We keep seeing the fallout of this economy - thanks for the update from Sharon Simms...

Via Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.):

This afternoon Wells Fargo foreclosed on Baywalk retail complex in downtown St. Petersburg. Other developers had expressed interest, but none placed a winning bid today.

Baywalk was a critical part in the redevelopment of St. Petersburg, and hopefully will again be a popular and successful destination. We enjoy Gratzzi's Italian restaurant, which is one of the original tenants. Chico's is another early tenant, as is Muvico. The existing businesses and restaurants will continue operating.

It's expected that Wells Fargo Bank will redevelop and improve the property prior to placing it actively for sale.

 

This is a great post that answers most the questions people have about the new tax credit.....

Via Debe Maxwell 704.491.3310 Charlotte NC Real Estate (Helen Adams Realty):
Congress Approved the $8,000 Tax Credit For Homebuyers.  Here are answers to frequently asked questions.  

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About the $8,000. Federal Tax Credit
Q:

A:

How much is the tax credit?

The tax credit would be $8,000 or 10% of the purchase price, whichever is less.


Q:

A:

Who is eligible?

Similar to the $7,500 tax credit included in the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, the $8,000 tax credit (included in the 2009 economic stimulus plan) is available for the purchase of the primary residence by first-time homebuyers.


Q:

A:

If this is for first-time homebuyers, how do I know if I am eligible for the tax credit?

According to the IRS, any taxpayer who has not owned a home during the 3 years prior to the date of purchase can qualify for the credit.


Q:

A:

Do I have to repay the $8,000.?

No.  Unlike the previous $7,500 tax credit, the $8,000. does not have to be repaid UNLESS, the home is sold within three years of purchase; at that time, the credit will be reversed.


Q:

A:

Are there any income limitations on the tax credit?

Yes.  The tax credit is strictly for individuals with adjusted gross income of under $75,000 or $150,000 for joint filers.




Shop for YOUR Charlotte home HERE!Now that you're qualified for the Tax Credit, let's go shopping for Charlotte NC homes for sale today!



Debe in Charlotte


About the author:

Quality Service CertifiedDebe Maxwell is a Charlotte Residential Real Estate Broker, Certified Neighborhood & Relocation Specialist, ABR & e-PRO who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Charlotte NC Metro Area.  If you're relocating to or from any other area of the country, Debe connects you with any member of her team of relocation professionals in your destination or exit city of choice.  The destination service is of no cost to you!  The Maxwell House Group's quality service guarantee puts this team far ahead of the competition; providing unsurpassed customer service is their #1 priority!  Debe Maxwell -- Helen Adams Realty -- 704.491.3310
Copyright© 2009 By Debe Maxwell, All Rights Reserved...**$8,000 Federal Tax Credit FAQ **



Disclaimer:  All information provided by this author is strictly an opinion, is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.


 

Clearwater Florida I know we're all a little dizzy from the Stock Market plunge this week - so are you wondering what caused this to happen? 

Here's an excellent article by Matt Heaton on why it happened and what we might see next.  

Via Matt Heaton:

Sorry, I didn't get a chance to do updates during the week, things were moving so fast that I barely had the time to keep on top of them myself.  Pretty much everybody is fixated on the "crash" in the stock markets with major US indexes plunging about 17% on the week, but equity markets are just a symptom, it's important to look at the cause. 

The deterioration in the credit markets on a daily basis was simply stunning, and resulted in a near lock down of both intrabank lending and financial commercial paper markets by the end of the week.

Bond market dislocates

We saw what is referred to as a dislocation in the bond market early this week, and these types of dislocations, historically without fail have lead to stock market crashes.  Basically we had money fleeing long term US treasury bonds, causing their price to plummet and thus the yield to increase.  This happened at the same time the opposite occurred in short term US treasury bonds as people flocked to safety, and at times in the week even drove the yield on 13 week treasuries negative (yes it is possible). 

There is a very strong correlation between equities (stocks) and bonds, as money moves out of stocks it typically moves into bonds and vice versa.  So if stock prices are going up, bond prices are going down.  We saw this correlation totally destroyed this week, as stocks were crashing, long bond prices were plummeting (yields increasing). This indicates capital (probably foreign capital) fleeing long term US treasuries.  Chart below of the ten year treasury yield and second the DOW during the week. Yes, this is VERY bad.

