Tampa Real Estate Blog

Tampa, FL - With all the talk about the weak real estate market, one important message seems to get lost, especially in the news media.

The real estate market is not global.  It is made up of thousands of local markets and not all behave the similarly all the time - in up and down market environments - even within a very defined area.

For example, South Tampa has always been considered a market area.  During the recent real estate downturn it has behaved differently than other market areas within the larger Tampa market, such as the Wesley Chapel and Riverview areas.  Both of these have suffered many more foreclosures and downward pricing pressure than has South Tampa.  And, differences exist even within the South Tampa area.  Prices on Davis Islands have not dropped as far or as fast as, say, some of the areas south of Gandy Blvd.

So, if you're a buyer, depending upon where you'd like to buy, don't automatically assume that a seller's unwillingness to meet your price demands means that the asking price of that property is too high.  Usually, there are good reasons for one area to maintain price integrity while others cannot.  And, when the overall market turns upward, the areas that haven't dropped as far and as fast usually increase in value first, and fastest.

To optimize your buying (or selling) opportunity, think long term and try to understand the factors that cause an area to be desirable, or undesirable.  If you take this approach, you'll likely make a better overall investment and be happier with your choice.

For more information on the South Tampa, FL real estate market, you can visit our web site: www.PrettyDogRealty.com.

Tampa, FL - While talking to a neighborhood acquaintance, a nice woman who's been trying to sell her home for over 2 years, I realized that she'd been given some advice that many realtors would likely offer... "Don't do a thing to fix up your home."  While this may have been reasonable advice during Florida's real estate heyday, I disagreed with it then, and disagree even more so today.

Her home is considered by many to be a 'tear-down'.  It is very likely that a couple or a developer will build a big, new, McMansion on this property, and I do agree that this is probably a good idea.  However, this home is liveable - the seller has been living there for several years - and real estate is a game, especially when it comes to pricing strategy.

If one wants to sell a 'tear-down' for the highest possible price, a home must be attractive to buyers who want to live there.  Otherwise, there is no way anyone who intends to build something new on the property will pay top dollar.  Why would they?  If a place is not up to market standards, whatever they may be, most buyers will not pay market price.  They'll likely offer something well below market, (I'd offer at least 25% below in our current environment), especially today.  But, if the same buyer realized that the property could be used by someone else as their home, they would have to pay more - and savvy buyers know this.

Another good reason that sellers of real fixer-uppers should invest some money to make their home more appealing to folks who'd consider living there seems obvious, and is even more important in the slow real estate market we've been stuck in: A home that people would consider living in will appeal to a much larger pool of buyers.  In today's market, the larger the buying pool, the more likely that a property will sell - at any price.

One does not have to spend a fortune.  A home just needs to give a good first impression and, often, simple fixes that don't cost much can be enough to make a huge difference.  For more about pricing strategy, please visit: www.PrettyDogRealty.com.

Tampa, FL - I feel badly for all those suffering the cold, gray days of early winter.  I like winter, especially in the Rocky Mountains, where I have lived for about 4 of my 52 years.  My current residence in Florida, however, deprives me of the joyful colder temperatures I came to love while growing up on Long Island in New York.

In fact, this Fall in Tampa has been spectacular... by Florida standards.  Cooler, dryer weather came to the area in October and it hasn't left yet.  Our days have been in the high 60's to the mid 70's, with low humidity (for Florida) and clear, blue, sunny skies.  I'm not a weatherman, but this has been something special that should be shared.  And, with prices here in Tampa as low as they've been for many years, perhaps as low as 2003 levels, once again, affordable, wonderful homes are available.  Please visit www.PrettyDogRealty.com for more information.

Tampa, FL - "Sell My Condo!" demands a prominent dentist who takes care of the teeth of many sports figures - both local and out of towners.  And, it's a great apartment with views, Views, VIEWS!  Located on the 25th Floor of a luxury building with wonderful amenities in the Channelside District, you can see from horizon to horizon, including the Tampa Bay, Port of Tampa, and all the way up to USF.

This Large 3/3 with 2 Huge Wrap-Around Terraces comes with: Full time, on-site Security; Lighted, Secure Pet Walk with amazing views; Fabulous Pool with Waterfall; and Low Utility Bills - compressor portion of A/C bill is covered by low monthly HOA fee.  HOA fee also covers: High Speed Internet, High Definition TV, Telephone, and Building Insurance.  Only $724,900. 

Please call Bruce Bernstein at Pretty Dog Realty at 813-944-3115 or visit www.Channelside2502.com for complete details.

Tampa, FL - For those who know little about Tampa, or who have never visited this growing city in west central Florida, here's the real scoop:

1) The weather here is awful from May to October - very hot - unless that's your thing, then you'll love the Summer.  However, from November to May, unless we're having a spell of bad luck (warm fronts!) the weather can be spectacular.  Today, October 27, is one of those wonderful mornings... Cool temperatures (for those of you in the north, that means 70's) with a slight breeze, low humidity, and clear blue skies.  If you're planning a visit, the time to come is early December - before the big crowds - which will increase the odds of great weather.

2) The south Tampa area is surrounded by water - the Hillsborough Bay to the east and the Tampa Bay to the west, with a river or two flowing gently into the bays.  This makes boating here a very popular recreational activity.  The bays connect to the Gulf of Mexico via the waters under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.  Plus, many homes here have in-ground pools.

3) If you're into watching sports, the Tampa area is blessed with 3 professional sports teams of note: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Tampa Bay Rays.  All are fun to watch and the Rays and Lightning ownership seem very committed to winning championships.  The Buccaneers ownership group seems happy with the championship they won several years ago, and has not recently taken the steps necessary to properly compete - but they're defense is fun to watch.

