Findind a House for your Disney Florida Trip

One of the most famous attractions in the state of Florida for any family vacation is undoubtedly Disneyland. Offering 4 theme parks that operate from dawn past dusk, a visit to Disneyland falls into the lists of most people for Places To Visit Before I Die. With a land mass that rivals some small towns (and a few larger ones too!), Disneyland isn't a place you can cover easily in a day or even a week.

To that end, most vacation goers plan their Disney family trips to last for weeks and even months at a time. Given this, it becomes hell on the budget to stay at a hotel for that long a period. For extended stays, it is both more economical and far more comfortable to rent a summer home. Enterprising citizens and tourism companies down in Florida offer thousands of vacation homes for rent all year round, and you should take advantage of these for your stay down in Disneyland. Here are a few tips to take when looking for a good vacation rental home.

Where to Look? - checking the Internet and classified ads is a quick and easy way to at least canvas places which you can take as options for your rental home. Travel booking agencies are also a good way to look, albeit pricier since the agencies will probably be getting their own percentage off the deal. Look for ones located in Orlando, Florida, and keep in mind that the closer it is to Disney land, the more expensive it usually gets. Grab a map of Florida to look for places that will pass through easy thoroughfares so in case you can't afford a place that's within spitting distance of the park, you'll at least be able to find a reasonable one that will allow you to get there with a quick drive.

Price and Terms - look at the going rate for the places you'll be canvassing, and know how long you'll be staying. More often than not, rental homes charge less per day if you're staying a longer duration overall. These added discounts can help a lot. Plus, also check and see if you have to shoulder any additional costs for the house like electricity and water, of if they are included in the rental fee already. What might seem to be a cheaper offer can actually rack up more expenses if you have to cover your own day to day expenditures on the house.

Additional Features - the point of going on a vacation is to relax and unwind. Disneyland itself night be a fun place to visit, but admittedly tromping around all day can get tiring, especially when you're steering your little herd of kids. So, you might want to consider a rental house that's a bit pricier but has added stuff like a jaccuzzi, pool, sauna, game room, and A/V entertainment room. These little touches can help you unwind after a long day of keeping your kids from kicking Donald Duck in the butt.

Transportation - make sure that the place has got a garage. Whether you're bringing your own car or renting one out when you get there, keep in mind that your kids KNOW that the family's on vacation, and may demand things like sudden trips to the pizza parlor or a sudden run for ice cream. Having a car handy at all times lessens the migraine.

Other Destinations - keep other destinations in mind. Florida is a big place, and aside from Disneyland, there are beaches for surfing, animal parks, coral reefs for scuba divers, and rivers with manatees. You may want to check these other places out when you're on vacation, so factor them in when planning the location of the house that you'll be renting.

Security and Comfort - lastly but definitely not least, look at the basic features of the house you'll be renting. Make sure that it runs well with a fully furnished kitchen, bath, bed, and dining rooms. Also look into the neighborhood that the house is located in and make sure that it's got good security. Lastly, call the local town management office in the area to check for any funny ordinances that may trip you up, like prohibitions on alcohol, loud music, etc.

source:http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/findind-a-house-for-your-disney-florida-trip-81672.html

How Will You Choose Your Florida Condominium?

When you’re going to be making the investment in a Florida condominium (regardless of whether that investment is in your primary home, a retirement residence or even in your vacation home), there are going to be some choices that you need to make.
So, just how will you choose your Florida condo?

1. Choose the location where you want to live. Whether you want to live in a great city like Jacksonville or you’ve always had dreams of living on the beach, you’ll be able to find a great condo.
2. Take a look at possible floorplans so that you can find the right style of a Florida condominium home. After all, it’s going to be your home, shouldn’t it be comfortable for you?
3. Focus on finding the right construction. When you’re going to be buying a Florida condo, it’s essential (particularly if you’re on the beach) that the building is structurally sound.
4. Demand the best. Simply put, when you’re buying a Florida condo, expect to get everything that you’d like to have - and then some.

