Rotary Club of Spring Hill Florida:  Field Trip to Springs Coast Environmental Education Center Spring Hill Rotary Club members recently went on an environmental field trip to the Springs Coast Environmental Education Center located in Weeki Wachee, Florida.  If you have never been there but always wondered what was behind the gate off Route 550 just past the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, it is an impressive educational facility designed to educate young and old about the natural environment in Florida. Built by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, also known as "Swiftmud", the facility is also staffed by employees of Swiftmud but the building is maintained by Hernando County.  It is used by all schools in the Hernando County school system with different levels of instruc... 02/18/2010

6143 Belkton Ave Spring Hill Florida Home For Rent Spring Hill Florida Home for Rent.  Available March 2010. Newer 3 bedroom, 2 bath home.  Monthly Rent: $850.  Rent includes Lawn Maintenance. Living SF:  1110  Total SF:  1500 Located in residential neighborhood in the heart of Spring Hill with easy access to shopping, medical facilities, and other area amenities. Please No Pets!      02/18/2010

January 2010 Real Estate Market Report: Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida Inventory of Homes for sale in Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida has increase slightly.  There are 50 maintenance-free villas and 93 single family homes available for sale in the Timber Pines Country Club community.   Only two properties offered for sale are short sale properties, there are no REO/foreclosure properties offered for sale in the Timber Pines community. The number of homes sold in January 2010 in the Timber Pines community decreased in January mirroring home sale numbers for Hernando County in general.  None of these sales were distressed sales.   Number of homes under contract increased in Timber Pines.  Seven properties are pending and 10 properties are with contingency contracts.  Again, none of... 02/07/2010

VIP Distinguished Speakers Forum on World Affairs - Tampa Bay Council of World Affairs "This time we got it right"  Remark by General David H. Petraeus in reference of how the troops are treated at home in comparison to those who served in Vietnam further elaborating that people may or may not approve of the military engagement but they do support the troops in many ways.  Yesterday evening, I had the opportunity to attend a great evening sponsored by the Tampa Bay Council of World Affairs in conjunction with the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.  As part of their VIP International Distinguished Speakers series, General David A. Petraeus, Commander of US Central Command (US CENTCOM), was the keynote speaker.  Entitled "A Conversation with General David Petraeus", the general spoke about... 02/04/2010

Rotary Club of Spring Hill Florida Celebrates 20th Anniversary The Rotary Club of Spring Hill, Florida, celebrated its 20th Anniversary on Sunday, January 31, 2010 with an open house reception at the Boston Cooker Restaurant in Spring Hill. The event had been planned for months ahead by the club and all current, former, and prospective members were invited.  Special guests in attendance were Past District Governor Robin Murray and his wife Dee who hailed from Pasco County.  The Rotary Club of Spring Hill is part of Rotary International, a worldwide service club organization.  We are a breakfast club and meet every Thursday morning at 7:45 AM at IHOP, Commercial Way, in Spring Hill.  Guests are always welcome!  Please contact me for more information about the Rotary Club of Spring Hill!   02/02/2010

This  beautifully updated and remodeled golf course home in the Spring Hill Oak Hill Golf Course Community recently sold.  List Price:  $249,900           Sold Price:  $235,000 Conventional Financing 4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 2 Car Garage, heated Pool Living:  2392 sq ft     Total:  5404 sq ft Lot size:  .49 acre backing up to Oak Hill Golf Course Golf course views from rear and front of property! For more information about this home or any other homes for sale in the Oak Hill Golf Course community, please contact me!   01/26/2010

I hate to be the type to rant and rage but I feel I have to get something off of my chest here, Recently I have had to explain to an agent why it is that the closing will be delayed, and tried to educate that agent regarding all the new RESPA changes that have taken effect as of January 1st 2010. Now I have had several deals effected by the changes in RESPA, and for the most part I found everyone I am doing business with to be very understanding and cooperative. There is one in particular though who is the furthest from being agreeable to anything. After spending at least 30 minutes trying to explain what it is that lenders are now up against, the only response this individual seemed to be able to elicit was a 15 minute campaign of screaming and yelling. In between the screaming and yel... 01/09/2010

