Chris Hounchell REALTOR

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

Relocating Newlyweds Tour Neighborhoods

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Relocating Newlyweds Tour Tampa/St. Petersburg for First-Time Home

First-time homebuyers look at options in Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL

Relocating DC Newlyweds Tour Tampa/St. Petersburg Neighborhoods With Chris Hounchell

I was fortunate to spend my childhood growing up on one of the barrier islands off Sarasota. My family lives there still and I miss them. My husband grew up in Miami and has a sister in St. Pete. He’d like to see her and his folks more often. Our careers have moved us up and down the east coast over the past seven years. We were recently married and plan to return to the west coast of Florida soon to settle into a permanent home and start a family of our own.

First-Time Home Buyers Start Looking For Home

While visiting over the holidays, we contacted Chris Hounchell of Chris Hounchell & Associates at the advice of a friend who knew Chris as an expert in all aspects of the Tampa/St. Petersburg real estate market. We want to work with a seasoned professional who is close to our age and is a native who knows all the ins and outs about the various neighborhoods that make up the area. We couldn’t have been more pleased to begin our search for our first home with Chris.

Before meeting, we spent time on the phone with him to discuss our priorities, our timing, our price range and our vision of what we were looking for in a home and a community. Our first impression was that we had found the Realtor® we were looking for. Chris was knowledgeable, friendly, and a good listener who quickly understood our needs. He also had some great suggestions.

We met late one morning on a Wednesday and Chris took us on a tour of several [Read more…]

Chris Hounchell Joins Keller Williams

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Chris Hounchell Joins Keller Williams Realty Inc.Chris Hounchell Joins Keller Williams Realty, Inc.

Chris Hounchell, Team Leader of Chris Hounchell & Associates, has joined the 80-agent downtown St. Petersburg, FL office of Keller Williams Realty, Inc.

Chris, a multi-million dollar producer who ranks among the Top 100 real estate agents in the country, brings to Keller Williams Realty his wealth of professional experience, a high-energy, entrepreneurial spirit and an intense work ethic, all of which has earned him a reputation for excellence and leadership in the greater St. Petersburg/Tampa real estate market.

Chris will be headquartered in Keller Williams Realty’s downtown St. Petersburg office located at 111 2nd Ave. NE, Suite 400.

Keller Williams Realty, Inc., is the second-largest real estate franchise in the United States, and was founded in 1983 in Austin, Texas. Keller Williams is also one of the nation’s fastest growing independently owned and operated real estate group franchises, with over 700 offices and more than 80,000 associates.

Chris Hounchell & Associates is the leader in general real estate, pre-foreclosure, short sale and foreclosure markets in the Pinellas County, Florida area. Contact Chris Hounchell today at 727-642-9107 or email him at chris@chrishounchell.com.

Visit Pinellas County Parks

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Boca Ciega Millennium Park boardwalk

Boca Ciega Millennium Park Boardwalk

Visit Florida’s Pinellas County Parks            Get Out There!

Hounchell Real Estate recommends a few of our family’s favorite local Pinellas County parks.

One of the many things that make Florida’s Pinellas County a great place to call home is the wealth of parks and preserves that dot our area. The county’s Parks and Conservation Resource department maintains over 20,000 acres of parkland and preserves, many of which include picnic shelters, camping, playgrounds, boat ramps, hiking and biking trails, all of which are open to the public.

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

Boca Ciega Millennium Park
12410 74th Ave. N. (Old Oakhurst Rd.), Seminole

Download Map

Boca Ciega Millennium Park in Seminole has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the 35-foot observation tower for excellent views of Boca Ciega Bay. The park is known for its birding, its use of native plants in landscaping, and fossils dating back to the Pleistocene Age.

Amenities:

  • Bay fishing access
  • Canoe launch
  • 1.5 acre dog park
  • 35-foot observation tower
  • .25-mile nature trail
  • Boardwalks
  • Playgrounds
  • Restrooms
  • Picnic shelters
  • Bicycle/Walking paths
Eagle Lake Park in Largo, Florida

Eagle Lake Park in Largo, Florida

Eagle Lake Park
1800 Keene Road, Largo

Download Map

Eagle Lake Park in Largo was once utilized for cattle grazing and growing citrus. Today, the 163-acre park has been restored to its natural habitat using 100 percent native plants and is home to fox squirrels, a variety of bird species, gopher tortoises and water turtles.

Amenities:

  • Picnic shelters
  • Restrooms
  • Playground
  • Dog park
  • Paved recreation trail
  • Shelled walking paths
  • 2,000 feet of boardwalks over restored wetlands
  • Fishing

Fort DeSoto Beach, Pinellas County

Fort DeSoto Beach, Pinellas County, Florida

Fort De Soto Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde

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No parks and preserves discussion would be complete without a mention of Fort De Soto Park, Pinellas County’s largest park. This 1,136-acre collection of five interconnected islands is a diverse ecosystem offering pristine beaches, nearly 300 species of birds, nesting grounds for loggerhead turtles, an abundance of sea life, historic Fort De Soto and it was named America’s Top Beach in 2009 by Trip Advisor.

