Rick's Brandon, Florida Real Estate Blog

Is your Brandon Area home getting ready to expire in the MLS?

2008-11-18T12:02:32Z

If your home has been listed in the MLS, and it is getting ready to expire, I would like to make a few suggestions...

Get a new agent... May I suggest me...
Set up the new listing to begin the day after the current listing expires...
Go on a nice vacation for a few days...
Don't forward your home phone to your cell phone... and you might consider NOT sending it to voice mail...

Why you ask?

Because it is going to get ugly. Seriously. It is kind of funny, I talk with agents all over... not just Tampa, but all over the US... and they often say the same thing. "I'm not really looking for sellers, I am looking for buyers." And it is an odd thing to hear since as a newly expired listing you will recieve...

93 phone calls... these will start at about 6:00 AM the day your house expires...
165 letters... ok, some will be postcards, others will be letters... and then...
3 packages... like FedEx, DHL or UPS. These will be touting the senders super hero like abilities...
8 door knocks from agents... these may also start pretty early on the day of expiration...

There is a madness to the method...

The reason that you will be inundated is that it works. It doesn't work a lot, but if they contact a couple hundred people, there will be a couple that might fly. For these agents, this is their job. It is referred to as prospecting. You and your home have been reduced to being a prospect... a number...

I've been through the sales coaching. I know the drill... Make 35 calls a day, 5 days a week. From that, expect to get 10 appointments and from that, 4 listings, "it's a numbers game".

But here is the problem...

Somewhere in the process, you became a number. Instead of spending time putting together marketing packages for homes, they are only putting together marketing packages for themselves... If they list enough properties, something will sell. Your property is a number, not a priority.

It doesn't have to be that way!

Your not just a number to me, you won't likely get a phone call from me... and certainly not at 6:00am. You might see a newsletter. If you contact me, you certainly WILL get a package regarding listing information. But, instead of dreaming up ways to market ME... I am dreaming up ways to market YOUR HOME. I am building web sites that are just for and about your home. I am looking for ways to better connect with the buyers that are in the market now. I am looking at market data and trends to see what is working. I am looking at the analytics of the marketing I have done so that I can better see what has worked.

It isn't about me. I don't want to be famous. I don't want 1000 listings. I don't need to market for my ego.

It IS about making YOUR home sell.

I do have to spend a little bit of time promoting myself... I do need some listings. But I try not to be annoying about it. I have dealt with pushy agents. The can do really well... but I think that an agent that concentrates on getting homes sold can do better than an agent that concentrates on getting themselves sold.

I look forward to hearing from you and discussing our marketing plan for your home.

Rick Frissell, Agent- Diamond Dwellings Realty

Re-printed from LiliburnDwellings.Com

Salute to the Marine Corp

2008-11-15T14:19:51Z

Happy 233rd Birthday U.S. Marine Corp.

This past week we celebrated Veterans Day and The U.S. Marine Corp's 233rd Birthday. I ran across this very nicely done salute to the Marine's done by GoDaddy.Com and I had to share. I salute all Veterans and all of my family. friends and clients who are/where veterans and or Marines. God Bless all of our service men and women.

Click here: Happy 233rd Birthday to the United States Marine Corps!

Rick Frissell- Diamond Dwellings Realty

The Palmetto Club at FishHawk Ranch - Lithia Florida

2008-11-13T11:29:27Z

FishHawk Ranch, an award-winning, master-planned community in southeast Hillsborough County, has a reception hall perfect for weddings, anniversary parties, company functions and special events. The facility features a 5,200 square foot ballroom that can be divided into three smaller rooms for more intimate gatherings. Spacious outdoor veranda and garden areas, a conference room, pre-function area, and catering kitchen all add to the versatility of the club. The facility is located conveniently, right in the heart of the community.

I have attended two functions at the Palmetto Club and they have both been awesome and first class in every way. If you have a wedding, reception or other function coming up, check this place out. I think you will like it.

The Palmetto Club is located at 17004 Dorman Road Lithia, FL 33547 and can be reached at 813-657-0062

View Map

Rick Frissell- Diamond Dwellings Realty

Palmetto Club Website

Brandon Florida YMCA Holds Fund Raiser

2008-11-12T15:51:45Z

The Brandon Area YMCA presents......

Take a trip Down Under at the 2008 Corks & Forks fundraising event, to be held poolside on November 22 from 7-10pm at the Campo Family YMCA's new Family Fun Pool, the event will feature wines and beer from Australia and New Zealand, as well as delicious tastes from a selection of local restaurants.

During the event, guests will enjoy live and silent auctions with exciting items including several beach condos, autographed sports memorabilia, unique gift baskets, and more. Guests will enjoy Australian themed décor and entertainment while mingling on the pool decks surrounding the Campo YMCA's three pools.

Tickets are $50 for YMCA members and $75 for non-members. All proceeds benefit the YMCA's Building Strong Kids Campaign, which helps make YMCA participation possible for children and families in the Brandon area regardless of their financial circumstances.

