BABON GROUP
Having traded the concrete sidewalks of New York City for the pristine white sands of Barefoot Beach, Eric and Dawn Babon of the Babon Group have established themselves among the top firms in the luxury real estate market of Southwest Florida.
As a former Vice President and Director of Sales for the prestigious William B. May Real Estate Company in New York City, Eric handled multi-million dollar property transactions on a daily basis. Dawn is a former Art Director with LVMH and uses her design talents in all aspects of marketing for the company.
After leaving the cold winters of New York behind, Eric and Dawn settled near Barefoot Beach, located close to Bonita Springs. Based within walking distance to Bonita Beach, the Babon Group specializes in beachfront, golf and boating communities in and around Southwest Florida. Eric and Dawn built the firm using the National Association of Realtors' highest code of ethics when buying and selling property in any and all environments. As a boutique real estate company, the Babon Group has 13 agents or "personal shoppers" ready to help each client fulfill their real estate dreams. By personally hand-picking only top sales professionals in the local real estate market and top-notch support staff, the Babon Group promises to provide the outstanding customer service that one expects when buying or selling a property.
With an average annual appreciation of up to 40 percent, Bonita Springs/Naples is a wonderful investment area. Whether you are looking for your new home, investment property or simply a vacation home, the Babon Group wants to be a part of it with you.
Recent media attention has described the area as part of a national real estate bubble. "There isn't a bubble situation. I think Florida is just now catching up to the rest of the country," Eric explained. "We are seeing phenomenal growth in this area (Bonita Springs), particularly in the areas east of I-75. Condo conversions (apartments that are converting to condominium associations) are also a hot investment in this area."
The Babon Group can also walk you through the complex world of 1031 exchanges. A 1031 exchange refers to section 1031 of the Federal Internal Revenue Code (the tax code) which states that a properly structured exchange allows an investor to sell a property, to reinvest the proceeds in a new property and to defer all capital gain taxes. It does not, however, eliminate the taxes.
Eric also offers this advice when shopping for property in this red hot market. "When you are searching for property, be very picky, but be ready to move on the property quickly when you find something you like. Property that is there today can be gone tomorrow."
For more information concerning property in the Bonita Springs and Naples area, contact the Babon Group at 3300 Bonita Beach Rd., Suite 153, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Phone (239) 333-3260 or toll free (866) 36-Babon or visit their Website at www.babongroup.com.

SUPERIOR REAL ESTATE GROUP
With millions of people visiting Florida each year, it is not surprising that many of those people decide to purchase a vacation home in the Orlando area. Superior Real Estate offers a new way to purchase a vacation home.
Richard Wilkes, CEO, stresses that his resorts are not timeshares. "You own the townhouse or pool home. You can use it as much as you want, or as little as you want. If you want to put it in the rental pool, we have onsite management that takes care of everything." Wilkes also explained that they are a full service company that can sell you a home, provide financing if needed, and then manage the property for you. Each townhome comes furnished in a tasteful manner, ready to be used at a moment's notice. With one resort currently open and several on the drawing board, Superior Real Estate is changing the face of vacation property in Central Florida.
Regal Palms Resort at Highland Reserve is located in Davenport, just outside Orlando and minutes from the theme parks. This resort boasts three- and four-bedroom and four-, five- and six-bedroom private pool homes. Each comes fully furnished and ready to use. Each owner and guest has use of the resort's Clubhouse, which includes casual dining, a business center, an arcade and meeting facilities. In addition to the two-acre swimming complex complete with a winding water slide, a lazy river to float your worries away and many sunbathing areas, the spa facility will house a fitness center, various treatment rooms and a steam room and spa.
Oakmont Resort and Spa, located near Disney's Animal Kingdom, will be built in a village-style layout to take advantage of the natural Florida surroundings. Each owner in Oakmont will have exclusive memberships to the both the Club and Spa. Homes at Oakmont will be either "Prestige" or "Prestige plus" homes. A Prestige home will offer three to six bedrooms. Prestige plus homes will be larger and will offer four to six bedrooms.
Regal Oaks, scheduled to open in 2007, is situated on the border of Old Town Kissimmee and is nestled among a conservation area. A joint venture with Engle Homes, this resort will consist of luxury townhomes with access to a stunning resort area that will include two pools, a lazy river, a waterfall, waterslide, tiki bar and spa.
