Panama City and Panama City Beach Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog postshttps://www.chadmiller.com/blog/Copyright ChadMiller.com2022-10-31T09:36:04-07:00tag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:9987Boardwalk Beach Resort
Boardwalk Beach Resort
Panama City Beach hosts a lot of great places to live and stay, but <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/boardwalk-beach-resort/" title="Boardwalk Beach Resort">Boardwalk Beach Resort</a> definitely lands in the top five. Condominium owners and vacation owners alike absolutely love this place and there’s a reason it sticks out amongst all the other competition in the area.
Because Boardwalk Beach Resort was built at a time when many other places were also being built, sometimes referred to as “the boom”, the builder knew he needed to do something to make this place different from the rest. Due to his interior finishes, larger than average balconies, crown moldings, and beautiful granite countertops, people favor this place. It was made to impress and beat out the other competition in the area.
Its utilities are also something to brag about. Boardwalk Beach Resort hosts a large pool that is oceanside, a hot tub to enjoy, a sun deck to catch some rays, an owner’s lounge, and a restaurant on site. You could enjoy an entire fun filled day without leaving the confines of your home! Imagine relaxing by the pool and also being able to admire the beauty of the ocean without getting all sandy. What could be better than that?
One of the biggest attractions to this spot is the parking. Generally, most places that offer parking, actually have you park in a place across the street forcing you to walk over a bridge or under the highway. At Boardwalk Beach Resort, the parking is on the same side of the road! No more waiting to cross over just to get to your car. Just another added convenience available here.
Lastly, location, location, location! Many people prefer to stay in the West end or right on Thomas Drive, but at Boardwalk Beach Resort you don’t have to choose because you’re right in the middle! You get the best of both worlds. It’s central location boasts a golf course across the street, a variety of restaurants and activities that everyone of any age can enjoy.
Now to talk about money. Obviously it depends what programs you go through and who <a href="https://www.gulfcoastvacationproperties.com/" title="Rent your condo">rents your condo</a>, but on average, a realistic yearly income from a one bedroom here is $40,000, $60,000 for a two bedroom, and up to $80,000 for a three bedroom! Boardwalk Beach Resort has four different floor plans. They have a studio which is 505 square feet that goes for $175,000-$205,000, a one bedroom that is 745 square feet that goes roughly for $373,000-$385,000. There are two separate floor plans for the two bedrooms, one of which is 1152 square feet and sells for $380,000-$400,000 and a larger one that is 1380 square feet and costs between $425,000-$475,000. The three bedrooms are a rarer find, but when they are available they come in at 1,986 square feet and go for $575,000-$630,000.
Boardwalk Beach Resort sits right on the beach in the middle of Panama City where you can sit back and enjoy beautiful sunsets nightly. You really couldn’t ask for much more from a condo! If you’re interested in learning more about these, please reach out, I’d love to help!2020-01-24T09:00:00-07:002020-01-24T21:50:29-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:9549Edgewater 1 Bedroom Deluxe - Sale HistoryEdgewater Beach Resort
Sale History Report for 1 Bedroom Deluxe
Values increased from $175,000 in 1996 before topping out at $500,000 in October of 2005. The next sale was 5 years later in 2010 for $189,000 and values have steadily increased since. The average days on market over the past 2 years has averaged 53 days. 82% of the sales were conventional financing and 17% were cash.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/Copy_of_Market_Report_-_1_BR_A_-_20191.jpg" width="800" height="593" style="vertical-align: top;" />
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/Copy_of_Market_Report_-_1_BR_A_-_20192.jpg" width="800" height="593" alt="Edgewater 1 Bedroom Deluxe Sale History" title="Edgewater 1 Bedroom Deluxe Sale History" />2019-11-18T11:01:00-07:002019-11-18T11:36:54-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7949Panama City Beach | Entertainment & Attractions<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/Panama_City_Beach___Entertainment__Attractions.png" width="1200" height="628" alt="Attractions & Entertainment | Panama City Beach" title="Attractions & Entertainment | Panama City Beach" />
Attractions & Entertainment | Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach in northwest Florida is famous for its beautiful beaches and sugary white sand. The beach sits on the Gulf of Mexico's "<a href="http://www.emeraldcoastrealtors.com/">Emerald Coast</a>", and is one of Florida's prime locations for anyone who loves <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/life-on-floridas-emerald-coast/">Emerald Coast's beach lifestyle</a>, fun festivals and cultural celebrations, and wants to buy a home on the water.
Whether you want to lounge on the beach, explore the many dive sites in the Gulf, or enjoy the many pet-friendly activities with your furry friend, Panama City Beach has something for every lifestyle.
Activities On the Water
A favorite activity for residents and visitors to Panama City is scuba diving. The region is famous for the number of <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://diversdenpcb.com/wrecks-and-reefs/">shipwrecks in Panama City Beach</a>, and is the "Wreck Capital of the South." Some of the dive sites have wrecks dating back to the 1800s. The region has an abundance of sites for novices and advanced divers.
Dive operators classify the sites as inshore which are suitable for divers with basic skills, and offshore which require advanced certification. Paddleboarding is a relaxing way to get out on the water, observe marine life including sea turtles, rays, and exotic fish.
Popular spots are St. Andrew's Bay, the Grand Lagoon, and the many cold springs. The many marinas in Panama City have options for every boating enthusiast whether you're a sports fisherman or love exploring the Intercoastal Waterway.
Festivals And Celebrations
Panama City has exciting events happening throughout every season and for the holidays. Enjoy food and drink festivals, live music, cultural events, and special holiday activities. Popular cultural events like the <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.scottishbanner.com/event/panama-city-beach-scottish-festival-highland-games/">Scottish Festival and Highland Games</a> takes place each spring; also the time to enjoy Southern hospitality at food and wine tasting events.
Jazz festivals and summer concert series, and holiday events make this one of the most vibrant communities in Florida. The Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade are just two of the events that kick off the community's exciting Christmas Season. The Bethlehem Christmas Village is a fun, interactive event for the entire family.
Pet-Friendly Panama City
One of the best things about Panama City Beach is the number of pet-friendly places to take your furry friend for an outing. When you're heading to the beach or for a walk, Panama City has some beautiful parks and <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/articles/post/petfriendly/">beaches that allow dogs</a>.
Russell-Fields Pier is a favorite fishing spot and extends 1,500 feet into the Gulf of Mexico; a great place for a walk with your dog. Doggie Beach is directly across from Pier Park. Leashed dogs and their pet parents love walking the beach and in the surf, and meeting other dogs and their families.
Frank Brown Park is the place to go for a hike on one of the trails that are dog-friendly. the trails extend for 1.5 miles. The feature that dogs and pet parents love is the fenced-in dog park, where dogs can play off-leash and meet other canine companions. Aaron Bessant Park offers a place for a leisurely stroll and outdoor concerts. Leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners.
Make Your Home Here
If you plan to sell a home, the <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/">Panama City Beach real estate</a> market is thriving. Sellers who want to downsize or buy a vacation condo on the beachfront have an excellent selection of waterfront properties from which to choose. A <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS721US721&ei=yxQcXOCqApCQ_Qboo5zACQ&q=panama+city+beach+realtor+chad+miller&oq=panama+city+beach+realtor+chad+miller&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i8i30.9216.13033..13381...1.0..0.189.976.6j3......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i8i7i30j0i8i13i30.tFAmJF0_PX4">local Realtor</a> can show you homes that fit your criteria and guide you through the process.2018-12-20T12:02:00-07:002019-03-15T17:05:11-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7831Life On Florida’s Emerald Coast<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/My_Post_1.jpg" width="1200" height="629" alt="Life On Florida’s Emerald Coast" title="Life On Florida’s Emerald Coast" />
Florida’s Emerald Coast
The clear water and distinctive white sand beaches of Panama City Beach provide an attractive backdrop luring residents and visitors worldwide. Incorporated in 1977, the city is located in Bay County, part of Florida’s Great Northwest, stretching across the Florida Panhandle.
The shoreline borders on the Gulf of Mexico offering a variety of year round water activities for all ages. Long considered a favorite vacation destination from places far and wide, from cold climates in the North, to warm climates like <a href="https://www.theholmgroupaz.com/">Scottsdale, AZ</a>. The community’s redevelopment and regeneration has created an atmosphere appealing to new business ventures, industries and high-tech companies.
The availability of higher level jobs has <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.newsherald.com/news/20171115/study-pcb-sports-park-would-have-232-million-impact">stimulated economic growth</a> and improved the quality of life for residents. An international airport servicing the area, upgraded methods of transportation around the city, including a county-wide trolley system, and expanded city services, have focused attention on this waterfront community.
Home Ownership
Families interested in relocating or tourists looking for a permanent vacation home will find that Panama City Beach offers highly valued water front homes, <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/">beach front condos for sale</a> and upscale business properties. More than just a beach with breathtaking views, it is a vibrant, welcoming community.
Professional Realtors are committed to fulfilling buyers’ expectations by finding the perfect home for every client, whether it is a classic water front bungalow, a patio house or an upscale condo overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Local Real Estate Agents take into consideration your needs, interests and goals and can offer homes in specialized golfing communities and boating communities with access to inlet waterways or the blue waters of the Gulf.
They will create a personalized strategy that will make it easy for you to <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.chadmiller.com/buy/">buy a home</a> and get settled into the community quickly and efficiently. If you are ready to <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.chadmiller.com/sell/">sell a home</a> or upgrade, a <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.chadmiller.com/">local Realtor</a> can provide all the help necessary to make it a stress free experience.
If you’re looking for a great school system, Panama City Beach may be right for you. The Bay District School System ranks high in the State of Florida, with teachers and staff committed to educating and serving students and their families.
In addition to the public schools providing primary and secondary learning, there are two four-year colleges located within Bay County offering higher education to students who desire to remain in the area.
Attractions and Things To Do
Numerous local parks provide residents and visitors with year round opportunities to participate in sports activities, festivals, indoor and outdoor events and special shows.
<a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.panamacitybeachparksandrecreation.com/frank-brown-park.html">The Frank Brown Park</a> is dedicated to outdoor, family friendly recreation that includes playgrounds, a fishing pier, ball fields and courts, a dog play area and an Aquatic Center. The Aquatic Center is an indoor facility, providing locker rooms, showers, community classrooms, a swimming pool, gift shop, a senior center, and a concession stand.
Pier Park is a beach attraction featuring unique, up-scale shops, restaurants and entertainment. This family oriented experience opened in 2008 and continues to expand and develop, becoming the highly rated Panama City Beach Downtown.
Residents and tourists <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/pier-park/">enjoy the many theme parks</a>, museums, theatres, and art galleries that are available within the region. Boat tours and cruises are available providing fun, entertainment and learning opportunities.
This is a city that has much to offer whether you are single, a young couple, a lively family or retired adventurers. It will provide opportunities to explore natural habitats of native fish and birds, to learn about the wetlands and to swim with dolphins.
For more information <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.chadmiller.com/contact/">contact a local real estate agent</a> today and learn more about how to buy a home that will let you create a new lifestyle.2018-11-28T12:14:00-07:002019-10-16T14:50:19-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7764Secret Staging Tips<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/Secret_Staging_Tips.jpg" width="1200" height="629" alt="Secret Staging Tips" title="Secret Staging Tips" />
Secret Staging Tips Buyers Will Love
Do you want all the people who come to the open house to feel like your space is the right size for his or her family? Of course, you do.
Knowing the best ways to stage the most popular room for gathering and having long conversations can help you get top bids for your <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/">condo for sale</a>.
Center your seating area in the room
Sofas and chairs do not have to sit along the wall. While <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/interior-remodel/how-to-open-up-living-spaces-pictures">open floor space</a> is excellent for opening up a room, it is not always functional for times when your family wants to have a talk, divvy up chores, or play a board game. By putting couches, chairs, and loveseats in the middle, you can use a rug, decorations, and multi-purpose furniture to keep travel paths open.
Use symmetrical designs
Better Homes and Gardens says using pairs of items makes your room <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.womansday.com/home/organizing-cleaning/tips/g1445/organizing-your-bedroom/">have a sense of organization</a>. To accomplish this task, it works well when you pick a focal point.
Face furniture towards similar pieces to create a natural conversation zone. Then, use matching tables, decorations, and curtains to balance the design.
Use items with backs and seats only
Forbes says that tight spaces are easy to open up with couches and chairs with no arms. Picking a <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2016/09/16/12-furniture-combinations-for-living-rooms-with-limited-space/#1ce9424a4003">furniture layout that is open</a> gives larger families the room to climb over each other to get to a favorite spot, tickle younger members, or find room to stretch out during a long movie. Using these styles can make any room look and feel welcome at the showing.
Bring in the light
Opening the curtains is a simple and no-cost solution to creating a sense of spaciousness in your living room when staging. Additional light brightens up the room and makes it more inviting.
If you have the funds to <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://bennettcontracting.com/5-places-to-add-a-skylight/">add a skylight</a> in dark rooms, then you can create a more welcoming area that draws buyers into the room, and wanting to place a bid.
Put footstools with L-shaped couches
Pairing an ottoman with a sofa that fits your space can appeal to families who want to envision themselves kicking back and watching a movie together.
These footstools also provide additional seating. When you add these small seats to larger sofas, your open house guests can see a comfortable place to enjoy and relax.
Use furniture on the diagonal
Architectural Digest says to get creative with your staging. When you want the buyer to love a space, think about the way a hotel or spa might furnish the room.
Putting couches and chairs on an angle breaks up awkward areas. Use the prime features of the room or home to create a feature.
Place your sofa and decorations in a way that enhances these aesthetics to help buyers envision making their own life there.
Open tables make the room look bigger
When your room is really narrow, then tables with storage make little sense. In these cases, a stand with a tabletop and legs can make the room feel bigger. Minimal furniture in the center of the room can let light get through easier.
Homeowners can see that there is plenty of space to navigate the furniture and get comfy with a minimalist design. Glass tables, smaller items, and furniture placement can enhance skinny rooms.
For instance, a set of end tables on each side of a loveseat might be better for a tiny living room than a massive coffee table in front of a long sofa.
Use tall, skinny furniture items
To combine functionality and storage, you can use the walls to free up floor space. A big bookcase can serve as CD space, and baskets can corral the endless remotes in your living space.
Tall cabinets show off your favorite memorabilia without crowding the room. Use your sofa to invite potential buyers to feel comfortable, and the rest of the furniture can double as storage.
Wall-mounted televisions, electronics storage, and music or movie collections can easily fit in a shelving unit that fits on your wall. You can even go floor to ceiling with this furniture if you want the seating area to get the most attention.
Staging a home for sale does not have to be difficult when you have a small living room. Narrow spaces have a few challenges, but nothing using fewer creative furniture pieces cannot solve.
When you want to <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/how-to-prepare-your-home-to-sell/">sell your home fast</a>, then staging can help you show off the best features in a way that is appealing, functional, and fitting for the space. You can borrow or rent furniture instead of using your own.
We hope our tips for staging a small living room helps you sell your property fast.
If you need anymore information or questions please <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.chadmiller.com/contact/">contact your local Realtor</a>.2018-11-13T11:51:00-07:002018-11-13T12:04:19-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7733Hurricane Michael Homeowners Assistance<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/homeowners_ASSISTANCE.png" width="1200" height="628" alt="hurricane assistance for homeowners" title="hurricane assistance for homeowners" />
Hurricane Assistance for Homeowners
Many families in Bay County Florida are trying to find their footing and get back to their lives after the recent onslaught of Hurricane Michael. As too many Americans have found in recent years, recovering from a natural disaster can be challenging for anyone and finding the right resources for assistance can at times be a daunting task for those still reeling emotional loss of home, property and, in some caves, much more.
Getting Help
Knowing how to access the assistance you need can make the recovery process faster and much less stressful. Here we have put together a quick list of Federal, State and Bay County resources to help you and your family find the assistance you need quickly.
Quick Links to Federal Emergency Management Assistance
You can apply for federal assistance online by going to <a href="http://www.disasterassistance.gov/">www.DisasterAssistance.gov </a> or you can call their toll free number at 800-621-3362 if you need help registering or just want to talk to a real person. DisasterAssistance.gov is only for damages that are NOT covered by your insurance. If you need to speak with a trained crisis counselor, you can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline by texting TalkWithUs at 66746 or call 800-985-5990 for Spanish, press 2 or text Hablanos to 66746.
The DisasterAssistance.gov site can also help you to:
<a href="https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/find-assistance">Find</a> disaster assistance to meet your personal needs.
Learn about other available forms of assistance from <a href="https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/by-category-or-agency">federal agencies</a>.
<a href="https://www.disasterassistance.gov/DAC/govBenefitReceiver.do?gbsessionid=0&langcode=EN&action=RI">Apply</a> for disaster assistance online.
<a href="https://www.disasterassistance.gov/DAC/govBenefitReceiver.do?langcode=EN&action=LOGIN">Check</a> the status of your application.
Find a FEMA <a href="https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/4627">Disaster Recovery Center</a> (DRC) near you.
Find a <a href="http://www.femaevachotels.com/">hotel</a> or a new <a href="https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator">place to live</a>.
Find out which programs can help with <a href="https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/by-category-or-agency">food and nutrition</a> needs.
Update your address for <a href="https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/4510">Social Security</a>, <a href="https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/4698">VA</a>, or other <a href="https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/4503">federal benefits</a>.
Apply for <a href="https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/by-category-or-agency">Small Business Administration (SBA) loans</a>.
Federal and State Social Media Sites
Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and others have become the go-to place in the case of natural disasters. Following is a list of social media quick links for those seeking assistance and information regarding Hurricane Michael. These sites will give you immediate and up-to-date information on the recovery process, assistance sites, food distribution, etc...
<a href="https://twitter.com/fema">@fema</a>
<a href="https://twitter.com/FEMA_Brock">@FEMA_Brock</a>
<a href="https://twitter.com/femaregion4">@femaregion4</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FEMA">FEMA Facebook</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FEMAespanol/">FEMA en Español</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT/?ref=br_rs">FL SERT Facebook</a>
<a href="https://twitter.com/FLSERT">@FLSERT</a>
Local State Emergency Management Resources:
This is the main site for Florida emergency response and gives updated information at the state level concerning allocation of resources, sites for local assistance and other available emergency management resources for Florida residents.
<a href="https://www.floridadisaster.org/info/">Florida Emergency Info</a>
If you do not find the specific assistance you need at the above site, the following is a comprehensive list of local government agencies for each county affected by Hurricane Michael.
<a href="https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1539807906639-bfccdd6013032ea4dafb9d7bfcadb12b/Florida.xlsx">Florida Resources</a>
Information for Homeowners
With such a huge amount of the <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city/" title="real estate in Panama City" class="attribution">real estate in Panama City</a> being damaged, many of the properties unlivable, we anticipage huge demand for <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="condos for sale in Panama City Beach" class="attribution">condos for sale in Panama City Beach</a> and other areas not devistated by the hurricane.
As for homeowners in devistated areas that are thinking about selling their home, property values are changing by the day. With an influx of investors purchasing damaged homes as <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/purchasing-investment-property-why-condos-can-be-option/" title="purchasing investment properties">investment properties</a>, many residents of Panama City, Lynn Haven, Parker and Callaway find themselves looking for a place to live. If we look at the history of <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/real-estate-in-disaster-areas/" title="real estate in disaster areas">real estate in disaster areas</a> in other markets, we may even see <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/what-is-a-real-estate-bidding-war-how-you-can-win/" title="what is a bidding war?">bidding wars</a> for properties in the lesser affected areas.
Appraisals May Become a Challenge
Most of the time a home is sold with a mortgage, the sale is predicated on the property appraisaing for the sales price or higher. Appraisers use previously sold, simular homes as "comps" to get the value of the home being appraised. When we see huge jumps in the sales price of <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="condos for sale">condos for sale</a>, in many instances, appraisers may not be able to find comparible properties recently sold to justify the price.
In these instances, the home buyer may need to pay the difference (between the appraised value and the selling price) or the home seller may reduce their price. With this being said, if you are thinking of purchasing a home, you may want to expedite your process to get in before prices rise too fast.
If you are looking for real estate help after the storm, don't hesitate to <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/contact/" title="contact Chad Miller - Panama City Beach REALTOR">contact us</a> as we are here and ready to help.
Fema Declarations by State:
Here you can find the federal resources allocated to each county as well as links to other state resources such as housing and food assistance.
<a href="https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4399">Florida | DR-4399</a>
Other Federal and State Resources:
The <a href="http://www.ushospitalfinder.com/">U.S. Hospital Finder</a> helps you to find medical assistance, hospitals and clinics close to you.
The DisasterAssistance.gov <a href="https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/other-recovery-help">Other Recovery Help</a> page offers recovery assistance for businesses, local governments and communities.
Quick Links to Bay County Emergency Management Resources
Homeowners, renters and business owners who have uninsured and under-insured losses as a result of Hurricane Michael in Bay County and the surrounding areas may now apply for disaster assistance at <a href="https://www.floridadisaster.org/info/">Florida Emergency Info</a>.
Mobile Registration Intake Centers
These centers are able to assist residents in applying for assistance until long-term Disaster Recovery Center locations are located and set-up.
Bay County - Lynn Haven City Hall <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=&daddr=30.2462,-85.6486%20(826%20Ohio%20Drive,%20Lynn%20Haven,%20FL%2032444)">826 Ohio Drive, Lynn Haven, FL 32444</a>
Bay County - Mexico Beach City Hall <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=&daddr=29.9447,-85.4101%20(201%20Paradise%20Path,%20Mexico%20Beach,%20FL%2032410)">201 Paradise Path, Mexico Beach, FL 32410</a>
Bay County - Parking Lot <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=&daddr=30.1428,-85.5911%20(225%20S.%20Tyndall%20Parkway%20,%20Panama%20City,%20FL%2032404)">225 S. Tyndall Parkway , Panama City, FL 32404</a>
Points of Distribution for Bay County
Although in Calhoun County this is the closest POD to Bay County and is available to supply Bay County residents with immediate emergency supplies.
Calhoun County - Sam Atkins Park POD <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=&daddr=30.4504,-85.0667%20(17316%20NW%20Silas%20Green%20St,%20Blountstown%20,%20FL%2032424)">17316 NW Silas Green St, Blountstown , FL 32424</a>
Disaster Recovery Centers
A Disaster Recovery Center or DRC is a mobile office where residents can go for information about the disaster assistance programs available for Bay County.
Bay County - DRC #11 - Bay County Public Library <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=&daddr=30.1685,-85.6727%20(898%20W%2011th%20Street,%20Panama%20City,%20FL%2032401)">898 W 11th Street, Panama City, FL 32401</a>
Bay County - DRC # 13 - John B. Gore Park <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=&daddr=30.1369,-85.5704%20(530%20Beulah%20Avenue,%20Callaway,%20FL%2032404)">530 Beulah Ave, Callaway, FL 32404</a>
To apply for assistance you will need the following information:
Social Security Number
Daytime telephone number
Current mailing address and address and zip code of the damaged property
Insurance information, if available
Returning Home After a Disaster
The most important thing after a natural disaster is for people to be able to get back into their homes. Here are a few links with tips to ensure that when you do return, you do it safely.
<a href="https://www.ready.gov/returning-home">Things you should check</a> around your home and yard after a disaster.
<a href="https://www.fema.gov/disposing-debris-removing-hazardous-waste">Here is a list of items</a> that may require special disposal.
