Hurricane Season is Over. Time to Take Stock of Your Preparedness for any Emergency

    November 30th, was the official "end of the 2012 Hurricane Season.” Thank heavens. It is highly unlikely that from this point until next Summerwe’ll see any strong hurricane-force storms come through Tampa Bay. The waters in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico are cooler at this point and adolescent hurricanes need warm waters to increase in strength and become dangerous.

    On the positive side, during hurricane season 2012, we did have numerous rainy days that helped to replenish our underground aquifers upon which we depend for most of our drinking water.

    Now that we were lucky enough not to have to endure a hurricane this season, it would be a good idea to make sure now, while the topic is still fresh in our minds, that we are prepared for any emergency event, hurricane or otherwise. Yes, it’s time to review your emergency preparedness.

    Having a disaster plan and a disaster supply kit ready will improve immeasurably the likelihood of your and your family remaining safe during any serious incident. Included here are the steps you need to take to assure that your family is ready for any serious natural disaster or other incident regardless of where you live; in Florida or elsewhere.

# 1. Develop a Family Disaster Plan
    A family disaster plan includes a checklist of things to do before, during and after a natural disaster of any kind. It includes important information that will help you survive the storm in good shape.

    The first thing to do is to learn how vulnerable your home is and to consider making changes where necessary to minimize those risks. Your plan should include a list of activities or improvements you’re going to make during this hurricane off-season. For example, would installing hurricane blinds over your windows be an affordable option? Do you have a “safe room’? Do all memebrs of your family know which room that is? Does it need to be further reinforced?

    If you have the time to evacuate, where are you going to go? You should identify a place outside the home in your neighborhood where you’ll try to gather immediately after an event and a second location far enough away so it is unlikely to be affected by the same event that destroys your own home – a relative living out of state may be the simplest answer. What route will you take to get to both spots ? Does every member of the family know where these two evacuation sites are and, if they’re able to travel on their own should you get separated, do they know how to get there?

    Have you checked your homeowner’s insurance to know what would be covered and what would not? You standard homeowner policy won't usually cover flood damage, so check your current policy and consider a separate flood policy if you live in a vulnerable area. Even if you are not in a vulnerable area, check with your insurance company to see what is covered. Is rain damage from a missing roof or broken windows covered? If a tree falls on your home because it was blown down by wind is that covered?

    Take a Red Cross or other emergency response function course in basic first aid including how to splint a broken arm or leg, stop heavy bleeding and hbow to do CPR.

    If you have pets, decide what you’ll do with them. The good news is that since Hurricane Katrina, FEMA and other disaster recovery agencies are much more accommodating of family pets.

    Finally, never let your car’s gas tank get below half-full to assure you can travel if roads are clear. We’ve all seen those awful lines waiting for gas at the few gas stations open after a storm.

# 2. Make or, if you already have one, check your Disaster Supply Kit
    A disaster supply kit is something you must have while hoping you never need it. The kit should contain items you’ll need if a storm hits and does enough damage to cut off your electricity or temporarily isolate you and your family from the outside world. Assume that, in the worst case, this kit may be all you’ll have for up to 72 hours (even more is better) after the storm passes if you weren’t able to evacuate in time.

    Make sure everything you put in the kit stays there. Don’t remove items and use them when you run short of something. It's too easy to forget to replace those items which you may be need desperately when an emergency hits. Finally, keep your disaster supply Kit in your safe room. It’s worthless if you can’t get to it.

    Your kit should include at least the following:
1. At least 1 gallon of water per member of your family per day, with enough for at least 3 days (more is better).

2. A 3-4 day supply of canned or dehydrated, non-perishable food, implements including a can opener, plastic utensils and paper plates. If you want to be able to cook food, include a simple form of cooking equipment and fuel (e.g. a sterno stove or compact propane-fueled stove.

3. If you have a pet, food and extra water, a leash for dogs, and a cage or carrier for cats and other small animals. This is a good time to make sure your dog has an identification tag, or even better, has the embedded identification chip.

4. A first-aid kit, clothing, toiletries, and personal care items. You’ll have to add any prescription drugs you take regularly to the kit whenever a hurricane or tornado watch is issued. Left in the kit too long, they’ll become inactive.

5. A battery-operated flashlight (preferably more than one), radio, and spare batteries. Remember that batteries need to be inspected and replaced from time to time.

6. Copies of important documents, including insurance policies at least the insurance company’;s phone number, social security numbers, bank account numbers, wedding and birth certificates secured in a waterproof pouch. Another way to keep this info today is to write it all to a “flash drive.”

7. Simple small tools like a hammer, screwdriver, pliers, hatchet, etc, so when a disaster recovery team reaches you, you can use these tools and the supplies they bring to protect at least some of your belongings from further damage. • A reasonable amount of cash. If the power is out, ATM cards and credit cards won’t do you any good.

    Make sure every member of your family knows where the disaster supply kit is and not to remove anything from it under any circumstances. – repeat, not under any circumstances.

    Taking these steps may mean the difference between an emergency event that your family comes through in reasonably good shape, ready to move on with your lives versus and a gut-wrenchingly horrible experience that may haunt you for many years knowing that, had you just “been prepared,” things might have turned out much better than they did.

    Hurricanes, earthquakes and such can occur anywhere so being prepared is a smart thing to do regardless of where you live today. I am happy to provide you with this information and hope you find it useful.

    Whether you already live in Tampa Bay and are considering moving to another perhaps larger home or down-sizing as you approach retirement or if you live elsewhere today and are considering moving to our area, I invite you to visit my Tampa Bay Florida real estate website for lots of information on why Tampa Bay is so attractive to so many people.

    If you have questions about any facet of the warm, sunny lifestyle available to you here in Tampa Bay, E-Mail Me or, for a more immediate response, call me at 813-263-6806.

Tampa Bay Real Estate Market Growing Stronger Every Month

    The Greater Tampa Association of Realtors (GTAR) continues to report higher volumes of home and condo sales each month across Tampa and Tampa Bay. Nearly 2,900 homes sold in October, a 35% jump over the same month last year, And, the median sales prices rose by 9%.

    In the first 10 months of 2012, in both Hillsborough and Pinellas County, 9% more homes were sold than for the same period in 2011. In Pasco County there were 11% more homes sold this year, and in Hernando County, 2012 sales for the first 10 months are ahead of the 2011 rate by 17%.

    As reported here earlier, there was no real seasonal drop-off this summer. Local Realtors have been reporting that traffic at open houses continues to be heavy with lots of serious buyers. Part of the reason for this level of activity is the continuing decline in the number of properties for sale in the Tampa Bay real estate market. In Hillsborough County, for example, the inventory of homes available for sale dropped to 7,000 listings in October, fully 5,000 fewer than a year ago according to GTAR statistics.

    At the current rate of sales, those 7,000 listings in Hillsborough County would be sold in less than four months. In a real estate market considered to be in equilibrium where neither buyers or sellers have an advantage, there is usually about a 6 month supply of homes on the market. Comparing the current less than a 4 month supply with the bottom of the housing bust when the inventory surpassed a 20-month supply and it becomes clear that the Tampa and Tampa Bay real estate market has become a seller’s market once again.. S

    ellers in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando have seen their homes sold and closed quicker than at any time in several years and they are selling at higher prices than just a few months ago. On attractive homes, attaractively priced, multiple competing offers have once again become the norm.

    And, it's not all distressed properties (foreclosures and short sales) being sold for less than the homeowner owes on a mortgage, that are accounting for the home and condo sales volumes. Currently, Only about40% of sales in 2012 year to date have been "distressed" home sales and that percentage is sdropping consistently.

    Across the United States, home prices are continuing to strengthen, according to the CoreLogic Home Price Index (HPI). The index showed that home prices increased by 4.6% last month, the biggest year-over-year increase since July 2006. Tampa Bay Florida, being one of the most attractive places to live, work and retire, is simply leading the way back to a healthy real estate market.

