The latest data for the Emerald Coast of Florida’s real estate market including Destin, 30A, Niceville and Fort Walton Beach shows a shift underway in our real estate market—and it’s worth unpacking what that might mean if you’re thinking of buying or selling.

📊 Inventory is Up, Sales Are Down

Active inventory in the Emerald Coast real estate market climbed to 3,663 single-family homes, an 18% increase from last year. At the same time, closed sales dropped 13%, and new listings dipped slightly by 2.4%. Months supply? Up significantly to 7.2 months, compared to 5.8 a year ago. (Months supply, also called “Months inventory” is one of my favorite statistics. It shows how long it would take to sell all the current inventory at today’s rate of sales. So, if it’s a slower (longer) market, months inventory increases.)

In short: more homes on the market, fewer are selling.

💲 Prices Are Pulling Back

The average sale price in the Emerald Coast real estate market including Destin, 30A, Niceville, and Fort Walton Beach, dropped 12% to $755,759. This is a notable year-over-year decline in a market that had previously seen aggressive price growth. Buyers are gaining leverage. Sellers are facing a longer runway to close.

🧠 What This Means for You

• For Sellers: You must price competitively. With more options available, overpricing could lead to your home sitting unsold while others grab attention.
• For Buyers: Opportunity is increasing. Inventory is up, prices are softening, and longer days on market can translate into better negotiations.
• For Both: Despite the shifting landscape, demand hasn’t vanished. Pending sales actually ticked up 3.3%—a sign that well-priced, well-prepared homes are still moving.

📈 My Price Forecast?

If inventory continues to outpace demand, further downward pressure on prices is logical in the Emerald Coast real estate market, including Destin, 30A, Niceville, and Fort Walton Beach, particularly for homes that aren’t turnkey. That said, I don’t predict a crash—just a return to balance, or even a slight buyer’s market. Think strategic pricing and thoughtful upgrades, and purposeful planning.

Ready to make your move?
It’s Wendy… It’s Sold.

The post 🔍 Emerald Coast Real Estate Market NOW – Destin, 30A, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

3.8 Acre Waterfront Lot (#19, 20, 21) Sunset Point Rd. Vernon, Florida, Walton County now available for purchase.

For the daring water seeker, the maverick dreamer wanting solitude.

This approximately three acre waterfront lot is in the little known region of the Emerald Coast of Florida in Walton County opposite Point Washington, known as Sunset Point. This breathtaking waterfront parcel sits on the corner of Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

Find wide open vistas of the bay with long, stunning sunset views reflected for miles.  Few neighbors will you see, except for wild flora and fauna, jumping fish, and passing sail boats.

The creative new owner of this untamed land can maximize its remote nature and privacy to make wishes reality.

As development in Northwest Florida fingers out more and more, finding a lot of this size, yet within reach to the area’s rich offerings will be a captivating opportunity for an ambitious owner. Could you build a retreat, a cabin, a cottage or a substantial domicile?

To reach the lot, prepare to go through some miles of unpaved road, and walk the trail via easement to the thickly treed property.

Imagine, dream, be.

Lots 19, 20, 21 Sunset Point Rd., Walton County Florida offered for sale for $99,900.

Buyer to do own due diligence, wetland study, and building investigations. Lot size is from public records, but with the passage of time, wave motion has likely worn down the shoreline from its original platted size.

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

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

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, lists and sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Crestview, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Freeport, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

Parlo italiano.

The post 3 Acre Waterfront Lot -Sunset Point Rd. Vernon – Point Washington Area, Walton County Florida first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

Just Listed – Lot 17, 83 Earl Rd., Inlet Beach, Florida 32461

To find a lot of this magnitude in South Walton, less than a mile from the Gulf of Mexico, located directly on Lake Powell, at almost an full acre – is unheard of.

Offered now for sale for those seeking privacy, yet moments from the exciting vibe of the uber lifestyle of 30A and the beach.

Imagine living on Lake Powell, one of the few coastal dune lakes in the entire world. Imagine living under a magical canopy of grand, mature trees. Imagine living less than a mile from the white sands of the Gulf of Mexico. Imagine all this on almost a full acre of land. In South Walton, you will not find another lot of this size, beauty and location.

The lot, at .94 acres is approximately 82 x 484.   The property has public water, and public sewer is available.  The road is gravel and maintained by Walton County.  Located in a Coastal Dune Lake Protection Zone, there are building requirements to respect the environment.

From the lot, fish in the rare ecosystem of Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in Florida and North America. The combination of salt and freshwater offers a wide variety of fish. Paddle board, kayak or boat through Lake Powell’s outfall, which is a channel that flows directly to the Gulf of Mexico.

Moments away, find the top echelon of dining and shopping on 30A. The new Inlet Beach Pedestrian Underpass will be completed in 2022, a few minute walk from the property.  Camp Helen State Park, a historic site, is around the bend off Highway 98.  A major airport in Panama City Beach is within reach.

This is an unrivaled setting to create the home of your imagination. This is the opportunity of dreams.

83 Earl Rd., Inlet Beach, Florida is offered for $899,000.

UPDATE: This lot is now under contract!

