IS THIS A MISPRINT?  MARCH STATISTICS SHOW TAMPA BAY HOME SALES UP 46% The Greater Tampa Association of Realtors (GTAR) March 2008 statistics show Tampa and Hillsborough County Home Sales up 46% in comparison with January 2008. March sales of all housing units showed an increase of 42.9 percent from the previous month. Hillsborough County in March compared with 813 for the month of February. The March figures also reflect an increase of 46 percent from January's total of 791 units sold. Also of note, current Inventory is down slightly and months of on-hand inventory is down significantly from 25.20 months in February to 17.33 months of inventory in March 2008. This means that at the current rate of sales there is enough inventory on the market to last 17.33 months.  During normal times ... 04/18/2008

  Beginning in May, the IRS will send one-time economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million households across America. Most people who are eligible for a stimulus payment will receive it automatically, provided they file a 2007 federal income tax return. What do I have to do? Most people need not do anything to get their payment. The payment is automatic when you file your 2007 tax return. The IRS will use your return to determine eligibility and figurethe payment amount. How much will I get? In most cases, you'll get an amount equal to your tax liability on the return, up to $600 for individuals ($1,200 for taxpayers who file a joint return). You may get more if you have qualifying children. What if I don't need to file? Even if you have little income and don't normally file a r... 04/13/2008

Here's Six Excellent Reasons Why.... 1.  It's a Buyer's Market- What exactly does a Buyer's Market mean? A Buyer's Market is a real estate market which has more sellers than buyers. Lower prices result from this excess of supply over demand, also called a soft market.  Additionally, buyers have a much easier time negotiating concessions such as who pays what closing costs or the cost of new carpet and whether those gold brocade drapes stay behind. 2.  The huge inventory of homes for sale gives the buyer a fantastic selection to choose from.  The number of homes and land for sale in the Tampa Bay Area is greater now than it has been in the last 15 years. 3.  Real estate still continues to be a great financial investment. The average return on a five percent down payment over 10 years is ... 04/07/2008

Alafia Preserve is a community of 25 homes set in Brandon next to the Alafia River on south John Moore. Alafia Preserve will have elegant upscale homes of 2600 square feet or more set ina park-like area, with lots of walking paths through a densely wooded area or 23 acres along the Alafia River. Homeowners will have canoe access to the river at the canoe launch in the picnic area which also has a romantic gazebo. Come see this gorgeous community of Alafia Preserve. This single family home community nestled amongst the quiet serenity of the woods by Alafia River is a great community for any family. Conveniently located near schools, shopping, and major highways for easy commuting, Alafia Preserve has all the comforts that Tampa Bay has to offer. The contents of this posting are the prope... 04/07/2008

Seventh in a Series for First Time Home Buyers  When you're thinking of buying a home, you may wonder what your mortgage payment will look like. When you have a mortgage, you'll have several different portions of your payment each month. Your mortgage payment consists of principal, interest, taxes and insurance (often abbreviated as "PITI"), and sometimes additional fees, such as homeowners association dues or mortgage insurance. Principal is the money you borrowed to purchase the home. Interest is the cost of borrowing money. Taxes are paid by homeowners to local governments, and are usually a percentage of the assessed property value. Insurance helps protect against financial loss from fire, natural disasters or other hazards. Most lenders require you to have a homeowner's insurance p... 04/06/2008

Know the rules of the foreclosure process in your state. Foreclosure laws very from state to state so research your state's laws.  A good place to start your research of your states foreclosure process is www.foreclosurelaw.org/.  If you or someone you know is facing a foreclosure of their home, there are 5 laws that that you should be familiar with: 1. Active Duty Military-  If the borrower or the borrower's spouse is on active duty military, the Civil Relief Act of 2003, prohibits a lender from foreclosing on the mortgage. Additionally, the borrower may qualify for a reduction in the interest rate or even a temporary suspension of mortgage payments. 2. Notification of Intent to Foreclose-  Many states require that a lender notify the borrower 30 days in advance of obtaining a court ju... 04/05/2008

