KNOW PAYNE KNOW GAIN BLOG

Help for homeowners in Panama City Florida, YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:59:00 GMT

ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS!!!

Behind or afraid of falling behind on your mortgage? Do you owe more than what you can sell your home for? YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

The Payne Group is very experienced in assisting home owners to short sale their homes. Go to www.shortsalesinpanamacity.com to find out more or check out www.KnowPayneKnowGain.com to learn more about real estate in Panama City.

Attention homebuyers, homeownership is most affordable than ever, don't wait, The Payne Group at Keller Williams Success Realty knows where the best values are and knows how to get you the BEST value in your next home. Our team is standing by, give us a call at 850-392-1770 or visit www.PanamaCityHomeShopping.com to start your search.

Time is running out to capture the first time home buyer tax credit in Panama City Florida

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:16:00 GMT

Attention first time home buyers, time is running out to have a chance to get the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit. This could be a once in a lifetime opportunity, don't waste it. To be able to claim the credit, you need to close on your home by November 30,2009, time is of the essense.

To get started, call one of our buyer respresentatives TODAY at 850-392-1771 or email us at Jeff.Payne@kw.com

PCS to Tyndall Airforce Base

Thu, 08 May 2008 15:47:00 GMT

PCS to Tyndall Airforce Base????

The Payne Group at Keller Williams Success Realty has a home to fit your needs.

Check out our website at www.knowpayneknowgain.com to see all of the homes available to you

Pricing a home to sell in today's market

Thu, 08 May 2008 15:44:00 GMT

PRICE, PRICE, PRICE

The old adage of Location, Location, Location still holds true but PRICE is KING!!!!! Price can overcome location, location can not overcome price. Price can overcome condition, condition can not overcome price. Pricing your home to sell is the most important issue with selling a home in a buyer's market. Supply vs Demand says that as inventory grows, prices must fall. Buyers have more choices and the choices that they will make will depend on the price. Buyers will rarely offer full asking price on an "overpriced" home. Properly priced homes will often recieve multiple offers.

To price a home properly, sellers need to see recent sales similar to their home and sellers need to know what the competition looks like. A sellable home needs to be priced in the bottom 1/3 of the competition, preferably the lowest price. To enhance the sellability, the home needs to be in the top 1/3 in condition. BOTTOM 1/3 PRICE, TOP 1/3 CONDITION.

To find out how to sell your home in today's market, go to www.panamacityhomevalues.com or visit www.knowpayneknowgain.com

Cherokee Heights Neighborhood Cookout and Open Houses

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:24:00 GMT

Cherokee Heights Cookout, Open Houses, Yard Sales, and just plain FUN!!!

Join us for our second annual cookout and open house in Cherokee Heights. We will have 6 homes for your viewing pleasure. Hot Dogs, hamburgers and soft drinks will be served.

When: Saturday April 19, 2008 11AM to 4PM

Where: Cherokee Heights Neighborhood, Panama City Florida

Why: To promote our neighborhood and to meet our neighbors.

Please feel free to use this blog to announce anything related to Cherokee Heights, yard sales, birthdays, announcements.

Call Jeff at 850-890-0132 for more details or view our website at www.knowpayneknowgain.com

USDA, Rurual Development increases income limits, GREAT NEWS for buyers

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:00:00 GMT

Great news for buyers!!! 100% financing is still available through USDA Rural Development. With this program , no Private Mortgage Insurance is required, helping to lower the monthly mortgage payment.
Call one of our buyer specialists today to find out if you qualify

Cherokee Heights, Panama City Listing Alert

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:48:00 GMT

Residential - DSF				Click photo to enlarge or view multi-photos.
MLS#:	379707 OfficeFile#:	ListPrice:	$259,000
Status:	Active Last Change: 03/18/2008	ApproxSF:	1,857
Address:	5415 BLUE DOG RD	$/Sqft:	$139.47
	PANAMA CITY, FL	TotalRooms:	Bedrooms:3
Zip:	32404	Baths Full/Half:	2/0
Con Docs:	N	Fractional Ownership:	N
MainArea:	02 BC-Bay County-Central	Stories:	1
SubArea:	0202 - Cedar Grove/Hiland Park	YearBuilt:	2008
Subdiv:	CHEROKEE HEIGHTS PHASE III	ImmOcc?	Y
ParcelID:	05860-308-000	ConstrStat:	ConstrCmplt
ElemSch: Tommy Smith Middle: Merritt Brown High: Bay
Dir:	Take HWY 231 North of the Panama City Mall for 6 miles, turn right on Cherokee Heights Road, left on Nicole Blvd, Right on McCall Lane, and then left on Blue Dog Rd to property
Legal:	CHEROKEE HEIGHTS PHASE III LOT 8 ORB 2538 P 1140 ORB 2547 P 152

