Now here is some real help for our real estate market... OCT 29, 2008 - Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, today announced that the Company has approached the U.S. Department of Treasury with a practical solution to help stimulate the housing market and lead to a broader economic recovery. The Company also conducted separate national surveys with its real estate franchisees and U.S. homeowners, the results of which underscore the rationale behind its proposal. "There are millions of credit-worthy people ready to jump back into the housing market, but they need to be motivated," said Realogy President and CEO Richard A. Smith. "In our view, the incentive of substantially lower mortgage rates would directly stimulate the housing market - both in... 11/13/2008

This article was written by a good friend and business associate, Rick Bisio, and reposted with his permission, by Mark Maupin:   There are many factors to study when selecting the right franchise opportunity. Not only do you need the franchise to be a good fit for you - you also want to work with a franchisor that will be around for a long time.   How can you learn if a franchise system is healthy? In the franchise book, The Educated Franchisee we believe in sharing knowledge.  A little franchise education could be instrumental in this area.   One decisive measure is the system's rate of franchise growth.   Too Fast: Rapid franchise growth may seem like a good thing at first but it is possible for a system to grow too fast.  It is important to make sure the franchisor has the people an... 11/12/2008

Despite the media claims, there is still plenty of liquidity in the market for Mortgages. There is no "credit freeze" on mortgage money! In addition to conventional loans, many loans are now going through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insurance program. The down payment for an FHA loan is currently 3% (will go to 3.5% on Jan. 1, 09). With loan limits in Pinellas County at $292,500.00 and rates at or below conventional rates, what are you waiting for? Today's FHA rate on a 30-year fixed; 6%! So don't believe everything you hear. We offer FHA, conventional, foreign national programs, Jumbo financing and work with short sale scenario's. With housing prices at 2003 levels, now is the best time to grab a deal! 10/20/2008

Clearwater will be hosting a Home Show at the Harborview Center on October 24, 25, & 26th!!! If you are planning on any type of remodeling, this is the place to be!!! There will be hundreds of exhibits with everything from landscaping ideas to hurricane shutters, sunrooms, tile & marble, solar products...the list goes on and on!!!! The Harborview Center is located at 300 Cleveland Street in downtown Clearwater, just minutes from Gulf to Bay Blvd. See you there!!! 10/20/2008

Sally, you have given us something that is SO EASY to write about!!! Thank you! Most of us would have never come up with the idea of writing about why we love what we do without you leading the way!!! That's our Sally! And one of the things about being a realtor that is so great! We get to meet such interesting people each and every day!!! I found my way to ActiveRain because I am a Realtor and here in the Rain I have made so many wonderful new friends! I have learned a lot and shared a lot with others! There is no place on the internet that I would rather spend my time than right here in ActiveRain! This place is really addicting!!!! My profession gave me the chance to do one of my favorite things: view other people's homes!!! Ever since I was a kid living in Connecticut, I have loved ... 10/13/2008

Are you looking for someplace to go to dance, drink and perhaps even play darts???? Let me recommend Frank's Freaki Tiki Bar on US Highway 19 North in Clearwater!!!! This place rocks! It gets pretty wild on Thursdays, which is Bucket Night (5 beers in a bucket for $5.), but is also rocking on Friday and Saturday nights! My personal favorite night is Tuesdays: drinks are only $2. each for ladies and the place is not very crowded! This is a good day to go there if you actually want to have a conversation. But if you are looking for some crazy action, go on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday. The place is hopping!!!! 10/13/2008

  In obtaining a FHA loan might be a tad more challenging now, more than ever. Now with a slightly larger downpayment and the possibility of downpayment assistance programs being delayed or not coming back, the average consumer will just need to be a little more patient. Hence the reason why they will need the services of a mortgage professional more than ever, and just not an order taker. So, what has changed and will take place next year? FHA Mortgagee Letter 2008-23 - The fact that you will need 3.5% of your own money as a downpayment. 100% of this can still be from a gift, which can still come from several different sources. But none of that 3.5% will be applied to your closing costs as if did in the past.       The effective date for all FHA mortgages on the new downpayment will b... 10/07/2008

