National Median Prices - Existing Single Family Homes - 02/29/12 02:00 PM
National Median Prices - Existing Single Family Homes is the topic in this post. It is interesting to reflect on the median sale prices across our nation from January 2011 through and including January 2012. When we do the information looks like this:



I find it interesting to look at these charts and see what is going on across our nation but have to stress to clients that what is REALLY important is what is going on in your LOCAL market.
When I hear the news media generalize about what is happening to the real estate market and … (3 comments)

The Quiet Revolution Taking Place in Elementary and Secondary Education - 02/29/12 06:15 AM
This new generation is growing up with some amazing technology......when I observe my own 5 year old granddaughter zipping around the iPad better than I can, it is unbelievable. Let's hope that they also remember to get out and run around, have fun and be kids........real people exposure and exercise outdoors are vital to development as well!
Via San Diego Real Estate Voice authored by William Johnson GRI CRS e-Pro CDPE (RE/MAX Associates):
The Quiet Revolution Taking Place in Elementary and Secondary Education

 
There is a revolution happening in education these days and it is quietly taking place with the introduction … (2 comments)

New Construction Single Family Home Prices - National Median Prices - 02/29/12 05:02 AM
New Construction Single Family Home Prices - National Median Prices
This information was provided by the Economics Department of the National Association of Home Builders and it shows the NATIONAL Median Prices throughout 2011 and also includes January 2012 for new construction of single family homes.

While this information does indeed indicate that prices are still extremely low, we need to remember two things:
1- This information is the median price NATIONALLY and every area of the country is different. You need to check your LOCAL market to see exactly what is going on in your specific market. The best … (2 comments)

Existing Home Sales Expected To Take Off Nationally In 2012 - 02/28/12 11:40 AM
According to the National Association of Realtors, 2012 is indeed going to be an excellent year for our nation to recover! Existing home sales are expected to take off in 2012 as shown in this chart:


Naturally, the 2012 information is what the National Association of Realtors forecasts for 2012.
What does this mean for the buyers out there? Homes and condos are selling once again and as the inventory decreases, prices are going to start to increase! The time to buy is NOW!


 

… (6 comments)

FHA Mortgage Premium Increase - 02/28/12 08:32 AM
I just had to reblog Roy's post about FHA mortgage premium increases.......this is information that needs to get out and with the beautiful flowers he always posts with his blogs, what better presentation?
Via Roy Kelley, Montgomery County, MD Homes For Sale (Roy Kelley and RE/MAX Realty Group):
FHA Mortgage Premium Increase 
Announcement
FHA has just announced they are raising insurance premiums as follows (effective April 1st):
(We assume it will apply to case numbers assigned on or after April 1st.)
The increases are as follows: 
10 basis point increase in annual premium for single family forward mortgages (1.25% annual premium) 
25 basis … (2 comments)

Orchid Trees In Bloom Here In Crystal Beach Florida - 02/28/12 08:15 AM
Orchid trees are in bloom here in Crystal Beach Florida and they are so beautiful that I had to share!

While out taking my morning walk through our little waterfront community, Nikon in hand, I just had to take a few photos of the dozens of orchid trees that are in full bloom!

It never ceases to amaze me, how beautiful life here in Crystal Beach Florida is! Away from the hussle and bussle of the big city and yet within a short drive from Clearwater, St Petersburg and Tampa, Crystal Beach is such a fantastic place to live!
… (4 comments)

Happy Birthday, Sascha - My First Born Turned 33 Today! - 02/27/12 02:33 PM
Happy Birthday, Sascha...my first born turned 33 today! It seems only yesterday that the ambulance was driving me to the Frauenklinik in Erlangen because my water had broken....12 hours later they induced labor.
My beautiful baby boy was so TINY.....he weighed under 5 pounds! I was afraid I would break something when I held that tiny body. He spent the first 10 days in an incubator in the Kinderklinik and I was allowed to take him out to nurse him and then put him back in.
When he finally came home he was still so small. The smallest baby outfit you … (12 comments)

Crystal Beach Florida - Two Great Homes For Sale - 02/27/12 01:17 PM
Crystal Beach Florida currently has 13 homes on the market! We are a small waterfront community right on St Joseph's Sound, which leads to the Gulf of Mexico.
 

Give me a call today to make an appointment to see any of the great homes  available here in Crystal Beach Florida or the surrounding area!


… (2 comments)

Pinellas County Florida School Registration Is Upon Us Once Again - 02/27/12 12:37 PM
Pinellas County Florida School registration is upon us once again and although it is something that I have not had to deal with in years, this is the beginning of something new.........Grandma getting involved with school registration.
Yes, my little granddaughter will be coming into Kindergarten in the Fall and like so many parents, my daughter has to deal with registration. Since she works in a high school, she is working during registration hours.....so Oma (German for Grandma) to the rescue!
Today I called three charter schools to get the little Munchkin registered.....we will see where she ends up but by … (0 comments)

Crystal Beach Florida - Spring in February! - 02/27/12 08:37 AM
Crystal Beach Florida is indeed enjoying Spring in February! I took my normal early morning stroll through our quiet little village and noticed a lot of fog out over Saint Joseph's Sound.....pretty typical at this time of year and it burns off early!

