Waterchase- Tampa, Fl.As of 3/1/07 there are 56 Single Family homes for sale in Waterchase ranging from $369,900 for a 2046 sq.ft home to $1,650,000 for a custom Marc Rutenberg home that is 4935 sq.ft. The avg. listing price per sq.ft is $220/sq.ft. and the avg. days on market(DOM) is 106. So your avg. Waterchase home for sale is 3,178 sq.ft in size and lists for $697,768 and is a 4/3/3. Today, I will give you a run down on Mar Azul, Allicante and Savona.Mar Azul located in Waterchase- There are currently 10 listings ranging from $873,900 for a 3942 sq.ft home to $1,650,000 for 4935 sq.ft. home with DOM currently at 96 and listing for an avg. of $285 sq.ft. or an avg. price of $1,121,991.Alicante located in Waterchase- There are currently 7 listings ranging from $697,900 for a 2800 sq.f... 03/21/2007

Last night I finally got the chance to try out Zen Bistro in Westchase. What a pleasant surprise. A quaint little bistro tucked in the corner of the new Avenue of Westchase just east of West Park Village. My daugthers and I are always on the look out for great local restaurants in the Westchase area and we have found one at Zen. First off, if you love sushi as much has we do then you must try Zen Bistro. We ordered the "Sixth Sense" roll which is Spicy tuna, avocado, tempura onion, wrapped in rice paper and toppped with more spicy tuna,tobiko, and wasabi tobiko. What a delight! We also enjoyed the "Dragon" roll which is spicy tuna,tempura flakes,cucumber, topped with tuna, masago scallion and spicy mayo. We can't wait to go back and try their "Art Meditation" roll which is chunks of tun... 03/21/2007

With so many agents out their vying for your business, it can be a difficult decision choosing the "right" agent to sell your home.  Without giving away my complete listing presentation, here are a few important questions you should be asking any prospective agent:Where will you market my listing?  Given the fact that at least 80% of homebuyers do their search process online, the answer better be heavily geared towards internet marketing.  What keywords to you use to insure that my property will come up on the first few page results of Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc.?Do you know what websites my listing will be syndicated to?Knowing that homebuyers are looking for detailed descriptions, loads of photos and virtual tours, do you offer all of that at no additional cost to me?Knowing that most ho... 03/20/2007

The city has broken ground on the new recreation center at New Tampa Community Park.  This $3.7 million, 20,000 square foot center is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2007.  Adjacent to soccer, football and little league fields, the center's primary focus will be on gymnastics, dance and fitness.  The interior will include a 12,500 square foot gymnastics area with pit, tumbling strip and full apparatus equipment for competitive gymnastic's events.  It will also have a large multi-purpose room, snack bar and viewing area.  A playground and covered deck are also slated. Adjoining the recreational center, the city plans to start construction in the fall on a $500,000 skateboard facility which will include ramps and other features specifically designed for skateboarders and BMX rider... 03/17/2007

The City of Tampa has announced that the Cross Creek widening project project is ahead of schedule and is due to be completed by the end of March instead of the end of May.  The one of the new eastbound lanes was opened for travel on March 14th.  The new project, when complete, with feature four lanes of travel between Larkbunting Drive and Cory Lake Blvd. and will include new traffic lights at the back entrance to Hunter's Green (Highland Oak Drive), the entrance to Arbor Greene.  There will be enhanced lights at the existing intersection at Kinnan St. and renovated sidewalks.  With a budget of $6.9 million, the project does not include the segment of Cross Creek Blvd. between Cory Lake Blvd. and Morris Bridge Rd.Homes For Sale in New Tampa, New Tampa Real Estate, New Homes in New Tamp... 03/17/2007

The $41 million Florida Department of Transportation project is underway at the intersection of Bruce B. Downs and I-75.  Construction is expected to last two years and motorists can expect road closures and detours.  When complete, the new flyover ramp will allow drivers travelling south on BBD to access I-75 south without stopping at a traffic light.  According to the Tampa Tribune, the project timetable is as follows:Mid-March to Summer 2007-Driving test piles into the ground.March 2007-Install temporary barrier wall along the left lanes in each direction of I-75.March 2007 to Fall 2008-Work at the BBD entrance ramps to northbound I-75.March 2007-Set barrier wall along right lands and traffic shifts on BBD in both directions.Summer 2007-Driving production piles into the ground.Summer... 03/17/2007

