DEBBIE's Blog

PANAMA CITY BEACH CONDO MARKET GAINING STRENGTH

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:06:47 -0700

The days of a 2BR/2BA unit in a "newer" development for under $175K, I believe, have come and gone. Foreclosures are dwindling and short sales are moving a little bit quicker. Panama City Beach has truly awoken from a three year sleep! If ever you were going to get off the fence and purchase an investment property or second home, now is time. As the old saying goes, "you snooze, you loose!" Literally!

The beaches are absolutely gorgeous and there is not a cloud in the sky. This weekend is Thunder Beach, and as I write this post I hear the motorcycles roaring by. I could think of a more perfect place to escape to the beach!

HOME INSPECTIONS

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:09:28 -0700

http://rismedia.com/2011-04-03/home-inspections-an-essential-tool-for-buyers/

If you or anyone you know if looking for a investment/second home in Panama City FL, please give me a call!

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:38:42 -0800

http://debbiemassey.com/

This may be the best time in more than 10 years to invest in real estate on the gulf coast. Low interest rates coupled with a large inventory are making real estate in Panama City Beach an ideal investment!

Panama City Beach named Top 10 budget destination for 2011

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:24:06 -0800

http://www.newsherald.com/articles/beach-90130-city-panama.html

WHEN I GROW UP...

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:48:30 -0800

WHEN I GROW UP, I WANT TO BE A REALTOR JUST LIKE MY GRAMMY!

ZADAH ELIZABETH, 21 MONTHS

Thought for the day...

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:01:17 -0800

"Others may do a greater work,
But you have your part to do;
And no one in all God's heritage
Can do it as well as you."

10 REAL ESTATE PREDICTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 08:37:58 -0800

RISMEDIA, December 22, 2010-The start of a new year is often a time of reflection, as well as a time of anticipation for the future. It's no different for real estate professionals, many of whom have weathered the recession and are now optimistic about 2011. From the return of new construction to the creation of healthier homes, the following are 10 residential real estate trends they see for the coming year:

1.) Building is back: After three years of little to no new development, John Wozniak of Wheaton, Illinois-based J. Lawrence Homes said the builder is excited about 2011. "After a couple of very challenging years, the market for new-construction housing is showing signs of life. Slowly but surely, homes are selling and new properties are breaking ground, such as the two communities we opened this year in Lynwood and North Aurora," he said. "We've had encouraging sales and I believe they point to an uptick for 2011."

2.) Apartments continue to thrive: If there has been one bright spot over the past few years in the real estate industry, it has been the rental market.

"People have realized the many benefits of renting, from having more flexibility with your housing commitments to a higher level of finishes and amenities. And, this demand will continue to outpace supply," said Steve Fifield, president of Fifield Cos. "Appraisal Research reports that Chicago's Class A downtown apartments are at a nearly 95 percent occupancy rate, and those numbers will continue to stay very strong for 2011."

3.) Opting for established: The mega-communities in the exurbs are a thing of the past, said Brian Brunhofer of Meritus Homes. Instead, 2011 will see builders move toward smaller neighborhoods or pockets of homes in established communities. "Close-knit communities with respected homeowner associations, mature landscaping and neighbors waiting to greet you - that attractive quality of life is going to appeal to buyers much more in 2011."

Seconding the movement toward established communities is Jeff Benach of Lexington Homes. "Buyers are looking for a safer investment for their home purchase," he said. "We won't see them roll the dice like in the past on a fast-growing town in a far-out suburb. They want a proven area with access to retail development and employment corridors. They don't want to wait for the surrounding area to be built. They want everything already in place," he said.

4.) Make it modern: Chalk it up to "Mad Men" or simply a pendulum swing in taste, but either way transitional and warm-modern design will be prevalent in 2011, said Brian Goldberg, a partner in LG Development Group. "Our clients are looking for a cleaner approach to the style of their homes - more mid-century and less traditional with a warm and tailored aesthetic," he said.

Ray Hartshorne, principal of Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, agrees. "From the single-family side, our clients are gravitating toward modern design instead of strictly traditional, that is simple, clean line exteriors and open floor plans that are comfortable for the family and versatile for entertaining," he said. "In the multi-family sector, now more than ever, we are seeing an interest in contemporary-themed and luxurious interior design for lobbies and common areas."

