Tampa Real Estate Trends: Stage Your Home to Sell

Nothing says summer like sitting beside the pool, soaking in the sunshine and enjoying a little music but for millions of people, summer is also the most popular time to buy or sell Tampa real estate. Learn how to stage your home to sell in any market with these hot trends.

Add a Splash of Color

Eliminate the institutional look. If you are still living with white walls or a drab beige and brown exterior make it a priority to paint. According to research, the top color trends certain to make Tampa homes for sale stand out include:

• Bamboo: the luscious look of bamboo green not only goes great with a Florida landscape but green is so popular it is considered the “new neutral”.
• Blue Iris: this frosty calming hue is sure to please everyone with its quiet sophistication and versatility.
• Earth Tones: forget avocado green – the new earth tones include warm shades of clay and amber with cool greens and blues that represent the earth, sky and ocean.

Low Maintenance

High maintenance lawns are rapidly becoming a big liability; today’s buyers are searching for Tampa homes for sale that provide maximum pleasure with minimum maintenance. Maximize the appeal of your Tampa real estate with these simple steps:

• Go Wild: Native plants require less maintenance and use little water making them the perfect choice for busy home owners who would rather lounge beside the pool than spend weekends pulling weeds and mowing.
• Personal Sanctuary: Turn an eye-sore into the center of attraction with a few stepping stones, seating and a fire pit. Add wind chimes, a fountain and fragrant flowers to create a simple gathering place that invites the entire family to relax during those warm summer nights.

Energy Efficient

With the price of gasoline above $4 per gallon everyone is searching for ways to trim a few dollars off the budget. Position your home as an energy efficient alternative to costly older Tampa homes for sale by investing in these simple solutions for sustainable living:

• Energy Star Appliances: Newer appliances not only look great but function better than ever resulting in energy savings and lower electric bills.
• Reduce the Commute: If your home is located in a low commute area then brag about it a bit! Reduced commute times are a major factor influencing the decision of which home to purchase.
• Cool and Clean: Although weatherization is important, most Tampa homes for sale emphasize the need to stay cool and clean in summer; consider adding ceiling fans to each room and other clean and cool amenities that save energy and require minimal maintenance.

Cory Lake Isles - A New Way to Enjoy Life

Cory Lake Isles is a luxury community located in New Tampa, one of the fastest growing areas in Tampa Bay. Cory Lake Isles is just off of I-75, ten minutes north of Interstate 4, and about twenty minutes away from downtown Tampa. Upon entering the gated community lined with canary palms, pristine landscape, and hand-laid bricks to form the boulevard, it is easy to forget the hustle and bustle of life. Cory Lake Isles is unique in every sense of the word; nestled upon ten miles of shoreline on Tampa’s largest lake, the views are spectacular. 17,000 acres of Florida wildlife preserve is the natural environment that surrounds this enchanted community. The Flatlands Wilderness Park is ideal to capture nature in its own environment.

Beautifully displayed homes are set upon quarter acre to three quarters of an acre land tracts that offer most homes a view of the lake, the canal, or the conservation lands. Custom homes are built to accommodate any sized family, ranging from around $250,000 to $3,000,000.

There is always something to do at Cory Lake Isles. An extravagant beach club offers tennis, volleyball, and a high-tech, innovate fitness center. There is canoeing, boating, biking and jogging. There is even a roller hockey rink and a recreation island! Take a ride on a boat or water ski from the dock located in the backyard. Take advantage of the 6,000 square foot club to entertain guests with a party or celebrate the memories of a timeless occasion.

The school system of New Tampa is top-rated with a school of all grades close to home. Children who reside at Cory Lake Isles can attend Wharton High School. The younger ones will attend Pride Elementary or Benito Middle School. Shopping and dining are convenient, as Bruce B. Downs Boulevard offers a variety of conveniences for any need, including a new shopping mall underway.

Cory Lake Isles offers more than living; it is living with fun, adventure, and comfort. With so many things to do, the only problem may be finding time to do it. As the sun sets on the lake and the day is winding to a close, it will be nice to know that making a decision to choose Cory Lake Isles is the right one for the entire family.

If you have any questions on Cory Lake Isles or homes for sale in New Tampa please give me a call at 813-317-4009.