What caused the dislocation?

Simply put it was CAUSED by the $700B bailout and the FED's buying of the commercial paper early this week.  The reason is simple supply and demand economics. It was something many people saw coming and I mentioned was one of the reasons I was so adamant the bailout had to be stopped.  The bailout means the US Treasury has to issue significantly more long term US Treasuries to fund it at the same time the demand for them is staying essentially flat or possibly even decreasing.  Increased supply with flat demand means prices of long term treasuries are going way down and yields (interest rates) are going way up.  It's not rocket science. Even though the treasuries have yet to issued the bond market is beginning the process of pricing it in.

The more we try to bail things out the higher we will force long term interest rates, ultimately extending and deepening the real economic pain.  If the stock market had not crashed at the same time forcing money into bonds to hide, we would have seen an absolute explosion in long term rates this week.

What does it mean?

As a real estate agent or loan officer the implications will probably scare the you know what out of you.  Rates are almost certainly going much higher over the next few months, and I think there is a probability of a 1930's style bond market collapse being triggered.  If this type of bond market collapse does occur, we're not talking a 1 or 2% increase in rates, I'm talking at minimum double where they are now and in the space of a year.  Yes, I know it that seems improbable, but it's happened before under similar circumstances.

Below is a chart of the 1930's bond market collapse, and we are almost matching the event chain and timing perfectly (we're finishing the flight to quality stage).  While i hope history does not repeat, our policy makers seem dead set on following the exact same ill fated path and the bailout may have pushed us across the event horizon.

 

* Lower bond prices mean higher yield/interest rates.

Credit market indicators

I mentioned above many indicators of stress in the credit markets went through unbelievable deterioration on a daily basis during the week.  One of the main ones I watch is the TED spread which is the spread between 3 month treasury yields and 3 month LIBOR rates.  The higher it goes the more stress. This is because short term treasury yields drop in times of fear because they are considered the safest place to stash money while LIBOR will increase as banks become more fearful of lending.

The long term average spread is about 30 basis points and anything over 200 basis points is crisis mode.  We started the week at 382 basis points and continuously ramped to finish at 464 basis points.

As indicated by TED spread LIBOR rates continued to explode during the week.  Overnight LIBOR rates ramped to well over 4% as banks became fearful of lending to each other, until collapsing on Friday due to coordinated central bank action.  But 3 month LIBOR continued on it's ramp and is now close to double what is was a couple months ago. LIBOR rates are extremely important because there is over $300T in worldwide debt that is in someway tied to these rates.  So they go up, borrowing costs for banks and businesses go way up, and almost every business is reliant on credit to some degree.

From a banking perspective banks often borrow at LIBOR and lend at a rate tied to the the FED's target rate.  So the increasing spreads and other effects on the yield curve are absolutely destroying the ability of the banks and other financial institutions ability to make money.

Other significant events

* Iceland's banking and financial system collapses during the week forcing them into official bankruptcy on Friday

* Hungary's bond market collapses

* Japan's main banks began firewalling themselves off from other world banks and refusing to lend

* World equity markets plunged, in most cases worse than US's, with trading suspended indefinitely by several of them including Russia

* G7 meetings going on this weekend and everybody is scrambling for a solution

Stock market stuff

Even though I'm a very active trader myself I generally avoid talking about stock markets on my blog here at ActiveRain.  I try to keep it to credit markets that have a direct impact on rates and loan availability and thus the real estate industry.  The stock plunge we've seen in the last couple weeks has certainly been pretty devastating, for comparison here's the 2000 dot com crash on a monthly chart vs. our current one.

For many reasons both technical and fundamental I think we are very overdue to a violent snap back rally in this bear market, possibly starting this week, but we probably have a long ways to go still before we put in an ultimate bottom.  So be safe...

 

Well if you were like me sitting in my house watching the Presidential debates last night you were probably surprised (ok I thought I would fall out of my seat) to hear John McCain drop a bomb...a substantial new program for homeowners. Rolling the Dice on Mortgage Solutions I was sitting there wondering:

  • How many bailouts can our economy handle?
  • What are the details of this plan?

