Home in WaterColor 12 Viridian Park as Tracy’s Top Luxury Pick June 14 2010

Many times when I am seeking out the best of the best that South Walton has to offer, I tend to look for homes that offer a superior level of privacy. Alys Beach has found a way to provide this privacy through extensive planning of their shared walls and smaller communities surrounding many of our coastal dunes lakes have also been able to achieve this. But to find this requirement in WaterColor can typically be challenging. However, this house has taken full advantage to its placement within the community while maintaining that high level of privacy I am constantly looking for. Located in the heart of WaterColor, this spectacular home is one of the few in the neighborhood that provides views of the Gulf of Mexico.

This week I selected on of the most unique  luxury homes in WaterColor, 12 Viridian Park Drive. It’s architectural elements set this home apart from others in WaterColor and is truly a remarkable property.

WaterColor Home 12 Viridian Park Drive

Homes in WaterColor

Lots in WaterColor

WaterColor Market Analysis

This award winning home was build in 2003 by Curacao Builders; locally known for their unique designs, superior quality, and attention to detail. With over 4,400 sqft of indoor living space and 2,400 sqft of outdoor decks and porches, this house provides ample opportunities to enjoy all the benefits WaterColor has to offer. The entry of the house takes you immediately into a vaulted 3-story living area with a massive solid brick fireplace flanked by towering built-in bookshelves. With its cool hues and white furniture, this living room is the epitome of coastal cozy. Exquisite wooden doors open up to the main level guest room and full bath. There are two additional bright and open living areas that open up to the large formal dinning room, giving the first floor an amazingly open and functionally feeling. The entrance of the house has a large front porch with your classic swing that faces Viridian Park, while the rear porch features a large deck and sitting area with expansive views over open space to Western Lake providing extreme privacy. The first floor also contains the gourmet kitchen. Wrap around windows, professional gas range, oversized island with vegetable sink, and custom cabinets make this kitchen a chefs dream.

The master bedroom is located on the second floor and is ever so dramatic with built in armoires and bookcases. The master bedroom is yet another room that beckons you to just relax and cozy up to a good book. A luxurious 5 piece master bath and deck is attached to the master bedroom and overlooks Western Lake. The second floor is completed with an additional master suite that can be used as a triple bunk bed room, a kids play area, and two more oversized covered porches that can be used for entertaining. Finally, the third flood features a large tower room encompassing built-in selves, wet bar, refrigerator, and an exterior deck which offers amazing views of WaterColor, Seaside, and the Gulf of Mexico. With so many places to play or just hang-out, this house has it all

Luxury Home In WaterColor – 12 Viridian Park

Built in 2003
4,402 sqft.
4 bedrooms, 4 full baths
3-stories
Currently offered at $2.495 million

If you are interested in this luxury home in WaterColor or would like to preview other luxury homes in WaterColor. Please give Tracy Baranowski a call at 850.259.4270 or Craig Baranowski at 850.259.1788 or email  us info@teambaranowski.com.

WaterColor Home 369 Spartina Circle as Tracy’s Top Luxury Pick for April 26th 2010

WaterColor has some very inspiring luxury homes, and it is a popular spot for our weekly top luxury picks. If you have ever attended the Walton County Parade of Homes you have seen some amazing properties in WaterColor. One of my favorite home builders that pushes the envelope for luxury and impeccable attention to detail is Onno Horn of Domicile Construction. A few of his incredible homes have been featured in the Parade of Homes in WaterColor.

369 Spartina Circle in WaterColor was built by Onno Horn of Domiclile Construction and its interiors were designed by Jennifer Hunter. This home is a true luxury masterpiece.