5.) Buying for the long term: The Census shows the average person moves about 11 times, but Jim Chittaro, president of Smykal Homes, predicts that number will slowly decrease. "Thankfully, the idea of a home as a short-term moneymaker is essentially gone, so when people do buy, they'll do it with the intention of staying put for closer to 10 years rather than two to three," he said

This means people will be studying floor plans more closely, to ensure the home will grow with them, Chittaro continued. "Buyers want to be sure the home will suit their needs not only now, but down the road, whether they plan to expand their family or prepare for kids to leave the nest," he said. "Floor plans that can adapt to lifestyle changes with flexible features like second family rooms should do well in 2011."

Brunhofer agrees that more buyers will be looking for a home for the long haul. "It's not just floor plans that buyers are going over with a fine-tooth comb," Brunhofer said. "Our buyers are very careful about school districts. They want to know they can send all of their children to a school with a proven track record and not have to relocate a few years down the road to ensure a good education."

The shift to long-term buyers will also put long-term builders in the spotlight. "People are hesitant to buy a home from a builder or secure a mortgage from a lender they don't perceive to be well-established," said Benach. "Buyers want to know their builder is committed to them and the community, and that it's not about making a quick buck or boosting a shareholder's financial interest. That personal connection is really important."

6.) Upping the ante on amenities: In 2011, developers will continue to create new and exciting amenities to differentiate their properties and keep them relevant in the marketplace, said Tony Rossi, president of RMK Management Corp. "Renters are looking for something special, like an outdoor grilling area or special events like dance lessons," he said.

But it's not just enhanced outdoor spaces in apartments that will matter in 2011. Benach thinks condo and townhome buyers will also place a higher importance on outdoor space in the coming year, especially those who live in an urban setting.

"People may realize they don't need to live with as much square footage inside their home, so to compensate they'll want a place to call their own outside their home," said Benach.

7.) High-tech takes over: Running your home entertainment system, appliances and lighting from a centralized control panel is old news. Going forward, we'll see more homeowners want a smart phone app that can control their residence remotely, noted Goldberg.

"Each year, the demand increases for home technology that makes homeowners' lives easier," he said. "We'll get to a point, and some of our clients are almost there, where homeowners can leave work and by activating an app on their phone have all of their home electronics queued up when they walk in the door - the oven is preheated, lights come on and a TV show turns on when motion sensors recognize they've walked into the room. It may sound like a movie, but some of this technology we can build into homes now."

8.) Smaller homes stay the course: The average size of a new home decreased for the first time in decades from 2008 to 2009, and that trend will continue into 2011, said Benach.

"This trend is fueled by first-time buyers with smaller budgets, requiring smaller homes," he said. "New buyers will have to be more conservative with their mortgages and will need to pay a higher percentage for a down payment, which means they'll need a home with a smaller price," he said. "People won't be buying more than they need. So to meet their needs, we'll see builders continue to trim the size of their homes and look for new ways to make square footage work harder."

9.) Green and gorgeous: As the green movement continues to grow, high-end builders and developers have found ways to make homes both green and gorgeous. "The old mind set was that a green home couldn't also be stylish and sophisticated. It was as if the two concepts were mutually exclusive," said Hartshorne. "But new products and forward-thinking design have proved that today's homeowners can have both. Also, building a green home doesn't have to break the bank. We are constantly being introduced to attractive, sustainable building materials that are more cost effective than in the past."

10.) Healthy homes: When you consider a study by the National Institutes of Health that found the number of people with allergies is as much as five times higher than 30 years ago, the trend toward building homes with a healthier environment will also gain ground in 2011, said Goldberg.

"Indoor air quality, low VOC paints and adhesives, and all-around healthier materials are becoming more and more of a concern for people building homes - especially for those with children," he said.

Rick Croce, from Wheaton-based Smykal Renovations, said this trend applies to existing homes, too. "Due to the economy, many people have decided to stay put in their existing home, which means they'll be investing in changes to make it look better and live healthier," he said. "We expect to be pricing out more jobs that include installing HVAC systems with better filtration, using low-VOC materials and even replacing old doors and windows to safeguard against exterior pollutants."

