JUST SOLD – 149 W Wild Briar Rd., Santa Rosa Beach FL – House with Apartment

February 12, 2019 by

149 W. Wild Briar Rd., Mack Bayou, Santa Rosa Beach Florida sold in just 36 days! This unusual property with an apartment upstairs was on a canal that leads to Mack Bayou.  Offered for sale numerous times in the past and on and off the market, Wendy Rulnick, Broker, effected the final sale when the sellers listed with Rulnick Realty.  What factors cause a fast sale?

  • Fair Pricing
  • Excellent Marketing
  • Great Communications with the property sellers
  • Refined Negotiating
  • Follow Through to successful closing

This Mack Bayou home was not an easy property to sell. It had a floor plan that appealed to a limited market and needing updating.  Wendy Rulnick accomplished the task.

If you have an “easy” property to sell, there are hundreds of real estate agents you can call.

If your property presents a sales challenge because of its floorplan, condition, high price, difficult sales circumstances, multiple owners, divorce or short sale, call Wendy.

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

Filed Under: Santa Rosa Beach Florida

Development Parcel Under Contract – Brooks St. Elliotts Point Fort Walton Beach Florida

February 5, 2019 by

Under contract in 18 days!  338 Brooks Street in Fort Walton Beach Florida is a 1.56 acre waterfront parcel with an existing home, potentially subdividable to four or six lots.  This deep water lot went under deposit fast and was in high demand with multiple offers, before and after contract. What are the particulars?

Feature Summary – House – 338 Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach Florida

Estate-like property with unique Southern charm and character on deep water

Magnificent views and frontage of the Choctawhatchee Bay and Santa Rosa Sound

Fully, professionally landscaped, fenced with privacy hedge

Extensive, manor-like sodded park-like yard from home to water punctuated by a meandering 360’ pier to waterway, including the dock of about 125’

Elegant pavered wrap-around driveway

Interior views through architecturally interesting windows to porch

Two car detached garage plus separate detached carport/boat storage

Four Bedrooms

Three and a half Baths

Exterior:

Window boxes lined with copper

Exposed rafters for elegant look

Porches, patios

Waterway:

Can dock a 50’ – 60’ foot yacht on deep water

Sandy beach area

Seawall

Groin (groyne) is vinyl sheathed – on right side of waterfront area to help protect and reduce erosion

Fresh water at dock

Two boat lifts, 12,000 pound and 6,000 pound

This is the second development piece Wendy Rulnick has sold on the Emerald Coast in the past few months.  How may she help you?

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

Filed Under: Commercial Investment, Fort Walton Beach Florida

Life Without the Mid-Bay Bridge, Oh My!

January 11, 2019 by

I had just made it across the Mid-Bay Bridge to White Point Road and then to my home in Bluewater Bay. I had groceries in the car from my stop at Publix in Destin, as I frequently do on my way back from the office in Miramar Beach.  I either stop there or at Whole Foods to get our nightly dinner.  Being as obsessive compulsive as I am about food quality, I carry insulated bags in my car for groceries.  I worry about the food getting warm, even though it’s only about twelve minutes to my house from Highway 98 (I did say OCD, right?) For some weird reason, (probably another OCD) right after I put my groceries on the kitchen counter, I popped open Facebook before unloading them.  There was a community post for the Southwind neighborhood where I live in Bluewater Bay.  It said the Mid-Bay Bridge had been closed indefinitely for repairs.  Of course, I thought this was a joke.  I had just driven across the bridge, right?  Huh? There was a link and I followed it, still thinking it was a mistake or old news.  Then I went directly to the Northwest Florida Daily News website and there again, was the article. The Mid-Bay Bridge had been suddenly and indefinitely “closed” for repairs.