Brand New Nowell Construction built home, ready for YOU! This unique Cherokee Heights home features an open living, kitchen, and formal dining area PLUS a separate den or family room. Custom cabinets, stainless appliances, and solid surface counter tops fill the gourmet's dream kitchen. A large pantry provides even more kitchen storage. For convenient and quick meals, the eat in kitchen and the breakfast bar are perfect. A formal dining room is ready for large family meals. The large living room features a fireplace with built in entertainment system and a french doors leading out the covered patio and fenced in back yard. French doors also allow access to the patio from the oversized master bedroom. The master bathroom has a separate tub/showercombination with the garden tub located in a "private" corner of the bathroom. Both guest bedrooms are split from the master and share a large bathroom. As a bonus, there is a separate den or office located off of the living room. With solid brick construction and a look like no other home in the neighborhood, this home has everything that you would ever want. Don't wait, schedule your private showing today. A one year builder home warranty is included.

PrkingSpc:	2	LotSize:	70X130	LotAcc:	Paved Road, City Road	WatFrnt:
PrkingTyp:	GARAGE	Acres:	0.210000	Zoning:	Residential Single Family	WatView:
PrkingFeat:	Driveway Only, Garage	WFFeet:		LotFeat:	Recorded Subdivision, Sidewalk, Covenants/Restrictions, Cleared, Level
ProjFacil:

Room Type	Lvl	Dimnsns
Den	1	12x12	Design:	Open Floor
LivingRoom	1	18x16	Design:	Open Floor
FormalDining	1	12x12	Const/Siding:	FndationSlabOnGrade, Frame, Roof Fiberglass, Siding Brick All
EatInKitchn	1	11x20	Const/Siding:
Bedrm:Master	1	17x13	ExtFeatures:	Fenced Back Yard, Fenced Privacy, Patio Covered, Porch Open, Sprinkler System
Bedrm:Additnl	1	13x12	ExtFeatures:
Bedrm:Additnl	1	12x10	IntFeatures:	Breakfast Bar, Ceiling:Raised, CeilingTrayed/Coffered, Fireplace, Floor:Ceramic Tile, Floor:W/W Carpet, Floor:W/WCarpetNew, Pull Down Stairs, Shelving, Split Bedroom, Washer/DryerHookup, Window:Bay, Woodwork:Painted, Inside Storage
Laundry	1	7x10	IntFeatures:
			Appliances:	Dishwasher, Disposal, Oven:Self Cleaning, Smoke Detector, Stove/Oven Electric, Microwave/Range Hood
			Appliances:
			Utilities:	Electric, Public Water, Cable TV, Public Sewer: On Site
			Utilities:	Electric, Public Water, Cable TV, Public Sewer: On Site
			Energy:	A/C: Central Electric, A/C: High Efficiency, Ceiling Fan(s), DoublePanedWindow(s), Heat Pump A/A, Heat: Central Electric, Insulated Door(s), Ridge Vent, Water Heater: Electric
			Energy:
Mbed/Mbath: Mbath Cultured Marble, Mbath Double Vanity, Mbath Garden Tub, Mbath Separate Shower, Mbath Ceramic Tile, Mbath Walk-In-Closet, Mbath Whirlpool, Mbed Carpeted, Mbed First Floor

TaxYr:	2007	Taxes:	Hmstd: N	SaleSubjtoLease:	N
LandLease/Year:		MonthlyRent:		AssmMtgTyp:
AssocFee:		LeaseExpDate:		Financing:	Conventional, FHA, VA, Cash, FMHA-USDARuralDev
NewBuyerFee:		ExistLeases:
Assoc.FeesInclude:

For More Information Contact:
Jeff Payne
Cell: (850) 890-2724
:
jeff.payne@kw.com
www.knowpayneknowgain.com

--Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed--Copyright: 2008 by the Bay County Association of REALTORS®
www.knowpayneknowgain.com
Prepared by Jeff Payne of KELLER WILLIAMS SUCCESS REALTY on 3/18/2008 8:43:48 PM

The animal shelter needs our help!!!!

