Kersten Bowman presents

Set your sights on this fully remodeled, waterfront home in the heart of Destin that presents an 8 car garage and a separate Mother-in-law suite or guest quarters. This gated residence will greet you with 100 feet of water frontage on Choctawhatchee Bay within a .88 acre lot and includes a private dock with boat slip and lift, a white sanded beach area, an oversized private pool with a charming water feature and hot tub, and a grand covered patio suitable for outdoor entertaining. The interior features 5 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms with 2 additional half bathrooms and boasts 11,000 square feet of living space. There is a 2 bedroom, 2 full bathroom apartment that sits above the garage and holds an exclusive entry into the residence if desired.

The apartment has a full kitchen, living area with fireplace, and balcony with a view of the grounds from the second level. In the main residence, the open concept maintains luxury vinyl plank throughout the main floor, charming archways with crown molding, and several sets of French doors to let in natural light under 12-foot ceilings. The main kitchen area has been fully reconfigured to showcase an oversized kitchen island with a shiplap accent wall, Quartz countertops throughout, and stainless steel Monogram GE appliances (an 8 burner gas stove top with range, double oven set, sub-zero refrigerator and freezer, microwave, dishwasher, and an ice maker). Off the kitchen are a formal living area, large family room, and a formal dining room all with water views. The main floor is also home to an office, one and a half bathrooms, 2 laundry rooms, and a separate mudroom. Continue up the spiral staircase to the second level where you will find 4 additional and spacious bedrooms with 3 private bathrooms and the Master Bedroom with en-suite. White Oak can be found in the common areas with Porcelain tile in the bathrooms on this level. In the Master bedroom, you will wake up to breathtaking views of the water and may walk out onto the balcony to sip your morning coffee or cozy up in your private sitting area. As you enter into the master bathroom you are greeted with a spa-like feel to include a free-standing tub and separate shower with a glass door enclosure, two separate vanity areas, a private laundry room, and a large walk-in closet. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor where you will find a huge flex room with additional attic storage. The home has been completely remodeled to embody a blank and luxurious slate for the next owner to come to make it their own.

All listing information is to be checked and verified by the Buyer prior to closing.

Address: 4105 Indian Trail, Destin, FL 32541

Price: $5,275,000

Photo credit: David Warren Photography

The post Kersten Bowman Presents A Luxurious Fully Remodeled Home In Destin appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Hilary Farnum-Fasth was hosted by Haute Media Group Cofounder Seth Semilof. Watch their conversation below.

The topics included Hilary’s illustrious career from marketing at Regatta Bay, becoming a broker during the Great Recession, and her eventual ascendancy in luxury real estate partnering with The Corcoran Group.

Having started her real estate career within the renowned communities of Regatta Bay and WaterSound Beach, Hilary is well-versed in the art of selling luxury real estate. While the owner and of Beachy Beach 30A & Beachy Beach Destin, Hilary leads day-to-day operations, creates marketing and advertising programs, lists high-end luxury properties, and hires, trains, and manages new agents. Hilary attributes her professional success to a solid combination of tenacity and relationship building. For over 18 years, she has used her powerful negotiation skills to stay ahead of the curve in a dynamic, ever-changing industry.

Here are some of the questions and answers from the exclusive interview with Hilary.

Seth Semilof: In your bio, you went to Florida State. What did you do after school?

Hilary Farnum-Fasth: I was offered a job in Destin, Florida at Regatta Bay and that is where I got my start. I was in marketing for them and had an incredible mentor. He taught me everything to do with marketing. He always was teaching us how to sell real estate in a visionary way, but I actually did not want to sell real estate because my mom had been a real estate agent. Obviously, I was always meant to be in it and the developer saw that in me. He said, “Listen, you are sitting here on site doing the marketing, but sometimes, clients are coming in and the agents are out in the field. You are the one talking about the real estate, and I would be so much more comfortable if you had your real estate license.” I got the license and literally the day I got licensed, he said, “Oh, by the way, I need you to become an agent because we just had somebody move on.” That is how I got into real estate and, of course, it was the best thing I ever did.

SS: Tell us about how long it took you to start getting into sales. Did you have success immediately with that?

HFF: Ironically, I did have success immediately, but it was because I went all in. I actually invested in myself heavily. What I mean by that is everything was pulling way back and the first thing that people do is the thing they should not do, which is they stop paying for all the marketing. They get fear-based and fear drives them which for me, fear is not even in there at all. There was a local newspaper where if you had an ad in there, you were it. I did these full-page ads that cost a fortune. I went all in, so it allowed me to build very quickly and stand out very quickly.

SS: How did you come up with the entrepreneurial idea to bring Corcoran to your area?

HFF: They actually chose me as fate would have it. They had decided Corcoran was going to start having affiliates and they were looking for key brokers. They wanted a partnership with specific brokers, and they had identified me. As a broker, I had never ever had any interest or desire to be under a national brand. I had actually always been an independent broker, but Corcoran was that one brand that I always modeled after. I thought they had figured it all out and I love their messaging.

SS: What is some advice that you could give to a new agent or anyone that is getting into the business today?