A few tips from the CDC on how to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/cleanup/facts.html">safely clean up your home</a> to prevent injury or illness.
G<a href="http://www.archives.gov/preservation/disaster-response/guidelines.html">uidelines for saving family heirlooms</a> and <a href="http://www.archives.gov/preservation/holdings-maintenance/wet-records.html">what to do with wet documents.</a>
How to <a href="https://www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents">get replacement copies of your vital documents after a disaster</a>.
2018-11-07T08:07:00-07:002018-11-07T09:39:24-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7719Real Estate In Disaster Areas<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/My_Post_85.jpg" width="1200" height="629" />
How Real Estate In Disaster Areas Continues To Thrive
You may have been thinking of purchasing beach side property in a beautiful Gulf of Mexico setting. Panama City Beach is one such location.
However, recently destruction in nearby towns by <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/tips-for-homeowners-after-hurricane-michael/">Hurricane Michael</a> is making you reconsider. Those who already own a home in the area seeiking <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/hurricane-michael-homeowners-assistance/" title="hurricane assistance">hurricane assistance</a> and are asking questions regarding the value of their home as well. Real estate is a major investment, and natural disasters bring up many questions.
Things Change
Both Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and Hurricane Florence in North Carolina are showing results that are worth considering when it comes to buying <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/">Panama City Beach condos</a> and other beautiful areas on the Gulf.
For example, the Lakeview area of New Orleans was totally destroyed during Katrina and was often on the news; today it is one of the hottest communities for properties in the United States.
It was reported by NBC News that the appreciation of home prices was highest in high-risk areas for natural disasters; they rose at a level that was twice as fast as those areas identified as low-risk.
After A Disaster Of Nature
It is expected that the overall effect of a hurricane is a positive one. What was seen with Hurricane Florence is that after the initial destruction, while many homes in Wilmington and the surroundings were damaged, money is beginning to flow in.
This money is being used for new appliances, roofing, flooring, fences and more. <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/purchasing-investment-property-why-condos-can-be-option/">Investors of real estate</a> are seeking to purchase properties that were damaged.
With the idea in mind of renovating destroyed homes and selling them for a profit, investors understand that property values will rise again and when the time is right, they can sell a home that was previously damaged.
Water As A Magnet
Hurricanes and flooding happen near bodies of water; proximity to water is what draws people to live in an area. Historically, ports have been important areas and <a href="http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/Po-Re/Ports-and-Harbors.html">magnets for trade</a>, transportation and employment.
In areas such as the Florida Gulf Coast, the water draws visitors from throughout the globe for its beaches, water activities, beauty and more. In the case of Houston and Southern Florida, tech and engineering jobs have relocated to the areas, bringing high paying jobs. Higher paying employment means rising home prices as well.
Effect On Older Neighborhoods
Some older neighborhoods may have stagnated in terms of growth and value. After a hurricane, when a major portion of <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/08/realestate/rebuilding-home-after-disaster.html">homes are rebuilt</a> to be like new. The expectation is that this fact, in the near future, will make this neighborhood one that is highly sought. People who never considered the area before might now want to buy a home there.
Statistics For Disaster Zones
ATTOM Data Solutions found that those cities in the highest disaster-risk areas had the highest home prices for single family homes as well as the highest rental market as compared to prices in low-risk areas.
It is also possible that media attention draws people to consider a region; the psychology of pictures of devastation has both positive and negative effects.
When it comes time to buy a home or sell as home on the Gulf Coast, a <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/">local Realtor</a> can help you.
They know the area and the factors to consider when purchasing and investing in a hurricane prone regions such as Panama City Beach.
The benefits of living in a beautiful waterfront area might just outweigh the risks, if statistics are any measure.2018-11-03T10:07:00-07:002018-11-07T09:42:33-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7716Tips for Homeowners After Hurricane Michael <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/tips_for_homeowners_after_the_storm.png" width="1200" height="628" alt="tips after the storm for PCB homeowners" title="tips after the storm for PCB homeowners" />
Tips for Panama City Beach Property Owners Following Hurricane Michael
<br />Hurricane Michael is the most devastating storm to make landfall in the Panama City area of Florida in decades. Although residents of Panama City Beach are no strangers to hurricanes, this storm has had some devistating effects. In addition to the loss of life and obvious property damage, almost all of Panama City Beach’s water, sewer, electric and cell services took a major beating.
Helpful Tips After the Storm
With the recent devistation, Panama City Beach homeowners and investors are looking for resources for repairs and flood cleanup. Besides homeowners insurance, there are a few other means of help that property owners in Panama City Beach and other affected areas can access for assistance.
This post covers many of the first steps Panama City Beach property owners should make in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. It also includes resources for home and business owners investing in real estate.
My Home Was Damaged By Hurricane Michael - First Steps
Prevent Further Damage from Mold
If your Panama City Beach home has had water intrusion, preventing mold growth is a crucial part of storm clean-up. The <a href="https://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf" title="mold cleanup">Federal Emergency Management Agency says</a> that mold begins to grow within 24 to 48 hours following water exposure.
Needless to say, there are many levels of “water intrusion” after a storm such as Michael; from a small leak in a skylight to fully home flooding. If you have seen any signs of water entering the home, stopping the water flow is the first step.
If it is a small leak such as a window or skylight, you will want to mitigate the water damage as soon as possible. Depending on the type of water intrusion, you may not be fully aware of where the water came in. After small rains, pay close attention for new signs of water.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/IMG_1801.JPG" width="1280" height="672" alt="Hurricane Michael Panama City Florida" title="Hurricane Michael Panama City Florida" />
Start Documenting
Documentation of damage and any mitigation completed will be a critical step in your insurance process. You will want to create and implement a documentation strategy. While separating items into waterlogged and dry piles, <a href="https://www.injuryclaimcoach.com/car-accident-photos.html" title="taking photos of hurricane damage for a claim">taking photos and videos</a> of the damage is an excellent way to show proof when filing claims. Another tip from emergency preparedness firms is to keep all receipts from the cleanup in one file so that it is handy when you begin filling out paperwork.
During Cleanup
Gather supplies and protective gear - trash bags, gloves, waterproof boots, clean totes, and denim pants
Turn off any power and utility sources to the property
Check for structural damage before beginning cleanup
Be sure there are no power lines or open wires or plumbing to deal with before cleaning
When clear, begin sorting items into wet and dry piles taking the wet items outside
Any items that cannot go through dry cleaning, laundering, or bleaching should go in the trash pile
Look for important documents like insurance policies, deeds, and property information to see if it is salvageable
Be on the lookout for broken glass, screws, and other potential hazards while working
<br />Types of Assistance Available After a Hurricane
First and foremost, temporary housing and medical care are top priorities. In addition to the Federal Government, there are many options for support for property owners. Once an area has been designated as a federal disaster area, <a href="https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4399" title="fema disaster hurricane michael">FEMA</a> works with the <a href="https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2018/michael-storm-coming-to-southeast-get-ready-now.html" title="red cross after hurricane michael">American Red Cross</a>, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and other community agencies to provide the necessities after a significant event.
Property owners can access applications to file for low-interest <a href="https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Declarations/DeclarationDetails?declNumber=4655981&members=false" title="SBA Loan after hurricane michale">SBA loans</a>, farmers aid, grants, and business funding at local disaster centers. <a href="https://www.quickenloans.com/blog/helpful-resources-for-people-impacted-by-hurricane-season%20" title="quicken loffers loans after Michael">Quicken Loans</a> says that homeowners and business owners can get help paying for machinery, personal houses, and business property after a disaster.
More Resources for Home Owners
<br />One of your first phone calls, when cell service is back up, should be to your insurance company to speak to an agent. He or she should send someone to the property to assess the damage. With an influx of calls after a natural disaster of the scale of Hurricane Michael, it is likely that this process could take some time. The sooner one reaches the agency, the sooner the company can put your name on the list.
The Panama City Beach <a href="https://www.pcgov.org/410/Hurricane-Information" title="pcb government site">government site</a> has a link to hurricane updates including a place to enter the house address to see which zone it sits. To find out which counties are in areas of disaster declaration, the U.S. Small Business Administration lists primary and contingent counties.
Knowing this information can help property owners find out what resources he or she can file for when owning property in the community. Claims filing is often faster when accessing a specialist directly.
FEMA tends to set up assistance signup areas in public venues like educational and government buildings. Property owners can also call the Bay County Emergency Management Office at 850-784-4030 for information on accessing funding for repairs.
With 80 percent of the beachfront as <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="condos for sale">Panama City Beach Condos</a> or business properties, the Panama City Beach area will likely see many storm damage claims. Accessing resources and quickly sorting out the mess are the best ways to get back on track after the hurricane.
Use The Right Realtor
It is common that after a storm of this magnitude, we see a lot of real estate transactions. Many <a href="https://goo.gl/MafD6z" title="Panama City Beach Realtors">Panama City Beach Realtors</a> may not be familiar with the intracasies of representing buyers and sellers of homes or <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="condos">condos</a> that have been damaged by a hurricane.
Whether you are looking at buying property after the storm as an investment or thinking of selling your <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/" title="panama city beach homes for sale">Panama City Beach home</a>, you need to speak with a <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Chad+Miller+-+Panama+City+Beach+REALTOR/@30.223774,-85.869373,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x1955ee2fc72db7ab?ved=2ahUKEwjZi_j237beAhUKrVMKHWLcC5cQ_BIwEnoECAEQCA" title="real estate agent">real estate agent</a> that understands the in's and out's of how insurance payments, secondary SBA loans and other things can affect the sale.
Need to Speak with an Agent?2018-11-02T14:34:00-07:002022-10-31T09:36:04-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7611Come For The Beaches, Stay For The Real Estate<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/My_Post_73.jpg" width="1200" height="629" />
Panama City Real Estate & Beach Life
If you have ever thought of <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/panama-city-beach-living/">owning beachfront property</a>, now may be just the perfect time. Panama City Beach is an area that extends for a robust 27 miles all up and down the sun-kissed <a href="https://wikitravel.org/en/Florida_Panhandle">North Florida</a> panhandle coast.
Excellent deals on all variety of real property can be found here. Depending on what you are looking for, you can easily purchase a condo to suit your personal desires.
The area is currently experiencing a “buyer's market” with some of the world's finest and most sought after property deals.
Should You Buy A Condo in Panama City Beach?
One of the biggest questions that newcomers to the area bring with them is whether to <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/condo-buying-tips/">buy a condo</a>. There are definite advantages to both. The west end of the beach is particularly well known for its <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/splash/">luxury Panama City condos</a>.
These are excellent properties that have been proven to retain their value at a rate that is unheard of in the Southeastern United States. Buying and selling properties in the region has become a national phenomenon.
The area is developing extremely quickly. This state of rapid development affects not only home and commercial properties but also the infrastructure of the area. New community features and amenities are popping up all the time.
For anyone in search of that deal that will handily repay your initial <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/hot-spot-for-vacations-and-investments-splash-resort-pcb/">condo investment</a> when it comes time to sell, this just might be the place for you. On the other hand, if you are planning on settling permanently in the area, you may prefer to consider buying a house instead.
Here, too, you can count on being well served. The area is home to some of the nation's most continuous and instantly prosperous land development. New residential and commercial properties are sprouting up all the time.
What's amazing is that the average price for one of these new condos are still somewhat below the <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/housing-statistics">national new home average</a>. This means that the beach is one of the nation's last remaining areas that is truly a “normal” real estate market.
When it's Time to Buy or Sell a Condo, You Can Rely on Expert Help
Perhaps the most important thing that you should know about buying or selling real estate in Panama City Beach is that the area is well served by Realtors. You can easily find a <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/">local Realtor</a> to help you buy or sell a condo.
Because <a href="https://www.floridaforboomers.com/panhandle-floridas-final-frontier/">the panhandle</a> is in a continuous state of development, agents are continually looking for new clients to serve. In most cases, working with a “<a href="https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/what-is-a-buyers-agent-used-for/">Buyer’s Agent</a>” comes at no cost to you, so look for the person you feel the most comfortable with, and the one who is working hardest for you.
Discuss your wants and needs, your time-frame and price range, and your Realtor can hone in directly on the properties most suitable for your interest.
Panama City Beach may just well be your once-in-a-lifetime property investment opportunity! 2018-10-11T13:15:00-07:002018-10-11T13:20:26-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7538Panama City Beach Living<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/My_Post_60.jpg" width="1200" height="629" />
Living In Panama City Beach Florida
Panama City Beach extends for 27 miles captivating its residents and tourists with its emerald-green water. It's well-known for their Southern hospitality, fabulous dining, and 4-star dining. The day-in and day-out aspects of this city make it a great place to buy a home.
Real Estate
Fewer foreclosures and an improved job market have caused the growth of new construction in Panama City Beach. The west end of the beachfront is abundant with <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/">condominiums for sale</a> with an average price of $350,000.
Located one mile from the Gulf, Wild Heron is a gated community that feels like a weekend escape. The golf community spans over 600 acres of living and is home to Greg Norman's Shark's Tooth Golf Club. Its focal point is Lake Powell which is a favorite among boaters.
Carillon Beach is another gated community with a golf course that is long-established. It has a mix of both full-time and second homeowners. <a href="https://carillonbeach.com/history-and-architecture/">Carillon Beach</a> was built in 1991 and one of the only communities that feature shaded porches.
Realtor's in Panama City Beach claim the inventory is extremely meager, making it an ideal time if you are ready to sell a home.
Things To Do
Many subdivisions throughout PCB have easy access to all of the nightlife and entertainment that the tourists flock to. The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is only a few miles away.
Frank Brown Park is a primary attraction for those who enjoy biking or walking through trails. There is an Aquatic Center with water activities making it fun for the whole family. Frank Brown Park also has several baseball fields, and basketball and tennis courts.
The <a href="https://www.panamacitybeachparksandrecreation.com/conservation-park.html">Conservation Park</a> is an excellent spot to enjoy nature and encompasses over 2900 acres. Animal lovers can take a dolphin sightseeing cruise and get educated on the variety of creatures at the Gulf World Marine Park.
Families with kids can build sandcastles on the white sands of the beach, or marvel at the oddities at Ripley's Believe It or Not! There is also plenty of water features and fun at <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=shipwreck%20island&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS737US737&oq=Shipwreck+Island&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i60j0j69i59j0l2.720j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&npsic=0&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=30240323,-83619433,211996&tbm=lcl&rldimm=11024854890766506398&ved=2ahUKEwib2Kb589bdAhVLLKwKHegNBeAQvS4wAHoECAEQIQ&rldoc=1&tbs=lrf:!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:1#rlfi=hd:;si:11024854890766506398;mv:!3m8!1m3!1d471691.7799252123!2d-85.81682601738282!3d30.111272051682842!3m2!1i1595!2i820!4f13.1">Shipwreck Island Waterpark</a>. Pier Park is full of upscale family-oriented dining, shopping, and entertainment.
It's also a venue for special events including Unwind at Pier Park, part of the New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop and the annual Taste of the Beach wine festival. It includes well-known retail chains including Five Guys, Olive Garden, Subway, Old Navy, Dillard's, and many others.
Residents and visitors love Pier Park because it's in a clean and safe area. Fishing enthusiasts flock to Russell-Fields Pier for its sunset views and abundant fishing. Resident's shop for some of the best donuts at Thomas Donut & Snack, and dine on award-winning ribs at Pineapple Willy's.
With the strength of the market in PCB, it's a great time to <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/purchasing-investment-property-why-condos-can-be-option/">purchase an investment property</a> or vacation home. Real estate investments over the long term have proven to generate more wealth than the stock market.
<a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/hot-spot-for-vacations-and-investments-splash-resort-pcb/">A vacation home in Panama City</a> can be used as a family vacation spot and a significant long-term investment.2018-09-25T13:48:00-07:002018-09-25T13:58:27-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7526Hot Spot For Vacations And Investments - Splash Resort PCB<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/splash2.jpg" width="800" height="410" />
Splash Resort: The Perfect Place For A Family Vacation
If you're looking for a great vacation rental for you and your family, then consider Splash Resort located on beautiful Panama City Beach, Florida. This resort has everything a family needs to enjoy a vacation experience they will never forget. Not only is Splash Resort located on a spectacular beach with soft, milk white sand, cool, clear waters and gorgeous scenery, it also has excellent amenities and easy access to a wide array of great dining and entertainment options, all at affordable prices. When you and your family choose Splash Resort, you'll be on your way to enjoying the vacation of your dreams.
Lots Of Housing Options
No matter the size of your family, Splash Resort has the perfect condos to meet your needs. You have the choice to rent or buy 1, 2, or 3 bedroom condominiums, all with breathtaking views of gorgeous Panama City Beach. The condos are spacious, comfortable, well laid out and have all the amenities you and your family needs to have a truly relaxing vacation. There's enough room for everyone, no matter their age, to carve out their personal space and have a great time. The condo’s late model appliances, nearby food shops, and comfortable furniture, mean you can have everything you need to prepare and enjoy wonderful family meals.
Diverse Dining Choice
The real estate on which Splash Resort is built is in a great location that provides you with easy access to excellent dining choices. Whether you are looking for fine dining, exotic dishes or familiar fast food places, it's all within close proximity to the resort. There are dining establishments to suit your every mood, sure to please the palette of even the pickiest eaters. The smiles on the faces of the entire family when they sit down to eat in the wonderful atmosphere of the restaurants in and around Splash Resort will make it abundantly clear you made the right choice to spend your vacation here.
Great Entertainment
Having fun at Splash Resort is easy because they have so many exciting things to do. There's a fabulous water park that children and adults of all ages are sure to love. Plus, there's a dive-in movie theatre showing great movies that will entertain the entire family and make their vacation even more fun. Parents are sure to love the bar and grill, conveniently located poolside, where they can experience tasty dishes and sip exotic adult beverages. Visitors also rave about the wonderful time they have floating idly down the resort's lazy river. All of this is available at a price you don't have to sell a home to afford.
An Amazing Beach
Access to the amazing Panama City Beach Splash Resort offers alone is reason enough to vacation there. Your family can spend endless hours frolicking in the sand, sun, and surf this historic beach offers. Guests can wade in the shallow waters, body surf on the waves, swim to their hearts content, build sand castles in the smooth, silky, sand or simply lay on a blanket and soak up some sun. If you want to add some more exciting adventures to your beach vacation, there are a wide range of water sports for you to enjoy. At days end, you want walk along the beach and enjoy a spectacular sunset.
Fun At The Resort
There are so many fun activities at Splash Resort you may even want to buy a home there and never leave. Your children will have permanent smiles on their faces when they see all the ways they can play at the interactive Aqua Play pools, designed purely with children in mind. It features a whole host of water slides, along with countless fun, and exciting and innovative spray toys. Plus, toddlers will love the Lil' Tot Splash Pad. The entire family will be laughing out loud and screaming with excitement as they explore wide array of exciting games for all ages at Splash Resort's beachfront arcade.
A Great Vacation Destination
Splash Resort has set a high standard when it comes to Gulf Coast family vacation destinations. Young children, teens, parents and even grandparents will all joyfully remember the fun times they had at this awesome beachfront resort. Make your family plans to visit Splash Resort today.
A Wise Investment
When investing in a property intended for rental purpose, it is ideal to purchase that property in an area with a lot of activity. Will the unit be rented on a monthly/yearly basis? Or will the unit be available for weekend rentals by families from other areas? At Splash Resort the demand is high for daily and weekend rentals for people looing to relax and let the kids play on the beach. The return on the investment will vary over time and how the property is put to use. Location is everything and Splash Resort Condos has a prime spot on the Florida coast. Feel free to <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/splash/">browse all Splash Condos</a> available for purchase today.2018-09-24T12:58:00-07:002019-03-15T17:04:47-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7473The New Real Estate Concept - 'White-Boxing'<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/My_Post_51.jpg" width="1200" height="629" />
Staging and White-Boxing
Staged real estate properties are fast becoming a thing of the past. Staging meant that if you were selling a property, you would furnish it, repaint, conduct repairs, etc. to make it marketable. Today, luxury sellers and buyers, both on the East Coast and the West Coast, are doing the opposite of staging, what they are calling “white-boxing.”
A few years ago, to buy or to sell a home, buyers and sellers normally would like to see a home in a lived-in condition which is why staging was always so popular. Staging seemed to perpetuate the idea that sellers would get more money from marketing their property in a fashionable manner.
Now there is an alternative. White-boxing is about the stark reality of showing bare walls, bare floors, and bare ceilings. What remains after fringe accessories and furnishings have been removed from a home are code required basic lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, restroom fixtures, hot and cold water.
Interior vs. Exterior
White-Boxing is not about improving interior aesthetics, but rather projecting the value of the location of the property and having <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/buy/">buyers</a> use their own imagination for designing and envisioning their own interior space layout.
White-Boxing is also called 'vanilla box,' in certain locations. Neither synonym has anything to do with the color of the home, apartment, commercial space, <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="condos for sale">condos</a>, townhomes or other <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/30a/beachfront/" title="30a homes for sale">high-end real estates such as the 30A corridor</a>.
White and vanilla are terms used to identify the property as being clean, crisp, with an unfinished interior. Currently, the white-boxing concept is preferred by <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/u2zZmuypbP72" title="REALTOR">Realtors</a>, high-end or luxury landholding property owners, and sellers.If an owner or a Realtor is white-boxing a property, then the whole idea is to highlight what makes the property saleable.
The outdoor real chattel aesthetics are promulgated to show the buyer the great scenery that they are investing in, the location of educational institutions nearby, and many other locale advantages. Realtors believe that it is <a href="https://www.thebalance.com/what-location-means-in-real-estate-1798766">all about location, location, location. </a>
First, a location affects a property's future resale value. Secondly, locations identify a buyer's lifestyle, such as playgrounds for children, nearby golf parks, chef-inspired dining establishments, or great walking trails. These outdoor amenities are more impactful than a home that has been designer staged.
Envision With An iPad
Realtors showing the bare indoor aesthetics are designed to plant in the client's mind how their own lifestyle design amenities will look in their new home. Due to modern technology, closing your eyes and envisioning how your new home can be furnished, has been replaced with new technology that is placed in the buyer's hands, in the form of an iPad for example.
Potential buyers use an iPad with a <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/how-virtual-reality-is-changing-real-estate/">virtual reality</a> tour program designed to view their potential floor plans. In white-boxing, buyers can use computer-generated images of potential layout designs of their choosing in each empty room.
The virtual renderings of a client's thoughts and ideas allow them to visualize what their new home will look like when the architects and designers have completed their work.
Benefits of White-Boxing
White-Boxing is certainly not for everyone, but it is here and its concept is being used in residential homes and in retail plans. When Realtors are showing a residential property, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/trulia/2016/11/15/6-things-home-sellers-are-legally-required-to-disclose/#7492b4693477">they must reveal any problems</a> that exist and which must be fixed. Thus, this is all that potential buyers will think about rather than its design potential.
Buyers may only focus on the fixer-upper problems rather than a property's potential. However, if everything is removed down to the bare bones, then a home or retail space is more enviable and buyers will only concentrate on locality and future designing possibilities.
Also, buyers normally will tear out everything anyway and put their own plans in place. Now, with <a href="https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/white-boxing-real-estate/">white-boxing</a>, buyers are exempt from spending lots of money for a re-do, because laying before them is an empty viable space.
Realtors working with luxury properties have included a new category into their listing. White-Boxing is now a known real estate listing. This means that buyers and sellers understand completely the type of upgrades and improvements to expect.
