Happy New Year !

I always love to talk to people looking at properties on the “Beaches of South Walton”. Several times in the last six months I've had the same conversation with different callers. Both have watched the 30-A real estate market for a number of years. Both wondering why they didn't buy early on - then watching prices top out in the summer of 2005 - to now, seeing an abundance of properties listed at much more reasonable levels. They know prices have considerably come off their highs, BUT, still ask me, “Why aren't prices cheaper, they should be cheaper”. Almost like saying, “Don't these people know they should drop their price?” Well, there are bargains in the market, but they are limited. I've mentioned some in previous newsletters only to see most of them snapped up. (I do have a few new favorites for you later on)

Here is my take of the market. We'll ignore the national news media's take of the real estate market and we'll ignore whether the Dow went up or down 150 points today. Let's concentrate on the 30-A market, because it is unique! We've been in a price correction for 30 months now. During this 2 ½ year period we've shaken out a lot of the people who should have never bought property in the first place. The real estate market is and never was a place to buy with thoughts of selling in 6 to 18 months. The real estate market is a place to consider if you have 3 to 5 years. My shortest hold on any property I've sold has been 5 years.

Here is my math on what is happening and going to happen to 30-A real estate pricing. Let's use my listing customer base as an example. I have 24 listings with two of my customers I would classify as “need to sell” owners. So, let's assign 10% of the market as seller's who need to get out. We currently have 940 for sale listings ranging from $200,0000 to $16.7 million dollars. This gives us 94 of these properties are either bargains now or are going to be bargain priced in the very near future. Last year 240 single family homes were sold along 30-A. (Keep in mind this is in a “slow” market, but it is 30% more sales than in 2006) You do the math, how many months of bargains do we have on hand. 5, 6, 7 ? Most people here don't have to sell. They may have a property on the market, but they realize if they hold it, it's going up. History tells us the real estate market has always come back and made higher highs. Let's face it, every time we have a sale, it's to a much stronger buyer; they aren't looking to flip in a market like this. They are buying for other reasons. You know the strengths of the 30-A area, it's why you've vacationed here. It's why I live here. It's a great area to come to and my rentals show it, they continue to get stronger and stronger.

Let me mention a few future infrastructure changes to our area, all positive, all leading to the overall strength in N. W. Florida.

· I-65 connecter interstate system addition will open up the heart of Northwest Florida to the rest of the country northward
· West Bay area Plan - 78,000 acre master plan (Florida's largest ever) to include a new international airport which could house FedEx, UPS or both companies international centers (construction has started)
· Bay County still has 80% of it's land area lying vacant.
· Disney - 55,000 acres of property is under contract. Projected transfer date I approximately the same as the airports opening date.
· Pier Park shopping complex done my the Mall of America developer will have 1.1 million sq. ft. and is well on it way to completion
· Panama City old airport to be developed into 750 acre town center.
· Jim Fowler's “Live in the Wild” theme park is planned on 6,000 plus acres

This is just the beginning of development in N.W. Florida.

I'm enclosing a link to our properties for sale. We have some great properties listed. Please take a look and give us a call, we'll send you a full report on any of these properties

I'm also enclosing a link to 22 properties I like a lot along 30-A. Several are our listings. Several are Screaming Buys! I will put a few notes next to each property. Again, drop me an E-mail for the full report with multiple pictures on any properties that look interesting.

Lastly, we've been hosting people at the beach on a one on one basis or in groups up to 12 in a more organized seminar format. Because our rentals are off season January, February and the first half of March, we can offer you accommodations for 2 or 3 days to come and revisit the real estate market. Please give us a call if you would like to set up a time or give us a call to reserve a spot at our February 16th and 17th seminar. (It's Free) and if you want to come a day before or stay a day after and goof off, all the better. The seminar has a combination of classroom and tour for a total of 5 or 7 hours each day.

Hope to see you at the beach!
Jon Miller, Judy Miller, Karen Bennett and Amy Walsh
www.GoToTheBeach.net
850-231-3344
JMAJCJ@aol.com


Seminar costs:

$295 for individuals
$395 for couples
3-4 days stay
2 days of classroom & tours
Several meals included

Thanks,
Jon Miller
GoToTheBeach.net, LLC
850-231-3344
Cell 314-795-9585

Hi:
I mail out a newsletter approximately every 3 months or so, trying to update my customers with what's happening along 30-A. I'd be happy to include you in my E-mail mailing if you send me your E-mail address. Please feel free to E-mail or call me with any questions. Beware though, my enthusiasm for the area is contagious and you may end up at the beach.