I heard New's pundits say the plan would cost $300 Billion dollars (Does anyone else remember when that was considered A LOT like of money?

Is anyone else getting numb and having a hard time keeping up with all the blank checks being written...$700 Billion here, oh I mean $850 Billion after pork...now $300 Billion more ).

Part of me thought, "I've gotta get a money printing machine like the Government has - if only our personal budgets worked that way". Now I'd definitely love to see our Pinellas Real Estate home prices stabilize, however, I seriously worry about the "unintended consequences" when the government start "managing our real estate market". This plan is targeted at home sellers facing foreclosure and those who own homes that are now worth less than they owe, hence the negative equity position. If you're not sure what your neighborhood values are doing - Get today's Pinellas Real Estate Market Report , a FREE service that gives you real time results based on the Pinellas Suncoast MLS today and see graphs and info for YOUR actually Pinellas County neighborhood.

John McCain's proposal for Home Sellers Facing Foreclosure

McCain's says the plan's goal is to keep families in their homes, avoid foreclosures, save failing neighborhoods, stabilize the housing market and attack the roots of our financial crisis. (We'd all like to see the housing market stablized)

Who benefits from new Home Mortgage Plan?

America’s families are bearing a heavy burden from falling housing prices, mortgage delinquencies, foreclosures, and a weak economy. (The assumption is because the had the wrong mortgage)

How will the Home Mortgage Plan work?

  • For those that cannot make payments, mortgages must be re-structured to put losses on the books and put homeowners in manageable mortgages.
  • Lenders in these cases must recognize the loss that they’ve already suffered.
  • The McCain Resurgence Plan would purchase mortgages directly from homeowners and mortgage servicers, and replace them with manageable, fixed-rate home mortgages that will keep families in their homes.
  • By purchasing the existing, failing home mortgages the McCain resurgence plan will eliminate uncertainty over defaults, support the value of mortgage-backed derivatives and alleviate risks that are freezing financial markets.

Who qualifies for American Home Ownership Resurgence Plan?

The McCain resurgence plan would be available to mortgage holders that:

  • Live in the home (primary residence only)
  • Can prove their creditworthiness at the time of the original loan (no falsifications and provided a down payment).

What kind of new mortgage would home owners get?

  • An FHA-guaranteed fixed-rate mortgage at terms manageable for the homeowner. (I'd love to know what this means in practice not theory)

What will this Home Owner Mortgage Plan Cost Taxpayers?

  • The direct cost of this plan would be roughly $300 billion because the purchase of mortgages would relieve homeowners of “negative equity” in some homes.
  • Funds will come from Congress recent financial market stabilization bill;

Their believe is that this plan could be implemented quickly as a result of the authorities provided in the stabilization bill, the recent housing bill, and the U.S. government's conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It may be necessary for Congress to raise the overall borrowing limit of FHA loans.

So I'm curious - do you think this plan is a good thing or a bad thing?

 

Pinellas County Parks, Green Space and Fun Things to Do

 Palm Harbor Florida - Recently my family along with some friends took our kids to Wall Springs Park for the day. It's a great place to hike, bike, fish, bird watch, relax and just have a great time. This is one of Pinellas County's best kept secrets just of Alt 19 before you get to Tarpon Springs. It extends out to the coast through the thick mangroves that offer a real look at Natural Florida. 

The Park is also located along the Pinellas Trail. I took quite a few pictures to give you a sneek peak at this special place - however there's nothing like seeing it in person. Pinellas County acquired Wall Springs in 1988 with the initial purchase of 63 acres which included the Spring and surrounding area - Here's an up-close  look at Wall Springs Park.   

Wall Springs Park - Quite a Local History

In 1927 the Wall family sold it to the Davis family that changed the name from Wall Springs to Health Springs - where they marketed and extolled the health benefits of these waters. Mr. Harry Davis also spread the myth that Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon discovered this spring.

