Brandon FL | Valrico FL Real Estate Chatter

Florida Schools Deserve Better Than 50th Place!

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:24:39 -0500

Make Florida Education a PRIORITY! Ever wonder WHY our teachers request so many school supplies at the start of a year...wonder why our children don't have more specialized classes? What about WHY you're less than thrilled with a teacher who doesn't seem thrilled to be in his/her position but needs the job. BETTER YET...what about the ones who are SUPERIOR and have made an impact on your child's life? Eveeryone has had their own childhood experience(s) in school that have left a permanant mark on your life.

Florida Schools Deserve Better Than 50th Place is a cause worthy of a read and email signature with nothing more required. Please take a minute and fill out this simple form on-line to help YOUR STUDENT, OUR CHILDREN, and Florida's future.

You can sign the petition without adding your name to future mailings or donating anything. Once you sign, you will go to a page that asks for donations, but it says at the top that your signature has been recorded and you can simply close the page. You can also contact your elected officials. Do something for the children in Florida today...

**Being a PTA Mom who's very involved means I try to go the extra mile to give my children as well as their teacher's that extra little bit when I can. Maybe if we can collect signatures like yours and mine we can make a difference in the education system in Florida. It can all start today...

1714 Woodbine Drive, Brandon, FL 3/2/3 $209,900

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:46:43 -0500

Welcome Home! This house might be built in 1969 - but DON'T LET THE AGE FOOL YOU! This home has everything you need to move in TODAY and it's all very new!

The roof has new 3-dimensional shingles, the kitchen was completely remodeled, both bathrooms are updated and VERY-VERY CLEAN! Double-paned windows throughout the home that have a manufacturer's warranty that goes with the buyer! Newly tiled and wood laminate flooring to your delight! The Florida Room measures 28X16 has separate A/C unit and perfect for entertaining! Air Conditioned laundry room measures 11X10 just off carport!

NO BACKYARD NEIGHBORS!! NO DEED RESTRICTIONS!! This super sized backyard has a 3 car garage/workshop that is current with Hillsborough County Codes for hurricane standards. There is room to "drive into the backyard" to park your cars, boats, campers or whatever else you might want!

Homeowners are meticulous housekeepers and can show with 30 minutes notice! Buyers will be delighted for sure. The maintenance, repair work, and remodel work completed by licensed contractors and up to highest standards. (homeowner is a claims adjuster in Tampa Bay Area)

VERY CONVENIENTto all major highways, interstates and the crosstown for your commute. Just an hour from beautiful beaches, Disney World and other Orlando attractions. Minutes from shopping and dining! 30-45 minutes from Tampa Stadium...GO BUCS!

Quick info on this home:

$209,900
3 bedrooms - 2 baths
Lot size is 85x145
1925 square feet heated
3 car detached garage - 1 car carport
Family Room/Dining Room Combo
Florida Room (28x16) with separate A/C unit
Tile flooring and Wood laminate
NEW kitchen
Additional PICTURES AVAILABLE

Please call Susie Roscoe for a showing of this lovely home at 813-841-4721.

*For more information on 1714 Woodbine Drive in Brandon, FL? The full listing is available on the Tampa Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for your convenience.

Executive Style - Military Rental in Valrico, FL

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:44:56 -0500

14 X 32 Heated Pool & Spa (with screen enclosure)
Tri-Split Plan (Full Guest Suite)
Formal Dining Room
Formal Living Room
All Appliances Stay
Kitchen w/breakfast bar
Maple Cabinets & Tile
Natural Gas Community
Walk in Closets
Separate Laundry Room
Fenced Yard
Corner Lot
Excellent School District
15 minutes to Interstates and Expressway
Next-door to Community Playground

See the VIRTUAL TOUR for: 2759 Valencia Grove Drive

Call Susie Roscoe for a private showing of this beautiful home! You won't be disappointed...

FREE REPORT: How To Buy Lovely Homes In Brandon with Zero Down Payment ... Click here

Susie Roscoe, Real Estate Consultant with Signature Realty Associates

Search the MLS at Brandon Real Estate Resources

Check out My Website at SusieRoscoe.com

**You can also find my blogs on Brandon Real Estate Chatter.

Riverview Real Estate| Rivercrest Real Estate Report | Villas

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:42:15 -0500

The Rivercrest Community, in Riverview, Florida, offers such an exciting lifestyle for the area. It's conveniently located and there are 3 (main) entrances which offer homeowners "back-road" options when traffic is heavy. This allows for quicker entry and exits for homeowners of the Rivercrest Community.

