Chris Abbott's Blog

Gulf Front Oceania Condo

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 02:00:00 GMT

This Oceania condo offers astonishing Gulf views with the 60 ft. floor to ceiling sliding glass doors. This unit features the most expansive east to west layouts of all Oceania condos available on the market. Located on Holiday Isle in Destin, Oceania is a gated community that offers 574 ft of beach frontage, a large heated gulf front pool, exercise room, and BBQ area. At this price this one won't last long...

New Release Of Homes Available In WaterSound Beach

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 02:00:00 GMT

St. Joe has introduced Gulfview, a new release of homes in WaterSound Beach. These properties have never been on the market and are in the main section of Watersound Beach. WaterSound Beach boasts a variety of cottages, homes, and condominiums sitting among dramatic dunes, winding boardwalks, and natural spaces on the south side of County Hwy 30A. Amenities of WaterSound Beach include 18-hole Puttering Park, fitness center, the Yacht Pond, the season WaterSound Beach Cafe, and numerous trails and pedestrian bridges that link the various neighborhoods and provide access to the beautiful beaches.

Contact me today for more information.

View Available Homesites

View Available Designs & Floor Plans
Nantucket, Spyglass, Veranda Sea, Watchtower

Rare Captiva At Tops'l For Sale

Thu, 31 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Located inside Tops'l, a 52 acre Gulf front resort, Captiva has only 22 units that share a private pool and are walking distance to the fitness club and beach. This newly available townhome has a screened front porch and balcony off the master bedroom that offer a great view of the lawn & community pool. The large coffered skylight in the center of the townhome allows for an abundance of natural light. Enjoy the gated private patio that offers a place to relax. Tops'l Resort offers 600 ft of beach frontage, fitness club with 14 tennis courts, raquetball, on-site massage therapy, swimming pools, on-site tennis pros, gate security entry to the resort, on-site bar and restaurant. Tops'l is the perfect place for families to enjoy the beach!

View all properties available in Tops'l Resort

YOLO Board Race Series

Wed, 30 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT

For the 3rd year in a row, Destin Real Estate Company is proud to present the 2012 YOLO Board Race Series at WaterColor.

This year, we are dedicating our sponsorship to our colleague and friend, Ridge Nye. Ridge passed away on Saturday, April 21st from Advanced ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Ridge was not only a Realtor, but a comedian, a sailboat captain, and an avid music lover. In the final months of his life, Ridge required 24-hour in-home care, the cost for which is still a burden for his family. As a tribute to him, and in gratitude for the health of our clients and all those participating in the race series, Destin Real Estate Company is selling raffle tickets for a beautiful, 12-foot Classic YOLO Board and donating all raffle ticket money to Ridge's family to help defray the cost of the care Ridge so sincerely needed. Tickets are only $5 each and can be purchased at each race. The raffle will take place after the final race is complete on August 9th. No requirement for the winner to be present at the last race to claim the prize, but you must have someone able to pick it up for you.

All races are held at the WaterColor Boat House on Western Lake at 5pm. May 24, June 14, July 19, & August 9. I hope to see you there.

Price Reduced $10,000 | Emerald Lakes

Wed, 30 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Just reduced $10,000. This beautiful 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home is well maintained, has an open living, kitchen, and dining area, and fantastic screened in porch to relax and enjoy the outdoors while overlooking the lake. The western boundary line is shaded and keeps the backyard cooler on those warm summer afternoons. Recent interior updates include: Cambria counter tops in the kitchen, Jenn-Air gas cook top with built in exhaust, and bamboo flooring in the master bedroom. This home features tile throughout the living, dining, & kitchen areas. Emerald Lakes is a beautifully kept family community which offers a community pool and tennis court, lakes for fishing, a gated entrance and is only a short distance from shopping, dining & the beautiful beaches of Destin.

Vacation Home Market Has Momemtum

Wed, 09 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT

If you're thinking of buying a second home in the next five years, this might be your best opportunity. Near-record-low mortgage rates, bargain prices and dwindling home inventories are bringing some once untouchable markets within reach for the first time in a decade. Those factors are creating a sense of urgency and people feel like they might miss this window. Sales of vacation properties fell 56% between 2006 and 2010, but climbed 7% in 2011. From a long term investment horizon, vacation homes will do very well.