This is a great cause, so get out and support it if you can.

Rick Frissell ~ Diamond Dwellings Realty

For any of your real estate needs, please give us a call. 813-653-1241

YMCA Building Strong Kids Campaign

I'm Ready... The Shotgun is Loaded If My Neighbor Returns to My Backyard!

2008-11-11T13:53:56Z

I'm not usually a violent man...

I have never been much for violence. As a matter of fact I don't even own a gun or rifle. Now I am not one that is against the NRA or anybody that owns a gun.

As a matter of fact, I had to borrow a gun from a friend of mine so I could protect my property. I borrowed a 410 Shotgun from Jim. I distinctly remember the conversation.

Me: Jim, I need to borrow one of your guns.

Jim: You need a gun?

Me: Yeah, for tonight.

Jim: What's going on?

Me: I want to shoot my neighbor.

Jim: What for?

Me: I found out this morning that he and his family were in my backyard last night.

Jim: Well, you want a .22? It's not likely to kill him, but he'll know your serious.

Me: No, I want to kill him and any of the rest of his family I can get at the same time.

Jim: Your going to need my 410 Shotgun most likely, but you'll want to be within 30 yards of him.

Me: Oh, I'll be within 30 yards. I just need to wait for him and his brude to start coming up my backyard and BAM!

Now anybody that has been following my blogs knows I love River Hills here in Valrico and I have loved my neighbors up until now. Those that follow my blogs may recall that I live on a conservation area. Eleven hundred acres of natural Florida woods split in the middle by the Alafia River.

But, now there is a problem neighbor.

Hogs have come from the woods and torn up about a third of my backyard.

Now, the truth is I really am one of those non hunters that respect the rights of others to hunt. But, I am going to call a trapper to solve this problem.

I suspect I will learn a few things about pigs and how to keep them from destroying my backyard.

But, a little help from my friends will be accepted. So what should I do?

Rick Frissell ~ Diamond Dwellings Realty ~ Valrico, Florida.

813 340 6828

The Devil's is in the Details: Closing Escrow

2008-11-10T20:49:32Z

Closing Escrow

The final phase of purchasing a home is called closing escrow or "The Closing" as real estate agents call it. The closing has six steps leading to the completion of the process. All of these steps are important and they are as follows:

STEP #1 Opening the Title Order

An "escrow" or "sales" contract (agreement to purchase) starts the process.

STEP #2 Processing the File

Processing the file is when tax information, loan payoffs, survey if necessary, homeowner/maintenance fees, inspections/reports, and hazard and other insurances as well as legal papers are ordered and title commitments/preliminary reports are reviewed and sent out.

STEP #3 Title Search

Search made of the public records. Records searched include deeds, mortgages, paving assessments, liens, wills, divorce settlements and other documents affecting title to the property.

STEP #4 Title Examination

Title examination is the examination of the documents found during the title search that affect the title to the property. This is when verification of the legal owner is made and the debts owed against the property are determined.

STEP #5 Document Preparation and/or Request to Produce

Review lender instructions/ requirements, review instructions from other parties to transaction, review legal and loan documents, assemble charges, and prepare closing statements and set closing.

STEP #6 Settlement/Closing the Transaction

Escrow/Settlement officer oversees closing of transaction. Seller signs deed, buyer signs new mortgage, Old loan is paid off, new mortgage is signed. Seller, real estate agents, attorneys and other parties to the transaction are paid. Documents are recorded in the county in which the property is located.

If you have any questions concerning the closing of escrow or any other real estate related topic, please give us a call.

Rick Frissell- Diamond Dwellings Realty

813-653-1241

Lithia, Florida- FishHawk Ranch Home Sales '07 to '08

2008-11-10T16:08:33Z

SALES COMPARISONS 2007 to 2008

APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF DWELLINGS:

3,987

CURRENT NUMBER LISTED FOR SALE:

189

CURRENT PERCENTAGE FOR SALE:

4.87%

RATE OF FORECLOSURE:

8.45%

AVG. SALES PRICE FOR 2007:

$368,724.

AVG. SALES PRICE FOR 2008 YEAR TO DATE:

$333,552.

DECREASE 2007 TO 2008 YEAR TO DATE:

-9.54%

CURRENT PRICE RANGE:

$80,000.

$1,698,000.

Statistics As Of: 11/09/2008 From Mid-Florida Regional MLS

Rick Frissell- Diamond Dwellings Realty 813-653-1241

Free Florida MLS Search

Original Post on Brandon Dwellings Real Estate Blog

John Costin RiverHills Resident - Art Show November 15th

2008-11-05T20:22:37Z

Now is the chance to view spectacular art by nationally known artist John Costin. Mr. Costin has been recognized across the country with awards for his outstanding bird portraiture. His talent for art is through his skill of the Intaglio Printing Process.

In addition to viewing his artwork, John Costin will be available to explain his process. Make plans to attend and "Meet the Artist."

