We Came, We Viewed, We Wrote The Offer - 01/31/12 06:27 PM
We came, we viewed, we wrote the offer.....three hours later we have a bilateral contract.
When you look at this adorable community, is it any wonder that my client did not want to look any further?
Not only does she have a garage with her downstairs condo, but from the lanai there is a magnificent lake front view.
To top it off, the pool is about a two minute walk away from her front door!
As always, cash is king. This one will close in three weeks. There are wonderful homes and condos out there just waiting for new owners! Give … (15 comments)

In Praise of Pre-Inspections for SELLERS - 01/31/12 06:15 PM
Charles wrote a great post about sellers getting a pre-inspection on their home. While many sellers do not want to spend the extra money, it just makes the entire transaction go so much smoother when this is completed in advance and items that need to be corrected are already taken care of. Great post, Charles!
Via Charles Edwards Bentonville,AR REALTOR Bentonville real estate agent and broker (Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette 479-253-3796 ):
Dear Home Seller,
I know that when it is time to list your home you will have many opportunities to spend money on a property you are ready to … (5 comments)

PGA Golf Show 2012 - Orlando Florida - 01/31/12 05:59 PM
The PGA Golf Show 2012 was in Orlando Florida

Ronnie and I drove over Friday morning and spent the night in Orlando, just as we do every year. Attending two days just makes sense since there is so much to see.


For Ron it is a chance to not only see many of his suppliers but to also try out new products that are being shown at the show. I am along 'for the ride'. It is a chance to do something different and I really enjoy watching it when Ron shifts into business mode.

Friends and … (4 comments)

Clearwater Beach Florida - 2011 Housing Market Review - 01/31/12 03:04 PM
Clearwater Beach Florida - 2011 Housing Market Review

Looking back at 2011 we see that it was a VERY good year for the housing market and when we make some comparisons to the 2010 Housing Market on Clearwater Beach, we come up with numbers that prove the local housing market is rebounding!
Let us begin with single family homes. There were 63 single family homes sold in 2011, compaired to 58 in 2010.
Sold Price/Sq Ft 2011                 Sold Price/Sq Ft 2010
High: $862.66                              High: $491.41
Low:  $111.11                              Low: $ 122.82
Average Days on Market: 91       Average Days on Market: 149
… (6 comments)

Two Contracts In One Day - A Good Indicator Of The Market! - 01/31/12 02:59 PM
Two contracts in one day is certainly a great indicator of the market!

We all remember the days when we could not write contracts fast enough and I am so happy to report that the market is certainly changing in that direction once again!
This morning I wrote up a contract on a single family house and it was followed only three hours later with a contract on a condo in Clearwater's beautiful Countryside neighborhood.
Both clients got fantastic homes at great prices! Both are going to close in February and both are cash deals! It really doesn't get … (6 comments)

Clearwater Beach Florida - Market Report - December 2011 - 01/30/12 08:11 AM
Clearwater Beach Florida - Market Report for December 2011

The market has picked up significantly during 2011. On Clearwater Beach there were 6 single family homes sold. They break down as follows:
List: $1,647,500     Sold: $1,300,000 (most expensive)
List: $   295,000     Sold: $   295,000 (least expensive)
Sale price/sq ft:
High: $481.48
Low:  $258.58
Average Days On Market: 156
th
 
In the catagory of townhomes, condos and villas:
List: $1,695,000     Sold: $1,115,500 (most expensive)
List: $     84,900     Sold: $     69,000 (least expensive)
Sale price/sq ft:
High: $485.61
Low: $265.63
Average Days On Market: 107
Clearwater Beach Florida is a fantastic place … (5 comments)

Learning To Live Without Picnik-A New Tool For Quick Touch-Up's - 01/29/12 12:10 PM
This is certainly something worth a reblog! I am downloading it today and going to play with the trial software this week. Since we just got back from the PGA Golf Show in Orlando, I have a ton of photos I can play with. Once I know the ins and outs this is something I can use with real estate photos as well!
Thanks, Cindy, for blogging about this software. Without Picnik, all of us will be looking for alternatives!
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (CJ Realty Group, Inc.):
Like thousands of others when the news broke … (2 comments)

81 Degrees Here In Crystal Beach Florida - 01/25/12 04:20 PM
81 degrees here in Crystal Beach Florida today and I just had to brag about it!

