Brandon Florida's Beautiful Homes Blog

Riverview Florida, Alafia Cove- Foreclosure

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:31:10 -0500

This video was made for a client, who has now moved on with his foreclosed property search. This report may be helpful to you if you have any interest large foreclosed homes in the Riverview, Florida area. If you have any questions on this or any other home on the market, please give us a call at

813-653-1241 or e-mail me at Rick@DiamondDwellings.Com

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

How Rising Foreclosure Rates Affect Your Home's Value

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:52:44 -0500

Foreclosures Affect Your Home's Value

When it comes to foreclosures, your neighbors could have a serious affect on your ability to sell or refinance your home. Your credit score having virtually little or no effect on your ability to refinance your home.

Comparable sales or Comparables as defined by Wikipedia, are real estate appraisal terms referring to properties with characteristics that are similar to a subject property whose value is being sought. This can be accomplished either by a real estate agent who attempts to establish the value of a potential client's home or property through comparable market analysis or, by a licensed or certified appraiser, when performing a real estate appraisal.

A lender will require an appraisal when making a loan on a house or when you refinance. An unusual amount of foreclosures or short sales in any given neighborhood can lower the value of the surrounding homes.

Appraisers often use the comparable sales approach for placing a value on residential property. They research home sales over the past six months to a year that are within one half mile of the property that they are appraising. Since foreclosures are not arms-length transactions, they do not represent the true value of properties in that neighborhood. This becomes challenging for the appraiser or real estate agent to place a value on a property when there are no recent sales other than foreclosures in the immediate area. They will then expand the search out from the home they are appraising and or go to a sold property farther back in time. Most appraisers will use short sales as they feel short sales are arms-length transactions and that they represent the current market value.

Remember, Market Value is the estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arms-length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgably, prudently, and without compulsion.

We are foreclosure and short sale experts in the Tampa Bay Area. Call us with a question or to ask for advice.... 813-653-1241

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

What’s the 2009 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit?

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:40:44 -0500

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Overview

• In 2008 Congress created a $7,500 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit.

• It went into effect April 8, 2008 and was set to expire July 1, 2009.

* The big problem: It had to be repaid over 15 years. People viewed it as a debt and not a benefit.

NAR, working with Realtors® across the country:

• Succeeded in having the the repayment requirement for 2009 removed.

• The credit has been extended to on or before November 30, 2009 and can be claimed by those who closed on homes on or after January 1, 2009. It is still repayable for 2008 purchases.

• The credit has been expanded to $8,000.

• But, it is still only for first time homebuyers.

Credit Details

• The new Credit is an $8,000 REFUNDABLE Tax Credit (or up to 10% of the purchase price).

• So if the property is $75,000, the credit is only $7,500. (Assume a property over $80,000 for the rest of the discussion).

• Refundable means that if your total tax liability in the given year is less than $8,000, the IRS will send a refund for the balance.

Why is Refundability Important?

• Many taxpayers do not have tax liability that exceeds $8,000.

For example, according to the 2008 IRS Tax Tables:

• A single filer would need $46,600 in taxable income to have $8,000 in tax liability.

• A couple would need $58,600 in taxable income to have $8,000 in tax liability.

• Those with less tax liability will in most cases get a refund meaning they get the full value of the credit.

Who is not eligible?

If any of the following:

· Your income exceeds the phase-out range. This means joint filers with Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) of $170,000 and above and other taxpayers with MAGI of $95,000 and above.

· You buy your home from a close relative. This includes your spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild.

· You stop using your home as your main home.

· You sell your home before the end of three years.

· You are a nonresident alien.

First-Time Homebuyer Definition

• Defined as someone who did not own another main home at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase.

· For example, if you bought a home on January 15, 2009, you cannot take the credit for that home if you owned, or had an ownership interest in, another home at any time from January 15, 2006 through January 15, 2009.

• So if the last time you owned a home was 2005, you are eligible for the credit even though it is really not your "first" home.

• For married joint filers, both must meet the 1st time homebuyer test to take the credit on a joint return.

This means that for singles making over 75,000. And couples making over $150,000. The credit is proportionately reduced as incomes approach $95,000. And $170,000. respectively. So if a couple makes $165,000. The excess amount is used to create a fraction, 15,000/20,000 (.75) times the credit amount. 75% or $6,000. Of the credit would be disallowed. The people in this example would still get $2,000. credit.

The Home

• Must be the "main home" i.e. principal residence. Which is generally considered to be the home where you spend 50% or more of your time. It can be a condo, Single Family detached, co-op, townhouse or something similar.

• The home must be located in the United States.

• Vacation homes and rental properties are not eligible.

• For new construction, the "purchase date" is the date you occupy the home. So the move in date must be before December 1, 2009.

Recapture- 3 Year Residency

• If the home is sold prior to three years of ownership, the tax credit must be repaid. This is an improvement from the prior credit. That credit needed to be repaid in total over 15 years or the balance had to be repaid on sale.