What is beautiful about being out so early is that the only people I see walking are half a dozen other walkers - the rest of Crystal Beach Florida is either still at the breakfast table (it is before 8 am) or on their way to work already.

Since there are NO traffic lights in all … (3 comments)

Crystal Beach Florida's Waterfront Park - 02/26/12 12:19 PM
Crystal Beach Florida's Waterfront Park on a chilly Sunday in February is something to see.

While the temperature is only going up to the high 60s today, still I had to take my Sunday afternoon walk through the park here in Crystal Beach. A walk in the park is good for the soul. It is quiet and the beauty of Mother Nature is everywhere!

Nothing can compare to living in this beautiful waterfront community! Crystal Beach Florida is THE place to live! Close to everything and yet far enough away that you can enjoy the peace and quiet of … (13 comments)

Aloha Friday sunset from Kihei Maui Hawaii - 02/25/12 04:55 AM
Nothing can compare with some of the sunset photos of Maui that Georgina posts and these just had to be shared! Aloha, Georgina and thanks for the wonderful windows to your world!
Via Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales (Jim Sanders Realty Inc. - Maui):
Aloha Friday sunset from Kihei Maui Hawaii


No green flash this time!
Maui oceanfront MLS search
 Maui condos for sale
Have a great weekend, wherever you are.
 
call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL  
Georgina M. Hunter Maui Realtor(S) e-Pro 
Search the Maui MLS here  Aloha from Maui...  
 
… (5 comments)

Decreased Inventory, Increased Prices....So What's Pending Look Like? - 02/23/12 01:34 PM
Decreased inventory, increased prices....so what's the 'pending' market look like? It is looking mighty darn GOOD! People are taking advantage of the sweet deals that are to be found right now and the number of contracts that are just waiting to close has skyrocketed here in the Sunshine State.


Florida's single family home market in 'pending' is UP 37.5% in January 2012 over January 2011! That is REALLY impressive!
What does the condo and townhome market look like in that category? It is UP 18.0%.

 

Florida is rocking! With the unbelievably LOW interest rates on a … (13 comments)

Florida Real Estate Recovery - Median Sale Prices Rising - 02/23/12 09:58 AM
Florida Real Estate Recovery - Median Sale Prices Rising


Florida single family home sale prices are indeed an their way back up. Naturally, it is going to be a slow process, we are all aware of that but just seeing prices edging back up is a good sign.
Median sale prices for single family homes are up 5.3% over a year ago and an indicator that it is time to purchase if you are even remotely considering it! (Condo median sale prices are up 18.8%) !!!!!

 

Florida is leading our nation in a real estate recovery … (10 comments)

Florida's Shrinking New Listing Inventory - 02/23/12 07:58 AM
Florida's Shrinking New Listing Inventory really gets the point across when you compare the last three years:


And while the number of new listings for single family homes has declined 7.9% in just the last year, the change is even larger when we look at condos and townhomes, which shows a 10.8% reduction in the last twelve months!

 

It all comes back to: When is the time to buy? NOW! And along with that thought, it is a great time to get your home or condo listed since the market is picking up and getting HOT!
… (7 comments)

Florida Home Inventory Declining - 02/22/12 02:34 PM
Florida Home Inventory is indeed declining. When we compare January 2011 to January 2012 in the category of single family homes we see this:


Graph maker
When we compare condo and townhouse sales from January 2011 to January 2012 it is even more impressive:

 
Graph maker
As we all know, reduced inventory generally means prices start going up. What does that mean? Simple, if you are considering purchasing, NOW is indeed the time!


 
… (8 comments)

Florida Home Sales Soar - January 2012 - 02/22/12 02:10 PM
Florida Home Sales Soar - January 2012

Indeed, according to the latest information out from the Florida Association of Realtors, single family home sales rose 5.3% in January 2012 over January 2011 and condo sales were up 18.8% over one year ago!
While that is wonderful news, the fact that the inventory is declining also means that prices are going to start going UP. January 2011's inventory for single family homes was 171,961 and when we compare that to January 2012's reduced numbers of 113,822 it becomes obvious that as the inventory declines there is only ONE direction for prices … (2 comments)

Spoto's Steak Joint - Dunedin Florida - 02/22/12 01:13 PM
Spoto's Steak Joint in Dunedin Florida was our destination this afternoon to celebrate two closings in just as many days. Ron felt like having a good steak and there is no better place around for that than Spoto's Steak Joint on Main Street in Dunedin Florida.

We shared the potato soup with bread rolls that had slices of Kalamata black olives baked into them. What a wonderful idea!

