House Talk with Silvia Dukes

Remember When: 20 Years since the Fall of the Wall

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:46:18 -0600

It's hard to believe that it's been 20 years since the Berlin wall came down and with it a very real symbol of oppression.

I was living in Germany then and remember well the events that lead up to the day when East German border guards just gave way even before politicians gave the final go ahead.

People could not believe at first what was happening and many couldn't believe it would last so people started coming over from East Germany into West Berlin thinking they better do it while they could with no intentions of ever returning.

I believe that every generation is witness to at least one great event in history. For me, this was the one. I still feel exhilirated remembering when my husband and I travelled to Berlin a month or so later and for the first time saw gaping holes in the very same wall that was thought to have been indestructible and not conquerable. There were people chiseling away at the concrete and the ever industrious people of Berlin were renting tools to tourists.

Since that time, Berlin has changed. East and West are melting together again at least in urbanization, there is very little evidence left of the wall. East Berlin has developed from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan full of life and hope for the future of all of Germany and by extension of the free world.

The post that follows is by Katerina Gasset sharing her memories of that time. Please go to her post as well and read up on some of the comments. Her memories, mine, and those of so many others will forever be the legacy of the events that have shaped the years that followed.

Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):

The day the wall came down in Berlin was a day that I will never forget. My brother was in Germany for the historic event and as the wall starting being torn apart piece by piece he was on the phone with me. This was before youtube, before Iphones and Ipods, before the typical cell phones we have today. But he had access to a phone near the wall and I was able to be there in spirit and an earshot to this event.

Why would this event be so important to us? Memories flood my mind as I think back to this day and to the four years that we lived in Germany right near the border of East and West Berlin. The wall was a big part of our lives for those four years.

How many times we had walked along that wall- the wall between whether you could worship God or not, the wall between whether you could make money or not, the wall between whether you could voice your opinion or not. We were on the freedom side of that wall.

Just a few steps divided two very different worlds. I remember peering through the barbed wire sections especially near the guarded gates on occasion. My eyes were met with such contrast of seeing buildings and structures completely neglected, ugly and depressing and then turning around on our side of the wall to notice the wonderful German architecture with obvious care and attention to cleanliness. As a child things appear much bigger but also more obvious. This contrast affected me emotionally and the work my father was there to do became quite meaningful.

We went to German schools, spoke German in our home and socialized with Germans. Being integrated into German society was a part of my father's assignment in Germany as Naval Intelligence was a big part of encouraging the people of East Berlin to fight for their freedom. All of this helped to form my conservatism and love of our United States constitution.

As you witness what people will do to get just the chance of freedom; it is something you never forget. We saw on the news nearly every night people jumping the wall, ramming the wall, sneaking through in suitcases- knowing full well that they would be shot if they were caught trying to get to the west yet fully willing to take that risk. Being shot and killed for trying to escape the bonds of communism was better than living in the bondage and depressed state. Of course for a young girl to know this, to feel this and to witness this- one can not come away from this experience without having it mold a part of who you are.

My father had a dangerous assignment of smuggling intelligence and smuggling people over, around and through the wall. We were even able to meet some of these men who would hide in the smallest of compartments like only Houdini could do in order to cross the border. Without a full understanding of the nature of his business somehow I felt that he was doing a great duty to expand the love of freedom and help do his part to eventually bring down that wall. My experiences and recollections could fill a book.

So as my brother was giving me the step by step on the wall coming down he promised to bring me back a piece of that wall and he did. I have pieces of the Berlin wall that I treasure. I treasure these broken pieces of the wall because they symbolize that freedom can prevail. They symbolize the blood freely spent in order to bring many to taste the sweet savor of freedom. They remind me never to forget the sacrifices of many military and civilians who helped to break through the barrier and then to tear down the wall. They speak to me saying: never forget and never let it be in vain.

President Reagan did so much to help bring down the iron curtain and the Berlin wall. Below is his world famous speech to Russia's Gorbachev; Tear Down That Wall! Many of you were too young to remember or to young to care but this was one of the most important historic moments in history. Please take the time to watch and listen. This is important to understand the past so that we may have the strength and the fortitude to stand by those being oppressed, to make it possible for those oppressed to know that one day they too, can taste freedom and to never allow tyranny to come to visit us or those we care about. To feel what the people felt, to get a glimpse of what happens when the people have had enough, watch the video below President Reagan's speech. The video is 9 minutes long but very powerful about what happens when hundreds of thousands of people demand freedom.

Let us all remember the day the wall came tumbling down!

Tear Down That Wall- A Day Imprinted In My Mind Forever by Coach Katerina Gasset is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

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For more information about Hernando County Homes and Land for sale including Spring Hill and the communities of Timber Pines, Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club, Silverthorn, and Hernando Beach , please call or visit my website!

