Cameron Hughes with Chancey Design Partnership as South Walton Luxury Home’s Spotlight on Luxury Architects

South Walton and specifically Scenic Highway 30A is known through out the world for its stunning and world class architecture. We have luxury homes that inspire even the most demanding customer. Architects bring essential inspiration and creativity to our beautiful beach communities of Seaside, WaterColor, WaterSound, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and many others. Without the talent and vision of architects we would have bland, un-inspired dwellings along our beautiful beaches.

This week we are delighted to feature our very good friend, Cameron Hughes with Chancey Design Partnership. Cameron is joining me on Friday’s Real Estate Round Up on November 13th, 2009 to discuss the latest building codes as they relate to hurricane standards and how do they affect communities such as WaterSound and WaterColor. I have had the pleasure to work with Cameron and his team on a number of projects in WaterColor, WaterSound, Forest Lakes and others. Cameron was the architect for our personal home and we won the prestigious Aurora Award for its design in 2007. Chancey Design Partnership is headquartered in Tampa Florida, however, they have a local office on Scenic 30A in Seagrove Beach. Cameron is the Design Review Lead for WaterColor and WaterSound communities and has extensive knowledge of these luxury communities.

In 1989, Chancey Design Partnership began building a reputation based on the concept of service and design excellence. It was a formula that resulted in tremendous client satisfaction and it helped them become one of the most respected architecture, land planning, and interior design firms in the Southeast.

They have projects in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, Washington DC, Ohio, Colorado, Idaho, the Bahamas and Grand Cayman.

Chancey Design Partnership, specializes in residential architecture from custom single family homes to multi-story condominiums but our project portfolio also offers health care, resort planning, senior housing and a great many mixed-use projects that include restaurants, offices, banks and retail space.

Chancey Design Partnership’s four core values that define their company culture are: Creativity, Dedication, Passion and Fun.

Chancey Design Partnership, helps their clients think more deeply about the personal architecture they are planning to bring into the world. They help them envision that architecture, and then help them realize their dream.

For more information about Chancey Design Partnership please call Cameron Hughes @ 850-231-2057 or email at info@chanceydesign.com.

Europeans Dominate at Ford Ironman Florida

Today was an awesome day. The weather for the Ford Ironman Florida 2009 edition was spectacular. We had clear blue skies, minimal humidity and a comfortable 78 degrees. This year’s edition was won by two first-time Ironman Champions: Kirill Kotshegarov of Estonia as the men’s winner and Sophie Goos of Belguim claiming the women’s title.

It was a very exciting day and it was wonderful seeing so many athletes enjoying Panama City Beach and our beautiful weather and beaches. Athletes from all over the world descended upon our crystal clear waters to begin one of the most epic races of their lifetime!

Top Five Men

1. Kirill Kotshegarov, EST 8:25:29

2. Maxime Kriat, UKR 8:26:51

3. Massimo Cigana, ITA 8:28:04

4. Nick Saunders, GBR 8:31:44

5. Christophe Bastie, FRA 8:35:29

Goos was in third going on the run with five-time Ironman Florida winner Bella Bayliss right behind. During the first portion of the run Bayliss was making up ground on the field but was eventually passed by Goos and the second place finisher Tamara Kozulina of the Ukraine.

Top Five Women

1. Sophie Goss, BEL 9:08:38

2. Tamara Kozulina, UKR 9:12:47

3. Bella Bayliss, GBR 9:13:52

4. Joan Blafoss, DNK 9:21:11

5. Heather Gollnick, FL, USA 9:22:13

The day began under clear skies with 2,421 athletes entering the Gulf of Mexico to start their Ironman journey comprised of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile marathon.

Chris and Amy Stoyles with Archiscapes as South Walton Luxury Home’s Spotlight on Luxury Architects

South Walton and specifically Scenic Highway 30A is known through out the world for its stunning and world class architecture. We have luxury homes that inspire even the most demanding customer. Architects bring essential inspiration and creativity to our beautiful beach communities of Seaside, WaterColor, WaterSound, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and many others. Without the talent and vision of architects we would have bland, un-inspired dwellings along our beautiful beaches.

This week we are delighted to feature two of our good friends, Chris and Amy Stoyles with Archiscapes, and have them join us on Friday’s Real Estate Round Up to discuss Architecture in today’s economy. We have had the pleasure to work with Chris and his team on a few projects…some really fun and creative projects.

