Palm Coast Saltwater Canal Homes: What Buyers Need to Know

Updated for 2026

Palm Coast is one of Florida’s premier waterfront communities, and its saltwater canal homes are highly sought-after for their boating access, lifestyle, and long-term value. With direct or near-direct Intracoastal Waterway access, sailboat-ready canals, and quiet coastal living, these homes appeal to buyers looking for the ultimate waterfront lifestyle.

If you’re exploring saltwater canal homes in Palm Coast, this guide covers everything from flood zones to boating access, so you can make an informed purchase.

Why Palm Coast Saltwater Canal Homes Are Unique

Palm Coast’s saltwater canals connect residents to the Intracoastal Waterway, offering a true boating lifestyle. Key features include:

Tidal saltwater canals ideal for boating

• Direct or near-direct Intracoastal access for boats and larger vessels

• Privacy and scenic waterfront views

Tip: Not all canal homes are saltwater, so confirm canal type before making an offer.

Sailboat Country: Larger Vessel Access

Certain Palm Coast neighborhoods are known as Sailboat Country, offering deeper canals, wider turning basins, and no fixed bridges. This allows for:

• Sailboats with taller masts

• Larger boats and catamarans

• Easy navigation from your dock to the Intracoastal

Looking for a canal home that can accommodate a sailboat or larger yacht? Search sailboat-accessible Palm Coast homes here

Benefits of Owning a Saltwater Canal Home

Owning a saltwater canal home combines lifestyle, convenience, and investment value:

• Boating Access – Dock your boat behind your home with easy Intracoastal access

• Waterfront Views & Privacy – Enjoy open water vistas and fewer rear neighbors

• High Resale Potential – Saltwater canal homes attract out-of-area buyers

• Coastal Lifestyle – Tidal water and marine life create a daily connection to nature

Ready to explore Palm Coast saltwater canal homes? Start your search here and I can help you find the perfect property.

Flood Zones and Insurance Considerations

Contrary to common belief, most Palm Coast saltwater canal homes are not in high-risk FEMA flood zones. Flood zone status varies by property, affecting:

• Flood insurance requirements

• Premium costs

• Long-term planning

Learn which Palm Coast homes are in safer flood zones in our detailed guide: Flood Zones and Insurance for Palm Coast Canal Homes

Neighborhoods and Canal Access

Palm Coast offers a variety of canal-front neighborhoods, each with different:

• Canal widths and depths

• Distance to the Intracoastal

• Sailboat and yacht access

Not sure which neighborhood fits your boating lifestyle? Explore our neighborhood guide or contact me for expert recommendations.

Is a Saltwater Canal Home Right for You?

Ideal if you:

• Own or plan to own a boat

• Value waterfront views and outdoor living

• Enjoy coastal boating lifestyles

Less ideal if you:

• Prefer minimal maintenance

• Want stable water levels

• Seek lower insurance costs

Final Thoughts

Palm Coast saltwater canal homes combine boating access, lifestyle, and long-term value. Buyers who understand canal type, flood zones, and sailboat accessibility make confident, informed purchases.

Whether you’re buying your first canal home or upgrading to a sailboat-ready property, contact me today or start your search and get exclusive access to available listings by clicking here.

Palm Coast Canal & Waterfront Market Report – February 2026

Overall Palm Coast Canal Market – This Month

Total waterfront homes sold: 9

Price range: $395,000 – $975,000

Average sale price: $612,000

Median sale price: $545,000

Compared to last month, waterfront home sales increased slightly (8 → 9 sales), while the average sale price declineddue to fewer ultra-luxury canal transactions.

Last month’s top sale reached $1,415,000, while February’s highest closing came in at $975,000, reflecting stronger activity in the mid-range waterfront market rather than the luxury segment.

Homes sold at an average of 96% of list price, with an average of 171 days to contract, suggesting buyers are negotiating more actively while still absorbing available waterfront inventory.

Sailboat Country Sales

Palm Coast’s Sailboat Country remains one of the most desirable boating communities due to its wide canals and direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway without fixed bridges.