    In summary, the Tampa Bay real estate market has recovered and is no longer a "buyer's market" where prospective buyers are at an advantage. There are still attractive homes attractively priced in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas County but they are being snapped up quickly. There is admittedly still a slightly higher than equilibrium number of condominiums on the market, but those, too, will be bought up soon at the current rate.

    The message about the Tampa Bay real estate market news is unambiguous and clear. "If you have been thinking about investing in a Florida home or condo, especially in the Tampa Bay - St Petersburg - Sarasota Sun Coast area, the time for consideration is at an end. It’s time for action," says one Sarasota real estate agent. Whether you are considering a seasonal or a permanent home, a modest home or condo in a traditional or golf course neighborhood, or a luxurious golf course or waterfront home or condominium, Tampa Bay includes that dream home you are looking for, today, but not for much longer, at a price you’ll appreciate. I would be delighted to show you homes and condominiums that fit your needs and desires anywhere in the Tampa Bay area.

    Visit my Tampa Bay Florida real estate website for even more information on why Tampa and Tampa Bay is so attractive to so many. If you'd like to know more about any facet of the warm and sunny lifestyle offered here in Tampa Bay, feel free to E-Mail Me or for more immediate service, call me at 813-263-6806.

Historic Ybor City - An "Old World Gem" in Tampa Bay Gem

    Once known as Tampa’s Latin Quarter, Ybor City is today an exotic blend of aromas, flavors, sights and sounds. From the scent of roasting Cuban coffee in the morning to the rhythms of Latin music late into the night, Ybor City is a feast for the senses reminiscent of an ancient European city.

    For lunch or dinner, you can choose from an extremely broad array of cuisines - Spanish, Cuban, Italian, Greek and French or share authentic tapas and a pitcher of Spanish sangria in a café atmosphere reminiscent of a Mediterranean village. All this can be done on a single stroll down La Setima, the main street of this Historic District of the city of Tampa Florida.

    Ybor City was originally established by Vicente Martinez-Ybor in the 1880’s as a cigar-manufacturing center. It was soon populated by thousands of immigrants from Spain, Cuba and Italy who for the next 50 years rolled millions of cigars each year.

    Ybor City is one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida. Red brick buildings, wrought iron balconies and narrow brick streets provide an atmosphere of Old World Charm. In 2010 the Ybor City Columbia Restaurant was named a "Top 50 All-American Icon.” Ybor City today is a refreshing change of pace from the typical Florida beach town, golf community and those all-too-present regional malls.

    Here you'll find a lively 24/7 live, work and play community. Ybor City is becoming the “creative hub” of the Tampa Bay area where businesses as diverse as advertising, architecture, interior design, community planning, engineering services, technology transfer and media production are all part of the fabric of the community. And, to meet the needs of its new residents, new low-rise condos are springing-up all through the historic neighborhood.

    You must actually"come and explore" Ybor City to really appreciate its magic. No plastic mall directory, no strip mall signs, no big-box retail stores; just a walkable community with vintage fashion, funky retail shops and restaurants that have been operated by the same families for generations. It captures just the right amount of “Old World Charm” in a “New Age” cache.

    If you're relocating to the Tampa Bay area of Florida and would like more information on my Tampa Bay real estate services for homes buyers, request my Tampa Bay Information and Real Estate Package. Or, E-Mail Me or call me directly on my cell phone at (813) 263-6806.

Wondering Where in Florida to Move To?

Tampa Bay Should Clearly be on Your List

    If you have been considering relocating to Florida, there are many reasons to consider Tampa and the Tampa Bay area as your primary destination. The city of Tampa and Tampa Bay has been ranked:

• #8 among the “Top 10 Cleanest Cities” by Forbers magazine among the "Best Sports Cities in North America" by- Sporting News Magazine
• among "Top Spots in the Country for Business" by Forbes Magazine
• # 4 among the "Top 20 Cities for Golf" by Golf Digest
• #4 among the "Top 5 of America's Most Popular Big Cities" by Pew Research Center
• Tampa ranked #2 right behind St Petersburg which was #1 among the "Top 25 Mid-sized Cities for Arts" by American Style Magazine
• among the "10 Great Cities in the U.S. to Start a Business" by Kiplinger
• #7 among the “Top Cities in the U.S. Where the Jobs Will Be in 2012 " at #7 by Forbes Magazine
• #4 among the "Best American Cities to Do Business"by- KPMG"
• and, the Tampa International Airport was ranked the 3rd "Best U.S. Airport" by Condé Nast

    Intriguing, isn't it ? But how much do you actually know about Tampa and Tampa Bay. Here are some interesting facts for you to evaluate and consider:

    Tampa is at the heart of Hillsborough County although as it has grown, some of the fastest growing communities are springing up over the border into Pasco County. Across Tampa Bay, Pinellas County includes the larger cities of Clearwater and St. Petersburg as well as several smaller towns like Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs plus the several barrier island keys which stretch from Clearwater down the coast to St Perersburg. The metropolitan area has a total population of 2,780,000 and its population has grown by just over 17$ since 2000.

    Tampa Bay offers a very pleasant year-round climate. Holding the Guinness World Record for most consecutive sunny days at an amazing 768, the area averages 361 sunny days per year. The average year-round temperature is 73 degrees. The coldest month is usually January when the average dips to the mid 50’s and the warmest months are typically July and August when the highest average temperature reaches the mid 80’s. The temperature in Tampa Bay almost never reaches 90 degrees.

    Compared to the rest of the United States, the cost of living in Tampa Bay is 9.0% below the national average according to BestPlaces.com

    The Hillsborough County School District is the 3rd largest district in Florida and the 8th largest in the U.nited Satets with with a very active and well-regarded magnet school program. The area also offer a wide range of charter and private religious-affiliated schools. The Pinellas County School District is the 7th largest district in Florida and the 24th largest in the United States.

    Tampa Bay has excellent health care facilities. The 1,018 bed Tampa General Hospital in downtown Tampa is one of the largest hospitals in Florida and is is affiliated with the University of South Florida - College of Medicine. In addition Tampa is the home of the world-renowned Moffit Cancer Center. Across Tampa Bay in Pinellas County, there are several more well-regarded hospitals and health care facilities in Clearwater, St Petersburg and Tarpon Springs

    And don’t forget about those beaches. No matter where you live in Tampa Bay, you'rew never more than a 30 minute drive to some of the finest beaches in Florida stretching from Clearwater Beach to Pass-A-Grille Beach at the southern tip of St Petersburg.

    For lovers of watercraft, you can go boating, sailing and fishing 12 months a year in Tampa Bay on both the protected Tampa Bay and out on the Gulf of Mexico.

    For arts and cultural buffs, Tampa’s award as one of the Top Arts Destinations comes as no surprise to locals. From the stellar Broadway Series of performances at the Starz Center for the Performing Arts to opera and ballet to the surreal masterworks of Salvador Dali at the Dali Museum in St Petersburg, there is an eclectic collage of arts and cultural venues.

    As a place to start a business, Tampa was rated by Kiplinger as a” nascent start-up scene.” Local governments are business-feiendly and Tampa’s small-business owners benefit from the state’s lack of personal income tax and its low 5.5% corporate income tax.

    So you see, whether you are a young family looking for a place to raise your kids, an entrepreneur thinking about starting a new company or retirees looking for a warm and comfortable place to call home, Tampa Bay should definitely be on your list of “must see” places before you choose a Florida location.

    And, no matter what type of residence you may be dreaming of in your new destination, whether its a seasonal or a permanent home, a modest home or condo in a traditional or golf course neighborhood, a home in a historic neighborhood, a luxurious golf course mansion or an elegant waterfront home or condominium, Tampa Bay includes what you are looking for at a price point today that makes this area even more attractive than it has ever been before. Visit my Tampa Bay Florida real estate website for even more information on why Tampa Bay is so attractive to so many.