The Villas of Rivercrest in Riverview, FL are a terrific place to be. These offer several floor plans with maintenance free living! Maintenance free living means NO yardwork, NO painting, NO outside worries to tie up your free time! The Rivercrest Villas offer 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom homes. Prices currently range from $129k - $199k.

These villas are a short walk to the Rivercrest Community Pool & Clubhouse. What's better than a sparkling pool where the maintenance is not your responsibility? Sounds like a enticing place to check out if you're in the market for an afforadable villa in the Riverview area.

Rivercrest offers a very active Home Owners Association. You can search the Rivercrest Website for contact information, meeting dates & times, and other questions you may have. There is also a link for the CDD Board.

Currently there are 10 active listings available in Rivercrest, in this villa community. This small community offers a spring fed lake for most of the interior lots. Along with a beatiful view there are ducks, cranes, great fishing, and a maintenance free way of lifestyle.

**You can search all Brandon Area properties using this link. If you would like further information not available on my website, please call me at (813)841-4721 or drop me an email at SusRoscoe@msn.com.

Susie Roscoe, Real Estate Consultant with Signature Realty Associates

Search the MLS at Brandon Real Estate Resources

Check out My Website at SusieRoscoe.com

**You can also find my blogs on Brandon Real Estate Chatter.

Riverview Real Estate | Rivercrest Real Estate Report | Townhome

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:05:09 -0500

The Townhomes of Rivercrest in Riverview, FL are a terrific place to be. These have remarkable designs inside and out with maintenance free living! Maintenance free living means NO yardwork, NO painting, NO outside worries to tie up your free time! The Rivercrest Townhomes offer 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom homes. Prices currently range from $120k - $160k.

These townhomes are a short walk to the Rivercrest Community Pool & Clubhouse. What's better than a beautifully heated pool where the maintenance is not your responsibility? Sounds like a enticing place to check out if you're in the market for an afforadable townhome in the Riverview area.

Susie Roscoe, Real Estate Consultant with Signature Realty Associates

Search the MLS at Brandon Real Estate Resources

Check out My Website at SusieRoscoe.com

**You can also find my blogs on Brandon Real Estate Chatter.

Been Caught Speeding Lately???

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:13:08 -0500

I haven't...but it's not because I drive the speed limit. I'm always more cautious when school is in because of the thousands of school aged children "out and about." So, this is not a blog to condone speeding but there are all times when YOU and I both have been "in a hurry" and gotten caught, or almost!

Jeff Kessler wrote a blog this morning that made me LAUGH OUT LOUD! His blog "shared" of a secret sight (I've never heard of) called Speed Trap website. Now you don't have to slow down. (jk) It made me laugh this morning and I wanted to share...please stop by his sight if you enjoyed this blog and THANK JEFF for the tip!! You too can seek and find the speed traps in your area or add some that you know of. Not a bad idea for those who have a lead foot...ya know?

This sight also offers tips including:

Beating a speeding ticket
Traffic School (for when the above is unsuccessful)
Speed Limit (Fact & Fiction)
Traffic Attorney Referrals (THIS IS ALMOST FUNNY)
Ticket Cameras
Lane Courtesy (THIS ONE needs to be reviewed often!)
Seat Belt Laws

Anyhow, for those of you near Valrico, Florida, there is a SPEED TRAP located at Ranch Road and Bloomingdale. Seen it? Been a recipient of a speeding ticket there? Got another hot spot to report? Get on the website and share your knowledge! Your fellow drivers may be very thankful later.

Riverview Real Estate| Rivercrest Real Estate Report | Villas

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:39:32 -0500

The Rivercrest Community, in Riverview, Florida, offers such an exciting lifestyle for the area. There are 3 main entrances which offer homeowners "back-road" options when traffic is heavy. The homes range in size and price to fit most budgets.

The Rivercrest Villa Community offers a "one street community" starting with 2 bedroom homes ranging from the $140's to the $220's. The Rivercrest Villa Community offers a maintenance free lifestyle for those less interested in outdoor chores.