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All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Silvia Dukes, P.A. and may not be used without expressed written permission of Silvia Dukes, P.A. Copyright 2009

Veterans Day Events in Hernando and Pasco Counties, Florida

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:14:14 -0600

Veterans Day Events in Hernando and Pasco Counties, Florida

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11, 2009. Here is how Hernando and Pasco Counties will honor its Veterans:

Hernando Beach: The VFW Post 9236 will hold a ceremony beginning at 10:00 AM. The post is located at Shoal Line Blvd. Everyone is welcome.

Shady Hills: The VFW Post 8681 will hold a ceremony beginning at 11:00 AM. The post is located at 18940 Drayton Street off County Line Road. The Post Color Guard will be joined by the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Sea Cadets, Hudson High Drill Team, and Pasco County Fire Department Honor Guard. Vintage military vehicles will be on display. There will be a BBQ following the ceremony and live music in the hall.

Brooksville: The annual Veterans Appreciation Parade will be held on Saturday, November 14, beginning at 10:00 AM. Parade lineup will begin at 8:30 AM and the parade will lead through downtown Brooksville. The public is encouraged to walk with the Veterans and to bring flags to show support for the men and women of the military.

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Hernando County Real Estate Market Report: October 2009

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:47:01 -0600

Hernando County Real Estate Market Report: October 2009

Inventory of Homes for Sale in Hernando County has again decreased over the previous month and closed transactions increased over September.

There were several sales moving into the higher prices ranges including a 41 acre ranch with a 4 bedrooms, 4 baths pool home plus all the out buildings one might expect on a ranch. This property sold for the highest price of $950,000 and also represents one of the highest priced sales in recent months in the county.

Several other sales in the $300,000 to $400,000 price ranges helped to bring up the average sales price for October over last month. However, the real story here is once again the median price level which despite these trophy sales increased by less than a $1000 - an indication that most sales are taking place in the lower ranges.

The number of homes under contract, either with contingency or pending contracts, decreased by 10 properties over last month. Once again, both median and average prices have decreased.

Active Home Listings: 2211

Sold October 2009: 198

Price Range: $20,000 - $950,000

Median: $105,650

Average: $121,948

Average Days on Market: 126

Of the homes sold in October 2009, 27 were short sales and 50 were REO or bank-owned properties, and the remaining 121 sales were "regular" market sales.

Homes currently under Contract: 548

Of the homes currently under contract, 213 are with contingency contracts and 335 are pending.

Of the total homes under contract, 231 are short sales, 102 are foreclosure properties, and 215 are market sales.

Data derived from Hernando County MLS as of 11/9/09, believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

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October 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:10:57 -0600

October 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida

Inventory of Homes for sale in Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida has decreased once again over the previous month. There are 66 villas and 73 single family homes available for sale in the Timber Pines Country Club community.

The majority of homes for sale in the Timber Pines community are offered below $200,000. There are only four homes in the $200,000 to $300,000 price range and only three homes for sale above $300,000.

The number of homes sold in October in Timber Pines remained stable with 12 units sold. Only one of these sales was a foreclosure property, all others were market sales. However, sales price range was lower this month bringing down the average and median sales prices by 11% and 12% respectively over those from September.

Number of homes under contract in Timber Pines increased again over last month. Only one of the homes under contract is a short sale and only one other is a foreclosure property. Here too, prices are trending downward somewhat, average and median list prices are lower over those from last month.

Overall however, sales performance in the Timber Pines Country Club community remains stable. The median price level for Timber Pines home sales again outperforms the median price level in Hernando County as a whole.

For this month only, the average price level for Hernando County sales in general is just slightly higher thus outperforming the Timber Pines statistics but only because of one high end property in the county sold nearing the one Million dollar mark. Additionally, the Timber Pines community experiences much lower levels of distressed sales than in Hernando County in general.

Timber Pines is a 55+ Country Club community offering an active life style with several golf courses, two community pools, Activities Center, Clubhouse, Performing Arts Center, as well as many social clubs and events. The community is a gated community with an park-like ambience and 24-hour security.

Timber Pines is located off US 19 in Spring Hill, West Central Florida on the Gulf Coast of Florida, also called the "Nature Coast". Tampa International Airport is just a 45 min drive via the new Suncoast Parkway.

Actively Listed Homes for Sale in Timber Pines: 139

Price Range: $57,990 - $399,000

Average: $136,593

Median: $129,999

Days on Market: 216

Number Properties under Contract: 17

Pending Contracts: 10, Contingencies: 7

Price Range: $60,000 - $209,000

Average: $127,855

Median: $129,500

Average Days on Market: 202

Total Transactions Closed: 12

Price Range: $71,000 - $172,000

Average: $121,400

Median: $122,400

Days on Market: 205

Data derived from Hernando County MLS as of 11/9/09 and believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

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Florida Waterfront Living: These Views will leave you Speechless!

