Tampa, Fl June 23, 2008.
Thinking of putting your house on the market and trying to find a way to stick out from the crowd of homes on the market? Well you might want to try Motion VR. MotionVR has developed a leading edge proprietary technology that is redefining today's 360º online virtual tour business, and which has established a "first-of-its-kind" marketing tool. Unlike standard low-tech 360º panoramic tours, MotionVR provides online visitors with a "walk-through" tour allowing viewers to obtain a real perspective of what they would actually see if visiting a property or facility in-person. I've started to offer this to my higher priced properties and the results have been positive. But don't take my word for it, you can click on the click below and test drive it yourself.

Click here to see the amazing new tour technology

The above link is one of my newest listings that is currently on the market for $2,640,000. It's a stunning Marc Rutenberg Model home is Hawk's Landing. This Marc Rutenberg Castaway Grand Model Home was the Tampa Bay Builders Association Parade of Homes Grand Award Winner in its introductory year. You can click on the link to actually walk through the home with the aid of this virtual tour. If you would like to tour the home in person please contact me for directions and Model home hours.

Clearwater, Fl. May 28,2008.
Finally, a Clearwater Beach eatery that satifies both vacationers and locals alike. During our latest trip to Beach and the Sandpearl Resort we discovered a new beachside cafe that is getting great word of mouth from locals and vacationers. The Clear Sky Beach Side Cafe is a charming friendly place to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner as you enjoy the cool beach breezes coming off the gulf and live steel drum music at night. My kids and I loved going there for breakfast and highly recommend the pancakes. I would also recommend the Two Egg Breasfast for a very reasonable $4.50. Having tried nearly 10 different items on this menu, I think you would be hard pressed to find something on this menu that isn't simply delicious. The pizzas are fanastic and I recommend the California Pizza with cream spinach, applewood bacon, mesquite chicken,mozzarella,roasted garlic, artichokes,avocado and roma tomatoes. For a lighter pizza try the "Sky" pizza with goat cheese, marinara sauce, roasted red peppers and grilled veggies. Their menu has so much variety that there is something for the whole family. They have panini, sandwiches and wraps as well as full dinner entrees like N.Y.Strip, Grouper Picatta, Cedar Planked Salmon, Drunken Shrimp Penne and Pasta Pomodoro. They even have French Onion Soup served in a flakey hand rolled peasant bowl. For salad lovers there is the Spinach Salad with fried leeks, pancetta, shitake mushrooms, mandarin oranges, raspberry walnut dressing topped with fresh strawberries and walnuts. All these entrees are all priced reasonably from $4.50 to $24.95 for the N.Y.Strip. So if you would like to enjoy something other than a fried grouper sandwich and want to please the whole family then I would highly recommend Clear Sky Beachside Cafe on Clearwater Beach. They are located at right next door to the New Sandpearl Resort and their address is 490 Mandalay Ave Clearwater, Fl 33767. The owner's name is Dan Shouvlin and they can be reached at 727-442-3684.

With all the talk of declining real estate prices over the last 18 months its no wonder that most buyers waiting on the fence will in fact miss the bottom of the market and end up paying more for the house they want in the future. Why will this happen you ask? In a nut shell, its the same reason most sellers didn't sell at the peak. It is the old adage "Pigs get fed, hogs get slaughtered". The same human emotion of greed works on the buy side as well. Today's buyer's are trying to time the market and therefore maximize their profits by buying at just the right time and paying the lowest price possible for their home. It's human nature and we all at some level access both our fear and greed emotions when deciding on investing our money. Now to the top three reasons why buyers will miss the bottom.

Reason Number 1.
Greed. I think buyers are becoming greedy today when making offers on homes and are walking away from some very attractive prices on some very nice affordable homes because they think that prices will go lower and if they wait they will get a better deal. This is one of the many signs that a bottom has already occurred. The best time to buy is when fear is at it's highest point. That occurred in March and April of 2008 and will probably be proven to be the very bottom of the Tampa Bay area real estate market. The window of opportunity is closing and prices have already started to level off and sales trends and buyer traffic are increasing on a weekly basis.

Reason Number 2.
Affordability. With homes prices in the Tampa Bay market down over 20% in some areas and the increase in income levels over the past 8 years combined with historically low interest rates makes affordability the lowest since the year 2000. The same factor that contributed to the decline in home prices over the last 2 years is the same factor that will help home prices bottom out this year. Another contributing factor is lower home owners insurance rates and lower property taxes. This actually is one of the lowest risk times to buy a home in the last 10-15 years.

