This past Saturday my husband and I went to the Suncoast Ford Cotee River Seafood Festival in downtown New Port Richey. There was a live band and lots of good food to eat. As usual I took some pictures: A view at sunset in downtown New Port Richey:   A view from the bridge down to the Cotee River in New Port Richey:     A picture of the Gary Brown Blues Band:         We sat for a few hours listening to blues.  It was a nice treat. I hope to return again next year.   A hui hou (until next time)   ~ Lana Robbins 05/13/2009

  Chinese Restaurant in New Port Richey Florida: Asian Buffet recently opened at 7209 SR 54 in Pasco Square in New Port Richey. As some people already know I am Chinese too on both my mother and my father's side which is rare in Florida but the norm in Hawai'i :) One of my favorite things to do is to eat Chinese food. Usually Chinese restaurants cater to Americanized tastes. Sometimes a restaurant comes along and impresses me with its ability to appeal to American tastes while retaining its authenticity. This restaurant is one of them. One indication is that this restaurant did not charge extra for hot tea. Yes... that is one quality that tells me that they are authentic so of course this new restaurant earns a huge thumbs up from me :) Food was fresh and varied. I ate some green beans... 05/09/2009

It's that time of the year in New Port Richey, Florida: The Suncoast Ford Cotee River Seafood Festival starts tonight at Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey. It runs on May 8, 9, and 10 and features some of the areas finest seafood, Blues artists, boats,arts & crafts and activities for the whole famil. Admission to the festival is free but you may make a $2 donation to help Main Street New Port Richey continue bringing these great events to New Port Richey.   More information can be seen here: http://mainstreetnpr.com/?p=68   I plan to attend either Saturday or Sunday with my husband. I will try to post some pictures. A hui hou (until next time) ~ Lana Robbins  05/08/2009

Sure I passed the Florida real estate salesperson state exam on my first try and it was extremely difficult. Knowing what realtors ® have to go through and what they do while in the trenches has raised my respect for my colleagues. Unfortunately in my experience I read some comments disparaging our profession and/or us as professionals.   It's not easy. Instead it is far from it.   Some of the things we go through yet some people do not realize: 1. We risk litigation every day or most likely being threatened to be sued nearly every day. Imagine how that is. 2. We are the face of the real estate market thus of the housing market. Guess who is the scapegoat? 3. We are bombarded with some inquiries that are not serious ones yet in a way we are required to take every inquiry seriously. Imag... 05/03/2009

    This is a recent picture that I took of a gas station in New Port Richey that I took while my husband was driving. It is one of the more reasonable gas stations located along Seven Springs Boulevard which is the main road that runs near Seven Springs Homes. I usually check GasBuddy.com to compare prices before I venture out.   This picture gives you an idea of the gas prices in New Port Richey, Florida lately but you can also see how the vegetation looks. I will post more pictures later.   Aloha for now, Lana Robbins 04/28/2009

Pasco County Homebuyers Rejoice!  The long-awaited funding of the Pasco County Neighborhood Stabilization homebuyer assistance program has happened--so you'd better get in while the gettin's good!  For those who are not yet in 'the know'--Pasco County received one of the largest endowments for community redevelopment and stabilization, due to the Gi-normous amount of foreclosures in the county in the past couple of years.  These funds are already at work on a number of homes purchased by Pasco County as rehabbed and affordable homes, and now the program which allows buyers to access up to $20,000 in interest-free assistance is available as well. Take note--this is a program for those wishing to purchase homes to live in, not as investment: "Congress passed legislation in the summer of 2... 04/27/2009

Summer tree is  a quiet residential, 55+ community.  It has several different villages with a mixture of older and new homes. The community has beautiful homes and villas and a range of amenities. The amenities include a golf course, a heated pool and spa, exercise room and a billard room. McCar is one of the builders offering four ranch style home plans in Cross Creek Village of Summertree. It is a low maintenance community. The homesites are 55 feet by 100 feet. The square footage is form 1,900 square feet. The prices start in the high $100,000's. Sumertree is conveniently locate just minutes from the gulf beaches. Sumertree is also a quick commute to Tampa International Airport, Raymond James Stadium, St. Pete Times Forum, Lowry Park Zoo, Sunken Gardens, Busch Gardens, The Florida Aq... 03/05/2009