WaterColor Home 369 Spartina Circle

Homes in WaterColor

WaterColor Hot Sheet

Residential Lots for Sale in WaterColor

Located on the Cinnamon Fern park that backs up to lake on Camp for WaterColor campus. This house built by Onno Horn of Domicile Construction and interior designer Jennifer Hunter. Listed as a three full bedrooms, but also offers 3-tier bunk beds in the downstairs private hall and half bath. The open living areas have 2-story vaulted ceilings with special effect lighting open to the Gourmet Kitchen which leads out to a screened porch for dining. Large expansive porches front and back. Second level offers two large bedroom suites with full spacious bathrooms, sitting areas with wet bar that overlooks downstairs living room. French doors lead from this sitting area to the second level rear wrap-around porch with lounging chairs and comfortable sitting areas, great view of the activities of the Cinnamon Fern Park and lake areas.

369 Spartina Circle in WaterColor

Built in 2006

2,650 sqft

3 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, 1 Half Bath

2 Stories

Currently offered at $1,595,000

If you are interested in this luxury home in WaterColor and would like to preview it or if you are interested in Team Baranowski listing your luxury home. Please give Tracy Baranowski a call at 850.259.4270 or Craig Baranowski at 850.259.1788 or email  us info@teambaranowski.com

Tracy’s Luxury Hot Sheet for the Week of April 5 2010

Scenic 30-A's market is heating up for Summer with March sales launching our Real Estate market into full swing. There are many great deals happening along Scenic 30-A. We try to highlight some of the most interesting luxury deals and new listings to hit the market.

Check out our Hot Sheet Links that show the newest listings for the past 7 days…it is dynamic and always changing.

WaterColor Hot Sheet

Rosemary Beach Hot Sheet

WaterSound Hot Sheet

Luxury Homes on 30-A Hot Sheet

Luxury Condos on 30-A Hot Sheet

Just Sold

WATERSOUND – Compass Point #408 just sold for $1,550,000 and was offered at $2,095,000

VIZCAYA AT DUNE ALLEN – 1027 Vizcaya Drive just sold for $875,000 and was offered at $999,999

WATERCOLOR – 685 Western Lake Drive just sold for $1,500,000 and was offered at $1,695,000

Under Contract

BURNT PINE – 3281 Burnt Pine Lane under contract and currently offered at $1,595,000

WATERCOLOR – 174 Silver Laurel Way under contract and currently offered at $2,950,000

ROSEMARY BEACH – 20 Turks Lane under contract and currently offered at $1,099,000

SAND CLIFFS – 310 Sand Cliffs Drive under contract and currently offered at $1,200,000

SEASIDE – Seaside Penthouse C under contract and currently offered at $1,650,000

GULF TRACE – 148 Gulf Shore Drive under contract and currently offered at $1,760,000

ROSEMARY BEACH – The Lofts at Rosemary Beach Unit 3B under contract and currently offered at $599,000

GULF PLACE – 139 Emerald Ridge under contact and currently offered at $895,000

ROSEMARY BEACH – 38 Nevis Lane under contact and currently offered at $839,000

ROSEMARY BEACH – 73 Johnstown Lane under contract and currently offered at $1,389,000

WATERSOUND – 97 West Yacht Pond under contract and currently offered at $1,843,000

GULF FRONT SEASIDE – 2488 Hwy 30-A under contract and currently offered at $7,850,000 (March 2010 but noteworthy)

If you are interested in any of these luxury properties or if you are interested in Team Baranowski listing your home or condo. Please give Tracy Baranowski a call at 850.259.4270 or Craig Baranowski at 850.259.1788 or email  us info@teambaranowski.com.

Tracy’s Luxury Hot Sheet for the Week of March 22 2010

Now that the market is heating up for the Spring and Summer Seasons there are many deals happening along Scenic 30-A. We try to highlight some of the most interesting luxury deals and new listings to hit the market.

Check out our Hot Sheet Links that show the newest listings for the past 7 days…it is dynamic and always changing.

