Emerald Coast RE agents - is this normal?

[Katy Scherr]

Hello BP!! 

I am curious if this is normal. I assume it is, maybe just not on this scale.

I have been looking at condos in Panama City Beach FL for MONTHS as I would like to buy one a vacation getaway and to use as an STR. One that I have saved in my realtor.com app, the price has gone up twice since it was listed. It started at $230k Nov 24th 2020, increased to $245k on Dec 14th, and just increased to $286k today. I assume this is normal but the latest huge increase has me concerned about finding something in my price range, especially since I haven't seen many new listings hit the market. Is this price increase due to the season about to change and more buyers will be ready? Should I jump now before prices jump even more? Hypothetically, is it rude to make an offer closer to one of the lower listing prices? Anything I should be looking out for as I continue my search? I appreciate all of you lovely people! Thank you in advance.