Still attempting to dispel the myths and misinformation about foreclosure homes in Pasco and Pinellas County, our Foreclosure Virtual Bus Tour continues, to several fine Pasco County neighborhoods where the deals are there for those who choose to L@@K! On this stop, The Lakes in New Port Richey: To GET TICKETS for the next FORECLOSURE BUS TOUR, FILL OUT THE: EASY ONLINE FORM Be sure to tell us how many tickets you'll need, the cost for the entire day will be only $25 per person. Thanks for your interest, and best wishes in your home search. For more Tips and strategies if you are facing foreclosure-check my website Facing Foreclosure?GET GOOD ADVICEFREE INFORMATIONwww.RealWorldPropertiesShortSale.com > Search Pinellas Homes FREE How To Buy3, 4 or 5 BedroomBANK OWNED HOMESClick Belowwww.... 02/08/2009

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath beautiful custom built Lexington home (Acacia model) is on a quiet dead end street with private access to Moon Lake Elementary. No front facing neighbors and low to no traffic. Backyard is fenced with 6 foot vinyl privacy fence with two locking gates. There is a 10'x10' concrete slab perfect for outdoor parties. Double french doors lead you into the spacious living room. House has 10ft ceilings throughout and has custom 11 ft tray ceilings in the living room and master bedroom. Gourmet kitchen contains upgraded 42" real wood cabinets with extra storage space and 3" granite countertops and includes long bar area and eat-in breakfast nook. 2'x3' extra counter space on end with huge under storage and 2 extra drawers. Elegant dining room has custom entryway featuring ... 02/03/2009

The income limits for Pasco counties is... 1-Person: $49,550 2-Person: $56,600 3-Person: $63,700 4-Person: $70,750 5-Person: $76,400 In some instances your total income can be much higher than the adjusted income.  If total income exceeds the limits, certain adjustments can be made, such as childcare expenses or children 12 or younger. Example: Pasco County 4-person family (2 adults, 2 children) has a gross income of $80,410.  Child care for the two children 12 or less is $10,000 annually.  They would qualify because $80,410 less 10,000 child care less $480 for each child = $69,450 Call (813) 507-0296 to find out if the house your purchasing in Pasco County is eligible for Rural (USDA) Financing.   11/04/2008

There is a non-refundable insurance guarantee fee for purchase transactions and improvements for existing dwellings. The guarantee fee is equal to 2.00% of the loan amount. For rate/term refinance transactions, the guarantee fee is .50% The guarantee fee may be financed in with the loan amount.  In instances when the guarantee fee is financed in with the loan amount, the maximum LTV may exceed the appraised value of the property to include the amount of the guarantee fee up to 102%. For rate/term refinance transactions, the guarantee fee may be financed in with the loan amount, however an LTV of 100.5% is allowable. 10/30/2008

On Saturday, November 8, 2008, there will be two fund raiser walks being held for Gulfside Regional Hospice. The Second Annual Hike for Hospice is scheduled for both New Port Richey and Zephyrhills. Gulfside Regional Hospice in a not for profit organization to provide compassionate, quality care to individuals and their loved ones in times of life threatening illness. They strive to enable patients to live each day with dignity, peace, and comfort with as much relief from pain and suffering as possible. Gulfside Regional Hospice supports three hospice houses for those who need 24 hour care, nurses, assistants, physicians, social workers and chaplains to visit those who choose to stay in their own home or an assisted facility and bereavement counseling. They do all this free of charge to... 10/06/2008

Summer tree is  a quiet residential, 55+ community.  It has several different villages with a mixture of older and new homes. The community has beautiful homes and villas and a range of amenities. The amenities include a golf course, a heated pool and spa, exercise room and a billard room. McCar is one of the builders offering four ranch style home plans in Cross Creek Village of Summertree. It is a low maintenance community. The homesites are 55 feet by 100 feet. The square footage is form 1,900 square feet. The prices start in the high $100,000's. Sumertree is conveniently locate just minutes from the gulf beaches. Sumertree is also a quick commute to Tampa International Airport, Raymond James Stadium, St. Pete Times Forum, Lowry Park Zoo, Sunken Gardens, Busch Gardens, The Florida Aq... 09/24/2008

DR Horton is building their new "Manor" townhomes in Little Ridge. This is a gated community with a beautiful landscaping. The homes are stylish two and three bedroom townhomes with garages. There are thre floor plans. The square footages are 1200, 1481 and 1635 square feet. The smallest is a 2/2/1 one story home, the next is a two-story 3/2.5/2, and the largest is a two story 3/2.5/2. Prices start in the low $100,000's.  The location in New Port Richey allows for an easy commute south to Tampa or west to the gorgeous sparkling beaches. There is also several golf courses nearby, the Magnolia Valley Golf Course, Timber Greens Country Club and River Ridge Golf Course. The contents of this posting are the property of Pam Mabe and  Solaris Realty of TampaBay. For more information on differe... 09/18/2008