The great thing about Spoto's Steak Joint is that beside offering the best steaks around, it is one local restaurant that serves a fantastic selection of game entrees ranging from wild … (2 comments)

Kiva Changes the World $ 25.00 at the time - 02/22/12 05:46 AM
This is one post that needs to be shared! As I mentioned in the comments, Sascha's college thesis was sustainable development in the third world and organizations like KIVA do indeed make a difference! Please read this post and check KIVA out!
Via Peter & Linda Pfann (250) 213-9490 Pfanntastic Victoria Homes Since 1986 (Cornerstone Properties Ltd. www.pfanntastic.com ):
Kiva Changes the World $ 25.00 at the Time. Today we added a new loan to our "portfolio" of Kiva Micro Loan Investments in the future of others.... Will You Join Us...?

Peter and Linda Pfann are proud to be assisting KIVA so far … (2 comments)

Nuremberg Germany - My Heart Will Always Be There - 02/21/12 03:49 PM
Nuremberg Germany is indeed a place where my heart will always be!

I think that it is impossible to live someplace for 17 years, have wonderful memories and NOT have part of your heart always there. Perhaps that is why, when my son sends me photos like this one, I get a little nostalgic for Nuremberg. So many days were spent walking along the city streets, passing this very spot. So many wonderful memories.
Now that my son is back in Germany, living in Berlin and attending graduate school there, I know that I will be making a return trip. … (7 comments)

Beautiful Day For A Closing - 02/21/12 03:38 PM
Beautiful day for a closing would be an understatement today! Blue skies, sunshine and a high in the upper 70's is what greeted my clients from Michigan as we met to go to the title company.

We are dealing with more and more condos closing extremely quickly. Why? They are neither bank owned nor short sales - they are simply priced right to sell and people are taking advantage of these great opportunities!

Most of the condos that I have sold in the last year have been cash deals. That means that they can close within just a couple … (3 comments)

SPRING FORWARD IN 2012 CONTEST - 2012 Market Trends - 02/21/12 02:57 PM
I know that we often miss important contest posts and this one is going to be a great contest! If you haven't already seen the post about the new market report contest, check it out!
Via CATHY BUREAU, MBA, GREEN, EcoBroker, SFR San Antonio, TX - Real Estate Broker (www.GreenHomeRealtySA.com):
Since 2007 we've been struggling with the public perception that real estate is not a good investment. We've also struggled to put the word out that the "bad market" is regional, & quite micro oriented. I know we've all been experiencing the unveiling of a beautiful 2012. Personally, my market has hot  … (2 comments)

FINALLY SELECTED A CONTACT MANAGER I chose IXACTcontact.com because it is so easy to use - 02/21/12 10:51 AM
I am sure that I am not the only one who wishes there was something easier to use for contacting large numbers of clients at once.......the key word here is EASIER.......after talking to Lynn on the phone just now, I will be spending some time with IXACTcontact this afternoon, checking them out!
Via Lynn B. Friedman 404.939.2727 CDPE Advan Atlanta Metro ODATRealty SeHabla Español (Buy/Lease/Sell/Prop.Mgt. lynn@odatrealty.com):
FINALLY SELECTED A CONTACT MANAGER I chose IXACTcontact.com because it is so easy to use
FINALLY SELECTED A CONTACT MANAGER I chose IXACTcontact.com because it's so easy to use.
How about three years trying to … (1 comments)

ActiveRain Update, Feb 20th - 02/21/12 10:15 AM
Having ActiveRain problems? You are not alone and if you missed the updated information on why there are still problems, please read Kerrie's latest update!
Via ActiveRain Corp.:
I would like to apologize to everyone for the issues regarding ActiveRain.  I know you must be tired of the "we're working on it" answer but it's the truth.  Our developers are taking shifts to continue to get this fine machine running smoothly again.
We had to do the server switch.  It's a big job that will benefit the good of AR although it may not feel like it right now.  Prior to the … (3 comments)

Artist Extraordinaire: Rob Schouten - Whidbey Island Washington State - 02/20/12 10:02 AM
Artist Extraordinaire: Rob Schouten - Whidbey Island Washington State
If you haven't heard of Rob Schouten, I have to ask WHY. If you have received a notecard from me in the last fifteen years or so, chances are you have received Rob's artwork!
Rob was born and educated in the Netherlands, having graduated from the School for Graphic Art in 1977. Shortly thereafter he settled in the Seattle area (attention ActiveRain staff!!). In 1983 he and his wife relocated to Whidbey Island where they own the Rob Schouten Gallery.
I stumbled upon Rob's work back in the 1980's when I … (1 comments)

Tarpon Springs Florida - January 2012 Market Report - 02/20/12 09:02 AM
Tarpon Springs Florida - January 2012 Market Report

The Tarpon Springs Florida market for single family homes had 20 closings during January of 2012. On the high end was a single family home in Grey Oaks that was listed for $639,900 and sold for $575,000.
At the other end of this short list of twenty closings was a small home on East Lime Street that was listed for 26k and sold for 19k.
Sold Price/Sq Ft:
High: $153.34
Low: $  34.55
Average Days on Market: 105
In the category of townhomes, villas and condos there were 16 closings. … (3 comments)

