Bright Realty Solutions for Gulf Front Vacationing

Over the past two months of limited travel due to the pandemic, there were times that I longed for the ocean. I can hear the sound of the waves crashing, cicadas’ humming, and the smell of salt in the air. As I grow older, the sea mystifies me. The body of water is so large, and it can ravage the earth or stand as the ultimate symbol of serenity.

I have been pondering the benefits of owning a condo near the ocean for quite a while. However, COVID has given me new reasons why owning a condo would be a beneficial purchase.

This past February, we traveled to explore condo options in Panama City Beach, Florida. Before quarantine was fathomable, yet COVID seemed a threat, I began thinking, “where would I want to be closed in for a vast amount of time?” Since COVID, I have realized that it is pretty probable that we will again be quarantined in our lifetime. So now the question is, “where will I stay during the next quarantine?”

We chose Panama City because it has an iconic beach with so much to do for every member of a family. The beach was the first place that Jackson and Lucy vacationed and somewhere that I enjoyed every year as a child. I stayed many a summer day at the Dunes of Panama as a teenager, and I think it would be so neat to bring Jackson and Lucy to a place where they can establish familiarity and summer memories as well.

Bright Realty Solutions assisted us in exploring condo ownership. The company handles real estate throughout the panhandle. We were able to get an upfront look at one of their most prized properties, the Dunes of Panama. The property is large, at 13 acres, yet has only 310 condominiums, making personal space a premium. Our family got an up-close and personal tour of the Dunes of Panama, and I would like to share our experience with you today!

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Dunes Floorplans

It may come as a surprise to many, but a top reason why we love the Dunes is its age. Five buildings encompass the Dunes, and most were constructed in the 1980s. In my lifetime, I have seen many torrential hurricanes hit the panhandle, and the Dunes has weathered them all. The condominium complex strength gives me the assurance that the Dunes can weather any storm.

Dunes properties sell like hotcakes. The unit we toured and loved was sold in a blink. I believe that you must know and love the amenities and floorplans that are available, so when the time is right, you can purchase swiftly. Out family would prefer a larger unit, although I think for rental income, you can do quite well with a smaller floorplan.

In learning about the available floorplans, it is essential to a) determine if you are going to rent your unit for additional income and b) decide what type of renter you intend to target. We love visiting Panama City Beach in the offseason, and snowbirds (people who live in warmer climates during winter months and then return home to northern climates during the spring and summer) “fly” and “nest” at the beach from November to March. Usually, snowbird couples are looking for smaller condo units.

If, in assessing your rental income, you decide that you want to appeal to snowbirds, smaller units may be the way to purchase (there is a 6-month travel cap for Canadians). However, a larger unit may be the key if you have a large family and want to accommodate your crew at the condo several times per year. Just remember, if you purchase a larger unit, you attract those who need a larger unit as well.

In determining what type of Dunes unit to purchase, I was able to see all of the available floorplans.

I learned so many things when looking at the Dunes floorplans. For instance, Building A is pet-friendly. Do you want to take Fluffy to the beach with you? Are you ok with other people taking their pets to the beach? If so, Building A may be just right. Pet-friendly units are often more profitable because renters are willing to pay a premium to bring their pets to the beach.

Jenna Drew from Bright Realty Solutions gave us a tour of the property, and we saw several floorplan options. I fell in love with Unit 2004. This two-bedroom floorplan was perfect for our family. Unfortunately, it sold in a jiffy. Nevertheless, here is our perfect Dunes floorplan.

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Living/Dining

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Sleeping Quarters

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Balcony/Ocean Views

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Dunes Amenities

When considering condo ownership, I want the biggest bang for my buck. In telling Bright Realty Solutions my wish list that included many amenities, they immediately paired us with the Dunes.

Something I consider an amenity is that the Dunes is pretty far back off the road in comparison with new construction in the area. Road noise is minimal, and the parking area is vast. Several units have deeded parking spaces that are covered and where you can house your beach gear in the included storage unit. I find that a condo with a deeded parking space is extremely appealing. If flying is preferred, you can leave a car in your deeded space. If a deeded parking space doesn’t interest you, but you want your vehicle covered, a parking garage is available.

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Since the Dunes property is vast, you can leave your boat on the property as well. Many times, snowbirds will bring their Class B or C motorhomes or pull behind storage trailers with them for the trip south. The travelers can then leave them in the parking lot while they enjoy their season at the beach. I love that these options are available for both owners and renters.

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Although the complex has five buildings, you have access to all amenities on the property. Speaking of the property, something interesting that I learned that is important for anyone looking to purchase a condo is about beach frontage. It never crossed my mind before, but the greater amount of beachfront, the more space you have with others on the property. The condo complex has 310 condos and 1,500 feet of sand, which makes the property very low density.

When you have rows of beach chairs stacked in high-density condo complexes, it is first-come, first serve to the person getting the ocean breeze. The breeze is not a problem at the Dunes. In the age of COVID, sign me up for the Dunes and lots of space while playing and relaxing on the beach.

The Dunes beach is also unique due to its vegetation. Thomas Drive includes more natural vegetation than other properties in the area. I love that we can truly soak in nature as well as the rays! The complex is also within walking distance of St. Andrew’s State Park, which includes one of our all-time favorite beaches.

