home: Tampa Home Sales Up 17% - 05/11/11 10:30 AM
Tampa had the most active existing home sales market in the state with 7,710 sales, up 17% for the first quarter of 2011.  Florida existing home sales increased 13% and existing condominium sales increased 29% over the first quarter 2011, according to the Florida Association of Realtors
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home: Homestead Exemption… Now’s the Time to cash in! - 11/08/10 02:10 PM
Now is the time to purchase a new home if you plan on taking advantage of Florida's homestead exemption next year!!  You will want to make the most of this Buyers Market in the next couple of weeks to benefit up to $50,000 in tax exemptions in 2011.
Realtor friend Maria Norton reminds us that technically part of the Florida Homestead Exemption, the Save Our Homes Amendment goes one step further in protecting homeowners by limiting the annual increase in tax assessment to 3 percent per year for properties that qualify. That means that even if the value of your home … (2 comments)

home: Mortgage Rates Fall To 4.27%, The Lowest Point Since 1971 - 10/11/10 04:43 AM
Rates on 30-year mortgages fell to the lowest level in decades for the ninth time in 12 weeks, pushed down by traders anticipating a move by the Federal Reserve to pump more money into the economy.
The average rate for 30-year fixed loans dropped to 4.27 percent, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. That's the lowest on records dating back to 1971, and down from 4.32 percent the previous week.The average rate on 15-year fixed loans, a popular choice for refinancing, dropped to 3.72 percent from 3.75 percent. That was lowest on records dating back to 1991.
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home: Florida’s Existing Home And Condo Sales Rise In April - 05/24/10 06:31 AM
Sales of existing homes in Florida rose 27 percent in April, which means that sales activity has increased in the year-to-year comparison for 20 months, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.  Florida Realtors also reported a 55 percent increase in statewide sales of existing condos in April compared to the previous year's sales figure.
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=240140
 
Steve Eckhardt, Broker, Luxury Real Estate Professional
Contact me at (813) 765-1182
 

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home: Florida Gulf Coast Relocation Video Series - Tampa Bay Area - 05/12/10 10:54 AM
In our effort to help home buyers relocating from different areas of the country, we have developed an 11 part video series to highlight the various cities we cover on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Our first video highlights the Greater Tampa Bay area.

CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO START THE VIDEO
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF RELOCATION GUIDE
The Tampa area is one of the world's most desirable areas in which to live, boasting a booming employment rate, year-round festivals and activities, and a climate that is consistently pleasant and sunny. As a vibrant metropolitan area on Florida's … (0 comments)

home: Sarasota Posts 38% Home Sales Increase For March - Luxury Sales Increase 30% - 04/22/10 01:48 PM
The Sarasota-Bradenton MSA reported a total of 1,055 homes sold in March compared to 765 homes a year earlier for a 38 percent increase. The market's existing home median sales price last month was $163,800; a year earlier it was $150,000 for an increase of 9 percent. A total of 382 condos sold in the MSA in March compared to 226 units sold the same month a year earlier for an increase of 69 percent. The existing condo median price last month was $146,400; a year earlier, it was $129,000 for a gain of 13 percent.
39 homes over $1,000,000 sold … (2 comments)

home: Home prices and sales surge in Sarasota / Bradenton - 08/13/09 04:14 PM

Housing prices in the Sarasota-Bradenton market posted a nearly 10 percent increase during the second quarter when compared with the first three months of the year, and sales rose 20 percent. http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090813/ARTICLE/908131058/2107/BUSINESS?Title=Home-prices-and-sales-surge
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home: Sarasota Custom Waterfront Estate REDUCED $2.25 MILLION - 08/06/09 05:10 PM