Palm Harbor Florida - January 2012 Market Report - 02/20/12 07:35 AM
Palm Harbor Florida - January 2012 Market Report

January 2012 was a busy month for the real estate market here in Palm Harbor Florida! There were 41 single family homes that closed and they were as follows:
On the high end was a single family home in Highlands of Innisbrook that listed at $899,000 and sold after only four days on the market for $850,000. Somebody got a sweet deal on a beautiful Mediterranean style home in a lovely gated community!
Switching gears to the lowest priced single family home closing, we find a small two bedroom home in … (0 comments)

Safety Harbor Florida's Funky Art - 02/17/12 06:31 AM
Safety Harbor Florida's Funky Art is indeed something worth sharing. While I was in Safety Harbor yesterday for lunch, my girlfriend Natalie and I took a drive through a particular neighborhood that we both know and love. Natalie is an art teacher and I am a former potter, so we both enjoy funky art.

These homes have evolved during the years and the homeowners have been adding more and more unusual pieces of funky art to decorate their homes, garages and yards.

The really wonderful thing is that more and more homes in this neighborhood are constantly getting involved … (9 comments)

Whistle Stop Grill - Safety Harbor Florida - Best Vegan Lunch Around - 02/16/12 08:12 PM
Whistle Stop Grill - Safety Harbor Florida - Best Vegan Lunch Around

Today I met my girlfriend, Natalie Keyes, for lunch. Natalie and I go back a long way.....we used to have classrooms right next door to each other back when I was teaching. It is always wonderful, getting together and sharing what is going on. We are both busy and don't do this as much as we would like, but that is life. So today we decided to go to the Whistle Stop Grill on Main Street in Safety Harbor Florida for lunch.

We used to go … (4 comments)

Mama Osprey Guards Her Nest Over Stirling Links - Dunedin Florida - 02/16/12 09:16 AM
Mama Osprey Guards Her Nest In The Over Stirling Links - Dunedin Florida

While at Stirling Links driving range with Ronnie this week, I noticed mama osprey busy working on her nest and since she spent a good amount of time sitting in it as well, I am going to guess that there just might be a baby or two on the way.

Stirling Links driving range was formerly called St Andrew's Links, located on Palm Avenue and Alternate 19, just a couple of blocks away from St Joseph's Sound and the sparkling waters of the Gulf of … (14 comments)

HOW DO YOU "QUALIFY" YOUR BUYERS?...Or,...DO You Ever "QUALIFY" Your Buyers? - 02/15/12 03:54 PM
This is such a great post that I wanted to reblog it to make sure that everyone has seen it.....there is a lot of wonderful information here! If you are working with a buyer, there are certain questions you MUST ask them so you don't waste time......yours and theirs! Before you go out showing homes, read this post and if you don't follow these simple steps, TAKE NOTES.
Via Paula I Hathaway, Senior Vice President, LBA (Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate):
HOW DO YOU "QUALIFY" YOUR BUYERS?....Or,...DO You Qualify Your Buyers?
Given the "no" answer that I have received from a number … (6 comments)

ActiveRain Server Upgrades and Scheduled Downtime 2/16/2012 - 02/15/12 03:43 PM
ActiveRainers, remember that there are still upgrades taking place and along with that comes downtime. The latest information is that February 16th will be another downtime to get the system primed for perfection!
Via ActiveRain Corp.:
On Tuesday evening, February 14th, starting at 8pm Pacific Time ActiveRain will be down for scheduled updates to our servers.  ActiveRain will be down until midnight or 12:00am on Wednesday morning.  
Updated: On Thursday Evening, February 16th, starting at 8pm Pacific Time, ActiveRain will be down for scheduled updates to our servers. We expect this downtime to last for 4 hours, until Midnight Pacific time.
… (0 comments)

Dunedin Florida - Recycling Center On Michigan Avenue - 02/15/12 03:40 PM
Dunedin Florida - Recycling Center on Michigan Avenue, just west of the Dunedin Fine Arts Center

While many communities offer curbside recycling pickup, not everyone has that service and for those who don't, the City of Dunedin offers a great recycling center on Michigan Avenue, between the Dunedin Fine Arts Center and Alt 19.
The only thing that this recycling center does not take (and I can't find any general recycling center around that takes it) is COLORED GLASS. They take clear glass but not green or brown.......which I really don't understand since when I lived in Germany back … (3 comments)

Color Coordinating... - 02/15/12 10:53 AM
People do it all the time and I really don't get it...........why would you paint over electrical outlets? So they don't work anymore? If they look that bad, go purchase new ones but don't paint over them and cause a potential fire hazard!
Via Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector - 615.661.0297 (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.):
Color Coordinating...                  Every now and then I run across a home owner who likes to color coordinate. While color coordinating is okay, there are some things, such as outlets, that should be left alone. This is definitely not a good idea … (5 comments)

Crystal Beach Florida - Silent Auction - March 3, 2012 - 02/15/12 10:23 AM
Crystal Beach Florida - Silent Auction - March 3, 2012