I am sitting at the computer in shorts and bare feet. All of the windows and sliding glass doors are open and I am enjoying listening to the birds and squirrels chatter outside my window in the trees.
Blue skies, sunshine and the beautiful shores of the Gulf of Mexico.....that is what best describes Crystal Beach Florida! Come on down, the water is a little chilly for us but those darn Yankees sure do enjoy a dip at this time of year!
 
… (2 comments)

Clearwater Florida - 2011 Housing Market Review - 01/24/12 06:18 PM
Clearwater Florida - 2011 Housing Market Review

Reviewing the Clearwater Florida housing market for the year 2011 in the category of single family homes we find that there were a total of 984 closings. These break down as follows:
List $ 1,100,000     Sold: $ 830,000 (most expensive)
List $        5,000     Sold: $   32,500 (least expensive)
Sale price/sq ft
High: $308.03
Low: $   11.09
Average Days On Market: 94

 
Now turning to the category of townhomes, condos and villas we find that there were 944 closings. These break down as follows:
List: $ 1,143,450     Sold: $ 1,143,450
List: $      12,000     … (3 comments)

Clearwater Florida Market Report - December 2011 - 01/24/12 05:50 PM
Clearwater Florida Market Report - December 2011
Looking back at December 2011 in Clearwater Florida the market breaks down as follows:

In the category of single family homes, there were 83 closings in the month of December. They are
Most expensive list price: $687,900     Sold Price: $610,000
Least expensive list price: $ 26,500     Sold Price: $  24,000
Sale price/sq ft
High: $ 143.42
Low:  $  17.67
Average Days On Market: 97
 

 
Condos, townhomes and villas break down like this:
Most expensive list price: $ 427,900     Sold Price: $ 427,900
Least expensive list price: $  24,900     Sold … (2 comments)

2011 Florida Market Synopsis - 01/24/12 04:16 PM
2011 Florida Market Synopsis
2011 is over and it turned out to be a VERY good year for the Sunshine State! Existing home sales increased 8% and condo sales increased a remarkable 15% during 2011!

With mortgage rates at all time lowes, it seems that those that CAN are indeed making purchases! The December 30 year fixed reached an incredible 3.96%.
2012 is predicted to be an even better year and it is certainly starting off that way from what I can see! So if you are looking to purchase a home or condo here in the Sunshine State, … (4 comments)

Crystal Beach Florida - Newsletter - January 2012 - 01/24/12 03:25 PM
Crystal Beach Florida - Newsletter - January 2012
Crystal Beach Florida is the place I live and play in the tropical sun! 
 
 If you are willing to put in some work, there are indeed some deals to be found here in Crystal Beach Florida. Our little patch of Paradise right on Central Florida's Gulf Coast. Give me a call for details.
 
 
 
 
… (2 comments)

Why You SHOULD Care about the School System Even When Moving WITHOUT KIDS - 01/22/12 10:39 AM
Gina's post is right on the money! Purchasing in an area with a GOOD school system is vital to your property values and the ability to sell your home down the road. Perhaps you don't have kids now but will later - OR perhaps you are PAST that phase in your life. It does NOT matter. One day you (or a relative) will be selling that house you are purchasing and one thing that will keep property values UP and make that eventual sale EASIER is purchasing into an area that has a GOOD school system!
Via Gina Chirico, Essex County, … (2 comments)

ActiveRain HINTS - 01/21/12 08:44 AM
Mimi is an awesome blogger and a lady that has a lot of talent as a writer as well! For someone who has been in ActiveRain a relatively short amount of time, I find it pretty amazing that she has already learned so much about the system. I can honestly say it took me a whole lot longer to learn all of the points that she has listed here.
Although this was featured, I know I don't read all of the featured posts. So if you are like me and you missed this when it was featured, read on! There is … (18 comments)

Tada.....Here Is The New Charles Rutenberg Realty Advertisement On My SUV - 01/20/12 04:41 PM
Tada.....here is the new Charles Rutenberg Realty advertisement on my SUV. It was installed this morning and while they were busy installing it, Ronnie and I went out for lunch.

