clearwater fl localism: A Better Cheesecake For Birthdays & Weddings!!! Clearwater Florida - 03/31/12 02:06 PM
A Better Cheesecake is THE place to go for birthday cakes and wedding cakes! I know, it is the only place we order birthday cakes from and it is where my daughter has ordered her wedding cake!
So when my future son-in-laws birthday arrived, my daughter got him a raspberry swirl cheesecake from A Better Cheesecake on Enterprise Blvd near the intersection with McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater Florida!
If you have not been there and you like cheesecake, then head on over to A Better Cheesecake for a delicious delight! You will be glad you discovered this wonderful bakery!
… (7 comments)
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clearwater fl localism: 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)
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clearwater fl localism: 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)
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clearwater fl localism: 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)
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clearwater fl localism: 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)
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clearwater fl localism: 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)
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clearwater fl localism: Clearwater Florida Home For Sale - Price Reduced For The New Year - 12/26/11 10:12 AM
Clearwater Florida Home For Sale - Price Reduced For The New Year!
A lovely 3 bedroom 2 bath home on a cul-de-sac off Belleair Road and Sherbrook with NO deed restrictions awaits you!
The current owners want to pack up and move North within the next couple of months and need to sell this 1662 sq ft home with a wonderful fireplace and newly installed hardwood flooring in several areas of the home.
They were planning on retiring here before they became NEW grandparents! Now their loss is your gain! Take advantage of this unique home before somebody … (6 comments)
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clearwater fl localism: Seville Condo Under Contract - Two Days After Listing - Clearwater Florida - 12/21/11 11:26 AM
Seville Condo Under Contract - Clearwater Florida - yes, just two days after listing the 2 bedroom 2 bath condo at Seville, it is already under contract and set to close next week.
Since this is a cash deal and NOT an REO or short sale, there is nothing to delay this closing.
These are the changes that we are seeing more and more here in the Clearwater/Palm Harbor Florida real estate market. If the property is in good condition and priced right, it doesn't stay on the market long!
Looks like 2012 is going to be a VERY good … (7 comments)
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clearwater fl localism: Home Inspection Days Before Christmas - Closing Right After Christmas - 12/20/11 09:42 AM
Home Inspection Days Before Christmas - Closing Right After Christmas
At this time of year the banks are attempting to clear out their bank owned inventory. That means that home inspectors and title companies are especially busy!
We wrote the contract for this little bank owned house a couple of weeks ago and had the inspection yesterday. This cash deal will be closing right after Christmas. Paying cash is always the quickest way to get a closing done!
This little home is going to be an investment rental for the new owner. It has a large backyard with … (4 comments)
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clearwater fl localism: Metropolitan Ministries of Pinellas County Florida - December's Season of Celebrating & Sharing - 12/13/11 10:29 AM
Metropolitan Ministries of Pinellas County Florida is one more organization that does so much good to help those in need within the community.
This year their food pantries are in dire need of items such as peanut butter, canned fruit, canned meat, boxed cereal, diapers and pull-ups - the list goes on. You can find a comprehensive list at their website. There you can also find the nearest donation location for anywhere in the Tampa Bay Area as well as across the nation.
Here in North Pinellas County you can leave donations at Countryside Christian Center located at 1850 N. McMullen-Booth Road … (4 comments)
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clearwater fl localism: Indian Rocks Beach Boat Parade - Indian Rocks Beach Florida - December 17th - 12/12/11 09:10 AM
Indian Rocks Beach Boat Parade - Indian Rocks Beach, Florida - December 17th 2011
The Annual Indian Rocks Beach Boat Parade will start at Holiday Inn Harbourside, located at 401 Second Avenue in Indian Rocks Beach. At 7pm on Saturday, December 17th, basically anything that can float will leave the Holiday Inn and travel north, along the intercoastal waterway. The parade will end just south of the Belleair Causeway.
This is one annual event that you don't want to miss! The entire family will enjoy watching the brightly decorated boats motoring, sailing or rowing along the intercoastal toward the Belleair Causeway.
… (5 comments)
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clearwater fl localism: Nature's Food Patch - Clearwater Florida - 11/18/11 05:14 PM
Nature's Food Patch in Clearwater Florida is one place that I go when I am out all day and I want to get a healthy bite to eat. They offer a wonderful selection of soups, salads and also complete meals - with tofu, meat or just veggies.
Today I took one of my clients there with me for lunch. While we were there I also did a little grocery shopping.
There are always wonderful fresh apples and this is where I purchase my mango vinegar!