Vanilla Box or white-boxing is a luxury realty category but this is deemed to become a traditional schematic plan. Millennials believe in stripping down and implanting their own spin on their wants and needs. Included in their strip down plans are realty properties.
Therefore, this is why a white-boxing realty option is an attractive solution for residential and commercial properties. White-Boxing is more ecologically friendly when you purchase a stripped-down and a more appealing property to build your own design, rather than tear down and re-build again.2018-09-11T12:45:00-07:002019-03-15T17:05:00-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7346The Cost of Selling Without a Realtor<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/My_Post_19.jpg" width="1200" height="629" />
Selling Without a Realtor and The Cost
The first thing many homeowners think of when the idea of <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/how-to-prepare-your-home-to-sell/">selling their home</a> comes up is which Realtor they should use. However, when you decide not to list your home with a real estate agent, this could mean more money in your pocket. Because the housing market is on the rise, this may sound appealing. However, is it the best decision? Ultimately, homeowners would like to <a href="https://money.cnn.com/2018/02/08/real_estate/home-selling-profit/index.html">see as much profit as possible</a> when they sell a home. With such a large volume of houses going on the market regularly, raising prices isn't reasonable. It's at that point that the idea of paying an <a href="https://realestateexamninja.com/real-estate-agent-salary/">average real estate agent salary</a> doesn't sound palatable.
Understanding For Sale by Owner (FSBO)
When you decide to sell a home without a Realtor, you’re cutting out the middleman and keeping the profits for yourself. You must have some business savvy and marketing experience to pull this off effectively, though. Because there's no guarantee of a final sale, those who decide to go this route must be prepared to do a lot of legwork. Those who thought the efforts they took to buy a home were tricky are in for a more significant challenge when it comes to selling. Before taking on this challenge, answer the following questions to help you get a better understanding of the cost of selling without a real estate agent.
What is My Home's Value?
A property will stay for sale on the market forever <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_sale_by_owner">if an FSBO doesn't understand</a> the value of their home and prices it too high. Buyers will look at the listing but believe something is wrong with the house or property because it's been sitting on the market for so long. The best way to <a href="https://www.zillow.com/how-much-is-my-home-worth/">determine a property's worth</a> is to look at other properties like theirs in the neighborhood, research their final sale prices, and then set a competitive price. Be carfeul if using Zillow - as they <a href="https://www.heathermurphygroup.com/realty-blog/is-zillow-accurate-for-savannah-georgia/" title="Zillow doesn't have all the listings">do not have all of the listings</a> for many areas. Hiring an appraiser is another way of determining the home's value.
Are the Sales and Marketing Tasks Too Much for Me to Handle?
There's a lot of work involved with selling a home, and many FSBO sellers take this for granted. It's their responsibility to keep the home "show ready" always by keeping it clean, clutter-free, and staged. Additional examples of tasks include:
Writing captivating sales descriptions
Taking high-quality photographs of the interior and exterior areas of the property
Placing listings of the property on several real estate and classified ad websites
Under some circumstances, the FSBO may not be able to complete the sale and must hire a real estate attorney to help finish the process. They will offer advice, as well as review contracts.
What Are the Drawbacks?
As with any business venture, there are drawbacks you must consider before <a href="https://www.easternctrealtors.com/2018/05/07/8-reasons-selling-without-real-estate-agent-recipe-disaster/">selling without a Realtor</a>. For example, if you work full-time, you may not have time to show your home, and this could lead to missing potential sales. Another drawback is that you may feel strange bringing in certain potential buyers, whereas a Realtor will pre-screen and only bring in those who they believe will close a deal. There are <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/the-value-in-hiring-a-professional-panama-city-beach-fl-real-estate-agent/">benefits to using a Realtor</a> that include the fact that they know which lenders a potential buyer with a low credit score could use. Additionally, they handle the paperwork and provide all the contracts that are legally binding. Some would also argue that <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/5-tips-to-finding-the-best-real-estate-agent-to-sell-your-house/">using a Realtor to sell your home</a> could also help obtain a higher sale price for homes because they're trying to help off-set their commission.
Weighing the Options
While there are benefits and drawbacks to using a Realtor, the ultimate choice is yours when it comes to selling your house. You must think about how much time you can commit, as well as how comfortable you are with the process. If you feel like you’d rather not work with someone and handle the entire process yourself, then being an FSBO is the right fit. However, if you feel hesitant about any of the areas regarding selling a home, it might be worth <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/">consulting with a Realtor</a> or broker before going it alone.
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// ]]>2018-08-08T13:51:00-07:002020-05-29T13:37:08-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7247A Look Back: Architecture And Design<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/My_Post_4.jpg" width="1200" height="628" /><img nbsp="" h2="" />A Look Back: Architecture And Design Single Family Living
Houses have changed immensely over the last hundred years. Due to variations in style, additions of indoor plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and construction materials, many different factors have played a role in the <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/how-to-prepare-your-home-to-sell/">preparation of the homes</a> we have sold and lived in. The structure of our homes affects our family size, our relationships, and ultimately, the way we all relate to each other as we step outside to begin our day. Let's take a look at how American homes over the last century have helped shape us historically as a country and as a society.
Adapting To The New World
The first North American homes were small one-room homes built to stand the harsh conditions of an unsettled territory. Local materials were used, and structures were generally no more than 450 square feet of living space. As homes evolved through the middle of the 18th century, they were enlarged and remodeled to allow for social gatherings and larger families, with well to do families adding spaces such as parlors and great rooms for entertaining. Across the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantations_in_the_American_South">South, plantation farms</a> sported luxurious mansions, with many homes expanding to well over 2000 square feet. The great wealth of southern farmers and their egotistical need to compete with nearby neighbors had them all scrambling to create estates that were the most opulent in their area. These homes were designed to withstand excessively hot temperatures and allow for cool places to enjoy mint juleps on the back porch. As the destiny of the southern plantation farmer unfolded, many found that they could not keep up with maintenance after losing their labor force, so the need to downsize living conditions necessitated yet another change in the architecture of American design.
19th Century American Homes
Due to industrial and technological advances and the changing economy, the <a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/63564/how-american-homes-have-changed-1973">landscape of America changed</a> in the 19th century. Cities were popping up everywhere, and people looking to move to urban areas found themselves in an entirely different type of home. Small, single row houses popped up everywhere, and virtually all of them had parlors for receiving and entertaining guests and business associates. Urban row houses were approximately 20 feet wide, extending back as far as 40 feet to allow for family expansion and adequate living space. With rapid growth taking place in most cities at this time, the size of homes <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/how-virtual-reality-is-changing-real-estate/">changing real estate</a> and became narrower in width and deeper in depth. During this period of time, homes became largely compartmentalized, with certain rooms being public and others for private family use. The bedroom was a recent innovation; before this period of time, beds were contained throughout one or two room homes, and they served as pieces of furniture to sit on when not in use for sleeping.
20th Century Homes..The Evolution Continues
After the turn of the century, lot sizes grew larger, with many one-story bungalows weighing in between 600 and 800 square feet of living space. First prototypes of 20th-century homes were scaled down to accommodate the increased cost of heating ductwork, plumbing and electrical innovations. Sadly, another reason that these homes were reduced in size was that there was a shift in the average American home from production to consumerism. There simply wasn't a need for as much storage space, as people became reliant on commercial goods like canned fruit, vegetables, and other things that were being mass produced. The addition of plumbing and electrical wire changed the floorplan of the average American home. This affected the social structure of families in these homes as well, as there wasn't a need to keep company for warmth or adequate lighting. People became more isolated and private during this time as their living conditions continued to advance. Suburban life began when crime rates and urban decay became too much for some people to bear. People spread to rural regions once more, and developments started popping up everywhere. The concept of home ownership was very popular in the 50's, and people flocked to Suburbia to begin a slower way of life. Because land was more abundant, larger houses were built. Interestingly enough, in this time when houses were larger and more spacious, families were getting smaller, which created more privacy. In the last fifty years, there has been more change in the design and architecture of the single-family home than ever before. Single room dwellings have become multi-room homes, refined surroundings have replaced crude building materials, and architects are now able to envision the most creative of concepts when designing the place where we spend cherished time with family and friends. How we now choose to use our home space is dramatically different than it has been in years past, and as we change our homes to accommodate our needs and desires, these spaces change us as well. Over the course of the last fifty years alone, the size of <a href="https://www.citylab.com/equity/2013/05/how-americans-taste-houses-has-evolved-over-last-century/5484/">American homes has changed dramatically</a>, growing from 1500 square feet to over 2000 square feet and swelling still. We contact our real estate agent in hopes of finding the perfect space that is bigger, better, and more fantastic than our current home. As we buy a home, we enter a rite of passage, a little bit more of the American dream that we can grab onto as we turn our house into a place of rest, relaxation, and family harmony. From San Francisco to New York, Seattle to Panama City, <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/bitcoin-and-real-estate/">hot new trends</a> are popping up in the historic evolution of the American home. It's evident on every street, in every neighborhood, and in every city. Appreciating historic pieces of architecture found on the East coast is every bit as gratifying as ogling over the beautiful new construction being erected due to expansion in the West, and it is representative of how resilient we are as a country.
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// ]]>2018-07-25T12:47:00-07:002018-08-26T22:36:06-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7226Bitcoin and Real Estate<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/Bitcoin__Real_Estate.jpg" width="1200" height="628" />
Hot Trend: Bitcoin and Real Estate
Back in 2013, a seller in Long Island, NY listed his home with an interesting side note. He was willing to accept Bitcoins for the $800,000 property. He was hoping to appeal to international and younger buyers by giving them another option to purchase his property. This was a time when Bitcoin was more of a fascination for geeks and financial tycoons so the real estate industry was taken by surprise by the odd offer made by the seller. With the recent wide adoption of Bitcoin around the globe, the real estate industry is no longer a stranger to the cryptocurrency. Does the future of real estate center on this creative financing when it comes time to buy a home? This question is brewing in the industry circles and we are going to explore it for you right here.
What is Bitcoin?
The first line of business is to explain a little more about Bitcoin. <a href="http://realtormag.realtor.org/for-brokers/network/article/2016/09/bitcoin-s-future-in-real-estate">Realtor Mag Online</a> did a nice job summarizing the topic. Bitcoin is a form of digital currency, but there are nothing minted in the physical form. Instead, transactions are recorded online in long chains of transactions called a <a href="https://www.inc.com/john-white/9-industries-that-will-soon-be-disrupted-by-blockchain.html">blockchain</a>. This online ledger grows longer each hour as more and more transactions take place. Each Bitcoin has a private and public keys, which are a string of numbers and letter linked via a complex mathematical algorithm. As you can imagine, this form of currency is both secure and anonymous. Bitcoins are limited in number, growing each year as more of them are mined. There are online exchanges for trading Bitcoins, and you keep them in digital wallets. It should be noted that there are other cryptocurrencies, but Bitcoin is the most famous at this point. All this currency is unregulated, which many people fear will backfire to cause its eventual downfall.
Streamlining the Real Estate Process
What is so attractive about Bitcoin to the real estate industry? For one thing, it seems that many people believe the number of steps it takes to <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/condo-buying-tips/">buy a condo or home</a> can be reduced dramatically. Inc Magazine has a good article explaining how this might work. Right now, when you purchase a property, you have to write up a contract, deposit earnest funds into escrow, and have a title company work on the behalf of the parties to bring the transaction to a close. Closing is where both parties spend a lot of time at the title company office signing the many documents required to make the property sale official. Bitcoin can change all of this since documents can be stored electronically. For example, smart contracts can be stored digitally and only release the Bitcoins when all the conditions are met. Allied Title and Escrow LLC further explains how cryptocurrencies might take on some of the roles Title currently plays for buyers and sellers. Cryptocurrency technology could possibly store property histories and credit histories via buyer and seller profiles. Today, titles are stored as paper documents so moving it to the digital realm could help eliminate fraud considerably. An online record of clean property ownership will greatly reduce the time it takes to do title searches, which are required now to check current ownership status of a property. All in all, the entire time it takes to purchase a property could be reduced tenfold if the theory holds up.
Changing roles(and commissions) for real estate agents
If Bitcoin can make the process so much smoother, does this mean that the current players in real estate will be preserved, or will their jobs be eliminated due to the lack of need? Allied Title and Escrow LLC writes in their post that it is doubtful that the human hand will be taken out of the process completely as there are some tricky steps to title process so people will have to stay involved. The post also explores how the unregulated currency could be seen as too much of risk for many buyers and sellers to adopt it. Too much creative financing is not always a good thing if the risk is too high. Yahoo News actually highlights three companies that are already working on implementing solutions for those individuals looking to use cryptocurrencies for real estate transactions.
Deedcoin -
This company claims to have solved the problem of high commission fees charged by real estate agents. They have partnered with brokerages in 150 cities in all 50 states to help move things along when it comes to using <a href="https://www.alliedtitleandescrow.com/blog/willbitcoinchangerealestate">cryptocurrency in real estate transactions</a>. Deedcoins agents are paid in Deedcoins, another form of cryptocurrency, versus traditional money. Sellers pay as little as 1% of the <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/how-to-prepare-your-home-to-sell/">homes sales</a> price and then the other 5% is paid out in Deedcoins (1 Deedcoin equals 1% of the value of the home). Deedcoin sees too much unneeded price escalation in the industry today and hope that by using cryptocurrency, the costs can be better controlled by the two parties of the transaction.
Bitproperty -
This company hopes that the decentralized nature of Bitcoin can help with claiming real estate. The platform allows buyers to easily gobble up properties using the company's own form of cryptocurrency. This company also promotes an interesting angle by allowing for trading of properties seamlessly, allowing for a more dramatic and dynamic environment for real estate transactions.
Propy -
This company's aim is to make international real estate more energized. The company hopes by giving international buyers and sellers a common asset transfer store with a common currency (that can be used without worry about rate exchange), international parties will be more prone to participate in real estate in the US. The real estate industry has been late in adopting <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/how-virtual-reality-is-changing-real-estate/">new technologies</a>. Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies, is one technology that has forced many to raise their heads to take notice, because of the dangers it might pose to many in the profession. We have learned that this currency is completely online and unregulated. It is a secure way to help streamline the real estate processes that have been in place for years. Real estate agents are also feeling the heat from the possibility of being pushed from the process altogether. Time will only tell if more people begin to trust this form of creative financing.
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// ]]>2018-07-20T15:31:00-07:002018-08-26T22:45:31-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7169What is a Real Estate “Bidding War”? How YOU Can WIN!<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/What_is_a_Real_Estate_Bidding_War__How_YOU_Can_WIN.png" width="1200" height="628" />
How YOU Can WIN Your “Bidding War”? And What it is
Real estate has long been one of the least friendly markets out there, and it's not getting any better. If you're trying to buy a home or <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/chad-miller-pcb-realtor/home">condo </a>in today's market, you're forced to deal with a rapidly dwindling supply, and a rapidly expanding number of people buying them up. This recent trend has started to choke the market and has lead to inflated prices and bidding wars. Bidding wars can be a massive problem for prospective buyers, and a lot of it stems from simple misinformation.
Outside of the Auction House
When you hear the term "bidding war," you might think of a group of people desperately holding up small, numbered signs, packed tightly into an auction house. Real estate bidding wars aren't really like that at all. When someone mentions a real estate bidding war, they're not really talking about a big auction, but more often a small struggle between a few buyers to win over a seller. Usually, this ends with the seller making more money, a couple disappointed buyers, and one buyer with a new, slightly more costly house.
The Process of a Bidding War
So, you may be wondering <a href="https://pocketsense.com/bidding-wars-work-real-estate-13512.html">how do bidding wars work</a> in real estate. Well, wonder no more. It's actually pretty simple. A bidding war starts when two or more people make an offer on a property, and the buyer can't decide between them. When this happens, they contact the buyers and tell them that they'll have to sweeten the deal a bit if they want to beat the other would-be homeowners. This often leads to the two prospective buyers slowly raising their offers or backing out until only one buyer remains. The last buyer standing usually gets the deal. A bidding war can also end when the seller just decides they like one of the offers more than the others.
Taking Home the Gold
The road to victory is paved with bidding wars you didn't win; well, something to that effect anyway. You won't win every bidding war, and that's just fine. There are always more houses out there, and if you know what you're doing, then you'll be able to win a bidding war; and you only need to win one. The most important part of a winning a bidding war is being patient, preparing in advance, and keeping yourself under control. Don't get too emotional, or you could end up botching a good deal.
Finding a Property
Finding <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/">real estate</a> that fits your bill can be a massive challenge, but there are a few things you can do to help make things easier. The first thing you should do, before anything else, and especially before you even think about getting into a bidding war is setting a strict, non-negotiable budget. This is an amount that you will absolutely not pay more than. If an offer is one cent above this budget, then you won't go through with it. It's absolutely imperative that you stick with your budget through thick and thin, and only buy a house that you can actually afford. When you're creating a budget, make sure that it includes other costs as well, such as taxes, mortgage payments, insurance, homeowners association fees, and any repairs you'll need to do. After you have a rock-solid budget in mind, you can start looking for houses a little bit below it. If you don't have a <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1n93CUR7c2gawHVHfNd5Mp071aVIuMy7q&ll=30.243403861162964%2C-85.75705863952635&z=12">Realtor </a>at this point, get one, they'll be invaluable. Chances are you'll have to look at more than one house, and <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/the-value-in-hiring-a-professional-panama-city-beach-fl-real-estate-agent/">hiring a professional</a> agent will find houses that fit your particular criteria for living. They'll know how to find the properties you want, and will even help you set up deals. You can also ask your real estate <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Chad+Miller+-+Panama+City+Beach+REALTOR/@30.176494,-85.7748909,10z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x1955ee2fc72db7ab?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjv-PGmy4fcAhVJy1MKHR-kDewQ_BIIdzAK">agent</a> any questions you have about the process, or even ask them for advice on bidding wars.
Financing the War Effort
Now, at first blush, it may seem like the best <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/mortgages/6-ways-to-win-a-bidding-war-in-a-hot-market/">way to win</a> a bidding war is to just offer more money than everyone else. But there are other ways to sweeten the deal, and they can be both more effective, and a lot more cost-effective than just throwing as much money as you can at the seller. Cash is the first way of sweetening a deal. Almost any seller will prefer a few thick bundles of cash over a complicated bank transfer. Cash cuts out the middleman and eliminates almost all of the hassle. It's also just really cool to get a veritable ton of dollar bills given to you. If you're at all able to pay for the house with a large stack of dollar bills, then it's far more likely that you're going to win the bidding war. Up to four times more likely, in fact. If you need to, you can still take out a mortgage after the fact. However, if you don't have a briefcase or duffel bag full of cash on hand, then the next best thing is a deal that just doesn't have any contingencies. Nobody likes contingencies except banks. A seller is going to be more likely to take your offer if they already know it will go through. Offering cash is the best way to avoid contingencies, but failing that, your next best bet is having the loan pre-approved, or simply offering them a deal without contingencies, and hoping your loan is approved. Although, the latter isn't recommended if you can't afford the financial hit in case the loan doesn't get approved. An offer where you already have a pre-approved, <a href="https://thelendersnetwork.com/what-is-mortgage-underwriting/">mortgage underwriting</a> loan will earn you quite a few points.
Getting All Emotional
Now, I think we can agree that emotions cloud your judgment, can lead to bad deals and are generally just a bad thing to bring into negotiations. If you let your emotions get in the way, then it can cost you the deal, or, even worse, force you to take a deal that hurts you. All that said, emotions aren't always bad, and can actually help you. Some sellers will soften up a bit, and be a lot more open to your offers if you've sent them a heartfelt personal letter. If you're looking to buy a home to start your family, or if you're hunting for that perfect <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/5-tips-for-buying-a-vacation-condo-in-panama-city-beach/">vacation condo</a>, or just looking for an <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/purchasing-investment-property-why-condos-can-be-option/">investment property</a>, many sellers will want to hear your story, and they'll often sympathize, as many will have made memories in the house they're selling. It can be an emotional experience, and taking advantage of that can get you a better deal. Just be sure that any letters you send are genuine, and not something about your plans to demolish the house, gut it, or flip it. Sending a bad letter is far, far worse than sending none at all.
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// ]]>2018-07-05T02:23:00-07:002018-08-26T22:52:47-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7143How Virtual Reality Is Changing Real Estate<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/How_virtual_reality_is_changing_real_estate.png" width="1200" height="628" />
How Virtual Reality Is Changing Real Estate
When it comes time to <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/is-panama-city-beach-a-good-place-to-buy-real-estate/">buy</a> a home, it has always been left up to the imagination of the buyers to dream about how the house would look with their own furniture and decorations. Real estate agents can tell you, it can sometimes be a hard thing to do. Not all buyers can easily imagine a space as their own, and more often than not, the buyers will pass on a house if the property is not staged in a manner they find attractive or appealing. This is one reason a seller and their real estate agent will spend countless hours discussing how the property presents itself to buyers. Staging companies have been very successful in making homes sparkle for the non-imaginative buyer mind, but there is always a factor of chance. Real estate <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesrealestatecouncil/2017/06/13/the-rise-of-virtual-reality-in-real-estate/#2c2fe08e1989">technology</a> is changing this dilemma for sellers, and in the process, saving them thousands of dollars. Here are some ways we are seeing this happen:
3D Tours
Can you imagine being able to tour a home from the comfort of your <a href="https://www.realtor.com/homemade/step-inside-dream-home-virtually-without-leaving-couch/">couch</a>? Prachi Agarwal writes in this Realtor.com post about how her firm is making this a reality for all its buyers. Using technology, like 3D Matterport cameras, listing agents are able to take buyers on a very realistic tour of their properties without the buyer ever having to step into the home. Sellers love this added feature as it exposes their homes to more buyers. Real estate <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Chad+Miller+-+Panama+City+Beach+REALTOR/@30.176494,-85.7748909,10z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x1955ee2fc72db7ab!8m2!3d30.176494!4d-85.7748909">agents</a> can only capture a certain amount in text and pictures. Buyers can more easily explore the homes via the 3D technology to look for the unique details on their want lists. The seller can eliminate unnecessary showings, which will help with stress of having strangers come to the house. When buyers are browsing listings online, if they see a icon for a virtual reality tour, they can easily click on it to visit the home. The feature allows for one to see a dollhouse view of the house and quickly move from room to room by clicking on specific area of the house. If you prefer to walk through the home as you would in person, you can click on the various circles to change your direction and perspective. You can literally open the front door to walk the entire property. To say the least, both buyers and sellers love this technology and the time it saves them in the process of selling and buying a home.
Augmented Reality
Have you ever wanted to see how the front of a house would look like with a different door? Anushay Qaiser has a great post on VR Times about how Home Depot makes this type of remodeling decision so much easier. Using the smartphone's camera, the user can easily look to see how a new feature, including a door, a faucet, a bathroom vanity, patio furniture and many others, will look through the Home Depot App. It is easy and fun. How does this <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/09/realestate/augmented-reality-the-latest-in-real-estate-technology.htm">augmented reality</a> play a role in real estate? Kaya Laterman at the New York Times writes that augmented reality is helping home builders showcase their unfinished homes by showing the buyer what the property will look like after it is completed and furnished. Why the sudden surge in this type of technology? Kaya writes that Apple opened up the floodgates when it made its ARKit toolkit available for use, where developers can build apps to integrate augmented reality into the app's feature set. It is estimated that 900 million smartphones currently have some apps with augmented reality. Forbes Real Estate Council includes a post about how many listing agents are using virtual staging as a way to help buyers more readily visualize how an empty room might look with furniture and wall hangings. It should come as no surprise that one of the most frustrating aspects of showing a vacant home is the inability to make a certain room shine due to nothing being in it. Augmented reality changes the game by giving buyers a better presentation of the home's overall appeal.
