Beautiful Charlotte County - 08/31/07 09:05 PM
Charlotte County is a really beautiful place to live and I think most people do not realize how lovely it really is. When you mention Charlotte County or Port Charlotte, people think of Hurricane Charlie and all of the devastation that took place back then.
Since then things have changed, homes have been rebuilt and the wonderful thing is that homes are stronger and up to code now! There has been a lot of construction that has taken place in many areas of the county.
Some areas, such as Gulf Cove and South Gulf Cove were not bothered by Hurricane Charlie. … (4 comments)

Florida's Bald Cypress Tree - 08/30/07 09:57 PM
This beautiful tree is a Bald Cypress tree. They love the water and can be found throughout the southern USA. The 'knees' on the Bald Cypress are extensions of their root system. Some say that these 'knees' extend up into the air to assist in providing oxygen to the root system.

The Bald Cypress is said to be the tallest tree in the continental United States east of the Mississippi River! Cypress swamps can be found throughout Florida and the rest of the Gulf Coast! It is the most flood tolerant of all of Florida's tree species!
When guests from … (2 comments)

Orchids are always beautiful!!! - 08/30/07 09:44 PM
I wanted to share these beautiful orchids that grew totally on their own, without an special help from me! I just hung the plant in front of the house, from one of the branches on the Star Fruit tree, so it would have plenty of shade and be protected from the summer storms. Because it is outside, I don't have to worry about misting or watering; it gets plenty of that from Mother Nature! During the winter cold spells (those couple of nights that might get too cold for this tropical beauty) I move the plant to the bathtub! A couple … (4 comments)

Florida Housing Programs - What Does Your County Offer??? - 08/30/07 08:35 PM
Here is a web site every realtor and every homebuyer should know:
http://www.floridahousing.org/Home/HomebuyersRenters/LocalHousingPrograms.htm
This website belongs to Florida Housing. This organization administers the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP), which is there to assist first time homeowners with down payment assistance! To be a first time homebuyer, you cannot have owned a home WITHIN THE LAST THREE YEARS.
It does not matter if you are relocating from out of state. If you have not owned a home within the last 3 years and are purchasing a home in Florida that will be your primary residence, it is worth the paperwork to … (0 comments)

Name That Palm Tree - 08/28/07 08:30 AM
Yes, I know, it is silver! Trees are supposed to be green....especially palm trees. I took this photo of a palm tree but have no idea what type it is. I have looked on the internet and know that it is NOT a coconut palm or date palm. I have gone to several web sites attempting to identify this beautiful specimen, but have not been able to find a photo that matches it.
For that reason, I am turning to my fellow ActiveRainers to assist in the identification of this lovely silver palm tree. I know there must be an official … (5 comments)

Tarpon Springs, Florida is GREEK - 08/27/07 08:42 PM
I am not talking about college frat houses, I am talking about real life GREEK!!! Tarpon Springs, Florida has the largest GREEK community in the state of Florida! What does that mean? It means a beautiful church like the one in the photo; it also means a wonderful Epiphany celebration the first week of January  like the one in the photo!!!
I love Tarpon Springs and I am not GREEK! This place rocks! Not only does it offer all the tourist could wish for (sponge diving boats that offer tours of the local area and diving demonstrations where the divers bring … (0 comments)

Gotta Love Those Cuban Tree Frogs - 08/26/07 02:46 PM
If you don't live in South Florida, you are probably not familiar with the Cuban Tree Frog! These guys are absolutely adorable and can get rather large. You may be going to look out your window one day and there he is, staring back at you with his little suction cupped hands holding onto your window from the outside!
Cuban tree frogs are a delight! They can turn extremely pale, almost white, but their usual color is what you see here, a nice lime green color. They have large eyes and love to ingest bugs, which makes them one of my … (9 comments)

Bamboo - 08/25/07 04:28 PM
One of my favorite plants is BAMBOO!!! There are so many varieties of bamboo that when I first started researching it I was amazed! Bamboo can grow virtually anywhere in the world - there are so many hundreds of varieties that there is something for each climate zone!!! From the tropics to the snow covered mountains, if it is bamboo you desire, it is possible to grow it!!! You only have to spend the time to find out which types grow in your area!
There is clumping bamboo and then there is the runner type, which is invasive and will take … (2 comments)

Name That Sea Turtle - 08/24/07 08:07 PM
OK, here is something different....when I was on my way down to Key West we stopped on several of the islands and took tons of pictures (well, almost tons). One of the photos that I took was of a sea turtle and since it is not that large, I am really clueless as to what kind of turtle it is. I think this was Big Pine Key.
If anyone has an idea, I would really be interested in learning the identity of this creature. He was swimming close to land when I saw him and snapped this photo. As you can see, he … (2 comments)

More Key West Architecture - 08/24/07 07:56 PM
Here are some more photos from our trip down to Key West. I really find the different types of architecture interesting. Key West is a magical mixture! Something for everyone and that is reflected in the architecture!
Whenever I go I stay in a different bed and breakfast, so I can constantly experience something new. I just can't decide which one is best . . . they are all so great!
The climate is always pleasant in Key West!!!
Be sure to bring your bathing suit if you go to Key West! The water is wonderful!!!!!