Recent sales included:

• 11 Crossview Ln – $395,000

• 12 Cotton Ct – $810,000

These sales demonstrate the broad price range within Sailboat Country, where home condition, dock improvements, and canal frontage can significantly influence value.

Homes with updated interiors, newer seawalls, and upgraded docks continue to command premium pricing.

Palm Harbor Canal Sales

Palm Harbor continues to be one of Palm Coast’s most active canal communities, offering direct boating access, established neighborhoods, and close proximity to shopping, golf, and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Recent sales included:

• 14 Clear Ct – $450,000

• 16 S Claymont Ct S – $499,000

• 20 Crescent Ct N – $545,000

• 25 Corning Ct – $850,000

• 17 Coleridge Ct – $975,000

The higher-end sales in this group highlight continued demand for larger waterfront homes with upgrades, wider canals, and premium locations.

Palm Harbor continues to represent one of the broadest price ranges in Palm Coast canal real estate, depending on home size, updates, and water access.

Flagler Beach Waterfront Sales

Two waterfront properties also closed in nearby Flagler Beach, highlighting continued interest in coastal properties close to the ocean and beach lifestyle.

Recent sales included:

• 2290 S Flagler Ave – $435,000

• 311 N 11th St – $550,000

These homes appeal to buyers looking for waterfront living with close proximity to the beach, restaurants, and the relaxed Flagler Beach atmosphere.

Market Trends & Key Numbers

February 2026

• Homes Sold: 9

• Average Sale Price: $612,111

• Median Sale Price: $545,000

• Price Range: $395,000 – $975,000

• Average Price Per Sq Ft: $299

• Avg Days to Contract: 171

• Sale-to-List Ratio: 96%

January 2026

• Homes Sold: 8

• Average Sale Price: ~$820,000

• Price Range: $506,000 – $1,415,000

Month-Over-Month Change

• Sales Volume: Slight increase

• Average Price: Lower due to fewer luxury closings

• Strongest Segment: $450K – $700K waterfront homes

• Buyer Behavior: More negotiation occurring

What This Means for Buyers & Sellers

Sellers:
Waterfront location continues to play a major role in pricing. Homes with sailboat access, wider canals, and updated docks or seawalls tend to attract the strongest buyer interest. Correct pricing remains critical in the current market.

Buyers:
Buyers currently have slightly more negotiating leverage than earlier in the year, particularly on homes with longer market times. However, well-positioned canal homes still attract strong interest.

Final Thoughts

Palm Coast’s canal and waterfront market remains active, with steady demand for boating-access homes and coastal lifestyles. While February saw fewer luxury transactions compared to the previous month, the core waterfront market between $450K and $700K remains strong.

Sailboat Country and Palm Harbor continue to drive much of the canal activity, while nearby Flagler Beach properties offer additional opportunities for buyers seeking a waterfront lifestyle along Florida’s east coast.

Palm Coast Neighborhoods for Saltwater Canal Homes

Palm Coast Canal Neighborhood Guide - Updated 2026

Compare canal neighborhoods by water access, boating type, and waterfront lifestyle — from Sailboat Country to Sanctuary, Tidelands, and Grand Haven ICW communities.

Palm Coast and nearby Flagler Beach offer some of Florida’s most desirable saltwater canal and Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) communities. However, not all waterfront neighborhoods are the same. Canal width, depth, bridge clearance, and proximity to the ICW can significantly impact your boating lifestyle.

Some neighborhoods, like Sailboat Country, are designed for sailboats and larger vessels with deep water and no fixed bridges. Others, such as Palm Harbor’s C and F Sections, are ideal for smaller boats and provide protected canal living. Gated ICW communities like Sanctuary, Yacht Harbor Village, Island Estates and Grand Haven offer direct Intracoastal frontage for buyers seeking larger yachts and resort-style amenities.

This guide breaks down the key Palm Coast and Flagler Beach canal neighborhoods so you can compare boating access, lifestyle features, and waterfront property types before making a move.