Virtual Reality Headsets and Online Games
Nothing works as well for real estate agents and home builders to convince a buyer by showing the home through virtual reality headsets. Konrad Putzier writes for the Real Deal that architectural firms are using the virtual reality headsets to help sway reluctant clients to change building designs. Even though it is slower in adoption of the technology, office <a href="https://therealdeal.com/2018/02/23/while-the-construction-industry-eats-up-virtual-reality-the-tech-has-been-slow-to-penetrate-the-leasing-market/">leasing</a> companies are beginning to use virtual reality headsets to help their clients see what a space will be before they even visit it in person. Some <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com">real estate</a> brokerages are using the technology for training their own agents. Erica Christ offer writes an interesting post for Realtor.com about how firms are moving away from the traditional brick and mortar offices for online ones using the cloud. These brokerages have to find a different way to train their staff that also allows their staff to meet together. Virtual reality helps brokerages to jump this hurdle by giving their agents a virtual reality game to learn and network. This first-person, game-like interface allows agents to interact using avatars in a way to build team cohesion and keep the agents actively involved in their brokerages even though they all work from home. If the brokerage needs to hold a meeting or <a href="http://realtormag.realtor.org/for-brokers/network/article/2015/04/cloud-based-exp-opens-virtual-real-estate-training-hub">training event</a>, their agents just log into the system to attend it using their avatars. You can't get more high tech and agents love it! Virtual reality is a real estate technology helping clients gain a better experience as well as help a <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/imUabCgCxWm">Realtor</a> work more efficiently. You have 3D tours that help buy a home without having anyone set a foot in it. You have augmented reality helping real estate agents assist buyers with imagining a home as their own. Virtual reality headsets are used to help clients with planning decisions, and virtual reality games empower home based brokerages to keep their staff happy and engaged.
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// ]]>2018-06-26T12:02:00-07:002018-08-26T22:56:20-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7095How To Prepare Your Home To Sell<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/Simple_Image_Bordered_Spring_Break_Promotion_Facebook_Post.png" width="1200" height="628" />
Preparing a Home to Sell
Selling a house can be a windfall or a terrible loss. The price you get for your home when you sell it can vary wildly depending on the way you <a href="https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-prepare-your-house-for-sale-1799018">prepare your home</a> before putting it on the market. Home staging and making important repairs prior to selling can add thousands of dollars to your selling price. Real estate has its ups and downs, but one thing any seller can bet on is that they will get a higher price for their home if they prepare it strategically to command top dollar. By thinking like a potential buyer, it is easier to imagine what a seller can do to get a better price. Try and see your home with fresh eyes as a buyer as you follow the advice that has put a smile on sellers' faces for decades. Below are some ideas that will help you get started off on the right foot.
Declutter and De-Personalize Your Home
Think of the nicest hotels you have visited and that will give you an idea about how you want your home to look. It's time to take down all the family photos and knickknacks that tie the home to you and your family. A potential buyers needs to walk inside and imagine it as their new home. That will be easier for them to achieve if the home is spacious and homey without obviously looking like somebody else's home. The best way to view the decluttering process is to consider it as a headstart on your packing. Everything that is personal has to go. Mentally, you have to move on so that you can take your kid's artwork off the refrigerator. A good rule of thumb is to transform your home into a warm inviting lodge-like space where a complete stranger could spend a night without feeling like they were intruding in your home.
Make Needed Repairs
Making necessary "fixes" can yield enormous profits. Even in cases where potential homebuyers don't notice superficial problems like faulty lights that don't work well or a cracked driveway, then during the inspection phase, all of the secrets will come out. Rather than sully a potential buyer's opinion of your home, possibly causing them to have second thoughts about making an offer, it makes more sense to take care of those repairs upfront. The worst case scenario you face as a seller is to either lose the sale based on a perception that your home is in bad repair or to have to lower your home by an amount that may be more than it would cost for you to take care of that repair. Part of being ready to sell your home is to repair the obvious things that any potential buyer will notice during a routine showing. Some sellers hire an inspector to point out what they need to fix. While this might sound overzealous, it is not a bad idea. Since image is everything when it is time to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/trulia/2014/06/13/21-ways-to-prepare-your-home-for-selling/#1fea7fda4f13">sell your home for top price</a>, spending money wisely before the first buyer arrives could pay big dividends.
Stage Your Home for Maximum Profits
There is a reason <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/shows/designed-to-sell/15-secrets-of-home-staging-pictures">home staging is viewed as an essential part</a> of getting "top dollar" for a home. There are few purchases as emotional as buying a new home for your family, where you will spend your life and make new memories to be cherished for a lifetime. Much like furniture showrooms, a well-staged home taps into a buyer's emotions and ultimately makes them willing to pay for what they want. If you have the extra money and aren't sure what to do, hiring a staging professional will make the task much easier. They can transform your home into a dream home in days, not only recouping the staging expense, but getting a higher price too. Even though a home is a large investment, it is so much more than that to the buyer. This is where their family will live. Staging isn't complicated and can be handled by the seller if they are willing to follow a few simple guidelines. Turning your home into a showroom is about making it look its most inviting. A first step is to get rid of a lot of the furniture. It makes sense to get a storage unit if you need one. You don't want people tripping over furniture in your house when they walk through it. Most families need to store about 50 percent of their furniture to showcase the home properly and make it look bigger. Lighting is a big factor to be considered as you stage your home. The house needs to appear warm and cheerful. A rule of thumb shared by HGTV is to set a goal of having 100 watts of light for every 50 square feet of living space. Dark rooms are a "No No" when you are selling a house. Choosing the right color of paint can make a room look bigger too. There are certain tricks that can be used to make a home appear much larger. Any time you paint a room the same color of paint as the room next to it, it looks bigger. Real estate sales is full of smoke and mirrors tactics designed to make buyers see the home in its best light. Choosing neutral colors is always recommended. While trendy colors like red dining room walls might be an exciting choice as a homeowner interested in making a room pop, neutral colors rule the day when you are selling your home and trying to make it pleasing to as many people as possible. No one wants to paint as soon as they move in.
Focus on Curb Appeal
It is important to remember that curb appeal may determine whether a potential buyer even decides to go inside. Drive bys are common where buyers wave off the realtor with one quick glance. Keeping the lawn maintained is critical. Planting a few flowers for some extra color is always a good idea. Trim the bushes and cut the grass. Try standing at the front door to decide if you would want to go inside if you were the buyer. Is the welcome mat out and is the yard debris free? Put your decorator hat on and add some homey touches. Are there cheerful plants at the front door?
Conclusion
<a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/5-tips-to-finding-the-best-real-estate-agent-to-sell-your-house/">Selling a home is serious business</a>. With so much money at stake, you have to be sure and consider the details. Cleaning and staging your home will add thousands to the price.
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// ]]>2018-06-12T15:19:00-07:002018-08-26T23:02:06-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7036Condo Docs - What to Review Before Buying a CondominiumWhat you need to know about condo documents before buying
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You've been checking out Panama City Beach <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="condos for sale">condos for sale</a>, and you've found a condo you love.
Once you start the <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/condo-buying-tips/" title="condo buying tips">purchasing process</a>, you're going to be faced with a lot of documents. Here are some of the mandatory and recommended documents you need to understand before you sign.
Articles of incorporation. Some states require Homeowners Associations (HOAs) to be incorporated. If you decide to <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/tips-for-buying-a-condo-in-panama-city-beach/" title="tips for buying a condo">buy a condo in Panama City Beach</a> or anywhere, you'll receive the articles of incorporation, which tend to be boilerplate documents that explain how the HOA functions.
Bylaws. The <a href="https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/what-the-difference-between-association-bylaws-ccrs-hoas.html" title="HOA Byloaws">HOA bylaws</a> provide the procedures under which the HOA operates, including rules for HOA meetings, elections, and assessments. Take a close look at the bylaws if you plan to make any physical alterations to your condo.
Covenants, conditions and restrictions. These documents must be provided before you buy a condo, and they're incredibly important. You might find out, for instance, that your large dog or your pet snake aren't welcome. There may be restrictions on how you can use your condo (<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sublease.asp" title="what is subleasing">subleasing</a>, for instance). You'll also learn a lot from these documents about what maintenance the HOA covers and what you must pay for, as well as about how the HOA tends to spend its budget. Pay attention as well to the issue of who has the right to change the covenants, conditions, and restrictions: Is it the HOA Board of Directors, or do all the homeowners get to be part of the decision?
HOA yearly budgets. HOAs are sometimes reluctant to turn over budgets, but they're valuable documents to review. Check to see if the HOA has enough money in its reserve fund to handle upcoming maintenance and repairs. Check the line items to see if the HOA is meeting its financial obligations comfortably. For example, if your HOA pays for the building's water, but the budget line item for water shows that the year's budget has been depleted by July, you can expect a hike in condo fees very soon.
Minutes of HOA meetings. States don't typically require anyone selling a condo to turn over <a href="http://www.parli.com/hoa/the-proper-form-of-hoa-minutes" title="minutes of the HOA meetings">minutes of the HOA meetings</a>, but they can be very illuminating documents. Reading through past minutes can let you know if your future neighbors get along well and what it would be like to live with them on the other side of your wall. You can also learn about any upcoming planned expenditures and see whether the HOA is well-run. Consider asking for copies of recent minutes when you're checking out a possible condo purchase.
Schedule of fees.Your <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/yuMKL7PoxBx" title="real estate agent">real estate agent</a> will probably provide you with information on your monthly condo fee before you even make an offer on a property, but make sure you understand the numbers. Some condo fees cover utilities, while others do not. Also make sure that the condo owner from whom you're purchasing isn't delinquent in paying any fees.
In most states, you have a very limited time to terminate a sales contract — typically three to five days — so take a close look at all the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNBlBpvjAqI" title="condo documents">condo documents</a> when you're in the middle of a condo sale.
Your <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/chad-miller-pcb-realtor/home" title="Panama City Beach real estate agent">Panama City Beach real estate agent</a>, <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/" title="Chad Miller">Chad Miller</a>, can walk you through the entire process and explain all these documents in further detail.
This blog was origional written and <a href="https://realtytimes.com/advicefromagents/item/1004214-condo-docs-what-you-need-to-know-before-buying-a-condo" title="blog original posted here">posted by Chad Miller HERE</a>
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// ]]>2018-05-28T16:30:00-07:002018-08-26T23:05:02-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:7030Preparing For Your Home Appraisal<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/Preparing_For_Your_Home_Appraisal.png" width="1200" height="628" />
Getting Ready for Your Home Appraisal
Getting your home ready to show off the best side is what homeowners want when you have yourself a ready and willing buyer, and the next step to getting to the closing table is the appraisal.
Where do you focus your efforts?
What is the best place to spend your money when fixing things?
How do you prepare for an appraisal?
We have a few ideas and expert tips about ways that you can get your house in tip-top shape so that you can get the best property appraisal so that you can successfully get to the act of sale.
Upgrades
Install new hardware in kitchens and baths
Add an island if you do not have one
Fix lights and clean light covers
Put in granite counters
Install a bathroom vent or replace old ones
Use stainless steel appliance upgrades in the kitchen
Add a dishwasher or two
Find little perks like central vacuums to boost the value
Exterior To-Dos
Some of the most inexpensive ways to get your home ready for the appraisal include cleaning up outside, adding new house numbers, painting your front door, and adding potted plants. Be sure to use an even number of planters to make the look more symmetrical.
<a href="https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1505745/list/the-dos-and-donts-of-home-appraisal?m_refid=olm_google_176596187_9774874547_aud-312923979530:dsa-88786447067&pos=1t1&device=c&nw=g&matchtype=b&gclid=CjwKCAjwopTYBRAzEiwAnU4kb-LGHuvpUdjX49udRtMFQHj8zjyqciWt3QZmtoCjnLYFhirnVdJjKRoCFzUQAvD_BwE">Houzz</a> says to replace old fences and worn areas to make sure the area looks fresh and inviting. Overgrown greenery is likely to lower your appraisal.
No-Nos
Customize the property
Change the style of the original character
Add low-cost upgrades that can break quickly
Follow the appraiser to and from each room
Check Comparison Sales Figures
Make sure that the appraiser knows that you are informed about the local area. Show listings for at least three homes that are comparable to yours. You can find many reputable sites online and print out a report that is easy to share.
Your appraiser can choose to use your information or his or her own when you have the inspection. Showing that you know about the area will let the appraiser know you are serious about getting a fair price listing.
Its important to rembemeber, you can not tell the appraiser what "comps" they should use, but you CAN make their job a little easier by provideing some for them :-)
Clean, Clean, and Clean Some More
<a href="https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/how-to-prepare-for-an-appraisal-at-home/">Realtor</a> says to imagine looking at your home as if you were the buyer. Try to be objective and get into the nooks and crannies to find problems. If you are critical of your home, then you can avoid embarrassment from items that can turn off buyers like hanging lights, broken switches, sticky cabinets, and tough moving shower doors.
Be sure to inspect for leaks. Remember to <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/need-roof-work/" title="check the roof">check the roof</a> carefully. You do not want to try to <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/8-tips-for-selling-your-home/" title="8 tips for selling your home">sell a home</a> that has puddles or drips on open house day because the rain is coming down hard.
Make A List
Be proud of the upgrades you put in your home. Keep a file with all the receipts and make sure that you show it to the appraiser. You can use this list for the new buyers and the listing agent when you list your home or <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="condos for sale">condo for sale</a>. The file may get you top dollar because someone else was not diligent enough to do the same thing.
Preparing your home for the appraisal is much like getting ready for an open house. The only difference is that you do not want to stage the home. The cost is money wasted because you will need another staging before the showing.
The key is to look at your home with new eyes. This way you can see what everyone else sees when they visit your home.
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What is the best place to spend your money when fixing things?
How do you prepare for an appraisal?
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// ]]>2018-05-25T13:51:00-07:002018-08-26T23:22:49-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:6964Purchasing Investment Property in Your 30s - Why Condos Can Be a Great Option <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/Investing_in_Condos_in_Your_30s.jpg" width="900" height="550" alt="investing in condominiums" title="investing in condominiums" />
Why Purchasing Condos is a Great Investment Property
If you are thirty-something, chances are you are thinking about owning a home as a good investment option. <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/splash/">Purchasing the right condo</a> can be the best investment you can make at this time in your life.
You have reached the point in your life when you want to start investing your money. Real estate is considered one of the best investments possible. Today, many people find that condos make excellent investments and provide easy lifestyles. However, purchasing the right real estate property is key. What do you need to look for when purchasing a condo for investment?
The time has come in your life when you are thinking about investment options. You have some money in the bank, and your job is stable. Everything you read tells you that <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com" title="real estate">real estate </a> is a great investment, providing the development and the location are right. Now is the perfect time to invest in a condo.
Benefits of Investing at a Younger Age
If you are thirty-something, now is a great time to start investing in real estate. Not only are you likely to have a steady source of income, but your financial obligations are probably few. You have years of earning ahead, and you will be able to wait to resell until you can maximize your resale potential.
For now, you may want to live in a condo, until you are ready for a bigger home; you will be able to <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/panama-city-beach-vacation-rentals/" title="vacation rentals">rent it out</a> later when you move into a larger place. Or, you may be looking for a rental property now. The options are many, and the timing is right to buy.
When a Condo, Not a House?
In many markets, condos provide better return on cash investments than houses. <a href="https://www.movemeto.com/condominiums-for-sale.html">Purchasing a condo</a> can be a great solution for first-time buyers who want to invest in real estate for home or rental purposes, but are not ready for a more expensive, single family home purchase. With a condo you will be in the market, and profiting from real estate appreciation.
Whether <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/upshot/buy-rent-calculator.html">owning or renting</a>, you will not need to spend any time or money maintaining outside landscaping, shovelling snow, or fixing unexpected maintenance problems. Many singles and young couples enjoy condo living because of the freedom and amenities it provides, that would be difficult to find in a comparably-priced single family home.
Location! Location! Location!
Whether you plan to live-in your condo, or become a landlord, the first three rules of real estate ownership always have been, and always will be, “Location! Location! Location!” For that reason, experts agree that you should invest in an area that is most likely to maintain its allure and population; a place where the real estate market will stay vibrant and healthy. When looking for locations to invest in a condominium, its important to look at the local real estate market.
The state of the local market is important whether you are looking at a <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/">condo in Panama City Beach</a> or <a href="https://www.movemeto.com/condominiums-for-sale.html">Collingwood Ontario</a>. Both markets, although vastly different, have a high level of demand. Real estate investors are all but guaranteed a large market of potential home buyers and renters, when they resell or rent condos in this area.
So, when you purchase a condo, be sure that the location is the best you can find. Invest in a condo where rental and purchase properties are in demand — in an area that is likely to have increasing, not declining, demand during your investment period.
How will your Condo measure up as an Investment?
Once you have found a condo, you will want to analyze the investment potential of the property. As a landlord, you first need to determine your annual rent income. This will have to be weighed against your annual cost of taxes, insurance, and Home Owners’ Association and assessment fees and <a href="https://realtytimes.com/advicefromagents/item/1004214-condo-docs-what-you-need-to-know-before-buying-a-condo?rtmpage=PanamaCityBeachCondos" title="fees associated with condominiums">condo fees</a>. You will also need to consider repairs you will be responsible for.
Finally, other expenses landlords may incur include: advertising for tenants; possible legal fees if you need to evict a tenant; and possible costs incurred if your tenants cause damage. You will want to add into the calculation, expected annual appreciation of your property. This of course can only be a best guess estimate; REALTOR® will be able to provide local market information to help project possible future <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/whatsmypanamacityhomeworth.com" title="get your condo's value">condo values</a>.
Also, be sure to get the advice of a real estate lawyer and financial planner to help assess the feasibility of you investment plan. After all information gathering and discussions are complete, you will have a good idea of the condo’s investment potential.
If you are purchasing the condo for your own use, calculate homeowner costs and investment potential using the above guidelines. With the right amount of research, diligence, and professional advice, you will make a sound, and most likely profitable, real estate investment.
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// ]]>2018-05-11T09:08:00-07:002018-08-30T22:19:54-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:6852Condo Buying TipsCondo Buying Tips You Need To Know
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Tips for Buying a Condo
<a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/splash/">Purchasing a Condominium</a> is a great way to create long term wealth as well as get your piece of the American Dream. Unfortunately, even experienced home buyers can run into costly issues that could otherwise be avoided.
We have outlined the steps to buying a condo to insure that your home purchase goes smoothly. Buying a Condo can be exciting and intimidating at the same time.. If you are a first time home buyer, you will need details on what it takes to buy a Condo, how to get qualified for your mortgage, get the proper H06 insurance and make sure that the road to the closing table is a smooth one.
Mistakes on a purchase of this size can be extremely costly and potential how to find the right Condo for you and your family and how to get the best deal.
The Steps to Buying a Condo
Below we outline the steps to buying a condominium and some tips in avoiding costly mistakes. Understanding the condo buying process and leveraging the knowledge of a <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/splash/">good real estate</a> agent will insure the purchase of your new condo goes smooth as silk.
Applying for Your Mortgage
The biggest mistake that many potential condo buyers make is believing that searching for their new home is the first step. Truth is, applying for your mortgage should ALWAYS be the first step in the home buying process - and buying a condo is no different.
Although it might seem like putting the cart in front of the horse, the best way to guarantee the Condo buying process moves along smoothly is to apply for a mortgage FIRST. Meeting with the mortgage lender and having a mortgage commitment in hand before you go house hunting will help tremendously. From the sellers point of view, when a potential buyer has all their financial documents in order, they instantly become a top candidate and that is exactly what you want to be.
Choosing the Right Lender is Ultra Important
Another important tip when <a href="https://www.thesimpledollar.com/best-mortgage-lenders/">choosing a mortgage lender</a> is stay away from internet lenders. Although using the web to find and shop mortgage brokers may seem like a good option, internet lenders are known to promise the world and not deliver.
To insure that you get the best deal on your mortgage and do not end up with any surprises, you should have a local lender that you can meet face to face. Using a local lender for your condo purchase can make a HUGE difference in how smooth you transaction goes. Local mortgage brokers rely on repeat business and referrals - so they have more to lose by not delivering on what they say.
Pay Attention to the Inventory
It doesn't matter what time of year it is, the housing market in Panama City Beach seems to always be strong. It's important to remember that simply because there are many <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/">condos for sale</a> in Panama City Beach, does not mean that they are the right one for you and your family. Keep in mind that nearly ½ of the properties listed for sale end up NOT going to an act of sale. It's also important to know that the majority of the homes that get listed for sale, that DO sell, go under contract within the first 30 days.
Those two facts make it obvious that many of the condos for sale are overpriced or have some other reason for not selling. While at the same time, the condos that are in demand and priced appropriately - sell very fast. These two facts make it abundantly obvious that if you want to <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/things-you-should-know-buying-waterfront-condo/">purchase a waterfront condo</a> that is in an in-demand complex and is priced well, you need to have all of your ducks in order.
Be Aggressive and Use an Agent
Another important first step in purchasing your first condominium is choosing a good agent. <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/the-value-in-hiring-a-professional-panama-city-beach-fl-real-estate-agent/">Your agent can help you</a> with all your questions and concerns, and you also get to utilize their years of experience to help you with buying your first Condo. Not only does PCB have some of the best weather year round, but the close proximity to <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/is-panama-city-beach-a-good-place-to-buy-real-estate/">white sandy beaches draw many potential buyers</a> of all ages. One look inside the local real estate magazines and you'll find condos of every price available for sale today.
Just because there is an abundance of properties for sale is NOT a reason to assume any property will be on the market too long. There is a <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/waterfront-condo-sales-surge/">tremendous demand for waterfront condominiums</a>. Usually by the time you find the house in a magazine, it has a pending offer on it. The advantage to working with a <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/about/">local Realtor</a> is they can help you to narrow down your search of available condos for sale in the area to meet your specific needs. If you are <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/blog/5-things-first-time-condo-buyers-need-know/">purchasing your first condominium</a>, a very important step is getting set up on a property search with a Realtor who has access to BOTH Panama City Beach MLSs.
Being set up with a MLS search will insure that any time a new listing hits the market, that fits your specific search criteria, you get emailed immediately. Setting up these types of searches on sites such as <a href="https://www.trulia.com/profile/chad-miller-agent-panama-city-beach-fl-zghz9yl9/overview">Trulia</a> or <a href="https://www.zillow.com/profile/850-866-5500/">Zillow</a> will always have a delay - and in the worst instances, may not show the new property at all. The only way to insure you get all of the listings as soon as they hit the market is to get with a local agent.
The Property Inspection
Once you have found the perfect condo and you have negotiated to get a good price and you are now under contract, the next hurtle is the property inspection. Your agent will insure that the contract that is signed by all parties include a contingency period in which you can have your condo inspected. During the inspection period, if your home inspector finds any major issues, you can ask the seller to make repairs or ask for a reduction in the price. If you are purchasing a resale condo, it's important to understand that many deals fall apart because of inspections.
