Chris Hounchell REALTOR

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Award-winning Florida real estate Broker PROUDLY SELLING IN PINELLAS, HILLSBOROUGH, PASCO, MANATEE & SARASOTA COUNTIES since 2004.

Happy Holidays

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It’s hard to believe that the holidays are upon us and 2017 is quickly coming to an end. It’s been a year full of great clients, great transactions, and a lot of success for our team. We obviously could not have experienced the amount of success we did if it wasn’t for each of our clients, co-workers, and industry counterparts. We strived to be your Realtor for 2017 and we feel we accomplished that goal but it’s one we want to keep rolling into the new year.

We know there are some big changes that can affect homeownership expected over the next few months but our team will be there every step of the way to guide you through the process of buying or selling a home.

Thank you from our team and we wish you a happy holiday season and prosperous 2018!

Happy Holidays 2017 | Hounchell Real Estate

Happy Holidays!

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It has been a whirlwind year filled with some great things and some not so great things. In the end, we had another excellent professional year, and our team couldn’t have done it without you. The customers, professionals, coworkers and peers that we’ve interacted with have contributed to the wonderful success our team has enjoyed over the last 365 days.

Looking ahead, we have big plans for 2017, and that includes being YOUR Realtor of the year. Our goal is to meet all of your real estate needs, and that can go well beyond just buying and selling. Don’t be afraid to reach out to our team, as no question or need is too small for our attention.

Happy Holidays 2016

We also want to wish each of you a happy and safe holiday season. We hope that you’re able to take some time to reflect on the year, and refresh yourself for the brand new year that awaits us.

Happy holidays and best wishes!

Chris Hounchell and Associates

Holiday Activities in Tampa Bay

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It feels like it’s said every year around this time but can you believe the winter holiday season is in full swing? Where did this year go? Whether you’re ready to kiss 2016 goodbye or you’re holding on to it for dear life, there’s still plenty of holiday activities in Tampa Bay. Here are our suggestions for how you and your family can best enjoy the holiday season this year.

Holiday Markets

Popular is European countries like Germany, these open air markets feature independent vendors who sell an assortment of goods from handcrafted items to food and drinks. They’re popularity is on the rise in the United States and in Tampa Bay. Some of the most popular ones are Sea World’s Christmas Market, Gifts and Green hosted by Bethel Lutheran Church, Urban Oasis Farm’s Holiday Market, Holiday Craft Market at Largo’s Central Park, and A Very Merry Market at Great Explorations Children’s Museum.

Holiday Activities in Tampa Bay

Parades

Macy’s may have the monopoly on Thanksgiving Day parades but the Tampa Bay area isn’t going to let the winter holiday season pass by without some fanfare. There are numerous parades taking place across the region during December including Magical Night in Dade City, St. Petersburg’s Snowfest and Santa Parade, and Santa Fest and Christmas Parade in Tampa. The region doesn’t just limit the parades to the streets though St. Pete takes the festivities with its Beach Boat Parade and the Main Street New Port Richey Festival and River Lights Boat Parade.

Other Holiday Fun

The holidays don’t have to just be about shopping and parades. There’s also fun events such as the Chase the Dreidel Run, a 5K fun run in St. Petersburg, Santa’s Holiday Revue, a musical featuring Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa songs. If you want to embrace the season in a more northerly style there is ice skating open to the public at Tampa’s Winter Village and a display of 2 million pounds of carved ice sculptures called ICE! featuring Charlie Brown at the Gaylord Palms Resort.

What holiday events are you attending this year? Tell us in the comments section!

Ways to Volunteer in Tampa Bay

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With Thanksgiving just a week away and the winter holidays following close behind, it can be easy to get caught up in a seemingly never-ending to do list. One of the things we feel strongly about on our team is giving back to our community. We know many of our neighbors are generous with their money and resources but many of the organizations in our area needs volunteers to help facilitate the programs that serve those less fortunate. We’ve rounded up a list of the ways to volunteer in Tampa Bay for all abilities and talents.

Suncoast Rescue Mission

The Suncoast Rescue Mission welcomes volunteers to serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal to its guests. The meal is served Thursday, November 24 from 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Contact the mission at (727) 545-8282 for more information and to volunteer.

Meal M.A.N.I.A.

