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People ask me all the time, “When is the best time to buy a vacation rental property in the Destin area?” Great question! Although we have the most visitors in the summer, searching for real estate can be challenging. It can be tough looking at gulf front homes and condos as many of the properties will likely be rented to vacationers. 

The top resorts in Destin, Miramar Beach and Santa Rosa Beach, experience close to a 100% occupancy rate during summer months which makes it difficult to view a wide variety of homes and condos. Real estate showings during the summer months, typically must take place on Saturdays between check-out and check-in. It’s a Realtor’s mission to show their clients as many properties as possible before the next guest checks-in. Sometimes the properties haven’t been cleaned yet or we are dodging housekeepers during our viewings. 

One of the very best times of the year to look at beachfront real estate in Destin is September and October.  Although we still have plenty of visitors, the huge crowds have died down substantially and there is typically plenty of available condos and homes to view. 

The weather is awesome in the Fall. As a matter of fact, October is the “locals” favorite month of the year. Crowds are down, weather is typically perfect, Gulf waters and swimming pools are still plenty warm for swimming, and the best restaurants are available, usually without a long wait. If you are into shopping, most of our stores and boutiques will be having after summer sales, so another reason to visit Destin in the fall. 

Most importantly, the fall is likely the best season to buy vacation rental properties as the seller is more motivated once the heavy rental season begins to slow down. The rates drop in the fall and the typical stay might be 4 nights instead of 7. Thus, the seller has benefited from the income earned during the summer and once the rates drop in the fall, the seller usually will be more motivated to negotiate off their list price.   

Regardless, the gorgeous emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and our spectacular sugar white sand beaches are certainly available year-round. But, if you have some time for a vacation get-away, try visiting Destin this fall. You won’t be sorry!    

For more information about luxury Destin homes or condos for sale, visit my website or call me today at 850-502-9571.

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