Chris Hounchell REALTOR

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

St. Pete-Tampa Housing Market

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Tampa Bay housing market on recovery and riseThe Residential Housing Market Is Stabilizing in St. Petersburg-Tampa

Chalk it up to an economy on the upswing paired with extremely low interest rates and housing affordability at all times highs. The St. Petersburg-Tampa housing market is not only showing signs of stabilization, but real growth is reappearing.

According to a recent Tampa Bay Times article, median prices for single-family homes in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, plus parts of Pasco and Hernando counties, rose seven percent in the last year. Indications are that sales through June of this year could be at their highest in many years. The supply of single-family homes is down while demand is increasing. This could be the good news for which our local housing market has been waiting.

Conventional Tampa Bay Real Estate Sales on Rise

One of the reasons conventional sales rose so dramatically is that the foreclosure and short sales markets have fallen, in some areas dramatically. According to the Times, the flood of foreclosed properties has begun to dry up. And in an improved economy with record low interest rates, buyers are increasingly seeking homes in areas outside of those hit hard by foreclosures.

At Chris Hounchell & Associates, we’re experiencing an upswing in the number of buyers actively looking for single-family homes, condominiums and waterfront property throughout the St. Petersburg-Tampa area. While we continue to experience strong sales of distressed properties, i.e. short sales and foreclosed properties, conventional sales are definitely increasing.

Thinking of buying? We are the leader in residential real estate, pre-foreclosure, short sale and foreclosure markets in the Pinellas County area. For more information, contact Chris today at 727.642.9107.

 

 

Happy Spring 2012

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Happy Spring! Happy Passover! Happy Easter!

Happy Everything! Enjoy your holiday weekend with family and friends.  Travel safe, laugh often and hug a bunny.

Buy vs. Rent, Home Options

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Florida Home Options: Buy vs. RentTampa/St. Pete Home Options: Buy vs. Rent – Which Is Right For You?

We receive a lot of questions from prospective homeowners asking whether it’s better to buy or rent in the current St. Petersburg/Tampa real estate market. Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer that applies to everyone in every market. Following are a series of questions and some thoughts to consider as you’re making your decision.

  1. Are you ready to make a long-term commitment to a home for at least five years? If so, buying is probably your best option.
  2. Have you saved enough money for a down payment? If so, consider buying over renting.
  3. Do you qualify for a mortgage? Visit our Mortgage Calculator to get a feel for how much you qualify for based on mortgage term and interest rate.
  4. Are you interested in becoming a part of a community where you can put down roots and make friends? Again, buying is probably the best choice.

Florida Real Estate, Thoughts To Consider:

  • As home values rise, the equity in your purchased home also rises.
  • Mortgage payments are generally fixed while monthly rents often increase beyond what you might spend on a monthly mortgage payment.
  • When considering whether to rent or buy, take a long-term approach. The longer you plan to stay, the greater the advantage of owning your home.
  • Homeowners receive tax breaks by deducting mortgage interest and property taxes.
  • Consider tapping your IRA for a down payment. Under current law, each individual may withdraw up to $10,000 as a penalty-free (but not tax free) lifetime credit for purchasing a first home. If you’re married, both you and your spouse can withdraw $10,000 for a total of $20,000! And your generous rich relatives are able to use their IRAs to make a penalty-free $10,000 gift to you for a first time home purchase.
  • When selling your home, it’s possible that the capital gains you realize could be tax-free.
  • There is a great deal of emotional satisfaction in owning your home.

For more information on buying vs. renting, contact Chris today at 727-642-9107.

 

Placido Bayou Neighborhood

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Placido Bayou neighborhood near St. Petersburg, FLSt. Petersburg, FL, Neighborhood                 Placido Bayou – Privacy, Security, Value

Privacy and the security of a gated community are two reasons the 361-acre Placido Bayou community has become one of the most sought after collection of neighborhoods in northeast St. Petersburg, Florida. A wide variety of home-style and lifestyle options, great value, and affordability make Placido Bayou a prime location for those seeking a home close to the lively St. Petersburg downtown area and all it has to offer.

Placido Bayou consists of approximately 636 single-family homes, condominiums and townhouses, most situated on 26-acres of lakes (the largest is 13 acres!) and bayous that attract a diverse collection of wildlife, including an assortment of birds, turtles, otters and two resident swans. Three sides of the community are bordered by 85 acres of protected mangroves, and 10 acres of nature preserves surround the entry. Nearby are some of the finest beaches on the west coast of Florida, and boaters will find easy access to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico from Placido and Smacks bayous.

