You have been selling real estate in the area for quite a few years now – when did you start?
I am one of the older timers....I have been selling Real Estate for over 22 years, but here on the Panhandle, specifically the 30A area, since 1998.
What was the market like at that time?
When I began my career here on 30A in 1998, the buyers were mostly "end" users...that is, they wanted something to use for themselves and their families as second homes. We had a few people coming for permanent homes, and almost NO SPECULATORS.....there were some great values, because the area was still not discovered and even some of the Realtors who had been here for years had taken the area for granted, and did not see the value of the beach like I did or others who were coming from other places. I remember putting an offer on a gulf front townhome in SeaHaunts, and one of the "established" Realtors at the time asked me why I wanted to buy it, because it was run down and needed work. I scratched my head and thought, "well......location , location , location. " I purchased the unit, proceeded to renovate and sold it in a year and a half and made what I thought was a nice profit. The market was not in a frenzy, but I took something that needed a facelift, got it at a good value, and passed on that renovated value to another purchaser who wanted a second home.
The run up in real estate in ’03-’05, and the subsequent correction we are experiencing now, has hit our local economy fairly hard. What are your thoughts on it all?
I see that prior to 2003, real estate in the 30A area was still a tad bit undervalued. We had not seen a large migration here, and people who lived here basically took the gorgeous area for granted. Many had purchased years and years ago, and "new blood" had not entered. Once folks became aware of the beauty, lifestyle and good values, (I call this the Tipping Point) the word spread, bargains were found, people made profits on those bargains, and that started the gold rush. There is a great book called The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. It illustrates how little things can make a BIG difference.
We are now getting back to normal, but with a caveat. Prior to 2003, few people were aware of our area, and yes, the run up of the market and now the quiet time has affected our local economy, but we are now on the map big time. Although we are experiencing a slow time, I feel that our infancy and turbulent teen years will bring us into a very comfortable adult life on 30A. For those who are willing, and can work through those growing pains, we will see a strong community which has been discovered and realized as a great destination area.
Care to give your opinion on how you think the real estate market will perform in ’08?
I wish that I had a crystal ball, and could tell you what is going to happen, but I don't and cannot.
I only truly feel that we have a very special place here. It really cannot be duplicated. There is only one other place I have visited that reminds me of the 30A area and the strip of land between Destin and Inlet Beach and that is Martha's Vineyard. Martha's Vineyard, as a special destination area, has been around much longer than our little paradise. Martha's Vineyard is not easy to get to. You either have to take a ferry, or fly, and when you get there, you are on a special little island that runs the gamut with land formation and terrain. It is made up of quaint villages, equestrian farms, boating communities and beach towns. I feel that our peninsula between the Destin Bridge and Inlet Beach Bridge is the same, except younger. In my estimation, we are only starting our long journey into what I believe will be one of the most sought after destinations in the US.
You recently joined Destin Real Estate after owning your own real estate brokerage for a few years – any particular reason why you transitioned?
I opened my company right at the pinnacle of the market, which was in 2005, and we are all aware that was when the market began to slow. It was difficult to grow strong during that time. Destin Real Estate Company was formed in 1998 and Blake has created a very strong, respected and high profile company. After investigating all my options, I truly feel that with Destin Real Estate's reputation and my credentials, I will continue my successful Real Estate Career here on 30A.
You have been a SoWal resident for a while now, what do you think about all the changes and growth taking place in the area?
Yes, I have seen many changes. When I arrived here in 1998, we had to go to Ft. Walton Beach for medical emergencies. We had to travel to the Old Hwy 98 area for groceries. After Labor Day, the streets were quiet and most restaurants were not open again until the Christmas holidays. The permanent residents of 30A in the late 90's were the pioneers.
There are always problems with growth, but through the trials and difficulties, we have seen and are seeing, so many positive outcomes of the growth of our area. We now have many permanent residents who are really concerned about the quality of life here and they become involved and voice their concerns. Consequently, because of that, our community will continue to evolve into an even more special place for those to come..........and they will come.
Thanks, Bert!
