The new strategy of real estate investing is short-term rentals. While vacation rentals have been around for decades, it’s only recently that more traditional investors have begun to invest in them. You are likely reading this because you want to learn more about this strategy but aren’t sure where you should start.

First, you will need to choose the best market in which to invest. To determine if an investment is worthwhile, you will first need to research and analyze certain factors. The average occupancy rate, cost per night, and the cost of properties in your area should all be taken into consideration.

In this article, we’ll discuss the types of short-term rental markets, and what to look for when deciding where will work best for you.

Types of short-term rental markets

The most common types of short-term rental markets can be broken down into three categories: metro markets, national vacation markets, and regional vacation markets. All markets have varying degrees of volatility based on various attributes as well as their own pros and cons. 

Your goals and tolerance for risk will determine which market you choose. No matter what market you choose to invest in, it is important that you do your research thoroughly before you jump in.

Metro markets

Metro markets are large metropolitan areas that are highly visited but not dependent on tourism. These areas have strong permanent resident populations and have many jobs and industries that support local economies. Cities like New York, Austin, and San Francisco are a few examples. 

Short-term rentals in metro markets have only recently started to gain popularity among renters that would normally stay in hotels. This includes those on business trips and traveling medical professionals.

Vrbo, with its vast selection of luxury homes, and Airbnb were both created to provide a great opportunity for those who are early adopters of short-term rentals within major metro areas. Their product was innovative and offered more space and comfort than standard hotel rooms. These accommodations were also rare in their respective markets at the time.

Although metro markets offer high cash flow and great rewards, they also have the highest risk. This is due to several factors. Many metro markets have struggled over the past decade due to the historical rental of hotels instead of privately-owned homes. In addition, dense permanent resident populations have played a role. 

Metro markets also have a more volatile short-term rental regulatory structure than other markets. Many metro market short-term rental investors were closed down within a few years of their operation.

Market saturation is another important consideration when you invest in short-term rentals in metro markets. This is a real possibility in the rare metro market where short-term rentals have been largely unregulated. 

Market saturation is when there are few existing rentals in a given market, and new properties are consistently being converted to short-term rentals.  It is worth noting that you always have the option to convert a property into a medium-term or long-term rental, if necessary.

National vacation markets

Tourism is a major factor in national vacation markets. Consider large, tourist-dependent destinations like Orlando, New Orleans, and Las Vegas.

These markets tend to have more stable rental regulations due to short-term rentals being a part of the economic fabric over decades. However, short-term rentals may not be allowed in all areas. 

Due to the influence of larger resorts and hotels, along with residents, certain neighborhoods may have far stricter regulations. Jackson Hole, Wyoming for example has fewer than ten areas where short-term rentals are allowed. 

National vacation rental markets can be very lucrative in economic booms, but they will see a decline during recessions. Travelers are less likely to spend on expensive vacations and will instead choose more affordable, nearby destinations.

Regional vacation markets

Regional vacation markets are those where tourists arrive in large numbers by car. You can find these examples in Panama City along the Emerald Coast of the Florida Panhandle, Gatlinburg in the Smoky Mountain region of Tennessee, and Lake Placid in the Adirondacks of Upstate New York. 

Tourism makes up virtually 100% of the economy in regional leisure destinations. These are the areas of the country that have little or no other industry. One major difference to the national markets is that local markets tend to be more accessible and less expensive.

These markets usually have lower real estate prices than their national counterparts. Several of these types of markets have more vacation renters than permanent residences. Many of them have been renting private homes, condos, such as those at condotels, and cabins since long before the advent of websites like Airbnb.

These markets typically have very flexible short-term rental regulations. Because local governments made the decision decades ago how to monetize short-term rental revenue, there are usually no city council clashes. Local governments collect an occupancy tax that is so profitable it would be fiscally disastrous to introduce regulations against short-term rentals.