When you buy a Florida condo, you shouldn’t have to settle; take your time, consider your options and find the home that’s right for you.
Resource: www.seasideviews.com

Condo conversions revert to rentals

Six communities with 1,571 units - three in Broward and three in Palm Beach County - have made the switch from condo conversion sales back to rentals.
Some are dubbing it "the great conversion reversion of 2006." It's a move to reposition rental communities, which were slated for condominium conversion sales, back to apartment rentals.
A slowing sales market and a high-demand rental market with rising monthly rates are the motivations for the switches, said Jack McCabe, CEO of McCabe Research & Development in Deerfield Beach. He is the author of the Condominium Conversion Report and the Commercial Apartment Market Report, quarterly data services that track South Florida multifamily communities of more than 100 units.
"It's an early-stage trend that will probably accelerate as the market slows even more," he said. "For well-managed communities, the improved cash flow from enhanced rents may help carry them until the conversion sales market comes back into balance."
In other words, converters might try again in a few years.
The three Broward County communities that have switched back to rentals are the 144-unit Crystal Lake in Oakland Park, the 268-unit Fisherman's Landing in Coconut Creek and the 140-unit Summit Chase in Coral Springs.
In Palm Beach County, switchbacks include the 224-unit Enclave at Delray Beach, the 319-unit Gateway Club at Orchid Lakes in Boynton Beach and the 476-unit San Merano at Mirasol in Palm Beach Gardens.
McCabe said the reversion decision has to be made early in the conversion process in order to capture cash flow, market share and minimize expenses.
Resource: southflorida.bizjournals.com

Destin, Florida Vacation Ideas

When looking for that perfect vacation spot, you need not look any further than Destin, Florida. With its soft sand, crystal clear water, temperate weather and nice activities, this place makes the perfect getaway. Destin has a laid-back pace, a delightful climate and many things to do. Once you vacation here, you will find yourself coming back year after year. Here are a few ways to spend your time in this gorgeous city:

Be a Beach Bum!
Hailed as having the Emerald Coast's most beautiful beaches, Destin offers the most serene, clean, and gorgeous beaches and coasts around. While there are numerous things to do on the water, you can also be content just sitting in your beach chair, reading a book or watching the tide wash up on shore. The perfect weather is a great match for the amazing views and peaceful surroundings.

Glass Bottom Boats
Experience a relaxing, fascinating day on the water as you cruise with an experienced crew and great tour guides, and encounter some fascinating sea life along the way. A great place to start is Southern Star Dolphin & Sunset Cruises. Offering a 76-foot glass-bottomed boat, they will take you on a 2-hour narrated cruise, where you will experience dolphin-watching and get up-close and personal with other sea life. Another option is Boogie Glass Bottom Boat Tours, which offers a cruise and Seaschool to help educate you about dolphins, crabs, shrimp, etc. Whoever you choose to take you out on a glass bottom boat tour, this is great for all ages and will be an unforgettable experience!

Water Sports
Just about any water sport can be enjoyed in Destin. Whether you love to ski, boat, fish, parasail or snorkel, you can find places to help you out with gear and lessons. One place to start is Destin Watertoys, which features the largest collection of water sport gear rental, including jet skis, pontoon boats, wave runners and more. And Emerald Coast Scuba can help you earn PADI certification and offers exciting diving experiences and sightseeing cruises. There are many choices in this area, so you certainly won't have a problem finding whatever you need in the way of watersports.

No matter how you spend your time in Destin, outside is undoubtedly where you will want to be. So grab your sunscreen and your towel and prepare to have a wonderful, relaxing and intriguing time!

Source : http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/

Edgewater Beach Condo In Destin Florida

The Edgewater Beach Condo In Destin Florida descends down upon the beach like a giant curving staircase, treating everyone to a beautiful and unique view from their own large private balcony, which can be accessed from the living area and master bedroom.