Currently, the best priced villa is listed at $148,000 and located at 11567 Captiva Kay Drive. The highest price is villa is loaded with upgrades and is listed at $221,000 and located at 11431 Captiva Kay Drive. They are both located on the spring fed lake in this quiet one entrance neighborhood.

Rivercrest also offers convenience to homeowners with young children. There is a superior elementary school, Symmes Elementary, located right inside the Rivercrest Community. There are also preschools as well as daycares inside the neighborhood as well as located very close by for family convenience. Interstates are very close by, you can be there in minutes at any time of the day. Restaurants, grocery stores, and other shops are plentiful with more to come as the Riverview Area continues to grow and expand to accommodate the growing needs of the area.

**You can search all Riverview Area properties using this link. If you would like further information not available on my website, please call me at (813)841-4721 or drop me an email at SusRoscoe@msn.com.

Susie Roscoe, Real Estate Consultant with Signature Realty Associates

Search the Tampa Bay MLS at Brandon Real Estate Resources

Check out My Website at SusieRoscoe.com

**You can also find my blogs on Brandon Real Estate Chatter.

11429 Captiva Kay Drive | Riverview, FL | Rivercrest

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:06:24 -0500

Meet the Neighbors...as they fly across this spring fed lake! You may also enjoy the sand hill cranes who frequent the neighborhood...

You will delight in this quiet - villa - community. With only one entrance the traffic is well limited to the homeowners. Take an afternoon walk to the Community Clubhouse offering a sparking pool and spa as well as a thrilling children's area.

A few features for this particular home include:

$169,000 Asking Price
2 Bedrooms
2 Full Baths
2 Car Garage
1372 Square Feet
Spring Fed Lake
Den/Office
Maple Cabinets throughout
Marble Sinks in bathrooms
Screened Front & Back Porch
Hurricane Shutters on ALL WINDOWS
Full Hurrican Shutter on Patio
Ceramic Tile & Flawless Carpet
All Appliances STAY (Maytag & Whirlpool)
Flat wall switches w/dimmers
Alarm System

Here's a Sneak Preview of what you'll find behind the door of this lovely Villa in Rivercrest:

The Rivercrest Community is located close to interestates, the crosstown, downtown Tampa, excellent schools, dining, and shopping. Orlando is less than 90 minutes and Gulf Beaches approximately an hour. Enjoy the active lifestyle Rivercrest offers all homeowners with sidewalks for exercise, lush lanscaping, and mini-bodies of water throughout the neighborhood.

Rivercrest has a very active Home Owners Association. You can search the Rivercrest Website for contact information, meeting dates & times, and other questions you may have. There is also a link for the CDD Board.

Susie Roscoe, Real Estate Consultant with Signature Realty Associates

Search the MLS at Brandon Real Estate Resources

Check out My Website at SusieRoscoe.com

**You can also find my blogs on Brandon Real Estate Chatter.

11567 Captiva Kay Drive | Riverview, FL | Rivercrest

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:45:10 -0500

This is ONE GORGEOUS HOME in the Rivercrest Villa Community!

Professionally decorated! This is not a short sale! The best value in the Villa Community!

Wouldn't you love THIS VIEW day after day...after day...after day?

If you liked these pictures... ** COME INSIDE and SEE MORE**

$148,000

2 Bedrooms

2 Full Bathrooms

2 Car Garage

Water Front - Spring Fed Lake

Granite & True Hardwood in Kitchen

Crown Molding

Fresh Decorative Paint

BEST PRICE in Villa Community

Shows like a model home

Lanai offers interior garden

Move - In - Ready

Maintenance Free Living

Swimming pool, parks, club house, etc...

Minutes to interstates, the crosstown, shopping, dining and only an hour from beaches

For a private showing of this lovely villa, please call Susie Roscoe at 813-841-4721.

Susie Roscoe, Real Estate Consultant with Signature Realty Associates

Search the MLS at Brandon Real Estate Resources

Check out My Website at SusieRoscoe.com

**You can also find my blogs on Brandon Real Estate Chatter.

Can You Spot a Fake Email?

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:00:04 -0600

I received a startling email this morning (7:12am) confirming my purchase for $175 to "X" company for some product. Well, I didn't use this account and had no idea who the company was so I was on alert to find out WHAT was really happening. This left me concerned knowing my husband has never ordered anything online without me...maybe he got brave! OR...maybe he didn't!

