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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My husband and I both grew up in the small southern towns of Quincy and Marianna, Florida.  Both towns had a very large and active community of golfers.  Many social activities radiated from the local country club which was centered around the golf course. Families had dinner at the country club on Friday nights, dad's played golf with their golf group on Saturdays and son's and sometimes daughter's tagged along with dad while he straightened out his swing on Sunday afternoons.  

One of the first outings my husband Bill and I had after we started dating was a golf date at the Cavern's golf course in Marianna.  He even prepared to propose to me on the 18th hole. He was thwarted in his efforts when he realized he couldn't drop the ring box into the

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We recently listed and sold homes in Panama City Beach and Lynn Haven within 48 hours.  What does it take to sell a home in 48 hours with a depressed economy, and foreclosures and short sales around every corner you may ask:

1) The right product - in the marketing field, this is number one of the Four Ps, if you don't have a product that is in demand, your pricing, placement and promotion have to be incredibly strong to get past the market's demand for your product - you have to create articificial demand. 

 

2) The right price - successful sales result from pricing the product at the right price.  The way we find the right price in the real estate world is to compare the home to other recent sales in the market of homes

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Taken from an article on Florida Realtors web site:

CoreLogic: Fla. home prices rising

SANTA ANA, Calif. – April 4, 2012 – CoreLogic today released its February Home Price Index (HPI) report. Excluding distressed sales, month-over-month prices nationally increased 0.7 percent in February from January, but fell year-over-year by 0.8 percent if distressed sales are backed out of the equation and 2.0 percent if they’re included.

In Florida, however, prices rose in February 2012 compared to February 2011 whether distressed sales were included or not. The CoreLogic HCI found that Florida home prices rose 4.7 percent overall, and 1.6 percent without distressed sale numbers. Distressed sales include short sales and real estate owned (REO) transactions.

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It's that time of year again.  The Easter Bunny hops into town in Lynn Haven and shows up at Sharon Sheffield Park for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt.  The games and Bunny visit start at 9:00 AM and the egg hunt starts at 9:30 AM sharp.  Don't be late!!

 

Age group break downs are 0-3, 4-7, and 8-10. 

Don't forget your basket and camera. 

April 7, 2012

9:00 AM

Sharon Sheffield Park

Downtown Lynn Haven, FL 

Waldorf Astoria Naples FL

I recently had the opportunity to travel to Naples FL for the wedding of the daughter of a dear friend.  I'd never been to Naples, actually never further south in Florida than Tampa.  My expectations were rather high since we were staying at the Naples Waldorf Astoria.  I don't know about you but the words Waldorf Astoria conjur up all kinds of high brow images to me: butlers, women in large sun bonnets, men in ascots and little pocket/purse dogs on leashes with "bling".  But what I came away with is - it's a nice place to visit, but I'll keep my home in paradise, thank you. 

The drive down reminded me once again how large our state of Florida is and the fact that I've always felt we needed to break it into three states

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