Month: December 2008

Jazz at Grand Panama this weekend

On December 13th beginning at 1:00pm The Village of Grand Panama retailer’s association is hosting An Afternoon of Jazz. The concert will feature famous saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, Panama City’s “On Call Band”, and the Patronis Elementary Christmas Choir.

One of the most sought after jazz saxophonists in America, Jeff Kashiwa made a name for himself as a member of the popular group, The Rippingtons. His music is lightly grooving and mildly soulful.

This proceeds from this event will benefit the Children’s Home Society. General admission tickets are $15.00 and VIP tickets are $30.00, which include special seating and two drink tickets. Tickets can be purchased at The Hangar Men’s Clothing Store and Envy Boutique in The Village of Grand Panama.

“The retail association is excited to host this event featuring Jeff Kashiwa,” said Erica Spivey, event coordinator for An Afternoon of Jazz. “We hope the community will come out and enjoy an afternoon of great live entertainment, shopping, and celebrate this holiday season by supporting the Children’s Home Society.”

Use an Appraisal When Buying or Selling Real Estate

When I became an appraiser I had no idea that my profession would be of such interest to total strangers. The minute someone finds out what I do for a living, the next question is either “What is my house worth?”, “Where should I buy?”, and most recently “Are we at the bottom yet?” The one question I am rarely asked is “Why should I get an appraisal?” Appraisals are becoming multi-purpose real estate tools. In the past, appraisals were viewed as just another step in the purchase process.  Now appraisals serve as guides to help borrowers:

  • Know if a refinance is possible,
  • What price to realistically list a property at,
  • How long it is taking similar properties to sell and at what price they sold for,
  • Determine market rental rate for an investment property.

Anyone can order an appraisal – not just a bank!!  The appraisals completed for an individual contain essentially the same data as an appraisal for a lending institution and are given directly to that individual. Homeowners and potential buyers both should consider ordering an appraisal… why?

  • To avoid paying too much for a property,
  • To find out what their property’s competition sold for,
  • Avoid “under-pricing” their property in order to maximize potential profit,
  • Aggressively price property or negotiate a lower sales price based on prior sales.

Too often I hear “You won’t find a similar property listed for less!!” The problem with this phrase is that a property can be listed for any price – list price does not determine market value. There are some fantastic Realtors in our area that work extremely hard for their clients. However, buyers should not rely solely on an agent to research and organize data to the extent that an appraiser will, as it is not their profession.  In many cases, agents will contact an appraiser prior to listing a property to ensure they are pricing the subject realistically. It is important to note that appraisers are unbiased third party individuals and therefore do not have a vested interest in the outcome of the transaction (be it a purchase or refinance). Appraisers do not create value; rather we report the data from the current market.

Ultimately, an appraisal can serve as an invaluable tool in order to avoid financial ruin. Appraisals can help investors know the potential profit of that duplex they are looking to purchase,  help the first time homebuyer avoid paying too much for their first home, and can help the savvy condo buyer get a fair price along with that perfect gulf view.

Appraisals are not just for purchases/refinances – I have been asked to do appraisals for:

  • Employee Relocations
  • PMI (private mortgage insurance)
  • Estate planning
  • Divorce settlement
  • Tax abatement

I truly think that the housing market will begin to strengthen again – however the speed at which it does and the solidity of the foundation will be a direct result today’s buyers.  These buyers will need to do their homework, know exactly what they are purchasing and what the current market value is – not the anticipated value. Please, who ever your appraiser is, ask questions.  If you feel something was missed – ask your appraiser. If you don’t understand how to read an appraisal, let your appraiser know.  It is our job to build public trust in our profession – which will be a daunting feat based on the downward spiral the real estate market has taken.  The information and data contained within appraisal reports could prove to be invaluable to both the real estate novice as well as the seasoned investor.

I am a Certified Real Property Appraiser working predominately in Bay County with some projects extending west towards Destin and east of the Mexico Beach area. Prior to becoming an appraiser I worked as a mortgage loan underwriter – which has provided me with a unique understanding of both sides of mortgage loan transactions. – Jake

Photos from You – Dolphin, Kite Boarders, Christmas and More

Every week we’ll feature photos from you, the reader, of anything from crowded streets at Pier Park, to finger crabs scurrying across the beach.  They say pictures are worth a thousand words, share your words with pcbdaily.com.  Submit your photos and share your Panama City Beach pictures.

Submitted by Jenny Wilson

Submitted by Tim Nagler

Submitted by Miller & Associates Realty

Submitted by Kerry Hulber

How to sell your home during the Holidays

The holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to showcase your home at its sparkling best, especially if you follow a few simple tips.

