Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate, Apollo Beach

December Follow-up.

2012-01-16T21:30:00.000-05:00

Here is an article from The Tampa Tribune on Christmas day that helps explain the flurry of activity during the Christmas - New Year holiday.
See below I listed and sold this home in 4 days. YAY!

Foreclosure Auctions

2012-01-14T15:12:00.000-05:00

The Investor Train is Here.. Call Bonnie Fagoh to get on the Hot List or visit her main website www.TampaCoastalHomes.com and request the daily updates there!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/us/foreclosure-auctions-in-phoenix-show-capitalism-at-its-rawest.html

TRAINs Here!!

2012-01-09T20:09:00.000-05:00

www.TampaCoastalRealEstate.com
Mark Fagoh commented on TechCrunch.
Trains a Coming.... get your bizz Ready! Train Train IS YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT READY???
TechCrunch | Square Expands Retail Partnerships; Now Sold At OfficeMax And UPS Store Locations
techcrunch.com
For disruptive mobile payments startup Square, 2011 was a year of massive growth on many levels. The startup ended the year with over 1 million merchants using the mobile payments platform to accept credit cards (there are only 8 million merchants who accept credit cards in the US). In November, Squ...
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USS Narcissus, Civil War shipwreck off Egmont Key, could become Florida's 12th underwater preserve - Tampa Bay Times

2012-01-05T16:35:00.000-05:00

USS Narcissus, Civil War shipwreck off Egmont Key, could become Florida's 12th underwater preserve - Tampa Bay Times

Apollo Beach Market Conditions as of 30 December 2011

2011-12-29T20:21:00.000-05:00

Market Conditions for Apollo Beach, Florida

Reported by Bonnie Fagoh, REALTOR

Updated December 29, 2011.

Welcome to Apollo Beach!

Current inventory 234 active listings from $36,000 to $4.1 million. With 201 closings in the last 6 months, we have just under months of inventory.
If you look at Covington Park alone, there are only 13 active listings and less than 3 months of inventory!
Obviously, the expensive waterfront takes longer to sell.

If You Must Sell Your Home in This Market

Most will agree this is NOT the time to sell your home. But I am starting to see a change with our drastically reduced inventory! I just tested the market a bit on a beautiful pool home in Covington Park. If you looked at recent closings, you may have thought my new listing was a bit overpriced, but it was a NOT a short sale and inventory is quite low in the community. Well, I was right to price it where I did as it went UNDER CONTRACT IN 4 DAYS! It is my job to get the most for my sellers.
You may think, was it still too low since it sold so quickly? Well, it still has to appraise so we can't push it too much. This one closed at $193k, just $7k under list!
What if you just got a job transfer? What if your family is growing and you need a bigger home? What should you do to get the most For your property?
First, make sure you choose a Realtor who knows the market in your area, someone from a large office That has market share in your community. You are not only hiring that agent, but the office, and it can make a big difference if they have a team they can share the listing with since each of those agents has active buyers. The agent should show you comparables that back up the price they suggest for your home.
Choose an agent who knows how to capitalize on internet marketing and knows how to get your property noticed by the masses. Of course, you will want professional photos and slide shows or virtual tours but don't forget the strength of video when it comes to search engine optimization.
You will also want to have your home put its "best face forward"…..spruce up the landscaping for curb appeal (you can't sell it if no one will even go through your door). And speaking of that front door, how about a fresh coat of paint? You may never use that door since you come in through the garage, so go out front and take a good look. Imagine you are that buyer seeing your home for the first time. Some bright flowers will go a long way. Declutter so they will see the house and not your "stuff", wash windows to let that sun shine in! No one likes a dark home….pull those drapes back. And I have been known to say "if you can smell it, you can't sell it". Have a friend come by and be brutally honest and let you know if they notice any odors (pets?). You may not notice it because your nose has become accustomed to it!
The real winners in the market are those who can take advantage of the tremendous deals that are available. If you are upsizing, you come out way ahead. You may get 20% less on your current home (for example $40k less on a home that was previously $200k), but if you save 20% on the bigger one ($60k on a $300k home!) you come out on the plus side. Many of my clients have been amazed at what they could buy today. They are living in homes nicer than they ever imagined they could own. Let me help YOU too….call Bonnie today (813) 390-7606.

Search all Tampa Bay properties at www.TampaCoastalHomes.com or better yet,
call me for a FREE boat tour! Bonnie (813) 390-7606

ZIP Code: 33572

Location Characteristics: Apollo Beach is a growing community centrally located between Tampa (20 min), Sarasota (30 min) and St Petersburg (20 min). There are 55 MILES of canals leading to Tampa Bay for those of you who enjoy water sports. Southshore Commons, a major "open air" mall is planned for 2011 with shopping, restaurants, movie theatre and office buildings. The area is excited about our Tampa Bay Rays. AND the Super Bowl Committee is impressed enough with Tampa Bay to have us host the Super Bowl four times!! Our Bucanneers had a tremendous year for such young team. Can't wait to see what they will do next season. Come see for yourself why people love it here! The only state with no snow in Jan 2011. :)

A new feature to my Market Update are short video previews. Watch these short informative videos at http://tampacoastalrealestate.blogspot.com
Please leave a comment. Thanks!

For More Information:

Visit My Web Site
View My VIDEO Newsletter
View My Newsletter
Ask Me A Question

View Market Conditions of other areas served by Bonnie Fagoh

Thank you to The Tampa Tribune newspaper

2011-12-25T23:26:00.000-05:00

Mark Fagoh
Thanks to the Tampa Tribune for featuring my lovely wife for selling her Apollo Beach listing in 4 days! She is on the front page of the Home section "Above the Fold" congrats lovely Bonnie Fagoh!!

Last 10 Days Activity in Apollo Beach, Tampa Fl.

2011-12-21T15:53:00.000-05:00

All I can tell you is what has happened in the last 10 days here in Tampa Bay, in particular, Apollo Beach. Out of no-where we have been swamped with both companies and individuals wanting to put in offers on properties and wanting to close by the end of the year. I can't understand how you can expect an accepted offer and then to close on it in the last 10 days of the year?? We are of course excited about these opportunities!

Home sales hint at recovery after deep slump
Wed Dec 21 19:05:39 UTC 2011

By Lucia Mutikani

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Home sales rose in November, adding to hints of recovery, but updated data showed the housing crash was much deeper than previously thought.

The National Association of Realtors said on Wednesday that sales of previously owned homes increased 4 percent from October to an annual rate of 4.42 million units.

At November's sales pace, the 2.58 million unsold homes on the market represented a 7.0 month's supply, the lowest since February 2007 and a sign the backlog of inventory that has been weighing on the market was clearing.

The rise in sales and drop in inventory was the latest suggestion the housing sector, which triggered the 2007-09 recession, may be on the cusp of a recovery. Data on Tuesday showed housing starts scaled a 1-1/2 year high in November.

"The housing market is finding its bottom, and that will translate into more growth in GDP and less of a drag on consumer confidence," said Robert Dye, chief economist at Comerica in Dallas. "But we still have a long, long way to go."

The pickup in sales, however, is coming off a deeper trough.

NAR said it had overstated sales from 2007 through 2010 by 14.3 percent. Sales over that period averaged 4.42 million units a year, not 5.16 million, and they bottomed at a 3.30 million-unit pace in July 2010, rather than 3.86 million, underscoring the depth of the downturn.

The group blamed double-counting of properties, builders selling homes through real estate brokers and geographic population shifts as among the reasons for its mismeasurement.

RISKS ABOUND

A housing recovery could help underpin what already appears to be a quickening of U.S. economic growth. During normal times, economists estimate that one out of every eight jobs in the economy is generated by housing-related activity.

Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for the Realtors' group, said existing home sales for 2011 were expected to total 4.25 million units, up from 4.19 million units last year.

While the U.S. economy appears to be gathering strength, the global backdrop remains troubling with much of the world slowing down and Europe sliding into an almost certain recession.

In addition, lawmakers have yet to break an impasse over extending a payroll tax cut for 160 million U.S. workers that expires at year end. Economists have warned a failure to keep the tax cut in place could hit the economy hard.

Stocks on Wall Street were little moved by the housing data as persistent worries over the European debt crisis dominated sentiment. U.S. stock indexes fell as weak results from technology giant Oracle Corp weighed on the mood.

U.S. government debt prices also fell, while the dollar was up against the euro.

Oracle pinned its disappointing results on the increased scrutiny its customers were applying to their investment spending, a potentially bearish sign for the economic outlook.

INVENTORY STILL BLOATED

While the inventory of unsold homes fell in November, market conditions are still troubled and analysts warned that a stream of foreclosed properties coming onto the market would likely keep prices under pressure.

The median sales price rose 2.1 percent from October, but was still down 3.5 percent from a year ago at $164,200.

Distressed properties, foreclosures and short sales which typically occur at deep discounts, accounted for 29 percent of sales last month, up from 28 percent in October.

The number of new foreclosures jumped by more than 21 percent in the third quarter as banks moved more aggressively after a pause that began late last year, a bank regulator said.

Last month, a third of pending existing home sales contracts were canceled, the NAR said. That was unchanged from October but way above the year-ago level of 9 percent, a suggestion that bank lending remains tight.

"We expect months' supply to head higher as inventory enters the market," said Michelle Meyer, a senior economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. "With a sluggish economic recovery, low consumer confidence and tight credit conditions, it will be difficult to clear the excess inventory."

"There is still a bumpy road ahead for the housing market," she said.

(Additional reporting by David Clarke; Writing by Lucia Mutikani and Tim Ahmann; Editing by Neil Stempleman)

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate, Apollo Beach: Search Them All** WITH-OUT A SALESPERSON BUGGING YOU!!

2011-11-28T14:51:00.000-05:00

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate, Apollo Beach: Search Them All** WITH-OUT A SALESPERSON BUGGING YOU!!

Search Them All** WITH-OUT A SALESPERSON BUGGING YOU!!

2011-11-28T14:50:00.000-05:00

Apollo Beach & ALL TAMPA,Tampa Bay including ST. PETE, CLEARWATER, FISHHAWK etc.. SEARCH THEM ALL***$$ AS Soon as a home hits the Market>>> Without an agent Bugging YOU!!.. JUST Click here, http://bonniefagoh.listingbook.com/ register and YOU HAVE All THE CONTROL AS IT SHOULD BE..

MILLIONS $$ Have been spent on this system to bring YOU the Customer the info You need to make an informed decision!! Not based on commission or deal of the week.... Have the properties in the zip codes you want with the price range YOU want sent to you the INSTANT they hit the Market!! {every morning with your coffee}.

Then call an agent that is full-time everyday staying up on the market and the training it takes to negotiate the best for you!! Not a cousin or wife's sisters friend that "has a license".... There are 4,000 agents that have a license In Tampa Bay.. You have to ask yourself... self how can there be 4,000 "licensed" agents in one area?? Are they all working full time and keeping up with the multitude of changes in banking, lending & new constantly changing government laws??

There are quite a few Big Giant firms that advertise during the super-bowl to strengthen their "BRAND"... well its a brave new world now. You have to be Sharp.. and keep up daily with trends in the market place... after-all buying a home is a big decision>>> so hire a Pro- to negotiate for you. Not someone to ride you around for days and thinks they can do this or that... If you are interested in the Tampa Bay Area: whether that is Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete, Tampa, Apollo Beach, Fishhawk, Anna Maria Island, Davis Island, Long Boat Key, Siesta Key or even fabulous St. Armands circle to Orlando. I Am Applying for the Job. My name is Bonnie Fagoh and I own Tampa Coastal Homes.. You can reach me at 813 390-7606 or just click this link http://bonniefagoh.listingbook.com/ YOU KNOW WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT TO CALL##

Get the up-to Minute Results YOU Need EXACTLY When It Hits the Market without a sales person Calling or Bugging YOU!!

2011-11-28T13:52:00.001-05:00

Have you been thinking you might like to buy or sell real estate in the near future, but you are not quite ready to involve a Realtor? I HAVE A SOLUTION. Perhaps you are just curious about properties in a particular area and would like accurate info. Have you ever called about a listing you saw online only to find out it SOLD 6 months ago?! I HAVE A SOLUTION FOR THAT TOO!! And I am offering it FREE to you! It is a wonderful tool called Listing Book. Just click the link below, put in your criteria and you are “off and running”. The system will even send you Morning Reports with new listings that are a match for you. You can look at recent sales so you will get a good idea about values in an area of interest. You can even see what is pending under contract. All this without speaking to a Realtor (in case you don’t want anyone “bugging you” J). You just call me when you are ready to actually look at a listing in person, or when you are ready to list (or at least want to discuss it).

Click this link and fill in your name, etc under “Get a Free Account”. Enjoy with my compliments!

http://bonniefagoh.listingbook.com/

Look forward to meeting you when you are ready,

Bonnie Fagoh, Century 21 Beggins Enterprises cell (813) 390-7606

Apollo Beach Homes Inventory Current SnapShot!!

2011-11-20T21:47:00.004-05:00

Tampa Coastal Homes
Apollo Beach, Florida Inventory of Homes is Dwindling – Buy Today!
I have been watching the numbers of homes available in Apollo Beach for the last couple of years and they have been steadily declining. In the community of Covington Park in Apollo Beach there were over 130 homes for sale a couple of years ago. Today there are only 13! From Oct 4-Nov 4 2011 a total of 8 homes sold in the community, so that calculates out to less than 2 months of inventory remaining. Most of the 13 available are priced aggressively, but when they are gone simple “supply and demand” will tell you the prices will go up. You can currently buy a single family home for under $100,000 in Covington Park. The highest sale in the last 30 days was $168,000 and that was a pool home with 2565 sq ft and a 3 car garage! So this is much less than the price to build and you get the land for free. But as you can see, there are very few of these deals left. (One of my non-short sale listings will close the end of November and I was able to get almost $200,000 for my sellers.) Of course, many of these recent sales are short sales and if you go that route you will have to have some patience. If you don’t have the time and/or patience, we have many builders in the area offering brand new, fully warranted homes at tremendous prices. One of the many advantages to buying in the South Hillsborough County area is the availability of newly constructed homes. Don’t you just love that new home smell? And they often pay all your closing costs, offer free appliances, upgrades and you get to choose everything if you build from scratch. If time is a factor, many builders have inventory ready or near-ready for you to move into. And many of these homes have granite, stainless appliances, and tile in at least the “wet areas”.
So call Bonnie today at (813) 390-7606 to check out your options. With prices and financing as low as they are today you will be pleasantly surprised that your payments are less than rent!

Apollo Beach Luxury Home Bargain, Apollo Beach Fl Homes For Sale

2011-11-12T14:30:00.000-05:00

Apollo Beach Luxury Home Bargain, Apollo Beach Fl Homes For Sale

Tampa Bay Fishing Report

2011-10-07T09:47:00.002-04:00

Fishing Around Tampa Bay
Published: Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 11:23 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 11:23 p.m.