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

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

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, lists and sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Crestview, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Freeport, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

Parlo italiano.

The post 83 Earl Rd. – Acre Lot – Waterfront – Lake Powell Coastal Dune Lake, Inlet Beach FL 32461 first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

SOLD! A new home on Lot 8 Euvino Way, Church Street Landing, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459.

This is a new construction home that will be built similar to the photo.  My buyers were impressed with the quality offered by Martelle Builders when they previewed this home in the Ivy subdivision, Inlet Beach, Florida.

The builder representative, Logan Horne, made the whole process a delight. Logan offered to meet with my clients while our area was hit with the fringes of Hurricane Ida.  Afterward, Logan graciously came to my office, toting her laptop and contract paperwork.  She told me she would be brief, and one hour later, we had a signed contract and happy buyer.

The Ruth model is about 1800 square feet, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and a base price below $500,000.  This home will be built in the new Church Street Landing subdivision off Church St. on Euvino Way in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. The lot backs up to woodlands.  The Gulf of Mexico is 2.8 miles away directly down Scenic 393 on Scenic 30A, at the Ed Walline Beach Access.  Adjacent is Gulf Place Town Center with dining, shopping, artists, and vibrant concerts.

The first steps and selections of colors and upgrades are complete. We will be getting weekly updates about the progress of construction from the builder.

Stay tuned for new photos as the plans become reality.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for a new construction home in Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, or the surrounding towns on the Emerald Coast of Florida, give me a call.

Search New Construction Homes for Sale – Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

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

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, lists and sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Crestview, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Freeport, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

Parlo italiano.

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

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

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, lists and sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Crestview, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Freeport, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

Parlo italiano.

The post SOLD! Lot 8 Euvino Way, Church Street Landing, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459 first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

Just Listed – 167 Starlight Ln., Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459

Plush, exquisite simplicity. This elegant manufactured home has bamboo floors, vaulted ceilings, enchanting lighting, and stylish design throughout. An angled breakfast bar overlooks the living room. The fireplace has a new surround that picks up the muted greys of the kitchen. There is a tile backsplash and new gas oven/range and hood.

The walk-in pantry maximizes storage. Surprises await in the master bathroom with soaking tub. Three bedrooms plus office with French doors with upscale feel.

The outdoor living area elevates lifestyle, with an enormous, captivating screened porch with wood ceiling, cooling shades, ceiling fans, and outdoor gas fireplace. The roof is metal. New air conditioner. The location is prime to enjoy Gulf of Mexico beaches, dining and shopping. Less than 3 miles to famous 30A Scenic Highway.

167 Starlight Ln., Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459 is offered for $299,900.

Watch the virtual tour.

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

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

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, lists and sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Crestview, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Freeport, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

The post 167 Starlight Ln., Santa Rosa Beach Florida Near 30A – For Sale first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

Grande Pointe Lot 83, short sale, in Inlet Beach, off 30-A in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, just sold for $90,000. This was a Regions Bank short sale.  WHAT? A short sale in today’s market? It doesn’t happen often, but there are still some cases along the Emerald Coast of Florida where prices have not caught up (yet) to the market as it was in 2005.  There are probably only pockets of instances where this could occur. In the Grande Pointe subdivision, lots were selling for around $350,000 in 2005.  Now they are “skyrocketing” from a low in the $30,000 range in 2012, to over $100,000 today.  The funny thing is, I worked on a short sale for this property back in 2012. At the time, the short sale lender, Regions, would not accept a fair market value offer.  This year, they did.

I’ll copy what I wrote in my original blog post from 2012 here:

Gorgeous building lot in elegant Grande Pointe subdivision in Inlet Beach. You will be enchanted by this neighborhood in Santa Rosa Beach Florida. Impressive entrance, community pool, amenities pavilion with kitchen and community dock. Located on Lake Powell, east of Rosemary Beach, you will be near public beach access and miles of biking trails. Well-located for the South Walton 30-A lifestyle, the Panama City International Airport makes owning here convenient, too. Minimum home size 1450 square feet.  This is a Regions Bank short sale listing.

Grande Point at Inlet Beach, Lot 83, Santa Rosa Beach FL – Offered for $33,900

WHAT!!????????????? Not today. Lots have even doubled from this short sale price of $90,000 -to almost $200,000 each.

If you find yourself in a pre-foreclosure situation in Santa Rosa Beach, Destin, Niceville, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Navarre or vicinity, help may be available. Seek legal advice, and contact me to find out if selling your property may be an option.

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

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

www.shortsales-emeraldcoast.com

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, lists and sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Crestview, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Freeport, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.

The post 30A -Grande Pointe, Santa Rosa Beach Short Sale Approved – Inlet Beach, Florida first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

Dreaming of living off 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida? Lot 4 Martha’s Lane is a lovely lot for sale on one of the highest elevations you will find in South Walton.  You may have potential gulf views from the second or third story! This 30A area lot is about .2 acres, with dimensions of 59 x 110, the perfect size for your new home.   You can walk to the Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club, take your golf cart to the renowned Vue on 30A restaurant and Stinky’s Fish Camp restaurant.  Close by, find one of the few coastal dune lakes, Lake Allen and walk to to Gulf of Mexico at the beach access south on 30A.  For shopping and more restaurants, it’s just minutes to Gulf Place Town Center, with myriad shops, artists, concerts and activities!

