UPDATE: We've Moved to PCBDaily.com

After the constant delays and blogger going down for half of a day this week, I decided to finally put in the late hours and extra work to get my own blog site built and transfer all the files to the new server. We were down last night and this morning completely while the nameservers propogated, but we are up now.

Visit PCBDaily.com

'Rock Solid' Economy, Co Rd 388, Lowes on the Beach

The 2006 year end came with a "Rock Solid" economy. I know this is not directly real estate related, but the economy does affect most everything we do.

Click here for the article.

For you number-heads, here is a link to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Bay County wants to transfer County Road 388 to the Florida Department of Transportation without resurfacing it. Anyone who's vaguely familiar with this area knows that 388 has been in terrible shape for years. Roads are normally required to be in good shape prior to transfer, but Commissioner George Gainer stated that he does not want to re-pave it because the county is not supposed to incur any costs associated with the airport project. (more)

Panama City Beach is growing with the opening of a Lowes across the street from Home Depot on Back Beach. The open date is set for January 20. (more)

New York Times Recognizes Panama City Beach

First and foremost, I'd like to apologize for not getting this up quicker. I've had several people email me with the article. Thank you for keeping on me, and keep up the good work.

The New York Times published an article on Panama City Beach that was quite flattering. The author speaks of a "supermodel showing off her good side" in reference to our "flaunting [our] most valuable asset".

The new airport is mentioned along with the strong growth we've experienced and optimism by local residents and visitors. Local Realtor stars, like Katie Patronis are quoted and Census statistics are stated.

Something else was mentioned that I used often in my active real estate selling days: Our beaches are almost never crowded. "It's not like Coney Island, where you're stepping all over each other. . .", a native New Yorker mentioned.

This is true, we have beautiful, renourished, uncrowded beaches with crystal clear water most months out of the year.

It's great that we are being recognized on such a national level (not like we haven't been in the past).

The entire article can be read here.

Statewide homesales down, national homes sales up

In November, home sales in Florida were down although many markets were reporting stabilization. Nationally home sales were up two months in a row. Both the Florida Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors issued reports that spells out the details with stats and all.

FAR Report

NAR Report

2006 Highlights, Affordable Housing, and Regency Towers Repairs

First and foremost, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I trust that if you are reading this, your holiday was safe. 2007 will be an exciting year, not only for Panama City and Panama City Beach, but also for PCBDaily.com. We've grown a lot over the last 90 days and look forward to tremendous growth in the next 90 days. Please do your part to help us grow. If you like what you read, tell a friend, or register their name and email address for our weekly e-news letter by clicking the button to the right.

The News Herald wrote an article highlighting 2006's top 10 stories. The number 1 story selected by readers discussed the issues with property taxes this year and addressed concerns about 2 years in a row of 100% increases. Increased taxes coupled with hightened insurance rates is literally pushing people out of homeownership.

The number 3 story discussed the new airport and the challenges it has overcome in the past year, and the challenges it faces this coming year; the most significant being the $331 million price tag. Joe Tannehill calls it a "conundrum" and said "if it's higher than $331 million, there's a good chance it won't happen. . ."

I'm sorry to say, but it will cost more. It always costs more. (read entire article here)

Also in the news: Again, talks of county sponsored affordable housing. Recent discussions involve St. Joe donating 100+ acres to the county affordable housing effort and Bay county receiving a $5 million grant. The goal is to sell homes for $75,000. The two potential sites include one north of Callaway off 98 and another north on highway 79. (read article here)

Those of you that are familiar with the area, know that Recency Towers on Panama City Beach has suffered constant repair issues over the last couple of years. The issues began with no pre-inspection of the site before the repairs began and association mis-management. (read entire article here)

Real Estate in 2007

"In most parts of the country, the New Year will dawn on a housing market that's shockingly different from just a year ago. Overzealous speculation, too-lenient lending and aggressive overbuilding have combined to create the type of home-inventory levels and price stagnations that haven't been felt in the U.S. since the early to mid-1990's. . ." (more)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a merry Christmas. For those of you that may be offended by the Christian conotation in this greeting, I'd like to wish you a happy holidays.

I will not be sending out the regular newsletter today but will resume next week.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.