Dunedin, A Wonderful Yet Quiet Tampa Bay Waterfront Town

  If you’ve visited the West coast of Florida and cities like St Petersburg, you may have missed one of the nicest quiet towns in Pinnellas County, Dunedin. The name, Dunedin (pronounced “Done EE din”) comes from Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburg, the capital of Scotland

  Among its many amenities, Dunedin is the home to several wonderful beaches including Caladesi Island State Park, a beach consistently rated among the best in in the world. Dunedin also has beaches on Honeymoon Island and on the Dunedin Causeway.

  Dunedin is one of the few waterfront communities with access to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico from Sarasota all the way north to Cedar Key. Here high-rise condos do not completely obscure views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico.

  A quiet town, the downtown business district of Dunedin is noteworthy for the absence of large commercial signs, national franchise restaurants and big box retail stores. The Pinellas Trail, a 39-mile-long bicycle and pedestrian trail that traverses all of Pinellas County, runs through the center of Dunedin bringing lots of friendly folks into downtown to visit its quaint shops and boutiques. On any day, you’re likely to find locals and tourists strolling through downtown enjoying a homemade ice cream cone, shopping in its boutiques, fussing about their boats at the marina or just sitting in the shade at one of its many parks watching the day go by.

  As quiet a place as Dunedin seems, the arts are an integral part of its appeal. Whether you're looking for world-class gallery exhibits, award-winning art classes, a stage performance, or getting down with the beat of an inspirational drum circle, you’ll find it in Dunedin, a town in love with the arts. For almost four decades, the Dunedin Fine Art Center has offered exciting art opportunities. The Center offers year-round exhibitions in four galleries featuring national, regional and local artists as well as art classes for students of all ages in 15 studio classrooms. And, the Children's Art Museum is a hands-on experience your children should not miss. But come as you are, in your shorts and flip-flops. Dunedin is perhaps the ultimate casual art town.

  If you’re into baseball, Dunedin has been the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1977 and the local Dunedin Blue Jays year round. Come out to the stadium and enjoy a major or minor league ball game complete with a hot dog and a foam finger. And, the major football, hockey and soccer sports teams in St Petersburg and Tampa are just a few minutes drive away.

  For dining, Dunedin offers a wide range of options from the most casual eateries to the 4.5+ star Black Pearl, a quaint restaurant in the heart of Dunedin offering fine food in an elegant setting and Bob Apetit, voted “Tampa Bay’s Best Waterfront Restaurant,” offering elegant indoor dining directly overlooking the waters of St Joseph’s Sound as well as casual outdoor dining.

  If there’s something you want that you can’t find in Dunedin, you’re just minutes away from the much larger cities of Clearwater and St. Petersburg. And metropolitan Tampa is a 30 minute ride away across Tampa Bay on the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

  Dunedin has so much to offer. I’m certain you’ll want to put Dunedin on your list of places to check out whether you’re moving to Tampa Bay for your career or as a retirement destination. Contact Me on my Tampa Bay Real Estate website or, just immediate answers to your questions, call me at 813.263.6806.

What's The Difference ? - A Short-Sale vs. A Foreclosure

RED SHOE REALTY, Inc Broker, Cheryl Stimac has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. "This training," says Cheryl, "means I am able to help homeowners who may be facing foreclosure."

But first, let's define what the terms Short Sale and Foreclosure mean. They are quite different ways to approach a distressed property sale.

A Short Sale allows a homeowner to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though that amount may be lower than what is owed on the property. When real estate prices are plummeting, this can save many people from Foreclosure and even personal bankruptcy.

Lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

In the Tampa Bay area, many homes are still in danger of foreclosing because while real estate prices have risen, some people who bought their homes when the market was "red hot," find that their homes are still not worth as much as they owe on them (never mind how much they paid for the home). This happens in all price ranges; even high-priced homes are not immune.

My training and experience in dealing with lenders in negotiating short sales will be invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales. Here, at Red Shoe Realty, Inc, our focus is to help homeowners who may feel paralyzed by their circumstances.

Our Distressed Property Institute training in short sales can offer homeowners much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys their credit rating. Having this training allows me to better understand market conditions and help sellers through this very emotional experience. Our goal is to help as many homeowners as possible.