1 - At Big Pier 60 in Clearwater, lot of keeper pompano this week on shrimp and jigs, reports Kelly Dacey. Also trout, Spanish mackerel, jacks and silver trout.
Enlarge

Strike Zone Areas: 5 , 6 , 7, 'elsewhere'

2 - At Madeira Beach, kingfish starting to show, free-jumping at times, but main migration not this far south yet, reports Capt. Dane Karcher (727-647-6919) of John's Pass. Capt. Jason Lineberger said the largest kings he's got so far are 12-15 pounds slow-trolling live bait over hard bottom off Redington Long Pier and John's Pass from 20 feet out to reefs, but he's catching Spanish mackerel up to 6-7 pounds along with spinner and blacktip sharks. Karcher catching limits of keeper gag grouper in 20-60 feet, but said keeper red grouper from 60-100 feet. Lineberger reports nice gags 8 and 12 pounds on Treasure Island reef with pinfish. Cobia starting to migrate into area, with 65-pounder in 35 feet over rock pile off John's Pass, Karcher said.

3 - At John's Pass, schools of flounder starting to show on beaches, reefs, in passes and on flats along Intercoastal, said Capt. Dane Karcher. Angler caught a 23-inch flounder off seawall at pass on Berkley Gulp! Shrimp. Pods of baitfish and Spanish mackerel within 1-2 miles of beach with strong easterly winds. Trout in slot and a few in 20-inch class on flats along Intercoastal on Berkley Gulp! New Penny.

Thinking About a Second Home or Retirement Home in Florida?

2011-10-05T19:16:00.002-04:00

Thinking About a Second Home or Retirement Home in Florida?
Let me share with you where the last 2 couples I worked with started looking, and eventually ended up buying.
Clients #1 from Michigan, retiring soon and decided now is the time to buy. They have been looking online for a year or so and noticed that all the “good ones” were getting snapped up! Plus with rates so low (even though they could buy cash) it is a great time to lock in their rate. I had set them up with a Listing Book account that kept them up on current inventory. Many internet sites are simply not updated frequently enough. They had picked out quite a few properties they wanted to see and bought their plane tickets to come down for a week to find that home! We started out looking at resales in a 55 and over community. A water view was very important to them. What we found in their price range was older construction needing updating. They like an open plan, so some would require removing walls. Then we looked in the “any age” communities and found some that were newer, but still needed some work. I called ahead to many of the new home builders in the area (yes, they are building here again!) to find out what they had in inventory that was on a pond or lake. We found a few, but none of them were “the one” for one reason or the other….view not as pretty as they would like, too small, didn’t care for floor plan…. Finally, they had decided to build a home from scratch. After some back and forth on price, they were ready to go to contract when a home with the floor plan they wanted to build came back on the market when the family that had it built no longer qualified (their credit score dipped). Since I have a good relationship with the builder’s salesperson, she called me as soon as she found out that home was coming back to them. My buyers secured that home for $35,000 less than it was under contract for with the previous buyers! And the view from this home is gorgeous! 4 bedrooms 2 & ½ baths, granite throughout, 2600 sq ft for $174k!! This was such fun for me to help them get this great deal.
Clients #2 from Ohio, retiring in a year, came down just to look on a long weekend. They said if they found something too good to pass up they would buy now. I showed them what their money would buy in a resale, then took them to several new home builders. We have a nice selection of new homes in the Southshore area. They wanted a pool, or at least a community with a pool. What we found for them was a 2100 sq ft home on a large lot with an oversized 2 car garage (2 & ½ car) with tile everywhere except the bedrooms, granite in the kitchen, and a TILE ROOF, on a pond (where the white pelicans gather) for $183k in an upscale community with some awesome amenities. They are going to rent the home for a year until they are ready to move in. Again….FUN!
So come on down so I can have some more fun helping YOU find that great deal and secure your first home, second home, or retirement home while the prices and rates are low! Word is, in one nearby new home community the next lots the builders are going to purchase are going to be $20,000 more each. They will have to pass that on to the buyers. So don’t delay….come on down today!

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate, Apollo Beach: Go Coastal Tampa Coastal Homes!!

2011-10-02T19:08:00.001-04:00

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate, Apollo Beach: Go Coastal Tampa Coastal Homes!!

Go Coastal Tampa Coastal Homes!!

2011-10-02T19:08:00.000-04:00

Discover The Pleasure Of Tampa Bay Coastal Living

Imagine you are standing on miles of sandy white beaches, and the sun is shining brightly on your face. The breeze cools you as the surf crashes nearby. Later this afternoon you will hit the golf course, and this evening your entire family will visit The Florida Aquarium.... This enticing scenario may seem like a rare vacation to most people, but why can't everyday be lived this way? Well, it can! People who have learned about the joy of Tampa Bay coastal living already enjoy everyday in a beautiful paradise.

Where Is Tampa Bay?

Tampa Bay is a region on the west coast of Florida that includes seven different counties and boasts a wide diversity of culture. Are you looking for exciting city life in the heart of a bustling city? Or do you prefer a serene and peaceful golf course community? Would you rather live in an oceanfront condo or on a charming horse farm? All of these options (and more) are available to the residents of the Tampa Bay area.

The Tampa Bay metropolitan area is home to 2.7 million people, which makes it the second largest metropolitan area in Florida. Tampa Bay includes three of Florida's largest cities:

*Tampa (population 320,000)

*St. Petersburg (population 250,000)

*Clearwater (population 110,000)

Other communities in Tampa Bay include Lakeland, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Venice.

What's So Wonderful About Tampa Bay Coastal Living?

Tampa Bay is a blossoming region that has history, diversity, and industry, all surrounded by miles and miles of beautiful sandy beaches and clear blue ocean water. The number one beach in the United States? In 2005, it was Fort de Soto Park in St. Petersburg, and in 2008, it was Caladesi Island near Clearwater. Tampa Bay is also home to favorite tourist attractions such as Busch Gardens and The Florida Aquarium.

And don't forget the heavenly weather; you can count on bright sunny days that are cooled with gentle gulf breezes. The average annual temperature in Tampa Bay? A perfect 72 degrees!

The Ideal Setting For Sports Fans

Tampa Bay is the perfect region for all sports enthusiasts who are looking for excitement. In fact, in 2009, Tampa Bay hosted the Superbowl for the third time! And it's not just football; there are sports for every type of enthusiast:

*NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning (2004 Stanley Cup Champs)

*MLB: Tampa Bay Devil Rays

*AFL: Tampa Bay Storm (5-Time World Champs)

*NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002 SuperBowl Champs)

Also, during baseball's spring training season, a long list of professional baseball teams travel from northern states to come train in the temperate climate of the Tampa Bay area, including the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Boston Red Sox.

Whatever your interests are, you can find them here in Tampa Bay, Florida. This area is one of the most diverse and pleasant regions you will find in the entire nation. And the population is growing every year as more and more people learn about the pleasures of Tampa Bay coastal living.

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate, Apollo Beach: Got Top 10 Beaches??

2011-09-30T14:00:00.000-04:00

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate, Apollo Beach: Got Top 10 Beaches??

Got Top 10 Beaches??

2011-09-26T20:33:00.002-04:00

Got Top 10 Beaches??? How about #1 and 2 others All within 30 Minutes!! Go Tampa Coastal & Live in the Dream call Bonnie 813 390-7606

If You Must Sell Your Home in this Market

2011-09-22T19:46:00.000-04:00

If You Must Sell Your Home in This Market
Most will agree this is NOT the time to sell your home. But what if you just got a job transfer? What if your family is growing and you need a bigger home? What should you do to get the most For your property?
First, make sure you choose a Realtor who knows the market in your area, someone from a large office That has market share in your community. You are not only hiring that agent, but the office, and it can make a big difference if they have a team they can share the listing with since each of those agents has active buyers. The agent should show you comparables that back up the price they suggest for your home.
Choose an agent who knows how to capitalize on internet marketing and knows how to get your property noticed by the masses. Of course, you will want professional photos and slide shows or virtual tours but don’t forget the strength of video when it comes to search engine optimization.
You will also want to have your home put its “best face forward”…..spruce up the landscaping for curb appeal (you can’t sell it if no one will even go through your door). And speaking of that front door, how about a fresh coat of paint? You may never use that door since you come in through the garage, so go out front and take a good look. Imagine you are that buyer seeing your home for the first time. Some bright flowers will go a long way. Declutter so they will see the house and not your “stuff”, wash windows to let that sun shine in! No one likes a dark home….pull those drapes back. And I have been known to say “if you can smell it, you can’t sell it”. Have a friend come by and be brutally honest and let you know if they notice any odors (pets?). You may not notice it because your nose has become accustomed to it!
The real winners in the market are those who can take advantage of the tremendous deals that are available. If you are upsizing, you come out way ahead. You may get 20% less on your current home (for example $40k less on a home that was previously $200k), but if you save 20% on the bigger one ($60k on a $300k home!) you come out on the plus side. Many of my clients have been amazed at what they could buy today. They are living in homes nicer than they ever imagined they could own. Let me help YOU too….call Bonnie today (813) 390-7606.

Luxury RARE ShorSAle!! Pearl on this Ocean!!

2011-09-19T23:13:00.000-04:00

The Pearl in the Oyster
www.youtube.com
http://TampaCoastalHomes.com/ One of a kind pearl in a small ocean. Luxury short sale, have your answer in 10 days!! Call Bonnie Fagoh @813 390-7606 ask about...

Tampa Luxury Villas

2011-08-16T23:41:00.000-04:00

Tampa Luxury Villas

2011-08-13T01:11:00.000-04:00

Orlando sees first yearlong uptick in home prices in 4 years

For the first time since Orlando's housing market began to tank four years ago, the areas' median home price showed an increase from a year earlier. The median price for an existing, single-family home in July was $117,000, up from $110,000 the previous month according to the July sales report released by Orlando Regional Realtor Association. The local real estate industry noted that prices have increased 23 percent from the beginning of the year. Not only did prices increase from the previous month, they were 7 percent higher than July 2010 and it's been four years since local prices showed a gain from a year earlier. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

2011-08-02T09:47:00.002-04:00

Hello Anglers,

What a July we had. I would like to say it was a great July on the water but that would be a fish story. July was a tuff month for fishing, I have kind of gotten used to it being tougher over the years but this past July was more difficult than in the past. Normally mackerel are a go to fish in July and having them around always helps with the Shark bite. Not happening out there yet. The mackerel should be about to invade the bay as our bait hatch is behind us and the fry baits are starting to show up everywhere. The positive side of July was the Snapper bite. The Mangrove Snapper are back and we have been catching pretty good numbers of them when targeted. August should be about the same as July with the exception of the Mackerel WILL show up. Trout should be a decent bite early or late in the day in the deeper grasses. Redfish will be a hit or miss as the water temps are high and keeping bait alive in the shallows is a problem. The big schools of big Redfish are just around the corner. Tarpon will be a steady in August if going big is your thing. I did not run a Tarpon trip in July (first July ever that I have not Tarpon fished) but know that there are a lot being caught right now. Snook will also be a target as we are seeing some pretty good numbers of them. It has been a long year and a half waiting on them to rebound. They are not there yet but showing us their on their way. I can't wait to see what August hold and am looking past August a little to the fall. Until next time, good luck and be safe on the water. Remember: don't let your kid be the one that got away, take them fishing.

Anyone interested in the Stoneybrook Surf and Turf Challenge on Aug.19th and 20th, just let me know and I will send you the info.

Thanks,
Ric

Capt. Ric Liles
REEL SIMPLE FISHING ADVENTURES
www.ReelSimpleFishing.com
www.ReelSimpleCharters.com
(813)601-2900

Tampa Investor Rental Market takes Off!!

2011-08-02T00:39:00.000-04:00

10 Best Cities to Purchase Rental Properties
Thursday, July 14th, 2011

From CNN MONEY:

10 best cities to buy a rental property

Tampa, Fla.

7 of 11

Tampa, Fla.

Average home price (2011): $152,700

Projected home price (2014): $147,200

Gross rent (2011): $832

Projected gross rent (2014): $933

As home to many of Florida’s retirees, rents in Tampa have bounced up and down a little, but have remained basically flat the past three years.

But with the local labor market on the mend — the unemployment rate fell a point over the 12 months ended in May and is down to 10.5% — rents are expected to take off, increasing about 12% over the next three years, according to Local Market Monitor.

Right now, the biggest housing problem in the area is that there is too much of it, according to Winzer. Last year, home prices dropped about 10% due to an oversupply of investment properties built during the boom.

Yet, Winzer projects returns for rental property investors should still exceed the national average by about 2.4% a year.

Tags: Apollo Beach, APOLLO BEACH HOMES FOR SALE, Tampa -Miami Fl luxury homes, tampa coastal homes, tampa homes
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Florida Luxury Waterfront attracting International Buyers with dollar at low
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

Tags: Apollo Beach, APOLLO BEACH HOMES FOR SALE, Tampa -Miami Fl luxury homes, tampa coastal homes, tampa homes
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Searh All Tampa Bay Properties HERE**

Immunity on Foreclosures for Banks?? What??

2011-07-21T11:32:00.002-04:00

The latest in the state attorneys general negotiations with major lenders is an attempt to get immunity for major banks over irregularities in handling foreclosures in light of evidence emerging that banks are continuing to file questionable documents[1]. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, JP Morgan Chase and Ally Financial could get immunity from civil lawsuits

10 Best Cities to purchase rental Property

2011-07-13T22:31:00.002-04:00

From CNN MONEY:

10 best cities to buy a rental property

Tampa, Fla.

7 of 11

Tampa, Fla.

Average home price (2011): $152,700

Projected home price (2014): $147,200

Gross rent (2011): $832

Projected gross rent (2014): $933

As home to many of Florida's retirees, rents in Tampa have bounced up and down a little, but have remained basically flat the past three years.

But with the local labor market on the mend -- the unemployment rate fell a point over the 12 months ended in May and is down to 10.5% -- rents are expected to take off, increasing about 12% over the next three years, according to Local Market Monitor.

Right now, the biggest housing problem in the area is that there is too much of it, according to Winzer. Last year, home prices dropped about 10% due to an oversupply of investment properties built during the boom.

Yet, Winzer projects returns for rental property investors should still exceed the national average by about 2.4% a year.

Request for Permission (14)

2011-06-28T02:13:00.000-04:00

Request for Permission (14)

Social Media Marketing Maniacs

2011-06-25T01:25:00.001-04:00

2011-06-24T23:40:00.002-04:00

In a Complex Market Savvy Sellers Who Get Their Properties SOLD Hire a REALTOR to Net More Money…Says Who? The Washington Post and Satisfied Sellers
via Long Island Real Estate Blog by knetter on 6/23/11

During challenging economic times, people naturally look for ways to cut their expenses to make ends meet. Some people selling their houses in today’s market feel that one expense they should cut is the REALTOR®’s fee for service in order to net the highest amount possible in their real estate sale. On the surface, this decision seems to be logical. However, when put into practice, often the outcome is the complete opposite of the result desired by the Seller. Netter Real Estate takes pride in our collective experience and professionalism and that is the fundamental value that we bring our Seller Clients; we analyze the current market conditions, assess where the Seller’s property fits in the market and arrive at the appropriate price when it is introduced to the marketplace. BUT, as REALTORS®, perhaps you might feel that we have a tainted view on this subject. Fair enough. How about the opinion of a neutral party?

