Currently there are 19 waterfront homes on the market in Broadwater, ranging from $369,900 to$1,595,000. Yes, that low number is right - though no waterfront homes in the neighborhood have sold this year under the mid $500s. The low one is lender owner, has been foreclosed, and sold in 2006 for $750,000.Two homes are currently under contract, listed at $675,000 and $1,845,000.Fifteen waterfront homes have sold in Broadwater this year, ranging from $545,000 to $980,000.  11/24/2007

When are those whom overextended themselves during the housing crisis going to accept where the responsibility lays. With themselves. 11/17/2007

Downtown St Petersburg Floridais one of the largest - and in my opinion also one of the most beautiful - public waterfronts in the U.S. Nearly five miles of parkland keep the waterfront open and visible to the public. Yes, there are wonderful indoor and outdoor restaurants and shops and museums and residences - but they don't block the view. There are over 350 events a year in these waterfront parks, from art shows to music concerts, as well as all the daily uses, for walking or sitting or playing soccer or exercising your dog.What's really unique is that this waterfront parkland is truly protected. Since 1903 when the land was given to the city, any sale or long-term lease must be approved by the voters in the city - a very protective group, I'll add.Al Lang Field (now known as Progres... 11/16/2007

 Today's business section of the St Petersburg Times revealed that the owners of 100 Bay Central (first known as South Core, then as the headquarters of Progress Energy) are ready for a tenant or two in their building at 100 Central Ave in downtown St Petersburg. With 63,000 sq ft on the ground floor and 72,000 sq ft on the second floor, and several floors of parking garage above. The article suggested a Fresh Market or a Crate and Barrel. What I've been hearing from lots of downtown residents, though is that they want a Trader Joe's.  From its limestore-arched entryway to its copper-domed Mediterranean towers, this landmark is visible from everywhere in downtown - and it's beautiful at Christmas time, too. So, Trader Joe's, click on 100 Bay Central to find out more about what's here an... 11/16/2007

It was a beautiful, clear sunny day in downtown St Petersburg - just as Opus would have hoped for. Signs pointed to 400 Beach for the owners' first viewing of their condos-to-be and valets saved parking spaces in front of the building. With the first closings scheduled for early December it was no longer Hard Hat territory. The lower units looked ready, with marble, tile or hardwood floors in, as well as carpet. Cabinetry done and units painted, appliances installed. Upper units still had concrete floors, but the views were magnificent.My favorite was #2404, with magnificent views from the expansive balcony terrace - all of downtown and the yacht basins, Tampa Bay, Albert Whitted Airport, and views from downtown Tampa to the Skyway Bridge. It can be yours for under $3,000,000  -  a doll... 11/10/2007

This morning I met a client for breakfast at the Renaissance Vinoy in downtown St Petersburg - a beautiful waterfront location and a sunny, cool morning. Priceless.The city was busy this morning - this weekend is Ribfest at Vinoy Park. Friday, Saturday and Sunday there's a rib cooking competition and lots of ribs eating, all to benefit All Children's Hospital. People were walking from blocks away to this beautiful waterfront park.On Central Avenue, between 1st and 2nd Streets, was the Saturday Morning Market, colorful and festive - bright tempting vegetables and fruits, vivid flowers, food and crafts. The tents were bright in the morning sun.Walkers, joggers .. bicyclists ... dogs leading their owners to the dog park. Soccer in the park along the water, artists painting the scene.The we... 11/10/2007

With completion of Ovation in downtown St Petersburg some 18 months away, it's important to keep the interest of those who have already purchased. JMC, the developer of Ovation, arranged a tour on Thursday for new owners and friends of Ovation to go to Orlando to see the distribution center for Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. The group of about 20 was able to see and use the appliances that will be in their new condos - and some possible upgrades, such as a wine room. Those who purchased earlier received $100,000 from JMC for upgrades - current purchasers receive $75,000 - and that will go a long way, based on the quality already built in to each condo.After a tour of the facilities, we were divided into groups to prepare our meal, under the guidance of an excellent chef, who was with the... 11/10/2007