New Tampa Has Everything a Family Could Want

Welcome to Tampa Bay, one of the finest areas on the Gulf coast.  Tampa has emerged as a metropolitan area with local appeal.  One community, in particular, that offers such appeal is New Tampa.  New Tampa is located just out of reach of downtown, and though it has been annexed by Tampa, it is just north of the city with a large area that is within the unincorporated county of Hillsborough.  One of the most popular areas of Tampa, New Tampa has experienced a growth explosion, offering a myriad of New Tampa homes for sale  that start as low as $100,000, though most homes for sale in New Tampa range in the area of $200,000 and up.  The area is so popular that New Tampa has seen the construction of new homes rise to over seventy percent from the year 2000.  Why is this area so popular?  New Tampa is an ideal location to settle; merely 40 minutes from the closest beach, a getaway is just moments away.  There is a very quick commute, making the area an ideal place to reside to eliminate long drives to work. 

New Tampa offers a variety of neighborhoods with everything a family could want or need just around the corner.  Many of the communities are built in concordance with nature, offering acres of wildlife and nature preserves to observe, travel, and experience.  With no shortage of lakes, Cory Lake Isles is a newer lakeside community that has water skiing.  There are a number of scenic golf courses to challenge even the most seasoned player (Heritage Isles, Pebble Creek and Tampa Palms).  Most communities in New Tampa offer amenities such as a full service clubhouse for entertaining guests, fitness and exercise facilities, swimming pools, and tennis courts.  Bruce B. Downs is the main thoroughfare of New Tampa, providing a wide variety of shopping conveniences and restaurants.  Hillsborough County schools are premier in quality, providing convenience for any sized family.

New Tampa has evolved into one of the most highly sought neighborhoods to live in the Tampa Bay area, offering luxury with convenience.  It is more than just a town; New Tampa is a flourishing town with small town appeal.  It is easy to see why this area has become so popular, as it is close enough to stay involved, yet just far enough away to be able to come home and relax.

As "Certified Foreclosure Specialist" we specialize in Tampa foreclosures and Tampa bank owned homes.

Tampa Condos Are Heating Up

One of Tampa’s hottest destinations is centered on the increased demand for more South Tampa waterfront condos and multifamily development communities. Located on Florida’s beautiful west coast, this section of Tampa Bay is thriving with communities buzzing with new Tampa condos for sale. You can readily find a comfortable waterfront condo offering a unique blend of urban excitement within a natural surrounding background.

The climate of the area encourages plenty of outdoor activities as it offers sunny days with gentle ocean breezes. During the spring or fall you will have warm days and cooler evenings. Your summer months in your condo are of a warmer nature with an occasional quick shower. Tampa’s average temperature is approximately 72 degrees.

In general with pleasant temperatures such as these your clothing wardrobe should consist of some loose, lightly clothing for any of your daytime activities as well as a lightweight jacket for your evening walks. Be sure to obtain some comfortable walking shoes before getting involved in many of the areas attractions. Few of the area restaurants require jackets and ties, as like most areas in Florida, casual is the in thing. The same applies to the various nightspots around Tampa Bay.

Converging in Tampa Bay itself you will discover several interstates which tend to make for an easy access from just about any point within the state. From the west and east side of Florida you have visitors arriving along interstate 4 while those coming into the area from the north or south will arrive via interstate 75.

Nearby you can find plenty of exciting things to occupy your leisure time ranging from roller coaster rides to the challenging Hillsborough River. Take the time to sit in a ball game practice from the stadium bleachers or simply obtain a pleasant tan at the nearby beaches. Tampa Bay offers the best Florida has to offer and it is centrally located to many of the states other fine attractions. Although the area was originally named for the body of water located on the Florida west coast it has come to represent the section of Florida comprised of a vast array of individual communities, each unique and exciting.

Tampa Bay with its abundance of Condos is living proof of the ever present expansion witnessed within the Sun Belt region. Tampa Bay is the most popular metropolitan district on the coast.

History of the area could fill volumes of books beginning with the Latin roots of Ybor City and onto Tarpon Springs and its Greek culture. For day trips you can visit Busch Gardens or perhaps take in a museum visit, either way there are more exciting attractions then you would ever have time to complete.

If you have any questions about Tampa condos for sale or South Tampa condos please do not hesitate to give us a call.

Tips When You Buy South Tampa Waterfront Condos

South Tampa waterfront condos are still in large supply, and can be presently purchased at a very reasonable price. They had a huge reduction in price in 2006 and 2007. The numbers have not been calculated for 2008, as of yet, but with the upward trend in the economy, it is almost assured that this percentage will be lower. There are still many incentive packages offered with reduced mortgage rates, free amenities and much more. The most important detail is to find a professional Realtor that is willing to go the distance with you and determine a course of action that is most suitable for your needs.

