OPA! Greek Festival in Hernando County this Weekend!

Can you say "Gyros", "Spanakopita", or "Baklava"?  Have you always wanted to dance the Syrtaki, also known as dance of Zorba?

If you love Greek food, Greek culture, Greek music, and Greek dancing, the Greek Festival that is taking place this

Friday, February 10th and

Saturday, February 11th, 2012

in Hernando County, Florida, will be the place for you to be!

Organized by Christ the Savior Greek Orthodox Church, the Greek Festival will kick off on Friday at 11 AM at the Auditorium of the Hernando County Fairgrounds on US 41 in Brooksville, Florida.  Gates open each day at 11 AM and close at 8 PM. 

There will be live music and entertainment and local Greek restaurants  are participating to showcase their specialties of Greek cuisine. 

Don't worry about the weather, the Greek Festival in Hernando County is held indoors.  Admission is $1 Donation.

OPA!  Greek Festival in Hernando County this Weekend!

Real Estate Market Report January 2012:  Home Sales Continue in Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida

Home sales in the Timber Pines Golf and Country Club community in Spring Hill, Florida  continued at a steady pace in the first month of 2012.   

As expected, with many of our winter visitors seeking warmer climates, showing activity clearly increased in January in this popular golf course community. 

The Timber Pines community in Spring Hill, Florida, is a popular 55+ community for active golf course living.  Aside from golfing on one of the four golf courses within the Timber Pines community, Timber Pines offers its residents many other opportunities for an active lifestyle. 

There are two community pools, bocce and shuffleboard courts, billiard room, a state-of-the art fitness center, walking trails, and much more. 

If you enjoy traveling or theater, there are always trips offered to destination near and far.  Timber Pines also has its own performing arts center bringing shows, concerts and performers right into the community for residents to enjoy.

In January 2012, the sales price range for homes and villas sold in Timber Pines increased on the lower end but decreased on the higher end.  As a result, median and average sales prices were lower than in the previous month. 

Once again, buyers were able to close on homes at very favorable prices. 

The winter months are a busy time for home sales in the Timber Pines community. 

• Inventory of homes for sale in Timber Pines has slightly increased. 
• As predicted last month, the number of homes going under contract has increased. 
• There are currently 31 homes under contract, almost doubled from the previous month.   
• Of these, 20 are pending and 11 are under contract awaiting the clearance of contingencies.  
• With very few distressed properties, the Timber Pines community maintains its reputation as a stable neighborhood.
• Only five homes for sale in Timber Pines are currently offered as short sales and there are four bank-owned, foreclosure properties for sale in Timber Pines.

Homes for Sale in Timber Pines, Florida: 175

Inventory Single Family Homes: 197

Inventory Villas: 68

Range:    $39,900 - $345,000

Average: $121,642

Median:   $110,000

• Average list price declined but median list price remained stable compared to previous month.
• The highest priced home for sale in Timber Pines currently is a 3 bedroom pool home built in 1998 with 2500 SF with a golf course location.
• The lowest priced home for sale in Timber Pines currently is a 1 bedrooom, 1 bath Villa with 767 SF.

Homes Sold in Timber Pines, Florida, January 2012:  10

Price Range:   $65,000 - $142,500
Median Price:  $82,250
Average Price: $84,700

Single Family Homes Sold:  5

Price Range:   $65,000 - $142,500
Median Price:  $91,000
Average Price: $101,700

Villas Sold:  5

Price Range:   $54,000 - $86,000
Median Price:  $65,000
Average Price: $67,700

Why not look for a winter home or full-time home in a 55 Plus golf course community such as Timber Pines!   

The Timber Pines Golf and Country Club community is a 55+ community that enjoys great popularity because of its golf course, beautifully maintained appearance, and many amenities it has to offer its residents.

There are many good deals and opportunities available in the Timber Pines community. 

Please contact me for a list of available homes for sale in Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida!

            --------------------------------- 

Data derived from Hernando County MLS as of 2/8/2012 and believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

Real Estate Market Report January 2012:  Homes Sales Picking up in Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida

Florida Nature - Sandhill Cranes - Big Birds in a Pond

Sandhill Cranes are indeed very big birds and not an uncommon sight in Florida.  Typically, you can see them on golf courses, or open areas, or even walking a neighborhood on occasion.  With their imposing size and striking red crown, Sandhill Cranes are not easy to overlook.

