If you are an investor in real estate in the Destin area that is in a short-term rental program, you will find that your investment will become "home away from home" to a variety of folks! Young couples...senior couples...families with children...multi-generational families...and sometimes families with baseball-playing young men!
This week, Destin is playing host to the USSSA World Series. Approximately 100 teams from TX, AL, MS, GA, LA, AR have gathered here...playing at various ball park complexes in the Destin and Ft. Walton Beach area. I went out a couple of nights to watch the grandson of one of my first cousins "play ball." Having followed him and his Valdosta, GA, team via Facebook postings of his "coach" dad and supportive mom, it was fun to finally see 13-year-old Austin "show his stuff"...his years of training and practice...as he helped lead his team to wins with his pitching and first-base plays! Then, after the games, it was a pleasure to watch young Southern boys/men answer adults with politeness..."yes, ma'am"..."no, sir". Even though I was not recognized by young Austin the first night as his "first cousin, twice removed(!)," he was very polite when I told him who I was...and the second night, he told Wendell and me that he appreciated our coming out to watch them play!
On Thursday night, as players were finishing their 6:00 game, the vintage planes (that participate in the "fly overs" for the patriotic Thursday nights at the Harbor) gave the players and spectators at Morgan Complex a "mini air show" as the sun was about to set over our beautiful emerald waters.
In talking with players and families, we heard talk of getting to the beach...and shopping...between games. I'm hoping that these families who have gone to great expense of funds and time will have chance to see the beauty and many wonderful things to be found on Florida's Emerald Coast!
As an investor in Destin real estate, you never know...you may be hosting in your condo or beach cottage a future Babe Ruth!