It would appear that short-term rentals are most successful in metro markets, due to their large number of tourists. However, due to regulation problems in many metro areas, the best investment is actually the regional, drivable rental market. Regional markets are most resilient to recession due to their accessibility and affordability.

Recession resiliency

Obviously, tourism and the travel industry are the keys to any short-term rental success. It is therefore crucial to ensure that there is enough tourism to allow short-term rentals to make a profit, even in economic downturns. Market resilience is dependent on several factors.

We will first look at the causes of the two previous economic downturns, the 2008 housing crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The regional vacation market did better than the national and metro markets during both economic downturns. Its two pillars of resilience to recession are affordability and accessibility.

During the Great Recession 2008, disposable income for the average American family fell dramatically. Potential short-term rental investors often make the mistake of thinking that everyone stops taking vacations when they have less money. This is not true. 

While they may not be able to take more expensive vacations to some of the larger national markets,  they can still travel to other destinations. Due to their affordability, families can take weekend getaways to local and regional areas even during a recession.

During the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic, accessibility was the key driver of success, and affordability was also a major factor.

The entire population was desperate to escape their homes after months of lockdowns. Most Americans weren’t comfortable traveling to large metropolitan areas with more dense populations. 

They were also uncomfortable being in confined spaces with strangers, even for a brief time. Travelers drove to their vacation destinations in their own cars to rent single-family homes. This allowed them to enjoy the outdoors and be away from others because of the fear of contracting this virus.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a lot to think about when choosing a market for your short-term rental investment. Preparing yourself by knowing the local regulations, along with historical data related to vacation rentals during times of economic uncertainty, are key to making the right decision. With the proper knowledge and planning, you can be a successful short-term rental investor. 

When you’re selling your home, you want to make sure that as many potential buyers are able to see the house as possible. One of the best ways to make this happen is by hosting an open house. 

Whether you’re moving and need to sell your home fast or just have a good real estate agent who encouraged you to do so, hosting an open house is a great way to get a lot of people to see your house in a short period of time. 

Preparing your home for an open house is actually a very straightforward process, and you can avoid common seller mistakes if you know the right tips and tricks.

Make sure everything is clean and in place

The first thing you want to do is make sure all your surfaces are clean. This includes your floors and carpets, your kitchen countertops and stovetops, your bathroom cabinets and toilet, and your furniture. 

You might want to hire a professional carpet cleaner for any carpeted floors or rugs. Particularly if they are stained or look especially dingy. Your home should also be organized and tidy. 

Empty all your cabinets and drawers of unnecessary items. Be sure to arrange your furniture in a way that gives your home an open feel and an uncluttered look. 

Don’t forget to neutralize any odors

It’s easy to overlook when it’s your own home, but every house has its own unique smell. This can be due to the age of the house, your furniture, any pets you may have, or even from your cooking habits. 

This does not mean the house smells bad, but you’ll want it to smell great for your open house. While these scents become virtually unnoticeable to anyone living there, they can stand out to guests of your open house.

Simple tasks like changing the air filters in your heating and air conditioning system, strategically placing small bowls of potpourri around the house, or spraying a little air freshener can help to offset this. Essential oils can also be a good option.

Try not to use anything that has an overpowering or chemical scent. This can be just as off-putting to certain buyers as if you’d taken no steps at all to rid your house of odors. Consider lightly scented, or in some cases completely unscented products. 

A neat trick realtors and homeowners have used for years when hosting an open house is having some cookies baking as the showing is about to begin. This will fill the air with the scent of freshly baked cookies. Proceed with caution though, as not everyone may share your love of chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin. And it goes without saying that you have to be extra careful not to burn them.

Don’t forget the small stuff

Whether you’ve done this all before, or are a first time home seller, it’s easy to forget that your home has all these small details that can either help or hurt your open house. Make sure you’ve removed any personal photos or items from your walls, cabinets, and shelves. 

Also, clean off any knick-knacks or decorative pieces on your shelves, and make sure there are no papers or other items lying about that might distract from the important stuff. 

