As we fully embrace the first quarter of 2010, I would like to share with everyone a few things that I know for sure. One, I know how grateful I am to be born in this amazing country. I know for sure I am grateful for the business relationships I have built up over the years. I have not only enjoyed the business aspect of real estate, but I have also enjoyed the friendships that have come with it. I have enjoyed helping my buyers and sellers with their real estate endeavors. Whether it was a challenging short sale or a relocation due to a job transfer, or maybe I helped you with your first home or it was time to enter a new chapter of life called retirement, I have enjoyed our journey together and look forward to working with you again.
I know for sure I have an incredible family and support system. I have two amazing daughters, Katie 19, Erin 15, and I know my life has been full of many things including side-splitting laughter and deep love because of what they bring to this world. I know for sure I was meant to be a mother.
I know for sure that I have the most incredible husband a girl could ever ask for. Ron and I have been married for 24 years. He has been along for this ride that we call life, through the ups and downs and there is no other "gentleman" (in every sense of the word) that I have enjoyed spending my life with and look forward to spending the next 50 years with. I know for sure he has been my source of strength, my rock, my cheerleader, my friend (and a few other things I can't mention), and I know for a fact he has taught me so much in life. I know I would not truly understand the power and meaning of kindness, sharing, bravery, strength, compassion, compromise, dignity, friendship, confidence, self worth, humor and of course love, had he not taught me. I know I am a lucky girl.
I know 2010 will continue to be a challenge for many, whether it's personally, professionally, health wise or maybe spiritually. I know I will smile when I see my dog optomistically wait at the pantry door for her cookies. I know I will continue to drive my family crazy, I will look forward to date night as well as a laugh or two at my girls night out. I will look forward to the sun coming up each morning, as well as look forward to being greeted at the office by my extended Coldwell Banker family.
Finally, I know for sure that I have no idea what the new day will bring, but I do know for sure, I will optomistically look forward to it!
Happy Valentine's Day to Everyone! Karen
Karen Branham, e-Pro, SFR, SRES
USAA Certified, Broker Associate
Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS
Direct: 850-832-8626
Visit me at http:www.KarenBranham.com
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
Panama City's Star Looks Bright in 2010
The following article comes from the News Herald's Fri., Jan. 1, edition. We all love optomistic news like this!
SCARLET SIMS / News Herald Writer
PANAMA CITY — Panama City’s economy will be a shooting star during the next two years, local business leaders and economists said Thursday.
“The future is really bright for Panama City,” said Rick Harper, director of the University of West Florida’s Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development. “2010 is the year to be pulling out of the economic trough. It is really the recovery year.”
This past year hit Bay County hard. Median home and condominium sale prices have plummeted, foreclosures are up and unemployment is high. Last month, Bay County reached 10.7 percent unemployment and it may go higher, economists say. Harper said Bay County’s economic woes are bottoming out. Next year will be better, especially the second half when the economy begins to rebound, he said.
Bright spots persisted in 2009 and will continue next year, said Beth Oltman, Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce president. Area leaders pointed to Southwest as the No. 1 event impacting the business community in 2009. Southwest Airlines’ decision to be the low-cost carrier for the new international airport means Bay County is poised for growth, they said.
“We’re all living on the hopes of the new airport,” Oltman said.
Southwest is drawing the interest of other companies wanting to locate at the new airport’s industrial park, setting the stage for a better 2010. Harper said Southwest will draw tourists and military contractors.
“Southwest is going to be huge for Panama City and South Walton,” Harper said.
More companies mean more jobs, said Kim Bodine, Gulf Coast Workforce Board executive director, in an e-mail. She expects the local recovery to have fits and starts, but joblessness should lessen in 2010. Southwest’s decision increases the area’s visibility and opens the market for more visitors, which will immediately help the tourism market.
“It really broadens our reach,” Bodine said.
Bay County must work to bring more jobs to the area to recover fully from the worst recession in at least 20 years locally. Banks must be confident in loaning money, the county or state must offer incentives for new companies to locate in Bay County and the county must do what it can to be a business-friendly community, Bodine said. The airport is a great start, she said, but the workforce should still consider retraining or improving skills to meet future business demands.
In the short term, this spring’s tourism turnout is expected to be strong, Oltman said. Bodine hoped to expand existing businesses or bring in enough new companies to offset job losses when the tourism season ends.
“With the opening of the airport in May of 2010, this region will begin to see a surge of activity that we have probably never experienced and will assist us in a rapid recovery from the economic downturn,” said Bay County Chamber of Commerce President Carol Roberts in e-mail.
That growth probably won’t be strong until 2011, but when it hits, it will be faster than Tallahassee’s recovery and most of Northwest Florida, Harper said.