The installation took just over an hour. The QR code is a decal that was made separately and put on top of the perforated window logo after it was installed. Signs by Tomorrow did this and I am extremely pleased with the job they did! When it comes time to trade this car in, I will have them install another on my next SUV. This is my very own moving … (10 comments)

Has the New Year Found You Gearing Up to Market a Vacant Home? - 01/20/12 03:47 PM
This is indeed a great list that Myrl has provided! Deep cleaning and painting are so important! And leaving the window treatment up to dampen sounds AND not advertise that the place ia vacant for people looking for a place to break into!!!
Via Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate):
Real Living Great West Real Estate(916) 635-0420http://www.myrljeffcoat.com
 
 
… (4 comments)

Two Other Newbies To Introduce....Janis Borgueta And Ron Cooks!!! - 01/20/12 10:09 AM
Two Other Newbies To Introduce....Janis Borgueta and Ron Cooks!
Janis Borgueta is a native of New Haven Connecticut, where she attended school before going to the university in Florida. She travelled the world with the navy before settling in Newburgh New York with her husband.
Janis has lived in Newburgh for the last twenty years and has chosen to raise her two daughters in this lovely area of New York. She loves being a Realtor and joined ActiveRain in October 2011.
Another Newbie I want to introduce is Ron Cooks of Ft Hood, Texas. Ron retired from the Army as a … (3 comments)

Introducing.....Drumroll.....Marnie Matarese of Sarasota Florida - 01/19/12 08:06 AM
Introducing......drumroll.....Marnie Matarese of Sarasota Florida!
Marnie has been with ActiveRain since 2010 but anybody that has only 89,000 points is still a Newbie in my book!
After flying with TWA for sixteen years, Marnie decided it was time to grow some land-legs and settled with her hubby on a canal down in Sarasota Florida. Her dedication to education prompted her to get the GRI, SRES and Resort Specialist Certification. Although Marnie began blogging here in ActiveRain in August of 2010, her presence was minimal at best. Then, last December, she started making ActiveRain part of her routine and entered the contest … (12 comments)

Introducing ActiveRain Newbie Wayne Goss Of Punta Gorda Florida - 01/18/12 10:53 AM
Introducing ActiveRain Newbie Wayne Goss of Punta Gorda Florida.
Wayne actually joined our ActiveRain community back in July of 2010. From the time he first signed up until October of 2011, Wayne had only written four posts.....I do think that qualifies him for the Newbie status.
Last October Wayne started blogging a bit more and now has a little over 31,000 points. He works with the Keller Williams group in Punta Gorda and has his GRI designation. Wayne also appears to be rather computer savvy from reading his blog posts.
Welcome to ActiveRain, Wayne! Hope we see a lot more of … (13 comments)

IN YOUR FACE! CAN YOU SEE ME NOW? - 01/18/12 10:13 AM
In your face! Can you see me now? I thought that just might get your attention!
 
For the last several months I have been pondering what next step I wanted to take to get my name out there more. I have checked on billboard advertisements as well as on the price of bus stop bench advertisements. I considered purchasing inexpensive signs to put into the ground in key locations and figured if they are cheap enough, who cares if the county code enforcement pulls them after a few days. The more I thought about it, the more I shied away … (18 comments)

Postage Stamp Increase - January 22, 2012 - 01/17/12 09:39 AM
So who can keep up with all of the postage rate hikes anymore? I know that I sure can't and if it wasn't for the forever stamps, I would have to run out and get some of those penny stamps. So glad I don't have to deal with them now that they offer the forever stamp!
Via Joan Cox, Denver Real Estate-720-231-6373 (Metro Brokers - House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate):
Postage Stamp Increase - January 22, 2012
Effective Sunday, January 22, 2012 mailing a first class envelope will cost you an extra penny going from .44 to .45.      Here … (9 comments)

Safety Harbor Florida - Market Report - December 2011 - 01/17/12 09:28 AM
Safety Harbor Florida - Market Report - December 2011  