· This provision is designed to prevent flipping homes in order to get the credit.

When Can You Claim the Credit?

· It can be claimed on your 2008 Tax Return (to be filed by April 15, 2009), an amended 2008 Tax Return, or your 2009 Tax Return.

· NAR and industry partners tried to get the credit made available at closing but policymakers balked. In addition, it was explained that even if a system could be devised, it would delay closings by several weeks.

Conclusion

· The new credit is greatly improved compared to the old credit.

· It is a true credit and does not need to be repaid as long as you occupy the home for 3 years.

· NAR estimates that hundreds of thousands of potential buyers will take advantage of the credit.

· For more info on the credit and the 2009 Stimulus legislation visit http://www.realtor.org/governmentaffairs/ or consult your tax adviser.

If I can be of assistance to you regarding this tax incentive, please call me.

Dave Tipton, Broker Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida

813-653-1241

Reprinted from the National Association of Realtors website.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Buying HUD Homes in the Tampa Bay Area

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 09:29:49 -0500

What is a HUD Home?
HUD homes are typically 1 to 4 unit residential properties acquired by HUD as a result of a lending institutions foreclosure actions on an FHA-insured mortgage. HUD becomes the property owner and offers it for sale to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim. A HUD home is another type of Real Estate Owned (REO).

Who can buy a HUD Home?
Almost anyone! If you have the cash or can qualify for a loan (subject to certain restrictions) you may buy a HUD Home. HUD Homes are initially offered to owner-occupant purchasers (people who are buying the home as their primary residence). Following the priority period for owner occupants, unsold properties are available to all buyers, including investors.

How are HUD Homes sold?
All properties available for purchase by the public are offered for sale at Internet listing sites maintained by management companies under contract to HUD. Any real estate broker registered with HUD may submit an offer and contract to purchase on your behalf. HUD pays the real estate broker's commission, if included in the contract.

Are there any special programs?
Properties in designated areas are available at a reduced sales price to law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, nonprofits and local governments. Read more about these Good Neighbor Initiatives at: www.hud.gov/homes/index.cfm

Should I get a home inspection?
You are encouraged to get an inspection after your offer is accepted. All HUD Homes are sold AS-IS, without warranty. HUD will not make repairs nor pay to correct any problems after the contract is accepted. It is advisable to make your offer contingent on a home inspection. An inspection will tell you about the condition of the home, and can help you avoid buying a home that needs major repairs.

What about financing?
Although HUD does not offer financing directly, some HUD's homes qualify for FHA-insured loans. Shop around for a lender to find the best loan terms. How can an FHA loan help you? HUD is currently offering a $100 Down payment initiative. The $100 down payment is for owner occupants purchasing a HUD Home with FHA financing. This incentive is also available to owner occupant purchasers who obtain a FHA Home Repair loan. It's a great time to Purchase a HUD Home with FHA financing.

Buying a HUD home can be a fantastic opportunity, however there are some pitfalls than can cause you problems if you are unaware. Our company is experienced and trained in how to walk through this potential mine-field. For additional information and answers to your questions, call or e-mail the Diamond Dwellings Realty team today. 813-653-1241

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes

We are a registered HUD Real Estate Brokerage Company. Website

Check out the properties currently available at:

www.nhmsi.com/listings.html

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Brandon, Florida Short Sale & Bank Owned Homes- Now Available

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:18:33 -0500

I have chosen five homes to showcase what short sale and bank owned properties are currently available in the Brandon, Florida area. The homes can be seen by making an appointment with one of our agents. Not exactly what you are looking for? Search the MLS with no obligation at Free Florida MLS Search for all of Tampa Bay‘s homes. Diamond Dwellings Realty Associates also have access to all short sale, pre-foreclosure, HUD and bank owned properties in the Tampa Bay Area as well.

MLS# T2357554 Brandon, Zip Code: 33510 List Price: $29,900 Bedrooms: 2 Baths: 2 Sq Ft Heated: 918 Built: 1985

This condo features 2 bedrooms with 2 baths and 918 square feet. Home is not a short sale, so make your offer today and get a quick response. This is an amazing $32.57 per sq ft. The home needs some cosmetic TLC. Great Brandon location. See this home today........

MLS# T2358898 Brandon, Zip Code: 33510 List Price: $102,900 Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 Sq Ft Heated: 1,365 Built: 1977

STOP!!! Take notice of the 4 Bedrooms 2 baths bank owned Beauty. Priced to go quickly...if you take too long it will be gone! This home offers plenty of space with a nice layout and large yard. Great community and conveniently located near major roads. Only $75.38 per sq ft.