Tis the Season to be SHOPPING ONLINE and using credit cards, debit cards and other online accounts. BE CAREFUL shopping, identify theft is running ramped! I looked at the email and it came directly from a reputable company of which I've used in the past for online purchases but not in the last 3 months at least. Needless to say, I was concerned. I went directly to their website (without clicking on any of the email links conveniently offered) for guidance.

Legitimate companies will NEVER ask you for the following information via email:

Your full name
Your password
Driver's license number
Social Security number
Credit and debit card numbers
Pin numbers or bank account numbers

*They will not ask you to download software onto your hard drive or open an attached file. Also, even if the email address is correct - this may be an illegitimate email.

TECHNIQUES for STEALING INFORMATION

Impersonating a well-known organization through fraudulent (phishing) emails and spoof websites.
Scavenging through or eavesdropping or spying on people during financial transactions and trash bins to find old bank statements or other documents with personal information
Breaking into computer databases and retrieving information

BE CAREFUL, as many phishing emails have links that look valid, but send you to fraudulent sites instead. If in doubt, open a new browser window and log onto the website. One can't be too safe!

Can You Sell a House That Looks Like "THIS" at Christmas?

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 06:09:44 -0600

What are the rules anyhow? Should families trying to sell their home decorate their house inside and out at the holidays? Is this encouraged or discouraged in your book? It looks really pretty at night...don't you think?

Does this make the house look cluttered or too personal? Does it "junk up" the yard with all this "stuff" hanging around in the daytime? As long as it's dark outside you don't notice the clutter. At this house there are even bulbs hanging from the tree if you can see them. Is there an etiquette for homes on the market at Christmas?

I had sellers one year who wrapped Christmas lights all over my sign! I cracked up when I drove by one evening. She had it pretty cluttered inside too...but was I going to tell her NOT to decorate and enjoy the holidays with her 3 young children? NOPE...so I let it ride and she cleaned it up after the New Year.

ANY OUTRAGEOUS STORIES of DECORATIONS at the holidays? Share them or show them if you have pictures...right here!

PS...Do the Northern states decorate as much "outside" with all the snow? I've lived in Florida since I was 6-years-old and can't say I really remember.

Brandon's "Best Dressed" Homes This Holiday

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 05:23:41 -0600

The holidays are coming...people are shopping, baking and...decorating inside and out!!

Do you decorate for Christmas? Do you live in the Brandon Area? Are there lights all over your lawn, roof, trees, bushes accompanied by yard art, music, blow up displays? Well, you can INVITE VIEWERS by sending in photos to TBO.COM and they will add your address to their Holiday Display Interactive Guide.

The Brandon News & Tribuneare looking for more pictures and places to feature for the holidays! Does yours belong online? Does your neighbor's? Get out your cameras and send in the best dressed homes in the Brandon Area so we can all enjoy them!

I know one of our family traditions is to "go see Christmas lights" throughout our ventures around the holidays. We love to see the same homes that decorate year after year as well as hearing about new ones. There is even one community in Brandon, Barrington Oaks, who has a line of traffic with directions for non-residents because the decorations are too good to miss! As the season continues, more lights will go up and the evening trips will last longer as drivers enjoy the spirit of Christmas together, on the ride home!

As of today, November 30th, 2007, there are only 10 addresses linked to this site. WHERE ARE the BEST DRESSED HOMES in BRANDON this holiday season???

Tis The Season...to SAVE SOME MONEY!!

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:07:03 -0600

Want to SAVE SOME MONEY???

Check out Flamingo World and see if you can use any of these money savings coupons.

Check out this website... It's called Flamingo World and it's good all over the United States. They are printable coupons for retail stores from anywhere to K-mart to Sharper Image. (I don't know about you but I've never seen a coupon for Sharper Image!)

Anyhow...enjoy!!

Valrico Offers 3 Bedroom 2 Bath REMODEL for $234,000!

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:15:33 -0600

2404 Kenwick Drive in Valrico, is truly the BEST ON THE BLOCK! 3 Bedrooms - 2 Baths - 2 Car Garage - FULL REMODEL ready for new homeowners. These Investors are truly motivated so their loss is YOUR GAIN!