How could this be? I had driven across the bridge only five minutes earlier! I had seen no closure signs.  The only clue was earlier in the day, on my morning trip to the office, which by the way, normally takes 17 minutes, when I saw four large trucks parked and about a dozen workers with orange vests peering over the edge on the northbound lane on the side of the bridge nearer to Destin.  I had thought they were either doing repairs or inspections or looking for a body (I hate to say it, but I’ve seen that before). Alas, no. It must have been part of their re-inspection of the corroded tension cables, so they say.  I was in a state of shock. How would this affect my commute to work? Sure, I can work from home in my business field (real estate), but I need the “office” atmosphere to put myself in the mood.  I whipped out Google Maps on my phone and asked for the shortest route to 12889 Emerald Coast Parkway from Bluewater Bay.  It was buzzing all over Facebook that Google Maps were already updated and were not showing the availability of the Mid-Bay Bridge route.  Google Maps showed me the fastest path was Highway 20 through Fort Walton Beach, stating the time to arrival would be 54 minutes.  Posting this immediately on Facebook, receiving dozens of “friends” comments, I was told that Highway 20 to Highway 331, then through Santa Rosa Beach would be faster.

I had to give this the college try the next morning. I already knew (told you – OCD), that to get to Publix in Freeport took about 22 minutes.  It did. But how much longer would it be to get to Miramar Plaza? By the time I passed Sandestin, no, Sacred Heart Hospital, no, Walmart in Santa Rosa Beach, I had about lost it. There was no way I was going to have to do this again to get home, right? Call me spoiled. Tell me how it “used” to be in the good old days “before” the bridge. Tell me to toughen up “we used to do that all the time”!  I’ve got to counter you there – what life choices would have been made or not made had there been no Mid-Bay Bridge? I probably would have moved to Fort Walton Beach, had an office there, or one in Destin with a home in Destin.  NOT moved to Bluewater Bay with an office in Miramar Beach. (OK?) Anyway, after reaching my office (subtracting six minutes for a gas stop and Starbucks – bought as a present for myself for the commute turmoil), it took me a total of 58 minutes to reach work.  Typically, as I stated, it is 17 minutes.  My next issue was timing going home. I cannot drive in the dark. I’m one of those people with poor eyesight, contact lenses, coke bottle glasses, and get very distracted with headlights on me driving in pitch black. Since it gets dark about 5:00 p.m., I knew I would have to start home by 4:00 p.m.  After consulting with my engineer husband, he suggested I leave no later than 3:45 p.m.  The other catch was the gym time. I work out at Gold’s Gym in Destin and normally go there at 3:30 p.m. each day to exercise for an hour.  To keep up my gym routine, I would have to leave work at 2:45 p.m., lift weights for about 30 minutes, then scramble out to Highway 98. I did this. Stressed out the whole time. Ineffective work out.  Driving home was another story. It was now “rush hour”.  I could tell it would take longer. When I hit Highway 331, the sun really illuminated the cars in front of me, so much so that I didn’t notice the brake lights on the car I was following. No, I did not get in an accident, but definitely screeched the brakes. Pay attention, Wendy! By the time I got home it was an hour and fifteen minutes later.

Here is where I am today. Home. I’ve decided that driving for almost two and a half hours a day to work on my P.C. for three hours makes no sense. And I will go batty. So, I am remoting into the office computer and trying not to get distracted by doing the laundry, cleaning, playing with cats and writing blog posts.  I actually joined Bluewater Fitness yesterday, as it’s only three minutes from my house.  Am I being productive? No.  Not really. As I sit here typing away in my pajamas at 10:30 a.m.

Yesterday one of my real estate friends called me and said he heard the Mid-Bay Bridge had re-opened. I screamed with joy.  He called back five minutes later and said he misunderstood and was wrong. I was crushed. All day long I scour the internet looking for articles about the Mid-Bay Bridge. Any hint or hope of it re-opening soon. I feel for all my friends who MUST commute and are not able to work from home. People who travel from Crestview or Niceville to Destin or Miramar Beach. Eglin AFB workers who live in Destin and go to the base.  Of course, duh, safety is first.  Meanwhile, I’ll leave the hard-core investigating to the reporters and I will try to stop bird-watching long enough to get some work done.

