It seems that after Opus South Corporation cleared a hurdle on their Water's Edge development and thought all was well, another hurdle has reared its ugly head. This time is has to do with the sales contracts that were written on the 153 unit complex in downtown Clearwater, Florida.It is unthinkable that a new construction contract could have been written that was non-compliant with HUD's Interstate Land Sales and Full Disclosure requirements. But, apparently, they were. In effect, the buyer's signed what amounts to an invalid contract. For the full article that hit the streets today in the Clearwater Gazette, click on the link...http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20080124/clw.htmlOpus has had many developments in our local downtown areas, especially in revitalizing Downtown St. Petersbur... 01/24/2008

The other day my 17 year old daughter came home from work looking like she had had a really rough day.  When I asked about her day, she shared the following story:A man, in his 30's or 40's, came in with a coupon for a free oil change.  Problem was that the coupon expired about 4 months ago.  When she pointed out the expiration date it seemed to trigger his rage.  He demanded the coupon be honored and swore he had recently received it in the mail.  My daughter, knowing that coupons are sent out only in the summer, stated that the coupon was simply no good.  His ferocity then focused on belittling her, her abilities and even her potential for a successful future in life.  The scene naturally got the attention of the handful of  other customers in the waiting room but they all just  watch... 01/21/2008

ClearwaterClearwater is located at the heart of Florida's Gulf Coast, just West of Tampa. It is 218 miles northwest of Miami, 91 miles southwest of Orlando and 174 miles from Jacksonville. From Clearwater it is less than a day's drive to all the major cities in Florida, including Key West.Geographically, the county is small and its population density is the highest in the state.Some statistics(Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area includes the counties of Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas)Population: 2.6 millionClearwater population-110,000Median age: 41.8Average annual rainfall is 49 inches.Average annual temperature is 73 degrees Fahrenheit.In January, the average low is 50.1; in July the average high is 90.435 miles of beachesEmployment by industry (Pinellas Coun... 01/18/2008

Reinstatement is defined as "the act of restoring someone to a previous position".  That is usually the goal of a homeowner who wishes to stay in their home and avoid foreclosure - the homeowner needs to be restored to a current position with his or her mortgage.  The 3 typical ways to reinstate a mortgage:  •1.                  Full Payment •2.                  Forbearance•3.                  Loan Modification.  Details of each in this previous post:  Reinstatement-Save My Home from ForeclosureIt is entirely possible for a homeownerto negotiate a repayment plan with the lender.Should you try to negotiate with your bank on your own?There are plenty of warnings advising homeowners against paying a fee to a third party to stop a foreclosure.  Many offer contact info to federal programs de... 01/18/2008

Many of us have been there and experienced that sinking feeling when you know you can't make the house payment.   People who find themselves in this situation go thru a variety of feelings that often include embarrassment, stress or guilt.  Not being sure of what to do or who to call, too often they do nothing which only makes matters worse.Take these 4 Steps:1.  Admit that there is a problem - you are having a financial crisis if you are falling behind in your house payments.  Admit that it is time to look at your budget & money management.2.  Ask for help.  Ask now while the problem is small and manageable rather than waiting for the crisis to get worse.  Your ego will have to take a back seat for now.3.  Contact your lender.  It can seem impossible to get thru but make the effort - p... 01/17/2008

Did you know that the city of Clearwater has a Farmer's Market every Wednesday? It takes place at Clearwater City Hall on Osceola Avenue each Wednesday from 8 am to 1pm. Many of our citizens are not aware of this wonderful opportunity to purchase fresh produce, organic products, bakery goods, a variety of cheeses and other items.Parking is always free and handicap accessible! There is even music from 11am to 1pm! So be sure to check out our local Farmer's Market.If you are interested in purchasing or selling in the area, be sure to give me a call today at 727-512-0910 ! My partner, Bill and I would love the opportunity to assist you in the complex process of purchasing and/or selling your home. We look forward to hearing from you!  01/16/2008

We are finally going full circle! Pinellas County, which is the most densely populated county in Florida, has always turned to the farms in Hillsborough and Pasco Counties for our fresh produce. But things are taking a turn - in a positive way! Pamela and Hank Singlinger own the Sweetwater Pinellas/Gateway Nursery in Clearwater. They have 3.5 acres of organic paradise right on 150th Avenue North in the center of the county which they purchased in 2004 and have turned into an organic heaven. If you are interested in membership in the Sweetwater Organic Community Farm you can call 813-887-4066. Membership for this season is already sold out and there is already a waiting list, so if you are interested, don't wait to be put on the waiting list! You can also check out www.sweetwaterorganic.... 01/14/2008

