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.

Tampa Bay Lakefront Living in Cory Lake Isles

The Cory Lake Isles community, first developed in the mid 1990's, is located in the "New Tampa" area of Tampa Florida. This master-planned community was developed hugging the 10-mile shoreline of Cory Lake, the largest man-made lake in the area and abutting 17,000 acres of protected woodlands. Most of the homes in Cory Lake Isles have either lake views or conservation area/woodlands views. This unique community has brick streets with immaculately-kept tropically landscaped areas along its entrance ways and along walking and biking trails.

Cory Lake Isles community amenities include a 6,000-square-foot Beach Club situated on the lake with glistening white sand. Tennis, volleyball, a playground, canoeing, and a boat dock are additional features. While many residents enjoy the white sandy beach of Cory Lake, others enjoy water sports and fishing on the lake where bass are commonly caught. There is also a state-of-the-art fitness facility.

There are two entrances to this upscale community - one off East Fletcher Avenue/Morris Bridge Road and another from Bruce B. Downs Boulevard via at Cross Creek Boulevard.

From Cory Lake Isles it is less then a 30 minute drive to Downtown Tampa and 10 minutes more to MacDill Air Force Base. Cory Lake Isles, like all New Tampa communities, is conveniently located close to University of South Florida and Busch Gardens and a comfortable drive to downtown Tampa amenities like the Tampa International Airport, Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Ice Palace, Lowry Park Zoo, the fabulous Florida Aquarium, and Tampa's Performing Arts Center.

If a luxury lakefront home in a gated, master-planned community is your dream home, you'll find what you're looking for in Cory Lake Isles. Prices today range from the mid $200's to well over $1.0 million for the largest lakefront homes.

I would be delighted to show you homes and condos for sale in Cory Lake Isles or anywhere in Tampa Bay Florida at a time convenient for you. I invite you to request my free Tampa Florida Information Package or E-Mail Me or call me at any time.
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For outstanding Tampa Bay real estate service, you cannot do better than selecting Tampa Bay real estate broker, Cheryl Stimac of Red Shoe Realty, Inc.

Intro to the Live Oak Preserve community in Tampa Bay

The Live Oaks Preserve community was designed and constructed by the developer, Transeastern, to complement the 100-year-old oak trees in the area. Located in the New Tampa area on 1,300-acres northeast of I-75 Exit 270, bounded by Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and County Line Road, the community features several village-themed developments including Cedarwood, Cypresswood, Laurel Oak, Brentwood, Maplewood, Oakwood and Weatherwood. Over time, eighteen unique villages are planned to lie within the boundaries of Live Oak Preserve.

This spectacular private, gated community offers quiet and tranquil neighborhoods with 362 acres set aside for wetlands and picturesque wildlife, ponds, and conservation area vistas. Located just outside the community gates there is an abundance of restaurants, parks, professional offices, and retail shopping. University of South Florida and Busch Gardens Amusement Park are less than a 15 minute drive away. You also have convenient access to downtown Tampa via I-75 and I-275 with all of its cultural and recreational attractions including the Florida Aquarium, historic Ybor City and the Tampa International Airport just a 30 minute drive away. Disney World and Universal & MGM Studios are about an hour's drive to the East. And, the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico are less than 30 miles to the west.


The community is highlighted with multiple single family home villages and a town home village with traditional Florida charm and natural splendor in varying price ranges. There is a multi-million dollar clubhouse at the center of the community which includes a 10,000 square foot, resort-style pool, fully equipped fitness center, children’s playground, as well as tennis and basketball courts. All of Live Oak Preserver's villages, parks and schools are connected by private roads and wide winding sidewalks perfect for either active exercising or just a leisurely stroll.

You deserve the best possible representation on the largest investment you may ever make, your new home in Tampa Bay Florida. I would be happy to introduce you to the many amenities of Live Oak Preserve and other communities and homes for sale throughout Tampa and Tampa Bay.