This evening, I was driving in the Spring Hill area, turning a corner and to my big surprise saw about 50-60 of these Sandhill Cranes congregating in a pond behind some trees.  What an amazing sight!  Sandhill Cranes do migrate and I believe, they were gathering here for the night before moving on the next day or so.

The sun had already set and the light was not so good anymore especially for photos from a distance, still, I just had to try to capture these groups of birds with my camera.

Florida Nature - Sandhill Cranes - Big Birds in a Pond

Salute Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar - Where to Get Great Italian Food in Spring Hill, Florida

I don't know about you but I just love Italian food!  Luckily, in Spring Hill, there are plenty of Italian restaurants and most of them are locally owned and operated.

Last night, we went out with friends to Salute Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar located at the intersection of Mariner Blvd and Spring Hill Drive.  All I can say about Salute is "what a treat"!

Salute was a busy place when we arrived around 6 PM on a Friday night but we were able to wait at their outside patio which is also available for outside dining and enjoy a drink for a just a short while before a table was available in the dining room. 

Live music filled the room and provided a nice ambience.  The tables are dressed in white cloth and red napkins and the restaurant is nicely decorated.

As can be expected, the menu offers anything from cold and hot appetizers, pasta, chicken, veal, and seafood dishes.

My husband is a spaghetti and meatball kind-a-guy and they sure looked good.  I had one of the specials of the night, shrimp scampi and scallops sauteed in a butter white wine sauce over linguine.  Our meals were preceded by a fresh salad of mixed greens, cucumber, tomato and Salute's house dressing which was just delicious. The bread at Salute's is baked fresh daily and had a nice crust and as a a nice touch had some Italian sausage baked right into it. 

Salute Italian Restaurant was voted Number 1 Best Italian Restaurant in Hernando County in 2011!  Salute Italian Restaurant in Spring Hill opens at 11:00 AM during the week and at Noon on Sundays and they are open for lunch and dinner. 

If you like to go, you may want to call ahead to make a reservation at (352) 556-4877 especially on weekends and remember, Valentine's Day is just around the corner!

Enjoy!

Salute Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar - Where to Get Great Italian Food in Spring Hill, Florida

Friday Foto:  Catch of the Day in Hernando Beach, Florida

Fishing is a popular pastime in this waterfront community of Hernando Beach, Florida but birding and backyard photography are two more great ways to spend your time and enjoy waterfront living. 

Today, this Osprey was successful in his fishing efforts and is enjoying his fresh catch of the day on a light pole.

Of course, what was lucky for the Osprey, was not so lucky for the Mullet that became a meal for this skillful bird.

Last but not least, I'm considering myself a lucky photographer to be able to take these photos right from the front porch of my Hernando Beach home.    It's my special "catch of the day".

I am a Hernando Beach Realtor and have enjoyed waterfront living in Hernando Beach for many years.  If you are looking for waterfront homes for sale in Hernando Beach, Florida, and would like more information about the community and living in Hernando Beach, Florida, please contact me.

Sunday Afternoon Relaxing Water View in Hernando Beach, Florida

Just another relaxing water view of the Gulf of Mexico in Hernando Beach, Florida on a Sunday afternoon in January. 

There are many ways one can look at water, sky, and the horizon.  Open and unobstructed water views are always stunning but today I spotted this park bench at the Hernando Beach Club and thought it makes a nice frame for the Gulf of Mexico that it faces.

Hope you had a great Sunday and enjoyed a few beautiful views as well!

Waterfront living is a lifestyle - I am a Hernando Beach Realtor and have lived in Hernando Beach for many years. 

If you are looking for waterfront homes for sale in Hernando Beach, Florida, and would like more information about the community and living in Hernando Beach, Florida, please contact me.

Sunday Afternoon Relaxing Water View in Hernando Beach, Florida

Star Fruit - Tropical Treat That Grows in Florida

You may have seen Star Fruit - also known as Carambola - in the produce section of your local market but did you know that the Star Fruit tree can also be grown in Florida?