Reason Number 3.
Rental Market. The rental market is strong and the need for housing in the Tampa Bay area will continue to grow. The strong rental market is giving seller's an alternative to dropping their prices to unrealistic levels when they can rent their home and wait out the market. As the bottom in pricing forms, sellers are less willing to sell at the bottom. Sellers are actually listing their homes for sale or lease. This is putting buyers in competition with renters looking for homes to lease. This is also helping to lower available inventory in the Tampa Bay area.

My prediction is that there will be a lot of buyers kicking themselves a year from now about why they didn't buy at today's attractive prices. The amount of buyers who will miss the bottom will probably be the same number of people that wished they had sold at the peak in late 2005. Real Estate will once again stop being a dirty word and the talk at the water cooler will start to turn positive in the months ahead. Of course by that time you will have missed the bottom.

Westchase, Fl 33626 December 15, 2007

Freshly painted 2 Story Home is sought after Westchase area within walking distance to WestPark Village Shopping. This house has beautiful hardwood floors downstairs and berber carpet upstairs. Backyard features a large screened in patio with hot tub and a serene and peaceful view overlooking neighborhood pond. Newer A/C, Security System and Warm inviting Kitchen with ample counter space for entertaining. Large Master Bedroom with ceiling fan and view of pond. Value Priced to move quickly.

The gated communities of Westchase are The Enclave, The Greens, Harbor Links, Saville Rowe and The Vineyards. For a complete list of all the neighborhoods located within Westchase please visit the Westchase Homeowners Association web site. A big reward of living in a Westchase gated community is that you will generally find residents with pride of ownership who choose to keep their homes well maintained. Strict homeowner's associations will generally require each home to adhere to a higher standard of living which helps to keep property values at a high level. While this is appealing to many homeowner's, others would enjoy the freedom of not having to answer to anyone about the color of their house or their choice of landscaping. Unfortunately, with these freedoms, you may find residents who just don't want to upkeep their homes in the manner that most Westchase homeowners deserve. While not every subdivision in Westchase is gated, all have strict homeowner associations who enforce and maintain the property to very high standards.

Please visit my Real Estate site at www.TheBurkettCollection.com for more photos and information on this listing. Thanks

December 15, 2007 Eastlake Woodlands located in Oldsmar, Fl 34677.

East Lake Woodlands! 4/3/3 w/study and heated pool/spa home in gated Aberdeene.This house was purchased for $660k in 2/2006 and had an addtional $40k put into it after closing. Gorgeous wood floors in family room,living and dining room.Tray ceilings,crown molding,arched entrys,beautiful silestone in Kitchen. Master and Hall baths have new cabinets, and new custom build-in cabinets in family room ($26,000). The kitchen features an island with sink, 42' cabinets breakfast bar. Vaulted ceilings in the family room create a spacious comfortable area. Sliders surround the home, making the patio/pool area a show piece with a lanai with new pavers. Pool and jacuzzi have an automatic system indoors ($3,000).The large master suite invites you to relax in privacy & the master bath features seamless glass inclosed shower and jacuzzi tub & separate his/her vanities. The house is situated on large cul-de-sac lot with extra large side yard that features a tot's playground($8,000). Value priced to sell in this gated community of Aberdeen.

East Lake Woodlands consists of 56 individual associations with approximately 3,700 homes. There is an internal country club available with 36 holes of golf, tennis, swimming, dining and clubhouse facilities. The community is set in 1700 acres of pine, oak and cypress forests interspersed with 250 acres of sparkling lakes and ponds. Residents are able to walk, jog or bike within the seclusion of the Woodlands and yet be within an easy commute of local business centers, cultural activities and the best beaches in Florida. As you can see East Lake Woodlands is a most desirable place to live.

 

Clearwater Beach, Fl September 14,2007.