This 1988 Block home has ALL NEW:

Air Conditioner
3 Dimensional Shingles
Stainless Steel Refrigerator
Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Stainless Steel Range
Deep Stainless Steel Sink in Kitchen
Counter Tops in Kitchen
Tile Back-splash in Kitchen
Exterior Paint
Interior Paint
Brick Paved Entry & Sidewalk
Tile throughout home
Carpet in all bedrooms
Ceiling Fans
Counter Top in Master Bathroom
Jacuzzi Tub in Master Bathroom
Counter Top in Guest Bath

This home is BETTER THAN NEW! The community offers a huge park with basketball courts, racket ball courts, and a large playground. This community offers excellent schools, the Bloomingdale Public Library, a large YMCA, Little League Baseball and Softball, Fabulous Restaurants, a large variety of shopping and more!

The kitchen is open with loads of natural lighting -- The Formal Dining and Formal Living Room

Master Bath w/jacuzzi Tub ---------- Guest Bath

Large Eat in Kitchen ----- Beautiful grandfather oaks and room for a swimming pool

**For more information on 2404 Kenwick Drive in Valrico, you can call 1-888-289-2142 Extension 77.

Please call Susie Roscoe at 813-841-4721 for a private viewing of this lovely home.

Search the MLS for all homes available in Tampa Bay at Brandon Real Estate Resource.

Check out My Website!

**You can also find my blogs on Brandon Real Estate Chatter.

FREE REPORT:
How To Buy Lovely Homes In Brandon with Zero Down Payment
Click here

Nativity Catholic Church Novemberfest Returns for 38th Year in Brandon, Florida!

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:38:09 -0600

Come Join The Fun at Nativity Catholic Church and School for their 38th Annual Novemberfest! If you've lived anywhere near Brandon, Florida, you already know about the Novemberfest.

This exciting event starts Wednesday, November 14th and lasts through November 18th, 2007. This event is the 3rd largest event for all of Hillsborough County behind the Strawberry Festival (Plant City, FL) and the FL State Fair (at the Fairgrounds in Tampa). This event offers 5 full days of carnival rides - terrific entertainment and the ever popular festival of food under the "Big Top Tent!"

Don't miss the raffles! This year someone will win a 2008 Pontiac G5! There are also other great prizes like a 50" plasma wide-screen tv, a 20" free-style bike, a men's Seiko watch and many other great prizes!

Armbands can be purchased from the school office or any Nativity student for $16 until November 13th. At the gate, armbands are $22.

For questions regarding this year's Novemberfest, please call 813-571-9397 or visit the Nativity Catholic Church/School Website.

Brandon Real Estate Reports October 2007

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:54:21 -0600

Look at the choices for affordable homes in Brandon, FL! 3 and 4 Bedroom Homes are getting more and more attractive around the Brandon Area. The for sale signs are up and the bargains are HOT regardless of what the media is saying. Interest rates are still very low and with the right mortgage broker...the hardest part is making decision about which home to buy! Call Leah Ross today and see how quickly she can help answer your questions about buying a home of your own.

In October 2007 in the Brandon area, 3 and 4 bedroom homes proved to still be sluggish. As sellers continue to list their homes, the competition is doing wonders for the GREAT DEALS out there.

3 Bedroom Homes in Brandon	"SOLD" in October	Active Listings	Sqare Feet Heated	Pools
Under $150,000	2	13	864-1447	0
$151,000 - $175,000	2	40	980-2099	4
$176,000 - $200,000	9	120	1092-2098	24

4 Bedroom Homes in Brandon	"SOLD" in October	Active Listings	Square Feet Heated	Pools
Under $200,000	1	26	1026-2782	3
$200,000 - $225,000	2	27	1444-2478	8
$226,000 - $250,000	2	50	1440-2733	18

Search the Tampa MLS at Brandon Real Estate Resource.

Check out My Website at SusieRoscoe.com

**You can also find my blogs on Brandon Real Estate Chatter.

*Disclosure: These market reports are cumulative information available on the Mid Florida Regional MLS System for Realtors. This information is believed to be true and accurate but should be verified. Reports do not include private sales or FSBO's. Report compiled on November 12th, 2007.