One of the world's most respected newspapers, The Washington Post, weighs in on the value of REALTORs for a successful home sale.

Recently, The Washington Post, one of the world’s most respected newspapers, published an article called “And the Broker Takes a Slice” in which they tell the story of a pair of homeowners and their experience selling their house. They were friends who pooled their resources to purchase a house together a few years ago because they couldn’t each buy on their own but wanted to enjoy the benefits of homeownership as soon as possible. Their circumstances changed. One friend got married, the other engaged so they decided to sell the house they owned together.

In 2009, they hired a REALTOR® and put their house on the market. They did not anticipate how long homes stay on the market these days. With so much inventory being offered at once, Buyers have many properties to choose from and often see many houses before making their final decision as to the one they purchase. In six months, their house didn’t sell and they decided to take the house off the market while they made some improvements to it that they felt would make it more attractive in the marketplace when they returned to it. When they did return to the market, these friends made the decision not to hire a REALTOR® in order to recoup the money they spent on those improvements to the property. Like many Sellers who choose to go it alone, they based their list price on what they heard a property near theirs sold for, $785,000.

The fee for service earned by a REALTOR® on a $785,000 property to the Seller appears large. However, the fee is not earned until the property is SOLD. Before that, the REALTOR®, once hired as the Listing Agent, undertakes an enormous amount of work during the marketing of the property, negotiating offers then finally guiding the transaction to the closing table. In today’s confusing, challenging and ever-changing market, getting a property sold is a long and often difficult task. Because of this, REALTORS® are less likely to accept a lower fee for service. Successful REALTORS® these days especially, earn their fees for service by meeting the challenges today’s market offers. As The Washington Post stated in the article, “There’s never been such a discrepancy between where buyers think they should be buying and where sellers think they should be selling. The REALTOR’S® job is to bring both sides together.”

When these friends put their home back on the market, they used a for-sale-by-owner company that charged a flat fee of $400 that allowed them access to their multiple listing service. They said “Very, very few people showed up.”

After another three months on the market without selling, these friends decided to hire a REALTOR® to finally get the job done. The Washington Post said “In retrospect, [the Sellers] concluded that the asking price — not the commission — was the issue they should have focused on from the start.” The REALTOR® they ultimately hired was familiar with the property these Sellers based their price upon. It turns out that the house had a far more impressive kitchen and the $785,000 sale price included money towards the buyer’s closing costs that the seller chose to absorb so their true net was a bit less than it appeared.

These Sellers were advised to put the home on the market for $749,000, an attractive price for the area that would draw qualified buyers to it. It worked. Within two weeks, three qualified offers were received, two of which were over the asking price. In March 2011, the property ultimately sold for $754,000 — $5,000 ABOVE the asking price. The Sellers happily paid the 5% fee for service — $37,700 — to their REALTOR® for a job well done, a job they could not do themselves.

Sometimes it costs money to make money in the end. Netter Real Estate knows this very well. Each time our staff of real estate professionals is hired to do the job of selling a homeowners property, money is invested in the quality, targeted marketing necessary to attract qualified buyers to it. Since 1949, Netter Real Estate has been earning our fee for service by bringing about successful real estate sales so our clients and customers dreams can become reality. Whether you are a Seller moving on to your next place or a purchaser moving into your new place, Netter Real Estate will be there for you.

Turn to Netter Real Estate for all your real estate needs. Our agents at Netter Real Estate will nurture your family as it blooms by finding the home of your dreams…and right now with reasonable prices and incredibly low interest rates, you won’t have to clean out your wallet to buy it!

Please check our website regularly for Netter Real Estate happenings and be sure to “like” the Netter Real Estate fan page on Facebook for up-to-the-minute information on what’s going on in our community.

Mira Bay on Tampa Bay!

2011-06-22T23:02:00.000-04:00

Poolside at the MiraBay Club

Select Saturdays from 12:30 – 3:30pm

June 25

July 9

July 23

August 6

August 20

Jazz with the Ron Delp Quartet

Beach Vibes with SuperFly Crew

Steel Drum Sounds with Radar McClean

Roots Rock with Cold Iron

World Music with Rob Irie

New Construction in Apollo Beach

2011-06-07T14:19:00.000-04:00

I just assisted a young married couple who had been renting here in Apollo Beach put a “to be built” home under contract with KHovnanian. They were just not finding what they wanted in the resale homes on the market. It seems as if the best ones have been scooped up, and since the builders are offering such tremendous incentives they decided to check out what they had to offer.
We found a community with 70, 80, and 90 foot lots (they didn’t want their home too close to their neighbor’s and wanted a large backyard) and bottom line are getting a 2500 square foot 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car garage home with some nice upgrades (tile, granite, etc), all appliances including washer and dryer for just a hair over $200,000. The builder is even paying ALL their closing costs AND have included one year of lawn AND maid service!! What a deal!
I would be more than happy to help you or someone you know find a similar deal, so call me today. If you don’t have the time to build, many builders have move-in ready inventory homes.
Call me before they’re gone! Bonnie Fagoh (813) 390-7606

It's Time to Buy Real Estate Again Pt 2

2011-06-06T14:38:00.000-04:00

Some fear that the current tight credit standards will chill the market, but others say we are really returning to the requirements that prevailed before the "loose" lending practices that got us in this mess. Those requirements did not stop homebuilding and prices from rising in a good economy. So as our economy improves, it will happen again. In south Hillsborough County (southeast Tampa Bay) builders are already building again!
Deutshe Bank did a new study that measures home affordability in 2 ways: 1) how much of their income Americans are paying to own a home, and 2) the cost of owning vs renting. Down 17.2% since 2007, homeowners now pay just 9.8% of their income for a mortgage with taxes and insurance. In 28 of 54 major markets, it's cheaper to pay for a home than to rent. In all the distressed markets, owning wins by a wide margin.
Conditions are different in every city and not all areas will bounce back equally. In non-distressed cities, existing home inventory is lower. So with just a modest increase in demand they will enjoy strong gains in prices and new construction. This could create a great time to SELL (if you are from one of those non-distressed areas) and buy in a place like Florida which is a bargain again. Many are taking advantage now to purchase their retirement home or condo, even though they are not quite ready to retire! I have recently helped many young couples relocate to the Tampa Bay area from as far north as Canada because they are just wanting a warmer place to live. How about you? Do you fall into one of these categories? Call Bonnie today at (813) 390-7606 so I can help YOU steal some great Florida Real Estate!

Going to the Ball Game!! Tampa Rays

2011-06-01T12:14:00.000-04:00

David Price pitching against the Texas Rangers in the Trop where it is always 78 Degrees!! Proud of our Bolts too hey hey Tampa Bay!!!

It's Time to Buy Real Estate Again

2011-05-14T21:12:00.001-04:00

Pt.1 It's time to buy Real Estate again, the most attractive asset class in America.
Mike Castleman, who calls himself a "dirt road economist" has not seen a shortage of new construction in the last 35 years like what he is seeing today. He believes in most markets the price of new homes will begin to rise this year, not fall. And as founder and CEO of Metrostudy, he is in a unique position to know. His company tracks data on the country's inventory of new homes. They cover around 65% of the US housing market, and the key figures they collect are the number of vacant and "For Sale" homes and how many months it would take to sell all of them. This measures inventory and determines if a market has a surplus or shortage of new housing. The numbers are 1/4 of what they were just a few years ago.

So we have a historic drop in new construction and prices that have declined 30 to 55% across the country. The affordability will lure Americans back to buying homes and the shortage will start raising prices in many markets this year. To take advantage before the prices and/or interest rates start up, call Bonnie Fagoh at 813-390-7606. Or click here to search the best Tampa Bay properties as they hit the market. http://www.TampaCoastalHomes.com

In Pt.2 I will address today's tight credit standards and the effect on the market, as well as the cost of owning vs renting.

Steal this Apollo Beach Fl Pool Home on Tampa Bay

2011-05-14T20:23:00.001-04:00

Fabulous Apollo Beach pool home in Tampa Bay Fl

Florida Coastal Properties attracting international Buyers

2011-05-11T16:42:00.000-04:00

Search ALL the Properties & Homes in All of Tampa Bay here for FREE**

2011-05-09T13:48:00.000-04:00

69 in 65 Seconds...why you need to go Tampa Coastal

2011-05-06T11:09:00.002-04:00

2011-05-06T11:07:00.002-04:00

http://youtu.be/SD5Fz68jupI

69 in 65 Seconds...why you need to go Tampa Coastal

2011-05-06T11:07:00.000-04:00

http://youtu.be/SD5Fz68jupI

Tampa Florida Real Estate Home

2011-05-06T10:52:00.000-04:00

Real Estate update

2011-05-02T00:02:00.002-04:00

May Real Estate Update

Mortgage Rates Fall
      In Freddie Mac's results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.78 percent for the week ending April 28, 2011.
    That is down from the previous week when it averaged 4.80 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.06 percent.
    Mortgage rates followed Treasury bond yields lower amid weak local economic data reports on business

Mortgage Rates

Source: Realty Times

U.S. averages as of April 28, 2011:
30 yr. fixed:   4.78%
15 yr. fixed:   3.97%
1 yr. adj:        3.15%

conditions and house prices. Declining home prices and a high level of foreclosures continue to affect housing tenure decisions.

Smart Growth Communities
Americans favor walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods, with 56 percent of respondents preferring smart growth neighborhoods over neighborhoods that require more driving between home, work and recreation. That’s according to a recent NAR study, called the Community Preference Survey.
Walkable communities are defined as those where shops, restaurants, and local businesses are within walking distance from homes. According to the survey, when considering a home purchase, 77% of respondents said they would look for neighborhoods with abundant sidewalks and other pedestrian-friendly features, and 50% would like to see improvements to existing public transportation rather than initiatives to build new roads and developments.

Home Building On the Rise
   New home construction is picking up just in time for the spring buying season, according to the latest new-home report rfrom the Commerce Department. Builders broke ground on more new homes in March than in the last six months.
     Another bright spot: Building permits, an indicator of future construction, increased 11.2% for the month. After a dismal winter performance, new-home building bounced back 7.2% in March from February to a seasonally adjusted 549,000 units.
     The new-home sector has faced hard times in recent years, competing against a flood of foreclosures and short sales on the market that have pushed housing prices down. In February, construction fell to its lowest level in nearly two years.

6 Ways to Save Money in Your Home, Car
    You can help save the planet while also saving cash, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. Below some pointers on how to trim yearly expenses with some easy ways to go "green."
     In your car:
Use cruise control. Cruise control on the highway can help you maintain a constant speed, which can help save gas.
Use the overdrive gear. By using the overdrive gear, your car’s engine speed goes down, which not only saves gas but also reduces engine wear and tear.
Slow down. Driving anything above 60 miles per hour decreases your gas mileage rapidly.
     In your home:
Swap out the light bulbs. Replace old incandescent bulbs with energy efficient options such as compact fluorescent lights, which can shave up to $50 off your electricity costs over the lifetime of each bulb.
Plant a tree. Properly positioned trees outside your home actually have been found to reduce a home’s energy use, even up to 50 percent during the summer months and 15 percent in the winter.
Get a tax break. Uncle Sam is offering 2011 tax breaks of up to $500 for energy efficiency home improvements, such as with Energy Star windows, insulation, or energy efficient heating and cooling equipment.

Equal Housing
Opportunity

Bonnie Fagoh
813-390-7606
bonniefagoh@gmail.com
http://www.TampaCoastalHomes.com

Century 21 Beggins Enterprises
813-658-1344
6542 U. S. Hwy. 41 N.
Apollo Beach, FL 33572

Tampa Bay Fishing Report

2011-05-01T21:58:00.002-04:00

Hello anglers,

They say Islamorada is the fishing capitol of the world but I think it should be Tampa Bay. April was a great month and I would have to say my best April ever. That says a lot when you consider the state of our Snook fishery. There were a few slow days and one of those came with kids on the boat and that kept me awake a little that night. If you really know me then you know how much I like seeing kids catch fish. There were a few other minor bumps in the road but for the most part April was a big success as I was on the water 26 days. I look for May to be just as good maybe even better. The weather is getting to the point already that the shallow water fish are slowing down a little mid day but that has just pushed me to deeper water where it will not make as much of a difference. May should be good across the board with everything chewing. The Redfish and Tarpon are the species that I expect to get even better. With the crab flush starting on the full moon, the poons should take center stage. I hope to top last years 2 biggest Tarpon at about 175 lbs. The Kingfish are the specie that I expect the bite to get weaker as the smokers continue their migration north. It does not matter what you pleasure I think May has something for you. Not trying to pressure anyone but if you are considering a trip with me for May I am booking fast. Until next time, good luck and be safe on the water. Remember: don't let your kid be the one that got away, take them fishing.

If anyone is interested I have a couple of singles that are looking to share a trip with another angler.

Bob Strozinski - Tarpon trip

Ray Kress - Grouper trip

Let me know and I'll put it together.

Thanks,

Ric

Capt. Ric Liles

REEL SIMPLE FISHING ADVENTURES

www.ReelSimpleFishing.com

www.ReelSimpleCharters.com

(813)601-2900

K9 FISHING RODS ~ feel the bite!

www.K9Fishing.com

(813)655-2800

Host - Tampa Fishing Outfitters Radio Show, CBS

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The Pearl in the Oyster

2011-04-28T00:18:00.000-04:00

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate, Apollo Beach: Gorgeous Susets over Tampa Bay

2011-04-25T17:42:00.000-04:00

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate, Apollo Beach: Gorgeous Susets over Tampa Bay

Seach All Tampa Bay Homes for Sale HERE!!

2011-04-24T23:47:00.000-04:00

http://www.tampacoastalhomes.com/MLS.asp

2011-04-20T23:23:00.000-04:00

TBO > News

Tampa area home sales soar to highest level since boom

RYAN PELHAM/STAFF

In the Tampa Bay area, 3,267 single-fmaily homes were sold last month, a 17 percent increase over March 2010.