MyForeclosureAttorney.com Foreclosure Short Sale Law Firm Tampa Bay FLLocation: FloridaConsumer Relief in Florida Mortgage Foreclosure Defense $1.00 a day*If you are delinquent in mortgage loan payments to the lender, have been served with a notice of foreclosure letter or have received a mortgage foreclosure complaint, you have a very short time to respond. In many cases, a homeowner and borrower may begin to lose precious legal rights in as little as twenty (20) days. Any delay may make the situation you are in worse, and if a borrower or homeowner fails to do anything at all, the situation may become the worst case scenario possible. Florida's mortgage foreclosure process will absolutely have serious, long lasting ramifications that you may have to deal with in the future, so it abso... 01/08/2008

 Greeting from Clearwater Florida and the Tampa SkylineDear my Active Rain friends and loyal blog readers,It's out with the old and in with the new today and so as we kick off the new year ~ 2008, Jack and I wanted to say "Happy New Year"! We are wishing everyone much health, prosperity and happiness in 2008! So - I'm curious - what's on your New Year's Resolution list this coming year? A little more balance  is on the top of my list :-) and a little more sleep - the babies are past their infancy!    Want more info on Clearwater Beach Real Estate? Search the Clearwater Beach MLS multiple listings of all properties including all waterfront Clearwater Beach homes for sale and beachfront condos in Clearwater.  01/01/2008

You be the Judge:Parties:Dottie - Condo owner, 100% disabled, 54 yr old female, average consumer e.g. not an investor, intelligent but not real estate "savvy"Doug & Erica - Husband & wife team, Doug is an investor/wholesaler, Erica is his partner who is also an investor but also holds FL RE licenseCircumstances:Last February, Dottie found herself struggling with mortgage payments.  After missing a 2nd mortgage payment, a "WE BUY HOUSES" ad caught Dottie's attention and she made an appointment.  Doug met Dottie at her condo for the initial consultation at which time Doug assured Dottie he would ‘treat her like family'.  Doug and Realtor wife Erica explained to Dottie that she would have to (1) sign a Power of Attorney giving the couple full control, and (2) vacate the condo so that they ... 12/21/2007

The Truth In Lending Act ("TILA"), and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act ("RESPA") are violated daily by lenders and predatory lending victims are everywhere. These laws are in place to protect you, the homeowner, but yet are often completely disregarded. Your loan is probably unlawful, and you may be entitled to substantial damages whether or not you're currently in foreclosure. The federal Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 1601-1667f, as amended), was originally enacted by Congress in 1968 as a part of the Consumer Protection Act. The law is designed to protect consumers in credit transactions by requiring clear disclosure of key terms of the lending arrangement and all costs. The Truth In Lending Act is designed to reduce confusion among consumers resulting from the differen... 11/30/2007

The Truth In Lending Act ("TILA"), and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act ("RESPA") are violated daily by lenders and predatory lending victims are everywhere. These laws are in place to protect you, the homeowner, but yet are often completely disregarded. Your loan is probably unlawful, and you may be entitled to substantial damages whether or not you're currently in foreclosure. The federal Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 1601-1667f, as amended), was originally enacted by Congress in 1968 as a part of the Consumer Protection Act. The law is designed to protect consumers in credit transactions by requiring clear disclosure of key terms of the lending arrangement and all costs. The Truth In Lending Act is designed to reduce confusion among consumers resulting from the differen... 11/30/2007

By far the most frequent reason for missing mortgage payments is loss of income.  Whether the loss of income be the result of losing a job as a result of corporate downsizing or yet another effect of our current real estate crisis, the bottom line is the same:  reduced income = missed mortgage payments.Many jobs have been lost in businesses affected by the current real estate crisis such as title companies, mortgage companies, and of course the construction industry.  These are lost jobs and displaced workers are finding it near impossible to find replacement work.Without income, the chances of being able to reinstate a mortgage are nil.  Whether the homeowner is forced to vacate their home due to short sale or auction the bottom line is that families are being forced out in the streets... 11/21/2007

