The housing and condo markets have been quite busy this spring so far, which is a good sign for the economy and our local tourism trade.

Residential real estate (both condos and homes) continue to lead the recovery and demand as you can see (below) by the number of properties selling at higher prices than last year. Due to the high number of listings in the condo market, sellers need to price their homes either at, or slightly below market value to sell quickly.

Buyers are primarily looking for homes that are move-in-ready so a bit of extra work may be needed by sellers to move their properties quickly. Multiple offers exsist in circumstances where a property is well-priced and turnkey (move-in ready).

If you are interested in selling your

Summer is coming, and many homeowners are eyeing swimming pools as a way to beat the heat. Fact is, those turquoise sanctuaries add cash value to a home and distinguish it from those who don’t have such a fun lifestyle amenity.

Real-estate experts say putting in a pool will reap rewards in both the short- and long-term. The short-term benefits include an enhanced quality-of-life experience and recreational enjoyment no further than the back yard. The long-term benefits – especially in southern regions where the humidity rises along with the mercury – are the importance the watery asset plays in the purchase of a home.

The majority of homebuyers consider swimming pools to be an upgrade feature, so if one already is installed, it usually is considered

Whether your interest lies in gulf or bay view homes, lake or pond there is no shortage of waterview homes and condos in Bay County.

If your preference is for a low maintenance vacation waterview condo, consider any one of the dozens of condominium complexes located up and down the beach.  From full family oriented to specialty, there are resort complexes to suite most vacationers needs.

With an average air temperature of 74 degrees and a water temperature of 70 degrees, the gulf coast in Panama City Beach is an oasis of comfort offering families and singles one of the best "bangs for the buck" vacations. But there's more to life than just vacations, isn't there?

Many vacationers having come to Panama City Beach for years quite often relocate