Edgewater is one of the most visually striking condos in all of Destin and is situated right on Miramar Beach overlooking the beautiful water of the Gulf.

You can't find a better condo with the exceptional view and location. Located just down the beach to the west of Sandestin, Edgewater is also close to many of the best Destin restaurants and about a minute drive from the Silver Sands Factory Outlet.

With the unique architectural design, the Edgewater Beach Condo in Destin is truly an area landmark, which offers the privacy of a gated community and comfortable accommodations in any of the one, two, and three bedroom condominiums.

When staying at Edgewater you get the best of both world, the excitement of being in the center of Destin's attractions and the serenity of your own private getaway with spectacular views.

When planning your vacation to Destin, make sure Edgewater is at the top of your list.

Source : http://www.destin-resort.com/

Planned 15-story condo a Destin first

The 15-story Harbor Reflections condo tower planned for the Destin Harbor is the first to be approved under a “tiering system” in the city’s land development code. What will be the city's tallest building passed by a narrow margin, with four councilors voting to approve the project, while three voted against it.

According to Destin's Community Development Director, Jerry Mucci, Harbor Reflections will be 159 feet tall, which is one foot shorter than the maximum allowed. That makes it 9 feet taller than the Emerald Grande. The two will probably look the same, Mucci said.

The tiering system allows for development in Tiers One and Two to receive automatic approval as long as it conforms to city rules. Developments where the units per acre and the height exceed Destin standards fall into Tier Three and require council review, including whether the “public benefit” the developer has to provide compensates for the size of the project.

The “public benefits” of Harbor Reflections, which will go up next to Harbor Docks, include $350,000 for workforce housing; burying overhead utilities; providing pedestrian access from Harbor Boulevard to the planned harbor boardwalk; and upgrading the Destin bus stop on Benning Drive.

“The developers met all the criteria they were supposed to,” Councilor Sam Seevers said. “It’s a beautiful building, and we’re going to get ($1.3 million) worth of public benefit.”

That figure is a third of the profit the developer expects to realize by going from Tier Two to Three.

At the hearing, Councilor Kelly Windes said taking that much money verged on “socialism” and set a bad precedent.

“For those old (landowning) families who held out for 50, 60, 70 years, they are not making a good return,” Windes said, adding that the rules were too subjective. “Every project that comes before us, we are going to argue with them about what chunk of the profit the city should get, and it’s too ambiguous. There has to be a standard, and we have to simplify this formula.”

Mayor Craig Barker said the council decided the size of the benefit was appropriate for the impact of Harbor Reflections going up on the site of Gilligan’s Restaurant and Gilligan’s Watersports, and the effect it will have on traffic and city life.

“I think the process went smoother than I’d expected for the very first trial,” Barker added.

Both Windes and Councilor Dewey Destin objected that under the city’s parking code, Harbor Reflections requires 270 parking spaces, but the developers only have to provide 219.

The city’s policy is to minimize harborfront parking lots because wide swathes of asphalt don’t encourage foot traffic, and because parking isn’t the best use of such valuable land. The harbor district is already several hundred spaces short of what consultants say it should have, so the city plans to build parking garages on the north side of Harbor Boulevard, allowing smaller parking lots on the south side.

The city had planned to pay for garages by issuing bonds against future property-tax revenues, but the Florida Supreme Court ruled last year that this requires a public referendum. City officials have said it’s not clear whether that would be a Destin referendum, or would have to include all Okaloosa County.

“We’re dead in the water right now,” Councilor Destin said. “We’re going forward with permitting when we don’t have any realistic understanding of when we’re going to get the public parking ... If we’re at a parking deficit, where are they going to park?”

Councilor Ted Corcoran was the most optimistic of the council members.
“The plan fit all the criteria, and therefore should have been approved ... It will be a great benefit to our city to show that the redevelopment of the harbor has officially begun. It will take several years to start seeing results, yet it is happening."