The number of homes listed for sale in Tampa crept slightly upwards this week, while the number of pending contracts followed suit. And 135 residential properties went under contract in Tampa since March 9th (and as of this post) Some facts about those homes: Average List Price = $282,028Average Bed/Baths = 3/1.89Average Size = 1645 htd/cooled sqft.Average Year Built = 1980Highest Priced Home = 7307 Pelican Island (Dana Shores Area) Listed by Coldwell Banker MLS grid WO16 has the most new contracts with 6! This is the Palm River Townhomes off of US 41 and Palm River Rd. 03/16/2007

Welcome to Citrus Park! Come and visit Big Cat Rescue!  Big Cat Rescue is a hidden jewel at the end of a dirt road in Citrus Park. The address is 12802 Easy Street, Tampa, Florida 33625. This amazing cat sanctuary is a retirement home for over 100 big cats. Take your pick of many different types of tours:day toursnight toursfeeding toursschool tours You can even have your wedding at Big Cat Rescue!This educational sanctuary does not receive ANY government funding and must rely on the generosity of individual donors. Recently, Big Cat Rescue was the proud recipient of WEDU's People's Choice Award! They always have volunteer opportunities and will gladly accept your donation. Give Big Cat Rescue a call at (813) 920-4130 to schedule a visit. Or visit their website at www.BigCatRescue.org. ... 03/15/2007

Welcome to Citrus Park in Hillsborough County, Florida! Citrus Park is an unincorporated town of over 25,000 residents. On the map, we are located about 9 miles northwest of Tampa. Citrus Park is convenient to the Veteran's Expressway, Tampa International Airport, and the beautiful white sandy beaches in Pinellas County.Today I'd like to invite you to visit Westfield Citrus Park Mall. On March 3, 1999, this unique mall opened as Citrus Park Town Center. It features over 185 stores. The overall theme is "Main Street USA." Westfield Citrus Park boasts a 20-screen Regal Cinema and its anchor stores are Macys, Dillards, JCPenney, and Sears.  The structure is bright and airy, with beautiful fountains and lots of sunlight.BJ's Restaurant and Beerhouse is opening in the summer and Dick's Sport... 03/15/2007

The flyover ramp which will allow southbound travelers on Bruce B. Downs in New Tampa to access I-75 South without stopping at a light has begun.  The project is expected to take two years to complete.  Road closures on Bruce B. Downs will occur at times between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. and alternate access to New Tampa will be via Fletcher Avenue and S.R. 56.  Construction is expected to take two years. 03/15/2007

Once again, The Shoppes of New Tampa in Wesley Chapel (S.R. 56 & Bruce B. Downs) will be the location of the Taste of New Tampa! The New Tampa Community Council will host its 14th annual Taste of New Tampa & Business & Health Expo on Sunday, May 6th, 2007, 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Shoppes of New Tampa, located at SR 56 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd.Russ Perlowski::Tampa Real Estate--Selling Homes in Tampa, Land O Lakes, and Wesley Chapel, FL 03/09/2007

New Tampa:The development of the final remaining residential land in Tampa Palms is underway and models are expected to open in April.  With a total of 198 lots, the builder paid $7.4 million for the land late last year. Five models will be offered and the  new homes will feature arched windows, stonework and brick paved driveways.  Prices on these homes will start at $330,000.Russ Perlowski::Tampa Real Estate--Selling Homes in Tampa, Land O Lakes, and Wesley Chapel, FL 03/07/2007

According to an article in today's edition of The Tampa Tribune, the private-equity firm that bought out Trump Tower Tampa in November is under federal investigation.  The specific nature of the investigation has not been disclosed, however it has been reported that they have been recently questioned by the Internal Revenue Service and records have been subpoenaed.  According to Donald Trump's office, a New York hedge fund is negotiating to provide the necessary financing for the project on Ashley Drive in downtown Tampa.  The lingering question....,will Trump Tower Tampa ever go up????? Tampa Real Estate, New Tampa Real Estate, Wesley Chapel Real Estate, Homes For Sale in Wesley Chapel, Homes For Sale in New Tampa, New Tampa Realtor, Wesley Chapel Realtor, 03/06/2007