    If you'd like to know more about any facet of the warm and sunny lifestyle offered here in Tampa Bay, feel free to E-Mail Me or call me for more immediate service at 813-263-6806.

That Pesky "Heath Care Issue" in Choosing a Retirement Destination

As people consider where to move as they approach retirement age, and are looking for a warmer climate, one of the things I most often hear discussed is the availability of good health care facilities. This article will review just briefly the wide variety and the excellence of the health care facilities available to you in Tampa and Tampa Bay Florida.

For starters, Tampa is blessed with two great hospitals right within the city of Tampa, itself. The 1,018 bed Tampa General Hospital in downtown Tampa is one of the largest hospitals in Florida. Tampa General (TGH) is affiliated with the University of South Florida - College of Medicine. In addition, there is Tampa Memorial Hospital, a 183-bed, state-of-the-art hospital also in downtown Tampa.

In addition as you move into suburban areas, Florida Hospital – Tampa Bay Division operates 6 separate facilities located strategically around the Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco County. Florida Hospital – Tampa and the Pepin Heart Institute are on Fletcher Avenue in Tampa and the Florida Hospital – Carrollwood serving the northwestern suburbs of Tampa and Hillsborough County is located on North Dale Mabry Highway. For more suburban areas, Florida Hospital operates a 154 bed hospital in Zephyrhills in Pasco County. The Florida Hospital - Long Term Acute Care unit is located in Land O’ Lakes.

Finally, there is the Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, which achieved its National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation in 1998, located in north Tampa on the campus of the University of South Florida. Cancer research at Moffitt includes more than 135 investigators organized around six scientific programs. The Moffit Cancer Center has rapidly become well-known for its expertise and sensitivity in handling the wide array of physical, spiritual or emotional needs of its patients.

Across Tampa Bay in Pinellas County, there are several more well-regarded hospitals and health care facilities including St Petersburg General, St Anthonys Hospital and All Children's Hospital in St Petersburg, Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Mease Hospital in Dunedin and the Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital in Tarpon Springs among others.

As one considers the many factors that lead to a decision on where to live during your retirement years, health care, while a very important factor, isn’t the only reason why people move to Tampa Bay Florida.

Tampa is the "heart" of Tampa Bay. The warm, sunny climate and bright blue skies, the low cost of living and a wide variety of activities and events that go on almost constantly in Tampa make it an ideal location for young families and retirees alike. The average year-round temperature of 72°, a refreshing 60° in January and a warm average of 82° in August make living here delightful.

The almost-always pleasant weather fosters a lifestyle which includes lots of “outdoor living” activities. The Hillsborough River, which meanders for 56 miles, offers endless activities including canoeing, fishing, camping and hiking. There are almost 200 parks, 136 picnic areas and 80 playgrounds in Tampa and its surrounding communities. For the athletic among us, there are swimming pools, tennis and racquet ball courts, golf courses and playing fields. For those more into spectating, there are professional baseball, hockey, football and arena football teams, including the Super Bowl winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Spring training camp for the New York Yankees. Tampa Bay is home to all sorts of boating and sailing opportunities, and the gorgeous Gulf Coast beaches in Clearwater and St Petersburg are no more than 30 to 45 minutes away from anywhere in Tampa Bay.

Lowry Park Zoo entertains seniors and young families alike. The Florida Aquarium is a unique and exciting place for visitors of all ages. Art, music, dance and theater devotees find a wealth of galleries and museums such as the Tampa Museum of Art, Museum of Science & Industry and USF's Contemporary Art Museum. There are Broadway plays, operas and dance recitals that excite thousands of patrons in community theaters as well as at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Housing in Tampa and throughout Tampa Bay is abundant and affordable.

Throughout Tampa and Tampa Bay, there are single-family homes, patio homes, townhomes and condominiums from the most luxurious to the most affordable from in-town and waterfront high-rise condominiums to suburban golf course communities and retirement communities.

Regardless of all the other amenities, as you approach your senior years, there is still that “health care issue” to consider. You can rest assured, if that is a concern in your choice of where to retire, the health care facilities of Tampa Florida will meet your every need and assuage any concern you may have had.

I'd be pleased to help you find that one home, townhome or condominium in a traditional neighborhood, a downtown high-rise, or a retirement community of patio homes and villas here in Tampa Bay that fits your needs and desires perfectly.

If you'd care to comment on this article or any other facet of Tampa Bay living, please E-Mail Me or visit my Tampa real estate website. For a more immediate response, call me directly at 813-263-6806.

Tampa Home Sales Remained Strong through the Normally Slow Summer Months

Despite the trend downward that normally occurs as our snowbird friends head back up North, the Tampa and Tampa Bay real estate markets have remained strong right through the summer months this year. Why should this interest you ?   Tampa Bay is a wonderful place to live whether you are a young professional, a family raising kids or retirees, Tampa offers you clean air, good schools, excellent health care and a year-round warm, sunny climate as well as easy access to some of the best beaches in the country.  In addition, you'll find endless recreational activities including boating and fishing on both Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico and, of course, golf plus family-oriented amenities like the Florida Aquarium, Lowery Park Zoo, the Museum of Science and Industry and Busch Gardens. Homes are continuing to sell at a rapid pace.  July, 2012 alone, there were 1,971 closed property sales (1,519 single-family homes and 452 townhomes and condos), 9.2% more than in the same month in 2011. Pending sales (properties under sales contract, but not yet closed) rose in July to 2,279,  24% above the level at this point last year.  “The Tampa real estate market remains one of the bright spots in Florida and the nation,” said noted Tampa Realtor, Cheryl Stimac.   “The second quarter of 2012 was better than we expected and significantly ahead of the pace last year," she added. Asesult of the increased sales, median sale prices are also rising. The median sale price of single-family homes in July was $145,000, a $10,000 increase over this point in 2011.  Townhomes and condos showed an even larger year-over-year median price increase rising from $72,000 last year to $91,000 this July.  Part of the reason for this is that the number of distressed property sales (foreclosures and short sales) is at the lowest level in years. There simply aren't many distressed property single-family homes left on the Tampa real estate market at this point. The available inventory of single-family homes on the Tampa real estate market dropped to a new low of 6,447 versus 9,439 homes available at this point in 2011 and 11,781 homes in 2012 according to statistics published by the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors.  The July figures show only a 4.2 month supply of single-family homes (versus 6.9 months in 2011 and 9.0 months in 2010). The inventory of townhomes and condos dropped again in July to a 3.2 month supply (versus a 5.9 months in 2011 and 9.9 months in 2010.  The lack of inventory at this point, particularly in the lower price ranges is already substantially limiting buyer. “Competition for attractive properties has become noticeable in the past few months,” said Cheryl Stimac, “and that inevitably leads, as we’re seeing already. to increased prices.” If you have been considering buying a home or condo in the Tampa Bay area including Hillsborough and Pasco Counties either for your use today or as your retirement home, you may be on the verge of being "too late to the party." I'd be pleased to help you find that one home, townhome or condo here in Tampa Bay that fits your needs and desires perfectly.   But, hurry, the time to come to the Tampa Bay area and pick out your “Place in the Florida Sunshine” is now. If you'd care to comment on this article or any other facet of Tampa real estate, please E-Mail Me or visit my Tampa real estate website. For a more immediate response, call me directly at 813-263-6806.

 

Tampa Bay Demand for Homes Outstripping Supply with Predictable Result

Across the United States, new construction homes and existing home sales are strengthening and prices are rising, stoking confidence among observers like the National Association of Realtors that a housing recovery is finally underway.  Nationwide, sales of existing homes jumped 10.4% compared with July last year.  In step with the nationwide market, in the Hillsborough and Pasco County areas of Tampa Bay, home sales which normally drop off during the summer months, remained strong in July with 2,275 closings, 10.7% higher than the level a year ago.

