The Florida Panhandle A Terrific Place To Invest In Real Estate
We have vacationed in Northwest Florida, Walton County in particular, for twenty years – and love it! The best, uncrowded beaches in the country – reasonable cost – great restaurants – terrific beach properties to lease! So we are very enthusiastic about the area – but what about the economic realities of investing in Florida — at this time?
Northwest Florida has a vibrant and steady tourist business, with low unemployment. The brand new Panama City International Airport, projected to open in January 2010, will make the area quickly accessible from virtually anywhere in the United States and Europe. It is expected to provide a major boost to the areas economy, and should increase demand for real estate.
We believe the Florida panhandle is a solid place to buy real estate, and that real estate values, though flat right now (January 2008) are likely to move sharply upward, especially for oceanfront and Gulf view properties. But thats our view! Here are some other folks opinions on the area.
CNN Money.com (Feb. 12, 2007) highlighted Panama City, Florida as the #1 place to buy real estate in the United States.
American Express says that the Florida panhandle is one of its Top Ten tourist destinations in the United States. The Florida panhandle is second only to the Orlando area in Florida tourism. Northwest Florida beaches are among the best in the world, attracting over seven million visitors annually – more than any other East Coast beach area.
Real estate professionals in Walton County say that prices are less than during the peak year of 2005. But they are expecting closings to increase, as more deals become available. Many residences are priced below the cost to build. “If you are looking for a property to hold on to for the next five years, the time to purchase is now. We are still very undervalued compared to other regions of Florida.”
The St. Joe Company (NYSE:JOE), whose corporate headquarters are in Jacksonville, FL, is the largest landowner in the Florida panhandle, owning some 718,000 acres of development land – half of it less than ten miles of the coast. St. Joe has been a big player in the area for a long time, beginning as a timber company but realizing in recent decades that the value of its holdings was far greater as investment property. So now theyre in the vacation home development business, with a great deal of activity centered on Walton County.
According to St. Joe’s Investor Relations Department the long term outlook for Florida panhandle real estate is particularly upbeat.
Long-term economic and population trends continue to favor Florida, whose economy is fundamentally solid and diversified. The state’s population is forecasted to increase by three-fourths (to 28.6 million) by 2030. Its demographic growth rate regularly outperforms that of the rest of the United States: since 1970, the State’s yearly rate of growth has outpaced the national average by 100%. By 2010 Florida will pass New York to take its place as the nation’s third most populous state.
Florida’s solid, diversified economy regularly outperforms the U.S. mean, with a burgeoning tourism industry, plenty of high-tech jobs and a strong high-tech manufacturing sector. A large military presence with a number of active and expanding bases provides stability to the region’s economy. Within the Florida panhandle, Walton County has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Florida and the U.S.
Florida is the commercial center of the Americas. Geographic location, as well as economic and political stability, places Florida at the heart of trade and business throughout the region. Vacation property sales to retirees remain robust, and Florida is a favorite spot for retirement relocation.
Northwest Floridas beaches are the states second favorite tourist destination, behind only Orlando. They draw over seven million visitors each year, more than any other stretch of beach in the eastern United States.
Beaches in the Florida panhandle rate as some of the most beautiful in the country and the world. Beaches in Walton, Bay and Gulf Counties have been selected for the number one ranking by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, an authority on beach quality and author of America’s Best Beaches.
Northwest Florida enjoys a very favorable climate, with mild winters, lots of sunshine and clear days. Northwest Florida is located in U.S. Climate Zone 8, the same climate zone as renowned vacation areas such as Hilton Head (SC), Amelia Island (FL), Kiawah Island (SC) and St. Simons and Sea Island (GA). Floridas beauty and variety of landscape is well-known. The Emerald Coast has a distinct geography, culture and cuisine that is very different from Miami or Orlando.
Northwest Florida entertains approximately seven million visitors annually. According to Visit Florida, the states tourism and visitor agency, 33 percent of these visitors are from households with incomes over $75,000 and 16 percent are from households with incomes over $100,000.
The number of private resort developments in the Florida panhandle is increasing. At communities like Seaside, Rosemary Beach, WaterColor and WaterSound Beach, oceanfront lots have sold for $40,000 per linear beachfront foot to prosperous families who have chosen Northwest Florida.
The new Panama City airport now under construction is expected to be in operation by February 2010. It will be a major international airport, thus opening the Emerald Coast to easy access from both coasts, the Midwest, Canada and Europe. Previously, access to the area by air was limited to regional airports.
Economists expect that the new airport will become a strong economic development engine for the area. Throughout history airports have a powerful track record for increasing economic development activity.
The new Panama City airport will be the first major airport built in the United States in almost fifteen years. As a large-scale greenfield airport location, it offers unique opportunities and unmatched flexibility for companies dependent on air transport and logistics infrastructure.
Examples of how airport construction stimulates local economies may be seen in Huntsville, AL, Savannah, GA, Jacksonville, FL, Fort Myers, FL and Northwest Arkansas. All of these airports have stimulated significant adjacent development.
