Anne Graffy's Blog

"Is Real Estate Picking Up"?

Anne Graffy (Re/Max Realtec Group Inc.) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:33:30 -0800

"Is Real Estate Picking Up"? People who know I'm a realtor great me with this each time we talk. What happened to how are you? Or nice day isn't it? I now have an auto responder in my brain that just takes over when the question is asked. With prices and interest rates the lowest they have been in years, it's the best time ever to buy. If your selling find a very aggressive agent and you will get your house sold despite what you are hearing out there...and how are you today? If we all want to keep buying into the economy is horrible our numbers will reflect that. In Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Palm Harbor and the West Coast Beaches things really are moving along. Less inventory, things priced correctly for current market value are selling. The banks giving away homes that have been foreclosed will still pull down values. I find it ironic that the banks can't get short sales with good solid offers closed, but they can foreclose and sell the homes for far less then appraised values. If we all ran our business that way we would be on the streets. Enough said! Is real estate picking up for you?

Liposuction for a Cause!

Anne Graffy (Re/Max Realtec Group Inc.) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:45:01 -0700

Well I thought I had heard everything until Dr. Thomas Su a Tampa area Liposuction expert said he will donate money to any charity his patient chooses based on the dollar amount of their procedure. He feels with the tough economy people can't afford cosmetic procedures and still have money for charity; which depends heavily on donations.

So Realtors, if this tough economy is wearing your body down and some rejuvenation is needed go to ArtLipo.com or call the clinic at 727-372-3990. Take a look at this great way to get rid of body fat and give to your favorite charity at the same time. My favorite charity is Habitat for Humanity!

Eco Crafted Homes

Anne Graffy (Re/Max Realtec Group Inc.) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:45:59 -0700

Southern Crafted Homes in Pasco County is building Eco Crafted Homes. Southern Crafted is a locally owned builder that has been in the Tampa area for nearly 20 years. They have gone the extra mile despite the economy and have begun building homes that are energy efficient, conserve water, have a healthier home environment, and are reducing utility bills for the home owner. These homes are Energy Star certified. For home owners feeling the crunch of the economic times and rising utility bills this home is the answer.

As an Eco-Broker and member of the Florida Green Building Coalition, I can't say enough about a builder who does the right thing. These homes will benefit the owners and the environment. Survey after homeowner survey, people say this is what they want. As a Realtor it is our job to educate buyers on the benefits of an energy efficient "Eco Friendly" home and now we have an awesome eco friendly product in our area to sell.

Pasco County is going Green

Anne Graffy (Re/Max Realtec Group Inc.) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:54:25 -0700

The term 'shades of green' refers to the builders or sellers claiming to have 'green' homes. They may install energy star appliances, or energy rated windows and consider this 'green'. It is a growing problem because consumers, realtors and the builders do not have formal guidelines for the label 'green' home.

Pasco County is working to change that. The Pasco County Commission is working hard to complete a Pasco Green Building Ordinance which will be optional for builders, developers and remodeling. It will have clearly defined measurement parameters and reporting criteria. Pasco County is not reinventing the wheel with the Pasco Green Building Ordinance, they are using well established guidelines from LEED: Leadership in Energy and Enviromental Design rating system of the U. S. Green Building Council. NAHB: National Association of Home Builders Green Home Program and FGBC: Florida Green Building Coalition.

As Realtors we need to step up our education in this growing market. I obtained my Eco-Broker certification. It is available on line and it has changed the way I think about the homes I sell and is vital if we are going to sell 'green' certified homes.

Pasco County is taking a leadership role to establish a more sustainable community and the commision is asking that more Realtors get involved. If you would like the dates, time and place, please contact me via e-mail.