Rick Frissell ~ Diamond Dwellings Realty

813 653 1241

It's Nov. 4th and I Voted For ...

2008-11-04T09:04:40Z

Ah yes, this day has finally arrived!

I actually love voting day. This is the best day of the election process. Yes, a lot has to do with the fact that this morning is the beginning of the end of campaigning and campaign television ads. But, there are a couple of fundamental reasons I love this day other than the end of campaigning.

The Bedside Alarm Sounded Early

The alarm went of at 5:00 AM this morning, but it was not required. Since I rise early, this mornings alarm was for security reasons. Although I seldom have the alarm as my wake up notification, I knew that minutes either way this morning would put me way back in the line to vote. There are a lot of ambitious neighbors in River Hills.

Our precinct for River Hills, in Valrico, is at the clubhouse. If your early, as I usually am, you get to sit on a chair next to the entrance doors of the poll. As the second person in line, I know that my wait to vote is limited to exactly one hour. Polls open at 7:00 AM and so the wait time for me is now established.

But, the best part is sitting with neighbors for each election. I always meet someone new in our community and I always am sitting with someone I know.

This year I met Nancy for the first time. Nancy is a Dermatologist with her office in Brandon. Her issue is health cars, "of course" she adds. She is also active in mission trips, in particular to Haiti and Dominican Republic. Missions work is a topic of great passion for our family as four family members go to different parts of the world to serve those that have tremendous needs.

Ken lives on the same street and he was there. Ken and his family moved in this past summer and is enjoying the opportunity to be a part of our community.

Ruth from a couple of houses down the street was also there. "Yes, we got hit by the hogs!" I told her.

Her family and our family live on a beautiful conservation area that backs right up to River Hills. There are plans to submit a separate blog on "Life Backed up to Conservation" at a later time. As positive as our experiences over the last 10 years have been, we woke to a backyard uprooted by wild hogs. Stay tuned for that very next blog on that story!

7:00 AM and the line is alredy beginning to build!

But besides catching up with the neighbors and meeting new neighbors, this is a great day for a greater reason. I get to cast my vote!

That statement seems so simple and cliche. But, the candidates can not be more opposed in views than we have had running for the office of President in many years. I guess in the past having my candidate win was stressful. This election I don't feel the stress.

Oh, it is not because I am not passionate about my vote. I am! But I probably have more faith in my fellow Americans then ever before. So as this day ends and the votes are counted, I could find my candidate is "President Elect" or I could be on the losing side.

But, regardless of what side I end up on, I feel good about our process as much as I always have. Sometime tonight we will have one man concede and the other accept. And our country will continue to be great. And that is why, each time I vote, I know it is another vote for our freedoms.

Rick Frissell ~ Diamond Dwellings Realty

813 653 1241

Halloween Tips and Reminders

2008-10-31T08:57:05Z

Trick-or-Treaters

Carry a flashlight
Walk, don't run.
Stay on Sidewalks
Obey traffic signals
Stay in familiar neighborhoods
Don't cut across yards or driveways.
Wear a watch you can read in the dark.
Make sure costumes don't drag on the ground.
Shoes should fit (even if they don't go with your costume)
Avoid wearing masks while walking from house to house.
Carry only flexible knives, swords or other props.
If no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic
Wear clothing with reflective markings or tape.
Approach only houses that are lit.
Stay away from and don't pet animals you don't know.

Parents

Take a cell phone, a flashlight and a watch.
Make your child eat dinner before setting out.
Children should carry quarters so they can call home.
Ideally, young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult.
If your children go on their own, be sure they wear a watch.
If you buy a costume, look for one made of flame-retardant material.
Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home.
You should know where they're going.
Tell children to bring the candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.
Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect.

Have a great time with the kids, but be safe.

Rick Frissell- Diamond Dwellings Realty

7 Rules for Selling Your Home Fast in a Down Market

2008-10-26T08:39:12Z

Everyone knows the troubles the real estate market has suffered over the past couple of years. Most folks have stayed clear of the market unless they absolutely had to move. If you truly want to move or must move, here are seven rules that I have found will help in selling your home quickly in any real estate market:

Price the home properly. Buyers search by price range. Positioning your property in the highest range decreases the likelihood people will see it. A middle of the range price will attract more buyers than one at the highest level.

Have information available. Deals fall apart when the buyer has unanswered questions. Work with the seller to have key information available, including cost of utilities and taxes, neighborhood liens and covenants, and an evaluation of the schools.

Insist on an excellent flyer. A well thought out and informative flyer with multiple photos get's peoples attention. People are much more likely to pick up and read a flyer than they are to call the number on the "For Sale" sign.

Use a Realtor who utilizes videos to market your home. While a virtual tour is better than a couple of still photos, home buyers are increasingly interested in seeing a video tour of their prospective new home. These can be used in various marketing campaigns including websites, Blogs and e-mail.Market to your neighbors.