By MICHAEL SASSO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 20, 2011

TAMPA - The number of existing homes sold in the Tampa Bay area soared last month to their highest level since June 2006, roughly the peak of the real estate bubble.
But the good news only goes so far. The median sale price of a home was just $112,900 in March – less than half of the median sale price five years ago.
The trend shows the powerful influence of investors, who are snapping up properties, but also paying rock-bottom prices for foreclosed homes and "short sales," or homes sold for less than the amount owed on them.
At the least, investors are clearing out the Bay area's massive glut of homes on the market, which is a plus, said Mark Vitner, an economist with Wells Fargo who tracks Florida.
"Prices are about as good as they're going to get," Vitner said.
Florida Realtors, the state's Realtors association, released local and statewide sales figures Wednesday for existing single-family homes and condos for March. The number of sales was good for both types of housing.
In the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area, the number of existing single-family homes sold hit 3,267 last month. That's up 17 percent over March 2010, when 2,782 single-family homes sold locally.
More impressively, it's the highest total since the heady days of the mid-2000s. To find a higher figure you have to go back to June 2006, when 3,442 homes sold in the Bay area, according to Florida Realtors data.
Meantime, the number of condominium units sold last month rose to 1,197. That was up 21 percent from March 2010, when 991 condos sold.
Prices remain stubbornly low, though, because so many foreclosure and distressed housing sales are dragging down prices, the Realtors group said.
For example, the median sale price of a single-family home in the Bay area was $112,900 in March. That's down 14 percent from March 2010, when homes sold for $131,400 locally.
Looking back at June 2006, around the height of the housing boom, the median sale price for a single-family home was $239,600, Florida Realtors data show.
Real estate and title insurance agents are fielding calls from Northerners who want a second home and from investors who see eventual profits. Brenda Wade, a real estate agent with Signature Realty in Brandon, said any home listed for less than $100,000 gets the most calls.
"People recognize value, and they're calling to scoop those up," she said.
Stephen Dorsett, who runs a title insurance company in Tampa called Clear Title America, said at least 65 percent of the deals he's working on involve distressed properties. And the majority of the buyers are using cash to buy them, including buying groups that are picking up 10 to 20 homes per month.
Dorsett is optimistic about the sales trends, but he's nervous about the number of homes that banks are still holding onto and other homes that banks just haven't foreclosed on yet. This so-called "shadow inventory" is still lurking, and when banks finally list them for sale it could erase some of the gains in the housing market, he said.
"The big question is what happens when the shadow inventory hits the market," Dorsett said. "They will come on the market; it's just a matter of when."
For now, the surge in home sales appears to be eating into the Bay area's glut of homes for sale, which is an important step toward repairing the area's housing market, Vitner said. Eventually, builders will begin building new houses as the inventory of existing homes clears out, he said.
According to the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors, Tampa has an inventory of 13,024 homes on the market, or a six-month supply. When things were at their worst, in January 2008, the city had a 25-month supply.
Wade, the Brandon real estate agent, has watched the supply dwindle in FishHawk Ranch. At one time, the east Hillsborough community had 350 homes for sale, but that had dropped to about 125 the last time she checked.
Statewide, the sales figures for existing single-family homes were strong as well.
Last month, the number of single-family homes sold statewide was up 12 percent over March 2010. However, the median sale price statewide was $126,300 last month, which was down 7 percent.
The number of condo units sold statewide rose 24 percent last month, but the price of those condos fell 11 percent compared with March 2010

2011-04-18T21:30:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Apollo Beach!
What would you think if I told you that you could find a 4 bedroom 3 bath 3 car garage newer home for around $170k? Well, I have one that just came back on the market! It has been well cared for and is move in ready. Or how about a beautiful POOL home for $189k! Don't be one of those people who will later say "I wish I had bought in 2011....when prices AND interest rates were LOW."

World Class Waterfront Living:
An update on Bella Sol Luxury Villas at Apollo Beach on Tampa Bay.....I just listed an end waterfront unit for only $350k! It is a 3 bedroom 2 & 1/2 bath 2200 sq ft condo and is beautiful. It is a short sale, but the lender promises an answer to an offer in only 10 days!!
Call me to arrange your no obligation Free Boat Tour.

There are currently 271 listings in Apollo Beach. 174 listings have sold in the last 6 months, so that means we have about 9 months of inventory. Call me now for the best properties before they're gone!
For those needing to sell, please call me to go over your options. We have a system that works for those who need to do a short sale and we can offer a FREE consultation with a lawyer so you can find out what is best for you so you can make an informed decision.So to sum it up....great inventory, low prices, low interest rates, and fantastic weather make it the best time to BUY Florida Real Estate!!

Call Bonnie at (813) 390-7606 and schedule your complimentary boat tour of the Apollo Beach area. Come see why the dolphin and manatee love it here! Experience the waterfront lifestyle in this laid back community that is only a short 20 minute boat or car ride to the city of Tampa or 30 minutes to St Petersburg. Find out why the Tampa Sailing Squadron keeps their boats right here in Apollo Beach! We have a great central location with easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota, Fantastic Pro-Golf, NFL Football, Even Pro Hockey and Baseball!! Yes you can have it all only 76 miles from Walt Disney World in Orlando and the Space Coast.

Search all Tampa Bay properties at www.TampaCoastalHomes.com or better yet,
call me for a FREE boat tour! Bonnie (813) 390-7606

2011-04-11T17:46:00.000-04:00

Real Estate...As Affordable as it Gets!

Somewhere between the media hyping the worst Real Estate Market in decades and
reports that the economy is recovering lays the truth of what is really happening in the
market.

The housing affordability index has returned to pre-housing bubble levels or even fallen
below the average in many US markets, thanks to the combination of exceptionally low
Prices and historically low interest rates. Simply stated, low home prices along with
low interest rates as compared to an area’s median income yields an index that allows
many people to enjoy the benefits of home ownership. This also creates an environment
allowing investors to acquire properties that actually provide positive cash flow in many
cases at better return than many other traditional investments today.

For those who can qualify to obtain a mortgage on a Primary Residence, now is a great
time to buy a home. With the current low interest rates, buyers can rest assured that they
will have affordable housing for years to come as opposed to Renters who can be sure
that their rents will increase as property values rise again. Even if prices drop a little
further, they can still rest easy knowing that they can afford what they bought. Trust me,
the banks are making sure of that!

For those with investments in other areas, now is a great time to buy Investment Real
Estate. The annual returns on investment coupled with the anticipated appreciation of
Real Estate over the long term can seriously outperform many other investment vehicles.
Plus Investment Real Estate is a tangible asset that has virtually no chance of being
valued at zero as many stocks and other investments have done. After all, you can’t live
in a stock!

So whether you are looking for a home to live in, or a tangible asset to invest in, contact
Bonnie Fagoh at (813) 390-7606 or BonnieFagoh@gmail.com and ask her to set you up with
a ListingBook account. This new technology will let you search properties with up-to-
the-minute MLS (multiple listing service) info. It will let you know when a home that is
just what you are looking for hits the market so that you can get a jump on the best deals.
You can learn firsthand what is happening in your areas of interest and call Bonnie when
you have found what you would like to view in person. And best of all, this service is
FREE to you! Even if you are not ready to buy, call Bonnie to set up your ListingBook
today!
(813) 390-7606

2011-04-05T12:05:00.002-04:00

Should I Accept This Offer? Today's market can be a difficult one for many sellers to navigate. And while your real estate agent can advise you, the ultimate decision of what offer to accept is entirely up to you.
This decision can come with quite a bit of pressure. Even in the most favorable of markets this can be a difficult time. How do you know when to accept an offer?
Here are some questions to consider.

Is the buyer pre-qualified/approved? Selling will require an investment of time and money. You may need to find a new home or a temporary rental. There's nothing worse than buying a new house, only to find out the deal to sell yours has fallen through.

Do you need to move? The urgency of your move may dictate what offer you accept. Many sellers need to move quickly for a new job. Or they may need to sell to avoid foreclosure. If you are in a rush, you may need to accept an offer that is less than ideal.

How much do you owe? You don't want to sell your home at a loss. And be sure to take closing costs into consideration. Many markets experienced high levels of depreciation over the last year. If you are underwater on your loan, now may not be the time to sell.

What is the market climate? Are you likely to get another offer? How long has your home been on the market? Have you had many showings? All of these are factors to consider when contemplating what offer to accept. Above all, ask yourself if this offer was a reasonable offer. There are buyers that may attempt to low ball you. They may see that your home has been on the market longer than your competition. They may know that it's a strong buyers market. And in response they offer a much smaller amount for your home than it is worth. You are not obligated to accept or even respond to these low ball offers. But if you are in need of selling now, every offer warrants consideration or a counter offer.
In the end, you must accept an offer that works for you. You may be willing to accept a lower amount in exchange for a faster closing date. Or you may wish to hold out for the highest dollar amount.

Written by Carla Hill

It is the Best time in History to buy waterfront properties in Florida -- Let me show you.

April Update

2011-04-02T23:01:00.002-04:00

Spring Market Conditions Bode Well For Buyers Optimism about the housing market isn't quite sweeping the nation, but Americans remain sold on the value of home ownership at a good time to be bullish about buying a home.
With home sales and prices still falling, the spring could shape up as an opportune time to make a deal.
The housing downturn hasn't shaken consumers' resolve to consider home ownership an integral part of an American Dream, even among home owners with homes that have lost value.
The eighth quarterly "Allstate-National Journal Heartland Monitor Poll: The American Dream" revealed that nearly nine out of 10 homeowners say they would buy their same homes again.
Among those with homes with lost value, the same percentage said they would buy their home again.
Also, seven of 10 Americans say they would advise a friend or family member to buy a home as a long-term asset.
The spring could be a good time to take that advice.
Existing-home sales, completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, dropped 9.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.88 million in February from 5.40 million in January. February 2010 sales were 2.8 percent below the pace in February 2010, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
The slow sales pushed the median price down to $156,100, the lowest level since February 2002, setting the stage for spring bargains.
Some experts say the housing market is years away from a full blown recovery and the home buyer tax credit is kaput. However, improvements in employment and manufacturing and other economic sectors, bargain home prices and affordable interest rates could light a fire under buyers who've been sitting on the fence.
"Housing affordability conditions have been at record levels and the economy has been improving, but home sales are being constrained by the twin problems of unnecessarily tight credit, and a measurable level of contract cancellations from some appraisals not supporting prices negotiated between buyers and sellers," said Lawrence Yun NAR chief economist.
The Allstate survey of 1,000 Americans also found.

Buying a home was the best investment among 24 percent, behind "investing in retirement savings" (38 percent), but ahead of "saving money in the bank" (20 percent), and "investing in the stock market" (6 percent).

A majority, 58 percent of those who believe the housing crisis will remain a serious problem would still recommend buying a home.

Americans are evenly split on whether the federal government should continue policies to encourage home ownership at the same level (46 percent) or scale them back because they cost too much (46 percent).

More than half of Americans (52 percent) blame the housing crisis on banks and lending institutions for misleading borrowers and approving bad loans, while 32 percent blame people who bought homes and took out mortgages they couldn't afford, and only 12 percent blame government policies that encouraged too many people to try to own their own homes. "Owning a home continues to be the bedrock of the American Dream – even as incomes are down, jobs are scarce and families struggle to make ends meet," said Thomas J. Wilson , Allstate chairman, president and chief executive officer.
"Homeownership is viewed positively by the vast majority of Americans as both a place to raise a family and a sound investment," he added.

Written by Broderick Perkins

It is the Best time in History to buy waterfront properties in Florida -- Let me show you.

More than 70% of Americans

2011-03-28T20:31:00.000-04:00

Don't Be Mystified By The Mortgage Maze
  More than 70 percent of Americans say getting a mortgage today is a serious national problem, according to a new study by MortgageMatch.com, a home loan and information site operated by Move, Inc.
      According to the MortgageMatch.com survey, today's lending environment is so confusing many borrowers are experiencing high levels of stress and frustration.
      More than one in five recent home buyers (20.9 percent) told MortgageMatch.com, waiting to hear if they were approved for a mortgage was more stressful than waiting to hear if they

Mortgage Rates
U.S. averages as of February 24, 2011:

30 yr. fixed:   4.95%
15 yr. fixed:   4.22%
1 yr. adj:        3.40%

View current rates

got a job.
MortgageMatch.com says home buyers can significantly improve their chances of getting a mortgage application approved on the best possible terms in today's tough lending

CONTINUED >>>

It is the Best time in History to buy waterfront properties in Florida

Let me show you.

Should I Buy A Home Now?

     The Zillow Home Value Index fell 26% from its peak in June 2006. That’s a greater decline than seen in the Depression-era years of 1928 to 1933.
      According to Zillow.com, "November marked the 53rd consecutive month of home value declines, with the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) falling 0.8% from October to November, and falling 5.1% year-over-year.”
      But the news isn’t all bad. If you’ve gathered around the office water cooler to catch up with colleagues, maybe you’ve noticed a bit of optimism blossoming. It’s not just a feeling, it’s real. According to Zillow Research, the economy is improving. The improvement is expected to gradually increase "household formation and consumer confidence”. But the housing market may still face greater declines due to "excess inventory of homes, high negative equity and foreclosure rates, and weakened demand due to elevated unemployment.” reported Zillow.com.
      However, if you’ve been watching, waiting, and wondering, when to buy, it's now the time to take note. While no one

CONTINUED >>>

Ways to Increase
Your Home's Value

     It is no secret. 2010 was a hard year for home values. According to Zillow.com, homes were expected to lose $1.7 trillion in value. This is an even greater loss than what was seen in 2009. They report that "the bulk of the total value lost during 2010 was in the second half of the year. From January to June, the housing market lost $680 billion. From June to December, Zillow projects residential home value losses will top $1 trillion."
      Some of the largest losses in value were seen in the West. Los Angeles' values fell by $38,000 over the course of 2010. And they are down a whopping $676,000 from the peak in the second quarter of 2006. Phoenix, Arizona, saw values fall by $36,000 in 2010. This is down $222,000 from peak times.
      There were exceptions to this loss trend. The Boston metropolitan statistical area (MSA) gained $10.8 billion in value, while the San Diego MSA gained $10.2 billion.
      Now, while you cannot protect yourself against market corrections such as these, you can take small steps to help increase your home's value and make it more marketable. The following tips are meant to inspire and motivate you to treat your home like the investment it was meant to be.

CONTINUED >>>

Make Moving Day a Breeze

     It's a dreaded part of buying a new home. It can be costly and time consuming, and can even cause you physical pain. What could possibly wreak all this havoc? Moving day.
      Moving days can be quite the headache! To help you prepare and to avoid potential hang-ups, try out these great tips.
     First and foremost, plan ahead. This is a time to make a list and check it twice. It always takes more time and more boxes than you'd think! It is better to be done ahead of schedule than to run out of time. Once you have to be out of your current home, you have to be out!
      On your list, decide on what you will need movers to move and what you can do yourself. If you have compiled a list of your larger items when you call the movers, they'll be able to give you a more

CONTINUED >>>

http://realtytimes.com/nlnews.htm?open&Vol=c&ID=bonniefagoh

Daily News and Advice

Read about the events shaping the Real Estate market today, find current interest rates, or browse the extensive library of advice and how-to articles written by some of the top experts in Real Estate. Updated each weekday.

More Articles

	February Round Up:Rates Ease Just Below 5 Percent
	Dream Home Wish List
	Hot Trends In Bathroom Redesign
	Homeownership's Amazing Benefits

2011-03-11T09:49:00.002-05:00

Please enjoy the real estate tip included below. If you have any questions about this tip - or any other tips you may have heard elsewhere - please ask! There is no obligation and you'll hear back quickly!

Real Estate Tip:Tax Breaks
      Most homeowners are keenly aware of the interest tax deduction on their home loan, but there are many other tax breaks which are often overlooked at income tax time. Pro-rated property taxes and mortgage interest in the year of sale are deductible. You will find these amounts listed on your closing settlement statement. If you paid off your mortgage and had to pay a pre-payment penalty, it qualifies as tax deductible interest. If you paid an "acquisition mortgage loan fee" on a home loan, this fee can be deducted as itemized interest. Home improvement loan fees are also deductible. Any remaining loan fees from re-financed or paid-off mortgages are fully deductible at the time of the mortgage payoff.
      Certain items don't qualify as deductions, but can be added to the cost basis of your home, such as transfer taxes, recording and title fees, and special local property tax assessments for new sidewalks, streets, or sewers.
      Don't be intimidated by the tax code! A little research or consultation with an expert can help you maximize your real estate tax advantages.