Archiscapes Inspiring Designs – WaterColor & WaterSound

Archiscapes, LLC is a local South Walton architecture firm specializing in residential and commercial design services. The firm provides master planning services for large-scale residential and commercial developers. A popular line of “ready to build” home plans for residential customers have been built through out the South East including the South Walton Communities of Forest Lakes and Grand Point.

Archiscapes has a four-person team tackles projects of all sizes and styles. From Watercolor coastal cottages to Seaside Victorians to Gulf-front modern homes, they love the challenge of using new materials and researching different cultures. These days, energy efficiency and green building are a big part of nearly all their projects. Identifying how clients can get the best “Bang for their buck” is something everyone appreciates no matter what type or size of home or office they are building. Above all, Archiscapes loves to have fun with their clients. Anyone who has ever met this team can certainly attest to their delight in pushing the design envelope when it comes to adding fun features to a building, whether that be a secret room in a home or restored antique stained glass in an office. This group likes nothing better than to share with their clients the enjoyment and adventure of designing and building a new home or office.

For more information about Archiscapes please call 850-835-0404 or email at architect@archiscapes.com.

Haunted Asylum Haunted Trail in Santa Rosa Beach

Scary Fun For All – Haunted Asylum Haunted Trail
October 30th and 31st

WHEN: Friday Oct 30th 7pm until ???
Saturday Oct 31st 6:30pm until ???

WHERE: 101 Eden Garden Road off 395 N. @ South Walton Montessori Academy

HOSTED BY: South Walton Professional Fire Fighters Association & South Walton Montessori Academy

SCARY RATING: Age appropriate scare factor for little ones! If little ones are in your group we will tone down the scariness.

Parking at the Point Washington Methodist Church – Then follow the Zombies to your dead end…

This will be the largest and scariest Haunted Trail in South Walton. The South Walton Professional Fire Fighters have hosted this popular event for 4 years and are moving it to the South Walton Montessori Academy for its NEW Location. This is a MUST SEE scary event for 2009!

$5.00 per person
Food and Drinks will be available for purchase

Proceeds to Benefit South Walton Professional Fire Fighters Association and South Walton Montessori Academy.

No alcoholic beverages permitted.
FOR MORE INFO: Contact James Dillon @ 850.830.4932
Tracy Baranowski 850.259.4270

Combined Residential Sales up 34% for Emerald Coast and Scenic 30A is even better!

Everywhere you read there are articles stating that the recession is over and the economy is recovering. Although I think it is a little early to get out the party hats and champaign…I do think the sales numbers that we have been closely tracking all year are VERY promising. It atleast showes that sales transactions are up and inventory is going down.

Let’s look at September 2009 Emerald Coast MLS numbers for combined residential:

• We are up from 389 transactions to 523 transactions (143 more transactions) in 2008 for the same period for combined residential

• Inventory is the lowest it has been since 2005!

• Scenic 30A area up 78% for September 2009 combined residential transactions compared to September 2008

• Scenic 30A Inventory is at 24months down from 72 months at the high!!

This is all very positive news. We are all watching very closely to see what the winters months bring in terms of the projected un-employment rate hitting an all time high and a potential slow down in Real Estate Transactions.

If you have any questions about these numbers, please send us an email or call us @ 850-259-1788.

Panama City Beach Seafood Wine & Music Festival this Weekend

There are a lot of activities happening this weekend. One of the must see events is the Panama City Beach Seafood Wine & Music Festival.

Friday October 9 – 4pm-11pm
Saturday October 10 – 11a-11pm
Sunday October 11 – 11am-11pm
*TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FAMILY FUN DAYS 11A-3PM SAT & SUN

including: GYMNASTICS SHOWS, FAMILY YOGA, HANDS ON

ART, FREE BOUNCER VILLAGE by Beach Bouncers, BALLOON ART,

FAMILY ACTIVITIES, CLOWNS, STILT WALKERS & MORE

GRAND WINE TASTINGS EACH DAY

WINE & BEER AVAILABLE ALL DAY & NIGHT

CELEBRITY CHEF EXHIBITIONS 3P-6P SAT & SUN

WATCH LOCAL CHEFS PREPARE THEIR SIGNATURE DISHES IN

THE EXHIBITION KITCHEN BUILT ON-SITE – FREE RECIPE CARDS

EVEN MORE ART, CRAFT & ANTIQUE VENDORS in 2009

EXPLORE THE MANY WONDERFUL ITEMS FOR SALE AND MAYBE

EVEN GET SOME OF YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING DONE EARLY!