The following chart compares the implications of going through a foreclosure with the implications of a short sale. I have also copied an article from the Wall Street Journal (June Fletcher, November 22, 2008) that illustrates some of the complexities of dealing with foreclosure compared to a successful short sale. (I hope you don’t have 12 properties in foreclosure.)

	Foreclosure VS. Short Sale Homeowner Consequences
Issue	Foreclosure	Successful Short Sale
Future Fannie Mae Loan Primary Residence	A homeowner who loses a home to Foreclosure is ineligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage for a period of 5 years.	A homeowner who successfully negotiates and closes a short sale will be eligible far a Fannie Mae backed mortgage after only 2 years.
Future Fannie Mae Loan Non Primary	An Investor who allows a property to go to Foreclosure is ineligible for e Fannie Mae backed investment mortgage for a period of 7 years.	An investor who successfully negotiates and closes a short sale will be eligible for a Fannie Mae backed investment mortgage after only 2 years.
Future Loan with any Mortgage Company	On any future 1003 application, a prospective borrower will have to answer YES to question C in Section VIII of the standard 1003 that asks “Have you had property foreclosed upon or given title or deed in lieu thereof in the last 7 years?” this will affect future rates.	There is no similar declaration or question regarding a short sale.
Credit Score	Score may be lowered anywhere from 250 to over 300 points. Typically will effect score for over 3 years.	Only late payments on mortgage will show and after sale, mortgage will be reported as paid or negotiated. This will lower the score as little as 50 points if all other payments are being made. A short sale’s affect can be as brief as 12 to 18 months.
Credit History	Foreclosure will remain as a public record on a person's credit history for 10 years or more	Short sale is not reported on a credit history. There is no specific reporting item for “short sale”. The loan is typically reported “paid in full, settled”.

	Foreclosure VS. Short Sale Homeowner Consequences
Issue	Foreclosure	Successful Short Sale
Security Clearances	Foreclosure is the most challenging issue against a security clearance outside of a conviction of a serious misdemeanor or felony. If a client has a foreclosure and is a police officer, in the military, in the CIA, Security, or any other position that requires a security clearance, in almost all cases clearance will be revoked and position will be terminated.	A Short Sale on its own does not challenge most security clearances.
Current Employment	Employers have the right and are actively checking the credit regularly of all employees who are in sensitive positions. A foreclosure in many cases is ground for immediate reassignment or termination.	A short sale is not reported on a credit report and is therefore not a challenge to employment.
Future Employment	Many employers are requiring credit checks on all job applicants. A foreclosure is one of the most detrimental credit items an applicant can have and in most cases will challenge employment.	A short sale is not reported on a credit report and is therefore not a challenge to employment.
Deficiency judgment	In 100% of foreclosures (except in those states where there is no deficiency) the bank has the right to pursue a deficiency judgment.	In some successful short sales it is possible to convince the lender to give up the right to pursuit a deficiency judgment against the homeowner.
Deficiency Judgment (amount)	In a foreclosure the home will have to go through an REO process if it does not sell at auction. In most cases this will result in a lower sales price and longer time to sale in a declining market. This will result in a higher possible deficiency judgment.	In a properly managed short sale the home is sold at a price that should be close to market value and in almost all cases will be better than an REO sale resulting in a lower deficiency.

Wall Street Journal November 22, 2008
Short Sale vs. Foreclosure
In default and underwater on 12 properties, a reader wonders if selling at a loss is any better than just walking away

By JUNE FLETCHER

Q. I am in default on 12 jointly-owned properties that I am trying to liquidate as part of a divorce. All of my properties are currently worth less than the mortgage balances, due to the tough real estate market. I am aware that I will likely be taxed for the amount of the mortgage I had that is not satisfied by any particular short sale. It seems that this would not be the case if the house is foreclosed on, or becomes bank-owned.
This almost encourages homeowners to allow foreclosure, rather than to participate in helping to sell the property (when there is no equity left), because there is not "an amount forgiven" to be taxed on. I recognize that the benefit of short-sale is to lessen the effect on one's credit report, but if a homeowner is already missing payments, how much worse will a foreclosure look?
A. Although you own an unusual number of homes, your dilemma in trying to choose between a short sale and a foreclosure is, sadly, not at all unusual these days. So I asked Craig Watts, public affairs manager of Fair Isaac Corporation in San Francisco, to comment on your case. Fair Isaac is the company that created the FICO score, used by lenders to assess borrowers' creditworthiness.
Mr. Watts said that the company assesses every negative on a credit report by three factors: recency (how recently did the negative event occur), severity (how late is the payment) and frequency (how many times you've been reported delinquent on credit obligations).