See Bonnie's Feature Properties: www.TAMPACOASTALHOMES.COM/myhomes.asp
Visit www.TAMPACOASTALHOMES.COM

Spring Baseball Games... Fishing--OR Beach??

2011-03-06T14:37:00.000-05:00

Spring Baseball games...fishing.. or Beach??? Go Tampa Coastal at www.tampacoastalhomes.com

Options are plentiful during Outdoor Expo's final day
www2.tbo.com
Tampa Bay has an exceptional community of fishing media "stars," and just about all of them are at the Tribune's Outdoors Expo and Boat Show, continuing Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Flo...

Tampa Bay Fishing Report

2011-03-01T09:36:00.000-05:00

March 1st Fishing Report for Tampa Bay

February our fish are on an earlier pattern than normal. We saw Tarpon and Spanish Mackerel in mid February. Not enough Tarpon to fish but certainly enough Macs. This year was the first time that I have ever caught Mackerel on shrimp, the white bait is taking its time getting here. It's here but not real thick yet. The Black Drum are here now but will move on up into the bay anytime as our water temps continue to rise. It was an unusual February to say the least. In honor of my lady anglers and Valentines Day I have only posted pics of the girls this time. Not the biggest fish of the month but certainly the sweetest. I'm glad March is here and can't wait to get into our normal fishing patterns. I expect to start seeing some bigger Redfish catches in size and numbers. I have reports of a couple big schools of Reds that are in the area and am waiting on the whitebait before I go harass them. The Trout and Mackerel bite should stay good with the only thing changing is the size of our catches should be bigger. We are on the brink of some really nice size Trout and Mackerel. The thing that I am most excited about is the early arrival of the Tarpon. I hope to get out and do some Tarpon fishing if the numbers increase. We might even see some nice Shark catches this month with the warmer water, not the size that we get at the power plant - bigger! Until next time, good luck and be safe on the water. Remember: don't let your kid be the one that got away, take them fishing.

I am already starting to book some Tarpon trips for May and June. If you are interested in fishing one of the best hill tides during that time call now and reserve the date.

If you are a local and will be at the Frank Sargeant show this weekend please stop by and visit me at the CBS Sports Radio 1010 booth or sit in on one of my seminars. Would love to see you.
Also check out the cover of Onshore - Offshore magazine this month. K9 rods are featured.

Take care and tightlines.

Thanks,
Ric

Capt. Ric Liles
REEL SIMPLE FISHING ADVENTURES
www.ReelSimpleFishing.com
www.ReelSimpleCharters.com
(813)601-2900
K9 FISHING RODS ~ feel the bite!
www.K9Fishing.com
(813)655-2800
Host - Tampa Fishing Outfitters Radio Show, CBS

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Wall St. Journal "Why 2011 May be the End of Housing Crash"

2011-02-28T20:51:00.000-05:00

By SIMON CONSTABLE

There might finally be some good news this year about the nation's dismal housing market. Or, at least, the bad news could stop.
Either way, it will be welcome relief for current homeowners as well as for potential real-estate investors. Reasons to be optimistic have been sadly lacking since the housing bubble burst in 2006.

Andrew Roberts

For sure, last week we learned the widely watched S&P/Case-Shiller home-price index fell 1% in December, its fifth straight decline. The index tracks 20 major markets.
But that figure belies real reasons to be optimistic, according to some experts. If they are right, it might make sense to jump into real estate. The trick is avoiding getting burned again, and it doesn't necessarily mean owning a home.
First, let's recap the economic signs a bottom is close.

Houses Are a Good Deal

Housing is the most affordable it has been in decades, according to analysts at Moody's Analytics. They don't just look at house prices. They also look at incomes.
Nationally, the cost of a house is the equivalent of about 19 months of total pay for an average family, the lowest level in 35 years. Prices usually average close to two years' pay, although that varies nationally.
At the peak, midway through the last decade, a home in Los Angeles cost the equivalent of 4.5 years' pay. The average price has since fallen to just over two years' income now. That's well below its pre-bubble average of 2.6 years. This means average Los Angeles homes are cheaper in "real terms" than they were typically during the period 1989 through 2003.
The opposite is true around the Washington beltway, where it will take 26 months of pay to buy a home, versus the historical norm of 22 months.

In the end, it will be affordability that will drive people to buy homes.
"Pricing is down so much in some markets that when you analyze renting versus owning it makes much more sense to own," says Michael Larson, a real-estate analyst at Weiss Research in Jupiter, Fla.
It is definitely bullish. But what about timing?
"Housing prices will probably bottom in 2011," says Scott Simon, a managing director at money-management firm Pimco in Newport Beach, Calif. He foresaw the housing crash, helping his firm dodge losses that plagued Wall Street.
Mr. Simon says prices might dip another 5%. Still, in the scheme of things, that's small. Consider this: In some markets, home prices have fallen by half or more since 2006.
For instance, in once-hot Miami you can snap up an average house for under $166,000, according to recent data from the National Association of Realtors. That's down from $371,000 in 2006. Another 5% drop would take it to $158,000.

Investors Stepping Up

Here's another sign the market is nearing a bottom: Investors have started to buy up houses and condos, in some instances paying entirely in cash. That's a far cry from the heady bubble days when borrowed money seemed the key to riches. The bubble-era speculators who got burned tended to buy at the peak and borrowed heavily to do so. When the crash came, they quickly saw their wealth erased.
Take Miami again. Last year, more than half of all transactions were made entirely in cash, according to a recent report in The Wall Street Journal. That compares with 13% of deals in the last quarter of 2006, the height of the bubble. Similarly, in Phoenix 42% of sales in 2010 went to all-cash buyers, up threefold since 2008.
It's a sign that these investors are betting on a rebound. Investors buying at current prices are looking for deals, or so-called bottom fishing. They typically like to pay entirely in cash (or with a relatively small loan) to speed up transactions. That can be vital for an investor wishing to lock in a deal fast.
If this is a turn in the market, then it might make sense to go out and buy a home. But, warns Pimco's Mr. Simon, "buy in areas you really know."

Plan to Stay Put

Buy and hold. While the good news is that the worst of the housing crash might be over, the bad news is that the fast gains of the glory days of 2005 and 2006 won't be back any time soon. So to cover the costs of buying and selling, and what could be a prolonged recovery, plan to own for more than 10 years, explains Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at Chicago-based Harris Bank.
Also remember that borrowing money to buy a house can still be risky. If you pay for a $100,000 property with $20,000 cash and borrow the rest, a dip in the value of $20,000 would leave you with zero equity. On top of that, you'd have to pay to maintain and repair the property, something not necessary when renting.

Home Buying Without a House

There are other ways to benefit from a real-estate rebound than directly buying a house. Such investments include stocks, mutual funds or exchange-traded funds. Unlike homes, which typically cost tens of thousands of dollars, these financial investments can be made in smaller amounts and typically are easy to sell.
Weiss Research's Mr. Larson says although new homes are oversupplied, home builders might benefit from a rebound as the situation rights itself.
Rather than pick individual stocks, he says, it probably makes sense for small investors to pick broader investments that hold many different stocks. In particular, he points to the SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB), which tracks a basket of home-builder stocks.
Mr. Larson also highlights specialized mutual funds such as the Fidelity Select Construction & Housing fund (FSHOX), which tracks home builders as well as home-improvement retailers like Home Depot and Lowes that would also likely benefit from a housing recovery.
—Simon Constable is author of the forthcoming book "The WSJ Guide to the Fifty Economic Indicators That Really Matter: From Big Macs to 'Zombie Banks,' the Indicators Smart Investors Watch to Beat the Market." simon.constable@dowjones.com

Gorgeous Susets over Tampa Bay

2011-02-07T23:41:00.000-05:00

http://vt.realbiz360.com/MLS-579870.html

Feb. Fishing Report...Go Coastal... Tampa Coastal!!

2011-02-07T18:46:00.000-05:00

Hello Anglers,

I have good news and I have bad news. The good news is that I am not looking out the window at 3 foot of snow trying to figure out this global warming stuff. The bad news is I would have a better chance of figuring out the global warming than I would the fish. January was a very unusual month in the way that the days that we had good weather and good tides the fish did not cooperate. On the other hand we had some very good days when the weather should have held back the bite. I can usually get a good feel for the pattern of the fish with the conditions, but January had me stumped. Hopefully February will be different. My focus for February will be Trout, Redfish, and Sharks. The Sharks at the power plant have started to thin out with this warm snap we have had but should migrate back as we are not finished with winter. That is not saying I will not take a shot at other species but those three will be my focus. Sheephead have been the one fish that the weather has not had much impact on the bite. They are not the same Sheephead as the northern fish, and yes they are good to eat. Actually, very good. Spring is around the corner and I cannot wait to get back to white bait and a bigger variety of fish to target. Until next time, good luck and be safe on the water. Remember: don't let your kid be the one that got away, take them fishing.

Other news - The radio show that I co-host on Saturday mornings has moved from ESPN 1040am to CBS 1010am. We have partnered with Tampa Fishing Outfitters and look to have a better show with a better format and more giveaways. Foe those of you in the listening area we would love to have you listen and call in.

Thanks,

Ric

Capt. Ric Liles

REEL SIMPLE FISHING ADVENTURES

www.ReelSimpleFishing.com

www.ReelSimpleCharters.com

(813)601-2900

TECO trolley line extends its reach into downtown core - St. Petersburg Times

2011-02-04T15:42:00.000-05:00

TECO trolley line extends its reach into downtown core - St. Petersburg Times

Feb. Tampa Bay Real Estate update

2011-02-01T11:54:00.000-05:00

Your REALTOR:

Bonnie Fagoh

February 2011

Buyin' or Sellin'....Call Bonnie Helen! (Fagoh)
(813) 390-7606

What's Driving Buyers
To Buy Homes?
  The Wall Street Journal is reporting that "affordability" is the top reason for home buying in 2010.
      That makes sense, especially in unstable market conditions. Buyers, as always, are looking for a bargain but, more than ever, they’ve been enticed by low home prices and low interest rates, according to a survey by Weichert Realtors, Inc.
      The survey gathered information from 1,261 of the company’s customers who bought homes between July 1 through December 31, 2010.
      What about pride in homeownership? it appears that buying a home because

Mortgage Rates
U.S. averages as of January 27, 2011:

30 yr. fixed:   4.80%
15 yr. fixed:   4.09%
1 yr. adj:        3.26%

View current rates

they didn’t want to rent, was not the driving force. Instead, it came down to price. This differs from survey results five years ago when respondents (26%) said, "the desire to own their home and stop paying rent" motivated them to buy, according to the Wall Street Journal.

CONTINUED >>>

It is the Best time in History to buy waterfront properties in Florida

Let me show you.

How Much Home Can I Afford?

     Home prices skyrocketed in the early 2000's, with things really heating up between 2005 and 2007. According to the New York Times, HUD conducted a survey in 2007, finding that home values had risen 16 percent in just those two years. The housing bubble burst in the Spring of 2007 and markets tanked.
      Now house values are resetting, with some areas still experiencing declines. In high boom areas, such as Florida, Arizona, and California, homes are having to correct from staggering rises of 20, 30 and even 40 percent in home values. This means values rose, and millions of homeowners bought at the top of the market, now finding themselves upside down in their loans.
      Despite the crisis, there are still buyers on the market. But many are wary to make a mistake of buying a home they can't pay for. How much home can you really afford? Home affordability, in general, is dependant on a range of factors. These include:
      Employment status: Do you have a stable job and income? Lenders will want to know if they can rely on you to make monthly payments for many years to

CONTINUED >>>

Use Experts to Navigate Homebuying Process

     When millions of foreclosures suddenly flooded the market at the onset of the housing crash, home owners knew little to nothing about holding onto their homes or how to recover if they got the boot.
      Misinformation and fraud compounded the effects of slow regulatory action and lackadaisical response from the lending industry.
      Uncharted waters were submerged in rumors, speculation, conjecture and ignorance.
      Years later, foreclosure myths endure.
      Freddie Mac, one of the nation's largest home loan investors, initially charged with expanding opportunities for home ownership and now focused on the liquidity needs of the mortgage market, is also about myth busting.
      To set the record straight on foreclosures, it offers "Top Foreclosure Myths" and the truth behind those false beliefs.
      To wit:
Myth: You should stop paying your mortgage so you can leverage assistance with your mortgage payments.
      The approach, called a "strategic default," can become a tactical trap.
      It isn't necessary to default on your mortgage payments in order to qualify for help.
      If you are struggling to stay current

CONTINUED >>>

Reduce, Reuse, and
Recycle Your Closet

     It's really no secret. We are a nation of consumers. Watch television for just one evening and you'll know of a dozen sales and promotions happening in your local area. Whether it's retail or sale, there are more than a handful of us that have consumed our ways to a stuffed closet.
      Call it early Spring cleaning. Call it a simplification. Organizing and cleaning out your closet can be a great selling tip, because buyers do and will open your closet during a walk-through. And one stuffed to the rafters will appear small and cramped, no matter it's real size.
      There is, however, the altruistic side. Today there is an unemployment rate of nearly 10 percent. This translates into around 15 million unemployed Americans. That is why it is important to lend a helping hand to members of your community. Unemployed families still

CONTINUED >>>

http://realtytimes.com/nlnews.htm?open&Vol=c&ID=bonniefagoh

More Articles

	January Round Up: Bond Yields Rise and So Do Mortgage Rates
	Making Your Home Picture Perfect
	Staging for The Five Senses
	Homeownership Still Good Long Term Decision, Survey Reveals

Tampa Gasparilla Flotilla

2011-01-29T18:21:00.000-05:00

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=273264499271&set=o.308302679992&ref=nfhttp://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=273264499271&set=o.308302679992&ref=nf

2011-01-28T09:38:00.001-05:00

Sleepy Housing Market to Awaken in 2011

The housing market will remain in hibernation this winter and, without the benefit of a federal home buying tax credit, keep snoring right on through the spring, according to two recent studies.

However, by the third quarter of 2011, pent up demand could stir the market from its slumber and generate a modest, groggy recovery.

During its recent NARdigras 2010 Realtor Conference and Expo, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) forecast an "uneven recovery" next year.

"Existing-home sales have shown some improvement, but the foreclosure moratorium is likely to cause some disruption and contribute to an uneven sales performance in the months ahead," said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist.

"Tight credit and appraisals coming in below a negotiated price continue to constrain the market. Nonetheless, there appears to be a pent-up demand that eventually will be unleashed as banks resolve their issues with foreclosures and the labor market improves," Yun said.

Likewise, the recent Fiserv Case-Shiller Home Price Insight" reported that the home buyer tax credit delayed the housing market's slide to the bottom, and that will put off the recovery until late 2011.

Fiserv and Moody's Economy.com expect that home prices will drop over the next four quarters in nearly all metro markets, before prices have a shot at stabilizing by the end of 2011.