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:44:56 -0600

Florida Waterfront Living: These Views will leave you Speechless!

You cannot buy these views! But you can buy the house. This is the view from a third floor balcony of a home for sale in Hernando Beach, Florida.

Intersecting canals make for great and unobstructed water views with the grassy marsh preservation areas of Hernando Beach in the distance. Looking to the right, one can even see the Gulf of Mexico.

Hernando Beach, Florida, is a residential boating and fishing community along Florida's gulf coast. The community offers a wide variety of waterfront homes for sale ranging from the affordable low 100's to the 800's.

And if you are looking for waterfront living in a quiet residential community with easy access to Tampa, please contact me.

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October 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Hernando Beach, Florida - Direct Access to Gulf of Mexico

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:24:33 -0600

October 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Hernando Beach, Florida - Direct Access to Gulf of Mexico

The direct access areas are located in the northern parts of Hernando Beach and include all of the area north of Companero Entra. The southern areas are Hernando Beach Central and Hernando Beach South which require boaters to use a boatlift to gain access to the canals leading to the Gulf of Mexico.

This is the October 2009 market report for Hernando Beach Waterfront Homes located in those areas of the hernando Beach community that have direct boating access to the Gulf of Mexico.

The number of homes for sale in Herando Beach with direct Gulf access has remained stable. The list price range dropped significantly on the higher end resulting in a change in both median and average list prices, median upward, and average downward.

The lowest priced home in Hernando Beach, Florida, is a home that is severely fire damaged. It is offered as a short sale.

Hernando Beach Waterfront Homes Offered for Sale: 68

Price Range: $82,000 - $719,000

Median: $337,450

Average: $351,678

Hernando Beach Waterfront Homes Under Contract: 6

Price Range: $159,000 - $579,000

Median: $249,450

Average: $292,733

Four of the homes under contract are pending, the remaining two are under contract with contingencies. Four homes are offered as market listings, one is a short sale, and one is a foreclosure home.

Hernando Beach - Closed Transactions in October 2009: 2

Sold Property 1: A two-story stilt home, offered as a short sale at $190,000 sold for $165,000. Built: 1986 Bed/Bath: 2/2 Living SF: 1344 Waterfront: 50 ft on a saltwater canal

Sold Property 2: A one-story pool home, offered as a market sale at $239,900 sold for $225,000. Built: 1974 Bed/Bath: 2/1 Living SF: 1024 Waterfront: 54 ft on a saltwater canal

Hernando Beach is a residential waterfront community located in west central Florida along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Hernando Beach is within easy reach of the international airports at Tampa and Orlando as well as central Florida area attractions.

Data derived from the Hernando County MLS as of 11/2/09, believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

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October 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Hernando Beach, Florida - Hernando Beach South

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:49:47 -0600

October 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Hernando Beach, Florida - Hernando Beach South

This market report covers the neighborhood of Hernando Beach South, the only deed-restricted neighborhood in the waterfront community of Hernando Beach, Florida.

Homes in this neighborhood are located on fresh water canals and boaters can use a boat lift to gain access to salt water canals that lead to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There is a private boat ramp for use of residents of Hernando Beach South to launch boats into the canals of the community.

Inventory of homes for sale in Hernando Beach South remained stable with average and median list prices slightly on the increase. There were no sales in Hernando Beach South during October but one property went under contract.

Please also read the market reports for the Hernando Beach direct access neighborhood and the Hernando Beach Central neighborhood of this fine waterfront community.

Offered for Sale: 16

Price Range: $164,900 - $550,000

Median: $377,777

Average: $341,085

Sold in October 2009: None

Under Contract: 1

Offered as a short sale, list price: $289,000, under contract awaiting third party approval.

Sales Data derived from Hernando County MLS as of 11/2/09, believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

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October 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Hernando Beach, Florida - Hernando Beach Central

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:53:19 -0600

October 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Hernando Beach, Florida - Hernando Beach Central

Prices for Hernando Beach Florida homes for sale have dropped and consequently, the different Hernando Beach neighborhoods are seeing more activity as evidenced in higher numbers of properties under contract. This is true for the central neighborhood of the Hernando Beach waterfront community which can look forward to some closed transactions before the end of the year.

Hernando Beach, Florida, is a waterfront community located along the west coast of central Florida just north of Tampa. This community offers a wide range of homes located on saltwater and freshwater canals.