1655 BAY HARBOR LN, SARASOTA - $3,499,999 - Beauty and craftsmanship go hand in hand in this splendid Mediterranean masterpiece. This is the developer's personal home.  In addition to the incredible full bay views, this exclusive residence features five spacious bedroom suites, study, loft, six and one half bathrooms, library, family room, formal living and dining rooms. The master suite has its own laundry room and wet bar. An oversized four car garage, brick paver motor court, authentic clay tile roof, and decorative hand carved stone fountain are striking enhancements to the exterior. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight with … (2 comments)

home: Average Tampa Bay Area Price And Inventory - 02/19/09 10:27 AM
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home: Sarasota Equestrian Estate Reduced $150,000 - 01/26/09 03:24 PM

Take A Video Tour
Situated on almost seven acres, this luxury residence is a one of a kind masterpiece with over 4800 square feet of living space. As you step into the foyer, you are drawn to the soaring 30 foot coffered ceilings and a dramatic curved staircase. Travertine floors are found throughout the entire foyer, great room, kitchen, and dining room. This custom floorplan also features 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, a $100,000 media room, custom cabinetry, a study, an upstairs flex area, and all of the adornments you would expect in a prestigious estate home. Step outside the French … (1 comments)

home: My Internet Advertising Has Been Validated! - 12/17/08 12:40 PM
For the last 3 years I have been telling my agents, my customers, and anyone else that would listen that print advertising for real estate is on it's way out.  The listings were old, the ads didn't contain the newer listings, and you weren't able to get a feel for the home like you can with virtual tours and online video.
Apparently, I was right.  A new study conducted by Harris Interactive and sponsored by Intel Corp. finds that 65 percent of adults feel they cannot live without Internet access. Additionally, 71 percent consider it important or very important to have Internet-enabled … (94 comments)

home: Is The West Coast Of Florida Ready For A Housing Rebound? - 12/08/08 07:02 AM
The most recent quarterly survey of Florida real estate trends completed at the end of September finds that the investment outlook for various types of real property in Florida remained steady.  The national economic crisis has failed to rattle Florida real estate experts despite the availability of financing.
Experts that responded to the survey overwhelmingly stated that Florida is the place to be and the place to invest. "Although Florida's housing crisis was worse than some other states, over the long term Florida will benefit from the migration of new residents, particularly as baby boomers age," stated Wayne Archer, executive director … (1 comments)

home: November Market Statistics For Greater Tampa Bay & Sarasota, FL - 12/01/08 07:23 AM
The Thanksgiving holiday is over and the Tampa Bay & Sarasota real estate markets are back into full swing.  After a few slow weeks, I've written 2 contracts and had calls from several new buyers.  By almost all accounts, the market seems to be stabilizing.  Existing home sales in the Greater Tampa Bay area were up 10% for the 3rd quarter compared to 2007 numbers.  Unfortunately, Sarasota sales slid 16% in the 3rd quarter compared to last year.  That being said, I think we will see gains in both areas for the 4th quarter.  I'm starting to see our roads become … (1 comments)

home: Old Florida Style In The Rolling Hills Of Southern Hills Plantation - 11/18/08 03:41 PM
5525 GRAND SUMMIT DRIVE, BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA      Offered Fully Furnished For $1,400,000
 
 
TAKE THE VIDEO TOUR - CLICK HERE
A truly unique home in Southern Hills Plantation! This community offers a lifestyle, with a private membership available to the Pete Dye 18 hole championship golf course, Har-tru clay tennis courts, tennis pro available, full salon and day spa facilities, gym and exercise classes, heated pool and hot tub, beautiful Clubhouse with fine  and casual dining, social events, walking trails and 24 hour gated security.  This front porch community is very inviting.  The community is convenient to the Suncoast … (0 comments)

home: International Buyers Keep The Luxury Real Estate Market "Humming" - 11/14/08 04:00 PM
The New York Times reported on November 6th that real estate agents around the country are ratcheting up their efforts to woo the Russian oligarchs, Korean industrialists and other international buyers who have been making headlines with splashy top-dollar purchases.
With the outreach of the Internet, it is much easier for a web savvy agent to get their properties in front of people from all over the world.  In the last six months, Cornerstone Properties has tracked visitors to our website from over 81 countries worldwide.  As global equity markets slow, we are seeing a different type of international buyer.  In the … (0 comments)

home: Equestrian Estate Home On Seven Acres Just Minutes From Sarasota - 11/13/08 02:21 PM
5351 Saddle Oak Trail, Sarasota, FL  34241     Asking $1,749,900
 