There are a number of factors to consider when deciding whether or not to buy a vacation home. The first: momentum. Prices have been dropping in many markets for five years already, and most experts believe the steepest drops already have taken place. The second point to consider: financing. Buyers who can offer cash have a leg up over those who make offers contingent upon financing. Buyers who don't want to tie up that cash forever might consider purchasing a the property with cash then taking out a mortgage later. All cash sales dominate in some of the most beaten down markets.

*Information courtesy of Wall Street Journal

Call me if you want to be next to own a beach vacation property or 2nd home investment!

Lake Front Home - Just Listed

Mon, 07 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Prime location on the lake in the sought after community of Emerald Lakes. This beautiful 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home is well maintained, has an open living, kitchen, and dining area, and fantastic screened in porch to relax and enjoy the outdoors while overlooking the lake. The western boundary line is shaded and keeps the backyard cooler on those warm summer afternoons. Recent interior updates include: Cambria counter tops in the kitchen, Jenn-Air gas cook top with built in exhaust, and bamboo flooring in the master bedroom. This home features tile throughout the living, dining, & kitchen areas. Emerald Lakes is a beautifully kept family community which offers a community pool and tennis court, lakes for fishing, a gated entrance and is only a short distance from shopping, dining & the beautiful beaches of Destin. Small list of items are excluded from the sale. All dimensions to be verifies by the buyer. Come be part of the Emerald Lakes Community!

Abacos on 30A - Just Reduced

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Reduced $30,000 - Come enjoy the convenient location of The Abacos along 30A, just steps from Ed Walline and Gulf Place shops & restaurants. This end unit features spectacular Gulf views from the living area & master bedroom with access to your large private balcony. This incredible residence features fine finishes such as tile throughout the kitchen & living area, granite counter tops in the kitchen & baths, stainless steel appliances, and a wine refrigerator. Take pleasure in the beautifully landscaped pool area with unique dolphin fountain or take a short stroll to the beach and enjoy the beautiful white sand and emerald waters.

Click here for info on this unit

Click here for other properties available along 30A

Short Sale - Caribe Home

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Incredibly priced short sale! Caribe is one of the first architecturally designed, gated Gulf-front neighborhoods in South Walton. The deep front porch with functioning louvered shutters facing shady, tree-lined Rue Caribe is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Caribe features two paver-lined streets, two neighborhood pools, tennis courts and beautifully maintained, lush tropical landscaping. Owners also enjoy private neighborhood beach access.

Click here for more information on this home

Click here to view other properties available in Caribe

Just Listed - Cypress Dunes Lot

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Short Sale - Come enjoy the great community of Cypress Dunes located on 30A. This is a gated community with a single access road to maintain privacy. The Beach Club amenity center overlooks Topsail Hill State Preserve and the Gulf of Mexico. The Beach Club features a 4,000 sq. ft. resort style pool, fitness center, jetted spa, and an outdoor fireplace. Additional features throughout Cypress Dunes include tennis courts, & a park. Click here for more info

Spring Fishing

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Weather has been gorgeous at the beach the past few weeks. If you have been lucky enough to sneak away and travel here you will know what I mean. Water temps are warm and colors crystal blue and green along the shore line. This time of year Cobia migrate along our coastline on their way to spawn at the mouth of the Mississippi River and Louisiana coast. I took some time to enjoy the weather and fish this week and landed this 75 pounder just off the beach. The 'Crab Cruncher Classic' Cobia Tournament at Harbor Docks is this weekend. If you are in town swing by the docks to see all the fish being weighed in!

Just Listed - Fairways At Sandestin

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Just listed - 292 Fairways At Sandestin. Located on the 6th Fairway at Linkside Golf Course in Sandestin, this 2 bedroom 2 1/2 bathroom features a large living and dining area on the first floor with the two bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, upstairs. Come enjoy the convenience of Sandestin living with 4 golf courses, tennis, a full service marina, & The Village of Baytowne Wharf.

New Community under development near Watercolor & Seagrove FL

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Spring break is in full swing this week with lots of vacationers flocking to the beach for fun in the sun, sand, and Gulf of Mexico. Real estate sales are also in full swing with buyers aggressively making offers on properties they have been watching on the market, and purchasing deals at great prices. Sellers are also active on the coast negotiating multiple offers when their properties are priced right and accommodating plenty of showings to buyers looking for that right deal. In fact, inventory levels are down 16.18% from last year at this time as more properties seem to be selling and less new properties keep coming on the market. Lots, homes, condos, commercial - it doesn't matter as all are selling when priced in the 'sweet spot'. Call or email me to discuss the 'sweet spot' to list your property or to purchase a property.