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:36:00 GMT

Hi, all you animal lovers.

This is pretty simple. Please tell ten friends to
tell ten today! The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble
getting enough
people to click on it daily to meet their quota of
getting free food donated
every day to abused and neglected animals.

It takes less than a minute to go to their site and
click on the purple box
"fund food for animals" for free. This doesn't cost you
a thing. Their
corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily
visits to donate food
to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for
advertising.

Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.

www.theanimalrescuesite.com
AGAIN, PLEASE TELL 10 FRIENDS!!!

Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally, Panama City Beach, FL

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:33:00 GMT

Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally, Panama City Beach, FL
Spring Rally
May 1 - May 4 2008

Panama City Beach is home to the fastest growing biker friendly motorcycle rally, Thunder Beach. Thousands of bikers escape their daily lives and enjoy a weekend of fun, sun and fellowship.

This years activities include:
The Atlanta Rythym Section
Mustang Sally
Dan Lawson, a Buffalo Chip favorite

For more information, go to http://www.thunderbeachproductions.com/

Break out those leathers, polish up your chrome and hit the open road to Panama City Beach

Panama City Florida Restaurants

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:08:00 GMT

Our Favorite Panama City and Panama City Beach Restaurants

Fresh Seafood and Oysters: Cato's Seafood Market, corner of HWY231 andCato Road
Steaks: The Place (downtown) or Angelo's Steak Pit
Pizza: Joey's On the Beach or Hungry Howies
Local flavors: Bayou Joe's, Rustler's Reef
Sandwiches: Floridadelphia

What are your favorites?

Cherokee Heights, Panama City Florida

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:01:00 GMT

Looking to buy a home in Panama City but don't know where the best neighborhoods or schools are? Afraid of overpaying or being priced out of the market?

If you answered yes to either question, you owe it to yourself to discover Cherokee Heights in Panama City Florida.

Cherokee Heights is centered around award winning schools, Tommy Smith Elementary and Merritt Brown Middle Schools. For a FREE report of all Bay County Schools, go to our Free School Reports.

For convenience, Cherokee Heights is located close to Panama City Mall, 23rd Street Restaurants, and Tyndall Airforce Base. Cherokee Heights Mapquest

There are currently 10 homes for sale in Cherokee Heights ranging from $184,900 to $255,000. To view all of the homes available, Cherokee Heights Homes

To find out the approximate value of your Cherokee Heights or Panama City home, Panama City Home Values

What is all this talk about real estate short sale?

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:15:00 GMT

I keep hearing all of this talk about great real estate deals through short sales. WHAT IS A SHORT SALE AND HOW DO I GET ONE?

www.shortsalesinpanamacity.com

Short Sale: (Real Estate) The sale of a property for less than what is owed on the property.

In an approved short sale, the lender agrees to accept less than is owed for the property, and the homeowner is relieved of the debt. A lender may be willing to do this because it spares a lot of hassle and expense involved in executing a foreclosure. And typically, a short sale does far less damage to the homeowner’s credit than a foreclosure does.

What does this mean for me when I buy a short sale?

Buying a short sale typically takes longer than a normal transaction but it can be very rewarding and worth the wait. A short sale takes longer due to the approval needed from the bank who holds the note on the mortgage. We have seen homes sold for as low as 60 cents on the dollar making the new buyer very happy.

To find your short sale deal in Panama City, go to www.knowpayneknowgain.com

Real Estate is actually your home, not an ivestment.

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:06:00 GMT

RIGHT NOW is really a great time to buy real estate in Panama City, Panama City Beach and Lynn Haven, FL. While it may not be the greatest time to sell your home, especially if you have not lived in it for very long, it is a great time for buyers. Home prices are low, interest rates are low and sellers are offering incentives to buyers. Contrary to what the media trys to portray, those thinking of buying homes in Panama City have their "pick of the litter" with high inventories of new and pre-owned homes. To shart your search, go to www.knowpayneknowgain.com

Buying a home is often called the largest investment that anyone will ever make. Actually it is NOT an investment until you sell because everyone NEEDS a place to live. Their home is their castle, not an investment. Your home is where you raise your family, lay your head down to sleep and where you live out your life's dreams. You NEED a place to live and now is a great time to get off of the fence and buy your home. Your family will have something to call their own and you can start building your dreams. Call our team today to start your search at 850-890-0132 or go to www.knowpayneknowgain to find the Panama City Florida home of your dreams.