A recent bankruptcy does the most damage to your score. Mr. Watts adds that if lenders are reporting all of your mortgages as in default, the damage to your FICO score would be akin to declaring bankruptcy on all 12 accounts. For more information on credit scores and how they are calculated, visit the "credit education center" at http://www.myfico.com/.

Although a short sale, where the lender agrees to take less than is owed on the mortgage, will drop your FICO score about as much as a foreclosure will, there is one advantage to it: You may be eligible to buy a home with an institutional loan backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac more quickly than you would if it went into foreclosure.

Lenders encourage short sales over foreclosures because they generally net more from them, since foreclosures incur additional marketing, legal, processing and carrying costs. Borrowers can be considered for loans following a short sale after 24 months, if the sale was caused by extenuating circumstances outside of a borrowers' control, or 48 months if it was the result of financial mismanagement on the borrower's part, according to Freddie Mac public relations director Brad German.

As for your tax situation, you should definitely consult with your tax accountant as IRS rules change from time to time. And finally, as with all major financial decisions, do not attempt to figure out what to do by yourself. We can help you, but you would be well advised to seek additional professional tax and legal advice.

Myths vs Facts About Buying A New Home From a Builder

    There are several 'myths' about buying a home from a Builder and whether or not having a professional Realtor assist you in that purchase is a good idea or not such a good idea.

    The following information is from my own Tampa Florida real estate website, but I thought I'd share it here for those who visit my blog but haven't decided yet to visit my website. Here are the many popular "Myths" about buying a brand new home from a Builder.

Myth: A Builder will charge more for the home if I have a Realtor represent us.

Fact: In Tampa Bay, we have what are called "Builder - Realtor Agreements." The home you buy from a Builder will cost you exactly the same amount whether you use the services of a Realtor or not. In fact, when the builder set the price for any given model, he added into the price the fee he expected to pay a Realtor for bringing the buyer to him. So, in effect, you're paying for professional representation by a Realtor whether you take advantage of it or not. It costs you nothing to have a Tampa Bay Realtor like me assist you in the purchase of a home from a Builder. Let me give you the benefit of my experience.

Myth: Builders don't really like it when a Realtor is involved.

Fact: A Realtor actually makes the home sale easier for the Builder by helping buyers sort through the many options and upgrades available. Realtors also answer lots of questions the Builder would just as soon not have to spend time answering. The Builder's sales agent's job is to "close the deal". The more work he or she can offload to a Realtor the better.

Myth: There is a real estate agent located in every model to help me.

Fact: Most Buyers don't understand that the builder's on-site sales person at a model home is acting as a “Seller’s Agent” and is acting only on behalf of the Builder. They must act fairly and honestly but their job is to get the best deal for the Builder, not you. And, by the way, not all Builder sales people are even licensed Realtors required to abide by the Realtors' Code of Ethics.

Not only are you, the Buyer, entitled to your own agent, you should absolutely have a licensed Realtor protecting your interests, just as the Builder has his or her representative, or sales agent, acting in their interests and benefit.

Myth: You can go at model homes by yourself and then if you decide to buy, bring in a Realtor to represent your interests later when you are ready to finalize the deal.

Fact: The agreement between most Builders and Realtors requires that you be accompanied by your Realtor the first time you visit the site and tour a model home. So, take me along even if all you want to do on this visit is look at models. I won't be upset if you aren't ready to buy at that point. And, I can offer you valuable information that will help you choose the right Builder and the model that will best meet your needs and wishes.

Myth: The builder you are considering is a national builder. They wouldn't be so big if they weren't a good Builder who builds good homes. And, they've won Home Builder's Association awards.

Fact: Just being big isn't always better. A national Builder can be much better in some parts of the country and not so good in another and recognize this. And, as those who bought a home that contained drywall made in China from a national builder found out, not all builders are good builders. Furthermore, awards given out by Home Builders Associations are almost always for home designs, not for construction quality.