This place is really … (6 comments)

On The Tip Of Florida . . . Key West - 08/24/07 07:05 PM
When I was a child, my parents used to take me down to Key West on vacation. The beautiful, clear water and the soft sand were a welcome treat! As I got older, I returned to Key West again and again. As we age, our interests change too....there was the time that the night life was an attraction and now it is mainly the history and architecture that take me back to this quaint town on the tip of Florida!

Whether you arrive by car over the string of islands connected by bridges or take one of the many cruise … (18 comments)

Sea World - A Great Place To See An Orca! - 08/22/07 01:29 PM
When you are in Florida be sure to take a trip to Orlando to Sea World! There is so much to see there! One of my favorite places at Sea World is the Shamu Stadium! There is nothing more amazing than the orca! Watching them perform in their tank is breath-taking! To see these graceful giants allowing the trainers to interact with them........................

I have seen these shows so many times, with and without my children and family members throughout the years that it is amazing that I still love going there! These gentle giants of the deep are marvelous … (2 comments)

Strange House Friends . . . - 08/22/07 09:47 AM
Ever had a ferret? I never had either and I only had this one for a few weeks! It all started when I was having a Christmas party..... I opened the door to invite guests in and this little critter scampered into my home. It totally freaked me out!!! I had no idea what it was! Probably somebody in the neighborhood had purchased it for their child and it had gotten out.
Well, we took it in, as you can see from the photos. It spent nights on the dog carrier and days running around the house. We posted flyers throughout … (0 comments)

Venetian Palace in Sarasota! - 08/21/07 10:15 PM
This unbelievably beautiful structure is the Ca d'Zan Mansion (The House of John) in Sarasota, Florida. Having travelled throughout Europe and fallen in love with Venetian Gothic architecture, John and Mable Ringling (of Ringling Brothers Circus fame) commissioned New York architect Dwight James Baum to construct this masterpiece right here in Sarasota!!!
Construction was completed in 1926 and the Ringling home soon became the cultural center of Sarasota life complete with boats landing directly in front of this bay front marvel! Today this museum is open to the public and should definitely be on your list of things to see in … (1 comments)

The Rice House in North Port, Florida - 08/20/07 07:04 PM
If you happen to be in southern Sarasota County and looking for a really great place to eat at reasonable prices, try The Rice House located at 14287 Tamiami Trail (in the Winn Dixie shopping center just north of North Port Blvd). They are open seven days a week and also deliver locally!
I have always loved both Chinese and Thai food but was totally surprised to find this little gem located in North Port! They serve both Chinese and Thai dishes and everything is always made fresh! They have the most delicious hot and spicy soup and crunchy egg rolls … (0 comments)

Hibiscus . . .Pretty In Pink - 08/19/07 01:16 PM
If there is one plant that goes well in Florida no matter what you do to it, it is the hybiscus! Once they take root, they are virtually indestructable! When I was a kid in South Tampa, we had one just like this growing outside my bedroom window. It was in a low area in the garden and whenever the summer rains came (or a tropical storm), this guy was always in water! It did not matter, there was no stopping him!
We lived in a split-level home and this bush grew up to my upstairs window! Amazing! My mother was … (8 comments)

A Well Planned Kitchen - - 08/19/07 12:04 PM
Here is what I consider a well planned kitchen. It has 42 inch cabinets, corian countertops, tile backsplash, 18 inch floor tiles. It is a pleasure to work in a kitchen like this one! And the lighting under the cabinets means it is easy to do any task at any time of the day or night. Of course, the ceiling lighting is also a plus. You can never have too much lighting in a kitchen! 