"Some of the largest declines in prices will occur in markets that had strong spring and summer 2010 price increases," said David Stiff, chief economist at Fiserv. "This is because the home buyer tax credit delayed the correction in home prices that is necessary to return housing affordability to its pre-bubble levels," Stiff added.

According to NAR, Existing-home sales, down 21.2 percent year-over-year in the third quarter this year, are forecast to drop 24.7 percent in the last quarter this year. The declines reflect the absence of the federal home buying tax credit, available this time last year, NAR said.

Next year, expect smaller sales declines of about 7 percent during the first two quarters, before sales begin to rebound with a near 26 percent year-over-year increase in sales, according to the forecast.

"We’ve added 30 million people to the U.S. population over the past 10 years, but sales are where they were in 2000, so there appears to be a sizable pent-up demand that could come to the (housing) market once the economy gathers momentum," Yun said.

Yun said existing home sales will rise from 4.8 million this year to 5.1 million next year while housing starts are expected to rise to 716,000 in 2011 from 598,000 this year. Housing starts bottomed out at 554,000 in 2009.

The boost in sales and starts is related to favorable growth in the Gross Domestic Product. NAR says it should grow 2.0 to 2.5 percent over the next two years. A projected and much needed 1.5 million additional jobs over the next two years will push the unemployment rate down to 8 percent by 2013, but it won't return to a normal level of about 6 percent until 2015.

Mortgage interest rates are at record lows now, but by the time housing market recovery is under way, they are expected to rise, creating an average 4.9 percent next year, Yun said.

Median prices for existing homes, nationwide at $177,100 in the third quarter this year (down 0.6 percent a year ago) are expected to continue to decline to $165,900 into the first quarter 2010, before managing $178,900 by the third quarter next year, an expected peak for the year.

New home prices, $218,000 in the third quarter, 2010 (up 2.5 percent from a year ago), are expected to continue rising each quarter in 2011 and peak out at $224,300 in the fourth quarter.

Written by Broderick Perkins

It is the Best time in History to buy waterfront properties in Florida -- Let me show you.

US Experts Case/Shiller Index indicates bottom of US Housing Market

2011-01-27T09:31:00.000-05:00

U.S. home prices have reached a bottom and may be set to rise in the first half as buyers take advantage of increased affordability, said Karl Case, the economist who co-founded the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index. "Prices have gone flat, bouncing around at what I think is essentially a bottom," Case, a retired professor of economics at Wellesley College, said in a radio interview today on "Bloomberg Surveillance." "We're really going to have to wait to see what the spring market brings."

The S&P/Case-Shiller index of home values in 20 cities fell 1.6 percent in November from a year earlier, the biggest 12- month decrease since December 2009, the group said today in New York. The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which measures sales financed with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, said separately that prices slid 4.3 percent from November 2009.

An abundance of inexpensive homes and an expanding economy will support housing demand as it enters the so-called spring selling season when the bulk of transactions typically occur, said Case, who created the price index with Yale University Economics Professor Robert Shiller. The National Association of Realtors' affordability index, a gauge of median income against home prices, reached an all-time high of 184.5 in November.

Housing 'Bargains' "There are bargains out there," said Case. Affordability will entice first-time buyers to jump into the market "if jobs are created at a pretty good clip," he said.

A real estate boom pushed prices in the 20 cities covered by the Case-Shiller index to a record high in July 2006 after almost doubling in six years. The benchmark tumbled 33 percent from its peak to an April 2009 low that put homes at 2003 prices. It has gained 3.3 percent since then.

Tampa Coastal Homes Home - Tampa Coastal Homes

2011-01-27T09:29:00.000-05:00

Tampa Coastal Homes Home - Tampa Coastal Homes

2011 Housing

2011-01-26T22:54:00.000-05:00

From Bloomberg:

U.S. home prices have reached a bottom and may be set to rise in the first half as buyers take advantage of increased affordability, said Karl Case, the economist who co-founded the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index.

"Prices have gone flat, bouncing around at what I think is essentially a bottom," Case, a retired professor of economics at Wellesley College, said in a radio interview today on "Bloomberg Surveillance." "We're really going to have to wait to see what the spring market brings."

The S&P/Case-Shiller index of home values in 20 cities fell 1.6 percent in November from a year earlier, the biggest 12- month decrease since December 2009, the group said today in New York. The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which measures sales financed with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, said separately that prices slid 4.3 percent from November 2009.

An abundance of inexpensive homes and an expanding economy will support housing demand as it enters the so-called spring selling season when the bulk of transactions typically occur, said Case, who created the price index with Yale University Economics Professor Robert Shiller. The National Association of Realtors' affordability index, a gauge of median income against home prices, reached an all-time high of 184.5 in November.

Housing 'Bargains'

"There are bargains out there," said Case. Affordability will entice first-time buyers to jump into the market "if jobs are created at a pretty good clip," he said.

The unemployment rate dropped to 9.4 percent last month after reaching a seven-month high of 9.8 percent in November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The jobless rate has remained above 9 percent for 20 months and will probably average 9.3 percent this year, according to a Bloomberg News survey of economists.

Consumer confidence in January climbed to the highest level in eight months as Americans became more optimistic about job prospects, according to a report today by the Conference Board. The share of people who said they intended to buy a home rose to 2.2 percent, the New York-based private research group said. That was the second consecutive gain after November's 1.7 percent, which matched an all-time low set at the end of 2009.

The Federal Open Market Committee today began a two-day meeting in Washington that culminates with a policy statement at around 2:15 p.m. tomorrow. Since reducing its target federal funds rate to near zero in December 2008, the central bank has used its balance sheet as a monetary policy tool. Its assets have tripled to $2.43 trillion from $873 billion in February 2008.

The Fed probably will push forward with its plan to buy $600 billion in securities to stimulate the economy, based on the minutes to last month's meeting released on Jan. 4. The recovery's pace is likely to "remain modest, with unemployment and inflation deviating from the committee's objectives for some time," according to the minutes.

A real estate boom pushed prices in the 20 cities covered by the Case-Shiller index to a record high in July 2006 after almost doubling in six years. The benchmark tumbled 33 percent from its peak to an April 2009 low that put homes at 2003 prices. It has gained 3.3 percent since then.
-- With assistance from Ken Prewitt in New York and Shobhana Chandra in Washington. Editors: Kara Wetzel, Rob Urban

Pirates invade Tampa

2011-01-25T11:48:00.002-05:00

PIRATES TO CREATE SOME NOISE IN ADVANCE OF

REQUEST FOR THE MAYOR TO SURRENDER THE CITY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tampa, FL (January 25, 2011) - The Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, accompanied
by a group of Tampa's infamous pirates, are planning to visit downtown Tampa today,
January 25th, arriving at approximately 11:30 a.m. accompanied by the customary
theatrical noise props (cannons) to "discuss" the advantages of surrendering the
City of Tampa in advance of Saturday's Gasparilla Invasion. The actual negotiation
is rumored to begin around noon, with the Mayor respectfully escorted to meet up
with the Captain on Franklin Street, between Kennedy and Madison.

The 2011 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest will be held on Saturday, January
29th in downtown Tampa. The Gasparilla Invasion is scheduled for 11 a.m. and the
Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates begins at 2 p.m. at Bay to Bay and Bayshore. Ye
Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla has presented Tampa's historic Gasparilla Invasion and
Parade of the Pirates since 1904.

2011 GASPARILLA RAIDING PARTY

* Tuesday, January 25, 2011

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

* 11:30 a.m. Pirates arrive (noisily) in downtown Tampa via float ***
* NOON Pirates meet with Mayor to discuss city's surrender***
(*** indicates theatrical noise props may be used)

Tampa's Downtown Minute - January 2011

2011-01-05T12:23:00.000-05:00

More Accolades

2011-01-05T12:01:00.000-05:00

UF Ranks Second in National College "Value" Rankings

Despite a couple of years of consecutive 15 percent tuition increases, Florida's public universities are still a bargain when compared to schools nationally, according to the editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance.

Now Serving: The Florida Trend
Golden Spoons

With the holidays here, Florida's best restaurants are ready with exciting menus and meals by great chefs. Browse the Golden Spoons as well as our list of newcomers to find who made the list, and to locate a restaurant near you.
Golden Spoon
Jackson's
[Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink - Miami]
Kiplinger's "100 Best Values in Public Colleges for 2011'' ranking, released Tuesday, includes six Florida schools -- led by the University of Florida, which was hailed as the second-best college value in the nation. For the 10th year in a row, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill took the top spot. Following UF among Florida schools was New College of Florida in Sarasota, ranked as the 11th-best value in the United States. Kiplinger's praised the two Sunshine State schools for offering "strong academics at a sticker price below $15,000. New College, a tiny honors school with a spectacular view of Sarasota Bay, drops the price to less than half that amount for in-staters who qualify for need-based aid. For a rock-bottom $4,545, students get the view, the company of other highly competitive students and a 10-1 student-faculty ratio.'' [Source: Miami Herald]

Things to do in Tampa Bay for the week of Jan. 3 - St. Petersburg Times

2011-01-02T20:05:00.000-05:00

Things to do in Tampa Bay for the week of Jan. 3 - St. Petersburg Times

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T21:23:00.000-05:00

Hello Anglers,

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and had all your needs met. I want to thank all of you that fished with Reel Simple Fishing Adventures in 2010. You made my year fantastic and I appreciate it. It was a successful year despite a lot of adversity brought by inclement weather and the BP spill. Thank goodness the spill never directly impacted the fishing in the Tampa Bay area. I expect 2011 to be a great year as well. We closed out the year with some very good days on the water catching plenty of shark and small Redfish. We also had a few pretty good days fishing for Grouper, mostly Gags. Trout season was closed so we did not target them a lot. That was then and this is now. Trout are back in season a of January 1st and I expect to have pretty steady action with them this month. The Redfish and Grouper bite should be fair this month but remember that Grouper season is closed in federal waters. That does not effect me as I only fish for them in state waters on my charters. The shark bite will be steady all winter with a decent by-catch of cobia and a variety of other species. I can't wait to get the year started. I heard the other day an old saying that I will keep in mind all year long. "You can't control how you die, but you can control how you live". I'm gonna have a fun year. Until next time, good luck and be safe on the water. Remember: don't let your kid be the one that got away, take them fishing. Take care and tightlines.

Thanks again,
Ric

Capt. Ric Liles
REEL SIMPLE FISHING ADVENTURES
www.ReelSimpleFishing.com
www.ReelSimpleCharters.com
(813)601-2900
K9 FISHING RODS ~ feel the bite!
www.K9Fishing.com
(813)655-2800
CO-HOST - OUTDOOR FISHING ADVENTURES, ESPN Radio

December Tampa Bay Fishing Report

2010-12-04T15:15:00.000-05:00

Hello Anglers,

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. November was a good month on the water as we caught some nice Redfish and a few really nice Snook. I do expect to catch a few nice Redfish and Snook this month but the size of the Redfish will not be as big on average as what we have been catching. The Mackerel have hung around a little longer this year but I expect this last front will push them out. Trout are still out of season but will be back in on Jan. 1st. With the cooler water temps we have started to see bigger Trout being caught. It's important to handle them with care while releasing them as they are a very delicate fish. I did not get a chance to do any damage to the Grouper and that was just because I could not catch the weather and tides right. Hopefully that will all change in December. December should be a good bet for Grouper as they move closer with the water temps dropping. I try every year to have a couple of nice Grouper filets to go with the turkey and ham at Christmas. As the water gets cooler and we may get there this month I will start to explore up around the power plant and target Sharks and Cobia. Last year we caught a little bit of everything at the power plant but the shark fishing took center stage. We should also be on the brink of a good Sheephead bite. If you have the patience for these guys you can certainly have a good fish fry this time of year. December has a lot to offer as long as the weather holds. I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and has all your needs met. If anyone is interested in a gift certificate for Christmas I have them available. Anyone buying a gift certificate for Christmas will receive a 10% discount. Until next time, good luck and be safe on the water. Remember: don't let your kid be the one that got away, take them fishing.

Thank you,
Ric

Captain Ric Liles
www.ReelSimpleFishing.com

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate, Apollo Beach: Visit Apollo Beach Fl. on Tampa's Gulf Coast

2010-11-19T22:02:00.001-05:00

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate, Apollo Beach: Visit Apollo Beach Fl. on Tampa's Gulf Coast

Visit Apollo Beach Fl. on Tampa's Gulf Coast

2010-11-19T22:02:00.000-05:00

APOLLO BEACH FL VILLAS SET RECORD, APOLLO BEACH HOMES FOR S

2010-11-19T09:34:00.000-05:00

"Tampa Bay Ruskin Waterfront pool home with dock, Tampa Hom

2010-11-19T09:11:00.000-05:00

America - A Veteran's Day Tribute

2010-11-11T08:52:00.000-05:00

APOLLO BEACH FL VILLAS SET RECORD, APOLLO BEACH HOMES FOR S

2010-11-10T19:14:00.000-05:00

Florida Foreclosure Fight Could Be Bellwether

2010-11-09T14:37:00.000-05:00

Florida Foreclosure Fight Could Be Bellwether

Michael D. Carlson recently filed a motion in Pinellas Circuit Court seeking to undo a foreclosure judgment against him from 2008, saying he never knew about the legal proceeding until it was over. As part of the motion, the 42-year-old divorced father of three also wants his home in Dunedin back. The problem is, Carlson's lender, Bank of America, sold it more than a year ago to another couple, who thought they had bought the foreclosed property free and clear. Legal experts say that in trying to reverse a foreclosure after the home has been sold to a third party, Carlson's case may be the first of its kind — but it's unlikely to be the last. Whether it's robo-signed documents, falsified affidavits or failure to properly notify defendants, as claimed in the Carlson case, shortcuts by lenders' law firms could prove to be land mines in the legal system. When triggered by homeowners who feel their cases were improperly handled, such issues could raise ownership questions for years to come.

Tuesday's Afternoon Update - from Florida Trend, Florida's Source For Business News

2010-11-09T14:36:00.000-05:00

Tuesday's Afternoon Update - from Florida Trend, Florida's Source For Business News

November Fishing Report

2010-11-01T10:57:00.002-04:00

Hello Anglers,

I'm not quite sure what to put in this months forecast. October was a hit and miss month and "The Screamin' Sea Weasel" had a few days that not many fish came over her sides. Atleast they were not days that met my standards. I certainly hope that November is a little different. The great thing about fishing this time of the year is the weather is usually nice and comfortable. November is normally a month that I spend a lot of time Snook fishing but not so much this year, I hope to focus more on some of the migrating fish found in the deeper waters around the bay. Trout season is closed until January 1st so I will not be doing a lot of Trout fishing. If Redfish or Flounder are on the agenda I will fish the skinny water but will mostly target Mackerel, Bonita, Kingfish, and Grouper until the water temps push them away. This all of course is subject to the weather. We will start to get a few fronts move in on us and that always shuffles the deck and changes fishing strategies. I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving. Until next time, good luck and be safe on the water.

Remember: don't let your kid be the one that got away, take them fishing.

