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Why Should You List Your Home or Condo with Life’s A Beach Real Estate?

Life’s A Beach Real Estate is a leading real estate firm based in Panama City Beach, Florida. With three resort building offices and a team of expert real estate agents, we have established ourselves as the Panama City Beach real estate experts. Whether you are looking to sell your home, buy a new one, or invest in property, Life’s A Beach Real Estate is here to help.


But it’s not just the market knowledge that sets Life’s A Beach Real Estate apart. We also understand the importance of showcasing your property in the best light possible, which is why we utilize a variety of digital marketing tools, including professional photography and virtual tours. This means that your property will receive maximum exposure to potential buyers, increasing the chances of a quick sale.

At Life’s A Beach Real Estate, we believe that selling a home should be a positive and stress-free experience, which is why we place such a strong emphasis on customer service. Our agents will work closely with you every step of the way, from the initial listing to the closing of the sale, to ensure that you are comfortable and satisfied with the process. We understand that this is a big decision, and we want to make sure that you feel confident and informed every step of the way.

We have a proven track record of success. We have sold countless homes and condos in Panama City Beach, and our clients have consistently been impressed with the results. Whether you’re looking to sell quickly or maximize the value of your property, Life’s A Beach Real Estate is the right choice for you.

So, what are you waiting for? List your Panama City Beach home with Life’s A Beach Real Estate today and experience the best in real estate services. From our market knowledge and digital marketing expertise to our focus on customer service and proven track record of success, Life’s A Beach Real Estate has everything you need to turn your real estate dreams into a reality.







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    Why should you sell your CONDO Now?

    Selling your condo can be a big decision, but there are several reasons why now may be the perfect time to put your property on the market.

    First, the real estate market is currently strong. Housing prices have been on the rise for several years, and many experts predict that this trend will continue. This means that if you sell your condo now, you may be able to get a higher price for it than you would have a few years ago. Additionally, low-interest rates are making it a great time for buyers to purchase property, which can also drive up demand and increase your chances of a successful sale.

    Another reason to consider selling your condo now is that it can be a great opportunity to downsize or upgrade. Perhaps you’ve outgrown your current space, or you’re looking for a change of scenery. Selling your condo now can give you the opportunity to find a new home that better suits your current needs and lifestyle.

    Furthermore, if you have not updated your condo in some time, it may not be competitive with other condos on the market. Renovations and upgrades can be costly and time-consuming, and it may be more cost-effective to sell your condo now and find a newer property that meets your needs.







      Additionally, if you are considering renting out your condo, now may be a good time to sell due to the increased demand for rental properties. You may be able to get a good price for your property, and in turn, invest the money in a rental property that will generate a steady stream of income for you.

      Want to know How Much Your CONDO is worth?

      In conclusion, the current market conditions make it a great time to consider selling your condo. Whether you’re looking to downsize, upgrade, or simply take advantage of the current market conditions, now may be the perfect time to put your property on the market. It’s always a good idea to consult with a real estate agent to get a professional opinion on the current market conditions in your area and to get an idea of how much your condo might be worth.

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      Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed? – Emerald Coast Real Estate

      Interest Rates

      Buyer’s Purchasing Power?

      A common question that our agents face every day is, are mortgage rates going up?  It is an important question to ask, as the higher the mortgage rate the lower the loan amount you can afford.  Panama City Beach and along the Emerald Coast is still a scorching housing market, and prices continue to rise.  As mortgage rates start to creep up along with rising home prices, the less purchase power a home buyer will have.  What does that mean?  If you are waiting for the time to be suitable to purchase…that time is now!

      If you are thinking about buying or selling, it is essential to understand the current real estate market.  A trusted, experienced real estate agent is invaluable in helping you know Panama City Beach and the Emerald Coast real estate market.

        Life’s A Beach Real Estate can help you stay up on the current industry topics and trends.  And help with questions, concerns, and much much more.