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

UPDATE: Breaking News!! The Mid-Bay Bridge is tentatively scheduled to re-open on Wednesday evening, January 16, 2019!  My life is complete!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

Filed Under: Things to Know

338 Brooks St., Elliott Point, Waterfront Lot 1.5 Acres Fort Walton Beach Florida

January 4, 2019 by

The prize waterfront lot of Elliott Point at 338 Brooks Street, Fort Walton Beach, Florida has become available for purchase. Own this rare 1.56 acre deep water piece to build the ultimate estate in this coveted, established Fort Walton Beach neighborhood. The professionally landscaped manor-like yard with full privacy hedge has a meandering 360′ pier to the waterway and a 125′ dock. The deep, deep water off Santa Rosa Sound and Choctawhatchee Bay is suitable to berth a 50′-60′ vessel. There is a possibility to split the lot into four to six parcels, or consider subdividing off one or two lots to sell while building a superlative waterfront residence. There is a seawall and two boat lifts. This remarkable lot on the Sound, Bay and intercoastal is the consummate setting to create an unequalled waterfront estate.

Key features of this unique lot that runs length of Hood Ave. SE from the corner of Brooks St.:

  • Estate-like property with unique Southern charm and character
  • Magnificent waterfront views and frontage
  • Fully, professionally landscaped, fenced property with privacy hedge
  • Extensive, manor-like sodded park-like yard from home to water punctuated by a meandering 360’ pier to waterway, including the dock of about 125’
  • Can dock a 50’ – 60’ boat
  • Sandy beach area
  • Seawall
  • Groin is vinyl sheathed – on right side of waterfront area to help protect and retain sandy area
  • Fresh water at dock
  • Two boat lifts: 12,000 pound boat lift and 6,000 pound boat lift

Here are considerations for a developer who may wish to subdivide and build multiple homes at 338 Brooks St., Elliott Point, Fort Walton Beach, Florida:

The possibility exists for property to be subdivided to 4-6 lots with 4-5 fronting Hood Ave. SE and one potentially fronting Brooks St.

The public sandy beach/water access at the end of Hood Ave SE., adjacent to 338 Brooks St. adds value to subdivided non-waterfront lot splits.

The current zoning is R1E, minimum lot size 15,000 SF, minimum lot width 75’ per lot. The waterfront portion of the lot in zone R1E has a setback requirement of 50’ from the mean high water line. A zone change to R1 for the non-waterfront portion of the lot would change minimum lot size requirement to 7200 SF per lot, minimum lot width 75’ per lot, with a 25’ rear yard setback requirement. The process to approve subdivision would require amending the existing subdivision plat. For lot size splits, application for rezoning to R1 and subdividing could be considered concurrently. After City of Fort Walton Beach engineer/planning review, application would go before the seven member Local Planning Agency, which is a public board making a recommendation to City Council. Following, there would be two public hearings with City Council for consideration and final approval. The typical approval time after application is 60-90 days.

The City of Fort Walton Beach offers a pre-application meeting with engineer and planning department to include discussion of water, sewer, storm water management and plats. The developer may bring a preliminary site plan layout. The FEMA flood zones are AE9 nearer to Brooks Street, the majority of the lot is zoned AE10 and near to the water AE11. Information is to be verified independently from purchaser’s insurance agent. Separately, the developer may consider applying to FEMA for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) and building the proposed structures higher (via fill or pilings, etc) to reduce flood insurance premium costs or may consider raising the elevation of the property itself with fill and applying for a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR).

There is an existing 1950’s home on the site.

This information, actual lot size and dimensions and suitability for a particular use must be determined solely by the buyer.

USEFUL LINKS:

City of Fort Walton Beach GIS with map overlays

Municipal Code Administrative Standards

Land Development Code Comparative Table Ordinances

Site Development Standards

If you are interested in this one-of-a-kind deep water lot offering for either your imagined waterfront estate or as a development, contact me today.

