Hunter's Green Real Estate Update (week of 8/29/07 - 9/4/07) Properties Listed = 2 Properties Sold = 0 Properties Expired from the market (EXPIRED) = 1 Properties under contract (TOTAL PENDING) = 6Looking for more information on Hunter's Green???Contact me at Lori@yourcastleyourhome.com or 813.453.7883.  Is customer service important to you?  Please review my client testimonials to see what kind of service I provide.  Why hire a Realtor? Let me help you find Your Castle, Your Home!http://www.yourcastleyourhome.com/ 09/05/2007

Tampa Palms Real Estate Update  (week of 8/29/07 - 9/4/07) Properties Listed = 2 Properties Sold = 7Properties Expired from the market (EXPIRED) = 0 Properties under contract (TOTAL PENDING) =13Looking for more information on Tampa Palms???Contact me at Lori@yourcastleyourhome.com or 813.453.7883.  Is customer service important to you?  Please review my client testimonials to see what kind of service I provide.  Why hire a Realtor? Let me help you find Your Castle, Your Home!http://www.yourcastleyourhome.com/ 09/05/2007

For luxury buyers in South Tampaand throughout Hillsborough County, there is a bigger hurdle for financing the dream home...the Jumbo Mortgage.If you are not familiar with the term, "Jumbo Mortgage", it is a type of mortgage for individuals looking for a loan over the conforming loan limit.  The conforming loan limit for our area happens to be $417,000.  Hence, a buyer looking to purchase a million dollar home and take out a loan for $700,000 may need a Jumbo Loan.The roller coaster events in the mortgage industry have caused lenders to take caution with the Jumbo and Super Jumbo loan market, just as they do with any other risky loans, including subprime mortgages.  While the Jumbo loan market is not as bad as the subprime market, we are seeing the following affects to Jumbo loans: ~ In... 09/05/2007

Being behind on mortgage payments can provide a huge hurdle for borrowers looking to refinance into a more affordable interest rate.  HUD recently announced a new refinance program available through FHA called "FHASecure".  The refinance program is for borrower who are feeling the effects of a subprime adjustable rate mortgage and have become behind on payments because of the increase in their monthly payment. The ideal candidate for this program is a homeowner who: Made all their mortgage payments on time, until the adjustment of their interest rate began and caused a financial stress.  This FHA program is great because it provides flexibility in qualifying by allowing borrowers to finance their delinquent payments into their new mortgage.  In addition, if the new FHA mortgage is not e... 09/05/2007

Join CondoLeaf.com to see the Grand Opening Party for Belfair Park Townhomes. When: Saturday, September 15th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Where: 1413 S. Howard Ave, Bella's Italian Cafe Belfair Park realizes that we all have increased awareness of concerns about our health and our environment. This has contributed to the design of Belfair Park. They have incorporated sustainable design features focused on providing a healthier home, a home that reduces energy usage and thus consumption of our natural resources, and a home whose smart and efficient design can reduce operating and maintenance costs. Some of the "Green" amenities include Energy Star stainless steel appliances, EcoTimber plank hardwood floors certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, Kohler low-flow toilets and VOC-free pain... 09/05/2007

Tampa City Council will hold the First of two required readings of the proposed budget on 9/4/07 beginning at 5:01 pm in City Council Chambers. 315 E. Kennedy Blvd.This is a chance to address the proposed budget laid out by the Mayor.  A budget that is proposed to be 4.5% higher than the current budget while cutting positions and taking a 10%+ wack at the Parks dept. budget.  Frankly I am finding it a little hard to believe that the budget can grow faster than the rate of inflation after the Mayor eliminated 200 positions and is proposing to cut the Park's Dept. budget by about 3.8 million.  09/03/2007

Sale of historic houses in east Tampa.  The City has released an RFP (request for proposals) for three properties in east Tampa.  The homes are located at 2308 E. 12th Ave.st.; 2506 N. 12th St.; 2709 N. 19th St.   These properties are in the general vicinity of Ybor City.For more information please visit the City of Tampa website (real estate) for more information. I have a link for the city of Tampa on the community links page of my website. FMI: contact the City of Tampa Real Estate Division at 813-274-8624.Info. obtained via city of Tampa 09/03/2007

