Emerald Coast real estate: Three reasons to be upbeat
We’ve heard all the doom and gloom about the real estate market “contraction” or “relaxation” or “slow-down.” Amidst all the sound-bites and fury, it’s easy to lose sight of some very positive factors that make real estate in our area a great buy:
- Baby Boomers … and beyond. Sheer numbers. Self-realization generation. The good life. And where is life better than here at the beach? Plus, we’re seeing the next couple of generations recognize the value of our blend of small town and world-class lifestyle.
- New International Airport. The new International Airport to be located west of Panama City is signed, sealed and soon to be delivered. This new airport will take this stretch of coast from being a drive-in market to a national and international one. In a very few years, we’ll be patting ourselves on the back for being among those fortunate enough and savvy enough to have property in this area.
- Real estate tax relief. The wheels of politics grind exceedingly slowly. Still, Governor Crist and the State Legislature have seen the writing on the wall about our property taxation. The effects of this fiscal folly are quite plainly making life very uncomfortable for our leaders in Tallahassee. The good news is that tax relief is no longer and “if” but a “when.” In our minds, it can’t happen soon enough.
Want more reasons to be optimistic about real estate in our area? Check out Dan Kadlec’s article in Time Magazine’s September edition, which cites Destin as one of the best places to buy a second home.
October 23rd, 2007 at 11:09 am
I agree completely, but let’s not forget about the majestic beauty of this area - our beaches and recreational opportunities are unmatched in this region. Furthermore, this area has the fastest recovery of any market I have ever been associated with. Invest now in the emerald coast - the time is right.
October 23rd, 2007 at 11:24 am
Well, in light of my past experience, I can definitely say that tax relief is a very good thing. In fact, I am not all that fond of taxes at all. You are quite right about their time being long overdue: if we want to revitalise the housing market, then property taxes should be dropped. All they are is a powerful incentive to avoid buying a house or condo or whatever else, and in the current market that is the opposite of what we need.
October 24th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Changes in tax structure will help, however, the current exchange rate is a current economic factor that may help immediately. The weakened US dollar is attracting markets that have been on the sidelines including our northern neighbors with the Canadian dollar at par.