Housing Discrimination Still Alive and Well in 2010 - 01/31/10 05:33 PM
One of our agents came up to me late Friday afternoon with a question. She had shown a home in a mobile home park that at one time had been classified as "Adult". Only two sheets of paper that said no one under 16 could live there. Of course, we all know that ADULT is no longer a sanctioned designation.
Now bear in mind, this park does not appear on Florida's list of registered 55+ parks, it has no homeowners association, so obviously no HOA President to keep records of the ages of the occupants or to file a 55+ status request … (9 comments)

File for Homestead Property Tax Exemption in Florida by End of February or Lose Your Chance for 2010 - 01/30/10 08:00 PM
If you bought a home in Florida last year, occupied it before 2009 ended, and it is your principal residence, you may qualify for a Homestead Exemption in your county. This could also be true if you owned a home here, used it for vacation purposes, but now have moved here permanently and are making it your main residence.
The deadline for filing is the end of February 2010. If you wait past that date, you will likely not be able to claim an exemption for the 2010 property tax year. So time is running out very quickly and you should … (2 comments)

Some Mobile Homes For Sale in Zephyrhills, Florida as of January 30, 2010 - 01/30/10 06:28 PM
If you are looking for your place under the Florida sun, Zephyrhills could be just the spot that you are searching for.
To assist you, I am attaching an updated Adobe PDF file to this post of the mobile homes that are currently available for purchase here as of January 30, 2010. All you have to do is click on the following link to download the pages that you can view and/or print: Download Mobile Homes For Sale As of Jan. 29, 2010  They are listed from lowest price to highest. If you just want to see them on your computer increase the view to 100% … (0 comments)

St Leo University to Host Food Fest to Benefit Breast Cancer Research - 01/29/10 09:43 PM
Women’s Basketball Welcomes All to Inaugural Food Fest of Pasco on February 13th
Lions and Pasco Regional Medical Center Partner to Help Raise Money for Breast Cancer Research
SAINT LEO, Fla. – Saint Leo University Head Women’s Basketball Coach Chanita Olds officially kicked off the inaugural 2010 Food Fest of Pasco on January 5, 2010 by unveiling a new website, www.SaintLeoLions.com/FoodFest and a presenting sponsor in the Pasco Regional Medical Center – who is partnering with the Lions to bring a one-of-a-kind experience to Pasco County.
The Food Fest of Pasco will bring an array of foods, tastes, flavors, and cultures of … (0 comments)

Mortgage Interest Rates Creep Just a Bit Lower says Freddie Mac - 01/28/10 06:46 PM
Today, 1/28/10,  Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.98% (4.97% in the southeast), down from 4.99% a week ago. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.39%, down from 4.40% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 5.10%.
Interest rates held pretty steady this week as the Federal Reserve indicated that it would probably not play much with interest rates due to an economy that appeared to continue its strengthening. They feel that lower rates will help ease unemployment and spark further growth of the US economy. However, … (0 comments)

Zephyrhills, Florida to Host "Music & Motorcycles" on February 13, 2010 - 01/27/10 04:27 PM

… (0 comments)

Visit Pasco County's Fair from February 15th to 21st, 2010 - 01/23/10 07:12 PM
Our local 2010 Pasco County Fair will take place from February 15th to the 21st in Dade City, Florida. This local event is always popular with our year round residents and our winter visitors. While others are shivering up north, we are walking down the midway under sunny skies and enjoying spring-like weather.