Granted, I haven't seen too many of these trees, they surely are not as common as our wonderful Florida Citrus but every time I visit my accountant at her home office, I admire a most beautiful specimen tree of Star Fruit that grows in her front yard. 

 Actually, it's quite a famous tree in her area as the local Tropical Fruit and Plant Club regularly checks on it, takes photos, and even shares in the harvest of the many fruit this tree produces every year.

The Star Fruit itself is beautiful to look at.  When ripe, it's a nice yellow, maybe with a slight green tinge or brown edges and has a waxlike skin texture.  When you slice it, it takes on the typical star shape that its name is derived of. 

A native of Southeast Asia, Australia, and South America, the Star Fruit also does well in the more tropical climates of Florida. 

The Star Fruit is quite juicy, low in calories, and has some great health benefits as it is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.  You can eat Star Fruit fresh, cooked, or even juiced.  Try it and enjoy!

Star Fruit - Tropical Treat That Grows in Florida

Is Home Buying Increasing in Hernando County, Florida?

Home buying seems to be increasing in Hernando County, Florida, this January.  Good homes that are priced competitively are not on the market for long.

Case in point:  Last weekend, I received a call from out of state buyers who are looking for homes for sale in Spring Hill, Florida.  They made an appointment for later this week and I emailed them a good dozen properties for preview according to their needs and preferences.

When we discussed their favorite choices just a few days later, four of the properties I had sent for preview had gone under contract in the meantime and were no longer available for viewing.  We went out this Friday to look at several homes.  One of those became a favorite but the buyers also chose a few more to look at.  When I made the calls to make the appointments, two of those had gone under contract or received an offer including the one that had been the favorite up to then.

Home buyers in Hernando County are getting off the fence.  Especially homes that are for sale as standard sales are in demand.  Since the beginning of the year, 184 new properties have gone pending in Hernando County. 

Inventory actually has increased a bit as well since the beginning of the new year as home sellers are recognizing the fact that home buyers are becoming serious.   Sign calls, phone calls and email inquiries on listings are also definitely on the increase. 

The weather in Florida is great this winter, prices of homes for sale in Hernando County and Spring Hill, Florida are low, and so are interest rates.  No wonder that the time seems right for many interested buyers. 

My buyers found another home they felt was right for them today and did not hesitate to make an offer.  We hope to reveive a favorable response from the sellers this weekend. 

Are you looking for homes for sale in Hernando County, Spring Hill, or Hernando Beach, Florida?   Please contact me for more information and tell me how I can help you.

Do you own real estate and are you interested in selling your home in Hernando County, Spring Hill, or Hernando Beach, Florida?  Please contact me for current information on the market activities, and how to list and market your home for sale. 

Home Buying is Increasing in Hernando County, Florida.

Kumquat Festival 2012 in Dade City, Florida - Just a Short Drive from Spring Hill, Florida

The annual Kumquat Festival is returning to Dade City, Florida, this weekend, January 28th, 2012 from 9 AM to 5 PM. 

You may ask "What is a Kumquat?"   The Kumquat is a tiny little citrus fruit that is typically eaten whole including skin. 

Located downtown Dade City and situated around the historical court house, there will be over 350 vendors at the Kumquat Festival in Dade City selling not only Kumquat-related goods but also many street vendor items. 

Aside from the opportunity to try and purchase fresh kumquats, visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of kumquat treats from kumquat cookies, smoothies, ice cream, kumquat salsa, and of course the famous kumquat pie, the delicious concoction of sweet cream and tart kumquat is irresistable!

Dade City, Florida is just a short drive from Spring Hill.  If you like outdoor festivals, fresh fruit, and a good time, come and visit the Kumquat Festival in Dade City this weekend! 

Kumquat Festival 2012 in Dade City, Florida - Just a Short Drive from Spring Hill, Florida

Hernando County Republican Party Opens New Headquarters

The Hernando County Republican Party opened their new headquarters today with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony.  Congressman Richard Nugent cut the red ribbon while others looked on.

The new headquarters is located at 19227 Cortez Blvd (bypass), Brooksville, Florida. 

Hernando County Republican Party Opens New Headquarters