Source : http://www.nwfdailynews.com/

Destin Florida Condos - Market Update

The new year brings the promise of spring and the traditional upswing in buyers interest. Buyers looking for deals this year have begun sorting through all condos for sale looking for the right property and the right price.

Condo Inventory High but Falling. There are currently 3,313 condos for sale in our local area. Inventory is down 10% from the same time last year. The gradual decline is indicative of a slowly changing market. Our property summary table below shows the distribution of the home inventory across the geographic markets of our area.

Strong Buyer Market Will Persist. Although the high inventory and rate of condo sales spells more bad news for sellers, it is good news for buyers. Condo buyers looking for a bargain can expect to be rewarded, especially in the next few months as winter markets are the best markets for buyers in beach front communities like Destin.

Destin Condo Sales Slow, but Not Stagnant. While the market is slower than normal, it is far from stagnant with an average of 111 new and existing condos sales per month. If you find that perfect beach property - go for it. Don't count on it being available later. Don't confuse "slow sales" with "no sales" and remember that there are likely to be other bargain shoppers looking at the same property you are for all the same reasons.

True Bargains are Scarce. Buyers searching for bargains must do their homework. Real bargains are scarce, but smart buyers are the rule these days and they seem to have a way of finding them. Seller's who price carelessly receive no attention and quickly become frustrated as the time on the market grows. Sellers who price well, however, are rewarded with a quick sale from bargain hungry buyers.

Condo Value Trends. Statistics show condo values along the coast have adjusted downward 30-35% from their market peaks in mid- 2005. Although a slight downward trend continues, recent decreases in interest rates, property taxes, and hazard insurance are beginning to lessen the cost of ownership and assert a positive effect in our local market tempo.

What does this mean to condo buyers and sellers? The higher than normal condo inventory will likely sustain the current buyer's market throughout the upcoming year. The rate of downward momentum (the rate of which prices fall) is diminishing by most analytical accounts.

1. Sellers should be prepared to price aggressively to catch the interest of buyers in our high-inventory market. Make certain you are the lowest comparable price in your condo complex if you want to sell.
2. Buyers should choose their target property now to gain better pricing in a winter market where buyers are scarce. Although time is still on the side of the buyer, slowly improving conditions (lower property tax, interest rates, and insurance quotes) may end the prime buying opportunity earlier than originally projected.

Source : http://www.destin123.com/

Developer proposes 160-foot condo for Destin harbor

Plans for a 160-foot condo tower on the Destin harbor are a good sign for the city’s future, Chamber of Commerce Director/CEO Shane Moody says.

“I think it means the company sees what lies ahead for the city of Destin,” Moody told The Log. “The harbor is a very special place — they see the qualities that are in the harbor and can envision the development of the harbor walk and understand that is the future of Destin tourism.”

Giligan's Development has proposed building Harbor Reflections, a 15-story, 49,739 square-foot building with 28 condo units, on the 1.14 acres of waterfront that now house Gilligan’s Restaurant and Watersports.

The Destin City Council will hold its development hearing on Harbor Reflections Thursday. Development hearings are public, but they’re quasi-judicial procedures, conducted like trials with evidence and sworn testimony. Council decisions are supposed to be based entirely on the facts presented in the hearing, which means they can’t discuss the development with Destin citizens before the hearing.

Harbor Reflections will be a next door neighbor to a Destin dining mainstay

Harbor Docks owner and former city councilor Charles Morgan said he wishes the developers well in trying to move 15 stories worth of harborfront condos in a slow real estate market.

“We’re good neighbors and if it’s going to bring people to eat at our restaurant, from a business standpoint, that’s fine by me. We’re pulling for everybody, so good luck,” he said. “Those harborfront condos have typically been slow movers, and if you’re looking to buy a condo and you want peace and solitude, don’t come to the harbor. This is supposed to be a lively, vibrant place.”