I invite you to request my free Tampa Information Package including information on Live Oak Preserve and other communities or E-Mail Me. For more immediate assistance call me at any time at 813-263-6806.

Welcome to Hunter's Green

Hunter’s Green is a meticulously developed master planned community in Tampa, Florida. In Hunter's Green, you'll find everything you might ever need or want to enjoy a comfortable, convenient, and tranquil lifestyle.

Hunter's Green is located 1 mile north of the I-75 exit at Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in the area known as New Tampa and includes 23 subdivisions.

Beyond the gated entrance, you'll find a private, unspoiled world; a natural environment where over half of its nearly 1,400 acres have been reserved for conservation and recreation. Shimmering lakes, peaceful parks, and nature preserves including a feeding area for the protected woodstork and gopher tortoise are just a few of its natural highlights.

The second thing you'll notice is the Hunter's Green County Club with its 35,000 square foot elegant, yet casual, clubhouse and its Tom Fazio-designed championship 18-hole, 6,900 yard golf course designed with a strong emphasis on environmental integrity.

Hunter's Green Country Club was planned and designed as three private clubs in one: the traditional 18-hole golf course club, a premier tennis, athletic and swim club, and an outstanding dining and social club. The clubhouse is the plush center of Hunter's Green social activity. First-class dining, a cocktail lounge and private banquet and conference rooms make it the perfect place to entertain friends, family and business associates, yet the club prides itself on its relaxed atmosphere and family amenities.

Central to the club's activities is the sports center which includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, group exercise and indoor cycling studios, 17 lighted har-Tru tennis courts, a basketball court, two 4-wall racquetball courts, a sand volleyball court. a heated junior Olympic swimming pool, a children's playroom, a youth activities building, men's & ladies' locker rooms and a pro shop.

Of interest to those with young children, Hunter's Green Elementary school has earned a reputation of academic excellence and supportive community partnerships. Standardized test scores traditionally place Hunter's Green Elemenetary students in the upper 10% of Hillsborough County schools. The teaching faulty is dedicated to continuing this level of excellence and developing programs to meet the needs of every student.

Hunter's Green is the first major community in Florida to be designated a Florida Quality Development for its adherence to strict environmental and planning guidelines and has become a prototype for residential communities around the country. The community has won numerous national and local awards, including the Aurora Award for the Top Master-Planned Community in the Southeast and the ENVY Environmental Award from the Florida Association of Realtors for the residential development that most celebrates Florida's natural quality of life.

While there are other master planned communities in Tampa Bay, Florida, residents feel confident that there are none quite as nice and quite as complete as Hunter's Green. Here you'll find a country club lifestyle perfectly suited for both the accomplished professional, retirees and young families.

You Don't Have to be a First-Timer to Take Advantage of the New Home Buyer Tax Credit

The first-time home buyer tax credit, that Realtors have reported jump-started home sales this Summer and Fall, but due to expire at the end of this month, has been extended through April 30, 2010 by Congress and is on its way to President Obama for his promised signature.

The extension expands eligibility for the home buyer tax credit to people with higher incomes as well as to people who have already owned a home for at least the past five years. In either case, the buyer must sign a purchase contract on or before April 30, 2010 and close on the purchase by June 30, 2010. The $8,000 maximum first-time buyer tax credit will continue but will now be available to individuals with incomes up to $125,000 and joint filers with annual incomes up to $225,000. Home buyers with incomes up to $145,000 and couples with incomes up to $245,000 will be eligible for somewhat reduced tax credits.

Under similar income limits, a $6,500 maximum tax credit will be available to people who already own a home and want to move up to a larger home.

Under the new income limits, two-thirds of all American families owning a home today may be eligible to buy a new home. While buyers will not be required to sell their current home to qualify, the tax credit must be used to buy a new "primary residence", not a vacation home or investment property.

To keep speculators out of the program, people who claim the credit but then sell the home or no longer use it as their primary residence within three years will be required to repay the credit. The intent is to exclude from the program speculators who might purchase a home intending to flip it for a fast profit, according to Max Baucus, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.