If you have any decorative elements like rugs, curtains, or pictures that you’re not sure about, you might want to remove them. You don’t want your buyers to be distracted by them, and they might not be interested in keeping them.

Check for repairs or updates you can make before showing

Before you have an open house, it’s a good idea to make a list of all the repairs or updates your home might need.

Some things you might want to check for are small repairs, like a loose electrical outlet or a leaky faucet. While these may not seem completely necessary to have completed simply for an open house, some more detail oriented buyers will be likely to notice them. 

Summing up

As you can see, preparing for an open house doesn’t have to be a big undertaking. If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make your home look as clean, tidy, and welcoming as possible. 

Make sure you’re clear with your real estate agent as to when your open house will take place and how long it will go on for. They can help you decide when is the best time to host and let potential buyers know when they can stop by to see your home.

This will help you sell your home at the best rate possible and will likely make it easier to attract interested buyers. 

Modern technology has changed the way Americans look for real estate. With one click, you can view all homes in a particular neighborhood and get information about the sale prices. However, not much has changed regarding the actual buying and selling of real estate. 

New services that use technology and redefine what “for sale” means are trying to change the rules in real estate. These services bridge the gap between traditional commission-based real estate agencies and the old-style FSBO. Most of these companies offer services at a la carte, which allows you to only pay for what you need, rather than charging flat fees for the sale price.

A la carte real estate companies offer alternatives to traditional commission-based plans. These services claim they will help you save money on commissions. Many of these services offer buyers options, but buyers may be less motivated to try new things since they are not charged for the traditional model. These are some questions to ask if you’re thinking of a non-traditional approach to selling a home.

Do You Have Experience in the Home-Selling Process?

If you don’t know how to sell a house or are like the majority of first time home sellers, it can be overwhelming. If you want to choose a la carte real estate services, it is important that you know the laws in your state about seller disclosure, what information should be included on a contract, and what time frames are acceptable for inspections or other things.

Are You Okay With Showing Your Home By Yourself?

You will be the one showing potential buyers your home if you don’t list through a traditional brokerage, not a real estate agent. This means that you will need to be available to welcome strangers into your home and comfortable enough to allow these potential buyers to look around in the rooms of your home.

Will You Be Able to Verify that Buyers Can Obtain a Mortgage?

Most real estate agents won’t sell homes to buyers who aren’t prequalified for a loan or have otherwise proven that they can afford the mortgage. If someone makes an offer on your house, can you tell if they are qualified to obtain a mortgage? It is a good idea to ask for preapproval for your mortgage or prequalification. However, you might also want to include a deadline for mortgage approval in the contract and/or request proof of funds for the down payment and escrows.

How Good Are Your Negotiation Skills?

Buyers are likely to seek repairs or even a lower price after they have looked at the home inspection report. The seller must lower the appraised price or pay cash the difference if the appraisal is below the asking price of the home. It may be a game changer to have good negotiation skills.

Can You Take Professional Photos of Your Home or Hire Someone Else to Do it?

The quality of photos is one of the most important aspects of selling your home because most real estate searches are conducted online. You should hire professional photographers if you aren’t capable of taking quality photos on your own. Make sure your home description is eloquent and makes your home appealing to any potential buyers.

Is There a Large Market for Homes Like Yours?

Inventory is scarce in many areas of the country and houses in good neighborhoods sell quickly. This is a great thing when you are wanting to sell your home, especially if it’s a luxury home, without the help of a traditional agent. Homes in good neighborhoods basically sell themselves and don’t need all the extra help of normal real estate companies. You just have to be prepared to let people into your home to take a look at it.

Do You Feel More Comfortable Paying a Commission to the Agent Representing the Buyer?

Although you may think selling your home will save you the 6 percent commission, most buyers will hire an agent. The agent will usually charge you between 2 and 3 percent. This means that you can still save as much as 3 percent, not considering what you may be paying for professional services like advertising and photography.

Can You Pay These Real Estate Services Immediately?