This program provides food for malnourished children and their families in the United States and in developing nations. The program creates teams out of its volunteers to pack meals. Fifty percent of the meals packed stay local and our distributed through local ministries and non-profit groups. Volunteers only need to donate two hours of their time per shift. For more information visit http://www.citiimpact.org/meal-mania

Ways to Volunteer in Tampa Bay

Daystar Life Center, Inc.

The Daystar Life Center, Inc. is located in St. Petersburg and provides community members with basic necessities during times of hardship. In addition to things like food and toiletries, they also provide advocacy and other forms of support. Currently, they are in need of several administrative roles to be filled by volunteers. For more information and to apply to volunteer visit: www.daystarlife.com/word/.

Project Linus Tampa Bay

Join the Blanket Party hosted by Project Linus Tampa Bay on Saturday January 7, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Whether you are an expert quilter or seamstress or just starting out, you are invited to work on a project that will help bring a bit of comfort and warmth to children experiencing a loss or tragedy in the Tampa Bay area. If you’d like to attend the party RSVP to TampaBlankets@hotmail.com and visit www.TampaBlankets.org for more information.

Mentors for At-Risk Youth

The Hillsborough Education Foundation is in need of mentors for the current school year. Over four hundred low-income students in middle and high school participate in the Take Stock in Children program. Mentors will help children succeed in school and provide guidance in life situation. Volunteers are required to meet weekly with students on school grounds during school hours. For more details call (813) 574-0260 or visit www.educationfoundation.com.

Elders Helpers

Elder Helpers is a national program designed to connect senior citizens with volunteers for any number of needs including assistance with chores and housework to companionship. Volunteers need only to create a profile on elderhelpers.org, complete the background check requirements, and offer up the services they can provide.

These are just a few ways in which you can help your neighbors. Do you know of a rewarding volunteer opportunity? Tell us in the comments.

Fourth of July Safety Tips

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Fourth of July celebrations feature all the best that summer has to offer: grilling, outdoor activities, and fireworks. With any activity, there are simple and common sense safety tips that will keep you and your family safe and able to enjoy a fun Independence Day.

Grilling

If you’re planning on a simple meal of hamburgers & hot dogs or going all out with smoked rib, you need to keep an eye on your grill at all times. Children and pets should be kept away from a hot grill; keep in mind the grill can be hot for hours after the flame goes out. You should never grill inside a house, camper, or tent and should keep the grill at least ten feet away from your house, trees, and bushes. To prevent burns, you should use long utensils and oven mitts. Finally, use a meat thermometer to make sure your food reaches the correct temperatures before serving.

Outdoor Activities

The sun, the sand, the water…what’s not to love about Tampa Bay in the summertime? No matter what you choose to do outside, you should always practice good skin care and wear a broad-spectrum SPF sunblock. Sunburn isn’t the only thing you need to worry about either; heat injuries such as heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. Staying hydrated, keeping to the shade, and taking numerous breaks during your activities are good practices to keep you safe in the high humidity and temperatures.

If you’ll be swimming, we recommend you follow our water safety tips. Rip currents are of particular concern for beach swimmers. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, experts say you should not swim against the current to get back to the beach; instead you should swim parallel to the shore until the current weakens and then attempt to swim to the beach.

You should also be mindful of the presence of wildlife and respect their habitats. Always give wildlife a wide berth if you encounter them. Staying to marked trails and away from overgrowth will help prevent any unexpected run-ins with wild animals and keep you from coming into contact with less than desirable plants like poison ivy, sumac, and oak. Using a bug spray with DEET in it will help repel bugs and insects. Once you come inside from a day out, you should always check your body thoroughly for ticks.

Fourth of July Safety Tips

Fireworks

What would the Fourth of July be without any fireworks? While they’re synonymous with the holiday, most fireworks are actually illegal for individuals to own. Fireworks that fall under the “sparkler” category are legal for individual use these include sparklers, fountains, snakes, and glow worms. The Florida Fire Marshal publishes a list of approved fireworks every year. Those retail outlets that do sell fireworks that do not fall under this category will most likely ask you to sign a waiver. If you’re found to be using banned fireworks you could face a $1,000 fine.

When using fireworks be sure that age-appropriate children are thoroughly supervised and small children do not have access to the fireworks, used or unused. A water source should always be nearby to douse used fireworks and help prevent a fire from breaking out. Fireworks should never be pointed or thrown at another person and should be used in an open space.

