My Wife and I are looking to buy a condo in the Destin SoWal area. We plan to use it for our own purposes and rent it occasionally. Gulf Place, Hidden Beach Villas, Rollin Tide Villas, Village of Blue Mountain Beach and Seagrove Highlands are the ones we seem to be most interested in. We really only need a studio or one bedroom. I would appreciate anyone's opinion on these, the good and the bad, if anyone would care to share. Thanks.
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Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname
I see where a unit at Emerald Hills is selling for what looks like a good price. Can anyone tell me anything about this complex.
This will be our 3rd year staying at Emerald Hills. We LOVE it. The grounds are very well kept and the natural landscaping is wonderful. The pool is fantastic. I have only seen the 1 bedroom and 3 bedroom units that are Gulf Front. All of the 2 bedroom units are poolside. I think you would love it.
Good luck on your search. I hope to be doing the same thing some day.
directionally challenged
Cat, out of your choices, I agree with Bobby. It's all about the beach and a view is a definite plus. While sales are definitely picking up, I still have concerns about dropping prices so just make sure you don't overpay. Also, unfortunately, more and more bank owned properties are hitting the market. We've been watching them and doing very well at negotiating prices down even lower. Here's a list of all the currently available 30a bank owned condo foreclosures. Just because they are REO's doesn't mean they are priced right so you still need to do your homework but banks need to get rid of them because they are paying taxes, association fees etc. There's lots of great properties that are owned by banks right now. Good luck in your search and feel free to contact me if you need anything.
Beach ComberAuthor
I haven't been on in a while but thanks for the wonderful comments and advice. My wife and I did ride down to SoWal today from one end of 30A to the other. Then to Inlet beach and looked at a complex there called Inlet Sands. We liked the proximity to the beach but it seemed a little out of the way for us; great for someone looking for seclusion.
directionally challenged
I haven't been on in a while but thanks for the wonderful comments and advice. My wife and I did ride down to SoWal today from one end of 30A to the other. Then to Inlet beach and looked at a complex there called Inlet Sands. We liked the proximity to the beach but it seemed a little out of the way for us; great for someone looking for seclusion.
Hi Cat,
You might want to also check out Beachfront II and the Inn at Seacrest. The Inn is right in the middle of everything happening near Rosemary and Beachfront II is not a walk to events, dining etc. but it is a good location on 30A near the Lakewood area.
Beach Fanatic
If you start getting interested in places in the $200,000s, then check on the Cottages at Camp Creek. They have more bedrooms than you said you want, but extra bedrooms can be used for guests, offices, etc. They are free standing so you havea real little cottage rather than a condo. Big pool, 4 minutes from the beach. We have two one-story 3-bedroom/2 bath cottages there and love them and hope to keep them forever. But I heard some are for sale and at very good prices right now. PM me if you have any questions about the Cottages at Camp Creek.
Beach ComberAuthor
We finally made time to look at some units this weekend. We have also stayed at Hidden Beach Villas twice this spring and really enjoyed it. We looked at two units at Beach Front II; one at hidden beach villas; and one at gulf place. We liked them all, but I think have narrowed our choice to beach front II or hidden beach villas. However, we are still going to look at the unit at emerald hills before making a choice. Any advice or comments would be appreciated.
Beach Lover
Don't overlook Inlet Beach
Inlet Dunes, two three story buildings all with one bedroom, full kitchen, nice living areas, great beach, natural area between units and beach for protection from most swells and some winds, lifeguard station, secure parking, pool, landscaped nicely; private and reasonable. Two bunk beds in hallway and bathroom complete the usual layout, and I'll bet many are priced just where you want them. Plus they rent steadily. Ask Bobby J about them, too.
Inlet Dunes, two three story buildings all with one bedroom, full kitchen, nice living areas, great beach, natural area between units and beach for protection from most swells and some winds, lifeguard station, secure parking, pool, landscaped nicely; private and reasonable. Two bunk beds in hallway and bathroom complete the usual layout, and I'll bet many are priced just where you want them. Plus they rent steadily. Ask Bobby J about them, too.
Beach ComberAuthor
We've looked at Inlet Dunes and really like the complex and its proximity to the beach. However, it?s a little to far east for us. Oil or no oil, we are still actively looking.
Beach Lover
3 BR in Seagrove Highlands
I have a 3/2 in Seagrove Highlands for sale at $189K, short sale. Had a contract, approved by the bank, then the buyer backed out. It's on the top floor (4th), elevator, 10 foot ceilings, tile with carpet in bedrooms, screened porch. About 500 yards to beach. Pool and small fishing lake. Fully furnished including all appliances. Has been occupied by long-term tenants for 3+ years. Have pictures if interested (provide your e-mail address).
I have a 3/2 in Seagrove Highlands for sale at $189K, short sale. Had a contract, approved by the bank, then the buyer backed out. It's on the top floor (4th), elevator, 10 foot ceilings, tile with carpet in bedrooms, screened porch. About 500 yards to beach. Pool and small fishing lake. Fully furnished including all appliances. Has been occupied by long-term tenants for 3+ years. Have pictures if interested (provide your e-mail address).
Beach Lover
I have a 3/2 in Seagrove Highlands for sale at $189K, short sale. Had a contract, approved by the bank, then the buyer backed out. It's on the top floor (4th), elevator, 10 foot ceilings, tile with carpet in bedrooms, screened porch. About 500 yards to beach. Pool and small fishing lake. Fully furnished including all appliances. Has been occupied by long-term tenants for 3+ years. Have pictures if interested (provide your e-mail address).