The property inspection is not designed to address every deficiency in the home, but is intended to make you aware of issues that you otherwise would not be aware of. As a general rule, you should only request repairs (or a repair allowance) if the issue was not seen during the showings and can cost you a major sum of money. Many buyers try and nit pic using the property inspection, but its important to remember to not miss the forest for the trees. You don’t want to miss a great deal on a perfect home because of a leaky faucet that cost $17 to correct.
.Getting to the Closing Table
Once you get through the inspection process, there is still more work to do. Although you may be excited about the thought of becoming a Condo Owner, you have not yet crossed that finish line just yet. You need to work closely with your lender to make sure they have all of the documentation that they request.
Do not delay in getting them anything they as for -- regardless of how ridiculous it may sound. Getting the mortgage lender any financial documents they request in a timely manner is the single most important thing at this point in the sale. Any delays can push your “clear to close” from you lender back -- which in turn causes you to REQUEST an extension from the seller. If they don’t agree (in writing) you may lose your condo.
Condo Docs
While working with your lender to get your mortgage approved another thing you will need to work on is the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNBlBpvjAqI">review of the condo documents</a>. Since when you buy a condo, you are buying into shared real estate run by a condo association, you will will want to review the financials of the association. Since you will pay a condo fee every month, you will want to see where that money is going.
You will also be looking for special assessments, insurance issues and other potential liabilities. In addition to reviewing the financials of your condo association, you will also want to review the covenants and restrictions of the complex. Lastly you will want to review the minutes of the most recent condo association meetings. Although this part of the process can be overwhelming - a good agent that specializes in condominium sales will walk you through it.
Final Walk Through
Now that you have your “clear to close” there is one important last step before signing the paperwork and closing on your new condo. You will want to schedule a final walk through of the property. This is the time that you insure that the property is in the same condition as when you put in your offer and that everything is in proper order.
In the worst of cases, sellers have removed items that were intended to stay with the purchase or some damage could have happened (holes in the walls etc) during the move out process. It is best to schedule the final walk through the day of the closing. If the closing is scheduled for first thing in the morning, it's acceptable to complete the final walk through the day prior. Keep in mind that the final walk through, similar to the property inspection, is not a time to nit pic. You are simply ensuring that when you show up at your new home with the keys, that you don’t walk into something totally unexpected.
If you have an issue with a minor thing in the final walk through -- you could easily lose your new home. Keep in mind, at this point, the lender has completed a dated package with all of the mortgage information. Most likely, your purchase agreement states that NOT closing (at the scheduled act of sale) could put you in breach of contract….even if you are correct in your complaint. Once the contracted closing date has passed - you enter into a potential nightmare of losing everything you have worked for.
This is not to say if the seller agreed to leave the curtains and they are not there, you shouldn't bring it up; but simply to keep things in perspective. You do not want to lose out on all the money spent and start the entire process all over again!
After Move-In Mounting Expenses
As a first time Condo buyer, many people put every penny they have towards their new home purchase. It's important that you have a little money set aside for extra expenses after you close on your new condo. Keep in mind, you will need some extra money for:
Utility Transfers and Deposits
Minor Repairs or Painting
Changing the Locks on Your New Condo
Purchase of New Furniture
Purchase of Rugs and Other Decorative Items
Moving Expenses
Having a little cash reserve on hand after you move into the house will ensure a smooth transition and not diminish the excitement of buying your very first Condo. Buying your first Condo is going to be one of the most exciting decisions you and your family will ever make.
With the help of a local real estate agent, you'll be in the best position to find your dream Condo, present the right offer, and close on the deal without any major issues.
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// ]]>2018-04-10T13:18:00-07:002018-08-30T22:23:34-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:6559The Value in Hiring a Professional Panama City Beach FL Real Estate Agent<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/The_Value_in_Hiring_a_Professional_Panama_City_Beach_FL_Real_Estate_Agent.png" width="600" height="425" />
The Panama City Beach FL region has some of the most beautiful houses in all the country. A stones throw to the beaches and plenty of things to do for any age group, people from all over the world are flocking to this part of Florida to call it home. Regardless what time of year, the housing market is always booming, good if you are selling your home but bad for the potential buyers.
Without the help of skilled local Panama City Beach FL real estate agents, your dream house could be gobbled up before you make an offer. Here are a few reasons to be working with an agent when buying a home in this area.
Narrowing Down the Search Much Faster
When you are <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/">searching for a condo in Panama City Beach FL</a>, be prepared to be running a sprint and not a marathon. No sooner do houses hit the market, many of them have a line of potential buyers already at the door making offers. It is not unlikely for a house to have a contract on it within a few days, shutting the door on anyone who is working without a realtor and using dated real estate magazines to find their dream homes. Your local real estate agent is an expert at finding specific listings and getting their clients in the door before the crowds arrive.
Once you meet your <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/">Realtor</a>, they will discuss your price range, house specifics, location desired, and how soon you are ready to move. By narrowing down the search the realtor will be able to locate houses within those parameters the minute that they hit the market.
<a href="http://whatsmypanamacityhomeworth.com/"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/CondoValue_CTA_wip01.jpg" width="628" height="150" /></a>
Presenting Home Offers That Appeal to Sellers
With the homeowners having their pick of potential buyers, it can be a real struggle for anyone without a realtor to get an audience with these sellers. The biggest issue is that these buyers do not have the skill or understanding in how to present an offer to the seller in a way that will be able to compete with the other realtors fighting on behalf of their clients. Most buyers without a realtor think they can haggle at the price, to discover they don't have a chance when realtors are bringing full price offers to the table. Without that insight from a realtor, the buyer has zero chance of getting the house.
With the help of local real estate agents, you have a real fighting chance to get the house because of the way they present the offer on your behalf. Your offer will be fair, it will highlight your availability to close, and it will show your <a href="http://www.findwell.com/real-estate-dictionary/definition/loan-commitment-letter/">commitment letter from the mortgage company</a>, something a seller truly appreciates in an offer.
Helping to Ensure the Home is Without Issues
Once your offer is accepted by the seller, now comes the hard work for your real estate agent. Although you have secured the commitment of the seller, your real estate agent has to make certain that you are getting your money's worth. Just like when an agent is selling your home and has to make sure it is structurally sound, so too does the agent for the buyer. Your real estate agent is going to put you in touch with a number of home inspectors who will give the house a closer look and present you with a detailed report as to their findings. There will be an inspector checking the roof, plumbing, electrical system, foundation, and even for pests like termites.
Once you have the reports in hand, you can decide if it is still in your best interest to move forward. Your realtor will also be in a position to consult with the seller's realtor about possibly having the homeowner make any of the repairs that were needed.
Managing the Details of the Buying Process
Once the buyer and seller agree that the house is sound and that the sale can proceed, your real estate agent once again has to be hard at work to ensure everything falls into place accordingly. The agent has to balance the closing date with the real estate attorney schedule, make certain that all the formalities with the bank will be completed on the closing date, and that the seller is able to have all their affairs in order. While you are packing your belongings, your realtor is working hard to make certain every detail of the sale falls perfectly into place or the sale could be a bust.
Having a skilled Panama City Beach FL realtor in your corner means that you will kept abreast of every detail of the buying process right up to the time you hand over the check and receive the keys to your new home.
Panama City Beach Realtor
Assisting in Making Sure the Move is Flawless
Now that the deal appears to be going through and your real estate agent has timed everything down to the last minutes of the closing, they still are there to help you transition into your new home. Maybe you are not from this region of Florida, or perhaps you are from another state. Your realtor will help you with connecting with moving companies, handymen, landscapers, and electricians. It is like you are moving to a new region and already have a friend who has some serious connections.
Your Panama City Beach FL real estate agent has made professional relationships in a number of areas, so if you aren't sure who to hire or use, there is a good chance that your realtor knows someone. Best part, these companies come highly recommended from a realtor you can trust.
When it comes to buying a home in Panama City Beach, it is all about the timing. Your local real estate agent has the skills to get you into the houses you desire most, so you can be the first to present the right offer and start your new life in the house of your dreams.
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// ]]>2018-02-22T00:38:00-07:002018-08-27T11:12:12-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:64265 Tips to Finding the Best Real Estate Agent to Sell Your House
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Selling Your Condo
Life is full of changes and now one of them has made you decide that it’s time to sell your condo. Now, the next big question is how to find the best <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/">real estate agent</a> to handle the sale. Some sellers might consider trying to sell their condo themselves, known as an FSBO. But in many cases they will end up hiring an agent in the end when they find that selling a condo in today’s competitive market isn’t as simple as putting a sign in the yard and signing a contract.
An experienced local real estate agent is worth their weight in gold, literally. They will be able to lay out a sales and marketing plan and will have the skills needed to close the deal when the time come and above all else they will have the professional integrity to represent their client’s interests to their best ability.
Finding the Best Agent
Here are FIVE tips gathered from agents and other real estate experts that they say should definitely be considered when looking for an agent to represent you in selling your condo.
1. Get an Agent Who Knows Your Neighborhood
Look for an agent who has knowledge of the neighborhood. They will already know the housing market in the the area and be familiar with the other inventory available and how many other condos have been sold recently. An agent who is not familiar with an area or a certain neighborhood will have to take time to get up to speed whereas a local agent will have boots on the ground right away.
2. Ask Around. Do Your Research
Pay attention to who is selling property in your neighborhood. You can walk or drive around in your neighborhood and see who has signs up. Talk to your neighbors and ask them if they like the agent they are working with and, if so, why. Make note of how quickly their condos sell.
Go online. Realtor.com, Zillow, Homesnap, and others will allow you to see who the most active agents in your area are. You don’t necessarily need the top agent in your neighborhood but you will want to find an agent who has sold recently.
You want to find an agent that you are compatible. If you are someone who needs answers quickly, you might want to consider hiring someone with a support team. Top selling agents are busy people and won’t always have the time to return your call immediately. However, any good agent should return your call within a few hours.
Little else can measure up to a good referral which is a huge testament of the success of an agent and more than one is even better. Don’t be shy. Ask your neighbors, your doctor and co-workers who live in your area who they’ve used before or maybe one of their family members. According to the National Association of Realtors,<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/reports/2017/2017-home-buyer-and-seller-generational-trends-03-07-2017.pdf"> 64% of sellers using an agent </a> found them through referrals from friends or family with 70% of the same groups saying they would use that agent again.
3. Don’t Hire Your friend or a Relative
Selling your condo could well be one of the biggest financial transactions of your life and there is really no room for error and no way to go back to the negotiating table if you find out that the neighbor down the street with a similar condo got $10k more than you did. Finding the right agent can be critical to you getting the best price for your condo.
So, the baby sister who just got her license may be the best sis ever and, not giving her your business and a chance at a nice commission, is no doubt going to add a little stress to Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma's. But the evidence is there and listing your condo for sale or submitting an offer through a relative or close friend may save you some personal stress but it could also cause you to miss out on a better price for your condo. This is especially so if that relative or friend is new to the industry and not familiar with the properties in the neighborhood you want to buy or sell in.
There are ways you can soften the blow to your family or friend. First of all, be honest with them about your concerns and propose a compromise. If inexperience is the problem, you can ask them if they know a more experienced agent in their office who would co-list your condo and they would share the fee. If they don’t work at a local real estate brokerage, you can ask for their help in finding an experienced local agent and make a referral. Agents who refer other agents are paid a fee when your condo sells.
Family and friends are important, but at the end of the day, you want to hire the most qualified person to represent you. Real estate transactions can often bring out the worst in people. It’s can be a very stressful process and it’s a huge life change. Sometimes it can be best to get the help of someone who doesn’t have a personal relationship with you.<br />Worst case scenario, the sales process isn’t going well and you decide you need to change agents. As hard as it may have been to tell them you can’t hire them, it will pale in comparison to having to fire them.
<br />4. Pick an Agent Who Can Back-Up Price with Facts
It is widely recommended to interview at least three agents in your condo before picking the one you want to work with. Don’t base your choice on the agent who suggests the highest listing price, that can be negotiated later. Have your criteria for an agent in mind: experience, sales record and personality.You want an agent who can back up their price suggestions with local data and isn’t just giving you the price you want to hear. In the latter situation, the agent will most likely have to ask you for a price reduction before selling making it seem like a failure instead of the successful sale it should have been.
<br />5. Find an Agent Who Knows How to Close the Deal
There are real estate agents who make a career of selling condos and they work at it full time and there are others who career real estate agents refer to as “hobbyists.” There are all levels of real estate agents. Some have gotten their real estate license to be able to represent themselves in a transaction and now just use it occasionally. Others work at real estate in their spare time or only a few hours a day or treat it as a second job to supplement their real careers.
While some part-time agents do regularly close deals it’s a good idea to ask a potential agent how many transactions they closed in the last year. If it’s at least one a month, it’s on par with the National Association of Realtors national average.
According to a 2016 report done by the National Association of Realtors, agents working fewer than 20 hours a week have a median gross income of $8,550 a year. Compare that to an agent working 60 hours or more a week who produces a median gross income of $93,400, the same NAR report shows. The more an agent works, the more condo transactions they close and the more experience they have under their belt. Selling a condo is hard work with a lot of hours spent on all the details that make up getting a condo on the market at the right price and the right time to the right buyers.
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// ]]>2018-02-11T10:59:00-07:002018-08-27T11:15:23-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:6415Sterling Breeze 1 Bedroom Sale History2018-02-08T12:53:00-07:002018-02-08T13:17:31-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:62845 Tips For Buying a Vacation Condo in Panama City Beach
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5 Tips For Buying a Vacation Condo in Panama City Beach
With the strength of the real estate market in Panama City Beach, there has not been a better time to buy a vacation condo or <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/splash/">investment property</a>. A vacation condo doesn't need to stay vacant until until you are ready for a vacation.
For many PCB homeowners, your beachfront condo can make you some extra cash to help offset some of your investment. There is no reason your vacation property should not be generating cash-flow while your long term investment matures.
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/">Real Estate</a> has proven to be a very solid investment move. There are more millionaires made every year in real estate than even the technology boom.
Over the long term, it has been proven time over time that real estate investments outpace the stock market for generating wealth. There are many <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/blog/-advantages-of-buying-a-second-home/">reasons that people choose to purchase a second home</a>.
With that being said, the purchase of a vacation home - which you can use as a family vacation spot, seems to be a great long term investment. Being able to enjoy beachfront views and take a walk on one of America's most beautiful beaches is just extra.
The Steps in Buying a Vacation Condo
Have a plan. Think about the options of renting your vacation home out for certain months. For Panama City Beach, the most popular time is <a href="https://pcbeachspringbreak.com/">Spring Break</a>. It is very possible to make a large dent in the cost of owning your own <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/">Panama City Beach condo</a> - if you are willing to part with it for that month. In addition to carving out an entire month, you can look into <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/s/Panama-City-Beach--FL">AirBnB</a> for daily rentals. You will want to have a cleaning service available for immediate cleaning upon a tenant leaving, so factor those costs into your budget.
Get a good REALTOR. When purchasing a <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/splash/" target="_blank">vacation condo</a> on the beach as a second home, you will want to have an experienced real estate agent that you can lean on. A seasoned agent that specializes in waterfront condos can not only help you find the perfect property, but they can assist with knowing how much revenue you may be able to generate while you are not there. The right agent will know which condos you should look into purchasing as <a href="https://youtu.be/GNBlBpvjAqI">each condominium complex has very specific rules and regulations</a>. The last thing you would want is to purchase a condo only to find out they have restrictions on short term leasing. A specialized REALTOR can also help with any getting qualified contractors for any repairs. You may even want to utilize your real estate agent for managing the property if you are considering a long term tenant. Once you pick the perfect real estate agent, you will want to put them in contact with your mortgage lender. Its important that your agent and lender work closely together over the condo buying process.
Get financing ready. Acquiring a mortgage on a property that will not end up being your primary residence is quite a different process than the mortgage you get when financing your home. There are <a href="https://www.buysellinvestproperties.com/blog/new-fha-condo-financing-rules/" title="New Condo Financing Rules">new financing rules for condos</a> being implemented all the time. Financing for a second home or vacation property may take longer than you are used to and they may ask for much more documentation and even a larger down-payment that you had in mind. This is why you want your mortgage broker to be chosen sooner better than later. If you don't have a good lender in mind, you can always ask your agent, they will know many good, local lenders and their reputation for getting the deal done.
Find the perfect condo. There are many condos for sale in Panama City Beach. Take your time. Its important to remember that Panama Cit Beach's real estate market has been getting stronger every year. That means you may get discouraged by finding the most sought-after condos go under contract very fast. You will want to sign up for a system that notifies you the moment a new condo hits the market that fits your criteria. Lucky for you....you can sign up for that <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/idx/property-tracker/">RIGHT HERE</a>. You will want to stay away from sites such as Zillow and Trulia as they are well known for not getting the listings as fast as a local real estate website. You are also much more likely to be viewing a condo that has already sold. Only the local Panama City Beach real estate brokers have their websites updated on a timely basis. Also, there are TWO MLS systems in Panama City Beach. When searching for condos online, you will want to choose a website that gets listings from BOTH MLS's. Once again, we can provide that for you...<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/idx/search-form/">RIGHT HERE</a>. Lastly, when you are looking through listings online, you will want to keep an eye out for the condo's rental viability. Look for the condos located directly on the beach with not getting listing When viewing the newest properties, keep an eye out for the homes rental viability. Look for beachfront condos that are centrally located to many tourist locations. A couple great examples are: <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/calypso-towers/">Calypso Towers Condos</a>, <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/edgewater-beach-resort-condos-for-sale/">Edgewater Beach Resorts</a> and <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/majestic-beach-towers/">Majestic Beach Towers</a>.
Speak with your accountant. Purchasing real estate is a big financial decision. Although your real estate agent can make sure you get a great deal on the perfect condo, you should look to your accountant to structure the purchase of your new vacation home. There are many options, each with its own set of tax benefits. For instance, even though you can not get the mortgage interest deduction like you can on your primary residence, you can still take advantage of a variety of write-offs on your taxes. you Depending on your specific situation, you will have a variety of ways to structure the purchase of your new vacation home. Although the tax benefits are different on a vacation home than they are for your primary residence, you can still take advantages of may write-offs on your taxes. These are aspects of the sale you will want in place BEFORE you close on your new condo as in many instances, going back after can create new challenges -- depending on how you and your accountant have structured the purchase.
Buying Your Vacation Home
Buying a vacation condo as a second home can be easier than you think. If done correctly, you can offset much of the costs of your new vacation home if you plan and execute properly. Do not get frustrated if the perfect property doesn't present itself immediately.
Waterfront condominiums are in high demand in Panama City Beach and the best ones go fast. Look to your agent for guidance.
When looking for the perfect second home in PCB, pay close attention to the potential marketing you would be able to do on each property. The larger complexes have already built brand names and are in constant demand.
At the end of your journey, it is possible to grow your personal wealth while providing you and your family the perfect place to vacation and retreat to. It just takes a little patience.
Ready To Buy Your Vacation Condo?
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// ]]>2018-01-23T21:49:00-07:002019-10-15T12:18:47-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:61758 Tips For Selling Your Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/tips_for_selling_your_home.jpg" width="700" height="233" alt="tips for selling your home" title="tips for selling your home" />
Eight Important Considerations To Make When Selling Your Home
Selling your first home in Panama City Beach can be a real challenge especially if you are not familiar with the ins and outs of real estate. Indeed, you can <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/">find a real estate</a> agent to help you sort it out, but it does not mean that your shouldn't have some basic knowledge yourself. You must have information about <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/">what is going on in the Panama City Beach real estate market</a> and carefully analyse the situation before making that decision. Otherwise, you can end up having regrets about selling your home.
Find the Right Selling Price
Most of the homes that do sell, sell withing the first 60 days of being listed. This shows the importance of<a href="https://www.buddyblake.com/blog/4-reasons-to-price-your-home-right-at-listing/"> pricing your home correctly at the time its listed.</a> You do not want to overprice it in the beginning with the intention of dropping the price down the road.
<a href="http://whatsmypanamacityhomeworth.com/" title="Get Your Condo's Value"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/CondoValue_CTA_wip01.jpg" width="628" height="150" /></a>
Before making a decision to sell your first home, you will have to deliberate on several things, the first of which is how much you would price it. Note that there are a lot of other <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/">condos for sale in Panama City Beach</a>, and pricing it higher than its counterparts in the market decreases the chances that it will get sold. A very high price will prevent buyers from even giving your property a glance.
Do Your Research
Do your research before listing your home. Work with your agent on a plan on how you will look for buyers, how you will select from the bidders, and what challenges with your transition could be. Find out the trends Panama City Beach real estate. Review the r<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/market-statistics/">eal estate statistics for what is currently for sale and what has been recently sold in PCB</a>.
First Impressions Matter
Make sure that your home looks stellar before you list your home for sale. It need not have new floor tiles or countertops. You also may not have to remove some older furniture. You do not want to spend a lot of money on matters that do not really count to the buyers. What is important is that every room is clean and tidy, no major repairs are needed, and that your front yard makes a good impression.
Be Ready to Sell
It is also important that you are certain about selling your home. Selling your first home should not be a decision that you just came up with one morning. It has to be something that you thought of thoroughly and are willing to do due to important reasons. If your reason for doing it is not right, you might end up regretting having sold your home. Having your home ready to sell includes letting it be shown easily to potential buyers. DO NOT require the buyer to provide 24 hours notice before seeing your home. If possible, use a <a href="http://www.supraekey.com/Pages/Home.aspx">lockbox</a> so other agents can show your home easily. Keep the home clean and ready to be shown at all times.
Don’t Seem to Eager
You also have to avoid giving bidders the impression that you are in a hurry to sell your home because they are likely to lower their bid or hold on to their initial offers. What you can do to avoid the pressure of having to sell your home as quickly as possible is to find a new property to purchase and get approved for a new mortgage before offering your first home for sale.
Hire an Agent
You also have to hire a real estate agent who can provide you with a robust marketing plan that tells of the actions they will take to sell your home. You should not hire someone who is not sure about what they are going to do to get your home sold.
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Also, make sure that the Realtor is someone you can ask effective advice from about how to make your house be more appealing to the buyers. You will want to use an agent that has years of experience selling homes in your area and a level of expertise in selling your types of properties. You will want to make sure they have a nice website as this shows they are consistantly investing in real estate technology.
Consider the Benefits of Renting
It is true that when your home no longer suits you, selling it is a good option. But there are also cases in which renting it out is more sensible. For many homeowners in Panama City Beach - converting your <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/blog/panama-city-beach-vacation-rentals/">waterfront condominium into a vacation rental</a> can be very advantageous. If you are going away for a few years but still plan to come back to the place, it may be cheaper and less of a hassle to rent out your house until your return. Note that selling your home involves costs and a good deal of effort, even using our <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/blog/strategies-for-selling-your-home/">tips for selling your home in Panama City Beach</a>. Yet, renting it out while you are away lets you earn extra.
It will also be smarter to rent it out if you can do it at a price that is enough to fund your mortgage interest or the cost of repairs. That way, you get to keep your home and still have a source of income to fund your expenses with. Moreover, if you you know that the price of real property will get higher over the next few years, not selling your home until then is advisable.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/selling_your_PCB_home.jpg" width="700" height="467" />
Sell When the Time is Right
In terms of time itself, spring is often the best when selling a home. A good weather means that you are better able to show off the good features of your home, not to mention the fact that buyers are more in the mood for looking out for properties during this time.
Families are also likely to move in the summer before the start of the school year. Yet, that is barely the surface of the decision making process. The best time to sell your home is when you are ready for it or when your home is no longer appropriate for you and the people you share it with.