You only have one opportunity to make a first impression; so, of course, this first impression starts as the potential buyer drives up to your home.  Twinkling lights hung neatly on doorways and trees are very attractive and festive, but don’t overdo it.  Less is generally more!  Leave those inflatable lawn displays in the box this year.  Giant bobbing snowmen or Santas on the roof are very cute for the kids, but do nothing to entice buyers to your front door.  Opt for a simple, attractive wreath for your door and perhaps some white lights strategically placed on shrubbery in the yard.

Don’t let your Christmas tree take over the living area.  The smaller the square feet of the home, the fewer decorations you should use.  Keep it simple, not cluttered, with a few decorations and some fresh greenery, like poinsettias and fresh garland.  A larger home can handle more decorations and the décor should be a little more elaborate.  Most importantly, subtle, yet attractive décor allows the potential buyer to see the warmth of your lovely home during the holiday season.

Enhance that special holiday feeling by playing soft, seasonal background music to set the stage for a showing.  Although Jingle Bell Rock and Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer may be holiday favorites of yours, soothing music will make that potential buyer think that your home is comfortable and desirable.

Finally, allow the aroma of the holidays to fill your home with delicious scents that make your visitors want to sit at the kitchen table and share a glass of cider.  Bake a cake or cookies before a showing so the savory smell lingers in the air…or simply leave a pot boiling with cider or packaged Christmas spices.  Place cinnamon sticks in an open jar or include them in a decorative design.

Remember, even though there may be fewer buyers actively looking at this time of year, there are still buyers looking.  It only takes one!  Use this opportunity to showcase your home at its festive best…and that’s a wrap.

If you have any questions about Staging for the Season, I’d love to hear from you.  Let’s look forward to a great 2009!

For more information, please contact Sandy at 850-303-1825 or sandythompson10@comcast.net. You can also visit her websites @ http://www.ringthebelles.com and http://www.sandythompsoncondos.com.

City Pier on Schedule

Good news! Construction of the City Pier at Pier Park (also known as the Dan Russell Pier) is on schedule. According to Sheryl Woodcock, with the public works department, the pier is 60% complete.

This is great news for everyone. The pier is beloved by locals because it is a great spot to cast a line and catch cobia, flounder, red fish, pompano, king mackerel (and more), and it is a great tourist attraction. The surrounding Aaron Bessant Park is one of the few areas on Front Beach Road with ample public parking and public access to the beach.

The pier is expected to open to the public in June of 2009.

The concrete pier is the longest pier along the Gulf of Mexico. Businesses at Pier Park will surely benefit from day visitors to the pier, as will area restaurants.

TDC Meeting – Sea Oats and Visitor Surveys, No Bed Tax Talk

Tuesday’s TDC meeting will include discussion of a new plan to preserve Sea Oats plan Sand Fencing.  The Klages group will do a presentation on visitor survey’s, should be interesting, and they will discuss renewing the contract with the Klages report for this upcoming tourist season.

There will be no talk of the possible bed tax increase as earlier indicated.  They plan to call a special meeting for this, which we’ll be notified about very soon.

See ya Tuesday!

The agenda is below, or it can be downloaded here.

——————-

AGENDA

COMBINED BOARD MEETING
Bay County Tourist Development Council
Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Panama City Beach
Tuesday, December 9, 2008                1:00 p.m.        Council Room, PCB City Hall

I.    CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II.    ROLL CALL

A.    Invocation
B.    Pledge of Allegiance
C.    Approve Minutes From the October 15, 2008, and November 6, 2008 Meetings

III.    REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS (3 Minutes)

IV.    UPDATE ON BED TAX COLLECTIONS, Ms. Charlene Honnen, Tourist Development Tax Specialist

V.    PRESENTATIONS

A.    Presentation on Preliminary Design for Panama City Beaches Sea Oat Planting and Sand Fencing Project, Mr. Quin Robertson, Coastal Planning & Engineering, and Mrs. Lisa Armbruster, Sustainable Beaches, LLC
B.    Report on Visitor Surveys, Dr. Walter Klages, The Klages Group

VI.    BOARD ACTION ITEMS

A.    Discuss and Consider for Approval Contract Agreement with The Klages Group, Mr. Dan Rowe, President
B.    Discuss and Consider for Approval Coastal Planning & Engineering Invoice #81120 and Invoice #81155, Mr. Dan Rowe, President
C.    Discuss and Consider for Approval Memorandum of Understanding with JB, Inc., Mr. Dan Rowe, President

