as well.

Bobby J ]]> Bobby J http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=111 Panhandle Surfrider Page http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=110 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:29:11 GMT http://panhandlefl.blogspot.com/ http://panhandlefl.blogspot.com/ ]]> greenroomsurfer http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=110 Panhandle Surfrider Information http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=109 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:49:52 GMT skip to main (http://panhandlefl.blogspot.com/#main)| skip to sidebar (http://panhandlefl.blogspot.com/#sidebar) *Florida Panhandle Surfrider * skip to main | skip to sidebar Florida Panhandle Surfrider










Tuesday, June 3, 2008

International Surf Day and June events



JUNE EVENTS
Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation Hosts Lineup of Family Friendly Events in Celebration of International Surfing Day

Surfers Worldwide Unite To Celebrate Surfing and Coastal Environments

Santa Rosa Beach, FL (June 2, 2008) – On June 20, 2008, surfers from around the world will wax their surfboards and catch a wave in honor of International Surfing Day (ISD). In celebration of this special day, the Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation will host a series of family-friendly events throughout South Walton during the month of June. All events are free and open to the public.

"This event marks our third year celebrating International Surfing Day," said Jack Slattery, founding member of Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation. "We have had a significant increase in memberships in the past year and everyone is enthusiastic about this year's event. We hope it inspires a new beach culture movement with locals in the community."

Established four years ago by the Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine, International Surfing Day is the one day a year where surfers from around the globe come together to celebrate the sport of surfing and pitch in to give back to our world's oceans, waves and beaches.

As is tradition, the Surfrider Foundation will commemorate the day by hosting various coastal clean-up and restoration events around the world. However there will be a new twist this year in the form of special ISD "challenges" whereby the public will be able to compete for prizes by participating in a wide range of activities ranging from beach clean-ups, to filmmaking, to art contests

Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation will host the following activities in celebration of International Surfing Day:

Friday, June 13th -"Stand Up For Our Oceans!" a four-member paddle board team challenge at 7:00 pm on Lake Allen next to Stinky's Fish Camp. Surf shops, lifeguards, surf clubs, beach crews and local businesses are encouraged to participate. The format will include a short course relay and an awards ceremony. For more information, visit www.BlueMountainSurf.com.

Saturday, June 14th - Beach clean-up at 9:00 am down on the beach in front of Majestic Sun and Surfside in Miramar Beach.

Friday, June 20th – International Surfing Day celebration. A family-friendly event on the beach behind Pompano Joe's in Miramar Beach from 6 pm-till. The event will include a paddle out, raffle prizes, silent auction, live music, food and a bonfire. Guests are encouraged to bring their own beverages.

International Surfing Day is sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, Pac Sun and Earthpack.

The Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation is seeking local sponsors to donate items for the raffle and silent auction. For more information on how to become a sponsor, please email Madra McDonald at madra@m-publicrelations.com. To learn more about International Surfing Day, visit www.SoWal.com and click on the ISD banner.

About Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world's oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide. For more information on the Surfrider Foundation, go to www.surfrider.org.



panhandle@surfrider.org • Florida Panhandle Surfrider


Posted by Panhandle Surfrider at 1:19 PM 0 comments




2008 Florida Legislative Victories


Dear Surfrider Supporter,

MAJOR LEGISLATIVE VICTORIES
The Florida Legislature adjourned last Friday and it was quite a victory for us. Surfrider and other conservation groups view the 2008 session as quite a success.

CLEAN OCEANS ACT 2008 SB 1094/HB 897 - VICTORY

South Florida Ocean Outfall Bill SB1302 - VICTORY

Inlet Management Bill (Sandbypass) SB 1672/HB1472- VICTORY

Water Quality Monitoring Funding - VICTORY
We were able to save ALL $509K for beach water quality monitoring funding this year.

Florida Forever Successor Bill (PCB-ENRC9)- Successful
As a member of Florida Forever Coalition we are happy to report the coalition accomplished the 10-year reauthorization of Florida Forever (to 2020) and was able to ensure the funding was only reduced, not cut completely.

Surfrider Foundation Thanks the Following Short List of Environmental Champions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike Haridopolos- Clean Oceans Bill Sponsor.
Burt Saunders – Hardworking sponsor of every major green bill kept them clean.
Ken Pruitt – Senate President that helped lead
Lee Constantine – Longtime supporter of Clean Oceans Bill.
Charlie Justice – Sponsor of Beach Access Signage Bill.
Dennis Jones – Sponsor of Inlet Management and Co-sponsor of Clean Oceans.
Stan Mayfield – Sponsor of Cleans Oceans and Inlet Management Bills.
Tony Sasso – Beach access signage bill sponsor and co-sponsor of Clean Oceans Bill.
Adam Hasner – Fought hard for ocean outfalls Bill.

And many others...

Please call you legislator and say THANK YOU!
All bills and contact numbers can be found on www.myfloridahouse.gov & www.flsenate.gov

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

BEACH ACT - Still need more help!
The BEACH Act has been funding beach water quality monitoring programs in coastal states across the nation. Congress is now considering much needed amendments to increase the amount of money spent on monitoring and to modernize the technology we rely on to protect the health of the beach-going public. Click here to ask Sen. Nelson, Sen. Martinez and the other representatives to co-sponsor the Beach Protection Act (S.1506/H.R.2537). After all, it's your beach!