This real estate market update covers the central section of Hernando Beach, Florida. This area is not gated nor deed-restricted, homes are located on wide and deep freshwater canals. Boaters use a boat lift to gain access to the Gulf of Mexico, thus the area is also referred to as an "indirect Gulf access" neighborhood.

Inventory has only increased slightly in the last month with the price range remaining the same but with median and average list prices declining indicating that the new listing additions are in the lower price ranges.

Please also read the market reports for the neighborhoods of Hernando Beach with direct Gulf access and the Hernando Beach South subdivision.

Offered for Sale: 11

Price Range: $169,000 - $479,000

Median: $259,000

Average: $280,236

Under Contract: 4

Price Range: $159,900 - $243,000

Median: $187,450

Average: $194,450

One of these properties is under contingency contract, the other three are pending.

One property is offered as a short sale, one as a foreclosure, the remaining two are market sales.

Closed Transactions in October 2009: None

Sales Data derived from Hernando County MLS as of 11/8/09, believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

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Hernando Beach Florida Crime Watch Warns of Fraudulent Scheme

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:51:43 -0600

Hernando Beach Florida Crime Watch Warns of Fraudulent Scheme

Apparently, there is more than one way to pick a pocket. At last night's Hernando Beach Property Owners monthly meeting, a representative of the Hernando Beach Crime Watch shared information their organization had received from the Hernando County Sheriff's Department about a scheme that had occurred in the area to scam consumers out of money.

Reportedly, this consumer scam involves the popular "cash back" options given at cash registers of stores when using credit or debit cards. It appears that, even if the customer does not choose the cash back option, it can still be selected by the cashier without the knowledge of the customer. In a case like this, the cashier works together with another person in line behind the customer checking out and the cash is handed to the that next person in line.

Although the cash back transaction is printed on the receipt given to the customer, most people do not even look at their receipt before leaving the store and don't notice the scam right away especially since the amounts involved are rather small.

People will just think, oh well, I spent more than I thought or I must have miscalculated by $20 or whatever the amount may be. When they finally discover the cash back transaction after getting home or even worse, after reviewing their credit card or bank statements, it is too late to do anything about it.

To avoid being scammed in this way, the advice is to not only watch what rings up at the cash register but also to check the printed receipt before leaving the line at the register. If there is any discrepancy or a cash back transaction that was not requested, address the issue immediately and ask to speak to a manager if the cashier refuses to cooperate or refuses to reverse the transaction.

Once again, consumer beware! It is your money and it is in your interest to protect yourself.

The Hernando Beach Crime Watch is comprised of volunteer residents working on crime prevention and awareness in the Hernando Beach and the Forest Glenn communities.

The Hernando Beach Property Owners Association is a civic organization open to all property owners of the Hernando Beach waterfront community. Monthly meetings take place the first Thursday of each month at the Coast Guard Auxiliary Building at 7:30 PM. Guests are welcome.

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October 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club Community, Weeki Wachee, Spring Hill, Florida

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:30:23 -0600

The number of Homes for Sale in the Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club Community increased once again with the price range expanding downward but remaining stable at the upper end resulting in a decrease in both average and median prices.

Three of the Glen Lakes homes that were under contract in September closed in October which currently leaves only one home under contract in the Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club Community.

Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club is an upscale gated community with 24-hour security located on the west coast of Central Florida with easy access to Tampa and Orlando.

The community offers many amenities including an elegant club house with restaurant and banquet facilities, tennis courts, fitness facilities, community pool.

Offered for Sale: 83

Price Range: $75,000 - 539,999

Median: $269,000

Average: $287,220

Under Contract: 1

Price: $249,000

This property is a 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car garage pool home, built in 1993 with 2649 living square foot and 3563 total square foot under roof.

Sold in October 2009: 3

Price Range: $235,000 - $415,000

Sold 1: $235,000 was the sales price for a 3 bedroom, 3 bath pool home, built in 1995 with 2423 living square foot and 3416 total square foot. This home is located on one of the lakes within the Glen Lakes community. Conventional loan financing.

Sold 2: $370,000 Cash bought a 3 bedroom, 2 bath pool home also located on one of the lakes in the community. This home was built in 2006 and has 2303 living square foot and 3500 total square foot.

Sold 3: $415,000 Cash sealed the deal for a 3 bedroom, 3 bath pool home located on a golf course lot. This was also a newer home built in 2007 with 2678 square foot living and 3633 total square foot.

Sales Data derived from Hernando County MLS as of 11/3/09, believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

Please also see the previous reports for the Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club community:

September 2009

August 2009

July 2009

2008 in Review

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Hernando Beach Florida - Channel Dredge Update

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:46:41 -0500

Hernando Beach Florida - Channel Dredge Update

After much debate - some would say debacle - the long awaited dredge of the Hernando Beach channel is finally under way!