Looking back at the real estate market during the month of December 2011 in Safety Harbor Florida, we find that there were 15 single family homes that closed during the month and an overview shows that the range was as follows:
List: $424,000     Sold: $375,000 (most expensive)
List: $  59,049     Sold: $  37,000 (least expensive)
Sold Price/Sq Ft:
High: $144.31
Low: $   18.30
Average Days On Market: 101



When we turn our attention to townhomes, villas and condos that closed … (0 comments)

Safety Harbor Florida - 2011 Housing Market Review - 01/16/12 04:01 PM
Safety Harbor Florida - 2011 Housing Market Review

Looking back at the real estate market in Safety Harbor Florida for the year that just ended, we find that there were 197 single family homes sold. They break down as follows:
List: $1,499,000     Sold: $1,400,000 (most expensive)
List: $     39,900     Sold: $     39,900 (least expensive)
Sales price/sq ft:
High: $384.62
Low:  $  18.30
Average Days on Market: 94


 
In the category of townhomes, condos and villas there were 41 sales during 2011 and they break down as follows:  
List: $185,000     Sold: $170,000 (most expensive)
List: $  35,000     Sold: $  … (5 comments)

No, You Can't Bring Your Pet Gator To Go Shopping....Things You See In Florida! - 01/16/12 10:57 AM
No, you can't bring your pet gator to go shopping....read the sign, please!
Ron and I went to the flea market in Oldsmar Florida yesterday. I wanted to purchase a couple of carpet runners and figured the Turkish stalls at the local flea market was probably a pretty good place to look.
As we were entering the flea market, I noticed this sign for the first time in my life! I am sure it has been there forever, but I never noticed it before. Being the blogger that I am, I had to take out my iPhone and photograph it!
I … (16 comments)

ActiveRain Reflections - 01/16/12 10:11 AM
Debe has been in ActiveRain long enough to get near that 1M point mark and the reflections she writes about in this post are important for all Newbies to read. We all started out as Newbies and we have all learned SO MUCH through our time right here in ActiveRain!
Via Debe Maxwell - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (iCharlotteRealEstate.com Savvy + Company Real Estate):
We've all heard the rhetoric out there about the various social media platforms--how some work, some don't, others may be among the 'up and coming.'  We've read ad nauseum about AR down-time and … (5 comments)

Climbing the Active Rain Leaderboard - Honorably! - 01/16/12 09:52 AM
Pat Kennedy wrote another one of her amazing posts and this is one every Newbie needs to read! It is about climbing the leaderboard here in ActiveRain and doing it within the guidelines of the community!
Via Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company Realtors):
When I first began to blog on Active Rain in 2007, the top blogger had about a quarter of a million points - a sum that seemed enormous to me.  Then he took over a president of his local Board of Realtors, a rather large one at that, and no longer had time to do much blogging.  So we … (8 comments)

On New Construction, Look Under Things! - 01/15/12 10:51 AM
Ok, it is NEW construction so you walk through and check things out, right? BUT do you look UNDER things? I know it would have never occurred to me but Jay points out, once again, why a home inspection is vital.....even in NEW construction!
Via Jay Markanich - Northern VA Home Inspector (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
Like a preposition, a home inspector's job -- on new construction, look under things!
In school I learned that a preposition is a word that describes what you can do to a building.  Over, under, inside, betwixt, beside, well you get it.
Hey, that … (2 comments)

Rocket your real estate career - 01/15/12 09:40 AM
If I have said it once, I have said it a dozen times: Mimi is a great writer! In this post she writes about a book that can help us fine tune our business and make us better at what we do rather than work in a scattered, unfocused way. I am going to order this one today! If you have not read this post, please read below!
Via Mimi Foster - Colorado Springs Realtor (EPIC Real Estate Group Colorado Springs Real Estate):
Rocket your real estate career "If you'd just get off the phone, maybe you could get some work done."Living … (8 comments)