Florida Landscaping Solutions During Winter Time It's cold out everywhere all across the country and it finally has crept into Central Florida as well.  The Governor declared a state of emergency for the state because of the frost danger to citrus, strawberry, and other sensitive crops. This morning was one of those very rare winter mornings, where there was ice on the windshield of my car.  For a short stunned moment, I tried to remember where I had put that ice scraper I still have from living in more wintery climates. While the frost last night caught me by surprise, many other Florida residents were more prepared. If you are from out-of-State and are driving around the neighborhoods, you may wonder what those strange looking lawn decorations are all about! You may ask, have all thos... 01/07/2010

FOREST GLENN COMMUNITY YARD SALE Saturday January 9th 8am to 2pm Located on Osowaw Blvd. There will be refreshments available at the Forest Glenn Clubhouse as well as a bake sale with funds being donated to non-profit organizations. The Forest Glenn Community is a 55+ manufactured home community.  It is unique in that it is operated as a co-op and residents have a choice of either buying into the co-op for a one-time fee or alternatively pay a montly lot rental fee. Amenities include a well-maintained club house with heated pool.  Tucked away from main traffic and surrounded by forested land, residents of the Forest Glenn community have easy access to shopping, medical facilities, and other area amenities in minutes.  Major Florida attractions including Disney World, Busch Gardens, and ... 01/05/2010

Achievement of Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Certification With short sales and foreclosures dominating a large segment of the Hernando County and Spring Hill, Florida, real estate market, it only makes sense to become educated and knowledgeable as much as possible about the short and foreclosure processes.  The Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) Certification by the National Association of Realtors offers a comprehensive overview about what real estate professionals need to know in order to serve their customers who are faced with the challenges of buying or selling short sale and foreclosure properties. If you are a buyer interested in pursuing the purchase of a home or property offered as a short sale or bank-owned property (REO), as a SFR certified Realtor I will be abl... 12/26/2009

November 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida Inventory of Homes for sale in Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida has decreased once again over the previous month.  There are 57 maintenance-free villas and 77 single family homes available for sale in the Timber Pines Country Club community.   The number of homes sold in November in the Timber Pines community increased slightly over October.  Again, only one of these sales was a foreclosure property, all others were market sales.  However, sales price range was slighlty lower for the second month bringing down the average and median sales prices over those from October. Number of homes under contract in Timber Pines decreased slightly.  There are six villas and eight single family homes under contract.  Overal... 12/21/2009

Rotary Club of Spring Hill Florida enjoys Holiday Shopping with Local Kids It's December and holiday shopping is in full swing for many of us.  This year, I started out the season a little different than usual.  My Rotary Club of Spring Hill sponsored seven children for a holiday shopping excursion.  Parents dropped off their kids at a local retailer that had generously donated the funds for the shopping extravaganza.   Santa's helpers were everywhere this morning!  Rotarians and members of the Central High School Rotary Youth, the Interact Club (photo on right) chaperoned the kids through the store helping them with their shopping lists!  From socks to bed pillows to doggie biscuits, the things these kids wanted to get for their families was truly amazing.  They actually needed to be c... 12/06/2009

What to do and Where to go in Spring Hill,  Florida:  Angels on High Angels on High is an annual community event held by the Spring Hill Community Association at Kenlake Park in Spring Hill, Florida.  The event is a free community holiday event that many local clubs and organizations participate in.   Highlights of the event include a lighted angel pathway and nightly tree lighting at 6:30 pm every night from December 10th through 13th, 2009.  Holiday music and live performances by local groups every night as well as an appearance by Santa Claus.  Concessions are run by different local charity organizations each night.  This is a great way to start a new holiday tradition.  Enjoy a beautiful evening with family and friends and admire the many hand-crafted angels floating in the lighted ... 12/06/2009