Yacht Harbor Village in Hammock Beach Offers Canal and Intracoastal properties

Neighborhoods for Saltwater Canal Homes:

 

This map shows the locations of major Palm Coast canal neighborhoods, including C Section, F Section, Sailboat Country, Sanctuary, Island Estates and Yacht Harbor Village. Click a neighborhood below to jump to details.

Palm Harbor - C Section & F Section

Palm Harbor is a charming waterfront neighborhood in Palm Coast, Florida, featuring scenic saltwater canals and well-maintained homes. Many properties offer private docks and easy access for small to medium-sized boats, making it ideal for boating enthusiasts. The community is quiet and family-friendly, with tree-lined streets and picturesque canal views that enhance the waterfront lifestyle. Palm Harbor provides a peaceful retreat while still being conveniently located near shops, dining, and local amenities.

• Saltwater canals suitable for small to medium-sized boats.

• Some homes have direct or near-direct ICW access, depending on exact location.

• Quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods with scenic waterfront views.

• Note: These canals do not accommodate sailboats or larger vessels.(See Sailboat Country)

Sailboat Country

Sailboat Country in Palm Coast, Florida, is a premier waterfront neighborhood designed for sailboats and larger vessels. Its wide saltwater canals feature turning basins and no fixed bridges, providing easy, direct navigation to the Intracoastal Waterway. Homes here offer private docks and ample space for boating enthusiasts seeking a true sailboat-ready lifestyle. This scenic community combines functional waterfront living with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, making it one of the most sought-after neighborhoods for Palm Coast canal homes.

• Designed specifically for sailboats and larger vessels.

• Wide canals with turning basins and no fixed bridges, allowing easy navigation to the ICW.

• Perfect for buyers who want true sailboat-ready waterfront homes.

Flagler Beach

Flagler Beach is a picturesque coastal community in northeastern Florida, offering waterfront homes with access to both canals and the Intracoastal Waterway. Many properties feature private docks and easy boating access, making it ideal for buyers seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The neighborhood combines small-town charm with proximity to beaches, shops, and dining, creating a unique blend of convenience and scenic waterfront living. Flagler Beach is a sought-after destination for those looking to enjoy the Flagler County canal lifestyle with easy access to open water.

• Offers both deep-water canals with instant ICW access and shallow-water canals.

• Ideal for buyers seeking boats in a coastal beachside community.

• Combines boating convenience with the charm of a small-town beach lifestyle.

Flagler Beach South – Cedar Island

Flagler Beach South is a serene waterfront neighborhood in Florida, featuring private canal-front lots with direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway. The community offers a quiet, coastal lifestyle with charming cottages and custom-built waterfront homes, ideal for buyers seeking both boating convenience and scenic beach-town living. Residents enjoy proximity to local shops, restaurants, and parks, making it a perfect blend of leisure and accessibility. Flagler Beach South provides a unique canal home experience for those looking to embrace waterfront living.

• Private waterfront lots with canal access leading directly to the Intracoastal Waterway.

• Quiet, coastal community with a relaxed beach-town lifestyle.

• Homes range from charming cottages to custom-built waterfront residences.

• Close to Flagler Beach shops, restaurants, and parks.

Island Estates

Island Estates is a premier waterfront neighborhood in Palm Coast, Florida, offering scenic and gated waterfront living. While the canals on the east side are ideal for smaller vessels, larger boats and yachts enjoy direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway via frontage. The community combines luxury living with lifestyle amenities such as private beaches, golf, and beautifully maintained waterfront properties. Island Estates provides a sought-after Palm Coast canal home experience for buyers looking for both boating convenience and exclusive waterfront charm.

• Canals on the east side are not suitable for larger vessels.

• Larger boats and yachts have direct access to the ICW via frontage.

• Offers gated, scenic waterfront living with amenities like private beaches and golf.

Yacht Harbor Village

Yacht Harbor Village is an exclusive gated waterfront community in Palm Coast, Florida, offering direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and full-service marina facilities for large vessels. The neighborhood features resort-style amenities and luxurious waterfront homes, making it ideal for boating enthusiasts seeking a premier lifestyle. Its unique location provides proximity to both the Intracoastal and the Atlantic Ocean, combining convenience with scenic coastal living. Yacht Harbor Village represents one of the most sought-after Palm Coast canal neighborhoods for buyers looking for luxury and boating access.