Mr. Davis eventually sold the property to the Cullen family of Palm Harbor in 1949.  The Cullen family changed the name back to Wall Springs and operated it as a commercial recreational facility. They added many amenities like horseshoes, volleyball, hiking paths, picnic shelters and more.

Back in the 1950's this Spring was the site of a freshwater beach where tourists enjoyed lounging and bathing in these pristine waters.  Tourists enjoy Wall Springs in the 1950s

Eventually in 1966 the Cullen family closed the facility due to high insurance premiums and liabilities. which left the door open for Pinellas County to acquire Wall Springs in 1988.     

August 20, 2005 the park was officially opened to the public through the use of Penny for Pinellas taxes  - after developing fishing piers, observation decks, playground and restrooms for visitors to enjoy this piece of Pinellas Paradise.

If you are looking for information on buying Pinellas County Real Estate give me a call at (727) 710-8035 - It's a great place to live with lots of green space and great things to do. 

2008 Copyright All rights reserved by Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater Real Estate Agent specializing in Pinellas County Waterfront Homes and Condos for Sale

 

Hey to all my Active Rain blogging friends wanted to share a great deal on an Orlando hotel. This is where Katrina Madewell and I will be staying. Don't wait cause they put this special up then once a certain number are booked they stop offering it.  

This hotel is offering an amazing rate of $29.99 / night and it includes

Located in the Lake Buena Vista resort area, just minutes from the attractions, this Inn boasts 23 acres of well maintained grounds, two swimming pools, the Boardwalk Buffet Restaurant for casual dining, the Comfort Zone Lounge for evening cocktails and the Lite Bite, a mini-convenience store for snack foods. A fun filled Playground for the kids, Video Arcade Game Room and a handy Gift Shop.

We have 640 spacious rooms within four high-rise buildings. Rooms have two double beds or one king bed, with private bath, remote controlled color/cable TV with in-room movies, FREE local calls, FREE in-room personal safes, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, hairdryers, and radio alarm clocks. Also available are the Family Fun Suites equipped for a family of five, with microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, hairdryer and a separate kids area with their own TV and VCR.

You'll get the following:

  • Semi Suite accommodations, including a microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker 
  • FREE shuttle service to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Orlando
  • $25 in food and beverage coupons 
  • FREE parking
  • 3 miles from Convention Center.

Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista
8442 Palm Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836
phone: 800-999-7300

Here's a map and chart of all attractions located nearby http://www.comfortinnorlando.com/Location.htm

So what are you waiting for...Click the link below for this deal or call direct and ask for TRAVELZOO deal!

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/orlando-hotels/466735 (If it says sold out - just call on phone and ask for special - that's how I got it last week)

BOOK YOUR RESERVATIONS ON-LINE by entering your travel dates in the calendar or CALL US DIRECT to speak with a Booking agent  toll free @ 800-999-7300 and ask for the Fabulous Fall. http://comfortinnorlando.com/tzoo      

Hope this makes the trip more affordable for some of you (more money for drinks) :)

So will you be going to Orlando for NAR - let me know - We're going just to play with the people in our Computer - can't wait for the Active Rain meet-up!!

 

 

This article was written by a good California Realtor friend of mine and I thought my readers would enjoy it because it made me think of the oceanfront views people  want when buying Clearwater Beach real estate

Jeff points out some things people don't think about.  While that western sunset is beautiful it's important to know that there are some other things to plan for! 

The additional cost for most Clearwater Beach condos and homes is that you need to plan to protect those views with hurricane panels or storm protection of some kind. It's obvious at this time of year with all the hurricane activity we're seeing. 

Florida actually has a law that will now require all high risk properties to be protected to get insurance by 2011. I have a local expert planning to share more with us in the near future so stay tuned for more on that topic.

In the mean time - this is a great start when planning to buy your Clearwater beach property.  (Feel free to Search all Clearwater beach condos for sale now) 

 

Via Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate:

Pacific sunsetMany buyers in the San Diego area are hoping for big views when purchasing a home.

Nothing wrong with that...and there are lots of great views to enjoy here in paradise. The ocean or San Diego Bay, the mountains, panorama, city lights, golf courses and lagoons are some of the things that folks want to look at outside big windows in their homes. And will pay for that opportunity.