For weeks, residents have been watching preparations take place. First the signage announcing the dredge of the channel went up by the public boat ramp on Caliente Street in Hernando Beach.

Then some big, fat pipes appeared alongside the road leading to the site where the sand from the dredge will be deposited and stock piled.

While the actual dredging of sand has not begun, there is some heavy equipment out in the Hernando Beach channel removing the bigger rocks from the bottom of the channel. These rocks are being deposited above the mean high water line on some of the spoil islands.

Orion Marine Group, Inc, is the contractor for this project. Throughout the entire dreding process, the channel will remain open to boaters. After the rock removal phase is completed, the actual sand dredging will begin - conducted by "Mr. O" - the name of the dredge barge. According to the contractor, the completed channel will be 60 ft wide at the bottom and taper upwards for a broader width at water level.

Stay tuned for updates, more photos will follow as the dredging process continues.

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Hernando County Florida New Residents Reception

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:15:36 -0500

Hernando County Florida New Residents Reception

Rain or Shine... the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual New Residents Reception on Thursday, October 29, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

The annual event gives area businesses an opportunity to showcase their services to new and old residents of Hernando County, Florida. Always well attended, the setting at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is quite beautiful and another bonus for attendees as the entrance fee to the park is waived for the event.

What better way to explore this popular roadside attraction that is known as Weeki Wachee City of Mermaids - famous for its underwater mermaid shows!

At the same time sample some food from local restaurants, collect information from a wide variety of businesses and listen to some live entertainment. This October event is traditionally presented with a Fall and Halloween theme so don't get scared!

See you there...

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4235 Camelia Drive, Hernando Beach, Florida Waterfront Home for Sale

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:48:12 -0500

4235 Camelia Drive, Hernando Beach, Florida Waterfront Home for Sale

Enjoy great water views across intersecting canals to the grassy marsh of Hernando Beach and even the Gulf of Mexico from any one of the three balconies.

From sunrise to sunset the views from this Hernando Beach, Florida, waterfront home are breathtaking!

Located on a deep and wide saltwater canal in the upscale waterfront community of Hernando Beach, Florida, this home has it all: Elevator from first to third story, heated pool, wood-burning fire place, central vaccuum system, upgraded appliances and cabinets with Corian countertops, and lots of storage including a large kitchen pantry and spacious laundry room.

All bedrooms have private baths. Third floor master suite also has a discretely built-in bar. Downstairs, you will find a workshop, game room and sitting room with separate A/C, a pool bath as well as garage space for three cars.

Beautiful tropical landscaping surrounds the home. There is a RV pad and hook-up next to the house. Two sides of property are waterfront for a total of 164 ft more or less with seawall and kneewall plus a patio, floating dock and a stationary dock. Direct access to the Gulf of Mexico within minutes for boating, fishing, and other water sport fun. Bring your boats - the boatlift carries up to 13,000 lbs!

Hernando Beach, Florida, is a residential waterfront community located along the west coast of central Florida just north of Tampa. Tampa and Orlando international airports are within easy reach as well as beaches and attractions.

Address: 4235 Camelia Drive
Year Built: 2003
Construction Style: Stilt
Bedrooms: 3 "Each a suite of its own."
Bathrooms: 4 including first floor pool bath
Garage: Triple - Room for all your toys!
Size: 4,775 sq. ft. total, 2223 sq. ft. living,
Lot Size: 0.17 acres 72ft x 100ft - 164 ft of waterfront on two sides of property

List Price: $495,000

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Myth or Reality? Do Homes Really sell far below List Price?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:42:16 -0500

Myth or Reality? Do Homes Really sell far below List Price?

What home buyer wouldn't be dreaming about getting one of those "great deals" that they have been hearing about for so long now? You know, the cousin of their neighbor's wife just bought a great place with all the bells and whistles for practically peanuts after making a ridiculously low offer?

Because of stories like this, buyers are inclined to push the issue and make offers that are far below list price although they have been given comparable sales information by their REALTOR® and have looked at many "deals" only to find them not to be up to their standards, needs or desires. When they finally do find a home that fits their needs and they make their low offer in spite of better information, they are disappointed when their offer is rejected.

Numbers can also tell stories. Here is a six-month history of list price to sales price ratios for homes sold in Hernando County, Florida. While this is an example of just one market area, it may very well repeat itself in many other market areas and buyers can just ask their REALTOR® for this information. The table indicates average and median list and sales prices as well as the list to sales price ratio.

While some may consider these ratios surprisingly high, they also indicate two things that both buyers and sellers should consider:

The reason these properties sold is because they were priced correctly for the market.