Prices will vary depending upon the location, the square footage offered, and the view. Determine exactly where would be a perfect spot to enjoy your time the most, and at the same time, feel comfortable with where you live. A condominium essentially offers convenience; convenience in location and in maintenance. There are no lawns to cut, no trees, shrubs, or bushes to trim, and there is basically little worry as to the upkeep of your surrounding environment. With this said, there are still factors of location which will invariably play a role in creating convenience to work, as well as play. Tampa condos for sale may create a convenience by eliminating a commute, but you may want to own a place that is closer to a golf course or perhaps an area where there are children. Some incentives offered can save a small amount per month, but a large amount in the long term. Even if the incentive is minor (a reduced HOA expense), do the calculations over a number of years. Check mortgage rates. The same system applies. A small difference in the percentage of a mortgage rate can add up to a large amount. One of the main reasons why buyers prefer a condominium over a house is the view. Visit several locations to find a view that will satisfy your needs. This will determine, by and large, whether you are satisfied with your home environment or not for a very long time. With the stunning sunset views offered on the coast, as well as the sunrise on the bay, it is no mystery as to why this is an important aspect in locating a proper South Tampa waterfront condo.

Don’t rush into a fantastic deal, unless it suits your needs. Consult with Lance Mohr (Tampa Realtor) before making any snap decisions. I am here to assist you to find the perfect place for your satisfaction. A condominium can be a great investment with years of happiness. The amenities of a pool and a gym offer both convenience and flexibility with a hectic lifestyle. Downtown Tampa provides an ideal backdrop to a vast array of activities that are literally within walking distance.

If you have any questions regarding Tampa condos for sale or specifically South Tampa waterfront condos please give us a call. We're your Tampa real estate experts.

Tips When Buying Tampa Bank Owned Homes

There are many ways to save money when buying a home. But if you unaware of these options, you will probably not look for them. A bank owned home will normally sell a good percentage below the market price. Tampa bank owned homes offer the buyer lucrative deals that could save thousands in the purchase of your next home. Here are a few steps to follow in purchasing a Tampa bank owned homes: Seek an area that will be ideal for a home for you, locate and investigate a home that satisfies your needs, seek the aid of a knowledgeable Realtor, and buy when the time is favorable for you, the investor.

The location is important in relation to the price. Many homes are priced in relation to the neighborhood. It is a good idea to investigate the area, as well as the community before taking a plunge into investing in a bank owned home. What are some of the perks? Is there a view? Is it close to shopping? Will the commute be too far? An inside tip to understanding the area very quickly is to look at the homes and speak with the neighboring residents. Are the homes in good condition? Are they content with the surroundings? The more knowledge acquired about the area, the more that you will know if the location is ideal for you.

Investigate the home. There may be some hidden details that do not surface straightaway, so thoroughly inspecting a house may provide added information. Similar to an auto, sometimes a house looks good from the outside, but there may be problems that are not apparent right away. Check for the major areas first (plumbing, electrical, structure), and then inspect the details (mold is a major health issue that can be unseen).

View Tampa bank owned homes alternative.

Seek the knowledge of an expert. A good Realtor will not only assist you in finding a home that is right for you, but he/she will also refer others who can assist you in making a decision. A professional Realtor will aid you in finding a great home that has everything you want with your needs in mind, as opposed to shuffling a home that has hidden traps and may require future investing. Bear in mind, you may be able to save quite a substantial amount of money by purchasing a home that needs work, by investing little more in the future.

Strike when the iron is hot. Timing is everything. This may sound like a cliché, but it is very true. Presently, there are more foreclosures than any other time in history in the United States. Tampa foreclosures have created a buyers’ market, which means a substantial opportunity to purchase a home at a lower cost than ever before.

Be realistic about a price. While some homes may offer a substantial savings (up to 30%), it is unrealistic to think that you will find a million dollar home for only a hundred grand. There is nothing wrong with trying to save, but a realistic approach will save the Realtor and you valuable time.

If you are considering purchasing Tampa bank owned homes or Tampa foreclosures I would strongly advise you to work with a Tampa Realtor that has been working with foreclosures for over 5 years and is a “Certified Foreclosure Specialist”.