Large enough that there is plenty of counter space and yet both sides are close enough that you can easily move from one side to … (1 comments)

Your Business Cards And Name Tag - 08/18/07 10:07 PM
Your business cards should be something that you always have with you! It is vital that you pass them out constantly! If you are in a restaurant, write a little note about how great the service was (assuming that it was indeed great) and leave it on the table with your tip. Chances are that the person who served you will either pocket the card or show it to the manager, since you wrote a positive comment about them on the back!
I also give out cards at the grocery store if I am requesting that they order something special. The … (10 comments)

Geislingen an der Steige, Germany - 08/17/07 12:32 PM
If you want to see strange architecture, how about this building in Geislingen an der Steige in southern Germany? This place is located in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, between Stuttgart and Ulm. It used to be part of the old town wall and was added to through the centuries!
We don't find anything like that here, but imagine adding central heating and air to a place like that! That is the wonderful thing about travel, seeing all of the unusual structures. While we may find it a strange sight, there are many other buildings that were added to in a similar … (8 comments)

You Showed My House? DON'T CALL ME!!! - 08/16/07 02:50 PM
OK, you showed my house and we are BOTH hoping it will sell, but unless you have a contract or a question, don't call me!!! That is why we all have e-mail links in the MLS! Lets use them!!!
If you have a question, I am more than willing to take your call at anytime of the day or night (seriously, right up to midnight, that is fine with me!!!). We both want to get the job done and I am there for you!!
But if it is only feedback on a home you showed that is not in the running, … (0 comments)

Bandit King - photo needs help! - 08/16/07 02:13 PM
This was not shot with a digital; as a matter of fact, it was shot long before digital cameras were on the market. That said, it is one of my favorite photos of our family pet raccoon, who has long passed onto another place. For that specific reason, I would love to know if there is something I can do to improve the quality of this.
Our pet raccoon lived with us for approximately 15 years, from the time he was only 6 weeks old. To have an improved photo of him that I could frame and give to my brother at … (8 comments)

Florida . . . What A Wonderful Place To Live!!! - 08/15/07 04:27 PM
This place is really like heaven on earth!!! The sunshine, beaches, many rivers and bays...a boaters paradise! And for the photographer, could you possibly find a place with more possibilities?? From the varying architecture to the sunsets along the Gulf of Mexico... it is all here.
And the fact that we have an endless summer adds to the charm. In Florida we do not tell the seasons by falling leaves and snow drifts, we tell the changing seasons by what is currently blossoming in our gardens! By the ever changing colors of the flowers, by the new aromas in the air.
… (0 comments)

Comparing Interest Rates..... - 08/15/07 07:45 AM
I hear everyone talking about the housing market and interest rates, but really, isn't this all cyclical? Home sales go up, home sales go down. Interest rates go up, interest rates go down. It has been happening for years and is the normal flow of things!
Thinking back in time, we moved to Florida from Connecticut the summer between my second and third grade years of elementary school, back in the 50's. Throughout my school years I remember my father buying, renting and selling homes in Tampa. Sometimes he was elated over the deal, sometimes he was frustrated. Often he sold … (0 comments)

North Pinellas County Book Store Offers More - 08/14/07 10:00 AM
OAK TRAIL BOOKS located at 1219 Florida Avenue in beautiful Palm Harboris more than just a book store! If you have not discovered this little jewel and live in or near the north Pinellas County area, be sure to check it out!
They have recently added The Witch's Brew coffee and ice cream parlor!
In addition to that, there is Open Mic Night each Thursday evening from 7 - 10 pm
As well as Live Entertainment on both Friday and Saturday night from 7 - 10 pm
The book store closes at 9 pm for general sales.
As if this was … (2 comments)

Remember to Defrag Your Computer Every Week!! - 08/12/07 02:45 PM
Is your computer running much slower than you wish it would? Have the feeling you are downloading with dial-up when you know you are not?
There are two things you need to do every week! One is to run the Disc clean-up, which is found under accessories; system tools.
The second thing is to run defrag, which is found in the same area on your computer. If you remember to take care of these two things every week, you will find your computer running a little faster than it would without getting the trash thrown out (which is in effect exactly … (5 comments)

Vizcaya Lakes in El Jobean . . . 55+ Community for those 40+ - 08/08/07 10:18 PM
When I listed this home in Vizcaya Lakes I got an education! While most 55+ communities are indeed only for those that are age 55 or older, this wonderful retreat in El Jobean is available if you are age 40 or older. It seems that the number of people over age 55 is a certain percentage of the residents that exceeds the mandated number. Therefore, they can offer these new homes to a somewhat younger population.
El Jobean is located off of 776 in Port Charlotte, just before you get to the Myakka River. It is a lovely area with a … (0 comments)

Deep Creek Home - complete with enormous bamboo in backyard!!! - 08/08/07 10:07 PM
This beautiful home in Deep Creek is looking for someone to live there! The owner is living in an assisted living facility and wants to sell this wonderful home. It is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath with a 2 car garage in a quiet section of Deep Creek, in Punta Gorda, Florida.
The backyard is home to one of the most gorgeous clumps of bamboo that you will see for miles! As if that was not enough, there is a greenbelt behind this home that is longer than a couple of football fields!