This year the following activities will be a part of this annual event:
Dairy, poultry, hog, rabbit, cavy, bull, heifer, goat, sheep, and plant exhibits/judging. Demolition derbies (I always loved these when I was a kid). Talent shows Beauty pagents Rodeo events Thrill rides for all … (0 comments)

Plant City, Florida's 75th Strawberry Festival to Take Place on March 4th to 14th - 01/23/10 05:07 PM
For those of you who live in the northern states like Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, etc who will have to wait until June for nice tasty strawberry shortcakes, here in Florida we will be way ahead of you. We get these delicious treats in the winter while y'all are still shoveling that white stuff off your sidewalks.
In Plant City, Florida we have the yearly Strawberry Festival. This year will be the 75th Anniversary of this event. This is no small-town get-together. We are talking of major undertaking here, with numerous activities, entertainment, displays, food delights, etc for all to enjoy. Some … (0 comments)

2010 Florida State Fair is Almost Here - February 4th to 15th - 01/23/10 11:54 AM
I remember when I lived back in New York State the state fair took place in the summer. Not many people wanted to be wandering from booth to booth in the middle of February up there. Wonder why????
Well, here in the Sunshine State, February holds little fear for us with its moderate temperatures and lots of sunlight to keep us from getting the winter blues.
This year our Florida State Fair will take place from February 4th to the 15th at the fairgrounds located at: 4800 US Highway 301 North on the east side of Tampa. You can get driving instructions … (0 comments)

Zephyrhills, Florida to Celebrate Its 100th Annual Founders' Day Centennial Celebration on March 13, 2010 - 01/22/10 06:44 PM
This year we will be celebrating Zephyrhills 100th Centennial Celebration of Founders' Day. A lot will be going on in our little part of Florida, with activities that all of you can take part in.
Things get started with an Old-Fashioned Barn Dance at the Zephyrhills High School on 12th Street from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on March 12th. Entrance is just $5.00! This is sponsored by Zephyrhills High School, and is just the thing to get you warmed-up for the fun to come during the following day. For more information about the dance, call: 813-794-6188.
On Saturday, March 13 a lot … (0 comments)

Annual Gasparilla Celebration to Take Place in Tampa on Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 01/21/10 08:34 PM
Very soon a unique event will take place in Tampa on Saturday, January 30, 2010. The annual invasion of pirates called Gasparilla. These invaders arrive amidst a flotilla of boats and proceed to City Hall to capture the mayor who surrenders the city to these vandals. Then begins a parade with music, floats, bead tossing, and much more. The cellebrating goes on into the night.
If you would like to learn more about event and perhaps even attend some of its activities, you can visit their offical site for more detailed information. If you can I strongly urge you to see this at least … (2 comments)

Average Mortgage Interest Rates Again Drop Below 5% Point - 01/21/10 04:51 PM
Today, 1/21/10,  Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.99% (4.97% in the southeast), down from 5.06% a week ago. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.40%, down from 4.45% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 5.12%.
Bond yields dropped this week and mortgage interest rates played "follow-the-leader". Once again we are seeing rates below the 5% mark.
As was mentioned in a previous post, home starts last month (December 2009) were down while new housing permits were up. This kind of makes sense since fewer homes … (0 comments)

REDUCED!! Lake Bernadette Golf Course Home For Sale Near Zephyrhills, Florida - 01/20/10 05:36 PM
The sellers have reduced the price of this very attractive 4 bedroom/2 bath/2 car garage home is located next to the fairways in the popular Lake Bernadette golf community just west of Zephyrhills, Florida.
As you enter the home you first arrive at the formal living and dining room areas. Though this is already a large space, due to its southwestern exposure and its volume ceilings it seems even more ample. There are even built in ledges for art pieces you might wish to display. The large mirror at the side of the dining area only adds to the spacious ambience. … (0 comments)

After a Freeze, Clean Up Landscaping to Attract Buyers to Your Homes - 01/16/10 05:05 PM
If you had a pet cat that died you would not leave it on the sofa while you were trying to sell your home. Would definitely not smell like a bed of roses, but just the sight of it would turn off buyers and send them running for the door. How about a fern that had turned brown and died in the corner? Of course not. You would (hopefully) dispose of these things ASAP since they would make the inside of your home much less attractive to potential purchasers, not to mention their agents.
Though not quite as bad, having dead plants around … (2 comments)

