Six Tips for Shopping for a Neighborhood

There’s more to shopping for a home than just looking for a house. A big part of the purchase is about the neighborhood and surroundings.

So before you move, know what to look for:

1. Where is it? The cardinal rule of real estate is location. Is the house close to schools, new jobs, parks, downtown or public transportation? Figure out the locations and distances that are most important to you.
2. Keep your budget in mind. Don’t let high-gloss brochures interfere with your bottom line. Luxury neighborhoods are beautiful, but make sure you’re financially comfortable buying a home in a fancy location before you commit.
3. Thriving or declining? Is your dream neighborhood improving, or settling into obsolescence? Are the neighbors keeping up their properties? Is there an abundance of ‘For Rent ’ signs?
4. Extra fees. If your dream neighborhood has a homeowner’s association (HOA), make sure you budget for monthly HOA dues.
5. Holding value. Shopping fixer-uppers? Remember not to improve the property beyond the rest of the neighborhood. Putting too much work into your house may mean you won’t recoup all your investment when you sell.
6. Go before you buy. Explore your new neighborhood outside of the open house times. Are the streets usually full of cars? Is there a drummer or noisy dog living next door? Talk to potential neighbors and get the scoop before you submit an offer.

Of course, you don’t have to find your dream house on your own. If you or someone you know is ready to buy a new home, call me today!

April Events Along the Emerald Coast

Check out these family-friendly events scheduled for March along Emerald Coast.

All of April  - Destin Cobia Tournament @ HarborWalk Village

This month-long tournament begins when the first fish is caught and ends April 30 at 8pm.

Wednesday's in April- Concert Series at Baytowne Wharf

Enjoy a free concert on the Events Plaza lawn every Wednesday night in March. 

April 2- Vettes at the Village @ Baytowne Wharf

Corvettes will be shined to the max as these automotive icons zoom through the Village streets. www.baytownewharf.com

April 2-3- Kitty Hawk Kites 'Fly Into Spring' Kite Festival

This free event features professional stunt kite flying, demonstrations and lessons, and a family fun fly that is perfect for kite enthusiasts of all ages. Event will be held at The Boardwalk at Okaloosa Island.

April 14-17- 30th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival

Four days of unique events open up a wide range of experiences from attending wine dinners with celebrity chefs and taking part in wine tastings that showcase 800 wines. www.baytownewharf.com

April 17- Destin Marathon

See www.destinmarathon.com for full schedule and details. Marathon starts at 6:15am. Half marathon starts at 8:00am.

April 21- Finest on the Emerald Coast @ HarborWalk Village

Enjoy the Finest on the Emerald Coast winners' event, with over 90 local businesses showcasing the reason they were voted. Delicious food, great entertainment, and more. www.emeraldgrande.com

April 20-24- Emerald Coast Volleyball Week

Located at The Boarwalk on Okaloosa Island. See www.emeraldcoastvolleyball.com for full schedule and details.

April 28 - May 1- South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival

Located at Grand Boulevard, this festival offers more than 800 wines, on-going tastings with dozens of celebrity winemakers on hand to talk about their wines, food tastings, tasting seminars, live entertainment and special features including Champagne Lane. 

Community Spotlight: Destin

Located on Florida's Emerald Coast, Destin is known for its emerald waters, white sandy beaches, and deep sea fishing. Affectionately called, " The World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Destin boasts the largest fishing fleet in the state of Florida and one of the largest in the nation. 

The city of Destin is essentially a peninsula, surrounded by both the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay.  With approximately 13,000 full-time residents, Destin's population explodes during the Summer months to close to 75,000 with second home owners, vacationers, and more.  The area attracts over 4.5 million visitors annually each year.

Destin has been voted "Best Beach of the South" and "Top Family Destination" numerous times by Southern Living Magazine and "Best Beach in America" by USA Today readers. It has also been named as a "Best Beach" by the Travel Channel and was named as one of Good Morning America's "Most Beautiful Places in America".With an average annual temperature of 75 degrees and close to 340 days of sunshine per year, it's easy to see why this is such a popular destination. 

With something to do for everyone of all ages, Destin has become a one-stop destination for golf enthusiasts, shoppers, foodies, beach-goers, fishermen, and more. 

March Events Along the Emerald Coast

Check out these family-friendly events scheduled for March along Emerald Coast.

All of March  - Destin Cobia Tournament @ HarborWalk Village

This month-long tournament begins when the first fish is caught and ends April 30 at 8pm. 

Tuesday's in March @ 6pm - Sandestin Luau @ Baytowne Marina 

Enjoy delicious Hawaiian cuising, live music, a bonfire, and more. Click here for more info. 

Tuesday's in March @ 7pm - Boomin' Tuesday @ Baytowne Wharf

Enjoy lawn games and kids activites from 7-9pm. Then watch an amazing Fireworks display at 9:15pm. Free admission. 

