The concept:

*  All homes will be in the Plant High School district but will vary in elementary schools, giving families more options for younger children
*  Homes will be located in various areas of central South Tampa
*  The average price point varies from the high $400s to $600K
*  4 Bedroom minimum in each home
*  Lot size will vary but will range from 50′ x 80′ to 80′ x 130′
*  All are built following several consumer expectations: hardwood, granite, beautiful cabinetry, stainless steel appliances & double paned windows for energy efficiency.  Many of the homes also feature tankless gas water heaters & gas stoves to reduce the use of electricity.
*  While the homes all lean towards more of a traditional/mission style combination with a square shape & clean lines, there will be 5-6 different floor plans

The past two years….

BG Holmberg led Ryan to his first lot purchase in September of 2009 and the duo have since collaborated on 17 more lot purchases, 13 home completions (12 of which have already sold) and 3 homes are currently under construction.  Since these are all built to specifications to remain in the realm of the original concept, very few changes are made by the buyers and the homes are not typically listed until near completion.  That doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute if you are looking to purchase one of these beauties; 10 out of the 12 that have sold were under contract before the home was even move-in ready.

What should you be looking for in the future?

Since Ryan oversees all of his projects on his own, he works on a maximum of 5 homes at a time, all of which are exclusively marketed by BG Holmberg via Smith & Associates Real Estate.  The two plan on knocking out (or rather, building up) 8-10 homes per year with an undecided end point or until South Tampa meets all of their specifications.

If you are interested in one of these South Tampa homes, contact BG Holmberg to arrange a meeting.

What do you look for when it comes to purchasing a new home?  Do their specs meet your requirements?

In the 1920′s, at the peak of Florida’s land boom, mud was dredged from the bottom of Tampa Bay in order to build two man-made islands atop two small natural islands.  What was once known as “Little Grass Key” and “Big Grass Key” (they were grassy, I would presume) would now be called Davis Islands.  This project was started by Tampa native D.P. Davis (pictured below) who purchased the newly dredged land for a whopping $350K with the intentions to build an elaborate resort community consisting of several hotels, a golf course, airport and swimming pool.  Right as the land boom wound down, Davis sold 306 of the original lots for $1,683,582.  Quite the profit.

The story gets interesting surrounding Davis’ alleged death on October 12, 1926.  The last place D.P. Davis was seen was aboard The Majestic, a sister ship to the Titanic and the largest ship in the world at her time (pictured below), en route to Europe.  Some claim he was at a party when he was blown overboard through one of the ships large portholes.  Others claim he was alone with his girlfriend and it couldn’t have happened without force.  Few think he was looking to jump.   And, as a body was never recovered, many of us believe he was a modern day Machiavelli studying the Art of War and looking to free himself of his debts.

Many of the original Mediterranean-syle homes & structures still grace Davis Island and have been nationally deemed as Historical.  As for D.P. Davis, if he isn’t still walking the Islands, unbeknownst to the world, may his soul rest in peace.

(Historical Photos courtesy of www.DavisIslandCivic.com)

Q: What distinctive features set this home apart?

A: This stylish 1949 Florida Bungalow is a hidden treasure on Davis Islands, tucked away in a lush Florida-friendly tropical garden setting. From the portico entry to the stone circular drive-  this is a wonderful waterfront pool home situated on a wide curve of Currituck Channel leading directly to the bay.

Q: Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?

A: The home’s completely renovated and fully equipped kitchen and up to date baths allow you to move right into luxury.  The living room and den feature walls of detailed built-ins with a beautiful rustic finished fireplace.

Q: What amazing views will ho be able to enjoy?

A: The contemporary glass french doors across the back of the Tampa home open to sparkling deep free form pool surrounded by travertine. Relax and enjoy the view overlooking the waterfront in your tropical garden setting.

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell us about this home?

A: The Davis Island home features a detached 8×16 “boathouse” studio with wood interior and vaulted beamed ceiling providing private respite. The 29.8 x 11.8 finished dock with davits is ideal for boating and relaxing. This urban jewel is most affordable Davis Islands waterfront at $520k.

This fabulous property at 636 Geneva Pl, Tampa, FL 33606 is nothing short of perfection.  Contact Elaine today to arrange a showing!

About Elaine:

With almost 40 years of local real estate experience, Tampa realtor, Elaine Weiner has gained a vast knowledge of the area she calls home.  Priding herself on her unparalleled marketing techniques and personalized service, Elaine is the top choice for any buyer or seller.

When driving down West Bay Way Place in Beach Park Isle, you may come across one of the most amazingly modern 3 bedroom 3.5 bath homes in the area.  Not only does this fabulous Tampa home feature a 13 seat movie theater, air conditioned 1,700 sq ft garage with a 2 car lift, an elevator, and a state of the art kitchen with custom wood cabinetry and a dual sub zero refrigerator (and we are not talking about mortal combat here), but the majority of this fabulous man cave can be remotely controlled by none other than the iPhone 4 itself.  Welcome to the future!