Properties that are priced correctly will sell within a reasonable percentage point of asking price.

Hernando County Residential Home Sales - April through September 2009

Average and Median Prices and List Price to Sales Price Ratios

	Apr-09	May-09	Jun-09	Jul-09	Aug-09	Sep-09
Number Homes Sold	224	241	245	246	210	222

Average List Price	123,385	125,903	116,872	128,725	123,181	118,074
Average Sales Price	114,674	117,043	109,726	118,308	114,286	109,397
Ratio LP/SP	93%	93%	94%	92%	93%	93%

Median List Price	110000	110000	100900	111575	105000	103950
Median Sales Price	107500	105000	99900	107500	100000	100000
Ratio LP/SP	98%	96%	99%	96%	95%	96%

The above information includes all residential home sales in Hernando County from April 2009 through September 2009.

Lowest priced property: $5,500 for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath home, built in 1980, and destroyed by fire. This property was sold for the land only.

Highest priced property: $675,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage home, 4000 square foot living, built in 1998 on 17.3 acres of land.

To further illustrate the point, a specific example was used to determine the list to sales price ratio. The following data reflects the average and median list and sales prices as well as the price ratio for a property with specific criteria. Again, the ratios are surprisingly close to the broader selection above.

Average and Median List to Sales Price Comparison

Single Family Home, Pool, 2 Car Garage, Built: 1992-2003 (+/- 5 years of 1997)
Living Square Foot: 2152 to 2631 (+/- 10% of 2392 LSF)

Sold January through September 2009 : 12
Sales Price Range: $150,000 to $400,000

Average List Price	$241,000	Median List Price	$214,450
Average Sales Price	$222,950	Median Sales Price	$195,000
Ratio LP/SP	93%	Ratio LP/SP	91%

Sales and listing data include distressed properties such as those offered as short sales and foreclosure homes as well as market sales.

Do Homes really sell far below List Price? Myth or Reality? You decide!

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September 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Hernando Beach, Florida - Hernando Beach South

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:14:55 -0500

September 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Hernando Beach, Florida - Hernando Beach South

This market report concerns Hernando Beach South, the only deed-restricted neighborhood in the waterfront community of Hernando Beach, Florida. Neighborhoods in Hernando Beach, Florida, are characterized by their boating access to the Gulf of Mexico.

This real estate market update of waterfront homes for sale in Hernando Beach covers the most southern area of Hernando Beach, Hernando Beach South. This subdivision is a non-gated but deed-restricted community located on wide and deep fresh water canals. There is a private community boat ramp available to residents only.

Inventory of homes for sale in Hernando Beach South remained stable; however, average and median list prices have dropped indicating price reductions in the homes for sale inventory. One home was sold in this neighborhood during September and there are none currently under contract.

Please also read the market reports for the Hernando Beach direct access neighborhood and the Hernando Beach Central neighborhood of this fine waterfront community.

Offered for Sale: 16

Price Range: $164,900 - $550,000

Median: $348,388

Average: $339,330

Sold in September 2009: 1

A two bedroom, 2 bath, two-story stilt home with 1597 living sf sold for $165,000 CASH after 84 days on the market representing 75% of the asking price.

Sales Data derived from Hernando County MLS as of 10/15/09, believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

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September 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Hernando Beach, Florida - Hernando Beach Central

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:59:41 -0500

September 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Hernando Beach, Florida - Hernando Beach Central

The homes in neighborhoods on freshwater canals are Hernando Beach Central and Hernando Beach South. Boaters living in Hernando Beach Central and South use a boatlift to gain access to the saltwater canals to the north which lead directly to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. For this reason, properties located in these two neighborhoods of Hernando Beach are identified as "indirect" access. There are also a number of marinas located in Hernando Beach offering dry and wet boat storage facilities.

This real estate market update covers the central section of Hernando Beach, Florida. This area is not gated nor deed-restricted, homes are located on wide and deep freshwater canals.

Inventory has remained stable and while there has been little activity in recent months in this neighborhood, there is a silver lining with two homes currently under contract.

Please also read the market reports for the neighborhoods of Hernando Beach with direct Gulf access and the Hernando Beach South subdivision.

Offered for Sale: 9

Price Range: $169,000 - $479,000

Median: $259,000

Average: $289,956

Under Contract: 2

Of the two homes under contract in Hernando Beach Central, one is pending, the other is under contract with contingencies.

Closed Transactions in September 2009: None

Sales Data derived from Hernando County MLS as of 10/15/09, believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

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September 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:16:44 -0500

September 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida

Inventory of Homes for sale in Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida has decreased over the previous month. There are 69 villas and 70 single family homes available for sale in the Timber Pines Country Club community.

