Blog – Page 15

AREA SPOTLIGHT: Shore Acres, St. Petersburg

April 14, 2015 By Chris

Located in northeast St. Petersburg, bordering Tampa Bay, Grande Bayou, and Placido Bayou, you’ll find the neighborhood of Shore Acres. Shore Acres is a suburban community established in 1940 with the majority of homes being built between 1970 and the late 1990’s. Most of the residential properties in the area are single-family three or four bedroom homes. The average home price is $238,200. The population is made up of a majority of married couples and a third of the households in the area have children.

The neighborhood is conveniently located to Route 687 on the west. Many residents have a 20-30 minute commute to their place of work. Financial, legal, and education industries are the predominant careers of residents. Pinellas County Schools oversee the elementary, middle, and high schools for the neighborhood. The Shore Acres Civic Association operates with the intent of keeping the neighborhood clean and safe for all residents and communicates between the residents and city officials.

If you’re looking for suburban, waterfront living that’s family friendly and close to industry, the Shore Acres neighborhood could be your next home. For more information about the Shore Acres neighborhood or any real estate topic, contact our team at 727-642-9107.

Go Green In Your Home

April 7, 2015 By Chris

Earth Day is celebrated April 22 and this year marks the forty-fifth anniversary of its inception. While it’s great to take time out of your day to do something to better the environment for yourself and your community, it’s also a necessary cause to practice year round. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best and easiest ways to go green in your home and many of these tips will help save you money as well.

Adjust your thermostat. Most homes are equipped with programmable thermostats. If your home doesn’t have one, it’s an inexpensive and easy replacement that will make a huge difference in not only the energy that you consume but also in your monthly utility bills. Experts recommend setting thermostat at 55 during times you are out of the home and while sleeping.
Pay electronically. Most companies offer an option to receive and pay your bills online thus reducing the demand for paper.
Stop leaks. If you have faucets or pipes with leaks you’re wasting valuable water, especially in drought prone areas. Leaking water can also cause damage to your property if it’s left untreated.
Cover your pool. When your pool is not in use it’s best to cover it to reduce the amount of water that evaporates. It will also keep the water cleaner, reducing the need to constantly run the filter, and keep the water at a comfortable temperature.
Garden and compost. Grow fruits and vegetables in your backyard will reduce the amount of gas you use to drive to the store, the emissions your car puts out, and the produce will be pesticide free. You can also compost much of your garbage and use the compost in your garden.
Stock up. Keeping your refrigerator and freezer full will run more efficiently since the food acts as insulation.
Switch out your appliances. When you’re ready to purchase new appliances, choose a model that is marked with the Energy Star label. It will cost you slightly more upfront but will save you in the long run. As an added bonus: new appliances are a nice perk when selling your home.
Reuse. Stop purchasing a cup of coffee every day. Fill up a reusable coffee cup or travel mug at home and save the paper cups from the landfill. The same can be applied to switching out reusable water bottles. When you go shopping bring reusable bags with you. Many retailers offer them for as low as a dollar a piece and some stores even give you a small discount on your bill when using them. You can also swap out paper napkins and towels for cloth; buy white ones and wash them with the rest of your whites.
Invest in elbow grease. Ditch your gas or electric powered landscaping tools for manual ones.
Power down. At the end of the day, turn off and unplug any appliance that isn’t in use.

Newlywed Home Buyers Guide

March 24, 2015 By Chris

You’ve said “yes” and you’ve set the date now it’s time to start thinking about where you and your new spouse will begin your life together. You’ll need to evaluate your finances, lifestyle, and future plans before you start touring potential homes.

Can you afford it?

Before you say “I do” to any home you should review your budget and credit history to determine if a mortgage payment can fit. Seeking a mortgage pre-approval from a qualified lender is the next step. The lender will determine what you can qualify for and how much home you will be able to finance. You can read our guide about how to prepare for home ownership for more details on your budget and other decisions you’ll need to make.

The long or short term?