Don't believe the negative media hype, call us for a personal cosultation

What are your favorite memories of Panama City Beach, Florida

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:47:00 GMT

Remember those days as a kid when you waited all year long to take your summer vacation? What are your fond memories of your summer vacations in Panama City Beach?

Panama City Beach has worked hard to transform into the vacation destination for all walks of life. The former "Redneck Riviera" has changed from Mom and Pop hotels to upscale condominium complexes. Tourists from many countries call Panama City Beach home for months out of the year. A new international airport is being built to allow more flights directly to and from Panama City Beach. Pier Park is the newest attraction with Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville, Hofbrau Brewhouse, Backporch Seafood feeding the hungry shoppers. Now is the time to buy while the property values are still low. Go to www.knowpayneknowgain.com to find out more information.

Open House, Panama City, The Cove Neighborhood 3/16/2008

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:37:00 GMT

SAVE THOUSANDS THIS WEEKEND ONLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OPEN HOUSE
211 Harris Ave
Panama City, FL

Sunday March 16, 2008
1 PM to 4 PM

$225,000

Your Host: Jeff Payne
Onsite Lender: Crystal Pitts, Accuprime Mortgage

Call 850-890-0132 for details

Beautiful, spacious home situated on a huge lot in the historic "Cove" area of town. It is not very often that 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes like this are on the market in the Cove. This home has been carefully renovated with new cabinets, counter tops, original hardwood floors refinished, new wiring, and masonite siding on the exterior. Upon entering the home you see the charm of a 50's era home with the modern conveniences of 2008. The living room is adjoined by the formal dining room overlooking the sunny, sunk-in family room. An eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar is convenient for those quick meals and has plenty of cabinet and counter space for the entertainer of the family. Just off of the kitchen is a bonus room with counter space and a sink,perfect for a dining room or "fun" room. New floors are throughout living room , kitchen, and bonus room making this a move-in condition home. The bedrooms are spacious enough for the large family and the master is unique for a "Cove" home with a master bathroom. All appliances are included; dishwasher, stove and NEW refrigerator as well as a washer and dryer. A one car garage is great for storage as well as the large shed in the fenced in back-yard. The back yard has two gate access areas for convenient access. For utimate relaxation, you can sit on your back or front deck and enjoy life in the Cove. Call today for your private showing, don't hesitate, this one will sell fast. The seller is offering a one year home warranty.

Directions to open house:
Take Cove Blvd to 3rd Street, Go east to Harris and South to property OR Go South past Cherry Street Elementary to 211 Harris Ave

Check out our website at www.knowpayneknowgain.com

To find out the value of your property go to www.panamacityhomevalues.com

Getting your Panama City home in top selling condition by The Payne Group

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:36:00 GMT

Getting Your Home in Top Selling Condition

Curb Appeal

¨ Drive up to your home and look at it from afar. Look at it through the eyes of buyers.

¨ Check the shingles – repair or replace damaged shingles.

¨ Clean and repair the gutters.

¨ Clean and repair the HVAC units.

¨ Repair broken windows and shutters. Replace torn screens. Make sure frames and seams have solid caulking.

¨ Repair or replace door knobs, doorbell and light fixtures if necessary.

¨ Remove all toys, equipment and litter.

¨ Remove cobwebs and nests.

¨ Remove mildew, moss and stains from the side of your home – use bleach. Remove stains from the walkways and driveway – use concrete cleanser and/or kitty litter.

¨ Repair and clean patio furniture and deck area. Remove anything that can’t be repaired.

¨ Make sure the spa and pool sparkle.

¨ Go around and touch up the exterior of your home with putty and paint.

¨ Clean or paint the front door and mailbox.

¨ Hose off the exterior of your home, especially around entrances. Use siding cleanser.

¨ Wash the windows.

¨ Wash your garbage can and put it in a place where it’s not the first thing potential buyers see when they drive up.

¨ Stack the woodpile neatly.

¨ Mow the lawn.

¨ Trim the trees and shrubs.

¨ Weed the gardens.

¨ Add colorful plants or foliage to fill in bare spots.

¨ Edge the gardens and walkways.

¨ Sweep the walkways and driveway.

¨ Replace doormats that are worn and torn.

¨ Shine brass hardware on the doors and light fixtures. Polish stained wood doors and trim.

¨ Drive up to your home again and look at it from the eyes of a potential buyer. Walk into your home as a potential buyer. Determine what kind of impression the walkways and entrances now make.