For 2 Weeks Straight, Average Mortgage Interest Rates Have Fallen Closer to 5% Mark - 01/14/10 04:34 PM
Today, 1/14/10,  Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 5.06% (5.00% in the southeast), down from 5.09% a week ago. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.45%, down from 4.50% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 4.96%.
Since interest rates on fixed-rate loans are still historically low, many people are taking the opportunity to refinance their homes and lower their payments. Over the past 3 months or so, over 75% of the applications for new loans were for refinancing purposes. So at least someone is making use … (0 comments)

Some Homes, Villas, & Condos For Sale in Zephyrhills, Florida as of January 9, 2010 - 01/09/10 06:02 PM
If you are looking for your place under the Florida sun, Zephyrhills could be just the spot that you are searching for.
To assist you, I am attaching an Adobe PDF file to this post that shows some of the villas, condos, and townhomes that are currently available for purchase here as of January 9, 2010. All you have to do is click on the following link to download the pages that you can view and/or print: Download Homes, Villas, & Condos in Zephyrhills 1-9-2010 
They are listed from lowest price to highest. If you just want to see them on your computer, increase the view to … (0 comments)

Questions to Ask Your Zephyrhills, Pasco County, and Florida Home Inspector When Buying a Home - 01/09/10 05:54 PM
Before you make your final buying or selling decision, you should have the home inspected by a (certified and licensed) professional. An inspection can alert you to potential problems with a property and allow you to make an informed decision. Ask prospective home inspectors these questions:
1. Will your inspection meet recognized standards? Ask whether the inspection and the inspection report will meet all state requirements and comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics, such as the one adopted by the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Home Inspectors. Customers can view … (0 comments)

Average Mortgage Interest Rates Drop After a Month of Increases: Freddie Mac - 01/07/10 10:35 PM
Today, 1/7/10,  Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 5.09% (5.07% in the southeast), down from 5.14% a week ago. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.50%, down from 4.54% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 5.01%.
After several weeks of increases, the average mortgage interest rates for fixed-rate loans dropped a little and are now pretty much at the average point for 2009. Sitting so close to 5% is a pretty good rate no matter how you look at it.
If the economy continues to improve … (0 comments)

My January 2010 Florida Real Estate Newsletter is Ready to Download - 01/07/10 01:09 PM
My January 2010 Real Estate Newsletter is now available for download as a PDF (Adobe Acrobat) file. Just click on the following link: Download January 2010 Newsletter I hope that you will find this month's articles interesting and helpful.
If you would like to receive these newsletters automatically in the future each month, just send me an e-mail and let me know. I would be glad to add you to my e-mailing list. You can e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com or call me at: 813-783-4444
I also invite you to visit my my website where I think you will find a lot of useful information. To get … (0 comments)

HUD to Provide Some Problem Drywall Relief to Some Homeowners? - 01/04/10 05:23 PM
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced that FHA-insured families experiencing problems associated with problem drywall may be eligible for assistance to help them rehabilitate their properties.  In addition, HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program may also be a resource to help local communities combat the problem.
FHA is reminding its approved lenders that they are to offer special forbearance for borrowers confronted with the sudden effects of damaging drywall products in their homes including the financial hardship associated with related home repairs. 
“We’re instructing our FHA mortgage lenders nationwide to extend temporary relief … (0 comments)

100th Founders Day Celebration in Zephyrhills, Florida on March 13, 2010 - 01/02/10 09:27 PM
SATURDAY, MARCH 13TH
9:00 AM TO 7:00 PM
THE 100TH ANNUAL FOUNDERS' DAY
THEME: CELEBRATION OF GENERATIONS  
FEATURING THE 100TH ANNUAL LOCAL LEGACIES LIBRARY OF CONGRESS FOUNDERS DAY PARADE
Opening Ceremony – 9:30 AM
Parade - 10:00 AM   Activities Include:
Kid's Games, Inflatables, Rock Wall, Obstacle Course Artifacts display and sale Chalk Art Demonstration Pony Rides Merchant Mall Cake Walk Archeological Dig – Corner of 7th Ave. and 8th St., Educational Displays, Time-Period Games and Entertainment, hosted by Florida Public Archaeology Network Antique Appraisals – sponsored by Gulfside Regional Hospice – maximum of (3) items $12 (1) item $5 Bloodmobile Craft Booths Festival Food … (0 comments)