• Direct Intracoastal Waterway marina with large vessel capability

• Gated waterfront community with resort level amenities

• Unique Location: Intracoastal and Ocean Proximity

Sanctuary

Sanctuary is an exclusive island-style waterfront community in Palm Coast, Florida, featuring both saltwater canal and Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) frontage. Many homes offer direct ICW access, making the neighborhood ideal for larger vessels and yachts. The protected canals provide calm docking and quick navigation to open water, while the gated community ensures privacy and scenic waterfront views. Sanctuary combines luxury living with deep-water boating access, offering a premier Palm Coast canal home experience for discerning buyers.

• Private island community with both saltwater canal and Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) frontage.

• Many homes offer direct ICW access, ideal for larger vessels and yachts.

• Protected canals provide calmer docking with quick navigation to open water.

• Gated neighborhood known for privacy, scenic views, and luxury waterfront living.

• Perfect for buyers seeking deep-water boating access and island-style exclusivity.

Tidelands

Tidelands is an upscale gated waterfront community in Palm Coast, Florida, offering direct Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) frontage. Many homes feature private docks with easy navigation to the ICW, making it ideal for boating enthusiasts. The neighborhood combines wide water views with preserved natural surroundings, creating a serene and coastal atmosphere. Tidelands is perfect for buyers seeking low-maintenance luxury living, whether as a primary residence or a seasonal second home, providing a premier Palm Coast canal home experience.

• Gated waterfront community with direct Intracoastal Waterway frontage.

• Select homes offer private docks with easy ICW navigation.

• Wide water views and preserved natural surroundings create a peaceful, coastal atmosphere.

• Ideal for buyers wanting low-maintenance luxury living with boating access.

• Strong appeal for seasonal residents and second-home buyers.

Palm Coast Plantation

Palm Coast Plantation is a premier gated waterfront community in Palm Coast, Florida, featuring homes on both the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and freshwater lakes. Many properties offer private docks with navigable access to the ICW, ideal for boating enthusiasts. The neighborhood boasts spacious lots, mature landscaping, and scenic water views, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting. Palm Coast Plantation is perfect for buyers seeking a blend of boating lifestyle and neighborhood privacy, making it highly desirable for full-time residents looking for ICW access without heavy boat traffic.

• Gated waterfront community with homes on the Intracoastal Waterway and freshwater lake frontage.

• Select properties offer private docks and navigable access to the ICW.

• Spacious lots, mature landscaping, and scenic water views throughout.

• Ideal for buyers seeking a blend of boating lifestyle and neighborhood privacy.

• Popular for full-time residents wanting ICW access without heavy boat traffic.

Grand Haven

Grand Haven is a premier gated waterfront community in Palm Coast, Florida, featuring direct Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) frontage and private marina access. Many homes offer docks and ample space for larger vessels, catering to boating enthusiasts. The neighborhood combines resort-style amenities such as golf, a clubhouse, fitness facilities, and waterfront recreation, creating a luxurious lifestyle. Grand Haven is one of Palm Coast’s most recognized luxury waterfront communities, ideal for buyers seeking boating, security, and an exclusive country-club atmosphere.

• Premier gated community with direct Intracoastal Waterway frontage and marina access.

• Private docks and yacht-friendly access for larger vessels.

• Resort-style amenities including golf, clubhouse, fitness, and waterfront recreation.

• One of Palm Coast’s most recognized luxury waterfront communities.

• Ideal for buyers wanting boating, security, and country-club lifestyle combined.

Veranda Bay

Veranda Bay is a gated waterfront community in Flagler Beach, Florida, offering peaceful canal living with scenic waterfront homes. The neighborhood’s canals provide easy boating access to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) for small to medium-sized vessels, making it ideal for boating enthusiasts. Homes feature private docks, well-maintained landscaping, and a family-friendly, relaxed coastal lifestyle. Veranda Bay combines waterfront charm with convenience, being close to local amenities, shopping, and Flagler Beach, offering a complete canal home experience.

