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Do-It-Yourself The Best Way To Go? June 18, 2010
By Stephanie Streeter
 

Before getting started on a project, Hillsborough County home owners should take a good look at what they’d like to tackle and consider all their options.  Small projects are great for weekend warriors who are familiar with the basics of home improvement.  Larger projects, like a kitchen or bathroom remodel should be thoroughly considered before tackling without the help of a professional due to the more complicated structural and design elements that are involved.  When trying to determine whether to go DIY or with a professional, consider the basic aspects of any home improvement project; design, quality, time & money, and warranty.

Design is an important aspect of any home improvement effort – no matter how large or how small the project.  It can often mean the success or failure of a venture.  If you aren’t blessed with ‘vision’, get ideas out of magazines or consider hiring someone to create it for you.

Quality is also important.  The quality of a professional job vs. a standard homeowner version of the same will in most cases be very different.  Weekend warriors and DIY experts can do a fantastic job, especially when it’s something they’ve done before.  However, if they’re tackling something new and quality is an important factor for this element if their Hillsborough County home, professional assistance can be a great help.

Time is, as we all realize, valuable.  Time is money, and it can also be a frustration.  In most cases, a professional is required to complete a project by the completion date included in their signed contract.  Keeping them on track is sometimes much easier than ourselves, with all the day-to-day distractions that come along with our lives.  If your project is large and timeline is important, hiring a professional may be the way to go.

Last but certainly not least, consider the warranty on work that professionals will offer along with their services.  While the new kitchen faucet you purchased from Home Depot and installed yourself will of course be under warranty for a period, the new pipes you also connected yourself below the sink will not be.  If something should leak and cause damage in your Hillsborough County home, you’ll have no recourse if you completed the work yourself.  However, if a plumber who provides a warranty period had completed the work, you’d have someone to rely on to help you fix the issue.  Also, consider that improper installation methods may void manufacturer’s warranties on products, leaving you without help if something goes awry.

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Renting Your Home June 1, 2010
By David B Moyer
 

Tampa real estate“I can’t afford to sell in today’s market. I bought the home a few years ago, and I own the property for more than I can sell it for.”  This is a real situation for many people in today’s world, and the situation  represents 40% of the properties listed today. Many owners attempting to sell property in the Tampa real estate market are affected.  People who can’t afford the mortgage payments fall into short sales and foreclosures when they list the home.

The other 60% of the current market are regular real estate sales. So how do they manage to sell their home?   They can sell quickly at today’s market price, and move on to the next property at a great value.  In most cases the properties do not have giant loans or the owners have had the property for many years (over 5).  They can afford to sell their Tampa real estate and are flexible enough to get it done.

If you fall into a situation where you need to move, but can’t sell (either because you’re not willing to take a loss or do not want to harm your credit), then leasing your home to a renter is a very viable option.

In an article provided by MSN, June Walbert of USAA explains some things homeowners should be aware of when renting a property.  This is great advice for any owner considering renting out their Tampa real estate.  “First replace your homeowners insurance policy with rental-home insurance. It covers the building and provides liability protection but doesn’t cover possessions, so it tends to cost about 20% less than a regular homeowners policy.” She also recommends including “a section in the lease requiring your tenants to buy renters insurance, which will cover their liability and belongings.”  In addition, she recommends that homeowners be aware of how reting will affect them at tax time.  “When you file your tax return, you’ll generally report rental income and expenses on Schedule E. You’ll be able to deduct your mortgage interest on the rental property, as well as insurance premiums, real estate taxes, advertising costs to rent the house, rental management fees, utilities you pay, travel to and from the property and legal and accounting costs.”

Smith & Associates Real Estate can assist with listing your Tampa real estate for rent and finding a tenant. We specialize in quickly locating qualified rental clients. Our experts will provide you with rental services that will allow for maximum exposure of your property. The steps would include having a property orientation, preparing the property offering, meeting and evaluating prospective tenants, preparing lease agreements prepared by a Florida eviction attorney ($50.00 fee), advertising, and processing of applications and credit checks. Please inquire with us about our fees. Smith & Associates Real Estate complies with all fair housing laws with applicants.

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Making Moves Easier May 28, 2010
By Stephanie Streeter
 

Hillsborough County HomeNo matter how little or how much ‘stuff’ you’ve actually got, moving isn’t ever at the top of the list of fun things to do.  Once the initial excitement of gaining access to your new Hillsborough County home wears off, the reality of packing, moving, and unpacking soon sets in. It can be a source of aggravation for months if you let it.  To help ease the process, here a some quick tips for simplifying the process.