    If you are interested in building a new home in the Tampa Bay real estate market, I will do all the following for you:

• Introduce you to the best Builders in the subdivisions that fit your needs and desires and fit within your affordability parameters.
• Help you choose the moel that best meets your needs and will be easiest to sell in the future. Help you choose the best lot and give you the pluses and minuses of each lot and exposure when it comes to enjoying your life there as well as when it's time to resell the home.
• Help you find the best financing and insurance and help you understand what kind of financing and insurance best fits your situation.
• Suggest home options and upgades that you may want to add to make your house more enjoyable for you and help you undestand what each of those will be worth when it is time to sell the home.
• Be your liaison and advocate on any issue or misunderstanding that comes up with the Builder from the time you sign the contract until closing day.
• Assist you with virtually anything else that comes up in your individual case as you pursue the purchase of your new home either from a Builder or in the resale market.

    I invite you to take a few minutes to read descriptions of many of the most popular Tampa Bay communities on my website.

    You deserve the best representation available to you on one of the largest investments you will ever make. And, that is "my job."

    For more information about my services for buyers of new construction homes in the Tampa real estate market, visit my website, E-Mail Me or, for immediate action call me at 813.263.6806.

For Summertime Fun - The Summer Circus Spectacular

  Looking for something to do by yourself or with the grandkids when they come to visit ? With about a one-hour trip from anywhere in Tampa Bay, you can visit the world-famous Ringling Museum and Ca’Da Zan, John and Mabel Ringling's mansion and while your there, the kid in you (and the grandkids, too) will enjoy the "Summer Circus Spectacular" running from now through August 1st.

  The historic Asolo Theater on the Ringling grounds and the Circus Arts Conservatory have teamed up again for the Summer Circus Spectacular, a six-week extravaganza for "Children of all Ages."

  For the ninth year, the Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling Museum of Art are collaborating in presenting short summer shows in the Asolo Theater every Tuesday through Saturday at 11AM and 2PM and on Saturdays at 2 and 5PM through August. 1st. Local families and museum visitors get a chance to sit down and be entertained in a cozy space in the theater.

  No one act in the Summer Circus Spectacular lasts very long and ringmaster, Bailey Sloan, a graduate of the famous Sailor Circus, keeps things moving along at a fast pace so the kids' attention will stay glued to the performance. Bailey's quick wit and natural charisma keep the audience engaged and entertained.

  The show opens with the Alvarez Family highlighting the gymnastic abilities of daughter Ariana and son Gianni. At one point during their act, the unbelievably flexible Ariana is used as a jumping rope for her brother. She also demonstrates her skills from the teeterboard onto her father’s shoulders, hands or head.

  Thirteen-year old juggler, Sebastian St. Jules performs several juggling bits including one where he uses balls to pound out songs on a keyboard. Dolly Jacobs makes high-flying aerialism look easy while the Anastasini brokers close out the show with their foot-juggling act, rapidly flipping each other in dozens of different ways.

  Throughout the show, clowns burst onstage unannounced with ridiculously funny skits and antics including times when popular clown, Kirk Marsh, goes into the audience playing with guests’ hair and using wigs, balloons and other props to entertain young and old. This one-of-a-kind production has become a celebrated Summer event for everyone from all over the Sarasota ansd Tampa Bay area. . Tickets to all this fun are just $15 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under.

Come Visit The Circus Capital of the World - Sarasota Florida

If you are visiting Tampa Bay, take a day to drop down to Sarasota, long known as the “Circus Capital of the World.” It all started when John and Charles Ringling, two of the five original Ringling brothers turned a small traveling circus into an international entertainment empire and wielded incredible influence on the economy, culture, and character of a quaint village on beautiful Sarasota Bay that grew over time to be Sarasota Florida.

One of the benefactors of Sarasota's circus history, Circus Sarasota was founded in 1997 as a non-profit entity committed to raising the perception of the circus as an art form. Circus Sarasota strives to fulfill its mission to preserve the extraordinary heritage of circus arts through performances, education, training programs, and community outreach. Each year, Circus Sarasota offers two distinctly different circus performances.