Deciding how long you plan to stay in your perspective home will also help you determine what kind of house and in what neighborhood you’ll want to buy. If your intention is for this home to be a started for just the two of you, a smaller home in a more active & urban area may better suit your needs. You’ll also want to keep the amount of money you invest in a starter home low so you can maximize the appreciation when you sell. Turn-key homes are the best for these situations since they require almost no repairs or home improvement other than a fresh coat of paint to suit your decor choices.

If you are planning on your purchase being your forever home, you should consider what your needs and wants will be in the years to come. If you are planning to expand your family at some point, larger backyards, well-rated schools, neighborhoods with an active community, and easy access to parks and other recreation by foot may be amenities to consider when searching. Properties that need major updates or construction or have the option of adding on to them later on may be more appealing since you have the time to invest and budget accordingly for such projects.

Before or after?

The last thing you will want to consider is when to buy your home. Do you want to buy before or after your wedding? If your wedding is a year or more away you may want to close on your home before rather than after your wedding so you can settle into it while you’re not swept away in wedding planning. Depending on the financial demands of your wedding, however, you may want to avoid depleting all of your savings at one time. Mortgage companies will want to see a healthy savings account and low debt when underwriting your loan. If one of the spouses plans on changing their last name after the wedding it could delay closing while waiting for all the necessarily documents and records to reflect the new last name. And if you take title jointly before the wedding and a name change does occur, you’ll need to record a quit claim deed reflecting the name change at a later date should you refinance your property.

And as with any real estate transaction, you should find a licensed Realtor who is an expert in the location that you want to call home.

5 Best Parks in Tampa

March 17, 2015 By Chris

One of the best highlights of the Tampa area is the pleasant weather almost year round and Tampa offers some great public parks that can allow you to enjoy the weather in a variety of ways. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best parks in Tampa, which feature something unique for everyone. Make it a point to visit a few of the parks on this list and the other parks run by the City of Tampa this spring and summer.

Ballast Point Park 5300 Interbay Blvd. This park features boat ramps, grilling & picnic areas, playground and restrooms. The park dates back to the early days of Tampa and offers spectacular views of downtown. It’s also conveniently located to Bayshore Blvd and is home to Taste of Boston Restuarant.
Copeland Park 11001 N. 15th Street. Located minutes from University of South Florida and Busch Gardens, this park is home to a seasonal pool, After School Activity Program, ball fields, fitness facilities, tennis/racquet courts & walking/jogging trails.
Davis Islands Seaplane Basin 864 Severn Avenue. This park is a beach that offers a boat ramp and canoe launch, off-leash dog park, picnic area, and restrooms.
Gasden Park 6901 S. MacDill Avenue. Adjacent to MacDill Air Force Base, this park features the 1.47 mile MacDill Trail which is part of Tampa’s Greenway Trails. In addition, to the trail there is a fishing lake, canoe launch, dog park, grilling & picnic areas, and playgrounds.
Rowlett Park 2501 River Hills Drive. This parks offers ball fields, dog parks, a canoe launch, play courts, playground, tennis/racquet ball courts, street hockey and wheelchair softball programs.

To find additional parks or get more information about renting pavilions or joining the many programs offered you can contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 813-274-8211.

Common Pest Problems and Solutions

March 10, 2015 By Chris

Spring is unofficially here and with the warmer temperatures and more daylight comes pest problems, both inside and outside your home. Below we have the most common pests you’ll encounter through the spring and summer and ways to address an infestation and prevent it in the future.