Affordable and Available Homes in Riverview, FL

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:40:11 -0600

Prices are DOWN and bargains are UP in Riverview, Florida! This is surely exciting news for home buyers!

Know anyone looking for a 3 bedroom home in the Riverview, FL area? Homes are getting more - and more - AFFORDABLE! Look at what's available in Riverview, FL. This chart shows the Single Family Home, not including town-homes, condos or mobile homes.

3 Bedroom Homes in Riverview	"SOLD" in October	Active Listings	Sqare Feet Heated	Pools
Under $150,000	0	10	960-13664	0
$151,000 - $175,000	1	53	1071-1939	3
$176,000 - $200,000	7	123	1140-2064	8

Looking for a home in Riverview, FL? Need 4 Bedrooms? Want a swimming pool too? This dream is possible and at fabulous prices! This chart shows the Single Family Home, not including town-homes, condos or mobile homes.

4 Bedroom Homes in Riverview	"SOLD" in October	Active Listings	Square Feet Heated	Pools
Under $200,000	9	66	1200-2215	3
$200,000 - $225,000	3	66	1334-2375	5
$226,000 - $250,000	3	78	1507-3540	14

Search the MLS at Brandon Real Estate Resources

Check out My Website at SusieRoscoe.com

**You can also find my blogs on Brandon Real Estate Chatter.

Be Thankful for Affordable Home in Valrico, FL | October 2007

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:48:07 -0600

If you're looking for a home in or around Valrico, FL...here's some great information! Homes are affordable, plentiful and available! With great low prices, you can have The American Dream.

How long has it been since YOU talked to a skilled mortgage broker about the possibility of owning a home? Mike Alea of Elite Mortgage Network makes it as easy as 1,2,3! Call him and be ready for quick and efficient answers to your mortgage questions.

3 Bedrooms	"SOLD" in October	Active Listings	Sqare Feet Heated	Pools
Under $150k	0	5	1120-1776	5
$151 - $175k	3	37	924-2365	3
$176 - $200k	5	63	924-2139	9

4 Bedrooms	"SOLD" in October	Active Listings	Square Feet Heated	Pools
Under $200k	2	23	1312-2498	4
$200 - $225k	1	34	1342-2197	6
$226 - $250k	7	59	1516-2841	17

Check out last month's statistics: Come Home To Valrico...

Search the MLS at Brandon Real Estate Resources

Check out My Website at SusieRoscoe.com

**You can also find my blogs on Brandon Real Estate Chatter.

What Have YOU done for our Soldiers!! Start This Holiday Season...

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 19:22:59 -0600

Christmas is coming...and we have many soldiers who will not be home to spend the holiday with their families for one reason or another. Here's the best idea I've seen yet...

When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

          A Recovering American soldier
          c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
          6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
          Washington,D..C. 20307-5001

***Please duplicate this idea and share it over and over! Our soldiers are fighting for OUR FREEDOM! Thank them...time and again! I plan to order about 25 extra(s) along with my family's Christmas letter.

What a terrific concept I just received via email! Wow...this one I hope to see circulate a million times over!

***Better yet, PLEASE ADD any links that might offer MORE OPTIONS for our soldiers. Let's see how many ways we can find to THANK A SOLDIER this coming holiday season.

20-Minutes From Brandon, the Manatee Viewing Center Opens November 1st!

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:42:19 -0500

Why Not Be one of the 2+ Million visitors to come see the manatees at the Manatee Viewing Center? As the temperatures cool, so does the water and the manatees come to the Big Bend Power Station's warm water discharge canal. Over 300 manatees have been spotted in this canal at one time!

Starting November 1st, the center will be open daily. With record setting attendance, this unique facility welcomes families between 10a.m. and 5 p.m. The viewing center offers an educational setting for this environmental sanctuary. Located in Apollo Beach, it's only a 15 minute drive from the Brandon Area.

Get a SNEAK PREVIEW of what you'll see "right now" using the manatee WEBCAM! It may be quiet right now, but once the water drops below 68 degrees...there will be lots to see!

Don't miss the butterfly gardens as well as the nature boardwalk while you're there. Don't forget to visit the Southshore Cafe and gift shop on your way out. The Center is open from November 1st - April 15th. Don't miss out!