There you have it! Some easy and common sense Fourth of July safety tips that will let you and your family enjoy the holiday and avoid any major mishaps.

5 Romantic Spots in Tampa Bay

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Are you looking to break out of the tired cliches of dinner, chocolates, and flower’s this Valentine’s Day? We have 5 romantic spots in Tampa Bay that fit the bill and fit your budget. Plan your day to enjoy what the Tampa Bay area has to offer in the romance department with your special someone.

5 Romantic Spots in Tampa Bay

  • A Streetcar Named Desire. Take a ride on one of the yellow street cars running between Downtown Tampa and Ybor City. This throwback mode of transportation will provide you with affordable access to museums, attractions, and restaurants. Fare is $5 for an all day pass.
  • Take a stroll. In recent years, St. Petersburg’s Beach Drive has seen an increase in the number of restaurants and shops dotting its length. Take a walk with your Valentine, window shop, or grab a bite to eat.
  • Pack a picnic. Vinoy Watefront Park in St. Petersburg is 1.16 acres sectioned off on the Tampa Bay. The park offers wide open spaces of green grass and shaded benches. Enjoy your meal or snacks while taking in the views of Tampa and the water wildlife (dolphins are known to swim in the Bay).
  • Watch the sunset. Fort De Soto is situated on Mullet Key, a barrier island near the edge of St. Petersburg. This location offers a perfect spot to cap off a romantic day (or get one started) by watching the sunset over Tampa Bay. The weather conditions can add amazing colors to the sky. Parking is $5.
  • Gaze up at the stars. No matter what time of day, you can view the stars at Saunder’s Planetarium in Tampa. The planetarium will showcase the night skies of several romantic cities including Paris, Buenos Aires, and Fiji.

Do you know of a romantic spot in the Tampa Bay area? Share with our readers in the comments section.

Thank You and Happy Holidays

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As we celebrate the holidays and the year comes to an end, the Chris Hounchell & Associates team would like to take the time to say “thank you and happy holidays”.

Whether you are a client or a professional associate, we couldn’t have had the successful year we did without you. We strive to individualize our services to each of our Sellers and Buyers and we hope you have felt that in all of your interactions with our team. Working with professionals who understand the nuances of Florida real estate allows us to provide an excellent experience to each of our clients. Both of these factors make our jobs pleasurable and something to enjoy every day.

Thank You and Happy Holidays | Hounchell and Associates

May your holiday season be filled with family, friends, joy, and success for the upcoming new year. For those of you who are celebrating the holidays in your new home, it is our sincerest wish that it is the start of many happy memories.

It’s our hope that this message of holiday cheer and gratitude reaches you well. We look forward to continuing our relationship with you for many years to come.

Happy holidays and thank you once more.

All the best,

Chris Hounchell and Associates

 

Should I List My House During the Holidays?

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The holidays are upon us, as if you didn’t already know. If you’re a home owner looking to sell your property, you may be asking yourself “should I list my house during the holidays?” It used to be that Realtors would recommend against putting your home on the market or renewing a listing during the busy holiday season. The thought that you should wait until early spring to list when more Buyers would typically be available is beginning to waver though.

Should I List My House During the Holidays

Supply and Demand

If you list your home during the holiday season, typically from November through January, you’re likely to be part of a smaller inventory of homes available. Fewer homes for sale mean that your house will be seen by more Buyers. This means you have a better chance of securing a Buyer and the sales price you’re asking.

There is always a Buyer

People move more often for their careers then they ever have and January is typically the month you will see career changes take place for employees. This means there are Buyers looking for a new home during every time of year, including the holidays. Online search engines and cell phone apps make it even easier for Buyers to keep looking no matter what they’re doing. Some Buyers may need to buy a property before the end of the year to take advantage of tax credits. All of these reasons make for motivated and serious Buyers.

Staging

The buzzword in listing advice is “staging”. Staging, in part, means you remove your personality from the home to allow Buyers to envision their personality in the house. Staged homes sell faster than non-staged homes. Many home owners need to store personal items and give their homes a deep cleaning before they decorate for the holidays which in effect is staging. Holiday decor can make your home inviting and relatable. Just keep the Grizzwold-motif in the garage until next year.