Sandpearl finally opens to the public and guests on 8/27/2007 just before Labor Day weekend. My first reaction to the Sandpearl Resort and Spa was that it exceeded my high expectations. The resort is going to do wonders to bring in a sorely needed upscale cleintele that has been lacking since the Mandalay Beach Club and Belle Harbor commuities opened in 2000 and 2004. The 253 room 4 diamond resort has all the nice touches that you would expect from an upscale Resort. I felt transported to the islands and couldn't believe that I was still in Clearwater Beach when relaxing by the beach side fire pit located just off the boardwalk near Tthe Sandpearl's Tate's Island Grill. The staff at the Sandpearl were friendly and eager to satisfy my needs and seemed very excited to be a part of such a landmark property in the Tampa Bay area. The main restaurant at the Sandpearl is Caretta on the Gulf. A world-class restaurant with a desire to please and surprise with a menu that is prepared with infusions of South American, Caribbean and other international inspirations offering a broad selection of memorable cuisine. The Ceviche and Raw Bar offers a fresh daily selection of local seafood and sushi with a wood-burning oven that opens up a myriad of rustic dining selections. A private wine room provides an intimate space for special events and tastings, with an extensive collection of wines from around the world.  Caretta's inspiring surroundings are perched two levels above the beach with indoor and outdoor seating to view brilliant sunsets and gulf views. I bought a one bedroom Penthouse suite of the top floor overlooking the Mandalay channel and I'm happy with the colors, furnishing and level of service and ammenties offer at the Sandpearl Resot and Spa. I've already had quite a response from vacationer's wishing to book the suite directly through me for an $100/night discount off the Resort's quoted rates. If you would like to stay at the Sandpearl and would like to pamper yourself by staying in a suite instead of one of the regular rooms for about the same price please visit www.Sandpearlsuite.com or call Tom Burkett directly at 727.278.8062.

Waterchase Real Estate Report for July 2007.

 As of 7/12/07 there are 52 Single Family homes for sale in Waterchase ranging from $329,900 for a 2046 sq.ft home to $1,149,900 for a 4929 sq.ft 4 bedroom 5 bath home. The avg. listing price per sq.ft is $208/sq.ft. down from $215 in May 2007 and the avg. days on market(DOM) is 100 down from 118 days in May 2007. So your avg. Waterchase home is 3,128 sq.ft in size and lists for $651,259 and is a 4/3/3. That amount is $32,643 less than the $683,302 avg. price back in May 2007 which is a decrease of 4.7%. Today, I will give you a run down on Mar Azul, Allicante and Savona. In the village of Mar Azul- There are currently 7 listings down from 8 in May 2007 and ranging from $869,900 for a 3737 sq.ft home to $1,149,900 for 4929 sq.ft. home with DOM currently at 119 down sharply from 141 in May 2007. The avg. house is listed at $249 sq.ft. down from $271 sq.ft. and has an avg. price of $949,628 which is down from $1,121,991 in March. Alicante - There are currently 6 listings which is down 1 from May 2007 and ranges from $719,900 for a 2993 sq.ft home to $949,500 for 3408 sq.ft. home with DOM 77 which is down from May's 80 DOM and listing for an avg. of $258 sq.ft. or an avg. price of $864,866. Savona - There are currently 7 listings which is unchanged from May 2007, ranging from $449,900 for a 2438 sq.ft home to $675,000 for a 3000 sq.ft. home with DOM currently at 73 down sharply from 159 DOM in May 2007 and listing for an avg. of $199 sq.ft. which is unchanged from May 2007. The Waterchase Community seems to be slightly favored toward a buyers market but is starting to firm up on the sellers side.

This report was funished by Tom Burkett with Charles Rutenberg Realty, Inc. To view all the current listings in Waterchase please visit me at http://www.tomburkett.com/ For the latest news and information on Tampa Bay Real Estate scene please visit my Real Estate Blog at http://www.insidetampabayrealestate.blogspot.com/.  

Offered by Tom Burkett with Charles Rutenberg Realty, Inc. Call Tom Burkett, Realtor (727) 278-8062 to see inside.

Email:  tburkett@tampabay.rr.com Website:  http://www.tomburkett.com/

Visit my blog at http://insidetampabayrealestate.blogspot.com/

Waterchase is an award-winning Master Planned Community located in Northwest Tampa, Florida and is located right outside ofthe Westchase area.  This is one of a few Tampa developments from Taylor Woodrow, the same group that brought us Grand Hampton in NE Tampa. 

