As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, summer has graced us with its radiant presence! Check out some of the top local news stories and see what events are coming up on the Emerald Coast as we head into August!

Whale shark spotted off the coast of Destin

https://www.al.com/news/2023/07/watch-fishermen-encounter-a-whale-shark-off-the-coast-of-destin.html

Capt. Royal Melvin Heritage Park is officially open in Destin

https://www.thedestinlog.com/story/news/local/2023/07/20/capt-royal-melvin-heritage-park-is-now-open-in-destin/70424695007/?itm_medium=recirc&itm_source=taboola&itm_campaign=internal&itm_content=BelowGalleryFeed-FeedRedesign

Special Operations Command will remain at Okaloosa's Hurlburt Field

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You may have heard some people say it’s better to rent than buy a home right now. But, even today, there are lots of good reasons to become a homeowner. One of them is that owning a home is typically viewed as a good long-term investment that helps your net worth grow over time.

Homeownership Builds Wealth Regardless of Income Level

You may be surprised to learn homeowners across various income levels have a much higher net worth than renters who make the same amount. Data from First American helps illustrate this point (see graph below):

What makes wealth so much higher for homeowners? A recent article from Realtor.com says:

“Homeownership has long been tied to building wealth—and for good reason. Instead of throwing rent…

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While the wild ride that was the ‘unicorn’ years of housing is behind us, today’s market is still competitive in many areas because the supply of homes for sale is still low. If you’re looking to buy a home this season, know that the peak frenzy of bidding wars is in the rearview mirror, but you may still come up against some multiple-offer scenarios.

Here are a few things to consider to help you put your best foot forward when making an offer on a home.

1. Lean on a Real Estate Professional

Rely on an agent who can support your goals and help you understand what’s happening in today’s housing market. Agents are experts in the local market and on the national trends too. They’ll use both of those areas of expertise to make sure you have…

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While this isn’t the frenzied market we saw during the ‘unicorn’ years, homes that are priced right are still selling quickly and seeing multiple offers right now. That’s because the number of homes for sale is still so low. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows 76% of homes sold within a month and the average saw 3.5 offers in June.

To set yourself up to see advantages like these, you need to rely on an agent. Only an agent has the expertise needed to find the right asking price for your house. Here’s what’s at stake if that price isn’t accurate for today’s market value.

The price you set for your house sends a message to potential buyers.

Price it too low and you might raise questions about your home’s condition…

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Summer is in full swing and we are loving all the fun that comes with it. Check out some of the top local news stories and see what events are coming up on the Emerald Coast as we head into July!

All the best summertime activities in Seaside, from pickleball to lap pools

https://seasidefl.com/news/all-the-best-summertime-activities-in-seaside-from-pickleball-to-lap-pools

Unveiling the Top 30A Hot Spots for Fine Dining (2023)

https://30a.com/fine-dining-hot-spots/

Kick off July 4th in Grayton Beach, with a Fourth of July parade.

https://fun4emeraldcoastkids.com/calendar/eventdetail/59703/-/grayton-beach-july-4th-parade-aj-s-grayton-beach

Celebrate July 4th in Seaside- 4th of July Concert & Fireworks

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Summer is in full swing and we are loving all the fun that comes with it. Check out some of the top local news stories and see what events are coming up on the Emerald Coast as we head into July!

Check out the Okaloosa Island Fireworks Summer Series - at 9PM Every Wednesday

https://www.alsbeachclub.com/events/okaloosa-island-fireworks-show-6

Where to enjoy Fourth of July fireworks near Destin, Miramar Beach, Sandestin

https://www.thedestinlog.com/story/news/local/2023/06/23/fireworks-to-light-up-the-sky-from-destin-to-sandestin-where-and-when/70346059007/

Locals deck neighborhoods in Miramar Beach with red, white, and blue flags for July 4th, featuring PPG agent, Silvia Madriaga!

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If you’re thinking about selling your house right now, chances are it’s because something in your life has changed. And, while things like mortgage rates are a key part of your decision on what you’ll buy next, it’s important to not lose sight of the reason you want to make a change in the first place.

It’s true mortgage rates have climbed from the record lows we saw in recent years, and that has an impact on affordability. With rates where they are right now, some homeowners are deciding they’ll wait to sell because they don’t want to move and have a higher mortgage rate on their next home. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

“. . . homeowners who locked in a 30-year fixed rate in the 2-3% range don't necessarily want…

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Selling your house is no simple task. While some homeowners opt to sell their homes on their own, known as a FSBO (For Sale by Owner), they often encounter various challenges without the guidance of a real estate agent. If you’re currently considering selling your house on your own, here’s what you should know.

The most recent Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) surveyed homeowners who’d recently sold their own homes and asked what difficulties they faced. Those sellers say some of the greatest challenges were prepping their home for sale, pricing it right, and properly managing the required paperwork, just to name a few.

When it comes to selling your most valuable asset, consider the invaluable…

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With all the headlines circulating about home prices and rising mortgage rates, you may wonder if it still makes sense to invest in homeownership right now. A recent poll from Gallup shows the answer is yes. In fact, real estate was voted the best long-term investment for the 11th consecutive year, consistently beating other investment types like gold, stocks, and bonds (see graph below):

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, let this poll reassure you. Even with everything happening today, Americans recognize owning a home is a powerful financial decision.

Why Do Americans Still Feel So Positive About the Value of Investing in a Home?

Purchasing real estate has typically been a solid long-term strategy for building wealth in…

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