Online Poll
Will you be visiting a Florida State Park this 4th of July holiday weekend?

Yes
No


Social Networking
Myspace - Add us on Myspace
Facebook - Find us on Facebook
Twitter - Follow us on Twitter
Only on WJHG.COM
Story Ideas - Do you have a story idea? Tell us here
WJHG E-News - Click here to sign up
Racing Challenge - Enter to play the Racing Challenge
Desktop7 Alert - Instant weather and news with a click of the mouse.
Condo Bubble Burst Save Email Print
Posted: 12:20 PM Jun 11, 2006
Last Updated: 12:22 PM Jun 11, 2006
Reporter: Adam Kramer

A | A | A

Real estate developers, managers and agents throughout Bay County say in the last six months they've experienced a major decline in the number of new condominium buyers.

The new condos continue to go up, but the number of prospective buyers doesn't.

"It's gone from great to nothing."

Jeff Mynard has been selling condos for Dunes of Panama for 20 years and says 2004 and 2005 were his best years ever.

"So together that's about 80 units, or a third of the property turning over in two years," said Jeff Mynard of Dunes of Panama. "In contrast this year, we've sold two units. Actually, only one of them has closed."

Real estate experts in Panama City Beach say the condo bubble may have finally burst.

"We just got so much supply and we've got a high demand, just not as high as it has been," said Nathan Trent of Coldwell Realty.

And Panama City Beach isn't alone. Phoenix, Arizona, Richmond, Virginia and Las Vegas, Nevada are among the dozens of cities across the country all experiencing the same thing.

Experts say the problem is too many condos and not enough buyers.

"It might be a little slower now just due to the fact of the market. We've got so much inventory," said Nathan Trent of Coldwell Realty.

The 28-story development on the west end of Panama City Beach stopped construction shortly after groundbreaking because of a lack of sales.

Jeff Mynard says after watching the market for 20 years, the only winners in the condo market are the ones who aren't in it for the money.

"They bought here for reasons other that purely economic and trying to flip a unit or make money," said Jeff Mynard.

More Stories
Strong winds damage planes at Destin Airport

Panama City Beach Pier Opens

Florida State Park Fees Increase

List of 4th of July Weekend Events

Pipe Bomb Found Behind Dothan High is Detonated

Bayou George Man Turns Gun on Deputies

Three Near Drownings at Panama City Beach Friday

Dangerous Fireworks

WJHG.com Features
DTV FAQ’s - Confused about the digital transition? Find everything you need to know right here!
News Only Videos - Tired of Reading the News? You’ll find news video and much more right here.
Money - Top Money and Financial Headlines.
Health Watch - Watch videos and read the latest Health and Medical News.
Pet Pals - See what animals are up for adoption.
Restaurants - Dining in or Out? Find local restaurants here.
Lotto - Find out if you’re a winner!