Home to championship golf courses, close to the gulf beaches, and with phenomenal weather, Tampa Bay is a magnet for families considering moving to Florida.  The Hillsborough River, stretching 56 miles, offers endless family activities including canoeing, fishing, camping and hiking.  The Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Lowry Park Zoo entertain thousands of families every day.  For sports enthusiasts, there are professional baseball, hockey, football and arena football teams, including the SuperBowl winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Those seeking art, music, dance and theater find a wealth of galleries and museums such as the Tampa Museum of Art, Museum of Science & Industry and USF's Contemporary Art Museum.  Music lovers can hear everything from blues to reggae nightly.  Plays, Broadway musicals, operas and dance excite thousands at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

Beneath all this good news, however, lies a dilemma rapidly developing in the Tampa real estate market.  There are simply not enough homes available here to meet the demand.  This is information you need to know if you’re still “sitting on the fence” about buying a home here in Tampa Bay.  A skeptical reader might ask, “but where is all this demand for homes coming from when the overall economy still isn’t doing all that well ?”

First, its coming from first time buyers.  Rents nationwide and locally in Tampa Bay are rising leading many young families to decide that it will be cheaper to own than rent for the foreseeable future.  They also see that the decreasing number of homes on the market is beginning to drive prices up.  First time buyers who can qualify for a mortgage are recognizing that if they are going to buy, they need to do it now before the price of the home they want gets beyond their means.  That fear, plus the fact that 30-year mortgage rates are at historic lows of about 3.5%, have made owning a home a more affordable and more desirable option for young families than it has been in a decade. When those buyers go looking, they find fewer and fewer homes available to choose from.

The second source of demand is coming from the other end of the income strata.  Even though mortgages are harder to get than at any time in 6 or 8 years, people in the upper income brackets can qualify for attractive-rate mortgages because they have the resources to meet the 20% down payment criteria, and even more frequently, they can and do, pay cash. These families can afford to buy a home wherever and whenever they wish and they’ve decided Tampa Bay is the place and this the time to do it.

At the same time demand for Tampa properties is high, the available inventory on the market dropped in July to a new low of 2,267, a full 66% below the level a year ago.  In Hillsborough County, where the supply of homes for sale on the market exceeded a 24 month supply  just two years ago, the number of for-sale homes has plunged to just a 3-month supply, half  the supply that should be available in a healthy market, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

So, if demand is high and existing home inventories are low, why aren’t builders providing a higher supply of new-construction homes to meet the demand?  

Builders have a problem of their own.  A few years ago, banks would lend money to builders to build “spec” homes – homes for which there was not already a sales contract in place.  That is seldom the case today.  After being burned by so many bad mortgages in the recent past, many banks refuse to provide construction loans to builders unless there is already a firm sales contract already in place. As a result few spec homes are being built further constraining the supply of available homes.

What does this all mean to you?  Growing demand for homes in all price ranges coupled with a diminishing supply is causing what always happens when demand outstrips supply – prices are rising.  On attractive homes, and even on most average homes, Tampa Bay Realtors are now seeing multiple, competing offers  –  offers above the asking price in more and more cases.

If you are considering buying a home or condo here in Tampa Bay as your primary home, a second home or as a retirement home any time in the next few years, and if you can qualify for a mortgage, or don’t need a mortgage, contact an experienced Tampa Bay Realtor like Cheryl Stimac today and get started picking out your home here in Tampa, the “heart of Tampa Bay.”

Is a Tampa Bay Condominium the Right Next Step For You?

    Many baby-boomers, as they transition from raising a family to the “empty-nester phase or from a full-time career into a somewhat slower-paced retiree lifestyle also relocate to a place with a warmer climate like here in Tampa Bay, Many of those people would also like to reduce and simplify the work associated with home ownership. Yet, these folks do not want to give up the pride and sense of stability that comes with owning your own home.

   The option of renting may be appealing to some, but most of us still want to “own our own home.” In the Tampa Bay real estate market today, there are options to meet the needs and desires of everyone, and many people are finding that the condominium lifestyle offers many of the benefits of home ownership without all the drudgery that comes with a single-family home.

   Condos in Tampa Bay come in all shapes and sizes, in all sorts of locations from urban living spaces close to the arts and cultural and sporting venues of downtown Tampa like those at The Place at Channelside or on the waterfront on Harbour Island, Davis Island or along Bayshore Boulevard. Other condos are set in more suburban areas, like Westchase or Wesley Chapel, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown and closer to regional shopping malls, parks, nature trails and such.

   There are high-rise towers, two and three-story townhomes and single story villas. Some single story villas and patio homes are attached while others are free-standing. Many offer garages,while some provide community swimming pools, spas and fitness centers. There are one, two and three bedroom units, some even have four bedrooms. There are condos with one, two and three baths. Some are relatively simple in layout while others can be truly opulent. Some have simple views of the surrounding units while others have scenic views of golf courses or of the waters of Tampa Bay or the Gulf of Mexico. They range in size from less than 650 square feet to well over 2,000 square feet of living space.

   Regardless of which type or style of condo you buy, the condominium lifestyle relieves you of the responsibility for lawn and garden work, exterior building maintenance, and, if there is a pool, maintenance of that facility as well. You can go about your life knowing that the yard in front and around your home will always look well cared for, that exterior building maintenance is being done by licensed and bonded professionals, and that your property will always be in compliance with all local ordinances.

   Depending on the style of condo you buy, the condominium association may also take care of other common amenities such as a well-appointed lobby, access security, libraries, fitness centers, and meeting rooms, all facilities you’ll get to use without the effort involved in having one of your own.

   Another significant benefit of living in a condominium is your personal sense of safety and security. Just the fact that you live in a building with others gives you a sense of security knowing that there is likely someone else watching what’s going on most of the time including when you come home after dark from an evening out. Most condominium properties are well lighted and some are gated; some even have full-time security personnel on site. You do need to understand that such amenities aren’t free.

   Your condominium association fee will, of course, be higher as you add extra layers of convenience and security, but for many of us, those extra services are provided to you in a condominium setting at a much lower cost than you could provide the same services on your own in a single family home.

   If you are moving to Tampa Bay, or considering downsizing and/or simplifying your life, don’t rule out the condominium lifestyle option until you’ve let me introduce you to one of more of the many condominium options available to you at attractive prices today in Tampa Bay Florida.

   I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about Tampa Bay condominiums if you'll complete my brief Request for Tampa Bay real estate information form. You may also E-Mail Me at your convenience. For more immediate action, call me at 813-263-6806. I'd be delighted to chat with you today.

Welcome to the Unique Lifestyle of Waterchase

    Imagine yourself living in a resort-style community close to Gulf beaches, challenging golf courses, the Tampa International Airport and all the excitement of the downtown Tampa shopping, dining, cultural and sports venues. Some of Tampa's best-known upscale homebuilders, among them Arthur Rutenberg, Marc Marconi, David Weekly, Morrison, Standard Pacific and Ryland Homes have developed Watercahse, a gated master-planned community located on approximately 475 acres in the northwest area of Hillsborough County, in the Citrus Park area, off RaceTrack Road.

    As you enter the community on Waterchase Boulevard, past its manned gatehouse, you’ll notice the charming European-style street lamps and follow meandering streets wandering through the community where you will find every amenity you and your family might desire.

    The centerpiece of the community is the 6,400 sq. ft. Caribbean-themed clubhouse with state-of-the-art fitness center, aerobics studio, lighted tennis courts, a junior Olympic-sized lap pool and another with a two-story waterslide and splash pool, a multi-use athletic field, basketball courts and a kid-friendly playground. In addition, Waterchase includes wetland preserves to view and nature trails for family-friendly strolls. Golf carts are the way many get around in this delightful community and golf is frequently the topic of conversation at the clubhouse since Waterchase is located right next to the two 18-hole public courses at the Eagles Golf Club and the 18-hole semi-private Westchase Golf Club.