OCEANS-21 - Successful
The Oceans Conservation, Education and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act ("Oceans-21") provides common sense legislation to ensure that our ocean water and marine life remain healthy. We were able to get it passed out of it next subcommittee.


Posted by Panhandle Surfrider at 1:17 PM 0 comments







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]]> Fl Surfrider http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=109 Of Gods and Men http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=108 Sat, 31 May 2008 21:32:52 GMT Pink! Ahh, I love that. Not the color. The sound. The sound of a well hit golf ball. Golf is a mystery to me. It’s a wondrous sport that we sometimes love to hate, yet it keeps calling us back no matter how bad things get. It’s a simple premise that takes a tremendous amount of skill and... Pink!
Ahh, I love that.
Not the color. The sound.
The sound of a well hit golf ball.

Golf is a mystery to me. It’s a wondrous sport that we sometimes love to hate, yet it keeps calling us back no matter how bad things get. It’s a simple premise that takes a tremendous amount of skill and patience to play well. It can be very frustrating. It’s essential that we mere mortals leave certain things at home before going to the course. These things include expectations, emotions and guns. Bring only a keen sense of humor. I tip my hat to anyone who, by the end of playing a round, can say that they still have all their clubs in their bag and a clear enough mind to operate a motor vehicle.

I believe you need to be super-human. Take the men and women on the professional tours. These are not mere mortals. An unseen hand has touched them. Butch Harmon's perhaps? Or a David Leadbetter. They play with such control, such certainty. How is it that they can hit a drive without taking up two feet of prime real estate or shape a shot that drops fifteen feet past the hole, then mysteriously pulls back to within three. No magic. No strings. It’s just divine.

I enjoy the game of golf especially when I’m eyeing every putt from the undulated green of my couch. I haven’t played in months. I’m not very good. Perhaps there are easier recreational endeavors that are not so taxing on the mind or body; things like log rolling or zoo docent. My commitment and faith to the game has dwindled so much that I’ve considered giving it up. Almost.

A while back, I attended a Champion's tour event, the one held by the senior PGA players. It was exciting to watch so many legends, these ‘gods’ of the game, and in such an intimate and beautiful setting. When I arrived, Lee Trevino and Tom Watson were chipping on the practice tee. Bruce Lietzke and Andy Bean were further down, effortlessly hammering straight shots that disappeared into oblivion. Gary Player was already out on the course tending to his flock of followers.
I watched them practice for a while then made my way down to the first tee. A crowd of fellow seekers had bunched around the tee box so I made my way up the fairway and waited at the dogleg with another group of followers. It was amazing how quiet we all were, serene and silent, waiting for some unseen object to drop out of the sky. The people around me talked in low whispers as if in a holy place. The few that were disobediently using cell phones were unaware that they were setting themselves up for a sudden public stoning.
Then out of nowhere, I heard that sound again.
Pink!

It’s what you pray for. The thud of the ball landed safely on the fairway about ten yards in front of me. In golf, there's always a chance that someone might drop suddenly, an unwitting recipient of an errant ball to the left frontal lobe. Two more thumps nearby indicated that things had gone well for the threesome teeing off and no calls for medical assistance was needed from any of us. This threesome featured Trevino who hit a nice shot into the green up ahead. He made zigzag hand gestures to his caddie as though he had expected the ball to do something different. I would have been pleased with still having a ball to hit. Oh, these gods; so demanding.

As the crowd moved on, I waited. According to my schedule, Tom Watson was part of the next trinity, along with Doug Tewell and Peter Jacobsen. I decided to follow them. All of their tee shots landed in the same proximity as the group before. While the players hovered with their caddies, the crowd stood as still as lawn gnomes, our ears sharp to the hushed utterances on the fairway. We listened for a suggested path, a defining word. Any small crumb of insight that might help us solve the mystery of this game. The trinity continued on, seemingly oblivious to our presence. They proceeded to create their own little universe, miraculously dropping balls around the flagstick like planets around the sun. I followed them on their pilgrimage for three holes and then I left.

I was feeling a sudden renewal, a rebirth. Was there hope? Three holes of perfection had been enough to actually make me consider retrieving my golf clubs from the Goodwill. As I left, I passed Raymond Floyd on the practice tee. He was going through his routine. I stopped and watched the way he stood over the ball- the form of his back swing- his finish. I seared the image in my mind.
Was it possible to believe that I could shape myself… in that image? Perhaps?
Transform myself from mere mortal into...one of them?
Maybe?
All the way home, I searched for an answer to the question.
Could there be salvation for my game?

Later, as I dozed on the couch, I heard that beautiful angelic sound again. Pink!
As I reached for the remote, the answer, undeniable this time, revealed itself to me.
God no. ]]> metheothertwin http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=108 Were they just kidding? http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=107 Fri, 30 May 2008 21:38:44 GMT We went to the meeting on the "big Blue signs" awhile ago and afterward, I thought that I read that they were going to take all the signs down and start over with some input from local folk.
I haven't seen one sign removed, were they just kidding about taking them down or haven't the Disney people been by to pick them up?? ]]> DuneDweller http://www.sowal.com/bb/blog.php?b=107