Thursday, November 18, 2010

"Flagler Beach, FL - Clandestine Paradise!"

Flagler Beach, Florida, is a Clandestine Paradise!  Drive up and down the Atlantic Ocean Coastline and you will know what I mean.  St. Augustine is nice, but prices in the beach towns are "ouch!"  Go south to Daytona Beach and it's nice too... but mingled with the sights and sounds of wild and wooly biker events twice a year, various Spring Break themes, and Speedway events, etc., it can be a bit  "honky tonk" for some tastes.  Mind you, however, that some go there specifically for that buzz... For me, I like being near it, yet not in it... I'm just sayin.'

Go farther north and it starts to get "Georgia chilly" and farther south gets "tropical hot & humid," as well as very crowded.  Most of the US East Coast shoreline is "stupid developed" with monster condos and hotels blocking views and public access to the ocean.  Not so in Flagler Beach!  It's a throwback to Old Florida and it's a slower, more sane pace of life.  There's plenty to do, with clubs and activities galore... just not in your face.  Flagler Beach's proximity to the "city" of Palm Coast and the venues of Flagler County are a big plus, also.  Plenty of shopping nearby, yet when you cross over the Intracoastal Waterway bridge and see the little town of Flagler Beach and the sun glistening off the ocean water... you just know it's a special place!

The beaches are clean and not crowded.  Even on 4th of July weekend, you can find a spot to park along the beach road (A1A) and go plant your feet in the sand.  And talk about "Old Florida," people come to the beach from miles around on Friday and Saturday mornings for the bountiful Farmer's Market.  At the market, you have the opportunity to step back in time to simpler days when vendors come from farms and cottage kitchens to sell their wares. The Farmer's Market has become a Flagler Beach institution as folks shop for fresh locally grown produce and homemade delicacies, plus handmade goods such as pottery, baskets and jewelry.



And right now, in November of 2010, Flagler Beach is "FOR SALE."
Prices are crazy low and are down by AT LEAST 50% from what they were in 2005.  You can buy a HOUSE... ON or NEAR the OCEAN for what a LOT cost in 2005!  Here's a little breakdown: 
  • Detached Houses:  There are 113 for sale, between $72K and $998K.  6 sell a month (in an average of 192 days).  That's a 20 month supply!
  • Condos & Townhouses:  There are 63 for sale, between $67K and $495K.  2.5 sell per month (in an average time of 250 days).  That's a 26 month supply!
  • Building Lots:  There are 108 for sale, between $20K and $949K.  1 sells per month!  That's a 108 month supply!
Here's the rub... There are really two MLS's!!!  There is the part that is in fantasy land - deep in denial - priced way too high for the market.  And there is the part that knows what's going on and wants to sell!  Evidence is that 70% of listings never sell.  Hint:  Priced too high!
Soooo.... Call an experienced LOCAL Realtor (like me) and let me help you figure this out.  If you are a Seller, I can help you price it right (provided you are motivated).  If you are a Buyer, I can help you sort through the mess an find the motivated Sellers!


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