This will be the 9th Annual Silent Auction here in Crystal Beach Florida. The pre-auction preview time is from 3 to 5:30 in the afternoon on Saturday, March 3rd, at the Crystal Beach Community Hall on Crystal Beach Avenue. The hall will then be closed until bidding begins at 6pm.
There is a $5 cost for the paddle so that you can participate and there will be complementary beverages and finger foods. Once the auction is complete (approximately 9pm) you can pick up your items or you can return on … (8 comments)

Selling Your Rockwall Home | Seller Tip | Value Your Home | Rockwall County Tx. - 02/15/12 10:07 AM
Such simple suggestions if you are going to list and sell your home. This is a list that every Realtor I know presents to their clients and it is pretty amazing how many people don't follow these simple points............they are meant to help SELL your home quicker and at a great price! Listen to your Realtor, that is what you pay them for!
Via Barbara Hensley, Homes for Sale, Luxury, Acreage, Waterfront, Golf Course,Ranches (RE/MAX Hometown, Rockwall, Heath, Royse City, Rowlett, Texas):
Selling Your Rockwall Home | Seller Tip | Value Your Home | Rockwall County Tx.
Selling your Rockwall County Home should be … (2 comments)

Crystal Beach Florida Post Office Collects Care Packages To Local Soldiers In Afghanistan - 02/14/12 05:06 PM
Crystal Beach Florida Post Office Collects Care Packages To Local Soldiers In Afghanistan....yes, our local town post office is busy collecting items to send overseas to local soldiers that are so far from home.

Pam Hurlburt, our postmistress, found out that we have some local Crystal Beach residents that are currently serving in Afghanistan so she decided to do something positive for them. Pam and long time Crystal Beach postal employee Jo Pichardat are collecting and sending items to our soldiers!
As far as what to send, basically anything to help them stay warm and pass the time when they … (7 comments)

Valentine's Day & Bleeding Heart Vines - 02/14/12 04:27 PM
Valentine's Day & Bleeding Heart Vines......yes, today is Valentine's Day and for that reason I am writing about the Bleeding Heart Vine that I recently planted.
When I was growing up in South Tampa, my mother always had a Bleeding Heart Vine growing in front of the picture window near the front entrance. That was the most magnificant plant! It thrived on the catfish that we would catch out in Tampa Bay and then bring home to use as fertilizer in the plant bed. Over the years, that vine grew and grew, reaching the roof and beyond. It was trimmed often … (5 comments)

Healthy Kitchen Changes........Pressure Cookers Are IN! - 02/14/12 04:02 PM
Healthy Kitchen Changes........Pressure Cookers Are IN! Years ago, when I lived in Germany, I owned a pressure cooker......heck, everybody did! We cooked everything in it as well............that braten was first browned in the frying pan and then popped into the pressure cooker for meat that fell apart.
Well, we are making some serious changes in the way we eat and those changes include NO canned goods and LOTS of beans, lentils and peas. So it just made sense to purchase a new pressure cooker.
After doing a little research, I turned to one of my favorite places to purchase things....Amazon.com! I … (6 comments)

Crystal Beach Florida - Market Report for January 2012 - 02/14/12 02:30 PM
Crystal Beach Florida - Market Report for January 2012 shows increased activity, which is a good thing!

While only a single home sold in our little community that has no condos at all, there are 5 single family homes that are under contract and waiting for the keys to be transferred at the closing table!
That one single family home was a small bungalow - a 2 bedroom 1 bath short sale that was listed for 75k and closed after 122 days on the market for 71k.

As for those 5 homes that are pending, they break down as … (3 comments)

Ghost Tales Of John's Pass In Pinellas County Florida...... - 02/13/12 02:38 PM
Ghost Tales of John's Pass in Pinellas County Florida...........everybody loves local history and when it is combined with ghost tales it turns into a real attention getter!
John's Pass separates Madeira Beach from Treasure Island here on our Gulf Beaches. John's Pass got it's name from a gentleman from France by the name of John Levique. It seems he was working as a lad on a Spanish vessel when it was attacked by pirates. Now WHO doesn't like a good pirate tale.......John joined this band of pirates and eventually did well enough that it is said he had his own ship.
… (13 comments)

Where Oh Where Could The Dryer Vent Be? - 02/12/12 08:39 AM
Another great informative post about home inspections........dryer vents.....they can cause so many problems when not installed properly! Jay always includes plenty of photos, so you know exactly what he is talking about!!!
Via Jay Markanich - Northern VA Home Inspector (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
Where oh where could the dryer vent be?
Sometimes you know a change has been made, but you don't know where.
This dryer vent has blown directly onto the AC compressor since the house was built.  That would be 1979.
A dryer vent should not be within 12' or so of a compressor.  Too … (5 comments)

Tips on Buying a Short Sale Home - 02/11/12 10:15 AM
Short sales are still a part of our life and will probably be for some years to come. There are so many questions about short sales. To say the process can be LONG is an understatement. And even then, no guarantee that you are going to get it! You CAN get a good deal if you are patient........the place may need major work.........there is so much to consider and above all, be sure you are working with a Realtor that has worked short sales before!!!
Via Ed Silva CDPE, GRI, ABR, Real Estate Agent (RE/MAX Professionals, CT 203-206-0754):
Tips on Buying a … (8 comments)