The State of Florida projects that over its first decade, the new airport is likely to create 8,000 new jobs and at completion a total of 13,000 jobs. An important comparison is the construction of the new Southwest Regional Airport in the Ft. Myers/Naples area in 1983, which had a tremendous impact on real estate values. Since the airport opened in 1983, total residential real estate values in the region have increased an average of 11 percent annually.
Fortune Magazine (October 14, 2007) highlighted the St. Joe Company as one of the Ten Best stocks for 2008, citing the long-term potential of the company and its development business situated in the Florida panhandle. The article says: “When Florida real estate does rebound, investors will be kicking themselves for not recognizing today’s $28 stock price for St. Joe Co (JOE) — Florida’s largest private landowner — as a rare opportunity.”
In the quickly shifting economic climate, it is important to research and ask questions before making any investment choice. Yet the truth is that the Florida panhandle is a rarity, with a delightful climate and stunningly beautiful, mostly empty beaches. As you sit on the pristine, white sand with your feet in the emerald clear Gulf water, with pelicans and gulls flying overhead and dolphins cruising by you can see that there are some very important intangibles here. Northwest Florida is a very special place – and they’re not creating any more beach property!
How Wells Fargo Home Equity Loans Work
Wells Fargo & Company is a specialized financial services company based in San Francisco, and is a provider of insurance, mortgage, investments, banking, consumer finance catering to more than 23 million customers across the United States and a few other international countries. Wells Fargos distribution channels include 6,200 stores, the internet, and several other outlets.
Being listed as one of the United States top-40 largest private employers, Wells Fargo has $500 billion in assets, and employs about 154,000 people. In 2006, Wells Fargo was ranked fifth in assets and fourth in market value of stock, and is the no.1 prime home-equity lender in Wells Fargos banking states.
Well Fargo has three main Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Loans Lines of Credit products. These, along with general account details, include –
Home Equity Line of Credit – EquityLine with FlexAbility Account
The EquityLine with FlexAbility Account is a variable-rate HEL line of credit with which you can convert credit balances into a fixed-rate for a fixed-term. This Home Equity Line of Credit is intended for ongoing access to the equity in your home, along with options including flexible payment and rate. It also features 10-year draw period with repayment period of up to an additional 30 year. Primary Residence loan is up to $500,000; Second or vacation home, up to $250,000; Non-owner-occupied, up to $100,000; and minimum is $10,000.
Home Equity Loan
With the Home Equity Loan, you receive the entire amount upfront, along with fixed payments and rate, without ongoing ability to redraw funds. It is ideal for people who dont need additional future financing, and those handling immediate expenses when they want a fixed rate and monthly payment. Based on loan amount, the term is for 5 to 30 years. Primary Residence loan is up to $500,000; Second or vacation home, up to $250,000; Non-owner-occupied, up to $100,000; and minimum is $10,000.
SmartFit Home Equity 1 Account
SmartFit Home Equity 1 Account allows you to receive up to the entire amount as fixed-rate advance, and convert credit balances to additional fixed-rate for fixed-term advances. It is ideal for handling huge upfront expenses for ongoing access to the equity in your home because funds become available as you repay principal. The term is 10-year draw period with an additional 30 year repayment period, including term of 3, 5 or 7 years as initial advance. Primary Residence loan is up to $500,000; Second or vacation home, up to $250,000; Non-owner-occupied, up to $100,000; and minimum is $10,000.
You can apply online (http://wellsfargo.com) for any of the above home equity loan accounts, schedule a free consultation with a home equity sales specialist, or call a toll-free number for help.
[Top]Booking Cheap Flights On Sunwing Airlines
Sunwing Airlines, is one of Canada’s 100 fasting growing companies, and as a leading low cost airline, travelers fly in comfort, style, and at a very cheap price. Voted Airline of the Year four years consecutively the airline is one of the top get-a-way airlines for business or pleasure flights out of Canada. The low-cost airline offers flights out of Toronto to Paris, Rome, London, and other European destinations, including Amsterdam. Other airline destinations include domestic flights throughout Canada, and flights to Mexico, Caribbean, and the United States, including over 30 holiday destinations.
Cheap flights on Sunwing Airlines are extremely easy to find, especially when you shop for your airline tickets and vacation packages on an online travel discount website. Online discount travel websites offer travelers very cheap flights to specific Sunwing destinations using their handy search engine. You can find some of the best cheap flight deals that works with your budget and schedule. Whether you are planning ahead and searching for cheap flights for your vacation, or booking last minute flights to take advantage of the best cheap flight deals, an online discount travel website can help you travel for less and enjoy the vacation of your dreams.
When booking your flight on Sunwing airlines using an online discount travel booking site, there are a number of ways you can reduce the costs of your flight. For instance, if you have accumulated frequent air mile points, you can use them to lower the price of your ticket. As well, there are certain times of the year that is less expensive to fly. For example, you can lower your flight costs by booking your flight in advance of about 30 days before the scheduled day of departure. Also, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are cheap days to fly.