Tis the Season - or almost!!! But in Clearwater the annual Festival of Trees kicks off on November 20th! This annual event is sponsored by UPARC (the Upper Pinellas Association for Retarded Citizens Foundation) and runs from November 20 until November 25th (Thanksgiving week).There is tree decorating, a gingerbread village, and the Sugar Plum Shoppe. The Sugar Plum Shoppe is my personal favorite, since there are crafts on sale from local artisans! I love giving these personal items as Holiday gifts rather than things purchased in large chain stores.For more information on this event which is being held in downtown Clearwater at the Harborview Center please check out http://www.treefest.com/home.php?rightid=1  11/15/2007

Time flies when you are having fun and it has sure flown this year! It is time for the Annual Turkey Trot in Clearwater again!!! I remember when my son, Sascha, still lived at home. He would participate in the Turkey Trot each year - he was also on the East Lake High Track Team, so I guess it is only natural that he would participate in this. I still use one of the coffee cups he got for completing the event - as a pen holder on my desk!So when it is time for this event, you KNOW I am going to do what I can to get the word out!!! This year the races start on Keene Road and Gulf to Bay in Clearwater at 7:30 am on Thursday, the 22nd of November. Registration is the day before from 5-8 pm at Clearwater High School.As always, be there or be square!!!!! Remember, the proceeds from this event... 11/15/2007

Clearwater Florida Hosts Ford Ironman 70.3 AgainClearwater Florida - As luck would have it the 2007 Clearwater Ironman 70.3 Race past several popular Clearwater neighborhoods  (Grovewood, Morningside, The Meadows) off Belcher Road this past Saturday. What a site to behold. It was inspirational to all who watched it. Several of the Clearwater neighborhood kids got their bikes out - dreaming...dreaming of racing like that one day. If only they understood what the almost 1500 racers signed up for. It's hard to believe that this is actually only half a triathalon. We even saw one participant, Maj. David Rozelle, an Iraq war veteran who is an amputee complete the race with one leg - it was so inspirational, especially in light of Monday being Veteran's Day. All I could think was.."Thank you!... 11/12/2007

Clearwater Florida Boating - Ladies Only!Clearwater Florida - Hey ever dreamed of boating in Tampa Bay? You may have noticed that Clearwater Florida in November is glorious boating weather. Have you ever wanted to learn more about boating in and around Clearwater Florida?  Now you're in luck, the 2nd Wednesday of each month MarineMax of Clearwater Florida offers a FREE class on boating for women called Women on the Water. If you live in Pinellas County or even Tampa - this is conveniently located off US 19, south of US 60 and the Clearwater Mall and North or Ulmerton Road from the Howard Franklin Bridge.  The address for MarineMax is 18025 US 19 N. Clearwater Florida 33764. It is located between two of our best waterfront condo communities located on the open waters of Tampa Bay, Cove C... 11/12/2007

How much time do I have?  That is the most frequently asked question of me - it is the first question from most homeowners during the initial consultation.  Naturally, the answer to the question depends on the state in which you live.  There are judicial and non-judicial states - judicial foreclosures go through the court system whereas non-judicial have no court intervention.Florida is a judicial state.  The foreclosure process begins with the lender filing a complaint and a Lis Pendens is filed.  The homeowner is served with a notice of the complaint (usually by a process server) and the homeowner will have an opportunity to appear before the Court.  The validity of the complaint will be determined and if valid, a judgment will be issued for the amount due (loan, late fees, attorney f... 11/05/2007

Clearwater Florida Real Estate | Luxury Golf Home BuyersWhile Halloween is 3 days away we are happy to know that our most recent Clearwater luxury home buyers felt working with us was "a treat" - not a trick!They contacted us from our Active Rain real estate blog in early September and shared their dream of wanting to purchase the vacation home in the Clearwater Florida area. They flew down from Washington DC two weeks later to spend the weekend seeing the properties that met their criteria. They relied on us to be their real estate advocates locally along the way since they were back home during the time leading up to their home closing. When a few problems arose we worked with them and local home inspection experts to get them resolved to their satisfaction. We even arrange for them t... 10/28/2007

Investor Sharks are everywhere and like roaches coming out in the dark, these sharks come out in droves whenever economic events or personal problems occur in which the sharks can take advantage.Investor Sharks typically attack the vulnerable - homeowners having financial difficulties, families that have just lost a loved one (probate), they watch the legal notices for things like divorce, bankruptcy (did you know there are companies that sell such lists?).  Like a wolf in sheep's clothing, these sharks pretend to want to help the homeowner, depending on the wishes on the homeowner, these sharks make false promises of bail-out cash or re-financing or if the homeowner has decided to sell, these sharks will sometimes produce a contract for a higher price than they actually intent to pay. ... 10/28/2007