Market to people who live in the same neighborhood. The odds are, if they like the neighborhood, they may want their friends or relatives to live close by and could influence them to by your home.

Offer creative financing if practical. Many home buyers these days are finding money and or financing is a large stumbling block in buying a home. If you are in a position to offer down payment or owner-financing consider it.

Be prepared to except a purchase offer. In the reality of today's real estate market, holding out for a better offer may be a big mistake if the offer is reasonable. Remember, a bird in the hand beats two in the bush.

Rick Frissell, Diamond Dwellings Realty 813-653-1241

Re Posted from: the Brandon Dwellings Real Estate Blog

Third Annual Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Presented by the Brandon Ballet Nov. 2nd

2008-10-24T10:20:20Z

The Brandon Ballet has planned a magical afternoon for you for the showing of the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea. You will not want to miss this opportunity to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, Arabian Princess and Company Dancers!

Two Seatings: 1-3 PM and 4-6 PM

Tickets: $25 Adults, $20 Students 17 & Younger

Sunday November 2, 2008

River Hills Country Club - 3943 New River Hills Parkway - Valrico, FL

Call Brandon Ballet for tickets at 813-684-4282 to order via VISA/MC or visit their office at 161 East Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon. Office hours are M-F 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., M-Th 3:30 - 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. At the Tea make sure you visit our “Nutcracker Gift Shoppe” for Early Holiday shopping! Special items for Brandon Ballet’s 15th Anniversary Celebration, as well as beautiful novelties and Nutcracker shirts, Nutcracker tickets and more, will be available for purchase!

Rick Frissell Diamond Dwellings Realty

Third Annual Life Is Good Pumpkin Festival at FishHawk Ranch October 25th.

2008-10-24T08:27:42Z

Are you looking for some fun and at the same time help a good cause? Then plan on participating at the Newland Communities sponsored "Life is Good Pumpkin Festival at FishHawk Ranch."

And while everyone in the community is having fun, all proceeds from the day's events go to the support of Life Is Good Kids Foundation. The foundation will split the donations between two awesome charities - Home Aid and Project Joy.

Since this is the third year, organizers have really become pretty good at planning this event and they have added "The World's Greatest Backyard Athlete Competition.

Nothing But Winners At This Competion!

There are events for everyone! How about testing your skill in the pumkin seed spitting contest? Or, how about the disk toss or even the obstacle course? It is all friendly competition and besides having a lot of fun the cause is good.

The activities begin at 4:00 PM and will be finished by 10:00 PM at the town center. Bring a friend!

Rick Frissell- Diamond Dwellings Realty

813 340 6828

Tampa Bay on Top of the World- Hosting World Series

2008-10-20T08:26:36Z

The Tampa Bay Rays are going to the World Series after MVP Matt Garza shut down the Red Sox and the Rays clinch their first American League pennant after winning, 3-1, in ALCS Game 7.

This miracle season began with the Rays old school manager Joe Maddon, who taught a new kind of math. 9 = 8. Nine players playing hard for nine innings every day gets one of eight playoff spots. The Rays accepted the challenge and proved the equation was correct.

It's time to party, so to celebrate the Tampa Bay Rays' first American League pennant, the city of St. Petersburg is throwing a fan rally from 5:30 p.m. to about 9 today at The Pier.

The free bash will feature live entertainment, face painting and games while The Pier is illuminated in Rays blue. Free Rayhawks will be shorn into the heads of die-hard fans, and continuous video clips of the Rays' season will be shown. The Rays organization will hand out promotional giveaways, video games and more. The St. Petersburg Pier restaurants, bars and merchants will be open.

Congratulations and keep up the great work Rays.

Rick Frissell- Diamond Dwellings Realty

Annual Alafia River Challenge- Canoe & Kayak Race

2008-10-12T08:02:35Z

2008 ALAFIA CHALLENGE CANOE AND KAYAK RACE

10^th ANNUAL Race NOVEMBER 8, 2008 7:00 A.M.

Take the challenge! Come canoe or kayak the Alafia River State Canoe Trail through one of the most pristine waterways in the Tampa Bay area. The race begins at Lithia Springs Park (7:00 a.m.) and travels the beautiful Alafia River to the Riverview Civic Center.

Pre-registration: Only 350 Paddler registrations will be accepted. Register early !

Race Categories

Canoe

· Juniors (16-19 yrs old)

· Men (20 yrs and older)

· Women (20 yrs and older)

· Masters (50 yrs and older)

· Mixed Crew (men-women team)

· Parent Sibling (combo of father/mother-son/daughter 5-15 yrs old)

· Elite Canoe ("C1" or "C2")

Kayak

· Juniors (16-19 yrs old)

· Men (20 yrs and older)

· Women (20 yrs and older)

· Master's Men (50 yrs and older)

· Master's Women (50 yrs and older)

· Tandem Kayak (any age combo from above)

· Elite Men (see boat requirements)

· Elite Women Open (see boat requirements)

· Elite Tandem Kayak (see boat requirements)

Visit website at: AlafiaChallenge.com Or call: 813-684-7300

See you on the water. Rick Frissell- Diamond Dwellings Realty

Selling Your Own Home- Tips and Suggestions

2008-10-11T10:27:34Z

Before you consider selling your house yourself, ask yourself if you are going to have the time needed to sell your house - even if you just cover the basics.