The major Circus Sarasota production each year is the annual Sailor Circus presented in March and April in a one-ring, five-star, European-style big top. Sailor Circus is the oldest continuously running youth circus in America. Founded in 1949, Sailor Circus began as an extension to the Sarasota High School gymnastics program to teach basic circus skills. Initially only Sarasota High School students were allowed to participate, but its popularity became so great that admission was eventually opened to youngsters from the wider Sarasota area. Today, Sailor Circus is known as, “The Greatest ‘Little’ Show on Earth” with more than a million spectators attending performances.

Circus Sarasota also operates its “Laughter Unlimited” humor therapy program that delivers humor throughout the community in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult care centers through the efforts of talented professional clowns, entertainers, musicians and trained volunteers. The age-old “art of clowning” reaches beyond simple entertainment to improve the quality of life for those in need of emotional support. From one-on-one bedside visitations and conversations, to memory stimulation and physical activities, Laughter Unlimited enhances the lives of its participants, their family members as well as the dedicated staffs at these institutions.

Circus Sarasota, the Sailor Circus, and Laughter Unlimited along with the many other historical and cultural attractions of the Sarasota area like the Ringling Museum and Ca’d’Zan, mansion are just a few of the diverse activities that keep Sarasotans busy and entertained as both participants and volunteers. An seemingly endless array of cultural, educational and entertainment venues make Sarasota Florida one of the most desirable places for young families and those who are still young-at-heart to move to. If you are planning to visit Tampa Bay anytime soon, I’d be delighted to show you all the many facets of Tampa Bay from the urban lifestyle of living in downowtown Tampa or on Harbour Island, in the suburbs of Tampa in Hillsborough and Pasco County as well as the waterfront commnunities in Pinellas County including Clearwater, St Petersburg, Dunedin and Tarpon Springs. Visit my Tampa Bay Florida real estate website to learn more and then call me at 813.263.6806. I'd be delighted to hear from you and happy to answer all your questions.

Beautiful West Meadows 5 Bedroom 4 Bath Southern Crafted Home Available Now

On a stunning half-acre premium home site in the heart of New Tampa, this wonderful Southern Crafted Homes "Amelia II" model at 19117 Timber Reach Road is in the gated Strathmore Estates neighborhood within West Meadows in the New Tampa area of Tampa. This popular 5 bedroom, 4 bath floor plan also offers a separate den/office. Upstairs, there is a large bonus room with could be a 5th bedroom with the 4th full bath.

In addition to having an always-welcome third car garage, some of the other custom upgrades in this 3,388 square foot home built in 2003 include a variable speed forced-air system, high efficiency filters, newer compressor, newer hot water heater, whole home water softening and filtration system, Hunter Douglas blinds, bay windows, a fireplace and so much more. In August new paint and all new carpets throughout the home were installed. The owners also added an expansive covered patio area in 2010 that adds a fabulous outdoor living/entertaining space overlooking the half-acre lot with two lovely garden areas and outstanding views.

West Meadows is a master-planned community of about 1,800 custom-built homes, townhomes and apartments spanning over 1,000 acres that was built between 2000 and 2005. Within its 17 villages, built to enhance the enjoyment of the natural beauty of the area is a network of trails and walking paths, a fishing pond and picnic areas. There are both gated or non-gated neighborhoods. Strathmore Estates is the upscale gated neighborhood.

The West Meadows Recreation Center encompasses 32 acres and offers an Olympic pool, another family pool, a waterslide, a children's pool, playground, fitness room, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, soccer and football fields and a club room for residents to entertain guests.

The location of this home priced now at $369,000, offers easy access to I-75, I-275, I-4 and Wiregrass Commons as well as local shops, bars, restaurants and supermarkets.

How Will Rising Mortgage Rates Affect Tampa Bay Real Estate Sales

Have you noticed how mortgage interest rates are rising? The 30-year fixed rate moved up up to 4.38% last week. Many are wondering how might this affect the Tampa Bay real estate housing recovery.

The home price index published by Case Shiller went up more than 12.1% nationally during the past year. Some real estate markets like Tampa Bay waterfront communities have had much more impressive gains, but the question before us now is - will rising interest rates kill off recent advances in home and condo sales and prices or will it have little or no effect here in Tampa Bay.