When your life is a lie - 01/15/12 09:34 AM
Mimi is one of the most amazing writers I have ever known and this post is an excellent example of the thought provoking material she often explores. What is reality? We make our own reality with what we perceive to be the truth. Once that reality has been formed, can it ever be altered?
Via Mimi Foster - Colorado Springs Realtor (EPIC Real Estate Group Colorado Springs Real Estate):
and the lie has shaped your life.
(This post has been in Draft Mode for a while.  The details are going to be kept fuzzy because this is an ongoing investigation.  I thought … (2 comments)

So What Else Does ActiveRain University Offer???? - 01/15/12 09:11 AM
So what else does ActiveRain University offer?
First of all, for those who have never taken a class at ActiveRain University, let me reiterate that all classes are FREE to ActiveRain members!
If you have never taken a class at AR University, you might want to start out with Bob Stewart's RainMaker Orientation class or Bob's Draft Review Class. Those are two basic classes that anyone new to ActiveRain or new to blogging really needs to take! Bob also offers an ActiveRain Tools class as well as Outside Blog Training.  Amy Hahn offers a class in Creating Engaging  Hyper Local Content and … (6 comments)

Active Rain University: So Much Knowledge FOR FREE! - 01/14/12 01:26 PM
Active Rain University: So much knowledge FOR FREE!
Where else can you attend classes that are totally FREE and at the same time learn how to improve your SEO? Where can you attend a class that is going to teach you how to write a fantastic market report for your clients and real estate blog? Active Rain University offers BOTH of these topics!
I have taken Bob Stewart's SEO class twice and am taking it again this coming week! And since I live on the East Coast while ActiveRain is on the West Coast, they are considerate enough to alternate the … (16 comments)

Why Work With A Realtor? Example Of A Bank Owned Closing... - 01/12/12 05:22 PM
Why work with a Realtor? There are many reasons and one of them is that when you are dealing with bank owned property, you need somebody on your side.....that would be your Realtor.
We are currently closing on a bank owned property here in the Greater Clearwater Area of Florida. The closing company is down near Miami.....not unusual when dealing with bank owned properties.
Today my client received the package via email for signatures but with NO instructions as to what to do with it, where to sign or anything else. Naturally, I had asked for a copy of the package … (7 comments)

ActiveRain Weltanschauung - What Does It Mean? - 01/12/12 11:38 AM
Active Rain Weltanschauung - what does it mean?
 
Well, let's begin with the obvious, Weltanschauung is a German word meaning 'world view'. In this case, the world view of the ActiveRain community.
Here in ActiveRain, we pride ourselves in our unique family-like community. It is exactly because of that closeness that we have events like the ActiveRain Meet-Up. These events give us the opportunity to meet fellow ActiveRainers and make our community stronger.
We all benefit from a stronger community because it is in that type of community that everyone grows and each member takes pride in the group … (5 comments)

The Witch's Brew Holds Full Moon Fireside Circle TONIGHT In Palm Harbor Florida - 01/09/12 04:42 PM
The Witch's Brew is holding a Full Moon Fireside Circle tonight in old downtown Palm Harbor Florida.
 
The drumming circle begins at 7pm this evening at 1219 Florida Avenue, just off Alt 19 in downtown Palm Harbor. There will be Tibetan and crystal singing bowls but feel free to bring your drum of choice along with you to add to the music.

If you have never been to the Witch's Brew, you need to check it out! In addition to a great time, you will also find ice cream, coffee, tea, wine and beer available at the Witch's … (12 comments)

Advertising - The Key To Success - 01/09/12 03:15 PM
Advertising is indeed the key to success! As we begin 2012 I have decided to make a few changes to my advertising beginning with my new and improved business card:
 
I took a photo of Clearwater Beach Florida and uploaded it to VistaPrint. I then uploaded my own photo, company logo, MLS/Realtor logo and added other information I wanted to present.
Last year my business cards had palm trees with sand and surf. I think this cleaner photo looks more professional. My next move is to have perforated vinyl window graphics installed on the back window of my SUV.
… (16 comments)

The Days Of Multiple Offers Are BACK! - 01/09/12 12:03 PM
The days of multiple offers are back and I am loving it!

