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Destin Condos, Destin HomesI was talking with a seller this week who asked a familiar question: “Is now a good time to sell, or should I wait until spring?”
Like most sellers right now, he didn’t have to sell—he just wanted to know if it made sense.
I told him something I say often these days: this market isn’t about timing it—it’s about aligning with it.
To explain, I showed him a snapshot of the Destin-area condo market just three weeks into January 2026:
Condos are selling—but the market is being very selective about which ones deserve to.
Back-on-market listings tell a different story. Buyers are writing contracts—but many deals don’t survive diligence. Inspections, financing, HOA issues, insurance, appraisals, and renegotiations are where deals are falling apart.
This isn’t a market rejecting deals at the door.
It’s a market testing them after contract.
Getting a contract isn’t the win—closing is. The listings that succeed are the ones that remove uncertainty before buyers find it. That means solid condition, clean HOA docs, realistic pricing, and supportable rental numbers. Surprises are why deals fall apart.
For Buyers:
Your real leverage often shows up after you’re under contract. Be willing to write offers—but just as willing to walk if the numbers don’t work once the facts are clear. Certainty matters more than speed right now.
Not on where the market might go—but on whether your expectations align with what today’s buyers are rewarding.
If they do, the market can absolutely work for you.
If they don’t, the market will tell you—quietly—through failed contracts or no activity at all.
This is a market where alignment creates success, not timing.
Different buyer profiles, fewer HOA risks, and less shared uncertainty make all the difference.
Bottom line:
The market isn’t broken. It’s selective.
And understanding how it’s behaving is what keeps people from making slow, expensive mistakes.
Like most sellers right now, he didn’t have to sell—he just wanted to know if it made sense.
I told him something I say often these days: this market isn’t about timing it—it’s about aligning with it.
To explain, I showed him a snapshot of the Destin-area condo market just three weeks into January 2026:
- 211 listings failed to convert (expired, cancelled, withdrawn, or back on market)
- 39 successful sales
Condos are selling—but the market is being very selective about which ones deserve to.
What’s Actually Happening?
Failed listings tell us sellers and buyers aren’t meeting in the middle. Sellers are holding firm on price. Buyers are disciplined and willing to wait.Back-on-market listings tell a different story. Buyers are writing contracts—but many deals don’t survive diligence. Inspections, financing, HOA issues, insurance, appraisals, and renegotiations are where deals are falling apart.
This isn’t a market rejecting deals at the door.
It’s a market testing them after contract.
What That Means for Sellers and Buyers
For Sellers:Getting a contract isn’t the win—closing is. The listings that succeed are the ones that remove uncertainty before buyers find it. That means solid condition, clean HOA docs, realistic pricing, and supportable rental numbers. Surprises are why deals fall apart.
For Buyers:
Your real leverage often shows up after you’re under contract. Be willing to write offers—but just as willing to walk if the numbers don’t work once the facts are clear. Certainty matters more than speed right now.
So… Is Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell?
The honest answer: it depends.Not on where the market might go—but on whether your expectations align with what today’s buyers are rewarding.
If they do, the market can absolutely work for you.
If they don’t, the market will tell you—quietly—through failed contracts or no activity at all.
This is a market where alignment creates success, not timing.
A Quick Note on Houses vs. Condos
Single-family homes in Destin and Miramar Beach are behaving very differently than condos. Demand is holding up, contracts are sticking, and negotiations are leading to closings. The housing market isn’t filtering aggressively—it’s negotiating.Different buyer profiles, fewer HOA risks, and less shared uncertainty make all the difference.
Bottom line:
The market isn’t broken. It’s selective.
And understanding how it’s behaving is what keeps people from making slow, expensive mistakes.