Here's a "heads-up" to those who may have considered buying a first home under the prior program but didn't quite get around to it.

"Contact a Realtor and get started now. You only have until April 30, 2010."

Congressional legislators in both houses have indicated that this costly part of the stimulus program will not be extended a second time. Critics point out that only about one-fourth of the homes purchased under the prior program would not have been bought anyway without the costly tax-credit program. There are also concerns that the previous tax credit program encompassed high numbers of fraudulent transactions. In this version of the program, the Internal Revenue Service has been given much wider authority to oversee the process to root out fraud.

If you are considering buying a first home or moving up to a larger home in the Tampa Bay Florida area I invite you visit my Tampa Real Estate website or for more immediate service, contact me by phone at 813-263-6806. I would be delighted to answer any questions you have.

The Seller Can Help You Buy Their Home

If you and your family are ready now to buy your first home, but you're not sure you have enough cash stashed away, there are ways in which a home seller can assist you in buying his home. A competent Tampa Bay Realtor can review all of your options but here are a few examples.

FHA MORTGAGE WITH SELLER FINANCED CLOSING COSTS
An FHA mortgage requires as little as 3.5% of the purchase price as a down payment. These mortgages have been available for years. Your Realtor, working with the home seller and an FHA-approved mortgage provider, can structure a mortgage loan so that the seller pays all or nearly all of your closing costs. The seller cannot assist you with the 3.5% down payment, but can pay just about everything else at your closing. In the current market environment, many home sellers are willing to participate in this type of arrangement to get their home sold.

SELLER-PAID BUY DOWNS
There are many variations of "Buy Downs," Some are permanent, where the interest rate is reduced over the full life of the loan. Other buy downs are temporary, reducing your interest rate, and therefore your monthly payment, for the first 1 - 3 years. The most popular is what's known as a "3-2-1 Buy Down." Here's how it works. For the first year your rate is 3% below the market interest rate; the second year 2% below, and for the third year the interest rate you pay is 1% below the agreed-upon interest rate. This allows you to grow into your loan payments over 3 years. If you expect your family income to grow over that period by enough to cover the eventual cost, this may be an attractive option for you. "Buying down" your first 3 years of loan payments in this manner will cost the seller about 4.5% of the loan amount. Here is an example on the purchase of a home with a $225,000 mortgage with a fixed rate of 6.5%. The full monthly rate on this mortgage would be $1,422.15/month. Using a 3-2-1- buy down, the first year's payments would be $1,010.35, the second year's is $1,140.04, the third year's - $1,277.53, and then for the remaining 27 years, $1,422.15. The "buy down" of the first 3 years payments saved you, the buyer, over $10,000 in mortgage payments in addition to making your payments more affordable for those first 3 years.

There are other buy-down processes your Realtor can discuss with you. Another popular one is a 2-1 buy-down which works like the 3-2-1 program but reduces the interest rate for only the first two years.

SELLER FINANCING
Less frequently, but occasionally, there are sellers who own their home outright (no mortgage on the property) who will agree to assist you by holding your mortgage. In this case, you do not have to qualify through the normal bank financing route. In effect the seller, instead of a bank or other mortgage company, becomes your mortgage provider. Such a mortgage can be written with essentially any terms and conditions that you and the seller agree upon ranging from financing 100% of the purchase price to requiring a minimal or larger down payment, with or without a "balloon payment" at some point in the future, and for a term of 10, 15, 25 or 30 years.

Such private lenders frequently charge a higher interest rate and may try to use this approach to get the highest possible price for their property. So protect yourself by working with a competent Realtor who can make certain that you are not over-paying for the home you want.