MLS# T2326333 Brandon, Zip Code: 33511 List Price: $104,900 Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 Sq Ft Heated: 1,186 Built: 1986

Short Sale! This great 3 bedroom, 2 bath house. In excellent shape, well maintained, extra large lanai has a hot tub and fenced back yard. No HOA or CDD fees! Sale subject to lender approval. A mere $88.30 per sq ft.

MLS# L4616876 Brandon, Zip Code: 33511 List Price: $115,300 Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 Sq Ft Heated: 1,186 Built: 1986

Great price, value, and opportunity on this 4 bedroom 2 bath home! Bank Owned Property being offered in AS IS condition with no representations or warranties given. Ready for a quick closing and occupancy. Fenced yard. Screened patio. $82.16 per sq ft.

MLS# T2338271 Brandon, Zip Code: 33511 List Price: $196,000 Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 Sq Ft Heated: 1,919 Built: 1982

Great Bloomingdale 3 bedroom 2 bath 1,919 SF home in established neighborhood, upgraded kitchen, new high quality laminate flooring, fireplace, open floor plan, vaulted ,no backyard neighbors, extra deep garage space for tools, or projects. Only $98.20 per sq ft.

Diamond Dwellings Realty Associates are the Tampa Bay Area Short-Sale and Bank Owned property experts. Give us a call today...

813-653-1241

Check out the rest of our website for tons of information and listings.

Click here to E-Mail: rick@diamonddwellings.com

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

FREE Tampa Bay Area MLS Property Search Service

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:03:53 -0500

Free Florida MLS Property Search

I recently received a letter from a client who wanted to express his appreciation for the FREE Tampa Bay Area MLS Property Search Service that Diamond Dwellings Realty offers on our website. The client went on to say that he appreciated the fact that our website did not make him jump through hoops in order to have access to this invaluable tool for locating homes and properties in the Tampa Bay Area. In fact you can search all of the property currently listed in the MLS state wide on our website.

It is our belief at Diamond Dwellings Realty, that if we provide service prior to our representing people, the majority who benefit from this service will come back to us when it's time to sell or make a purchase. This theory has proven itself time and time again.

Please feel free to check out our website for FREE MLS searches and for tons of other helpful information concerning buying or selling real estate. We even have investor information and programs available.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty

Click Here For: FREE Tampa Bay Area MLS;Search

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Going Greek in Brandon Florida

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:11:39 -0600

Amidst tough economic times the restaurant, Acropolis Greek Taverna, is set to open this weekend in the Winthrop Town Centre at Bloomingdale Avenue and Providence Road.

The popular restaurant and bar concept which has two other locations; 1833 E. Seventh Ave. in Ybor City and at 14947 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in North Tampa. Acropolis is well known for its hearty Greek and Mediterranean fare served in a unique and festive atmosphere. Their specialty is providing free entertainment for people who just want to get away from it all and try something out of the ordinary. The concept is toted to attract people of all ages, including singles, couples and families. The same food, entertainment and amenities are offered in all three locations.

On a recent trip to the Ybor location, the Big Dog observed a young lady covered with scarves and veils enticing restaurant patrons with her belly dancing while a musician strummed the bouzouki, a six-string instrument similar to a mandolin, and servers navigated through the lively dining room delivering Greek food and drink. A scene most different from the usual sports bars and wing establishments you find in the Brandon area.

Outside the restaurant, diners relaxed in an open-air lounge. Some smoked herbal tobacco from hookahs, traditional Mediterranean water pipes. The restaurant provides the pipes and offers more than 20 varieties of flavored tobacco for sale.

This restaraunt is different from any other place I have been to in the Tampa Bay Area, and it's now in the Brandon area.

Dave Tipton- AKA Big Dog

Re-printed from website: Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida

813-653-1241

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

A Glance in Real Estate’s Rearview Mirror

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 03:21:10 -0600

I consider myself an "old school" real estate agent, I started in 1985. I have seen numerous changes in the real estate industry over the years. Many of the changes had been in regard to license law, but since the mortgage melt down starting in 2006 and the eventual across the board financial difficulties our country has experienced, major changes have started to take place in the entire real estate industry. This evolution is not over but is changing as we speak.

What I'm seeing is that the traditional real estate franchise business i.e. C21, Coldwell Banker etc. are struggling. This business plan has been around for 50 years. You purchase a franchise, rent or buy a nice office, and you hire a bunch of agents. The more the merrier. The office and agents ran adds in the local paper and real estate magazines to sell homes. The agent belonged to the local board of Realtors and listed the property for sale in the local MLS. No one had access to the local listings on the MLS except members of the local MLS. The listings on the MLS were a valuable commodity and were guarded fiercely by the local board of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. When a home sold, the listing agent would pay a portion of their commissions to the office and the franchise via royalty fees. After paying their business bills, MLS fees, MLS membership, advertising, business cards, flyers etc. Realtors kept what ever was left.