For instance, you might need an additional room because you have a baby coming or that you have to transfer to a smaller house because your kids have moved out. Additionally, you have to make sure that you are financially mature to sell your home and purchase a new one. If you are having a financial crisis and it has been going on ever since, you might as well wait until you know exactly how to handle your finances before selling your first home.
Ready To Get Started?
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// ]]>2018-01-02T12:23:00-07:002018-08-27T11:32:12-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:6157Is Panama City Beach a Good Place To Buy Real Estate?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/panama_city_beach_real_estate.jpg" width="650" height="450" alt="panama city beach real estate" title="panama city beach real estate" />
What You Should Know About Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach is a city in Florida and has a population of 36,877 people. The current median home price in this city is $185,000, while the median household income is $45,620. The rate of unemployment in Panama City is 5.5 percent, while the one-year appreciation rate stands at 14.2%. On the other hand, the one-year job growth rate is at 2.4%. Panama City Beach is know for the massive influx of people that come to visit the sandy beaches and beachfront condos during Spring Break. Because PCB is a vacation destination, many people buy <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/">condos for sale in Panama City Beach</a> for investment purchases. It is not uncommon for investors to purchase a condo in Panama City Beach for use as their own personal <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/blog/panama-city-beach-vacation-rentals/">Vacation Rental</a>.
Real Estate Trends in Panama City Beach, FL
Housing markets all over the United States have begun to exhibit signs of life, particularly in Panama City Beach, Florida. The real estate market in this city has turned a corner and appears to be in a position of capitalizing on the rebound. Panama City Beach, unlike its distant cross-state neighbors like <a href="https://www.homes.com/home-prices/miami-fl/" title="home values in Miama">Miami</a>, has heavily depended on the activities of the foreign investors. The real estate market of Panama City Beach has really grown, and both prices and sales are increasing at a pace that is sustainable. This makes the prospect of investing in the <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/">Panama City Beach real estate</a> a much more lucrative venture.
Good Time to Invest in Panama City Beach
Prices have continued to grow in the real estate market of this city, and its 1-year appreciation rate has topped out at 14.2%. Over that period, homes in the city have also appreciated at a rate that doubles the 6.7 percent for the national average. But despite the elevated rates of appreciation, the prices of homes in Panama City Beach are still averaging at an affordable $185,000, in comparison these homes are nearly $19,000 less than the overall national average.
<a href="http://whatsmypanamacityhomeworth.com/" title="Get Your Condo's Value"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/CondoValue_CTA_wip01.jpg" width="628" height="150" /></a>
Homeowners in Panama City Beach have been lucky to take advantage of increasing property values. Property values in Panama City Beach have been rising. <a href="http://whatsmypanamacityhomeworth.com/">Get Your Panama City Beach Property Value HERE</a>. With a record-breaking high appreciation, homeowners have witnessed an average equity increase valued at $25,449, just within the last one year. For anyone looking forward to investing in Panama City Beach, Florida, this is significant news to take into consideration this year.
Job Growth in Panama City Beach
The prices of rent are also very stable in Panama City Beach, FL, and the rate of availability is still very high. It is a fact that no healthy real estate market can be complete without an economy that is fully supportive. Having pointed out that, the job sector in Panama City is very encouraging and is able to support steady growth for a very long period of time. The unemployment rate of Panama City Beach currently stands at 5.5%, which is the same as that of the national average.
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/idx/property-tracker/" title="Instantly get listing alerts"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/InstantListingNotifications__Panama_City_Beach.png" width="600" height="60" /></a>
There has been a 0.8% improvement in that sector over a period of one year. But the job growth rate of Panama City is perhaps, maybe the most encouraging bit of this city. The local employment is currently growing at a rate of 2.4%. The real estate market of Panama City is more affordable if compared to a number of cities all over the country. The average homeowner in this city spends close to 11% of their income on their mortgages. So whereas Panama City Beach is quite affordable compared to the past rates, those who are on a fixed budget and first-time buyers must consider this carefully.
Featured Panama City Beach Condos For Sale
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// ]]><br /><br />Things to Do in Panama City Beach Florida
Panama City Beach truly offers something for everyone. In fact, there is nothing like living in PCB and enjoying the sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. As the site of the final WCW Monday Nitro, Panama City Beach has since grown to become a major attraction in Florida. In fact, property sales across the area continue to soar in alarming rates. This includes beachfront properties, along with waterfront stilt homes and luxurious apartments. From elegant condos to mid-rise and high-rise units, PCB is truly the place for prime real estate in South Florida. It is also a haven for tourists and guests that simply love the cool sea breezes, social clubs, and fine dining and entertainment establishments.
Family Activities in Panama City
There are many things to do in Panama City for the entire family. In fact, one of the top attractions is St. Andrews State Park. This Park features barbecue pits, along with breathtaking scenery and picturesque backdrops. There are also plenty of walking, jogging, biking and hiking trails for nature lovers and enthusiasts. With soothing sea breezes to swimming and all nautical - aquatic activities, the Park is a great place to spend quality time with loved ones and friends. In fact, St. Andrews State Park features the best camping grounds, as well as charter boating and fishing for the entire family!
Gulf World Marine Park
Gulf World Marine Park truly captures the heart and soul of Panama City Brach. In fact, the Park features tropical gardens and plenty of sea-life in their natural habits and niches. You will also be amazed at the shark feeding shows, along with dolphin encounters. You and your loved ones will equally enjoy the sea lion, parrot and dolphin shows, which are especially loved by the kids. Whether for couples or huge families, Gulf World also has snack kiosks and plenty of fine eateries and cafes. Enjoy a wonderful day or natural attractions, which are not far from the local amusement parks. You can even pet the sea turtles that come onshore on the white-sand beaches!
Man in the Sea Museum
The Man in the Sea Museum is another great place to visit in PCB. In fact, this museum shows the history of scuba diving with plenty of displays, artifacts and interactive -hands-on exhibits. The MITSM is the perfect place to spend a nice afternoon, while learning about the history of water sports in the area. You can also have a delicious lunch at one of the local restaurants or seafood counters. If you love diving or want to take some lesions, this too is the place to be. The Museum is adjacent to the aquatics center - where you can book charter fishing trips or take diving and snorkeling lessons. If you love the warm weather and beautiful tropical environment of Florida, nothing speaks the region more than Panama City Beach. These are but a few attractions that PCB offers to its residents and guests. For more information, simply check the Web or speak to your local real-estate agent in Panama City Beach.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/CM_Email_Headder.jpg" width="700" height="136" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />2017-12-27T13:50:00-07:002018-08-27T11:36:49-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:6019Waterfront Condo Sales Surge<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/Tips_For_Waterfront_Buyers.jpg" width="700" height="467" />
Tips For Waterfront Buyers
Buyers are flocking to seaside condominiums these days. With the current tax incentives, mortgage options and surplus of property along the coast, <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="Panama City Beach Condos">Panama City Beach Condo's</a> are attracting buyers from all over.
If you are one of those interested in living the "Jimmy Buffett lifestyle", here are a<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/blog/things-you-should-know-buying-waterfront-condo/" title="Things you should know before buying a waterfront home"> few things you should know</a> in advance to wash away the waterfront buying woes. We also have some <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/blog/tips-for-buying-a-condo-in-panama-city-beach/" title="tips for buying a condo in PCB">tips for buying a condo</a> for you.
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Prequalification
Getting prequalified for a loan is the best practice in today's competitive real estate market no matter where you are buying.
As a waterfront <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/blog/5-things-first-time-condo-buyers-need-know/" title="things condo buyers need to know">condominium buyer</a>, you want to be in the best position if faced with competing with multiple offers.
Another reason is that many waterfront properties fall into the higher priced market. Lenders who lend in the higher priced, "Jumbo" market are going to only lend to the "very qualified" of applicants. Knowing your budget, and what you qualify for will aide you and your <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="Panama City Beach REALTOR">REALTOR</a>® as you shop for your coastal paradise.
Waterfront Specialist
The best advice in waterfront buying today is using a REALTOR® who specializes in waterfront condominium living, such as Chad Miller, REALTOR®, with <a href="http://www.berkshirehathawayhs.com/agentsearch/results.aspx?SearchType=agent&FirstName=chad&LastName=miller&Country=1&City=&State=FL&Zip=&Languages=&Titles=&Specialties=&Accreditations=" title="Berkshire Hathaway Home Services">Berkshire Hathaway Home Services</a>, Beach Properties of Florida.
You want a professional who is knowledgeable in not just condominiums, but the waterfront aspect as well. Many condo's may appear to be perfect for you but have restrictions or lack thereof that do not interest you.
See More On The Importance Of Condo Docs
Do you have access to boat mooring? Are there any pending assessments? Plus, many other questions that a only a REALTOR® who specializes in waterfront condominium living may be able to answer. There are many factors to consider in waterfront buying, that you will not want to discover at the closing table.
Location-Location-Location
Buyers in the <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/majestic-beach-towers/" title="Majestic Beach Towers">Majestic Towers Condominium</a> development know that location means everything. The Majestic Towers is an example of a condominium development that is perfectly situated near all the amenities needed to live the perfect "Beach Life". Shopping and dining of all types is located within minutes of stepping outside of the complex.
Finding a property that matches your lifestyle is crucial in the long run. Only you know what you want near, or not so near to your seaside escape. Shopping, dining and health care are all services to consider.
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/idx/property-tracker/" title="get instant listing notifications"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/InstantListingNotifications__Panama_City_Beach.png" width="600" height="60" /></a>
The most beautiful waterfront <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="condos for sale in panama city beach fl">condo in Panama City Beach</a> may be sitting too far from shopping for your lifestyle. If you locate the most wonderful deal online, but only to find it is an hour or longer drive to catch fish, and you are an avid angler, that would not fit your lifestyle.
Cannot Pick it Up & Move it
When considering a waterfront condo, but sure to look out from the unit a full 180 degrees. You may love the interior, and the complex may be near amenities, but check the view. You do not want to discover after moving in that the ocean view you dreamed of is a "stretch".
Literally, that you have to stretch beyond the exterior of the neighboring unit to see the first breaking wave. Another thing to consider is the proximity to the condo's amenities, such as the swimming pool, parking & tennis courts.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/steps_to_buying_a_PCB_condo.jpg" width="780" height="436" alt="tips for waterfront condo buyers" title="tips for waterfront condo buyers" style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" />
Insurance Premiums
Insurance rates are rising annually. To insure a waterfront property you may be required to have more than one type of policy, and/or additional riders to your policy. Wind, Flood & Hurricane policies are something to inquire about.
A policy for a beachfront home versus being part of a condominium complex will vary in price as well. Look into this early on, while getting pre-qualified, and factor that cost into your monthly payment.
HOA's
Finally, be sure and read the <a href="http://realestate.findlaw.com/owning-a-home/ccrs.html" title="homeowners assocaition covenants">Homeowners Association Covenants</a> front to back. If you want to make any changes to your property, the changes will most likely need to be approved by the association.
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="Panama City Beach Condos for sale"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/Edgewater_Aerial.png" width="450" height="170" alt="Panama City Beach Condos for sale" title="Panama City Beach Condos for sale" style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" /></a>
Check for restrictions on activities allowed such as water craft, fishing and times that the common areas may be used by you & your guests. Speak with other condo owners in the complex to get a good feel of how organized the homeowners association is.
The neighbors are always a great resource if they have encountered any issues with the complex or association themselves.
Ready To Talk To A Condo Specialist?
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// ]]>2017-12-01T14:33:00-07:002018-08-27T11:39:40-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:6008Things You Should Know Before Buying a Waterfront Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/steps_to_buying_a_PCB_condo.jpg" width="780" height="436" alt="steps in closing on a PCB Condo" title="steps in closing on a PCB Condo" />
Waterfront Homes
Are you thinking of living in a waterfront home or <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="Panama City Beach Condos">condo</a>, away from civilization, in a serene location, waking up to the sounds of nature? Well, if this is your plan then congratulations; not many people can afford this celebrity-like lifestyle. But, buyer beware, buying a waterfront home is a different ball game altogether and can be way more complicated than purchasing a home located on a street in the suburbs.
However, not to worry, you have come to the right place because here are some great <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/blog/tips-for-buying-a-condo-in-panama-city-beach/" title="tips for buying a condo in PCB">tips for buying a condo in Panama City Beach</a>:
Maintenance of a Watefront Home
A <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/" title="panama city beach Homes">waterfront home</a> takes a beating from the environment due to the violent storms and sea salt and humidity. This means that the maintenance cost for such homes is usually high. You should consider the cost of maintaining the siding, the roof, attachments and pipes and evaluate whether you can manage to pay the maintenance costs comfortably.
<a href="http://whatsmypanamacityhomeworth.com" title="Get Your Condo's Value"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/CondoValue_CTA_wip01.jpg" width="628" height="150" /></a>
Although a home warranty can protect a new homeowner from unforseen, costly repairs...they generally do not cover basic maintanance and upkeep.
Find an Experienced <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="Panama City Beach REALTOR">Panama City Beach REALTOR</a>
Hire a <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="Panama City Beach REALTOR">real estate agent who specializes in waterfront condos</a>. Experts are always in the business of knowing what to do. There is the right time to work out, the right time to eat and the right time to invest in real estate. Experts also will guide you on the legal requirements and compliances with the law. The experts have a third eye! There is a thing they will see that you have no clue about.
Income Stability
How stable are you economically? Is it a jackpot you won? The initial dow payment of the home is possible but have you thought about how you will pay that mortgage, including taxes and insurance? These are some crucial questions before you narrow down to that home. Consider the future income situation before you search for <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="condos for sale">condos for sale.</a>
Goals with the Property
Waterfront homes are usually not ordinary homes and can be expensive to acquire. Are you buying your waterfront home as a primary home for your family or maybe it's a <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/blog/panama-city-beach-vacation-rentals/" title="panama city beach vacation rentals">vacation rental</a>?
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/idx/property-tracker/" title="get instant listing notifications"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/InstantListingNotifications__Panama_City_Beach.png" width="600" height="60" /></a>
For a primary home there are many good, affordable options and you need not to invest so heavily. For many people, the <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="beachfront condos">beachfront condo</a> is a great option. Condo's can be much less expensive to purchase and maintain.
Some of the Most Popular Waterfront Condos in Panama City Beach
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/majestic-beach-towers/" title="majestic beach towers condos for sale">Majestic Beach Towers Condos</a>
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/calypso-towers/" title="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/calypso-towers/">Calypso Towers Condos</a>
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/edgewater-beach-resort-condos-for-sale/" title="edgewater beach condos for sale">Edgewater Beach Resort Condos</a>
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/edgewater-golf-villas/" title="edgewater golf villas condos for sale">Edgewater Golf Villas Condos</a>
Review Your Condo Docs
when purchasing a condo, there are certain "condo docs" you should be aware of and review. Below is some explanation of the condo docs.
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// ]]><br /><br />The Real Estate Market
Supply and Demand forces play role in this too! Are you monitoring the condo prices around your area? To see the most up to date Panama City Beach Real Estate Statistics - <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/market-statistics/" title="PCB real estate statistics">Click HERE</a>.
Staying up to speed with what is currently happening with home pricing Panama City Beach is crucial. If waterfront condo prices in particular area are low and your finances are where you want them to be, you can be in for a great deal.
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/idx/property-tracker/" title="get market updates "><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/MarketUpdates-_PCB.png" width="400" height="150" /></a>
You can sign up to get immeidate listing alerts when new condos hit the market that fit your search criteria. With the #PCB real estate market being so hot, if you want to get the best deal on a <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="PCB Condos for sale">PCB condo</a> - you need to get your offer in quickly.
ExtraI Insurance Costs
Waterfront homes need special insurance coverage since they are exposed to unique threats like storms and hurricanes. You will need three insurance policies for most waterfront properties including a flood policy, a wind policy and a general hazard policy for the house. Find out about the insurance requirements before you begin the process of buying the house.
Conclusion
Waterfront homes are the best. It is not only an investment in property, but also in your happiness and quality of life. They bring lifelong enjoyment and relaxation providing you with your dream home.
Ready To Talk To a PCB Condo Expert?
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// ]]>2017-11-28T14:06:00-07:002018-08-27T11:50:11-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:5987REALTOR vs Real Estate Agent - What's The Difference?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/what_is_a_realtor_real_estate_agent.jpg" width="620" height="349" style="display: block; margin: 5px auto;" alt="talk to a realtor" title="talk to a realtor" />
Time to Sell Your Home?
It is time to sell your home, and you made the right choice to list with a professional in the real estate industry. As you begin interviewing prospective sales agents in your market, be sure to ask them if they are a Licensed REALTOR® or a Licensed Real Estate Agent.
Will this make a difference to you in the selling of your home? Let's compare it to the choice between using a Medical Doctor, MD versus a Nurse Practitioner, NP, for your healthcare.
They both may be able to order tests and write prescriptions for you, which depending on your illness, both would suffice. The difference would be in the training, experience and the extent of care they are able to provide.
The same goes for using a REALTOR® versus a Real Estate Agent to represent you in the negotiations of buying and/or selling of Real Estate.
<a href="http://whatsmypanamacityhomeworth.com" title="Get Your Condo Value"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/CondoValue_CTA_wip01.jpg" width="628" height="150" /></a>
What is the Difference Between a REALTOR® and Real Estate Agent?
The terms “REALTOR®” and “real estate agent” are used interchangeably by consumers. It seems not shared widely enough by those in the industry that there is a distinction between the two. Both the real estate agent and the REALTOR® must be licensed to sell real estate.
A Real Estate Agent
A <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="real estate agent">real estate agen</a>t is anyone who is licensed to represent a consumer in real estate transactions. They may be an agent as a salesperson, an associate broker, or a broker in the Real Estate Industry.
To become a licensed real estate agent, they are required to complete a number of state hours, and national hours of education, and pass the exams. The licensing varies from state to state. Real estate agents will pay licensing fees annually and must take the required CE’s to maintain their license.
The REALTOR®
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="REALTOR">A REALTOR</a>® is a Licensed Real Estate Agent as well, that also is required to complete the state & national requirements of education, and pass both exams.
They too pay the licensing fees in addition to the membership fees to be part of the National Association of Realtors. The REALTOR® chose to take their career a step above and be an active member of the NAR.
NAR is the largest trade association in the United States. Politically active in the protection of the middle-class homeowner and lobbies against proposals and bills that threaten the opportunities to own real property.
Being a member of <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/" title="National Association of REALTORS">NAR</a> also holds the REALTOR® to an additional set of standards and ethics beyond that of a licensed real estate agent.
The NAR Code of Ethics
NAR stands behind the fact that the code is what separates REALTOR®s from non-member real estate sales agents. All members of NAR members attend an orientation and take an oath to abide by the <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/about-nar/governing-documents/code-of-ethics/the-code-of-ethics" title="realtor code">Code of Ethics and Professional Standards</a>.
This strict Code outlines and notifies the consumer the duties owed to a client, other real estate professionals, customers and the public.
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/idx/property-tracker/" title="market updates"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/MarketUpdates-_PCB.png" width="400" height="150" alt="market updates" title="market updates" /></a>
The Code is based on the “Golden Rule”. It requires that REALTOR®s and Brokers work together in the best interest of the public. As a century-old document, it is considered a “living Code” and does reflect changes and amendments from time to time.
The Choice is Yours
What does this mean to you as the consumer?
Should you use the licensed real estate agent or the REALTOR®?
So how would you decide between the two?
Both may be very knowledgeable, and nice people to work with.
Keep in mind, this is most likely one of the largest business transactions you will make in your lifetime. The REALTOR® as a member of NAR has the benefit of current business tools, additional education, real estate market data & statistics.
This will always give them the step up in today’s ever changing Real Estate Market. The best part to you as the consumer is that does not come with any additional cost to use a licensed REALTOR® vs. a licensed real estate agent.
It is imperative to be confident in the professional you choose due to the liabilities involved in Real Estate transactions, contracts & law.
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// ]]><br /><br />Ready To Talk To a REALTOR?<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="condos for sale in panama city beach fl">Search ALL Panama City Beach Condos For Sale</a>
Browse Panama City Beach Most Popular Condos2017-11-21T14:26:00-07:002018-08-27T11:55:50-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:5905 Advantages of Buying a Second Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/buying_a_second_home.jpg" width="800" height="450" />
Buying a Second Home
So...you have some equity built up or finished paying for your primary residence and you are wondering whether it makes sense to buy a second home. Many people who buy a second home use it as a vacation spot but there are several other advantages that come with owning a second home.
Second Home as an Investment
The first is that it is an excellent form of investment. Stocks and other such assets fluctuate in value all the time and you can never be sure that you will make a profit. A home, however, is an investment that you can rely on to increase in value over time.
If you have a long term project, such as sending your kids to coledge, you can buy a second home so that when the time comes you can cash in for the necessary funds.
As a Source of Extra Income
A second home is also an excellent way to make money every year. Many people who buy <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="condos in panama city beach">condos in Panama City Beach</a> are purchasing them for this reason. <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/blog/panama-city-beach-vacation-rentals/" title="vacation rentals in panama city beach">Vacation Rentals in PCB</a> are very popular.
You can rent it out or lease it for a good amount of money which you can use to fund your other projects. If you plan to use it as a vacation home you can plan it in such a way that during the time you want to go on vacation the home is empty.
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/idx/property-tracker/" title="Get Market Updates Without Talking to an Agent"> </a>
For Tax Savings
If you don't plan to rent out your second home you will also have significant tax savings. So long as the home is not occupied for more than a couple of weeks a year the property taxes are deductible from your gross income. Needless to say, everyone's tax liability is differnet, for details on how to leverage your second home for tax savings, you will want to speak with a CPA.
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/idx/property-tracker/" title="Get Instant Listing Notifications"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/InstantListingNotifications__Panama_City_Beach.png" width="600" height="60" /></a>
Use as a Vacation Home
A second home provides you with a familiar place to go when you are on vacation. This is one of the most popular options for condos in Panama City Beach.
You will not have to worry about the hassle of staying in hotels and eating hotel food. You will have your vacation the way you like it - you can come and go as you please and you can eat whatever you like.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/sell_you_waterfront_home.jpg" width="550" height="367" alt="PCB Condos for sale" title="PCB Condos for sale" style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" />
If you have small children it is a particularly good idea because children don't do very well when they are cooped up in hotel rooms. You will also enjoy a high level of convenience - you don't have to worry about packing because you can store items in your second home.
When the time comes for your vacation, all you need to do is travel to your vacation home - you will not have to worry about packing and unpacking. A second home is also a great place for gatherings - once or twice a year you can have the whole family come together and enjoy some time away from work.
For Retirement
Lastly, if you want to retire well there is no better way than to choose a second home in a nice city. Many choos Panama City Beach because of...well, you guessed it...the beaches! When the time comes you will sell your first home and the money that you make will go a long way in helping fund your retirement lifestyle.
Thinking of Buying a Condo in Panama City Beach?
Panama City Beach is a perfect location for puchasing a second home. Whether you choose to rent it out during the most busy tourest times such as Spring Break or simply want to have you special getaway on the beach...we have somethging for you.
If you are thinking about purchasing a condo in PCB -- here are <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/blog/tips-for-buying-a-condo-in-panama-city-beach/" title="tips for buying a condo in PCB">some tips.</a>
Ready to Talk to a PCB REALTOR?