The number of homes sold in September in Timber Pines also decreased over August to a total of 12; however, none of these were distressed sales. Number of homes under contract in Timber Pines, however; increased. Among those under contract, only one home is offered as a short sale, and one other is offered as a foreclosure home.

Again, Timber Pines home sales statistics remain stable. The average and median price levels for Timber Pines home sales are at higher levels than for average and median price levels in Hernando County as a whole.

Actively Listed Homes for Sale in Timber Pines: 148

Price Range: $60,000 - $399,000

Average: $136,819

Median: $129,888

Total Transactions Closed: 12

Price Range: $85,000 - $250,000

Average: $143,367

Median: $137,500

Days on Market: 278

Of these 9 properties were single family homes, three were villas.

Total Number Properties under Contract: 15

Pending Contracts: 10, Contingencies: 5

Price Range: $72,000 - $209,000

Average: $132,697

Median: $139,900

Average Days on Market: 207

Data derived from Hernando County MLS as of 10/9/09 and believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

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Foto Friday: Full Moon over Hernando Beach, Florida - Before the Crash!

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:57:05 -0500

This morning, NASA had a space probe crash into the moon. The probe was launched in June and the purpose for this exercise is to determine whether there is water on the moon by examining the resulting dust cloud from the crash.

These photos of the "undamaged" full moon were taken at the beginning of October 2009 in Hernando Beach, Florida.

Enjoy!

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September 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club Community, Weeki Wachee, Spring Hill, Florida

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:06:45 -0500

September 2009 Real Estate Market Report: Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club Community, Weeki Wachee, Spring Hill, Florida

The number of Homes for Sale in the Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club Community increased in September.

Listing price range increased on the higher end. Homes under contract remained stable and one home in the Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club Community sold in September 2009.

Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club is an upscale gated community with 24-hour security located on the west coast of Central Florida with easy access to Tampa and Orlando. The community offers many amenities including an elegant club house with restaurant and banquet facilities, tennis courts, fitness facilities, community pool.

Offered for Sale: 76

Price Range: $99,900 - 539,999

Median: $272,450

Average: $287,322

Under Contract: 5

Price Range: $149,900 - $438,900

Four of these homes are pending, one is under contract with contingency.

Sold in September 2009: 1

$235,000 was the sales price for a 4 bedroom, 3 bath pool home, built in 1991 with 2782 living square foot and 3780 total square foot. This home was on the market for a total of 423 days with a final list price of $289,900. Sales price per living square foot was $84.47.

Sales Data derived from Hernando County MLS as of 10/4/09, believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

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Hernando County Real Estate Market Report: September 2009

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:31:53 -0500

Inventory of Homes for Sale in Hernando County has again slightly decreased over the previous month. However, closed home sales also decreased slightly with seven fewer successfully closed sales than in August. The number of homes under contract, either with contingency or pending contracts, decreased by 10 properties over last month. Once again, both median and average prices have decreased.

The lowest sales price was obtained for fixer upper that was a foreclosure home. The highest price was achieved for a 3-story custom pool home located in the waterfront community of Hernando Beach, Florida.

The most sales transactions took place again in price ranges up to $200,000. Total sales transactions break out as follows:

Up to $99,999: 92

$100,000 - $199,999: 82

$200,000 - $299,999: 16

$300,000 - $399,999: 1

$400,000 - $499,999: 0

$500,000 and above: 1

Hernando County Market Report

1. Homes:

Active Listings: 2226

Sold September 2009: 187

Price Range: $13,000 - $550,000

Median: $104,900

Average: $112,522

Average Days on Market: 142

Of the homes sold in September 2009, 23 were short sales and 48 were REO or bank-owned properties, and the remaining 116 sales were "regular" market sales.

These same numbers expressed in percentages are as follows: 38% of the sold homes in Hernando County, Florida, were distressed sales, whereas 62% of the sold homes in Hernando County were regular sales.

The overall ratio of average list price to average sales price is 92.7%.

Currently under Contract: 510

Of the homes currently under contract, 218 are with contingency contracts and 292 are pending.

2. Vacant Land

Inventory of Vacant land for sale in Hernando County, Florida decreased in September, some of which can be attributed to sales and some to expired listings. Number of closed transactions saw a slight increase over August sales.

The incredibly low price of $3,000 was achieved for a .28 acre residential building lot in the upscale gated community of Southern Hills Plantation, a beautiful community featuring a challenging golf course designed by Pete Dye. The highest price was for a waterfront lot with 110 feet of frontage along the Gulf of Mexico in the waterfront community of Hernando Beach, Florida.