Ants. Ants are probably the most common pest problem and one of the most difficult to fully eliminate. Ants live underground in colonies and will find their way into your home looking for food. If you see one or two ants, you can almost be guaranteed there are more lurking around your home or property. The best solution is to hire an exterminator to eliminate the colonies outside. Keeping food, including pet foods, in sealed containers is a good preventative measure and any food messes should be cleaned up immediately, both inside and outside.
Bees/Wasps/Hornets. If you have a garden of any kind, you’ll actually want to have some bees around to help pollinate your flowers and plants but if they’ve set up home too close to your home it can become a safety issue, especially for someone who may be allergic to bee stings. Wasps and hornets are even more of an issue because their stings are painful, they can sting multiple times, and can happen if they feel threatened even if you’re not aware of them. If any one of these insects creates a hive or nest inside your home, you could be dealing structural damage, too. If you find a nest out in the open (in a tree, hanging from an eave, etc.), you can remove the nest or hive yourself by using insect spray found at your local hardware store. If the nest or hive, isn’t readily accessible or you’re allergic, again it’s best to call a licensed exterminator to handle it. To reduce the likelihood of your property becoming reinfested, you should make sure all loose siding is sealed and any debris like railroad ties and fallen tree limbs are removed. Some wasps are also attracted to meat, so be mindful of what you leave out while grilling and also what you may put into a compost pile.
Mosquitoes. Almost everyone is familiar with mosquitoes and while you can’t eliminate them entirely from your backyard, you can take steps to minimize their presence and their bites. Make sure there is never any standing water on your property, this is prime breeding ground. You can spray your yard with insecticide to reduce the number of mosquitoes living in your grass and keeping your vegetation pruned at all times to can also help reduce their presence. Using tight screens in your windows and doors will help keep the insects from finding their way inside your house. Protecting yourself is important as well since mosquitoes can transmit serious illnesses. If you’ll be working outside, lightweight long sleeves and pants are an effective measure. There are also skin sprays available at most stores that repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Fleas. Many people think of dogs and cats when talking about fleas but the truth is fleas will bite humans just as easily as they would an animal and they can quickly overrun your home. If you suspect your home is infested, hire an exterminator to eliminate the infestation is your most effective option. To keep the fleas out, make sure your pets are routinely treated by their veterinarian. You should also vacuum all floor surfaces frequently to remove both the flea eggs and larvae as well as the dust and debris that makes a comfortable breeding ground for fleas.

If you take the necessary steps to prevent these pests from finding their way into your home, you’ll have more time to enjoy the warm weather in the coming months.

What Is a Reverse Mortgage and Will It Help Me Retire?

March 3, 2015 By Chris

For the past decade, reverse mortgages have been a buzz term in the conversation about retirement. TV commercials starring familiar actors have been touting the benefits of such loans. Lenders have been calling these loans the key to retirement. While it sounds promising for many people planning retirement, homeowners aren’t sure what exactly a reverse mortgage is and how it can make their retirement stress-free.

What is a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a loan product that allows the borrower to access the equity in their home. It differs from a conventional refinance because it does not require monthly payments to be made. These loans can either be fixed or adjustable rate. Not all borrowers can apply for the loan, however. A borrower must be at least 62 years old and the property they are attempting to mortgage must be their primary residence. The mortgage underwriter determines the amount of equity the borrower can access, after all outstanding liens on the house are paid off. The loan becomes due for repayment should the borrower pass away, sell the property, or move out of the property for more than a year.

How can a reverse mortgage help with my retirement?

Borrowers don’t need an income to qualify for the loan which has obvious appeal to retirees. There are several different ways to structure a reverse mortgage including a lump sum at closing, a scheduled monthly payment for a term or the tenure of the borrower’s life, or a line of credit. Since every person’s situation is different these options allow the borrower to tailor the loan to their needs. It’s an easy way to liquidate the equity in their home to use however they’d like. Reverse mortgages also allow borrowers to remain in the homes they’ve owned for years.

What’s the catch?

A reverse mortgage isn’t for everyone over the age of 62. Financial advisers recommend that reverse mortgage applicants have exhausted all of their other assets before applying. Reverse mortgages are more expensive than traditional mortgages; there are associated origination fees, servicing fees, mortgage insurance, and closing costs. Borrowers will also still be responsible for homeowners’ insurance and property taxes. Borrowers should also be aware that their heirs will need to pay back the entire amount of the loan plus the interest accrued or else forfeit the home to the bank upon the death of the borrower(s).