    Alexandria Place Townhomes Brandon Florida Custom MLS Search all Tampa Homes for sale now Location, Location, West of Falkenburg North Of Belaye Road, alexandria place has an Great Location.   If you're interested in buying a new home in Brandon. We can help your find new home builders that will show you communities, neighborhoods, and multiple home models in Brandon or throughout Hillsbough County.     Custom MLS Search all Tampa Homes for sale now    Richie@Tampaflhomesearch.com     03/28/2008

    Lake June Single Family Homes Brandon Florida Custom MLS Search all Tampa Homes for sale now   By combining their individual talents, knowledge, and expertise. Nappi Group will ensure you a professional service you will be happy with, whether it is buying or selling your home in the South Shore and Tampa area.   Below are our home listings. Click on the picture below to obtain more information on the home. We are able to gather information on any home or help you purchase any home you find on this Web site. Click here for all the Tampa FL listings.   Helping you locate Tampa Florida Real Estate Tampa is a fabulous city with beaches, shopping, sports and entertainment all around you.We can help you in your search for a new home. Please allow us the opportunity to use our Free Buyer a... 03/27/2008

    Windhorst Village Single Family Homes Brandon Florida Custom MLS Search all Tampa Homes for sale now   By combining their individual talents, knowledge, and expertise. Nappi Group will ensure you a professional service you will be happy with, whether it is buying or selling your home in the South Shore and Tampa area.   Below are our home listings. Click on the picture below to obtain more information on the home. We are able to gather information on any home or help you purchase any home you find on this Web site. Click here for all the Tampa FL listings.   Helping you locate Tampa Florida Real Estate Tampa is a fabulous city with beaches, shopping, sports and entertainment all around you.We can help you in your search for a new home. Please allow us the opportunity to use our Free... 03/27/2008

    Misty Glen Single Family Homes Brandon Florida   Active Listings in the Misty Glen at  Community Brandon as of March 26, 2008MLS #       List Price              Beds    Baths   Half     Sq Ft HeatedT2279220   $299,900                 3         3                         2448T2283150   $269,900                 3         2                         1960T2299581   $309,900                 4         3                         2648Custom MLS Search all Tampa Homes for sale nowSchools Elementary        Limona-HBMiddle               Mclane-HBHigh School       Brandon-HB All information provided is believed to be true but should be verified.Price ranges are from current active listings as of March 26,2008Disclaimer: All school boundaries are subject to change by the county school board. Check w... 03/27/2008

    Woodberry Single Family Homes Brandon Florida Search all Tampa Homes for sale now If you're interested in buying a new home in Brandon. We can help your find new home builders that will show you communities, neighborhoods, and multiple home models in Brandon or throughout Hillsbough County.     Custom MLS Search all Tampa Homes for sale now    Richie@Tampaflhomesearch.com   03/27/2008

The Mid Florida Regional MLS has released the Tampa Bay real estate sales & inventory comparison of  January 2007 and January 2008 as well as the comparison of February 2007 and February 2008. Everybody seems to know that the real estate market is depressed. It seems clear from the chart that the number of sales each month is down, the Days On Market is up and the number of houses for sale (Current Inventory) and months it will take to sell that inventory at the current pace is up as well.  The only positive numbers of note are the cost per square foot which are down. This is a positive sign, meaning that buyers in this market are getting more home for your money. The numbers that concern me the most are the current inventory, which has remained  high over the past 12 months, trending u... 03/26/2008

In Ireland, the Pub is the heart of all social life..  It is a community gathering place for friends, and musicians. O'Toole's Pub is designed to offer a meeting place for good conversation, live entertainment and excellent food and spirits. The moment you walk into O'Toole's you are transported from Brandon, Florida to the Emerald Isle and you know you are about to experience something different than the ordinary restaurant experience in the Tampa Bay area.  From the hand made cherry wood bar to the authentic Irish menu. Big Dog's Favorites Menu Sampler Irish Crab Cakes-  Fresh Maryland crab meat seasoned and pan seared to a golden brown. Served with roasted red-pepper remoulade. Gaelic Chips-  O'Toole's own homemade potato chips covered lightly with spices. O'Toole's ½ pound Burger- F... 03/19/2008

