Written & Researched by Richard Eimers, Broker Owner, Beach Road Realty December 9, 2024
Market Activity Increase
The data shows a significant increase in active listings and new listings across the relevant areas
- Destin: Active listings up 20%, new listings up 22%
- Miramar Beach/Sandestin Resort: Active listings up 28%, new listings up 32%
- North Santa Rosa Beach: Active listings up 38%, new listings up 48%
- 30A East (including Inlet Beach): Active listings up 40%, new listings up 41%
This substantial increase in inventory supports the observation that there are “5 times more available, desirable, move-in ready homes for sale that are priced reasonably.” The 41% year-over-year increase in new listings mentioned in the query is consistent with the data for these specific areas.
Buyer Behavior
While the data doesn’t directly show touring or mortgage application activity, it does provide insights into buyer behavior:
Destin and Miramar Beach/Sandestin Resort areas saw decreases in the number of sales (24% and 19% respectively), which could indicate that buyers are still in the early stages of homebuying, such as touring and applying for mortgages, rather than completing purchases.
North Santa Rosa Beach, however, saw a 12% increase in sales, suggesting that buyer activity in this area may be further along in the process.
Price Trends
The median sale prices in these areas have remained relatively stable or shown slight increases:
- Destin: Slight decrease of 0.5% to $881,8531
- Miramar Beach/Sandestin Resort: 1% increase to $1,005,5171
- North Santa Rosa Beach: 1% increase to $798,4071
- 30A East: 5% increase to $2,443,8801
These price trends support the notion that buyers have “grown accustomed to elevated mortgage rates” and are willing to move forward with purchases despite high prices.
Market Dynamics
The data suggests a shift towards a more balanced market:
- The significant increase in active and new listings across all areas indicates more options for buyers.
- The decrease in sales in some areas, coupled with increased inventory, may lead to more negotiating power for buyers, aligning with the observation that buyers are “pushing forward and negotiating for good deals.”
Conclusion
While the provided data doesn’t specifically address post-election activity or mortgage applications, it does support many of the trends mentioned in the query. The substantial increase in inventory, relatively stable prices, and varying sales trends across different areas suggest a market that is indeed seeing increased early-stage homebuying activity. Buyers appear to be adapting to current market conditions, taking advantage of increased inventory, and moving forward with their home search despite high prices and mortgage rates.
As we move into 2025, these trends are likely to continue shaping the real estate market in Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and Inlet Beach. Buyers may find more options and potentially more room for negotiation, while sellers will need to price their properties competitively in a market with increased inventory.