The point of this discussion is this. if you'd like to buy a home now, one of these seller-assisted approaches may work for you. Don't be scared off because you don't think you have enough saved up yet. The price of homes and the interest rates are as low right now as they have been in a long time. Meet and discuss your options with a competent Realtor like Cheryl Stimac, a Tampa Florida Real Estate professional. Got questions about all this? Call Cheryl Stimac today at 813-263-6808 or email her at cheryl@cherylstimac.com

You may be closer to your dream of home ownership than you have dared to hope.

Tampa Bay Real Estate Market Poised for Recovery

I read a very intriguing article this morning which was written by James A. Crumbaugh III, CEO of Allison James Estates & Homes. I am copying the content of that article here because I believe Mr Crumbaugh is absolutely right in his understanding of WHY the Tampa Bay real estate market is poised to have a much better year in 2009 than 2008 has been.
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RISMEDIA, Dec. 10, 2008- I’m always accused of being overly optimistic about the real estate market. You have to understand that after 35 + years in the business, everything is just a cycle to me and when we go through a cycle like we’ve been going through, then my thoughts become “How long will the cycle last?”

You may have read my previous article titled The Perfect Storm, where I discussed the reasons that I thought this real estate market was poised to turn around. We are seeing the market improve almost on a daily basis recently. Is it the facts that I stated in my article that is causing the turn around? Absolutely that’s part of the turnaround.

However, there is another dynamic at work here. I’ll call it the "Obama Effect." I voted for John McCain, but I’m sensing an optimism starting to build in this country. I will give President Elect Obama credit where credit is due, and I will be the first to admit that at this point he is being very proactive at turning around the financial crisis in this country.

As the optimism improves, and I think it will, from here to the inauguration, and for the honeymoon period following the inauguration, we will continue to see an improvement in the optimism in this country.

With the automotive bailout, real estate is bound to improve in the Michigan area and probably the entire rust belt, therefore improving Florida real estate. The retirees will be able to sell their homes in Michigan and retire to Florida or other states popular among retirees.

The public works project will put hundreds of thousands of workers back to work and at good wages. I still believe we have a pent up demand for the last three years of buyers wanting to buy. Once these buyers are employed again and flush with income, the market will start to improve.

Then you have very low fuel prices that allow the consumer more discretionary income to spend.

Then we have the potential for mortgage rates as low as 4½% .

When you start to take a hard look at where we are poised as an industry, no matter how pessimistic you are, you have got to believe we are in for a return of a good real estate market in Florida, if not an excellent real estate market.

The stars are lining up:

- An improved automotive market
- Low fuel prices
- Workers going back to work
- Good wages
- Low real estate prices
- Low mortgage rates

I’m becoming more optimistic just writing this article. I don’t believe you can argue the facts as I just them pointed out. Things are looking up for the Florida real estate industry..........

James A. Crumbaugh III is CEO of Allison James Estates & Homes.
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If you are a retiree, a real estate investor, or a broker or realtor, better times are coming in 2009 because the bear market in housing is about to turn around and it will turn around soon.

If you are ready to learn why, if you are going to invest in Florida real estate, Tampa Bay Florida is the right place to do it, contact me by E-Mail or complete my Tampa Florida Information Request Form. In a hurry ? Then call me directly at 813-263-6806.

Should You Buy Now in Tampa Bay or Wait

5 GOOD REASONS TO BUY NOW

1. Prices in the neighborhoods you prefer are currently relatively stable -- either holding steady or increasing slightly, or, -- the pace of price declines has slowed dramatically meaning the major decline is over. If you are ready to move, the small penalty you might pay by missing the absolute bottom of the market may not mean much.

2. You plan to stay in the home for five years or more. If you plan to stay that long before selling, leading economists say you will probably have gotten beyond this price downturn and you'll come out ahead on price when you sell the home.

3. Your rent is relatively close to what your mortgage payment would be. If you qualify for a mortgage, you will be building equity in your new home and you will be able to deduct the mortgage-interest and property taxes on your federal income taxes.

4. You've found the perfect home in the right area. The schools are great. You know it will be hard to find another home as nice as the one you have your eye on. In a better housing market, you might have much more competition for that home and end up paying more for it if its even available at that point.