“I think the stage is set for robust growth in Panama City,” Harper said.
MAY THIS NEW YEAR BRING YOU GOOD HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND TERRIFIC REAL ESTATE VALUES! Karen
Karen Branham, REALTOR
Associate Broker, e-Pro, SRES, SFR
Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS
THE BRANHAM TEAM
"Exceptional Service"
726 Thomas Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Direct: 850-832-8626
Email: karen.branham@cbunited.com
Visit my website and blog at http://www.karenbranham.com
Please share my name with your family, friends and colleagues.
SCARLET SIMS / News Herald Writer
PANAMA CITY — Panama City’s economy will be a shooting star during the next two years, local business leaders and economists said Thursday.
“The future is really bright for Panama City,” said Rick Harper, director of the University of West Florida’s Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development. “2010 is the year to be pulling out of the economic trough. It is really the recovery year.”
This past year hit Bay County hard. Median home and condominium sale prices have plummeted, foreclosures are up and unemployment is high. Last month, Bay County reached 10.7 percent unemployment and it may go higher, economists say. Harper said Bay County’s economic woes are bottoming out. Next year will be better, especially the second half when the economy begins to rebound, he said.
Bright spots persisted in 2009 and will continue next year, said Beth Oltman, Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce president. Area leaders pointed to Southwest as the No. 1 event impacting the business community in 2009. Southwest Airlines’ decision to be the low-cost carrier for the new international airport means Bay County is poised for growth, they said.
“We’re all living on the hopes of the new airport,” Oltman said.
Southwest is drawing the interest of other companies wanting to locate at the new airport’s industrial park, setting the stage for a better 2010. Harper said Southwest will draw tourists and military contractors.
“Southwest is going to be huge for Panama City and South Walton,” Harper said.
More companies mean more jobs, said Kim Bodine, Gulf Coast Workforce Board executive director, in an e-mail. She expects the local recovery to have fits and starts, but joblessness should lessen in 2010. Southwest’s decision increases the area’s visibility and opens the market for more visitors, which will immediately help the tourism market.
“It really broadens our reach,” Bodine said.
Bay County must work to bring more jobs to the area to recover fully from the worst recession in at least 20 years locally. Banks must be confident in loaning money, the county or state must offer incentives for new companies to locate in Bay County and the county must do what it can to be a business-friendly community, Bodine said. The airport is a great start, she said, but the workforce should still consider retraining or improving skills to meet future business demands.
In the short term, this spring’s tourism turnout is expected to be strong, Oltman said. Bodine hoped to expand existing businesses or bring in enough new companies to offset job losses when the tourism season ends.
“With the opening of the airport in May of 2010, this region will begin to see a surge of activity that we have probably never experienced and will assist us in a rapid recovery from the economic downturn,” said Bay County Chamber of Commerce President Carol Roberts in e-mail.
That growth probably won’t be strong until 2011, but when it hits, it will be faster than Tallahassee’s recovery and most of Northwest Florida, Harper said.
“I think the stage is set for robust growth in Panama City,” Harper said.
MAY THIS NEW YEAR BRING YOU GOOD HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND TERRIFIC REAL ESTATE VALUES! Karen
Karen Branham, REALTOR
Associate Broker, e-Pro, SRES, SFR
Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS
THE BRANHAM TEAM
"Exceptional Service"
726 Thomas Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Direct: 850-832-8626
Email: karen.branham@cbunited.com
Visit my website and blog at http://www.karenbranham.com
Please share my name with your family, friends and colleagues.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Got Your Home Exemption?
This post is a reminder for everyone regarding your Homestead Exemption.
What is the Homestead Exemption? A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of the property that you use as your permanent residence by an amount up to $50,000. This represents a substantial savings on the taxes levied against your property by the various taxing authorities.
Who May File. Every person who has legal or equitable title to real property in Florida and who has recorded the title instrument in the public records of the county where application is made. The applicant must reside on the property as of January 1st and must in good faith, make it their permanent residence to be eligible. For example, if you were residing in your permanent residence on Jan. 1, 2009, then you are eligible for a 2009 homestead exemption.
When to File. Exemption applications must be made between January 1st and March 1st for the tax year eligible. For example, if you are living in your permanent home on January 1st, 2009 then you have until the close of business of March 1, 2009 to file your homestead exemption for that year. Failure to make application by March 1 of the tax year shall constitute a waiver of the exemption privilege for that year. Homestead exemption applications may be filed after March 1, but the exemption will be applied in the next tax year. For example, if you move into your permanent home on April 1, 2009 you may file for your 2010 exemption anytime from April 2, 2009 through March 1, 2010.