Superior's latest resort community and the official home of the Ladies Professional Golf Association is Grande Champion and is located minutes from Daytona Beach. It's perfect for those wanting to step out and enjoy championship golf at their doorstep.
With resorts located in a variety of locations around Central Florida, Superior Real Estate Group has a perfect vacation home just waiting for you. For more information concerning sales or rentals, please visit www.superiorus.com or call 863-420-0608. -

EXIT REALTY DESTIN
After spending 18 years coaching high school basketball and baseball in Arkansas, Jim Wallace decided to retire and move to Destin, Florida to become the broker/owner of Exit Realty. With his wealth of knowledge surrounding the local market, Wallace, along with his wife Della, were able to partner with local developers to presale two high-rise condominium buildings, the Majestic Beach Towers and The Shores at Panama. The combined sales in these two buildings are pegged at over $300 million.
Wallace provided an example of one client, Carrey, who recently purchased a property with Exit Realty. Carrey bought a two-bedroom, two-bath unit in Majestic Beach Towers in May 2005 for $277,700. His 10-percent cash payment of $27,770 and his 10-percent letter of credit held the unit until completion. Prior to closing in June 2005, Exit Realty sold the unit for $472,500. With a same day closing, Carrey collected $175,000 in profit, almost a 700-percent cash on cash gain. Exit sold 554 units in this project and each one enjoyed similar success. Some opted to use a 1031 Exchange option while others are renting and enjoying their Gulf-front property for at least one year to get the capital gains tax break of 15 percent.
There are four simple steps to investment in pre-construction: reservation, purchase contract (with very little down), the construction stage and resale for unbelievable returns. Wallace is working with a developer on several projects: Harbor Lights, Beau Rivage and Miracles Resort Park. These projects will be built on what was considered Destin's most famous residential complex 10 years ago when, as he put it, the real estate bubble was supposed to burst at anytime. He sold the 21 units at the impressive price of $400,000 each. Today, they bring $2.4 million-plus on resales.
While involved with both the Majestic and The Shores, Wallace has become increasingly interested in single family developments, smaller condo projects, townhomes and shopping centers. He likens his investors to his former basketball teams. "I always had to look out for my players when coaching, and I do the same for my investors," he said. "We have 50 agents in my office that are ready to see to each and every one of our client's needs. We offer everything from investment opportunities to primary home purchases to vacation homes."
When asked, "Why should someone invest in real estate in Florida?" Wallace offers his opinion. "There are many investment opportunities in Florida as it seems like the entire United States are moving to the state. Even with the recent hurricanes, people are still coming to the area and the people that were affected by the hurricanes are rebuilding. It's a great place to live and the rest of the world is just finding out about the 200 miles of pure white sand."
For more information, contact Jim Wallace, broker/owner, Exit Realty Destin, 11275 Hwy 98 W., Suite 4, Destin, FL 32550. Phone 850-269-2256, fax 850-269-2385 or visit www.exitrealtydestin.com. -

COLDWELL BANKER
Coldwell Banker JME Realty is ready to help you invest your money in Florida real estate. With over 500 agents and 25 offices stretching from Pensacola, Florida to Biloxi, Mississippi, Coldwell Banker JME can help all investors in choosing the right property to maximize their investment potential.
Coldwell Banker JME Realty first began serving the area's real estate needs in 1984 as Joseph M. Endry Realty Company with just two agents and a rental manager. Coldwell Banker JME Realty is a full-service real estate company that offers a wide menu of services including resort/project sales, commercial/investment sales, property management, condominium management, customer services and one of the most successful relocation departments in the Florida Panhandle.
Marianne Palmer, Director of Corporate Relocation, says that the Florida Panhandle is exploding in growth, with much of that growth attributed to many of the recent relocations.
"Destin and Pensacola are in the midst of a huge preconstruction phase," she said. Some of that is due to the reconstruction after last summer's Hurricane Ivan. Many residents are still in the rebuilding process.
Palmer continued, "Storms bring out investors. Immediately after Hurricane Ivan, we started to see 40 to 70 percent in appreciation is some areas - Destin, in particular. Prices are starting to stabilize now, a year later."