One of the feedbacks I receive from my prospects and clients is that they enjoy looking at the multimedia of a condo project. They want to see muliple photos, videos, sound, aerials and renderings about a Tampa Bay condo project. Especially to those that are out of state and do not have the luxury of a physical visit, buyers want to have that experience. In most cases, CondoLeaf.com is able to make a customized video focusing on the buyers' areas of concern. For example, a view of the pool from the East view, surrounding neighborhood of a project, or a video showing a floorplan of a unit. We believe a condo project's website is merely an extension of its marketing to enhance the buyer's senses. The ability to hear, feel and see their future Tampa Bay condo, townhome or loft. After marke... 09/02/2007

Looking for a condo unit at The Place at Channelside? Here are 3 Ways to Make this Work and Win for the New Buyer. 1. Original Buyer already has 10% down—You TAKE ½ 2. Split an Equity Position. Original Buyer has 10% down. New Buyer uses this Deposit and obtains a mortgage. They split the equity upon sale or refinance. 3. Assign the Original Contract to a BUYER at the price Original Buyer contracted 3 years ago. Walk-thru is already scheduled. The Clock is Ticking. The Place at Channelside is an innovative urban living for individuals with a creative approach to life. A space that's as creative as the people it will attract. Totally unique angular floor plans that maximize space, light and flexibility. Configured so you can arrange the interiors to suit your lifestyle. Contact CondoLeaf... 09/02/2007

CNBC recently reported that Tampa has the #1 buyers market in the country right now!!Investors have left the market and affordability is now back for Tampa buyers!  The Job growth continues here in Tampa and our unemployment numbers are low.  As this CNBC video states, our Employment remains strong and diverse, Housing inventory is high, and there are many new transfers into the City of Tampa.  They also remind us the difference between Market Value and Assessed or Appraised Value.Limited Mortgages available play ONLY a small part of who can enter the Tampa housing market.  We STILL have subprime loans and we still offer 100% financing for buyers with a job, income, decent credit, and an ability to REPAY the loan.                       Can you believe how unreasonable lenders are these ... 08/31/2007

West End Tampa is a gated community near the downtown Tampa area that is comprised of 545 apartment units, 340 condominiums, 57 town homes and retail spaces. The West End Tampa community incorporates open public spaces to create a living environment that is distinctly different from the existing inventory of "urban lifestyle" product which is common today. West End Tampa will have parks, public art, recreational areas, swimming pools, fitness centers and a business center. The developer want this part of the downtown business district to once again be an emerging community central to all that Tampa has to offer. I received a call from Lassiter Mason/Sales Manager of West End Tampa and they will be initially launching the townhome sales first. The sales for the condos are planned for ear... 08/30/2007

We are glad to hear three projects secured financing earlier this month; The Aqualea Resort and Residences, The Slade at Channelside and Westin Tampa Bay Residences. The Aqualea Resort and Residences has secured financing around $105 million. This special ownership opportunity brings together all the best aspects of owning a unique vacation home on the beach, while eliminating many of the ownership worries. While in The Aqualea residences, you'll enjoy all the beachfront elegance and pleasures of the resort. This luxury resort is a carefree vacation residence and located at a premier waterfront Clearwater Beach property. For more information, see The Aqualea Resort and Residences. The Slade at Channelside secured over $66 million in funding for the project. The Slade at Channelside will... 08/29/2007

Tampa Palms Real Estate Update  (week of 8/22/07 - 8/28/07) Properties Listed = 3 Properties Sold = 0Properties Expired from the market (EXPIRED) = 2 Properties under contract (TOTAL PENDING) =18Looking for more information on Tampa Palms???Contact me at Lori@yourcastleyourhome.com or 813.453.7883.  Is customer service important to you?  Please review my client testimonials to see what kind of service I provide.  Why hire a Realtor? Let me help you find Your Castle, Your Home!http://www.yourcastleyourhome.com/ 08/29/2007