Where to File:
Bay County Florida Property Appraiser's Office
860 W. 11th St.
Panama City, FL 32401
Office: (850) 248-8401
Fax: (850) 248-8447
Hours: 8AM-5PM CST Monday-Friday
Beach Office
301 Richard Jackson Blvd.
Panama City Beach, FL. 32407
"Inside Panhandle Educators Federal Credit Union"
Branch Manager: Vern Mathis
Phone: 850-236-3234
Fax: 850-236-3236
Hours: 9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday
Only one signature is required for joint owners who are married with the same last name; however, all documentation listed below must be provided. All signatures are necessary if owners who occupy the home have different last names.
The Following Information Is Required.
1. Recorded Warranty Deed or last tax bill.
2. Florida Driver License reflecting current residential address: all joint owners who reside on the property need Florida Driver Licenses. (Valid in Florida Only licenses are NOT sufficient).
3. Florida Vehicle Registrations reflecting current residential address. All vehicles owned by the applicants must have resident Florida registrations. This also applies to military personnel. Leased vehicles and nonresident registrations NOT accepted.
4. Social Security Numbers. Social Security numbers are required for all owners listed on the deed.
5. Declaration of Domicile or Florida Voter Registration Card reflecting current residential address. If an owner does not have a car registered in their name, one of these documents will be required as proof of residency.
Renewal. The Property Appraisers Office will mail you a renewal card each year in January. Please read the instructions carefully and be sure to comply with deadlines.
For more info, please visit the Property Appraiser's site by clicking here.
From my family to yours, have a wonderful, safe holiday!
Karen Branham, e-Pro, SFR, SRES, Broker Associate
THE BRANHAM TEAM
"Exceptional Service"
Coldwell Banker United, Realtors
726 Thomas Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Telephone: 850-832-8626
Email: karen.branham@cbunited.com
Website: http://www.KarenBranham.com
What is the Homestead Exemption? A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of the property that you use as your permanent residence by an amount up to $50,000. This represents a substantial savings on the taxes levied against your property by the various taxing authorities.
Who May File. Every person who has legal or equitable title to real property in Florida and who has recorded the title instrument in the public records of the county where application is made. The applicant must reside on the property as of January 1st and must in good faith, make it their permanent residence to be eligible. For example, if you were residing in your permanent residence on Jan. 1, 2009, then you are eligible for a 2009 homestead exemption.
When to File. Exemption applications must be made between January 1st and March 1st for the tax year eligible. For example, if you are living in your permanent home on January 1st, 2009 then you have until the close of business of March 1, 2009 to file your homestead exemption for that year. Failure to make application by March 1 of the tax year shall constitute a waiver of the exemption privilege for that year. Homestead exemption applications may be filed after March 1, but the exemption will be applied in the next tax year. For example, if you move into your permanent home on April 1, 2009 you may file for your 2010 exemption anytime from April 2, 2009 through March 1, 2010.
Where to File:
Bay County Florida Property Appraiser's Office
860 W. 11th St.
Panama City, FL 32401
Office: (850) 248-8401
Fax: (850) 248-8447
Hours: 8AM-5PM CST Monday-Friday
Beach Office
301 Richard Jackson Blvd.
Panama City Beach, FL. 32407
"Inside Panhandle Educators Federal Credit Union"
Branch Manager: Vern Mathis
Phone: 850-236-3234
Fax: 850-236-3236
Hours: 9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday
Only one signature is required for joint owners who are married with the same last name; however, all documentation listed below must be provided. All signatures are necessary if owners who occupy the home have different last names.
The Following Information Is Required.
1. Recorded Warranty Deed or last tax bill.
2. Florida Driver License reflecting current residential address: all joint owners who reside on the property need Florida Driver Licenses. (Valid in Florida Only licenses are NOT sufficient).
3. Florida Vehicle Registrations reflecting current residential address. All vehicles owned by the applicants must have resident Florida registrations. This also applies to military personnel. Leased vehicles and nonresident registrations NOT accepted.
4. Social Security Numbers. Social Security numbers are required for all owners listed on the deed.
5. Declaration of Domicile or Florida Voter Registration Card reflecting current residential address. If an owner does not have a car registered in their name, one of these documents will be required as proof of residency.
Renewal. The Property Appraisers Office will mail you a renewal card each year in January. Please read the instructions carefully and be sure to comply with deadlines.
For more info, please visit the Property Appraiser's site by clicking here.
From my family to yours, have a wonderful, safe holiday!
Karen Branham, e-Pro, SFR, SRES, Broker Associate
THE BRANHAM TEAM
"Exceptional Service"
Coldwell Banker United, Realtors
726 Thomas Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Telephone: 850-832-8626
Email: karen.branham@cbunited.com
Website: http://www.KarenBranham.com
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