Buying a Condo in Florida? 10 Things to Check Before You Make an Offer
Buying a condo in Florida can be a great way to own a second home, vacation property, or investment near the beach. But buying a condo is a little different from buying a single-family home.
You're not only buying the unit—you’re also buying into the condominium association and sharing responsibility for the building and its common areas.
Before making an offer, here are 10 things I recommend looking into.
1. HOA Fees—and What They Actually Cover
Don't judge a condo solely by the monthly HOA fee.
One association may include building insurance, water, cable, internet, pest control, pools, landscaping and other amenities, while another may include far less.
The better question isn't simply, “How much is the HOA?” It's “What am I getting for it?”
2. Special Assessments
This is a big one.
Ask whether there are any current or upcoming special assessments and whether t ...

What It's Really Like to Own a Second Home on 30A
For many people, owning a home along 30A starts as a dream. But after helping buyers purchase second homes here for years, I've found that what keeps them coming back isn't just the beautiful beaches—it's the lifestyle.
If you've ever wondered what it's really like to own a place here, here's a glimpse into everyday life on 30A.
Mornings Start a Little Slower
Imagine waking up, pouring a cup of coffee, and taking a short walk or bike ride to the beach before the day begins. Whether you're here for a long weekend or a few weeks at a time, there's something about the Gulf that naturally slows life down.
Many homeowners tell me this becomes their favorite part of every visit.
You Spend More Time Outside
Life on 30A naturally revolves around the outdoors.
One day might include a bike ride through WaterColor or Rosemary Beach. Another might be paddleboarding on Western Lake, walking through Grayton Beach State Park, or simply ...

If you're planning your first trip to 30A, you're in for a treat. With its sugar-white sand, Emerald green water, charming beach communities, and laid-back atmosphere, it's easy to see why so many people come back year after year.
Here are 25 things that will help you make the most of your vacation.
1. 30A Isn't One Town
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is that 30A isn't actually a town. It's a scenic highway that connects several unique beach communities, each with its own personality. From Seaside and Watercolor to Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, and Seagrove, every stop offers something a little different.
2. Every Community Has Its Own Personality
Don't assume they're all the same.

Seaside is lively and walkable

Watercolor is perfect for families

Rosemary Beach has an upscale community feel

Alys Beach is known for its striking white architecture

Grayton Beach has a laid-back Old Florida vibe

Blue Mountain Be ...

One of the things that makes Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A so unique is the incredible amount of beach access available along the coastline. Whether you’re visiting for a week or considering purchasing property here, easy access to the Gulf is a huge part of the 30A lifestyle.
Walton County’s beaches along Scenic Highway 30A feature more than 50 public beach access points spread across approximately 26 miles of coastline. 
These access points range from large regional beach accesses with parking, restrooms, showers, and ADA accessibility to smaller neighborhood walkovers tucked between communities. 
Some of the most popular public beach accesses along 30A include:


Inlet Beach Regional Access


Santa Clara Regional Beach Access


Van Ness Butler Beach Access (near Seaside)


Grayton Beach Access


Blue Mountain Regional Beach Access


Gulfview Heights Beach Access


Ed Walline Regional Beach Access


Dune Allen Regional Beach Acces; ...

Is Now a Good Time to Buy on 30A? What Buyers Need to Know in 2026
If you’ve been thinking about owning a place along 30A, you’re not alone.
For many buyers, it starts as an idea—something you’ve thought about, saved listings for, or maybe even visited a few times. But timing is usually the biggest question: Is now actually the right time to buy?
The Reality of the 30A Market
The 30A and Santa Rosa Beach area continues to be one of the most desirable coastal markets in Florida. With limited land, strong demand, and a lifestyle that’s hard to replicate, properties here tend to hold long-term value.
While the market has shifted from the intense pace of the past few years, that’s not necessarily a bad thing for buyers. In many cases, it’s created more opportunities to:


Take your time evaluating properties


Negotiate more favorable terms


Find homes that may not have been available before


It’s Not Just a Purchase&mdas ...