WaterColor Hot Sheet

Rosemary Beach Hot Sheet

WaterSound Hot Sheet

Luxury Homes on 30-A Hot Sheet

Luxury Condos on 30-A Hot Sheet

Just Sold

GULF FRONT – 281 Garfield in Grayton Beach just sold for $3,080,000 and was offered at $4,128,000

WATERCOLOR – 243 Western Lake Drive just sold for $3,100,000 and was offered at $3,395,000

WATERCOLOR – 37 Red Cedar Way just sold for $750,000 and was offered at $895,000

WATERCOLOR – 98 Scrub Oak Circle just sold for $899,000 and was offered at $899,000

WATERCOLOR – 75 E Summersweet Lane just sold for $523,000 and was offered at $523,000

WATERSOUND – 9 Tidepool Lane just sold for $1,816,000 and was offered at $2,295,000

WATERSOUND – 265 Salt Box just sold for $646,000 and was offered at $646,000

WATERSOUND – 238 Salt Box just sold for $505,000 and was offered at $575,000!!

 

Under Contract

ROSEMARY BEACH – 108 Bourne Lane under contract and currently offered at $987,900

ROSEMARY BEACH – 73 Johnstown Lane under contract and currently offered at $1,389,000

ROSEMARY BEACH – 20 East Water Street under contract and currently offered at $895,000

ROSEMARY BEACH – 40 Scout Lane 54-5  under contract and currently offered at $675,000

ROSEMARY BEACH – 32 Scout Lane 54-4 under contract and currently offered at $595,000

WATERCOLOR – 225 Western Lake Drive under contract and currently offered at $3,395,000

WATERCOLOR – 675 Western Lake Drive under contract and currently offered at $1,800,000

WATERCOLOR – 143 Pond Cypress Way under contract and currently offered at $1,050,000

WATERCOLOR – 93 E Summersweet Lane under contract and currently offered at $501,330

GULF FRONT SEAGROVE – 2734 CO Hwy 30-A under contract and currently offered at $2,100,000

If you are interested in any of these luxury properties or if you are interested in Team Baranowski listing your home or condo. Please give Tracy Baranowski a call at 850.259.4270 or Craig Baranowski at 850.259.1788 or email  us info@teambaranowski.com.

WaterSound and Rosemary Beach New Homes on the Market February 25 2010

8 Homes have come on the market in WaterSound Beach, WaterColor and Rosemary Beach in the past week. 5 homes are new on the market and 1 home in WaterColor and 2 homes in Rosemary Beach are back on the market.

235 W Lake Forest Drive in WaterColor – $899,000   Back on Market

162 West Water Street in Rosemary Beach – $1,049,000

102 Round Road in Rosemary Beach – $1,995,000  Back on Market

80 Round Road in Rosemary Beach – $1,550,000   Back on Market

20 Turks Lane in Rosemary Beach – $1,099,000

67 Salt Box Lane in WaterSound Beach – $1,595,000

92 Yacht Pond Lane in WaterSound Beach – $2,275,000

If the properties are not shown below it means that they have gone under contract or sold.

WaterColor New Homes On Market for February 15 2010

4 Homes have come on the market in WaterColor in the past week. 2 homes are new on the market and 2 are back on the market.

339 Spartina – $1,549,000

59 Dandelion – $3,700,000

37 Royal Fern – $799,000 Back on Market

179 Red Cedar Way – $1,375,000 Back on Market

WaterColor Homes Market Analysis and Market Snapshot

If the properties are not shown below it means that they have gone under contract or sold. If you would like to get automated alerts on new properties coming on the market email us @ info@teambaranowski.com.

If you are interested in a luxury home in WaterSound and would like to preview it or would like Team Baranowski to list your home for sale, please call Tracy Baranowski at 850.259.4270 or Craig Baranowski at 850.259.1788 or email us info@teambaranowski.com.