Amenities:

  • Historic Fort De Soto
  • 7+ miles of waterfront
  • White sandy beaches
  • Boat launching and docks
  • Camping
  • Picnic Shelters
  • Restrooms
  • Playgrounds
  • Two public swimming centers
  • Fishing piers
  • Ferry service to Egmont Key
  • Concessions
  • 6.8 mile recreation trail
  • 2.25 mile canoe trail
  • Nature trails
  • Dog Park

Hounchell Real Estate-RE/MAX Metro is the leader in general real estate, pre-foreclosure, short sale and foreclosure markets in the Pinellas County area. Contact Chris Hounchell today at 727-642-9107.

Happy Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving Dinner with all the fixin's

What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Mmmm, what’s that cooking in the oven? Is that turkey? And stuffing? And, are those sweet potatoes baking away with a thick layer of marshmallow on top? Are those pecan and pumpkin pies for us? Is it dinnertime yet?

For many of us, Thanksgiving conjures up Norman Rockwell-like visions of family and friends gathered around a table filled with tasty things to eat, great conversation, lots of laughter, and of course, football.

Celebrate and Give Thanks on Thursday, November 24th this year.

My wife and I have a great deal to be thankful for. New home, a daughter who never ceases to amaze us with her inquisitiveness and the joy she brings to our family, overall good health, good friends and a future filled with promise.

Let’s not lose the essence of what Thanksgiving means. Take a moment during your holiday to thank the people who are most important to you for being in your life, and for all the wonderful things they bring to your life. Give thanks for your health, and wish those around you good health in the coming year.

And remember, there are many around us right now who are not nearly as fortunate as we might be. Spend some time doing something that will make their day special, as well.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Chris Hounchell, Hounchell Real Estate-RE/MAX Metro Broker Associate.

Harbor Isle Neighborhood

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Harbor Isle entrance sign near St. Petersburg, FL, Chris Hounchell & AssociatesCome Home To Harbor Isle in North St. Pete

In north St. Petersburg,Florida  there’s a neighborhood quite unlike any other you’ll find in the greater Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Harbor Isle, bounded by 72nd Avenue Northeast to the south, 14th Street Northeast and 75th Circle Northeast to the west, 18th Street Northeast to the east and Bayou Grande to the north, is a quiet waterfront community with its own interior lake and easy boating access to Tampa Bay.

First platted in the 1970’s, Harbor Isle contains 218 single-family homes constructed primarily by well-known builders Rutenberg, Sibley and Bruce/Williams, and offers great value in today’s real estate market. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, or are a boater dreaming of uncomplicated access to Tampa Bay sunsets, Harbor Isle is well worth your consideration.

Views of Tampa Bay & Weedon Island State Preserve

And talk about protected views, just to the north and the east across Bayou Grande is the Weedon Island State Preserve, a pristine 15,000-acre conservation area filled with an abundance of fish and other wildlife that populate the wetlands and estuaries of the region. The Preserve provides miles and miles of kayak and canoe trails, meandering walking/hiking trails, lovely picnic areas, a 45-foot observation tower with commanding views of Tampa Bay, a variety of fishing and a chance to go back in time to a simpler, quieter Tampa Bay era.

Interstate 275 and other major traffic arteries make getting to the lively downtown area of St. Petersburg a snap, while the sugar white sands of Redington Beach, Madeira Beach and Treasure Island are an easy drive to the west. [Read more…]

Daylight Savings Reminder

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clock, fall back daylight savingsGet Ready To Fall Back

There’s no better sign that fall is just around the corner (except maybe for the beginning of Stone Crab season in Florida) than the end of Daylight Savings Time, when mornings get lighter earlier and the kids complain because darkness moves them inside all too soon.

This year, Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, November 6th.

Before you head off to bed Saturday night, be sure to turn all your clocks back one hour, so you’ll be up and running and on time Sunday morning. Another way to look at it is; you get an extra hour of sleep Sunday morning, which is never a bad idea.

Hounchell Real Estate-RE/MAX Metro is the leader in general real estate, pre-foreclosure, short sale and foreclosure markets. Contact Chris today at 727-642-9107 regardless of whether you turn your clocks back, or not.

Halloween Ideas for Tampa, St. Pete

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Halloween Pumplin FaceHalloween – It’s A Scream!