Overall Interior

¨ Walk through your home. Store, give away, throw, or donate anything that you won’t need until after the move; e.g. furniture, knick-knacks, clothing, toys, equipment, appliances, worn rugs, papers, books, cosmetics, jewelry, games, CDs, etc.

¨ Walk through your home again, this time with some tools. Fix loose door knobs, cracked molding, leaky faucets. Remove cob webs.

¨ Replace worn or broken door knobs, cabinet fixtures, light fixtures, light switches, outlet plates, faucets and vent covers.

¨ Clean the fireplace.

¨ Clean the vents.

¨ Clean and organize your closets. Add extra space by storing or giving away items.

¨ Add a fresh coat of paint in light, neutral colors.

¨ Shampoo the carpet. Replace if necessary. Clean and wax the floors.

¨ Vacuum the window blinds, shades and drapes. Wash or dry clean curtains. Wash all the windows, frames and sills.

¨ Add dishes of potpourri.

¨ Remove all valuables, such as jewelry, artwork, knick-knacks, medications, cash, coin collections and so on.

¨ Open all the window shades to create a spacious and bright look.

¨ Put pet supplies and dishes in a place where they are not the first thing potential buyers see or smell when they walk into a room.

Living Room and Family Room

¨ Make these rooms spacious and inviting.

¨ Discard or repair chipped furniture. Replace worn rugs and pillows.

¨ Remove magazines, games, toys and so on.

¨ Make sure the entertainment center sparkles.

¨ Vacuum upholstery, drapes, pillows, etc.

Dining Room

¨ Clean out your china cabinet. Polish any visible silver.

¨ Put a lovely centerpiece on the table – treat yourself to fresh flowers. Set the table for a formal dinner to help potential buyers imagine entertaining there.

Bedrooms

¨ Arrange furniture to create a spacious look.

¨ Remove games, toys, magazines, cosmetics, jewelry – especially on the nightstands.

¨ Replace bedspreads, quilts and pillow shams if they are worn or faded.

Bathrooms

¨ Remove rust and mildew stains.

¨ Wash or replace shower curtains.

¨ Make sure everything sparkles – including grout.

¨ Replace worn rugs and towels.

Kitchen

¨ Make sure all appliances work.

¨ Throw or eat the foods that you’ve been storing for so long.

¨ Clean the inside of the refrigerator, stove and cabinets. Make sure everything is organized to create a spacious look.

¨ If your stove has electric burners, purchase new drip pans for each burner. Wash removable knobs in your dishwasher.

¨ Polish the cabinets with furniture oil.

¨ Make sure appliances, countertops and the sink sparkle. Install new faucets if necessary.

Attic, Basement and Garage

¨ Get rid of unnecessary items. Store or pack items you won’t need until after the move.

¨ Organize everything to create more floor space and make inspections easy. Put things on shelves or in matching boxes.

¨ Provide bright lighting.

¨ Clean all equipment and vents. Replace filters. Fix any insulation that might be showing.

¨ Take care of stale or musty odors. Open the windows, dust and wash the walls and floors, purchase room deodorizers.

When It’s Time to Show

¨ Make sure your property folder is out in the open. It should contain utility bills, an MLS profile, your Seller’s Disclosure, extra property flyers and extra business cards.

¨ Do a quick clean and vacuum. Air out your house. Dispose all trash.

¨ Put pets outside if it’s safe to do so.

¨ Turn on a radio with peaceful music.

Want to know what your home is worth in today's market??????

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:29:00 GMT

Interested in knowing what your home is worth in today's market? We can help. Visit our website at www.panamacityhomevalues.com to find out or call me directly at 850-890-0132.

FYI, the fair market of your home is determined by the market, or what a buyer is willing to pay. Buyers don't care about......................

What your neighbor says it is worth

What You spent on your home

What it costs to build today

What you spent on repairs

What you spent on new carpet

What you paid for your home

What you need to get for your home

What you want to get for your home

To find out more about what we can do for YOU, go to www.knowpayneknowgain.com

For Sale By Owner, Should I try to sell myself?

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:23:00 GMT

Should I try to sell my home without a Realtor? That is the question that nearly all home sellers will ask themselves at one time or another.

Here are a few things to consider..............