5. You've built equity in your current home and are moving to a place where homes prices are lower in a market where your money will go a lot further.

5 REASONS TO WAIT BEFORE BUYING

1. If you have lived in your current home for less than 2 years, there is a good chance that you haven't accumulated any real equity in your home. In fact, you may have negative equity, (you owe more on your mortage than the home is now worth) if you live in certain areas of the country.

2. Your job isn't secure. If you may get laid off or lose your job altogether, it's better to stay where you are until things improve. If you lose your job and have to move some distance, it'll be much harder to come out ahead selling a home you just bought.

3. You don't plan to stay in your next house for at least 5 years. While it's not important to buy at the exact bottom of a home price curve, it is important that you stay long enough to ride out the cycle. Prices will certainly recover but it may take a few years.

4. You don't have good credit or a sufficient down payment. Because of the sub-prime mortgage mess, lenders are more careful today about who they'll give a mortgage to. Speak with a number of lenders about different programs they offer, but don't be surprised if you are turned down completely.

5. You have an existing home to sell in an area where prices are still falling or where many homes are in foreclosure or already bank-owned. In such a "distress sale" neighborhood, your buyer prospects may be just "bottom-feeders" looking to buy a home well below its real market value if the market were in a normal situation.

For more information on Tampa Bay real estate opportunities, I invite you to visit my full Tampa Bay Florida Real Estate website and then call me at (813) 263-6806 or email me at cheryl@cherylstimac.com
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What Is a Buyer's Agent, Why Would You Want One

First, let's define the roles a real estate agent can choose to play. Licensed Realtors®, by law, can act in a number of roles. A real estate professional acting in the role of a Listing or Sellers Agent represents the Seller and is obligated by law to help the Seller get the best price and terms.

A Realtor acting in the role of a Buyers Agent works for the Buyer and must
legally and ethically look out for the Buyer's best interest, not the Seller's.

Some Realtors act as either Sellers Agents or Buyers Agents exclusively. Other Realtors have the knowledge and experience to provide service to both Buyers or Sellers, but with few exceptions, on any given transaction, they can act only in one of the roles. Either they represent the Seller or they represent the Buyer, not both
at the same time for that would present a conflict-of-interest.

In some states, including Florida, real estate agents can act in a special role called various things but most commonly, as a "Transaction Broker". When acting in this role, the Realtor must declare to you that he or she is acting in that role and is, in fact, representing neither the Buyer nor the Seller but simply acting as a "facilitator of a transaction."

In general, you, as a buyer, are best served by a Realtor acting specifically as your Buyers Agent.

The details of buying a home can be overwhelming. A professional Tampa Bay real estate Buyers Agent can guide you through the entire process and make the experience much easier, less frustratiing and more enjoyable. And buying a home should be just that -- an enjoyable experience.

- A Buyer's Agent can advise you on many important considerations about a neighborhood you may be considering...the schools, children in the area, traffic volumes, etc.

- He will help you determine the price home you can afford and search the Tampa Florida Multiple Listing Service for homes that fit your needs and affordability. Ther are few things more frustrating than viewing homes you cannot afford.

- With access to homes as soon as they’re on the market, your Buyers Agent schedule a tour of every home that comes on the market tha fits your situation saving you time wasted driving around looking at homes from the outside that don't fit your situation anyway.

- He or she can screen homes on the market to assure they're reasonably priced and in good condition before taking you to see only those in your price range with the amenities you want.

- Your Tampa Florida realtor will point out ways to structure the deal to save you money, explain the advantages of different types of mortgages, guide you through the paperwork, protect your interests during inspections, and answer any questions as you make an offer, negotiate the final price and sign the closing papers.

In most instances, you don’t pay your Buyer's Agent anything at all for all these services. Payment for all the work a Tampa buyers agent does for you comes from the home seller under the terms of the listing contract.