Halloween. The name conjures images of witches, ghosts, superheroes, hobos and pirates going door-to-door chanting the age-old question, “trick or treat?” Oh, and candy, huge, overflowing sacks or plastic jack ‘o lanterns busting at the seams with assorted candy bars, bags of M&M’s, Skittles, Kit Kats and, of course, that one apple, the healthy treat from the older couple down the block. And when the loot finally makes it home, Mom and Dad get first option on the best of the haul. What’s up with that?

In addition to the traditional neighborhood procession of masked marauders knocking on every door for a sweet hand out, the Tampa/St. Petersburg area offers a ton of organized events that will scare the wits out of you, bring you face to face with ghosts and goblins, and provide a safe and secure way for you and, OK, your kids too, to enjoy what for centuries has been a thoroughly fun holiday.

Here are just some of the options you have for enjoying Halloween to the max:

Howl-O-Scream – Busch Gardens

October 25-28

888-800-5447 for more info, (Pretty scary, leave the young ones at home)

ZooBoo – Lowry Park Zoo

October 24-28

813-935-8552 for more info

Spooktacular & Fall Festival – Treasure Island

October 26

727-547-4575 for more info

Guavaween Family FunFest – Ybor City

October 27

813-242-4828 for more info

Pumpkin Patch Celebration – Great Explorations

October 27

727-821-8992 for more info

Guppyween – Florida Aquarium

October 28

813-273-4000 for more info

Boo Bash – Clearwater

October 31

727-562-4800 for more info

Check TampaBay.com for a complete listing of over 50 Halloween events in the greater Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Remember, some are strictly for kids, some just for adults and some for the entire family. Get out and have some fun this Halloween. Boooooo!

For Halloween, Chris Hounchell, Hounchell Real Estate’s Broker Associate, is an expert on transforming himself into a headless horseman, a creature from another planet or a very attractive vampire. The rest of the year, Chris is the leader in general real estate, pre-foreclosure, short sale and foreclosure markets in the Pinellas County area.

Pasadena Yacht & Country Club Short Sale

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Short Sale - Pasadena Yacht & Country Club , FL, near St. Pete, FLShort Sale Available – Pasadena Yacht & Country Club

As we mentioned in the last blog, short sales offer discriminating buyers an opportunity to own the home of their dreams at a potentially reduced price. Hounchell Real Estate – RE/MAX Metro’s principal, Chris Hounchell, offers this recent short sale listing for your consideration:

New Short Sale Opportunity, Gulfport, FL

Pasadena Yacht & Country Club, three-story, 2,840 square foot, 4/4, on a quarter-acre+ waterfront cul-de-sac lot with Jacuzzi, heated pool and all the amenities of resort style living.

This recently listed short sale waterfront property lies within Gulfport, Florida’s exclusive and gated Pasadena Yacht & Country Club community, and is listed to sell at the extraordinary price of $800,000.

If you’re looking for a truly one of a kind waterfront location with quick boating access to Boca Ciega Bay, Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Chris Hounchell’s listing at 5925 Seabird Drive South, Gulfport is a rare find.

The spacious interior features vaulted ceilings, bay windows overlooking expansive Boca Ciega Bay views, a gas fireplace, wood floors, decorative lighting, tons of storage space and a third floor observation deck! The gourmet island kitchen includes stainless-steel appliances and a cozy eating area. Just off the kitchen there’s a separate breakfast room. For entertaining, a formal dining room, separate great room, covered lanai and pool and Jacuzzi deck offer a world of possibilities. Add to the grandeur two utility rooms and surround sound.

Off the large, 336 square-foot master bedroom is a master bath with dual sinks, a garden bath and [Read more…]

Avoid Short Sales Pitfalls

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For Short Sale - Patience RequiredAvoid Short Sale Pitfalls – Choosing The Right Realtor Is Key

Short Sales can be a viable option for owners when their real estate is worth less than what the market will bear, and/or they can no longer afford to make mortgage payments. Sounds simple. But it’s really not.

The short sale process is rife with pitfalls, but they’re avoidable. The key is picking a Realtor who possesses the extensive training and professional experience to navigate both the seller and the buyer through what can be a laborious short sale process. Your best bet is to choose a Realtor who has earned their Certified Distressed Property Expert designation, or CDPE.

Tips for making a successful short sale transaction:

  1. Price the property properly. An experienced Realtor will run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine the current fair market value of a property based on recent sales of comparable homes. Use your Realtor’s valuation to price your property properly. This saves time for all parties involved, and when it comes to short sales, time is of the essence.
  2. Offer a complete proposal. An experienced CDPE knows what a seller’s lender needs to make a positive decision, as well as what it takes to present a complete proposal. Again, time is of the essence. Work with a Realtor who has proven he or she can get the job done quickly and effectively. Choosing a Realtor with good, professional ties to your area’s lenders are a definite plus.
  3. Expect professionalism and experience. There are a myriad of steps and players involved in [Read more…]