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/CM_Email_Headder.jpg" width="700" height="136" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
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// ]]>2017-11-06T08:58:00-07:002018-08-27T11:58:29-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:5717How Color Makes A Difference When Selling Your Condo<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/sell_your_home_with_color_in_pcb.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="selling your condo with color" title="selling your condo with color" />
Choosing Colors When Selling Your Home
The color of the paint you choose can make a huge differnece on how much your <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="condo in PCB">condo in PCB</a> will sell for. In the most extreeme situations, it can even play a role in a condo not selling at all.
Choosing Paint Colors When Selling
Choosing the paint colors when you’re getting ready to put your condominium on the market is a more important decision than you think. When buyers are looking at the newest <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/" title="Condos for sale in Panama City Beach ">condos for sale</a>, their first impression of the unit can make all of the difference. Color makes a big impact on buyers and can serve as a powerful tool for attracting prospective bidders.
When you think of the word “home”, you think of safe and cozy right? <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="Panama City Beach REALTOR">REALTORS</a> usually recommend white, tan and gray shades for the exterior, leaving potential buyers with a more positive vibe.
Unlike condominiums, blue houses are very popular, even red houses can work if its used in small doses. Overall, any neutral or traditional color is best to use if you’re planning to repaint your condominium before selling. You want something you wouldn’t get tired of looking at day after day.
Adding Value to Your Condo
According to Consumer Reports, an exterior paint job can potentially raise the value of your condo from 2-5%. Painting your home is also the most cost affective way to spice up the appearance. Installing vinyl, although very popular, can be extremely pricy. Buyers also don’t have to worry with spending a ton of money out of pocket to make repairs to the outside of the home. Paint can last up to 20 years if you choose the right brand of paint.
Advice From The Pros
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According to <a href="https://www.rd.com/home/improvement/10-ways-to-increase-home-value-with-exterior-paint/">Reader’s Digest, James Martin</a> has been hired by many landlords and homeowners for his advice on repainting their home to make it more appealing, increase the market value, and improve occupancy rates.
Here are a few tips from him that can be useful when you need a little extra help choosing the colors best for you.
Perception of color is very relative- for example, when you put tan next to pure white, it will look beige. But if you put it next to dark green, it will look off white. Always use a sheet of white paper as a reference when picking shades. Hold the fan deck up to the piece of paper so you know how it will look next to your white trim.
Always use darker colors towards the bottom of the house to avoid creating an uncomfortable or top heavy feel, says Martin.
Always be sure to bring your colors out into the right lighting so you can see how it will look in the sunlight, versus florescent lighting in stores. This will make a huge difference after you apply the paint.
Instantly Get Your Condo's Value
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Many home sellers just go off the color panel in the store and don’t think twice about holding it up outside in the natural sunlight to get a better feel of how the final product will look. <br class="kix-line-break" /> When choosing colors for the inside of your home however, the colors recommended are a lot different than you would think.
Zillow recently posted an article stating homes with yellow kitchens, or creamy colors with a yellow hue have the highest sale premium as of 2006. Avoid saturated colors, any deep tone can be a huge turn off for the eye. Colors like gray, and terra cotta- which are very popular, are actually sold $1,100 less than expected.
When you look in most home decorating magazines you see a lot of white walls, in reality white can come off as cold and sterile. As you choose your bedroom color, you should be very careful.
The Bedroom
The bedroom is the most personal room in the house. Obviously you should stay away from bright colors like Red, orange or purple. Colors like light green, or khaki are peaceful, and very popular for the bedroom.
The Living Room
For your living room, hallway, spare bathroom or any other “high traffic” area, colors like light gray or dove have been estimated to sell for the most. Anything neutral and calm is best for big areas where people will be gathering in.
<a href="http://whatsmypanamacityhomeworth.com/" title="Get Your Condo's Value"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/CondoValue_CTA_wip01.jpg" width="628" height="150" alt="Get Your Condo's Value" title="Get Your Condo's Value" /></a>
<br class="kix-line-break" /> Overall, you should highly consider investing in a new paint job if you are interested in selling your condo, or utalzing your condo as a <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/blog/panama-city-beach-vacation-rentals/" title="panama city beach vacation rentals">vacation rental</a>. Be sure to do your research, and keep up with the newest trends around the time you are planning to sell. Popular colors are always changing, but you can never go wrong with neutral timeless shades. Exterior painting should be your first priority if you are on a budget, then focus on the biggest rooms in your home. Especially your kitchen and living room, this is where perspective buyers will look when making the final decisions. <br class="kix-line-break" /><br class="kix-line-break" />
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// ]]>2017-10-04T15:51:00-07:002018-08-27T12:07:02-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:5631Need Roof Work? Read This First!Choosing a Roofer
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With all of the recent hurricanes and storms, there will be thousands of new roofs and roof repairs done over the next six months.
Combating the Elements
Even if a storm didn’t produce a torrent of rain or volley of hail, wind alone can cause enough damage to your roof to warrant repair or replacement. According to the National Weather Service every thunderstorm has a straight-line burst of wind and at 50 to 60 mph, you will start seeing damage to homes such as trees toppling, downed power lines and debris blown from other homes that can cause enormous damage to your home.
Roof Damage From Storms
After a storm, check your roof for any damage incurred wind, hail or objects flying through the air. Document any problems with pictures if possible, so when you contact your insurance company or, in the case of a natural disaster such as the ones that recently happened with Harvey in Texas and then, Irma in Florida, FEMA, you will have documented evidence of the damage done to your home.
In Panama City Beach
We anticipate many roofs in need of repair after Hurrican Irma. As with any major storm, we anticipate changes in <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/" title="Panama City Beach Real Estate">Panama City Beach Real Estate</a> as some homes will be in need of repair and some <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/condo-developments/" title="Condos for sale in Panama City Beach ">condos in Panama City Beach</a> will requrie a special assessment to complete the need work.
Assessing Roof Damage
Thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes will tear shingles from your roof and falling tree branches cause a lot of damage. Here is a simple inspection list:
Inspect the roof from the attic for leaks or water damage. If you see water stains on your ceiling or walls, the chances are good that you have a leak and will need repairs or possibly a roof replacement.
Look for signs of damage from the ground. Inspect your home for missing shingles, damaged fascia, or any metal that might be displaced from around the chimney. Assess the condition of drain pipes, rain gutters and any of the edges or angles where your roof meets the walls.
Of course, if a tree has fallen on your roof you’re going to need a new roof and will need a professional to determine what, if any, structural damage might have occurred. Hire a general contractor or roofer with a general contractor’s license if your home suffered structural damage, as this will require more than just roof repairs.
In the event of hail, you’ll need to check for roof damage as well as siding damage. Hail damage is usually seen in the form of a dimple, made by small chunks of hail pounding the outer layer of shingles.
Think safety first and avoid going on the roof yourself to check for damage and instead contact a professional roofer.
Contact your insurance agent right away so they can assess the situation and determine whether you should file a claim.
Keep receipts for all work, including any you do yourself, such as covering windows or holes in your roof to ensure that you are reimbursed should you file a claim. Many policies will cover these expenses when submitted with a claim.
Locating the Right Roofer After a Storm
Find a roofing company that has both a strong claims department and experienced repairmen. If you are installing spray foam insulation because of the <a href="https://www.sunlightcontractors.com/spray-foam-lose-r-value-time/" title="spray foam R value">superior R value</a>, you will want to make sure to use a <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=SunlightContractorsMetairie" title="spray foam contractor">a contractor</a> that specialies in spray foam insualtion. Homeowners should avoid companies that offer to pay their deductible.
LICENSING
Make sure that the roofing company you hire has the proper licensing for your parish, county or state. Having the right licensing assures that the company has the resources and ability to complete your roofing job. Ask the company to provide proof of licensing documentation. Don’t just take them at their word. Due to the high cost of permitting in some areas, some companies will avoid getting the necessary permits to perform the job. This puts you and your home at risk. Working with a properly licensed roofer will ensure that your job is done right.
INSURANCE
As with proper licensing and permits, a reputable company should be able to have enough insurance to cover any worker accidents that might happen on the job. If a company is not insured, a claim could be made against you as the homeowner. Protect yourself and ask for proof of their insurance. If a company isn’t capable of providing proof of insurance, keep looking and find a company that can give you the security you need to know that they will get the job done right. Peace of mind is is better than a cheaper bill.
PRODUCT
Do your research. There is a wide range of products and material brands that are available to replace your roof. By doing your own research, you can ensure that when your roofing company offers material options you will understand the quality of the materials they are talking about, their cost, and whether it’s what you really want on your roof.
GUARANTEE
Is there an offer for guarantee of their work? It’s important for you to know that the company you are hiring will come back to your home to inspect and repair any problems within an agreed upon period of time. If they are a reputable company, they will back their materials, products, and work.
REVIEWS
It’s always a good idea, before you hire, to check out the online reviews for the companies you are considering. If the company has built a reputation, you can bet that someone has left a review online. Reviews from other people in your community are a great resource for finding the right company or avoiding the wrong one. In most cases, unless they are a brand new company, a reputable company will have built a number of satisfied or unsatisfied customers who were willing to share their opinions.
WORK
Most roofing companies will have a website that with some type of portfolio/gallery that will give you a better idea of the quality of their work. In many cases they will show before and after photos to really showcase their work. If they don’t have an online portfolio, ask them if they have an album of jobs and it’s always a good idea to get a list of past clients with similar needs to your own so you can contact them. Taking the extra time to research a company can be the difference in making a costly mistake or a good long-term investment for your home.
RESULT
Whether you are selling your home or planning to live there forever, you want to know that you are making the right choice each time you invest in your home. The tips here can be applied to almost any product or service that you need for your home. Take the time to do your homework and at the end of the day, you’ll know that the investment you’ve made was a good one.
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// ]]>2017-09-11T10:50:00-07:002020-05-01T12:36:02-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:56145 Things First Time Condo Buyers Need To Know
5 Things First-Time Condominium Buyer’s Should Know
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Condominium Confusion
When Buyers are looking to buy their first <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/condo-developments/" title="Condos for sale in Panama City Beach ">condo in Panama City Beach</a>, whether you are downsizing, moving a child to college, or just want to own that perfect beach getaway, are certain things you NEED to know.
Many buyers are confused between the real differences between <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/splash/">buying a Condominium</a>, a Townhouse or a Duplex. You will hear Lenders, Appraiser’s, Inspector’s & REALTOR®’s using the shortened term “Condo” when referring to a Condominium. Do not let the shortened term lead to believe the buying process of a “Condo” is any less complicated, if not more so than buying a Single-Family Residence.
Investing the time to do your research, and hiring a <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="REALTOR specializing in condos">REALTOR® with a specialty in condos</a> will simplify the process in terms to type of ownership, financing options and fees.
What is a Condominium
A Condominium may be attached, resembling an apartment type building, or detached, and will be part of a multi-unit community. Many options are available in Condominium Living these days.
You can find Condominium Units as small as efficiency apartments, and as large as a typical home. The Condominium buyer will enjoy the use of the common areas without having to maintain any of these amenities themselves. Each Condominium Community will have its own set of CC&R’s that will define what is included and it will be made part of the contract during the offer stage and at the Act of Sale. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNBlBpvjAqI&t=2s" title="condo docs">The Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions</a> (CC&R’s) are filed with the state's Clerk of Court where the Condominium Community is located.
The <a href="https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=41502c9HSGH.pdf">Department of Housing and Urban Development</a> defines a Condominium as having these specific criteria:
“a homeowner association that holds either title in fee or a lease of prescribed length on the common area”
“mandatory membership of all unit owners (or units) in the association”
“the right of all unit owners to participate by vote in the operation of the association”
“lien supported assessment of the members to meet the association’s budgeted operating costs (special assessments may be handled differently)
Simply put, the Condominium is a unit, that may be like an apartment within a community. You share ownership of the common areas and are required to pay dues. You are not responsible for all maintenance as you would be in a DSF home, including keeping the grass mowed. Depending on the CC&R’s, you may still be able to add your own “personal touch”, at your upkeep & expense. NOTE: Always check the CC&R’s to see what is allowed.
Video On Condo Docs
So, What Exactly Will I Own?
Condominium Ownership is a form of “fee ownership” or “leasehold” that has been filed and recorded as the divided interest in real property. Simplified, the Condominium Owner will own their individual unit space, and shared ownership in the common areas. Your ownership in your unit will likely include everything inside the walls of your unit as yours, and outside the walls of your unit as shared. Important to note, the Condominium owner will NEVER own the “land” in entirety that their unit sits on. The Condominium Association will own the land in what is referred to as “in common” with all unit owners being shareholders in the Condominium Association.
The major difference between the ownership of a Condominium Unit, and the leasing of an apartment unit is that Condominium Owners may build equity in their property over time. Most would agree, investing your money into an ownership versus throwing it away on rent, is a better idea overall. It is important to understand that not all Condominium Communities qualify for all types of financing. Using a REALTOR® to assist you in matching what you are looking for in a unit to what you can buy, will save you a lot of headaches & wasted time.
Get The Value of Any Condo in Panama City Beach
<a href="http://whatsmypanamacityhomeworth.com/" title="panama city beach home values"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/CondoValue_CTA_wip01.jpg" width="628" height="150" alt="Get Your Condo's Value" title="Get Your Condo's Value" style="margin: 5px; vertical-align: top;" /></a>
All The Perks, None of the Work <br />
Your shared ownership in Common Areas such as green space, recreational areas, fitness rooms, swimming pools, tennis courts and more, give you the luxury of the amenities without the upkeep. These amenities do not come cheap, you will likely pay a Condominium Association Dues higher than most Home Owner Association Dues. That being said, there are many benefits to the cost of the dues. The Condominium Association will take care of the cost and upkeep of the common areas. Also, many times your dues will pay all, or a good portion of the cost of insurance, taxes, utilities, most maintenance, and repairs.
Condominium Projects are popping up everywhere these days, and offering even more amenities than the Condominium of yesteryear. Today’s families are becoming more dependent on dual incomes, leaving less time for the daunting tasks associated with the upkeep and maintenance of a home. Family and leisure time is more important than ever (as it is short in supply), and the amenities such as child care centers & schools on site, stocked lakes for fishing, beauty salons, business centers and Walk-In Medical Care facilities are an appealing answer to the busy Home Buyer. One extreme Condominium Project in Hollywood California, <a href="http://www.sierra-towers.com/">Sierra Towers</a>, offers luxury services such as valet parking, concierge service and dog walkers. In Panama City Beach - we see a plethora of <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/splash/">luxury condos</a> including: <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/calypso-towers/" title="Calypso Towers Condos for Sale">Calypso</a>, <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/edgewater-beach-resort-condos-for-sale/" title="edgewater beach resort condos for sale">Edgewater</a> and <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/majestic-beach-towers/" title="Majestic towers condos">Majestic Towers</a><a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/majestic-beach-towers/" title="Majestic towers condos"></a>.
Wills & Will Not’s of Membership in a Condominium Association CC&R
You WILL pay Condominium Association Dues, either monthly, quarterly or annually
You WILL have to abide by the CC&R’s
The CC&R WILL define what the Condominium Association WILL maintain
The Condominium Association WILL allow the Unit Owner a Vote
The Condominium Association WILL most likely raise your dues over time
You WILL or WILL not be allowed to rent your unit based on the CC&R’s
You WILL NOT have to incur the expense and time associated with maintenance of your unit
The CC&R WILL from time to time have special assessments to improve, repair or maintain the property
You WILL be able to vote on special assessments, but it’s majority rules.
You WILL have the opportunity to serve on the COA Board of Directors if you so choose to run for election
ETC….
Each Condominium Project will have different rewards and drawbacks to membership. One thing is for certain, if you choose the Condominium Lifestyle, you will be required to pay the Condominium Association Dues.
Special Assessments & Liens
From time to time Condominium Projects will put a Special Assessment up for a vote. This Special Assessment will raise your membership dues either for a specific time-period or indefinitely. These assessments are often voted on to make repairs or improvements to the common areas. They may add an assessment to be voted on that adds an amenity, such as a swimming pool, fitness room, or more landscaping. There are many reasons that a COA may add a Special Assessment, and it is important that the management maintain “transparency” in these matters. There is nothing that angers a Condominium Unit Owner more than those two words “Special Assessment”, unless it is….the word “Lien”.
The Condominium Association has quite a bit of power when it comes to collecting dues, determining when a Special Assessment is necessary and hiring an attorney to put a Lien on your property. Liens are a way of ensuring that a unit owner pays in a timely manner the amount of their dues & assessments. In Florida, a Lien can only be recorded if it is for items of “common expenses” that the unit owner falls behind on, or flat out refuses to pay. These Liens can include the initial fees owed, coupled with legal fees and interest. Once you pay the balance of your lien, it is removed.
Size Matters in Condos
The numbers don’t lie. Americans are buying more condominiums than ever before. Reasons for this uptick in Condominium sales can be attributed to many factors. One such factor is that the Millennials! The Millennials make up 35% of homebuyers in the United States right now, and they love efficiency. Strapped by student loans and low wages, Condominiums are an answer to the Millennials first home purchase woes. Add to that the aging population that went through the “bigger is better phase” in housing, now down-sizing. Whatever the reason, Condominium sales are up with no downward turn in sight.
If this lifestyle is for you, do your homework and hire a <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="Panama City Beach REALTOR">Panama City Beach Condo </a><a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="Panama City Beach REALTOR">REALTOR®</a> in your area that has a proven track- record of experience.
Browse The Most Recent Panama City Beach Condos Below
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// ]]>2017-09-04T11:39:00-07:002018-08-30T22:28:33-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:5591Strategies For Selling Your Panama City Beach Home
Selling Your Panama City Beach Home
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Make Your Home Stand Out
The <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/market-statistics/" title="panama city beach housing market stats">Panama City Beach housing market</a> is full of <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com" title="Panama City Beach Homes For Sale">homes for sale</a> and the competition is allowing homebuyers to be a bit more choosy in the homes they buy. Although there are a lot of DIYers out there just looking for a fixer upper, the majority of homebuyers want a finished product.
Buyers are looking for the best and you could easily be missing a large number of your market if your home is not in pristine condition when you put the for sale sign in the yard.
Upgrades do not have to be expensive. There are a lot of simple things that you can do to make your home look beautiful and have it ready to wow potential buyers.
Make a Good First Impression
Curb appeal is crucial to make a good first impression. How your home looks when a buyer drives up can make or break a sale. If it’s too run down looking some may not even bother to stop, so make sure your home's lawn is immaculate. Mow the lawn, prune the bushes, weed the garden and plant flowers.
A cluttered exterior can make buyers think that there might be problems with the interior maintenance as well. Be sure to clean the gutters and pressure wash the outside including the siding, walkways and driveway.
What Would You Want to See?
If you want to <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/sell/" title="Sell your Pananma City Beach Home">sell your home</a> In a buyer's market, then it must be in the best possible condition. Examine your home carefully and take care of any major defects like broken windows or a leaky roof, repair wall damage and closet doors that are hanging off of their railings. Pretend you are the buyer <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/idx/search-form/" title="search Pananma City Beach Homes">searching for homes</a> for the first time. What would you want to see?
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/Selling_Your_Home.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="tips for selling a home in Panama City Beach" title="tips for selling a home in Panama City Beach" width="600" />
Front Door Magic
This is one of the oldest <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/blog/tips-selling-home-pcb/" title="tips for selling a home in Panama City Beach">tips for selling a home</a>. A fresh coat of paint can really make your front door stand out. Try a contrasting color in red or blue. Replace your old faded house numbers so buyers them from the curb, make sure your mailbox is repaired and painted if needed.
Get a new welcome mat and some fresh flowers in pots to welcome your buyers. All these little things can go a long way in helping to make a good first impression and give your home the “curb appeal” that buyers love.
Clear the Counters
It’s very important when attracting potential buyers to depersonalize every room in your home. You want your buyers to envision themselves and their cherished things on your shelves and counters.
One way to get this done easily and efficiently and to start getting your packing done in anticipation of a quick sale, is to rent a storage unit for knickknacks, photos, extra furniture and other personal items. This gives your potential buyer a chance to really see what your home can be for them.
Buyers will Open Every Drawer
Now, you know that you would open the closet doors if you were buying a house and so will your buyers. So be sure to organize them to show their potential for storage. Messy closets can give the appearance that your home doesn't have enough storage. This includes kitchen cabinets and linen closets and declutter the drawers in the kitchen.
Top to Bottom
Dust and clean everything from your ceiling fans to the floors and everything in between, Make sure every surface shines. Don’t forget the picture rails and the woodwork and tile surfaces. Dust the pictures still on the wall and it’s also a good idea to wash your curtains so they are fresh as well.
Neutral Colors are Like a Bank Canvas
Maybe you don’t think your interior needs to be painted but if you have a lime-green bedroom you may want to take the color scheme down a notch or two as it may turn off some buyers. Try painting your walls a neutral color that will appeal to a wider range of buyers. A little tip: Newer paints with the primer already mixed in can make painting a room a breeze.
Bad Smells Can Turn Off Buyers
Do whatever you can to eliminate any bad odors in the house. Remove the litter box if possible and spray an air neutralizer throughout your home. An air cleaning unit is also helpful if you have one. When you are showing your home, make sure to fill it with inviting smells. You can put out fresh flowers or baking a batch of cookies fills the house with yummy smells and also gives you a wonderful “welcome to my home” treat for your potential buyers.
Are You Ready Emotionally?
Selling your house can be an emotional experience as you say goodbye to the place you have called home. It’s important for you to know that your interests are protected and your emotions don’t impede your decision-making.
<a href="http://whatsmypanamacityhomeworth.com/" title="Get Your Condo's Value"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/CondoValue_CTA_wip01.jpg" width="628" height="150" /></a>
Selling a home relies heavily on marketing and exposure, and with so many homes on the market this can take a lot of effort and time. Buyers have many avenues to find homes for sale, especially in today’s digital age. But as a seller, your home won’t sell if no one knows it’s available. So, how do you market your home? How do you make it stand out from the other one for sale down the street?
An Agent Can Really Help
Hiring a registered <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="Panama City Beach REALTOR">real estate professional</a> who has knowledge of <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/" title="Panama City Beach Real Estate">Panama City Beach Real Estate</a> is the most efficient way. An agent will work with you on the best marketing strategy for your home and help you to highlight its unique features but, more importantly, they will know how to get buyers to come through the front door.
When hiring a professional <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="REALTOR">REALTOR</a> be sure to have a thorough conversation with them about the list price for your property. They will provide recent sales in your area and help you to determine what other similar homes in your area have sold for recently.
Ask questions and gather from your agent all the information you require and make sure, before moving forward, that you are comfortable with the strategy. It’s always a good idea to document your agreements and keep a schedule with your listing agreement to avoid misunderstandings down the road.
Your agent will also help you in the staging process with suggestions. A good agent can be your best partner in selling your home. They represent you and take on the tasks that can make any home seller crazy, especially when trying to manage a job and raising a family.
A New Chapter
Whatever you decide, selling your home is like starting another chapter in your life. So be excited, do the work and make that sale!
Ready To Sell Your Panama City Beach Home or Condo?
Get In Touch!
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// ]]>2017-08-29T10:35:00-07:002018-08-27T12:16:20-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:5578Tips For Selling a Home in #PCB
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/selling_your_PCB_home.jpg" width="700" height="467" />
Tips For Selling a Home in Panama City Beach
Whether you are looking to upgrade to a luxury <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/calypso-towers/" title="beachfront condo">beachfront condo</a>, downsizing because the children have went off to school or just because...if you are thinking about selling your home in #PCB, we have some tips to get you started!