Forget to lock the doors, turn off the theater screen, shut the blinds or adjust the a/c before you left for work?  No problem!  And, just to be sure nothing fishy went on before you were able to lock up, you can check the footage from the 4 cameras watching the home….all from your iPhone via a special $50 app.  Well worth the money.

While we haven’t found a way to beam you up to a listing appointment yet, Tampa Realtor, Larry Pollin would be happy to show you around until we do.

If controlling this Tampa rental with your iPhone is the present, what kind of stuff do you think we will see in the future?  I’m seeing a viewing party…

Grand Central at Kennedy is one of Smith & Associates‘ premier high rises in downtown Tampa located on Kennedy Boulevard between Meridian Avenue and Channelside Drive.  Homeowners can enjoy prime urban living (without the out of this world price tag that normally accompanies) while still feeling right at home.

Some of the luxury amenities Grand Central has to offer are people-friendly pools and expansive sundecks, private cabanas, social greens and outdoor grills, clubhouses, fitness centers, jogging paths, pet walks, 24/7 security, concierge service, and covered parking.   But the great thing about this downtown Tampa location is that internal amenities are not all they have to offer.  Hop on the elevator and within moments, you can enjoy fabulous dining, the Powerhouse Gym, a locally owned dry cleaner, and various professional offices.  According to their blog, Grand Central is always “actively pursuing additional retailers and specialty stores slated for future occupancy, including a large-scale grocer.”  So there is more excitement to come!

Amenities and material greatness is not all you will find ant Grand Central at Kennedy.  They are fully equipped with an amazingly knowledgeable team ready to assist you in finding your next Tampa home.  Let’s meet the Grand Central Sales Team:

Dominique Despointes – After spending five years as the National Sales Manager for Opus Imports, Dominique needed a change. In 2003 he began his career working for The Condo Store selling luxury condos from downtown to the beaches. While working for them, he was the Sales Manager for Several Tarragon Corporation properties all around the Tampa area.  His most recent project Majestic Point Condominiums on Island Estates sold out in four months.

David B. Moyer – David graduated from Saint John Fisher College with Honors.  He joined Smith & Associates Real Estate over 7 years ago, and has closed over 500 homes, including but not limited to, Towers of Channelside, Box Factory, Victory Lofts, Meridian, One Bayshore, Art Center and Christainsted. He explores and constantly broadens his services and experiences through education. He is extremely active in the Downtown Tampa community.

The Grand Central Sales Team is available 7 days a week at 813.226.8735.  These units are selling quickly and have some AMAZING last minute deals going on!  Give them a call or visit http://grandcentralatkennedy.com to see one of these fabulous condos today!

Q: What distinctive features set this home apart?

A: Built in 1910, this Tampa home for sale is full of architectural touches of the time period. Unique windows, rich woodwork, fireplaces in the living room and study/den, a distinctive staircase, and beautiful wood floors all contribute to the gracious feel of the home.

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

A: Located in the heart of Hyde Park, the home is within easy walking distance of Bayshore Boulevard, Hyde Park Village, Kate Jackson Park as well as Gorrie Elementary and Wilson Middle School, both highly regarded schools. Commuting is easy to Downtown Tampa, Davis Islands, great shopping, fine restaurants, and the Interstates. Hyde Park is also known for its neighborly friendliness.

Q: Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?

A: A great deal of work has been done to improve this South Tampa home as well as the detached 3 car garage. To mention just a few of the improvements: both have been rewired; bathrooms have been updated; floors downstairs in the house were refinished and upstairs wood floors were newly installed; a lot of structural work was done on the house in 2005 and on the garage in 2007; garage doors were added; and lush landscaping has been planted.

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

A: Even though it was built early in the 20th century, the house lives well in the 21st century. The welcoming front porch, the large living room and dining room all suit today’s Florida lifestyle. The large garage apartment makes for a great bonus guest quarters, home office or extra family room.

If you are looking for your next home in Hyde Park, be sure to check out 814 S Willow Ave, Tampa, FL 33606.  Contact Rick Miller for a private tour of the property.

About Rick Miller:

As a Tampa resident with over 20 years of experience as a full service Realtor, Tampa agent Rick Miller is the right choice whether buying or selling.  He is a relocation specialist and enjoys assisting everyone from first time home buyers to luxury investors.  Tampa Real Estate is not all Rick enjoys.  He is also a tropical gardener and a huge fan of his Alma Mater, the Duke Blue Devils!

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?

Of 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).

While 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?

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

A: Seddon Cove is a waterfront treasure situated in unique, private, gated downtown Harbour Island.  This community offers a close proximity to all things downtown Tampa, Ybor City, Hyde Park, or Bayshore. Walk or ride a trolley to restaurants, museums, theaters, shopping, public venues.

Q: Does the community have any amenities we should know about?

A: Seddon Cove has a community pool; in addition, winding through the island community are walking trails. Just outside the gate is a private athletic club with swimming and tennis. Along the waterfront are private docks available for boating. And an added bonus is that Harbour Island provides 24 hour security throughout the community.

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

A: This Tampa home for sale is on the 3rd floor of an intimate garden apartment building, and on an angle with volume ceilings and 2 expansive terraces. The living room has a very light and airy feel, while the master bedroom and terraces have wonderful western views of Seddon Channel. From the kitchen, guest bedrooms and terrace facing south are views overlooking the pool and treetops in a park-like setting.