This real estate formula perked along nicely for some 40 or 50 years. Like the travel industry, stock brokerage industry and many others, the real estate industry was destined to change and evolve. Several factors have attributed to the change, not the least of which is the Internet. With the arrival of the Internet came the more widely distributed information on homes for sale. It became possible for a potential home buyer to sit in their home or office and research homes for sale in areas that they were interested in purchasing. This was wildly popular by the masses, because they were able to maintain their anonymity for the most part until they were ready to buy. Today, statistics show that over 87% of home buyers start their search for a new home on the Internet.

Unfortunately, there are many real estate practitioners left in the business after the great financial crisis we have been going through that are still holding on desperately to the old way of doing business. It is perfectly normal for a human being to fight change, but the early adapters to new ideas and technology are usually rewarded for their foresight and adaptability.

We at Diamond Dwellings Realty are a small group of like thinking early adapters who work diligently at being on the cutting edge of real estates future today and into the future.

Please stay tuned and read Part Two of this three part Blog on the State of the "Real Estate Industry".

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida

By TwitterButtons.com

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

The TAXMAN Cometh

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:06:57 -0600

At this writing, the US House of Representatives and Senate are still scrambling to put the finishing touches on an economic recovery package, hours after reaching an apparent compromise on the measure President Obama hopes will jump-start the economy and create millions of jobs.

Negotiators of the stimulus compromise have most recently hit a snag in crafting provisions for education construction funding. The House already pushed off a vote until Friday the 13th. From there, the bill would head to Obama's desk for his signature.

Nothing has been made official, at this point the bill has still not been formally written and released in its entirety.

On a real estate related note, the proposed $15,000 tax credit for anybody buying a home over the next year was dropped from the package aimed at stimulating the part of the economy that started the economic down turn to begin with. Left in the bill would be a help for first-time homebuyers, allowing them to claim an $8,000 credit for homes bought by the end of August 2009.

Scaling back the bill to levels lower than either the $838 billion Senate bill or the original $820 billion House-passed bill caused grumbling among Democrats, who described the cutbacks as a concession to the moderates.

One thing is for sure though, when the final bill passes, we will be paying for the package for years to come. To quote the Beatles 1966 Revolver album song, “One thing is for sure though, the Tax Man Cometh”....

Dave Tipton- Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida

813-653-1241

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Using Social Networking as a Marketing Tool to Sell Homes

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:04:19 -0600

Our friend and associate Lane Bailey with Diamond Dwellings Realty of the Lilburn, GA office (near Stone Mountain) was recently interviewed by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about his unique niche in the home market and his ability to market homes via the internet and social networking tools such as ActiveRain, Facebook, Twitter to name a few.

Lane also specializes in what he terms Garages with Homes Attached. In case you didn't get it, Lane is a certified car nut, but all around good guy. In the area of web 2.0 and social networking, he is somewhat of a guru and has quite a following of others in the real estate industry who seek his thoughts and ideas.

The whole Diamond Dwellings Realty concept is built around the premise that in the "New Age" of real estate, internet marketing via what is termed web 2.0 platforms and the use of other 21^st century tools such as using video and social networking is the wave of the future, but it's being utilized today by various Diamond Dwellings offices.

To hear more about the concept and how Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida can market your home our assist you in finding just the "right" home for you, please give us a call or send us an e-mail. Careful though, this isn't your grand daddy's real estate company. Don't expect the huge brick and mortar office or our agents to drive a Mercedes Benz, just expect great service utilizing all of the marketing tricks we have learned thus far and great service. If you are in the real estate business, we offer an unprecedented opportunity for you to be cutting edge and to control your market area.

Dave Tipton, Broker

About the Author: Dave Tipton is a Florida licensed real estate broker with Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida. Dave's office is in Brandon, Florida which serves eastern Hillborough County. Dave Tipton can be reached at dave@diamonddwellings.com or 813-653-1241.

If you are interested in a career in real estate or associating with Diamond Dwellings Realty, please contact Dave! All calls and inquiries will be held in the strictest confidence.

Free Florida MLS search

reprinted from: Brandon Florida Real Estate Blog

By TwitterButtons.com

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Who will be the winner of Super Bowl XLIII

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:27:50 -0600

Who Wins Super Bowl XLIII? The Tampa Bay Area will be a definite winner as Joe the Plumber's and celebrities alike arrive for the big game.

Some of the recent celeb citings and near citings include: Bruce Springsteen, Kevin Costner, Ashton Kutcher, Kim Kardashian, Pamela Anderson, The Hooters Calander Girls, Tiger Woods, Pat Summerall, Mike Ditka, Don Shula, Steve Largent, Tony Dorsett, Marv Levy and Deacon Jones of NFL Hall of Fame just to name a few.

With all of the money being spent in the area on hotels, food, limos and entertainment, how can the local economy lose.

