United States

The Florida Panhandle A Terrific Place To Invest In Real Estate

Posted on by blogger

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

Posted on by blogger

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.

Travel To A United States With The Exclusive Vacation Homes Rental By Owner

Posted on by blogger

In case you are demoralized with the worries and hurries of daily life, and to seek a relief, you are thinking of escaping away to a nearby locale for the coming weekend without travelling too much distance, and spend your weekend by enjoying and relaxing away from your own house, then the vacation homes rentals are the ideal option to fulfill your needs. The vacation homes rentals by owner enables you to organize a short beach vacation, taking an exciting ski trip or rushing to the world of Disney with your little ones, or to a lonely deserted place to enjoy exclusively with your fianc. Similarly, there is much for you to do for the weekend. You can have a quick glimpse at these before booking the vacation rentals USA.

Usually people tend to book a hotel or a rental home as soon as they decide for an outing. However, we are recommending you to opt for a log cabin or a beach house rental, and even a ski in or out condo, which can make your trip more lively and exciting. In case, you are looking forward to organize a trip across the great national park of California or the Florida Beach House across the white sandy shores, there are vacation homes rentals by owner everywhere to offer you the perfect accommodation, so that you can live up every single moment of your trip.

The vacation rentals USA offers various types of rental homes ranging from cheap beach rentals to exquisite vacation homes, at wallet-friendly prices, so that everybody can avail these and the most plausible feature is, that these rentals, offer accommodation for a single person, as well as to those having large families. However, the most rated spots by the tourists include, The White House, the globally famous Statue of Liberty, the Smithsonian Museums, The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia at Pennsylvania, the Redwood Forests situated at California, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Times Square in New York City, and last, but not the least the Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. So, kick start your journey from this weekend onwards with the several vacation homes rentals by owner, that offers you heartily welcome to plan your beach vacation, honeymoon, ski trip, reunion with friends and family or any similar kind of memorable experiences which the great destinations of the United States invites you to share.

Awesome Vacation Homes in Orlando!

Posted on by blogger

Vacation time comes with all hopes and desires to discover new places and activities. There are many places in the world with different attractions but the one you will never forget is a trip to Orlando. Orlando is a place, in Florida, in United States. It is a beautiful city situated in the central region of U.S and is the county seat of Orange County. It is also the centre of greater Orlando. The biggest attraction of Orlando is -Disney World’. If you are planning a trip to Orlando or to Disney World, the first thing you need to do is find a good place to stay. In this article, you will come to know about vacation homes in Orlando.

Orlando is a popular city and so the demand for residential homes is high. There are many options to stay, like hotels, private homes, lodges or luxury villas. You need to choose the one which suits your requirements and budget. To find good Orlando vacation homes at a good price is quite difficult without proper guidance. If you want to deal safely, you should read the offers and facilities that hotels and villas provide and also try to find out their actual price. Private homes usually have lesser facilities than luxurious hotels and villas but they are affordable. You can also go for a house that is a few miles away from the city. In this way, you can travel to the city for your vacation and these houses will be less expensive than the houses in the city.

Disney world is the prime attraction of Orlando and so you will find a vacation home Disney. The home will have special playing facilities for kids which seem like a small Disney world. Staying in such a place is an experience in itself. Some hotels provide multi budget rooms. Here you get rooms of different budgets in the same hotel; you can choose the one which fits your needs. The common facilities provided in all hotels and villas are swimming pools, Jacuzzi, game rooms, music and orchestra. The rate for the hotel depends on its quality of service and the facilities which they offer.

Booking hotels is easy; a click on your computer screen or a call to the hotel’s reception will do the work. Some hotels provide tourist facilities. These hotels carry all their passengers in the same bus and show different locations. This makes easy for a stranger to enjoy his trip without any fear.

In addition, Disney world, Orlando is also known as a cultural heritage in Unites States. The city is known for its dance forms, hip hop music, metal music, rock and Latino music scenes. To see these performances you do not have to go to a specific place because artists perform on streets of Orlando. Orlando is also one of the busiest cities in the world because, here, you will always find conferences and conventions going on. So plan your trip to Orlando and make your vacations memorable. Do check the offers that the hotels provide you before you book a room.

Resource Box:-

Dwvacationhomes.com is providing the best hotels and resorts booking services for Vacation homes in Orlando, Vacation home Disney and Orlando vacation homes.

Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals

Posted on by blogger

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!