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It’s a Hole-In-One Race for the Cure October 3, 2011
By Kortney Gentry
 

Susan G Komen GolfIt’s that time of year.  We are seeing Susan G Komen “3-day” banners, t-shirts, runners and walkers popping up everywhere and now we are seeing golfers too!  On Sunday, October 9th, one of our very own Belleair Realtors, Ted Anderson will be sponsoring a hole and handing out goodie bags at the 6th Annual Bosom Buddies Forever Golf Classic.  The event takes place at the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club in Belleair and the proceeds will be given to the Susan G Komen Foundation.

If you have a heart for both golf and charity, then this 4-person scramble is for you.  Entry is only $100 per person and includes green fees, golf cart, on-course beverages, awards, lunch, dinner and participant prizes.  For $100, you can also promote your business and support the cause via hole sponsorship.  Or if you’re feeling confident in both your company and your golf skills, for $450, grab a couple of work buddies for a Corporate Team and hole sponsorship combo.

Various local merchants will be donating items for participant goodie bags and there will be prizes given out for competitions including: hole-in-one, putting contest, Susan G Komen Golf Cartclosest to the pin on all par 3s and longest drive for men & women.  If you show up in this awesome breast cancer awareness themed golf cart, I vote automatic win!

The shotgun start is at noon but be sure to leave your Belleair home with enough time to get there before 11am for open registration and a light lunch.  Enjoy on-course drinks throughout the day and the award dinner will begin at 5:30pm.   All in all, the day should be delightful.  Nothing like a fun competition for a great cause to kick off the fall weather!

We do however, know competitions can get serious, so choose your team wisely…Who will you have on your side?

 
 
 
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Featured Friday: 1196 Stephen Foster Drive September 23, 2011
By Kortney Gentry
 

This spacious Largo home for sale is located at 1196 Stephen Foster Dr.  With 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2,205 sqft, and a beautiful outdoor area with a pool, there is so much room to enjoy!  The home features a fabulous kitchen, terrazzo floors throughout and the 4th bedroom can be used as an in-law or guest suite.  Belleair Realtor,  Susan Johnson-Cox sat down with me to splurge some of the home’s details…

1196 Stephen Foster DrQ: What distinctive features set this home apart?

A: The beautiful Largo home has the 4th bedroom above the garage that can be used as a guest suite or man cave.  It actually has a separate entrance from the main house.

Q: What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?

A: This home for sale in Pinellas county is within walking distance to the new Eagle Lake Park on Keene Rd.  It’s in the Allen Creek area but does not require flood insurance. Close to shopping, restaurants, and airports.

Q: Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?

A: The interior of the home is original with terrazzo floors throughout.  It has excellent flow to combine family room and with your newly updated kitchen.

Q: What makes the price of this home so great?

A: The average 3 bedroom 2 bath Largo home is priced at $98 per square foot.  This is a 4 bedroom 3 bath pool home priced at $90 per square feet.  What a steal!

Enjoy the up coming fall weather underneath the shade of mature Oak trees in your new yard at 1196 Stephen Foster Dr, Largo, FL 33771.  The home is move-in ready- just give Susan a call to arrange a tour.

About Susan:

Belleair Realtor Susan CoxWith vast experience in both the Belleair and St Petersburg markets, Belleair Realtor, Susan Johnson-Cox is extremely versatile.  Priding herself on her personalized service, Susan is a solid choice for the first time home buyer or luxury seller.

 
 
 
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Wonder Women Wear Stilettos: Introducing Smith Title September 20, 2011
By Kortney Gentry
 

When you think about a Title company, what is the first thing that comes to mind?  For me, it is fabulously dressed, beautiful ladies with the best shoes in town.  Oh yeah, and how could I forget… Lightning fast closings.  Real Talk.


While these ladies may be some of the most fabulous in Tampa Bay, they mean business (with frequent side orders of fun, of course).  The Smith & Associates Title, Inc. is an attorney-operated, full service company dedicated to providing exceptional real estate closings to sellers and purchasers throughout the state of Florida.