As with every financial decision, you should consideration all of your options and the pros and cons for each. We also recommend that you contact a financial advisor or attorney well versed in reverse mortgages before you finalize any mortgage.

Spring Clean Your Landscape

February 24, 2015 By Chris

While the rest of the country may still be buried under all of that snow, spring is quickly finding it’s way back to Florida. Regardless if you’re attempting to sell your home or not, you’ll want your landscaping to present a maintained look. Not only does a maintained lawn look nice it is also a sign to intruders that someone lives in the property and your home isn’t an easy target for break-ins and thefts. Keeping clutter at bay and pruned lawns, trees, and bushes will also help repel other unwanted visitors like rodents, snakes, and bugs that can get into your home and cause serious damages.

Clear the clutter.

The first thing to do when you spring clean your landscape is to remove all the debris that’s built up over the winter months. Litter, fallen leaves, and dead plants and weeds from last season should be collected and disposed. Now is a perfect time to look around your property and get rid of any pieces of outdoor furniture that is broken or you will no longer use. If you have a shed or other outbuilding, check around it to see if there are any scrap materials that need to be trashed as well.

Raking your lawn is also recommended to help remove thatch build up. Bushes and trees should be pruned back. Bushes should stay clear of windows and entryways both for aesthetics and safety. Any branches that have suffered damage through the winter should be pruned. Branches that hang over any part of the house, a sidewalk, or a fence should be cut back to prevent damage should they fall down. If a branch is especially large or high or the entire tree needs to be removed, we recommend you higher a professional arborist to handle the task.

Make it effortless.

No one wants to be out in their garden all spring and summer pulling weeds. To keep your planting beds weed free lay down landscape fabric. (Experts advise against landscape fabric in vegetable/fruit beds.) Native plants such as leather ferns, century plants, and blue stem grass can fill your beds and require minimal assistance to survive in the Floridan climate. Adding mulch around your bushes, plants, and flowers will help keep moisture in the soil, weeds out, and provide an attractive finish to your beds. Professional landscapers recommend mulch be spread to a depth of at least two inches and replaced at least twice a year.

Have the right tools.

Spring is also the perfect time to have your irrigation system checked if you have one. Look for and replace missing or broken spray heads. Check to make sure all spray heads fully clear the ground when turned on and retract completely after the system has been turned off. Make sure the water pressure is correct and the spray heads point to the grass or bushes and not onto sidewalks or the house. Most systems come complete with the ability to program when the system turns on and off. Refer to your local ordinances for water conservation and schedule your system accordingly, the best time to water is in the evening.

Inspect your lawnmower and any other equipment you plan to use to keep your lawn trimmed. Clean out the undercarriage of the mower. Gasoline powered motors are much like your car’s engine and require regular maintenance. Make sure the oil level is adequate and the air filter is clean. Experts suggest that the spark plug be replaced every year to ensure a swift start-up. The mower blade needs to remain sharp for an easy cut and healthy grass. It’s recommended that you take the blade to a local hardware or landscape store to have it sharpened for a nominal fee. Your blades should also be adjusted to keep your grass at a height of 2-1/2 to 3 1/2 inches.

Much like our fall home maintenance tips, these tasks can be tackled over one weekend, cost very little to complete, and the results will pay off for the rest of your spring and summer.

Generation Y Real Estate Trends Infographic

February 17, 2015 By Chris

Born between the early 1980’s through 2000, Generation Y is now entering the real estate market. This generation is different from their predecessors. Having witnessed the effects of the recession and foreclosure crisis they are more pragmatic than previous generations. They also have unique wants: more urban areas and greener properties. They view internet and social media as a necessity, not a luxury and use it in almost every aspect of their life, including searching for a home. Read our infographic below to find out more about Generation Y real estate trends.