Plan Ahead. Having a schedule will help to avoid last minute panic. Interview movers early, to ensure that they’re able to work with your schedule and that the prices are inline with your budget.  For long distance moves whether traveling by road or airline, make any necessary reservations for hotels and tickets at least a month in advance to help avoid stress.

Reduce, reduce, reduce! We all seem to accumulate items that have no use, but we end up keeping them anyway.  From old books to clothing to children’s toys – it all starts to pile up.  Prior to a move, it’s best to clean house – it’ll save you both time (when unpacking) and money.  If you haven’t used something in over a year, and it has no sentimental value, consider getting rid of it.   If you’re not going to use it, what’s the point in moving it to your new Hillsborough County home?  Also, keep in mind that donating such items to your local Salvation Army is not only good for your community – it’s also beneficial to the bottom line of your taxes next year.

Change the address. For the month before you move, keep track of the mail you’re getting and make sure to change your address on all your bills, contracts, insurance, financial institutions, etc.  It’s easier to keep track ahead of time, rather than realize too late who’ve you’ve forgotten.

Know It All. Research your mover and read the fine print of the contract.  It’s easier to know ahead of time what they are (and possibly, are not) responsible for.  Also, undertsanding the contract will help you to avoid any unexpected charges.  Most importantly, always make sure your mover is insured.  It’s pretty typical for at least one item to be broken during transit from your old Hillsborough County home to the new one – make sure you’re covered if it should happen to you.

For more tips & tricks on moving visit the FMCSA’s website, ProtectYourMove.gov.

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Quick Tips For Aspiring Green Thumbs May 21, 2010
By Stephanie Streeter
 

Hillsborough County HomeWe’ve all seen them…Those houses that you drive by and just say, “Wow.”  What you’ve seen is a house with great curb appeal.  It could be a tiny cottage or a huge custom built masterpiece.  Either way, it makes you stop and take notice.  Though part of curb appeal of course depends on the home itself, a large factor is the landscaping.   A great way to improve the landscaping of your home with a few small, easy projects is to start adding some containers or window boxes.  It’s an easy way to add a wow factor to your front yard without having to be a professional green thumb.  Here are some great tips for creating beautiful and easy to manage container gardens or window boxes for your Hillsborough County home.

Great combinations. Combining plants in a container that need the same amount of water and fertilizer will make your life much easier when it comes to caring for your plants.

Size matters. When planning which plants will go in what type of container, keep in mind how large they’ll become as they grow.  Putting a plant which will grow to be 2′ tall would probably best be placed in a larger pot, instead of a window box.

Shop smart. To make sure you’ll get the most out of the plants you purchase for your Hillsborough County home, choices should look healthy from the start and be growing in good-size pots.  Plants that have outgrown their pots while still at the store can possibly be root bound and not grow well without some extra assistance.  If a plant looks unhealthy at the store, it may be in need of more than just a good watering – may be best to move on to another if you’re looking for quick & easy options.

Choose wisely. The container you place the plants in should always have good drainage – typically in the form of holes on the bottom.  If using it for a window box, your choice should be lightweight.  Also keep in mind where water will go when draining from the container (for instance, don’t place a container with holes directly on wood which will become discolored).

Quality first. Good soil can make or break any landscaping project, no matter how large or small.  Your soil should be fast draining and of good quality.  Soil that has a water-holding agent, while more expensive, can be more practical in the long run by reducing watering frequency.

Avoid growing pains. In planning your planting, make sure you allow room for your new babies to grow.  Cramming them in too tightly to start off with won’t allow your plants to thrive in our beautiful Florida sunshine.

Feeling competitive?  Lots of local communities have local garden clubs where you can put your newly gained skills to the test.  Great little neighborhoods all over the Tampa Bay area have organizations for like-minded folks!  For example, check out neighborhoods like Hyde Park and Davis Islands which have Garden Clubs for their local green-thumbs.  One will surely be easy to find that’s close to your Hillsborough County home.

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Keeping Cool…Efficiently April 21, 2010
By Stephanie Streeter
 

Hillsborough County homeIt’s hard to believe, considering the abnormally cool weather we’ve had so far this year, but summer is coming.  With temperatures already on the rise, our A/C systems should be stretching their legs and getting ready for another Florida summer marathon.  It’s hard to believe that we once lived without them, but now air conditioning systems are indispensable.  Unfortunately, so is both the environmental impact and the financial cost of running them constantly.  Here are some tips to stay cool in your Hillsborough County home this summer while still reducing energy costs and being kinder to the environment.