According to President, Angie Comas, “Our goal is to ensure that the real estate transaction proceeds flawlessly from opening to closing. This is accomplished by harmonizing our technology with traditional, time tested processing methods. In addition to our highly knowledgeable staff, we offer a level of exceptional customer services that the Smith & Associates customer has come to expect.”

Let’s meet the Smith Title girls that will be closing your next Tampa home:

Angie ComasAngi Comas, President
Angi Comas immigrated from Vietnam and landed directly in South Tampa, where she has resided since 1982.   Angi is almost a “native Tampanian” in that she attended primary schools throughout South Tampa and college at the University of South Florida. After spending three years in law school at Florida State University, she longed to come back to her South Tampa home. Although Tallahassee is a charming city, she missed driving on Bayshore Boulevard and walking around in Hyde Park Village. In 2009, Angi Comas joined Smith & Associates Title.   If Angi is not in the office, you can find her in her closet – organizing it.

Julie Simmons, CloserJulie Simmons
Julie (or Ms.  Simmons, as she occasionally likes to be called) relocated to the Tampa Bay area in 2002 from her home-town of Pensacola, to begin her career in the field of title insurance.  Julie now calls St. Petersburg home (blocks away from our Beach Drive location).   Around the office, Julie Simmons can spotted wearing a cardigan sweater and a Smith & Associates name tag – the two most important elements of her signature look.  In addition to her passion for title insurance, Ms. Simmons enjoys running, kayaking, ballroom dancing and spending time with her beloved eight year old boxer, Dirce.

Aurean WhalenAureann Whalen, Closer
At the age of fourteen, Aureann began her title insurance career by making microfilm copies for her father, a title insurance examiner, during the summer break.  Aureann’s mother is a title insurance marketing representative and so,  Aureann was destined to be in the title insurance industry. In addition to her extensive experience as a closer in South Florida and in the greater Tampa Bay area, she closed many of the sales transactions for Grand Key in South Tampa.  Aureann speaks fluent Spanish and has a penchant for all things that are sparkly – just like her personality.  When she is not working on closings for all of our agents, Aureann likes to play golf and go to the beach.

Sara Houze, Post- CloserSara Houze
Sara Houze is a post closer at Smith & Associates Title.  Although her official duties are to handle the files after the closing, Sara is also our  technology expert. Furthermore, she inspires all of us in the office with her environmental consciousness. In our efforts to become a more “green” company, Sara has taught us that almost everything can be recycled, including packaging materials, electronics and even shoes. One of Sara’s favorite pastimes is extreme-couponing – it is amazing what she can do with $100!

Whether you are looking for beautiful ladies, massive amounts of coupons, fashion tips or the most efficient closing of your life, Smith Title is who you need on your side.  Wonder women really do rock stilettos!

Have you recently purchased a Tampa, St Pete or Belleair home?  What kind of experience did you have with the Title company?

 
 
 
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Feature Friday: 450 Treasure Island Causeway #507 September 9, 2011
By Kortney Gentry
 

When traveling along one of St. Pete‘s premier waterways, Boca Ciega Bay, you will come across today’s featured property at 450 Treasure Island Causeway #507.  This 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo has been wonderfully maintained and offers fantastic waterfront and golf course views from almost every room.  St. Pete Realtor, Marsha Godwin shared some insider information about this amazing unit located in the Treasure Island Tennis & Yacht Club:

Treasure Island HomeQ: What distinctive features set this home apart?

A: This well maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath waterfront home for sale in Treasure Island offers beautiful views of Boca Ciega Bay.   In addition, the home offers a split bedroom plan for added privacy, an office/media area, hurricane shutters, covered assigned parking, storage area, newer appliances, built in china/display cabinet and more.

Q: What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?