Sellers - Make Yourselves Scarce When Your Home is Being Shown to Buyers - 01/02/10 07:34 PM
Often when I list a home, the sellers ask me what they should do when buyers come with an agent other than myself to look at their homes. I usually tell them that it is best if they go for a ride, take a walk around the neighborhood, sit on the patio, or if the weather is poor, stay put in one place in the home, usually the living room.
When they ask why, I tell them that usually the buyers and their agent will want to tour the home on their own and be able to speak in private about … (7 comments)

2010 REALTOR® Code of Ethics - Rules for Us to Live By - 01/02/10 06:16 PM
Many people call any real estate agent a REALTOR®. However, that is a misnomer. Though all REALTORS® are real estate agents, not all real estate agents are REALTORS®. I am very proud to say that I am a REALTOR®.
When we become licensed real estate professionals in each of our states, there is no legal requirement that we become REALTORS®. We can help people buy and sell property without ever being a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), or for that matter, our state and local associations. Nothing illegal about that at all.
However, non-REALTORS® do not have … (2 comments)

Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Home in Zephyrhills, Florida and in the United States - 01/01/10 05:16 PM
8 Easy Ways to Seal Air Leaks Around the House For what the typical family wastes every year on air leaks—about $350—you can plug energy-robbing gaps, start saving money, and enjoy a more comfortable home. Read
Save Money With an Insulation Upgrade Beefing up inadequate insulation is one of the quickest energy-payback projects you can do, resulting in lower heating and cooling bills and increased comfort. Read
7 Ways to Save on Lighting Costs Lighting eats up as much as 20% of your annual electric bill, but using energy-efficient bulbs and making other simple changes can cut lighting costs dramatically. Read
… (0 comments)

Home Maintenance Issues You Should Not Ignore - 01/01/10 05:04 PM
Essential Heating System Maintenance Getting your home's heating system professionally serviced every year will keep it running smoothly and help keep heating costs under control. Read
  Save Money With an Insulation Upgrade Beefing up inadequate insulation is one of the quickest energy-payback projects you can do, resulting in lower heating and cooling bills and increased comfort. Read
  Chimney Maintenance for Warmth and Safety Maintaining your chimney and fireplace can make the difference between warm safety and drafty danger. Read
  Cleaning and Caring for Siding The annual cleaning and repair of your home's exterior will pay off in a … (0 comments)

Be a Smart Homeowner in Zephyrhills, Pasco County, Florida, and the Rest of the Country - 01/01/10 04:51 PM
Make Your Case for a Property Tax Reduction To successfully challenge a real estate assessment and lower your property tax bill, you need to do a bit of sleuthing first. Read
  A Financial Plan for Your Home A house is probably the biggest investment you'll ever make. Create a financial plan that takes into account repairs, upgrades, mortgages, insurance, and taxes. Read
  Create a Home Emergency Preparedness Kit Having a plan for an emergency and creating a preparedness kit that's tailored to your needs could be the key to your family's safety if disaster strikes. Read
  Homeowners Insurance: … (0 comments)

 
John Elwell (CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc.) Rainmaker_large

John Elwell

Zephyrhills, FL

More about me…

CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc.

Address: 34619 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL, 33541

Office Phone: (813) 715-6810

Cell Phone: (813) 783-4444

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Real estate news, opinions, and listings from Zephyrhills, Pasco County, Florida and the west central region of Florida in general. Licensed in Florida.


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