Monday, August 17, 2026 / by Angela Skillingstad
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 ...
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Friday, July 17, 2026 / by Angela Skillingstad
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 ...
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Sunday, June 21, 2026 / by Angela Skillingstad
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 ...
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Friday, June 12, 2026 / by Jonathan Hill
Don't let the process stand in the way of your decision to purchase a beach home. Navigating the process is what we do every day. Our role extends far beyond simply writing contracts.
We enjoy being involved from the very beginning, helping you identify the areas and communities that best fit your goals and lifestyle, and staying engaged well beyond the closing table. We coordinate property showings, which in a second-home and vacation market can be very different from viewing properties in a primary residential market.
We manage contracts and negotiations across a wide range of situations, including 1031 exchanges, simultaneous closings, and many other unique scenarios. Having successfully guided hundreds of transactions, we've encountered just about every situation imaginable.
As local professionals, we serve as your boots on the ground, handling the details for our out-of-town buyers and helping ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Contracts can be ...
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Monday, May 18, 2026 / by Angela Skillingstad
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; ...
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