HFF: This did not happen overnight because it is 20 plus years of loyalty. I did my job in cultivating those relationships and they now want to refer everybody to me. It should take a little time to cultivate that loyalty and those referrals. The goal is to make it a long-lasting career instead of this immediate overnight, make a lot of money type thing. I am growing something that is going to sustain for years and years, 10 years from now, 20 years from now. It is actually one of the coolest careers in that way.

SS: Where do you see yourself and your business in the next three to five years?

HFF: I definitely plan to open more Corcoran Reveries all throughout the southeast. I cannot wait to bring this brand to all the areas it is a perfect fit for. We are going to continue to grow and provide insanely high-level training at a luxury premium for agents because that is something missing in the market. Someone gave me that privilege when I started, and I want to give that now to all the agents that come and decide to be with us.

For more information, please contact Hilary Farnum-Fasth at (850) 231-5030 or hilary.ff@corcorangroup.com.

To watch more real estate webinars curated by Haute Residence, visit http://dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Chat With Haute Residence Leaders, Episode 9: Hilary Farnum-Fasth appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

8112 Inspiration, Miramar Beach, FL

Florida’s northwest Gulf Coast ranked #1 on the new “100 Best Markets to Buy a Vacation Rental Home in 2020” report by Rented Research and Weiss Analytics. The new 2020 report determined that Florida’s Panhandle offers the best returns on vacation home investments over every other U.S. market.

Listed below are reasons to invest your money in a 30A vacation rental home.

Potential for higher income

In purchasing a property in 30A, you can enjoy the potential to make income or anything that would otherwise fit your needs. This could include buying and holding; buying, improving, and selling; buying and converting to a vacation rental; buying and converting to a long-term rental; or any combination of these.

Whenever you purchase real estate, there is usually an opportunity to make some rental income (or at least cover expenses) and then, hopefully, make some money when you decide to sell down the road. Highway 30A (or “South Walton” more broadly) typically demands higher rental rates and higher dollar-per-foot sale prices than surrounding and competing areas.

This means that in areas that charge higher rental rates and have higher home values, there is a larger attraction from buyers and renters with higher disposable incomes. Purchasing a property in 30A will supplement higher vacation rental income and higher long-term rental income.

High real estate demand

30A is in the prime location for vacation rental homes with beautiful beaches, large state parks, and unique architecture on all sides. Nestled between the busy cities of Destin and Panama City Beach, 30A is the best spot for a laid-back vacation home when you are trying to escape hectic schedules or worries back at home. In real estate, location is everything; 30A has it all.

The quaint beach towns along highway 30A are where artists and promising architects alike gathered to create a place like no other. On 30A, you won’t find big chain businesses or many tract home developments; instead, you will find a place that has been protected since the ’80s from any development over 50 feet tall and communities that flow together with the surrounding environment.

30A has attracted many affluent families of the southern states, with many from the North and the Midwest now flocking to the Emerald Coast to vacation and invest in vacation rental homes.

Ownership flexibility

Owning real estate in 30A allows you the flexibility to be as involved or not involved as you would like. Many investors shy away from owning vacation rental homes because of how hands-on owners have to be. Owning a 30A vacation rental income-producing property allows a wide variety of involvement, ranging from full self-management to relatively hands-off ownership (recommended to use a home manager or full service management company) for the least involvement).

30A is still expanding

Even though a few homes on 30A date back to the 1890’s, anyone watching closely can see that 30A is still developing into one of the most coveted vacation destination spots in the U.S.

Examples of recent expansions and renovations include: Alys Beach and Kaiya Beach Resort are bringing a level of luxury and construction to 30A that is second to none; the St. Joe Beach Club has just undergone improvements in service and capacity; Seaside, 30A’s first “Planned Urban Development,” is experiencing a renovation push and more construction than ever before; Gulf front properties all over 30A are being purchased to make way for large, luxury $10 million (and higher) homes.

Our expert, Paula Hinegardner, can guide you through the process of purchasing a vacation home from start to finish. Once you decide to invest in a 30A vacation home (or vacation rental home), the Paula Hinegardner Group will walk you through each step in purchasing your new property, including both virtual and in-person home buying.

The first few steps in purchasing a new home will include:

• Consultation, either virtual or in-person
• Find your favorites through a drip system directly to your email to find the newest listings the day they hit the market!
• Take a Tour, either virtual or in-person

Buying and investing in a 30A property is more than what is seen on the surface, it’s buying into a secluded lifestyle and a unique beach town culture. Choose to vacation and invest in a 30A vacation rental home to make memories with families and friends for years to come — it will be worth your time, money and happiness.

For more information, please contact Paula Hinegardner at 615-618-1330 or phinegardner@me.com

Paula Hinegardner is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Rosa Beach, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photo credit: Jay Winter, Home Pix Media

The post Paula Hinegardner On The Benefits Of Owning An Emerald Coast Vacation Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The panelists were hosted by Haute Living's Erik Haase for the dialogue. They panelists were:

• Randi Ball, Award-Winning Agent, Corcoran, East Hampton, NY
• Anna Sherrill, Regional Director of Sales, ONE Sotheby's International Realty, Miami, FL
• Jonathan Spears, Founder, Spears Group with Scenic Sotheby's International Realty, Destin, FL

Watch the webinar below.