Dave Tipton- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

The World Arrives in Tampa Florida for the Super Bowl

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:45:24 -0600

The World cruiseship arrives in the Port of Tampa Florida as part of the Super Bowl XLIII week long festivities. This exclusive cruiseship has opulent suites for rent during Super Bowl week in Tampa for mega bucks and also houses suite owners along for the ride.

For you "average Joe's" out there, The World cruiseship is a floating residential community owned by its residents (condos). The residents, currently from 40 different countries, live on board as the ship slowly circumnavigates the globe - staying in most ports from 2 to 5 days. Some residents live onboard full time while others visit their floating home periodically throughout the year.

The World has many facilities similar to those on board a regular cruise ship but are unique due to the residential nature of the vessel. Her amenities include a small grocery store and delicatessen, a boutique, complete athletic facilities that include a golf simulator, putting green, casino, full-sized tennis court, jogging track and fully equipped gym.

There are five restaurants that supplement the full kitchens in all apartments and the ever-changing variety of dining ashore as the ship travels. For on-board entertainment there is a movie theatre, library and music performances. In addition to shore excursions, classes are offered on board in dance, navigation, language, cooking, arts and crafts, music, computers, and photography. In addition, high-speed Internet access is available in each residence.

Dave Tipton ~ Realtor

About the Author: Dave Tipton is a licensed real estate Broker with Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida. Dave's office is in Brandon, Florida which serves eastern Hillborough County. Dave can be reached at Dave@DiamondDwellings.Com or 813-653-1241.

If you are interested in a career in real estate or associating with Diamond Dwellings Realty, please contact Dave! All calls and inquiries will be held in the strictest confidence.

Related Blogs:

The Super Bowl Comes to Tampa Florida

May I Show You the City of Tampa

Five Hours of Training and Your a Chauffeur

Reprinted from the Brandon Florida Real Estate Blog

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Sweetbay Supermarkets closing three stores in East Hillsborough

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:26:27 -0600

Sweetbay Supermarkets opened its first store in Largo, Florida in November 2004. Today there are 107 stores as far South as Naples and North to Gainesville.

Tampa-based Sweetbay Supermarket will close seven underperforming grocery stores, including three in Hillsborough County, advised a company spokesman for Belgian parent, Delhaize Group. The remaining four stores targeted for closing are in Fort Myers, Sarasota and Charlotte County.

The three Hillsborough stores are located at 1247 Kingsway Road in Brandon, 1101 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, and 789 Cortaro Drive in Wimauma near Sun City.

Sweetbay plans to open three new area stores in 2009. One is in Hillsborough on Bruce B Downs, another is in Tarpon Springs and the third is in Clermont, a western suburb of Orlando. Sweetbay employs about 8,500, and currently operates 108 stores, including 47 in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, with another six in Pasco.

Sorry to see you go, I liked the store on Bloomingdale, but the store in FishHawk Ranch is still open.

Dave Tipton, Broker, GRI, e-Pro, SRES, Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Tampa Florida- Home of the Gasparilla Distance Classic

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:06:33 -0600

RUN - WALK - STROLL JUST DO IT!

For those of you athletes, joggers, health nuts and weekend warriors, mark your calendar for Saturday, February 28, 2009. The Gasparilla Distance Classic has been around Tampa Florida for 30 years and has four separate races within a race; a 5K, 15K, Half Marathon and Marathon. If this information perked your ears up, check out the details below:

Time: 7:30 AM

Location: Downtown Tampa

Brief Race Description:

The 2009 Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend, presented by Sports Authority, offers a 'distance and event for everyone,' from infants in baby joggers to both competitive and recreational runners and walkers...the 15K, 5K, marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, Michelob Ultra Challenge and Bud Light Challenge.

Course Maps

Fees:

15K - $30 - after 02/01/09 $35
5K Run - $25 - after 02/01/09 $30
5K Walkers and adults pushing Baby Strollers - $25 (includes kids 5-years & older); $10 Stroller Roll Kids (4-years & under) - after 02/01/09 $30 & $15
Full - $85 - after 02/01/09 $100
Half - $50 - after 02/01/09 $65
Marathon Relay Team - $200 thru 02/15/09 (cut-off)
Michelob Ultra Challenge - $160 thru 02/15/09 (cut-off)
Bud Light Challenge - $125 thru 02/15/09 (cut-off)

Website: Tampa Bay Run

Online registration

Online Reg. Closes: February 22, 2009 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Gasparilla Distance Classic Route Planner Click Here

Let's get out and support this great fund raising event. It's also a way to motivate yourself so that you will to keep your New Years resolution to get in better physical shape.

Free Tampa Bay MLS Search

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Twitter as an Investment?

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 12:13:02 -0600

Those of you that are enamored with Twitter and those of you who like a good stock investment tip every once in awhile, take note.