There's a price for that.

Two prices, in fact.

Sunny sunOne, view homes generally cost more. You can't easily put a price tag on it, but typically comparable homes with views versus those without will enjoy a bigger price tag. How much depends on the view and what someone is willing to pay. Ocean views seem to be the priciest, and the closer you are to that beautiful blue sea the more costly. Could be a few hundred thousand dollars or more for a terrific ocean view versus none. Ocean frontage view can add millions.

Coupled with this is a desire for big windows. After all, a great view doesn't do you much good if you can't enjoy it through expansive glass, which in turn adds more interior light and a feeling of spaciousness. Homes with views are often built with large windows for this reason, or owners remodel to bring as much of the view indoors as possible, to meld the indoors and outdoors in true Southern California fashion. Understandably, floor to ceiling windows and glass doors are popular with those who have dramatic views. Some sliding doors can even disappear into the wall to truly bring that great view right into the house.

Sunny sunThe second price, however, for some view homes is the sun. And, more accurately, sun damage. This is especially true of our western-facing homes which have, as one would hope, fabulous sunset views over the ocean. Easterly facing homes, however, can get some pretty intense sunlight, too.

The impact of the sun on these homes can be dramatic:

  • increased heat in the afternoons, thus driving up the costs of cooling
  • significant bright light which can require the use of some short of curtains or shades in order to enjoy the space in the afternoons (which negate the view);
  • harmful UV rays which can discolor, and damage, flooring, carpet, furniture and artwork.

Sun is a hot issue

Technology has improved significantly in recent years with respect to glass, with options that allow one to reduce the glare, heat and sun damage. Curtains and shades have been available for ages, but new systems allow for motorized systems (shades, screens and drapes) that can respond to the amount of light itself (for both interior and exterior installation). Solar screens these days can block a large percentage of the ultraviolet rays and the glare but allow outstanding visibility of the scenery.

On the horizon? Manufactured glass (solar glass) that can generate electricity and still allow a significant portion of light through.

SunriseSome of these observations about large windows and sun might be rather obvious, and one would hope that folks who are buying these views might give it some thought, and prepare themselves to spend the money to protect their furnishings and art work, and deal with the heat and light issues they will inherit. I suspect many do not give it much consideration, or even think about it. They should.

And there is, of course, the opposite perspective -

if you have fabulous views out through huge windows, don't the folks outside have equally good views in?

My daughter shared a terrific article with me from the Wall Street Journal on this subject, which I just now read after writing this. I invite you to take a look. There are some valid points about big windows to consider. And a bit of humor. Quite frankly, though, I find it hard to feel sorry for the poor grad student in the $1.5 million dollar apartment whose $20K sofas were damaged by the sun, among other things resulting from her fab views. Not too bright (pun intended).

Views can be wonderful, but they come with a cost. Think about it.

 

Local Tampa Mortgage expert, Dave Presnell shares his thoughts on the recent takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It's still too early to know what the fall out will be but I have no doubt it's going to be significant and probably be like unpleasant medicine to swallow when we finally have to address the issues.

I am letting buyers interested in Clearwater Real Estate - now is the time to get serious. Rates dropped on this news and rules stayed the same in the short term - many believe next year both will be less attractive and we already have some of the best prices we've seen in years.

If you'd like to discuss buying property further just give me a call at (727) 710-8035 or  if you have Tampa Bay mortgage questions I highly recommend you give Dave at his office number 813-514-4993 or his cell phone  number  813-690-0591

Via Dave Presnell:

Consider this:

Your neighbor, a heavy smoker, falls asleep while holding a lit cigarette and his house catches fire.  He smells the smoke, realizes his life and property are in danger and calls the fire department.  You hear the commotion outside, walk down your driveway and learn what's going on.

Do you get angry at the fire department for responding to an obvious crisis caused completely by your neighbor's carelessness?  Do you insist that the firefighters leave immediately and let your neighbor's home burn to the ground?  Do you insist the tobacco company that made the cigarettes, the truck driver who delivered them to the convenience store where your neighbor bought the cigarettes, or the clerk there who took his money come put out the fire instead?

