You will never have to pay to be listed as a top neighbor. Period. That important detail clarified, let's discuss how we arrive at two "top neighbors" for a given region:
Localism is a bustling collection of hyper-local communities, and the top neighbors should reflect those members who are most active. When ranking users in a given region, several factors are considered. To get your foot in the proverbial door, you need to have posted at least one "Localism" article or photo for the region.
The very best way to quickly rise to #1 is to post high-quality local content. Keeping a steady strem of incoming posts and photos will massively tilt the scales in your favor.
What doesn't count toward the top neighbor ranking? ActiveRain points and community sponsorships. The top neighbor spots will always go to the most active members in a region. We want to create a level playing field that encourages the growth of communities — talent and dedication are required to win the day.
Crab Island at Destin Bridge, from Dewey Destin's dock - a great place to enjoy local seafood. Summer, 2007Provided by: Robert Monk Florida Real EstateJump to: Destin, FL
From the moment you enter into the driveway, the details will take your breath away! The antique fountain invites you through the mahogany entry doors of this true stucco house where 22' ceilings welcome you into the foyer. The home boasts Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, crown molding and bull nose throughout. Not one detail has been overlooked in the magnificent construction and design of this home, to name a few, trayed ceilings, built-in fish tank, solid oak staircase, solid oak garage doors, 5 1/4 baseboards, cherry wood cabinets, granite, central vac, security system, CAT 5 wiring for highspeed DSL internet, multiple surround sound systems and over 78 recessed lights for maximum lighting. The kitchen is every gourmet cooks dream complete with 40" stove, solid cherry cabinets, enormous island with sink and one of a kind Picasso gold granite! Not enough? then enjoy your indoor kitchen that can easily be converted to an outdoor kitchen for those lazy summer evenings and grilling on the natural gas grill. Even the laundry room has been designed with porcelain sink, cherry cabinets and granite. The oversized master bedroom has an arched hallway leading to the master bath containing a bidet, massive walk-in closet, separate shower and Jacuzzi tub. Lounge on the balcony off the master bedroom and take in the breathtaking views of the lake and sunsets. Fenced-in backyard set on natural lake with unique nature view. Situated in the gated community of Emerald Lakes you are only a minutes drive from Destin Commons, the magnificent sugar beaches and everything else that Destin has to offer. Amenities available include, swimming, tennis, basketball, fishing in stocked lakes and canoeing. This house is priced to be yours, originally built for nearly a million!
Gorgeous custom home built in 2005 located on Lake Holley, a private spring fed lake with fishing and boat access. This lakefront home has a walk-out deck on each floor to maximize the views of the great lake. Upon entering the home on the entry level you are welcomed with tons of views overlooking the beautiful Lake Holley. The rear of the house shows the two stories opening up to a 480 square foot deck on the upper floor and a 480 square foot porch off of the downstairs floor to enjoy sunsets on Lake Holley. The downstairs deck steps down to the 16 x 32 swimming pool with a very nice decorative concrete sun deck. The first floor has a large open floor plan with 2,707 square feet of living area with three bedrooms and two baths. The study can be used as a home office, media room or fourth bedroom. The master suite is 688 square feet of privacy consisting of the master bedroom, bathroom, walk-in closet and sitting area. The master bath has a jacuzzi tub and a large 2 person travertine shower. The large kitchen has more cabinet space than many of the million dollar homes in South Walton. Cabinets are quality built with glazed maple. The kitchen also includes granite countertops. Kitchen floors are porcelain tile and the kitchen has a pass thru and two raised bars. All appliances are stainless steel, Thermador and Bosch. The large great room has a gas fireplace and the vaulted ceiling runs through the great room and kitchen area with french doors opening up to the deck overlooking the pool and lake. Bedrooms are all carpet. Great room, breakfast area, dining room, study, master sitting area, halls and stairs all have bamboo flooring. The foyer, bathrooms, utility room and kitchen have tile floors. The two car garage finishes off the upper floor. Central vacuum system throughout home. The downstairs was just finished in December and has 1605 square feet of total living area. It is currently used as a large recreation area with a separate home gym and full bath. The low
Heating/Cooling: Central air conditioning, Hot water heat, Electric heating
Appliances: Electric range and oven, Self-cleaning oven, Double oven, Microwave oven, Cooktop range, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Exhaust fan/hood
Interior Features: Breakfast bar, Pantry, Jetted bathtub, Tub and separate shower, Ceiling fan(s), Central vacuum system, Walk-in closet(s), Window treatments, Secondary bedrooms split from master bedroom, Cathedral ceilings
Utilities: Septic sewer system, Public water supply, Satellite dish
Lot Features: Clear lot
Parking Features: Automatic garage door
Recreational Features: swimming pool, In-ground swimming pool, Spa, Boat dockage
Rooms: Sitting room
Scenery: Lake view, Lake frontage, Waterfront property
Investment Real Estate Buyer's BluesDestin, Florida
Investment Real Estate Buyer's Blues seems to be spreading like the H1N1 Swine Flu virus. Many Realtors may be familiar with this story.