News articles in the past couple of days have announced that Baywalk, the Mediterranean-themed retail and restaurant complex that spear-headed the renaissance of downtown St. Petersburg, is for sale. No price has been announced.Baywalk was developed by The Sembler Group, local shopping center developers. Why are they selling? Because it's part of their plan to develop and then be able to sell a property that is profitable and rented.Baywalk happens to be across the street from our office, so we're very familiar with it.  There's a movie complex, the only one in downtown St Pete, restaurants that range from deli to Grattzi's to Dan Marino's, and shops that sell art, shoes, luggage and all kinds of goods, from Chico's to Ann Taylor, from Tumi to Segways.Baywalk is here in downtown St. Pet... 11/03/2007

For sale by owner yard signs in St Pete, Madeira beach It is a Jungle out here in St. Pete Tampa bay If you are trying to sell your home on your own, you need to pay a lot of attention to attracting buyers. The sign is your best bet and probably the most affordable way of advertising. Your sign needs to stand out. Do not use the same old FASO sign that you can buy in Home depot or places like this. The sign is the first thing buyers see and you really want to stand out of the crowd. Do not take a chance on this one, invest the money and have a professional sign done. It can make all the difference. First impressions count. The sign is the first impression your buyer gets, it will count, make sure you get it right. 10/31/2007

You need more than the annual percentage rate(APR) to really get to know your mortgage. While the APR will help compare one mortgage with another it does not come clean on the other loan or characteristics you'd better know before you sign to the terms of a mortgage. Your home loan comes with the note or actual interest and any additional costs or prepaids financed such as prepaidinterest, private mortgage insurance, closing cost points, etc. The APR represents the total cost of credit on a yearly basis after all charges are consider. It's typically slightly higher that your actual rate because of the added items above. APR was mandated by federal law to help borrowers compare cost form one mortgage to another, but in today mortgage market, like outdated disclosures, or lack there off, ... 10/25/2007

Today and tomorrow the downtown St Petersburg skies are filled with excitement. As I showed a luxury downtown condo at Parkshore Plaza this afternoon we watched the aerial aerobics from the balcony. Find photos, schedules and lots of information at www.stpetersburgairfest.com There are stunts and displays and even a World War II re-enactment. You can buy tickets and enjoy it close-up or you can view the aerial show from The Pier or various downtown parks.This is also an opportunity to view the new air terminal - completed but not yet opened - at Albert Whitted Airport in downtown St Pete.  Years ago John Galbraith of Templeton Funds chose to live in St Petersburg because he could fly in and walk to both his home (a condo in Bayfront Towers) and his office. St Pete was lucky - the Galbra... 10/20/2007

400 Beach Drive, the latest luxury condo on Beach Drive in downtown St Petersburg isn't expected to be finished until December, or perhaps January 2008. There are currently four condominium units on the market, two that are offered by the developer, and two that are "resales".  These units range from $1,760,000 for a 3 bedroom unit with 3,293 sq ft. to $2,475,000 for a 3 bedroom unit with 4,300 sq ft. All have a waterview of the Vinoy Basin and Tampa Bay. 400 Beach also looks out onto the park, and will have shops and a restaurant on the ground level. 10/13/2007

There are currently a baker's dozen condos listed in Parkshore Plaza, a luxury condo in downtown St Petersburg, according to the Pinellas Realtor Organization. The 13 units range from $975,000 for a 3 bedroom 3 bath unit with 2,736 sq ft and a water view to $3,500,000 for a 5,600 sq ft unit, also with water view.Two of these units have come on the market this month - the lowest priced unit at $975,000 and a 2 story townhouse with 2,979 sq ft which is listed at $1,600,000.Parkshore Plaza has a wonderful location on Beach Drive and was completed in August 2006.  10/13/2007

  The market is changing by the day here in Pinellas County Florida. The prices are still going down.I was at an appointment today in Point Brittany, one of our 55 and over communities here in St. Petersburg.I focused on the 5220 building and it even surprised me what I sawI did the comps on a particular unit about 4 month ago and it came out to $239,000 today if the owners wanted to sell this unit they have to list it at $170,000 to have a chance.Till about two month ago all the sales were over $200,000 than there was one sale for $180,000 and one unit reduced the price from $249,000 to $170,000Big drop. Can you imagine what this one sale and this one active listing do to the prices?! 10/07/2007