      The Top Indicator if You Want To Know Where Mortgage Rates Are Heading

      Mortgage rates have increased significantly since the beginning of the year. Each Thursday, Freddie Mac releases its Primary Mortgage Market Survey. According to the latest survey, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has risen from 3.22% at the start of the year to 3.55% as of last week. This is important to note because any increase in mortgage rates changes what a purchaser can afford. To give you an idea of how rising mortgage rates impact your purchasing power, see the table below:

      The Top Indicator if You Want To Know Where Mortgage Rates Are Heading | MyKCM

      How Can You Know Where Mortgage Rates Are Headed?

      While it’s always difficult to know exactly where mortgage rates will go, a great indicator of where they may head is by looking at the 50-year history of the 10-year treasury yield, and then following its path. Understanding the mechanics of the treasury yield isn’t as important as knowing that there’s a correlation between how it moves and how mortgage rates follow. Here’s a graph showing that relationship over the last 50 years:

      The Top Indicator if You Want To Know Where Mortgage Rates Are Heading | MyKCM

      This correlation has continued into the new year. The treasury yield has started to climb, and that’s driven rates up. As of last Thursday, the treasury yield was 1.81%. That’s 1.74% below the mortgage rate reported the same day (3.55%) and is very close to the average spread we see between the two numbers (average spread is 1.7).

      Where Will the Treasury Yield Head in the Future?

      With this information in mind, a 10-year treasury-yield forecast would be a good indicator of where mortgage rates may be headed. The Wall Street Journal just surveyed a panel of over 75 academic, business, and financial economists asking them to forecast the treasury yield over the next few years. The consensus was that experts project the treasury yield will climb to 2.84% by the end of 2024. Based on the 50-year history of following this yield, that would likely put mortgage rates at about 4.5% in three years.

      While the correlation between the 30-year fixed mortgage rate and the 10-year treasury yield is clear in the data shown above for the past 50 years, it shouldn’t be used as an exact indicator. They’re both hard to forecast, especially in this unprecedented economic time driven by a global pandemic. Yet understanding the relationship can help you get an idea of where rates may be going. It appears, based on the information we have now, that mortgage rates will continue to rise over the next few years. If that’s the case, your best bet may be to purchase a home sooner rather than later, if you’re able.

      Bottom Line

      Forecasting mortgage rates is very difficult. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, once said:

      “You know, the fallacy of economic forecasting is don’t ever try and forecast interest rates and or, more specifically, if you’re a real estate economist mortgage rates, because you will always invariably be wrong.”

      However, if you’re either a first-time homebuyer or a current homeowner thinking of moving into a home that better fits your changing needs, understanding what’s happening with the 10-year treasury yield and mortgage rates can help you make an informed decision on the timing of your purchase.

      To learn more, reach out to our team.  With multiple office locations, Life’s A Beach Real Estate office is located in the Grand Panama Beach Resort and Origin At Seahaven.  And Life’s A Beach Luxury Real Estate is located in Destin.  We are here to answer your questions and help you find your piece of paradise.

       

       

       

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      Home Equity – Emerald Coast Real Estate

      Home Equity

      When you buy a home, you plant a seed that grows your investment each year.  Life’s A Beach Real Estate would love to help you buy your forever home or investment home of your dreams, so you can let the equity take root!

      We hope you took a brief moment to watch this short video on growing your wealth through home equity.  

      If you would like to discuss further the real estate market in Panama City Beach or along the Emerald Coast, please reach out to us. 

       Life’s A Beach Real Estate is a full-service brokerage with experienced agents.  We are here to help you with all your real estate needs.  

      You can find us in multiple locations along the Emerald Coast.  We have three offices in Panama City Beach, FL, and one office in Destin, FL.  Our mission is to help you “find your piece of paradise” along the Emerald Coast.  And with access and insight on all of the best real estate along the Emerald Coast, we can help you make your real estate needs happen.

