Real Estate investments in this economy

Long term real estate investment has been one of the most attractive and lucrative financial investments this country has ever had and continues to offer.

Many people do not realize that a large portion of our country’s economic structure is based on home and property ownership.  From tax incentives for businesses to tax deferred income, our country’s economy is fueled by real estate ownership.

In an economy such as the one we find ourselves in today, there has not be as much potential for real estate profitability as we have today.  Whether it be for first time home buyers taking advantage of the $8000 First Time Home buyers tax credit, or home buyers wanting to upgrade or residential and commercial real estate investors all have a unique opportunity for profitability in the current real estate market.

No matter the market area – Austin, Texas and my area of Panama City Florida, there are always ‘deals’ to be found somewhere.  Whether your investment strategy focus is on multi family units, condos or commercial income property, if you are diligent in your search you will find a profitable venture.

Property prices in almost every market area are well below what they have been in recent years such that both new and seasoned investors have the opportunity to invest in highly profitable real estate deals.

My market area of Panama City and Panama City Beach, Florida for example has long had a solid investment relationship with investors and vacationers from the Austin, Texas area.  Both areas have and continue to experience unique economic growth and investment opportunities.

Take for example the International airports of Austin-Bergstrom International in Austin and the current Northwest Florida – Panama City International Airport which is currently under construction and due to open in May of the coming year.

International airports lend themselves to unique economic area growth.  Not only in real estate sales, renting and leasing but also in increased tourism, corporate relocation projects, product distribution centers, manufacturing and high technology, increased tax revenue for communities as well increased small business interest.

With international airports comes opportunities normally not associated with rapid growth of an area or community.

Here is just one specific example of how an international airport affects the local economy:

Recently, while researching retail space for a client interested in Panama City Beach, I was approached by several Panama City Beach commercial real estate owners with various requests for new businesses to lease their properties.

Their requests included outside corporate and small business owners of various industries which included:

• Delis – Various types.  Italian, Jewish and other ethnic deli/sandwich dining places is one of the most requested new business types.
• Franchise restaurants – Another repeated request has been for various national franchise restaurants and diners such as Denny’s, El Pollo Loco, Togo’s and others.
• Manufacturing plants and production distribution centers

These owners who are very aware of the coming economic shift to the area are realizing that once the airport is completed new businesses, military and non military relocation families, increased tourism will all play a significant role in the economic expansion of the area.

Financing for businesses come from both state and local governments which offer tax incentives for various business types relocating or expanding to the Panama City, Florida area.  The Small Business Administration also offers unique low interest rate loans in large part due to the economic stimulus and recovery plan.

It is a unique opportunity for investors and business owners to take part in forming and profiting from an area with the only airport of its kind to be built since 9/11.

Whether you are a corporate entity or small business owner, you ultimate goal is profitability.  Today’s real estate market has the potential to provide not only increased profitability through investment but also through business expansion and start up.

Jennifer Mackay is an award winning real estate agent and published real estate investment article author in the Panama City Florida area. Her website:  Panama City Real Estate provides guidance, information and free buying and purchasing features for registered visitors.  Follow her: @realtorjennifer | Facebook