Getting an Idea of Your Home's Value
The first step in selling your home or condo in #PCB is to get an idea on the value of your property. Property values change all the time and for a variety of reasons. Because of that, even if you have had an apprasal done last year, you need to <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/whatsmypanamacityhomeworth.com" title="Panama City Beach Property Values">get your NEW value</a>.
For many, the first step in getting your condo's current value is using an Automated Valuation Model (AVM for short). These are computer generated home values that use an alorithm to come up with what your home is worth. The most popular of these is Zillow's Zestimate.
The problem with this well known <a href="https://www.zillow.com/zestimate/#acc" title="zestimate is inaccurate">AVM is they are very inaccurate</a>. One of the biggest challenges with the Zestimate is that it does not pull sold listings from the MLS or Multiple Listing Service. Although Zillow may have a portion of the Active listings (our <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/idx/search-form/" title="property search">Property Search</a> actually has ALL active listings), uploaded by <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="Panama City Beach REALTOR">Panama City Beach REALTORS</a>, they do not get any sold data. They rely on public records to try and figure out your condos value.
Unlike Zillow, we provide an Automated Valuation Model that does have extreemly accurate data. If you would like to get your condos current value <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/whatsmypanamacityhomeworth.com" title="click to get your homes value">JUST CLICK HERE</a>.
Get In Touch With An Expert
Regardless of the quality of the restraunt, you shouldnt order sushi from a steak house. Different real estate agents focus on different things. If you are "upside down" on your home, you will want to work with a REALTOR that focuses on <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/finance/real-estate/how-to-navigate-a-short-sale-1.aspx" title="short sales">Short Sales</a>. If the home you are selling is part of a succcession, you would want to use an agent who has a depth of knoledge in succession sales.
Using a Condo Expert
Most of the <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/" title="homes for sale in PCB">homes for sale in PCB</a> are actually condos. If you are selling a condo, you will want to work with an agent who specializes in <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/condo-developments/" title="Condos for sale Panama City Beach">condos for sale in Panama City Beach</a>. Condo sales can be quite different than other real estate transactiions, you will want to use an expert. If you are thinking about selling your condo in PCB, you are in luck! We have an expert for you to talk to <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/contact/" title="Contact Chad Miller">RIGHT HERE!</a>
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="Panama City Beach REALTOR"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/chad_miller_logo.jpg" width="429" height="138" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a>
Get Your Documentation Together
A real estate transaction is a paperwork intestive process. When thinking about selling, its a good idea to start getting your paperwork together. Look for any of the closing documents you recieved from when you purchased your home. If you have done any major remodeling, you will want to gather together that documentation including any permits that may have been aquired.
You Guessed It - Condos Have More
If you are selling a <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/condo-developments/" title="condo in panama city beach">condo in Panama City Beach</a>, you will want to put your finger on your condo docs. Condo docs are the documets you had to sign off on when purchasing your condominium. These would include Rules of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). Also, you may want to try to aquire some of the minutes from the most recent meetings as they provide some insight on what is planed for your condo complex.
Price The Property Accuratly
One of the single most important aspects of selling your home in PCB is pricing it correctly when it first hits the market. Although an AVM is a great place to start when assessing your home's value, you will want your REALTOR to complete a full CMA on the property. A CMA is a simular process to an apprasal in where the licensed real estate agent looks up recent "comps" and then makes "adjustments" to get your home's current value.
The First 30 Days of a Listing
An unusually high percentage of homes sold, sell within the first 30 days. This is because those properties were priced correcty when they hit the market. Most people in the market to buy a <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/condo-developments/" title="home in Panama City Beach ">home in Panama City Beach</a> are feaverishly looking at the newest listings. Anyone who is serious about <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/blog/tips-for-buying-a-condo-in-panama-city-beach/" title="tips for buying a condo in Panama City Beach">buying a condo</a>, is looking daily! That being said, if your home is not getting activity in the first 30 days of listing, you have most likely overpriced it.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/who_pays_real_estate_broker_fees.jpg" width="300" height="178" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Setting The Price
When setting the list price for your property, you will want your <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="Panama City Beach Real Estate Agent">real estate agent </a>to review some statistics with you. One of the important metrics for pricing your home is the <a href="http://www.findwell.com/real-estate-dictionary/definition/sale-to-list-ratio/" title="list to sell ratio">list to sell ratio</a>. Once your REALTOR provides you with how much your home should sell for, the next step is setting a list price. The list to sell ratio uses historical sales to see:
Of the homes that sell, what percentage off the list price do they sell for?
Armed with your REALTORS valuation of your property and knowing the list to sell ratio, this will arm you with some facts when pricing your home.
If you price the home too high out of the shoot -- you will loose all of the most agressive and real buyers!
Not a Complete List!
This is in NO WAY a complete list of things you should do to sell your home in PCB - but these are good starting points. Aquiring a good REALTOR, that specizes in your types of properties may be the single most important step as they will walk you though the other processess.
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// ]]>2017-08-21T13:28:00-07:002018-08-27T12:21:31-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:55539 Tips For Buying a Condo in Panama City Beach <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/panama_city_beach_photo.jpg" width="850" height="567" alt="Panama City beach Homes " title="Panama City Beach homes" />
Buying a Condo
Have you ever imagined <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/sell/" title="Selling a Home in Panama City Beach FL">selling your home</a> and starting a venture in a new city? What about living ocean-side in Panama City Beach, Florida?
It’s a much easier thing to accomplish than imagined!
Purchasing one of the <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/condo-developments/" title="Condos for sale in Panama City Beach ">condos for sale in Panama City Beach</a>, whether it be for the first time or the fifth time, is such an exciting experience! But with a new terrain, there are a few things you need to make sure you acknowledge before settling down on your location.
Here are a few tips for your condo purchase:
First things first: Find an agent who is very knowledgeable about ocean-front condos. There are very many agents up and down Panama City Beach, and some may have a specialty on ocean-front, while others are more inland. Get a <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="Panama City Beach REALTOR">REALTOR who specializes in Panama City Beach Condos</a>. Make sure that you are very realistic when it comes to these “good deals.” They are good deals for a reason. Make sure to inquire about ocean conditions or any issues the previous owner may of have. It wouldn’t hurt to ask locals or neighbors about certain locations as well.
Trust your gut. You may tour the perfect condo, right <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/waterfront/" title="Panama City Beach waterfront homes for sale">on the water</a>, and fall in love with the structural aritech of the condo complex. Believe me, I thoroughly enjoy a nice marble bathroom and nice view of the Gulf. But was there something that made you feel iffy? Maybe the parking isn’t suitable for when you have visitors, or the patio isn’t large enough to accommodate a nice patio set. Be cautious of these feelings. I guarantee there is the perfect condo, with every feature you want, made just for you!
Loans do matter. Keep in mind that ocean-front properties are much more expensive than homes further inland. You’re paying for the beauty of the ocean, and it is well worth it! However, these loans can quickly fall into the “<a href="http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/what-is-jumbo-mortgage.aspx" title="jumbo mortgage">jumbo mortgage</a>” category. These types of loans exceed the regulated limit and lenders normally considered extremely qualified buyers. So start the process early. It will save you a lot of trouble once you find the property of your dreams.
How high is too high? There are many <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach-condos-for-sale/splash/">ocean-front condos</a> on Front Beach Road. Some may be 12 stories high, while others are 31 stories high. Since these lovely condos are located directly on the water, you need to make sure that the home you love is structurally safe. High winds, storm surges, and flooding are major concerns to consider when choosing your home. Make sure proper storm shutters are installed and that there is an evacuation plan in place in case the weather gets a little rough.
Be Progressive. Life happens right? Insurance policies on ocean-front properties consist of three different factors: flood policy, wind policy, and a general hazard property. If you can get them through one insurance company, excellent! However, it is typical that the three policies are through different insurers. Ask your REALTOR who they recomend for a quote. REALTORS who specilize in waterfrong condos will have insurance people they have worked with and had good experiences.
Let’s talk upgrades. This also ties back to point two. Government agencies are difficult to deal with, so any improvements made to your new home may not be feasible. It’s a good rule of thumb to inquire about any upgrades early on. For instance, maybe the master bathroom needs a little updating. It would be good to know if you can demo anything before you pay a contractor and for all the materials, just to be told no. Make sure you direct your question to your agent before you get too excited.
Let’s talk bills. Living in the suburbs, there are many options available when it comes to internet, cable, electricity and water. Thankfully with ocean-front condo living, all of that is pre-selected by the property. Water and power are through one company that has a rate specifically for that property. But when it comes to internet or cable providers, you are able to chose the speed and provider that services that particular location. Talk about ease! However, if you decide to transfer services, make sure to inquire to said company or whether or not they can accommodate the move to your new home.
It’s all about location. No matter where you choose to live on Front Beach Road, your views are going to be marvelous! But be cognizant about what you’re near. It’s a beautiful thing to wake up and see the ocean every morning, but having to drive 30 minutes to get to the nearest shopping mall may be more of a hassle than it’s worth. Thankfully, Panama City Beach offers many condos relatively local to whatever your heart may desire. For instance, there are many incredible <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/edgewater-beach-resort-condos-for-sale/" title="edgewater beach resort condos for sale">Edgewater Beach Resort Condos for sale</a> and all have uniqe aspects but the same consistancy of the location.
Review The Condo Docs. This is something you will want your REALTOR to do in detail. Anything that you will be responsible for can be found in the rules of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). If you are unclear about any rules, the management company would be happy to assist in any clarification.
Home Sweet Home! Move in and enjoy the view!
This could be the best move of your life, and hopefully these tips help alleviate some of the questions that may arise when searching for a home. Panama City Beach can’t wait to call you family!
Welcome home!
Understanding Waterfront Condo Docs
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// ]]>2017-08-08T20:27:00-07:002018-08-30T22:33:40-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:5364Panama City Beach Vacation Rentals<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/blog_images/Panama_City_Beach_vacation_rentals.jpg" width="800" height="639" />
Vacation Rentals in Panama City Beach
With vacation rentals, guests can plan their ideal getaway by selecting a home away from home that has everything provided in a location that suits them.
Many <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/condo-developments/" title="Condominiums in Panama City Beach">Condominiums in Panama City Beach</a> become rented out as vacation rentals. Many of these are waterfront properties often provide more space, privacy and convenience than even the most luxurious hotels on the beach.
Panama City Beach has over 17,000 condominiums, many of which are rented out continuously as vacation rentals. With Panama City Beach being on of the most sought after tourist destinations in Florida, condo owners can grow equity while creating some monthly cash flow. Needless to say, if you are the owner of a vacation rental on the beach, you always have a luxury getaway as your personal vacation spot.
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/condo-developments/" title="Purchase a Condo in Panama City Beach"></a>
<a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/condo-developments/" title="Purchase a Condo in Panama City Beach">Looking To Purchase a Condo In Panama City Beach?</a>
Although the beachfront condos are in the most demand, vacation rentals are available in other locations in and around PCB. This provides options for vacationers - both tourist areas and local neighborhoods are available. This makes vacation rentals in Panama City Beach a very desirable option for large groups, families with children and private travelers alike.
Search For The Perfect Condo/Vacation Rental
Filter an <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/idx/search-form/" title="online property search">online property search</a> by location, price, number of bedrooms, number of guests, ratings, or a huge list of amenities. If yo are thinking of purchasing a condo to rent out as a vacation rental, your best investment starts with choosing a <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/about/" title="REALTOR specializing in condos">REALTOR who specializes in condominiums</a>. If you are interested in planing your next vacation, you can customize your search for the perfect vacation rental at over 17 online booking websites and you can be booked immediately, just like a motel or hotel room.
Most Recent PCB Condos For Sale
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Vacation Rentals in Other Parts of the Country
When booking a vacation rental in other locations around the country, you can expect whatever you can envision. Whether you are searching for a furnished beach house, ski cabins, <a href="https://coastalpropertiesofcabo.com/cabo-san-lucas-homes-for-sale/cabo-san-lucas-oceanfront-real-estate/" title="Cabo">oceanfront real estate in Cabo</a>, or perhaps a modern <a href="https://www.apartments.com/new-york-ny/" title="apartments in New York City">apartment in New York City</a>, your options are limitless.
Vacation Rentals Wordwide
With over 20,000 apartment listings in 206 countries around the world on one website alone, it is possible to find your dream vacation getaway at a price you can afford. Other aspects of vacation rentals that make them more amenable are that they are more often pet-friendly, and/or are near attractions such as that big beach resort or golf course.
Vacation Rental Amenities
Not everyone is looking for the hustle and bustle of the busy, public scene. A REALTOR will take photographs of the property and list it on the website so that you can see what you are paying for before you book it.
Amenities such as a fully furnished kitchen, including microwave, dishwasher, toaster, pots and pans, and the like are common, as often these properties will be a home-away-from-home for the property owner.
Living The Local Life While on Vacation
You will most-likely also be up on the whereabouts of local grocers and markets, pharmacies, hospitals or walk-in clinics, movie theaters, etc. Late availability offers may feature or also include listings that are up to 40% off rates for specific date ranges. Other luxuries can include access to private pools, waterfront views, private clothes washers and dryers, Internet, Cable or Satellite TV, a private dock for fishing and free entrance provided to local attractions.
Unlike a Hotel
Private bedrooms and bathrooms mean you do not have to share everything, unless you want to. Dine and visit with family or guests in the privacy of a spacious living room and stock the refrigerator with what you want to eat and drink. Snacks and beverages are at the ready. This is a luxury all its own.
You can relax, go at your own pace, choose your own activities and enjoy a “home away from home” of your own, for however long you have chosen to stay. Saving money on food, nightly rates and maid service means that you will have extra money for the fun stuff!
Vacation Rentals Come Stocked and Ready
Books, games, magazine and cards may often also be available if the inevitable rain shower should appear, or if you choose to spend the day lounging. No need to feel you are missing out on anything with all of the comforts of home right there with you! No having to sneak the family pet past the front desk or worry if the kids are being too noisy. No matter if the music is too loud, or the TV, depending on your location. No room service knocking on your door at 6am or worrying about your valuables being rummaged through or stolen during your absence, either.
Do Your Thing
Do you have a morning routine you would rather not change? <a href="https://www.zenlifeinternationalyoga.com/" title="yoga">Yoga</a>, meditation, or jogging daily is much easier to continue in comfortable, laid back surroundings, including a quiet neighborhood. What about something a little bit closer to the main thoroughfare? <a href="https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/things-to-do/shopping/" title="shop local shops">Shop the local shops</a>, eat local cuisine, all without standing out like a tourist or having to check your watch to mind your schedule.
Advantageous To Condo Owners Too
Some condominium or vacation rental owners may want to rent out their properties while away not only for additional income, but to ensure someone is there while they are traveling or out of the country. As a mutually beneficial arrangement, the owner will likely be even more happy to be personally sure you are pleased and satisfied with the quality of the rental.
These are just a few examples of the reasons vacation rentals stand out as the best deal you can get as opposed to beachfront hotels, resorts or other more expensive properties.
Compare prices online and see for yourself! Book your dream getaway today!
Need Assistance With Real Estate?
Just fill out the form below.
2017-07-24T21:05:00-07:002019-10-15T13:38:24-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:1844Edgewater Beach Resort - Directory of Security RetiresEdgewater Beach Resort - Director of Security Retires
<br /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/Edgewater_Beach_Resort_Security_Guard.gif" width="200" height="230" alt="Edgewater Beach Resort - Directory of Security Retires" title="Edgewater Beach Resort - Directory of Security Retires" style="margin: 1px;" />
Jack Vitello retires as Edgewater Beach Resorts' Director of Security after 33 years. Jack has been an asset to everyone that owns a <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/condo-developments/" title="condos for sale">condo</a> at Edgewater. Jack was tough when required but he was also generous, sincere, and all-around a great person. We're going to miss you Jack!
The position will be filled by Tim Lane. Tim is a seasoned veteran of the Spring Break Wars, having worked with Holiday Inn family of hotels, is very familiar with the area, the city officials, and the Beach Police Department. Hopefully he will not have to use the latter connection very much. Tim has also served in the Air Force and has seen duty in Operation Desert Storm and other combat areas of the world. We thank him for his service and look forward to working with him for years to come.
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// ]]>2017-06-05T19:29:00-07:002018-08-27T12:30:12-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:1832Panama City Beach Condo Financing. <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/Panama_City_Beach_Condo_Financing.jpg" />
When you’re looking for <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/condo-developments/" title="panama city beach condos for sale">Panama City Beach Condos</a>, there are many things to contemplate. The process of finding the right condo for you can get tedious, or time consuming. You come to Panama City Beach on vaction to look at condos. After considering all of your options, you finally decide on a resort you want. It’s perfect for you. You are about to write an offer, and you even tell your family back home about the condo that’s soon-to-be yours. The next day, your Realtor calls. He says that financing at the condo you’ve been looking at for the past four days isn’t even an option. What? Why are you just now finding out about this? You could have been looking at other condos the last few days while you were here. Why didn’t your Realtor know that financing would be an issue?
There are two well-known condos that aren’t available for financing and there are five other newly-built condos that require a 50% down payment to secure financing. Your agent should have known about them. Choosing a knowledgeable agent is just as important as choosing the right condo. Make sure you’re making the correct choice.
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// ]]>2017-05-18T11:46:00-07:002018-08-27T12:33:15-07:00Logan Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:1768Edgewater Beach Resort Open House
<a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DACRe-JuIrQ/view?utm_content=DACRe-JuIrQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=embeds&utm_source=link" target="_blank">Edgewater Open House Announcement</a> by <a href="https://www.canva.com/Chad868?utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=embeds&utm_source=link" target="_blank">Chad868</a>2017-04-01T13:14:00-07:002017-04-01T13:26:07-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:1764Best Condo Deals in Panama City BeachBest Condo Deals in Pamama City Beach
Displayed below, are 16 of our favorite condo deals currently on the market in <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/" title="Panama City Beach Real Estate">Pamama City Beach, FL.</a> We understand searching for <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/condo-developments/" title="condos for sale in Panama City Beach">condos for sale in Panama City Beach</a> is a little challenging. So we have spent hours researching and searching the MLS for the best condo deals for you.
To receive additional information about any of these <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/panama-city-beach/" title="Panama City Beach FL Real Estate">Panama City Beach FL real estate</a> listings, just click the "Request More Information" button located on the detail page of each property. We can provide you with past sales history, disclosures, dates and prices of homes and condos recently sold nearby, and more.
And, for your convenience, <a href="http://www.chadmiller.com/property-search/property-tracker/">register for a free account</a> to automatically receive email alerts whenever new homes and condos hit the market in Panama City Beach, FL, that match your specific search criteria.
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// ]]>2017-03-29T10:56:00-07:002018-08-27T12:36:43-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:1751Long Beach 2 Bedroom Sale History2017-03-23T13:23:00-07:002017-03-23T14:18:48-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:742List of Foreclosure Auction WebsitesWhere can I find foreclosure auction websites?
Below is a list of most popular foreclosure auction websites. Stay tuned for future posts relating to each site listed. We will discuss import information buyer need to know about contract terms, how to avoid auction pitfalls, and auction bidding stratigies.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/487/image/CM%20Header%20Logo.png" width="400" height="101" alt="CM and Chad Miller header logo" title="CM and Chad Miller header" />
<a href="http://www.homesearch.com/">www.homesearch.com</a>
<a href="http://www.auction.com/">www.auction.com</a>
<a href="http://www.hubzu.com/">www.hubzu.com</a>
<a href="http://www.hudsonandmarshall.com/">http://www.hudsonandmarshall.com</a>
<a href="http://www.williamsauction.com/">http://www.williamsauction.com</a>
<a href="http://www.hudhomestore.com/Home/Index.aspx">http://www.hudhomestore.com</a>
<a href="http://www.bid4assets.com">www.bid4assets.com</a>
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// ]]>2015-04-20T14:21:00-07:002020-02-10T11:59:29-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:6972357 Foxworth Dr. Panama City, FL 32405House for Sale
2357 Foxworth Dr, Panama City, FL 32405
One of Panama City's must-see stunning canal front estates with almost too many features to mention. This traditional style home located in Kings Point boasts a total of 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, with two master suites (one up and one down), a bonus room upstairs you can make into an office or den or craft room, or whatever suits your fancy, and lots of newer gorgeous hardwood floors leading you from one amazing room to another. The tiled kitchen boasts granite counter tops and a cozy breakfast nook nestled in a sunny bay window. You also have a formal dining room to go with your formal living room, and a family room complete with brick fireplace. The sellers have made it very convenient to have successful pool parties with a game room located right next to the pool equipped with a full bar, refrigerator, grill, icemaker, and kegerator. Beautiful landscaping and a acre lot with a covered front porch make for a nice spot to sit and relax with your favorite beverage after a long day. Or, if you'd rather be on the water, boat dock w/lift await you in the back yard. Take your boat down the canal that accesses St. Andrews Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Intercoastal waterway. All in all, this lovingly maintained waterfront home in Panama City has just about everything you could wish for, and once you've seen it, you'll want to make it yours.2015-02-06T19:43:00-07:002015-02-06T19:53:32-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:659Bay County Real Estate Sales ImproveAccording to the Bay County Association of Realtors (BCAR), real estate sales have continued to improve in 2014, with a 16.4 percent increase in closed sales for the first quarter of 2014 while the second quarter showed a 6.8 percent increase. In June of 2014, closed sales were up 11.7 percent followed by a 25.5 percent increase in July. The average days on market for listings is down; another important indicator of the overall strength of the Panama City Beach real estate market.
If you are looking to sell your home or condo and have questions, feel free to <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/contact/" title="Contact Chad Miller">contact us</a>. And, if you would like to find the estimated value of your Panama City Beach home or condo, <a href="https://www.chadmiller.com/idx/free-market-analysis/" title="Determine you home's estimated value">click here</a> for a Competative Market Analysis (CMA).
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// ]]>2014-10-06T08:13:00-07:002018-08-27T12:42:44-07:00Chad Millertag:chadmiller.com,2012-09-20:655Tips to Save Energy and Add ValueWhen it comes to energy efficiency, look for smart features and expertise to help you save energy and money and add value to your home.
1. Begin with a Right-Sized Home.
If the home you buy is simply too large for you or your family’s needs or plans, you stand a good chance of wasting energy through excessive heating and cooling costs. If it’s too small, you’ll feel cramped and uncomfortable. It’s a big investment, so seek balance and buy it “right” from the outset.
2. Purchase Energy Star Appliances Such as Your TV, Dishwasher, Washer and Dryer, and Microwave.
And especially the refrigerator, as it alone contributes about 10 percent of the energy use in a home. Also, unplug electronics not in use or turn off power strips to avoid phantom charges.
3. Install Efficient Lighting Such as Compact Flourescent (CLF) or LED Bulbs in Every Fixture.
Lighting accounts for about 6 percent of an energy bill each year.
4. Get an Energy Audit and Have Tests Performed to Identify Ways of Improving Your Efficiency.
You can always upgrade your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as your thermal envelope, which includes insulation, windows, and doors and the seals or weather stripping around them. Visit <a title="Energy Saving Tips" href="http://energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver" target="_blank">energy.gov/energytips</a> for more tips.
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// ]]>2014-09-24T15:57:00-07:002018-08-27T12:44:36-07:00Chad Miller