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      Pets & Home Buying – Emerald Coast Real Estate

      Pets & Homebuying

      A Happy Tail!

        If you have a pet, I am sure you are considering your pet & homebuying and what to expect.  Our pets are a big part of our life!  Many of us plan our lives around our pets.  Therefore, their role in the home buying process is essential!

      If you are thinking about buying or selling, it is essential to understand the current real estate market.  A trusted, experienced real estate agent is invaluable in helping you know Panama City Beach and the Emerald Coast real estate market.

        Life’s A Beach Real Estate can help you stay up on the current industry topics and trends.  And help with questions, concerns, and much much more.

      Pets & Home Buying – A Happy Tail

      A Happy Tail: Pets and the Homebuying Process [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

      Some Highlights

      • It’s no secret that we love our furry friends – about 70% of U.S. households have pets. What may come as a surprise is how large a role they play in the homebuying process.
      • Americans spend $1,163 a year on their pets, and nearly half of pet owners say they would move for better accommodations and amenities for their pets.
      • If you’re thinking of adding a furry friend, or if you already have, let’s connect to discuss how you can find a home that meets all your pet’s needs.  And what you can expect with pets & home buying.

      To learn more, reach out to our team.  With two office locations, Life’s A Beach Real Estate is located in Panama City Beach.  And Life’s A Beach Luxury Real Estate is located in Destin.  We are here to answer your questions and help you find your piece of paradise.

       

       

       

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      Conforming Loan? Non-Conforming Loan? – Emerald Coast Real Estate

      Conforming Loan

      Conforming Loan or Non-Conforming Loan?

        Why it just became much easier to buy a beach home in Panama City Beach or along the Emerald Coast.  The FHFA is raising its loan limit on conforming loans for prospective purchasers in 2022.  In this blog post, we discuss the difference between a conforming loan and a non-conforming loan and why this is good news for homebuyers!

      If you are thinking about buying or selling, it is essential to understand the current real estate market.  A trusted, experienced real estate agent is invaluable in helping you know Panama City Beach and the Emerald Coast real estate market.

        Life’s A Beach Real Estate can help you stay up on the current industry topics and trends.  And help with questions, concerns, and much much more.

      Why It Just Became Much Easier To Buy a Home

      Why It Just Became Much Easier To Buy a Home | MyKCM

      Since the pandemic began, Americans have reevaluated the meaning of the word home. That’s led some renters to realize the many benefits of homeownership, including the feelings of security and stability and the financial benefits that come with rising home equity. At the same time, many current homeowners have decided their house no longer meets their needs, so they moved into homes with more space inside and out, including a home office for remote work.

      However, not every purchaser has been able to fulfill their desire for a new home. Here are two obstacles some homebuyers are facing:

      • The ability to save for a down payment
      • The ability to qualify for a mortgage at the current lending standards

      This past week, both of those challenges have been mitigated to some degree for many purchasers. The FHFA (which handles mortgages by Freddie MacFannie Mae, and the Federal Housing Administration) is raising its loan limit for prospective purchasers in 2022. The term used to describe the maximum loan amount they will entertain is the Conforming Loan Limit.

      What Is the Difference Between a Conforming Loan and a Non-Conforming Loan?

      Investopedia explains the difference in a recent post:

      “Conforming loans are the only loans that meet the requirements to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Jumbo loans, which exceed the conforming limit, are the most common type of nonconforming loan.”

      What Difference Does It Make to Me as a Home Buyer?

      Forbes article earlier this year explains the benefits of a conforming loan and why they exist:

      “Since lenders can’t sell non-conforming loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to free up their cash, they’re a bit riskier for the lender. This is especially true for jumbo loans, which aren’t backed by any government guarantees. If you default on a jumbo loan, it’s a huge blow to the lender.