Research: This Month in Real Estate, May 2009

Every month Keller Williams performs an in-depth analysis of the Real Estate Market. May 2009 was a critical month in Real Estate especially with home prices falling to 2003 level and the first signs of the market bottom are in play. This presentation looks at the National Real Estate Market. If you are interested in our South Walton market or specific areas including Grayton Beach, Seagrove Beach, Destin, Sandestin, Rosemary Beach, WaterColor or WaterSound, please call or email Craig or Tracy @ Team Baranowski 850.259.1788 or 850.259.4270.

Housing Market Offers Opportunities, Glimmers of Hope

Buying opportunities abound for value-savvy home shoppers in select markets across the nation, where prices have fallen to 2003 levels.  While home prices are still declining on a year over year basis, they are falling at the slowest rate in five months, which indicates a degree of stabilization compared to recent months.

Attractive prices, coupled with strong affordability and mortgage rates below 5%, translate to more buying power for home buyers. Buoyed by the $8,000 federal tax incentive, first-time buyers represented the majority of transactions closed last month. Their activity is expected to remain high and reduce the glut of homes on the market.

According to Charles McMillan, “Compared to a year ago, the typical family can pay much less in mortgage costs for the same home, or buy a better home without necessarily increasing their monthly payment. For buyers who’ve been on the sidelines and have good jobs, the market has never looked more favorable. Home ownership has always offered immediate benefits and long-term value, but the advantages in today’s market are unique.”

Another positive factor is the return of the jumbo loan. For nearly a year, it has been almost impossible for buyers to find financing for homes selling for more than $417,000. Bank of America recently began offering a 30-year fixed rate jumbo at less than 6 percent. Other banks are starting to follow suit.

Home sales and other consumer spending data combined with big earnings at some banks indicate that the U.S. economy is on the road to a gradual recovery this year. “The economy is still very weak, but there are some encouraging signs that support cautious optimism,” said Dennis Lockhart, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

Click here to download complete report: This Month in Real Estate, May 2009

If you are considering buying or selling a luxury beach home, put the Team Baranowski advantage to work for you. If you have questions, our team is always available – 850.259.1788 or 850.259.4270. If you are interested in distressed property including short sales and foreclosures click here.

Top Luxury Markets Stay Strong Amid Distressed Real Estate Market

Luxury home markets that continue to stay strong and see steady price gains are areas that have predominately not seen a large increase in new development over the past five years. Here is a quick glimpse of the top five luxury home markets based upon price gain from 2008 and published by Forbes.

The top price gainers for the luxury market are:

1. Mendham, NJ +11.7%

2. Menlo Park, CA +11.6%

3. Los Angelas, CA (West Hollywood) +7.1%

4. Chappaqua, NY +6.5%

5. Los Angeles, CA (Hollywood Hills) + 5.1%

One important factor that are influencing price increases is the lack of distressed home sales in their specific luxury market. Three of the top areas on this list were in California’s Menlo Park, West Hollywood and Hollywood Hills areas. These luxury homes have primarily been unaffected by California’s wave of foreclosures. California is the number one state that has been hit hardest with distressed properties in the nation. Average home prices are down over 40% in California. However, the pockets of luxury home communities have remained strong.

Luxury homes in South Walton which include the areas of South Walton East and South Santa Rosa Beach encompass the beach communities of Seaside, Blue Mountain Beach, WaterSound, WaterColor, Rosemary Beach and Grayton Beach have declined close to 18% on a price per square foot basis.

Jan 1st 2008 thru May 31st 2008

62 Homes sold over $700,000

$1,272,000 Median Sales Price

$536 per square foot

Jan 1st 2009 thru May 29th 2008

39 Homes sold over $700,000 [38% drop in sales volume]

$1,200,000 Median Sales Price

$440 per square foot

Although the numbers in South Walton are down for luxury homes, we are seeing pockets of communities remaining strong including sales in WaterColor. As we continue to sell available inventory we are seeing prices stabalize and anticipate increased sales volume through the summer of 2009.

If you are considering buying or selling a luxury beach home, put the Team Baranowski advantage to work for you. If you have questions, our team is always available – 850.259.1788 or 850.259.4270.