The Longleaf community has many things to offer its residents such as a large heated lap pool and spa, playground,tennis courts, basketball,  3 mile paved nature trail, acres of greenbelts, parks, a bass lake for fishing and other lakes. Longleaf also has community ball games on village green, neighborhood preschool, elementary school, retail shops, various gatherings and clubs for kids and adults. Small town feel with all the amenities.   The zip code is 34655. The community has both single family homes and townhomes. Inland homes is building townhomes and single family homes in Longleaf. Inland Homes has won numerous awards in the Parades of Homes. They have built homes in many communities throughout Tampa Bay including Tampa Palms, Meadowpointe, Highland Park, Sterling Hill, Ballentr... 09/17/2008

If it ain't fun, don't do it...so I'm trying to make this FUN--I hope you enjoy my quirky sense of humor and...ok, weirdness--it's just weirdness. Hop onboard the Tampa Bay Foreclosure Bus and see what's out there in foreclosure homes! Take a look, and if you see something you like, or have questions--you know what to do--in the words of Blondie:  CALL ME!  727-656-6206       To GET TICKETS for the next FORECLOSURE BUS TOUR, FILL OUT THE: EASY ONLINE FORM Be sure to tell us how many tickets you'll need, the cost for the entire day will be only $25 per person. Thanks for your interest, and best wishes in your home search. For more Tips and strategies if you are facing foreclosure-check my website Facing Foreclosure?GET GOOD ADVICEFREE INFORMATIONwww.RealWorldPropertiesShortSale.com > Sea... 07/22/2008

SOLD   Dick and Dixie Sells | Future Home Realty | 800-303-4400 3630 Gorman Dr., New Port Richey, FL BIG PRICE DROP! FISH OR KAYAK FROM YOUR BACKYARD! 3BR/2BA Single Family House   offered at $129,900 Year Built 1976 Sq Footage 1,067 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size .26 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION WONDERFUL WATERFRONT HOME ON LAKE GEORGE. Affordable and adorable 3 Bedroom Home in heart of Seven Springs Area with gleeming easy care wood laminate floors in the main areas and bedrooms. Tile floors in the kitchen and dining area. Vaulted ceilings in the living room. All appliances plus washer and dryer! Updated baths! Wonderful screened lanai area with peaceful views of the lake. Don't let this one get away! It could be a great first... 07/13/2008

 For Lease: $1150/Month VIRTUAL TOUR:   http://client.rw.imprev.net/390/5538  LOCATED IN A QUIET NEW HOME DEVELOPMENT THIS GORGEOUS 3 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM 2 CAR GARAGE ,SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE IN THE COLONY LAKES NEIGHBORHOOD. LOCATED ON CONSERVATION WITH MANY UPGRADES INCLUDED. GREAT COMMUNITY WITH A RATED SCHOOLS CLOSE BY. CLOSE TO THE SUNCOAST EXPRESSWAY AND HAS A COMMUNITY POOL WITH A CABANA.  OWNER WANTS THIS ONE FILLED QUICKLY.Property Manager 813-469-2904 02/27/2008

After my 10th year in the real estate sales industry I have had to move my license and hopefully for the last time. Our former employer, 1st Choice Realty Services sold out to Prudential Tropical Realty. Gail and I were courted by six different brokers that wanted us to come and work for their company's and after all of the interviews and much thought, we went with the best company that would enable us to achieve our personal and company wide goals for 2008.Gail and I are proud to announce that we have aligned ourselves with one of Pasco County's Top real estates companies, Florida Luxury Realty "Fine Home Specialist". We will be working out of the Bayonet Point/Hudson office on State Rd. 52, and we will have the use of the New Port Richey office at Gulf Harbors on US 19 and at the Trin... 02/24/2008

PUBLIC NOTICEHundreds of foreclosure homes are available in Pasco and Pinellas Counties right now, for under $90,000!This is the fifth in a series, where I will spotlight as I preview homes in specific areas, highlighting those I feel have the greatest value. This is your Foreclosure 101 Spotlight: Pasco County--check back for weekly updates!  My apologies, I'm still working out the bugs in the video upload--the sound is not tracking with the video properly, so you'll see the kitchen while I'm talking about some other part of the house... This home is a good value, I rate it a "B", because although it does need some updating, the work is mainly cosmetic, and at 60K the work could be done and the house would still be under market. It is situated on an oversized corner lot, and is ready t... 02/01/2008