There is nothing sweeter than receiving multiple offers on your listing! When I hear people say that the market is NOT recovering, I have to ask what part of the country they live in because HERE in the Clearwater/Palm Harbor area of Florida we are indeed experiencing a real estate market recovery!
Needless to say, my sellers are also thrilled! Three offers on their listing in two days is fantastic! Now let the bidding war begin!
My personal crystal ball says if you are seriously considering purchasing, this … (8 comments)

Dunedin Florida - 2011 Housing Market Review - 01/06/12 12:10 PM
Dunedin Florida - 2011 Housing Market Review
 
Let's take a look at how the housing market did in Dunedin Florida during 2011. There were 340 single family homes sold as follows from highest to lowest:
List: $1,499,900     Sold: $1,170,000
List: $     25,000     Sold: $     25,000
Sale Price/Sq Ft:
High: $389.74
Low:  $  26.48
Average Days on Market: 101
 
In the group of townhomes, villas and condos there were 252 sales during 2011. They were as follows, highest to lowest:
List: $849,000     Sold: $775,000
List: $  22,000     Sold: $  19,000
Sale Price/Sq Ft:
High: $357.14
Low:  $  32.64
Average Days … (6 comments)

The Belly Button Roof - 01/06/12 11:46 AM
I don't know if you have ever heard of a belly button roof....I certainly had NOT. But as I read on, I discovered what it is and why -once again- I recommend a home inspection with ANY purchase. Even non-bank owned need to be inspected folks!
Via Jay Markanich - Northern VA Home Inspector (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
Whenever you want to make sure a tenant has a private entrance, and want to entice a client, why not put a roof over the entrance staircase?
Why not put in a belly button roof?
Now why would anyone call this a … (9 comments)

Dunedin Florida - Market Report - December 2011 - 01/05/12 02:52 PM
Dunedin Florida Market Report - December 2011
 
There were 30 single family homes that closed in Dunedin Florida during the last month of 2011. They ranged as follows:
At the high end was a 4 bedroom 3 bath 2935 sq ft home that listed for $349,000 and sold after 84 days for the list price.
On the other end of this list of 30 homes we find a 3 bedroom 2 bath 1520 sq ft bank owned home that was listed for $44,900 and sold after 48 days on the market for $55,000.
Average time on the market was 119 … (0 comments)

PEARLS FOR GIRLS BOOK SAYS BE YOUR OWN VALENTINE FIRST - 01/05/12 10:30 AM
Richie has written a book that I want to share with everyone.......Valentine's Day is indeed around the corner and so many young people think they have to have 'friends with benefits' in order to be loved and keep a relationship going. Low self-esteem and lack of confidence are the causes........Richie's book is all about caring for yourself first! If you don't love and accept yourself, NO relationship is going to last.
Via Richie Naggar Ran Right Realty Riverside, Ca:
It's coming and love will be in the air. Valentines Day. I remember being introduced to this in 3rd or 4th grade not … (4 comments)

Seeing the Light. A Simple Guide to New Light Bulbs ... - 01/05/12 10:06 AM
Gene's fantastic post about the new light buibs is something that everyone needs to share. Too many people are still using the old fashioned light bulbs that waste energy. If you haven't switched yet, you REALLY need to continue reading!
Via Gene Mundt Mortgage Lender Chicagoland Mortgage Lending (815.277.4036 www.genemundt.com):
Seeing the Light ... a Simple Guide to New Light Bulbs          Back in 2007, a new law entitled, "The Energy Independence and Security Act" was signed.  It was expanded upon in 2010.  As a result, new requirements and efficiency standards were placed in line for the common light bulb.      … (2 comments)

Three Important Words Realtors® Need to Know in 2012 - 01/04/12 04:32 PM
This is such a great reminder! While it is wonderful to have knowledge about what we sell, it is just about impossible to know everything. When in doubt the best way to respond is an honest "I don't know" - thanks for that reminder, Cindy!
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (CJ Realty Group, Inc.):
It's painful but there are times when we need to pull out these three simple words; "I Don't Know."  This past weekend a lender asked me for information on a condo association.  My holiday brain wasn't connecting and I started to give him … (0 comments)