The Basics

Complete an extensive research of local market conditions, including:

the listing and selling price of all houses in your area for the last six months.
the listing price of houses currently on the market, and
the listing prices of houses that were on the market but did not sell.

Tips: Begin your research on the Internet. Follow-up by visiting the county tax records office to determine the selling prices of houses.

Put together a marketing plan.

How will you market your house to real estate agents? Most buyers use a real estate agent, so marketing to real estate agents is essential. At a minimum, you'll want to send a letter and sales flyer to all real estate agents within a 30 mile radius.
How much money can you afford to devote to advertising? Call the local newspapers to determine how much it will cost for advertisements. You'll want to run daily and Sunday ads in the newspapers.
Who will create your sales flyers? Buyers expect fact sheets to take with them when they drive-by or tour a house for sale.
Where will you place signage? In addition to your front yard, is there areas leading in to your neighborhood where signage would be appropriate?
How will potential buyers find information about your house on the Internet? You'll want potential buyers who begin their house shopping on the Internet to find your house. Be sure to build a website to help sell your house.
Who will take inquiry calls and schedule appointments? You'll want someone to be available to answer inquiry calls and schedule appointments. Be sure to schedule showings as quickly as possible - even the same day.

Tips:

Ask newspapers for a discounted advertising rate for multiple placements.
Be sure to check with local officials to determine if there are any restrictions on where you place signs.
Pre-qualify buyers before showing your house.
Confirm that the potential buyer has pre-qualified for a mortgage loan.
- If the buyer is buying with cash, confirm that they have the necessary resources.
- If the purchase is contingent on the buyer selling their own house, confirm that the buyer's house is on the market. (You may also want to determine how long the buyer's house has been on the market.)

Negotiations, Contracts and Closings

Are you prepared to negotiate the contract?
Do you know what the legal responsibilities of the seller are in your area?
Who will write the contract? Will you need to hire an attorney? If so, what will be the attorney's fees?
In addition to the sales contract, you'll need to complete a Seller's Disclosure and a Lead Based Paint Disclosure.

Please give us a call or send an e-mail to receive our free FSBO Guide. 813-653-1241

Diamond Dwellings Realty

Pumpkin Festival in FishHawk Ranch- Lithia, Florida

2008-10-07T16:14:30Z

On Saturday, October 25th 2008, the third Annual Life is Good® Pumpkin Festival will be held at FishHawk Ranch in Lithia, Florida.

The events begin at 4pm and wrap up at 10pm with pumpkin carving, family-friendly games, music and great food.

All of the proceeds from the Pumpkin Festival will go to the Life is good Kids Foundation which will then be shared evenly between two extraordinary charities - HomeAid and Project Joy.

In addition to the traditional pumpkin event, this year FishHawk Ranch is excited to host the World's Greatest Backyard Athlete Competition. Come show what you've got by competing in non-traditional events, such as disk toss, pumpkin seed spitting and an obstacle course. The competition is decidedly low-key and friendly. No exceptional skills are needed for this competition. Nominate and sponsor someone from your block or your office to come out and represent what promises to be Tampa Bay's most exciting and unique competition.

We hope to see you there!

Rick Frissell- Diamond Dwellings Realty

Great Buys Coming Up at the "Boyette Springs Community Garage Sale!"

2008-10-05T09:11:18Z

The air is getting clean and fresh with fall weather aproaching and now is the time to clean out the gargage with items to sell. And then you can fill it back up with items you buy at the annual Boyette Springs Community Garage Sale in Riverview, FL.

The community wide garage sale will be on Saturday, October 25th from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Each homeowner participating will have their garage doors opened and the dirveways loaded with treasures waiting to be discovered.

While your checking out the garage sale, check out the Boyette Springs HOA web site for other activites and community news.

In the mean time, I'll see you at the garage sale!

3912 Applegate Circle Brandon, Florida 33511- Pool Home

2008-09-22T13:27:48Z

Bloomingdale Beauty

This home is a must see! Very desirable Bloomingdale Estates area 2600 sq. ft. home with over $30,000 of improvements! This beautiful 4 br 2.5 bath family home has lots of huge oaks on sprawling 1/3 acre. Bathrooms have new cabinetry, new bathtubs/showers, sinks, counter tops and crown molding. If your looking in the South Brandon/Bloomingdale area, put this home on your list.

Call Rick Frissell, Agent- Diamond Dwellings Realty

Office 813-653-1241

Direct: 813-340-6828

Lithia Florida: FishHawk Area New Schools

2008-09-19T14:17:50Z

Hillsborough County forges ahead with new school construction in the FishHawk Area of Lithia, Florida. The location for the 26 acre campus will be on land purchased by Newland Communities in 2007. These schools location are part of $50 million purchase of 1,129 acres by Newland Communities. Approval has been given by Hillsborough County for the construction of 3,200 homes and 360,000 square feet of commercial space.

