your next home in tampa bay: Are We A Match on this Valentine's Day? - 02/13/14 03:55 AM
According to a recent article by Zillow's blogger and real estate expert, Brendon DeSimone, the relationship between a buyer and a real estate agent is similar to a romantic relationship. DeSimone offers excellent advice including taking your time when choosing a real estate agent to help you buy a home. Please keep reading to see if we are a match on this Valentine's Day!
Are You Searching for Tampa Bay Area Homes Online?
Recent National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) statistics show that ninety-two percent of home buyers are using the internet during their home search. While I may not have the opportunity to … (0 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: The Truth about VA Home Loans: Debunking the Myths - 11/22/13 12:53 AM
The Truth about VA Home Loans: Debunking the Myths When it comes to talking about VA home loans, there are some myths that are simply untrue. A VA home loan is a type of home loan available to eligible Veterans for the purchase of a home that will be used as a primary residence. The home loan is secured by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The most common myths regarding VA loans are: Myth 1: Interest rates on VA loans are too high!
    The Truth: Interest rates on VA home loans are competitive with interest rates for FHA and conventional … (6 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: Celebrating the 4th of July, 2013 in Temple Terrace, Florida - 06/28/13 04:33 AM
Celebrating the 4th of July, 2013 in Temple Terrace, Florida Will you be celebrating the 4th of July, 2013 in Temple Terrace? The City of Temple Terrace celebrates the 4th of July with two annual events. The 4th of July Parade begins at 10 a.m. The parade route will begin at Whiteway Drive and Gillette Avenue. The parade will travel south on Gillette Avenue to Druid Hills Road. The Parade will turn west on Ridgedale Road and end near the little league fields. (Floats and participants in the parade will disband at Temple Terrace Elementary School.) The parade route is approximately … (5 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: Celebrating the Fourth of July, 2013 at Channelside in Tampa, Florida - 06/26/13 09:32 PM
Celebrating the Fourth of July, 2013 at Channelside in Tampa, Florida Have you made your plans to celebrate the Fourth of July in Tampa, Florida?  One week from today, all across America, people will attend parades, picnics, pool parties, and fireworks displays to celebrate Independence Day. Here are some of the events and fireworks displays taking place at Channelside in Tampa.
Fourth of July, 2013 at Channelside in Tampa - One of the biggest fireworks displays in Tampa is at and around Channelside Bay Plaza. The fireworks display will be right on the water at 9 p.m. Only 3,500 wristbands will be … (3 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: Tampa Bay Real Estate News You Can Use.... June 25, 2013 - 06/24/13 09:14 AM
Tampa Bay Real Estate News You Can Use Tampa Bay Real Estate News You Can Use... June 25, 2013
Mortgage Rates - Last week was "the worst week for mortgage rates we have on record" according to Matthew Graham with Mortgage News Daily. Over the last few weeks, interest rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have climbed to around 4 percent. The rates jumped as high as 4.625% on Friday. Until last week, mortgage rates were expected to linger around 4 percent for the remainder of 2013. With the rising interest rates, a decline in refinancing is expected. While even 4 percent currently … (5 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: In and Around Tampa Bay.... June 22, 2013 - 06/22/13 08:01 AM
In and Around Tampa Bay Just a quick update on what is happening in and around Tampa Bay...
Channelside - During a recent inspection of Channelside Bay Plaza, eighteen fire code or safety violations were found. This is a concern for the Port of Tampa with the upcoming 4th of July festivities being only two weeks away.  The Port of Tampa sent a letter to the Irish Bank Resolution Corp that currently owns the complex requesting that the repairs be made. The Irish Bank has complied with this request.  One item, a loose guardrail, still needs to be repaired. All of the … (8 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: What Are You Getting Dad for Father's Day? - 06/14/13 02:34 AM
Father's Day, 2013 is THIS Sunday, June 16th, do you know what you are getting Dad for Father's Day? Here are a few ideas of how to spend the day with Dad in the Tampa Bay area:
Lowry Park Zoo is celebrating Father's Day Weekend, 2013, by giving Dads free admission with the purchase of their son or daughter's full price admission ticket. Dads can receive free admission on Saturday, June 15th and Sunday, June 16th as long as their son or daughter purchases their ticket on those days. Lowry Park Zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The ticket … (4 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: Farewell to the St. Petersburg Pier - 05/31/13 12:39 AM
Farewell to the St. Petersburg Pier Farewell to the St. Petersburg Pier!  May 31, 2013 is here and the remaining shops, businesses, and restaurants will be closing their doors today.  This month has seen many goodbye parties as well as fireworks and fun at the final Ultimate Memorial Day Celebration at the St. Petersburg Pier this past weekend.