Despite last year's storms, people are continuing to move into the Panhandle and buy property, sending property values up. Though still considered a hot area, the Panhandle is more affordable than other areas of Florida. The weak dollar overseas is also contributing to growth and Palmer says that she is seeing an increase in foreign investors, especially from the United Kingdom.
For someone new to real estate investment, the terms and the selection of available markets can be both confusing and daunting. Palmer offers a simple solution to a complex problem. What do you do if you want to invest and have no idea where to start?
"Well, first call a JME sales agent. Our agents know the area and will be able to guide you in choosing an area to invest. Right now, a good place to start is to get into a new development in the preconstruction phase."
When asked to choose the best place for investment dollars right now, Palmer suggests putting your money in short-term rentals. "There is not a large pool of short-term rentals here. For now, I would suggest that if you are considering investing in the Destin/Pensacola area, consider purchasing something that you can convert to a short-term rental."
The Panhandle is being discovered by more and more people. Why not invest in your own piece of paradise? For more information on investment property or real estate in general, please visit www.jmerealty.com or call Coldwell Banker JME Realty at 850-429-8400. -

SURF AND SAND REALTY
Surf and Sand Realty, owned and operated by Roger Wiegner, specializes in residential condominium buildings located along the Panhandle of Florida. With three projects currently in the preconstruction phase and five more on the drawing board, Surf and Sand Realty is ready to help you invest in the Panhandle.
The first project, Seawind, is currently under construction with units available for purchase. At 17 stories, Seawind is comprised of 155 units. Each unit averages 1,130 square feet with two bedrooms, two baths and a den/study. With completion expected in July 2006, Seawind boasts underground parking, an indoor/outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and state-of-the-art workout facilities that overlook the shimmering Gulf of Mexico. Prices range from the high $600,000s to $1.8 million for a penthouse unit.
Weigner says that given the recent active hurricane season, developers of Seawind have had the building wind tunnel tested, meaning that the building has been built to meet all Category 5 wind requirements and has been tested and built to withstand the stronger wind speeds that can impact the ends and corners of the building.
Weigner also points out another feature of this building. "We have 100-percent makeup air. We have a system on the roof that constantly moves air in and around the unit. By doing this, we prevent the mold and mildew that can accumulate in the unit after it has been unused for a while."
Another development that Surf and Sand Realty represents is the Towers at the Hilton on Pensacola Beach. Located next to the Hilton Hotel on the beach, this 92-unit building will take advantage of one of the hottest real estate properties, the hotel-condo. Each unit is furnished to Hilton Hotel standards and includes kitchen facilities. Owners of these units will have access to the unit two weeks out of the year and during the rest of year, it must be rented out either by the Hilton or by the owners. This building is designed for the investor who doesn't want or need to use the unit all the time. The building is perfect for investors wanting to maximize their cash flow. Groundbreaking is set for December 2005 with completion expected in the fall of 2007.
The third development on the drawing board is Perdido Cove, located on picturesque Perdido Key. Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway adjacent to Lost Key Golf Club, owners will have the opportunity to purchase one of the 76 luxury residences that overlook the lovely Intracoastal waters. Amenities will include parking for both personal cars and golf carts, an infinity pool, hot tub, steam bath, media area with a separate gathering room and a fitness center that will overlook the waterfront. Also available will be two hospitality suites that owners may reserve for their guests.
For more information on these developments, contact Surf and Sand Realty
at (850) 934-6127; fax (850) 934-6578 or visit their Website at www.surfandsandrealty.com. -

TAMMY WAUGH
With thousands of real estate agents in the Tampa Bay area, how do you choose the right one for you? "Customer service," says Tammy Waugh, a sales associate at Casa Fina Realty in Tampa.
Waugh, a 10-year veteran of the ups and downs of the Tampa Bay real estate market, brings personalized customer service to both her buyers and her sellers. "This is not a hobby for me. I am a full-time, full-service Realtor," she says. Waugh's territory covers some of the hottest property in Florida. Pinellas, Hillsborough and Manatee counties are consistently outpacing growth in other areas of both the state and the nation.