Become A Fanatic. Ceiling fans require much less electricity to operate than your central A/C system.  While they may not be able to actually lower the room temperature, the air circulation they create makes the room feel cooler.  Most homes already have them, and if yours doesn’t they’re very easy to install.

Shut It Out. When trying to keep your home cool on a hot Florida summer day, the sun is your worst enemy.  Be sure to close your blinds and drapes – especially those that face direct sunlight during the day.  This will assist in keeping most of the heat out and take some of the load off your poor A/C system.  Also, keep in mind that white reflects sunlight.  Draperies backed in a light color fabric will reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it.

Fiddle On The Roof. Properly ventilating your attic can mean a serious dent in cooling costs if it isn’t already.  Heat is absorbed through the roof of your house, and this source can amount to approximately 30% of the warmth in your Hillsborough County home.  The addition of a ridge vent, attic fan, or more vents in the eaves can better ventilate your attic and assist in circulating hot air back outside where it belongs.

Get A New Toy. While going retro can sometimes be a good thing, it doesn’t apply to your thermostat.  Upgrading to a programmable version can help you lower your energy costs.  Raising the temperature for a few hours during the day can make a big dent.  Experiment with your comfort level until you find the right settings.

Go Green-er. We all know that the air temperature is cooler in the shade – apply the same theory to your home!  Increasing the amount of trees and shrubs around your home can help to  reduce the effect of the heat of the sun, keeping your home cooler naturally.

Get Unplugged. Our homes are filled with gadgets these days.  From tv’s to computers to stereo equipment, we can’t seem to live without them.  Unfortunately, even when they’re not in use they generate heat while plugged in.   Consider unplugging items that aren’t essential, or switching off the surge protector when items aren’t in use.  Less power means less heat – as well as a lower electric bill.

Call For Help. Just like your car, an A/C system requires regular maintenance.  Calling your preferred company for a regular checkup before the worst of the heat hits can help you make sure that things are running as efficiently as possible.  Changing your air filters on a monthly basis is also extremely important.

Stop The Leaks. One definite way to decrease your cooling costs is to reduce the amount of leaks in your Hillsborough County home.  Anywhere heat can enter or cool air can escape is a place to look.  Check weatherstripping around around your doors and windows, and replace old or damaged bits.  Also look into sealing places where utilities enter the home – everything from plumbing to cable and electricity.  Last, but not least, call in an expert to check your ducts for leaks.  Most electric companies offer a ductwork efficiency evaluation service to customers as part of an energy audit.

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Save The Date! National Open House Event April 5, 2010
By Stephanie Streeter
 

National Open House Day

This weekend, April 10th & 11th has been designated National Open House Weekend!  The event is aimed to increase awareness of the benefits of homeownership.  All across the country individual realtors as well as brokerages are planning open houses – and of course, Smith & Associates is too!

We have coordinated our monthly open house event for April to fall on the national weekend, and are exciting to be holding a large quantity of homes open all across Tampa Bay!

To view the Tampa Bay area homes for sale which Smith will have open this Sunday, please visit www.smithhometour.com in order to plan your tour.

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Never Underestimate Curb Appeal March 31, 2010
By Stephanie Streeter
 

Hillsborough County homeWe’ve all heard it said – you never have a second chance to make a first impression.  It’s absolutely true when it comes to getting a home sold, and curb appeal is a big part of a potential buyer’s impression of your home.  In this market, selling your Hillsborough County home can be tough.  The greatest thing about improving the curb appeal of your home is that typically some very small changes can make a big difference.  Whether you’re interested in making some minor changes or undertaking an entire exterior overhaul, here’s some advice to help you along the way.

First, you should start out by taking a good look at the exterior of your home.  What are its best features?  Identify them and keep them in mind as you decide what work will be done – those features are the ones you’ll want to enhance.  Next, decide what the exterior features are that should be downplayed. That way, you can keep them in mind during the process so that they can be improved or minimized.  One important thing to keep in mind while you’re evaluating is to look at the home both in the day and in the evening – the potential new owner of your home could drive by at any time!

“You’ve only got a few seconds before a potential buyer forms their initial opinion of your Hillsborough County home” says Rick Miller, an avid gardener and associate with Smith & Associates Real Estate.  “To make the best of that first impression, always make sure to clean up, trim, and get rid of dead plants and leaves.  Adding mulch and color is also always a great idea.”

Clean up! Put away the mess – hoses, gardening equipment, tools, your children’s toys, and other miscellaneous items.  Whatever isn’t ornamental should be neatly stowed in a garage or shed.  Keep the lawn mowed and in good condition and trim trees and shrubs where necessary.  Wash windows, patio furniture and consider pressure washing dirty siding, paint, driveways, patios, or walkways.