It's Still a Buyer's Market for Tampa Properties

If you have been searching for a condominium, Tampa is a market that has a vast array of opportunity. With the recent economic situation, the market is open to a number of lower priced Tampa condos for sale in any area desired. Whether you are seeking South Tampa waterfront condos with a city view, or a water view, Tampa is a scenic town with so much to offer. Key West Landings offers a scenic waterfront view of the Alafia River, which flows directly into the Tampa Bay. The “Key West” nuance of South Florida is recreated to give this community a unique appeal. Many of the downtown condominiums offer an enriched view of the city, the ocean, or the bay, as well as a number of first class amenities. Outdoor pools, deck side bars and grills, and fitness centers are just a few of these benefits. Other areas, such as Apollo Beach is a quiet set community that is just a twenty minute commute away from downtown Tampa. An Apollo Beach resident says, “I love living in Apollo Beach. I love the fact that we are a small but growing community. I live in the Covington Park Community (Cromwell division) and my neighbors are the best.” It is a viable option if you are seeking something outside of Tampa, yet close to the beach. Wesley Chapel is a suburb just north of Tampa. Three beautiful golf courses are located in Wesley Chapel, including Saddlebrook Resort and Spa, for unmatched convenience. If you have children, and are planning to raise them here, Hillsborough County schools are great. Hillsborough County has the eighth largest school district in the United States consisting of 206 schools (one hundred and thirty three elementary schools, forty two middle schools, two K-8 schools, twenty five high schools and four career centers).

The job market in Tampa is ever expanding, especially in the financial, IT area. Voted one of the cleanest cities in the United States, Tampa residents are environmentally conscientious. The wetland preservations and the wildlife protection is a reflection of the concern and care of the residents of Tampa. There is a sense of community everywhere you go. The climate is opportune for any outdoor activity nearly all year round, whether you prefer to fish, boat, or simply relax at the beach. No matter which part of the Tampa area you decide you want to reside, there is something offered for everyone. Do not hesitate, or you may miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime to enrich your life with a lifestyle of fun in the sun.

If you are looking for Tampa condos for sale, one of the best options for buyer's to consider are South Tampa waterfront condos. You can still get a great deal.

New Tampa Homes Offer a Unique Setting

New Tampa is a residential area that encompasses a twenty four square mile area within the city limits of Tampa and a section of Hillsborough County. New Tampa is one of the largest areas in Tampa, as it has rapidly expanded with the growth of the Tampa area. New Tampa homes for sale offer a wide variety of opportunity and affordability not seen in other areas of Tampa. There is no question as to why this area has seen such growth; it is close enough to Tampa to circumvent a long commute, but just out of reach to be considered an urban area. The close proximity to Tampa offers the same features of living downtown: Sporting events are convenient (Raymond James Stadium, Tropicana Field), the beaches are within reach, art galleries and museums are within minutes, and the luxury of the fine dining is accessible.

New Tampa homes for sale range from a price of around $125,000 and up. With the population boom starting in the mid-nineties, the development, known as “smart planning,” was specifically geared toward the development into the future. A wide variety of neighborhoods offer a buyer many options which cater to the buyer’s needs. Cory Lake Isles is an exclusive, gated community with lakeside homes, which offer stunning views of a vast 17,000 acre natural wildlife preserve. Homes in Cory Lake Isles start around the mid $200,000 range. Tampa Palms is a grand-styled community, featuring such amenities as an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a golf course, and a fitness center. Tampa Palms is located on an area that surpasses 7,000 acres in size, surrounded by approximately 3,500 acres of wildlife preserve. Prices start around $200,000. K-Bar Ranch, one of New Tampa’s newer planned communities offers residents the appeal of comfort with design. With such amenities as tropic landscape, wildlife conservation, a swimming pool, and jogging/walking paths, the starting price in the high $100,000’s is worth the price. Scenic views of ponds and preserve allow the resident to feel like every day is a vacation. Arbor Greene is another one of New Tampa’s master-planned communities. The beautiful surroundings of lakes mixed with wildlife preserve are only one of the many attractions of Arbor Greene. Arbor Greene’s clubhouse is a state-of the-art facility that offers a fitness center, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and several social rooms. Neighboring Flatwoods Park, a 5000+ acre wildlife preserve, Easton Park is an ideal setting for any sized family.

New Tampa has come a long way since it was first settled in the mid 1800’s. The main thoroughfare Bruce B. Downs Boulevard reflects the community’s pride in its area. Two featured golf courses, Hunters Green Country Club and Tampa Palms Golf Club, as well as two public courses, Heritage Isles and Pebble Creek Golf Club, offer choice in golfing experience. With so many options, it is hard to say no to a lifestyle in New Tampa.