      Thus, lenders generally charge higher interest rates to compensate, and they can have even more requirements. For example, lenders who give out jumbo loans often require that you make a down payment of at least 20% and show that you have at least six months’ worth of cash in reserve, if not more.”

      What Happened Last Week?

      The FHFA has significantly increased its Conforming Loan Limits for 2022. Sandra L. Thompson, FHFA Acting Director, explains in the press release that:

      “Compared to previous years, the 2022 Conforming Loan Limits represent a significant increase due to the historic house price appreciation over the last year. While 95 percent of U.S. countie​s will be subject to the new baseline limit of $647,200, approximately 100 counties will have conforming loan limits approaching $1 million.”

      This means that more homes now qualify for a conforming loan with lower down payment requirements and easier lending standards – the two challenges holding many buyers back over the last year.

      The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) also increased its Conforming Loan Limits for 2022. That could also mean an easier path to homeownership for many prospective buyers. As the Forbes article explains:

      “FHA loans can be very beneficial if you don’t have as much savings, or if your credit score could use some work.”

      Bottom Line

      Buying your first or your next home may have just gotten much easier (less stringent qualifying standards) and less expensive (possibly lower mortgage rate). Let’s connect to discuss how these changes may impact you.

      Resources:
      1. To get more information on the new FHFA Conforming Loan Limits, click here.
      2. To get more information on the new FHA Conforming Loan Limits, click here.

      To learn more, reach out to our team.  With two office locations, Life’s A Beach Real Estate is located in Panama City Beach.  And Life’s A Beach Luxury Real Estate is located in Destin.  We are here to answer your questions and help you find your piece of paradise.

       

       

       

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      Happy Thanksgiving – Emerald Coast Real Estate

      Happy Thanksgiving

      We are filled with a heart of gratitude for the relationships we have forged with our clients.  Thank you for making our profession a joy!

      We hope you took a brief moment to watch this short video to let us express our appreciation.  

      If you would like to discuss further the real estate market in Panama City Beach or along the Emerald Coast, please reach out to us. 

       Life’s A Beach Real Estate is a full-service brokerage with experienced agents.  We are here to help you with all your real estate needs.  

      You can find us in multiple locations along the Emerald Coast.  We have three offices in Panama City Beach, FL, and one office in Destin, FL.  Our mission is to help you “find your piece of paradise” along the Emerald Coast.  And with access and insight on all of the best real estate along the Emerald Coast, we can help you make your real estate needs happen.

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      Sellers Market – How Quickly Will Your Home Sell? – Emerald Coast Real Estate

      Sellers Market

      It is no surprise that it is a sellers market out there, prompting sellers to ask, “how quickly will my home sell?”  Well, none of us have a crystal ball, however, the data and market conditions along Panama City Beach and along the Emerald Coast tell us, your home will sell very quickly.

      Our brokerage is here to help you reach your real estate goals.  Buyers now is the time to act and act quickly.  Sellers, if you are thinking about selling in Panama City Beach or along the Emerald Coast, now would be a good time while the market is still HOT and the rates LOW.

       

      We hope you took a brief moment to watch this short video to learn “how quickly your home will sell.”  

      If you would like to discuss further the real estate market in Panama City Beach or along the Emerald Coast, please reach out to us. 

       Life’s A Beach Real Estate is a full-service brokerage with experienced agents.  We are here to help you with all your real estate needs.  

      You can find us in multiple locations along the Emerald Coast.  We have three offices in Panama City Beach, FL, and one office in Destin, FL.  Our mission is to help you “find your piece of paradise” along the Emerald Coast.  And with access and insight on all of the best real estate along the Emerald Coast, we can help you make your real estate needs happen.

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      Don’t Fear Today’s Real Estate Market – Emerald Coast Real Estate

      Happy Halloween

      Buying a home doesn’t have to be scary, even in a sellers’ market. So let’s connect today to take the fear out of the equation.