338 Brooks St., Elliott Point, Fort Walton Beach Florida is offered for sale for $999,900.

UPDATE: This property is now under contract after only 18 days on the market! How may I help you?

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-259-0422
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

Filed Under: Fort Walton Beach Florida

My Latest Zillow Review from Destin Florida Home Seller

December 28, 2018 by

Thank you to my Destin Florida seller! I sold two Destin townhomes for him within a few weeks.  I advised him on an effective remodel that would maximize his selling price. It’s always a pleasure to hear that I’ve helped someone!

How may I help you?

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

Filed Under: Destin Florida, Etc.

Email Newsletter Reactions – Good and Bad

December 27, 2018 by

 

I usually send out about five email newsletters per year to my database, once every couple of months.  These contain a few local real estate articles or blog posts that I’ve recently written. The articles may be about houses or condos for sale, pending or sold, local information, “Diary of a Realtor” stories, and other items about the Emerald Coast real estate market or real estate in general.  The reactions from my customer base can be quiet at times. For example, I may get no responses at all. Sometimes, however, I get a call to list a property or for more information about local real estate for sale.  A few days ago I sent out a quick email newsletter about a charity event in Miramar Beach at The Wine Bar in Grand Boulevard to welcome the holiday season and raise funds for an autism support group in Walton County.  I received two email responses.

Email Response #1:

Subject Line: STOP EMAILING ME (all caps)

Content: QUIT EMAILING ME (all caps)

Email Response #2:

“Thank you for thinking of us -we would love to go but will be headed out of town that day for a few days. Please let us know of any future events like this as we would love to attend.”

I felt really bad that the first party was annoyed with me. I immediately emailed her and told her I would remove her name from my database.  The second party’s response made my day, however!  If you would like an occasional local real estate update via email, let me know or subscribe here.

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

Filed Under: Things to Know

Canal Front Home & Apartment – 149 W Wild Briar Rd. Mack Bayou Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459

December 27, 2018 by

Investment opportunity in South Walton County! Waterfront home on canal with Apartment in Mack Bayou area at 149 W. Wild Briar Road, Santa Rosa Beach Florida is now for sale. Boat out to the Choctawhatchee Bay from the canal.  The second floor of this house has a separate studio apartment of 520 SF with kitchenette and full bathroom for rental income. The apartment is accessed from the rear with a separate entrance.  It has a granite kitchenette, bathroom and open concept floorplan.  This Mack Bayou home has 100′ feet on the water with room enough for a 19′ center console boat to jet out to the Choctawhatchee Bay. The main house has a welcoming porch, 9′ ceilings, recessed lighting and open kitchen with maple cabinets and stainless steel appliances. The airy floorplan has architectural details such as a barrel ceiling in the master bath. The canal front setting is framed by plentiful windows. The second floor deck off the apartment is a tree top retreat of seclusion.  Recently painted main house has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. 100 feet on canal, second floor deck. Potential rental income $2000 for house or more, $800 to $1000 for studio apartment per month.

 

Watch the virtual tour.

149 W. Wild Briar Road is offered for sale for $429,900.

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

 

Filed Under: Santa Rosa Beach Florida

Jingle & Mingle Charity Event for Individuals with Autism – Westonwood Ranch – The Wine Bar, Miramar Beach FL

November 14, 2018 by

Come to the “Jingle & Mingle” charity holiday kick-off event at The Wine Bar at Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach Florida. Enjoy live music by Mari Gleason, appetizers, wine, beer, raffles at this fabulous restaurant in Sandestin on December 2, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.! Proceeds will benefit Westonwood Ranch of Walton County, a farm-based learning program for individuals with autism and related developmental disorders. Westonwood’s mission statement includes its goal to “fill the gap in transition services as young adolescents enter adulthood who have ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)”.  Read founder Lindy Wood’s story of her son Weston and prepare to be moved as you understand why she created this important community organization.