Wednesday's in March @ 7pm - Concert Series at Baytowne Wharf

Enjoy a free concert on the Events Plaza lawn every Wednesday night in March. 

Friday's in March @ 6pm - Pirate Dinner and Movie @ Baytowne Marina

Enjoy pirate inspired cuising, live entertainment, face painting, parrot meet and greet, and more. There will be a showing of "Pirates of the Caribbean" on the big screen under the stars. Click here for more details. 

March 12 @ 1pm  - Irish Street Fest and Grogg March @ HarborWalk Village

The whole clan will enjoy an afternoon full of Irish music and activties. After dark, adults can"Sham-Rock" for a cause! Travel through HarborWalk Village for the largest Gross March this side of the Blarney Stone! Visit here for more info! 

March 17 @ 6pm - Paint the Village of Baytowne Green

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. For additional details, visit. www.baytownewharf.com. 

March 19 @ 1pm  - 3rd Annual Tequila and Taco Fest @ HarborWalk Village

Enjoy a flavorful afternoon on the Destin Harbor full of tequila tastings, contests, live music, and tacos of all kind! Limited tickets available day of, advanced ticked can be purchased. Visit here for more info! 

March 26 @ 12pm - Easter Celebration at Baytowne Wharf

Enjoy visits with the Easter Bunny, kids crafts, inflatable fun zone and more. Click here for more details. 

March 27 @ 10am  - Visit with the Easter Bunny and Brunch @ HarborWalk Village

Enjoy an Easter Brunch with a view in the HarborView room from 10am - 2pm then hope down to HarborWalk Village for a festive afternoon with kids activities and a visit with the Easter Bunny. Visit here for more info! 

Community Spotlight: Okaloosa Island

The barrier island that connects Fort Walton Beach and Destin is famous for its white sand beaches, emerald waters and many family attractions. This island offers a little bit for everyone with both condominiums, homes, and townhomes available for both full-time living and vacations. Most of the beachfront condominiums are used as vacation residences and second homes which means the Summer season is the busiest time to venture to Okaloosa Island. You will have plenty to do whether you live or just play on this small stretch of sand.

Enjoy relaxing on the beach or gather some friends for a friendly game of volleyball behind The Boardwalk. Get up close and personal with sea creatures and animals at The Gulfarium. Grab your fishing gear and catch the big one from the 1,200 foot plus Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. Spend the day cooling off inside Wild Willy's Adventure Zone or compete against your family in a friendly game of putt-putt.

And don't forget about the food. For breakfast, Asiago's Skillet is the place to be. They are open from Midnight to Noon and offer something for everyone. If you are wanting seafood then try the seafood skillet. For those famished, give the King of the Biscuits a try...you will not leave hungry. For dinner, be sure to check out Old Bay Steamer located right next door to the Okaloosa Island Fire Station. They are known for their steamer buckets so be sure to order one for yourself or to share. And for all of those times in between, check out Helenback for their world-famous pizza and laid back nightlife and atmosphere.

Mardi Gras 2016

Are you ready to celebrate? Check out the events below to help get you in the Mardi Gras spirit on the Emerald Coast.

January, 16 @ 1pm - 13th Annual Mardi Gras Parade on Okaloosa Island
This parade is the first Mardi Gras parade on the Emerald Coast and is fun for the entire family.

February 5 @ 7pm - Destin Commons: "Mardi Gras Masquerade"
Live Zydeco music, crawfish boil and gumbo from Destin Commons restaurants. Arts and crafts, face painting, street dancing, and more! Visit www.destincommons.com for more info.

February 5 @ 7pm - Mardi Gras Pub Crawl at HarborWalk Village
Wear your best Mardi Gras outfit and kick-off the weekend events! Purchase an armband to support Food for Thought and receive drink specials. Visit www.emeraldgrande.com for more info.

February 6 @ 2pm - Mardi Gras Parade at HarborWalk Village
The largest Mardi Gras parade in Destin. Enjoy floats, costumes, street performers and more. Visit www.emeraldgrande.com for more info.

February 7 @ 2pm - 13th Annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade at Baytowne Wharf
The streets of the Village will be filled with costumed dogs and their humans tossing a myraid of throws, beads, and party favors. Visit www.sandestin.com for more info

February 9 @ 5pm - Fat Tuesday Celebration at HarborWalk Village
Celebrate Fat Tuesday at one of the many restaurants and bars! Enjoy free red beans and rice compliments of Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi. Visit www.emeraldgrande.com for more info.

February 9 @ 5pm - 14th Annual Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade
"Laissez le bon temps rouler" with The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Colorful floats, golf carts, and street performers dressed in their Mardi Gras best shower parade goers with beads and more. Visit www.sandestin.com for more info.