On paper, it seemed like a match made in heaven: A partnership between social networking giant Facebook, in whom Microsoft (MSFT) owns a 1.6% stake, and micro blogging platform Twitter was in the works. Then Evan Williams took over as Twitter's chief executive in October 2008, and tempting as it was, rebuffed a $500 million offer from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

Williams had his reasons. The brains behind an earlier web 2.0 darling called Blogger -- which allows average Joes to share at will and was sold to Google (GOOG) in 2003. Williams stated that he didn't think Twitter was ready to be bought out, too much unfinished business.

Twitter and or Facebook may bare watching as an investment; no doubt some big fish, i.e. Microsoft or Google and other huge web related companies are circling. I have always been a believer in investing in companies that produce goods or services that the investor is familiar in. Many of us on ActiveRain are becoming more and more familiar with Twitter and can attest to its potential value, not only as a social networking tool and a micro blogging platform, but also as a potential investment.

Free Tampa Bay MLS Search

Re-posted from the Brandon Florida Real Estate Blog

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Can a Bad Economy Have an Impact on Your Resume?

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:52:08 -0600

How bad have things gotten in today's economic times? Well I think we can agree, it's not the best of times to be hunting a new job, but if you are hunting, please note there is help. I located a humorous look at today's news and economic picture on a website called Minyanville, where they cover today's news and particularly an article on Job Resumes in a piece titled: Economic Snapshot: How Are We Padding Our Resumes in This Economy?

If we can't laugh at ourselves and situations that we find ourselves in we will surely cry. I choose the laugh route personally. Bored, tired, depressed? Check out the Minyanville's website.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

A Taste of Old Ybor City in Brandon, Florida

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 14:42:44 -0600

Having grown up in the Tampa area, I have fond memories of traveling from south Tampa to Ybor City along Seventh Avenue. We would often stop there to eat or pick-up food for a trip to Busch Gardens or Orlando. My favorite as a kid was a Cuban sandwich and a Deviled Crab roll. At some point my parents made me broaden my horizons and I tried Lechon Asado (roast pork) and black beans and rice w/plantains. This quickly became my new favorite, and is to this day.

I moved to Brandon as an adult, and I was delighted when La Septima Café, Brandon's First Authentic Spanish Restaurant opened. This is one of my favorites, when only Spanish food will do.

"Septima" is Spanish for "seventh"- as in Seventh Avenue, the street that has for years been the heart of Ybor City. Treasured family antiques are displayed in the café.

La Septima Cafe is operated by the Fernandez Family and is reminiscent of the old days in Ybor City, the history, the food, the family feeling that I remember. The food is prepared in the Spanish tradition with family recipes.

The restaurant is open for Breakfast Monday thru Friday, 7 AM - 11 AM
They also have a dining room available for private breakfast meetings and they do catering as well.

Restaurant Hours
Monday thru Thursday 7am - 8:30pm
Friday 7am - 9pm
Saturday 11am - 9 pm
Closed on Sundays.

Telephone: (813) 684-1948
Fax: (813) 653-3690.

La Septima Menu

I highly recommended this restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. As my parents once told me, "Try the roast pork, you'll like it".

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes

Re-Printed from Brandons Beautiful Homes Blog

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Manatee Viewing Center Opens: Apollo Beach, FL

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:38:37 -0600

See the Manatees at the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center!

The viewing center, along the warm water discharge canal at Tampa Electric's Big Bend Power Station, is open each year from Nov. 1 to April 15. It features a wooden boardwalk over the water, garden and habitat displays, a snack bar and decks to view the manatees.

The animals are attracted to the plant's warm water when temperatures in the bay fall below 68 degrees. On a cold day, dozens of manatees gather right off the observation decks, their snouts sticking up out of the crystal clear water.

It is reported by TECO employees that they have seen as many as 300 manatees in the canal at once. That's approximately 10 percent of the total manatee population in Florida. Manatee Viewing Center Website

The center busy with numerous human visitors as well, and can be crowded on weekends. A Tampa Electric spokesperson says that more than 2.7-million people have visited the center since it opened its doors in 1986.

View Map

The center is located at 6990 Dickman Road, next to the power plant at the West end of Big Bend Road. It's open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

No pets, please, but service dogs are permitted. As always, admission and parking are free.

Any donations you choose to make to the center are greatly appreciated and go directly toward the purchase and maintenance of educational exhibits and publications that can help teach more visitors about the manatee and the many animals and plants that share its habitat.

Free Tampa Bay MLS Search

For any of your real estate needs, please give us a call.

813-653-1241

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Where Should You Hang Your License and Your Future Hopes?

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:39:17 -0600

Our Friend and fellow Blogger Susie Blackmon posed the question and then followed up by hitting the nail right on the head. Repeatedly. Susie is kind of shy, but once you get to know her.... Checkout Susie's blog. How Important Will Big Box Affiliations Be in the Not-Too-Distant Future?