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Although our family loves the ocean, we also love going in the off-season, which means that a heated pool is necessary. The Dunes has three pools, one of which is heated nicely.

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The Dunes is close to all of Panama City Beach’s attractions. Whether you want to go into the city to have the best Oysters at Hunt’s or you want to have a fun night out with the family at Pier Park, the condo complex is centrally located.

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The Dunes has two convention centers, tennis courts, a gym, and a beach store/restaurant, and an onsite tiki bar.

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I find it helpful that if I want to book one of the convention centers for a family reunion or a birthday party, it is at my disposal.

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I can drop into the store for lunch or some sunscreen without ever leaving the beach area. Each of the five buildings also has its own beach access.

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Another plus for us when visiting the Dunes is electric car access. All I need is a standard outlet to charge my car. I am surprised to find other condo complexes that do not give owners or renters access to an outside outlet. I simply asked for a parking spot to charge my car, and one was quickly provided for me.

If your family loves the community aspect of owning a condo, the Dunes is a one-stop shop. They have programming and events for children and adults. In the summer, your kiddos can stay busy with a daily calendar of kid-friendly events. In the winter, programming is centralized around snowbird activities such as Bingo or food and beverage tastings.

As much as I love amenities, I told you that I want the biggest bang for my buck. Fortunately, the Dunes has some of the lowest association dues in Panama City Beach. The maintenance crew is top-notch if you need any assistance, and you really do get sheer value for your money. Wifi, cable, water, and trash pick-up are included in your association dues. However, you must pay your electric bill and an interior insurance policy separately. The maintenance and accounting departments are seasoned and want the best for their owners.

Rental Income

Many people purchase condos not only for vacationing purposes but also to make extra income on short-term rentals. In asking Bright Realty Solutions about income potential, they shared the following:

The Dunes condominiums average an 8% increase in value each year. Equity is key when owning a condo, and gulf front properties like the Dunes are a hot commodity.

You can hire a company to rent your condo out year-round, or you can handle the rentals yourself. Although there is more work involved in renting your unit without a management company, you also do not pay a management company fee, thus cutting your expenses. You will rent out your specific condo, no questions. When a management company rents, potential vacationers often have several options of condos to choose from owners who use that company.

I was interested in the Dunes management company. They charge a 20% fee to manage your condo, except for the peak months of June, July, and August, where the percentage rises to 30. This percentage includes rental, maintenance, and cleaning. The Dunes then charges the renters a cleaning fee to recoup the money.

In renting your condo in Panama City Beach, there are a given ten peak weeks where you will most likely rent your condo for top dollar. However, the key is renting your unit during non-peak weeks to keep consistent incoming flowing. If owners choose not to use a management company, options like VRBO and Airbnb are available to market your unit online. If you are looking for rental income yet love the summer months in Panama City, you may need to catch a day here or there or be willing to lose money for a few weeks while you stay at your place. Since the off-season is our favorite time to visit, summer rentals are optimal for our family.

If you are interested in managing your condo, maintenance programs within the complex are available. However, you will have to find your own cleaners. In sum, if you use a management company, you make less money, but almost everything is covered. On the other hand, if you choose to manage yourself, you will increase your profit but will have to pay out for maintenance and cleaning.

Bright Realty Solutions

If you are interested in condo or homeownership, Bright Realty Solutions makes a difference. Broker, Paula Reyes, was able to give us all the pieces to our condo ownership puzzle that we needed. She has been in realty since 2005 and a condo owner since 1997. Paula can pair you very quickly with either a Thomas Drive or Front Beach Road property. In addition, she has personally visited every condo complex in Panama City Beach and will narrow down your search based on her knowledge.

Paula and her team can also pinpoint your perfect condo. Her team will factor in if you want to leave the property or stay in for most of your visit. Some complexes have restaurants and stores on location.

Vehicles are another consideration. Our electric vehicle can fit almost anywhere, but our truck cannot go into many parking garages. However, some condo complexes only have parking in garages. I want to be able to drive either of our vehicles to the beach. Vehicle consideration is crucial in picking the perfect condo.

While learning about condo ownership from Paula, we met Sharon from Ottawa, who was in the market for two condos. Sharon was heading home to Canada the next day, so she left her condo criteria and wish list with Paula. Bright Realty Solutions will give Sharon a call when they find her perfect condos. Her team will go to the condos that match the wish list and personally go on-site to make sure that the unit meets your needs.

Paula’s particular specialty is calculating your earnings potential and teaching about profit projections to investors. She was able to show us clearly how we would make a profit when purchasing and then renting a condo. Since she specializes in the local area, Paula knows what condo complexes have difficulty with financing and which are optimal if you are looking to mortgage your unit. Paula can also teach the tax benefits of owning a condo.

Are you interested in purchasing a condo? We would love to hear from you! Please drop us a line in the comment section below!

If you are looking in the panhandle, call Bright Realty Solutions. Tell them that Brandi with Loving Living Green referred you. Ask them for a personalized tour as we received! Bright Realty’s assistance really transformed my thoughts on condo ownership.

Contact Bright Realty Solutions by emailing paula@brightrealtysolutions.com or visiting the Bright Realty Solutions website.

Click here if you want more information about Panama City Beach vacation rentals.

More more great travel information, check out Vacationing in Luxury on the Gulf Coast and How to Fund Your Dream Vacation.