• Gated waterfront community offering peaceful canal living in Palm Coast.

• Canals provide easy boating access to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) for small to medium-sized vessels.

• Scenic waterfront homes with private docks and well-maintained landscaping.

• Ideal for buyers seeking a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood with a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

• Close to local amenities, shopping, and Flagler Beach, combining convenience with waterfront charm.

Seaside Landings

Seaside Landings is a waterfront community located off John Anderson Drive in Flagler Beach, Florida, offering scenic canal-front living. Its canals provide convenient access to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) for small to medium-sized boats, making it ideal for boating enthusiasts. Homes feature private docks, well-maintained landscaping, and charming waterfront properties suited to a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The neighborhood is quiet and family-friendly, combining coastal charm with easy access to local shops, dining, and beaches, providing an excellent Flagler Beach canal home experience.

• Located off John Anderson Drive in Flagler Beach, offering scenic canal-front living.

• Canals provide convenient access to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) for small to medium-sized boats.

• Homes feature private docks and well-maintained landscaping, perfect for waterfront lifestyles.

• Quiet, family-friendly neighborhood combining coastal charm with proximity to local shops, dining, and beaches.

• Ideal for buyers seeking a relaxed, boating-friendly community in Flagler Beach.

Shelter Cove

Shelter Cove is a scenic waterfront community in Flagler Beach, Florida, featuring homes with private docks and direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), ideal for small to mid-sized boats. The neighborhood offers a quiet coastal lifestyle with classic beach-town charm, while remaining close to Flagler Beach restaurants, parks, and local amenities. Properties range from charming cottages to modern two-story waterfront homes, most with canal frontage and well-landscaped lots. Shelter Cove provides a relaxed, boating-friendly Flagler Beach canal home experience for buyers seeking scenic waterfront living.

• Private docks with direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway, ideal for small to mid-sized boats.

• Quiet coastal community with beach-town charm and close proximity to Flagler Beach restaurants, parks, and local amenities.

• Homes range from charming cottages to modern two-story waterfront properties, most with canal frontage and landscaped lots.

Factors to Consider Choosing a Neighborhood:

• Canal type and width relative to your boat

• ICW access: direct, near-direct, or via community docks

• Flood zone designation and insurance requirements

• Local amenities and HOA rules

Selecting the right neighborhood is key to enjoying Palm Coast and Flagler Beach’s saltwater canal lifestyle. Contact me at 386-793-1426 today for expert guidance and exclusive access to the best canal-front homes that fit your boating and lifestyle goals. Start your Canal Home Search Here

Sailboat and Yacht Access in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach Saltwater Canals

Not all saltwater canal homes are suitable for sailboats or larger vessels. In Palm Coast and Flagler Beach, canal width, depth, bridge clearance, and ICW access vary by neighborhood. Understanding these factors ensures you pick a home that fits your boating lifestyle.

Many Flagler Beach properties provide access for larger vessels like sailboats and yachts.

• Sailboat Country

  • Designed specifically for sailboats and larger vessels.

  • Wide canals with turning basins and no fixed bridges, allowing easy navigation to the ICW.

  • Ideal for buyers who want true sailboat-ready docks and direct boating lifestyle.

• Flagler Beach – Deep-Water Canals

  • Certain canals offer instant deep-water ICW access.

  • Suitable for larger boats and sailboats.

  • Some shallow-water canals can only accommodate smaller boats.

Neighborhoods That Do NOT Accommodate Sailboats:

• C & F Section: C Section and F Section Canals are suitable for small-to-medium boats; sailboats and larger vessels need to be located in sailboat country (north part of the C Section) in order to navigate to the Intracoastal Waterway.

• Hammock Dunes – Island Estates: Canal-side docks are for smaller vessels; larger boats and yachts are deep water accessible on the west side of the island; on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Factors to Consider for Sailboat or Larger Vessel Owners

1. Canal Width & Depth: Ensure your boat fits comfortably.

2. Bridge Clearance: Check for any fixed bridges along your route to the ICW.

3. Turning Basins: Larger vessels require wider areas to maneuver.

4. Dock Construction: Floating docks or pilings may be required for heavier vessels.

5. Tidal Fluctuations: Tidal saltwater canals can impact draft clearance.

Tips for Buyers

• Verify exact water depth at your property and dock.