EMERALD COAST CRUIZIN CAR SHOW

DON’T MISS THESE BEAUTIFUL CARS

AREA’S BEST RESTAURANTS

featuring seafood & other festival favorites

NON-STOP LIVE MUSIC FROM OPEN-CLOSE

INCLUDING: JAZZ, ROCK, COUNTRY, REGGAE & MORE

The idea is simple – a celebration of the wonderful array of local area seafood prepared by local chefs merged with local and area wines, entertainment and vendors with a special focus on families. The Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival is designed to reflect a true taste of the coast, a true toast to the coast and some of the world’s best entertainment.

SEAFOOD, CELEBRITY CHEF EXHIBITIONS & more:
Local and area celebrity chef’s from some of the legendary Panama City Beach restaurants including Breakers, Saltwater Grill, Firefly, Hammerhead Fred’s, Boatyard, and more will perform special exhibitions over the 3 day event.

GRAND WINE TASTINGS Daily:
The festival offers three full-bodied days of wining, dining and socializing amid several local, domestic and international wines. We are proud to announce Florida’s own Republic National as our exclusive wine partner. They will host rare wine auctions, present celebrity winemakers, top vineyards, wine tastings each day and more. Beginners will have an opportunity to sample the wines, learning about the make-up and the regions they come from while wine experts will have an opportunity to sample some of the rarer wines they might not otherwise get a chance to try. Wine Tastings are Included with General Admission & VIP tickets, for adults 21+. Beer and wine will be available for sale from gates open to gates close.

MUSIC & other Entertainment:
From the beginning of the festival on Friday to the very end on Sunday, the music and entertainment will never end. 2009’s festival headliner entertainment is bigger and better than ever: Young & Classic Country Friday Oct 9th with Florida’s own country legend JOHN ANDERSON with special guest ACM New Country Artist of the Year JULIANNE HOUGH in support of her self-titled country album, see one of the top rock bands of all time STYX will perform Saturday Oct 10th, and Celebrating 40 Years of Rock Sunday Oct 11th with GRAND FUNK RAILROAD The American Band! Other performers for the 2009 festival will be announced soon. CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR ADVANCE DISCOUNT TICKETS NOW!

FAMILY FUN DAYS:
Saturday and Sunday there will be a special focus on family activities and events from 11am-3pm both days – 2008’s festival included a “KIDS LUNCH WITH SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS” & special KIDS CONCERT’S, Gallagher’s Gymnastics Team, Creole For Kids with Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, Steve’s Kazoo Crew Band, A Bouncer Village will feature over a dozen giant bouncy experiences, there will also be face painting, special appearances by your favorite cartoon characters, plus other activities designed especially for the family and children. 2008 was the first year for the special family budget friendly daytime only ticket – and it is available again for the 2009 festival.

EMERALD COAST CRUIZIN “SNEAK PEAK” CAR SHOW:
Saturday and Sunday there will be a special “Emerald Coast Cruizin Sneak Peak Car Show” included with your general admission & VIP ticket

ARTS, CRAFTS, ANTIQUES & MORE: Even more shopping choices in 2009
The Panama City Beach Seafood & Wine Festival will feature select arts & crafts vendors, retail vendors, antique dealers, and various community/charity vendors. Specialty jewelry, wood crafts, wine racks, pottery sales & demonstrations, glass art & demonstrations, stained glass, ceramics, quilts, folk art, and more.

Luxury Homes Going Green in South Walton

South Walton is known as the Emerald Coast for its sugar white sand that descends into crystal clear waters. This stretch of Gulf Coast is unmatched in beauty and is certified as a Blue Wave Beach by the country’s only environmental certification program for beaches. Our pristine beaches set the tone and inspiration for green luxury homes in South Walton. Many towns are founded upon the principles of New Urbanism, a movement that emphasizes community and whose hallmark is the placement of amenities in and around home to promote walking, talking, and a sense of connectedness. Communities such as Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and Seaside are the benchmarks for New Urbanism across the world. To compliment New Urbanism many communities are setting standards for green luxury homes.
Luxury homes in South Walton tend to be much larger than the average vacation home and therefore, consume more resources, so using green elements to these houses is ideal. It seems rather common that a luxury home these days, when built from the ground up or completely remodeled should be green.
Luxury homes are built for the luxurious at heart and owners want the cream of the crop, or in this case, a super green home. Built correctly a South Walton luxury home can enhance its relationship with the environment with every new feature they install.
Green features of luxury homes include:

– High efficiency HVAC or air conditioning units (97 percent efficiency). There is a $1,500 tax credit until December 2010. The tax credit will equal to 30% of their cost. The efficiency ratings on HVAC units is up to 21 SEER

- Radiant floor heating

- 100 percent recycled industrial waste used to create the wood flooring

- Compact flourescent light bulbs or LED energy efficient lighting

- Low flow plumbing and dual flush toilets

- Closed cell and open cell foam insulation

Many luxury homes such as those in Alys Beach seek to conserve resources, energy and water while offering aesthetic functionality and preserving the spirit of a luxury home.
There’s little, if any doubt, that green living is better for you and the planet. Green trends with luxury homes should be here to stay and will be a welcomed added value to South Walton Luxury Homes.

Real Estate Round Up On-line Survey Results for South Walton Area

This is the follow up survey to the survey we completed during the Seaside 4th of July parade. We polled on-line visitors to Sowal.com, 30A.com, our websites southwaltonluxuryhomes.com, distressedpropertyexpert.com and Facebook fans of the 30A area.

Here are the survey results!

8% of the people interviewed are Real Estate Round Up listeners. Over 50% that said they have not listened intend on listening to the show.

28% Were FULL TIME Residents, 28% visit 3-6 times per year. All but one visited more than once a year.

47% Are looking to buy 86% of which is a home, 38% Land, 15.4% Condo

-          Majority were greater than 12 months time frame.

46% Are looking to SELL 60% Land, 40% Home, 40% Condo [many interviewed are looking to buy and sell multiple properties]

-         Majority were 6-12 months

Areas – Seagrove #1, Seacrest, Rosemary, Alys Beach, WaterSound and Blue Mountain and one in Miramar Beach

36% Think the market has hit bottom in South Walton Beach. 4th of July survey results were 37.5%

64% This we still have not hit bottom in South Walton Beach. 4th of July survey results were 62.5%

- 40% believe it will be in another 6 months

- 40% believe it will be in the next 1-2 years

- 20% greater than 2 years

62.5% Believe the stimulus package, TARP funds and new buyer tax credit are helping the housing recovery

37.5% believe that it is not helping

Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey!!

Prominence back to prominence?

Everyday hundreds of people drive by the Town of Prominence and wonder what is the future of the town. For the last twelve months there has been little to no progress made to the development with 9 beautiful luxury residential units completed and sitting vacant. Living so close to Prominence along the beautiful stretch of Scenic Highway 30A, I wondered when this much anticipated town would become a reality.

Last week new signs were posted prominently on Prominence’s north and south properties bordering Highway 30A[no pun intended]. There was a new buzz about the development as motorists, cyclists and joggers passed by two large signs by New Orchard Group. I decided to call my friend Steve Bradley who is one of the partners at New Orchard Group to discuss the latest changes at Prominence.

Steve was very excited to talk about Prominence and the involvement of New Orchard to help reignite and rekindle the town. According to Steve, the first immediate actions are to clean up the existing site and refresh the landscaping, which is currently in progress. Prominence is an extraordinary site that will rival the size of Rosemary Beach and Seaside. There are critical elements of the project that will bring significant value to 30A and  enhance the luxury and coastal living style of its bordering neighbor WaterSound Beach. Prominence has entitlements for 650 residential units, 200,000 square feet of commercial, a 120 room luxury hotel, a 5,000 square foot spa and a 13,000 square foot civic / public space. The market has changed dramatically since the development was first approved, but the owners believe the time is right to take steps to move forward. The owners Tom Henry and Colonial Properties realize that there will be a long and exciting process to bring the vision to reality. I am personally very excited to see this project back on its feet and look forward to a very successful future.

Team Baranowski will be meeting with Steve and team at New Orchard Group to walk the Prominence project and further discuss the town in greater detail. We also plan on having Steve on our weekly Real Estate Round Up radio show to discuss the project with our listeners so stay tuned!

In the meantime, if you have any questions about the project please feel free to contact Craig at 850-259-1788 or Tracy at 850-259-4270. Or visit the Town of Prominence website.

Team Baranowski – The strength of teamwork…the reputation for results!