FINALLY A HIGH YIELDING, LOW RISK, "SAFE HAVEN" FOR INVESTORS

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:07:13 -0700

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/10/20/prwebprweb4670504.DTL

BAY FRONT HOME IN PANAMA CITY'S HISTORIC COVE NEIGHBORHOOD

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 20:35:11 -0700

Welcome to 211 Hollis Ave in Panama City's historic Cove neighborhood. This is your opportunity to own a traditional, waterfront home in a highly sought after area of Bay County. This home is situated on a quiet, waterfront lot and is surrounded by large oak trees and mature landscaping that frame a peaceful pool setting and terrace that are perfect for entertaining or family gatherings. This home has a fabulous flow to it. The floor plan is open with large defined spaces. From the covered front porch, you enter into a gracious foyer that leads to a 600 sq ft family room with a large wood-burning fireplace, two walls of beautiful and original Anderson windows, and a wet bar all overlooking the Bay. This two-story house presents a lovely view of the water from most every room in the house on both levels! The master bedroom is very spacious and has a view of the pool, terrace, lovely backyard, and water. The master bath is very warm and inviting, and the master walk-in closet, with built-in cabinetry/drawers, measures 12x9! There is a dressing/make-up parlor off of the master closet that could be multi-purpose. With four additional bedrooms (one on the first floor and three on the second); four full baths (2 down/2up), and three 1/2 baths (2 down/1 outdoor), you will be amazed at the functionality and ease of this home. The closet/storage space is remarkable. The spacious, yet cozy, eat-in kitchen is equipped with sub-zero thermadore and bosch appliances. Just off of the dining nook there is a spacious Florida room in which there is no need for electric light during the day as it is enclosed with ceiling to floor windows. The roof was replaced in 2006. The HVAC system on the lower level was replaced in 2003 and the second level in 2006 (there are wireless remotes for both thermostats). All of the windows on the second floor and most on the first floor have been updated. Since May 2000, there has been approx $100,000 in upgrades and remodeling, and in doing so, the seller did not take away from the home's traditional design and original wood work. This waterfront property provides quick access to Shell Island and the Gulf and has 125 ft of seawall that offers shore power; three covered boat lifts; a boathouse with a 500lb ice machine; covered storage; and is equipped for fish cleaning at the dock. The traditional, attached three-car carport has extra storage space and an entrance into the main house. With 5700 sq feet, this home is comfortable and has character and warmth abound. (All measurements approx; please verify if important. Last survey in 2000. Seller is a licensed real estate agent in the State of Florida.)

ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:34:24 -0700

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703579804575441472748516734.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_realestate

THE ROBERT Y. GEIGER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:15:54 -0700

This past Friday night, I had the honor of presenting a check in the amount of $2655.00 to Gulf Coast Community College's Foundation in honor of Robert Y. Geiger. Robert was my dear, sweet friend Debbi's husband and my husband's best friend. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in March 2009 and lost his battle in January 2010. He was a graduate from GCCC RN program. In honor of her husband, Debbi set up a foundation scholarship in Robert's name. My husband hosted an invitational golf tournament this past weekend in which we were allowed to sell hole sponsorships for local business advertising. The response from our community and the golfers was awesome. In addition to the hole sponsorships, there was another $300.00 raised Friday night at the steak dinner in which we served 50 golfers and their guests. This money will enable another student to become an RN! Robert would be so humbled and honored! And...the money is still coming in. I received a phone call today from a local business also wanting to contribute to this foundation scholarship.

I don't understand the whole cancer thing. I lost my Mom to bone cancer three years ago. What I do know is that there is always a way to find good in the end. My Mom and our Robert both left a legacy. Two very different individuals touched my life in a very special way.

I LOVE MY GRAMMY...

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 10:03:51 -0700

I spent the day yesterday (9:30 am-10:30 pm) with my sweet grand-daughter, Zadah Elizabeth. She is truly the joy of my life, but I must tell you, it is nearly impossible to keep up with the energy of a 16 month old! She took an 1 1/2 hr nap the ENTIRE day! I can't determine if she's keeping this REALTOR young or exhausted!