Another way to get a cheap flight on Sunwing airlines is to sign for an email travel alert on a discount travel booking website. When you sign up, you will be sent an e-mail alert when a last minute cheap flight deal becomes available. Whether you’re looking for a cheap international flight or domestic flight, you will find a great deal on last minute flights. In addition, flying late at night and early in the morning is another cheap time to fly.
Today it is easier than ever to find and book cheap flights when you book through an online travel discount site. There are more airlines such as Sunwing airlines offering cheap flights to fill their flights and the online discount travel sites are posting these great deals. These travel sites are a one-stop shopping place to get a bargain deal on flights to a variety of destination. In case you are planning to travel and need an airline ticket but do not want to spend a lot of money, there are many ways to get a cheap flight. It simply involves searching online travel sites, figuring out the cheapest times to fly, and flying on a low cost airline such as Sunwing airlines.
[Top]Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals
A brand new Vacation Rentals 4 Lake Tahoe web site is your official guide to Lake Tahoe tourist rentals fun and excitement. On the site will be found content on every type of accommodation available, in addition to a huge selection of ideas on ways to create a vacation that is a memorable one.
Lake Tahoe, located at the California/Nevada border, is one of the most spectacular lakes in the world. It is the second deepest lake in the United States. It is also among the world’s most popular recreational areas for summer and winter sports activities. The clear mountain air and pure waters are unsurpassed anywhere.
In addition one can find high-stakes gambling at many Las Vegas style casinos catering to anyone seeking a touch of glamour and risk. Others might prefer to locate spiritual refreshment and the opportunity to relax and recharge batteries.
Lake Tahoe vacation rentals
Lake Tahoe vacation rentals has a full range of tourist rentals to be found from the most stunning mansion with awesome lake vistas to simple cabins hidden among the woods. Tahoe delivers more in the way of lake and mountain tourist value than anywhere else.
No other place combines beauty, relaxation and excitement in such a perfect blend. On these pages you possibly can quickly find the right place to hold a family vacation, a carefree spring break or a romantic getaway you’ll forever cherish.
Whether you seek a serene, hidden mountain tourist cabin or condo right by the ski slopes, a lakeside campsite or hotel, or the most luxurious resort with swimming, spas and perfect service, you’ve come to the perfect place. You can have it all with just a phone call.
Seeking a place to hold a group activity? There are endless possibilities near Tahoe for all types of group activity from strenuous outdoor adventures to a quiet and romantic wedding. If your tastes run more to risk and romance then the Nevada casinos will fit your bill to a tee.
Private homes can be found to rent at all levels from basic condos and maintain-it-yourselves homes, to private estates on spectacular mountain property with a full time staff to cater to your every need. Any size or price range can be located using these pages. Explore and enjoy!
[Top]Thoughtful, Inexpensive 50th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Looking for thoughtful, inexpensive 50th wedding anniversary gifts? Youd think after 50 years, finding the perfect gift wouldnt be such a struggle, yet, year after year, finding that ideal gift that truly expresses your feeling is every bit as hard as it ever was! Celebrating 50 years together is a momentous occasion, but the real gift is the time and love that youve shared through the years. Here are few gift ideas that are certain to please just about anyone:
A One of a Kind Experience
Cards, gift certificates, and food may get used up, but experiences last forever. The gift of an experience especially a one of a kind opportunity like a scenic flight, hot air balloon ride, or any one of a variety of classes is a gift that will stay in the heart and mind of your loved one for many years to come. This gift may be the realization of dreams long dormant, or a chance to step out and try something completely new.
Star Power
It seems like everyones heard of this gift, but few people have actually seen one. The International Star Registry allows you to name a steadfast stellar object after your loved one, or the family you have raised together. With the gift of a star from the ISR, the name you choose will be forever associated with a unique star. Youll receive a commemorative certificate indentifying the star, including concrete coordinates in the sky so that you, your kids, or your great, great, great, great grandkids can locate your star easily with a telescope for thousands of years to come!
Dinner
While dinner is always a fine gift for an anniversary, and allows the celebrants to recognize the occasion while sharing an experience, for many couples, dinner is a given when it comes to anniversaries. The expectation is that you will share a special meal AND buy presents. What if the present was to ensure some special time together every single month for the coming year? With a Dinner of the Month, club, you can share that special meal, and commemorate your relationship once a month for the whole year. What a wonderful way to extend the joy of your 50th for the while year!
Land
No, were not discussing a vacation home, here! This article is about inexpensive options. Does your spouse have a love for travel and adventure? Perhaps they are a veteran, and risked all to protect our countrys freedoms. Maybe they have a love of politics or history? Regardless, this gift of land maybe just the thing! The Own a Piece of America, program allows you to legally own 1 square inch of land in each of the 50 states! Not enough for a second home, but this gift recognizes the connection of your loved one and the United States in a very touching way.
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