A: You are conveniently located within just minutes to the beautiful Gulf Coast Beaches or to downtown St. Petersburg.   Spend your time between sandy beaches, water activities and a casual lifestyle or enjoy restaurants, museums and entertainment in a waterfront downtown environment.

Q: What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?Treasure Island Waterfront

A: Enjoy amazing views of Boca Ciega Bay from almost every room.  In addition to the Boca Ciega Bay views, you can enjoy overlooking the waterway to views of the Treasure Island Golf Course and Tennis Courts.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about the home?

A: You are just steps away from The Club of Treasure Island. If you choose to become a member, you can enjoy all the amenities offered such as Pool Pavilion, Bayside Lounge, Fitness Area, Tennis Courts, Game Room, Marina and more along with entertainment, services and programs for your enjoyment.

The fabulous 450 Treasure Island Causeway #507, Treasure Island, FL 33706 is listed by St. Pete Realtor, Marsha Godwin.  This spacious unit is on one of the Bay area’s most sought after beaches waiting for a new owner!

St Pete Realtor Marsha GodwinAbout Marsha:

Born and raised in Florida’s panhandle, St. Pete Realtor Marsha Godwin has always been a Florida native at heart.  After spending some time in Orlando, Newport Coast and Atlanta, receiving her Master’s degree at Georgia State University, she decide to move back to the Tampa Bay area where she has now grown her successful Real Estate career with Smith & Associates.

 
 
 
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Celebrities Call Tampa Bay Home Too! September 7, 2011
By Kortney Gentry
 

Tampa Bay Celeb Home

The Tampa Bay area is a hotspot for such a variety of people.  We have everyone from the snow birds that spend the so called “winter months” here (some don’t consider weather that still allows for flip flops winter).  Then there are those that come into town for a Tampa Bay Bucs, Rays or Lightning game or travelers here to see the beautiful beaches and local theme parks.  And last but not least, there we are:  your every day crowd here for work, play and just to live our lives.  I love this area and will most likely always call Tampa Bay home but who would have guessed that outside of the “normal” crowd we are so accustomed to, many celebrities feel the same way about the Bay Area?  You heard me right, fame in the flesh is here in Tampa Bay!  So, who should you be on the lookout for?

Tampa Bay Celebrity HomeOf course we will always have the athletes.  Various Lightning players live all over the Bay.  Some enjoy the exciting beach atmosphere in Clearwater while others like to stay in the South Tampa area, just a short commute to the St. Pete Times Forum.  Then there are the Buccaneers.  You will often spot these guys in International Mall and I don’t doubt that many of them will pay a constant tribute to Leroy Selmon by visiting one of his various restaurant locations.  As for the Rays, you can find them dispersed throughout the area.  While some opt out of purchasing homes due to the schedule fluctuation and possibility of being drafted, you can find many of them renting out some of the luxury high rises in Downtown St. Pete.  And while he may be one of our team rivalries, you can also spot Derek Jeter in the area during Yankee Spring training, as he calls Tampa home as well (pictured above left).

Tampa Bay Celebrity HomeWhile we do have an abundance of athletes in the area, they are not all we have here.  Tampa Bay is home to its fare share of Professional Wrestlers as well (whom I guess could technically be lumped into the previous field).  Some you may know, including: wrestler gone rapper gone actor John Cena who resides in Tampa, Joannie Laurer “Chyna” in Sarasota, Randy “Macho Man” Savage in Treasure Island, Paul Wight The Big Show” in Odessa and Barbara Blank “Kelly Kelly” a Jacksonville native now living in South Tampa.  And, of course I wouldn’t leave out the infamous Hulk Hogan who currently has his 17,000 SF Belleair home for sale (pictured above right).

If reading is your thing, thriller author, Stephen King, can be found conjuring up his next book in Sarasota along with AC/DC lead man, Brian Johnson.  And if Ocala isn’t too far of a trip, John Travolta can be reached, but only via his private jet way, please.  The late Oxy Clean/infomercial superstar, Billy Mays called Tampa home as well and I have a feeling if asked what he thought about the city, he’d sell it like he did in the commercials…”You’re gonna love it.  I guarantee ya!”

