Hi! I'm new to the forum - what a great resource! We live in Dallas, but would like to purchase a lot, house or condo along 30A, preferably the south side. We would like to move there soon. We've been looking for years, and now it seems as though we can afford something. We are looking to spend no more than 225K for a lot and 300K for a house/condo. Is this realistic in the market there today?
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Replies
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Beach Fanatic
Yes, your pricing is realistic, but it won't get you on the
south side of 30-A, only north, but not such a bad place to be!
south side of 30-A, only north, but not such a bad place to be!
SoWal Insider
There are a few to be found. You just need to find a Realtor to help you. Remember that on some parts of 30-A the north side of the road is closer to the beach than the south side. Good Luck!:wave:
Beach ComberAuthor
Thank you for responding. Any particular areas that are good right now for the money that you could recommend?
Christini Zambini
Hi! I'm new to the forum - what a great resource! We live in Dallas, but would like to purchase a lot, house or condo along 30A, preferably the south side. We would like to move there soon. We've been looking for years, and now it seems as though we can afford something. We are looking to spend no more than 225K for a lot and 300K for a house/condo. Is this realistic in the market there today?
Your price is realistic for a lot close to the beach, but if you want a house/condo that is livable full-time, you will spend much more than $300K to get one on the north side within walking distance of the beach. If you buy a lot are you planning to build soon? Your budget for lot + construction of a house will be more than the $300K you have budgeted to buy a house or condo. Look to at least $150/sq. ft. to build. Consider low 400's for a house on the north side within a 1/2 mile of the beach. There are condos available in the 300's, but they may not be what you're looking for to live in full-time.
Beach Fanatic
I have a lot for $249,900 that is south of 30A in Blue Mountain Beach Area. Very close to Beach Access too! I also have a house listed for $399,900 in Seacrest that is just north of 30A, and a house in Pt Washington for $349,900. If any of these interest you, please pm me!
Good luck to you!
Good luck to you!
Beach Fanatic
:welcome: Miaandsashasmom. This is indeed a great discussion group. When I was thinking of getting property in SoWal, I had a friend bring me back several newspapers from the area to get a sense of what's available and the prices. There's a lot of variety in types of places to live, about 15 different beach communities along 30A, and a wide range in prices. I personally think there are bargains to be found if you do your research. you can also find what's available online. And why not take a week at the beach in the next month or so and look around yourself with a realtor. Supermom used to live in our neighborhood in Michigan before they moved to live fulltime in South Walton and she introduced us to a realtor in SoWal who took me around the area for about 2 days and I saw a full range of places and prices and fell in love :wub: with the place we now have (and then bought the one next door). Actually, I was looking initially at Destin as well, and the smart realtor gently told me "you belong on 30A" and she was definitely right.
I really believe in doing as much research as you can and then, with that in mind, see the places in person and also trust your instincts. Most places are going to have trade-offs, so you'll want to figure out what's most important to you in the short term and long term.
I really believe in doing as much research as you can and then, with that in mind, see the places in person and also trust your instincts. Most places are going to have trade-offs, so you'll want to figure out what's most important to you in the short term and long term.
Meow
:welcome: mandsmom!!! You sound like one smart mom...moving out of Dallas to SoWal!!! :clap: Good luck!
SoWal Expert
Man, I wish I was the one starting this thread..😀
SoWal Insider
We would like to move there soon. We've been looking for years, and now it seems as though we can afford something.
What do you mean by "soon?"
.
Beach Fanatic
I have TH listed at $295K. South of 30A in Sandcastles by the Sea (Blue Mountain). 1200 sq ft, 2bed, 1full bath, 1 half bath. Pool, being sold furnished. MLS 430879.
I am listing Realtor.
I am listing Realtor.
Beach Fanatic
My 2 cents....decide what you really want....condo or house or lot to build what you want down the road....it depends so much on what is important to YOU....and a lot of other factors (will you be renting it some, etc)....staying in a variety of accomodations over time helped us figure this one out....then I would recommend deciding which part of 30A you prefer and go from there....it can be overwhelming, but if you narrow the scope of what you're looking for you can end up with what YOU really want! Also, I would connect with a good realtor who can help with this and hang in there with you while you go thru the process....and who can hopefully put their experience and knowledge to work for you!!
Beach Fanatic
And if you think about renting it out for vacationers (I have enjoyed doing that) but don't count on the rent to pay much of the mortgage/taxes/etc. You want to be able to do that without the rent income and then any rent income would be a bonus. That's what our accountant told us.
Beach ComberAuthor
What do you mean by "soon?"
We will be in the area at the end of June - depending on what we find in our price range will determine how soon we will move, or whether we will just buy a lot and save up to build our dream home.
Beach ComberAuthor
Thanks to everyone for your input. I can't wait to go and see what's out there!
SoWal Insider
We will be in the area at the end of June - depending on what we find in our price range will determine how soon we will move, or whether we will just buy a lot and save up to build our dream home.
If you don't find what you're looking for in June, you may want to come back later in the year. IMO, I think you will find the sellers will be a bit more cooperative after the summer season is over and we're heading into Fall.
.
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Beach Fanatic
Thanks to everyone for your input. I can't wait to go and see what's out there!
I highly recommend spending some quality time with a pleasant realtor. When I spent part of each of two days with the realtor I worked with, it was a pleasure because we had coffee, lunch, talked about the area (I love learning about places), looked at a lot of places, and I never felt a hard sell. It felt like meeting someone new and getting a nice education while having a pleasant time. Not all realtors would fit that description, but frankly from what I've seen, most would, especially SoWaller realtors.