The Clearwater Jazz Festival is already going on it's 29th anniversary!!! This year the event will take place from October 16 through October 19th. As usual, it will be held in Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater. Some of this year's talent will include David Sanborn, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Joe Sample, Patti Austin, Ken Loomer Big Band, Brubeck Brothers Quartet and Tony Bennett!!! This is one of the largest Jazz Festivals in the country, so you do not want to miss this one!!!! For more information on the Clearwater Jazz Festival you can contact the Clearwater Jazz Festival's office at 727-461-5200 or go to www.clearwaterjazz.com ! 10/06/2008

AUCTION DATE SATURDAY, JAN. 31, 2009 AT 12 NOON. THE PRICE LISTED IS THE STARTING BID AND THERE IS A RESERVE. This income producing property is located in Clearwater with easy access to Beaches, and downtown. The triplex is on an oversized corner lot 102x120. There are Two units in the front building each having 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. The rear house has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. All units are occupied. The property can be used as an office location.AUCTION DATE SATURDAY, JAN. 31, 2009 AT 12 NOON. THE PRICE LISTED IS THE STARTING BID AND THERE IS A RESERVE. THE PRICE LISTED IS THE STARTING BID AND THERE IS A RESERVE. A 10% buyers premium will be added to the last and highest bid to create the purchase price. Property is being sold as is, where is and with no contingencies. All commissions ... 10/04/2008

Sunset Pointe is being developed by KB Homes in beautiful Clearwater. It is located just north of Highway 60 and west of Hwy 19 so it is close to shopping, beaches, clubs and a quick commute across the bridge to Tampa. These homes are two story townhomes from 1146 to 1629 sq. feet. There are 8 different floorplans, with  two to four bedrooms and 1.5 to 3 baths. Some of the homes even have a single car garage and can be nestled against a conservation area or a pond. Residents can also enjoy the community pool and cabana. Children will enjoy playing on the playground. Prices start in the mid $100,000's. Call us today to see one. The contents of this posting are the property of Pam Mabe and  Solaris Realty of TampaBay. For more information on different communities and subdivisions go to my... 09/14/2008

Highland Glen is a townhome community of only 66 luxury homes with attached garages. The homes all have spacious libing ares, open kitchens and the attention to details that Beazer provides. The homes are all over 1400 sq. feet and start in the mid $100,000's. They are all also 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. They are located west of Highway 19 just north of Highway 60 so it is an easy commute to Tampa and St. Petersburg. They are also just minutes to the Gulf Beaches! Call and make an appointment see these beautiful homes. The contents of this posting are the property of Pam Mabe and  Solaris Realty of TampaBay. For more information on different communities and subdivisions go to my website by clicking on  Tampa Homes. 09/13/2008

Clearwater Auto Accident - Motorcycle Crash - Now What do you Do?  Clearwater FLorida - One of the great parts about living in Pinellas County and the Clearwater area for 18 years is you really get to know a lot of business people and service providers in both a personal and professional way.  I have personally unfortunately been in more than one Clearwater car accident in the last few years (none my fault in case you were wondering) and unfortunately there are lots of things I didn't know until I was (1)  injured in an auto accident  and (2) hand bad auto accident care and advice! However whether you're in a car crash, truck accident or suffer from a motorcycle injury - you need this info because I can tell you that if you or a loved one is in injured in one of these kinds of traffic a... 09/10/2008

Queen's Pizza just opened a new location on Tampa Road in Palm Harbor! They are located at 3460 Tampa Road and offer some of the best pizza around!!! Not only do they make fantastic pizza, their calzone, subs and salads are to die for!!!! Queen's Pizza is the only place I can get a feta cheese and artichoke heart pizza that I really enjoy! Queen's Pizza is also located in Tarpon Springs on US 19 North (right side of street heading north) as well as in Clearwater on Belcher Road just south of Sunset Point Road. Family owned and operated, this is one place you really have to try!!! Check out their web site at www.queenspizza.com for more information on their locations and phone numbers.     09/07/2008

Nature's Food Patch is one of my favorite places to shop when I am going through downtown Clearwater. You can find all of your homeopathic needs there as well as any vitamin or supplement you might be looking for. Located at 1225 Cleveland Street, you can also find them at www.naturesfoodpatch.com on the web! Their deli and salad bar make Nature's Food Patch an excellent place to stop for a quick bite to eat that is healthy! They also carry a complete line of organic produce and organic products ranging from wonderful soaps to natural lotions!!! When I am looking for gift ideas I love to make up my own baskets with products that I have purchased at Nature's Food Patch!!! 09/07/2008