Take care and tightlines,
Ric

Capt. Ric Liles
REEL SIMPLE FISHING ADVENTURES
www.ReelSimpleFishing.com
(813)601-2900
K9 FISHING RODS ~ feel the bite!
www.K9Fishing.com
(813)655-2800
CO-HOST - OUTDOOR FISHING ADVENTURES, ESPN Radio

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Forward

2010-10-24T23:18:00.002-04:00

Housing Affordability: A Possible Good Omen
by Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist

Amid all the media reports on how housing is still "in the tank," one piece of news seemed to have escaped many of the pundits. Housing affordability could possibly reach an all-time high of near 200 in the second half of this year. That is, a household making the median income would have twice the income necessary to buy a median-priced home in America. To date, NAR's housing affordability index reached an all-time high of 184 back in early 2009. It was only slightly above 100 during the housing bubble years, meaning that qualifying income barely met the requirements to buy a home even with a 20 percent down payment (if not using teaser-rate, funny/toxic mortgages). Historically over the past 40 years, the average affordability index was 118.

The principal reason for the expected record high housing affordability index reading is the rock bottom mortgage rates of 4.4 percent on a 30-year fixed rate. Add to that modest gains in the average wage rate, which rose 3 percent in 2009 and is up 1.2 percent this year-to-date in spite of the high unemployment rate. Consider now versus then when home prices were at their "bubble" peak in 2006.

Of course, like all things "real estate," affordability is local as well. There will be considerable local market variations in affordability conditions. Remember that one of the main components of NAR's affordability index is home prices. Some markets encountered only minimal price declines while others such as Las Vegas experienced a 60 percent nose dive. Still, on a nationwide basis, the affordability conditions have risen to compelling levels.

However, if a sizable number of people view - rightly or wrongly - that home prices will fall further and raise the affordability levels to even higher levels, then homebuying will continue to remain soft. That will lead to a further build up of inventory and thus hold back a true price recovery. The price decline potential was evident in July's housing data. Existing-home sales plunged 27 percent to 3.83 million seasonally adjusted annualized units - their lowest level since 1995. Even though there was little change in inventory (with 4 million homes available for sale), the actual months' supply of inventory rose sharply to 12.5. The sales decline reflected the aftermath of taking the stimulus medicine away. For nearly all of June, homebuyers knew they had to close the deal by the end of June to qualify for the tax credit. Therefore - and naturally - people rushed in to close in June and not wait till July. Qualitative REALTOR® member survey data about recent homebuyers suggest that investors, all-cash buyers, and buyers of expensive homes stayed in the market in July, but first-time buyers did not.

Going forward, home prices may fall, although I doubt in any meaningful way. Even if they do decline, there is no guarantee that affordability conditions will improve. Again, the principal reason for our current exceptionally high affordability conditions is lower mortgage rates. If prices were to fall 10 percent but mortgage rates creep up to 5.4 percent, then the affordability conditions could actually worsen.

As for home sales, there are far fewer people in the pipeline to buy a home in the immediate months after the tax credit expiration. Consequently, expect continuing low sales at least through autumn. But sales should slowly come back because of the high expected affordability conditions. Winter months are generally slow ones for home sales. If sales this coming winter matches up with past "normal" winters, then it would be a good sign that the housing market is getting back on track to normal sales levels. If sales this winter remain 20 to 30 percent lower than normal, then we are looking at trouble with high inventory stuck at a double-digit months' supply. Remember that the months-supply figure is also impacted by the raw count of homes listed for sale. Since inventory generally declines from summer to winter, the months' supply will steadily fall, hopefully to 8 or 9 months, and close to the level consistent with continuing price stabilization. For example, inventory fell by 600,000 to 800,000 from July to December in each of the past 3 years. If a similar decline occurs this year and home sales slowly bounce back to 4.5 million (annualized sales) then we can have continuing price stabilization.

A compelling argument can be made about the best affordability conditions, but it will be for naught if consumers lack confidence. Confidence in turn will be directly impacted by the general direction of the economy. Unfortunately, the economic recovery is coming to a virtual halt. GDP growth rates in the past three successive quarters were: 5.0%, 3.7%, and 1.6%. The upcoming GDP growth rates could be even lower figures. (If it turns negative for two straight quarters, then another fresh recession is at hand). At such tepid growth rate the unemployment rate could well reach 10 percent. GDP growth in a post-recessionary environment should be 5 percent or better, not only to start growing but to compensate for the recessionary downfall.

The weak economic expansion means that the job market will continue to look bleak and the unemployment rate could top 10 percent. This does not mean the country is necessary losing jobs on net right now. There have in fact been 763,000 private sector job creations from the beginning of the year to August. The soft economic expansion just means that the job creation pace is too slow to accommodate the rise in the labor force, particularly the recent high school and college graduates looking for work, aside from the need to fully re-hire the near 8 million job losses that occurred in the 2008 and 2009 recession. In a normal good year, there would be 2.5 to 3 million annual private sector job gains.

The homebuyer tax credit appears to have done its job in preventing home price over-correction. NAR prices show stabilizing pattern for the past 12 months while Case-Shiller price data show stabilizing patter for the past 18 months. We'll still need to wait several more months to get a definitive gauge on price stabilization. At this point, we'll see how the housing market behaves in the absence of the stimulus medicine. As with any sectors in the economy, it is very unhealthy to be dependent on government help for a long period. Compelling affordability conditions and some job creations are a move in the right direction and we have to just allow some time for these factors to work their way into the system. But an important question that will linger is of when consumer confidence will genuinely return to close on the deal.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine September 2010 with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

See What all the fuss is about

2010-10-15T11:23:00.001-04:00

Frank Garcia Music
under the stars this SAT between 5 and 9 pm? Tedd Webb & other
stars singing fund raiser so that our Camp Bayou and Fossil museum
can continue to awe and excite the many thousands of children who have
been there to say:"THIS WAS MY FAVORITE FIELD TRIP MR GARCIA" 50,000
...kids can't be wrong.can ANY BAY AREA ATTRACTION TOP WHAT THE KIDS ARE
SAYING ABOUT PALEO PRESERVE ?

2010-10-08T09:42:00.000-04:00

Real Estate Tip:Inspection Repairs
When you sell a house, the buyers will probably have a home inspection before they sign a contract to purchase the home. The inspector may turn up something that needs attention or repair, and after the inspection, the buyers may produce a list of items they want repaired as a condition for moving forward on the sale.

When you get the buyers' list, remember that some of the items may be negotiable. Sales contracts usually require that all the systems be in working condition. Some buyers may make requests that go beyond the normal obligations of the seller. They may ask for a new roof or certain structural repairs that you may not want to make. Your agent can help you to assess the risks of just saying "no" to buyers who are making demands you consider to be unreasonable. You may decide to decline the requests, but the buyers may also decide to back out of the deal as a result.

When you agree to make repairs, hire licensed professionals who will guarantee their work, and give copies of the reports to the buyers. Arrange to have the repairs made as far ahead of time to avoid last-minute complications which could compromise the transaction.

* See Bonnie's Feature Properties: www.TAMPACOASTALHOMES.COM/myhomes.asp
* Visit www.TAMPACOASTALHOMES.COM

Bonnie Fagoh
C21 Beggins
Phone: 813-658-1344
Email: bonniefagoh@NUMBER1EXPERT.com
Website: www.TAMPACOASTALHOMES.COM

2010-10-04T12:31:00.002-04:00

Hello Anglers,

I have to start off by saying that this cool air that I have been feeling in the morning feels good but has brought back some bad memories concerning last years cold. I'll use that as the segway to pass along the information concerning the FWC ruling on Snook. The FWC has ruled that the Snook season be closed until September 2011. I applaud them and feel that this will be the best long term decision. With the water cooling a little, October should be fantastic. September was a pretty good month and we caught a lot of fish under the right conditions. October should be better. The Trout, Redfish, and Grouper bite will increase dramatically as the water temps drop into the 70's. We are also on the cusp of the King Mackerel migration. These fish will be heading south and will make a brief visit in our area. Along with them will be the bigger Spanish Mackerel and the Bonita (Little Tuny). If you have ever been on the other end of the line with a Bonita then you know the battle and the fun it produces. They are not good for eating but are great for catching. The Big Black Drum are under the bridges in the Bay and schooling up and will soon depart and head offshore when the water drops below their comfort zone. I have not taken a trip for them yet but have gotten good reports from my peers. Tarpon are still in a few places, but time for them is limited with the Fall season headed our way. I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween. Until next time, good luck and be safe on the water.

Remember: don't let your kid be the one that got away, take them fishing.

Thank you,
Ric

Capt. Ric Liles
REEL SIMPLE FISHING ADVENTURES
www.reelsimplecharters.com
www.reelsimplefishing.com
(813)601-2900
Co-Host - Outdoor Fishing Adventures, ESPN Radio

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ROCTOBER UPDATE

2010-10-01T15:58:00.001-04:00

October Real Estate Update

One thing you can say it hasn't been boring!!

Rates Back Down
In Freddie Mac's results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.32 percent for the week ending September 30, 2010 - down from the previous week when it averaged 4.37 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.94 percent.
Confidence in the state of the economy fell among consumers and businesses, which led to a decline

Mortgage Rates

Source: Realty Times
U.S. averages as of September 30, 2010:

30 yr. fixed: 4.32%
15 yr. fixed: 3.75%
1 yr. adj: 3.48%

in long-term bond yields and brought many mortgage rates back to record setting lows this week.

What's New in New
Housing Design

Below are the products that are currently grabbing the most attention of the home building and remodeling industries:
Appliance Drawers. Small warming drawers, modest-sized dishwasher drawers for small loads, refrigerator drawers and microwave drawers.
Counter-depth refrigerators. Some are only 24 inches deep.
Motion-detecting faucets. Like you'd find in the restrooms of businesses.
LED lighting. These are used under cabinets and in ceiling fixtures as a longer-lasting, more efficient alternative to compact fluorescent lamps and incandescent bulbs.
Electric heated floors. A nice touch in bathrooms,
Showers with multiple heads and body sprays. Bathtubs are out.

Sellers Quickly Transform Property with Paint

The best way to update a property is to paint it. It's a job that many sellers can do themselves. Here are five suggestions for making the work go quickly.
Get as much furniture as possible out of the way, and cover what's left with plastic drop cloths.
Buy good paint. Top-quality latex interior paint will hide what's underneath.
Tape the edges. Taping the edges with painters tape will speed up the job and make the results more professional.
Paint the ceiling first, then the walls, then the windows and trim and finally the baseboards. This will cut down on time spent repairing drips.
Cut in the corners. Applying a three-inch band of paint around the edges will allow you to fill in the middle with a paint roller.

Four Tips for Setting the Right Sales Price
Sellers think their homes are worth more than their real estate professional recommends, and buyers think these same homes are worth less.
It's a difficult disconnect that makes selling properties a challenge. Successfully marketing a home requires that the price be set carefully -- or it will languish on the market.
Among the considerations:
How many homes are for sale in the neighborhood? The more homes on the market, the more important it is to list at the lower end of the scale. "I want buyers to ask why is this house priced so competitively," said NAR President-elect Ron Phipps. "I want the answer to be an offer."
Take short sales and foreclosures into consideration when pricing. If the competing properties are in lousy condition, they are less of an issue, but if they are well taken care of, yet priced 25 percent below market, they can be a serious factor.
Negotiate decisively. "Buyers are not interested in back-and-forth negotiations these days," Phipps said. "They are less emotional and more disciplined. They will walk away."
Cut the price when you have to. If no one shows up for an open house, if no one calls and if there are no offers, then the price is too high. That means it's time to make a meaningful price cut.

2010-10-01T15:56:00.003-04:00

What You Should Do Now If You
Plan On Selling This Fall

By Michele Dawson

Home sales during the fall are traditionally a bit slower than the frenzied spring and summer months. But fall can be a good time to sell because there are (usually) fewer houses on the market - meaning less competition - and buyers typically want to buy quickly before winter and the holidays set in.
If you plan on selling this fall, you'll want to do everything in your power to attract would-be homebuyers.
One of the first things you should do is examine, and, if needed, repair any major structural systems. If you're unaware of any, you may want to hire a professional home inspector. Chances are a potential buyer will hire an inspector to examine the house, so you might as well save yourself any surprises.
The American Society of Home Inspectors says a typical home inspection includes drainage conditions, exterior surfaces, decks, chimney, the roof, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, furnace, air conditioner, insulation, ventilation, electrical, heating, and plumbing systems.
Once that's done, you should make sure you don't have any loose shingles. Repair and paint your gutters, if needed. Once the structural systems are repaired or given the thumbs-up, then you should turn to appearance.
# And when it comes to looks, if you're selling in the fall, there are many things to consider, including: Curb appeal. In other words, the way your house looks from the street - the roof's condition, how the paint is holding up, whether the windows are sparkling, the lawn is mowed, the landscape is attractive and not buried beneath a peppering of fall leaves, and the driveway and walkways are free from toys and clutter.
# Entering the house. Your front door should be in good condition. Usually when the real estate professional is busy retrieving the key from the lock box, the potential buyers are standing by with nothing else to look at but the front door. Does it need painting or staining? Also,
# new hardware will make it stand out, and why not adorn it with a seasonal fall wreath? Once inside your house, the two things that immediately turn off prospective buyers are dingy walls and dirty, ill-colored, outdated, or shabby carpet. Sometimes it's hard to be objective about the condition of your own house because you see it every day, so ask a friend, neighbor, or your real estate agent to give it a look and give you their honest opinion. Fresh paint can do wonders. Keep the colors neutral. And while you can offer buyers a carpet allowance to compensate for bad carpet, replacing it before selling really boosts that first impression and makes the house more appealing and worth more in the buyer's mind.
# Clear the clutter. If you have too much furniture, put some of it in storage. Fewer pieces of furniture will make the room seem larger and more open. Also, clear counters in the kitchen and bathrooms. Make sure closets are clean. Pack up some of your clothes now. Fewer hanging clothes in the closet will make the closet appear bigger.
# Talk to the professionals. Now's also a good time to interview real estate professionals. Ask about their experience, find out how well they know the area you're eyeing, and talk to references. Once you have someone lined up you can follow his or her additional recommendations and begin the final phases of preparation before your house goes on the market.
Finally, you should be mindful of setting a competitive price. Your REALTOR® will begin by conducting a competitive market analysis of your house and give you an estimate of the fair market value of your home, which is a range that will fluctuate depending on the housing market in your area and how much similar homes in your neighborhood are selling for.
Don't insist on setting the price too high, especially if you're on a timeline. A house priced appropriately will be taken more seriously and will ultimately sell more quickly than one that's overpriced.

Disney names Golden Oak homebuilders - Orlando Business Journal

2010-09-29T22:37:00.000-04:00

Disney names Golden Oak homebuilders - Orlando Business Journal

Hilton buys hotel at Disney for $127.2M - Orlando Business Journal

2010-09-29T22:36:00.000-04:00

Hilton buys hotel at Disney for $127.2M - Orlando Business Journal

Just In {will not hit the market until next week!!}

2010-09-16T12:23:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Apollo Beach!
What would you think if I told you that you could find a 3 bedroom 2 bath POOL HOME ON THE WATER with access to Tampa Bay for only $250k? Well, I just listed one that will hit the market on September 24th! It has been well cared for and is move in ready. Don't be one of those people who will later say "I wish I had bought in 2010....when prices AND interest rates were LOW."
Call me to set an appointment to see this one before it's gone!