Nice condo! I like the wooded area off of the balcony, and it is very close to the beach!
Edited
Beach Comber
Hi Catmoney
What is your price range? This Would be helpful to know before advising.
Some thoughts...
I'd be real hesitant to buy a unit if you need rental income to cover. A lot of beachfront units rent well, but you never know about hurricane damage (leeward) etc... Also you loose tax deductability if you use for personal use over a percent.
We own beachfront but have often rented at Hidden Beach Villas when our place wasn't available. Nice complex..short walk to beach (just across street, well maintained.) We thought they were way overpriced at 1/4 million (2005) but very reasonable today. Wouldn't consider Rolling Tide if you're going to rent as it's too far from the beach. Emerald Hill is beachside. Rear units might not have a view but complex is beachside.
Another well maintained complex we like is Beachside Villa's. We've rented a unit in Bldg 11 several times and it is only a few minute walk to beach. However the smallest unit is 2BR 2BA so you're looking at a different pricepoint than HBV.
What is your price range? This Would be helpful to know before advising.
Some thoughts...
I'd be real hesitant to buy a unit if you need rental income to cover. A lot of beachfront units rent well, but you never know about hurricane damage (leeward) etc... Also you loose tax deductability if you use for personal use over a percent.
We own beachfront but have often rented at Hidden Beach Villas when our place wasn't available. Nice complex..short walk to beach (just across street, well maintained.) We thought they were way overpriced at 1/4 million (2005) but very reasonable today. Wouldn't consider Rolling Tide if you're going to rent as it's too far from the beach. Emerald Hill is beachside. Rear units might not have a view but complex is beachside.
Another well maintained complex we like is Beachside Villa's. We've rented a unit in Bldg 11 several times and it is only a few minute walk to beach. However the smallest unit is 2BR 2BA so you're looking at a different pricepoint than HBV.
Beach Fanatic
Hi Catmoney:
We love the Cottages at Camp Creek, about 1/2 mile west of Alys Beach, 1 mile west of Rosemary Beach. They're charming 3 bedroom/2 bath cottages with two car parking and a large porch. There's a very large pool for a not-to-big community (about 20 small cottages and 8 larger ones - don't quote me, I'm writing too early in the morning to count) that's quiet with a quiet beach across the stree (about a 4-5 minute walk). We bought our first cottage at the Cottages at Camp Creek in 2003 and then liked it so much we bought the one next door in 2004. They have dropped in value since then, but that didn't affect us because we plan to keep them for decades. I know some people have gotten what looks to me like a very good deal in the past year, but (as a few people note on the board) you never know where the bottom of the market is (whether it's coming or has passed) and that also depends on the community. You can check with a realtor, but I think prices at the Cottages at Camp Creek may have started increasing again (based on what I've been told people paid for their cottages over the past year).
As was already noted on this board, don't assume rental income will cover all of your expenses, even in a year when there are no special events such as hurricanes (I think 2005 was the last one that affected us directly) and oil spills. I do think the rentals on the cottages will pay all the bills once the mortgage are paid, but I don't know that for sure. At this point, our cottages rent for 2-3 months each winter (we have return snowbird guests), a few fall rentals (not many), full in the summer (end of May - first week in August), and spring is better than fall, but spotty.
And there's always maintenance (which is why I like a one story place - I can do much of the maintenance myself - e.g., paint the window and door trim, power wash the cottages, etc.). I don't always do it myself because I don't have time, but I can when I want to.
I hope this helps with some of your planning. Just PM me if you have more questions.
Best,
Paula
We love the Cottages at Camp Creek, about 1/2 mile west of Alys Beach, 1 mile west of Rosemary Beach. They're charming 3 bedroom/2 bath cottages with two car parking and a large porch. There's a very large pool for a not-to-big community (about 20 small cottages and 8 larger ones - don't quote me, I'm writing too early in the morning to count) that's quiet with a quiet beach across the stree (about a 4-5 minute walk). We bought our first cottage at the Cottages at Camp Creek in 2003 and then liked it so much we bought the one next door in 2004. They have dropped in value since then, but that didn't affect us because we plan to keep them for decades. I know some people have gotten what looks to me like a very good deal in the past year, but (as a few people note on the board) you never know where the bottom of the market is (whether it's coming or has passed) and that also depends on the community. You can check with a realtor, but I think prices at the Cottages at Camp Creek may have started increasing again (based on what I've been told people paid for their cottages over the past year).
As was already noted on this board, don't assume rental income will cover all of your expenses, even in a year when there are no special events such as hurricanes (I think 2005 was the last one that affected us directly) and oil spills. I do think the rentals on the cottages will pay all the bills once the mortgage are paid, but I don't know that for sure. At this point, our cottages rent for 2-3 months each winter (we have return snowbird guests), a few fall rentals (not many), full in the summer (end of May - first week in August), and spring is better than fall, but spotty.
And there's always maintenance (which is why I like a one story place - I can do much of the maintenance myself - e.g., paint the window and door trim, power wash the cottages, etc.). I don't always do it myself because I don't have time, but I can when I want to.
I hope this helps with some of your planning. Just PM me if you have more questions.
Best,
Paula
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