A driving force driving the housing recovery all across the United States has been "investors; people both foreign and domestic who have bought homes by the dozen (sometimes by the hundreds) at bargain prices planning to either hold onto them as rental properties or to hold them for a while and them "flip" them when prices rise further. In some cases, these investors have essentially walked into small towns and offered to buy every property on the market at a certain discount from their listing prices. Obviously, there is a limit to the number of such investors ready to toss millions into the market. Further, as prices are driven up by their practice, the number of opportunities to make a "quick buck" flipping homes and condos will dry up.

But, leaving aside these mega-investors with tons of money to invest, how will increasing mortgage rates affect the more typical home buyer? That's a mixed bag for sure.

The good news is that whenever mortgage rates start to rise, there is always a temporary surge of people wanting to lock in lower rates while they can. We've seen some of that in the new construction business in the Tampa Bay market. But with banks insisting on loaning only to those with near-perfect credit scores, it’s not clear that not many people are going to be in the "let's lock down an really attractive rate now" market this time around. Many families and first time buyers who would like to buy a home at these attractive rates simply cannot qualify for a loan under the tight credit rules.

Other families who would like to move up to a larger home can't do it because they are still "under water" on their current home. When you have negative equity in your current home, you cannot afford to sell it. The larger or nicer home they want is just beyond their ability regardless of the interest rate market.

Conversely many luxury real estate properties along the Tampa Bay waterfront from Clearwater and Sand Key down to St Petersburg Beach are selling in cash deals so tightened credit has little or no effect on these buyers of high-end homes and condos.

In summary, the Tampa Bay real estate market is in unchartered waters these days. We'll just have to wait and see how this turns out as the Fed begins to let mortgage interest rates rise over the next year or two.

Tampa Bay Lightning Ink a Cross Endorsement Deal

    According to a recent story in the Tampa Bay Times, the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team and the Tampa Bay Times Forum arena have signed an exclusive marketing partnership with Lakewood Ranch, an 8,500 acre Tampa Bay development across the bay in Manatee County. In this agreement Lakewood Ranch will become the exclusive residential real estate partner of the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team.

    Lakewood Ranch was recently ranked the 9th fastest growing community in the United States. Its attraction seems to be two-fold. In addition to being located right in the middle of the glorious Florida Sun Coast with near-perfect weather, it is also conveniently close to all the wonderful amenities of both Sarasota and Tampa - St Petersburg, the two largest cities on Florida's Gulf Coast.

    The partnership between Lakewood Ranch and the Tampa Bay Lightning is expected to help the Lightning hockey team grow its regional footprint ssouthward into the Manatee and Sarasota County area while Lakewood Ranch gets to use the popular hockey team’s television reach into more northern markets.

    Lakewood Ranch will receive extensive brand exposure in the Forum arena during all Tampa Bay Lightning home games through in-game advertising features displayed on all four sets of corner boards in the arena. The partnership, it is hoped, will bring more attention to the Lakewood Ranch real estate scene in the northern U.S. and Canadian cities like Boston, Toronto, Chicago and Minneapolis, places where hockey is a very popular spectator sport.

    Equally important, the Tampa Bay Lightning hope that this cross endorsement will draw more people from the Sarasota - Bradenton area to drive into Tampa to witness Lightning home games at the Forum arena.

    "it's a win - win for both organizations, said Cheryl Stimac, a well-known Tampa Bay real estate broker and owner of Red Show Realty, Inc. and an avid hockey fan.

Tampa Bay Real Estate Market Has Improved - Does That Mean You're Too Late

    As 2012 came to a close, Tampa Bay real estate continued on its upward path back toward a stable market. In fact, as of the end of 2012, the market has actually tilted to slightly favoring sellers. In the month of December, 3,387 homes were sold in the Tampa Bay area with a median price of $126,000. This compares with 3,216 homes sold during the same period last year, a 5% increase in the number of homes closed and, more importantly as a healthy sign of a recovering market, a 15% increase in the median price (from $110,000 up to $126,000).