If you like the homes for sale in New Tampa you may also want to look at Wesley Chapel homes for sale and Tampa real estate.

South Tampa Waterfront Condos / Homes & Hurricane Safety

Any resident who owns South Tampa waterfront condos/homes knows the seasonal hurricane visits each year. You may rush outside to board up your windows and place all loose items securely inside or perhaps you tie them down. Either way the end result is to secure your belongings and home the best you can.

The one area that most people fail to give even moderate thought about is the doors to their home. Believe it or not there are doors known as Hurricane impact doors that are especially designed for those homes located within the hurricane belt. The FHA Impact Resistant Door provides you with a valuable asset towards protecting your watrerfront propety. These doors will provide safety and security for yourself and your loved ones and feature FHA approved insulated impact glass type windows, these doors provide a simple way to protect your family from the hazards associated with storms as well as intruders.

An added benefit to these wonderful doors is that you gain control over both solar entry and sound control. The key to this control is in the glass. With its laminated interlayer it actually reduces the vast quantity of exterior noise or ultraviolet rays which penetrate your home. Should a blunt object strike the glass it may crack however the pieces will not fly out from the frame but remain adhered to the plastic type interlayer.

The stainless steel construction of the units and their associated coatings on the hardware will resist any corrosion created by salt spray and sea air. A very unique construction method holds the sash tightly to the frame even during winds speeds of 130 mph. Upon completion of the storm a “snubber” is interlocked in the window making it fully functional again.

An interesting note here is that during the product testing these doors were tested by an independent firm in Pennsylvania which actually used air cannons to evaluate the products. During the test a length of two by four lumber that was nine feet long and weighed nine pounds was forcefully shot at various parts of the unit using a velocity of 50 feet/second. In order to pass the agencies test each of the tested units were subjected to these conditions and were required to function properly at the conclusion. The glass was required to stay in an intact state within the Sash and the doors had to be useable.

So as you can tell now is the time to take these doors into consideration in order to protect your valuable waterfront investment.

You may also want to view Tampa real estate, Tampa foreclosures and Tampa bank owned homes.

Increasing Your Real Estate Business With a Live Video Broadcast

In the 21st century the technologies that are available to you in the operation of your business continue to expand and grown on a seemingly daily basis. One of the more innovative technological advances that has been made in more recent times in the growing availability of live video broadcasts on the Internet and World Wide Web. With this in mind, you will want to consider whether or not live video broadcasts can play a role in the overall operation and promotion of your own business.

Of course, if you have done a little research into live video broadcasts, you may have been left with the feeling that this type of technology is out of your price range. Indeed, historically the companies that did provide live video broadcast technology to professionals like you were found to be charged $1,500 - $20,000 per broadcast (a significant amount of money for this service).

However, all of this changed. Professionals and business owners can now access live video broadcast services for a fraction of the cost – literally pennies on the dollar. Indeed, from anywhere between $10 and $40 (per month – not per broadcast) you can begin to access basic video broadcasting services for your business.

Odds are that you also have come to conclude that producing a live video broadcast is a very complicated, difficult task. Once again, thanks to the innovations you actually can be up and running with a live video broadcast with the ease and simplicity of sending an email.

The live video broadcast technology offers to you the ability to thoroughly customize your presentation. Moreover, you can make use of a variety of companion tools and accouterments including a chat box through which a viewer can send you questions in real time, a polling box through which viewers can register their opinions and customized banners.

The live video broadcast technology allows you to make professional Powerpoint presentations without even accessing or using a Powerpoint application. Therefore, whether or not you or your viewer has Powerpoint, you can make a commanding presentation. You can also customize banners around your live video broadcast to further inform or to further promote as desired.

This live video broadcast technology also allows you the ability to save and store the presentation for future use. Indeed, should you be so inclined, you can even set up a Pay Per View alternative. Unlike many other systems, with ours you retain every cent paid for a pay per view presentation. Nothing is taken off the top.

In business, a live video broadcast is a perfect vehicle through which you can communicate with associates, other professionals and customers located in different locations. Moreover, you can provide useful services to your clients through a live video broadcast.

Lance Mohr is a Streaming Video expert that can help any business owner take their company to the next level. He is also a licensed real estate broker that specializes in Tampa foreclosures.