So, "Come on down!" to quote a 1960's Tropicana Orange Juice commercial.  You'll love our airport, too.

Tampa, FL - I recently came upon a report that said over 31 million Americans described themselves as Avid bicycle riders - those riding for health and wellness.  That's about 10% of the total population of the United States of America, with most falling into a specific demographic pool.  (About 55% were women, educated, over 40, and earned a decent living.)  My initial thought was great... We're getting healthy.

Then, after making a point of looking more closely at people who seemed to match this demographic during my daily errands and travels, I noticed that so many appeared to be very out of shape.  I was puzzled... Could these folks be that out of shape and also ride a bicycle for exercise?  Or, was I only seeing those individual who didn't ride (I guess the others were out riding)?  To satisfy my curiosity, I decided to begin a little experiment and take an informal survey...

If you ride a bicycle on a regular basis for exercise, especially if you're over 35 years old, I'd love to hear from you!  In addition to letting me know if you cycle, I'm also curious about what, if anything, you eat for energy DURING your ride, and what you drink - water, energy drink, other? 

If you'd like to respond to this very informal survey - names, addresses, and phone numbers are unnecessary, and will not be shared or abused in any way - please CLICK HERE.

So, for those who'd like to know, here's the difference: A REALTOR is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, who also belongs to the local association of REALTORS, the state association of REALTORS, and the National Association of Realtors, or NAR.  Licensing is administered by the state in which one practices, and each state has their own standards for licensing.  (Many states have standards that are overwhelmingly inadequate, so let the buyer/seller beware!)  Although there are compelling reasons for an agent to become a member of NAR and their state and local associations, like education and access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), no one is 'forced' to join.  And, while it would be difficult in residential real estate - it would be much easier for commercial brokers/agents - it is possible for a real estate business to operate without association membership or MLS access.

So, even though a person is a Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate, Broker Associate, or Broker, they may not be a REALTOR.

There are many advantages of doing business with a REALTOR, (as opposed to a licensed agent), but the 2 biggest are probably the information a REALTOR can provide (as a result of their access to the MLS and other tools) and the Code of Ethics that all REALTORS must abide (or they can be fined or even lose their license).  The code is rather extensive and strict, but if you'd like to see the actual code, here's a link: REALTOR Code of Ethics (May take a few seconds to load).

Tampa, FL - Another Tropical Storm/Hurricane (Fay) has missed the Tampa Bay area.  This is not a surprise for those of us who have lived in Tampa for many years.  I have been here, on and off, since 1979.  During that time, several hurricanes have formed and could have headed directly for us.  However, to this date none have (knock-on-wood, as my grandmother used to say) directly hit us with severe hurrican force winds.

I suspect that there are those who may have wanted to move to, or purchase second homes in Florida but decided not to because of the hurricane threat.  While it is possible that major storms can hit Tampa, it has been a very long time since one actually has.

Now, I understand that a statistician might evaluate this information and say that we are 'due' for one to hit.  However, another argument is that some unknown or unseen force of nature (upper winds and area weather patterns?) prevents storms from moving through the Tampa Bay area.

The point here is: while hurricanes are very real and they do occasionally hit Florida... Tampa seems to be far less vulnerable than other areas of the state.  So, for those thinking of moving to, or buying in Florida... Come On Down (to quote a very old orange juice commercial)!  But forget about Miami, Jacksonville, or especially the Panhandle area... Set your sights on Tampa.

Tampa, FL - For those who are planning/investing for the future, there is a real buying opportunity shaping up in Tampa, Florida.  Property values have plunged, in some areas, to 2002 levels.  Although this may be difficult to believe at this time, things will turn around.  When they do, according to many real estate economists, including Lawrence Yun, chief economist for NAR, they are very likely to rise quickly.  The theory being, the faster they fall, the more quickly they will rise once the market has reversed itself.

Regardless, make no mistake, those who invest today will reap large benefits sometime in the future.  Tampa real estate was hot once and it will be again... The only question is when?  As such, we recommend a long term investment strategy and have developed an interesting plan to take advantage of this opportunity.  Investors with cash to spend can purchase good properties, bail out the current owners, and have an instant, grateful tenant paying you rent.  To learn more, please visit: www.PrettyDogRealty.com/invest.

Tampa, FL – Even though REALTORS® (myself included) continue the task of being upbeat about real estate and the markets, the news seems to be going from bad to worse, with no end in sight.  Now, adding to the mix, major bank failures have dampened any enthusiasm that might have been building.

Given all the current negative real estate news, many might be surprised to learn that some markets, even in Florida, have begun to turn around.  Ft. Myers is one example where declining prices have brought many buyers back to the market, and has recently seen real and substantial year-over-year sales growth.  I used the word 'real' because, lately, in Tampa, much 'misleading' information has been disseminated by an association which should know better, through willing media outlets content to take the word of a misguided organization, without actually checking the facts.  However, that's another story.

Like Ft. Myers, Tampa's market has suffered serious price declines - in some areas they may be just as dramatic.  Yet, Tampa has not seen the buying activity needed to exceed 2007's meager sales figures.  This is puzzling.  Tampa does have much to offer... Good restaurants, 3 professional sports teams on the rise (Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Bucanneers), lots of night life, some amazing sunsets, and lots of water for boating, sailing, swimming, and more.  It's a good lifestyle.

So, if you're looking for a buyer's market that is ready to explode, consider Tampa, Florida.  You can get a lot of house for a very low price (compared to 2 years ago) and live a comfortable lifestyle.  For more information, please visit www.PrettydogRealty.com.