Grand Hampton Real Estate Update  (week of 8/22/07 - 8/28/07) Properties Listed =7 Properties Sold = 0Properties Expired from the market (EXPIRED) = 2 Properties under contract (TOTAL PENDING) =5Looking for more information on Grand Hampton???Contact me at Lori@yourcastleyourhome.com or 813.453.7883.  Is customer service important to you?  Please review my client testimonials to see what kind of service I provide.  Why hire a Realtor?  Let me help you find Your Castle, Your Home!http://www.yourcastleyourhome.com/ 08/29/2007

Hunter's Green Real Estate Update (week of 8/22/07 - 8/28/07) Properties Listed = 3 Properties Sold = 2 Properties Expired from the market (EXPIRED) = 0 Properties under contract (TOTAL PENDING) = 6Looking for more information on Hunter's Green???Contact me at Lori@yourcastleyourhome.com or 813.453.7883.  Is customer service important to you?  Please review my client testimonials to see what kind of service I provide.  Why hire a Realtor? Let me help you find Your Castle, Your Home!http://www.yourcastleyourhome.com/  08/29/2007

First-ever Seminole Heights 5.2-mile River Loop Bike Ride.This is a leisurely 5.2-mile bicycle ride designed for families, kids and anyone who loves bicycling. It's not a race. We will bike in a single line and everyone must wear helmets.Bicyclists who want to enjoy scenic Seminole Heights will gather at my house at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15. The ride will begin at 8:30 a.m.People who want to this bike ride must confirm by contacting Alan Snel at alansnel@yahoo.com More dteails can be found on Alan Snel's blog at: http://alansnel.com/blog/2007/08/time-to-bike-seminole-heights.html This is a perfect way for bicyclists to discover Seminole Heights from a totally new perspective.  And if you are in the market for a home in the area an opportunity to see Seminole Heights up close and ... 08/28/2007

It was recently reported that the City of Tampa, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and Friends of the River reached a compromise agreement as to the amount of fresh water flow into the lower Hillsborough River (below the dam in Rowlett Park).  Without the water flow the lower Hillsborough becomes a mostly a tidal ditch.  The lower part of the river has has suffered through nearly a year without any fresh water being allowed over the dam due to the needs of the city of Tampa and the drought conditions.  The compromise ends years of legal battles to protect or improve the health of the lower stretch of the river.This is also good news for the neighborhoods bordering the lower portion of the river: Old Seminole Heights, Sulphur Springs, Lowry Park, Riverbend, South Seminole ... 08/28/2007

It is budget season folks. We have heard about all the cuts the City of Tampa (aka Mayor Pam) is proposing. Last year's budget after the small milage reduction was 725 million dollars. The proposed budget for the new fiscal year is 761 million dollars. That is a better than 4.5% increase. Which by the way is more than the inflation rate or the average employee's raise. So the budget is growing and all these staff positions (something like over 100 positions) were eliminated...So why is the Parks Department taking a 4.5 million dollar cut out of its 38 million dollar budget. That is a better than 10% cut.Do the math. Asked the questions. it is a quality of life issue. The first budget hearing is set for Sept. 4th at 5:00 pm at City council chambers at 315 Kennedy Blvd. 08/26/2007

Some people may be used to going to Starbucks to get their 'cup of joe' in exchange for free wireless access. Well caffeine, no more. S.U.R.F. zone which stands for Sago Ultimate Roaming Freedom is a free public wireless service available to internet users in the downtown Tampa area. Sago Networks has volunteered to build, host and maintain this network. If you happen to be laying out at the pool and your condo building does not have wireless access, rest assured you will have a way. If you have a wireless-enabled device, such as a laptop or Palm or Blackberry, you can browse and check email for free. The S.U.R.F. Zone is the first free, wireless Internet access zone in the Tampa Bay area. Most users will connect this way: Set your wireless network adapter's Network Name (or ESSID) to S... 08/25/2007

Tampa Palms Real Estate Update  (week of 8/15/07 - 8/21/07) Properties Listed = 2Properties Sold = 0Properties Expired from the market (EXPIRED) = 1 Properties under contract (TOTAL PENDING) =14Looking for more information on Tampa Palms???Contact me at Lori@yourcastleyourhome.com or 813.453.7883.  Is customer service important to you?  Please review my client testimonials to see what kind of service I provide.  Why hire a Realtor? Let me help you find Your Castle, Your Home!http://www.yourcastleyourhome.com/ 08/22/2007