The 17th Annual Girls Getaway will be held Feb. 10-13 in Rosemary Beach.

Festivities include Thursday welcome bonfire, workshops (fashion and wine), yoga, tour of homes, tour of outdoor sculpture exhibition, Saturday evening bash with dinner, dancing, silent auction, Sunday brunch and more.

Tickets www.rbfgirlsgetaway.com and more information and schedule of events is available at https://www.rosemarybeachfoundation.org/girls-getaway.

The 17th Annual Girls Getaway benefits the Rosemary Beach Foundation and their charitable partner, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital’s new pediatric emergency room. The new pediatric center will include four treatment rooms, one triage room, and three observation rooms, all with advanced equipment specially designed for diagnosing medical emergencies in children. Sick and injured children, ages 1 to 18, will be able to have specialized medical care close to home.

Source: The Walton Sun

If you’re thinking about selling your house in 2022, you truly have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at your fingertips. When selling anything, you always hope for strong demand for the item coupled with a limited supply. That maximizes your leverage when you’re negotiating the sale. Home sellers are in that exact situation right now. Here’s why.

Demand Is Very Strong

According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 6.18 million homes were sold in 2021. This was the largest number of home sales in 15 years. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, explains:

“Sales for the entire year finished strong, reaching the highest annual level since 2006. . . . With mortgage rates expected to rise in 2022, it’s likely that a portion of December buyers were intent on avoiding the inevitable rate increases.”

Demand isn’t expected to weaken this year, either. In addition, the Mortgage Finance Forecast, published last week by the Mortgage Bankers’ Association (MBA), calls for existing-home sales to reach 6.4 million homes this year.

Supply Is Very Limited

The same sales report from NAR also reveals the months’ supply of inventory just hit the lowest number of the century. It notes:

“Total housing inventory at the end of December amounted to 910,000 units, down 18% from November and down 14.2% from one year ago (1.06 million). Unsold inventory sits at a 1.8-month supply at the present sales pace, down from 2.1 months in November and from 1.9 months in December 2020.”

The reality is, inventory decreases every year in December. That’s just how the typical seasonal trend goes in real estate. However, the following graph emphasizes how this December was lower than any other December going all the way back to 1999.

Right Now, Sellers Have Maximum Leverage

As mentioned above, when there’s strong demand for an item and a limited supply of it available, the seller has maximum leverage in the negotiation. In the case of homeowners who are thinking about selling, there may never be a better time than right now. While demand is this high and inventory is this low, you’ll have leverage in all aspects of the sale of your house.

Today’s buyers know they need to be flexible negotiators that make very competitive offers, so here are a few areas that could tip in your favor when your house goes on the market:

• Competitive sales price
• Flexible closing date
• Potential for a leaseback to allow you more time to find a home
• Minimal offer contingencies

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, now is the optimal time to list it. Let’s connect to discuss how you can put your house on the market today.

Source: Keeping Current Matters

Visit South Walton has announced the 2022 Perfect in South Walton award winners. The annual awards, now in its eighth

year, are nominated and voted upon by visitors and residents alike and recognizes local restaurants, businesses and events in a variety of categories.

“The Perfect in South Walton awards are a great opportunity for us to celebrate local businesses, to help them feel a little love from locals and visitors who have made great memories thanks to the people working hard to create a special experience for them,” says Visit South Walton Director of Communications Matt Algarin. “It’s one of the ways we support those businesses and help remind visitors of the many reasons they have to come back again.”

You can view all the winners at Perfectinsouthwalton.com and flip through the digital Perfect in South Walton 2022 Guide.

Here are this year’s Perfect in South Walton Award winners listed by Category:

ACTIVITIES/SHOPPING

Best Art Gallery/Studio:

Diamond: Saczynski Gallery

Platinum: The Blue Giraffe

Gold: Justin Gaffrey Studio

Best Clothing Boutique:

Diamond: Mercantile

Platinum: Willow Boutique

Gold: Indigo

Best Event:

Diamond: 30A Songwriters Festival

Platinum: Sandestin Wine Festival

Gold: Digital Graffiti

Best Golf Course:

Diamond: Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club

Platinum: Camp Creek Golf Club

Gold: Raven Golf Club

Best Jewelry Boutique:

Diamond: La Vie Est Belle

Platinum: Jewelry of 30A

Gold: McCaskill & Company

Best Kids Attraction:

Diamond: The Hub 30A

Platinum: Village of Baytowne Wharf

Gold: Camp WaterColor

Best Park/Nature Locale:

Diamond: Grayton Beach State Park

Platinum: Eden Gardens State Park

Gold: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Best Shopping Area:

Diamond: Grand Boulevard at Sandestin

Platinum: Seaside Merchants

Gold: Silver Sands Premium Outlets

Best Tennis Facility:

Diamond: WaterColor Tennis by MatchPoint Resorts

Platinum: Rosemary Beach Racquet Club

Gold: Sandestin Tennis Center

ACCOMMODATIONS

Best Bed & Breakfast/Inn:

Diamond: Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse

Platinum: Rosemary Beach Inn

Gold: Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin

Best Hotel/Resort:

Diamond: The Pearl Hotel

Platinum: WaterColor Inn & Resort

Gold: Hotel Effie

Best Rental Management Company:

Diamond: 360 Blue

Platinum: 30A Beach Girls

Gold: Cottage Rental Agency

FOOD/DRINKS

Best Breakfast:

Diamond: Donut Hole

Platinum: Black Bear Bread Co.

Gold: The Perfect Pig

Best Casual Dining:

Diamond: The Red Bar

Platinum: Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar

Gold: The Bay

Best Coffee House:

Diamond: Amavida Coffee Roasters

Platinum: Bad Ass Coffee

Gold: 2 Birds Coffee + Café

Best Craft Beer Selection:

Diamond: Grayton Beer Company

Platinum: The Craft Bar

Gold: Growler Garage

Best Fine Dining:

Diamond: Café Thirty-A

Platinum: Vue on 30A

Gold: Restaurant Paradis

Best Happy Hour:

Diamond: Great Southern Café

Platinum: Hurricane Oyster Bar

Gold: Amici 30A Italian Kitchen

Best Lunch:

Diamond: Chanticleer Eatery

Platinum: Bud & Alley’s

Gold: Cowgirl Kitchen

Best Sweet Treats:

Diamond: Blue Mountain Bakery

Platinum: Blue Mountain Beach Creamery

Gold: Pecan Jack’s

Best Wine List:

Diamond: The Wine Bar/Wine World

Platinum: Cuvee 30A

Gold: Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood

SERVICES

Best Beach Photographer:

Diamond: Chandler Williams/Modus Photography

Platinum: Ashley Nichole Photography

Gold: Jose David Cantu/JDC Photo

Best Beach Service Provider:

Diamond: La Dolce Vita

Platinum: Jake’s Beach Service

Gold: South Walton Beach Chair Guys

Best Fishing Charter:

Diamond: Reel 30A

Platinum: Florida Boy Adventures

Gold: Santa Rosa Charters

Best Local Musician or Band:

Diamond: Forrest Williams Band

Platinum: Chris Alvarado

Gold: Luke Langford Band

Best Outdoor Adventure Company:

Diamond: YOLO Board

Platinum: BOTE Grayton

Gold: Adventure 30A

Best Spa:

Diamond: Serenity by the sea Spa

Platinum: Spa Pearl

Gold: Spa Lilliana

VENUES

Best Conference Space:

Diamond: Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

Platinum: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Gold: WaterColor LakeHouse

Best Live Music Venue:

Diamond: The Red Bar

Platinum: The Hub 30A

Gold: AJ’s Grayton Beach

Best Wedding Venue:

Diamond: The Chapel at Seaside

Platinum: Eden Gardens State Park

Gold: Vue on 30A

Source: The Walton Sun

https://www.waltonsun.com/story/news/2022/01/21/perfect-south-walton-2022-winners-announced/6606300001/

Facts and Trends™ Published January 2022* Location:   Watersound, Watersound Beach, Watersound Bridges Price Range:   $0 – No Limit SQFT Range:   0 – No Limit Property Types:   Residential – Detached Single Family – All Properties – All Properties – All Properties Bedrooms:   0 – No Limit Full Baths:   0 – No Limit Half Baths:   0 – No Limit Year Built:   0 – No Limit

 

Number of Homes For Sale vs. Sold vs. Pended (Last 3 years)

 

Average Price per SQFT (Sold) (Last 3 years)

 

Avg Days On Market & SP/Orig LP % (Last 3 years)

 

Average Price of For Sale and Sold (Last 3 years)

 

Months of Inventory Based on Closed Sales (Last 3 years)

 