The established community of Carrollwood has been very popular in Tampa for a long time.  Originally, Carrollwood was the area developed around Lake Carroll; then Carrollwood Village was developed.  Today, surrounding areas are generally included when referring to this area of Tampa.The following is a snapshot of home sales in Carrollwood for homes sold in February of 2007 above $250,000.                                                                                                                                             Russ Perlowski::Tampa Real Estate--Selling Homes in Tampa, Land O Lakes, and Wesley Chapel, FL 03/05/2007

The Carrollwood Cultural Center is expected to open this year.  Located at Casey Road and Lowell Rd. in Carrollwood Village, the Center is currently operating out of the annex next door while the addition and renovations are being made on the former St. Mark's Episcopal Church.                                                               The design and plans have been a joint effort between The Friends of the Carrollwood Cultural Center and Hillsborough County.  The new two story addition will include the lobby/reception area and recital rooms will be upstairs.                                                                   Additional info on planned events of the Carrollwood Cultural Center can be found at their website:  http://www.carrollwoodcenter.org/Russ Perlowski::Tampa Real E... 03/05/2007

The Carrollwood Area Business Association will hold its EXPO 2007 on March 21, 2007 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Carrollwood Day School (1515 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa).  Admission is free and there will be door prizes and complimentary refreshments.  This is a good event for networking, so bring plenty of business cards.  Business attire is suggested.Russ Perlowski::Tampa Real Estate--Selling homes in Tampa, Land O Lakes, and Wesley Chapel, Florida 03/05/2007

Hunter's Green is a master-planned Golf community located in New Tampa.Hunter's Green features nature preserves, protected animal feeding area, parks, Hunters Green Tennis and Athletic Center and last but not least the Hunters Green Country Club, Visit our website to see what Hunter's Green has to offer.The Hunter's Green communityI will be glad to show you this neighborhood or similar golf community in the area.Mario Levesque,Wesley Chapel Realtor , Broker AssociatePeople's Choice Realty Services,  Tampa, Florida cell:  813-857-6918fax: 866-252-9511Web:  http://www.ajmasters.com/Web:  http://wesleychapelrealestate.mfr.mlxchange.com/Web:  http://www.agentfreebies.com/Blog:  http://www.ajmasters.com/blog/Friendly, professional services always Looking for homes for Sale near Tampa Florida... 03/03/2007

One week’s activity doesn’t make a trend. But looking back at the last month or so, the state of residential real estate in Tampa has remained fairly stable with respect to supply and demand. The number of active listings in the City of Tampa has not changed much over the last 7 days, nor has the number of pending listings, or listings under contract to be sold. With respect to buyer activity, 157 listings have gone under contract in the last week alone. Here are some statistics on what the happy sellers have to offer: They are selling homes that average: A list price of $280,000About 3 beds and 2 bathsAbout 1600sqft of heated/cooled living areaA year built of 1975 The highest priced home to find a buyer this week is listed at $1.895m and is on Davis Islands in South Tampa. This Davis ... 03/03/2007

The construction of the 19,568 sq. ft. Community Center is now underway, now that groundbreaking for this facility was held this past week.  The recreation center will have a kitchen/snack bar, multi-purpose room, gymnastics area, and lobby.  Removable equipment will be in the gymnastics area where aerobics and dance can also be held.The New Tampa half-acre skate park will feature modular ramps that can be moved, providiing for more flexibility.  Local skateboarders and BMX riders will be pleased to have a nearby site.  The cost of the rec center is expected to be $3.7 million and the skate park's cost is estimated at $500,000.  When I drove by the site yesterday on Commerce Park Blvd., in Tampa Palms, next to the Liberty Middle School and Freedom High School Campus, I noticed that the ... 03/02/2007

The average price of a condo sold in Tampa in January was $208,379 compared to January, 2006 which was $209,959.  116 condos were sold in Tampa in January compared to 207 a year ago. One - two years ago we saw a large number of new condo conversions.  In some cases they have "reconverted" and gone back to apartment complexes.  Active condo conversions in Tampa continue to offer attractive incentives to buyers.*Russ Perlowski, Tampa Real Estate--Selling homes in Tampa, Land O Lakes, and Wesley Chapel, FL *Source:  GTAR MLS Statistics for January 2007. 03/02/2007