Tucked away on approximately 475 acres, Waterchase ofers homes in seven distinct villages. The well-planned community features 633 family and estate homes as well as 132 townhomes on homesites ranging from 45x120 to 90x200 feet, creating a warm, inviting neigborhood where families can grow and memories grow eve stronger. As a designated telecommunity, every home in Waterchase comes with Brighthouse Basic Cable TV already on when you move in! 

Additional recreation options include the child's playground, four lighted tennis courts, half and full basketball courts, resort style pool and a two- story water slide that makes a splash with kids of all ages. There is also an all-purpose athletic field and a fitness center attached to a 6,400 square foot Clubhouse with timeless Spanish, English and French architectural influences.

Waterchase homes are built by some of the premier builders in Tampa, including Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Marc Rutenberg Homes, Nohl Crest, Ryland Homes, Taylor Woodrow and various others. Waterchase includes homes, townhomes and estate homes along with single-family homes reflecting Spanish, Ranch Hacienda and Craftsman style architecture.

Waterchase is located just 1/2 mile north of Race Track Rd and Countryway Blvd. in Northwest Tampa.

If you are considering a move to Tampayou owe it to yourself to visit Waterchase and the Westchase area as part of your home tour.  The Burkett Collection at Charles Rutenberg Realty has full time team members living in Waterchase to help you with your home search!

Tampa,Fl June 20,2007.

I'm writing this blog post to ask other agents if they have started running into the same problem when they are working with buyers looking for homes in the Northwest part of the Tampa Bay area priced in the $500,000 to $1,000,000 price range. With all the bad press reports and Realtor Organization Reports coming out showing a record number of listings, where are they when I take buyers out looking. I'm currently working with over 20 buyers looking for houses and everyone of them is amazed at what little to choose from in their respective price ranges. This is especially true in South Tampa, Westchase, Waterchase and with waterfront homes over 5000 sq.ft. For an example, I currently have about 5-7 buyers looking for a one story 4/3/3 home in the Waterchase/Westchase area in the $500,000 to $900,000 range. All of them are amazed at what little choice they have in a supposely buyers market. This isn't the case however when looking at the condo market in the coastal areas. The abundant supply of new condo projects in coastal area doesn't surprise me along with their declining prices, but something seems to be happenning in the more established newer gated communities in NorthWest Tampa. Another example is a search for waterfront homes with at least 5,000 sq.ft. priced from $2,000,000 to $7,000,000 in the Tampa Bay area only returns 37 properties. If you break that down into smaller geographical areas that only leaves a hand full or less to choose from. As frustrating as this may be now, it is also a very encouraging sign of the beginnings of a turnaround in the market. Although I still think the condo market has a way to go before rebounding. I would love some feedback from other agents in the Tampa Bay area if they have been having the same problem. I know it sounds weird to read or hear about this but it is something that I have been running up against lately.

As of 5/21/07 there are 13 Single Family homes for sale in Highland Park ranging from $435,935 for a 2688 sq.ft home to $1,537,952 for a 4446 sq.ft. The avg. listing price per sq.ft is $220/sq.ft. and the avg. days on market(DOM) is 124. So your avg. Highland Park home is 3,282 sq.ft in size and lists for $722,961 and is a 4/3/3 home.  For more info about Tampa Bay area Real Estate.

Tampa, Fl May 22, 2007. If you are looking for the latest update of the completion dates for the Towers of Channelside, a twin 29 story complex that is being build in Channelside you have come to the right place. The Towers of Channelside are twin 29 story towers located directly across from the Channelside Entertainment District. You have probably watched them grow daily and noticed that they are nearly complete. According to the Towers of Channelside Sales Manager, Tower 2 (the tower that is closest to the parking garage) is scheduled to be completed sometime in July 2007 and closings are planned to start that month as well. Tower 1 is scheduled to be completed in September or October 2007. The Towers of Channelside advanced high-speed connections, forward thinking architecture, and progressive home systems, The Towers of Channelside have created a complete living environment offering comfort and flexibility for anyone looking for the best in Tampa Bay. The Channelside district is also home to some of Tampa's most coveted professional sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightening Hockey team and the Tampa Bay Storm Arena Football team. The Towers of Channelside has definitely changed Tampa emerging and growing skyline. If you are buying or selling your Towers of Channelside condo please call Tom Burkett at 727.278.8062 or visit him online at www.tomburkett.com. To receive the lastest updates on any of the Tampa bay area construction developments please visit insidetampabayrealestate.blogspot.com.