Be a professional and open those doors! - 02/11/12 10:11 AM
This is an interesting article worthy of a reblog. If you are the listing agent on a house and a buyer's agent is coming from another area, should you open the door for them? Simple answer: YES! It is your JOB as the listing agent to get the property SOLD for YOUR client........if that means opening the door for an out of area Realtor and their client, then DO IT!
I don't understand agents selling in an area that they don't know and I sure don't drive up to Brooksville or over to Orlando to sell homes, I refer clients to … (6 comments)

February - A Busy Month In This Family - 02/10/12 12:45 PM
February is a busy month in this family! It always has been. Between birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's day....so many dates to remember. The month starts out with a bang on the combo date of Ground Hogs Day and my brother's birthday. Then it moves along to three dates that are easy to remember since they go in order: my (now deceased) mother-in-law's birthday on the 7th, her sister's birthday (Tante Hilde) on the 17th, my son Sascha's birthday on the 27th! Pretty amazing how those dates fell in line! Add to that my (also now deceased) father's birthday on the 13th, Valentine's … (9 comments)

Crystal Beach Florida - A Wonderful Place To Call Home - 02/09/12 06:05 PM
Crystal Beach Florida is indeed a wonderful place to call home. Crystal Beach is a lovely little community on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. A place where you can get around on your golf cart, Crystal Beach offers million dollar homes with waterfront views and 1950's bungalows that are a couple of blocks from the sparking Gulf waters.

Currently there are 15 homes on the market here in Crystal Beach. They run from a 4 bedroom 5.5 bath waterfront home with over 5000 sq ft that is listed for $1,250,000 to a little bank owned home with only … (8 comments)

What's the Difference? Pre-Qualification & Pre-Approval - 02/09/12 10:39 AM
Christine wrote about a topic that confuses so many buyers: what is the difference between being prequalified and having a preapproval? It is a question that comes up all the time. Thanks, Christine, for this great clarification!
Via Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.):
Gainesville Home Buyers often wonder what is Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval?   Normally, when a home buyer starts house-hunting in Gainesville and Alachua County, it is best for them to get pre-qualified with a local mortgage lender.  Often the two different terms that are used during a loan inquiry and application.  I wanted to get a good description … (2 comments)

My ActiveRain Family Is Important To Me! - 02/09/12 10:28 AM
My ActiveRain Family Is Important To Me! Had you told me twenty years ago that I would one day have a 'family' comprised mostly of people that I have never met and that this group of people would be an important part of my life, I would have laughed!
That was before social media, before the internet took off as it has and also before the formation of ActiveRain. It is pretty amazing to stop and reflect on the transitions that have taken place during the last twenty years in our daily lives. Gone are (for the most part) the days … (66 comments)

HELP HELP PLEASE HELP 2012 BIG Jumpstart Back2Basics Blog Challenge - 02/09/12 09:33 AM
If you participated in Lynn's contest and did not get your points yet, don't be surprised...nobody did! But PLEASE read her post to make sure you have done what you needed to do so you CAN get your points.
Be patient, it takes a LOT of time to go through the posts and finally get accurate information in to Kerrie so the points are awarded.
Thanks, Lynn!!!!
Via Lynn B. Friedman 404.939.2727 CDPE Advan Atlanta Metro ODATRealty SeHabla Español (Buy/Lease/Sell/Prop.Mgt. lynn@odatrealty.com):
HELP  HELP  PLEASE  HELP2012 BIG Jumpstart Back2Basics Blog Challenge First and foremost, thanks to everyone who participated in the Challenge. I … (2 comments)

Honeymoon Island State Park - Just Off The Coast Of Dunedin Florida - 02/08/12 10:28 AM
Honeymoon Island State Park is just off the coast of Dunedin Florida. It is one of my favorite beaches to go to and a beach that is popular with locals!

There are grills for those who want to cook their own lunch, as well as a cafe that offers lunch for those who don't want to have to carry their groceries with them to the beach.

What I like about this beach is that I can take a book and enjoy an hour in the sun between clients. There are swings and benches to relax on and restroom facilities … (7 comments)

Three Offers Written.....Do You Want All Three??? - 02/07/12 06:43 PM
Three Offers Written.....Do You Want All Three?
This is something that happens from time to time. You write an offer on a short sale and after months of waiting for the bank to respond, your buyer decides to make an offer on a second short sale or perhaps this time it is a bank owned. I have even had clients make an offer on a third property. Why do clients do this? They REALLY want to purchase something and they get tired of waiting for the banks to decide what they are going to do.
It becomes a case of … (11 comments)

Dunedin Florida - January 2012 Market Report - 02/07/12 05:43 PM
Dunedin Florida - January 2012 Market Report