Top 5 Golf Courses in Tampa Bay

February 3, 2015 By Chris

With pleasant weather year round and some spectacular views, it’s no wonder Tampa Bay is home to some amazing golf courses. We’ve compiled a list, in no particular order, of the top five golf courses in Tampa Bay. Whether you’re looking to for a day on the links or a weekend getaway filled with golf and other activities, the area has something for everyone.

Copperhead at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, Palm Harbor. This semi-private course is host to the PGA’s Valspar Tour Championship. The 18 hole course has a 71 par. In addition to the golf, it also offers dining, accommodations, a driving range, and a site to host events. It was also included in Golf Magazine‘s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play.” Website | (727) 942-2000
TPC Tampa Bay, Lutz. Not only does TPC Tampa Bay offer 18 holes with a 71 par, it also boasts a world-class practice facility. The course is a moderate length of 6,898 yards and open to the public. Rates vary depending on the season. Website | (813) 949-0090
Pine Barrens at World Woods, Brooksville. Pine Barrens is styled after the famed Pine Valley in New Jersey with a mix of native vegetation and pine trees. Rank #63 in the world by Golf Digest the course is 6,458 yards with a 71 par and both greens and fairways are covered in Bermuda grass. The course is open to the public. Website | (352) 796-5500
Club Renaissance, Sun City Center. This course has two distinctive nines, the front nine offers an open feel with wide fairways and greens; the back nine, however, requires more precision as it was developed through conserved lands and space is at a premium. The course is semi-private, a moderate length of 6,701 yards with a par 72. Website | (813) 633-1015
Saddlebrook Resorts, Wesley Chapel. Saddlebrook offers two courses, the Saddlebrook and the Palmer, the latter designed by Arnold Palmer. The courses are 6,564 and 6,469 yards respectively appealing to a range of golfers. The is an array of wildlife to be found on the courses. In addition to the golf, the resort offers 800 suites ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms, a spa, 45 tennis courts, and an in-resort village. Website | (813) 973-1111

Why Are the Assessed Value and Listing Price of a Property So Different?

January 27, 2015 By Chris

When you’re searching for a home, it’s only logical that you will review the tax records of a property you’re interested in to determine what the yearly taxes are as they will make up a portion of your mortgage payment every month. In your research you will come across a value assigned to the property, commonly called the assessed value. This is a dollar number that the tax officer will multiply against the current tax rate to determine the yearly taxes due for each individual property.

You’ll notice a trend when reviewing assessed values for properties that are listed for sale…often the assessed value doesn’t match up to the listing price of the property. This can cause a lot of confusion and contention for buyers and homeowners alike. If the assessed value is lower than the listing price, buyers may wonder why the seller is trying to inflate the price and homeowners may wonder if their home is worth as much as they thought it was. Likewise, if the assessed value is higher than the listing price homeowners may over-price their properties. So why do the values vary and differ so much and so often?

Listing prices and appraised values are based on a myriad of market variables. The economy is an obvious factor as is the local market. Is the home supply high or low? Are buyers eager to purchase properties in an up-and-coming neighborhood or are sellers trying to unload properties because of foreclosure? Mortgage lenders rely on these factors as well as the current status and condition of the home (as reported in an appraisal) to see if the listing price is an accurate reflection of the home’s value.

Tax assessors on the other hand take a different approach to property values. Since market trends can change often and assessments aren’t done every year, tax assessors are more concerned with the tangible features of a property. Tax assessors are charged with evaluating each property in their district, usually with an in-person visual inspection. They are looking for habitable square footage and any additional features to the property that would make it more value (pools, fences, developed land). If a representative is unable to inspect the inside and outside of the home first hand, the assessor will usually rely on a comparable analysis of similar models of the home in the neighborhood to determine the value. Many tax assessors also rely on a multiplier, usually anywhere from 60-80% of the comparable value, to determine the final assessed value.

It’s important that you don’t make a decision regarding the sale or purchase of a property based on the assessed values alone. Determining a fair listing price for a property is the job of a licensed Realtor. A Realtor can evaluate the current market conditions in your area and price a property accurately for sale or purchase.

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