    Waterchase offers homes in six distinct villages, each offering its own unique architectural style, including Aberdeen, Alicante, Ashton, Baleares Village, Mar Azul and Savona plus toenhomes in Provence. Within these well-planned lushly landscaped “villages”, you’ll find over 600 4 and 5 bedroom single-family and estate homes, many with water views ,priced from #400,000 to over $1 million.. These homes are situated on lots ranging in size from 45 x 120 feet up to 90 x 200 feet. Town homes for sale among the 130 or so 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes in Provence are priced from under $200,000 to about $300,000.

    Students in Waterchase are served by some of the top-rated schools in Hillsborough County school district; Bryant Elementary, Farnell Middle School, and Sickles High School.

    The Waterchase community is truly far from ordinary, yet close to everything. What could be more appealing. If you think you might be interested in learning more about Waterchase or any other Tampa Bay community, I'd be happy to answer your questions and introduce you to homes in whatever price range and lifestyle you find most appealing. Feel free to E-Mail Me or call me for more immediate service at 813-263-6806.

Tampa Bay Homes - Popular and Now Becoming Even More Popular

    Tampa Bay continued to be one of the most popular Florida real estate markets in the first half of 2012. The Tampa Bay counties, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco continued to be among the most popular places to buy a home, condominium or town home in Florida.

    Hillsborough and Pinellas County were both in the top 10 in home sales for the first six months of 2012 with Pinellas County ranking fifth and Hillsborough County ranking seventh among 67 Florida counties tracked by the Florida Association of Realtors.

    But Tampa Bay does not appeal only to citizens of the United States. An interesting fact is that, based upon a study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the state of Florida again topped all other U.S. states in sales of homes to international buyers. Florida accounted for 26% of all U.S. home sales to the international market during the first quarter of 2012 surpassing the second most popular market, California, by 15 percentage points.

    Canadians, accounting for 24% of all foreign-resident home sales, prefer Florida because of its warmth, sunshine and delightful beaches, Residents of China were the second most popular source of buyers accounting for 11% of sales, while an increasing number of Germans are also investing in properties in Southwest Florida. Interestingly, the average price of homes bought by international buyers was $400,000, considerably higher than the average price of homes sold to residents of the United States.

    The three top reasons why international buyers purchased a home in Florida this year, as in previous years, has been first, to use the home as their primary residence, second, as a vacation property, or third, as a investment/rental property.

    Specifically, In June 2012, 3,751 homes were sold in Tampa Bay with a median price of $125,000 compared to 3,404 homes sold during the same period in 2011, a 10% increase. At the current rate of sales, there were only 13,897 homes for sale in Tampa Bay compared to 21,350 at this point last year, a 35% decrease in the number of homes available. When the inventory of homes on the market is more than a 6 month supply, it is considered a “buyer’s market” where the buyer has more leverage. But, when, as is the case now, the inventory of unsold homes falls below a 6 month supply (it’s currently at a 4 month supply) , the market is considered to be trending toward a “seller’s market where prices will begin to rise. As happens in a seller’s market, attractive homes, attractively priced are beginning to receive multiple offers.

    What does all this mean to you as a person or family considering investing in a home in Florida? It means simply that thanks to both domestic and international buyers, the Florida real estate market, and Tampa Bay in particular, is finally recovering and is returning to its status as one of the most popular places in Florida to buy a home. It means that those who fail to act quickly, will be facing increasing prices on that home or condominium that you’ve pictured as being “Your Little Piece of Paradise” in Florida.

    I would be delighted to show you Tampa Bay homes and condos that meet your specific needs, wishes and dreams. I would also be happy to answer any questions you may have about Tampa Bay if you'll complete my brief Request for Tampa Bay real estate information form. You may also E-Mail Me. For more immediate action, call me at 813-263-6806. I'd be delighted to hear from you today.

South Tampa Neighborhoods - Bayshore & Hyde Park

    Two of the most interesting South Tampa neighborhoods lying side by side are the Hyde Park and Bayshore neighborhoods. This is an upscale area of Tampa with most of it facing Hillsborough Bay. These two neighborhoods are in close proximity Tampa General Hospital, the University of Tampa and all of downtown Tampa. It’s also close to the sports, entertainment, dining and night life of the popular Channelside district. Because of this, the Hyde Park and Bayshore neighborhoods are very popular places for business executives, financial and medical professionals and college professors, among others, to live. For those who travel frequently, these neighborhoods are ideal because of their proximity to the Tampa International Airport.

    The Hyde Park and Bayshore neighborhoods are roughly defined as the area bounded by West Swann Avenue on the north, the LeeRoy Selmon Expressway to the west, Bay to Bay Boulevard to the south, and Bayshore Boulevard to the east and southeast

    Hyde Park is a historic neighborhood that includes the upscale Hyde Park Village shopping and dining area and the “SoHo” (South Howard Avenue) collection of restaurants, shopping venues and nightclubs. These are intermixed with “Old Florida” style bungalows and condominiums. A number of older Hyde Park homes have been torn down and replaced by more modern homes built as replicas of the original bungalow-style homes of an earlier time.

    Bayshore is home to low-rise 2 to 4 bedroom condominiums, townhomes, and high rise condos, as well as charming, historic and traditional style homes. What sets Bayshore apart is some of the most prestigious, and architecturally interesting homes in Tampa. Homes prices range widely in Bayshore from the smallest condos and town homes in the high $100,000’s to multi-million dollar prices on the most elegant and expansive mansions on the most prestigious lots.

    One of the most scenic attractions of the Hyde Park and Bayshore area is the sidewalk along Bayshore Boulevard running along the seawall bordering Hillsborough Bay. It is reportedly the longest continuous sidewalk in the world extending from downtown Tampa all the way to Ballast Point and the Tampa Yacht and Country Club.

    In the Hyde Park and Bayshore neighborhoods, you'll frequently find people rollerblading, biking, enjoying a morning jog or an evening stroll along Bayshore Boulevard, itself, and on the miles of sidewalks in this scenic area of Tampa. The landscaping in this part of Tampa is immaculately maintained and there are parks where families can enjoy outdoor activities.

    Bayshore Boulevard is also the scene of the annual Gasparilla Parade. Parade goers line the boulevard to see Jose Gaspar, a mythical Spanish pirate captain who supposedly operated in this area, as he and his band of unruly pirates sail into Tampa Bay in late January each year, invade the city and take to the streets in a gigantic street party.

    If you'd be interested in learning more about these two South Tampa neighborhoods, I'd be happy to answer your questions and introduce you to these lovely parts of Tampa Bay. Feel free to E-Mail Me or call me for more immediate service at 813-263-6806.

Mistakes Home Buyers Make as the Tampa Bay Real Estate Market Recovers

Tampa Bay Florida home buyers have had an unusual advantage over sellers since the real estate bust crushed the price of homes in 2007-2008. While the housing industry still has a ways to go to fully recover, there are signs beginning to emerge that as the inventory of unsold short-sale and bank-owned properties dwindles, sellers are beginning to have a little more leverageover buyers.

Some prospective home buyers don’t seem to have realized that the Tampa real estate market is changing and recovering. Those people seem to think that all home sellers (including owners of short sale and bank-owned properties) are "desperate." But owners of homes in good condition in attractive neighborhoods are not nearly as desperate (or not desperate at all) as those prospective home buyers would like to believe. "At this point, prospective buyers," says Cheryl Stimac, a Tampa Bay real estate broker at Red Shoe Realty, Inc., “need to start being more realistic in the offers they make."