No, of course not.  You may be upset with your neighbor for his carelessness, but you realize that allowing his house to burn puts yours at risk from burning embers.  Doing nothing could well lead to your own home burning down, too.

Metaphorically speaking, thousands of U.S. taxpayers are enraged today that the federal government is stepping in to put their neighbor's house fire out.

Over the weekend, the government announced that it is placing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mack into receivership- in effect, taking them over.  Already TV news commentators are fanning angry taxpayer's flames by saying it will ultimately cost them untold billions and billions of dollars.  Taxpayers are angry, they say, because they will have to bear the cost of other people's greed and poor decision making that led to the housing and credit slump we currently are experiencing.

While they may rightfully be enraged about the causes of the current problems, to vent their anger at the government for this and other recent actions makes about as much sense as yelling at the fire department for responding to a fire.  Ultimately, doing nothing will cost taxpayers far more than "putting out the fire" will.  I understand their frustration at having to foot the bill (hey, I'm a taxpayer, too!).  However, I also understand how the market works. Without some assurance to investors in these securities that they will get paid, interest rates will rise, mortgage financing will become harder and harder to obtain, and the housing market will continue to languish.  Home values would drop or stagnate for an even longer period of time which ultimately could cost taxpayers more.  Most people don't see that though because the talking heads on TV will play up the fact that taxpayers are footing the bill for (fill in the blank- buyers, realtors, mortgage lenders, whomever your favorite villain du jour is) greed and bad decision making. 

This fire was caused by poor decision making on the part of a lot of people- buyers, realtors, mortgage lenders, investment houses and investors on Wall Street, just to name a few.  Just as with a house fire, the first and immediate action is to put the fire out.  Then investigate the cause and take corrective (and preventative) action.  Don't tell the fire department to pack up and leave.

 

Clearwater Auto Accident - Motorcycle Crash - Now What do you Do? 

Clearwater FLorida - One of the great parts about living in Pinellas County and the Clearwater area for 18 years is you really get to know a lot of business people and service providers in both a personal and professional way.  I have personally unfortunately been in more than one Clearwater car accident in the last few years (none my fault in case you were wondering) and unfortunately there are lots of things I didn't know until I was (1)  injured in an auto accident  and (2) hand bad auto accident care and advice! However whether you're in a car crash, truck accident or suffer from a motorcycle injury - you need this info because I can tell you that if you or a loved one is in injured in one of these kinds of traffic accidents it's not overreacting in my humble opinion to contact a caring, experienced Clearwater Auto Accident Attorney to be YOUR advocate!! Like most crisis - it's always helpful if you've done your research and have a plan BEFORE you have to ask, "Who's the best Pinellas County Auto Injury Attorney?" when you're still in shock!

Clearwater Resident Thankful for Helpful Personal Injury Lawyer   

I have found that St Peterburg - Clearwater personal injury attorney David Neville, who has been helping people injured, often through no fault of their own, in Pinellas County for years makes a bad experience have the best possible outcome. In my experience, he does a great job and really cares about each client and their family (which is first and foremost for us). I was actually in a Clearwater car accident a few years ago and David was my attorney and when friends and neighbors I know are in a car crash I immediately recommended Clearwater Auto Injury attorney, David Neville to them.

Well while anyone who's been through a car accident knows, recovery is often a long process and you're dealing with the emotional recovery, as well as, your physical injuries (some of which we will live with forever) need to be taken care of. My friends still thanks me for recommending an experienced skilled auto injury lawyer to them after being in Pinellas County car accidents. David was able to negotiate a favorable settlement for me and othes and while money doesn't heal all - it definitely helps you get the care you need and get back on your feet after you go through something I wouldn't wish on anyone. 

Most of us don't have reasons to see any kind of lawyers or attorneys very often and I have to admit I always feel a little intimidated (like being called into the principals office even if it's not your fault). While it's normal to feel a little nervous - I know if you're like me, you'll appreciate David Neville's warm smile and his relaxed style as he works to listen and understand your personal situation which really puts me at ease (while being a pitbull when working FOR me). Being comfortable really talking to my attorney...who is my advocate was really important in my experience. There can be "no dumb questions" and I always want a skilled personal injury attorney who listens to me and my needs and my desires.  
     