The yet un-named elementary and middle school will share the same campus and will be located east of the intersection of Bell Shoals Rd. and Boyette Rd. on the south side of FishHawk Boulevard. Hillsborough County School officials state that the combined campus concept has proven to be more efficient and cost effective do the fact that the schools can share utilities, recreational areas, and parking.

Construction on the two schools is expected to begin early in 2009 and is expected to open in the fall of 2009. This growing area will definitely need more schools and this should help.

Rick Frissell

813-653-1241

Important advice from Blogger expert David Lee King

2008-09-19T01:08:37Z

Have you been wondering what to blog about? Eighty percent is inspiration and 20 percent is content. So what have you been putting in your blogs?

Blogger David Lee King asks this very important question of all of us that blog. It is only a minute and a half video but time well spent.

David Lee King and "Are You Blogging This?"

Tampa Florida: A Huge Fur Ball Is Coming!

2008-09-18T11:52:05Z

Big Cat Rescue Fund Raiser

Preparations for the 2008 Fur Ball, hosted by Fox 13's Cynthia Smoot, are under way! Details are below and more will be added as they are confirmed. The bottom half of this page contains information from the 2007 ball that is indicative of what you can expect this year.

To see Trips & Prizes, Auction Items and Last Year's Comments go to:

http://www.bigcatrescue.org

As in the past, the ball will be primarily a fun party with the brief podium time focused on details of the rescue of "Joseph's Pride" and of "Hope", our most recent orphaned Florida bobcat rescue. To see in video the progress of little Hope as we go from having her nurse on a cooperative lactating domestic cat to eventually teaching her to hunt to prepare for her release, visit Hope online at http://www.bigcatrescue.org/video/00194.htm and tune in frequently to follow her progress.

PURCHASE TICKETS: To purchase individual tickets ($150 each) go HERE or to purchase a table for ten with priority seating ($1500) go HERE

DATE & TIME: Friday, October 10, 2008 6:30PM to Midnight

LOCATION: The fabulous A La Carte Event Pavilion at 4050 Dana Shores Dr. Tampa, FL 33634 off Memorial Highway by Rocky Point Golf Course. For detailed directions and information click here

ATTIRE: We call the unique fur Ball attire "Safari Costume Formal". You can come in traditional formal attire, come in safari, cat print or jungle orientation costume, or any mix in between, such as part formal with cat print accessorizing. Be creative and have fun with it! Prizes will be awarded! Use your imagination - get wild! For examples from the past visit www.bigcatrescue.org/FurBallPhotos.htm

ACTIVITES AND CULINARY DELIGHTS:

LIVE AUCTION. Bid on FIVE custom created international trips

ROLEX RAFFLE- Win TWO elegant Rolex watches

GOURMET SEATED DINNER- Dine on a Gourmet Sit down Dinner.

COMPLIMENTARY WINE- Provided by two great wineries, Toasted Head and 3 Blind

This is an awesome cause, let's get behind it. Remember to visit the Big Cat Rescue for a tour. Click here for details and times. http://www.bigcatrescue.org/tours.htm

Fish Hawk Ranch Community Garage Sale

2008-09-08T10:58:38Z

                                              Fall Community Wide Garage Sale
                                                            October 11, 2008
                                                        8:00am until 12:00pm

Start clearing out those garages, closets, and playrooms and get ready for our Fall Garage Sale on October 11^th from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Residents can register their address and sale items either by stopping by the Resident Services Office located at the Osprey Clubhouse or by paying with the PayPal.

There is a $5.00 fee per residence which covers the cost of advertising, balloons, and signage throughout the community. The Goodwill collection trucks will be on hand from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. again in Park Square and additional collection trucks will be stationed for donations at the Osprey Club and Hawk Park.

A "Twilight" pre-sale for residents only will be added again on Friday, October 10th from 3:00 p.m. to dusk. This night will not be advertised to the public and is completely voluntary. Be sure to stop by the Osprey Club to register your home and receive your balloons as this is your receipt for payment

Lets Make it a great SALE!!

For more information

contact the Resident Services Office
813-657-6629.

Localism comes to the Brandon, Valrico and Lithia, Florida Area

2008-09-03T09:43:57Z

What is Localism?

A new website has launched, called Localism. Localism is powered by Active Rain, which is an online real estate community with over 100,000 members nationwide. The members of Active Rain have been building content about local communities for over a year, and Active Rain has organized this information into Localism.Com.

Localism.Com is designed to allow neighbors and local merchants to share what's happening in their community. It's people collectively communicating the unique flavor and nuances of where they live, work, eat, and play.