Here's are some common mistakes made by buyers that too frequently result in the buyer not getting the short sale or bank-owned home they fell in love with:

• Failing to communicate honestly with your Realtor about your willingness (or lack of willingness) to wait for approval:
  One of the biggest problems Realtors face these days is prospective buyers who want to tour many bank-owned and short sale homes, find the one they want, and then walk away before their offer is accepted by the bank.
  
  No Realtor wants to show one home after another to a prospective buyer who is just too impatient to be buying a short sale or bank-owned property. If you need a quick approval of your offer, a short sale or bank-owned home is not the way for you to buy a home.
  
  Although it is possible to receive an approval from a bank within 3 to 4 weeks, many banks take 6 to 8 week (sometimes more) to approve or reject an offer. As a buyer, you should be prepared to wait as much as 12 to 15 weeks, but be prepared to close quickly when the approval is finally given. Demanding a bank approval within 30 days will likely get your offer rejected.
  
  
• Taking too long to “sleep on it”:
  A prospective buyer may feel their Realtor is being "pushy" when he or she suggests making an offer immediately after finding the home the buyer falls in love with. Taking too long to "think about it" now that the real estate market is starting to recover can mean someone else gets the home you wanted.
  
  According to the National Association of Realtors, the number of homes listed for sale has fallen by more than a third since the peak in July 2007. Inventories of Tampa Bay homes for sale may swell a bit later this year as more bank-owned homes hit the market, but homes priced reasonably in attractive neighborhoods will still be "under contract" within a week or two. Some newly listed homes are back to being sold at the first open house showing.
  
  
• Making a low-ball offer:
  Even at the bottom of the market, banks had a pretty good idea of the value of the homes they were selling and not only didn't accept "low-ball" offers; they didn't even make counteroffers on ridiculously low offers. Can buyers offer something less than the asking price? Of course, but don't make offers 15% to 20% below the asking price on a short sale or bank-owned property.
  
  And remember, the bank may set a price (called the reserve price) on a home being sold or auctioned off and will keep the home in their inventory rather than sell it below that reserve price. Banks do want to sell their short sale and bank-owned homes, but you are very unlikely to be able to "steal a home." It just doesn't happen. It's that simple.
  
  It's also a good idea to ask your Realtor to contact the bank or the listing agent to see if there are outstanding offers already on the home. That will provide you with a good idea of whether it is worth the time to make the offer you were considering making.
  
  
• Making too many contingency demands in your offer:
  Typical Tampa area real estate contracts include stipulations such as the buyer qualifying for a mortgage, and the right to a termite inspection and a professional inspection.
  
  But, some buyers also insist on an unnecessarily lengthy inspection periods of 30 days or more instead of the ususal 10. They may also demand the seller pay virtually all closing costs, sometimes on top of a low-ball price offer, demand that a bank respond to their offer within 30 days, or a silliness like making the contract contingent upon a family member touring the property and approving of it.
  
  If the prospective buyer is adult enough to buy a home, he or she ought to be mature enough to make the decision without "waiting for Mommy or Daddy to say OK."
  
• Expecting a bank-owned or short sale home to be in perfect condition:
  As a general rule, bank-owned and short sale properties are not in pristine condition, seldom even close to it. The home may have been unoccupied for a considerable period of time or the persons living in the home as the process dragged on had little incentive to keep it is pristine condition.
  
  If you want a "move in ready" home that needs no work of any kind, a bank-owned or short sale is unlikely to be the right avenue for you to use to find the home you want
  

I would be more than happy to show you Tampa Bay homes and condos and to answer your questions if you'll complete my brief Request for Tampa Bay real estate information form. You may also E-Mail Me. For more immediate action, call me at 813-263-6806. I'd be delighted to hear from you.

Introducing South Tampa and its Two “Island Communities”

    South Tampa encompasses the southernmost portions of the city of Tampa, Florida. Some folks describe it as everything south of Hillsborough Avenue down to MacDill Air Force base. Others think of South Tampa as being just that which is south of Kennedy Boulevard. In fact, the folks most proud of their South Tampa roots comment that everything north of Kennedy Boulevard should be identified as part of “South Georgia.”

    South Tampa consists of many individual neighborhoods each with its own attributes and attractions. There is a wide variety of home styles and prices from Old Florida bungalows, villas and town homes to stately mansions and high-rise condominiums. Many older homes have been beautifully restored. In other cases, one or more small homes have been torn down and replaced by a large elegant executive home. We’ll discover here two of those South Tampa neighborhoods. Harbour Island and Davis Islands, two very different types of South Tampa island communities .

    Harbour Island is the 177 acre island home of a private, gated, master-planned community in South Tampa. The island is linked to downtown Tampa by two bridges. The island overlooks downtown Tampa, the waters of Hillsborough Bay and the entrance to the Hillsborough River. In addition to single family homes, condos and town homes, Harbour Island has a marina, shopping areas, casual and formal restaurants and the Harbour Island Athletic Club and Spa. One of the main attractions of living on Harbour Island is the ability to walk to your job in the Class A office space on the island, itself, or in downtown Tampa.

    The upscale Westin Tampa Harbour Island hotel is on the island. The Bayshore and Hyde Park neighborhoods and the Channelside area where the Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Bay Times Forum arena, home to the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey and Tampa Bay Storm Arena Football teams, an IMAX theater, and much more are all within comfortable walking distances from Harbour Island.

    Harbour Island homes range from the low $200,000s for a 2-bedroom condominium to more than $5.5 million for the most elegant waterside single-family homes.

    In its own way, secluded away from the stress of your day job, Harbour Island offers an upscale island paradise right in the heart of the city of Tampa.

    Davis Islands is a Tampa neighborhood that was originally built upon two small natural islands at the mouth of the Hillsborough River, known as Little Grassy Key and Big Grassy Key. Today there are still techincially two islands divided by a canal; thus the name Davis Island(s). The islands were built from mud dredged from the bottom of Tampa Bay in the 1920s. Davis Islands is named after its original developer, D. P. Davis, who planned to build a resort community with 3 hotels, a 9-hole golf course, and an airport. His plan was to develop the 834 acres with over 11 miles of water frontage and seawalls and 27 miles of winding streets. Many of Davis' dreams were realized, such as the golf course, the airport, a business district, hotels, apartments, canals and parks.

    Davis’s development stalled with the end of the Florida Land Boom in the late 1920’s, but some of the original Mediterranean-style buildings still stand and have been given local and national historic designations. Others including the tennis club, the golf course and the Coleseum are no longer in place. Davis Islands includes the Peter O. Knight Airport and the Davis Island Yacht Club. There is also a municipal yacht basin and a seaplane facility next to the Knight Airport.

    Davis Islands is now a mixed retail and residential area with a wide range of home styles and price points. Its location close to downtown Tampa, its water views, and its boating and general aviation aviation facilities have made it a popular place to call home for those who love boating, sailing and flying. Homes range widely in price from modest homes in the $150,000 to $200,000 range to historically significant and elegant homes priced in the millions. In the retail district of Davis Islands, there are numerous casual and upscale restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops and the entire island is very pet-friendly.

    Professionals, families and retirees who enjoy the lifestyle found only in a “walk-about neighborhood” close to a major city may find Davis Islands a convenient and enjoyable place to find the home they’re looking for.

    You can learn about more Tampa area communities on my Tampa Florida real estate website.

    I would be more than happy to show you homes and condominiums in either of these two very different downtown Tampa neighborhoods. I'd be delighted to answer your questions if you'll complete my brief Request for Tampa Bay Information form or E-Mail Me. For more immediate action, call me at 813-263-6806. I'd be delighted to hear from you.

Living the Golfing Lifestyle in Tampa Bay Florida

    Have you ever imagined living either now or when you’re ready to retire nestled in a community that lives and breathes the game of golf. Do you know how many golf course communities exist right here in the greater Tampa Florida area? Can you imagine living in a spacious home overlooking a well-tended golf course fairway or right off the 18th green?