World Class Waterfront Living:
An update on Bella Sol Luxury Villas at Apollo Beach on Tampa Bay.....I just put another waterfront penthouse under contract, so now we only have 2 waterfront penthouses and 2 waterfront lower units left (one is on the 2nd floor, the other on the 3rd floor). As for the off water building with water views, there are 3 penthouses available.
Call me to arrange your no obligation Free Boat Tour.

There are currently 327 listings in Apollo Beach. 209 listings have sold in the last 6 months, so that means we have about 9 months of inventory. Call me now for the best properties before they're gone!

For those needing to sell, please call me to go over your options. We have a system that works for those who need to do a short sale and we can offer a FREE consultation with a lawyer so you can find out what is best for you so you can make an informed decision.So to sum it up....great inventory, low prices, low interest rates, and fantastic weather make it the best time to BUY Florida Real Estate!!

Call Bonnie at (813) 390-7606 and schedule your complimentary boat tour of the Apollo Beach area. Come see why the dolphin and manatee love it here! Experience the waterfront lifestyle in this laid back community that is only a short 20 minute boat or car ride to the city of Tampa or 30 minutes to St Petersburg. Find out why the Tampa Sailing Squadron keeps their boats right here in Apollo Beach! We have a great central location with easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota, Fantastic Pro-Golf, NFL Football, Even Pro Hockey and Baseball!! Yes you can have it all only 76 miles from Walt Disney World in Orlando and the Space Coast.

Search all Tampa Bay properties at www.TampaCoastalHomes.com or better yet,
call me for a FREE boat tour! Bonnie (813) 390-7606

Get the List for "Diamonds in the Rough"

2010-09-10T09:50:00.000-04:00

Real Estate Tip:Diamonds in the Rough
There are a lot of "diamonds in the rough" for sale. A property with incredible potential may be in a great location, have large sunny rooms and a big yard, but it may also have dated wall paper, worn carpeting, and uninspired bathrooms. If you can look beyond the surface, you may see a house that could be transformed by a little "elbow grease", paint, and new carpets.

A house that is structurally sound with all the systems in good condition may be only a few cosmetic repairs away from being fantastic! A home that does not show well is usually priced accordingly. If the price doesn't reflect the condition of the house, the seller may be more willing to negotiate than a seller who has made a considerable investment in preparing a home for the market.

Bring your imagination with you on your next house hunting trip! You may be pleasantly surprised to find a diamond in the rough.

* See Bonnie's Feature Properties: www.TAMPACOASTALHOMES.COM/myhomes.asp
* Visit www.TAMPACOASTALHOMES.COM

Diamond finder list get on the Tip List

2010-09-10T09:33:00.002-04:00

Please enjoy the real estate tip included below. If you have any questions about this tip - or any other tips you may have heard elsewhere - please ask! There is no obligation and you'll hear back quickly!

Real Estate Tip:Your Principal Residence
The Federal Tax Code allows married taxpayers to exclude from capital gains taxes up to $500,000 in profits from selling a home (singles can exclude $250,000). In order to qualify for this exemption, you must prove that that the home has been your principal residence for at least two out of the last five years. The establishment of the home as a principal residence depends on the facts of each homeowner's circumstance. Here are two cases to consider.

Homeowner A has lived at 25 Pine Drive for 12 years. Although he stays at his vacation cottage in another town for up to three months out of each year (sometimes more), 25 Pine Drive is his principal residence, where he lives most of the time. When he sells the home, Homeowner A (filing as a single individual) can keep up to $250,000 in tax-free profit.

Homeowner B buys 108 Maple Street, intending to live there. He rents it out while waiting to sell his current home, where he has lived for six years. His principal residence sells at the end of two years. Homeowner B moves into his new house, lives there for three months, and then decides to travel. After a six-month trip, he regrets buying 108 Maple Street and sells it. Even though he has owned the house on Maple Street for over two years, it won't qualify as "owner-occupied", because he only lived in it for a few months. Thus Homeowner B is not eligible to claim the tax exemption when he sells the house on Maple Street.

Consult your tax advisor for advice about your particular circumstance.

* See Bonnie's Feature Properties: www.TAMPACOASTALHOMES.COM/myhomes.asp
* Visit www.TAMPACOASTALHOMES.COM

Bonnie Fagoh
C21 Beggins
Phone: 813-658-1344
Email: bonniefagoh@NUMBER1EXPERT.com
Website: www.TAMPACOASTALHOMES.COM

At August Close: Rates hit all time low!!

2010-09-09T14:56:00.000-04:00

August Round Up: Rates Hit All Time Low

In Freddie Mac's results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), the fixed-rate mortgages reached record lows, while the 5-year adjustable rate remained tied at its low for this survey.

30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.36 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending August 26, 2010, down from the previous week when it averaged 4.42 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.14 percent.

15-year FRM this week averaged a record low of 3.86 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from the previous week when it averaged 3.90 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 4.58 percent.

5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 3.56 percent this week, with an average 0.6 point, unchanged from the previous week when it also averaged 3.56 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 4.67 percent.

1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 3.52 percent this week with an average 0.7 point, down slightly from the previous week when it also averaged 3.53 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 4.69 percent. Average commitment rates should be reported along with average fees and points to reflect the total cost of obtaining the mortgage. Quotes

Attributed to Amy Crews Cutts, deputy chief economist, Freddie Mac.

"Existing home sales plunged 27 percent in July, while new homes fell 12 percent to a new all-time record low, which led to some market concerns that the housing market may slow the economic recovery. As a result, long-term bond yields fell to the lowest levels since January 2009, allowing fixed mortgage rates to ease to new record lows this week.

"Much of the slowdown in sales, however, was expected due to the recently expired homebuyer tax programs, which pulled through future home purchases into the first half of the year. For instance, average existing home sales over the first seven months of 2010 were nearly 8 percent higher than over the same period a year ago.

"Moreover, house prices still appear to be stabilizing. Nationally, house prices rose 0.9 percent on a seasonally-adjusted basis during the second quarter of this year this year after 11 consecutive quarterly declines, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency's purchase only index. Eight of the nine census regions experienced positive gains, compared to none in the first quarter."

Contingent Offers Regaining Popularity

Offers contingent on buyers’ ability to sell their current residence are increasing in popularity. They were almost unheard of during the go-go early 2000s, but common 20 years before that.

Sellers generally don’t like these kinds of offers because it puts them in limbo. If their buyers’ home doesn’t sell, they can be back at square one. Also, once sellers accept a contingent sale offer, they must disclose this to other potential buyers, and that can discourage a buyer prepared to make a better offer.

Sellers who accept contingent-sale offers can include an escape clause in the contract. This clause allows the sellers to notify the contingent-sale buyers of a competing offer and they must remove the contingency in 72 hours (on average) or lose the home.

Three Reasons to Buy a Home Now

Stocks are up from the March 2009 bottom. Some commodities have risen dramatically. The only asset class left in the cellar is real estate, says Michael Murphy, editor of the New World Investor stock newsletter.

As a result, Murphy is advising investors to buy now for these three reasons:

# Anxious sellers: Both home owners and lenders are eager to unload a flood of foreclosed and underwater properties. Buyers with the patience to push through these complex deals can save a bundle.

# Little competition. Because most people don’t have what it takes to negotiate their way through short sales and REOs, patient investors are winners.

# Low rates. Mortgage rates are at their lowest level in 40 years. If you believe inflation is inevitable, lock in now.

2010-09-02T15:55:00.001-04:00

Hello Anglers,

What a wonderful time of year it is! Football season is finally here and September usually marks the beginning of another Snook season. This year the Snook season will be a little different than any in the past as the FWC will make an announcement on September 16th concerning the state of the Snook fishery. My hopes are that they keep it closed until the Spring of 2012. Winning the lottery may be more probable. I look for September to be a lot like August with Trout, Spanish Mackerel, and Sharks being the easiest catches. When the weather conditions allowed August was a good month for these three species. I am also looking forward to the Redfish bite we are about to be on. I have already started seeing these big bruisers around the bay and have caught a few but not really given them a lot of attention yet. Recently it has seemed that when I get a good tide to Redfish, I have a group that wants to do something else and vise versa. Mangrove Snapper are finally starting to be on the agenda but they are not as plentiful as in the past few years. I'm not sure if that is part of the Cold weather we had last winter or just the fact that the last 3 years have been fantastic. Tarpon and Grouper are still here for the challenge and we might see an early arrival of King Mackerel and Bonita in the bay during the month of September.
On another note. The radio show that I cohost "Outdoor Fishing Adventures" on ESPN will have a booth at the Florida Sportsman show at the fairgrounds the last weekend of September. We would love to have you come by and visit with use while you are at the show.

Until next time, good luck and be safe on the water.

Remember: don't let your kid be the one that got away, take them fishing.

Take care and tightlines,
Ric

Capt. Ric Liles
REEL SIMPLE FISHING ADVENTURES
www.reelsimplecharters.com
www.reelsimplefishing.com
(813)601-2900
Co-Host - Outdoor Fishing Adventures, ESPN Radio

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate

2010-09-01T04:41:00.000-04:00

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate

2010-09-01T04:40:00.001-04:00

Priced to Sell

It has long been a motto of real estate, and the saying goes, "location, location, location." It's what sells a property, they say. But recent times have brought to light that the real deciding factor on how fast, or even if, your home sells all comes down to price.

It's not that buyers are attracted by shiny, new things, but in a sense they are. When a home is newly listed it gathers a lot of interest. The listing agent may send out emails, webcasts, and virtual tours. They launch their entire marketing program. Even the MLS indicates the home as "newly listed." After a few weeks, however, if no momentum has been built, the home will then face a must steeper challenge on the road to selling.

First, homes that have been on the market a considerable time lose their competitive advantage. A buyer may see a home hasn't moved, and may come in with a low offer price. Depending on how desperate the seller is, they may feel obligated to take this offer.

Second, no one wants their home to sit on the market. It can interrupt plans to move and to buy. One of the best game plans is to price your home to sell.

This means taking a good, hard look at the area comparables. How much have homes been selling for in your area? How does your home compare in terms of amenities? Your real estate agent can be invaluable when it comes to correctly pricing your home. Sellers judgement can be easily prejudiced by emotional attachment to the home and hopes for certain profits.

If your area is experiencing a strong buyers market, that means you need to be even more competitive. You may need to price your home a little lower than you had hoped for. If you are in a sellers market, you can generally ask for a bit more in the asking price.

One tried a true method a realtor will use to snowball interest in a home is to actually underprice it. If your home is in a desirable location and you undercut the competition, you may find yourself fielding multiple offers. How does that work?

A group of buyers are all looking for a home in your lovely neighborhood. Comparable homes to your are priced around $250,000. So, you price your home at $220,000. Buyers jump at the chance to get such a bargain deal .... buyers being the operative word. This can create a bidding war between buyers who have fallen in love with your property. In many cases, the final sale price ends up being more than you would have gotten had you listed at a higher initial price.

Have your upgrades priced you out of the competition? Renovating your home with upgraded fixtures and granite counters can be very appealing. But if homes in your neighborhood are basic models with Formica counters and fewer fancy upgrades, you may have a hard time finding a buyer who will shell out more. This is one way location is very important. You must make sure you're aren't overpriced for your location. Depending on your area, you may have to eat the costs of some of your previous upgrades in order to get a sale.

And finally, are you being greedy? Sometimes people have a magic number in their head of the profit they'd like to make by selling their house. They already have that money spent on the upgrades and toys they'll buy for their next home. But selling is a time to be realistic.

Rely on your real estate agent to guide you in pricing your home. And good luck selling!

Written by Carla Hill

It is the Best time in History to buy waterfront properties in Florida -- Let me show you.

Realty Times - Apollo Beach, Florida Real Estate Market Conditions from Bonnie Fagoh

2010-08-29T23:36:00.000-04:00

Realty Times - Apollo Beach, Florida Real Estate Market Conditions from Bonnie Fagoh

2010-08-27T10:56:00.001-04:00

Mark your calendar..... August 27th for this rare occurrence. For those who have children, show them for they will never see this again. An interesting fact about AUGUST 2010. This AUGUST has 5 SUNDAYS, 5 MONDAYS and 5 TUESDAYS, ALL IN ONE MONTH. IT HAPPENS ONCE IN 823 YEARS. Two moons on August 27, 2010 the Whole World is waiting for............. Planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky. It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. This will culminate on Aug. 27 when Mars comes within 34.65M miles off earth. Be sure to watch the sky on Aug. 27 12:30 am. It will look like the earth has 2 moons. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287. Share this with your friends as NO ONE ALIVE TODAY will ever see it again.

Washington Federal Reserve Weighs In

2010-08-21T08:34:00.000-04:00

Real Estate Outlook: Federal Reserve Weighs In

The U.S. Congress asked Federal Reserve Board chairman Ben Bernanke a key question the last week of July: Where do you and your colleagues believe we're headed in terms of the national economy?

Bernanke's reply: There are bumps and potholes on the road to recovery, but the Fed "expects continued moderate (economic) growth, a gradual decline in the unemployment rate (to about 7 percent) and subdued inflation" over the next couple of years.

No sooner had Bernanke delivered his testimony than some of those "bumps" in the road popped up: The Commerce Department reported new housing starts dropped by 5 percent in the latest month, and the National Association of Realtors reported existing home sales down by a similar percentage.

But keep in mind the central point Bernanke was making in his forecast: Troubled though it may look with any single statistical report, the fact is the national economy continues to grow - by about two and a half percent on an annual basis - and many elements of the economy are better off this year than the were the year before.

Take the Commerce Department's housing starts number: That five percent decline was mainly the result of a big drop in starts of new rental apartment units - not a drop in starts of new single family houses, which were stable.

In fact, the Commerce Department survey found that permits pulled by builders for future construction on single family homes were actually up in three out four of the major regions of the country.

Analyzing the government's data, Bernard Markstein, senior economist for the National Association of Home Builders, was encouraged - and predicted increases in both starts and sales over the coming several months.

The latest sales report for existing homes from the National Association of Realtors also had some bright spots: Sales in June were 10 percent higher than they were in the same month the year before.

Even median prices of all homes sold were up slightly, and that's despite the fact that one third of sales were "distressed" in some way - REOs, foreclosures or short sales.

And remember: virtually all economists - including those at the Fed - had forecast lower home sales for the months immediately following the expiration of the tax credit programs.

Meanwhile, hints of a rebound in future sales emerged in the latest report on new mortgage applications to buy homes.

The Mortgage Bankers Association found that purchase applications overall jumped by 3.4 percent - and by 8 percent for FHA loans to buy houses. Those transactions won't go to closing for two to three months … but they're a sign of where we're likely headed.

Written by Kenneth R. Harney

It is the Best time in History to buy waterfront properties in Florida -- Let me show you.

Monday's Afternoon Update - from Florida Trend, Florida's Source For Business News

2010-08-16T23:48:00.000-04:00

Monday's Afternoon Update - from Florida Trend, Florida's Source For Business News

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate

2010-08-16T10:19:00.000-04:00

Tampa Coastal Homes, Tampa Real Estate