Interested? Give us a call today to see … (0 comments)

Every Agent Needs A Good Camera and a Class on Using It!!! - 08/08/07 09:54 PM
Do you own a digital camera? In this day and age it is imperative that an agent owns a good digital camera and knows how to use it. You don't have to spend a grand on a camera, for a couple of hundred you can get a decent digital. The important thing is learning how to use it.
Please remember when you are taking photos of homes that those pictures will be posted on the internet and that you are representing yourself, your broker and all of us in this profession! Too many agents take horrible photos and post them. Some … (4 comments)

The Advantage of Working With a Partner - 08/08/07 09:39 PM
I just want to let all of you know how great it is to work with a partner. I have been working with a partner for over a year now and would not have it any other way. It works for us simply because it is logical! If one of us has something to do, such as a doctor's appointment, or we need the day of for something, the other covers.
Our clients have our attention 24/7 simply because one of us is ALWAYS available! And when we have several things going at once, we can cover more territory. One can … (0 comments)

Do You Take Classes at Your Local Board??? - 08/08/07 09:30 PM
My partner and I have been taking as many classes as we can at our local board of realtors. It is amazing how much there is to know and between clients we have been attempting to be little sponges and absorb everything we possibly can!
By taking these classes we are keeping up on the latest changes in laws, contracts and methods of selling. For example, we took a class on auctions that was a real eye opener for me and I mentioned in another blog on this site.
If you have the time, I sincerely suggest that you take as … (5 comments)

Auctions to Sell those Homes - 08/08/07 09:19 PM
Today I attended a class at our local Board of Realtors about auctioning homes. I had no idea prior to attending this class about how the entire thing works. I always thought that if you auctioned something, it automatically went to this highest bidder. NOT SO
There are 3 different ways to auction a home. One, called ABSOLUTE AUCTION is the type that it goes for whatever is offered. Definitely NOT the way to sell your home!
There are two other options. One is the RESERVE AUCTION. You tell the auctioneer that the home has a minimum. If it does not … (4 comments)

Florida is a Tropical Paradise - 08/08/07 09:12 PM
For those of you that are new to the area, let me remind you that you are now in a tropical paradise. I was lucky enough to have my parents move here when I was in 3rd grade and (except for a 17 year stint living in Germany during the 70's and 80's) I have lived here ever since! It is a fantastic place and a goal for many of the now retiring baby boomers!
When I see a home like this one, where the owner has added a lovely tropical scene to the area around the pool, I have to … (2 comments)

Beautiful Grandbaby - 08/08/07 08:57 PM
This is the world's best reason to do well in real estate! What could be more important than a new granddaughter? This little jewel lives up in Pinellas County with my daughter! She is my inspiration to work 24/7 (that plus the fact that I actually LOVE what I do).
I can't wait until she is old enough to help Grandma put signs in, stuff envelopes and do all of the other little tasks that she will be able to assist with!
Amazing how one little bundle of joy can change your life!!!!
 

… (1 comments)

Port Charlotte is a wonderful place to live! - 08/08/07 08:32 PM
What a beautiful place to live! Port Charlotte has a lot to offer! A real tropical paradise with both the Myakka and Peace Rivers flowing through it, this place really rocks!!!
For those looking for waterfront homes at prices well below what most waterfront homes cost, Port Charlotte has a network of canals that lead out to the Myakka River. From there it is a short trip down the Myakka into Charlotte Harbor and from there out into the Gulf of Mexico.
If you are looking to relocate to the area, be sure to give us a call. We are here … (0 comments)

Beautiful Deep Creek Home - 08/08/07 08:16 PM
This fantastic home, located in Punta Gorda's quiet section of Deep Creek has been price reduced from  $260000. to $230000. The home was totally rebuilt after Hurricane Charlie and has a beautiful Pebble Tech pool with a Cool Crete finish on the decking around the pool.
The home has hurricane shutters all around it and is the perfect place to entertain. When the home was rebuilt, the owners added an in home stereo/radio/CD system.
The kitchen has granite counter tops and the entire home has new appliances! This is a real must see!
Give me a call to see this home!!!
… (0 comments)

 
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Barbara-Jo's Beach Blog - Palm Harbor Florida Real Estate

Palm Harbor, FL

More about me…

Charles Rutenberg Realty

Address: PO Box 302, Crystal Beach, FL, 34681-0302

Office Phone: (727) 512-0910

Cell Phone: (727) 512-0910

Email Me

Having grown up in south Tampa and lived here in Pinellas County for the last 20+ years, I know the area well! Give me a call today at 727-512-0910 or send an e-mail to barbarajo@barbarajo.com. Be sure to visit my web site: www.barbarajo.com Ich spreche Deutsch!

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