ActiveRain / Adobe EchoSign Challenge: What Does Trust Mean to You? - 01/04/12 04:22 PM
If you haven't seen that the ActiveRain staff has posted another contest, be sure to check this one out! If you get your entry in early, you get more points and the topic is one that should provide many interesting posts.............it is about TRUST!
Via ActiveRain Corp.:
Wow, 2012 already? Can you believe it?
For January's challenge, we are honored to have the folks from Adobe EchoSign joining us. EchoSign was recently purchased by Adobe. Adobe is a company that a ton of us have been putting a lot of trust in for the last decade (some of us even longer than … (2 comments)

Trust - Why Should I? - 01/04/12 04:17 PM
Trust is a word that can make you feel like you are on top of the world but if your trust in someone is broken, your world can feel like it is shattered! It is such a tiny word; five little letters that mean ever so much! From the time we are small children, we learn the meaning of trust. We trust our parents, our relatives, our friends. Trust is something the young give to all without reservation – and the consequences are sometimes, unfortunately, devastating.
 
We have all been hurt before by someone we thought we could trust only … (12 comments)

FHA EXTENDS WAIVER OF ANTI-FLIPPING REGULATIONS THROUGH 2012 - 01/04/12 12:26 PM
I want to share Roy's post on the FHA extending their waiver of anti-flipping regulations through 2012 since this information is so important so many buyers! So many would not be able to purchase without going the FHA route! Thanks, Roy, for getting the word out!
Via Roy Kelley, Montgomery County, MD Homes For Sale (Roy Kelley and RE/MAX Realty Group):
FHA EXTENDS WAIVER OF ANTI-FLIPPING REGULATIONS THROUGH 2012
The following is HUD’s notice on the extension of the anti-flipping waiver.  Home buyers will be able to use FHA financing even when the current ownership is reselling within a short period after … (4 comments)

Palm Harbor Florida - 2011 Housing Market Review - 01/04/12 12:16 PM
Palm Harbor Florida - 2011 Housing Market Review
 
There were 780 single family homes sold in Palm Harbor Florida during 2011. A summary of those sales is as follows:
List: $1,700,000     Sold: $1,385,000 (most expensive)
List: $     29,900     Sold: $     29,900 (least expensive)
Sale Price/Sq Ft:
High: $333.24
Low:  $ 20.36
Average: $103.94
Average Days on Market: 91
 
There were 522 sales in the group townhomes, villas and condos. This breaks down as follows:
List: $369,900     Sold: $373,350  (most expensive)
List: $    9,000     Sold: $    9,000  (least expensive)
Sale Price/Sq Ft:
High: $ 186.68
Low:  $     8.88
Average: $  67.25
… (6 comments)

Palm Harbor Florida - Market Report - December 2011 - 01/04/12 11:33 AM
Palm Harbor Florida - Market Report for December 2011
 
During the month of December 2011 there were 62 Single Family Homes sold here in Palm Harbor Florida. They ranged as follows:
On the high end we find a 4 bedroom 4 bath 4374 sq ft home
List: $799,900     Sold: $775,000  Days on Market: 5
At the low end of the list is a 2 bedroom 2 bath 1218 sq ft home
List: $ 74,900     Sold  $  74,900  Days on Market: 68
 
Average Sold Price: $199,895
Average Sold Price/Sq ft: $104.30
Average Days on Market: 78
 
Now let us … (0 comments)

Tarpon Springs Florida - 2011 Housing Market Review - 01/04/12 10:58 AM
Tarpon Springs Florida - 2011 Housing Market Review
 
Looking back on 2011 we find some interesting figures. In the group of Single Family Homes sold this past year in Tarpon Springs, from highest price sold to lowest:
418 single family homes sold
List: $9,995,000.     Sold: $8,000,000. (most expensive)
List: $    15,999.     Sold: $      13,500. (least expensive)
Sale price/sq ft:
High: $378.60
Low:  $ 13.42
Average Days On Market: 131
 
Now let us look at townhomes, condos and villas for 2011:
165 townhomes, villas, condos sold
List: $674,900.     Sold: $640,000. (most expensive)
List: $ 21,900.     Sold: $  21,900. (least expensive) 
Sale price/sq … (2 comments)

Geislingen an der Steige, Germany - A Reflection On The Passing Of Time - 01/03/12 07:04 PM
Geislingen an der Steige is in the German state of Baden-Wuerttenberg, which is in southwestern Germany.