Basically what I am getting at here is that Tampa Bay is great.  Whether you want to call St. Pete home or opt for Downtown Tampa, there is something for everyone- even the stars!

We have all been starstruck at some point in our lives.  Some become desensitized but to many of us, the excitement of celeb-spotting will never change.  Have you ever met a celebrity in the Tampa Bay area?  Who would you lose your cool over?

 
 
 
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Spring Cleaning Tips March 31, 2011
By Alexis Bentivegna
 

It’s that time of year again to break out of the winter blues and into the colors of spring!  Spring cleaning is more than just dusting and planting flowers.  You can use this time to de-clutter and organize your home, especially if you are in the market to sell it.   At Smith and Associates Real Estate, we have collected several spring cleaning tips from our agents and clients to help make this an easy process!

BG Holmberg is a veteran Tampa real estate agent who recently sold a home to the first buyer that viewed his listing.  Some of his spring cleaning tips that helped sell the Tampa home included painting the pool deck, pressure washing the wood fence and removing overgrown flower beds and replacing it with sod.

St. Pete real estate agent Tia Hockensmith knows the importance of making your outdoor living space just as inviting as your indoor living space.  Fill up container planters with vibrant annuals and freshen flower beds with new mulch. Make a great first impression with a great front porch by replacing your tired welcome mat and consider a new color for your front door. You might even enjoy your own homecoming each day!

Spring cleaning on the inside of a home needs the same amount of detail as the outside.  When selling Tampa real estate, one of our associates, Carrie Smith, suggests getting the boxes and items stored in the garage off the floor and onto shelves inside storage containers.  For a small investment, it can add a great deal of appeal to potential buyers, especially those who used to have basements.  Closets systems can also add a great deal of appeal to buyers.

Laura Blackwell had the owners of her listing at 948 Lake Placido Court organize their walk-in pantry.  Both the owners and Laura feel that this made a big difference. Not only did they get rid of food items that were expired but they found many duplicate items.  It now showcases the size of the walk-in pantry and appeals to buyers that are looking for storage space in the kitchen.

Isabel Caruso, who has been selling St. Pete real estate for many years, offers a great household cleaning tip for owners thinking about selling their home.  A solution of 3 cups water, 1 cup vodka and 25-30 drops of eucalyptus oil will help rid your home of dust mites.  Lightly mist the areas and let it air dry.  If you have scuffs on walls or doors, water marks, hard water stains, try the sponge product called Magic Erasers.  They are very effective and can save you a lot of time and effort on cleaning.

Last, if you have a busy work and family life and don’t have the time to clean, hire a cleaning service.  Let them do the heavy spring cleaning chores like moving furniture and cleaning all windows inside and out.  This might help kick start your spring cleaning and motivate you to take care of other chores.  A clean, de-cluttered home will you’re your home for sale a lot more attractive to prospective buyers!

 
 
 
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Featured Property: 215 Driftwood Ln January 26, 2011
By Jenny Lee
 

215 Driftwood Ln Largo, FL 33770Today’s magnificent listing is located at 215 Driftwood Lane, in the prestigious Belleair Harbor Bluffs neighborhood. This is waterfront living at its finest! Enjoy amazing water views while you relax in your outdoor pool. Belleair realtor Wendy Fields stopped by to tell us a little bit more about this exceptional property.

Q. Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?

A. This exceptional Belleair home has been remodeled throughout to showcase the spectacular water views. Vaulted ceilings create an open and spacious feeling in this 3 bed/3 bath home.

Q. What distinctive features set this home apart?

A. Welcome to Florida, this tropical Belleair Harbor Bluffs home features two gas burning fireplaces. One is located in the family room and the other is in the master bedroom.