Traditional real estate sales deduct the cost of selling the house from the closing proceeds. This means that the seller does not pay anything until the house is sold. Many a la carte services require payment upfront. This can make some people hesitate to use a la carte real estate services because they feel more comfortable paying the commission at the end when they know their home has been successfully sold.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking of selling your home, then it might be worth considering an alternative approach. There are many benefits and drawbacks that come with this model; however, there is no one-size fits all solution. That being said, research local a la carte real estate companies and give them a call to see if their services are the right fit for you!

Let’s begin by understanding the definition and description of luxury homes.

The definition of a luxury home will vary depending on where it is located. Luxury homes are homes that rank in the top 10% of local properties on the real estate market. They offer extravagant living spaces and a luxurious lifestyle. This is an excellent definition of luxury homes, no matter if they are buying a home in Greenville SC, or San Francisco, CA. The luxury home is often unique among other homes in the same area due to its location, land size, quality finishes, and overall design. This is a great way to define a luxury home, whether it’s a luxury condo or luxury townhome.

A number of factors determine whether a house qualifies as high-end. Let’s look at seven key characteristics of high-end houses.

Localization

As you know, location is one of the most important factors in determining the value of a property. Luxury properties are often built in desirable locations around the globe, including along the waterfront or in the middle of desirable cities.

Price

A number of factors will affect the price of a luxury house, including its location. Luxury homes in desirable areas, such as cities and counties, will have higher housing costs.

Luxury homes can cost from a few million to more than $100 million, depending on where they are located and the details of the property.

Square Footage

Homes that are high-end can be larger than homes that are more traditional. A luxury home in a rural location might cost more than an apartment in New York City. There are plenty of luxurious homes in New York City with tens to thousands of square feet. Here is how square footage is measured.

Materials

Luxury home builders don’t stop at Home Depot for bathroom vanities or countertops. These homes are built with quality materials and are structurally sound. Quality is as important as the size and wealth of a home. A large home made with inferior materials will be seen as gaudy and tacky.

Design

You’ve likely noticed the uniqueness and beauty of some of these architectures and designs if you’ve ever used the internet to search for extravagant homes. These homes are not the same as those found in typical suburban neighborhoods. Their design can be unique and jaw-dropping.

Amenities

People who want to live in luxury homes will find some amazing amenities in some of the most expensive properties across the country. The lines between private and public amenities begin to blur at this point. High-end homes may have swimming pools and tennis courts, but there are also options for shooting ranges and rock climbing walls.

Luxury houses come in a variety of prices, with some being very affordable and others more extravagant. You should consider what amenities you may need when you are considering which type of home to purchase, especially if you are buying your first home. Otherwise, they might just end up collecting dust in an unused room.

You might find that a huge, impressive library is worth the investment, but it doesn’t mean you have to build a bar. A game room might be a great place for your children to meet up with their friends. However, you don’t need a wine cellar. It’s not impossible to want a house that has all these features, but it is a good idea for you to think about what you actually need.

Prestige

Prestige is another factor that can make a home a desirable luxury property. A rich history, such as being the home of a celebrity or a building designed by a prominent architect. Properties with important stories are considered more valuable.

It can be hard to price this factor. Although a feeling of prestige may make a home more special and unique, it doesn’t mean that buyers will pay more for it. During the closing process, it is important for both the buyers and sellers to negotiate on the home price based on all of the above factors.

First Time Home Seller Tips

Buying a first home is a huge decision. Buying a first piece of real estate is often fraught with emotions. This is new process and it can be a daunting one. In some ways, selling a home and buying a second home is easier.

Many people who sell their first homes have never put a home on the market before. They’ve never had to juggle the process of putting up a beach condo for sale and looking for a new house at the same time.

 

When To Sell

 

A first home is a place of many things. It’s a place of dreams. This is where you stepped over the threshold as a young bride. It’s where you welcomed a new baby into your life. It’s the place of that first Thanksgiving dinner and time at the dining table with family and friends.