If you are reading this, chances are you are already questioning how your future in the real estate business will unfold. A year ago, myself and my partner Rick Frissell were asking ourselves the same question. We knew that the business was changing rapidly, we saw it each and every day. We had many discussions and planning sessions about how to change our business to best position ourselves for the future. When the credit crunch was over, we wanted to be prepared and hit the ground running. Also, in the mean time we still had to eat and pay our bills.

Along the way, and while exploring possibilities for the future we ran across the path of Matt Fagioli. We read what he had written and talked on the phone a few times. His ideas made sense to us, in a common sense way. We took the next logical step and met with Matt. Matt's down to earth demeanor and vision of what the future would look like knocked our socks off. Rick and I did a hand shake deal with Matt and became the first Franchise outside the State of Georgia, which is home base for Diamond Dwellings Realty.

Five months into our venture into Diamond Dwellings, we have no regrets. We are still in the building stage with our website and our web presence. We are still in the process of making BrandonDwellings.Com and our agents the experts in real estate in our chosen areas. The good news is that it's working. We are getting business from our website and from our blogging efforts. Nobody locally had ever heard of Diamond Dwellings Realtyin the Brandon, Fl area, it was not a household name by any strech of the imagination, so our recent success has to be due to our internet marketing and blogging efforts. In the process, Diamond Dwellings has become better known in our area, but our names are even better known as the local real estate experts. Just this morning, I received a call from a man about home values, based strictly on a blog I did about the subject. The guy called on my cell phone out of the blue. He said, I read what you wrote on the internet and decided to give you a call.

This is pretty powerful stuff. This drives home one of the things that we have learned in our blogging, only blog about topics for which you have a business interest. For instance don't blog about Short Sales if you do not want Short Sale business.

Bottom Line, do you need a big powerful name behind you to be a success in todays real estate market? The answer is a resounding NO. Is Diamond Dwellings the answer for you? Could be. Please do yourself a favor, check out Diamond Dwellings, call Matt Fagioli or Rick Frissell or myself. See if this could be the answer to Where Should You Hang Your License and Your Future Hopes?

Dave Tipton, Broker- Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida

813-653-1241

davetipton@brandonsbeautifulhomes.com

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Apollo Beach, FL Best Condo/Town Home Buys

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:24:31 -0600

Florida's Beautiful Homes Best Buys

There are currently 29 condos and town homes for sale in the Apollo Beach Area between $70,000. And $700,000. Some are foreclosures, and some are regular condos for sale. We have done the research for you to identify what Florida's Beautiful Homes believes are three of the Best Buys currently on the market in this area.

The criteria we used were cost per sq. ft. of living area (heated/AC), condition, amenities and neighborhood. None of these homes are short sales, just bargains. If you don't see any that interest you, please give us a call. We will be happy to do an MLS search with your exact wants and needs.

MLS# T2332648, Apollo Beach, List Price: $189,900, $80.81 Per Sq Ft

3 BR 2/1 Bath Sq Ft Heated: 2,350 Built: 2005- Townhouse This 3/2.5 with 2 car garage townhome is in a gated resort-style community. Amenities include pool, grill area, private elevator and water access to Tampa Bay. This home is in excellent condition and priced below market! Call today! 813-391-6121

MLS# T2339250 APOLLO BEACH, List Price: $250,000, $94.45 Per Sq Ft

3 BR 2.5 Baths, 2,647 SqFt Heated:, Year Built: 2005 Townhouse

Paved Bank Owned and ready to close! ****NOT a Short Sale***** End unit townhouse in gated waterfront community. LIKE NEW... 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, 2 car garage in Mirabay. Loaded with upgrades. Custom gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, upstairs bonus room, and private patio. If you like this one Call today! 813-391-6121

MLS# T2329328, Apollo Beach, List Price: $239,900, $102.09 Per Sq Ft

3 BR 2.5 Baths, 2,350 Sq Ft Heated, Year Built: 2005, Townhouse End Unit

Located at the gateway to paradise! Luxury townhome in waterfront community. 3 stories with elevator. Complex has community pool, docks with deep water, access to Tampa Bay. Electronic control gated/fenced security. Call Rick Frissell today! 813-391-6121

If you don't see any that interest you, please give us a call. We will be happy to do an MLS search with your exact wants and needs.

Free Tampa Bay MLS Search

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Local Realtor Group Helps Guardian ad Litem

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 06:58:29 -0500

There's no time like the present to get involved with the Guardian ad Litem program and help out an abused or neglected child. Guardians ad Litem are volunteers who stand up for the rights of children who find themselves shuffling through the child welfare system. And in Hillsborough County, thousands of children are waiting for their voice to be heard. These are the children you hear about from time to time in the news - children whose parents have allegedly beaten, abandoned and subjected them to pain no human should suffer.

The Greater Tampa Association of Realtors (GTAR) strives once again this year to make the upcoming holidays better for some local kids that otherwise might not have a Christmas holiday. The local Realtor group is asking for donations of Target or Walmart gift cards as gifts for some of these children. Cash is also cheerfully accepted.