Pinellas County Florida - Well all home owners, investors and others got some bad news today - Leon County Circuit Court ripped Amendment 5 off the November ballot. We still have a chance because the State will appeal the ruling and it will ultimately be decided by Florida's Supreme Court. Govenor Crist Weigh's In on Court's Ruling In the Florida Capital News Crist weighs in. Crist said Cooper's ruling "doesn't mean anything" because whichever side lost was certain to kick it up to the Supreme Court. "I was disappointed but not dismayed. It will be appealed - I think everybody knows that," said Crist. "I hope it stays on the ballot because I like the will of the people. I want them to weigh in. I want them to have that power because they're the boss." The Florida Association of Realtors... 08/19/2008

Pinellas County Teachers are returning to school in another week! You know what that means! It is almost time for the students to follow!!!!! There are so many questions parents have with the new regulations on zoning, grandfathering students into the same school their siblings are attending and all of the other information needed prior to that first day of school. If you are wondering how to obtain the information you need go to www.pcsb.org for the Pinellas County School Board's new and improved web site! It is full of useful information!!!!! 08/03/2008

Clearwater's Women's Shelter donations are always needed!!!! Cell phones are a vital life-line for women in danger! In addition to that, there is a drop off point where you can donate clothing, furniture and just about anything else!!! The Thrift Store at 2960 East Bay Drive accepts donations (including those cell phones) for the women's shelters in the area! Ask for Miss Linda or call 531-6266 to get directions to the thrift store!!!! Toys are always needed! As are all things related to children!!! Abuse Shelters CASA 727-898-3671 The Haven 727-442-4128 Family Service Centers 727-536-1817 Florida Abuse Hotline 1-800-962-2873 Remember, if you are thinking of purchasing or selling in the Safety Harbor, Clearwater, Palm Harbor area give us a call! With years of experience in the local mar... 08/03/2008

Clearwater Real Estate Market Report for July 2008  For the month of July, the following are the real estate statistics for July: Total Properties Listed (Including New) =  2578 Number of Homes Under Contract (Pending) = 275 Properties Sold = 112 Properties Expired from the market (EXPIRED) =  242 Number Withdrawn = 150 If you would like more information about Tampa, just click on Tampa Bay Homes. Number are derived from the Midflorida Regional MLS and is not to be guaranteed reliable or accurate and is for informational purposes only.       The contents of this posting are the property of Pam Mabe and  Solaris Realty of TampaBay. Visit my profile to find my more about my services. Call 813-245-0316. To view homes for sale in the Pinellas and Hillsborough area, click on Tampa Homes  and... 08/03/2008

Clearwater Real Estate Update (Month of June 2008) Total Properties Listed (Including New) =  2503 Number of Homes Under Contract (Pending) = 293  Properties Sold = 154 New Properties Listed = 396 Properties Expired from the market (EXPIRED) =  320 Number Withdrawn = 157 If you would like more information about Clearwater, just click on Tampa Bay Homes. Number are derived from the Midflorida Regional MLS.       The contents of this posting are the property of Pam Mabe and  Solaris Realty of TampaBay. Pam Mabe is a broker working in the Pinellas and Hillsborough area helping buyers and sellers buy and sell homes.  Contact Pam at 813-245-0316 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Hillsborough, Pinellas or Pasco County area. Information is provided in this blog with t... 07/08/2008

It is in the news and it's happening in our communities - homeowners removing everything including the kitchen sink from their homes when facing foreclosure.  Homeowners stripping their houses. Sometimes it is as simple as removing all the appliances and ceiling fans.  However, more and more frequently items such as air conditioner systems (compressor and handler), kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, toilets, windows, french doors - nothing is left behind. A few months ago, when showing one of my short sale listings I found the pool deck pavers had been removed!  The seller later explained that he paid nearly $10,000 for the pavers and was able to sell them for $3,000 - that will help with his moving expenses.  Another seller literally sold her house piece by piece in an effort to keep... 07/06/2008