Deciding to sell a home may be based on many factors. It’s important to consider them all carefully. Chances are your circumstances have changed since you first bought the home. Perhaps there’s a new job with more income that can support a higher mortgage. Someone might want to move to another community for increased educational opportunities or be closer to a parent who needs their help.

 

Getting the Home Ready

 

Before you do anything else, you need to look at your home through the eyes of the buyers. See the home as you saw it when you first bought it. Think about what made it such an appealing place. Perhaps it was the lovely view or the maybe it was the cozy window seats and wood detail.

Your goal is to create a home that buyers will love as soon as they see it in person. Remember, you can’t change the location. You can make the most of the existing spaces. Now is the time to start the process of letting go and moving on to a new future.

 

Working With Professionals

 

After you’ve made the decision to sell, now is the time to think about working with professionals. Hiring a real estate agent is the next step. Contact agents and ask them to view the home. The agent is the first person who sees your property and sees it with totally fresh eyes.

Think of them as the typical informed home buyer. They’ll tell you what you need to know about the home before you can bring to market. For example, they might point out issues such as a broken door or a blemish on the wall that you hadn’t noticed before.

They can suggest minor changes such as updates that don’t cost much but will make any home stand out, even in a slow market. Ultimately, they will offer suggestions about exactly what to do before you bring the home to people who want to buy a home.

 

Understanding the Housing Market

 

As you sell this home, it’s important to know that times may have changed since it was on the market. Mortgage rates may be lower or they may have increased or are about to go up shortly. It is very important to know if it’s a buyer’s market, a seller’s market or a market where both interests are equally matched.

An informed agent can give you a list of comps. Recent sales provide important insights. They’ll indicate what a typical house sold for and how long it stayed on the market. Comps can also indicate exactly what buyers want and expect from the home such as a certain number of bedrooms and bathrooms. This is a good way to think about the ultimate asking price. A properly priced home, as any agent tells their clients, is one that will sell and usually sell very quickly.

 

Looking for a New Home

 

Now is also the time to think about any plans for that next home. People may already have a neighborhood or a home they’ve seen and loved. If you are moving long distance, now is the time to get a feel for the region’s existing homes.

If you plan to stay in the area, it’s a good idea to take the time and see what’s on the local market. This can help any seller decide exactly how to prepare their own home for sale. As this process continues , attend open houses.

See the competition in person. Note what you like most about the homes you see right now. Think about what does not appeal to you. A home that’s for sale can give you lots of clues about selling your own home.

 

The process of selling your first home and buying a new one can be exciting and fun. Take the time to think carefully and work with professionals as you take that next great life step.

For more information about selling a home and buying a new one, contact your local trusted Realtor today!

3 Tips for Making a House Sell Fast

A recent job transfer, a change in financial status, or the need to move in with a family member may have you looking to make a quick sale of your home. And while it isn’t ideal to rush the process, selling your home in a fast pace real estate market begins with finding the right REALTOR® to work with.

It is possible to make a quick home sale that will be success and still offer you a reasonable profit to use towards your next property. Needless to say, this is not a full guide to selling your home, but 3 easy tips that will get you started.

Here are three things you can do to make the sale easier to execute:

Prepare your Property

As soon as you learn that you are planning on trying to list your home for sale, start preparing your property. Go through your home and eliminate any unnecessary items and clutter, sending them to charity or putting them in storage.

Make the arrangements necessary to complete any unfinished repairs or renovations, and initiate repairs that have been left unattended to, such as the inadequate attic insulation or the leak in your basement. Once you have taken care of all of these important components, begin the process of depersonalizing your home and increasing its curb appeal, getting it ready for inspection and an open house.

Secure a Real Estate Agent

During the time that you are working to prepare your property, start looking around for an appropriate real estate agent. While most REALTORS® will be happy to support you in a sale, regardless of how fast you want it to happen, some may be more open to a fast sale than others.

Indicate from the start of the relationship and contact that you are looking to make a quick sale and minimize the time your home is on the market to make sure this is something they are open to.