That is where Herbert, the father of my two children, comes from and one of several places in Germany that I lived during my 17 years there.

These photos were taken almost thirty years ago, when my father (in the red sweater in the first photo and with me in the photo above) was visiting us there. My own children, now 31 and soon to be 33, were little adorable youngsters back then.

It is amazing how rapidly time flies. Papa is … (4 comments)

Tarpon Springs Florida - Epiphany Celebration January 6 2012 - 01/03/12 06:09 PM
 Tarpon Springs Florida - Epiphany Celebration January 6 2012

Each year, on the Feast of the Epiphany, young Greek boys between the ages of 16 and 18 attend mass at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox cathedral in at 36 N Pinellas Avenue in Tarpon Springs. The services begin at 8 in the morning and once the services are over the boys head to the bayou to await the tossing of the cross.
 
 
 
At approximately 12 noon, once the services are complete, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, Georgia, … (2 comments)

Having Fun with My New Camera Lens - 01/03/12 11:22 AM
We are lucky to have many fantastic photographers here in ActiveRain. When I saw this post by William I just had to share it with everyone. Who would even thing of a photo like this? Only someone who is extremely creative! Thanks, William and Happy New Year!
Via San Diego Real Estate Voice authored by William Johnson GRI CRS e-Pro CDPE (RE/MAX Associates):
One of my all time favorite photos was of a little monkey that crawled up on a photographers camera in a rain forest in Central America. As he stretched out over the top of the large camera lens, the … (4 comments)

Tarpon Springs Florida - Market Report - December 2011 - 01/02/12 07:21 PM
Tarpon Springs Florida - Market Report December 2011
 
In December there were 32 Single Family Homes that sold in Tarpon Springs Florida. These homes ranged as follows:
On the high end: 
5 bedroom 4 bath home with 3734 sq ft
List Price: $649,000     Sold Price: $592,000
71 days on the market
 
On the low end: 
3 bedroom 1 bath home with 750 sq ft
List Price: $ 19,000     Sold Price: $ 10,000
448 days on the market
 
Sold price/sq ft:
High: $158.54
Low:  $ 13.33
Average: $ 85.14
 
Condos/townhomes/villas:
On the high end:
3 … (5 comments)

Crystal Beach Florida - It Still Looks Like Christmas - 01/02/12 04:52 PM
Crystal Beach Florida - It Still Looks Like Christmas

Yes, while 2012 may have started yesterday, here in Crystal Beach many homes are still decorated for the Christmas Holidays.

While taking a stroll down to the shore this morning, I had my camera in tow and took some great shots along the waterfront.

Blue skies and sunshine - the first days of January 2012!
 


… (6 comments)

Charles Rutenberg Realty Welcomed In 2012 - 01/02/12 04:40 PM
Charles Rutenberg Realty welcomed in 2012 with a wonderful office luncheon.
I consider myself lucky to work with such a professional group of people. John and Joann Nestor are our owners and they go out of their way to make us feel like one big family!
 
John Rurkowski, our on-site broker here in Clearwater, is always available and the ladies in the office (Pauline DeKeyser, JoAnn Roberts and Kristen Conover) comprise the most efficient office staff I have ever worked with!

Last Friday there was a wonderful turnout for our end-of-the-year party! It was also an opportunity to … (3 comments)

Happy New Year and best wishes for good health, continued success and much happiness! - 01/01/12 12:12 PM
Roy always posts the most beautiful floral photos and these orchids just had to be shared with everyone! It is amazing how beautiful the creations of Mother Nature are. Man can never produce anything more beautiful than what our planet gives us for FREE. Thanks, Roy, for all of your wonderful photos!
Via Roy Kelley, Montgomery County, MD Homes For Sale (Roy Kelley and RE/MAX Realty Group):
Happy New Year and best wishes for good health, continued success and much happiness!

Viewing images of beautiful orchids at the Orchid House in Longwood Gardens is a good way to begin the New … (12 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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