Localism is 'Old-School' in a New World portal. It's reminiscent of an earlier day when people shopped where they lived, and everyone knew their butcher. Localism makes the world smaller and more personal. It reacquaints and re-establishes the lost bonds between neighbors. It revives and restores the relational elements of what neighborhoods used to be, and should be.

Localism provides the environment where residents and business owners can create a micro-social network uniquely attuned to their individual communities. Together, they use multi-media to paint a canvas of local color and texture. Localism for their community becomes an extension of who and what they are.

While Localism has its roots in the real estate community, it is becoming so much more... by design. It has the capability of being the "Local News Section" for hundreds of thousands of communities across the country. States, Counties, Cities and even subdivisions could have information that is tailored specifically to them and updated continuously.

Are you a Business owner?

Think of the possibilities... If you have a grocery store, you could feature information for consumers from various departments; recipes, tips on keeping food fresh, upcoming promotions, etc. If you are a Dry Cleaner, you could present information about keeping your garments looking like new for longer. City Managers could post about news for residents, and HOA's could keep their residents abreast of current issues. These are not ads, but relevant information about the community.

Here is an invitation...

Diamond Dwellings Realty is sponsoring a few communities here in Hillsborough County, Florida, specifically Apollo Beach, Brandon, Bloomingdale East and West, , FishHawk Ranch, Lithia, Riverhills, Riverview, and Valrico. We invite residents, business owners, Soccer Moms, PTA's, HOA's, city officials and school administrators to join us in providing information for everyone in these communities.

In fact, regardless of where you may be in the country, chances are there is a Localism community in which you can join and participate. Some are still available to sponsor, others may be come available. But, whether a community is sponsored or not, there are plenty of opportunities to contribute and reach out to your neighbors.

Whether you are in Tampa, FL, Seattle, WA or Atlanta, GA, if you would like to take part in Localism and don't know how... feel free to let us know. We can get you set up with people that can help you out.

Rick Frissell, Agent- Diamond Dwellings Realty

813-653-1241

E-Mail: Rick@DiamondDwellings.Com

I Saw Her With My Own Eyes Walk By Faith!

2008-08-27T22:22:00Z

It was Sunday evening, this week, and I was at my parents having our weekly dinner and Sunday night movie when my cell phone rang. It was my wife.

"Honey, I have some bad news ... Fred Stubbs was in an accident this afternoon and they had to Medivac him to Tampa General Hospital." Tampa General is the hospital with the largest triage center.

Fred had been on a Sunday afternoon drive with a couple of his Christian brothers on their Harley's. The road was wet from a recent sprinkle and Fred hit standing water that took his Harley across the center line and into oncoming traffic.

I've know Fred for over 20 years and we are neighbors in River Hills in Valrico, FL. He is one of the few people I know that has a legacy while he is alive. He has led more people to the Lord than one can count. He has served the Lord since he was 12 years old.

Fred served in the Viet Nam war and has the distinction of being shot down in a helicopter, TWICE. And to beat that, he had a parachute drop in which the chute did not fully open. Fred survived all because God had a plan for him.

One of the many plans, after retiring from the military, was to be the administrative pastor of Bay Life Church in Brandon, FL and to see it grow from scores of members to today's thousands of members.

I explained to Mom and Dad that a dear friend of mine was in the emergency room and doctors are fighting to save his life. "I have to leave, I will see you next Sunday." I told them.

It was a 40 minute drive to the hospital and I prayed and cried and then I cried and prayed. Fred, also called "The Colonel," was someone you always desired to be like. He is a man's man, but full of compassion and love. He and his wife have taught marriage and family class at church forever. If you did not know Fred and Ilene you would think they were making all that lovey dovey stuff up. But they don't. They live it as they teach it. Love notes hidden where they know the other will find them. Special gifts for no special reason. Love pats in the congregation during sermons.

Fred had retired from our church last year as admin pastor, but continued to serve on the elder board. It was no surprise to me when I arrived at the hospital that many of the elders were there in the waiting room. I was also not surprised to find three other head pastors from area churchs there as well. As soon as I arrived, Ilene came running up to me to give me a hug and she thanked me for being there.

"Okay Ilene, give me an update."

"Crushed pelvis, broken arm, internal bleeding ... and they can't stop the bleeding. We need to pray that the bleeding stop" she told me.

They had gone through 40 units of blood and worse was they could not find the source of the bleeding.

It was now 10:00 PM and Fred had been in emergency for about 6 hours and nothing was improving.

It was no surprise when Fred announced at 69 years of age that he bought a Harley. Fred has never been one to slow down and certainly not get any older in his mind. Golf is a regular staple for Fred, that is when he is not at the gym working out with weights.

At about midnight the surgeon came into the waiting room. You could see the surprise on his face when he turned the corner into the waiting room only to see 40 people gathered around in prayer and fellowship. Quickly, four of Ilene's body guards ushered her to the small consulting room where doctors perform the hardest part of the operation and that is giving the prognosis to the family.

Ilene and one other close person were directed in the room and the door shut. SILENCE. It seemed forever and the air was as still as I could ever imagine. More minutes went by.