    At the end of December, there were only 13,884 homes for sale in the Tampa Bay market which includes all of Hillsborough County, Pasco County and Pinellas County. This represents a 23% decrease in the supply of homes available for purchase a year ago at the end of 2011 when there were 18,086 homes and condos on the market. At the current selling rate, the current inventory of unsold homes represents a 4 month supply. A real estate market is considered to be in equilibrium favoring neither buyers nor sellers when there is about a 6 month supply of homes on the market. Thus, the Tampa Bay real estate market can be described for the first time in several year as beginning to move into a seller’s market.

    In large part, the improvement in the Tampa Bay real estate market, particularly in the improving median selling price, reflects the dramatic reduction in the number of foreclosure properties that had been holding back prices for the past 2 or 3 years.

    What does all this mean to “snowbirds” now arriving in our area? It means that the time for making a “low-ball” offers or trying to "bag a real bargain" is over. If, while you are here this year, you see a home or condominium you really like and, you are working with experienced Tampa Bay Realtor who tells you that the home is attractively priced, you should make an offer pretty close to the asking price if you really want the home. Otherwise, you’re likely to find to your disappointment that someone else has just bought that seasonal or permanent Tampa Bay home you wanted.

    Does this mean that you’ve missed your chance to snap up a good deal? The simple answer is “no.” With very few exceptions, foreclosure properties are not the gems they’ve been touted by some to be. Buying a foreclosure or short-sale property is not a straight-forward process. At best, you’ll spend months not knowing when, or even if, the bank will accept your offer. Worse, over 90% of foreclosure properties, especially those still sitting on the market, need a lot of work that you may not be prepared to do yourself or want to spend the time and money to have done for you.

    If you are a snowbird or a retiree who doesn’t have the interest or the months and months to mess around and you’re not a professional fixer-upper, what you more likely want here on the Florida's warm and sunny Sun Coast is a “move-in-ready” home or condo you'll be able to enjoy for many years to come. And, that is exactly what you’ll get, not by opting for a foreclosure or dealing with an amateur "for sale by owner," but by working with a professional Realtor to purchase either a brand new or a resale home that has been properly cared for by the previous owner in a great neighborhood. If it’s a condominium, you want it to be in an established and successful condominium development that has an active condominium association that will protect your investment in the future.

    Cheryl Stimac would be delighted to help you find that one home or condo in a neighborhood or condo development you’ll be proud to be a part of – a home and a neighborhood that perfectly fits your needs and desires at a price you'll know to be a fair value. Feel free to call her for immediate answers to any of your questions at 813-263-6806.

Finally Some Protection for Home Buyers

The recently set up Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has just issued a new rule which spells out the steps home mortgage lenders must follow to offer a mortgage if they want that mortgage to be a “qualified mortgage.”

What is a “qualified mortgage?” A “qualified mortgage” assures the lender that, if a borrower defaults on the loan, there will be little, if any, recourse for the borrower in a future foreclosure on the home to claim that the lender sold them a mortgage the lender should have known they couldn’t afford. In effect a qualified mortgage protects the lender from future borrower lawsuits. But, more importantly, the rule is intended to assure that borrowers can actually afford the home mortgages they sign up for.

Previously, there have been no rules preventing home mortgage providers from talking unsophisticated borrowers, frequently first-time home buyers, into mortgages which sounded “too good to be true” and, in fact, really were “too good to be true.” For example, mortgasges offering "interest-only" payments for the first few years let home buyers think they could afford a certain priced home only to find out a few years later that when the "interest-plus-principal" payments kicked in, they could not afford the mortgage payments. So, they lost the home to foreclosure along with whatever down payment they had invested and their good credit rating.

Other so-called "risky" mortgages included negative amortization. Negative amortization means the borrower’s monthly payment not only is not paying down the balance over time, but, in fact, is allowing the balance due to increase because the monthly payment isn’t even large enough to cover the interst due for that month. This is short of like being in a hole and trying to get out by keeping on digging.

A third type of "risky" mortgage kept payments seemingly affordable by being set up for very long terms like 40 or 50 years instead to the traditional 15 or 30-years. It seemed like an attractive way to make a home affordable but, in fact, the borrower was paying nothing, or almost nothing, each month on the principal amount so that after even 15 or 20 years, the borrower would still owe almost as much as when they bought the home. In effect, instead of the American dream of slowly building up "equity in your home," by making mortgage payments, the borrowers were accumulating little or no equity in the home. They just help make mortgage brokers, who got a commission for talking them into this bad loan, rich. The buyers were accumulating no, or at best, a negligible equity in the home.