Dunedin Florida lies directly on the Gulf Coast of Florida between Clearwater and Palm Harbor. It is an active community, with many downtown activities taking place throughout the year.
It is here that we are reviewing the January 2012 real estate market. Let us begin with single family homes. There were 26 single family homes that closed during January and they are as follows:
List: $795,000     Sold: $800,000 (high end) - 4 bedroom 3.5 bath waterfront home directly on St Joseph's Sound and the sparkling waters of the Gulf beyond
List: $ 39,900     … (2 comments)

Safety Harbor Florida - January 2012 Market Report - 02/07/12 04:08 PM
Safety Harbor Florida - January 2012 Market Report

Safety Harbor Florida is an adorable little town located directly on Tampa Bay. Minutes to Tampa as well as to the Gulf Beaches and Clearwater, it is an eclectic town with lush parks and beautiful homes. It is here that we are going to examine the real estate closings for January 2012.
In the category of single family homes, there were 16 closings.
On the high end:
List: $549,900     Sold: $506,500 for a 4 bedroom 3 bath home
On the low end:
List: $ 95,000     Sold: $ 90,000 for a 4 bedroom … (0 comments)

Gone Fishin' - Sometimes You Need A Day! - 02/07/12 03:29 PM
Gone Fishin' - Sometimes You Need A Day and today was that day! Ronnie decided that he wanted to go fishing today and since I did not have anything pressing on my list, we took off early this morning!
It proved to be a nice day as it got toward noon but did not take long for the clouds to return. Seems a cold front is moving through bringing today's high down to 'only' 78 degrees. So we enjoyed a little sun for a short amount of time. Seems the fish knew that the weather was turning and that it … (9 comments)

Forks Over Knives - A Change In Lifestyle - 02/06/12 10:27 AM
Forks Over Knives - A Change In Lifestyle
A client of mine gave me the DVD to Forks Over Knives, which I watched over the weekend. It was a pretty impressive film showing how our Western diet is responsible for cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, allergies and a host of other illnesses. Basically, the message is: If it has a mother, don't eat it!
The film inspired me to purchase the book at Amazon.com (where I got the photo to the left) and I have also gone the extra step and ordered the cookbook from Alan Goldhamer titled The Health Promoting … (3 comments)

Homebuying – Compromise; Don’t Settle - 02/06/12 09:20 AM
When purchasing a home you have to make a list: What things are items that I absolutely MUST have and what things would I LIKE to have...........then move forward. What can I AFFORD on my LIKE list that I can put onto the MUST list. Indeed, budget is the one item that is most important to consider!
Via Karen Crowson, ABR, SRES, Livermore, CA (Alain Pinel Realtors, Livermore, CA):
Now, please understand, I don’t mean this to be an unrealistic approach to buying a home.
You probably started out your home search with a very specific list of what you wanted, … (0 comments)

Belleview Biltmore Hotel - The White Queen Of The Gulf - 02/02/12 05:06 PM
Belleview Biltmore Hotel - The White Queen of the Gulf was built in 1896 by Henry B. Plant and his son, Morton Plant. The hotel is the world's largest occupied wooden structure. Built of pine, the structure was originally dark since it was not painted white for many years.

This beautiful old landmark was a Winter resort to European royalty as well as the Vanderbilts, du Ponts, Thomas Edison and many other famous people.
For years I would go to this landmark hotel every Thanksgiving with my children for the most magnificent feast imaginable!
There are many stories surrounding this … (9 comments)

Honeymoon Island State Park - Dunedin Florida On Groundhog's Day 2012 - 02/02/12 02:24 PM
Honeymoon Island State Park - Dunedin Florida on Groundhog's Day 2012

It is a holiday, right? So how could I possibly remain away from the sandy white beach and sparkling blue surf at Honeymoon Island State Park?

While everybody was enjoying picnics at the beach, I was there for the photos! What a beautiful day it is today and people are certainly taking advantage of the temperatures being up in the 80's today.

There is plenty of parking, two restaurant cafe's as well as restroom and shower facilities on the island. There are also hiking trails, an educational … (9 comments)

What does credit have to do with Insurance? - 02/02/12 08:30 AM
Pretty amazing how the rules of the game constantly change. Remember when credit scores had NOTHING TO DO with how much you paid for your insurance. Well, that is not the case anymore folks.....I don't get how companies are allowed to come up with these new hoops just to get the average citizen to pay more for something as basic as insurance..........but what do I know.............
Via Jayson Hoffer Tempe AZ 480-518-0747 (Jayson Hoffer Insurance Agency Inc.):
Many people think that insurance companies say people with bad credit have more accidents. This is not correct. The truth is typically people with … (4 comments)

Transitional Homes - 02/02/12 07:35 AM
Just what we Boomers need in our future so we don't end up being put in assisted living, as my daughter always says is my future if I am not good......and that she will pay for them to abuse me...........SHE IS JOKING, so please, don't anyone get upset by those words.
Via Mimi Foster - Colorado Springs Realtor Managing Broker (EPIC Real Estate Group Colorado Springs Real Estate):
Transitional HomesWith an aging mother, a developmentally delayed daughter, and an unemployed spouse at home, I have often quipped that I need a 'menstrual hut' to which to escape to get some work done.  … (6 comments)

Clearwater Florida - January 2012 Market Report - 02/01/12 12:04 PM
Clearwater Florida - January 2012 Market Report

A new year is here and this one is going to be GREAT for the local real estate market! Clearwater's single family home market started off the new year with 56 closings in January! These ranged from a 4 bedroom 3 bath 2555 sq ft home in Wynwoods Landing that listed for $324,900 and sold for $305,000 to a little home built in 1921. This little 1456 sq ft 3 bedroom 2 bath home was bank owned. Listed at $26,999 it sold for $26,900.