Excited yet? Here are some photos highlighting the location and area offerings for Lot 4, Martha’s Lane.

Watch the virtual tour of Lot 4 Martha’s Lane off 30A. Offered at $219,999.

For more information, contact:

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.

The post 30A – Martha’s Lane Lot 4, Santa Rosa Beach FL – Walk to Gulf first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

Introducing Lots 10 and 11B, Loon Lake Drive, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Stunning half-acre lot south of 30A with deeded access to Stallworth Lake and the beach! This gorgeous wooded half-acre building lot is located on the old-Florida feel Loon Lake Drive. The boardwalk behind the property is an invitation to enjoy the natural, treed setting and rare coastal dune lake. Take your dinghy out to the Gulf of Mexico beach across Stallworth Lake and enjoy the sand, dazzling views and ocean air just steps from your door. Possible water views from a third story home (to be verified by buyer).  Conveniently located near fine dining, shopping and Sacred Heart hospital. Open the world to a new life of your dreams on 30A.

Watch the virtual tour of these gorgeous lots and locale!

Offered at $529,400 for full half-acre, or $264,700 for one quarter acre lot. Where do you want to live?

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.

The post Half-Acre South of 30A Loon Lake Dr.- Lake Stallworth, Gulf Access, Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459 first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

 When I got the call to list this old one-story cottage south of 30A (note: “south of 30A” is another keyword that points to “closer to the beach”), I met the out-of-state sellers on site.  It was notable that the home was directly across the street from Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, in fact, there was a sign posted with the following: “State Park Boundary, All Trees, Plants and Animals Are Protected By State Law”.

The sellers mentioned that when there was a rare forest fire, they could see the Gulf of Mexico from the house, which had not been lived in for many years.  This immediately got my marketing brain into high gear.  I noticed there were two newer, upscale, three-story homes a couple lots away and I just wondered if they had gulf views. You see, the value of my listing is more in the land, as the house needs major remodeling, so the potential of a gulf view would significantly add value and expand its marketing reach to prospective buyers. To research the view potential, I checked the MLS (multiple listing system) to see if the two neighboring homes had ever been listed and if there were photos of gulf views.  Voila! They had indeed been listed as new construction a few years ago and there were pictures of the gulf views from the balconies! This almost confirmed that my listing, a couple hundred feet away, would offer gulf views with a new two-three story home built on the site. See the aerial map below depicting the house, outlined in red and its proximitiy to the Gulf of Mexico across the State Forest.

My next step was to hire professional photographer, Jason Parker of Emerald Coast Real Estate Photography to bring his pneumatic, compressor-controlled boom to do low-altitude aerial photography and verify the water view, plus take fabulous photographs for me to publicize the home. While waiting for Jason, I serendipitously met a neighbor at one of the adjacent homes who was sitting on her third floor balcony! I shouted up “Hello! I am Wendy Rulnick, Broker, and I just listed  the home next door! We are verifying there could be a gulf view from the third floor of a new home on the site. Can you see the gulf from where you are?” She graciously and delightedly responded “Yes!”. That was my second confirmation of a view possibility. Then Jason arrived and it was really cool watching him set up his equipment (see video of the photography boom), towed on a heavy-duty trailer and attached to a computer in his vehicle.  He mounted his camera and pumped it up to match the third floor balcony height of the adjoining homes, verifying the approximate level with his computer monitor.

OK, here goes…. He swung around the camera to the Gulf of Mexico, and there it was! The gulf view was spectacular over the trees, you could even see the white sands of the beach! I was thrilled at my final verification and marketing path forward.

Here are some snaps of the views:

Listing and selling real estate is more than sticking a sign in the yard. Creativity,  problem solving and attention to detail are key elements in getting your real estate sold.  Contact me to discuss your real estate needs on 30A and the Emerald Coast.

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.

The post How Creativity Sells Real Estate on 30A – Santa Rosa Beach Florida first appeared on Rulnick Realty.

Lot 4 Chivas Lane, south of 30-A, recently sold for full price – $575,000. This half-acre lot in Santa Rosa Beach Florida was a rare opportunity to purchase a lot of this size.  Most lots in the greater south of 30-A vicinity are in the .10 (one-tenth of an acre) range. Lot 4 Chivas Lane has deeded beach access just two lots away and is located on a cul-de-sac. The covenants allow multi-family dwellings.  The lot already had the water and sewer tap fees paid.  Finally, there are no association fees in the small subdivision of Walkover Dunes!

Here are some more photos of the views and beach access for Lot 4 Chivas Lane.  If you have a lot you need to sell in the 30-A area, or anywhere on the Emerald Coast, give me a call!

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.

The post SOLD Half-Acre Lot South of 30-A, Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459 first appeared on Rulnick Realty.