    The Tampa area is home to at least nine golf course communities, each with its own set of amenities, many with elementary schools right within its borders. Some are private courses while others are semi-private or open to the public. There is a Tampa area golf community with a golf course that matches your level of play from the duffer to the most accomplished competitive player. And, of course, there are homes from fairly modest and priced in the low $100’s to private gated communities with estates priced in the million dollar range.

    We’ll present here just a sampling of the variety of golf communities available including both private and public courses:

    Tampa Palms is a master-planned mixed use community north of the University of South Florida campus along the Bruce B Downs corridor. This golf community includes homes, shops, office spaces, churches, recreational facilities, and restaurants. Schools within its boundaries include elementary, middle and high schools. Tampa Palms was named “the top master-planned community in the US for 1987.” Home prices range from fairly modest single-family homes priced from mid $100,000’s to larger homes priced in the $400,00-$500,000’s in the gated Ashington Reserve section and executive estates in the gated Tampa Palms Reserve section priced up to $2 million. \

    The Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club is a private members-only club offering a Arthur Hill designed 18-hole course as well as a hotel with luxury guest suites, a full-service restaurant, fitness center, junior Olympic swimming pool, tennis courts and spa. Members enjoy benefits at four golf courses in the Tampa Bay Area including Tampa Palms,itself, nearby Hunter's Green, as well as the Eastlake Woodlands and Countryside courses in neighboring Pinellas County as well as other country clubs and resorts across the country.

    Hunter's Green is another master-planned golf community located just over a mile north of Tampa Palms on the Bruce B. Downs corridor. Beyond its gated entrance, you'll find a private, unspoiled natural environment where over half of its nearly 1,400 acres have been reserved for conservation and recreation. Shimmering lakes, peaceful parks, and nature are among its natural highlights. Homes in Hunter’s Green range from single family homes for just under $200,000 to executive homes in the secure, double-gated Heritage Oaks area priced as high as $2 million.

    The Hunter's Green County Club with its 35,000 square foot elegant, yet casual clubhouse and its Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole golf course designed specifically to emphasize environmental integrity. The club includes a premium tennis courts, athletic and swim club, and an outstanding dining and social club. Membership includes access to the other 3 courses at nearby Tampa Palms and the Eastlake Woodlands, and Countryside courses in Pinellas County.

    Heritage Harbor is located in Lutz, an unincorporated area northwest of the city of Tampa. Heritage Harbor's location is one of its best features with easy access to the Carrollwood section of Tampa with its excellent selection of schools, shopping, dining and health care facilities. The community includes about 400 homes among conservation areas, lakes and ponds. Community amenities include a fitness and aerobics center, two resort-style swimming pools, waterslide, tot pool and playground, volleyball, basketball, racquetball, a roller hockey rink. Homes in Heritage Harbor range in price from the high $100,000's to over $400,000.

    The well-equipped Harbor Towne Clubhouse includes a fitness room, Olympic size pool, and lighted tennis courts. The public 18-hole, par 72 course includes a well-equipped pro shop. Along the fairways, you’re likely to spot hawks, ospreys, loons, ibis, herons and kingfishers. The course is a paradise for birds as well as for golfers, but it was created to give golfers a challenge.

    Westchase is another of Tampa’s master-planned communities located on over 2,000 acres on the west side of Tampa near the Pinellas County line. It is conveniently located with just a 20 minute drive to the Tampa International Airport, the Westshore Business District and only 30 minutes to St. Petersburg and the some of the best beaches in Florida.

    There are over 3,500 residences in 29 separate neighborhoods, each offering a different lifestyle including condos, townhomes, villas, and single family homes and apartments. Prices in Westchase range from the mid-$100,000's to approximately $750,000. There are also several private, gated neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own hub of activity all of which come together at the two Town Centers with swimming pools and tennis courts, playgrounds, sport fields, and picnic pavilions. The community includes hundreds of acres of preserved land, playgrounds, parks, nature trails, and soccer fields, Westcahjse has a top-rated school district.

    The Westchase Golf Club is a public course. The 18-hole, par 72 course winds through natural wetlands, wooden bridges and bulkheads. The club has a beautiful 9,500 square foot clubhouse used by residents and others for a wide variety of events.

    Cheval is a prestigious, gated community located in the unincorporated Lutz area of Hillsborough County north of the city of Tampa, offering the best of golf and equestrian country club lifestyles. Homes are situated in cypress conservation areas surrounded by all the amenities of 5-star resort. Amenities in this golf and equestrian community include golf, tennis swimming, fine dining, and 24 hour manned security. The community includes 2,000 acres of lakes, conservation areas and wildlife reserves. Homes range in price from the mid-to high $200’s to over $2 million.

    The private Cheval Golf and Country Club sits in a cypress forest, much of which is set aside as conservation areas for wildlife. In the words of one prominent Sarasota FL real estate agent and avid golfer, "even considering all the wonderful golf courses we have in Sarasota, the 18-hole, par 72 golf course at Cheval is clearly one of the finest in all of Tampa Bay and its especially pleasant in that it meanders through the community itself." The Cheval Athletic Club houses nine lighted Har-Tru tennis courts and has recently undergone a complete renovation which added a junior-olympic size pool, an enlarged pro shop and a fine dining facility to already upscale amenities. Most members of the country club are residents of Cheval although it is not a prerequisite for membership.

    Saddlebrook Resort, situated about 40 minutes north of Tampa in the town of Wesley Chapel, is an award-winning golf and tennis academy/resort with facilities for corporate events and conferences. As a resort, Saddlebrook offers hotel rooms and suites, but residential properties are also available. Housing options at Saddlebrook include 1, 2 & 3 bedroom condos and townhomes, and larger single-family homes. The homes are situated into “villages” in secluded wooded and lakefront settings minutes by golf-cart to the main resort. Many families own properties at Saddlebrook as second homes adjacent to the Saddlebrook golf and tennis training facility. Homes vary in price from condos for the low to mid $100,000’s to executive homes priced in the $700,000s.

    Saddlebrook offers 2 Arnold Palmer designed courses; the 18-hole, par 71 Palmer Course and the 18-hole, par 70 Saddlebrook Course as well as 45 tennis courts, a European-style spa, and 7 restaurants.

    Over 100 students from 20 different countries attend an intensive training program and study together at the Saddlebrook Preparatory School offering grades 3 through 12.

    Other golf course communities in the Tampa area include Pebble Creek and Heritage Isles in the New Tampa area, Lexington Oaks in Wesley Chapel, Lake Bernadette in Zephyrhills, and Lake Jovita in Dade City. Each of them will be profiled here in future updates.

    I would be delighted to show you homes and condominiums in any of the many Tampa Bay golf course communities in Hillsborough and Pasco County. For more information, please use my brief Request for Tampa Bay Information form or E-Mail Me today. For more immediate action, call me at 813-263-6806. I'd be delighted to hear from you.

Tampa Real Estate Statistics Show the Market Continues to Move in a Positive Direction

    The Tampa Florida real estate market continued to trend toward stabilization and improvement. Significantly, the percentage of home sales which were of distressed properties (short sales and foreclosures) fell from 31% in March to 28% in April, down from 35% just six months ago.

    As of the most recent report from the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors (GTAR), 1,967 homes and condos were sold in Tampa Bay in March compared to February when 1,694 homes and condos sold. While sales volume fell slightly from the volume a year ago at this point, the average sale price this year was up from the level one year ago.

    Indicative of the real estate recovery that seems to have taken hold, the average sold price in March was $153,750, up from $150,100 ,the prior month and $139,850 a year ago. As expected, homes in the low to medium price ranges are selling faster than the highest priced homes. In fact, homes in the more modest price ranges are being snapped up at an increasing pace. Homes below $300,000 are on the market for an average of 120 days or less while homes priced over $700,000 are remaining on the market closer to 200 days .