Facts and Trends™ Published January 2022* Location:   Watercolor Price Range:   $0 – No Limit SQFT Range:   0 – No Limit Property Types:   Residential – Detached Single Family – All Properties – All Properties – All Properties Bedrooms:   0 – No Limit Full Baths:   0 – No Limit Half Baths:   0 – No Limit Year Built:   0 – No Limit

 

Number of Homes For Sale vs. Sold vs. Pended (Last 3 years)

Curnt vs. Prev Month Curnt vs. Same Month 1 Yr Ago Curnt vs. Same Qtr 1 Yr Ago Curnt vs. Same Month 3 Yrs Ago Curnt vs. Same 12 Months 1 Yr Ago Curnt vs. Same Qtr 2 Yrs Ago Curnt vs. Same 12 Months 2 Yrs Ago Dec. 21 Nov. 21 % Change Dec. 21 Dec. 20 % Change Oct. 21 to Dec. 21 Oct. 20 to Dec. 20 % Change Dec. 21 Dec. 18 % Change Jan. 21 to Dec. 21 Jan. 20 to Dec. 20 % Change Oct. 21 to Dec. 21 Oct. 19 to Dec. 19 % Change Jan. 21 to Dec. 21 Jan. 19 to Dec. 19 % Change For Sale 6 12 -50% 6 9 -33.3% 6 9 -33.3% 6 38 -84.2% 6 9 -33.3% 6 44 -86.4% 6 44 -86.4% Sold 9 7 28.6% 9 12 -25% 20 42 -52.4% 9 10 -10% 145 141 2.8% 20 19 5.3% 145 80 81.3% Pended 7 8 -12.5% 7 11 -36.4% 21 32 -34.4% 7 3 133.3% 137 153 -10.5% 21 11 90.9% 137 78 75.6% TODAY’S STATS Current vs. Prev MTD Current vs. Same MTD 1 Yr Ago Current vs. Prev YTD 1/1/22 – 1/6/22 12/1/21 – 12/6/21 % Change 1/1/22 – 1/6/22 1/1/21 – 1/6/21 % Change 1/1/22 – 1/6/22 1/1/21 – 1/6/21 % Change For Sale 6 12 -50% 6 13 -53.8% 6 13 -53.8% Sold 0 1 -100% 0 2 -100% 0 2 -100% Pended 1 0 N/A     1 1 0%     1 1 0%     December 2021 is a Seller’s market** Home For Sale in December 2021 is 6 units. It is down 50% compared to last month and down 33.3% compared to last year. Home Closed in December 2021 is 9 units. It is up 28.6% compared to last month and down 25% compared to last year. Home Placed under Contract in December 2021 is 7 units. It is down 12.5% compared to last month and down 36.4% compared to last year. **Buyer’s market: more than 6 months of inventory based on closed sales. Seller’s market: less than 3 months of inventory based on closed sales. Neutral market: 3 – 6 months of inventory based on closed sales.

 

Average Price per SQFT (Sold) (Last 3 years)

Curnt vs. Prev Month Curnt vs. Same Month 1 Yr Ago Curnt vs. Same Qtr 1 Yr Ago Curnt vs. Same Month 3 Yrs Ago Curnt vs. Same 12 Months 1 Yr Ago Curnt vs. Same Qtr 2 Yrs Ago Curnt vs. Same 12 Months 2 Yrs Ago Dec. 21 Nov. 21 % Change Dec. 21 Dec. 20 % Change Oct. 21 to Dec. 21 Oct. 20 to Dec. 20 % Change Dec. 21 Dec. 18 % Change Jan. 21 to Dec. 21 Jan. 20 to Dec. 20 % Change Oct. 21 to Dec. 21 Oct. 19 to Dec. 19 % Change Jan. 21 to Dec. 21 Jan. 19 to Dec. 19 % Change Avg. Sq. Ft. Price (Sold) 986 961 2.6% 986 696 41.7% 966.65 675.4 43.1% 986 555 77.7% 823.86 642.95 28.1% 966.65 591.05 63.5% 823.86 561.66 46.7% TODAY’S STATS Current vs. Prev MTD Current vs. Same MTD 1 Yr Ago Current vs. Prev YTD 1/1/22 – 1/6/22 12/1/21 – 12/6/21 % Change 1/1/22 – 1/6/22 1/1/21 – 1/6/21 % Change 1/1/22 – 1/6/22 1/1/21 – 1/6/21 % Change Avg. Sq. Ft. Price (Sold) 0 900 -100% 0 753 -100% 0 753 -100% December 2021 Average Sold Price per Square Footage is Appreciating** Average Sold Price per Square Footage in December 2021 is $986. It is up 2.6% compared to last month and up 41.7% compared to last year. **Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral.

