
Hi folks,
Effective 01-01-2010 the Department Of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires lenders to use a NEW Good Faith Estimate (GFE) form. This is a good thing for prospective property buyers who need financing. The new form strives to make loan costs more transparent for buyers and it includes a Loan Shopping Chart so that buyers can shop lenders and compare apples to apples with regard to loan costs across several lenders.
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New Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and HUD-1 for Home Buyers
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Hi folks,
There is good news in the condo sales market here in Panama City Beach. Since January sales have continued to increase. According to the Bay County MLS there were 26 condo sales in January and in April there were 58. Currently the absorption rate is just above 2 years which isn’t too bad.
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Good News! Panama City Beach Condo sales increase, Condo inventory decreases
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Well we have to say that 2008 was a VERY exciting year. Lots of good, some bad. On the good side we had a VERY good year helping buyers find properties that met there needs and helping sellers get their properties sold. On that bad side it is so difficult to speak with, meet and deal with so many folks who are in financial difficulty. It is truly heart breaking.
This could be a good day for first time home buyers. Housing legislation signed into law on July 30, 2008 by President Bush is aimed at ending the current cyclical downturn in the housing industry, helping home buyers and strapped borrowers and strengthening the housing finance system, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Hi folks,
It looks like the lending climate may be improving for condo market here in Panama City Beach, FL. We recently received correspondence from a lender that included a list of “Approved” condos.
* Please note this information is from one particular lender. We have several that we work with that are financing condos.
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Panama City Beach Condo Lending And Financing Conditions Improve
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From June 13 to August 2, 2008, Florida’s newest seasonal attraction will spring to life at Frank Brown Park near Pier Park, bringing a dazzling three-ring aerial and stage production to residents and visitors alike.
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Frank Brown Park Near Pier Park To Host Circus by the Sea!
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Current Lending Climate In Panama City Beach For The Purchase Of Condos And Condo Hotel Units
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Financing Condos and Condo Hotel Units In Panama City Beach FL
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The nationally recognized Seabreeze Jazz Festival will move from Walton County to the public amphitheater at Pier Park, Panama City Beach for 2009.
“This is a great event,” said TDC Chairman Andy Phillips. The TDC unanimously passed a resolution to provide the organizers $10,000 to help in the relocation from its current site in Destin to Pier Park in Panama City Beach.
Have a GREAT day!
Mike and Vivian
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Seabreeze Jazz Fest says HELLO to Pier Park
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Hi folks,
I hope all of you are doing well today. I just posted the Panama City Beach Real Estate For Sale inventory numbers for Panama City Beach, Panama City and Bay County. The numbers are for the month of March.

With Real Estate Auctions all the rage right now, I would like to offer some advise and tips on how to be prepared to bid on real estate at auction.
A REALTOR(R) can be a GREAT asset to the auction process. Many Auction Companies provide a cooperative commission to REALTORS(R) that register a buyer and attend the auction.

Good day all,
Pier Park outdoor mall and retail center in Panama City Beach is now open for business!
This is arguably THE most important GOOD thing to happen to the beach in a long while. We think it is even more important than the new airport.
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Pier Park in Panama City Beach is Open for Business!
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The following was sent by State Senator Don Gaetz of Florida
Now that it’s law, here’s how Florida Property Tax Amendment 1 may affect your tax liability.
Dear Neighbor,
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Florida Property Tax Amendment 1 and how it affects you.
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A federal appeals court in New York has cleared the way for construction to begin in full at the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport, officials announced Monday.
“This is a red-letter day for the airport,†said Airport Authority Vice Chairman Bill Cramer upon receiving news of the decision just before an Airport Authority’s regular meeting Monday morning.
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Panama City Bay County International Airport Stay Lifted
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Hi folks,
I am writing this in hope that the information I post here will clear up some confusion w/ regard to the Florida Property Tax Amendment that is on the ballot for January 29, 2008. This amendment is NOT the same as the previous SUPER EXEMPTION AMENDMENT that was so highly advertised. The SUPER EXEMPTION AMENDMENT is DEAD.
The Associated Press
6:04 pm, November 30, 2007
A federal appeals court temporarily blocked construction of Bay County’s new airport, granting a request by local pilots and environmental groups opposed to the project.
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Court Halts Panama City, Bay County Airport Construction
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Good day to all,
Yesterday was the official ground breaking for the Panama City- Bay County International Airport. Approximately 1000 people in attendance.

There is a lot of speculation as to whether or not the airport will stimulate real estate sales in the area. I think it is possible. We may see some investors come back into the market as a result of the airport contruction.
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Panama City | Bay County International Airport Ground Breaking
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Panama City Beach News Release
Date Set for Bay County International Airport Groundbreaking Ceremony
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Early today the Airport Authority began emailing invitations to a “Ceremonial Groundbreaking†for the new airport, to be held on Thursday, November 1, at 9:30 a.m. on Hwy 388 in West Bay.
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Bay County International Airport Groundbreaking Ceremony
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Pier Park in Panama City Beach sure is coming along nicely!
Its is going to be a GREAT place for folks to shop, eat, drink and be merry! There are a host of stores coming and quite a few under construction. The theaters are done. Long Horn Steakhouse is done. Target, Starbucks, and Panera Bread are done!

Things just got more difficult for first time home buyers…although I have to admit I am not sorry to see this go by the wayside. It was confusing to buyers, sellers and REALTORS(R). The practical application of this program and this rule in particular has proven difficult.
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New HUD Rule Bans Seller Funded Down Payments for FHA Loans
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