    Further evidence of a recovering real estate market is the fact that the median list price of homes and condos coming onto the market as of the end of April was $162,8590, up from $157,800 the previous month and $147,800 one year ago, another significant positive trend.

    The inventory of unsold homes and condominiums on the market fell to 8,135 from 9,371 in the prior month and 14,909 one year ago. At the current rate of sales, the current inventory of unsold homes stands at only 4.1 months, well below the traditional 6.0 months of inventory level considered to represent a “balanced market” where neither buyers nor sellers have any substantial advantage. The reduced inventory of homes for sale, along with the reduction in the percentage of distressed sales, will very likely portend a continuation of rising prices in the future.

    From a buyer’s point of view, however, it should be noted that home prices today are still lower than they have been in past years, so there are still good prices available to those considering buying a permanent or seasonal home, townhome or condominium here in Tampa Bay.

    I would be delighted to show you new and resale homes in any of the many Hillsborough and Pasco County communities at a time convenient for you. For more information, please use my brief Request for Tampa Bay Information form or E-Mail Me today. For more immediate action, call me at 813-263-6806. I'd be delighted to hear from you.

Land O Lakes - A Quiet Respite for Busy Peope

Land O Lakes is a rapidly expanding town within Pasco County situated among over 100 lakes, hence the name "Land O' Lakes". The town offers a wide variety of homes from established communities built in the 1970s and 1980’s to newer gated communities, some of which are still being built out today.

Land O Lakes is located near the Pasco / Hillsborough county line making “New Tampa” area shopping, dining and other cservices and necessities an easy 8 mile trip. Interstate I-75 runs north to south through Land O Lakes making trips to downtown Tampa or Brandon convenient, And, the SunCoast Parkway running through the town makes access to St. Petersburg and Clearwater beaches equally convenient. Young fdamilies, professionals and retirees all find Land O Lakes an appealing place to live.

The community’s growth has been powered by two forces. Several nearby topwns have been absorbed into Land O' Lakes and, as the suburbs of Tampa spread northward into Pasco County, new neighborhoods, shopping centers, and schools have been built continuously. As of the 2010 census, Land O Lakes had about 31,000 residents spread over almost 20 separate communities with more communities being developed all the time.

Two of the more established communities in Land O Lakes are Lake Padgett and Lake Padgett Estates, planned development communities developed from the 1970’s through 2008.

Lake Padgett has three scenic lakes for water skiing and fishing plus another smaller lake where water skiing is prohibited. The community also offers a recreation center offering baseball, tennis, swimming and basketball facilities, Many of the homes in Lake Padgett are situated on lots of 1-acre or more; many with their own boat docks

The Lake Padgett Estates subdivision of 105 homes even includes a 30-stall horse stable and riding club manned by volunteers and a residents-only private park with cabanas.

Homes in Lake Padgett and Lake Padgett Estates vary widely from homes available for less than $100,000 to much more expensive homes situated directly on the larger lakes.

Among the newer Land O Lakes communities, currently under development are The Preserve at Lake Thomas, Lake Thomas Pointe and Wilderness Lake Preserve. These secluded neighborhoods provide a peaceful, relaxing lifestyle amidst natural settings of woodlands and ponds. One feels “tucked away” in these communities far from the hustle and bustle of the cities of Tampa and St Petersburg. And yet, all that those cities have to offer is less than a 30-minute drive away.

The Preserve at Lake Thomas is a neighborhood set among pristine ponds and a 167 acre lake and offers residents a natural setting for a truly Old Florida lifestyle. There is direct dock access and a white sandy beach. Many of the homes are actually on a canal or pond and have direct access to the water. Others are on wooded lots. Homes range from 2,000 to over 5,000 square feet and from under $200,000 to over $500,000.

Lake Thomas Pointe, on the southern shore of Lake Thomas, offers estate-sized homes in an exclusive neighborhood setting with abundant amenities and facilities. New estate-sized homes in Lake Thomas Pointe range from the $400's to over $700,000.

New homes in Wilderness Lake Preserve sit within a 600-acre master-planned community surrounding a crystal-clear, spring-fed lake amidst gorgeous landscaping and natural wetlands. The “Wilderness Lodge”, activities center, nature center, bath house & spa, swimming pool, boardwalk & fishing pier, tennis & basketball courts, children's playground, verandahs & fire pits, and walking & biking trails all add up to a distinctly unique and relaxing lifestyle. Homes in this community range in size from 2,500 to over 4,000 square feet and are priced from the high $200’s to about $600,000.

I would be delighted to show you new and resale homes in any of the many Land O Lakes communities at a time convenient for you. Use my brief Request for Tampa Bay Information form or E-Mail Me today. For more immediate action, call me at 813-263-6806. I'd be delighted to hear from you.

It's Time to "Make Your Move"

    Adding to the impact of increasing Tampa Bay home sales volumes, mortgage interest rates saw a significant increase in the past week after the Fed's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) suggested in their post-meeting report said that that because of the U.S. economy is doing better than expected, that inflation may be more of an near-term economic concern than previously thought.

    Although the FOMC voted to leave the Fed Funds Rate unchanged in its current range near 0.0%, their comments after the meeting led almost immediately to a significant increse in morgtage rates. Conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rates across Florida rose sharply immediately after the FOMC report. Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage rate survey, which has shown 30-year fixed-rate conforming mortgage rates close to 3.90% for most of the past year, now shows average 30-year fixed rate mortgages clost to or at 4.25%. That is the highest interest rate level in over a year.

    Mortgage rates can be expected to rise even further in coming weeks on any reported strength in the housing sector of the economy. As an example, The Housing Starts Report issued last week showed housing starts falling slightly by 1.1% to 698,000 in February. However, that was more than offset by an upward revision to January's report up to 706,000 and a 26.2% increase in multi-family starts. Furhter, new building permits jumped 5.1% to 717,000, the highest level since October 2008.

    On March 26th, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that "Pending Home Sales", while down slightly in February, remain notably above the pattern in the first half of 2011. Pending home sales is the number of home sales under contract, but not yet closed, providing a look-ahead of closed sales volumes to be reported in the next month or two.

    Locally, the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors (GTAR) reported that the supply of unsold single-family homes on the Tampa real estate market fell from 8.2 months in February, 2010 and 8.4 months in 2011 to only 4.5 months of supply in February, 2012. Even more impressive, the supply of condominiums fell from 10.9 months in February,2010, and 7.7 months in February, 2011 to just 3.6 months this February. Both single-family and condo supplies have trended downward consistently since the end of 2008. A supply of less than about 6.0 months is considered a “seller’s market” where prices stabilize and begin to rise.

    So, while there is still some uncertainty in the housing market, one thing is clear. In addition to the fact that housing prices and sales volumes have definitely bottomed out and are stabilizing, there is nothing to suggest that home prices and mortgage interest rates in the popular Tampa Bay Florida area are going anywhere but up from here.

    If you are one of those who has been considering buying a seasonal or permanent home or condo here in Tampa Bay, it is clear that prices are about as low as they are likely to go -- and, interest rates have nowhere to go from here but up.

    "In fact," said Cheryl Stimac, a respected Tampa Florida real estate broker, "if you’ve been considering buying a home or condominium in the Tanpa Bay area in the near-term, you would be wise to lock-in a mortgage committment as soon as possible, even before you find that perfect home you're looking for. "Mortgage interest rates are unlikely to go down from here, and very much more likely to continue to creep upward," she added.

    If you have questions about any facet of relocating your family to Tampa Bay or even if you are just looking for general information right now, you casn reach Cheryl Stimacd by E-Mail, by phone at 813-263-6806 or request Tampa Bay and Tampa real estate information on her website.