Finally the door opened and the surgeon was first to leave. Then moments later Ilene came out. For the first time there were volumes of tears.

It Was Then, That She Took a Walk in Faith

In a strong voice, a loud voice, broken in delivery by emotion, Ilene announced "The surgeon just told me that Fred is not going to make it. He says that the internal bleeding is too severe, his blood pressure is to low and his age at 70 cannot possibly hold up to it all."

Ilene continued "I aked him if he was a Christian and he said he was not. I told him 'That's okay, God can still work through your hands. You don't know Fred and you don't know the healing power of God. Now we're going to be out here praying, so you can go back in there and finish operating on Fred.'"

She then said to us, "We need to pray, right now, that they find the source of the bleeding and that it stop right now!"

The Colonel's wife had spoken. The grand order had gone out and the company of prayer soldiers understood the message and the mission.

Prayer was serious, directed and fervent.

Angel from the Church

About 1:30 AM I am standing next to Ilene by the doors that lead to the operating room. It was just the two of us praying, off to ourselves, when a nurse walks up and introduces herself to Ilene.

I did not catch her name, but I heard her to say that she was a member of our church. She heard about the accident and got dressed in her nursing uniform, as she was employed by Tampa General, and came down to the hospital. "I figured you might need some inside help" she told Ilene.

Ilene told her that the information was not coming out freely and we wre not seeing any staff to even inquire. Angel Nurse headed for the operating room.

We waited, many of us holding hands, knowing by man's reasoning there was no hope. We were told it was hopeless. But, we weren't through Walking by Faith In the Rain.

Angel Nurse returned after a few minutes. "They found what they believe is the source of the bleeding and he has stopped bleeding. At this time he is being transferred from OR to ICU. He has jumped a big hurdle tonight."

Angel Nurse led us through the back ways and short cuts to get us to ICU waiting room where one of the surgeons would soon give us an update.

The hospital congregation had grown some more by now and as we walked through the hall, a doctor by one of the nurse's desk commented "That must be one special person to have this many people here for support."

Today, Wednesday, is the fourth day of survival. Fred is clearly not out of the woods. He has to fight infection, pneumonia, repair of a crushed pelvis, repair of a broken arm that they are concerned about because of little circulation.

So we pray and Fred fights. Ilene gives us prayer orders based on intellegence handed down from OR headquarters. As with any soldier, it's one step at a time. One battle before the next and more beach head to grab.

But if anybody can do it, The Colonel can.

If you would like to keep up with this spiritual fight, there is a pretty neat "medical facebook" called CarePages. You can follow the updates and offer words of prayer, scripture and encouragement. Go to www.carepages.com. You will have to register, but it is no big deal. On the tab "Visit" enter Fred Stubbs. Then click the link WeLoveFredStubbs. You will be blessed to see the work of faith and prayer in action.

We have a big battle ahead of us and I am recruiting as many enlisted Christian soldiers as I can to volunteer. We want to keep Fred, but we also want to witness to an unbelieving medical staff. I hope to see you on on CarePages!

Rick's Brandon, Florida Real Estate Blog

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Annual Alafia River Challenge- Canoe & Kayak Race

Selling Your Own Home- Tips and Suggestions

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Tampa Florida: A Huge Fur Ball Is Coming!

Big Cat Rescue Fund Raiser

Preparations for the 2008 Fur Ball, hosted by Fox 13's Cynthia Smoot, are under way! Details are below and more will be added as they are confirmed. The bottom half of this page contains information from the 2007 ball that is indicative of what you can expect this year.

To see Trips & Prizes, Auction Items and Last Year's Comments go to:

http://www.bigcatrescue.org

PURCHASE TICKETS: To purchase individual tickets ($150 each) go HERE or to purchase a table for ten with priority seating ($1500) go HERE

DATE & TIME: Friday, October 10, 2008 6:30PM to Midnight

LOCATION: The fabulous A La Carte Event Pavilion at 4050 Dana Shores Dr. Tampa, FL 33634 off Memorial Highway by Rocky Point Golf Course. For detailed directions and information click here

ACTIVITES AND CULINARY DELIGHTS:

LIVE AUCTION. Bid on FIVE custom created international trips ROLEX RAFFLE- Win TWO elegant Rolex watches GOURMET SEATED DINNER- Dine on a Gourmet Sit down Dinner. COMPLIMENTARY WINE- Provided by two great wineries, Toasted Head and 3 Blind

Fish Hawk Ranch Community Garage Sale

Localism comes to the Brandon, Valrico and Lithia, Florida Area

I Saw Her With My Own Eyes Walk By Faith!

LIVE AUCTION. Bid on FIVE custom created international trips

ROLEX RAFFLE- Win TWO elegant Rolex watches

GOURMET SEATED DINNER- Dine on a Gourmet Sit down Dinner.

COMPLIMENTARY WINE- Provided by two great wineries, Toasted Head and 3 Blind