Highlight quotes:

Randi Ball: "There is no crystal ball. Don't be overly greedy. Price your house where it should be priced. Buyers are coming in and are happy to pay full price if [a home] is priced well. There's not a lot of game playing. So if you're going to sell your house, sell now. It's a great time to sell... For purchasers, houses are going fast, they are going at full price, and there are bidding wars. If you see what you like, you need to move really fast. People are staying here for longer periods of time and they are more looking for the right spot for their family than worried about, the extra half hour, 45-minute commute back to the city."

Anna Sherrill: "Rentals here, especially single-family homes, went really quickly. Low-density buildings with larger units went [as] well... We are still doing deals and things are happening. We have people from California and New York. Before, it was for taxes. Now they're staying here and just comfortable with what we have lifestyle-wise in Miami... Interest rates are at an all-time low. Everybody that can is taking advantage of it. Not everybody uses it right away when they're making an offer because they want their offer to be stronger, but money is very inexpensive so a lot of people get a cash offer and get financing... There are opportunities out there for everybody."

Jonathan Spears: "Folks have started to rethink their lifestyles. And so, when you're working remotely throughout the pandemic, and [they] realize this actually works, people decide to work remotely in Florida. This has been an area that, as folks have looked at case counts and determined what's the safest spot to go, they've come here... Primarily, we're second homes, but with that lifestyle change, we're starting to see more and more primary residences, serving the luxury end of the market... Being that stable, reliable source of information for your customers, and understanding your market and the value that you bring. This is what has allowed us to navigate a high volume of transactions in a very short amount of time.

To watch more webinars by Haute Residence, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

Randi Ball, Anna Sherrill, Jonathan Spears

The post Real Estate Webinar: The Latest On Atlantic Coast Markets appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Every detail is exquisite, from the marble countertops and tile to the built-in bookcases, fireplace, decorative trim, 10-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling window walls maximizing the views. Surround yourself with awe inspiring Gulf views and unmatched elegance. This is 3,800 square feet of true luxury living. This property has been fully renovated from the walls in starting in 2007 and again in 2017 complete with new HVAC systems, decor and finishes.

Enjoy the dream kitchen with gorgeous marble countertops and island and beautiful custom cabinets with wine storage. There are new contemporary tile floors, reminiscent of wood along with recessed lighting and marble backsplash. Top-of-the-line, stainless-steel appliances are sure to impress including the SubZero fridge, Viking hood, Jenn-Air double oven and ice machine. There is a welcoming breakfast nook with fantastic views of the Gulf or there is a formal dining area closer to the main living area.

Impressive light fixtures and chandeliers abound in this finely appointed unit. The living area features plenty of natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows and incredible Gulf views. Fine details like built-in bookcases and a gas fireplace add elegant luxury to this unique condo. There is an additional sitting area closer to the balcony access and a great balcony - the prime place to unwind, entertain, or enjoy a meal outside. With only 44 residences and this property being non-rental, enjoy views of natural dunes and nearly untouched beaches. This is a rare opportunity to have this much space and privacy.

The bedrooms are equally impressive all with en-suite marble bathrooms, direct and private balcony access, large closets and beautifully furniture and decor. The master bedroom suite is expansive in size and has wraparound windows letting in soft natural light and views of the Gulf. Access the main balcony directly from the room and enjoy your coffee overlooking the shimmering white sands and emerald green waters. There is a huge walk-in closet, built-in shelving and drawers and decorative molding.

The en-suite master bathroom is truly breathtaking with marble flooring, wall surround, shower and countertops. Relax in the Whirlpool tub and the separate walk-in shower with multiple shower heads - a spa like treat. The two spacious guest bedrooms each have a private smaller balcony and en-suite bathroom. There is a laundry room with high capacity washer and dryer that conveys and plenty of storage.

Regency Towers is unparalleled to any other condominium. With a semi-private elevator, only two units per floor and an extremely spacious interior, this property feels like a home. Amenities include gated entry, 24-hour security, 333 feet of beachfront for owners only, pool with Gulf views, kiddie pool, Clubhouse with granite and stainless steel kitchen, basketball court, shuffle board, fitness room, sauna, and game room with pool and ping pong. There is beach service including 2 chairs and an umbrella for owners and their guests and additional concierge type services as needed. There is plenty to keep you busy at Regency, but you are also in close vicinity to additional entertainment, coastal dining and shopping. This is a special piece of paradise!

Address: 950 E Highway 98 UNIT 6121, Destin, FL 32541

Price: $1,344,500

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3.5

View the listing here.

For more information contact Nathan Abbott at 850-803-7653 or nathan@nathanabbottteam.com

Nathan Abbott is the real estate agent exclusively representing the Destin, Santa Rosa Beach market as part of the Haute Residence real estate network. View all of his listings here. 

Images courtesy of Nathan Abbott 

The post Exclusive Beachfront Residence In Destin appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.