Waugh says the area that seems to be growing the fastest is a region known as New Tampa to the north and Manatee to the south. "South Tampa is seeing an era of revitalization with consumers buying older property, tearing it down and rebuilding on that lot. This is a more common practice in waterfront areas, but is now finding its way into more in-town locations."
For the many people moving into the Tampa Bay area, finding a home can be a daunting task, even for the most seasoned buyers. Waugh sits down with all clients to assess their wants and needs.
"When buying a home, prepare a list of wants and needs. Know what you must have in your home. It's also financially responsible to know what they want to do as opposed to what they can do," she advises. "You have to understand what your mortgage payment is, plus the total payment that includes taxes, insurance, etc. I try to help buyers understand that side of it. If there are credit issues that need to be worked out, it's better to start on it up front instead of waiting until closing."
The Tampa Bay housing market currently ranks among the top markets in the state. Inventory is low right now, making it a seller's market. When selling your home, Waugh offers her opinion about what makes a house "sellable".
"Cleanliness is the best thing in the world as well as being clutter-free. It's also in the seller's best interest to have a home inspection done up front. By correcting things that are found in the inspection ahead of time, it helps to move the closing process along," she said.
"Once on the market, I am constantly monitoring the activity in the seller's neighborhood. The market changes daily and pricing should be adjusted accordingly. I look at the number of listings on a daily basis, the sales in the neighborhood that have closed that week and the amount of traffic that is being generated for their price point. If they're getting traffic and no offers....then we need to reassess our pricing strategy. No activity equals a price reduction. The days of slapping a price on your home and getting it are coming to a close. It's important to price your home correctly."
Waugh likens the relationship between her clients and herself to a sports team.
"Communication is the biggest thing. We are a team...I just call the plays."
For information on buying and selling real estate, contact Tammy at Casa Fina Realty, 17010 Palm Pointe Dr., Tampa, FL. Phone 813-569-6294 (office) or 813-404-1533 (direct) or e-mail: twaugh@tampabay.rr.com. -

CREEKSTONE COMPANIES
For more than 17 years, Stephen Keller and Everett Jackson have built, owned and/or managed over $600 million in properties with over $300 million in new developments in the pipeline from Houston, Texas to the Florida Panhandle. With the building of lifestyle centers that include retail, residential and office space, Creekstone Builders and Creekstone Capital have become a respected name throughout the industry.
Creekstone Builders are now expanding into the Florida Panhandle with three exciting projects. The first is Island Reserve, a 300-unit development located on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach. Built in the style of the West Indies, 275 residences will be condominium units housed in attractive three-story buildings. The remaining units will be built as townhomes.
"This development is designed to be built as an affordable product, but with luxurious amenities," says Jeanne Carter, Sales Director. Each unit will be outfitted with bamboo flooring in the living areas and travertine tile in the kitchen and baths. Kitchens will come with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, fine detailed cabinetry and a gourmet cook top. Every residence also comes with pre-wired telephone, cable, Internet and individual alarm system, and full-size washer and dryer, two parking spaces per unit, private balconies and patios.
Complex amenities include a luxuriously appointed clubhouse, indoor basketball and volleyball courts and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Families with children will love the lagoon pools with waterfalls and interactive fountains.
Pre-construction pricing starts at $265,000 for a one-bedroom condominium and ranges to $599,000 for a four-bedroom townhome. Ground-breaking is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2006 with completion in the first quarter of 2007. (www.islandreserve.net)
CitiBay is the second project and is located in downtown Panama City. This 79-unit complex with be situated on Massalina Bayou with a protected deep water harbor. Buyers interested in this project will have the opportunity to choose from eight luxuriously appointed floor plans, each designed with private balconies or patios to take advantage of lazy Florida weekends. Residents of Citibay will be able to walk across the drawbridge from the complex into downtown Panama City. Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2006 with a completion date in the second quarter of 2007.
The third project in Florida is Orleans Gardens, located in Panama City Beach on North Lagoon with a proposed marina. Orleans Gardens is a small luxury development consisting of 48 units. Groundbreaking is expected in 2006 with completion in the second half of 2007.
Keller and Jackson's attention to detail and their "I Care" attitude has won the respect and admiration of the building community. Visit their website at www.creekstonecompanies.com. For pricing and construction information, contact Jeannie Carter, Sales Director, at 850-650-6770. -