Fifth in a Series for First Time Home Buyers Buying a home is an investment in the neighborhood as well as the house. In fact, the character and amenities of the neighborhood may be as important to the property value as the house itself. No matter what kind of neighborhood you're looking for, it's important to know its history and future when you decide to buy. Here's what to research: 1. Recent sales - Every area is different, even within the same city. Find out if the market is slow and what homes have been selling for in the area you are interested in. 2. Homes now for sale - What homes are listed in the area, and are they listed above past sales? This will give you a good idea of the area's overall market value. 3. Home appreciation - Historical data on sales gives the best indicato... 03/19/2008

    Parade Of Homes #37 Shimberg Homes Berkely Kings Gate Brandon Florida Search Tampa Homes for sale now   By combining their individual talents, knowledge, and expertise. Nappi Group will ensure you a professional service you will be happy with, whether it is buying or selling your home in the South Shore and Tampa area.   Below are our home listings. Click on the picture below to obtain more information on the home. We are able to gather information on any home or help you purchase any home you find on this Web site. Click here for all the Tampa FL listings.   Helping you locate Tampa Florida Real Estate Tampa is a fabulous city with beaches, shopping, sports and entertainment all around you.We can help you in your search for a new home. Please allow us the opportunity to use our Fre... 03/14/2008

Foreclosures Affect Home Values When it comes to foreclosures, your neighbors could have a serious affect on your ability to sell or refinance your home.  Your credit score having virtually little or no affect on your ability to refinance your home. Comparable sales or Comparables as defined by Wikipedia, are real estate appraisal terms referring to properties with characteristics that are similar to a subject property whose value is being sought. This can be accomplished either by a real estate agent who attempts to establish the value of a potential client's home or property through comparable market analysis or, by a licensed or certified appraiser, when performing a real estate appraisal. A lender will require an appraisal when making a loan on a house or when you refinance.  An unu... 03/13/2008

    Parade Of homes #56 David Weekly Homes The Dobson Brookwood Brandon Florida Search Tampa Homes for sale now   By combining their individual talents, knowledge, and expertise. Nappi Group will ensure you a professional service you will be happy with, whether it is buying or selling your home in the South Shore and Tampa area.   Below are our home listings. Click on the picture below to obtain more information on the home. We are able to gather information on any home or help you purchase any home you find on this Web site. Click here for all the Tampa FL listings.   Helping you locate Tampa Florida Real Estate Tampa is a fabulous city with beaches, shopping, sports and entertainment all around you.We can help you in your search for a new home. Please allow us the opportunity to use o... 03/12/2008

 Stonewood Grill & Tavern Brandon, Florida                                                                         The Big Dog puts his personal stamp of approval on this one. My wife and I are always looking for new eateries in the area and decided to check out the Stonewood Grill of Brandon. We found the inside to be very nice (above average) and quieter than most restaurants you find these days.  We were actually able to carry on a conversation without shouting.  We found some patrons in jeans, but most were in less casual clothing. The service was excellent and once we were served the manager actually came to our table to make sure everything was to our liking.                                  Chef Mike Now let's get to the steak, a filet mignon that I found was comparable to any t... 03/10/2008

   Over 100 communities in the Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties on the Central West Coast of Florida will feature homes in the 2008 Tampa Bay Parade of Homes from March 1st-16th 2008. The Parade of Homes models can be seen from 10:00 AM till 6:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 12:00 PM till 6:00 PM on Sunday during this event. Nearly 70 home builders will take this opportunity to showcase the designs and trends in the home building industry. One of the winners in this years Parade of Homes in the Single Family Homes in the Price Range: $249,900 - $348,900 and Square Footage: 1,972 - 2,713 is Radd Builders based in Valrico, Florida. Radd's award winning entry, the Jamaica I is in the Walden-Pointe community which is nestled conveniently between Tampa and Lakeland with ... 03/06/2008

Many homeowners get into real estate investing by buying a home and using this home as a rental when they upgrade to a larger home. Called "serial purchasers", they continue to buy and hold onto additional properties. Other investors prefer to find a quicker path to real estate riches through one of the following ways. Buy and Flip Flipping means selling the property you just bought for a higher price as soon (or in some cases before) you take title on the property. While flipping allows you to make money fast in a hot market (or on a property you purchased well below market value), you may need to pay capital gains (talk to your tax advisor). Buy and Scrape Scraping is tearing down an existing home and building a new home. To capitalize on this idea look for areas where home prices are... 03/05/2008