Whatever your memories may be: strolling, fishing, dining, or spending time with friends, I hope they continue to bring a smile to your face as the city of St. Petersburg decides what is next for The Pier.
People and pelicans alike will miss … (6 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: Memorial Day, 2013 - 05/26/13 09:52 PM
Memorial Day, 2013 Each Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who have lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  Today, as we celebrate Memorial Day, 2013, let's also remember and thank the men and women who have served the military and continue to serve today.
 
We are thankful to the families who lost loved ones serving their country.  We are grateful to those who have served and the men and women still actively serving in the United States Armed Forces.  Thank you!
Have a safe Memorial Day holiday!

Linda Holloway
Keller Williams Realty Tampa Central
863-640-7492
Linda@yournexthomeintampabay.com
Looking … (10 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: Celebrating Memorial Day 2013 in Tampa Bay - 05/23/13 09:50 AM
Celebrating Memorial Day 2013 in Tampa Bay Have you made your plans to celebrate Memorial Day 2013 in Tampa Bay?  Here are a few of the events happening around the Tampa Bay area:
Friday, May 24th through Monday, May 27th - Ultimate Memorial Day Celebration at The Pier - This will be the last hurrah for the St Petersburg Pier
Saturday, May 25th through Monday, May 27th - The Florida Aquarium is offering any active, retired, or drilling reservist and National Guardsmen two FREE tickets to the Florida Aquarium for themselves and a guest.  Up to four additional family members can receive $10 … (6 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: Have You Taken a Final Stroll on the St. Petersburg Pier? - 05/22/13 09:26 AM
Have You Taken a Final Stroll on the St. Petersburg Pier? Have you taken a final stroll on the St. Petersburg Pier?  In less than two weeks, the St. Petersburg Pier will be closing. On May 31, 2013, the shops, aquarium, businesses and restaurants will close their doors.  Another chapter in the history of The Pier will come to an end. 
This iconic landmark has provided hours of entertainment for residents of St. Petersburg and visitors alike. From walking and fishing to concerts and Music Fests by the Bay, The Pier has offered something for everyone.
The month of May has seen … (11 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: Three Quick Tips for Buying Your First Home in Tampa Bay! - 01/28/13 06:48 AM
Three Quick Tips for Buying Your First Home in Tampa Bay! Understand the Value of Working with a REALTOR® When getting ready to buy your first home in the Tampa Bay area, it is important to understand the value of working with a REALTOR®. In addition to having a valid Florida real estate license, a REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and bound by a strong Code of Ethics.
Buying a house is a process and every real estate transaction is unique.  Having a REALTOR® to guide you through financing, looking for homes, the offer, inspection periods, … (12 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: Tampa Palms Community in Tampa, FL - 01/28/13 12:16 AM
Tampa Palms, Tampa, FL Tampa Palms is located in the southernmost part of New Tampa along I-75 and the Bruce B Downs (CR 581) corridor.

Why Do People Live Here? Tampa Palms includes twenty-four residential villages.  Within the Community of Tampa Palms are five parks (one with docks and canoe launches on the Hillsborough River), a playground, a swim center, and a tennis center among a multitude of other amenities.  Additional facilities include office complexes, shopping, and dining.
The Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club is a private club with an Arthur Hills golf course among the amenities.
What's the … (6 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: Riding A Piece of History: The Tampa Streetcar - 01/25/13 02:23 AM
Riding A Piece of History: The Tampa Streetcar
Riding the Tampa Streetcar is riding a piece of history!  Tampa's first electric streetcar lines were built in 1892.  Whether going to work in a cigar factory or to a ball game, streetcars played an integral part in transporting passengers.  Following World War II, the streetcar bell would no longer be heard in Tampa as the streetcar system rolled to a stop.