Once you secure a real estate agent, you will be able to take advantage of his or her knowledge and experience to increase the chances of a quick turn around with your property. Most real estate agents will have suggestions on how to improve the chances of a quick sale for your home, making it highly advantageous to work with an agent in such situations over trying to negotiate the sale on your own.

Be Open to all Suggestions

After meeting with your REALTOR® and discussing the logistics of a quick sale for your property, he or she will likely offer a range of prices that are suitable for you to list your home. One price will be the reasonable asking price, a second price, lower than the first, will be to boost your chances of a quick sale, and the final price will be a lower price which will almost guarantee your chances of your house selling fast.

While the latter two may not be what you would hope for, be open to taking less for your property, or making compromises in settlement based on how quickly you want your house to move.

A quick sale, which still ensures you walk away with a reasonable value from your property can be successfully executed, when you take the right steps.

What is involved in the closing process in real estate?

Closing is the last step in the home buying process that involves the transfer of the deed or the legal title to the buyer. At this stage, both the seller and the buyer are given the closing documents such as the loan paper work and the title and the key is handed over to the new owner.  Basically, the ownership of the house will be transferred to the buyer. It is also the time for the buyer to make any last minute adjustments to the transaction. Here are activities that take place during close and what you need to have as the buyer;

Before the closing day, you should ensure that you have all the paperwork that you have been given during the home buying process. These include;

 

·         Flood certification

·         Home appraisal

·         Loan estimate

·         Closing disclosure

·         Inspection reports

·         Proof of mortgage and homeowner insurance

In most cases, your contract will allow you to do a walk-through of the home a day before closing. This is meant to give you a chance check whether the seller has moved out of the property and whether it is in a livable or usable state and in line with the sale contract.

If you establish that the home has problems, you can ask the seller to provide money and cover the critical repairs or have the closing postponed.

There are several people who must be present during closing. These are

·         The home seller

·         The closing agent who could be working for the title company or the lender

·         The lender or the mortgagee

·         The buyer or the mortgagor

·         An attorney who represents you

·         A title company representative

The latter will avail written evidence of the property ownership. You will also need a picture identification bearing your full legal name in order to complete the transaction.

During closing, you will receive several documents including a mortgage note, closing disclosure, certificate of occupancy and mortgage or deed of trust.

The buyers and the seller don’t necessarily have to meet for the closing process to take place. The two parties can sign their documents separately. If you are the buyer, you can meet with your attorney a few days before the closing date and sign your mortgage and purchase documents. This appointment will not take you more than one hour. Your attorney will carefully go through the documents and check for any discrepancies.

The attorney will also instruct you to sign the legal papers. You should come with down payment or deposit needed to close the purchase during this visit. The seller’s attorney will have forwarded all the documents you require to your attorney. They will use this opportunity to examine the documents in your presence. When the closing day comes, your attorney will the money needed to close the sale to the seller’s attorney. The seller’s realtor will then be notified to hand over the keys to you and your realtor.

Tips for buying your first home that you should know

Buying a home for the first time can be quite confusing and overwhelming for most people. This is understandable because of the many processes involved, the legal jargon and the money at stake. There is always the fear that you can make a mistake and end up losing a huge amount of money.

Here are tips for buying your first home that will help you make the move with confidence;

1.      Enlist the services of an agent

Some buyers prefer doing things alone by browsing the internet to look for homes for sale and attending open houses. The downside of this is that it can take you a lot of time. The best thing to do is to look for a reliable agent who has done this many times before and will know what to do. An agent can provide you with listings that meet your needs and take you around to tour homes. They will also know when a home is being overpriced and tip you off saving you money in the process. Agents will also know about local services in the area that can help relieve the stress of moving.

 2.      Talk to your bank

It is advisable to have your loan pre-approved before you embark on the journey of buying a home. If your loan has been approved, a seller will take you more seriously. It will also help you know exactly what kind of house to look for during your search in terms of price range.