If you happen to stop by, be sure to try the apple crisp! … (9 comments)
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clearwater fl localism: Northwood Plaza in Clearwater Florida - 09/13/11 07:26 PM
Stein Mart of Northwood Plaza in Clearwater Florida is one of my favorite places to go shopping. There are always wonderful selections that are marked down and parking is never a problem.
Right next door to Stein Mart is Talbots, another great shop for ladies apparel.
Northwood Plaza on McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater Florida is also home to several great restaurants, a Publix grocery store and a CVS Pharmacy. That is what I call one stop shopping.
If you don't shop at Northwood Plaza, you really need to check it out. If you are thinking of relocating, … (0 comments)
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clearwater fl localism: Aldi For Groceries In Clearwater Florida - 09/12/11 04:41 PM
Aldi is the place to go for your groceries! If you have never been to an Aldi, there is one here in Clearwater Florida on US 19N just north of Sunset Point Road on the West side of the street.
I have shopped at Aldi since the early 1970's, when I was living in Germany. Aldi has prices that cannot be beat on many items! As with anything, you need to compare prices. But many items are so inexpensive. I purchased a container of fig filled cookies today for 99 cents!
If that isn't reason enough to check it out, … (2 comments)
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clearwater fl localism: Clearwater Countryside's Fresh Market - 07/15/11 10:18 AM
Clearwater Florida's Countryside Fresh Market in the Cypress Point Shopping Center is one of my favorite places to go for fresh produce, wonderful fresh baked breads and sweets as well as a fantastic collection of cheese (like you would find if you were in Europe).
What better way to spend the evening after a long day out showing properties than with a loaf of freshly baked farmer's bread, an assortment of wonderful cheeses, some fresh fruit and some freshly brewed fruit tea?
The Fresh Market of Countryside has all of that and so much more! A great selection of nuts, … (6 comments)
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clearwater fl localism: Grill Smith of Countryside Square in Clearwater Florida - 07/14/11 06:49 PM
Grill Smith of Countryside Square in Clearwater Florida was our destination this evening to celebrate my latest closing. Neither Ronnie or I had been there before and I must say, we will certainly be back!
While I had the Mediterranean Salmon with artichoke hearts, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a lemon-butter white wine sauce, Ron had the Wild Mushroom Meatloaf which is made with several different meats which include ground beef, veal and pork, as well as shiitake mushrooms served with a lovely Marsala sauce on top. We both enjoyed asparagus spears and a wonderful Napa Valley … (2 comments)
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clearwater fl localism: Another Beautiful Sunday On Clearwater's Gulf Coast - 05/22/11 10:32 AM
Indeed, it is another beautiful day here on Clearwater's Gulf Coast! The sun is shining, the temperature is going up to 92 today and it is going to be a relaxing morning at home catching up! Those are always good days. Time to catch up on correspondence, tweek listings, perhaps watch a stored webinar.......
This afternoon I think a quiet walk along the seashore is in order and perhaps I will take my Kindle with me, sit on a bench by the shore and read a bit.
The advantages of living here on the Gulf Coast! If you are ready to … (12 comments)
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clearwater fl localism: The Beauty Of Florida's Live Oak Trees - 04/26/11 09:16 AM
We are extremely lucky to be surrounded by beautiful Live Oak trees throughout Pinellas County. It is the one tree that I really can't get enough of! It is as if they are speaking to me and sharing the history of the area. They are old trees that have lived through a lot of our local history. If only they could really share all that they have seen..............or perhaps we have lost the ability to listen to what they have to say.......
Just one more reason why I consider living here in the Clearwater area of Florida living in Paradise! … (8 comments)
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clearwater fl localism: Happy Birthday Natalie!!!! We celebrated at Rumba Island Bar & Grill in Clearwater! - 03/17/11 03:25 PM
My close and dear friend Natalie has a birthday tomorrow and like all of us who are grandmothers, she will be taking care of the little ones on her birthday. For that reason we went to Rumba Island Bar and Grill yesterday afternoon to celebrate her birthday!
We sat outside in the afternoon sun on the corner of Gulf to Bay and Keene Road and had a three hour late lunch/early supper! We started with a great drink that involved three types of rum (mango rum, coconut rum and another one) mixed with fruit juices. Fantastic!!! And on the 2 … (0 comments)
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clearwater fl localism: The Blackbirds Are Coming! - 01/25/11 07:23 PM
Ron and I were out on Sunday when I saw more blackbirds on the intersection of Lakeview and Keene then I have ever seen in my life! For that matter, I have never seen that many of ANY type of bird in one location at once! It reminded me of the horror movies, just awaiting them to fly down and attack!
Naturally, I had to hang out of the car window and take these photos for documentation of the event!
Am I the only one amazed by this sight?????????????
… (1 comments)
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