Harbor Reflections is the first Tier Three project to come before the council under the tiering system established three years ago in Destin’s Land Development Code:

•Tier One projects conform to the normal height and density — the number of units allowed per acre — for their land-use category.

•Tier Two allows taller buildings and denser development if the project meets stricter design standards regarding open space, roof design, setbacks and other aspects.

•Tier Three allows greater height and density in return for “negotiated public benefits.” It’s entirely up to the council whether a proposed benefit would be acceptable or not.

Last year, the council voted to allow developers to have their proposed benefit reviewed by the city ahead of going through the permit process, so that if the benefit wasn’t acceptable, the developer wouldn’t have wasted time and money designing the project around it.

Community Development Director Jerry Mucci said that neither Harbor Reflections nor the other two Tier Three projects under review — HarborWalk Village Phase II and Beach Pointe Condominiums — have taken advantage of that option.

Harbor Reflections has proposed benefits including burying overhead utility cables; adding amenities to the nearby Benning Drive Destin shuttle stop; putting $435,000 into the city’s capital-improvement fund; and providing a landscaped access to the city’s planned Destin harbor boardwalk.

Requiring public benefits from Tier Three, city staff have said, will prevent condo towers such as Harbor Reflections from shutting out the public from the boardwalk and the waterfront.

“I think the system that’s in place will limit the number of developments that size,” Moody said. “I still think we’ll be able to preserve the quaint history and heritage of the harbor.”

Source : http://www.nwfdailynews.com/

One Waters Place is Destin's newest condo

DESTIN — When it comes to One Water Place, homeowners might start feeling like they’re on vacation.

The new luxury condominium development in Kelly Plantation combines upscale accommodations with above and beyond amenities unique to non-rental properties.

“This is the first residential resort that we’ve had in the Destin/Fort Walton (Beach) area where the condominiums are large and designed as primary residences, or even as vacation homes, yet there are the amenities you find at a vacation resort,” said Donna Jonsson, sales manager for the Sterling Companies, developer of the property.

One Water Place, which hosted its grand opening in October, has 161 units, including nine penthouses, spread over three connecting high-rise buildings. Residences start at $825,000, with penthouses starting at $1.5 million. The Sterling Companies have already closed more than $100 million in sales, Jonsson said.

For Betty and Gary Lazarini, it was size of the homes as well as the fairways that prompted them to move to One Water Place.

“We used to be on the gulf at Hidden Dunes, but we’re golfers,” said Betty Lazarini. “While we loved the other place, this is larger. We have the bay view, the gulf view and the golf course.”

The five different floor plans run from 2,500 to 3,400 square feet, ranging from two bedrooms to three bedrooms plus study. The nine penthouses are bigger, measuring as large as 6,000 square feet. The largest penthouses are completely customized, with buyers able to make interior selections.

The condominiums feature Viking appliances, hardwood and travertine flooring, fireplaces, built-in shelving and summer kitchens. Each unit opens to a shared area with utility access, a garbage shoot and additional storage.

All have both north- and south-facing balconies with Choctawhatchee Bay and golf course views. Units above the seventh floor can also see the Gulf of Mexico.

The Lazarinis bought their unit prior to construction, and while they were originally unsure about the promised view, the condominium more than met their expectations when they moved in June. “I’ve not been disappointed at all. We’ve used the spa and fitness center, and it’s all first class,” said Betty Lazarini.

The Lazarinis split their time between homes in Destin and Memphis. Jonsson said that many residents also have a home elsewhere, as One Water Place appeals to former single-family homeowners looking to transition to a “lock-and-leave lifestyle.”

“The people that this property appeals to don’t want the maintenance and upkeep of a single-family home,” she said. “They want to be able to travel and know their home will be fine.”

The property has a live-in manager, as well as on-site staff, which provide residents peace of mind when they are out of town. In addition to the security from Kelly Plantation’s gated, staffed entrances, One Water Place has electronically controlled access points, with private elevator entry. Parking is on two underground levels, with golf cart parking also available.

