Florida Vacation Condos

Florida beach towns doing better, see strong summer

Beaches in northwest Florida resort towns were all but deserted. Hotel rooms and condominiums units were widely available -- at a discount -- and tables in restaurants were there for the taking, no wait required.

"It was a ghost town," the Hoschton resident recalled.

But, oh, what a difference a year makes. This week, Wayne is back in the Panama City area, vacationing with his family. And the scene has really changed.

"It's packed," he said Thursday. "The first night we were quoted an hour and 45 minutes wait in a restaurant and this was a middle-of-the-road family place on a Sunday."

Miniature golf courses, go-cart tracks and other attractions are also jammed, he said.

The memory of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil rig spill 14 months ago that fouled Gulf of Mexico waters and coughed up tarballs onto adjacent beaches is still vivid along the Panhandle. Combined with the lingering affects of the recession, it made for much misery for the hospitality industry last summer in popular destinations including Panama City Beach and Destin, even if those communities didn't suffer the extent of environmental damage that other Gulf towns did.

Businesses expect this summer's rebound to continue. Marty McDaniel, chief executive officer of Oaseas Resorts in Panama City Beach, which offers more than 1,000 condominium units for rent, said business is up 32 percent so far this month compared to June 2010, after being up 37 percent from January through May compared to the same period last year. The company currently is running 40 percent ahead for July.

"We're feeling a whole lot better this year than last year," McDaniel said.

Because demand has returned, prices have also returned to pre-oil spill days. McDaniel said rates are up 15 to 20 percent this year compared to 2010 and about equal to what they were in 2009.

Dieter Blasbichler, owner of the Sea Oats Motel, a 50-room beachfront property in Destin that includes condominiums and beach houses, said room rates were discounted by 30 percent or more last year, especially in July after people saw media accounts on the impact of oil on the beaches.

This year, he said, there will be no discounts. And, he added, "We're quite full."

Room rates and availability as well as the size of crowds at various tourist attractions are of considerable interest to many people in metro Atlanta. Northwest Florida's beach communities are among the favorite vacation spots of Atlanta residents and business owners in resort towns there say Atlanta represents one of its biggest markets.

Vacation Homes in Clearwater and Miami Beach Florida - Sandbars to ...

Clearwater Beach Florida , Condos for Sale

Buying Vacation Homes in Clearwater Florida or Miami Beach

Clearwater Beach Florida   Looking for a Clearwater Beach or Miami Beach Vacation Home ?  Of course these destinations would be popular! We have gorgeous beaches and beautiful weather!  Anyone would be lucky to vacation here on a regular basis.  

But what do you need to know if you are thinking of buying a vacation home in either of these locations?  First, you need to identify your vacation ownership goals and communicate these to your REALTOR.

Are you buying just as a vacation home to occupy several times per year or will you be renting the property as well.  If you will be renting, make sure rentals are allowed in building complex and think about who will rent and manage the place in your absence. Will this also be an investment and expect a certain return on your investment after a few years? Do your homework and find out rental rates and do financial projections BEFORE you buy.  Will this become a permanent residence after a few years?  Make sure you are comfortable with the location, to live in.  Some complexes are great for transient living, but not so great if you are looking for permanence.  If you are financing, you need to let the lender know before you buy that this will be a second home.  Loan terms will change drastically and some banks will not lend for second home purposes. 3 Common Questions when buying a vacation property

1.  Is there a special or additional real estate tax for non-florida residents, or for foreign nationals?

The answer is NO.  You will not be able to claim the property as your primary residence, and will not be able to homestead the property, but you will not have any additional real estate tax either.

2.  Should I buy the property in my own name or under a corporation?

This depends totally on your buying goals and individual financial situation.  Always consult with your accountant in order to make an educated decision, especially when it comes to tax time!  Also keep in mind that certain condo associations do not allow for corporate ownership of their residences – so if that’s the way you want to structure your purchase, make sure you find out restrictions early in the process.

3.  What if a Hurricane hits?

Hurricanes in Florida should not be ignored and you HAVE to be prepared.  Some condos and homes will have “impact resistant” windows and doors which will protect your property against hurricane-like winds without the need for additional shutters.  If the property has hurricane shutters, make sure you arrange with someone in advance, to close/install shutters in your absence.

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AT & T toll-free national business buyer's guide

"For Many Happy Returns" www.ndrp.com rjestin FL 800 225-7652 FLORIDA VACATION CONDOS & HOMES Saint Petersburg H — - 800 462-8703 Caribbean Villas & Resorts ...

Indianapolis Monthly

(812) 338- 3120 www.patokalake.com florida vacation rentals/condos HILTON HEAD RENTALS & GOLF... 16 BR Ocean Villas & Homes. Pools, Beautiful Beaches ...

Indianapolis Monthly

(812) 338-3120 www.patokalake.com florida vacation rentals/condos HILTON HEAD RENTALS & GOLF... 1-6 BR Ocean Villas & Homes. Pools, Beautiful Beaches ...

Indianapolis Monthly

.Vacation condos overlooking Sanibel Island. Pool, tennis, fishing, private beach, reasonable rates. Sanibel Harbourside Realty, (813)466-3313. FLORIDA ...

National tollfree directory

-800 231 -3780 Saint Petersburg FL- Gulf Beach Mangement Holmes Beach FL 800 ... FL 800 382-9757 Florida Vacation Condos & Homes www.capalborental.com ...