The new CFPB rule, scheduled to become effective next year, defines that to be a “qualified mortgage,” the mortgage terms cannot include “risky” features like

• terms over 30 years
• interest-only payments
• negative amortization
• fees and points in excess of 3% of the mortgage amount, or
• result in the borrower spending over 43% of their monthly income on their total debt

Some real estate professionals believe this new rule is still too lenient providing too much protection to lenders from lawsuits but too little protection to unsophisticated borrowers. Low income borrowers, these professionals believe, should not be allowed to get a home mortgage that will increase their total debt payments to as high as 43% of thier income. If these people get such a mortgage, they are very likely to default on it eventually and then have no legal recourse against the shady mortgage brokers who profited by talking them into it.

Conversely, at least now there will be clear rules under which lenders know when they are going out on a limb risking potential future lawsuits when making a loan.

It is not clear that this new rule will loosen credit immediately. Cheryl Stimac, a Tampa Bay real estate professional believes credit needs to be relaxed somewhat to speed up the real estate market recovery. And, it is expected that with this clarification in place, mortgage providers will begin to loosen credit at least somewhat. While many builders and real estate professionals wish for some easing of currrent credit restrictions, no one believes that credit should ever be allowed to get as loose as it was before the “housing bust” of 2008 – 2009. No one wants a reoccurrence of that economic disaster.

If you have qustions about how to qualify for a home mortgage, E-Mail Me or call me directly at 813.163.6806. I'd be happy to answer your questions.

A New Year - And a Stress-Relief Prescription

    Enough Already !! Now that we’re past the “fiscal cliff” and before we get all riled up again about the “debt ceiling,” let’s all take a few moments to calm down and think about something that will both reduce our blood pressure and provide a long-lasting source of stress relief.

    Doctors know that every once in a while, our good health (and perhaps our very sanity), depends upon our ability to “get away from it all” in an environment conducive to a more relaxing and reflective lifestyle.

    Whether you’re up North shivering after shoveling the driveway or in a warmer place but exhausted by the stress of both the Holidays and the foolishness in Washington, DC, wouldn't it be a good idea to take a trip to Tampa Bay, Florida, one of the most beautiful, sunny, warm, and refreshing cities in the United States? This is the perfect time and Tampa Bay is the perfect place to play a round of golf with friends, visit the Florida Aquarium or Busch Gardens, go boating or fishing on Tampa Bay, or watch a sunset over the Gulf of Mexico with someone you love.

    As you visualize these calming thoughts, consider also how easy it would be to translate these thoughts into a more permanent stress-relieving antidote. Purchasing a waterfront, downtown, or golf course condo, villa or patio home in Tampa Bay could be exactly “what the doctor ordered.”

    All of these second home options move almost all of those pesky responsibilities of a second home from your shoulders to an Association which will do all the exterior maintenance including maintaining the lawn and landscaping, keeping the place looking pristine, and even maintaining a heated pool and Jacuzzi for your enjoyment.

    Tampa Bay is a vibrant area with arts and cultural events at the renowned Straz Performing Arts Center in Tampa and the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg as well as professional sports like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football, the Tampa Bay Rays baseball and the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey and New York Yankee Spring training camp plus thoroughbred horse racing at Tampa Bay Downs. In addition to some of the finest golf courses in the South, it’s also home to interesting and relaxing venues ranging from historic Ybor City in Tampa to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida on the coastline from Clearwater down to St Petersburg.

    There is every conceivable style of home here in Tampa Bay from multi-million dollar downtown high-rise and waterfront condominiums to quite modest villa homes and condos downtown, in the suburbs, and surrounding our many golf courses.

    One final thought. Once you’ve invested in a second home here in Tampa Bay, when it’s time to retire, you'll already know your way around one of the most attractive cities in the United States to live in. And, you’ll be in a community known for both its excellent health care facilities and an wide range of activities focused specifically on our senior citizens.

    I would be delighted to introduce you to all of the housing options available here in Tampa Bay. Visit my Tampa Bay real estate website, or, for a more immediate response to your questions, call me at 813-263-6806 and let’s get started today developing you own personal, and permanent, “stress relief” program.

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.