Since construction began in the late 1980’s, Placido Bayou has evolved into 11 separate neighborhoods with current prices ranging from the $100,000s for a small condominium to over $1 million for a single-family home. A uniformed guard at the 47th Avenue NE gate greets all residents and visitors to the deed-restricted community, which is operated by the Placido Bayou Master Association and Board of Directors.

Lifestyle Options Near Lively St. Pete

Biking and walking trails meander around Placido Bayou’s stocked ponds and nature preserves, and within easy walking distance are three

[Read more…]

Daylight Savings Time Begins

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clock, fall back daylight savingsGet Ready To Spring Forward

There’s no better sign that spring is just around the corner  than the beginning of Daylight Savings Time, when it stays lighter longer!

This year, Daylight Savings Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 11.

Before you head off to bed Saturday night, be sure to turn all your clocks ahead one hour, so you’ll be up and running and on time Sunday morning.

Tampa Bay Rays Spring Schedule

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Are You Ready For Some Florida Spring Training Baseball?

Welcome to springtime, and the annual pilgrimage of passionate fans to baseball’s Spring Training here on the Gulf Coast of Florida. In addition to the wealth of activities from which to choose in the St. Petersburg-Tampa area, spring is that special time when the Boys of Summer convene here under the sun to prepare for the long baseball season ahead.

Tampa Bay Rays To Field Best Team Ever

The Tampa Bay Rays play in the American League East, arguably baseball’s toughest division. Along with the big spending New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, the Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays, the Rays have managed an admiral record since the team began play in 1998. Despite finishing last in nine of their first ten seasons, the Rays won their division and the pennant in 2008. Since 2007, they’ve enjoyed four straight winning seasons and three playoff appearances, including two AL East championships and one trip to the 2008 World Series, where they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies.

The 2012 season could be the best ever for the Rays with their blend of youth and experience, and they should compete well with the Yankees and Red Sox. Not only have the Rays boosted their payroll from about $42 million in 2010 to about $65 million this year, they’ve bolstered their already stellar lineup with the likes of free agents Luke Scott and Carlos Pena, the team’s career home run leader, who will return to the team after a brief hiatus with the Chicago Cubs. Add to the mix star players such as Evan Longoria, Ben Zobrist, B.J. Upton, Matt Joyce and Desmond Jennings, and the Rays could be the team to watch this year. As they have since being led by Manager Joe Madden, the Rays will enjoy one of the deepest pitching rotations in all of baseball.

The Rays play their home Spring Training games at the Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte. For tickets, click here. The Rays will begin their regular season with games against the World Champion New York Yankees April 6, 7 and 8 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

Here is a list of teams that play within easy driving distance from the St. Petersburg-Tampa area with links to their Spring Training schedules, compliments of Chris Hounchell & Associates:

Florida Gulf Coast Spring Training Schedule

Tampa Bay Rays (Port Charlotte)

New York Yankees (Tampa)

Philadelphia Phillies (Clearwater)

Toronto Blue Jays (Dunedin)

Baltimore Orioles (Sarasota)

Pittsburg Pirates (Bradenton)

Detroit Tigers (Lakeland)

Houston Astros (Kissimmee)

Atlanta Braves (Disney)

Minnesota Twins (Fort Myers)

Boston Red Sox (Fort Myers)

Get out there and support our Rays!

Pinellas County Parks & Preserves

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Sawgrass Lake Park in St. Petersburg, FL

Sawgrass Lake Park, St. Petersburg, FL

Pinellas County Parks – It’s A Family Affair

Pinellas County, Florida maintains over 20,000 acres of parks and preserves, and is one of the most densely populated counties in Florida. In recent years, efforts have been made to make the parks family and pet friendly, with miles of walking and jogging trails, dog parks, playgrounds, picnic shelters, boat ramps and even camping.

Here are three more of the over 20 Pinellas County parks to enjoy with your family. We’ll detail other county parks in future posts.

This is the second installment on area parks offered up by Chris Hounchell & Associates, whom specialize in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater, Florida residential real estate. View our first blog on area parks.


Lake Seminole Park
10015 Park Blvd. (74th Ave. N.), Seminole

Download Map

Lake Seminole Park is a designated wildlife habitat and sanctuary conveniently located near St. Petersburg, Seminole, Largo and Pinellas Park and is adjacent to Lake Seminole. The park is home to raccoons, alligators, hawks, bald eagles, vultures, tortoises, snakes, etc. It’s also popular with joggers, runners, bikers, roller bladers, boaters, and water skiers.