To make a donation, either e-mail or call Lisa Semeyn at GTAR Lisa@GTAR.Net or 813-902-9300.

You can help children who've suffered at the hands of those who are supposed to love and care for them.

Check Out Guardian Ad Litem: https://www.vfcgal.org/aboutgal.htm

Free Tampa bay MLS Search

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Tampa Florida- USF Bulls Club Investing In The Future

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:13:52 -0500

The University of South Florida Bulls Club is a community of alumni and friends who are investing in the future of the USF Bulls. Their goal is to position USF varsity sports to compete for national championships, as well as to become a model program on all levels of that gauge Division I athletic success. This is measured by titles, trophies, and championships on the field, and by graduating student athletes and generating positive publicity and exposure for the institution off of it.

Fielding teams that are properly equipped and prepared to compete at their best is an expensive process. Funding the scholarships necessary to not only stay competitive, but also keep the valuable time of student-athletes focused on academics and athletics, is costly as well. The generous support we receive from alumni and friends who invest in the Bulls has been the lifeblood of our rapid growth.

It's a great time to be a Bull, so please use the links below to join our learn more about membership in the USF Athletics family!

CLICK Here to: Join the Bulls Club or Learn More

Click Here for: USF Bulls Old #8 Fight Song

Go Bulls!!!

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Gettin Zippy at the FAR Convention

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 14:41:41 -0500

While representing Diamond Dwellings Realty^TM at the 2008 Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) Convention and Trade Show, we ran across a company that may be beneficial to the DD team and others in the real estate industry. They certainly bear further investigation and testing.

This company is ZIPVO.com and it's about Video. Real Estate Video. With the quality of video recording equipment increasing as the cost decreases, everyone has the ability to capture, present, and even view high quality videos.

We learned that a few years ago, a Web Developer, Mortgage Broker, and REALTOR® got together and the ZIPVO concept was created. On the website, you can enter a zip code or equivalent and search video walk-throughs, video interviews, video blogs, video testimonials, and local community videos.

What else can you do at ZIPVO?

Post video walk-throughs, video blogs, video testimonials, video interviews and local community videos for FREE
Increase visibility of yourself, your website and your listings
Have potential buyers email you about listings
They include a search engine friendly link back to your website

I plan on testing out the free service and I will report back on the pros and cons at a later date.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

A Moment of Silence on 9/11

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:50:26 -0500

Seven years ago, nineteen men attacked our nation with a cruelty unrivaled in American history. As Americans around the country began their day, the unthinkable was broadcast to us on our televisions and radios: the World Trade Center buildings were under siege. We soon learned that terrorists on a suicide mission had taken control of commercial airplanes, and we watched in horror as the second tower was struck. Almost simultaneously, we saw the Pentagon, the symbol of our great nation's military strength, go up in flames. Also, the brave passengers of the fourth hijacked airliner, United Flight 93, launched America's war against terror with its first victory by preventing another attack on the Washington, DC area.

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, we prayed and came together as a nation, and in our grief we united in our shared resolve to defeat an evil that threatened our way of life. Tomorrow, we honor the memory of our fellow citizens lost on that awful day, and we reaffirm our determination to not forget those lost to these attacks on our nation.

On Thursday, September 11^th, at 9:03 a.m., EDT, let's all observe a moment of silence for those lost seven years ago.

As we go about our lives tomorrow, let us honor those that lost their lives, and let us also pray that an attack like the one we witnessed seven years ago never happens again.

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241

Labor Day is Gone... Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors® — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:52:50 -0500

Labor day stands for different things to different people. In my belief,one of the best things about Labor Day is that it marks the traditional opening of the College and NFL Football seasons!

For all of you football lovers, it's been a long dry spell with no action, but football season is upon us. College football started over this past weekend. The NFL starts this week and High school and youth football is underway.

To check out the local teams click on your favorite below for their 2008 schedule.

Click here for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2008 Schedule

Click here for the University of South Florida Bulls 2008 football schedule

Click here for the University of Florida Gators 2008 football schedule

Click here for the Florida State University Seminoles 2008 football schedule

Click here for the 2008 Tampa area High School football schedules

Click here for ESPN's 2008 Monday Night Football schedule

Click here for Super Bowl XLIII Tampa, FL 2009

The Super Bowl XLIII will be played in Tampa, Florida on February 1^st 2009. We have no idea now who the two teams will be, but it will be interesting watching the season develope. By the way, no local team has ever played in a Super Bowl held in there home town. It could be a first if the Buccaneers go to this years Super Bowl.

Yeah.... I'm ready for some football!

For Your Convenience, Bookmark this post for quick access to local area football schedules!

Free Tampa Bay MLS Search

Dave Tipton, Broker- Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors

813-653-1241