COST OF HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:10:58 -0700

Improve Your Insurance Score

Paying all of your bills on time is one good way to improve your insurance score—and, in turn, lower your homeowners insurance premiums. Read
Homeowners Insurance: Time for an Annual Check-Up

An annual check-up on your homeowners insurance can result in a healthier policy and a healthier pocketbook. Read
Homeowners Insurance: Are You Over- or Underinsured?

Paying for more homeowners insurance than you need is a waste of money, but it can prove even more costly to get caught without enough coverage. Read
Your CLUE Insurance Report Matters

Your CLUE insurance report keeps your homeowners insurance claims alive for seven years—and that could cost you on your premiums. Read
How to Correct Your CLUE Insurance Report

An error in your CLUE insurance report can increase your homeowners insurance premium or even prevent you from getting coverage at all. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

6 REASONS TO REDUCE YOUR HOME PRICE

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:55:14 -0700

6 Reasons to Reduce Your Home Price

While you’d like to get the best price for your home, consider our six reasons to reduce your home price. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

ADVERSITY

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:03:26 -0700

Adversity builds character. The challenges we face teach us resourcefulness, self-reliance, courage, patience, perseverance, and self-discipline.

Struggles make us heroic, for heroes and heroines are made by scaling mountains, not molehills.

Live with hope, for to live without is to live with despair. Resurrect yourself from the tumultuous storm as a glowing rainbow. Become a ray of hope and a beacon of light for others to follow.

UNBELIEVABLE, ALL-TIME LOW INTEREST RATES!

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:28:10 -0700

Rate Sheet

July 23, 2010

Conventional Rates based on a loan amount of $200,000 with 720 Credit Score

Conventional Loans with PMI require 720 Score

VA/FHA/USDA Rates based on a $200,000 with a 720 Credit Scores

Rate: Term: LTV: Points/Origination:

Conventional:

4.375% 30 Years 90% None

3.875% 15 Years 90% None

VA :

4.25% 30 Years 100% None

FHA:

4.25% 30 Years 96.5% None

Rural Development (USDA):

4.75% 30 Years 100% None

FHA Limit for Bay County is $396,250.00

VA Limit is $417,000.00

USDA Income Limit $74,050 for 1 -4 People

$97,750 for 5 - 8 People

Rates are subject to change without notice!

This information is provided to assist real estate professionals and is not an advertisement to extend consumer credit as defined in section 226.2 of Reg Z.

SENIORS ROCK!

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:53:22 -0700

I worked as a health care risk manager for a medicare home health agency for 13 years prior to making a career change into real estate. As as result of my seniors health care background it seemed reasonable for me to get the Seniors Real Estate Spec designation. I am a member of the Bay County Inter-Agency Council on Aging; Case Management Society; and Bay County Alzeimer's Alliance. What a blessing it has been to be involved in these groups that support seniors in our community. My participation in these groups and the friendships I have developed have also helped grow my business. Referrals, referrals! I have met some of the most amazing senior citizens. I have listed and sold their properties and what a blessing it has been to be associated with them. Seniors need agents they can trust will have their best interests at heart!

LOW BALL OFFERS...

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:22:40 -0700

Good Morning All!

Well, I submitted a low ball offer for a customer yesterday and the other agent laughed! How dare he! Of course, I figured he would (a new gulf front condo listed for $689 and the offer was $475!). If it were me, I would have laughed also; however, I simply asked him to bring me a a counter-offer to get the "ball" rolling. I think the buyers in this market (some of them; the ones with buying experience) have lost their minds! And...they use us as low ball punching bags! HA! I know, I need to keep the emotion out of it. But someone please explain to me; how do you that? This crazy business is entirely emotionally driven! At least I think it is. I am a passionate person and I am passionate about my customers.

Oh well, have yourself a wonderful day and keep the low ball offers coming right? At least it's an offer and I'll take what I can get in this market.

1915 DEWITT, PANAMA CITY FL 32401

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:44:07 -0700

LOVELY HOME IS HISTORIC COVE AREA; VIEW OF ST ANDREW BAY & WATSON BAYOU.