Admission is FREE and so is the parking! You can call 813-228-4289 for holiday hours or to arrange group tours. You can go to the Manatee Viewing Center Website for easy to find directions.

Valrico Home Depot Earns A+ in Customer Service Today!

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:55:09 -0500

Valrico Home Depot Exceeds Customer Service Expectations at Today!

What a great experience!! Everyone can identify with the complaints and normal rants when the service is less than acceptable in any industry. This is quite the opposite type of post and Home Depot is the recipient of a little praise today!

I just left Home Depot with a more than satisfied service report. I was in the middle of a "backyard project" with my husband and we ran out of concrete and sand...heavy supplies! As I was walking down the aisle with all the concrete, sand and other "heavily bagged stuff" I headed straight for what I needed. Naturally, being a chatter box, I was on the phone and just started grabbing bags and throwing them in my cart. NEXT THING I KNOW, "Don" is standing over me eager to offer his assistance and explaining how I have the wrong type of cart and it could easily topple over as well as how it's not made to accommodate that much weight. While I waited he left to get me the proper cart and re-loaded all my bags as well as getting me the final items on my list. WOW! That was really helpful...I'm impressed. (My husband wasn't with me to do the labor this trip.)

He walks me up to the check out, grabs a cashier for me, and reminds her to have someone else load these into my truck. Another WOW! (Maybe because we're usually there on the weekend when it's busier I haven't seen this before...who knows!) I walk outside, "Bob" takes my cart and waits for me to pull around, and loads everything for me. We actually talked about more than the supplies as he told me how to fix some piece on my husband's tailgate too. Wow!

As it turned out, "Don" was the store manager at this particular Home Depot in Valrico, Fl. He went that extra mile as I never asked for assistance or struggled getting what I needed. He was friendly, professional, and very accommodating. Will I be back...ABSOLUTELY!! "Bob" was doing his job but still offered that extra bit of customer service to assist me in having a great experience.

This experience can directly be related to what we offer in Real Estate. We offer customer service...but do we go that extra mile? I know I try to offer my best...but I'm far from perfect. They work in a place that has "all kinds" from every walk of life. We have the luxury at times of pre-screening before we're in direct contact with our customers.

Moral of the story....A little goes a long way. I could've easily loaded and unloaded all the bags myself and chances are I would've had no trouble with a shopping cart toppling over. I could've loaded my own truck at the loading dock as well...same story. BUT, it's amazing how happy I left there today with just a little kindness and customer service. NOW...share a great customer service story with me! AND NEXT...I'm off to SEND AN EMAIL to the Customer Service Department at Home Depot. Everybody complains but WHO LIKES TO SAY THANKS!!!

Liquid Hand Sanitizer Can Kill a Child - Part II

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 08:08:11 -0500

Back in MAY I wrote "Liquid Hand Sanitizer" CAN KILL A CHILD! after reading an article about Liquid Hand Sanitizer. The article I came across told a terrifying story of a little 4-year-old girl who was rushed to the Emergency Room from school after becoming severely lethargic and incoherent. After a visit to a 2nd hospital the little girls' teacher showed up to inform the parent that his daughter had "LICKED HER HANDS" after using liquid hand sanitizer.

After posting this I received an email from Lauren Brucker, a public relations agent, who represented Germ-X. She was very eager to share with me that they had designed a new product that was alcohol free! Here's her letter:

Susie,

I work for a public relations agency and represent a product called Germ-X (http://www.germx.com). After reading your May 24 post about hand sanitizers, thought I might pass along some news from Germ-X.

As you reported on, hand sanitizers have been a hot topic this year among parents. Reports of children becoming ill from ingesting alcohol-based hand sanitizers emphasize the importance of parental supervision when it comes to children and common household products. Like you mentioned, when used as directed, hand sanitizers are safe and offer vital health benefits.

The germ-busting stuff really is top-of-mind right now â€¦ school supply lists from around the country are asking parents to send kids back to school this fall with a bottle of hand sanitizer. And there's^TMs good reason: Studies have shown a decrease in the average sick time of students who use hand sanitizers as a part of their hand hygiene regimen (see: American Journal of Infection Control, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11029132&dopt=Abstract).