Each of the three buildings offers different amenities. One building caters to golfers, with practice cages, a putting green and a high-tech golf simulator.

Building one features a large bi-level pool area and a 5,000-square-foot fitness and spa, managed by a full-time amenities manager. The workout area features individual screens on cardio equipment, a steam room and a variety of exercise classes.

Other specialty rooms include a casual club room with billiards, a screening room with a big screen television, a game room, a more formal club room with a catering kitchen, a library, a hobby shop and gardeners’ room. There are also temperature-controlled wine rooms with storage lockers available.

In addition to the amenities of the project, residents can also enjoy the features of Kelly Plantation, including the golf course, tennis courts, walking trails and playgrounds. Jonsson said the subdivision’s full-time activities director and on-going events are a plus for newcomers to the Northwest Florida area.

“There’s much more sense of community with Kelly Plantation,” she said. “It’s really easy to become absorbed in this community.”

Although the development does have a vacation feel to it, there are no short-term rentals. Each building does include a guest suite, available upon request by residents.

Jonsson said the new development appeals to buyers who want the resort lifestyle while still having a “home” feeling.

“For people who haven’t made Destin their full-time home, this is a good step, because it just feels like a real home,” she said. “The spaces are just beautiful – it’s just a lovely place to be. You have more than just your home to enjoy.”

Source : http://www.nwfdailynews.com/

Destin Rentals

When searching for the perfect place to kick back on a warm sandy beach and listen to the waves crashing ashore, consider the surreal beauty and pleasant atmosphere of a Destin vacation getaway. Destin is ideally situated along the Gulf of Mexico for a relaxing retreat to a truly unique paradise, so pack your bags and get ready to settle into a cozy vacation rental for your weeklong adventure.

When you stay in a Destin vacation rental, you are actually staying miles beyond the everyday accommodations. You can find numerous beachfront homes that place you mere steps from the sugar white sand and sparkling green waters of the Emerald Coast, meaning a day at the beach is always stunning and never a hassle. Simply pack up your day s supplies and step out the back door, where a fun-filled day of swimming, sunbathing, and sandcastle-building await.

While arriving at the water means a simple stroll through the soft sand, there is more to your accommodations than simply convenient beach access. Waterfront vacation homes are the perfect stress reliever for anyone who wants to escape a busy and hectic lifestyle. Imagine waking up to the sound of the waves turning over and wandering out to your balcony to watch the brilliant sunrise over the green expanse. Breathtaking views and utter relaxation are calling out to you when you stay in a home or condo rental along Destin s stunning shores.

Although there are plenty of attractions around Destin that could certainly fill up your entire trip, remember that your condo rental also has plenty of extras to occupy any down time. Many of the Destin condo rentals allow access to tennis courts, multiple swimming pools, and fitness and recreation rooms while surrounding you with some of the most beautiful sights in the area. When you consider that many homes also come with private pools, you truly have the makings of an exciting, activity-packed vacation getaway.

In addition to these extras, your Destin vacation rental is also fully-stocked with all the amenities and comforts of home. Enjoy a fully-equipped kitchen, plenty of bedrooms, numerous TVs and DVD players, a washer and dryer, and a large patio where you can sit back at the end of the day and watch the breathtaking sunset. Rather than staying in a sterile and unwelcoming hotel room that you try to avoid at all costs, choose an accommodating home away from home that serves as the perfect jumping off point to an exciting and enjoyable day.

Destin rentals are the ideal accommodations choice for anyone who wants to escape to this picturesque paradise without losing any of the luxuries and conveniences of home. Stay within waking distance of a pristine beach and enjoy all of the little extras that add up to make your vacation more relaxing than you ever thought possible. To realize the dream Emerald Coast vacation you always imagined, begin your search for a Destin vacation rental today and head out for a truly peaceful sun and sand getaway tomorrow.

Source : http://www.travel-trend.net/