Q. What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?215 Driftwood Ln Largo, FL 33770

A. This lovely waterfront home offers wonderful sunrise views over the wide intracoastal canal. What a wonderful way to start the day with a hot cup of joe!

Q. Can you tell us a fun fact about this home?

A. If you don’t want to cook inside in the gourmet kitchen, this Belleair home has a stainless steel cooking area right off the patio. Dine alfresco under the stars!

If you would like to view this home at 215 Driftwood Ln Largo, FL 33770 call today! Don’t let your dream home slip away.

Wendy FieldsAbout Wendy:

Belleair Realtor Wendy Fields has lived in the Tampa bay area for the last 23 years and enjoys all the Gulf Coast has to offer. Her real estate specialties are; home site redevelopment, luxury waterfront homes and condominiums, historical renovations, estate properties and beach living.

 
 
 
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Blast Friday! January 28th 2011 January 20, 2011
By Jenny Lee
 

Blast FridayEvery 4th Friday of the month, just down the road from your Belleair Home, is this FREE special event! You’ll enjoy live music, a fun crowd, beer, wine, soft drinks and all types of food and local goods.

The next Blast Friday is January 28th, 2011 at 5:30pm. Blast Friday is located at the 400 block of Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater.

Past 4th Friday’s live entertainment has included many amazing performances. Some of these special guests include: Lonestar’s Richie McDonald, former American Idol Josh Gracin and Clearwater’s Suite Caroline! Blast Friday

Super Boat also teamed up with Blast Friday back in September to bring an even more exciting event! Some of the fun things to do at the event included: “Super” vehicles, drag racers, pictures with the Super Boats and autographs by the racers and driving teams. There was a Junior Poker Run and a Vegas-style tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, from the musical group “Lets Hang On”. They also had appearances from Bubba the Love Sponge and other street performers.

Directions to “Blast Friday” from your Belleair Home:

-Head Southeast on Gardenia Street toward County Rd 233/Indian Rocks Rd
-Turn left at County Rd 233/Indian Rocks Rd
-Turn right at Belleview Blvd/County Rd 233
-Take the first left onto South Ft. Harrison Ave
-Turn left at Clearwater Memorial Causeway/Cleveland St
-End at 400 Cleveland St “Blast Friday”

For more information please visit www.blastfriday.com

   

 

 
 
 
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Sunsets at Pier 60 Festivale! January 12, 2011
By Jenny Lee
 

Don’t miss “Sunsets at Pier 60The Sunsets at Pier 60″! Just minutes from your Belleair home is this fun, free family celebration that features everything from street performers to live musical entertainment!

street performerCome enjoy all of unique arts and crafts presented by the local artisans and crafters. This daily sunset event is from 3:30-7:30pm in Pier 60 Park, located on Clearwater Beach. So whether your up for a fun family night or date night you are guaranteed to have a unforgettable time.

Sunset Cinema at Pier 60 also features free movies on Friday and Saturday nights. Don’t forget your beach towels, blankets or lawn chairs to cozy up on the beach and watch one of your favorite movies. Movies begin at dusk.

January 2011 Movie ScheduleSunset Cinema
January 14th – BARNYARD
January 15th – SPIDERMAN
January 21st – STUART LITTLE
January 22nd – SUPERMAN
January 28th – CATS AND DOGS
January 29th – ECLIPSE

Keep an eye on our blog at Smith & Associates Real Estate, we will soon be posting the February schedule for Sunset Cinema at Pier 60.  What better way to enjoy an entertaining evening just a few minutes from your Belleair home?

Sunsets at Pier 60 was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1994 and officially began on March 17th 1995. Sunset Cinema originally ran from Thursday through Monday evening until June of 1988 when it expanded to seven nights a week. The festival celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2005 as the result of its continued growth and success. The Sunsets at Pier 60 now operates 365 days a week weather permitting.

For more information on this event please visit www.sunsetsatpier60.com