To effectively kill 99.99 percent of germs, hand sanitizers like Germ-X and Purell contain 62% ethyl alcohol. In fact, The Centers for Disease Control study shows that in lower percentages of alcohol, hand sanitizers are less effective. (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol12no03/05-0955.htm)

Next month, Germ-X is introducing an alternative to traditional alcohol-based products. Germ-XÂ® Advanced Protection is a new formula that uses active ingredient benzalkonium chloride (the same stuff found in eyewashes and surface cleaners) to kill 99.99 percent of common germs.

Germ-X Advanced Protection may be of interest to those looking for a substitute to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The foaming hand sanitizer has a light, clean feel and a fresh smell â€¦ and, with vitamin E and other moisturizers, it keeps hands soft.

Thanks for your time.

Lauren Brucker
Fleishman-Hillard, Inc. â€" for Germ-X

You can find this product (right next to the original Germ-X) for the bargain price of $2.87 at Walmart in Brandon. This is great news for families with young(er) children even though I've never known anyone who had a child remotely interested in licking their hands after using this product. (the taste is disgusting even by accident) The reassurance that Germ-X has the consumers' safety in mind is what's important.

NEWS from 2nd grade teachers at Nelson Elementary School is that ATTENDANCE IS EXCELLENT and they're requesting parents send in more Germ-X to continue this trend! I'll definitely be sending in a bottle of two! (My son has perfect attendance and this is the "norm" for us as we're avid users of Germ-X!)

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center | November 2007

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 07:13:46 -0500

Who's Playing? Dancing? Acting? Joking?

Here's some of what's up at the Tampa Performing Arts Center for November...

Club Jaeb - October 15, 2007 - February 11, 2008
Gorey Stories - October 18 - November 11
Jewtopia - October 26 - November 11
Art Exhibits on the Riverwalk - November 3
D.L. Hughley - November 4
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler - November 4
Jonathan Brook - November 5, 2007
From Jail to Yale - November 8 - 10
Latin Explosion presented by The Florida Orchestra - November 15
Belo - November 16
Geekology - November 16
La Boheme - November 16 - 18
Jazz Jam - November 18
Tampa Show Chorus - November 18
Caetano Veloso - November 23
Paul McCartney - November 24
Charlotte's Web - November 25
LaLaLa Show - November 28
Schoolhouse Rock Live - November 29 - December 1
Russian Romantics presented by the Florida Orchestra - November 30
The Nutcracker - November 30 - December 2

To see the full list of events at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center you can go to their website.

For tickets call 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside the Tampa Bay area.

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place
Tampa, Florida 33602
Directions and Parking

Top Halloween Costumes for 2007

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 20:03:46 -0500

Did you buy the COOL-EST Halloween Costume this year?

I love to check out Snopes.com when I receive articles I'm not sure whether or not to believe. This one however I found on Snopes talking about the Top Halloween Costumes for 2007.

This list has 3 categories being: Children, Adults and Pets I just listed the Top 5 but you can find the entire list on Snopes.

Drum Roll Please....

CHILDREN

5. Fairy

4. Witch

3. Pirate

2. Spider-man

1. Princess

ADULTS

5. Princess

4. Cat

3. Vampire

2. Pirate

1. Witch

PETS

5. Angel

4. Princess

3. Witch

2. Pumpkin/Jack O'lanter

1. Devil

***NOW, if your costume didn't make the Top 5---it's back to the Halloween Store(s) for you to improve before the 31st!

Brandon Doesn't Like It In The Dark...

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:18:15 -0500

Admit it...YOU THOUGHT this post was headed somewhere else! I'm actually referring to the streetlights in Brandon. Do you have streetlights where you live? The Lights Are On...Even When You're Not Home in Brandon! Tampa Electric has designed a convenient system for homeowners in Brandon(and surrounding areas).

Did you knowthat you can report this by phone on-line? Report Street Lights Out by going to the Lights Out Form on the Tampa Electric Website. Tampa Electric doesn't always know if a light is malfunctioning and can use our support.

To report a light out or malfunction, you'll be asked for the following information:

10-digit number -or- 6 digit silver tag located on pole
Whether it's a street light or area light on commercial property
What the problem is...broken, out, broken globe, etc.
Location
Your contact information to verify your request and confirm a technician will be out very soon.

Note: If you don't have internet access at the time and need to report a problem, you can call (813) 223-0800 or 1-888-223-0800 to request service.