Freshen up! Consider repainting your home, touching up trim, or at very least repairing cracked or peeling paint,  siding, wood, or trim.  A fresh coat of paint can be an easy way to achieve a transformation.  Look at door and window hardware and decide whether to freshen up what you’ve got by polishing or painting, or to purchase new handles and locksets.  Also look at your fencing, decks, and railings to see if they’re in need of some attention in the form of paint or sealant.  If your home has gutters and downspouts, make sure they’re in good order by cleaning them out and replacing or touching up pieces that may be broken, bent, or rusty.

Dress it up! The front door is most often the focal point of the exterior of your home – so make the entryway welcoming.  Dressing up the front door with paint, accents, new house numbers, or eye pleasing light fixtures can instantly help curb appeal.  Replace a mailbox which isn’t in good order and consider framing it with plants.  Consider adding some outdoor art – but make sure to keep it tasteful.  Choose pieces that complement your Hillsborough County home – pink flamingos are probably not the way to go.  The addition of a birdbath, sculpture, fountain, or arbor can add instant charm to your yard or garden.  Last, but certainly not least add some life – plants!  If you’re not into re-landscaping or major gardening efforts, consider the addition of a strategically placed container garden or some window boxes to add some color.  They’re easy to add and can be completed at a low cost.

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Homeowner’s Insurance Credits Mean Big Savings March 9, 2010
By Stephanie Streeter
 

In a time when saving whenever possible is on a lot of our minds, it’s important to keep in mind that discounts on the homeowner’s policy for your Hillsborough County home can amount to large reductions in cost. Our friends at Baldwin Connelly in Tampa informed us today of quite a few options for credits from insurers like AIG and others. Below is just a sampling of some of the options for available savings.

Hillsborough County Home

Possible Credits For A Hillsborough County Home:

- Burglar & Fire Alarms
- Course of Construction Credit
- Guard Gated
- External Perimeter Security
- Wind or Hail Exclusion
- 24-Signal Continuity
- Sprinkler System With Flow Alarm
- Perimeter Protection Gate
- UI Approved Lightning Protection System
- Gas Leak Detector
- Full-time Caretaker
- Back-Up Electric Generator
- Residential Sprinklers
- Temperature Monitoring System
- Approved Storm Shutters
- Approved Impact Resist Glass
- Well Designed Plywood Shutters

In addition to these possible savings for your policy, additional portfolio credits for private collections and excess liability or flood coverage are also available.  Savings can also be found by means of safety equipment discounts on automobile coverage, and multi-car discounts.

Baldwin Connelly representatives also stressed the importance of having every Hillsborough County home, as well as those in Pinellas and Pasco counties, evaluated by performing a wind inspection.  This inspection, and the consequent filing of a Uniform Mitigation Verification form with your insurance provider, identifies the possible insurance savings available to you based on the current structure of your home.

For information on contacting Baldwin Connelly, please refer to the Smith & Associates Real Estate preferred vendor list.

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Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market January 22, 2010
By David B Moyer
 

Seminole Heights is a tree-shaded gem nestled in the heart of Tampa. When platted in the early 1900s, the area was almost completely occupied with orange groves. The groves soon gave way to bungalows; and, by 1923, the area was annexed into the City of Tampa. The warm, friendly atmosphere of Seminole Heights attracts residents of all ages and diversities. Today, interest in this community is as high as it was in the 1920s its central location and convenience to downtown Tampa having a hand in its recent popularity. More about Seminole Heights & Homes

Sunday February 14th will mark the inaugural event of a new open-air Fresh Market in Seminole Heights. It will be held on 2/14, 3/14, 4/11, & 5/9. The Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market (SHSMM) will have over a 100 vendors with the finest and most unique products available in the Bay area. The market will be open from 9am to 1pm and parking/restrooms will be available at the Hillsborough High School located at 5000 Central Avenue, Seminole Heights Tampa, FL 33603. Live music and cooking demonstration will be at the market on Feb. 14th. To keep in the spirit of “Go Green”, there will be special eco-friendly market bags available for $3. We encourage you to check out the neighborhood and support the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market.

Hillsborough High School

Seminole Heights - Hillsborough High School

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31st Annual GTAR James Ranch Christmas Luncheon December 4, 2009
By David B Moyer
 

Santa visiting James RanchFor the 15th year in a row, Smith & Associates dressed up as Santa Claus in Plant City, Florida on December 3rd to make a special visit to the James Ranch. The lunch is sponsored by the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors. Christmas carols were sung, great food was shared, and gifts were handed out to all of our guests. What a special event for us to participate in and spread the holiday cheer.