Tropic Shores Realty Sponsors Toys for Tots. If you walk into our office at Spring Hill Drive, you cannot miss the big box in the visitor's area just waiting to be filled with toys destined for needy children.  The official mission statement of the Marine Toys for Tots program states "The mission of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is to assist the U. S. Marine Corps in providing a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas." In these times when many families are experiencing tough times economically, it is even more important to do whatever we can to help brighten a child's eyes at Christmas morning. So, let's all help to fill up that box quickly and let the holiday spirit shine brightly! Happy Holidays!     11/29/2009

Rotary Club of Spring Hill, Florida Delivers Dictionaries to 3rd Graders "The limits of your language are the limits of your world." - Ludwig Wittgenstein This is the message printed on this year's edition of the student dictionaries that members of the Rotary Club of Spring Hill, Florida presented to the third graders of the Elementary Schools in Hernando County, Florida. The dictionary project is an annual effort by Rotary International to promote language skills and awareness among young students as they are becoming proficient in reading and comprehension.              Met with curious looks from the students as we entered each classroom, the exitement of receiving a book "to keep forever" soon took over.  From looking up a special word to discovering graphs of the solar system, the... 11/19/2009

What to do and Where to go:  Fall Harvest of Art in Spring Hill, Florida The Spring Hill Art League will have its 36th Annual Fall Harvest of Art on Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2009.  Doors open at 10 AM each day and will be open until 5 PM on Saturday and until 4 PM on Sunday. Traditionally an art show, this year the show is combined with a live music and food festival.  The show is a juried art show with awards in the categories of fine art, fine craft, photo, and country crafts. The event will take place at the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.  There will be a $4 admission charge which includes access to all the parks attractions including the always popular mermaid show and the wilderness river cruise down the scenic Weeki Wachee river. This will be a fun event fo... 11/11/2009

Tampa Bay Florida Home For Rent- 10452 Hobson St. Spring Hill Florida Well maintained home! 2 Bedroom Split Plan-2 Full Baths-2 Car Garage Formal living room and dining room. Spacious kitchen with sunny breakfast nook. Large family room off the kitchen. Split Bedroom plan. Large enclosed Florida Room to enjoy.  Inside laundry room. Updated appliances including smooth top range & side by side refrigerator. Large fenced backyard with additional outbuilding fitted with a/c and electricity.  Attached oversized 2 car garage.   Annual lease only. Lawn mowing included. Small Pet with Landlord Approval $850 Security Deposit $50 Application Fee Per Adult $250 non refindable pet depost Non Smoking Property Professional Management Take a look below at this fine home 800-303-4400 0r 727-815-7800 Sp... 11/11/2009

October 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida Inventory of Homes for sale in Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida has decreased once again over the previous month.  There are 66 villas and 73 single family homes available for sale in the Timber Pines Country Club community.   The majority of homes for sale in the Timber Pines community are offered below $200,000.  There are only four homes in the $200,000 to $300,000 price range and only three homes for sale above $300,000.  The number of homes sold in October in Timber Pines remained stable with 12 units sold.  Only one of these sales was a foreclosure property, all others were market sales.  However, sales price range was lower this month bringing down the average and median sales prices by 11% and 12% respe... 11/09/2009

The Federal tax credit of up to $8000 is available for those who qualify. One of the criteria is to close on a home that will be your principal residence by November 30, 2008. We can help you find that home. Standard Pacific has several that will be completed in Lone Star Ranch and ready to close in time. The prices are from the mid $100,000's to the high $100,000's. Call us today to find out more about the homes available.   Solaris Realty of TampaBay. Pam Mabe is a broker working in the Tampa 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 the intent to educate homeowners and buyers about Tampa, St. Petersbu... 10/17/2009

September 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida Inventory of Homes for sale in Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida has decreased over the previous month.  There are 69 villas and 70 single family homes available for sale in the Timber Pines Country Club community.  The number of homes sold in September in Timber Pines also decreased over August to a total of 12; however, none of these were distressed sales.  Number of homes under contract in Timber Pines, however; increased. Among those under contract, only one home is offered as a short sale, and one other is offered as a foreclosure home.  Again, Timber Pines home sales statistics remain stable.  The average and median price levels for Timber Pines home sales are at higher levels than for average and median... 10/09/2009