      Our brokerage is here to help you reach your real estate goals.  Buyers, now is the time to act and act quickly.  Sellers, if you are thinking about selling in Panama City Beach or along the Emerald Coast, now would be a good time while the market is still HOT and the rates LOW.

       

      We hope you took a brief moment to watch this short video to learn “how a professional real estate agent can help you.”  

      If you would like to discuss further the real estate market in Panama City Beach or along the Emerald Coast, please reach out to us. 

       Life’s A Beach Real Estate team is a full-service brokerage with experienced agents.  We are here to help you with all your real estate needs.  

      You can find us in multiple locations along the Emerald Coast.  We have three offices in Panama City Beach, FL, and one office in Destin, FL.  Our mission is to help you “find your piece of paradise” along the Emerald Coast.  And with access and insight on all of the best real estate along the Emerald Coast, we can help you make your real estate needs happen.

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      Don’t Wait for a Lower Mortgage Rate – Emerald Coast Real Estate

      Lower Mortgage Rate

      Don’t Wait for a Lower Morgage Rate – It Could Cost You.

        Where are the mortgage rates headed?  Well, I do not have a crystal ball; however, the rates seem to be slowly ticking back up. So what does that mean for buyers in Panama City Beach or along the Emerald Coast?  Please don’t wait, or it could cost you!

      If you are thinking about buying or selling, it is essential to understand the current real estate market.  A trusted, experienced real estate agent is invaluable in helping you know Panama City Beach and the Emerald Coast real estate market.

        Life’s A Beach Real Estate can help you stay up on the current industry topics and trends.  And help with questions, concerns, and much much more.

      Don’t Wait for a Lower Mortgage Rate – It Could Cost You

      Don’t Wait for a Lower Mortgage Rate – It Could Cost You | MyKCM

      Today’s housing market is truly one for the record books. Over the past year, we’ve seen the lowest mortgage rates in history. And while those rates seemed to bottom out in January of this year, the golden window of opportunity for buyers isn’t over just yet. If you’re one of the buyers who worry they’ve missed out, rest assured today’s mortgage rates are still worth taking advantage of.

      Even today, our mortgage rates are below what they’ve been in recent decades. So, while you may not be able to lock in the rate your friend got recently, you’re still in a great position to secure a rate well below what your parents and even grandparents got in years past. The key will be acting sooner rather than later.

      In late September, mortgage rates ticked above 3% for the first time in months. And according to experts throughout the industry, mortgage rates are projected to continue rising in the months ahead. Here’s where experts say rates are headed:Don’t Wait for a Lower Mortgage Rate – It Could Cost You | MyKCMWhile a projected half percentage point increase may not seem substantial, it does have an impact when you’re buying a home. When rates rise even slightly, it affects how much you’ll pay month-to-month on your home loan. The chart below shows how it works:Don’t Wait for a Lower Mortgage Rate – It Could Cost You | MyKCMIn this example, if rates rise to 3.55%, you’ll pay an extra $100 each month on your monthly mortgage payment if you purchase a home around this time next year. That extra money can really add up over the life of a 15 or 30-year loan.

      Clearly, today’s mortgage rates are worth taking advantage of before they climb further. The rates we’re seeing right now give you a unique opportunity to afford more home for your money while keeping your monthly payment down.

      Bottom Line

      Waiting for a lower mortgage rate could cost you. Experts project rates will continue to rise in the months ahead. Let’s connect so you can seize this opportunity before they increase further.

      Bottom Line

      The truth is, high demand and low supply are what’s driving up home prices in today’s housing market. And while prices may increase at a slower pace in the coming months, experts still expect them to rise. If you’re a potential homebuyer, let’s connect today to discuss what that could mean for you if you wait even longer to buy.

      To learn more, reach out to our team.  With two office locations, Life’s A Beach Real Estate is located in Panama City Beach.  And Life’s A Beach Luxury Real Estate is located in Destin.  We are here to answer your questions and help you find your piece of paradise.