Take action

If your home has been on the market for a while and you haven’t received an offer that you’re willing to accept, meet with your Realtor to come up with a plan of action. Take the showing feedback seriously and if there is a common theme consider making changes to address the concerns of potential-Buyers. This may mean making a repair or reduce the price. Make the necessary changes and push hard to let the market know.

The holidays don’t have to put a pin in your plans to sell your home. There will always be Buyers and they will have less of an inventory to choose from which bodes well for your as the Seller. You also have the ability to limit showings during the actual holiday or when you plan on hosting a gathering. Buyers understand that the holidays are special to most people and are more flexible to see the house on the Sellers terms. So if you’re asking “should I list my house during the holidays” the answer is yes.

Holiday Events in Tampa Bay 2015

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‘Tis the season! Tampa Bay isn’t just a summer getaway. It has plenty to offer throughout the year and the holiday season is no exception. We’ve rounded up the best holiday events in Tampa Bay to check out throughout the season.

Holiday Events in Tampa Bay

Tampa Downtown on Ice. Skating rink is open now through January 3. $12 per person for 90 minutes of skating. Curtis Hixon Park 600 N. Ashley Drive Tampa, FL.

Holiday Lights in the Garden. Florida Botanic Gardens are decorated with holiday lights and displays. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit on select nights. A donation of $4 is suggested, children under 12 are free. 12520 Ulmerton Road Largo, FL.

Holidays at the Village. The homes of Heritage Village, the historical living museum, are decorated in lights associated with their original time period. 11909 12th Street Largo, FL.

Let It Snow. The Bishop Planetarium produces a 32 minute show featuring holiday songs from Frank Sinatra to Trans Siberian Orchestra. The shows run throughout the month. www.southfloridamuseum.org

Holiday Nights at Ca’d’Zan. The mansion is decorated for the holidays. Come tour the rooms December 3, 10, and 17. Admission is $10, members are free. 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL. www.ringling.org/ca-dzan

Kresge Mega Light Display. Rated as one of the Top 3 light displays in the country by Today. The display is open from now until January 3, 6 – 10 p.m. 2719 Oakdale Street St. Petersburg, FL.

Bright Nights. Thursdays and Fridays until December 18th feature a holiday themed museum exhibits at the Glazer Children’s Museum. Admission is $15 per person, $10 for members. www.glazermuseum.org

For even more events you can visit tampabay.com/things-to-do/holiday.

5 Thanksgiving Entertaining Tips

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Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving celebration or you’ve lost count how many times you’ve opened your door and table to family and friends, one thing is for certain…without a good plan in place Thanksgiving dinner can get away from you in a hurry. We have some excellent Thanksgiving entertaining tips to keep your kitchen running smoothly and allow you to mingle with your guests and enjoy the day.

Plan your menu. Figuring out what dishes and how much food you’ll need is the first step in planning a great Thanksgiving celebration. Whole Foods recommends that you’ll need about one and a quarter pounds of turkey per person, one starch, one vegetable, and one dessert each per every five people.

Get ahead. Do the majority of your prep work and basic cooking the day before. Things like stuffing, potatoes, soups, and casseroles can all be made ahead of time and reheated about thirty to forty minutes before you’re ready to serve. Use bag, pre-washed greens to easily prepare your salads. To ensure your turkey is complete thawed before cooking, set it in the refrigerator at least forty-eight hours before cooking.

5 Thanksgiving Entertaining Tips

Outsource. Your guests will most likely want to contribute to the meal so take them up on the offer. Ask guests to bring their favorite side dish, dessert, or beverage. Contributions from your guests can really help bring the spirit of the first Thanksgiving to your table.

Keep it simple. Sure you could go all out with beautiful, hand craft tablescapes but who has time for that? Keep your decorations simple and understated. If you don’t want to spend hour over the kitchen sink hand wash dishes, skip the fine china and go for dishwasher safe dishes or if you dare, disposable plates and flatware.

Entertain your guests. Some families enjoy eating their turkey meals in front of the big screen watching football while others enjoy soft music playing in the background. Whatever your guests enjoy, make sure there is plenty of it. If the weather is cooperative spread the festivities out so your guests aren’t crammed and you have plenty of room to work in the kitchen. And don’t forget the kids, provide them with a space of their own and some activities to keep them busy.

We wish you and your family a safe and festive Thanksgiving Day celebration!