Active Listings: 1863

Sold September 2009: 17

Price Range: $3,000 - $300,000

Currently Under Contract: 23

Data derived from Hernando County MLS as of 10/2/09, believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

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September Real Estate Market Report: Hernando Beach, Florida - Direct Access to Gulf of Mexico

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:47:41 -0500

This is the September 2009 market report for Hernando Beach Waterfront Homes located those areas of the community that have direct boating access to the Gulf of Mexico.

Hernando Beach Waterfront Homes Offered for Sale: 68

Price Range: $82,000 - $850,000

The lowest priced home in Hernando Beach, Florida, is a home that is severely fire damaged. It is offered as a short sale.

Median: $337,300

Average: $359,540

Average Days on Market: 275

Hernando Beach Waterfront Homes Under Contract: 8

Price Range: $150,000 - $579,000

Median: $209,500

Average: $255,225

Average Days on Market: 91

Among the homes under contract, five are short sales, one is a foreclosure home, and two are offered as market listings.

Closed Transactions in September 2009: 3

Sold Property 1: A two-story stil home, offered as a short sale at $150,000 sold for over list price at $175,000. This was a CASH purchase without seller concessions. Built: 1981 Bed/Bath: 2/3 Living SF: 900

Sold Property 2: A three-story stilt home, offered as a short sale at $274,500 sold for $220,000 CASH after total of 395 days on the market. Built: 2004 Bed/Bath: 4/2 Living SF: 1696 Total SF: 3536

Sold Property 3: A three-story stilt home with Pool, offered at market value for a list price of $695,000 sold for $550,000 with conventional financing after 226 days on the market. Built: 2207 Bed/Bath: 3/2 Living SF: 2649 Total SF: 5273.

Sales Data derived from Hernando County MLS as of 10/2/09, believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

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Evening over Hernando Beach, Florida .... with Pretty Pink Clouds

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:10:56 -0500

Evening over Hernando Beach, Florida .... with Pretty Pink Clouds

Living in the waterfront community of Hernando Beach, Florida, has many rewards. One of my particular favorites are the ever changing skies. Every evening, Florida nature is treating the observer to a new sunset that is different from all the others before it.

Here the setting sun is reflecting in some enormous storm clouds that are forming in the east.

It's wonderful to watch the evening unfold as the sun sets. And even with the sun hiding behind a cloud, its light is reflecting in the water, coloring the clouds in the sky, creating a beautiful scene before finally dipping into the sea.

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Sunday Harvest Time in the Watermelon Patch!

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:08:30 -0500

Sunday Harvest Time in the Watermelon Patch!

Today was the day! I decided to taste the fruit of my gardening and finally cut one of my "babies" from its vine just hoping it would be ready.

For weeks I have been watching watermelon vines grow from a few discarded seeds until they covered nearly half the backyard. Luckily, I always considered grass a bit overrated and my husband didn't mind that his mowing chores were decreasing by the day!

I watched the bees as they busied themselves from flower to flower, I watched tiny little melons develop into larger ones and really got excited when I realized they just kept growing and growing!

Thankfully, we had quite a bit of rain lately, so I didn't have to water anything. I also didn't use fertilizers, pesticides nor herbicides and as an added benefit, I noticed a number of cute little lady bugs on some of the leaves.

Finally, I couldn't wait any longer and decided to cut one of the largest ones off the vine. It's probably the best watermelon I've ever had!

Here is a little journey in the life of a watermelon plant and fruit. Enjoy!

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Foto Friday (for Fun): Online Conference!

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:07:22 -0500

Foto Friday (for Fun): Online Conference!

Did you think of Online Conferencing as a modern invention? Well, think again and take a look at this view provided by Florida nature. Perhaps the concept of "on line conferencing" is not that new after all!

These participants were spotted "on line" chatting away. They certainly look like they have been using this "powerful technology" for ages with the skill and "training" passed down by generations before them.

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Florida - First Day of Fall!

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 06:52:39 -0500

Florida - First Day of Fall!

First Day of Fall and in sunny Florida it's still nice and warm!

Nevertheless, while everything still appears green as can be, Florida does have a fall season although much more subtle.

The days have become noticably a little shorter lately, the leaves on certain trees are showing just a hint of color change.

Soon, the waters in the Atlantic ocean and the Gulf of Mexico will begin to feel cooler against the swimmers skin, our nights and early mornings will allow us to open our windows for fresh and cooler air without having to worry about letting air-conditioned air escape.

Fall will bring us some migrating birds making a stop in Florida on their escape from the cold that soon will hold northern areas in its grip.

And finally, here in Spring Hill as in other parts of Florida, we look forward to another very special migrating "bird species" that comes to us in Lincoln Towncars and Cadillacs via I-95! Welcome back "Snow Birds"!

Happy Fall - enjoy the season!

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