VII.    BOARD DISCUSSION ITEMS

A.    Update on Revenue Enhancement Committee Meeting, Mr. Marty McDaniel, Chairman, Revenue Enhancement Committee
B.    Discussion of Annual Review Process for CVB President, Mr. Andy Phillips, Chairman

VIII.    PRESIDENT’S REPORT

IX.    AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

X.    ADJOURNMENT

TDC Meeting Agenda – Sea Oats and Visitor Surveys, No Bed Tax Talk

Tuesday’s TDC meeting will include discussion of a new plan to preserve Sea Oats plan Sand Fencing.  The Klages group will do a presentation on visitor survey’s, should be interesting, and they will discuss renewing the contract with the Klages report for this upcoming tourist season.

There will be no talk of the possible bed tax increase as earlier indicated.  They plan to call a special meeting for this, which we’ll be notified about very soon.

See ya Tuesday!

The agenda is below, or it can be downloaded here.

——————-

AGENDA

COMBINED BOARD MEETING
Bay County Tourist Development Council
Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Panama City Beach
Tuesday, December 9, 2008                1:00 p.m.        Council Room, PCB City Hall

I.    CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II.    ROLL CALL

A.    Invocation
B.    Pledge of Allegiance
C.    Approve Minutes From the October 15, 2008, and November 6, 2008 Meetings

III.    REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS (3 Minutes)

IV.    UPDATE ON BED TAX COLLECTIONS, Ms. Charlene Honnen, Tourist Development Tax Specialist

V.    PRESENTATIONS

A.    Presentation on Preliminary Design for Panama City Beaches Sea Oat Planting and Sand Fencing Project, Mr. Quin Robertson, Coastal Planning & Engineering, and Mrs. Lisa Armbruster, Sustainable Beaches, LLC
B.    Report on Visitor Surveys, Dr. Walter Klages, The Klages Group

VI.    BOARD ACTION ITEMS

A.    Discuss and Consider for Approval Contract Agreement with The Klages Group, Mr. Dan Rowe, President
B.    Discuss and Consider for Approval Coastal Planning & Engineering Invoice #81120 and Invoice #81155, Mr. Dan Rowe, President
C.    Discuss and Consider for Approval Memorandum of Understanding with JB, Inc., Mr. Dan Rowe, President

VII.    BOARD DISCUSSION ITEMS

A.    Update on Revenue Enhancement Committee Meeting, Mr. Marty McDaniel, Chairman, Revenue Enhancement Committee
B.    Discussion of Annual Review Process for CVB President, Mr. Andy Phillips, Chairman

VIII.    PRESIDENT’S REPORT

IX.    AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

X.    ADJOURNMENT

New Year's Party at the SunSpree

When the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping is over and you finally sit down to make your party plans for New Year’s Eve, make sure safety is part of you checklist.  Panama City Beach has a few different options for ways to play on New Year’s Eve, but most of these options involve a champagne toast then a drive across town to get home. We suggest you leave the keys behind when you head out for a good time and stay where you play. The Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort is hosting the best New Year’s Eve Party on the Beach!

Last Year’s Party was a huge success; everyone who came last year had a great time. “We had a wonderful time, the food was amazing, the party was so much fun and the music was great – even my husband danced! Then we just walked right up to the room and didn’t have to worry about driving.” Said Dawn Silk, guest of the Holiday Inn SunSpree New Years Eve Extravaganza 2007. This year the SunSpree has even more in store for New Year’s Eve!
Continue reading “New Year's Party at the SunSpree” →

Resort Collection Accident Free for 800 days

The employees of The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach passed a huge milestone on Tuesday, Dec. 2 with 800 days accident free on the job. Currently The Collection employs 395 associates; however during peak months the resorts have over 500 employees combined.

By continuing to work safe and accident free, with no major injuries or time lost, the Collection will save more than 20% on its 2009 worker compensation premiums.

“This is a huge accomplishment.” Said Judy Johnson, director of human resources, “We started our safety program with a goal of one year with no lost time but lost the effort 10 days short of our goal.  So we started over.  We reached one year, then two years and now we are at 800 days.”

To celebrate the new record a safety luncheon was held on Tuesday for all Resort Collection employees to show appreciation for their hard work. During the luncheon employees entered a drawing to win game systems, a flat screen television, cash and days off with pay.

“Not only does hitting 800 days accident free affect our bottom line, it allows us to build awareness and morale among our employees.” Said Tom Sparks, general manager of The Resort Collection. “Especially in this climate of bad news and economic concerns, it’s important to show our staff that what they do matters and we appreciate them.”