Time is Money.... How much is your time worth per hour? If you do not use a Realtor, you can expect on the average to spend at least 100 hours selling your home, assuming there are no problems. Is this the best use of your time? Are you available to show your home during the day on weekdays, all day Saturday and Sunday or in the evenings. Bueyrs who are looking do not want to be inconvenienced. This is a big committment. Are you up for the challenge. For more FSBO information go to www.knowpayneknowgain.com

It IS a BIG DEAL.... Selling your home as well a buying a home is a big deal. Most people don't sell more than 2 homes in thier lifetime, so it is not something they develop expertise in. Laws are ever changing, ethics and practical considerations come into play that you could learn through trial and error but who wants to take that chance on probably the largest investment that you will ever make. IT IS JUST NOT WORTH THE RISK.

Here is how The Payne Group can help!!!!.....

1. We know what it takes to get your home in top selling condition to WOW the buyers!
2. We know what is happening in the market and can provide CURRENT information so that we can have a strategy to sell quickly and for the most money!
3. We KNOW what homes are selling for and what needs to be done to position your home AHEAD of the market.
4.We personally inform ALL real estate agents in our market place the minute your home goes on the market.
5. We have the skills to help you evaluate and negotiate every offer that you recieve!
6. We know how to close the transaction with no hassle or trouble to you!

For more information, go to www.panamacityhomevalues.com or call me dire.ctly at 850-890-0132.

Panama City-Bay County International Airport

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:05:00 GMT

Exciting News About Pier Park, Panama City Beaches Newest Attraction, Vacation Destinations

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:02:00 GMT

Pier Park - News and Notes
February 15, 2008

Out on the Boardwalk: Several new stores have opened today at Pier Park, Simon Property Group's new 900,000-square-foot retail and entertainment lifestyle center located in Panama City Beach, Florida. Nearly 20 stores officially opened to the public on Valentine's Day 2008, and experienced strong sales with heavy foot-traffic. Even more retailers are expected to open this weekend.

Nothing Small About It: Georgeann Smith and Brandy Lister, co-owners of tatoe tots, a children's clothing specialty shop named after Lister's godchild…said sales exceeded their expectations. "We were thrilled with the number of people who shopped in our store and shared positive feedback," said Lister. "We doubled our sales goal!"

No Tall Tales: "We had more than a 1,000 shoppers come through the doors, with more than 500 visitors within the first two hours," said Cindy Stephens, owner of Fish Tales. Fish Tales specializes in beach-themed décor and jewelry. Fish Tales kicked off their opening by serving complimentary mimosas. Stephens said that they went through 40 bottles of Champagne.

Burgers of Love…Five Guys Famous Hamburgers & Fries franchise owner Blake Geoghan and his staff had been slammed at lunch on their opening day Thursday. They ran out of seating and patrons were waiting for 30-45 minutes for a table. In fact during one 90-minute period, a lunchtime record for the chain was set. But certainly on Valentine's night, this outstanding fast casual eatery would slow up, right? Wrong. "The shocking thing," Geoghan reports, "is that we had people standing out the door at dinner, too." Geoghan and his staff had a great day. "It exceeded our wildest expectations," he said. "It was fabulous." Mayor Oberst of Panama City Beach was among the first-day diners at Five Guys.

OOM PA!!...One hundred people were waiting outside the doors of Hofbrau Beer Garden in advance of Thursday's 5 p.m. opening. Inside, staff was working feverishly to greet them. Managing partner Hans Weissgerber said it came down to the last five minutes. "There are a lot of challenges involved in getting opened," he said. But it certainly was worth it. By the end of the evening 400 people had been served and the party had raged on with group singing and dancing on the tables.

"It's nice to open the doors and be full at day one," Weissgerber said. "It's also nice to know that all of the efforts you've made to get open were appreciated by the Panama City Beach community, which seems to truly embrace and appreciate our brand of good Bavarian fun."

Opening at Pier Park today, February 15, 2008:

Bebo'z Gifts & Collectibles
Mermaid Trading Co.

More Stores Premiering in February and March at Pier Park:

Anchors:

Dillard's
JCPenney
Old Navy

Specialty Shops:

Beach Scene
Bootleg Barbeque
Candymaker
Del Sol
Gamestop
Guglielmo's Italian Restaurant
Jake at the Beach
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
Massage Envy
Merle Norman Cosmetics
Payless Shoes
Ron Jon Surf Shop
Smoothie King
Southern Waters Outfitters
The Back Porch
Trader Tom's
ULTA Beauty

For more information on Panama City and Beaches, go to www.knowpayneknowgain.com