3.      Inspect the home

Having the home inspected before you pay for it is crucial because it can save you a lot of money in repairs and renovations. If the inspector discovers there house has certain problems, you can talk to the seller to have them fixed as a condition for continuing with the purchase.

4.      Fix your credit

Ensure that your credit is in a good state because the lender will use it to decide whether you qualify for the loan or not. Pay any outstanding dents that might hurt your chances of getting a loan.

 

5.      Save for down payment

Buying a home requires a down payment of about 20% of the total price of the home. Sometimes, you can be asked to pay less than 20% but it can still be a sizeable amount. Therefore, saving up for the down payment can help you overcome this hurdle. Work returns, and work bonuses are some of the sources of money that can help you save a sizeable amount of money without straining too much. Generally, you should be financially prepared before you begin looking for a house because you will also need to spend some money when closing.

6.      Look for the important things

When viewing the homes look for the most important things such as the kitchen, bathroom, floors, roof and basement among others. Do not be fooled by the superficial improvements such as paint and overlook the critical ones that really matter.

Although this may sound like a lot – it will all be worth it when you finally make it to the closing table!

Fun Things for the Family to Do in Panama City Beach, Florida

If you are contemplating buying real estate in Panama City Beach – its important to remember that there is MUCH more to do there than just Spring Break.  Here are some of the obvious and less obvious attractions that Panama City Beach has to offer.

Visit the beaches

This beautiful city has 27 miles of gorgeous beaches. Shell Island in particular is loved by both locals and tourists and is only accessible by boat. You can go there to swim and sunbathe. There is also plenty to see – rolling sand dunes, loggerhead and sea turtles and lots of other nature. If you are looking for undeveloped beachfront you can head to St. Andrews State Park, and Rick Seltzer Beach is also great.

 

Museum Man of the Sea

This one was founded in 1976 and is run by former Navy Seals and marine scientists. Here you will learn all about the history of man and undersea through interactive exhibits and displays. You get to climb through a submarine, try on a brass diving helmet and learn about different techniques of diving and staying underwater. If you can make the time there is a film that teaches you all about diving.

Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida

This is a child’s museum that is aimed and introducing children to history, science and technology. They learn in an interactive and fun way, after which they can enjoy an outdoors nature trail through the woods and over a marsh to a pioneers’ village where there is a toddler’s play ground and a nice picnic area. There is an airline cockpit which the children can climb and explore.

Paradise Adventures Catamaran

These are tours on a 52 foot safety approved catamarans. The cruises depart from Pirate’s Cove Marina and each boat can take up to 49 people, so feel free to ask extended family to come along. You can choose a morning or afternoon tour and each tour lasts 3 hours. Evening cruises last for 2 hours and are the perfect way to end a day of exploring in Panama City Florida.

Shipwreck Island Water Park, Panama City Beach, Florida

This is an aquatics park with activities that the whole family can enjoy. There is a 5,000 gallon wave pool, a Tree Top Drop, a free fall slide, a Pirate’s Plunge racing slide, 17th century sailing ship Raging Rapids River. For younger children there is a family activity pool with miniature slide. There are kiosks with food and drink and all the staff are professionally trained.

 

Hombre Golf Club

This is a 27 hole PGA course set between wetlands, marshlands and lakes. It is dotted with palm trees and is home to the Panama City Beach Classic. Some of the world’s best golfers have played here. Do not worry if you are not a professional – there are trainers available for beginners.

Sea Dragon Pirates Cruise

This is an 85 ft ship where kids get to pretend to be pirates. There is face painting, temporary tattoos and lots and lots for kids to do – sword fights, swab the deck, treasure hunts, fire pretend cannon, water gun fights and more. Parents get to relax and enjoy cocktails as their children play. The ship goes all the way to Shell Island and you will see dolphins along the way.

Still thinking about where to buy your next home?  Check out our recent posts on  The Closing Process or look at our first time homebuyers tips

 

Panama City Beach