When you're in SoWal, pick up some of the free newspapers at some of the coffee shops/restaurants along 30A during your first day or two and then just relax on the beach, by a pool, on the porch and look at the listings or go online ahead of time and do so. That way, you'll be educated about what's available before you come. The more you know, the more helpful the realtor can be so your time will feel successful and pleasant. Also, remember that what you see in the paper doesn't always look or feel the same when you see it in person.
I saw the ad for the cottage we now have on the Internet rather than a paper and it was the last place we looked at. I just found myself driving back there several times over the next few days and it just seemed to feel right. Of course, what seems like a gut reaction ("feels right") is really the result of a lot of planning.
Beach Comber
I recommend calling Mal Tucker of Coastal Properties of NW Florida. He's an honest, up-front, no-pressure guy who knows the market well and will be very straight-forward about plusses and minuses of any lot, neighborhood, home, etc. He was my realtor and I've recommended him to several folks who have purchased through him and been very pleased.
SoWal Insider
great comments Paula. Yes a Realtor that knows the area (one that works the 30-A area), is a plus. Getting to know them on a personal basis certainly helps in the trust aspect of it. Gone are the days of selling something and you dont even know what the person looked like LOL! I actually enjoy getting to know my clients, their families, their interests, etc. Finding a place that feels "just right" is important, I know I am going through that personally right now. Best of luck to you!!!:clap: :clap: :clap:
I highly recommend spending some quality time with a pleasant realtor. When I spent part of each of two days with the realtor I worked with, it was a pleasure because we had coffee, lunch, talked about the area (I love learning about places), looked at a lot of places, and I never felt a hard sell. It felt like meeting someone new and getting a nice education while having a pleasant time. Not all realtors would fit that description, but frankly from what I've seen, most would, especially SoWaller realtors.
When you're in SoWal, pick up some of the free newspapers at some of the coffee shops/restaurants along 30A during your first day or two and then just relax on the beach, by a pool, on the porch and look at the listings or go online ahead of time and do so. That way, you'll be educated about what's available before you come. The more you know, the more helpful the realtor can be so your time will feel successful and pleasant. Also, remember that what you see in the paper doesn't always look or feel the same when you see it in person.
I saw the ad for the cottage we now have on the Internet rather than a paper and it was the last place we looked at. I just found myself driving back there several times over the next few days and it just seemed to feel right. Of course, what seems like a gut reaction ("feels right") is really the result of a lot of planning.
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Beach Crab
:clap: I also live in Dallas and would love to live in sowal. This is probably not the right thread, but what about the schools there? My kids are young and we are use to great schools and teachers in the area we live. How does the public school system rank in that area? Both Elementary and high school? Can anyone share your experiences on this subject?
Beach Fanatic
This year's FCAT (statewide standardized test) results are available for your browsing pleasure at:
http://fcat.fldoe.org/mediapacket/2007/
Walton County schools have improved a lot in the past five to ten years, but I'd still probably be looking in Destin. Consistently high test scores, Okaloosa is considered to be a high-performing school district by the state while Walton is not, and the administration has tended to be more professional and less good-old-boy, it seems.
If you do decide on Walton County, I'd definitely either stay south of Choctawhatchee Bay, or try to get waivered into SoWal schools, which seem to be a decided improvement over Freeport and points further north.
http://fcat.fldoe.org/mediapacket/2007/
Walton County schools have improved a lot in the past five to ten years, but I'd still probably be looking in Destin. Consistently high test scores, Okaloosa is considered to be a high-performing school district by the state while Walton is not, and the administration has tended to be more professional and less good-old-boy, it seems.
If you do decide on Walton County, I'd definitely either stay south of Choctawhatchee Bay, or try to get waivered into SoWal schools, which seem to be a decided improvement over Freeport and points further north.
Meow
:clap: I also live in Dallas and would love to live in sowal. This is probably not the right thread, but what about the schools there? My kids are young and we are use to great schools and teachers in the area we live. How does the public school system rank in that area? Both Elementary and high school? Can anyone share your experiences on this subject?
:wave: ...oh my goodness, it is a mass exodus!!!
Beach Comber
I would also recommend Linda Miller with H20 850-974-8885. She is very personable and has helped me with several transactions over the past 10 years as a buyer and a seller. She lives on 30A and very familiar with the whole area. She knew this area so well many years ago! I trust her judgment and she will steer you in the right direction for your desires. She also has become one of the top agents in the area and has received top agent awards two of the last three years. I don?t think anyone would be disappointed with her and her team of associates.😀
Beach Lover
I'll add my endorsement of Linda Miller and especially her associate, Christina McAllister. They have assisted me in several transactions on 30-A and have always handled things in a very friendly and professional manner. They are extremely knowledgable regarding most any property along 30-A and at this point I consider them to be good friends as well.
SoWal Expert
:wave: ...oh my goodness, it is a mass exodus!!!
Man!! No kiddin!
Sunkist and I were looking online last night at a community on Mustang Island (Tx) and all the house plans were named....."watercolor", "watersound", "San Destin", etc. Only problem was....the sand in their pics was brown.😱 Hence the name...Cinnamon Shore. 😀
Beach Comber
I am so glad that people are listing realtors that they know and trust. My husband and I were just in Seagrove yesterday looking at all kinds of real estate. We came home with lots of papers and phone numbers, so we were considering a realtor, but didn't know who to contact. We want someone wonderful like you all have mentioned, so we'll probably be calling them within the next few weeks.
We'd be moving from Nashville with two small children, so the school discussion is a great help too! Any more input on either subject would be great!
We'd be moving from Nashville with two small children, so the school discussion is a great help too! Any more input on either subject would be great!
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