Clearwater Car Crash, Fender Benders & Truck Accidents - Info I hope you never have to use!

When I was in my first car crash several years ago (a car ran a red light and side swiped me in an intersection where I did a 180 degree turn and totaled my car I actually was able by some blessing to walk away - many people aren't so lucky) I thought it was no big deal physically - even though I knew my car was totalled.

Luckily I did know enough to see a doctor immediately for a check up regardless of how I felt. I come from a family that believes if you aren't bleeding or throwing up you're fine (Can anyone else relate?) - well based on that criteria I was fine...only I wasn't. Unfortunately I went to my primary care physician for a check up and he refered me to what I would say is the "puppy mills" for people who have been personally injured in a car accident. 

I did some things right - I had seen a doctor and followed his advice on the next step - however I made the mistake of not getting an experienced Pinellas County personal injury attorney working as my advocate and looking out for me from the beginning. Thankfully a friend referred me to one of the best accident injury lawyers in Clearwater - St Petersburg  while I was still having appointments in the "puppy mill" process.

I think I was like most people in car accidents, I'm not someone looking to sue anyone and I also didn't want to spend money talking to a lawyer - even if I did want to get their opinion. I didn't know that they get paid like I get paid as a realtor - ultimately if we can achieve a successful outcome we get paid. I'm so glad I know a better now.  

The result - the experience that followed was like night and day. I was ultimately able to get the care and injury rehabilitation that I needed. I have to say that I also learned Clearwater's best chiropractor makes all the difference (but that's a story for another post)           

While I am not an attorney or lawyer and am not giving legal advice here just sharing my personal experiences (Please call David Neville, Attorney in Law at or your own personal injury attorney if you have questions) here's what I've learned from mine along the way ...  

6 Things To Do Immediately when in a Car Accident in Pinellas County 

  1. If possible, photograph all damage to you, the car, the others involved in all cars as well and anything else that makes sense.
  2. Always call the local police, no matter how minor you believe the crash to be and make sure they  
  3. Get a copy of the Drivers' Exchange Information Form from police
  4. Get all the insurance documentation regarding your own car and/or the car you were riding in
  5. Seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are preserved
  6. It is essential to have a medical evaluation at the first sign of injury following a collision.

  So while I hope you, your family or friends never needs this information - if you do at least you'll know where to turn for the help you need. 

If you want more info or to get a FREE consultation call David Neville, Attorney on his cell phone at 727-481-3072 - he's available when you need him! 

His office is located at: 6251 Park Boulevard Suite 9 Pinellas Park, FL 33781 

P.S. Tell him Cyndee told you to call -      
 

 

Tampa Bay Florida - Today I was reading one of my favorite Tampa Bay blogs and was reminded that this year's Super Bowl is only 149 days away and will be held right here in Tampa Bay. Our community has hosted the Super Bowl before and boy does this town enjoy the festivities. If you want to find out more about this year's Super Bowl or opportunities to volunteer or get involved then visit the Tampa Bay Superbowl website.

tampa bay superbowl website info

It's amazing what local homes, beach condos and vacation rentals of all kinds will go for during that weekend. If you are planning to be here don't put off making your reservations. While Jack and I don't handle rentals you can call Patty Belloise at 727-410-1936 who does (just in case you're looking for a great local contact).

Now if you are someone who has decided that "now is the time to buy" Tampa Bay real estate - we CAN help you with this. :)

Regardless of what your plans are here are some pictures of our Bucs Stadium, which I had the privledge of touring with Leadership Pinellas last year - I'll give you a sneak peek into our stadium.

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Call us Today at (727) 710-8036 to hear more about how we can help you!

Copyright © 2008 Jack and Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater REALTORS and your Clearwater Real Estate Consultants specializing in Tampa Bay Real Estate and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published.

 
 
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Clearwater Real Estate Pinellas Florida Condos & Homes for Sale- Cyndee Haydon

Clearwater, FL

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Charles Rutenberg Realty

Address: 1545 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL, 33764

Office Phone: (727) 710-8035

Cell Phone: (727) 710-8035

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