In October, 2002, the familiar clang of the streetcar bell arrived back in Tampa.  The Tampa Streetcar recently celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the TECO Line Streetcar System.  Last … (2 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: 2013 Gasparilla Pirate Fest, Tampa, FL - 01/23/13 08:26 AM
2013 Gasparilla Pirate Fest, Tampa, FL When: Saturday, January 26, 2013
Hours: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Tampa
Who: Anyone and Everyone - Please leave pets at home!
Tickets: Free Admission - Brunch and reserved seating require tickets
Who to Contact: Tickets 'n' Treasures
Contact Information: EventFest, Inc.
2013 Gasparilla Pirate Fest Once a year, the Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and his mates invade the City of Tampa in the quest for the Mayor to surrender the key to the city.  This year's invasion, the 2013 Gasparilla Pirate Fest, will be THIS Saturday, January 26th in downtown Tampa.
Beginning at 10 a.m., … (7 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: Support Tampa Bay Businesses on Small Business Saturday! - 11/23/12 12:46 AM
Support Tampa Bay Businesses on Small Business Saturday Tomorrow, Saturday, November 24th, is Small Business Saturday.  Sandwiched between "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday", Small Business Saturday is a day to support local businesses owned by your friends and neighbors.  American Express created the day in 2010 to focus on local businesses.  You can find a participating small business in your neighborhood, by entering your zip code on the Shop Small Map.

 
Enjoy your weekend in Tampa Bay!
(9 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: Will You Be Dining Out in Tampa on Thanksgiving Day? - 11/20/12 09:38 AM
Will You Be Dining Out in Tampa on Thanksgiving Day? Will you be dining out in Tampa on Thanksgiving Day?  If so, here is a list of several restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving Day. 
For a Thanksgiving Day cruise, the Yacht Starship will be sailing twice on Thanksgiving Day.  Boarding for the early cruise begins at 11 a.m. to set sail at 11:30.  Boarding for the afternoon cruise begins at 2:30 p.m. to sail at 3.  Prices are $44.95 for adults, $29.95 for children plus tax, port fees, and gratuity.
In Brandon, you can share an Italian style Thanksgiving … (0 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: Things to Do in Tampa TONIGHT and Tomorrow! November 16 & 17th, 2012 - 11/16/12 06:11 AM
Things to Do in Tampa Bay, Fl
As you think about the quickly approaching weekend, here are a few of the many things in Tampa Bay you can choose to do TONIGHT and tomorrow!

From 5 to 8 p.m. TONIGHT, November 16, 2012, the Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Street Party will be kicking off the holiday season in Hyde Park Village.  Admission to the event is FREE.  Proceeds from the treats and activities will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  Remember to stay for the arrival of Santa Claus and the lighting of the tree!
 

From 6 to 10 p.m., … (6 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: What Do I Love About Real Estate? - 11/16/12 03:04 AM
While I work on rebranding my business and my online marketing, I am taking the "Blogging Bootcamp" courses with ActiveRain.  One of the "Action Items" is to write a blog about what I love about real estate.  Without sounding cliché or writing a novel, here are the first few answers that came to mind.
What Do I Love About Real Estate?
The People - Buyers, Sellers, Business partners, other Realtors® both near and far.  I am a "people person" and helping people get where they want or need to go is one of my favorite things to do.
Educating Others - … (11 comments)

your next home in tampa bay: Remember These Two Events in Tampa Today! - 11/09/12 07:17 PM
Tampa Bay Veterans Day Parade River Fest 2012: Chili, Beers & Cheer Today is a fun day in Tampa Bay!
With the observance of Veteran's Day on Monday, this is a holiday weekend and holidays mean parades.  The 19th Annual Tampa Bay Veterans Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. this morning at the corner of Hanley and Barry Road.  The parade will travel south on Hanley to Paula Drive.
At noon, in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the music will begin for River Fest 2012: Chili, Beers & Cheer.  The concerts begin at 1 p.m. while the chili cook-off is underway.  … (4 comments)