A great new community is up and coming near Watercolor in Seagrove Beach. NatureWalk is located on Hwy 395 just north and east of the Publix shopping center. With prices starting in the $300's, this new development offers great amenities such as scenic nature trails designed for walking, biking, jogging, and "The Gathering Place", the neighborhood amenity area, will feature a family-style beach-entry pool, adult lap pool, outdoor areas, & a children's playground.

Click here to view NatureWalk homes currently available.

American Airlines to add Dallas flights

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 02:00:00 GMT

American Airlines will increase its service to and from Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) by more than doubling the number of flights to its hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Starting April 3, American Airlines will add four daily round trip flights a day.

With flights operating about every two hours and the convenient connection opportunities that American Airlines offers, this decision is a great opportunity to link Northwest Florida to the world for business and leisure travel.

Click here to read entire article from Northwest Florida Daily News.

Just Listed - Tropical Isle

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Located on Okaloosa Island, this condo is just a few steps from the emerald water and white sand along Northwest Florida's Beaches. Take a refreshing swim at the pool after each fun filled day at the beach. You will be near The Boardwalk with delicious restaurants and entertainment. Enjoy local dining favorites such as Fudpucker's and Old Bay Steamer. Take a short drive east to Destin for premier shopping at HarborWalk, Destin Commons and more.

Click here to view all condos available in Tropical Isle.

Click here to view other condos available on Okaloosa Island.

Tops'l Commercial Opportunity

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 02:00:00 GMT

3.3 acres inside the prestigious Tops'l Beach and Racquet Club. This development parcel is zoned Coastal Center and currently has an approved development order for 114 condo units. A great opportunity here to build inside a Gulf front 52 acre resort that is low density and well located on the eastern side of Sandestin. Condominium, single family, hotel, bed and breakfast are all considered in the highest and best use of this parcel. Tops'l commercial opportunity.

Tides At Tops'l Resort

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:57:00 GMT

Incredible new 2 bedroom coastline listing at the Tides at Tops'l. Click here for more info.

Real Estate Market Is Heating Up

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

The Gulf Coast real estate market has a steady head of steam rolling through the first 2 months of 2012. All areas and price points are selling properties including vacant lots, homes and condominium units. When the price is right, properties are not lasting long on the market. This steady movement is causing inventory levels to dwindle, as most of the best locations and and products are selling. It is a great time to purchase real estate on Okaloosa Island, in Destin, Miramar Beach, Sandestin, South Walton and 30a, and Gulf front in Panama City Beach. It also is a great time to list your property on the market as competition lessens for good prices and locations to buy.

If you are interested in keeping a finger on the local real estate market, please email or call me to set you up on our ‘Market Watch’ follow up system. Stay in touch with prices changes, sales, and new listings to hit the market just like I do as a real estate professional. With spring on the way stay one step ahead of others with my assistance.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Big Plans At Sandestin

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Several projects in the works are designed to make the region’s largest beach resort even more attractive. The owner of Sandestin Resort, Tom Becnel, is in the early stages of planning and designing a new 96-unit condominium and a 36-home housing development. The condo project is planned for the Osprey Point property, between the Heron Walk and Baypine Cottages communities in the lakeside area. These units are intended to be put on the market this spring. The new subdivision will be built on about 13 acres across the street from the Burnt Pine Golf Club.

A possible new day pier and boat dock for 50 to 70 boats 100 ft and longer at Baytowne Wharf Marina is also in the works. Other additions coming to the Village of Baytowne Wharf include the Hofbrau Beer Garden (should be open for spring break), Ben & Jerry’s (should be open in about two month), and Blast Arcade (which will be a new building and is expected to open in late May). This summer Sandestin will also bring in a floating water park and will have YOLO boards available.

Click to read the full article in the Daily News

30A - Laid Back, Not Boring

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

The vibe on 30A is laid back, but not boring and the weather is awesome! People tend to take their time and not rush. 30A winter visitors - many of whom are summer regulars have ditched the kids - come to South Walton for its unique blend of sophistication and simplicity. With the debut of the 30A Songwriters Festival in January 2010, people began to realize there was more to this area than just the beach! With winter events such as the 30A Songwriters Festival in January and the Seaside Half Marathon in March there is always something fun to do here on 30A. Come find out how fun, yet relaxing 30A can be!