3 BR; 2.5 BA; 2 BONUS ROOMS; BUILT 1955; 2440 SQ FT; $380,000

If you are looking for the ambiance of a traditional Cove home then I welcome you here! This home is located in one of the most highly desired areas of the Cove! It is is situated on a large corner lot that has million dollar homes across the street and a view of Watson Bayou and St Andrew Bay from the front yard. This 4BR/2.5B split floor plan has been completely remodeled and has many upgrades. The floors in this home have been updated with 17" ceramic tile throughout. The family room and master bedroom are floored with lovely terrazzo. Two of the additional bedrooms have w/w carpet. The bedrooms in the home have ample closet space. Paint has been updated and crown molding and chair railing added throughout. All light fixtures and ceiling fans have been updated. Enjoy the family room which includes a large fireplace for those cool winter evenings. Off of the family room is a small office area for your home-based business or a computer/game room or just a nice sitting area for you to get away. The combined kitchen/dining area is quite delightful. There is a mud room/bistro area off of the kitchen/dining room. Appliances have been updated. As you exit the home into the back yard there is a covered deck w/an outdoor shower that leads to a contemporary black bottom in-ground pool where you can unwind with a relaxing swim at the end of a long day. The back yard is fenced; affords minimal yard work; and exits to a driveway area that leads into an oversized two car garage that has extra storage. There are lots of windows in this home to let the sunshine in! The roof was replaced in Jan 2006 as well as all electrical wiring and windows. There is a sprinkler system that is on a well. Also in the backyard is a 12x20 shed for storage. This lot also has alley access. All measurements approx. 3625 sq ft under roof; approx 2440 heated. This home was originally built in 1955 and has an effective year built of 1975.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO:

http://coldwellbankerpcfl.com/mls/details_residential.aspx?MLS_ACCT=376146&AgentID=

RELOCATING TO PANAMA CITY/PANAMA CITY BEACH FL?

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:46:21 -0700

According to AOL Money and Finance, Panama City Beach is the Number 1 place to own a summer home; Panama City is an economy waiting to break out!; CNN/Money.com projects Panama City as the #1 fastest growth city in the U.S. and forecasts an appreciation of up 72% over the next five years; property prices low by Florida standards; interest rates still at an all time low; new international airport coming; new retail development at Pier Park; restaurants, attractions, and continuing road renovation; new beach front development; some of the latest figures show that Panama City places in the top three cities in Florida for existing home and condominium sales!

A good REALTOR® should know his/her community inside and out. Schools, churches, health clubs, libraries, parks, zoning codes--these are all important things to consider when you are looking to buy a home. I do my best to keep abreast of the latest market trends and real estate information so that I can answer all of your questions--especially the hard ones!

As your REALTOR®, I will go the extra mile in helping you find the right property at the right price. Your best interests are my #1 priority. With the backing of one of the most respected companies in the industry and area, you can expect to receive the best customer service our business has to offer. Go ahead, EXERCISE YOUR OPTIONS--CALL ME TODAY!

Hello from Panama City, Florida!

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:34:06 -0700

This looks like it is going to be very informative and fun! I look forward to networking and REFERRALS! I've been in the business for three years; came in on the downturn. I'm hanging tough! I've lived in Panama City for 24 years; am married to Paul and have two lovely children. One married and one off to college. My broker is Larry Carroll, Coldwell Banker Carroll Realty, Inc. He's been in the business for 20 years! Panama City is growing in leaps and bounds! I look forward to everyone's profound knowledge and the opportunity to influence each other's success! Please visit me at www.debbiemassey.com

REAL ESTATE IN PANAMA CITY/PANAMA CITY BEACH

DEBBIE MASSEY, REALTOR® (COLDWELL BANKER CARROLL REALTY,INC.) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:03:23 -0700

According to AOL Money and Finance, Panama City Beach is the Number 1 Place to Own a Summer Home (5/31/08).

"Panama City is an economy waiting to break out!"

CNN/Money.com projects Panama City as the '#1 Fastest Growth City in the U.S.' and forecasts an appreciation of up to 72% over the next 5 years.

Property prices low by Florida standards!

Interest rates still at an all time low!

New International Airport coming!

New retail development at Pier Park!

Restaurants, attractions, and continuing road renovation!

New beach front development!

Some of the lastest figures show that Panama City places in the top three cities in Florida for existing home and condominium sales!