The average time on the market for these … (2 comments)

Clearwater Beach Florida - January 2012 Market Report - 02/01/12 11:34 AM
Clearwater Beach Florida - January 2012 Market Report

Well, the first month of 2012 is already behind us and on Clearwater Beach there was only ONE single family home that closed. That home was built in 1950 and was a 4 bedroom 3 bath 2299 sq ft home with a carport. The nice thing about these older homes is that they make excellent vacation rentals! You can walk to the beach and have all the conveniences of a home, including the ability to cook your meals! This home was listed for $349,900 and sold after being on the market for … (2 comments)

Be Safe ~ Not Sorry... - 02/01/12 10:59 AM
While I am reblogging home inspectors, here is another important post: read on to see why the guardrail on the stairs does not meet safety codes and what is wrong with the smoke detectors! So much to learn from good home inspectors!
Via Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector - 615.661.0297 (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.):
Be Safe ~ Not Sorry...      When potential buyers look at a property, they are looking at the aesthetics not the functionality or safety features. When the untrained eye looks at the photo below, one sees a sees a cool looking stairwell, loft and a … (3 comments)

It was a dark and snowy night - 02/01/12 10:52 AM
Todd shot such a beautiful photo and by NOT doing it in color, this turned out as a photo fit for a frame. For that reason, I wanted to share it! (plus it is something we sure don't see down here in Florida) - BEAUTIFUL photo, Todd!
Via Todd Clark (Broker) (503)524-9494 (Beaverton, Oregon Real Estate Expert) (Knipe Realty):

It was a dark and snowy night in Beaverton, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a great picture. When I looked out back to the trees, this is the beautiful view I had that dark and snowy night. The sad … (3 comments)

Leaking Roof? Maybe it's Improper Chimney Flashing! (Home Inspections Norristown) - 02/01/12 10:30 AM
David may be up in Pennsylvania, but his post is something we have to deal with down here in the Sunshine State as well! Chimney flashing that is not installed correctly! I had to deal with this just two weeks ago! Nothing can replace a good home inspection! After all, how often do you go up on the roof to check it out?????
Via David Artigliere, ARTI Home Inspections, ASHI Certified Home Inspector (Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia):
 Leaking Roof?  Maybe it's Improper Chimney Flashing! (Home Inspections Norristown)

Have a leaking roof?  Often times, that roof leak has nothing to do with … (4 comments)

An End to the Housing Crisis on the Horizon as Banks Loosen Credit Standards - 02/01/12 10:23 AM
Erika wrote about 2012 being the year the housing crisis ends........I knew that but it is wonderful to hear it from somebody in another part of the nation as well! As banks begin to make it a bit easier to get a loan, our nation will start to heal!
Thanks, Erika!
Via Erika Rogers-St George Utah Real Estate 435-229-8801 relocatetosunnystgeorge.com (St George Utah & surrounding areas):
According to a new report released last week by Capital Economics, the housing crisis is expected to end this year as banks loosen their credit standards. The report shows an average credit score needed to obtain … (2 comments)

Kweeh Wordless Wednesday 2/1/2012 – This is Scary! - 02/01/12 10:19 AM
We all use our cell phones in the car........our business depends on the phone! But do you unplug the charger when you get out of the car??? Kwee wrote this post that needs to be seen by everyone! Remember, UNPLUG that charger when you turn the engine off!
 
Via Kwee Huset® Venice Florida Homes For Sale (Kwee Huset Realty):
I received these photographs and story from the email, the incident happened in Texas. This is scary!

Hi All, Wanted to share!
As some of you may know, we had a pretty scary incident recently.Attached are pictures of what remains … (2 comments)

Slip Joints Below Grade Are Leakers! - 02/01/12 09:26 AM
Jay could write a book with all of the informative blog posts about things he finds when out doing home inspections up in the Virginia area! Here is another great lesson on something I had never even heard of: slip joints!
Via Jay Markanich - Northern VA Home Inspector (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
I wrote a post some months ago, I Know You Conduit!, in which I suggested that water can get into conduits when they open up.  What that conduit lacked was a slip joint.  Well, slip joints below grade are leakers too!
The two gray tubes on the … (4 comments)

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

Palm Harbor, FL

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Charles Rutenberg Realty

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

Office Phone: (727) 512-0910

Cell Phone: (727) 512-0910

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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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