   
Take A Video Tour
Situated on almost seven acres, this luxury residence is a one of a kind masterpiece with over 4800 square feet of living space. As you step into the foyer, you are drawn to the soaring 30 foot coffered ceilings and a dramatic curved staircase. Travertine floors are found throughout the entire foyer, great room, kitchen, and dining room. This custom floorplan also features 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, a $100,000 media room, custom cabinetry, a study, an upstairs flex area, and all of the … (1 comments)

home: Relocating!!!! Just reduced Price $150,000 to move the property! - 11/12/08 03:51 PM
19720 KELL ESTATES LN, LUTZ  33549 - $849,000

Take A Video Tour
PRIVATE LAKEFRONT LIVING!  Fabulous home in a small 7 home community with upgrades galore... a guest house perfect for an in-law apartment or home office...over an acre of land... situated on a terrific ski lake and close to everything Tampa has to offer! Elegance, acreage and privacy! From the grand entry, you'll appreciate the gorgeous lake view as soon as you open the front door. The main house includes 3 oversized bedrooms, an office & a large bonus room. The newly renovated kitchen features  42" maple cabinets w/crown … (0 comments)

home: Mediterranean Waterfront Home In Sarasota For 30% Less Than You'd Pay In Miami - 11/10/08 10:01 AM
1655 BAY HARBOR LN, SARASOTA - $5,999,877 Beauty and craftsmanship go hand in hand in this splendid Mediterranean masterpiece. In addition to the incredible full bay views, this exclusive residence features five spacious bedroom suites, study, loft, six and one half bathrooms, library, family room, formal living and dining rooms. The master suite has its own laundry room and wet bar. An oversized four car garage, brick paver motor court, authentic clay tile roof, and decorative hand carved stone fountain are striking enhancements to the exterior. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight with granite countertops, custom cabinetry with under cabinet … (0 comments)

home: The Luxury Home Marketplace - Greater Tampa Bay Area, FL - 11/09/08 04:36 PM
The luxury home market has held up relatively well over the last 2 years compared to the general market.  Those of us focusing on the luxury home segment know that this market is usually the last segment to slow down and the first segment to recover.  The most recent figures released by The Institute For Luxury Home Marketing show that the median price nationally remained virtually unchanged at $1,154,881.  This is only a slight decrease from the 2008 high in January just above $1,190,000.  The national median price per square foot was $333. 

 
In the Greater Tampa Bay Area … (0 comments)

 
Steve Eckhardt, Tampa, St Petersburg, and Sarasota Luxury Broker (Cornerstone Properties International)

Steve Eckhardt

Tampa, St Petersburg, and Sarasota Luxury Broker

Tampa, FL

More about me…

Cornerstone Properties International

Address: 8875 Hidden River Parkway, Suite 300, Tampa, FL, 33637

Office: (813) 929-3900

Mobile: (813) 765-1182

Local insight about the Tampa & Sarasota areas, economic conditions that affect the luxury housing market, and unique marketing ideas that help you sell your home. Steve Eckhardt is the Founder, President, & CEO of Cornerstone Properties & Investments. He has been recognized by Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate and has established himself as one of the area’s preeminent purveyors of luxury homes. His company, Cornerstone Properties & Investments, is a full service luxury boutique firm listing and selling some of the most expensive properties in Greater Tampa Bay and the Sarasota Gulf Coast Regions. His skilled team is committed to providing legendary client service with an unparalleled standard of integrity and expertise. Known for high-profile properties and clients, Steve can provide access to the most exclusive neighborhoods with complete confidentiality. His high regard for client's privacy is what keeps them referring friends and colleagues. We serve the Greater Tampa Bay, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Siesta Key, and Longboat Key markets.


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