• Ask about HOA rules for boat size, dock construction, and modifications if applicable.

• Consider community navigation — some canals have narrow passages or shallow areas.

• Check for direct ICW access if you plan to sail frequently.

Whether you own a sailboat, catamaran, or another type of recreational boat, understanding canal access is critical to finding the right Palm Coast or Flagler Beach home. Sailboat Country and Flagler Beach deep-water canals offer the best options for larger vessels, while smaller boats fit comfortably in all parts of the C & F Section and other areas throughout Flagler County.

Click here to search Canal Homes for sale in Palm Coast and Flagler County.

Palm Coast Flagler County Monthly Canal Home Sales Report - January 2026

Palm Coast Canal Home Sales Overview

Canal homes in Palm Coast saw solid activity this month, particularly in sailboat-accessible neighborhoods and gated waterfront communities. Buyers continued to pay a premium for properties offering deep-water canal access, established neighborhoods, and proximity to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Overall Palm Coast Canal Market – This Month

• Total canal homes sold: 8

• Price range: $506,000 – $1,415,000

• Average sale price: ~$820,000

Sales activity was strongest in Palm Coast’s C Section Sailboat Country, while gated and luxury waterfront communities achieved the highest sale prices.

Gated & Luxury Waterfront Communities

Sanctuary – Palm Coast

The Sanctuary continues to command top dollar as one of Palm Coast’s premier luxury Intracoastal and canal communities.

Recent Sale:

• 4 Old Oak Dr N – $1,415,000

This sale reflects continued demand for high-end waterfront living, privacy, and deep-water access.

Tidelands – Intracoastal & Canal Homes

Tidelands remains popular for buyers seeking waterfront amenities, gated security, and Intracoastal access.

Recent Sale:

• 75 Longview Way N – $1,010,000

Country Club Harbor

Country Club Harbor offers a blend of canal access and golf course proximity, appealing to lifestyle-focused buyers.

Recent Sale:

• 50 Country Club Harbor Circle – $810,000

Palm Coast C Section Canal & Sailboat Country Sales

The C Section of Palm Coast, particularly Sailboat Country, saw the highest number of canal home sales this month. These homes remain in demand due to wider canals, no bridges, and easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

C Section Sailboat Country

• 144 Cochise Ct – $890,000

• 51 Comanche Ct – $615,000

Additional C Section Canal Sales

• 38 Cortes Court – $699,525

• 40 Clarendon Ct N – $615,000

• 28 Claymont Court S – $506,000

Buyers in this section focused on boating access, seawall condition, and lot orientation, with well-priced homes moving efficiently.

What This Means for Buyers & Sellers

• Sellers: Canal location matters. Sailboat-accessible canals and gated waterfront communities continue to outperform standard canal properties.

• Buyers: Inventory remains limited, especially under $700,000, making preparation and timing critical.

Understanding recent canal home sales in Palm Coast helps both buyers and sellers make informed decisions in a competitive waterfront market.

Final Thoughts

Canal homes in Palm Coast continue to attract strong buyer interest, particularly in C Section Sailboat Country and gated waterfront neighborhoods. As boating and waterfront lifestyles remain a priority, pricing for well-located canal homes is expected to remain steady.

To search canal homes you can search here

Flagler County / Palm Coast Canal Homes Market Report September 2022

Canal Homes Market Report Flagler County Palm Coast September 2022

PENDING! 204 Beachway

204 Beachway is now PENDING!

With a multiple bid situation, I was able to write up the strongest offer to put my buyers in best position to get their dream freshwater canal home.

JUST SOLD! 1500 S Central Flagler Beach, Fl 32136

Congratulations to both our Buyers on their purchase of 1500 S Central Flagler Beach, Fl!

I showed my buyers this beauty via FaceTime while they were out of town and was able to negotiate a price below apprisal.