Remember, if you see a home in a Tampa newspaper, real estate book or on the Internet, and you contact the Realtor in that ad, you're calling the Listing Agent,
who is looking out for the Seller, not you. If you want someone looking out for your interests, not the Seller's, you want the services of a Tampa Florida Realtor acting as your Buyers Agent.

So, how do you find a Buyers Agent in the Tampa real estate market? It's easy! Just ask a licensed Tampa area Realtor if he or she is willing to act as your "Buyer's Agent. He or she will most likely be happy to provde that service.

And why use a Buyers Agent A Buyers Agent Realtor looks out for your interests and desires, in most cases, at no cost to you. A better question might be, "Why not use a Buyers Agent since it generally costs you nothing.".

Are You Ready For Hurricane Season ?

Well, It's June 1st and the start of hurricane season not only in Florida but all over the Southeastern coast of the United States.

Are you prepared to protect yourself and your family in case of any serious incident ? It's always better to be safe than sorry. You may want to take a few minutes now and read this Hurricane Readiness Article.

If you are interested in moving your family to the Tampa Florida or Tampa Bay area, or if you need to sell a property anywhere in Hillsborough or Pasco County, Florida, I invite you to visit my Tampa Florida real estate website.

Before you Buy That Florida Condo

Before you make a firm offer to buy a condominium in Tampa Bay, Florida, regardless of whether its a normal transaction or a foreclosure-related short sale, you need to know what else is involved other than its availability, condition, and price.

You need to gather and understand a fair amount of information other than just its availability and price. Read this article about Questions to Ask Before Buying a Condo and then call me at (813) 263-6806 or email me at cheryl@cherylstimac.com

For more general information on Tampa Bay real estate opportunities, I invite you to visit my full Tampa Bay Florida Real Estate website.

Welcme to Tampa Bay Florida

Tampa Florida is the "heart" of Tampa Bay, an ideal hometown for young families and retirees alike. Tampa Bay's weather is delightful. The average year-round temperature is 72°, a refreshing 60° in January and an average of 82° in August.

Our phenomenal weather fosters an abundance of outdoor recreation. The Hillsborough River, stretching 56 miles, offers fishing, canoeing, and boating. There are numrous camping areas and hiking trails as well as nearly 200 parks, 136 picnic areas and 80 playgrounds. There are swimming pools, tennis and racquet ball courts, and dozens of golf golf courses as well as professional baseball, hockey and football teams including the Super Bowl-winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Lovers of art, music, dance and theater enjoy a wealth of galleries and museums like the Tampa Museum of Art, Museum of Science & Industry and University of South Florida's Contemporary Art Museum. Broadway musicals and operas excite patrons continually at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Lowry Park Zoo entertains families with frequent events as does the award-winning Florida Aquarium.

The Tampa lifstyle is further enhanced by several annual events including the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, Tampa's own version of Mardi Gras, the annual Strawberry Festival, and the MacDill AFB Air Show. Thanks to wonderful weather there are dozens of arts and crafts shows, parades, street festivals year-round.

The University of South Florida, University of Tampa, and Hillsborough Community College campuses plus other smaller insitutions of learning add an academic flavor to the area.

World-class medical care is available at Tampa General, University Community Hospital, Memorial Hospital of Tampa and at St Joseph's Women's Hospital and Children's Hospital and many other smaller health care providers.

In Tampa and the surrounding Hillsborough and Pasco County communities of Temple Terrace, Brandon, Lutz, Wesley Chapel, Land O'Lakes and Zephyrhills, there are homes and condos from the most luxurious to the very affordable. There is something for everyone on the Tampa Bay Florida real estate market. And with recent home price declines, there are very attractive bargains to be found right now.

For more information on popular Tampa Bay communities, including golf course communities, visit my Tampa Florida website. I'd be delighted to show you all that Tampa Bay Florida has to offer. You may also E-Mail Me or call me on my cellphone at (813) 263-6806 for immediate service.