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

A: This condominium was built in 1987, and this unit was owned by only 1 family.  This condominium was originally designer finished, and is now well-maintained.  It’s absolutely perfect for a new buyer to redecorate.  The Seddon Cove development is highly sought-after, with only 72 condominiums in 4 intimate buildings on 10 waterfront landscaped acres.

With a great location and amenities galore, this Tampa home for sale will not be available for much longer.  Call Tampa Realtor Elaine Weiner and ask for a personal showing of 821 Seddon Cove Way #821, Tampa, FL 33602 before it’s too late!

About Elaine:

Elaine Weiner offers almost 40 years of diverse real estate experience in the Tampa Bay area.  Catering to the most discriminating buyer or seller in select residential, investment and commercial properties,  Elaine’s unparalleled marketing techniques and professional manner demonstrate the commitment she has to her career and the people she assists.

Q: What makes this home such a great value?

A: This is a beautiful home; lovingly maintained and thoughtfully designed.  That said, the true value in this Tampa home for sale is found in the incredible back yard setting.  Almost every room in the house looks out over a sparkling swimming pool with heated spa and waterfall feature, surrounded by a pavered deck and an expansive open area perfect for games of flag football or a family picnic.  This is truly a home where memories are born.

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

A: West Heron Lane is a private drive connecting a small collection of custom homes in the enclave of Audubon Park.  This secluded community is one of South Tampa’s best kept secrets…offering residents the privileges of a premier school district, and the luxury of easy access to downtown Tampa, the Westshore business district, exclusive shopping, and Tampa International Airport.

Q: What distinctive features set this home apart?

A: This is a home built for entertaining! Spacious family room and breakfast nook areas flow easily into the gourmet kitchen and an intimate dining room, and the soaring cathedral ceiling in the living room offers the ideal location for festive holiday decorations or an elegant gathering. In addition to the formal living areas on the first floor, there is a terrific open landing that offers the perfect space for a small home office or reading room.

Q: Can you describe the architectural style of the home?

A: 4704 West Heron Lane is a unique example of Neo-Colonial styling, complete with handsome interior columns, lots of French doors, and a spacious master bedroom suite on the ground floor.   Gleaming oak floors and a crisp white kitchen with granite countertops complete this updated classic.

With so much to offer, this Tampa home for sale will not be available for purchase very long.  Why not call for a showing today?  Ask for Jeffrie, and let her know you’re ready to tour your new home at 4704 West Heron Lane, Tampa, FL 33629!

About Jeffrie:

Jeffrie van Loveren has served as a licensed real estate broker in Florida for more than two decades.  A specialist in south Tampa waterfront properties, Mrs. van Loveren is committed to providing her clients with exceptional service and informed, thoughtful guidance through every transaction.

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

A: The newly reduced price of $799,900 truly reflects the motivation of the Sellers to price this home well under both market and newly appraised value. Since this significant price reduction, activity on the home has significantly increased with several 2nd showings of the property. This home is the lowest priced home in Sunset Park Isles at this square footage, level of amenities, and over sized lot dimensions and is a fantastic waterfront value in this market.

Q: Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?

A: This 1950′s Tampa home for sale has been meticulously maintained and has had numerous upgrades since the owners purchased this property. The owners replaced the windows with expensive Pella windows, that are not only beautiful, but both energy efficient and boast high ratings for hurricane codes. The barrel tile roof has also recently been replaced providing both peace of mind and a very expensive and attractive finish to the exterior of the home. The kitchen has been completely renovated with dark wooden cabinets, Thermodor commercial grade appliances, rare granites and travertine flooring, wine storage and cooler, and many other high end amenities. the lagoon pool has been refinished in a gorgeous dark pebble tech finish that will last for many years. All of the expensive maintenance items, roof, windows, kitchen have all been upgraded with the very best finishes, adding the the phenomenal value of this home.

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

A: This home is situated on a beautiful tree lined street surrounded by multimillion dollar homes. The obvious appeal, of course, is the stunning views of the water, changing throughout the day. The property offers a covered boat lift with a deck on the second story. From this roof deck, shaded by the grand oak canopy, the views of the canal leading out to Tampa Bay are extraordinary.

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

A: The exact waterfront location of this property leads directly to Tampa Bay, this canal has a nice depth and there are no bridges along the way to prohibit boating to the bay. Sunset Park Isles is one of the most popular waterfront neighborhoods in South Tampa, boasting restaurants and shopping in walking distance, very bike friendly, and one of the best school systems in Tampa.

With a great price, an abundance of upgrades and spectacular views, this Tampa home for sale is truly incredible! Call Rick Scherer and Kevin Reder to schedule a personal tour of 2610 S Dundee Street, Tampa, FL 33629 before it’s off the market!

About Rick and Kevin:

With over 15 years of experience in real estate, Rick Scherer and Kevin Reder specialize in waterfront properties, Tampa luxury homes, vacation homes, second homes, new construction, and residential lots in Tampa Bay.