 

Avg Days On Market & SP/Orig LP % (Last 3 years)

Curnt vs. Prev Month Curnt vs. Same Month 1 Yr Ago Curnt vs. Same Qtr 1 Yr Ago Curnt vs. Same Month 3 Yrs Ago Curnt vs. Same 12 Months 1 Yr Ago Curnt vs. Same Qtr 2 Yrs Ago Curnt vs. Same 12 Months 2 Yrs Ago Dec. 21 Nov. 21 % Change Dec. 21 Dec. 20 % Change Oct. 21 to Dec. 21 Oct. 20 to Dec. 20 % Change Dec. 21 Dec. 18 % Change Jan. 21 to Dec. 21 Jan. 20 to Dec. 20 % Change Oct. 21 to Dec. 21 Oct. 19 to Dec. 19 % Change Jan. 21 to Dec. 21 Jan. 19 to Dec. 19 % Change Avg Days on Market 37 7 428.6% 37 20 85% 26 47 -44.7% 37 176 -79% 31 102 -69.6% 26 155 -83.2% 31 126 -75.4% Sold/Orig LP Diff. % 95 100 -5% 95 96 -1% 97 95 2.1% 95 94 1.1% 97 94 3.2% 97 93 4.3% 97 94 3.2% TODAY’S STATS Current vs. Prev MTD Current vs. Same MTD 1 Yr Ago Current vs. Prev YTD 1/1/22 – 1/6/22 12/1/21 – 12/6/21 % Change 1/1/22 – 1/6/22 1/1/21 – 1/6/21 % Change 1/1/22 – 1/6/22 1/1/21 – 1/6/21 % Change Avg Days on Market 0 30 -100% 0 9 -100% 0 9 -100% Sold/Orig LP Diff. % 0 91 -100% 0 100 -100% 0 100 -100% December 2021 Average Days on Market trend Remains Steady** Average Days on Market in December 2021 is 37. It is up 428.6% compared to last month and up 85% compared to last year. December 2021 Sold/Original List Price Ratio Remains Steady** Sold/Original List Price % in December 2021 is 95%. It is down 5% compared to last month and down 1% compared to last year. **Based on 6 month trend – Rising/Falling/Remains Steady.

 

Average Price of For Sale and Sold (Last 3 years)

 

	Curnt vs. Prev Month			Curnt vs. Same Month 1 Yr Ago			Curnt vs. Same Qtr 1 Yr Ago			Curnt vs. Same Month 3 Yrs Ago			Curnt vs. Same 12 Months 1 Yr Ago			Curnt vs. Same Qtr 2 Yrs Ago			Curnt vs. Same 12 Months 2 Yrs Ago
	Dec. 21	Nov. 21	% Change	Dec. 21	Dec. 20	% Change	Oct. 21 to Dec. 21	Oct. 20 to Dec. 20	% Change	Dec. 21	Dec. 18	% Change	Jan. 21 to Dec. 21	Jan. 20 to Dec. 20	% Change	Oct. 21 to Dec. 21	Oct. 19 to Dec. 19	% Change	Jan. 21 to Dec. 21	Jan. 19 to Dec. 19	% Change
Avg. Active Price	3559	3871	-8.1%	3559	3168	12.3%	3745	3037	23.3%	3559	2299	54.8%	3618	2580	40.2%	3745	2347	59.6%	3618	2280	58.7%
Avg. Sold Price	3321	3129	6.1%	3321	2057	61.4%	3166	2181	45.2%	3321	1717	93.4%	2610	2102	24.2%	3166	2018	56.9%	2610	1858	40.5%

 

	TODAY’S STATS
	Current vs. Prev MTD			Current vs. Same MTD 1 Yr Ago			Current vs. Prev YTD
	1/1/22 – 1/6/22	12/1/21 – 12/6/21	% Change	1/1/22 – 1/6/22	1/1/21 – 1/6/21	% Change	1/1/22 – 1/6/22	1/1/21 – 1/6/21	% Change
Avg. Active Price	3408	3907	-12.8%	3408	3139	8.6%	3408	3139	8.6%