To sell your home give us a call or text at 386-793-1426

Consumer Confidence Relatively Unchanged in July

By Marla Martin

U.S. consumers remain optimistic: July’s confidence index is about the same as June’s, after gains in each of the prior 5 months – and the highest since Feb. 2020.

NEW YORK – The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index was relatively unchanged in July, following gains in each of the prior five months. The Index now stands at 129.1, up from 128.9 in June.

The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – rose from 159.6 to 160.3. The Expectations Index – based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions – was virtually unchanged at 108.4, compared to 108.5 last month.

“Consumer confidence was flat in July but remains at its highest level since February 2020,” says Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators at The Conference Board. “Consumers’ appraisal of present-day conditions held steady, suggesting economic growth in Q3 is off to a strong start. Consumers’ optimism about the short-term outlook didn’t waver, and they continued to expect that business conditions, jobs and personal financial prospects will improve.”

Franco says short-term inflation expectations eased slightly but they’re still elevated. “Spending intentions picked up in July, with a larger percentage of consumers saying they planned to purchase homes, automobiles, and major appliances in the coming months.,” she added, and “consumer spending should continue to support robust economic growth in the second half of 2021.”

Present situation

Consumers’ appraisal of current business conditions improved slightly in July.

• 26.4% of consumers said business conditions are “good,” up from 25.2%.
• 19.3% of consumers said business conditions are “bad,” up from 19.1%.

Consumers’ assessment of the labor market was relatively flat.

• 54.9% of consumers said jobs are “plentiful,” up from 54.7%.
• 10.5% of consumers said jobs are “hard to get,” unchanged from June.

Expectations six months from now

Consumers’ optimism about the short-term business conditions outlook eased slightly in July.

• 33.4% of consumers expect business conditions will improve, down from 33.7%.
• 10.5% expect business conditions to worsen, down from 10.8%.

Consumers were mixed about the short-term labor market outlook.

• 27.7% of consumers expect more jobs to be available in the months ahead, up from 26.6%.
• Conversely, 16.8% anticipate fewer jobs, up from 15.7%.

Consumers remained upbeat about their short-term financial prospects.

• 20.6% of consumers expect their incomes to increase, up from 20.0%.
• Only 8.6% expect their incomes will decrease, up from 8.4%.

The monthly Consumer Confidence Survey is conducted for The Conference Board by Toluna, a technology company that delivers real-time consumer insights and market

© 2021 Florida Realtors®

PENDING! 1500 Central S Flagler Beach, Fl 32164

Congratulations to our buyers at 1500 Central S Flagler Beach, Fl 32164!

To sell your home give us a call or text at 386-793-1426

JUST SOLD! 12 Cedarfield Court Palm Coast, 32137

Congratulations to our buyers at 12 Cedarfield Court!

To sell your home give us a call or text at 386-793-1426

PENDING! 12 Cedarfield Court Palm Coast, 32137

Congratulations to our buyers at 12 Cedarfield Court!

To sell your home give us a call or text at 386-793-1426

JUST SOLD! 504 Riverside Drive, Holly Hill FL 32117

Congratulations to our buyers at 12 Cedarfield Court!

To sell your home give us a call or text at 386-793-1426

PENDING! 504 Riverside Drive, Holly Hill Fl 32117

Congratulations to our buyers at 504 Riverside Drive, Holly Hill Fl 32117!

To sell your home give us a call or text at 386-793-1426

JUST SOLD! 326 N 12th Flagler Beach, Fl 32136

Congratulations to both our Buyers and Sellers on 326 N 12th Flagler Beach, Fl!

I was able to get multiple offers on this beachside beauty and got my seller a great sales price!

To sell your home give us a call or text at 386-793-1426

Canal.homes Market Report 8/3/20 - 8/9/20

How Effective Is National Flood Insurance? GAO Does an Audit

By Kerry Smith, Florida Realtors

The government agency that oversees other agencies said that FEMA needs to inspect high-risk-flood communities more often – notably the ones in Fla. and Texas.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) audits other government agencies to hold them accountable, and it recently completed an audit of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – and specifically the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Communities that participate in NFIP must mitigate possible flood damage, and rates are determined by how well they do that.