Amenities:

  • 2-Mile multi-use trail
  • 13 Picnic shelters
  • Ball field
  • Boat ramp
  • Fishing
  • Restrooms
  • Playgrounds
  • Water fountains
  • Wheelchair accessible

Sand Key Park
1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater

Download Map

Sand Key Park is great for families. There are picnic shelters, a playground, dog park, and viewing benches overlooking a salt marsh that is home to heron, roseate spoonbills and owls. It also houses base operations for the Artificial Reef Program, which is a popular nesting area for sea turtles.

Amenities:

  • Concession area
  • Boardwalk and nature trail
  • Playground
  • Dog park
  • Outdoor showers
  • Shelters with grills
  • Swimming
  • Kayak and bicycle rentals
  • Lifeguard
  • Wheelchair accessible

Sawgrass Lake Park
7400 25th St. N., St. Petersburg

Download Map

Sawgrass Lake Park is one of St. Petersburg’s best-kept secrets. With over 400 acres, the park encompasses one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It’s also excellent habitat for herons, egrets, ibis, storks, butterflies, alligators and turtles. The National Audubon Society considers Sawgrass Lake Park one of the premier birding sites in Florida.

Amenities:

  • Boardwalk and nature trail
  • Education center
  • Observation tower
  • Picnic shelter with grill
  • Restrooms

Chris Hounchell & Associates is the leader in general real estate, pre-foreclosure, short sale and foreclosure markets in the Pinellas County area. Contact Chris today at 727-642-9107.

Florida Realtors Downloadable Forms

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Florida Realtors: Free Downloadable Forms Available From Chris Hounchell & Associates

I’m often asked where to find important Florida real estate forms needed in the contract, contract addendum, and disclosure phases of a Florida real estate transaction.

As a professional courtesy, I’ve created a page on my website that contains a comprehensive collection of free downloadable real estate forms. Anyone needing these forms, including forms for short sales, can download them free of charge at the Chris Hounchell & Associates website. Our goal is to become the area’s leading real estate resource for complete, up-to-date information on the St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater, Florida real estate market.

The Florida Realtors® and the Florida Bar have approved all posted forms. While Chris Hounchell & Associates has made every effort to post the most current versions of these forms, they are subject to change without notice.

If you have any feedback on these forms, or if there is a form not listed that is important to you, contact us, or, 727-642-9107, and we’ll see if we can include it on our webpage.

Happy Valentine’s Day

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Valentines Wishes from Chris Hounchell & Associates

But don't forget the chocolate!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” – Charles M. Schulz

Perhaps if Lucy van Pelt, Schulz’s fictional leading lady in his hugely popular Peanuts comic strip, had followed her creator’s advice she would have finally won the heart of Schroder, her unrequited love interest. But knowing Schroeder, perhaps not.

Still, it’s not bad advice.

Valentine’s Day is Tuesday, February 14. Be sure to tell your special someone you love them. Kicking in a bit of chocolate can’t hurt.

Final Walk-Through Essential

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Homebuyers viewing bathroom as part of final walk-thru inspection

A final walk-through within 24 hours of closing is recommended.

Homebuyers: Final Walk-Through Essential Before Real Estate Closing

The first thing you want to find when you walk into your new home after the closing is that the house you just bought is in exactly the condition you expected. A final walk-through within 24 hours prior to signing the papers and handing over the checks will help ensure that nothing has changed, that all required repairs have been completed and the home is clean and ready for its new owners. Always insist on a final walk-through.

12 Tips  on the all-important homebuyers final walk-through

  1. Have your real estate agent accompany you; it’s always best to have another pair of knowledgeable eyes along to pick-up on things you might miss in your excitement. Chris Hounchell & Associates of Keller Williams Realty is expertly qualified to make every step of your closing a smooth success.
  2. Ask the seller to accompany you; they know about all the house’s little peculiarities and can answer any last minute questions you might have. It’s also a good idea to have a good relationship with the seller as you may have questions for them later.
  3. Turn on all the lights and faucets, flush the toilets and check that the appliances you purchased are all there and are working properly. Take the time to run the dishwasher, turn on the ceiling fans, ring the doorbell, make sure the hot water heater works, test the security system, etc.
  4. Test the heating and air conditioning system regardless of the time of year.
  5. Open and close all doors and windows. Are they working right? Is there any breakage? Are all the screens in place?
  6. Does the garage door opener work and do you have all the remotes? [Read more…]