My client swooped into town one day in late 2006 on a Sunday. We were closed that day, but being fresh to the business, I happened to be there when he called. He was on a mission to purchase a condo. He is a seasoned builder/investor from out of state. I practice real estate in Destin, Fl--a luxury, vacation-rental community located on the Gulf of Mexico.
My client had the pre-construction prices for the properties he was interested in buying. He had been watching the market diligently, and he was very sure that he had timed his purchase precisely to the second where the market had hit the "bottom". He liked the feeling of being in control and did not feel the need to consult with a Realtor about market trends or CMA's.
I was able to negotiate the best deal for the property he wanted up to that date---about $100K less than pre-construction. He was very happy.
After he made his purchase, my client continued to watch the market. This time he had enlisted my real estate expertise. Six months after he had made his purchase my client was no longer very happy-- he had contracted a severe case of the Investment Real Estate Buyer's Blues.
He began by blaming the other owners whom he felt were devaluing his investment by short-selling for almost half of what they paid. Then, he started blaming the local Realtors whom he felt had taken advantage of the run up in the market and had tricked everyone into buying over valued properties. He blamed the media, the local developers, the lenders, the folks who had no money to begin with and still bought real estate leading to their Investment Real Estate Buyer's Blues.--he even blamed the American people for electing a Democrat to the Presidency. He blamed everyone EXCEPT himself! Today, in late
2009, my client is really singing the Investment Real Estate Buyer's Blues. .
If my client were to sell today he would have to sell for $200K less than he paid. I have explained to him that there are folks who have lost millions and that things could have been much worse for him.
He and his wife plan to move to Destin, Fl, and they are looking for a permanent residence. Because of this single slightly off timed purchase, my client has become vindictive in his search for additional property. His modus operandi is to offer 50% of a price that has already been reduced by 2/3's. Ninety-five percent of the properties I have shown him have proceeded to sell. He is still searching for the perfect permanent residence for a give away price.
I have dealt with many other "investors" who chime the same mantra.
The prudent investor would be wise to make the best deal they can and buy it now rather than watching the best properties being sold and being left with nothing else than to sing the Investment Real Estate Buyer's Blues.
So far on the menu, we have ham, turkey, rolls, wine, beer, soda, turnips, carrots, broccoli casserole, bread pudding, green bean casserole, sweets, pie, pasta salad, sweet potatoes and more...
To our buyers, sellers, Emerald Coast Realtor friends, Facebook friends, vendors, business neighbors at Miramar Plaza and ALL OUR FRIENDS!
Bring a dish and join us for some merriment!
Address: 12889 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste 107-A, Destin, Florida 32550 We are 2.5 miles east of Destin Commons and the Mid-Bay Bridge, on the south side of Highway 98 in the Miramar Plaza.
Telephone 850-650-7883
We look forward to seeing you!
Wendy Rulnick, "It's Wendy!", Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
"Luckiest Fishing Village in the World," Besides fishing, Destin offers many other forms of recreation such as watersports like diving and snorkling, tennis, and golf.People from the nearby cities of Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and Crestview regularly travel across the Mid-Bay Bridge to enjoy Destin's beautiful beaches and wonderful waterfront restaurants.
"Luckiest Fishing Village in the World," Besides fishing, Destin offers many other forms of recreation such as watersports like diving and snorkling, tennis, and golf.People from the nearby cities of Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and Crestview regularly travel across the Mid-Bay Bridge to enjoy Destin's beautiful beaches and wonderful waterfront restaurants.
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