Most people would think the ground floor is the best choice for a Gulf front rental condo.  Another thought is that higher is better. Both assumptions are wrong.

Ground floor condos offer the most direct path to the pool and the beach, but everybody that walks to the pool or the beach is walking by your unit. It robs you of some of the privacy, higher units afford. You may want to enjoy a morning cup of coffee in your pajamas on the porch, but not with all the early risers jogging by or the maintaince men cleaning the patio and pool.

How about the highest floors for that panoramic view? Maybe for some people who want to be alone, but sometimes the higher floors also come with a longer wait time for the elevator! Remember

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Current Real Estate Market Opportunities That Should Not Be Missed

Only Serious Buyers Are Out

At this time of year, only those purchasers who are serious about buying a home or condo will be in the marketplace. You, your family or your renters will not be bothered and inconvenienced by "lookers".  The lookers are at the mall or online doing their after Christmas bargain shopping.

There is Far Less Competition 

Housing supply always shrinks dramatically at this time of year. Banks and investors will be putting some of the distressed properties they have been slowly releasing to the market out there but for buyers looking for non-distressed properties, the choices will be limited.  This is especially true in Lynn Haven and Panama City Beach. 

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Reasons not to buy a condo based on price per square foot.

Not a good idea. It would be like buying a car by the pound....would you pay the same price per pound for a KIA as a Mercedes? Lower ceiling height make's a condo appear closer to a motel room than an actual vacation experience. Nine to 10' ceilings open up any glass areas facing a panarama  or the Gulf of Mexico. They also give an internal feel of a suite instead of a motel room. The costs SHOULD be higher for the additional ceiling height but unfortunatley appraisers completing a quick estimate of value might miss that and compare only the price per square foot and age. I recommend you search for the additional height for your own personal enjoyment and "curb appeal".

After spending the holidays with family and friends, this is a time of the year to start thinking about changes to make in our lives, both personal and in business.  We wanted to share one of ours with you.

Our goal is to become your Gulf Coast REALTOR® for life.  We want you to think of us first when you need to buy or sell and that you’ll recommend us to your friends too.  That kind of trust has to be earned and we’re committed to helping you be a better homeowner even when you’re not buying or selling.

The strategy is simple.  A well-informed homeowner will make better decisions.  We’ll periodically offer information through articles and social media on a wide variety of home-related topics like maintenance tips, tax law changes, financing

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    Gulf Coast Realtors typically get calls from people that start like this; "I'm thinking about buying a condo and I'd like to check some prices". Most of the calls are from people who have acquired their knowledge of condos from friends or family members. They think ; 1) it's a great investment, 2) we want to retire  and live at the beach someday, 3) we have some money in savings and  want a second home for our family, or 4) we would like to create a tax shelter that also provides the opportunity for our family to enjoy.

    All of these are great thoughts, but most people I talk with have done little or no planning about the purchase. They have the vision of a carefree time of playing on the beach with their kids/grandkids or reclining in a lounger

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Water damage is top of mind with most people lately due to Superstorm Sandy's flooding of the homes in New York and New Jersey.  Most of us in Florida equate water damage from flooding caused by tidal surges or rainwater runoff as a result of hurricanes. A flood is generally described as rising water due to overflow of inland or tidal waters or unusual repid accumulation or runoff of surface water from any source. Homes in our area within designated flood zones are typically required to maintain federally funded flood insurance by our lenders. These flood policies average around $600 and cover building and contents.  Even if you don't live in a flood area, it may be wise to buy a flood policy.  I'm sure some of the folks living in the Northeast

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The Panama City area has long been known for its beautiful white beaches, emerald green waters and amusement parks.  The reputation has remained and grown over the years.  Many people who come here for our beaches are unaware that on the "town" side of the bridge lies an area filled with great restaurants, boutiques, a busy marina and an arts district.  The downtown core of Panama City has been a regional draw for over a hundred years.  Many of us who grew up within driving distance remember coming to Panama City to go shopping at JC Penney, Woolworth, Cogburn's or Smith's.

The Downtown Improvement Board was established to bring the shine back to downtown Panama City after a prolonged death spiral all but dried up the downtown area shopping and

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Florida again becomes the focus of national attention this week as Hurricane Isaac saunters slowly up the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and as Tampa prepares for the Republican National Convention.  Now lots of jokes come to mind but given my conservative bent, I'll refrain. 

Florida natives have a healthy respect for hurricanes as we seem to be the brunt of most of their end of the summer/early fall visits.  We know how to prepare (lines are already forming for gas purchases and Walmart and Home Depot have moved the water, flashlights, and batteries to the front of the stores). We know how to chart the hurricane track on free hurricane tracking maps. But most of all, the true Florida natives know when to prepare for an indoor hurricane "party"

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It's summertime in Lynn Haven and it's hot. Yes the temperatures are in the 90's but it's also hot with summer events. The Summer Music Festival (affectionately called concerts in the park) is going strong and so is the Farmer's Market. If you haven't experienced this small town fun, you are missing out. Come early and shop, then bring your blanket or lawn chair to hear some really good music or visit with the locals.  Lynn Haven is the epitome of small town atmosphere with an uptown location!

14th Annual Lynn Haven SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Tuesdays from June 12 – August 14, 6:30PM – 7:30PM

at Sheffield Park, Downtown Lynn Haven-Across from City Hall

2012 Concert Schedule

• June 12…..(“Funk”y)….........................…Black Out Brass Band (Ft.

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We live in Lynn Haven, along Upper Goose Bayou, a bayou that rambles off to the west of North Bay.  We bought this house mainly because we fell in love with the view of the bayou and because we are both "water people".  Sunday afternoon, my first mistake was walking out to the seawall to check the water level of the tide.  Next thing I know, I'm stairing into the eyes of one of the largest Sheepshead I had ever seen that close and in less than three feet of water.  There were also about five sea trout cruising about two feet away.  If you've never been less than five feet away from that many edible fish, it is an exciting feeling for a lifetime fisherman. 

You see, I've got a problem and I'm willing to admit it. I'm addicted to fishing.  Well, maybe

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