FEMA inspects communities to see how well they follow NFIP requirements. The visits include evaluations of recent construction. Until 2019, FEMA’s goal was to visit all communities considered to be high-risk for flooding every 5 years.

However, FEMA did not meet this goal in Florida or Texas in 2008-2019, citing a lack of resources according to the GAO. As a result, many high-risk communities received only one visit in this period – and some weren’t visited at all.

“Without regular monitoring, FEMA’s ability to ensure communities comply with requirements is limited,” GAO reported. Without the inspections, FEMA can’t track violations or deficiencies, or whether the community resolved earlier cited issues.

In Florida, the GAO found that records on visits remained open for years, and FEMA staff weren’t able to say whether that “indicated unresolved deficiencies or incomplete recordkeeping.”

One key problem GAO said was a community’s ability to assess damage on a property after a flood, and whether it’s damaged by 50% or more of its value to ensure it’s then rebuilt to current NFIP standards.

However, “FEMA generally does not collect or analyze the results of these assessments, limiting its ability to ensure the process operates as intended,” the GAO report said. “Furthermore, FEMA has not clarified how communities can access NFIP claims data. Such data would help communities target substantial damage assessments after a flood.”

The GAO made four recommendations to FEMA:

• Assess different approaches for ensuring compliance with NFIP requirements

• Ensure data on community visits are up-to-date and complete

• Ensure communities collect data on substantial damage assessments

• Clarify policies on data sharing between FEMA and NFIP communities

• FEMA said it agreed with the GAO’s recommendations.

The text of the GAO report is available online.

© 2020 Florida Realtors®

PENDING! 326 N 12th Street Flagler Beach, Fl 32136

PENDING!!!

The real estate market is still moving! I am representing both the Buyers and Seller on this gorgeous Flagler Beach Canal Home! Buyers are still looking! But Buyers are looking more online through virtual tours. Having an online presence is of the upmost importance in today’s market to get maximum exposure! If you’re thinking about selling, I own multiple mobile friendly online platforms ranked on Google and other search engines, that will get your home in front of more buyers, that will in return get you more money for your property.

Give me a Call or Text at 386-793-1426 for more info. - Robert “Bobby” Keith, Realtor

March Pending Sales Plunge 20.8%; NAR Calls It Temporary

By Kerry Smith, Florida Realtors

The usual spring home-selling season took a hit due to the pandemic, but most experts consider it a bump in the road rather than a long-term change.

WASHINGTON – Pending home sales fell 20.8% in March – expected declines as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).

The drop was widespread, and each of the four major regions tracked by the index saw drops in month-over-month contract activity and year-over-year pending home sales transactions.

The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) – a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings – decreased 20.8% to 88.2 in March. Year-over-year, contract signings declined too though not as much at 16.3%. An index of 100 is equal to the level of contract activity in 2001.

“The housing market is temporarily grappling with the coronavirus-induced shutdown, which pulled down new listings and new contracts,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “As consumers become more accustomed to social distancing protocols, and with the economy slowly and safely reopening, listings and buying activity will resume, especially given the record low mortgage rates.”

“The usual spring buying season will be missed, however, so a bounce-back later in the year will be insufficient to make up for the loss of sales in the second quarter,” Yun says. “Overall, home sales are projected to have declined 14% for the year.

“Although the pandemic continues to be a major disruption in regards to the timing of home sales, home prices have been holding up well,” Yun adds. “In fact, due to the ongoing housing shortage, home prices are likely to squeeze out a gain in 2020 to a new record high. I project the national median home price to increase 1.3% for the year, though there will be local market variations and the upper-end market will likely experience a reduction in home price.”

March pending home sales regional breakdown

The Northeast PHSI dropped 14.5% to 82.3 in March – 11.0% lower than a year ago. In the Midwest, the index decreased 22.0% to 85.6 last month, and it’s down 12.4% from March 2019.

Pending home sales in the South sank 19.5% to an index of 103.7 in March, a 17.8% drop from March 2019. The index in the West fell 26.8% in March 2020 to 71.4, down 21.5% from a year ago.

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