Order your $35.00 tickets here. We hope to see you Sunday December 2, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

Filed Under: Etc.

43 Shipwreck Rd. E., Mack Bayou, Driftwood Estates, Santa Rosa Beach Florida

November 5, 2018 by

This Mack Bayou area home at 43 Shipwreck Rd. E in Driftwood Estates, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, impresses with grand, open living spaces. Almost 3000 square feet, it has four bedrooms, three full bathrooms and a separate office.  New wood tile floors flow from room to room offering incredible lifestyle arrangements for multiple seating areas. Upgrades of almost $60,000 include the stand-out kitchen with an enormous granite center island. Two chefs could put on quite a show cooking here. The cabinetry is remodeled, all counters are granite and appliances stainless. The dream walk-in pantry will hold every exotic spice, canister and staple to plate meals of your imagination. This Driftwood Estates home has been newly painted, the bathrooms have updated granite and faucets. The eye-pleasing style with plant ledges, cathedral ceiling and light-bathed neutrals decorate this stunning Santa Rosa Beach home. Five minutes away find Sacred Heart Hospital, dining and shopping opportunities. Take a 15 minute drive to Grand Boulevard in Sandestin, which has a movie theater, famed Emeril’s Coastal Italian, Vin’tij restaurant and more, the Village of Baytowne Wharf, or the beaches of South Walton and the Gulf of Mexico. The more than half-acre estate sized lot is cleared and level, backing up to nature preserve with bird-filled woods. It invites relaxing, playing with children or pets, planting a garden and fenced privacy.

Watch the virtual tour.

   

43 E. Shipwreck Rd., Driftwood Estates in Santa Rosa Beach Florida is offered for sale for $429,900.

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

Filed Under: Santa Rosa Beach Florida

Recent Sales Around the Emerald Coast – How May I Help You?

November 5, 2018 by

It’s been a busy selling season around the Emerald Coast of Florida. I’ve helped a variety of sellers and buyers accomplish their real estate goals.  Here are a few examples of recent sales:

Quail Run Townhomes, Destin Florida – Unit 134 – sold

1014 Airport Rd., Destin Florida – Unit 142 – sold

Bon Villas Townhome, Miramar Beach Florida – sold

Blue Pine Village, 1543 Meadowbrook Ct., Niceville Florida – sold

74 Amadeus Avenue, Freeport Florida – new construction home – sold

Holley by the Sea home at 1854 Seahawk Lane, Navarre Florida – sold

Miramar Beach/Destin development land on Driftwood Rd. for $1,000,000 – sold

Waterfront lot in Elliott Point off Brooks Street, on Choctawhatchee Bay, Fort Walton Beach, Florida for $425,000 – sold

12 Unit Apartment Complex for $746,800 – sold

Summerlin Condo on Sundial Court, Okaloosa Island, gulf front unit, Fort Walton Beach Florida for $430,000 (one of the highest price per square footage sales on Okaloosa Island) – sold

Emerald Village remodeled home in Fort Walton Beach Florida – sold

Woodland Shores building lot on Warwick Drive in Poquito Bayou, Shalimar Florida for $155,000 – sold

Crete Ct., home in Mediterranean Village at Bluewater Bay, Niceville Florida – sold

Sandy Ridge Estates home in Crestview Florida – sold

Lakeside at Bluewater Bay, Niceville Florida condo sold in 7 days

Barrington Lane, Bungalows at Bluewater Bay home sold in -0- days, ask me how

Lakeview condo on Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach Florida sold

Hermitage Condo with boat slip on Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach Florida – sold

Home on Sunfish Street, Kokomo Kove near Crystal Beach, Destin Florida – sold

Fairmont Street short sale in Holley by the Sea, Navarre Florida – sold

Indian Lake condo in Destin Florida – sold

How may I help you?

 

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

Filed Under: Etc.
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