The St Petersburg City Council again denied the permit application of The Fuel Group (Tampa) for construction of a Westin Hotel and Condominium Residences in downtown St. Petersburg. They bowed to neighborhood advocates and voters who objected to the size and location of the project. I feel they should be lobbying for a change in zoning laws, for a transition area between downtown and the neighborhood, rather than challenging a project that meets the letter of the law. There was a recent decision by the Court of Appeals for the State of Florida for a similar situation in Tampa, where Hyde Park residents objected to a developer's proposal for a condo project because it was "incompatible" with the neighborhood. The court ruled that as long as it was within the city's zoning requirements, ... 10/06/2007

Condo rentals in downtown St Petersburg, Florida, ranged from $650/month for a one bedroom one bath 500 sq ft unit to $8,000/month for a three bedroom three and a half bath 2,736 sq ft unit, according to offerings in the Multiple Listing System of the Pinellas Realtor Organization. Here are the rental price ranges for some of the condo buildings:Parkshore Plaza  from $2,950/moFlorencia  from $5,800/moVinoy Place  from $5,000/moCloisters  from $3,500/moMcNulty Lofts  from $1,600/moBayfront Tower  from $1,900/moMadison  from $1,100/mo Beacon  from $1,300/moBayboro Tower  from $895/mo Check the price ranges on my other blog. Sharon Simms, Real Estate Agent selling homes in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Gulf Beaches and the Tampa Bay area. 10/05/2007

It's October again and the Saturday Morning Market returns to downtown St. Petersburg on Saturday, October 6th. Look for it in its usual place, on Central Avenue, between 1st and 2nd Streets N. Food, plants, art - this has become so popular that it's spilling over into the adjacent lot. Look for freshly grown produce from the area, and for samples of delicious eating. Get some fresh flowers to cheer up your home and your office. Visit familiar vendors and see your friends. We've missed this over the summer, so here's your chance to get back to a weekly Saturday morning habit, visiting the Market.Sharon Simms, Real Estate Agent selling homes in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Gulf Beaches and the Tampa Bay area. 10/03/2007

It is a difficult market right now and selling a house or condo is not so easy.Your competition is huge these days and everybody wants to get the best price for their home. Educated yourself, click on http://www.southbeaches.info%20and/ find all the information you need to be successful in selling your home.http://www.southbeaches.info    there are lots of Tips and things you need to know.Call us anytime you have a question.Stay on top of the market do not just tag along.Take advantage of the upcoming season 10/02/2007

This week I had an e-mail asking whether the Dale Chihuly Gallery had opened yet in St. Petersburg. If he's wondering - perhaps you are, too.The Dale Chihuly gallery was announced back in 2005 as part of the ambitious development of the Arts Center, including two condo towers, The Arts. Since construction on the condos has not started yet, neither has the Dale Chihuly gallery. By the way, each condo owner will receive a piece of Chihuly art.Chihuly had a wonderfully successful exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St Petersburg. People were lined up along the park for blocks waiting to get in. Sharon Simms, Real Estate Agent selling homes in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Gulf Beaches and the Tampa Bay area.  09/29/2007

September 20, 2007  Market Report  -  Downtown St Petersburg Condo RentalsMany of the downtown St Petersburg condos have a few units available for rent. Most of these are rented annually, but a few might be available for as short as 7 months. Regulations on rental periods, pets, etc will vary by condominium association. Here are available rental ranges in some of the buildings:Parkshore Plaza            $2,950/mo - $8,000/moFlorencia                      $5,800/moVinoy Place                   $5,000/moCloisters                       $3,500/moMcNulty Lofts                 $1,600/mo - $3,000/moThe Madison                 $1,100/mo - $2,500/moBayfront Tower              $2,300/moThe Beacon                  $1,300/moThere may be additional condos available through other sources - these are ... 09/29/2007